Competitive Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Competitive Strategies - Essay Example †¢ To Achieve 95% customer satisfaction rating for Brand X. This goal can be accomplished by training employees on effective customer service, and improving the quality of the products or services using innovative technologies (Mahnken, 2012).†¢ To Achieve 95% customer satisfaction rating for Brand X. This goal can be accomplished by training employees on effective customer service, and improving the quality of the products or services using innovative technologies (Mahnken, 2012).†¢ Increase sales revenue by 10% within one year. This goal can be accomplished by using efficient inventory management methods and intensive promotional strategies.†¢ To improve the market share by 1%. This goal can be achieved by expanding to new geographical areas to get closer to customers, and using aggressive promotional strategies (Mahnken, 2012)†¢ Nokia – the company had been a leading mobile phone producer, but it has been overtaken by others including Samsung until it was acquired by Microsoft. In terms of strategy, the company lacked superior value proposition like iPhone’s prestigious value proposition by Apple and Android’s versatility value proposition by Samsung.†¢ Kodak – The Company maintained its film-based photography and failed to use the disruptive digital photography technology which disrupted its film-based model.†¢ Blockbuster – the company has failed to make use of disruptive technology and changing trends and internet security.  Companies with Differentiated products†¢ Apple – the company produces luxurious and prestigious products with high prices, including iPhones, iPads, and mac which target sophisticated consumers.†¢ Dropbox – offering freemium pricing strategy for storage services for businesses and individuals online.

Retention of Heritage Language as a Means of Encouraging Bilingual Essay

Retention of Heritage Language as a Means of Encouraging Bilingual Education Among Immigrants - Essay Example In this study, we examine the place of heritage language among immigrants and how this can form an important aspect of â€Å"America’s push to becoming a fully integrative and bilingual nation† (Chiswick and Miller 119). It should not be taken to mean that all in the American society share in the view that bilingual is a positive thing. In any case, the debate appears to be a divisive matter among scholars, policymakers and politicians. This study seeks to delve into the overall debate and demonstrate why heritage language is an opportune way of achieving this goal. Close reference will be given to the Hispanics; Hispanics are the fastest growing group of immigrants in United States. Bilingualism is a reality in modern day world. Firstly, the world’s projected 5000 languages are used in the globe’s 200 countries, representing an average of 25 languages for every state; â€Å"this means that interactions between citizens of numerous world countries clearly require extensive bilingualism† (Bhatia and Ritchie 1). At the moment, the processes of globalization are now in progress these developments heighten the extent and character of multilingualism, as citizens across the globe build awareness on the merits of adding a world language to their verbal repertoires (Bhatia and Ritchie 1). One must consider that, far from being exceptional, as most people believe, bilingualism and in extension multilingualism is at present the tenet all over the world and will turn out to be progressively more so in the future. Bilingualism is the ability to communicate in two languages. There is a difference between individuals and social bilingualism as well... This paper approves that parents and siblings are typically important in a student’s multi-literacy development. They often provide a literacy ‘eco-system’ where there is mutual support, adaptability, and linguistic survival and spread. Different languages may mean differing roles. This report makes a conclusion that heritage language degeneration is widespread in modern society, especially in U.S. where policies, social, economic as well as political activities are conducted in English. Most immigrants feel alienated mainly due to their insufficiency in the English language. Thus their first step is to learn English and sideline their heritage language albeit to gain acceptance from their native counterparts. This translates to a slow but sure death of the heritage language. This loss is not only a blow to efforts aimed at developing bilingualism but it also affects the culture and identity of the immigrants. Sooner or later, they feel misplaced and isolated as they lack a particular community, or society they can completely associate with. As gathered from this text, these are misplaced fears, as proved, retaining the heritage language does not in any way affect one’s capacity to understand a second language in any case it enhances one’s linguis tic capacity. In this case, there is no need to do away with the heritage language as a prerequisite in understanding English. This fact underlines the main point of this study that immigrants need to foster their heritage language even as they cultivate their understanding of the second language.

