Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Gmo Value Investing - 1440 Words

Gmo: the Value Versus Growth Dilemma Ferret out – reveal Laggard Overlook-ignore GMO: The Value Versus Growth Dilemma | 1. What is value investing? What is its rationale? What are GMO’s main arguments in favor of value investing? Value investing is a way of investing in company stocks that are considered either undervalued or out-of-favor by the market. In other word, a value investment is one where the intrinsic value of the stock is not accurately reflected in the current market valuation. The underlying reason of too much decreasing in the stock price is that the company may be losing market shares or even in trouble due to market’s panic attributed to negative rumors as well as having management problems. Since the market price†¦show more content†¦chemicals, consumer products | -Internet and emerging technology | Dividend Policy | -Pay out dividend to shareholders in profitable period | -100% plowback to reinvest in the business | Book-to-market ratio | -High | -Low | Price-to-earnings ratio | -Low | -High | Merits |Show MoreRelatedGmo Case1429 Words   |  6 PagesGmo: the Value Versus Growth Dilemma GMO: The Value Versus Growth Dilemma | 1. What is value investing? What is its rationale? What are GMO’s main arguments in favor of value investing? Value investing is a way of investing in company stocks that are considered either undervalued or out-of-favor by the market. In other word, a value investment is one where the intrinsic value of the stock is not accurately reflected in the current market valuation. The underlying reason of too much decreasingRead MoreDakota Office Productsgmo: the Value Versus Growth Dilemma2738 Words   |  11 PagesAbstract The case GMO: The Value versus Growth Dilemma describes Dick Mayo’s puzzlement by the New Economy’s continuous bias toward growth-investment strategies. As one of the most celebrated value investors in the United States, he examines the basics of his philosophy versus that of a growth orientation by evaluating long-term expected returns of several value and growth stocks. The following paper was examined to pursue several objectives: (1) to define value and growth investing – where the differencesRead MoreThe Issue Of Genetically Modified Organisms Essay1043 Words   |  5 Pages Genetically Modified Organisms, also known as GMOs, is one of the major issues arising in our economy today. GMOs are distinctive organisms in which the genetic material has been altered to improve productivity and the quality of the product. Genetically modified organisms have prominent concerns over their apparent beneficial ways in that they’re resistant to disease, help the epidemic of famine, and improve the nutritional value of foods. Having certain foods in your everyday diet isRead MoreChipotle Mexican Grill Inc. Essay994 Words   |  4 Pageshelping the company reach its potential. This decrease is probably in reference to food safety and quality inspection that received a lot of concern after the E. coli outbreaks connected to Chipotle. Chip otle has taken action to fix its reputation by investing in a new marketing campaign to tell consumers that they have been working closely with experts to improve their safety programs and practice. Because of this, the company is expecting a better outcome soon. For the last twelve months, Chipotle’sRead MoreMonsanto Is A Multinational Agricultural Biotechnology Corporation Based From The Usa1123 Words   |  5 PagesMonsanto is a multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation based in the USA. They are world’s leading producers of GMO seeds and rBGH. The company operates two business segments seeds and Genomics and Agriculture productivity. Monsanto is a company that has been around since 1901. They have renovated their company several times throughout the last century to fulfill a need in society. They have been suppliers for items such as artificial sweeter, saccharine, which was sold to Coca-Cola, vanillaRead MoreMonsanto Is A Multinational Agricultural Biotechnology Corporation Based From The Usa1123 Words   |  5 PagesMonsanto is a multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation based in the USA. They are world’s leading producers of GMO seeds and rBGH. The company operates two business segments seed s and Genomics and Agriculture productivity. Monsanto is a company that has been around since 1901. They have renovated their company several times throughout the last century to fulfill a need in society. They have been suppliers for items such as artificial sweeter, saccharine, which was sold to Coca-Cola, vanillaRead MoreTarget Corporation Practices Support Social Responsibility945 Words   |  4 Pagesincludes selling clean natural products and organic and sustainable product better for human beings. The â€Å"Simply Balanced† is certified organic food that will not contain harmful Tran-Fats or any of food additive ingredients, and the plant based food are GMO-free (CSR, 2014). Target Corporation sells a resource responsible product by working with a supplier that helps to sustain food supply including seafood that is traceable. It designs a packaging using recycle and renewable material and reduces overallRead MoreCapitalism And Ethics Of Our Society1541 Words   |   7 Pagesreduces the amount of water used, uses greener wood, and uses paints without volatile chemicals (â€Å"Starbucks’ Social Responsibility†, 2017). Large grocery stores have removed their plastic bags and promote their reusable ones. Home Depot has also begun investing in greener methods. Home Depot used to be one of the largest purchasers of old-growth wood until they started receiving letters and complaints from customers about the environmental effects. Home Depot took these complaints seriously and createdRead MoreThe Rules Of Finance : An Optimal Enterprise Solutions That Balance Expected Return And Expected Risk2317 Words   |  10 Pagesmeasure of value, and the discount rate that we use on these cash flows takes care of the expected risk. The result is a number that tells us everything we need to know, because it already incorporates expected risk into expected value. The steps to come up with the discounted cash flows are the following: 1. Forecast the future cash flows. 2. Pick a rate that discounts the perceived risks of the future cash flows. 3. Add up all the discounted cash flows to determine the Intrinsic Value of the cashRead MoreCompany s Csr Efforts With Customer Base1258 Words   |  6 Pagesstyle of donations under its AmazonSmile program, where customers can select a charity to receive .5% of eligible purchases. These types of programs are flexible to allow customers to support the organization that aligns most closely with their own values. This program could be designed to continue allowing customers to support their local schools and it would also allow customers who do not wish to open a new credit account to participate. 3.3 Setting and Implementing Specific Goals for Contributions

Monday, December 16, 2019

The Importance of Persuasive Essay Topics about Immigration

The Importance of Persuasive Essay Topics about Immigration You don't need to find super technical with legal argumentative essays, but don't forget to do your homework on what the present laws about your favorite topic actually say. If you would like to look at how immigration is an increasing problem and has to be curbed, you should incorporate the exact same in the introduction. On the flip side, if you believe that immigration can be the only alternative left to survive and that the laws regarding the exact same should be more lenient, you ought to start from the standpoint of the man immigrating. Illegal immigration is an increasing concern in the usa. There is an assortment of angles that you are able to look at immigration from. Around the world, immigration is a popular topic as countries suffer from war and financial disasters. Furthermore, immigration is the kind of movement whereby an individual moves to a brand-new country whilst return migration is moving back to one's place of origin. Many people have a tendency to think that eradicating illegal immigration is impossible and that it cannot get the job done. Schools should not have a thing to do with ads. Textbooks are obsolete and needs to be replaced by iPads. Students need to be careful about posting on social networking. They lead busy lives and often forget about an upcoming deadline. Educated people ought to be asked to volunteer as literacy tutors. Polygamy ought to be banned. Illegal immigration can be repealed in the event the government takes the right measures. Prospective parents ought to be asked to take parenting classes. What Everybody Dislikes About Persuasive Essay Topics about Immigration and Why The cost of an essay is dependent upon the quantity of effort the writer has to exert. Much like an argumentative essay, a persuasive paper demands a nice amount of expertise and knowledge of a particular field. So when you have an essay assigned that you will need help with, you can purchase essay online cheap from us. For example, here is among the perfect place to purchase essays on the internet you can go to. At our essay support, essays are always delivered in a brief moment. On the opposing side, obtaining a list of good persuasive essay topics is insufficient. It's important to select debatable argumentative essay topics since you need opposing points you may counter to your own points. Explore the next fascinating topics. Normally, having three leading arguments to show your point is sufficient for a convincing paper. If some pieces of a task aren't clear to you, ask your teacher to find a better understanding. To choose which subject you're likely to discuss, it's vital to see the complete collection of good persuasive speech topics from the specific area of study. You should have your reasons, and our principal concern is that you find yourself getting an excellent grade. Thus, before starting writing your paper, discern which stand you wish to take and allow it to be clear in your introduction. To purchase essay online, you merely will need to fill in the application form and you'll get superior work on the desired topic. Another good idea is to receive some absolutely free essay examples of different sorts and on various subjects to find a general idea of the way in which a prosperous debatable paper looks. The structure of your paper is also an extremely important point.

Sunday, December 8, 2019

The Night Circus free essay sample

Response: It’s starting the story. Where she came from, who she is and even what she can do Log 2 Quote: â€Å"Do you trust me, Miss Martin? † Marco asks, watching her with the same intense stare from the cafe, only this time his eye are barely inches from her own. â€Å"Yes,† she says without hesitation. â€Å"Good,† Marco says, and with a swift movement he lifts his hand and places it firmly over Isobel’s eyes. † Summary: These 2 young people meet, their names are Isobel and Marco. They get wine and get to know each other. Marco shows that he’s a magician. Isobel realizes what he is and finds out he’s no different than her and she falls in love with him. Response: The plot is thickening. These 2 meet and no supposed to, at least that’s what I think. They’ll fall in love and soon find out that they really weren’t meant to be. Log 3 Quote: â€Å"Trust or dare? † Caroline calls from the upper branches. â€Å"Truth† is a resigned response, a yielding to Caroline’s abusive, nut and throwing version of the game. â€Å"Dare† is marginally defiant. â€Å"Bailey’s dare is to break into the Night Circus. † Summary: Bailey has wanted to go to the Night Circus since he was 6, but his parents wouldn’t let him, so when his sister dared him to break in during he day he thought it didn’t matter what time of day as long as his get to go. While he’s there a girl shows up and tells him he can’t be there helps him out and gives him her white glove. Response: Because of this dare he got the opportunity to meet this girl who knows his name and he doesn’t know hers. I think they’ll meet again soon. Log 4 Quote: â€Å"Very well,† Chandresh says. â€Å"On with it. : He gestures vaguely at Marco. â€Å"Yes, sir,† Marco says, turnin g to address the girl. â€Å"We have a few preliminary questions before you start. Your name Miss? † â€Å"Celia Bowen. † It’s the Prospero’s daughter! † Marco says. Summary: Marco and Celia have now met. These are the 2 competing against each other, they just don’t realize it yet. Response. These 2 have met for the first time, not knowing who each other are. Marco will soon figure out who Celia really is but Celia won’t. Log 5 Quote: â€Å"Does this mean the circus is part of the challenge? † Isobel asks. â€Å"It must. † Marco says. â€Å"That’s likely why I was sent to work for Chandresh, so I would already be involved. The circus is the venue. † Summary: Marco realizes where the challenge is about to begin and soon will his opponent. As this goes on Celia still doesn’t know Marco is her opponent. Response: The challenge is about to begin. Marco knowing his opponent, Celia not so much. This line tells that Marco knows his opponent and the venue. Celia still has no clue. Log 6 Quote: â€Å"While he catalogued each element of the circus in shake handwriting, he could not manage to record his encounter with the red haired girl. He never told anyone about her. He looked for her at the circus during his 2 visits, but he had not been able to find her. The only proof he has that the girl is real is her white glove. Summary: Years ago the boy snuck into the circus on a dare. This girl told him to get out in wasn’t time for people to come in yet, so she helped him out. Before he left she gave him her little white glove and he kept it and has been trying to find her since. Response: Soon I think he will find her and they’ll fall in love, but before that happens he needs to get use to her powers, which she doesn’t even know she has right now. Log 7 Quote: â€Å"Where is this lady in the ground? Where did you see her, I mean? † Celia asks. â€Å"In the starts. † Poppet says. â€Å"Do you often see things in the stars? † Celia asks. â€Å"Only sometimes. † Poppet says. â€Å"Widge sees things on people. â€Å"You see things on people? † Celia asks him. â€Å"Sometimes† â€Å"What kinds of things? † Celia asks. â€Å"Places they’ve been, stuff they’ve done. † He says. Summary: Celia has just discovered that the Twins, Poppet and Widge, have this amazing talent. They can read stars and people, almost like a physic. She wonders how they got this gift and what is it use for. Log 8 Quote: â€Å"You’re going to sit there and watch Celia’s show? Isobel asks Marco. â€Å"There’s barely room for 20 people in her tent, she’ll notice you. Won’t she think it’s strange that you’re here? † â€Å"she won’t even recognize me. † He says. Summary Marco has realized where Celia is performing and he’s going to go spy to see how good she really is. Response: I think Celia’s going to recognize him. She’s going to get one of her senses or one of the twins will tell her. Log 9 Quote: â€Å"You can maintain your relative anonymity and equal her accomplishment. I suggest you keep your distance from her and concentrate on your own work. † The man in the gray suit says. â€Å"I’m in love with her! † Marco replies Summary: Marco has just told his â€Å"father† that he loves Celia (his opponent) and doesn’t want to continue the competition. Response: Marco and Celia will fall in love and one will decide to quit but neither one knows that if you lose this competition you die. Log 10 Quote: â€Å"The one who survives is the victor. † Celia says. â€Å"The winner lives and the loser dies, that’s how that game ends. † Summary: Celia has just told Marco what happens at the end of the competition, but he does not believe her. So she leaves and tells him not to follow her. Response: He will find a way to be with her no matter what it takes. Somehow Celia with find someone else to care for the circus and her and Marco will live together in peace.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Pablo Picasso an Example of the Topic Personal Essays by

