New Research Small Businesses Strife At Show Facebook...

New Research: Small Businesses Strife to Show Facebook ROI Are you also using the social media giant â€Å"Facebook† for getting customers and potential leads for your small business? Or Are you facing problem in measuring the return on investment of your social media marketing efforts? Instead of lack of strong proof of sales, small businesses are certainly devoting their valued time and hard-earned dollars to Facebook marketing. In this post, you will come across certain finding which was found in the recent studies and surveys which were completely focused on Facebook marketing. #1: Many Start-Ups and Small Businesses Can t See a Good ROI From Their Social Media Marketing Efforts During April 2015, a survey was done on around 540 small business owners to know about their insights on the social media marketing (ROI). Approx. 59% of them stated that they haven t seen ROI from their social media efforts. And the remaining 41% agreed that they have seen returns on their social media activities, however, 17 percent of them had received less than $100, and 57 percent had gained lesser than $1,000 for their budget and efforts. Around 1/3rd of that 41 percent said that out-earning their social media marketing expend by more than $2,000. In the other survey of 3,720 marketers, only 45% of them reported that their Facebook marketing is effective in reaping ROI. The survey also revealed that only 33 percent of the self-employed stated that their Facebook marketing efforts areShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesOrganizational Behavior This page intentionally left blank Organizational Behavior EDITION 15 Stephen P. Robbins —San Diego State University Timothy A. Judge —University of Notre Dame i3iEi35Bj! Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City Sao Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo Editorial Director: Sally Yagan Director of Editorial Services:Read MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 PagesAffirmative Action Plans 59 Demonstrating Comprehension: Questions for Review 80 Key Terms 80 81 HRM Workshop Linking Concepts to Practice: Discussion Questions 81 Developing Diagnostic and Analytical Skills 81 Case Application 3-A: Diversity Is the New Color This Year 81 Case Application 3-B: When Oversight Fails 81 Working with a Team: What’s Your Perception? 82 Learning an HRM Skill: Investigating a Harassment Complaint 82 Enhancing Your Communication Skills 83 DID YOU KNOW?: Suggestions for

Present Value Free Essays

Selling price The selling price would equal to the sum of the potential profits realizable by the purchased asset. In order to present a proper amount with respect to the time value and including the market risk and risk premium, the profits have to be discounted to the present value using the appropriate discount rate. The sum of the discounted cash flows for the next two years of the asset’s useful life is $299,021. We will write a custom essay sample on Present Value or any similar topic only for you Order Now 75. The same number represents a fair price for purchasing the asset, as it includes potential benefits realizable by the investment, as well as accounts for the possible risks on the basis of the fixed discount rate. Price adjustment under higher rates and inflation The higher inflation rate would require the appropriate price markup. Market interest rates as well as the risk rates are higher under the growing inflation. Therefore, the price of the asset will be increased, by marking the adjusting the dollar value using the appropriate inflation rate. Location If the asset would be located in the area with unstable governmental and economic situation, it would cost less. The unexpected and sharp market prices fluctuations could alter the projected profit margins. The implementation of long-term contracts would be under a threat. However, with only two years of potential profits, the latter argument does not represent the most critical issue in determining the price level. The risks associated with the potential benefits are significantly higher than in the case of operating in a stable economy. Consequently, the asset would lose some of its value, and its selling price would be lower. Bonds The goal of the firm is to maximize present shareholder value. This goal implies that projects should be undertaken that result in the positive net present value, that is the present value of the expected cash inflow less the present value of the required capital expenditures. Using net present value as a measure, capital budgeting involves selecting those projects that increase the value of the firm because they have a positive NPV. The timing and growth rate of the incoming cash flow is important only to the extent of its impact on NPV. The increase in the net present value means the decrease in the discount rate. This data can be observed in the financial plan section, using cash flows, where the present value of a cash flow stream is equal to the sum of the present values of the individual cash flows. Moreover, in determination of the net present value cost of capital percentage can be used. The cost of capital for any investment is the rate of return capital providers would expect to receive if they would invest their capital elsewhere (opportunity cost).  The annual financial reports for the two companies suggest at a first glance that Cisco systems would be a more sound investment, as it represents a more favourable income statement balance. General Motors Company shows very low profits for the last periods, however its profit margins are steadily growing. A significant loss, which negatively affects the current credit rating of the company, is realized in prior periods due to discontinuing operations and losses on requisitions. However, the company’s liquidity shows a close to industry’s median value. General Motors shows a more confident overall stability of business operation, while Cisco system greatly depends on innovation and research and development, which is associated with greater costs and bigger risk involved. However, the business indicates less dependency on fixed costs, which allows to attain not only technological or innovative advantage on the market, but also to win better trading bargains offering more favourable prices to customers. The business operations of Cisco largely depend on the appropriate timing and immediate reaction.Cisco should have a higher discount rate than General Motors, because it requires a more profound analysis for determining the potential performance of the company. The higher risks associated with the investment should be accordingly accounted for including the calculation of the market rate and the risk premium. General Motors offers lower returns but higher stability, which means less risk. Making a long term investment in bonds with the same pay rate would be more sound and reasonable for General Motors Company, as it provides a less risky opportunity of return. However, its benefits are limited compared to the potential suggested by the Cisco systems co mpany. How to cite Present Value, Essay examples

