Pop Music Art or Noise free essay sample

They sometimes call t generation gap, but its not. Its just a matter of familiarity and preference. Pop music is not necessarily a taboo for the old generation. They love pop music too. Endurance of loud sounds to the sensitive auditory nerves of older people makes the difference in preference. But understanding can patch up the difference. Lowering the volume of sounds can make a big difference in respect to the Older people. Pop music is definitely not a noise. It is a very expressive means to bring happiness, sadness, fear and hopes.It may pass many changes in tempo, rhythm and beat but the soul in every pop song will always be there. This is the most artful and most beautiful way of bringing out the innermost feelings of a persons mind and body. It releases the exuberant energies of the youth for so to have a clear mind, away from drugs and far from emotional breakdown. We will write a custom essay sample on Pop Music : Art or Noise or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Pop music have so much liveliness, its not a dragged. Can you imagine the life of a highly unrighteousness in the music of Mozart, Stern and Portrait?Yes, this is an artistic classical type of music but it does not match the rhythm of a youngster pulse. If music will be dragged than life would be lifeless. Pop music is definitely an art. An art shows lifes beauty. As the saying goes, Beauty depends on the eye of the beholder. Everything in this world is artfully made by our creator. Acceptance is only the key word. Pop music is the fastest medium of communication around the corners of the world. We may belong to different cultures but in song it will make a difference.It gives ay and fulfillments and conveys message of love and peace to the world. For some, pop music is not their type. The elite usually prefers classical music. Pop music is for the masses , old and young, rich and poor because it truly brings out the true facets of life in this world we live in. Over the course of the 20th century, musical styles came and went but some stuck around. Disco maybe dead but pop music is an art that is here to stay.

Global Expansion of Beyond Bank Australia into Doha, Qatar, Asia

Global Expansion of Beyond Bank Australia into Doha, Qatar, Asia Introduction Background information Beyond Bank is a firm that operates in the Australian banking industry. The bank ranks as one of the largest customer-owned banks in Australia. The bank’s headquartered are located at the Australian Capital Territory in South Australia.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Global Expansion of Beyond Bank Australia into Doha, Qatar, Asia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The bank has undergone significant changes with regard to its operations and structure. Initially, the bank operated as a credit union under the name Community CPS Australia. However, the firm transformed its structure into a mutual bank in 2013 through a merger between CPS Credit Union Cooperative Limited and Commonwealth Public Servants Credit Union. In an effort to provide its banking services to a large number of customers in Australia, Beyond Bank has established a number of branches in different territories in Australia such as New South Wales. Currently, Beyond Bank has established 49 branches and it has a total human resource base of 600 employees. Beyond Bank is committed to increasing its customer base in order to achieve a high level of financial stability. It is estimated that the bank had a total customer base of 195,000 by the end of 2013. Subsequently, the bank has managed to improve its financial stability with its total assets estimated to amount to $4 billion. Furthermore, the bank has increased its shareholding to 202,000. In an effort to meet the customers’ needs, Beyond Bank has diversified its product and service portfolio. The bank offers diverse services such as business banking and personal banking. Other financial services that the firm offers to its customers include term deposits, accounting and tax services, insurance, and loans. Furthermore, Beyond Bank provides customers with financial planning services. In the course of its operations, Beyond Bank is co mmitted towards achieving a high level of prosperity. Subsequently, the bank has developed an effective distribution network by developing a comprehensive network of over 3,000 automated teller machines. Moreover, the bank has developed a strong working relationship with various community groups in an effort to achieve social sustainability through corporate social responsibility (Beyond Bank Australia 2014).