Pablo Picasso Pablo Picasso is known for his many artistic talents; painting, sculpting, drawing, graphics and ceramics. His art forms changed so often because of his intense responses to life. Picassos constant search for understanding made him the leader in expressing the complexities of the 1900s (International Arts Portal, para.1, 2005). The artist was drawn to tension and conflict, searching on the subconscious level of human emotion through his art. Picasso was not just an artist however; he was a man who had experienced the many facets of life. Picasso loved women, and the many emotions he felt through relationships as expressed through his art. Need essay sample on "Pablo Picasso" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Students Frequently Tell EssayLab writers: I'm don't want to write my essay. Because I don't have the time Essay writer professionals advise: Essay Company Write My Essay For Me Cheap Best Essay Writing Service Essay Writing Services He was a passionate political activist and a loving friend to many. Picassos life, spent primarily between Spain and Paris, was filled with memorable and inspiring moments which can be seen through his art; however, write this essay focuses on the few prominent moments that are contributed to his most popular artistic stages. Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 to Don Jose and Dona Maria. Picassos father was an enormous influence on the artist; he acted as Picassos mentor (Mallen, 2007). Don Jose was a strong influence on Picassos art as demonstrated by his early artwork which depicted pigeons; which was what his father kept as subjects for his own paintings (Mallen, 2007). In 1892, Picasso becomes a student of the sculptor and painter, Isidoro Brocos (sect.11, 2007). It is Brocos who informally introduces Picasso to watercolor techniques (2007). By 1894 Picasso had established himself as a young artist, in journals and exhibits in A Coruna (2007). Picasso began focusing on transformation in his paintings when he was fourteen years old; which could have been associated with the death of his sister which occurred around that time. Picasso saw his paintings as a way of transforming himself and everything or everyone around him. The artist demonstrated his natural love of all things and unbiased nature by befriending people of all ages and nationalities. The artist had an insatiable appetite for examining the work of others (Mallen, sect.23, 2007); he was known to take pieces of others work that influenced him and craft it to his vision. Perhaps the most significant moments in Picassos life which demonstrates the extent of his talent, is in 1895 when his father Don Jose gives up his brushes and pallet to Picasso in a gesture that the student has surpassed the teacher (Mallen, 2007). Picassos love of life, friends and family influenced his work. Picasso was passionate about his friendships; when close friend Casagemas commits suicide in 1901, it began Picassos Blue Period which was an expression of his sadness (Voorhies, 2004). Picasso wrote I began to paint in blue, when I realized that Casademas had died (Olgas Gallery, 2007). A young mistress of Picassos, Dora Maar, once stated that the artist had five factors which explained his way of life and artistic style; the woman he was in love with, the poet(s) who served as a catalyst, the home, his circle of friends and his dog (as cited in Miller, para.3, 2001). African sculpture influenced Picasso. The African influence depicted in his cubist art was dubbed his Negro Period (Olgas Gallery, 2007)as seen in his first Cubist painting Les demoiselles d Avignon. The majority of Picassos friends were disappointed by his new cubist experimentation with the exception of fellow artist and friend Braque and the art dealer Kahnweiler were excited (2007). Braque and Picasso explored cubist possibilities together. In 1909, Picasso gives up a central perspective and splits forms up into facet-like stereo-metric shapes (sect.1), which was the beginning of the artists new stage of analytical cubism. The Bread and Fruit Dish on a Table was the original work which gave way to Picassos analytical cubism period. Picasso had many relationships during this period, which influenced his work. In 1912 Picasso, along with his friend Braque, experimented with still lifes of cut and-pasted scraps of material or collages which could be seen in Still-Life with Chair Caning this is considered Picassos synthetic cubism period (Olgas Gallery, sect. 6, 2007). Picassos life, mood, state of mind and art was changed dramatically during World War I, as seen in Pierrot (Olgas Gallery, sect. 6, 2007). The people in his life were greatly affected by the war and Picasso became more of a realist because of it. The art dealer, Kahnweiler, had his gallery confiscated while fellow artists and friends Braque and Derain were sent off to war (Olgas Gallery, 2007.). Big changes came for Picasso in 1916 when Jean Cocteau, the poet, and Picasso traveled to Rome and worked on dcor for the Russian ballet. It was at this time when Picasso fell in love with his future bride Olga Khokhlova who he would marry in 1918 (Olgas Gallery, 2007). Once married Picasso preferred the classic and surreal (Classicism and Surrealism), such as The Lovers. His first child Paolo was born in 1921 and he began working with the mother and child theme as in the past (Olgas Gallery, 2007). While Picassos fame rose, he, on the other hand, felt suppressed by such fame. This was in contradiction to how his wife saw it and they began to have marital problems for which Picasso acted on by having an affair with his sons seventeen-year-old nurse (Olgas Gallery, 2007). Picasso worked out his stress by experimenting with sculptures using items such as shirts, floor-rags, nails and string (Olgas Gallery, sect.8). Olga and Picasso ended up in divorce; his mistress gave him a child and then further down the road, he fell in love with Dora Marr (2007). All this, especially the divorce, put Picasso in a financial crunch, which was demonstrated in his art by snorting, dying bulls. It would seem that Picasso was searching for happiness and he was feeling unsatisfied with life. Picasso was very proactive in politics. When asked two paint a mural for the Spanish government, he originally planned to paint a painter in his studio; but after hearing of the destruction of Guernica by the Germans he created his own version of the destruction in Guernica. Demonstrating his political beliefs, Picasso decreed that the painting was not to go to the Spanish government until fascism was ended, thus the painting stayed in New York until 1981, forty years after its creation. In another political stance, Picasso passed out postcards of Guernica to Germans, when Germany was occupying Paris in 1940. When asked by the Nazi soldiers, after receiving the postcard from Picasso, Did you do this? Picasso simply replied, No, you did (Olgas Gallery, sect.9, 2007). After the liberation of Paris, Picasso joins the communist party due to their success against the German Nazis and was an active participant of the Peace Movement (Olgas Gallery, sect. 10, 2007). Much of Picassos art during and soon after World War II depicted the horrors of Germany at the hands of the Nazis. Picasso created paintings based on reports of the war (sect. 10, 2007). Picasso used his art as a way to communicate his humanitarian political beliefs (sect.10). Picasso passed away in 1973. He was a passionate man, who used his art to express himself to the world. As an artistic genius he created over twenty thousand works of art expressing intellectual, political, social and amorous messages (Voorhies, 2004), through styles such as cubism, neoclassicism, surrealism and expressionism. Picasso lived his life searching for the unconscious emotions underlying the most dramatic events; while being inspired by the ones he loved. References Mallen, E. (2007). Biography. Online Picasso Project. Retrieved February 13, 2007 from http://picasso.tamu.edu/picasso/BioSearch Keywords=Picasso&SearchStyle=continuous&SearchBy=season&StartYear=1881&StartSeason=1&StartMonth=0&StartDay=0&EndYear=1973&EndSeason=1&EndMonth=0&EndDay=0&Sort=ascending&CurrentItem=1 Miller, A. (2001). Two Worlds as One. Einstein, Picasso Space, Time, and the Beauty That Causes Havoc. (ch.1). Retrieved February 13, 2007 from http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/m/miller-01einstein.html?_r=2&oref=slogin Olga's Gallery. (Updated 2007). Pablo Picasso. Retrieved February 13, 2007 from http://www.abcgallery.com/P/picasso/picassobio.html Voorhies, J. (2004). Pablo Picasso (18811973). Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/pica/hd_pica.htm

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

How to Use ABC Books All the Way Through High School

How to Use ABC Books All the Way Through High School We often think of ABC books as being educational only for young children. However, alphabet books can be successfully used for students in the elementary grades all the way though high school. No, not your typical A is for apple, B is for bear books, but ABC book format. Using the ABC outline  as  a guide for writing  allows for a creative, concise presentation of the subject matter and is versatile enough to use for nearly any age, ability level, or topic. What You’ll Need to Create an ABC Book ABC books are simple to make and dont require anything beyond basic supplies you probably already have in your home or classroom unless you want to get fancy with them. Youll need: A composition book or supplies for making your own book (such as a mini book or accordion book)​Pencil or penCrayons, markers, or other art medium for illustratingSample ABC books (The series, Discovering America State by State  provides a wonderful example of how much or how little detail can be included in a book using the ABC format.) If you want to get a bit fancier, a blank book, available at craft stores or online retailers, is a good option. These books have a blank, hardback cover and blank pages, allowing students to customize and illustrate every aspect of the book. A book intended for journaling can also make a  fabulous option for an ABC book. How to Write an ABC Format Book An ABC format book is an excellent alternative to a  traditional written report and an ideal tool for review. By listing a fact for each letter of the alphabet  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ one letter per page of their book  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ students are pushed to think creatively (particularly for letters such as X and Z) and write concisely. The requirements for an ABC book can be adjusted based on a students age and ability level. For example: Elementary-aged students may be required to write one or two sentences for each fact, A-Z, or even. Primary grade students may even be required only to write, â€Å"A is for†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Older elementary and middle school students may  be required to write a paragraph for each letter.High school students might have a lengthier expectation for written work or simply be expected to include greater detail. All ages should illustrate their work with  the  level of  detail  expected based on their  age and ability level. How to Use ABC Books The ABC format allows for versatility across all subjects, from history to science to math. For example, a student writing an ABC book for science might choose space as his topic, with pages such as: A is for asteroidP is for planetZ is for zero gravity A student writing a math ABC book might include pages such as: F is for fractionG is for geometryV is for variable You may have to allow your students to be creative with some words, such as using words like eXtra or eXtremely for the letter X. Otherwise, those can be difficult pages to fill. When creating ABC books with students, consider using them as a long-term project over the course of a particular unit of study. For example, your students might spend six weeks on one ABC book. This time-frame provides time for students to spend a bit of time on the book each day. Suggest that students complete a rough outline on regular paper or in an extra composition book. They can add facts as they progress through the unit or lesson and spend time developing the concepts before transferring them to the final book and completing the illustrations. Encourage your students to complete their ABC book by creating a cover design and including  an author page on the inside of the back cover. Dont forget your authors head shot! Students  could even write a synopsis for the book on the back cover or inside the front cover, and ask their friends for review blurbs to include on the front or back cover. ABC books provide children with a framework for summarizing facts and details. This framework helps kids stay on track and flesh out the details of the summary without feeling overwhelmed. Not only that, but ABC books are a fun project for students of all ages  and one that might even get your reluctant writers excited.