Case Study Taxation - Theory - Practice & Law Australia †Free Solution

Question: Describe about the taxation, theory, practice law. Answer: Case Study 1 Issue Based on the Kits case information, the central issue is to ascertain if for the given assessment year, Kit is indeed a tax resident of Australia. A secondary concern is to opine on the tax implications of the income that Kit earns from various sources. Rule Determination of tax residency is pivotal since the taxation treatment extended to Australian tax resident and foreign tax resident is significantly different in terms of sources of income taxable and also the extent of deductions that may be available. The statute of importance for ascertaining tax residency is Section 6(1) ITAA, 1936 while the tax ruling TR 98/17 highlights the various tests that may be applied based on the given circumstance so as to opine on the tax residency of any given taxpayer (Sadiq et. al., 2015). The brief description of the applicable tests for tax residency determination is done below (ATO, 1998). 1.Domicile Test In order to satisfy this test, it is imperative that the taxpayer under consideration must adhere to two conditions at the time of assessment (Gilders et. al., 2015). The possession of Australian domicile by the taxpayer when the actual assessment of performed. This must be in congruence with the prescribed statute in this regard which is Domicile Act, 1982. Australian located permanent abode of the given taxpayer at the time of assessment. In case of permanent abode located elsewhere, then the test will not be complied with. It is vital that both the listed conditions must be adhered to by any given taxpayer for the Australian tax residency assess. The check for ascertaining domicile is easy to perform but this cannot be said for indicating the location of permanent abode where usually a host of factors are to be considered as has been highlighted in the ruling of IT 2650 (ATO, 1991). 2. Residency Test Reside as a word does not find any mention or explanation in any particular statute especially where it is expected. Thus, the not much information of the residency test is found in the statute book and considerable reliance is displayed on the verdicts of the useful court cases along with different tax rulings. These tend to earmark the pivotal factors that are considered useful to conduct tax residency through this test. The factors of significance that have been identified are as below (Deutsch et, al., 2015). The relative intensity of personal ties including social relationships that a taxpayer exhibits in Australia and also the country of origin. The relative intensity of professional ties including social relationships that a taxpayer exhibits in Australia and also the country of origin. Citizenship that the taxpayer possesses. 3. Superannuation Test This test tend to opine on the tax residency of a taxpayer by assessing if the concerned person make regular contribution to either the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme or Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme. But, the test has limited usage since it can only serve the determination of tax residency of those officers that are currently on foreign soil and have been placed there by the government as their representative (Sadiq et. al, 2015). 4. 183-day test The passing of the given test requires the taxpayer two conditions that may have to be satisfied by any given taxpayer. These are elaborated as shown below (Gilders et.al., 2015). Minimum period of 183 days need to be spent on Australian soil in the current assessment period. Taxpayers intent with regards to settling down in Australia in the near future. For the attainment of residency as per this test, it is required that the given taxpayer must satisfy each of the aforesaid condition. Application The above tests can be applied to the situation described in the case as follows. Domicile test This test has relevance as Kit is a PR of Australia but for employment purposes tends to stay out of the country. As per the information provided, it may be concluded that both conditions are satisfied. By virtue of being the Australian permanent resident, Kit would also have the domicile of Australia. Kits Australia house serves as the permanent residence since after his moving out the family continues their stay. Also, there is no plan on part of Kit or his wife to move to either Indonesia or Chile on a temporary or permanent basis. Besides, there are frequent visits from Kits side to Australia backed by the vacation schedule at the job. Residency test Even though Kit has an Australian PR but the country of origin is Chile and Kit still has the citizenship of Chile. However, in comparison to Chile or Indonesia, Kits personal and professional engagements are more intense with Australia. On the personal front, Kits family stays in Australia and besides professionally also his salary is credited in Australian bank with the employment contract also been executed on Australian soil. Considering the various factors, it may be apparent that tax residency is that of Australia. Superannuation test This test does not apply for the given scenario as Kit does not represent an officer who has been living in abroad due to governments duty. 183 day test In Kits residency case, 183 day test is not much relevant as Kit did not stay for minimum of 183 days in the tax year under consideration. Thus, on basis of the discussion above, it may be concluded that Kit has a tax residency of Australia which is derived from namely two tests i.e. Domicile Test and Residency Test. As Kits Australia residency is confirmed, thus assessable income for him would be derived from not only income sources from Australia but also income sources from abroad. There are two main source of foreign income namely the salary Kit is deriving from working in rig off the Indonesian coast and also the dividend income of shares in Chile which also comprises income. The above treatment is as per Section 6(5) ITAA 1997. Also, there is a possibility of the shares being liquidated at higher prices and the gains made on such trade which would be subject to CGT (Barkoczy, 2015). Case Study 2 The following cases deal with land sales under various circumstances and the resultant tax treatment is accorded in line with the relevant provisions of tax legislations. In cases where the receipts are capital, capital gains may be charged, however since the ownership of the asset is prior to September 30, 1985, capital gains will not charge (Sadiq et. al., 2015). 1) Californian Copper Syndicate Ltd v Harris (Surveyor of Taxes) (1904) 5 TC 159 The taxpayer engaged in acquisition of land which has copper mines and later sold the same and thereby assumed stake in some corporate entity. The company advocated that the transaction involved the shift from one capital asset to the other and thereby did not produce any assessable gains. However, the court was not satisfied with the above explanation and reflected that ordinary income would be produced since the initial purchase of mine was driven was profit motive since only at that time, the company had plans for liquidation of mines going ahead (Sadiq et. al, 2015). 2) Scottish Australian Mining Co Ltd v FC of T (1950) 81 CLR 188 The taxpayer (i.e. mining company) purchased a coal mine with mining intention and thus indulged in same for some years. But, after five decades had elapsed, the company with profit intention indulged into land subdivision as there had been considerable increase in the land value. The gains derived from the above activity were recorded as ordinary income by the court due to the fact that profit making drove subdivision. In this case, if the coal mine was liquidated and no construction activity had been commenced, then the proceeds would have been capital and non-taxable (Barkoczy, 2015). 3) FC of T v Whitfords Beach Pty Ltd (1982) 150 CLR- Whitfords Beach Pty Ltd i.e the company acting in the capacity as the taxpayer bought a parcel of land with the aim of enhancing the fishing business. However, at a later time, the earlier purchased land was subdivided for maximisation of profit. The gains thus extracted were termed as ordinary income by the court due to the presence of profit making desire. Further, the court was of the opinion that land development was enabled when company engaged in subdivision and hence the gains are ordinary (Duetsch et. al, 2015). 4) Statham Anor v FC of T 89 ATC 4070 The given case involves asset realisation primarily because the taxpayer in the given case who happens to be a farmer brings about the land sale for leading up to supplement income and hence be able to meet his varied expenses. The court reached the verdict that on account of lack of intention of profit, the gains cannot be taxed but primarily would lead to capital gains which would not be taxed (Sadiq et. al, 2015). 5) Casimaty v FC of T 97 ATC 5135 Casimaty obtains a land in the form of gift from his father with the intention to conduct farming. However, he had to indulge into distress sales of two-third land brought about liquidity crisis and also deteriorating health. However, for liquidation purposes, subdivision was done but before that construction activities such as provisions for utilities were also carried out. The court opined that the land sale was done in emergency only and thus would not lead to ordinary receipts but only capital receipts subject to CGT (Gilders et. al., 2015). 6) Moana Sand Pty Ltd v FC of T 88 ATC 4897 The company i.e. Moana Sand Pty Ltd acquired a piece of land for mining of sand and for doing so got all the clearances from the requisite government authorities. However, once the commercial deposits of sand was not feasible, the company in order to maximise their provided did land subdivision and subsequently liquidated the plots and in the process made huge gains. The profit intention acting as the motivator for subdivision implies that the income is ordinary and thus would add to the overall taxable income (Gidlers et. al, 2015). 7) Crow v FC of T 88 ATC 4620 The above mentioned taxpayer entered into buying of land for conducting farming but for this, he had to seek financial help from lenders. However, with some time passage, it was realised on the end of the farmer that the idea to maximise the profit was liquidation of land after subdivision. The taxpayer with the intention of realising these indulged into land subdivision and thereof succeeded in profit realisation. The profit intention acting as the motivator for subdivision implies that the income is ordinary and thus would add to the overall taxable income (Duetsch et. al, 2015). 8) McCurry Anor v FC of T 98 ATC 4487- The above taxpayer acquired an old dilapidated house so as to demolish it and instead constructed three townhouses in its place. The taxpayer put them to sale and even resorted to advertisement but still the sale of these townhouses was elusive due to a difficult market. Due to this, the taxpayer started residing in two of these townhouses. However, during the next twelve months, all the townhouses were sold for abundant gains. The profit intention acting as the motivator for construction of the townhouses implies that the income is ordinary and thus would add to the overall taxable income (Bakoczy, 2015). References Barkoczy,S 2015.Foundation of Taxation Law 2015,7th edn, CCH Publications, North Ryde Deutsch, R, Freizer, M, Fullerton, I, Hanley, P, Snape, T 2015. Australian tax handbook, 8th edn, Thomson Reuters, Pymont Gilders, F, Taylor, J, Walpole, M, Burton, M. Ciro, T 2015. Understanding taxation law 2015, 8th edn, LexisNexis/Butterworths. Sadiq, K, Coleman, C, Hanegbi, R, Jogarajan, S, Krever, R, Obst, W, and Ting, A 2015,Principles of Taxation Law 2015,8th edn, Thomson Reuters, Pymont.