The Sitcoms of the 1970s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Sitcoms of the 1970s - Essay Example The television sitcoms of the 1970s explored our racism, sexism, and class bias and uncovered a reality that exposed the depth of prejudice in America and the television industry. Because television during this period was an evolving event, it's helpful to view it somewhat chronologically. By 1970 Leave it to Beaver had been deceased for 7 years. Ozzie and Harriet passed in 1964 and My Three Sons had just two more seasons of life left. The image of the typical American family that consisted of a well employed father living in suburbia had been exposed as a myth and could no longer support a sitcom. The 1960s and the war in Vietnam had dissolved the country's innocence and America was ready to explore their new maturity. No other vehicle would spark as much social, political, or cultural debate as the American sitcom during this period. The years 1970 - 1972 were as important for what was canceled as much as for what was debuted. In 1971, the rural south was virtually eliminated from the comedy half-hour format. Green Acres and the Beverly Hillbillies were both canceled. These two shows depicted an unrealistic view of the South and rural America in general. Characters were put in positions that were not believable while portraying a bias against the underlying themes of bigotry and ignorance. Mayberry RFD and Hee Haw, shows that reflected the widely accepted view of rural common sense and decency, also got cut in 1971. These shows would be replaced by more urban and topical settings with characters capable of generating greater controversy and better demographics (Butsch 19). Idealism was being tempered by network economics. A major theme that ran throughout the 1970s sitcom was the reshaping of our perception of the American household. The picture of the house being headed by a strong father figure was fading. Women were becoming more dominant and shown as more independent in shows such as Mary Tyler Moore and Maude. The men were portrayed with character flaws such as Archie Bunker in All in the Family and Fred Sanford in Sanford and Son. Men were underemployed and if married lived with a dominant female. This restructuring of the household offered the producers and writers the opportunity to explore issues that the white middle class male could not approach. June Cleaver could not even discuss abortion, while Maude Findlay could have one. Ward Cleaver did not drink while Walter Findlay, Maude's husband, was an alcoholic ("Maude"). Many sitcoms of this era were placed in a household where the children were grown. This provided an environment for adult issues to be aired and debated. It would also offer the contrasting social viewpoints that were emerging at the time. No other show propelled the 1970s sitcom genre as much as All in the Family did when it debuted in 1971. Producer Norman Lear had gone to the edges of the American psyche to explore racism. Yet, television was still in its adolescence and this was shown in the naivet of the program's plot and writing. Archie Bunker, the lead character, was an avowed bigot who referred to minorities as "Spades, Spics, or Hebes" and believed that their social gains were coming at the expense of the middle class whites ("All in the Family"). Lear believed that by playing Bunker as a misguided fool, his bigotry would likewise be

Immigration Policies vs. Influences from a Criminal Justice Dissertation

Immigration Policies vs. Influences from a Criminal Justice Perspective - Dissertation Example The type of policy that is chosen by a country ought to be in line with the societal goals that they do intend to achieve. In most of the cases, as it is mentioned by Taksa, (2001) either religious or racial bias is tied to the immigration policy that a country is dealing with. Despite the fact that immigration policies do vary from one country to another DeLaet, (2000) illustrates in his work that the most vital aspect that is addressed in immigration policies is the issue of refugees and the manner in which they are treated in the host country. The refugees are the homeless and helpless people who seek refuge in these new countries as their mother countries lack any hopes of survival. The policies that are used to address such kind of societal and more of ethnic issues are the ones that comprise the most important part of immigration polices as per Farley, (2008) analysis. It is also brought to attention that the rise of terrorism in the globe today has brought with it very many co nsequences. National Immigration Forum (U.S.) (2000) states that terrorism is the main reason as to why national securities have been tightened more and more. This is an aspect that too has brought very massive consequences that can never be ignored by any country in making its policies to address the issue of immigration. America’s Immigration Policies vs. Influences from a Criminal Justice Perspective The United States of America is a country that has been a product of generations of immigrants alongside their descendants. In spite of this outstanding history that the country has in terms of immigrants and policies that have been strategized for them, the country has been on the spot for mishandling policies that deal with immigration. Consequentially report by Rosenblum, (2000) indicates that the United States of America stands at a very compromising spot in the globe in as far as its management of immigration policies is concerned. On the other hand though, it is worth me ntioning that the openness that the United States of America has had with its immigration policy has been key to a lot of economic prosperity and military power that it has in the global arena today. Immigration policies have become very crucial in the global world today where technology, trade and travel have taken a very huge step on being the main economic activities globally. America’s immigration policies have therefore to be carefully considered factoring in the fact that the three main economic pillars in the world today are being a serious determinant of the economic and military strength that a country does have. It is therefore a great reality as per the sentiments that are put forward by Bustamante, (2002) indicating that with more failure to not only strategize but also implement sound and sustainable policies of immigration, the United States of America faces a massive threat of being a weak economy not only with an imperiled national security but also jeopardize d diplomacy. The importance of immigration policies in America cannot at all be undermined because of the fact that immigration actually comes as one of the greatest stories of success that America can actually talk of. After welcoming very large numbers of immigrants, America has continued to enjoy a highly productive employment force and people well integrated into America’