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The firm seeks to achieve its growth and profit maximisation targets. In a bid to achieve this goal, the firm’s management team appreciates the importance of integrating the concept of internationalisation in its strategic management practices. Pride and Ferrell (2006) argue that internationalisation enables a firm to achieve its profit maximisation and growth objective. This assertion emanates from the view that venturi ng into the international market presents an organisation with a wide range of opportunities. Sandhusen (2008) asserts that the intensity of competition in the foreign market might be lower as compared to the local market. Therefore, there is a high probability of a firm maximising its profits by exploiting the prevailing market opportunities is relatively high. This goal can be achieved by adopting diverse growth strategies in the international market such as new product development. Moreover, an organisation may decide to market its existing products in the new market. Currently, the Beyond Bank’s operations are mainly based in Australia. The firm has identified Qatar as one of the most viable investment destinations in its market expansion efforts. Currently, Beyond Bank has not established its presence in Asia. Qatar is ranked amongst the fastest growing economies in the Gulf region. The growth has arisen from the adoption of effective economic policies such as liberalisa tion of various economic sectors. Additionally, Qatar has adopted effective economic policies such as formation of free zones. This move has played a remarkable role in enhancing trade with other countries. Moreover, Qatar has entered various free trading agreements with other GCC countries. Qatar is experiencing a high rate of economic growth in most of its economic sectors. The financial services sector is ranked amongst the fastest growing economic sectors in the country. A report released by the Qatar National Bank (2013) ranked the Qatar banking industry as the fastest growing amongst the GCC banking sector and the growth rate was estimated to be 18.4% by June 2013. Furthermore, the report asserts that the industry will experience a high rate of growth arising from the government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth in an effort to restore the country’s economic status, which was affected adversely by the 2008 global economic recession (Qatar National Bank 2013) .Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Global Expansion of Beyond Bank Australia into Doha, Qatar, Asia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Objective This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the internationalisation strategies that Beyond Bank should adopt in its effort to improve its market presence in Asia. The report specifically focuses on Qatar as the potential foreign expansion destination. During its initial market entry phase, Beyond Bank intends to establish its physical presence in Doha before expanding to other regions of Qatar. The report is intended to illustrate how Beyond Bank’s management team can successfully penetrate the Qatar banking industry. The report is organised into a number of sections, which include an illustration of company situation, an analysis of the target market, and evaluation of the market entry strategies that the firm should adopt. Finally, a number of recommendations t hat the firm should consider in its operations in the host country are outlined. Analysis of the target market [Qatar] The decision to target Qatar arises from the high potential for growth as illustrated by the industry structure. Currently, Qatar has 18 banks, which are located in different parts of the country. The chart below illustrates the constitution of Qatar banking industry. Type of Bank Number Commercial banks 6 Islamic banks 4 Foreign banks 7 Government owned bank [Qatar Development Bank] 1 Table 1 number of banks in Australia Source: (Austrade 2011) The Qatar banking industry has experienced significant increment in the volume of deposits over the past few years. For example in 2012, total deposits increased by a 26% margin and this trend further continued in 2013 whereby deposits increased by a further 17% total (Qatar National Bank 2013).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This growth was largely associated with growth in the public sector. Moreover, the private sector has also contributed significantly to the industry’s growth. For example, the volume of deposits from the private sector increased by 16% in 2012 (Qatar National Bank 2013). Qatar banks have experienced a significant improvement in their ratings over the past few years. This aspect illustrates the effectiveness with which the banks have implemented corporate governance concepts. Furthermore, the high rating is an illustration of the Qatar government’s commitment in creating an environment conducive for investment in the banking industry. The rating by major rating agencies such as Standard’s Poors, Capital Intel, Fitch and Moody’s has improved their ability to access the international bond markets. The chart below illustrates the rating of the top 5 banks in Qatar (Qatar National Bank 2013). Standard Poors Moody’s Fitch Capital Intel Doha Bank A- A2 A A Masraf Al Rayan A2 Qatar Investment Bank A Qatar National Bank A+ Aa3 A+ AA- Commercial Bank A- A1 A A Table 2 rating of major banks in Qatar Source; (Qatar National Bank 2013). The Qatar banking industry has also been characterised by significant increment in the level of profitability. For example, during the first half of 2013, the industry experienced an 8.9% increment in the level of profits. The industry is expected to sustain its