The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan Essay Example

The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan Essay Aragua The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan, China and Tibet The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan, China and Tibet The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, forgiveness. -Dalai Lama Music plays an important role in religion, significantly influencing the worship practices of individuals who follow these faiths. As the music of a certain faith is influenced by the culture of a place, the music of certain peoples and places are influenced by the music of important religions that become deeply embedded in the culture. In this way, musical styles develop that are both religious and cultural, and are a reflection of both. This music is held in high regard by the people of these religions and cultures because it is the music that represents those aspects of life that are most precious. Culturally, music is a source of nationalist pride and unity for a group of people. We will write a custom essay sample on The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Religiously, music reflects how followers worship their respective deities. In the Buddhist practice, music and chants are used for meditation across the global span of the religion. However, different forms of music and chants are used in a variety of ways throughout religious practices. The music and different forms of chants in the Buddhist religion affect Buddhist practices, and are also influenced by the religion and the different locations around the world in which Buddhism is practiced. Japan, China, and Tibet have the highest concentration of Buddhists and Buddhism is an integral part of the culture in these nations. In addition to Buddhism being reflected clearly in the cultures of Japan, China, and Tibet, each of these nations also has their own forms of prayer expressed through raying musical styles. In order to further investigate the styles and forms of Buddhist music, a short history of the religion will bring many of the elements of this cultural and religious music to light. Buddhism is based on a concurrent following of Four Noble Truths and an Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths are: 1) that life consists of suffering, 2) that the origin of suffering is attachment, 3) that suffering can only be ended through Miranda, and 4) that the path to the end of suffering is the Eightfold Path. This Development. The basis of the Buddhist faith is the belief in Karma (that the sections one makes in their current life will be returned to them in their future lives) and Rebirth (that one will be reincarnated in another life after death). There are a variety of different forms of prayer, worship, and meditation practices in the Buddhist religion, and each of these practices involve different forms of music and chanting. Every detail of faith, from the Four Noble Truths to the deep belief in Karma, is reflected in the sounds of Buddhism. These sounds have become a part of the Japanese, Chinese, and Tibetan cultures and are a constant reminder of the Buddhist tradition in these parts of the world. For example, In a Zen temple, the hours of the day may be marked by the deep somber tones of the big o-gang bell in the bell tower, evoking the idea of impermanence (Mall 1959). A bell tower can be heard for miles around and will create an environment of thoughtful contemplation for the surrounding area, further connecting the culture of a location with the precious music of a religion, and constantly reminding practicing Buddhists of their beliefs and education to follow the Eightfold Path. The effect of a Buddhist Temple bell tower may be felt in a number of religious raciest; the Muslim call to prayer is heard from a mosque across entire cities at midday, and the melodious clanging of Catholic and Christian cathedral bells may at times reach a volume that could only be described as a roar, but each of these sounds is a reflection of the religious practices these holy buildings house. Buddhism is set apart from other religions in the intricate and sacred ceremonies that revolve around the music of the religion. Wellness expresses his rapture at Buddhist music, There is scarcely any religious denomination on the face of this earth in whose cared ceremonies music holds a more prominent place than Buddhism (Wellness 1957) In oral traditions of Buddhism, the words of a sacred text are learned and recited from memory. Chant is a ritual used as a musical representation of this oral tradition. Not only are sacred texts memorized, but when these texts are recited, they are said with rhythm and pitches, which create a more spiritual and reverent atmosphere during the ritual of chant. The Buddhist monks who perform these chants therefore memorize the sacred texts as well as the specific choral or pitched movements or intervals that are carefully placed throughout the chants to emphasize certain parts of the texts and evoke certain emotions tied to the sacred traditions reflected in the texts as well as in the act of chanting. This ritual of chanting is a religious experience for the monk who is performing the chants as well as for the viewers of the bring awareness to the mentality of truth and living deeply connected with the present moment, an important aspect of faith for followers of Buddhism. Again, Just as different countries have different styles of music that reflect their ultras and people, the three countries in which Buddhism is most prominent, Japan, China, and Tibet, have different cultural forms of Buddhist music that represent their strong Buddhist faith as well as integrate the musical instruments and aspects of their culture. The music of these countries is similar in many ways, laced together by the common thread of Buddhism to guide the development of music for worship, but each nation still reflects the unique culture of the place in the Buddhist music of the people. SOMY is an improvised chant that has two styles: rooky and rooky. SOMY uses the You scale, a pentatonic scale with ascending intervals of two, three, two, two and three semitones. SOMY is a form of esoteric ritual chant that is used worldwide in the Buddhist tradition, though the use of this chant is also relevant to the place in which people worship. SOMY is a type of music that possesses mystical syllables inhabiting the recitation of certain mantras. When this form of music is performed, the assembled congregation attain a blessing from hearing these chants. Since SOMY is a type of chant and meditation that is used in the Buddhist religion and cultures, it is influenced by the Buddhist faith, but t is also influenced by the cultures around it. While most forms of Japanese Buddhism use music quite prevalently, true SOMY is a rare find in Japan, present only in a select few temples on specific ceremonial occasions. In the scope of Buddhism in Japan, the influence of Buddhism of other cultures and the influence of other languages are accepted as a part of the music, and part of the ceremony. Japanese Buddhist liturgical chants are divided into three different categories: Bonsai, hymns in which Chinese characters stand for Sanskrit sounds, Was, hymns with texts written in Japanese, and Kansas, hymns with purely Chinese texts. In the way Chinese text substituting Sanskrit, and Chinese text standing alone are clear examples of the blending of languages and culture throughout Japanese Buddhism, and the truly worldwide breadth of the Buddhist religion. Surprisingly, hymnal texts written in Japanese only occupy one of the categories of Japanese Buddhist texts. The most melodious of these chants is the Was. Was tends to be heavily syllabic in style, poetic in text, and with a clear line, creating a musical chant that is most like the more Western understanding of religious hymns and worship music. Compared to Was chants, SOMY is much more complex musically, and the rarity of this type of worship music makes it that much more intriguing for anyone who is privileged to hear it performed. There are two levels of SOMY that are observed, the first style lies exclusively in the domain of priesthood, which passes from master to pupil continuously, as reflection of the that is observed is for the public to observe, but is still only performed by Buddhist priests and monks. Yet many of these mantras, or Hookup, are reserved only for those in priesthood. Hookup literally meaner a mystery piece or secret composition. The secrecy of these mantras is due to the belief that they are a psychic and cosmic force. There is power to this chant because of the presence of the mystic syllable mm, which is sacred in the Buddhist religion. In this way, the importance of music to Buddhism is further solidified by the private performances of SOMY, proving that the music and chants of the Buddhist tradition are not only for the benefit of the congregation or as a type of worship, but also as a sacred way of passing on priesthood between holy leaders. In another form of these Japanese chants, Kansas, four ritual sections comprise and cake sense of the chants, each a different genre of chants, used for different occasions and to evoke a variety of different emotional responses. The first, Bombay, is a hymn of praise, used during ecstatic times of worship. Second is the Gangs, an elaborate chant performed by priests while they deliberately and ceremoniously scatter lotus flowers, a Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. The don-on is an offering of pure chant or mantra to the Buddhist deity, Buddha himself. Lastly, the Shake-Joy is a chant that occurs toward the end of any service as a closing, a contemplative farewell. These chants explore Japanese Buddhism in greater depth and allow one to understand the different ways that music and chants are used in the ceremonies and services of the religion. The music of Buddhism is central to the faith because without music many Buddhist ceremonies could not take place, which is a crucial difference between Buddhism and other faiths, many of which employ music to aid worship, but the central aspect of the religion would not be lost if the music were missing. The important role that music plays to the Buddhist faith is clearly represented by the complexity of the music and chants. Each song and chant has a pacific meaning, a particular time and place, and even is performed by certain Buddhist leaders. After the Eddo period, Western music and influences enter Japan during a time known as the Meijer Period (1868-1911); however, the new western influence did not completely replace the traditional music styles that were established during the Eddo period. The Meijer period introduced western concepts such as harmonistic and fixed meter and tempo, which was not common in music from the Eddo period. These western influences were combined with the traditional Japanese scale and were implemented into the newly developed public school systems. Many of the songs that were used were traditional Japanese folk songs or western songs that had been translated into Japanese text. One of the primarily Japanese instruments with a religious affiliation is the Chihuahuas. Most of the recent pieces played on this instrument are derived from spiritual or meditative songs. During the Eddo period, a group of priests called the Sumo used the instrument as a spiritual tool to help focus breathing for meditation. These priests were from a sect of Buddhism that saw the instrument as a way to achieve enlightenment by playing songs that inspired Winnie is a term used by the Chinese that refers to music. Fabian is a term to denote Buddhist monastic chants. It has been used by the Chinese since Buddhism was introduced. Fabian in translation meaner scripture recitation; it is emphasized that the chants be tranquil. Chant is the only body of liturgical action and an expression of the liturgy itself. It is used to channel liturgical participation amongst the people. Gate is a sacred verse. Buddhist music has made an influence on world music Just as it has been influenced. Buddhist famine, which is characterized by a relaxed and say pace with solemn, soft tones. Chinese music has been influenced by Famine when it was developed to popularize a new style of giving sermons and publicizing the Dharma sung to famine melodies. According to the Vienna in Ten Recitations, regularly listening to Buddhist famine can give the following five benefits: a reduction in bodily fatigue, less confusion and forgetfulness, a reduction in mental weariness, a more elegant voice and greater ease in both personal expression and communication. The style of chanting in Tibet is called choral singing, it allows the monks to sing solo chords. The monks of Tibet are able to produce deep, guttural monotones that disperse into polyphony. As a Western listener it is likely to assume that the monks are singing in parts, however each monk is displaying a full set of sounds and pitches of firsts, thirds, fifths and additional overtones as well. The ability to produce these overtones and multi-phonics with one voice has been researched and there is no reason or explanation why these monks are able to sing this way. There has been studies that think it is because of the location of Tibet because it is located at the highest elevation in the world. The monks begin training at the age of twelve, before their voices will be classified as bass, baritone or tenor voice. The average monk is able to produce a D two octaves below middle C; which is beneath the range of most male singers. The ability to produce these sounds comes with great focus which allows the singer to achieve the awareness that is stated in the Eightfold Path. Meditation Mindfulness is Buddha word for meditation. By mindfulness he meaner: you should always remain alert, watchful. You should always remain present. Not a single thing should be done in a sort of sleepy state of mind. You should not move like a somnambulist, you should move with a sharp consciousness. SOHO There is a sense in which the monk, in deep meditation, is thought to hear within himself spiritual sounds of specific types that only he can hear. The frame drum, cymbals, conch horn, double-reed oboe, long trumpet and thigh-bone trumpet are though to evoke the thudding, crashing, ringing and tapping within his body; which mirrors the spiritual forces of the universe. (Mbabane: 21) Upon hearing these sounds, the pe rson may naturally become mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma and tart, so music inspires or induce the spirit with sounds that they hear. Music plays an important role in religion, influencing the worship practices of each individual who follow these faiths. In the Buddhist practice, music and chants are used for meditation across the global span of the religion. However, different forms of music and chants are used in a variety of ways throughout religious practices. The music and different forms of chants in the Buddhist religion affect Buddhist practices, and are also influenced by the religion and the different locations around the world in which Buddhism is practiced. From SOMY chanting in Japan to choral, monophonic singing in Tibet, there are many differences and approaches in attaining mental wellness and achieving focal awareness in the Buddhist religion to spread the Dharma and become as Buddha-like in nature as the individual Buddhist follower can. Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isnt anyone who doesnt appreciate kindness and compassion. -Dalai Lama Bibliography Chin, Pi-yen. Buddhist Chant, Devotional Song, and Commercial Popular Music: From Ritual to Rock Mantra.

Free Essays on Wife Of Bath

Wife of Bath as a Feminist Hero Throughout the history of the world women have been portrayed as being a sort of ally with the devil. Women then and now may look upon most of these â€Å"devilish† characteristics as desirable, strong-willed and feministic. Chaucer appears to support women and specifically these feminists by creating two very strong-willed and successful women in the Wife of Bath and the old hag in the Wife’s tale. However, through all of the tough outer attributes, on the inside are the same classic and traditional damsels in distress that require a man just like the women of that time always had. Through the original strong qualities of the two women, Chaucer provides a hopeful example and model for women of now and then. Furthermore, by giving these women some stronger, domineering and â€Å"masculine† features Chaucer is terrifically satirizing the gender roles and stereotypes of the time. Along with all of these strong feminist messages also come out anti-feminism idea ls about keeping women in a certain role, causing a lengthy and intelligent debate upon what Chaucer really meant. All of these reasons are why it is important to discuss and understand The Wife of Bath’s relation and influence on contemporary women. Chaucer’s main target of his satire and criticism throughout his Canterbury Tales is the Anglo-Saxon church. Even though in this tale he focuses more on the gender debate, his contempt of the corrupt church and its disciples is embodied in the Wife’s prologue. In the first three lines he says: â€Å"Experience, though no authority, Were in this world, were good enough for me, To speak of woe that is in all marriage.† Here Chaucer, through the eyes of a women, points out that there is far too much reliance on authority, meaning the opinions of older and perhaps ancient writers. This sort of authority was responsible for the horrible distortion of woman’s character and place in society... Free Essays on Wife Of Bath Free Essays on Wife Of Bath Wife of Bath as a Feminist Hero Throughout the history of the world women have been portrayed as being a sort of ally with the devil. Women then and now may look upon most of these â€Å"devilish† characteristics as desirable, strong-willed and feministic. Chaucer appears to support women and specifically these feminists by creating two very strong-willed and successful women in the Wife of Bath and the old hag in the Wife’s tale. However, through all of the tough outer attributes, on the inside are the same classic and traditional damsels in distress that require a man just like the women of that time always had. Through the original strong qualities of the two women, Chaucer provides a hopeful example and model for women of now and then. Furthermore, by giving these women some stronger, domineering and â€Å"masculine† features Chaucer is terrifically satirizing the gender roles and stereotypes of the time. Along with all of these strong feminist messages also come out anti-feminism idea ls about keeping women in a certain role, causing a lengthy and intelligent debate upon what Chaucer really meant. All of these reasons are why it is important to discuss and understand The Wife of Bath’s relation and influence on contemporary women. Chaucer’s main target of his satire and criticism throughout his Canterbury Tales is the Anglo-Saxon church. Even though in this tale he focuses more on the gender debate, his contempt of the corrupt church and its disciples is embodied in the Wife’s prologue. In the first three lines he says: â€Å"Experience, though no authority, Were in this world, were good enough for me, To speak of woe that is in all marriage.† Here Chaucer, through the eyes of a women, points out that there is far too much reliance on authority, meaning the opinions of older and perhaps ancient writers. This sort of authority was responsible for the horrible distortion of woman’s character and place in society... Free Essays on Wife Of Bath During the Wife of Bath’s prologue she is described rather quickly as a little deaf, quite a traveler (she has been on many pilgrimages to exotic places) and that she has had many husbands. The narrator also describes the wife as very outspoken. I am not sure if he does this in an admiring sort of way or if he is actually making fun of her or pointing out traits that he doesn’t actually like. Although in some ways I feel that he is just stating the facts. The lines that make me feel this way are the ones that describe her facial features, such as the gaps between her teeth. He does not say whether or not he admires or hates her features just that they are there. An important view that the wife holds is that religion itself is anti-feminist. She goes on by saying that the bible is written by men and because of this holds a male point of view. Many people think that the wife of bath could be the first feminist character written. However, the ideas she holds regarding controlling men with sex and jealousy don’t seem to go along with an idea that is â€Å"feminist†. This can be attributed to the fact that she pretends to be well learned when in fact she quotes readings that have nothing to do with what she is saying. This may prove that she is not as well educated as she wishes everyone to believe she is. One thing I found interesting though is something I read by a critic of Chaucer. When the wife quotes from Ovid’s story, she tells the reader to read the story to figure out the ending. Originally she explains that women are not able to keep secrets when in fact she may be luring the reader into reading the story a nd making her point that men are unable to keep secrets as well (because the barber, not the wife was in fact the keeper of the secret in this story). While she seems to be against religion, she also uses it to her advantage. She twists the words and their meanings and uses them to defend her actions....