Organized Crime Essay Example for Free

Organized Crime Essay Two thirds of all homicides in Omaha, NE are gang related. With an average of 40 homicides per year, without the gang activity in this city, 26 of them could be avoided. Founded in 1990 the 40th Street Crips are the oldest, most established gang in Omaha at this time. They are involved in every type of crime that is prevalent in Omaha from identity theft to homicides. This gangs has a negative effect on the people, businesses, and properties in their area. The 40th Street Crips qualify as an organized crime organization by displaying some of the attributes assigned to identify organized crime groups. This gang is the most active, dangerous, organized crime group in Omaha at this time their negative effects on the people and neighborhoods they prey on is felt throughout the whole community. The 40th Street Crips work out of an area in North Omaha near 40th and Bedford streets. Like the Crips in Los Angeles, CA, they can be identified by their blue handkerchief and athletic wear, they prefer BK tennis shoes as in the gang culture it stands for blood killer. (http://midwestgangs. tripod. com/id3. html) The Bloods are their rival gang. They are involved in several different types of crime in Omaha. In a personal phone interview with Bruce Ferrell, former Omaha Police Officer and current President of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association, he stated â€Å"they are involved in drive-bys, felony assaults, homicides, narcotic distribution, robberies, home invasions, identity theft, and auto theft. † (B. Ferrell, personal communication, March 13, 2013) Because of this gang, people in North Omaha live with fear and intimidation at all times. The businesses have a harder time being successful because people do not want to shop in North Omaha, as they are frightened. The property values are substantially lower in this area due to the 40th Street Crips activities. There are several attributes of organized crime that fit this group. (Abadinsky, 2009, p. 3-4) I have chosen the three most closely related to this gang. 1. Has no political goals. – This group’s main objective is money and power they are not motivated by any ideology.  Their goals are too make money through the commission of crimes and if they spread intimidation and fear in the commission of these crimes so much the better. 2. Exhibits a willingness to use illegal violence. – 40th Street Crips are the number one gang right now in Omaha for drive by shootings. Most of the members will kill someone for any slight perceived or real. 3. Perpetuates itself. – This gang has been active since 1990 and long ago cut its ties with the Los Angeles Crips. New gang members are often recruited from family and friends of current members. (Abadinsky, 2009, p. -4) There are several reasons to analyze and research this group, the number one reason is they are the most active and violent gang in Omaha at this time, conducting by far the most drive-bys and felony assaults. (B. Ferrell, personal communication, March 13, 2013) They are doing the most damage to the north Omaha youth by destroying their futures by bringing them into gangs. The actions they take are directly destructive to businesses and housing in North Omaha as they are lowering property values and making it hard to conduct business in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. http://www. nationalgangcenter. gov/content/Impact-of-gangs-on-communities. pdf) The 40th Street Crips are a dangerous, violent well established gang in Omaha. Their actions are having negative effects on the communities and neighborhood that they are active in. The law enforcement officers in this city are taking every action possible to eliminate organized crime activity all over Omaha not just in north â€Å"O†. â€Å"We recognize there is too much violence in this town,† said 2010 Omaha Police Chief Alex Hayes. â€Å"It’s never going to be good (here) until it’s gone. † (Perez Jr. , 2010, para. 3)