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Dos and Donts of Job Hunting While Youre At Work

The Dos and Donts of Job Hunting While Youre At Work One problem with job hunting when you work in an open office is the lack of privacy, which can be reminiscent of a college dorm. Since you can’t put up your own partitions, learning how to use stealth moves while job searching can help you. There are ways to practice your stealth without putting on a fake nose and eyeglasses while pretending to be a visitor to the office, and these tips can help you out. Handling Phone Calls at the OfficeSince you can’t hold a conversation with a recruiter using only words such as uh-huh or no, talking to a recruiter while at the office is not a good idea. It is a better idea to set your phone on voicemail, and give the recruiter a callback when you are somewhere else, whether it’s another part of the building or at a local cafe during lunch hour. The main point is to keep others in your office from knowing you are job searching, or the next person who finds out about it might be your boss.Using Company Phones or Other EquipmentI f you are using a company phone to receive or make phone calls about job listings, you might as well go ahead and put up a banner that says you are job hunting. Other employees might overhear those phone calls and deduce that you are job hunting. In addition, many employers monitor computer use in the event employees are playing on the Internet instead of working, and finding that an employee has been checking the job classifieds could be problematic. Don’t use company phones or emails to contact others about job openings. Instead, only use your personal phone number and email to job hunt.Keeping It PrivateWhile you may have friends among your coworkers, the fastest way for the news to get around that you are job hunting is to share that information in the office. If you feel you have a friend in the office whom you can absolutely trust, you should still think twice before taking that person into your confidence.Social Media MistakesEmployers frequently check social media emp loyee accounts, LinkedIn and other sites to see what employees are doing. If you have updated your profile or resume, it might end up reported back to your boss. Turning off features that broadcast updates and making your information private can help. Actively broadcasting that you are job hunting on social media websites is a bad idea and would be better left to private messaging only to individuals you trust.Advertising on Job BoardsAdvertising on job boards lets you job hunt while keeping your personal information private. While this may not be the best way to job hunt, since an employer has to actively search for someone with your qualifications, it is one way to keep the news that you are job hunting from the eyes of your current employer.Updating Your ResumeIf you need to update your resume and don’t want to post it to LinkedIn or other sites where this might be discovered, then do it in private on your home computer, of course. Apply directly to job sites or companies and include your new resume from home. The personal approach can take more time for you to find the right job but can receive more attention from employers who are really interested in your talents.Don’t Go to Interviews From the OfficeOne mistake job hunters make is that they make interview appointments from the office or take personal leave during the day. It can look suspicious when you normally dress in comfortable clothing for the office and one day show up wearing a suit for a lunch with a friend. Change of style in clothing can be a big clue that something is up. In addition, taking time off using the pretext of a doctor’s appointment is doing a disservice to your current employee. Schedule interview appointments for weekends or evenings when you are off and it will cause you less stress and help protect the fact that you are job hunting.Job hunting while employed in an open office atmosphere takes finesse and caution so the entire office doesn’t find out . TheJobNetwork offers an easier way to job hunt and not miss jobs for which you are qualified. After you fill out your qualifications and job interests, we search around the clock for positions that would interest you and send these job listings as email alerts. If you wish to be more proactive in your search, you can also look for employment yourself on the job site. Sign up with TheJobNetwork to let us do the job hunt for you.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Workshop 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Workshop 5 - Essay Example Part of the restructuring that happened in the auto industry is the changing of the labour regulations and practices to enable the auto industry cope and compete with the new economic environment. The major labor regulation change in the auto industry was the Labour Conract Law which stipulate open term contract. It meant that employer-employee relationship mist be written in a contract the failure to do so would mean the indefinite employment which employers cannot just terminate. The law also stipulated labour dispatching which requires the labour contract between the service provider and the employee will be fixed for more than 2 years and the employee will be remunerated monthly even if there is no work to be done. In the labour practice, globalisation has provided employers greater latitude to easily reduce its workforce depending on the demand of the market. Where before workers had job security, it is now underpinned by a one year contract as stated by the new Labour Contract Law. 2. What is the role of unions in China? How does China’s Political System impact this? Should unions be founded on supporting the workers in China or the Organisations/Government? Justify your answer. The role of unions in China is to motivate employees to achieve the objective of the enterprise rather than represent and perform functions that are typically associated to HR in capitalist countries. This means that unions are still subordinated to the Communist Party, an arrangement compounded by the This set up of unions being subordinated to the Communist Party defeats the very purpose of union of why they were set up. Even in the former Soviet Union, workers were represented by the union whom in turn are represented in the Communist Party. With the current set up in China, workers are virtually powerless and voiceless to air their grievance or plight or to even make suggestion to make their conditions

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

The Debate over Physician Assisted Suicide Essay

The Debate over Physician Assisted Suicide - Essay Example Thus, the campaign in Indiana to get PAS legislation on the ballot should focus on these aspects. One should take into account the possible counter-arguments that could be raised by the opponents of PAS. It should be kept in mind that there are strong oppositions from the part of physicians, legal commentators and sociologists as many hold that physician-assisted suicide is nothing but willful killing. The opponents also may argue that it is more significant to protect and preserve human life. Therefore, it is imperative that the campaign for PAS should postulate that such patients who cannot fulfill social responsibilities and societal expectations would cause social instability and as such, Physical Assisted Suicide can be permitted in exceptional cases where the patient leads a miserable life and has no hope for recovery from the deadly disease or illness. This paper seeks to convince the audience/readers that PAS is worthy of being legalized in Indiana and in doing so the paper t hrows light on the specific characterizations of Indiana voters as well. It can be identified that the Indiana voters have remained reluctant towards legalizing PAS in the past. The Indiana Code  §35-42-1-2.5 ‘prohibits assisted suicide’ by law and it has been brought under the general homicide laws (Legal Status of Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia in the United States). However, the emergence of such controversial cases as Terri Schiavo, Barbara Howee, and Nancy Cruzan has prompted many to rethink of legalizing PAS. Terri Schiavo had to remain in ‘persistent vegetative state’ for 15 years until she was permitted for PAS on March 31, 2005; Barbara Howe was totally paralyzed and breathing with a ventilator for many years; and Nancy Cruzan, an auto accident victim, had also to remain in persistent vegetative state for a number of years (Jost 423). Undoubtedly, anyone who has witnessed the sufferings, misfortune, agony and frustration experienced by these patient s as well as their intimate relatives will think in favor of PAS. In this respect, the Oregon's Death with Dignity Act has rightly recognized the personal rights of patients; however, it is quite unfortunate that the Supreme Court ruled that there are no fundamental or constitutional rights that support any arguments in favor of physician-assisted suicide (Park 283). Indiana, too, can follow the example of Oregon if the Indiana voters show empathetic feelings towards the suffering and pathetic persistent vegetative state of many of its brothers and sisters. While PAS is opposed for moral and ethical reasons, it is high time that the Indiana voters realized the factors that favor PAS. One needs to understand that the demand for PAS is strongly rooted in human rights theories and the concept of patient autonomy. PAS can also be regarded as quite ethical and moral as the termination of life occurs at the request of the individual himself when the physician realizes that ‘to conti nue letting this individual live, would be more harmful than dying’ (Center for Bioethics: University of Minnesota 41). Similarly, there are sound arguments that the patients have the right to die with dignity rather than leading a death-like miserable life. In physician-assisted suicide, the choice to end one’s life rests completely on the patient himself or his/her family. The Indiana voters need to have a thorough understanding of the arguments

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Social Implications of Surveillance and Security Essay Example for Free

Social Implications of Surveillance and Security Essay Academic Skills – Essay Plan. a. Essay Question: Discuss the social implications of Surveillance and Security (technologies) dealt with in this course. b. Thesis Statement: Surveillance and security plays an active role at a point in everyone’s life by concentrating on the protection of people and property. They both demonstrate that monitoring is of importance. THIS ESSAY ARGUES.. – How Surveillance and Security deal with social implications: First – the surveillance of children There are positive and negatives to both aspects How it is affecting children lives It is a benefit to them – protecting them Who is actually monitoring/ watching them( parents, teachers etc) Protection over people Second – the importance of policy development through the use of cameras Through images – eg that can be used in court Cameras – images – then can be used in court to save others and prove evidence that a person is guilty. Security – protection over property Thirdly – linking – how both surveillance and security (different) One plays a specific role One is more involved in .. certain aspects Helped to do ** They both link as they are both protecting something of importance Helping to keep the world, environment etc safe. ^ bring in other examples – random ones Both Surveillance and Security have from an angle – helped to protect, manage, direct and influence people by monitoring their behaviour, activities and changing information. This essay argues that the social implications of both surveillance and security †¦ In terms of child surveillance – the social implications are the fact that it is affecting children lives, they are surrounded by this whole process of being watched. For example they could be out with friends and still feel on edge c. Point 1: statement plus evidence ( ie. Quote / paraphrase/summary plus give reference to source): Focuses on children in terms of surveillance and the social implication on that topic (case study) focused on – Article â€Å"The Surveillance of Childrens Mobility† In a sense to be a child is to be under surveillance Children surveillance Parents watch their children to keep them safe and to correct their behavior Teachers keep an eye on students to enforce classroom rules and to maintain discipline Managers of shopping malls and ,any other semi-public places use a variety of methods to keep young people under control in order to maintain those spaces for adult usage, sensibilities and consumption Depending on age, which is critical in this context, it can be argues that surveillance as care is a necessary condition of nurturing and educating children and young people As absence of surveillance has been seen as critical to children’s wellbeing and development in some romantically derived liberal regimes of child nurturing. Some regimes ( as in alternative education systems) are now very much the minority as more attention is focused on the child in the family, the school, public space, by parents, educators, the state nad corporations. Freedom for children is (developed world) urban space has become problematic , particularly in the modern era. d. Point 2: statement plus evidence ( ie. Quote / paraphrase/summary plus give reference to source) Focuses on the importance of policy development through the use of cameras ( images and video evidence) as a form of security – to keep us safe. Security is evident through images and video evidence The process of providing evidence that the images are real Used as evidence in court and in formal internal disciplinary matters, they were asked to describe how the images are â€Å"safeguarded†(protected) How they were labeled as to location and time and what chain of custody policies ensured that the images were not tampered with and were they actually the ones the charges were based on Images were common when it came to criminal  or civil. The media were intrigued by the video evidence as it established who commited what crime, although readers not knowing that they were being perceieved by the false truth Images were publicized widely in local newspapers, on television stations and were often shown on news programs. It was proven by the research program that videos played a huge role in assisting in criminal prosecutions, almost as many agencies reported that they had used images from their surveillance systems as evidence in employee disciplinary actions. e. Point 3: statement plus evidence ( ie. Quote / paraphrase/summary plus give reference to source) link them both together now. f. Conclusion: restating thesis and suggesting a connection between different points It is clear therefore that the social implications of the technologies, Surveillance and Security play a vast role in society. The use of monitoring children (is shown) has a direct influence on their well-being, knowing where they are and what they are doing. This adds a sense of relief to important people in their life surrounding them although it interferes with a child’s independence throughout their life. Monitoring is evidence that this activity prevents accidents and inappropriate behaviour, but also encourages good behaviour. The use of monitoring through cameras not only keeps people and property safe but it is a source of evidence ( in terms of images and video evidence) that can be used to provide evidence to prove the elements of a case of the elements of a defense. Child safety, Stuructured separation and property adds a sense of protection ensuring them to feel safe and secure The social implications both surveillance and security deal with being monitored Surveillance of Children Having parents, guardians, managers, teachers etc be a logical ending to what has been previously been discussed. It must pull together all of the parts of your argument and refer the reader back to the focus you have outlined in your introduction and to the central topic. This gives your essay a sense of unity. never contain any new information. usually be only a paragraph in length, but in an extended essay (3000+ words) it may be better to have two or three paragraphs to pull together the different parts of the essay. add to the overall quality and impact of the essay. This is your final statement about this topic; thus it can make a great impact on the reader. This includes observation from a distance by means of electronic equipment, or inception of electronically transmitted information. Thesis Statement a. tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. b. is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. c. directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel. d. makes a claim that others might dispute. is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation. e. Social Implication – pertaining (relating) to human relations, companionship, society or community and its organizational structure. f. g. This means what you do, in terms of your lifetime, how do your decisions effect How does monitoring through parents etc effect the children How does the use of photos and video evidence affect the end result in protecting / putting the bad away example in jail or be charge with an offence. Protects no only that person but others – saves lives When references sources – how do we reference?