Octane Number Definition and Example

Octane Number Definition and Example The octane number is a value used to indicate the resistance of a motor fuel to knock. Octane number is also known as octane rating. Octane numbers are based on a scale on which isooctane is 100 (minimal knock) and heptane is 0 (bad knock). The higher the octane number, the more compression required for fuel ignition. Fuels with high octane numbers are used in high performance gasoline engines. Fuels with low octane number (or high cetane numbers) are used in diesel engines, where fuel is not compressed. Octane Number Example A gasoline with an octane number of 92 has the same knock as a mixture of 92% isooctane and 8% heptane. Why the Octane Number Matters In a spark-ignition engine, using a fuel with too low an octane rating can lead to pre-ignition and engine knock, which can cause engine damage. Basically, compressing the air-fuel mixture may cause fuel to detonate before the flame front from the spark plug reaches it. The detonation produces higher pressure than the engine may be able to withstand.

Biotechnology legal issues involved in technology transfer and new Assignment

Biotechnology legal issues involved in technology transfer and new venture formation - Assignment Example Another legal issue is the registration of the patents or the transfer of the patents’ ownership with the Office of Intellectual Property in the relevant jurisdiction. Contracts will also have to be drawn up between Bio Vacc Ptty Ltd and RMIT for the vaccine project and between Bio and Protein Solutions and Firefly Australia with respect to their joint ventures. Contracts of employment or simple contracts including confidentiality covenants will also be necessary with respect to the students involved in research. This paper examines the various legal issues involved in the transfer of technologies in the arrangements spearheaded by Bio Vacc with a view to accommodating the interests of the parties and any other relevant stakeholders particularly with reference to the patents involved. This is necessary as the parties to the arrangements are only some of the important stakeholders. Other stakeholders who are not parties to the arrangements may have interests that conflict with the commercial and/or scientific interests of the contracting parties.1 The Consequences of the Spin-off A spin-off is the creation of a new organization which is founded on the resources of the parent company or organization.2 This means that the Bio Vacc is essentially a new and independent organization that originated from RMIT. To put it another way, RMIT is commencing a new venture formation via Bio Vacc. The parent company which is RMIT in this case typically forms the new company which is Bio Vacc in this case, to facilitate technology transfer.3 Four legal issues are involved in this spin-off process. First there is the rights and obligations of the parent organization that transfers the technology (patents). Secondly, there is the stage where the technology transfer can actually start. Thirdly, the rights and obligations of the spin-off company that is attempting to form a new venture out of the technology. Finally there are the rights and obligations of the investor who pr ovides funding.4 The roles of each of the actors are best understood by the definition of spin-offs. To this end, Boehm defines a spin-off as: A new company formed (1) by individuals who were former employees of a parent organization, and (2) which is based on a core technology that is transferred from the parent organization.5 In the context of a university spin-off, Boehm describes the spin-off as a founded by a former member of the faculty, or staff member, or even a student who departs from the university for the purpose of starting an organization or starting a company while â€Å"still affiliated with the university†.6 The university spin-off may also be a â€Å"technology or technology-based idea development within the university†.7 The main legal issues are therefore the limits and extent of the use of new technology for the new venture formed by Bio Vacc. In this case the new technology is the two vaccine patents. A second legal issue is the limits and extent to which university research members will participate in the new venture of Bio Vacc. Bio Vacc is essen

Articles related to Managerial Accounting Essay

Articles related to Managerial Accounting - Essay Example The cumulative cost, therefore, constitutes the job cost charged to the customer. The article successfully illustrates that a job order costing approach is utilized when the job in question is distinctive from other jobs or product batches. Just as learnt in the management accounting class, cost accounting is relatively simple in job order costing. This is because the cost of materials and labor are integrated on one job ticket. Further, other overhead costs are included in the total amount of money charged to a customer. The article clearly distinguishes job costing from process costing, by showing that their difference depends on the product being availed to a customer, hence the kind of production procedure followed. I therefore learned that while process costing involves charging costs incurred in the course of production, job costing involves charging a specific job. I also learned that, cost assignment strategies and record keeping in job order costing, have higher complexity than in process costing. This is especially the case, if there are multiple services or products being provided. Complexity is increased by the fact that different services or products result in different costs. This means that for high efficacy in job costing, a company must maintain detailed cost records for every job or product. Summary: This article recognizes the fact that in any business, there is a possibility of making profits, suffering losses or simply breaking even. The F&B establishment used as an example adopts a strategy of providing high quality soup at a fair price. Â  This means that the variable costs incurred are high because of using ingredients of high quality, yet the selling price stays at an average level. As a result, the contribution margin remains equally average. Therefore, fixed expenses and generate profit, the business compensates low margin with high sales volume. This involves making sure that its outlets are

Economics Commentary - article on the Haitian Earthquake Essay Example for Free

Economics Commentary article on the Haitian Earthquake Essay IN JANUARY last year, the quake causes the 2004 Asian tsunami, which kill 250,000 people and 300,000 injured. People were living under sheeting strung across wooden poles. There were too many vulnerable homeless people that aid agency cant fit them in tens. People are trapped in supermarkets, debris and so on. I feel really sorry for them and I hope casualtys family can be rest in peace. First of all, there will be a change in Haitis economy because theres a huge effect of Haitis production. Haiti lost 250,000 people and 300,000 people were injured. They lost loads of labor and enterprise just because of this. Labor are human resources providing power to make goods and services Enterprise is a firm is an owner of a factory or company e.g. Nike, Apple. Capitals such as Houses, hospitals and factories were destroyed. Capital is man made resources that use for production. Many animals got kill by this earthquake and tsunami and destroyed timbers theres loss of land. Land is natural resources that cant add by human. Clearly, Haitis production is decreasing. In this case, we can use a PPF to explain the situation. PPF is a curve that shows the combinations of 2 or more goods that can be produced using all available resources. Heres the PPF of Haiti before tsunami. PFF1 is Haitis PPF before tsunami and PPF2 is Haitis PPF after tsunami The PPF shift to the left means theres decrease at both actual and potential output. Actual output is what the country is currently producing and potential output is the maximum outputs you can produce will all currently resource. Because Haiti lost a lot of capitals, land, labor and enterprise, its production is running down. Therefore, its PPF shifts inward. Theres also economic decline and economic deterioration. Economic decline is the percent decrease in real GDP per annum and economic deterioration is decrease in living standard for everyone in the country. There is a shift of PPF because of the environment factors (earthquake and tsunami). There was a change of Haiti peoples demand because of the tsunami and earthquake. Demand is amount of a good or service that consumer are will and able to buy at a given price over a period a time. Whats the change of Haiti peoples demand? Tsunami and earthquake destroyed a lot things, one of them is food. Haiti people are in starvation, theres no more flesh food for them so their demand of canned food rose. It is because inferior goods demand if rise when theres war, natural disaster. Inferior good is a good that can replace another good as a substitute. The demand of Haiti peoples canned food This is a demand curve shows people in Haitis demand of canned food rise from D1 to D2. Because the demand determinate is not price of the good of itself, its environment, theres a shift of demand curve to the right. Demand determinants are factors that can affect the demand such as: price, consumer income, and low populations Evolution Haitis earthquake and tsunami are lost and a pain we would never wanted to happen and they took millions of peoples life away and destroyed thousands homes. Here are few solutions I think it might help to raise back the economy of Haiti. First of all is asking UN for help. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace. United nation will usually provided aid and food for refugees. Second is building hospitals and factories. Recovering labor and capital is an important step to get the economy back on track. Education is more important in Haiti than other countries. They need new blood to contribute for the society and thats where education is needed. Good people equal good country.