Sales Contract Essay Example for Free

Sales Contract Essay Sale of Goods 1. The Seller will sell, transfer, and deliver to the Purchaser the following goods on or before May 31, 2012 (the â€Å"Goods†) a. 10,000 widgets Purchase Price 2. The Purchaser will accept the Goods and pay for the Goods with the sum of fifty thousand ($50,000) USD, paid as follows: a. Down payment of $5,000 upon contract execution b. the remainder of the purchase price within 10 day of receipt of delivery of the Goods. 3. Payment of the Goods will be made to the Seller when the Purchaser has confirmed receipt of the Goods. Delivery of Goods 4. The Goods will be deemed by the purchaser when delivered the Purchaser’s place of business located at 456 First St., Secondville, Michigan. The Purchaser agrees to pay the cost of the shipment. Risk of Loss 5. Risk of loss will be the responsibility of the Seller from the time of delivery to the Purchaser. The Seller will provide at its expense insurance on the Goods insuring the Seller’s and the Purchaser’s interest as they appear, until receipt of shipment has been confirmed. Warranties 6. THE GOODS ARE SOLD WITH WARRANTY. THE SELLER ACCEPTS ALL WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The Seller assumes, or authorizes any other person to assume on the behalf of the Seller, any liability in connection with the sale of the Goods. 7. Upon delivery of the Goods, the Purchaser reserves the right to inspect the Goods, or have it inspected. The Purchaser must confirm and accept the Goods as being in good condition. Further the Seller accepts  any and all warranties as to the condition of the Goods. Title 8. Title to the Goods will be shared with the Seller and Purchaser until the delivery and actual receipt of the Goods by the Purchaser. Upon delivery, the Seller must provide a document of title or registrable Bill of Sale of the Goods, bearing the necessary endorsement to the Purchaser. Security of Interest 9. The seller retains a security interest in the Goods until paid in full. Inspection 10. Inspection will be made by the Purchaser at the time and place of delivery. Claims 11. The Purchaser must give notice of any claim within 30 days from the date of delivery. Excuse for Failure to Perform 12. The Seller is liable in any way for any delay, non –delivery or default in shipment due to labor disputes, transportation shortage, delays in receipt of material, priorities, fires, accidents and all other causes. If the Purchaser, in its sole judgment, will be prevented directly or indirectly, on account of any cause beyond its control, from accepting the Goods, the Purchaser reserves the right to terminate this Agreement by notice in writing to the Seller. Remedies 13. The Purchaser’s remedy and the Sellers complete liability for any and all losses or damages resulting from the defective goods or from any other cause will be for the purchase price of the particular delivery with respect to which losses or damages are claimed, plus all transportation charges paid by the Purchaser. Cancellation 14. The Purchaser reserves the right to cancel this Agreement: a. if the Purchaser deems the shipment incomplete or unacceptable in condition. b. in the event of the Purchaser’s insolvency or bankruptcy; or c. If the Purchaser deems that its prospect of providing payment is impaired. Notices 15. Any notices to be given or document to be delivered to either the Seller or Purchaser pursuant to the Agreement will be sufficient if delivered personally or sent by prepaid registered mail to the address specified below. Any written notice or delivery of documents will have been given, made and received on the day of delivery personal, or on the third (3rd) consecutive business day next following the date of mailing if sent by prepaid registered mail: PURCHASER:456 First St., Secondville, Michigan SELLER: 123 Main St., Podunk, Iowa General Provision 16. All representations and warranties of the Seller in the Agreement will survive the closing of this Agreement. 17. This Agreement cannot be modified in any way except in writing signed by all the parties to the Agreement. 18. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, including the Uniform Commercial Code and the Seller and the Purchaser hereby attorney toe the jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of Michigan. 19. Except where otherwise stated in this Agreement, all terms employed in this Agreement will have the same definition as set forth in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of Michigan on the date of execution of this Agreement. 20. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Purchaser and Seller and their respective successors and assigns. 21. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and there are no further items or provisions, either oral or otherwise. IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Sales Agreement on this 10th day of October, 2012.