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Corporate Interests and Their Impact on News Coverage Essay -- Media P

Corporate Interests and Their Impact on News Coverage Hypothesis There is no denying that news media is big business. The complete coverage of stories and investigative reports are certainly at risk with the rise of media as a business, rather than strictly a service to the public. Over the past few years, there have been a number of cases where television stations or news publications have killed news stories or forced reporters to slant stories due to pressure from advertisers or those in power at the news. This paper will attempt to examine the relationship between social responsibility and news editors, and apply ethical theories to explain what should and can be done. Should editors have the power to kill or slant stories, depending on their own interests or those of their advertisers? Literature Review A number of books and articles investigated the relationship between corporate and advertising interests and news coverage. In the May/June 2000 issue of Columbia Journalism Review, Lowell Bergman wrote an article entitled, "Network television news: With fear and favor." Bergman sums up his findings by saying, "Executives of the network news divisions say that they will report any story of public interest and import without fear or favor, without considering its potential commercial consequences. They say that, but they do not believe it" (p. 50). Karl Idsvoog's journal article, "TV sitting on stories to improve ratings," claims that "the decision on when (or if) to run a piece is no longer determined just by asking is the report concise, clear, and well produced; is it fair, thorough and accurate? There are now more critical questions. What's the lead-in? Where do we place the promotion? Will it deliver bett... ...V sitting on stories to improve ratings. Nieman Reports, 1, 38. Jensen, C. (1996). Censored: The news that didn't make the news and why. New York: Seven Stories Press. Kirtley, J. (1998). Second-guessing news judgment. American Journalism Review, 20, 86. Krajicek, D.J. (1998). Scooped! Media miss real story on crime while chasing sex, sleaze, and celebrities. New York: Columbia University Press. McCartney, J. (1997). News lite. In B. Levy & D.M. Bonilla (Eds.), The power of the press (pp. 44-54). New York: The H.W. Wilson Company. Trigoboff, D. (2000, August 28). Reporter wins in milk suit. Broadcasting & Cable, 130, 27. Winch, S.P. (2000). Ethical challenges for investigative journalism. In M. Greenwald & J. Bernt (Eds.), The big chill: Investigative reporting in the current media environment (pp. 121-136). Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Htc Business Model Essay

Executive summary Using Google’s Andriod platform has given HTC a boost, but now the Taiwanese handset maker are vulnerable to underwhelming sales in America and Europe. Their hope? China. HTC only entered China in early 2010, much later than its established peers. It is playing catching up with international premium brands, such as Apple, Samsung and LG, where HTC is currently aiming to get a slice of the pie. However, the company is also facing stiff competition from local brands who operate at the lower price market. In this Global Marketing proposal, we propose several initiatives for HTC to grow its current 1% marketshare in the China mobile phone market, including new products for HTC to tap into the lower price market as well as localized promotion campaigns to sell phones in rural areas. It is time for HTC to sway away from satisfied with being ‘quietly brilliant’. Context analysis Company Background HTC Corporate, founded in 1997, was a relatively obscure Taiwanese original design manufacturer (ODM). Incorporated as High Technology Computer, HTC focused on manufacturing of computer notebooks. The company created the world’s first pocket size PC in collaboration with Microsoft in 1998[1]; it later developed the iPAQ, one of the earliest PDA for Compaq in 2000. HTC’s close tie with Microsoft led them to develop XDA[2] in 2002, first ever smartphone operated on Windows. The company remained true to ODM principles when it produced smartphones by efficiently catering for carriers’ specifications and requests. HTC’s ODM smartphones continued to generate profit margin as high as 20% compared to industry average of 5%[3]. According to Harvard Business Review, HTC shipped more than 70% of the world’s Windows smartphones in 2006 at its peak. HTC won a reputation for excellent smartphones. But it wanted more, and began to invest more in innovation before eventually creating its own brand in 2007. HTC set up a unit called Magic Labs[4], where engineers from various disciplines come up with lots of ideas, even if most were quickly discarded. From this unit bred several ground breaking ideas, including HTC touch, a touch screen device that appeared few weeks before Apple’s first iPhone; and first ever Android phone in collaboration with Google. Reaping from the Android’s high penetration rate, the company experienced unprecedented growth from 2008 onwards and became the top seller of smartphones in America in 3Q of 2011, according to Canalys Research. HTC has recently eclipsed Nokia in market capacity and has climbed up to the no.3 spot for smartphones sold worldwide, behind Apple and Samsung. In terms of brand equity, the company has invested heavily in developing its own brand and broke into Interbrand’s top 100 Brands 2011[5] (no. 98) . China: Macro-environmental Factors Politics China remained a single party directed country since the founding of People’s Republic of China in October 1949. Putting political ideologies differences aside, efficient decision-making is widely seen as a characteristic of China’s political system. The profound changes that have taken place in various fields of this nation: from Deng Xiaping’s Special Economic Zone in the 80s to the economic leaps in the turn of the century. Inefficiencies in the political system such as corruption still exist today, but China’s communist party has taken bold steps for reform. The party has embraced market socialist economy to lead China out of poverty and soar to one of the most powerful nations in the world. Economic Despite China has mounted new heights in her economy, outshining Japan as the second largest economy in the world, the slowdown in economic growth has not abated. The housing boom in the past decade is now over, implying that growth now weigh on heavy industry and local consumption. In the past, China has offered massive infrastructure stimulus, as it did to prop up growth following SARS and the global financial crisis. However, local governments have learned not to overheat the economy, as evidenced by the late 2011 credit crunch in Wenzhou[6]. Central government is expecting a moderate GDP growth of 6%, but China is due for correction in its property and possibly stock market. Social China’s Communist Party maintained its strong foothold in the nation, as the country enjoyed a period of unprecedented prosperity in the past decade. As China’s economy take flight, the number of local billionaires and millionaires grew by leaps and bounds. The wealth gap, at the same time, widened drastically. As a consequence, there have been several localized pro-democracy campaigns since 2011. Termed ‘Jasmine revolution’, citizens used social network site such as microblogs to organize public protests demanding fairness, housing and food – social issues that are often overlooked during economic boom. Such unrests were quickly put to rest as Beijing aims to mitigate any form of dissidents since learning the hard lessons from Tiananmen protests in 1989. Other than localized protests and occasional controversy in human rights, China’s social order have been maintained. Technology China has sparked its technological boom since it gained accession to the world trade organization in 2001. Internally, China has developed a matured internet market which now boost one of the largest internet users in the world. In mobile phones, the market evidenced a dynamic growth due to the rapid development of mobile subscriptions and growing third-generation (3G) networks. China: Smartphone Market Industry analysis After China’s telecommunications operators acquired 3G licenses, they formed several strategic alliances with mobile phone brands. For example, China Unicom has established alliances with Apple’s iPhone and Lenovo’s LePhone, whilst Motorola and HTC and strategic partners with China Telecom. Customer analysis According to government statistics in 2012, China has become to first country to top 1 billionThe cell phone users, a soar from 2010’s 787 million users. The number of users is equivalent to 74% of China’s population. That being said, only 14% of users are 3G users. Mobile phones are seen as a necessity, as customers regularly use phones for texting and micro-blogging. Competitor analysis Mobile phones are relatively consolidated in China, with the top five brands deriving nearly 72% of total retail volume stales in 2010[7]. Top five brands are Nokia (34.2%) , Samsung (18.1%), LG (6.8%), ZTE (6.3%) and Huawei (6.3%). Apple (1.4%) and HTC (0.7%) are late boomers in the market, with both companies having entered China in 2009 and 2010 respectively. According to market research by Canalys[8], international brands such as Samsung, Apple and HTC should continue to dominate in the space above RMB2,500 (US$400). Leading local tier-one brands, such as Huawei and ZTE, are diversifying beyond the entry level by launching a number of high-profile, flagship smart phones. As of late, Lenovo has made efforts to penetrate the low cost, rural market by introducing models starting from RMB700 (US$158). Company Analysis HTC in China HTC only entered China in 2009 and occupied a market share below 1% as of figures in 2010. Its strategy is to challenge Samsung and Apple as the biggest smartphone players in Mainland, but it also faces stiff competition from local brands such as Tianyu and ZTE Despite its geographic proximity in Taiwan, HTC started off late in China than in richer parts of the world largely because the country’s 3G structure was not as matured in 2009 as today. Targeting & Positioning HTC’s mission statement is â€Å"to become the leading innovative supplier of mobile information and communication devices by providing value-added design, world class manufacturing and logistic and service capabilities.† Whilst this may have been a successful formula over the past 10 years in geographic location, HTC is in danger of falling behind competitors in China. HTC currently has 10% of the market for smartphones costing more than RMB2,000 (US$320). Its strategy is to target those high-end customers who utilizes 3G network and appreciates international brand. As if HTC’s Magic Lab works tirelessly to come up with numerous innovative products, HTC currently adopts a similar volume approach in its phones. HTC regularly pushes forward phones in the market. In 2011, when Apple had launched one new iPhone, HTC introduced fifteen new models. HTC’s Challenge After a meteoric rise which placed it briefly atop the U.S. smartphone sales charts, HTC revenue as a whole in the first two months of 2012 was a staggering 45% down on last year. HTC has run afoul of punitive legal juggernaut Apple, which delayed the availability of HTC’s handsets. Determined to avoid the fate looming over troubled rivals like Research in Motion, HTC saw a big revitalization push in China, championed by several flagship phones such as HTC One X and Evo 4G Lite. Sales in Europe have been dropping but HTC saw better than expected revenue in China. The rise of HTC in China despite its late entry could be partially attributed to their advanced operating systems with Android and excellent hardware, such as dual core processing units and friendly features where the phone rings louder when in a bag. But with competitors catching up hardware specifications overnight these days, can HTC sustain its China growth? The challenge of HTC faces is not neither simply in hardware nor software. HTC needs to formulate a marketing and branding strategy for China, as to fend off the fierce challenge by international brands (Apple, Samsung) and local players. Proposed Marketing Campaign For the proposed marketing campaign, we propose a bi-polar approach to target existing high-end customers of HTC’s and also tap into the basic customers specturum, an area HTC has not entered so far. High-end customers HTC is currently focusing on high-end customers who are tech savvy, able and willing to pay for premium mobile phones. These high-end customers are currently up and coming professionals, live a fast moving lifestyle and mostly reside or work in first or second tier cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xi Chuan. All of these customers have subscribed or are going to subscribe 3G network, in order to make the most of out HTC’s smartphones. In addition to product quality and operating system, high-end customers nowadays also care about brand reputation and image. The proposed marketing campaign for HTC’s high-end customers is therefore to enrich the brand experience and differentiate HTC’s personality. Basic customers As mentioned earlier, 3G users accounts to less than 20% of China’s mobile phones market. According to market analysis, local players, best represented by ZTE and Huawei, are more popular amongst price sensitive mass and lower-end customers. These basic customers reside in third tier cities or rural areas, demand basic functions for their phones and also aspires to own a smartphone one day. Product Designers collaborations are nothing new. Indeed, they are now a well-established marketing tool – as well as source of income. Standard Hotel Group in America has joined forces with the likes of surfwear brand Quiksilver to provide exclusive trunks and bikinis that guests can purchase in the group’s resorts. H&M, the Swedish fashion behemoth, took rise after asking Karl Lagerfeld, designer for Chanel and owner of Fendi, to come up with a special collection back in 2004. For mobile phones,it is no different story. RIM collaborated with Porsche design and launched a high-end luxurious blackberry in 2011. LG and Prada started working together in 2006[9] and continued to attract fashionistas for their crossover phones. For high-end customers, HTC should leverage connection with a renowned brand within the Chinese community and produce collaborate products. Nike would deem to be an appropriate choice, given the brand is held in high regards among Chinese and its innovative brand image aligns with that of HTC’s. Nevertheless, Nike has strong connection with Apple as Nike currently produces Nike+ – a tracking device that connects an athletes’ performance data with iPhones, iPods etc. If there is a brand for up-and-coming professionals which matches HTC’s pricing and targeting strategy, Adidas would be a great fit. Rather than choosing a luxury brand such as LVMH or Gucci, a partnership with Adidas could not only appeal to the sports lovers, but also be perceived as socially acceptable. Partnering with luxurious goods might risk further alienation as the wealth gap widens in China. Adidas is actively investing on its mi adidas platform that rivals Nike+. The sports company enjoys a good reputation in China after sponsoring Team China in Beijing Olympics, and its innovative roots in products and designs could enrich the HTC brand experience. For basic customers, HTC could build 2G or even very basic 3G phones to attract the mass. With much reduced functionality and a lower price point, HTC could attract the 80% users who have not yet subscribe to 3G network. While the simpler handsets should have less fancy functions, embodying the HTC names mean that that the phones should still be innovative. HTC could be more localize with these phones by having local functions such as Chinese keyboard and improved durability that adapts to environment in rural areas. Perhaps basic phones could have a brighter screen for users to view the screen easily in open rural areas, or made in anti-sand materials as desertification is common in northwest China. Aside from hardware reengineering, HTC needs to redesign its software capabilities. HTC is relatively weak in content when compared to rivals such as Apple. It has no plans to launch its own app store, preferring instead to reply on Android marketplace and its apps. HTC acquired French content provider Abaxia in June 2010[10] to develop innovative apps for its devices. Recently, it has installed digital map apps in HTC Sense interface. Currently, there is a market gap in smartphone manufacturer originated apps in China. Almost all of the apps available on Android/iPhone system are developed by individual software company. HTC could potentially develop operating system with apps linked to popular Chinese social media sites, such as QQ and Sina’s Microblog. Price HTC should continue to target upper tier price points for its high end customers. Its currently price point closely resembles Apple’s and Samsung’s, averaging around RMB2,500 (US$400). The high price setting strategy further illustrates HTC’s ambition to compete with the international brands but the company could consider undercutting its price by a fraction, say less than 10%, than the leaders so as to gain stronger market share. Price reduction should not be advertised aggressively, as it might signal a loss in quality. For products in the lower end market, HTC should try to be a price leader in the arena. Lenovo markets its cheaper line of phones around RMB700, and HTC should try to undercut Lenovo. It is important to capture the basic customers first, with the hope that HTC could persuade basic users to switch to more expensive phones over time. Place According to Economists, HTC now as 2,300 authorized retailers in China. Apple has 3,500 – not withstanding its flagship Apple store and website – while Nokia and Samsung have 9,000 each. HTC could open more shops by granting authorized retailers license, but it is easier said than done as brands jostle retailers for shelf spaces. Rather than investing heavily in opening its own shop, HTC could form a strategic partnership with popular online shop Taobao or Alibaba to reach customers in the second or third tier cities to compliment its e-shop. Further place promotion could been referred in ‘HTC ambassador’ campaign in People section. In first tier cities, HTC could theoretically leverage on Adidas’s store presence and distribution network. Nonetheless, HTC should adopt a selective approach by opening flagship store that can illustrates its customer experience. Promotion In HTC’s incumbent global marketing campaign, the company slogan is ‘quietly brilliant’. HTC commercials do not focus on the precise functionality of their handsets but the way people use them. The concept itself is intuitive, but the campaign is not as much advertised in China as other places – the slogan does not even has a Chinese translation. As a result, HTC’s promotion in China is product focused. HTC One X advertisements were filmed where a photographer takes pictures with HTC phone while skydiving – stressing the superior camera quality of the handset. To revamp the promotion campaign, HTC should first come up with a better slogan for China or even for its global campaign. Stressing on the way people interact with HTC cell phones is a good idea, but conceptually the slogan could be more straight forward – Nokia’s ‘connecting people’ or LG’s ‘life is good’ are good examples. For China specifically, HTC needs to build on build on enriching users experience. Yan Siqing, chief operating officer of China Telecom said HTC grew rapidly despite its late start because it provided a â€Å"good user experience†. Nationwide promotion campaign should focuses on how HTC helps people to capture their moments in life. Whether is at work, in sporting moments or vacation, a user-friendly HTC handset is always there to make things happen. People Simliar to Unilever’s â€Å"Shakti Revolution† to help women in rural India to become entrepreneurs[11], HTC could foster partnership with non governmental organisations, banks and local counties, to promote handsets at rural areas through employing ‘HTC ambassadors’. Ambassadors are underpriviledged residents in country sides and they are invited to become direct-to-consumer sales distributors for HTC’s basic handsets for second or third tier cities. Contrary to normal mom-and-pop shops, HTC should provide training in selling, commercial knowledge and bookkeeping to help ambassadors become micro-entrepreneurs. This proposal could not only expand HTC’s reach in the lower tier markets, but also been seen as a socially responsible act of goodwill. ———————– [1]Kim R. & Yoffie D., HTC Corp. in 1999, 8th Dec 2009, Harvard Business Review [2]Sourced online: http://xda.o2.co.uk/ [3]Kim R. & Yoffie D., HTC Corp. in 1999, 8th Dec 2009, Harvard Business Review [4]HTC: The brand from no where; The Economist, 7th Apr 2012, sourced online from [5]http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/best-global-brands-2008/best-global-brands-2011.aspx [6]Wolfe A, Gurushina N & Gassambe I, China Outlook: The Tao of Hard Landing, 28 May 2012, Roubini Global Economics Report [7]Mobile Phones in China, Category Briefing, 19 Sep 2011; Passport GMID [8]http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20120619PR203.html [9]http://www.gizmag.com/lg-prada-collaborative-phone/20862/ [10]http://www.ubergizmo.com/2010/06/htc-acquires-abaxia-to-strengthen-its-software-capabilities/ [11]http://www.unilever.com.au/sustainability/casestudies/economic-development/creating-rural-entrepreneurs.aspx