Trigonometry :: essays research papers

Trigonometry Trigonometry uses the fact that ratios of pairs of sides of triangles are functions of the angles. The basis for mensuration of triangles is the right- angled triangle. The term trigonometry means literally the measurement of triangles. Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that developed from simple measurements. A theorem is the most important result in all of elementary mathematics. It was the motivation for a wealth of advanced mathematics, such as Fermat's Last Theorem and the theory of Hilbert space. The Pythagorean Theorem asserts that for a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. There are many ways to prove the Pythagorean Theorem. A particularly simple one is the scaling relationship for areas of similar figures. Did Pythagoras derive the Pythagorean Theorem or did he piece it together by studying ancient cultures; Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and China? What did these ancient cultures know about the theorem? Where was the theorem used in their societies? In "Geometry and Algebra in Ancient Civilizations", the author discusses who originally derived the Pythagorean Theorem. He quotes Proclos, a commentator of Euclid's elements, "if we listen to those who wish to recount the ancient history we may find some who refer this theorem to Pythagoras, and say that he sacrificed an ox in honor of his discovery". If this statement is considered as a statement of fact, it is extremely improbable, for Pythagoras was opposed to the sacrifice of animals, especially cattle. If the saying is considered as just a legend, it is easy to explain how such a legend might have come into existence. Perhaps the original form of the legend said something like he who discovered the famous figure sacrificed a bull in honor of his discovery. Van der Waerden goes on to comment that he believes the original discoverer was a priest, before the time of Babylonian texts, who was allowed to sacrifice animals and also was a mathematician. This question can never be answered, but evidence that societies used the theorem before the time of Pythagoras can be found. The Theorem is useful in everyday life. For example, at a certain time of day, the sun's rays cast a three foot shadow off a four foot flag pole. Knowing these two lengths, and the fact that the pole forms a ninety degree angle with the ground, the distance from the end of the shadow to the top of the pole can be found without measuring. The first step is to substitute the given data

The Spanish-American War and Imperialism

Q5-How did the Spanish-American War turn into a war of imperial expansion? Shawn Lannin 2/26/2013 The Spanish-American War originally started off as The United States protecting Cuba from its Spanish rulers essentially, but quickly evolved into colonial expansion. The war became a war of imperial expansion in the late 1800’s due to America’s new â€Å"outward† focuses on global markets and growing concerns of economic competition/expansion from other world powers. America, once a colony itself was now looking to expand its influence into other parts of the globe as its European cousins had been doing for quite some time.Before, during, and after the war Americans had growing concerns about the Pacific and East Asia. These foreign markets possessed vast amounts of natural resources and fertile lands for the taking; many expansionists had differing reasons for imperialistic expansion. Some argued religious purposes, some the spread of the White-Anglo-Saxon race, (W hite Mans Burden) while others stressed economic and military reasons to expand abroad. Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist, believed in a strong navy and that America should turn its focus outward and expand its influences into the world.Mahan also urged the acquisition of Pacific islands for military and naval superiority. Islands such as Puerto Rico, Hawaii, The Philippines, and Guam soon became targets of America’s imperialistic aim. These islands could be used strategically to protect merchant fleets in route from Asia and also for military and economic purposes, for example the natural harbor found in Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor served as a great naval base and served as a stepping-stone to Asia, while the fertile volcanic soils were perfect for sugar plantations.Expansionists also sought to protect their trade rights and foreign policies such as The Open Door Policy, which gave free trade rights in East Asian markets. China was in turmoil at the time and o ther world powers were exhibiting land grabs while trying to carve out â€Å"spheres of influence† to control trade in Chinese markets. Expansion in the Pacific would not only secure our rights to trade but would protect our interests over seas as well.Nations across the world were colonizing weaker countries through the concept of Social Darwinism and America didn’t want to fall by the way side so to speak. We had to keep up with the world powers and protect our best interest. It was a time of empires and after decades of isolationism, America decided it was time to show the world our power. By 1898 America had defeated Spain and with its defeat came the annexation of several island nations that we used to our benefit for years to come.

Career College vs. Community College Essay

After schooling a student may have a number of options. A number of colleges have come up that can meet up the various requirements of the students. The new era students are having now expanded demands and desires for their career and future. So, to meet their needs the various colleges are also coming up in the help of the students. What is a Career college? Career Colleges are the new day colleges. They are the modern colleges that have provided the modern students a new scope in the various fields. They are not the general colleges of doing bachelor degree and master’s degree in general streams. They have specialist subjects that offer professional training to the students. These days the mentality of the students and also the parents has changed drastically. In previous days parents and students had only some of the limited choices such as medical, engineering and government services. But now a number of choices have come as add on to this career option. The varieties of career options now available are the hotel management course for services in various hotels, restaurants and clubs, management degrees for various corporate offerings and much more. Now a time has come when a person can even convert his or her hobbies to a study. This has only led to a vast number of diverse courses such as art, aviation, animation, web designing, linguistics and many more. Both bachelors and masters degrees are provided by these colleges. Even other types of degrees are also provided from here. What is a community college? Apart from choice, students have also got colleges that offer them studies as per the comfort zone of the students. There can be a number of students who have problem of joining and regularly attending a college. There can also be students who are not that financially strong and are not able to afford the cost of the career colleges. In these circumstances there are a number of colleges that support the students in all areas. These are the Community college. These days the community colleges are becoming great options for many of the students. These colleges are flexible in their cost, time and  methods. They provide all types of courses from full time to part time, from 3 year courses for 6 months courses, all depending upon the candidate’s capability and need. The pros and cons As everything has its own pros and cons so does the colleges also. Both the colleges, Career College and the Community College have their own pros and cons. The career college is the most sophisticated academic center. They are the most professional and properly handled colleges that provide the most technical and professional training to its students. On the other hand Community Colleges serve the most cost efficient and time efficient academics. The fees of these countries are lesser than the career colleges and have time flexibility for the students to attend the classes as per their requirement and need.

Book Publishing History

Book Publishing History The world is changing due to changes caused by the emerging technologies. Technology has brought new approaches to various human activities. Various industries have been affected by the emerging technologies.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Book Publishing History specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The forces are so strong that a firm is always forced to either conform to these forces or be faced out of the market. Many firms have been faced out of the market due to their inability to read and adjust to the market trends. Book publishing industry is one of the industries that have experienced the impact of the emerging technologies. For a long time, traditional firms such as Oxford, John Wiley and Sons, Cengage, among other major publishing firms dominated this industry. They had huge market in schools and colleges, and other institutions not only in the United States, but also in the entire world. This is drastic ally changing. With the emergent of amazon.com among other online bookstores, the world is slowly drifting to e-books instead of printed books. This study is focused on analyzing the revolution of the publishing industry and how various forces in this industry have changed. Analyze the Book Publishing Industry Prior To the E-Book Revolution Using Porters Five-Force Model Prior to the e-book revolution, the world of publishing was a preserve for the large firms which had the capacity to pay authors large sums of royalties or advance payments once their manuscript was confirmed. In order to bring more understand to the external environment of this industry in this period, Michael Porters Five Forces theory will be applicable.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Supplier power is always important in determining how profitable an industry is. Operating in an industry where suppliers are very powerful can be very dangerous. During this era, suppliers of papers were the most important suppliers to these firms. Other suppliers for products such as ink, binding pins and machines among other items were very important to this industry. However, these suppliers never managed to monopolize this industry. Publishing firms were able to maintain their position as large organizational buyers. They had powers over their suppliers. There were a number of firms that were offering products that they were using as their raw materials. They were therefore, at liberty to choose which firm to buy their raw materials from. Although there were times when the supply of papers would rise, it was not enough to cause a scare in this industry. The publishers would always find a way of manipulating their way in this industry. Buyer power was another factor that affected this industry during this era. When the buyer has power of the products they buy in the market, then the y always tend to dictate the price of the product in the market. The power of the buyer was largely low during this era. This was because of the large market that existed in the form of students who had no option but to buy the products. Degree of rivalry of the firms in the industry also determined success of a firm. During this era, the degree of rivalry was very stiff, especially to those firms that were smaller in size.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Book Publishing History specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The larger firms would frustrate smaller firms by paying authors attractive royalties. This made them attract major authors, while smaller firms had to struggle in order to get good authors. Threats of new entrants were felt by firms in this industry. The world has been reduced into a small global village. When the planes and telephone was invented, the geographical barrier that existed before was elimin ated. The world was reduced into a small geographical area where an individual could easily move from one end of the earth to another. Firms were heavily affected by this. Most countries, including the United States of America, have liberalized their markets. A foreign firm can easily enter the US market and operate without any interference from the government. This fact created a threat to traditional firms that existed in this country. New firms were coming into this industry at a rate that many of the existing firms had not predicted before. The firms were forced to come up with new strategies that would help them be competitive. The market became very competitive, and success was determined by how effective a firm could market its products among the target group. The new entrants were eating up the market share of the existing firms, and the existing firms had to formulate competitive ways that they could outsmart them. Threat of substitutes was another problem that these firms had to deal with. During this era, there were no serious threats of substitutes that these firms faced. It was difficult to find a substitute product in the market. As such, the main threat that this industry faced came from the media.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The print media was eating into the market for novels and other books that were meant for leisure. Most of the leisure readers preferred to read magazines, newspapers and other journals instead of books that required a longer time to read. Using Porter’s Five-Force Model to Analyze How the Advent of E-Books Changed Industry Structure and Competitive Dynamics This industry has changed a lot. The advent of e-books was a revolution in this industry. The large firms that dominated the industry found that they were in very awkward position as what they had considered as competitive advantage turned into main weaknesses they had. Firms in this industry had to redefine their strategy, and overhaul their system to meet the emerging market trends. Porter’s five forces may be useful in demonstrating the dynamics that have happened in this industry. The power of suppliers in this industry has changed. The suppliers have changed from what they were before the advent of e-books. E- books do not require papers as raw materials, and neither do they need ink, or large machines that were needed before in printing books. Although there are a good percentage of those books that are produced in print form, this percentage is on a constant decline. This means that the power of traditional suppliers has been reduced a great deal. The power of the buyers has been on the rise since the advent of e-books. Buyers are able to access various online suppliers of books. This also means that these buyers have opportunity to dictate price in the market because they have a variety to choose from. This increased buyer power has seen firms in this industry lower the price of books in the market. Threat of substitutes has massively increased in this new era. The internet has massive information in various fields available freely. Scholars have considered it best to access these free sources of information instead of buying books. Threats of substitutes have also increased. For every book that is authored, there are various other sources of information that can be used instead of them. Degree of rivalry has also increased. There are many firms that can easily get into this industry because it is much easier to operate in as opposed to how it was before the advent of e-books. The Long-Term Threats and Opportunities Facing the Book Publishing Industry There are some long term threats that may have serious effects on this industry. Mass and social media is posing serious threat to this industry. Children spend more time watching movie instead of reading books, while youth take most of their time on Facebook, Tweeter, and YouTube among other social media. This means that the sale of books, including the e-books, will continue declining. This is aggravated by the fact that college students prefer getting their information from the internet for free. Such sites as Wikipedia have become so popular among the college students, jeopardizing sale of books Despite these ch allenges, there are some opportunities that are available in this industry. The advent of e-books has had a massive reduction on cost of producing books. The production cost of books has been reduced by almost eighty percent. This makes it easy for the firms to charge lower prices for their products. Distributions of the products have also been made easier, faster and cheaper. It is easier to ensure that an online book reaches the customer from various regions around the world. It has helped this industry eliminated a number of middlemen who inflated the cost of making the product available to customers.