Host Community Attitudes And Perceptions About Tourism

Host Community Attitudes And Perceptions About Tourism This study aims at identifying the relationships between residents socio- cultural, economic and environmental aspect and their attitudes towards tourism by focusing on a small community where tourism is in the development stage. By conducting this research, the author hopes to come across the residents attitudes and capture their current perceptions about tourism development in their area. Moreover, this research is being done because most authors agree that initial community attitudes toward tourism are critical to community involvement in the industry (Murphy 1981), the formation of destination image (Echtner Ritchie 1991). Attitudes are defined as a state of mind of the individual toward a value (Allport 1966, p. 24) and as an enduring predisposition towards a particular aspect of ones environment (McDougall Munro 1987, p. 87). Attitude of host community to tourism based development can improve if there is a boost in the tangible and indescribable settlements the host community can receive by being in based development (Choi Sirakaya, 2006). As Attitudes are based under this understanding, this is why some researchers came to a conclusion that residents attitudes toward tourism are not simply the reflections of residents perceptions of tourism impacts, but the results of interaction between residents perceptions and the factors affecting their attitudes (Lankford et al.1994). Some preceding researchs have proved that some most important impacts of tourism are identified along with its variables, however the theory is underdeveloped: Currently there is limited understanding of why residents respond to the impacts of tourism as they do, and under what conditions residents react to those impacts (Ap 1992, p. 666). Husband (1989) also addressed this issue by saying There is, so far, no theoretical justification of why some people are, or are not, favorably disposed to tourism (p. 239). Various issues can persuade perceptions of the host community about positive outcomes of tourism development. Support will depend on the degree of benefits perceived. The participation of community will be discussed later on in the literature review. The acceptance of local values can also be an important factor that leads to the achievement of a tourism based development (Alexander, 2000). However over a certain period of time many findings detected that host community perceptions in the direction from tourism may have more positive attitudes. People who depend on tourism industry or having a better economic benefit may possibly have a higher degree of positivity than other inhabitants who do not benefit from a tourism development ( lankford and howard, 1994; Jurowski, Uysal, and willimas, 1997; Sirakaya , Teye and Sonmez,2002 ). Lindberg and Johnson (1997) mentioned that people having higher economic impacts from tourism may have more positive attitudes. However Travis (1984) has stated that its not only an economic characteristics such as the opportunity for jobs creation or capital generation that needs to be considered by the host community. The socio-cultural and environmental aspects are also very important. For Choi and Sirakaya (2005), the most community should also have a better environment in term of infrastructures and improved amenities such as leisure and recreational activities. They describe tourism as consisting of various supports and any development in the tourism field should ensure the protection of the culture of host community, alongside the protection of the environment. In order to clarify the relationship between the impacts of tourism and residents attitudes toward tourism, several models have been developed. One of the most influential models is Doxeys Irridex model (1975) which suggests that residents attitudes toward tourism may pass through a series of stages from euphoria, through apathy and irritation. to antagonism, as perceived costs exceed the expected benefits. This model is supported by Long et al.s (1990) research results, which indicate residents attitudes, are initially favorable but become negative after reaching a threshold. To have a better comprehension about the relationship between the impacts of tourism and residents attitudes toward tourism, several models have been developed. One of the most dominant models is Doxeys Irridex model (1975) which suggests that residents attitudes toward tourism may pass through a series of stages from euphoria, through apathy and irritation. to antagonism, as perceived costs exceed the expected benefits. This model was supported by Long et al.s (1990) research results, which indicated that residents attitudes are initially favorable but become negative after reaching a threshold. The Irridex model indicates that residents attitudes toward tourism will change overtime. It suggests that residents attitudes and reactions toward tourism contain a sense of homogeneity (Mason et al. 2000). Conversely, this concept was challenged by some research findings that reported heterogeneous community responses and diverse residents attitudes simultaneously existing in a community ( Brougham et al. 1981,Rothman 1978). Critics about Doxey Irridex Model and Butler Tourism Area Life cycle