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Nonverbal Communication Essay

Among the many different ways that we as human beings communicate with one another, nonverbal communication is one of the most common yet most unnoticed form of communication. Also described as body language, nonverbal communication can be the slightest facial expression or just the certain position of your body in a conversation. Without even realizing it, your body language can show feelings of happiness, awkwardness, nervousness and much more. Furthermore, the study of the movement, facial expressions and posture is called kinesics. Having the skill to understand kinesics is a fundamental tool in all aspects of life. Being able to read other’s body language can help you in a number of situations. By learning more about kinetics, you can open your eyes to a whole new way of reading others as well as presenting yourself appropriately for a given situation. In order to utilize any nonverbal communication skills effectively, you must first be familiar with what it exactly means as well as to recognize what each motion or signal symbolizes. These signals could be anything from the twitch of a nose, to a gaze of the eyes or just the fiddling of hair. To be completely knowledgeable about studying one’s actions, you must learn the deeper meaning behind each gesture. That’s not to say, however, that each signal means the same for everyone in every situation. Noticing that your spouse is not making eye contact with you does not necessarily signify that she or she is telling a lie, although that may be a possibility. Generalizations such as avoiding eye contact or fidgeting to indicate that a person is lying are simply what many studies have shown to be more than likely true in a number of cases. There is much debate as to whether or not non-verbal communication skills should be taught as an aid for medical uses. Of course those in professions such as the psychiatric field, gain a trained eye to notice certain feelings of their patients, but there is question about if the skill is even a teachable subject. A reason being because there doesn’t seem to be any real answer or strict guideline to every action or expression, especially when it comes to discussing the differences between cultures. Yourself and certain gestures that you make can be considered as strange or even insulting. Take eye contact for example. Most people who have grown up in not only the United States, but most Western cultures, use eye contact in a positive way. When making eye contact with someone who you are speaking with, it shows that you are listening and paying close attention to what they are saying. Also, it shows a sense of respect, where the elder in a situation prefers the child to be looking them in the eye while being scolded, showing that they are understanding and paying attention to a lecture. On the other hand, there are negative connotations regarding eye contact when it is being avoided. Usually when someone is not looking you in the eye while speaking to you, it gives a sense that the person is not being truthful. This scenario takes a whole three-hundred-sixty degree change in the minds of other cultures. For example, some Caribbean cultures find eye contact to be offensive. They believe that when a child is being scolded, they should not make eye contact. It is a sign of disrespect, as the child is expected to lower their eyes and show complete remorse. Aside from eye contact, there is a whole spectrum of differences in common gestures between cultures. In many cases, Americans especially fail to understand that the world is very different from the United States. In America, the â€Å"Rock On† symbol is made by closing a fist while leaving only the index and pinky finger extended. Commonly used when listening to music or maybe simply during an exciting situation. On the other hand, traveling to Italy and preforming this hand gesture is not only insulting, but is considered an offense. In Italy, it is a sign that when given by a man to another man symbolizes that â€Å"other men are in relations with his wife†, which is obviously a huge sign of disrespect as well as a personal insult. There are many ways in which cultures differ when it comes to body language, but there are a few universal expressions that are the same across the board. British scientist, Charles Darwin, was the first to recognize the six basic facial expressions as being the same all over the world. They are happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, surprise, and anger. Darwin first made these claims in his book titled The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Darwin’s idea about the six facial gestures was later put together  in a study in the 1960’s by Paul Ekman. Ekman was a psychiatrist expert in facial expressions and decided to test the validity of Darwin’s theory. He found that all men, even those from isolated tribes, were able to recognize all six expressions for what they were, proving Darwin correct. http://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/book_of_body_language/chap5.html http://www.businessballs.com/body-language.htm#body-language-different-cultures http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/darwin_charles.shtml Not only is it important to understand what messages you body language sends while you are in other cultures, but it may be even more important to learn how to carry and present yourself in the workplace. Knowing what sends off confident and powerful signals to your boss or employees can be a key factor in your performance and enables others to take you seriously. It could even be what makes or breaks you being accepted for a position you are applying for. As everyone knows, first impressions are incredibly strong and lasting. Before an interview is begun, there is almost always a handshake with the interviewer. Even before that, theres the moment that you are walking up to that person and your strut and presence or lack of fidgeting approaching the handshake sends signals before you can even present your credentials. They will note if you carry yourself confidently and especially if your handshake is firm or limp. When asked what percentage of communication comes from actual words and speaking, most would think it’s a high percentage. In actuality, only a surprising 7% of communication is derived from words. That leaves 38% to vocal details such as the tone, speed, or volume while speaking. So interestingly enough, 55% of communication is the reading and sending of body language signals. Now the signals that you send may give away what your feeling, or they could be a complete misrepresentation. This is why it is in your best interest to make note of how others are seeing you, so you can make any necessary changes to your behavior. This is obviously easier said  than done, especially if you are among those who have always been the nervous type and tend to perspire or fidget. Fortunately, knowing what your faults are and having the knowledge to correct them can result in making a complete change and eventually landing that promotion that you have sought after for so long. First, understanding the importance of eye contact in crucial. One step of effectively making this connection with an audience is knowing the material you are presenting. If you are constantly referring back to your powerpoint or notes, your obviously not making eye contact which in turn creates a distance that is imperative to avoid. Another tactic is to rid of all objects that could count as a barrier. Standing behind a podium or folder or even crossing your arms will create the distance between you and your audience, and may ultimately end up with a performance that was not your best. Along with making eye contact, it is a good idea to appear animated. Using hand gestures or maybe even moving about the room will create interest which in turn leaves a great impression on the audience.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Internet Positive and Negative Impacts on Education