Battle of Charleroi in World War I

Battle of Charleroi in World War I The Battle of Charleroi was fought August 21-23, 1914, during the opening days of World War I (1914-1918) and was part of a series of engagements collectively known as the Battle of the Frontiers (August 7-September 13, 1914). With the start of World War I, the armies of Europe began mobilizing and moving towards the front. In Germany, the army commenced implementing a modified version of the Schlieffen Plan. The Schlieffen Plan Conceived by Count Alfred von Schlieffen in 1905, the plan was designed for a two-front war against France and Russia. Following their easy victory over the French in the 1870 Franco-Prussian War, Germany saw France as less of a threat than its larger neighbor to the east. As a result, Schlieffen sought to mass the bulk of Germanys military might against France with the goal of winning a quick victory before the Russians could fully mobilize their army. With France eliminated, Germany would be able to focus their attention to the east (Map). Predicting that France would attack across the border into Alsace and Lorraine, which had been ceded following the earlier conflict, the Germans intended to violate the neutrality of Luxembourg and Belgium to attack the French from the north in a large-scale battle of encirclement. German troops were to defend along the border while the right wing of the army swept through Belgium and past Paris in an effort to crush the French army.   French Plans In the years prior to the war, General Joseph Joffre, Chief of the French General Staff, moved to update his nations war plans for a conflict with Germany. Though he initially desired to create a plan that had French forces attack through Belgium, he was later unwilling to violate that nations neutrality. Instead, he and his staff designed Plan XVII which called for French troops to mass along the German border and mount attacks through the Ardennes and into Lorraine. Armies Commanders: French General Charles LanrezacFifth Army Germans General Karl von  Bà ¼low  General Max von HausenSecond Third Armies Early Fighting With the beginning of the war, the Germans aligned the First through Seventh Armies, north to south, to execute the Schlieffen Plan. Entering Belgium on August 3, First and Second Armies drove back the small Belgian Army but were slowed by the need to reduce the fortress city of Liege.   Receiving reports of German activity in Belgium, General Charles Lanrezac, commanding the Fifth Army at the northern end of the French line, alerted Joffre that the enemy was advancing in unexpected strength.   Despite Lanrezacs warnings, Joffre moved forward with Plan XVII and an attack into Alsace.   This and a second effort in Alsace and Lorraine were both pushed back by the German defenders (Map).      To the north, Joffre had planned to launch an offensive with the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Armies but these plans were overtaken by events in Belgium. On August 15, after lobbying from Lanrezac, he directed Fifth Army north into the angle formed by the Sambre and Meuse Rivers. Hoping to gain the initiative, Joffre ordered Third and Fourth Armies to attack through the Ardennes against Arlon and Neufchateau.   Advancing on August 21, they encountered the German Fourth and Fifth Armies and were badly defeated. As the situation along the front developed, Field Marshal Sir John Frenchs British Expeditionary Force (BEF) disembarked and began assembling at Le Cateau.   Communicating with the British commander, Joffre requested that French to cooperate with Lanrezac on the left. Along the Sambre Responding to Joffres order to move north, Lanrezac positioned his Fifth Army south of the Sambre extending from the Belgian fortress city of Namur in the east to just past the mid-size industrial town of Charleroi in the west. His I Corps, led by General Franchet dEsperey, extended the right south behind the Meuse. To his left, the cavalry corps of General Jean-Franà §ois Andrà © Sordet linked Fifth Army to Frenchs BEF.   On August 18, Lanrezac received additional instructions from Joffre directing him to attack north or east depending upon the enemys location. Seeking to locate General Karl von  Bà ¼lows Second Army, Lanrezacs cavalry moved north of the Sambre but were unable to penetrate the German cavalry screen.   Early on August 21, Joffre, increasingly aware of the size of German forces in Belgium, directed Lanrezac to attack when opportune and arranged for the BEF to provide support. On the Defensive Though he received this directive, Lanrezac adopted a defensive position behind the Sambre but failed to establish heavily-defended bridgeheads north the river. Additionally, due to poor intelligence regarding the bridges over the river, several were left completely undefended. Attacked later in the day by the lead elements of Bà ¼lows army, the French were pushed back over the river. Though ultimately held, the Germans were able to establish positions on the south bank. Bà ¼low assessed the situation and requested that General Freiherr von Hausens Third Army, operating to east, join in the attack on Lanrezac with the goal of executing a pincer. Hausen agreed to strike west the next day.   On the morning of August 22, Lanrezacs corps commanders, on their own initiative, launched attacks north in an effort to throw the Germans back over the Sambre. These proved unsuccessful as nine French divisions were unable to dislodge three German divisions. The failure of these attacks cost Lanrezac high ground in the area while a gap between his army and Fourth Army began to open on his right (Map).   Responding, Bà ¼low renewed his drive south with three corps without waiting for Hausen to arrive. As the French resisted these assaults, Lanrezac withdrew dEspereys corps from the Meuse with the intent of using it to strike Bà ¼lows left flank on August 23. Holding through the day, the French again came under attack the next morning. While the corps to the west of Charleroi was able to hold, those to the east in the French center, despite mounting an intense resistance, began to fall back.   As I Corps moved into position to strike  Bà ¼lows flank, the lead elements of Hausens army began crossing the Meuse.   A Desperate Situation Recognizing the dire threat this posted, dEsperey counter-marched his men towards their old positions.   Engaging Hausens troops, I Corps checked their advance but could not push them back across the river. As night fell, Lanrezacs position was increasingly desperate as a Belgian division from Namur had retreated into his lines while Sordets cavalry, which had reached a state of exhaustion, needed to be withdrawn. This opened a 10-mile gap between Lanrezacs left and the British. Further west, Frenchs BEF had fought the  Battle of Mons. A tenacious defensive action, the engagement around Mons had seen the British inflict heavy losses on the Germans before being forced to give ground. By late afternoon, French had ordered his men to begin falling back. This exposed Lanrezacs army to greater pressure on both flanks. Seeing little alternative, he began making plans to withdraw south.   These were quickly approved by Joffre. In the fighting around Charleroi, the Germans sustained around 11,000 casualties while the French incurred approximately 30,000. Aftermath: Following the defeats at Charleroi and Mons, French and British forces began a long, fighting retreat south towards Paris. Holding actions or failed counterattacks were conducted at Le Cateau (August 26-27) and St. Quentin (August 29-30), while Mauberge fell September 7 after a brief siege. Creating a line behind the Marne River, Joffre prepared to make a stand to save Paris. Stabilizing the situation, Joffre began the First Battle of the Marne on September 6 when a gap was found between the German First and Second Armies. Exploiting this, both formations were soon threatened with destruction.   In these circumstances, the German Chief of Staff, Helmuth von Moltke, suffered a nervous breakdown. His subordinates assumed command and ordered a general retreat to the Aisne River.