profitability in 2014 due to the high infrastructure spending by the national government. Subsequently, there is a high probability of banks in the industry experiencing significant opportunity with regard to credit growth. The table below illustrates the trend in the industry’s profitability during the period ranging between 2008 and June 2013 (Qatar National Bank 2013). Year Growth rate % 2008 2.8 2009 2.8 2010 3.5 2011 4.3 2012 4.6 2013 (H1) 2.4 Table 3: profit growth amongst banks in Qatar Gra ph 1 Source- (Qatar National Bank 2013) SWOT analysis Kazmi (2008) argues that businesses are subject to the environment in which they operate. Subsequently, it is imperative for organisational managers to develop a broad understanding of the prevailing environments. Since its inception, Beyond Bank has been committed to managing its internal and external environments. The chart below illustrates the degree to which Beyond Bank has managed its internal and external environments by illustrating the firm’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths Financial stability:Beyond Bank Australia has achieved financial stability by focusing on profit maximisation and growth. By the end of 2013, the total assets under its management amounted to $4 billion (Beyond BankAustralia 2014) Networks:Beyond Bank has adopted an effective distribution strategy by establishing over 3,000 Automated Teller Machines, and 49 branches in different parts of Australia. This has playe d a significant role in improving the bank’s ability to access a large number of customers in the local market. Human resource base:the bank has developed a well-qualified and efficient workforce, which increases the firm’s effectiveness in offering quality customer services. The firm has a total human resource base of over 600 employees. Customer base: Beyond Bank enjoys a relatively high customer base of over 195,000 customers. These customers have played a fundamental role in enhancing the firm’s level of profitability and market expansion. Corporate social responsibility Beyond Bank Australia is ranked as the leading customer-owned banks in Australia. The bank has integrated the concept of corporate social responsibility by developing a strong working relationship with community-based organisations. Subsequently, the bank has achieved a high level of sustainability with regard to the social dimension. Weaknesses Competition;the bank is facing intense competi tion in both its local and international markets. Some of the top competitors in the local market include National Australia Bank Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Australia New Zealand Banking Group Limited. Distribution the bank’s outlets and ATMs are still fewer as compared to those of its competitors. Opportunities Global expansion;the firm can deal with this challenge by expanding into the international market. The bank should target emerging economies in order to leverage on the economic growth of these countries. Technology: the banking industry has experienced significant changes due to the high rate of technological changes. Subsequently, the bank should consider improving its operational efficiency and level of customer service by investing in new banking technologies. This aspect will enhance Beyond Bank ability to develop new banking products. Customer focus; Beyond Bank Australia can achieve a high level of market growth by adopting effective customer focus strategies in its service delivery. Threats Economic environment; the worsening economic environment in New Zealand and Australia presents a major challenge in the firm’s ability to achieve its profit maximisation objective. Legal environment;regulatory changes such as the imposition of credit limits can affect the bank’s ability to offer efficient financial services to customers. Fraud:the bank’s credibility might be affected by occurrence of fraud and money laundering, which are on the increase in the banking industry (Mitchell Satter 2013) Table 4- Beyond Bank Australia SWOT analysis Company situation analysis Company strategies Strategy formulation is vital in organisations’ efforts to achieve long-term success (Carroll Buchholtz 2014). Subsequently, failure to implement effective strategies can affect an organisation’s ability to achieve its goals. Carroll and Buchholtz (2014, p.129) further assert, ‘Firms have several levels at which strategic decisions are made, or the strategy process occurs’. These strategies range from formulation of goals, vision, and mission to high risk strategies involving high degree of uncertainty. Organisational managers should consider different levels of strategy in their strategic management practices and they include corporate, business, and functional level strategies. The functional-level strategies aim at improving an organisation’s operations at different levels of operation. On the other hand, corporate level strategies are concerned with developing a comprehensive definition of how a firm intends to achieve long-term business sustainability, and thus they enhance an organisation’s ability to achieve business growth and long-term profitability (Saee 2007). Some of the main corporate