Internet Positive and Negative Impacts on Education Introduction The computer and the internet were the most significant inventions of the 21st century and these two inventions have changed the way human beings operate. Many aspects of modern life have been influenced by this two inventions and the education sector is one of the fields that have been significantly influenced by computers and the internet. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Internet Positive and Negative Impacts on Education specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The internet has had major impacts on education; some of them negative and others positive. This paper argues that education would not be better off without the internet. The paper will begin by articulating the positive impacts that the internet has had on education. It will then analyze some of the negative impacts so as to provide a balanced view on the topic and conclude by showing how the positive impacts outweigh the negative. Positive Impacts of the Internet Academic research is one of the important pillars of education. Tsai asserts that the internet has increased the ability of students to engage in research (222). Before the internet was available, researching students had to engage in time consuming activities while carrying out their research work. They had to physically visit libraries and finding the necessary information was not easy. With the internet, students are able to tap into a virtually unlimited pool of resources. Students are therefore able to produce good research work as a result of the internet. The internet has enhanced the engagement in collaborative work by students and teachers. Without the internet, collaborative work was limited to being among or between parties who lived close to each other (Tsai 234). For people who lived significant distances from each other, collaboration could be a slow and tedious affair since post mail had to be used or one had to travel in order to meet with th eir collaborating partner. The internet has made it possible for collaboration to occur instantaneously regardless of distance. Students and teachers can therefore consult with their peers and engage in productive discussions. By exchanging ideas, innovation and school performance can be achieved. Another significant benefit of the internet is that is has made it possible for online learning to take place. Traditionally, the only way for students to acquire education was by physically going to the school facilities. Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A lot of prospective students were locked out since they lacked the time to attend these institutes or they lived away from the education facilities (Tsai 233). The internet has made it possible for online-learning to take place and students can now engage in education at their convenience and from different geographical locations using virtual classrooms. This has not only benefited students but also educational institutes which can now serve more students since they are no longer restricted by a lack of physical resources to cater for the students. The internet has therefore made education available to more people and therefore helped the society move closer to its goal of providing educational opportunities to all. Negative Impacts of the Internet One of the major demerits that the internet has caused is that it has led to an increase in the rate of academic dishonesty. The major academic dishonesty that has increased due to the internet is the prevalence of plagiarism instances. Most students assume that information that is available online is free for use and therefore submit it as their own in research papers. Other students find copies of work in the internet submitted by other students and attempt to pass it off as their own. While it is true that the high availability of digital media h as increased the temptation of students to cheat, there are ways in which this can be mitigated. Park notes that digital detection of plagiarism has led to a decrease in the plagiarism instances since students are unlikely to engage in plagiarism if the likelihood of being caught is high (481). The internet has made online learning possible and incidents of cheating in this setting are high. Grijlava and Joe reveal that cheating is more abundant in web-based classes than in the traditional classroom setting (2). This is because in web-based settings, there is no physical supervision by the tutor and the temptation to cheat is therefore very high. Students therefore end up attaining grades that they do not deserve as a result of the internet and this damages the credibility of the education system. However, Grijlava and Joe contend that most of the instances of academic dishonesty that occur through the internet are due to the ignorance on the part of the students. The assumption th at all information available is free and can be used in any manner leads many students to unwittingly engage in dishonest behavior.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Internet Positive and Negative Impacts on Education specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion This paper has argued that the internet has enhanced education by providing significant advantages to the various parties engaged in the educational sector. The internet presents a number of impressive ways for enhancing the educational experience of the students. The paper has highlighted how the internet has increased the research ability of students, enhanced collaboration and made online learning possible. Even so, the paper has noted that the internet has some negative impacts on education, mostly because it makes cheating easy. However, measures can be undertaken to deal with this issue. Considering the positive impact of the internet on educat ion, its use should be encouraged so that the education sector can benefit even more from this invention. Grijlava, Therese and Joe Kerkvliet. â€Å"Academic honesty and online courses†. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 47.2 (2003): 1-16. Park, Chris. â€Å"In Other (People’s) Words: plagiarism by university students- literature and lessons†. Assessment Evaluation in Higher Education, 28.5 (2003): 471-488. Tsai, Chin. â€Å"Self-efficacy in Internet-based Learning Environments: A Literature Review†. Educational Technology Society, 14.4 (2011): 222–240.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Definition and Examples of Overwriting

Definition and Examples of Overwriting Overwriting is a wordy writing style characterized by excessive detail, needless repetition, overwrought figures of speech, and/or convoluted sentence structures. For writers striving for color, advises author and editor Sol Stein, try, fly, experiment, but if it shows strain, if it isnt accurate, cut it (Stein on Writing, 1995). Examples and Observations Overwriting is the failure to make choices. . . . Linguistic bric-a-brac is literatures Elvis on velvet.(Paula LaRocque, Championship Writing: 50 Ways to Improve Your Writing. Marion Street, 2000)[Andrew] Davidsons approach is scattergun: for every lovely image (the unholy yoga of his crash), there is a horrible, almost parodic piece of overwriting (a cheese strand dangled from her mouth to the edge of her nipple, and I wanted to rappel it like a mozzarella commando).(James Smart, The Gargoyle. The Guardian, September 27, 2008)Even Great Writers Can OverwriteNote that some critics deeply admire the following passages by John Updike and Joan Didion. With uncommon perception, says Thomas L. Martin, Updike offers the beauty of these several figures which, lined up, converge in a significatory pattern as do these dropsin a single figurative mosaic (Poiesis and Possible Worlds, 2004). Likewise, the excerpt from On Self-Respect, one of Didions best-known essays, is frequently quoted approv ingly. Other readers, however, argue that Updikes images and Didions figurative comparisons are self-conscious and distractingin a word, overwritten. Decide for yourselves.- It was a window enchanted by the rarity with which I looked from it. Its panes were strewn with drops that as if by amoebic decision would abruptly merge and break and jerkily run downward, and the window screen, like a sampler half-stitched, or a crossword puzzle invisibly solved, was inlaid erratically with minute, translucent tesserae of rain.(John Updike, Of the Farm, 1965)- Although to be driven back upon oneself is an uneasy affair at best, rather like trying to cross a border with borrowed credentials, it seems to me now the one condition necessary to the beginnings of real self-respect. Most of our platitudes notwithstanding, self-deception remains the most difficult deception. The tricks that work on others count for nothing in that very well-lit back alley where one keeps assignations with oneself: no winning smiles will do here, no prettily drawn lists of good intentions. One shuffles flashily but in vain through ones marked cardsthe kindness done for the wrong reason, the apparent triumph which involved no real effort, the seemingly heroic act into which one had been shamed.(Joan Didion, On Self-Respect. Slouching Towards Bethlehem, 1968) Weltys WordinessSometimes writers get so excited about specificity and description that they begin to confuse them with mere wordiness. This is called overwriting and is a common early malady in apprentice writers. . . .Heres one of Eudora Weltys early first sentences: Monsieur Boule inserted a delicate dagger in Mademoiselles left side and departed with a poised immediacy.The solution to overcoming overwriting . . . is simply to exercise restraint and to remember the notion of immediacy. Weltys sentence, short of its too-fancy verbs and its excess of adjectives, might simply have read, Monsieur Boule stabbed Mademoiselle with a dagger and left the room in a hurry.(Julie Checkoway, Creating Fiction: Instruction and Insights From Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs. Writers Digest Books, 2001)Daniel Harris on OverwritingEven as my prose congealed into epic similes that grew more and more outlandish, I displayed absolute intolerance for the overwriting of others whose prose all owed me to study my own shortcomings at several removes, from a vantage point far above the vendetta I was waging as the self-appointed hatchet man of minority fiction. Often I was so blind to my tendency to write purple prose that I overwrote in the very act of criticizing overwriting, as . . . when I praised Patricia Highsmith, who, unlike other American writers, was so committed to telling her story that she never had any time to single out something for its own sake, to pluck it up from its context, and pet it from head to toe with long, voluptuous strokes of adjectives and metaphors. Far from being smug about my skills as a writer, I was bitterly frustrated, divided between my need to entertain my audience and my abhorrence of the prose that resulted from my acrobatic efforts to maintain my readers interest.(Daniel Harris, A Memoir Of No One In Particular. Basic Books, 2002) Do Not OverwriteRich, ornate prose is hard to digest, generally unwholesome, and sometimes nauseating. If the sickly sweet word, the overblown phrase are a writers natural form of expression, as is sometimes the case, he will have to compensate for it by a show of vigor, and by writing something as meritorious as the Song of Songs, which is Solomons.(William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White, The Elements of Style, 3rd ed. Macmillan, 1979)

Sunday, November 3, 2019

History of the afterlife Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

History of the afterlife - Essay Example While in the afterlife, people will have physical presence like they have in this world, life there would be very different from what it is in this world. A vast majority of Christians also believe in the existence of hell and believe that it is a place meant for punishment. Fire has been included in the description of hell in several passages of New Testament. Many Christians believe in the intense sensation of burning caused by the fire in hell in its literal sense whereas there are others who think of fire as a symbol to reflect the pain and agony that will be caused to the people in hell in the afterlife. Many Christians also believe that people will be made to experience the punishment temporarily, after which they would be destroyed just like the flames destroy an object. Lutheran Churches also teach that Christ will appear at the world’s consummation for judgment, when he will raise all dead up; â€Å"He will give to the godly and elect eternal life and everlasting joy s, but ungodly men and the devils He will condemn to be tormented without end† (â€Å"Christian Beliefs

Thursday, October 31, 2019

ANALYSIS Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ANALYSIS - Research Paper Example 73). This poses a threat to the aircraft industry in that trains are going at speeds better than airplanes yet they are cheaper in terms of fare paid (Grimm, Lee & Smith, 2006, p. 98). In addition, it has been noted that trains and automobiles are more convenient as opposed to the airplanes (Grimm, Lee & Smith, 2006, p. 98). This is because the automobiles offer better services in terms of door to door deliveries. The aircraft industry faces this threat since delivery of both goods and people is restricted to the airports (Grimm, Lee & Smith, 2006, p. 101). Travelers however are opting to use more convenient and cheaper means. As such, aircrafts like Bombardier Aerospace face the most significant substitutes as being commercial airlines (Grimm, Lee & Smith, 2006, p. 55). This lies in the cost incurred since the cost of boarding a flight on an air taxi is approximated to be the same as the cost of a coach airline ticket (Grimm, Lee & Smith, 2006, p. 55). Based on this, it is noted that 8.12% of the first class commuters have shifted to private jets (Grimm, Lee & Smith, 2006, p. 87). This can be blamed partly on the post-9/11 disturbances of airline voyage, ineffective airfields and profitable airlines as well as contemporary emphasis on time and effectiveness (Grimm, Lee & Smith, 2006, p. 99). People actually values time and the efficiency in which the airlines are operating. Strengths of the Southwest Airline Company are inclined on the corporation’s growth as well as the internal environment (Lauer, 2010, p. 29). The company has a superior clientele service culture, operational strategy within the firm as well as the capacity to provide the lowest costs in terms of fare (Lauer, 2010, p. 29). These are some of the issues that have contributed to its fast development and survival within the 2009 recession in aircraft industry (Lauer, 2010, p. 31). The company’s operational strategy gives room for the airline to measure the recession with

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Corporate and Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Corporate and Business Law - Essay Example This essay demonstrates that the manager as a businessman owes a duty of care to all his customers. This entails that he is bound by law to provide goods that have the best interest of his customers at hand. However, in the case scenario, the manager of ABC Ltd sells faulty goods knowingly and does not refund his customers, meaning that he is defrauding his customers. It is indeed important that the manager is held legally responsible for failing to give refunds for faulty goods, and he is compelled to sell quality goods to his customers.Contract law and sale of Goods Act are interrelated and work to salvage the contract arrived at by entities in the performance of business activities. They protect the rights of customers and ensure that the sellers are legally bound by their commitment in the contract. In the case scenario discussed, undue influence, misrepresentation, buyer beware, remedies for breach of contract, and obligations of a seller have been evaluated. This paper makes a conclusion that the sale of goods act has also been expounded in a bid to illuminate the rights and obligations of entities selling and buying goods from each other. It is through this that a contract has to involve two parties; the parties have to come to an agreement and the rights and legal obligations of the parties. These serve as the basis of rulings made in courts as a result of filled litigation and hence understanding of the underlying principles is essential for any finance person or accountant.... A similar decision was arrived at by the court of Appeal in Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain v Boots Cash Chemists (Southern) Ltd5. The outcome of this case for the defendant was important. This is since it was agreed at that by merely picking the drugs from the shelf; this did not amount to a contract between the two parties. However, a contract was arrived at when the goods were presented at the counter for sale and proper supervision was carried out. The same case applies to Tim and ABC Ltd, the advertisement displayed cannot be treated as an offer to sell by merely picking it but is an invitation to treat and will only bind into a contract once it is presented at the cash point as was done and the mistake corrected in due time. See also Fisher v Bell6. There are some exceptions to the rule of an invitation to treat where an advertisement is treated as an offer to sell. In Chapleton v Barry Urban District Council7 it was held that an attachment of price to a display of deck chairs was an offer to sell and not an invitation to treat. Subsequently, it was ruled that in a self service station, a contract is arrived at when the customer pumps the pump to fill the tank and not at the pay point. Though a weak form of defense, Tim may rely on the prospect that by ABC Ltd attaching a price to the computer, it served as an invitation to sell and not an offer to treat and hence ABC Ltd was liable for the misprice8. A2. Whether the manager’s statement of additional RAM was part of the contract The manager’s statement of additional RAM though not being right forms part of the contract. This is legally on the basis of actual undue influence as ascribed in Bank of Scotland plc v Etridge (No.2)9 where undue influence pertains to