Approaches against Fraudulent Activities Case Study

Approaches against Fraudulent Activities - Case Study Example Hence, even poorly performing firms obtained huge amounts of credits from MCI and this condition adversely affected MCI’s operational efficiency. When receivable collection periods went beyond the stipulated timeframe, the organization was forced to write off some of its receivables. Undoubtedly, this condition caused the firm to experience a rise in its expenses and thereby a decline in earnings per share. Ultimately, MCI’s stock price dropped due to the decline in EPS. As Lyon and Tocco (n. d.) point out, Pavlo used a variety of accounting tricks to convince the management that the level of bad debts and amount receivables had fallen under the safety range. In other words, Pavlo totally manipulated the accounting system to conceal the actual state of affairs of the company. It is obvious that the absence of a well-executed internal check system assisted Pavlo to apply unfair accounting tricks to deceive the company management. A person is not allowed to carry through a transaction from beginning to end under the internal check system. ... situation aided him to employ accounting malpractices such as ‘unapplied cash’ and ‘placeholder credits’ to conceal MCI’s actual financial status. Approaches against Fraudulent Activities If an individual suspects fraudulent activity within the organization where he works, it is advisable for him not to make any false allegation. In addition, he must never try to take any unfair advantage of that fraudulent activity. Every organization has a distinct corporate culture and hence a specific mechanism to report fraud. It is recommendable for the individual to strictly adhere to the accepted fraud reporting mechanism of the organization. If an individual suspects fraud in his organization, firstly he must make an immediate note of his concern. He should specifically try to note relevant details concerning the fraud including telephone conversations, date and time, or names of parties involved. Secondly, the individual has to report the fraud to someone wi th proper authority and experience. Generally, it is better to report fraud to line managers, internal auditors, or whistleblowers. In addition, fraud may be reported to the Monitoring Officer, Chief Executive, or the Director of Finance. The individual should not make any delay in reporting the suspected fraud to proper authorities because such a situation would cause the organization to suffer further financial loss. Finally, the individual should ensure that the authority has taken proper actions over his fraud report; otherwise, he must report the case to higher authorities. Under no circumstance, the individual can disclose his suspicion to public or any other unauthorized person.  

MINI CASE MARKETING ETHICS - The Pizza Puzzle Study

MINI MARKETING ETHICS - The Pizza Puzzle - Case Study Example The utilisation of deceptive advertising creates an ethical issue regarding the disclosure of information to the client. The clients are made to believe that the product they are using come from a different place than the hotel itself. It is the obligation of the organisation to present true information to its clients for purposes of ensuring the customers know the truth. Since the customers have shown some preference of pizzas made from outside the hotel, selling them pizzas from other places that they don’t know could have the same resistance. The members of staff who will be delivering the pizzas will also face the challenge of some customers detecting them as it would be difficult for an external organisation to deliver a pizza inside a hotel room. This means that the customers will continue to purchase from other known establishments. The decision making process regarding the adoption of the proposal being brought about by the food services manager requires the consideration of different aspects. It is essential to have a team of different individuals who will bring the various issues into the discussion for consideration before adopting the method to use. The team would comprise of the following individuals The general manager – this individual will act as the leader of the teams and present his views regarding the suggested method. He will stand-in for the organisation and presenting the interests of the organisation in considering various matters related to the suggestion. These could include the costs of adopting the suggested approach in marketing the product The food services manager – this is the person who has cropped up the idea and must be present in order to explain to the team why she considers the inclusion of this marketing strategy relatively necessary for the organisation. While the idea has been presented to the organisation as a concern for the food services department,

The gaze (research paper) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The gaze (research paper) - Essay Example (Mabry, 2001) The key aim of the research is to analyze the set of images from â€Å"Seven Year Itch† movie, with Marilyn Monroe starring in it. The image has become the classics of glamour photography, and it is often regarded by the gaze concept admirers as the brightest example of male domination over women. Therefore, the research is aimed at studying the different aspects of the image. Additionally the proper visual analysis is performed for differentiating the male gaze and dominance, from the natural female necessity to stay attractive and perfect looking. The key steps of the research will involve review of the image origin jointly with the relevance of the movie plot, and its relation to the Male Gaze concept. The key idea of the movie fragment is reviewed in order to realize the message. Then, there is a need to switch the research accent to the purely artistic factors, such as composition, framing, and other technical parameters. These are needed to realize the perc eption patterns and principles, i.e. how do the viewers have their look at the image. These aspects will be essential for analyzing the still from the male gaze perspective, as well as explaining the eroticism of the image with a barelegged girl. The interpretive possibilities, offered by the gaze concept are closely linked with the visual perception of a heterosexual man, and it is stated that men start looking through any image in accordance with its erotic composition. On the other hand, visual perception patterns of these images do not violate the standard perception rules, and this concept will be regarded in the paper as well. Theoretic Analysis Considering the theoretic approaches of the male gaze concept, and analysis of the image from the gaze perspective, the psychoanalysis angle should be taken into account. Since cinema provides numerous variants of visual pleasure, the scopophilia (which presupposes enjoying the views of a human body) is one of the key components of the sexuality in general (It is stated that Freud regarded scopophilia as one of the key instinctive components of sexual behavior). In the light of this fact, scopophilia defines people, who are looked at, as the sexual objects. From the psychoanalytic point of view, the necessity to observe a human body is regarded as an instinct that is rooted in childhood. Cinema, as visual art, seems to be distant from the necessity to observe others secretly. Nevertheless, most mainstream Hollywood movies are based on this aspect. In accordance with the research by Despotopoulou (2004) the male gaze is the key approach in classical filmmaking. Therefore, Laura Mulvey emphasizes the following consideration (Gagne, 2001, p. 140): "In their traditional exhibitionist role women are simultaneously looked at and displayed, with their appearance coded for strong visual and erotic impact so that they can be said to connote to-be-looked-at-ness," and as a result contends that in film a woman is the "beare r of meaning, not maker of meaning." By emphasizing this consideration, Mulvey presupposes that the psychoanalytic approach is essential for analyzing and understanding the process of the sexual objectification (as well as experiencing sexual fantasies) of the Girl (in relation to the movie). Therefore, Marilyn Monroe’s heroine becomes the exploitation object that is passively involved into the voyeuristic act. In general, the three perspectives are occurred that stimulate

Importance of Observation Research in Childcare

Importance of Observation Research in Childcare Unit 5 Explain the reasons for conducting observations and the format that these can take: Reference 1 and reference 6 In a nursery setting it is very important to carry out observations. Reasons of observations: The reason why observations are important is because it helps children know how they are improving on their development. Observations also help key workers know how to support children in their playful activities. Observations help children to go up a level. In a observation the child and the key worker gets to know each other, they get to talk and the key worker gets a chance to play along with children and help children to socialise. Methods of observation: The main observation nurseries use is writing down and taking photographs. This helps nursery know more about the child. How to carry out observations: You must sit and watch children play If children do not know how to play you show them and give them something to play with. You then talk to children as they get to know you and get used to you You seat their and spot the child’s weakness and try to put it correct You then begin to write down what the child is doing such as analyse as they get talking and get to know you. You must understand how they are improving with a key worker observing children. When a key worker writes down on a post it note, they must write everything a child is doing with the puzzle. The key worker can also ask the child questions. Observations are mainly one to one observations. Key worker will then take photo and write up a report on this child on how they are doing in their development. Children can be observed on many activities accoutring to their age: Ball activity Play dough Lego Football Communication Drawing Cutting Numbers Alphabets reading Discuss the importance of parental permission for carrying out observations on children and babies aged 3 and under: Reference 2 As a nursery we ensure we report everything we have to, to parents, regarding their children. This includes observations and collecting information which we have to about their children. We might take photographs of children’s, vidieo recordings of children. In some setting it is up to the student’s to get permissions from parents to carry out observation and it is up to the students to build relationship with both children and parents to build up student’s career. Nurseries also have to keep in touch with the third parties when information needs to be passed on, such as a child who is ill in health, this information must be reported to them and their report and the child’s information so the third parties can support the nurseries on this issue. Most parents are okay with their children being obsevered as it helps them to know how their children are improving. Observations are carried out according to the child’s age. Such as in the baby room a child might be observed on their crawling or walking. They must tell their parents as they are babies to keep them up to date and help them know their child is in good hands. The reason for parental permission is if a stranger was to walk in and take a photograph of a child, the stranger can do anything with the child’s photograph. It is important a key worker or a member of staff CRB checked is always there to keep an eye out for children. a child who has been observed in writing, someone might have left this observation at the reception desk for someone to easily pick up this can be a document to unwanted visitors to read. This can cause the nursery big problems and lead to the nursery a penalty of closing. Identify the process for carrying out a risk assessment within the nursery environment and the steps to be taken for those items requiring attention: In a nursery a key worker has been asked to look for all hazards’s and assess what can happen: You must identify all hazards such as: Computer wire left lying and not plugged, children can trip over, and these can be protected by ensuring the plug is plugged to the socket and that worker’s check up on this. Children’s cups and plates unwashed, children become unclean, to keep protected it is up to key workers to ensure these are always washed. Chairs left in the middle of play area where children play and walk, children can fall; to keep all protected children must be shown how to seat on a chair and push the chairs under the table. Children swinging on their chair, children can fall backwards – children should be told not to swing on the chair. Toys left where children run around, children can trip over – toys must be cleared and put in the correct place. Children pushing each other, we ensure children talk to children not to push each other and report this then discuss why this happened in a meeting and find ways on how to protect children. Children playing with broken toys – it is important worker’s check all toys before children come in the morning and that this is reported and discussed at the meeting and find out why this happen so it can be reported to parents. Sharp adult scissors left for children on cutting table – this should also be put away, and reported to discuss during the meeting times in the mornings. Knives left on playing tables when should be in safe hands of an adult while cutting fruit for children during snack times- it is important to report this and be honest even thou you picked it up. Children not washing hands after toilet times- this is very important because children have to keep clean, this must be report and ensure a key worker is informed to help children wash their hands. Children running around, children can trip over and hurt themselves it is important children keep calm and walk. Children’s drawing all over the floor, staff member not seeing this and children may be walking on this and running, children’s work half ripped apart and therefore nurseries have to do double work, this must be reported and discussed. To many workers and less children, it is important this is discussed to have less worker during certain days. As a nursery we must pay attention to the risk and watch all children around us Process Administrator of the nursery creates a table of all the hazards in the nursery. The administrator then gives this to the assessment team to carry out The assessment team then rates these hazards to see if it is minor or extreme for children to be in. Reference 3 After completing the assessment this must be discussed at the meeting and then a staff meeting must be organised to inform the staff which has to check up on these risk’s at all times. We must find ways on how to stop these risks from happening; we must carry out this risk assessment once every month for regular checks. We must also write a report on how this can be protected. Evaluate in which communication can be encouraged for learning and play among your children: Reference 4 My finding on this question is that children need to be listened to when they talk on everyday life. Children and key worker’s build relationship to make it easier to communicate this give children great confidence. It is important to reach children to their chosen goal of communication, we must allow children to talk up to the level they must talk at. As children talk key worker must give contact that you are there and listening to them, children can talk about anything they like this will give children more encouragement. In a nursery setting I found that 3 years age children begin to talk full sentences. Key workers encourage children to read books, gives them talking times during circle times. Pre-schoolers like to talk more about their past life what they did. They enjoying talking rather than playing as they like to be more like adults and learn more about how adults are. To encourage pre-school children key workers ask children question as many as they can in a day to keep them confident and talking and active at all times. As key workers we encourage children to talk about the world, whatever they can think of something good. We encourage our workers to tell children to talk to each other while they play, we ask children what they are playing with as these type of question’s are common to ask. Communication can also be encouraged by giving child the time to reply back, we give children rewards on when they communicate well, we ensure all members of staff listen to children when they talk, we repeat if children do not understand the question when it is there time to talk, we show children how to answer to questions, we build children’s talking up to the highest level they can talk. In a nursery, key workers put a group of children with a similar interest in a communication activity. Key workers support children by carrying out role play. This can be a communication role play on London zoo. They can talk about animals and have an acting show to perform in front of the group. To support children we encourage children to talk, we provide as many activities we can. When key workers play with a group of children they talk more to children and ask as many questions they can. Reference 5 From my other finding while working in nurseries in my area’s I also found that there are so many communication activities, which are: Saying out alphabets and numbers out loud Talking times during circle Reading books out loud Socialising and talking while playing Question times When putting all the above together, encouragement is the best way to improve children’s communication learning. References: Reference 1: http://www.childrenscentres.org.uk/ps_step_by_step_observations.asp (I used the link to give me an understanding and wrote it into my own words. Reference 2: I used the hand book pages 91 – about how parents are happy the way children are observed. Reference 3: I used page 93 94 in the hand book to give me an understanding then wrote into my own words. I used the meanings. Reference 4: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/GH6123 I used this and wrote it into my own words and used mostly my own words based on the question. Reference 5 – working for nurseries Reference 6 http://www.homelearningcollege.com/HLC/media/PDF/SampleMaterial/ChildCare/Diploma-In-Early-Learning-And-Childcare-Sample.pdf I used this link to give myself an understanding procedure