level strategies adopted by businesses include formation of mergers, divestitures, and acquisitions (Ireland, Hoskisson Hitt 2008). Business level strategies aim at ensuring that an organisation achieves the desired market position and competitive advantage. Additionally, business-level strategies focus at ensuring that an organisation is effective in responding to market changes. Subsequently, business level strategies enable organisations to achieve a high degree of operational efficiency in coordinating and uniting the functional level strategies. Beyond Bank Australia has integrated the aforementioned levels in its strategy formulation process. In its functional level, Beyond Bank Australia has integrated three main departments, which include personal banking, corporate banking, and business banking departments. By integrating these functional levels, Beyond Bank has achieved a high degree of operational efficiency and effectiveness. Business level strategies In its pursuit for competitive advantage, Beyond Bank has adopted two main business level strategies, which include differentiation and focus strategies. Customer focus The firmâ€⠄¢s focus strategy is illustrated by its commitment to serve a large number of customer groups. Subsequently, it must develop a broad product portfolio in order to meet the customers’ needs. Moreover, the broad range of products provides the firm with a high degree of flexibility to serve the target customer groups efficiently. Beyond Bank Australia intends to increase and sustain its customer base by offering a broad range of financial products per customer group. The firm mainly focuses on three main products, which include insurance, wealth, and deposits. In an effort to develop a strong customer base, Beyond Bank Australia has adopted a comprehensive sustainability strategy, which entails assisting its customers to attain sustainable financial future in an environment that is characterised by a high rate of economic changes. For example, the bank assists its customers in managing their wealth by offering different asset management services (Beyond Bank Australia 2014). In an effort to achieve a high level of efficiency in its operation, Beyond Bank Australia has established a number of subsidiaries, which include: Beyond Bank Australia Wealth Management Beyond Taxation Services Beyond Business and Accounting Services Each of the above subsidiaries specialises in a specific area of operation. For example, Eastwoods Wealth Management Pty Limited specialises in provision of financial planning services. On the other hand, Eastwood Accounting and Taxation Pty Limited specialises in provision of accounting and taxation services. The bank has established three main divisions, which offer financial services to specific customer groups in its New Zealand, Australian, and near pacific markets. The first group includes the Australian Financial Services, which is responsible for offering business and retail financial services. Differentiation strategy Schermerhorn (2010) asserts that differentiation is achieved by offering customers’ unique products an d services. In an effort to attract and retain a large number of customers, Beyond Bank Australia has also integrated the concept of differentiation, as evidenced by its digital innovation projects. The projects aim at ensuring that the customers’ personal information is adequately protected. This has been achieved by implementing an ePayment Code, whose purpose is to regular electronic payment. The ePayment Code ensures that the customers’ transactions through mobile, ATMs, internet and eftpos platforms are protected (Beyond Bank Australia 2014) Corporate level strategies In an effort to achieve its desired level of growth and competitiveness, Beyond Bank has integrated the concept of mergers and acquisition in its strategic management practices. In 2013, CPS Credit Union Cooperative Limited merged with Commonwealth Public Servants Credit Union leading to formation of Beyond Bank Australia. The Australian banking industry is characterised by a relatively high degree o f rivalry arising from the large number of competitors. Currently, there are 56 banks [both local and foreign] established in Australia. The chart below illustrates the intensity of competition in the Australian banking industry. Figure 1 summary of Porter’s five forces; Australian banking industry Source: (Austrade 2011) Internationalisation and global expansion Internationalisation strategy into Qatar The above analysis shows that there is a high potential for growth in the Qatar banking industry. In a bid to exploit this market opportunity, Beyond Bank should consider adopting the most effective market entry strategy. Levi (2006) argues that selection of the mode of entry is subject to a number of factors, which include The level of competition in the foreign market The company size with regard to its financial and asset base. Nature of the product or service being offered by the firm Goal of the company in the international market The prevailing trade barriers The abo ve analysis identifies Qatar as a potential investment destination as illustrated by the intensity of competition