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Threat Of New Entrant Marketing Essay

The Threat Of New Entrant Marketing Essay Introduction Poh Kong Sdn. Bhd. was founded in 1976, by 3 Choon Brothers and their two brother-in-laws, which built in half of a normal retail store in Petaling Jaya. The company started to expand their business around the city in Petaling Jaya. On 1999, the company has reached 50 retail outlets around the Penisular Malaysia. Most of it located in Klang Valley, 3 branches in Johor Bahru, and one branch in each of these city: Melaka, Kuantan, Muar, Batu Pahat, Ipoh, and Sungai Petani. Poh Kong was listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 9th March, 2004, with 60 outlets and approximate 600 employees around the world. Then, the company started to expand the franchise division, and the first franchise outlet is in Complex Karamunsing in Sabah, to be part of the retail expansion in East Malaysia. As to date, the company has reach market capitalization of RM197millions and has more than 1200 of employees, with the total of 101 retail store and still expanding. The mission and vision of Poh Kong Group is to manufacturing and retailing the jewelries, while differentiates their products offered by achieving the four core business principles of value, quality, choice, and trustworthiness. Besides, they also try their best to serve their customers from the walks of life for many of their important moments. From setting the benchmark in retailing of jewelries in Malaysia, Poh Kong Holdings Berhad is known as a company with corporate successes in phenomenal growth over the years. The company also has several in-house brands such as Tranz, Happy Love, Anggun, The Art of Auspicious, and Bunga Raya Gold Bar. While, Poh Kong is also the licensee for Disney Collection, sole distributor for Schoeffel luxury pearls from Germany, Luca Carati and Verdi Gioielli from Italy, Angel Diamonds from Belgium, Cocoro from Japan, which that the company has variety of unique jewelries from around the world. Besides, the company also differentiate themselves by separate the retail concept store. Other than Poh Kong and Diamond Gold outlets, retail concept stores such as Diamond Boutique, Jade Gallery, Tranz Boutique and Oro Bianco are available. Besides, they also providing Gold Bar Buy-Back service to customer, its purpose is to letting the customer to trade back their Bunga Raya Gold Bar for jewelry or trade it for cash. While, they also helping customers to customize the design of the jewelries and also making of corporate awards and gifts, such as Gold emblem, gold plaque an d etc. The group mentioned that they will actively look for more business opportunities to expand, while grow its market share in the same time. Poh Kong is the market leader and will continue to stay on its market position as the largest jewelries retail store in Malaysia. Demand for gold is expected to be recovering over the long term due to its intrinsic values by Asian cultures of giving gold jewelries as customary gifts. Poh Kong also expects the retail sales will be boost due to the coming festive spending seasons and the purchase of gold jewelries and gold bars by customers as a hedge to against the global currency risks and inflation. On top of that, the group will utilize the loan proceeds raised from the ICP/IMTN Programme to grow its business by to finance group wide restructuring programme and the capital expenditure of the Poh Kong Group. Poh Kong will continue to drive and raise its market share by enhancing and differentiating its product to its targeted market segments. In addition, they are trying to attract new customers via introduction of new products and designs, while providing as good customer service as they can. Poh Kong provided different choices of retail concepts to meet the various needs and required of customers. They are also fully commits on the design of jewelries, its craftsmanship, and quality of their products with setting reasonable competitive pricing on them. Other than that, their retail sales teams are supported with advertising, promotions, events marketing and public relations. Strong retail network have been made to reach the mass market, while the image differentiation of its product brands and retail concept stores is performed to meet the needs of different customers. Recently, Poh Kong comes out with floral designs on the recent Hari Raya celebration and some new design and series such as the Anggun series and Melur collections. The well-crafted designs are combined with elements of tradition. Manja collection is designed for children to target new market others than targeting women only. They also teams up with the Italian jeweler, Moraglione 1922, which is one of the worlds finest brands being inspired by the Europes royal families. Customers who love fine jewelries can now have the opportunity to  obtain one of  the Europes finest  brands of gems. The collections available including Anastasia, Isabella, Grace and Sofia,  which comprise of diamonds and colourful precious stones. The executive chairman and group managing director said, Malaysians can now enjoy to wearing one of the best jewelries in the world. With the Moraglione 1922 collections, Poh Kongs customers can expect the best in terms of glamour and elegance. Poh Kong is now considering on the expansion outside of the Malaysia. The group is eyes on Asean marts by plans to open the overseas outlets in Asean before 2015. Research had been done and stated that Asean region especially Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are among the worlds key success gold markets, and they are taking opportunities of the setting up of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. Moreover, the gold jewelry consumption are now mostly at China and India, and the company is also considering to expand on it in the future. Sales revenue is expected to rise by growth of 25% compare to this year. 2. Prospective and Strategies Products and services Poh Kong is selling different products in their outlets such as diamond and gem, Jade, Gold, and also Gold bar (Bungaraya gold bar). They also sell international products which consist of Schoeffel, Luca Carati, Angel Diamond, Cocoro, Disney and etc. Besides, wedding and Festive collection also available in the Poh Kong outlets, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya collection could be found on their outlets. Besides, they also providing Gold Bar Buy-Back service to customer, for customer to trade in Bunga Raya Gold Bar for jewelly or trade it for cash. Poh Kong Corporate Sales is also helping customers to customize in the design of jewelries andmaking of corporate awards and gifts, such as Gold emblem, gold plaque and etc. Missions and Visions Poh Kong Group, an integrated one-stop jeweller, from manufacturer to retailer of gold, jewelleries and precious stones, differentiates its products offering by meeting the four core business principles of quality, value, trustworthiness and choice. Poh Kong has served customers from all walks of life for many of their important occasions. Theres always something for everyone, from exquisite pieces to simple designs, from irresistible collections to dazzling custom-made orders are available to suit our patrons taste and budget. Setting the benchmark in the manufacturing and retailing of gold and fine jewellery in Malaysia, Poh Kong Holdings Berhad, as a public-listed company has earned a place in the countrys annals of corporate successes with phenomenal growth over the years. Milestone 1976 Poh Kong was established on March 26th, 1976, with its first outlet at Jalan 52/4, Petaling Jaya, more known as PJ Newtown or PJ State. It has been the Poh Kong Headquarters until today. 1982 First branch in SS2, Petaling Jaya, of retail space 1,500 sqft and 20 employees, was opened. 1983-1992 Poh Kong opened another 13 branches. 1993 Poh Kong upgraded all outlets with fully computerised point-of-sales and inventory systems. 1995 Poh Kong was made the exclusive distributor of Disney characters in gold in Malaysia. 1996 Poh Kong designer team won a gold medal for the Golden Design Awards 1996 organized by the World Gold Council Europe in Italy. 2001 Poh Kong invested RM12Mil to establish a 60,000 sqft modern manufacturing facility in Shah Alam. Poh Kong launched its first in-house brand, Tranz in collaboration with World Gold Council. 2004 Poh Kong was listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on March 9th, 2004. Poh Kong opened its first Poh Kong Gallery-a stylish Italian Classic VIP lounge with 5,000 sqft, at the 1stfloor of its headquarters. Poh Kong reached 60th  outlet in Peninsular Malaysia. 2005 Poh Kong set up a franchise division. 2006 Poh Kong ventured into the diamond cutting and polishing, sales, import and export of precious stones in collaboration with Hong Kong companies. Poh Kong opened its first franchise outlet in Complex Karamunsing, Kota Kinabalu in September as part of its retail expansion into East Malaysia. 2007 Poh Kong was appointed as sole distributor for Schoeffel in Southeast Asia. Poh Kong Group participated in the International Trade Malaysia (INTRADE MALAYSIA 2007) exhibition organized by Matrade and supported by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. 2009 Poh Kong and Luca Carati, one of Italys oldest and most prestigious jewellers launched the brand in Malaysia. Poh Kong is commemorated as the sole distributor in Malaysia. 2010 Poh Kong showcased in house brand products, Tranz and Anggun in Malaysian Pavillion at Shanghai World Expo 2010. 2011 Poh Kong reached 100th  outlet in Peninsula Malaysia. PEST Analysis Political As usual, government policies play an important role on the development of 1 industry. It can affect how well the industry can perform and influence the decision on consumer as well as the sellers. Based on the Malaysia Budget 2011, in order to promote Malaysia as a shopping haven in Asia, the import duty of approximately 300 goods is abolished and imitation jewellery is one of the listed goods. As effective from 1st January 2011, this imported as well as exported jewelry items will enjoy the tax free policy. The execution of this new tax policy has successfully transformed Malaysia to be a duty-free shopping paradise locally and internationally. The reduction on tax burden has encourages tourists and local buyers to spend more with lowest price and it is expected will bringing economic growth in the jewellery industry would expected to growth in both importing and exporting sector. In this gold and jewellery industry, there is an association which will govern the rule and regulation of the industry, which namely Federation of Goldsmith and Jewellers Association of Malaysia. This association was established in 25 April 1978 by 12 different goldsmith associations and today there is more than 1500 goldsmiths and jewellers are in the member list. As at year 2011, the group managing director of TOMEI Group, Mr. Ng YihPyng is the president of this association and the deputy president is served by Mr. Siow Der Ming, the executive director of Poh Kong Holding Bhd. The aim of establishing this association is to protect the interest of the member. They also dealt with lobbying with the government as well as standardize the retail charges of gold and other jewelry ornaments to prevent them from being distorted by competition among the goldsmiths and jewellers. In order to protect the member, the association will try to bargaining with the government on the taxation. E.g. In 1982 the Association bargained over the government for a free and open policy whereby gold bar imports would be exempted from tax, and eventually this had been executed in 1983. This execution had enhanced the performance of goldsmiths and jewellery industry. As mentioned, this association will standardize the retail charges of gold and other jewelry ornaments. However, starting from around October 2012, the standardization of the price no longer apply, which mean all the goldsmiths and jewellers can charges whatever the price of their product they want to. The abolishment of standardize gold price could cause the jewellers who achieved the economics of scale can charge for lower price of their jewellery compared to whose had cost competitive disadvantage. This brings up the more competitive in the jewellery industry and for sure, the larger size company with lower production will win the battle and the small scale goldsmiths and jewellery business will have to move out from the industry. Physical gold bullion is no longer a restricted item since 1987, which means general public can trade in gold like other merchandise. One can now buy and sell gold bullion at goldsmith shops which traditionally sells over-the-counter (OTC) gold jewellery and also at many gold trading companies which apply different trading model to attract business. This has been increased the confident of those investors which buy for the purpose for investment because the existing of physical gold is far better than a just a piece of paper prove that how much gold you have owned. This abolishment had further increased the growth of the industry. In recent the announcement of Malaysia Budget 2013 will also enhanced the lifestyle of the citizen especially of the medium range income receiver. One of the policies listed in Budget 2013 is that the tax rate will be has a reduction of 1 per cent for those chargeable income which currently fall into the category below tax rate of 19 per cent. This will increase the disposal income of those middle income ranges of household, which is 60% of Malaysia household and hence probably will increase the consumption of jewellery industry. Economic Jewellery industry in Malaysia from a very humble beginning of family-owned business transformed into one of the major exporters of jewellery in the Asian region. According to the industry write-up released on Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Malaysian jewellery industry consists of 2 segments: Precious metals and gemstone jewellery Costume or imitation jewellery Jewellery sector was ranked the 13th largest contributor and accounted for 1.5% share of total exports of manufactured goods. Based on the trade performance from MATRADE (Appendix), the exports of jewellery in year 2011 grew by 1.7% compared to year 2010.   