The Politics of Minimum Wage Laws :: Minimum Wage Essays

"We cannot legislate prosperity. When we increase minimum wages by legislative fiat, we kill jobs. Government creates nothing but what it has first taken away." -- President Lyndon B. Johnson Many investigations have been made in an attempt to understand how politics is involved in determining the minimum wage rate. These studies indicate that due to the complex American political system, which distributes power to different levels of government, different variables will exert pressures on the various governing bodies in the United States. In other words, these studies indicate that when it comes to minimum wage legislation, decisions on whether to raise the minimum wage, and what the rate should be, have very limited economic bases, and instead rely heavily on political bases. The most important of which is political ideology. While aspects of other variables contain some economic theories, for example unemployment rate and median household income, these variables have a limited impact, and can even be explained through political interpretations in addition to their economic bases. Considering the fact that minimum wage laws greatly impact the economic equilibrium of the entire country, and impact major economic variables such as the wage rates and the profit rate, it is amazing to learn that economic indicators are conspicuously insignificant when it comes to determining the actual minimum wage rate. This may not necessarily be a problem for the current state of the American economy since minimum wage laws affect relatively few people. However, political decisions are unilaterally dictating policy that greatly impact the economic equilibrium of the country, this threatens the integrity of having economic regulations in the first place. The stated purpose for economic regulation ought to fit with public interest theory, which states that regulations are designed to correct inefficient or inequitable market practices. In the case of minimum wage laws in the United States, it seems to fit better with the capture theory which holds that regulations are implemente d in response to public pressure and political purposes. Minimum wage laws will continue to remain a highly debated topic in economic and political circles in the United States. Instead of simply focusing on whether these laws are good or bad for a society, perhaps we should be discussing the rationale for minimum wage legislation. Why do we have minimum wage laws? Do they respopnd to an economic need or only a political need? My research as indicated that political considerations have taken precedence over economic considerations despite the fact that minimum wages have direct effects on the economic equilibrium for the entire country.

How and why customer groups are targeted Essay

Gillette mach 3 turbo razor The Gillette mach 3 turbo razor is aimed at men age between around 17 upwards. The mach 3 turbo razor is essentially a razor for shaving hair off men’s faces, so any man who wants a clean shaven face is targeted by Gillette. Xbox one Microsoft have marketed the Xbox one as more than just a game console but a multi-media centre to attract a bigger target audience than just gamers. They targeted anyone between mid teens to late twenties or even higher. However Gamers will take up most of the target group. Apple iPhone 6 The iPhone 6 can be marketed at pretty much anyone with the wide range of functions it has for example: internet access, high definitions camera and video recorder, easy music access, games, texts and calls and face time. The target audience is anyone from mid teens and upwards. Fender standard telecaster The fender standard telecaster is an instrument that will be aimed at anyone who plays electric guitars. It can be aimed at young children or elderly people and all guitarists in between, but also because of it versatility it can be aimed at many different genres of music for example: Blues, Rock, country etc†¦ Business to business products Bic ball point pens These types of pens are one of the most famous pen brands in the world, Because of this many business have used their products. Bic ball point pens are aimed at all businesses which may have offices or any sort of reception or desk work to be done. For example: Accountants or law firms. JCB Large Excavator JCB will aim their large excavator (Digger) at any sort of contracting/sub-contracting firms that are involved in the construction industry. For example: Joinery firms. The main characteristics/features of each group for each product Gillette mach 3 turbo razor Because the target audience of the Mach 3 razor is so big it is hard to specify specific characteristics apart from the fact they are men who want a very good close shave with minimum facial irritation. These consumers will be from all backgrounds and live globally all over the world. Microsoft Xbox one The most of the target audience will most likely be people who like playing video games and probably have done before the Xbox one was released; these people are aged between early – mid teens to mid – late twenties. Also because of the Xboxes marketing as a multi-media centre many people have who like movies may have bought one also. The people who own an Xbox are from all over the world have a big range in age. Apple iPhone 6 Most likely because of the iPhone sixes recent release the people who bought one had an iPhone prior to this one releasing. Also because the iPhone 6 is so expensive the people who did buy one are financially well off or bought it although they know they can’t afford it or Teenagers asked their parents/ guardians to buy them one. These people are global however the majority are in the U.K and U.S.A. Fender standard telecaster The people buying standard telecaster are for the majority of the time musicians and have an interest in music probably because of their choice in guitars blues, rock, country, rock and roll etc†¦ However because of  Christmas telecasters may have been bought as presents to children or siblings. Also in recent years old electric guitars have become collectable some reaching prices of $400,000 and above in some cases, so collectors may have purchased a standard telecaster to keep for 40 years until it is collectable. Bic ball point pens The business that buy Bic pens are mostly office based for example accountants or law firms, Also it could be construction firms with offices. Pretty much any business with an office that needs pens probably buy Bic pens. Because Bic is a global company they have customers all over the world and these companies may vary in their trades. JCB Large excavator Unlike Bic not every business needs a digger. This product will be specific to the construction or deconstruction industry. Contracting businesses will be the biggest customer for JCB these may include joinery or earthmoving contractors. JCB is now a global company meaning their customer base will also be global as construction work has happened all over the world and will proceed to be so. How each audience is reached Consumer products A business may decide it needs to reach its customers geographically. Two neighbourhood classifications that are commonly used by organisations are ACORN and MOSIAC. ACORN is a geo-demographic tool that businesses use to identify and understand the UK population and local demand for products and services, The ACORN system categories UK postcodes using demographic statistics and lifestyle variables to give businesses a guide to the difference between geographical regions. MOSIAC is a system that classifies households in the UK into 12 Mosiac groups and 52 sub groups called Mosiac types. These groups and types are formed on the basis that the households comprising them share certain characteristics. Their core customer segments by cross-referencing their customer database with the profile. This helps them to make marketing decisions based on the kind of customer they attract. Business to business products All the individuals and groups who participate in the purchasing decision process in a business are known as a Decision-Making Unit or DMU. A DMU could include the following groups: Influencers: these are individuals whose opinion may be sought about a product or organisation. They will probably be influenced by brands, company reputation and ongoing relationships. Users: Users will be interested in the benefits the product offers, such as increased production rates or reduced waste. Buyers: Buyers or purchasing officers will be concerned about easy purchasing arrangements, delivery dates and security of supply. This can mean that a business can differentiate itself from the competition by stressing its success rate and how long it will last. Deciders: Deciders such as managing directors will probably be most concerned with the overall cost of the product and whether the organisation can afford it. The cost benefit of purchasing the product or service is a key issue as it is obviously not worth the purchase if the benefits that may result do not warrant the initial investment. Specifiers: Specifiers decide on the detailed specification of the product to be purchased. They may well want technical information about such things as component performance and material characteristics. Gatekeepers: Gatekeepers may deny potential users information for a variety of reasons, for example, quality managers may have safety concerns or finance managers may have financial reservations. They can prevent sellers reaching the key decision makers. Bibliography Btec Level 3 National Business Student Book 1