and lack of trade barriers. Furthermore, an analysis of Beyond Bank Australia shows that the bank has developed a substantial asset and financial base. Furthermore, the firm intends to increase its profitability by venturing into new markets. Below is an analysis of the internationalisation strategies that the firm should consider. Direct investment Beyond Bank Australia should consider adopting the concept of foreign direct investment in its market entry. This strategy will entail establishing new branches in Doha, Qatar. One of the major benefits of adopting this strategy is that the firm will have total control of the operations of the new branch. Through direct acquisition, the bank will be in a position to develop quick access in Qatar due to the already established market network. Furthermore, direct acquisition will present the firm with a high probability of succ ess due to the low degree of risk involved compared to Greenfield investment. Klug (2006) argues that Greenfield investment in a foreign country is risky because of the high costs involved despite the view that the firm has full control of the firm. Furthermore, gaining free enterprise in the host country through Greenfield market entry method will take a substantial amount of time. This assertion arises from the view that the firm will be required to establish its own distribution networks and setup operations from the scratch. Therefore, the firm might experience competitive challenges during its initial market entry phase from the already established firms. Joint ventures and strategic alliances Beyond Bank Australia should also consider investing in joint ventures in order to improve the effectiveness with which it penetrates the Qatar banking industry. The firm should identify a potential local bank in Qatar whereby it can purchase major shares, which will lead to the establish ment of a new entity. Through the joint venture, Beyond Bank Australia will have substantial control power. Subsequently, the bank will make operation and investment decisions. In addition to control, joint ventures will provide the bank with an opportunity to access sufficient knowledge of the local market. Moreover, Beyond Bank Australia will improve its competitive advantage by enhancing the prevailing network of relationships (KPMG 2013). Furthermore, the firm should consider integrating the concept of a strategic alliance by identifying a potential local firm with whom the alliance should be made. For example, the firm should identify a potential firm offering Islamic banking products in Qatar to increase its product portfolio by developing a new Islamic financial product (Hossain 2009). Conclusion and recommendations The report shows that Beyond Bank has managed to develop a strong market presence in Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, the firm has entered some Asian markets such as China and Asia. However, the firm has not fully penetrated the Asian market. Subsequently, it is imperative for the firm to conduct a comprehensive market research in order to identify potential markets to enter. One of the markets that the firm should consider entering is Qatar, which is one of the emerging economies in the GCC region. The Qatar banking industry has experienced significant growth over the past few years. The growth has arisen from increment in the rate of government spending on infrastructural projects. The appropriateness of the Qatar banking industry is further enhanced by the view that the intensity of competition is relatively low. Subsequently, the firm should consider investing in Qatar in an effort to achieve its growth and profit maximisation goals. However, the firm’s success in Qatar will be determined by the effectiveness with which it undertakes the internationalisation process. The firm’s management team should consider the follow ing aspects. Merger and acquisition To improve the likelihood of succeeding, the firm should identify a local bank in the host country that it can acquire. However, the firm should conduct a comprehensive analysis of the targeted firm for acquisition in order to determine its efficacy. For example, the bank should conduct a cultural analysis of the identified firm in order to determine the degree of cultural fit between the two firms. Previous studies show that most mergers and acquisitions fail due to lack of effective cultural analysis in order to determine the degree of cultural fit. Beyond Bank Australia should compare its organisational culture with that of the targeted firm to aid in determining the degree of congruence between the two firm’s cultures. A high degree of cultural fit will minimise the likelihood of the firm experiencing conflict amongst employees after the merger. Consequently, the likelihood of Beyond Bank succeeding in its integration phase will improve significantly. Strategic partnerships It is imperative for the firm’s management team to consider entering strategic alliance with already established an already established bank in Qatar. This move will provide the bank with an opportunity to penetrate the host market effectively and efficiently by leveraging on the strategic partners’ distribution network. Subsequently, it is imperative for the Beyond Bank’s management team to identify the most effective strategic partners. Some of the aspects that the firm should identify relates to the target firm’s distribution network, corporate governance, and quality of products. New product development To succeed in Qatar, Beyond Bank should identify the prevailing market opportunity that it can easily exploit in order to maximise its profitability. The analysis shows that Beyond Bank has managed to develop a substantial competitive advantage due to its strong financial base. However, it is important for the fir m’s management team to consider leveraging on its financial capability in the international market. Subsequently, the firm should invest in a comprehensive consumer and competitor market research. Consumer market research will aid in understanding the customers’ needs and expectations. On the other hand, competitor market research will aid in identifying market gaps that the firm can exploit. One of the areas the areas that the firm should consider relates to the types of Islamic products offered by local banks. Subsequently, the firm will attract new customer groups hence increasing its profitability. Organisational culture The success of Beyond Bank in its target market will be subject to the organisational culture developed. Therefore, it is imperative for the firm’s management team to nurture an efficient and effective organisational culture. Some of the aspects that the management team should take into account include adopting a flatter organisational struc ture. This move will improve the effectiveness with which decisions are made and hence the likelihood of the firm exploiting the prevailing market opportunities. Distribution network The report shows that the bank has established over 1,400 outlets globally. Upon entering the Qatar banking industry, Beyond Bank Australia should consider increasing its market presence by establishing additional retail outlets. This move will improve the effectiveness with which the firm offers financial services to a large number of customer groups. Customer service The bank’s ability to attract and retain customers in the host country and hence its long-term survival will be determined by the quality of services’ profits. Subsequently, it is imperative for Beyond Bank Australia to invest in a comprehensive customer service program by developing an employee training and development program in order to improve the level of their skills and knowledge on how to serve customers. One of the aspects that the firm should focus on relates to the host country’s culture. Furthermore, the firm should focus on developing a strong customer relationship in order to improve the level of loyalty. Previous studies conducted show that the quality of banking services provided has a significant influence on the level of customer loyalty developed. Reference List Austrade: Australia banking industry 2011, google.com/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=1cad=rjauact=8ved=0CC0QFjAAurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.austrade.gov.au%2FArticleDocuments%2F2792%2FAustralias-Banking-Industry.pdf.aspxei=IhtqU5HXD8vZygO6tYHIBAusg=AFQjCNEnUaPm6iEptkV7ZfW-tTGpe-zZoQsig2=OKTCBmbAygae3kojsmPbCQbvm=bv.66111022,d.bGQ Beyond Bank Australia: At Beyond Bank Australia, we’re the other way to bank 2014, viewed from beyondbank.com.au/about-us.html Carroll, A Buchholtz, A 2014, Business and society; ethics, sustainability and stakeholder management, Cengage Learning, New York. Hossain, M 2009, ‘Customer perception on service quality in retail banking in Middle East; the case of Qatar’, International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 2 no. 4, pp. 338-350. Ireland, D, Hoskisson, R Hitt, M 2008, Understanding business strategy; concepts and cases, South-Western Cengage Learning, Mason. Kazmi, E 2008, Strategic management and business policy, McGraw-Hill, New York. Klug, M 2006, Marketing entry strategies in Eastern Europe in the context of the European Union; an empirical research into German firms entering the polish market, Deutscher Universitats-Verlag, Wiesbaden. KPMG: Conquering global markets 2013, https://www.kpmg.com/Global/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Documents/conquering-global-markets.pdf Levi, K 2006, Market entry strategies of foreign telecom companies in India, Deutscher Universitats-Verlag, Wiesbaden. Mitchell, P Satter, R 2013, Westpac caught up in world’s biggest money laundering sting, smh.com.au/technolo gy/technology-news/westpac-caught-up-in-worlds-biggest-money-laundering-sting-20130528-2naa8.html Pride, W Ferrell, O 2006, Marketing: concepts and strategies, Houghton, Boston. Saee, J 2007, Contemporary corporate strategy: global perspective, Routledge, New Jersey. Sandhusen, R 2008, Marketing, Barron’s Educational Series, Hauppauge. Qatar National Bank: Qatar economic insight 2013, qnb.com.qa/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldatablobheader=application%2Fpdfblobkey=idblobtable=MungoBlobsblobwhere=1355496376563ssbinary=true Schermerhorn, J 2010, Management, John Wiley, Hoboken, New Jersey.