According to Butler (1975) when he has developed a more complex model, he suggested that both positive and negative attitudes could be held by residents in a community simultaneously and be expressed via active and passive support or opposition. Furthermore this model is supported by Murphys (1983) research results, which reveal the distinct attitude differences among residents, public officials, and business owners in three English tourist centers. Despite that the model addresses the difficulty of residents attitudes toward tourism, researchers still lacked theories explaining relationships between residents attitudes and tourism impacts until Ap (1992) applied social exchange theory to tourism. According to the theory, exchange will start, only when there are irregular inaction forms. Ap (1992) suggests that residents evaluate tourism in terms of social exchange, that is, evaluate it in terms of expected benefits or costs obtained in return for the services they supply He also argued that when exchange of resources is high for the host actor in either the balanced or unbalanced exchange relation, tourism impacts are viewed positively, while tourism impacts are viewed negatively if exchange of resources is low. Social exchange theory has been examined as a theoretical framework by researchers to describe residents attitudes toward tourism impacts (Perdue et al. 1990, McGehee Andereck 2004). The Doxey irridex model gives a clear view of how host community attitude changes over a period of time. It mentions host community perceptions, reactions and attitudes in the direction of tourism (Manson et al.2000). This can be a conflicting principle because some research came to a conclusion that various host community attitudes and perceptions may exist in the community, (Brougham et al.1981, Rothman 1978). Akis, Peristanis Warner (1996) disapprove the Irridex Model and The Tourism Life Cycle and view it as too simple, because both models give a few hint of changing host community perceptions and attitudes over time. Other researchers like Lankford and Howard (1994, P.135) opposed against the model of Doxey(1975) because positive and negative factors that affect the perceptions and attitudes of host community are not given much consideration. As the tourism industry keeps on changing, this may be a reason why we must give this industry continuous support for its related development. Andereck vogt( 2000) stated that it is considered that optimistic attitudes towards tourism may entail the encouragement for further tourism development. If there is any delay in tourism project development can be due to frustration towards tourists. Mill and Morisson (1984) even mention that, an acceptance of tourism cannot be built unless the benefits of tourism are made relevant to the community. Attitudes and perceptions of host community at a destination is of utmost importance in the accomplishment of tourism development alongside the development of the industry at large also, (Hayword,1975), (Heenan, 1978), and Hiller (1976). There is a broad belief perception and attitudes of host community in the direction of tourism outcomes are apt to become essential planning and policy concern for flourishing development and expansion of existing and potential tourism programs, (Ap,1992). Host community attitudes and perception is very important as it will influence their behavior towards tourism, (Andriotis and Vaughan, 2003). Host community involvement and participation Community participation has become a common element in many development initiatives, such as community-based programmes, which assume participatory methods and has been promoted by development organizations, notably the World Bank, to address the inefficiency of highly centralized development approaches particularly in the developing world (Baral and Heinen, 2007). Today, many development initiatives solicit the participation of all concerned stakeholders, at the relevant level, not only for the sake of efficiency and equity of the programmes, leverage of donors and demands of local communities, but also for o for sustainability of these initiatives (Ribot, 2004). . Consequently, the real outcome for soliciting such community participation is to create and produce an enabling environment needed by these stakeholders, especially local communities who have been vulnerable to negative impacts of tourism attributed partly to the fact that many tourism resources occur in their areas, to have a real stake in development activities (Havel, 1996; Songorwa, 1999). This requires involving local communities in decision-making and strengthening their ability to act for themselves. One approach to achieve this is through investments in human capital, such as education and health, investments in social capital such as local-level institutions and participato ry processes, and support for community based development efforts planned and implemented from bottom up (Havel, 1996, p.145). However, given the fact that the central point underlying peoples participation may be the degree of power distribution, these efforts are less likely to succeed unless responsive institutions and the legal and policy framework that facilitate and support local participation are in place (Havel, 1996; Tosun, 2004; Wang and Wall, 2005).