Malaysias exports of jewellery comprised three major product categories namely jewellery of gold, silver and platinum, which is the main export sector with 81.5% of total jewellery export and followed by is the articles of precious metals, which recorded 18.3 % share of exports and lastly is the imitation jewellery which has a share of 0.2%. According to the news reported in The Star on 13 July 2012, the growth rate of jewellery industry in Malaysia is expected to have a growth rate of more than 6% a year. In current economic condition, the increase of price of fuel, electricity and transportation and other costs has left companies no choice but to increase the price of their goods. According to the consumers of the industry, the prices for gold and jewellery have been increasing rapidly over the years. This has caused a drop in the demand for jewellery. If costs of gold and other precious metals such as silver and platinum continue to escalate, demand for jewellery would decrease and thus affect jewelers and the industry. Malaysia jewellery industry will continue to face keen competition from low-cost producers such as India, Thailand, Indonesia and China. However, the industry has the potential to successfully compete against the luxury goods industry and preserve its traditional domination of the consumers spending. Social In todays jewellery market, consumers preference seem has been changed. The traditional yellow gold jewellery can no longer attract younger customers which prefer their jewellery set in white gold and platinum. Most of the jewelers have changed their strategy to meet the demand of younger customers. One example can be found is the DeGemBerhad. In order to meet the preference of younger customer, one of the listed player in goldsmith and jewellery industry, DeGemBerhad, had purposely launched its division Diamond Platinum, which is more focuses on more trendy and fashionable designs to capture the demands of younger customers who preferred their jewellery set in white gold as well as platinum. Even though there are changes in customers preference in term of design and material the cultural may also affect the consumption level of jewellery industry. In this multi-racial country, the effect from different races can be greater than single race countries. In Malaysia, each race has its own new year, own festive, therefore the gold and jewellery industry performance can be further boosted by these festive. For example part of Chinese traditional culture, gold and precious stone jewellery will be the popular gift to their friend when they are get married or give birth. Furthermore, the Valentines Day, Christmas, and Mothers Day, and etc are also the main boost of the sales in the jewellery sales. Not only have those stated, most of the designs of jewellery in this industry are based on the different season. Different season the jewellers and goldsmiths will comes out with unique designs which use the seasonal theme as the basis. Therefore the innovation and creativity of the craftsmanship are crucial in this area in order to differentiate the product from the competitors and attracting the buyers. For Poh Kong, it used the spider and leaf as the theme for their autumn series design. Crimes affect the consumption of gold jewelry among the consumer. They afraid of being rob therefore they tend to not wearing the jewelry when going out. So the demand of gold will be affected as the crime of robbery increase simultaneously. Technology With today advanced technology, Internet had been effectively using and hence the increased the distribution channel for not only jewellery but also other product. Website has been a tool for the jewellers to list their precious jewellery and giving the information to the potential customers. Also with this technology, the imitation jewellery increased its position by offering the online buying the jewellery and shipping worldwide. The advanced technology in today jewellery industry had made the need of craftsmanship decreased. Before this, the responsibility of the craftsmanship are design the jewellery, supervise the jewellery making process (e.g. make sure the cutting is accurate.). Since the advancement of technology, the development of Rapid Prototyping and Tooling Technology in jewellery CAD (computer aided design) has made the jewellery process more precisely and less craftsmanship is needed. This new technology had simplifies the designing process, ease the adjusting processes if the design is not well designed hence it shorten the time of making a jewellery and increase the productivity. Not only that, the error rate of this technology has greatly reduced to only 0.0012 chances of error occurred. This technology is kept in improving and enhancing. Threat of New Entrant This industry needs very huge amount of capitals in order to operate the business, such as acquisition of shop lot, plant and machineries to manufacture jewelleries, high securities costs and so on. In consider that the inventory itself (gold material) is very expensive to afford compare to other industries (gold price as at 12 November 2012 2.34pm New York Time is USD1,234.87 per ounce, exclude the labour charges and other transaction costs). And of course, this industry will incurred a low exit cost, the disposal price of the inventory (gold jewelries) will be deducted 20% till 25% of the purchase cost and that is risky considered the fluctuation of the gold price. Whereas in terms of the government policys barrier, this industry is controlled by Bank Negara Malaysia, that not everyone can simply operate a goldsmith and jewellery business as there is a needed to get approval from the Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Association of Malaysia, this create the barriers of entry a mong the jewellery industries in terms of capital investment, the rules and regulations and low exit costs. The threats of new entrance for jewellery industries is low because the high barriers of entry. Here, Poh Kong has managed to lower down the average cost by selling more product compare to the small-sized company, in order to utilize the fixed cost. Also, it is very unlikely for those small-sized companies to achieve these economies scale, considered that we need high cost of plant and machinery, and of course a high rental cost to expand the business in order to compete with Poh Kong. Threat of Substitute The more substitutes are available, the more elastic is the demand because customers have more alternative choices. When customers have more alternative choice to choose, the threat will become greater for a company. Jewellery actually is an item that is desired but unnecessary. Therefore only people with surplus income will buy precious metals jewellery. For those people who unwilling to afford a precious metals jewellery, they can choose to spend their money in buying imitation jewellery such as poly-plastic jewellery or non-precious metals jewellery such as stainless-steel jewellery and tungsten jewellery. And yes, there are many jewellers which are dealing with this kind of jewellery and target those low income consumers. All these jewellery will have very low relative price compare to precious metals jewellery such as gold and platinum jewellery. Not only the price, but consumers also can easily buy this type of jewellery through different channel, either from physical shop or b uy it online. Since this imitation jewelleries are cheap and customers usually will not examine them as they already know it is imitation. Therefore, the sellers can operate an online shopping which easier to reach to potential customers and provide free shipping service to attract those customers which unable to afford the precious metals jewellery. The implementation of online shopping by those jewellers has increase the availability of the substitution for precious metals jewellery. Other than that, jewellery market not only offers those precious and non-precious metals jewellery, there are also jewellery made of precious stone and gem which embed into the precious metal or ornament. For those people who do not like gold or any other precious metals but want something special or for collection, they also can opt for amber or crystal jewellery. Amber and crystal jewellery actually not cheap at all, some of the rare amber and crystal jewellery can cost more than a 4 carats diamond. If a person able to afford such expensive precious metal jewellery, it will be not a problem for that person to afford an amber or crystal jewellery. At the end of the point, its just depending on what is preferred by the consumers. The more choices of jewellery available in the market, the more option can the consumer choose from and the higher the threat. Currently the non-precious metals jewellery can be very easy to obtain from many goldsmiths and jewellers. Not all people will love jewellery. As mentioned above, jewellery is an item which desired but unnecessary, so it is considered as a luxury goods. Most of the people will first spending their money on daily necessities then only considers buying jewellery if there is a surplus. Those people who spend their money on luxury goods is try to enjoy better lifestyle. In todays world, those people who wearing or using a luxury product will giving a signal that the person is a rich man, should be more respect to them. So luxury goods in this world is not limited to jewellery only, there could have many other products, such as branded watches, designer clothes, branded hand bag and etc. These products can totally substitute the needs of jewellery for those people who wanting a better lifestyle. Furthermore, these products can also be very easy available, which has high distributional channels that easily distribute to potential customers, therefore the threat of substitute from these products is high. As the result from those many substitutions from the above, Poh Kong is facing a high threat of substitute. The direct substitution, amber and crystal, which will serve the same purpose as the precious metals jewellery, are the highest threat of substitute. It is because Poh Kongs does not sell these kinds of jewellery in its products range even though it is operating jewellery business. Threat of Buyers As an overall, the threat of buyers faced by Poh Kong will be considered as moderate to high. When supply more than demand, the threat of buyer will become higher. Poh Kong has no major customer and relies on this type of customer, which will rapidly purchase substantial amount of jewellery from Poh Kong for every purchase. This indicated that Poh Kong does not face any threat of major customer of discontinue get its sources from Poh Kong. Moreover, the switching cost of buyer is low as after they purchased the jewellery from Poh Kong, there is no restriction of law which disallowed the customers from resells their jewellery to other jewellers.(True?) In jewellery industry, products are differentiated mainly based on the design. When Poh Kong offered less variety of design can be chosen then its competitors, the higher the threat from the buyers as they can choose the preferred design from Poh Kongs competitors. This more alternative available to the customers has increase the threat of buyer for Poh Kong. Even though the jewelleries are served for the same purpose, however the designs of jewellery determine the preference of the customer. Therefore the uniqueness of the design is crucial to capture the customer demand. Human being is a weird creature, when there is a limited range of product can be choose from, they will only choose the best fit their preference from the limited range. Furthermore, Poh Kong actively comes out with different design based on different season, different festive as well as jointly design with foreign reputable company (who). Therefore no any crucial threat will face by Poh Kong in term of differentiation. In addition, most of the jewellers operate its outlets near to their competitors. Therefore, buyer can easily get the price and compare the price between them. If Poh Kongs jewellery prices higher than its competitors, buyer will try to negotiate with them. If they fail in negotiation, they can simply switch to Poh Kongs competitors. In this point of view, the bargaining power of buyer can be consider as high. Bargaining power of suppliers The raw material of jewellery of Poh Kong is mainly supply from gold bullion bank such as UOB Gold Bullion Bank, Al Rajhi Bank or Maybank. The price is set according to the market gold price and hence the supplier did not have any negotiate power for the gold price. The banks may earn the profit by charging the transaction costs and service charges against each transaction deal, therefore, the jewellery industries may negotiate with bank or choose the bank who offer the lowest charges. Therefore, the banks will very concern about these jewellery industries since they order in bulk quantity and they will try to retain the customer royalty and gain the market share. Another source of raw material also comes from the Pawnshop or Pawn Broker which the customer of pawnshop who fails to redeem their gold product such as jewellery, gold coin. This threat of supplier in this group also low because there have a lot of variety of pawnshop in Malaysia and they try to offer the lowest price to sell the failure redemption product. The minor supplies of gold are from individual through trade in or buy back schemes. The gold price is fixed and the price of trade-in is lower than outside by offering the spread. Therefore, the individual may negotiate with Poh Kong to reduce the spread and labour charges but the price cannot run away as the price set in market. Besides that, the gold bullion or gold is a homogeneous products and hence the only way to differentiation the gold bullion bank and pawn shop of industries can do is by good servicing and lower charges. Therefore, the threat of supplies basically is low because jewellery manufacturer may have variety of choices of firms which offer the best price and best services to them. In summary, the bargaining power of suppliers are low since gold is a homogenous product and the price is set in commodity market and also by BNM. Rivalry among the Competitors More than 1500 of goldsmiths and jewellers customer can choose from. The threat of new entrance is low, the bargaining power of buyers and substitutes are high while the bargaining power of suppliers are low There are only 3 listed companies in jewelry industry including Poh Kong, Tomei and DeGem. Poh Kong is not the only player in the jewelry market. Buyer can choose from many other goldsmith jewelrer. For eg: Tomei, DeGem, Habib, Wah Chan. Therefore buyer can choose from different jewelers can hence bargaining power of the buyer will be high because many alternatives can be chosen by the buyers. High industry growth rate The jewellery industry currently is expected growing by 6% per year hence, Poh Kong is able to continue expanding the jewellery market and generate the profit from there. Therefore, although there have an excited competition among the competitors such as Tomei, DeGem and etc, Poh Kong still can gain the profit from therecause the market is expanding. High fixed or storage costs There have a high fixed cost incurred in manufacturing process such as craftsmanship, rental, depreciation of plant and machinery, and there have need to incurred the high security costs to store the jewellery such as a special storage room, CCTV and security guards. This will encourage the rivalry among the competitors because the jewellery manufacturer and dealer will get the market share as much as possible to cover up those fixed costs. Low differentiation or switching cost There have low switching cost among the buyers because the buyers can change their suppliers anytime without incurred any compensation or legal fees (actually their switching costs is just learning costs, research costs). Therefore, these will cause the increases of bargaining power of buyers and threats of substitute. Degem, Tomei, Chow Tai Fook and other jewellery firm will try to lock-in the buyers through their innovation and marketing strategics hence increase the competitions among existing firm. High exit barriers There have low exit barriers for the jewellery industries, its actually just need to expose the risk of fluctuation of gold price when they dispose off their remaining stocks, hence these factor will weaken the rivalry among the competitions because the firms will not need to put the hard afford to stay in the market due to the high exit barriers. BCGs Matrix Attractiveness of portfolio Based on the information gather for each portfolio for Poh Kong, and the BCGs Matrix as at Appendix, trading division is star while manufacturing is question mark division for Poh Kong. For trading division, Poh Kong is a market leader among other competitor because it generates the highest external revenue among other competitors, which higher than the benchmark company is Tomei Consolidated Berhad, the 2nd