Marketing research for Ice pad and Outline the process for gathering Paper

Marketing for Ice pad and Outline the process for gathering data for and explain how you would analyze the inf - Research Paper Example Yet again, market research can help management decide how best to deliver their products to the target market. With many manufacturers producing and marketing a variety of ice pads in the U.S. it is important for a new entrant in the market such as Ice Pads Limited to establish what kind of products it needs to offer to win a significant part of the market. Ice Pads Limited was established in 2011 and has been a market leader in the supply of ice pads in China. The company sees a great potential in the United States, and particularly in New York City where winter sports are commonly played. The company targets individuals of either gender who engage in winter sports such as skating and ice hockey aged between 16 and 60. The sports are played by people across all socio-economic backgrounds and who have different lifestyles. Although these games are popularly played during the winter season when there is a lot of snow, there are places in New York that have ice courses for playing thro ughout the year. The major competitors in the New York market include Paragon Sports, New York Golf Center, and Jack Rabbit, all of which offer various ice pads used for sporting purposes. Problem Definition Ice Pads Limited needs to establish the kind of ice pads to offer to the New York market, the best price for the products, and the factors that people consider when buying ice pads for winter sport activities. The organization is a new entrant in the market and needs to offer unique and well priced products to win a significant part of the market within its first year of operations. Objectives 1. To establish what customers like or dislike about the products that are offered in the market currently 2. To establish what needs to be improved in the products offered in the market currently to make them better for customers 3. To establish the factors that consumers consider when buying ice pads 4. To establish the appropriate price for ice pads in the New York market Research Metho ds Data for market research can be drawn from primary or secondary sources according to Wight (2013). During the market research, primary as well as secondary data will be collected. Secondary data will be drawn from the Internet and brochures produced by competitors in the market. Primary data will be collected through a field survey. During the survey, a sample of 50 respondents randomly drawn from New York city will be issued with questionnaires containing about 10 closed ended questions. Given that the products for which the market research is conducted are mainly bought and used by individuals across all age groups, the sample frame will include individuals of either gender, living in New York City aged between 16 and 60 years interested in and actively engaging in winter sports. In this respect, the samples will include individuals who have at least taken part in one winter sport at one time or another in their life. The samples will be drawn from different streets in New York City. The researchers will draw the samples by randomly approaching individuals between the age of 16 and 60 going about their businesses. The potential respondents will be asked to spare a few minutes of their time and introduced to the research. More specifically, the researcher will introduce themselves before briefing the potential respondent about the study; its nature and the objectives of the

Biofuel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Biofuel - Essay Example Biofuels have existed since the 1970s. Before 2010, every international commercial biofuels plant was either a biodiesel or a first generation ethanol. The United States of America has been termed to be the world’s largest producer of ethanol. Back in 2009, the USA produced approximately 10.5 billion gallons of ethanol using corn. Brazil comes in second producing eight billion gallons of ethanol using sugarcane. It is strange to see that in a world where there is scarcity of food, there is a massive use of water resources and land in growing crops for the production biofuels. According to the United Nations, the up-and-coming biofuels industry may risk the rising of food prices. In line with the UN-Energy report: Sustainable Energy: a Frame Work for Decision Makers, it states that biofuels production has already driven up maize prices between the year 2006 and 2007. The report also states that biofuels possibly would have a dual consequence on food supplies. Alternatively, suc h crops could avert water, land as well as other resources away from the production of food. The report quotes that unless policies are formed and endorsed to guard threatened lands, push bioenergy development in sustainable direction in general and secure communally acceptable land use, the social and environmental damage could in some cases overshadow the benefits. A key argument exists on the scope to which policies of biofuels have contributed to high volatility and agricultural prices levels. A current study meant for the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development illustrates that market driven growth of ethanol in United States’ increased corn prices by 21% in 2009,compared to the prices that would prevailing if the production of ethanol had been frozen in 2004. Lester R. Brown stated that by converting the whole grain harvest of the Americans would only generate 16% of its auto fuel wants, energy markets are efficiently positioned in opposition with foo d markets for limited arable land, consequential in a higher food price. A large number of R&D efforts are at present being positioned to the production of 2nd generation biofuels from waste, crop residues and non food crops. Second generation biofuels may possibly merge farming for fuel and food and in addition electricity could be produced simultaneously, this could be beneficial to third world countries as well as the rural areas in the developing countries (Desilva, 4). Strengths Renewability: Biofuels are easy to renew compared to fossil fuels which take relatively long time. This is because new crops are planted and their waste material is gathered. Cost: Biofuels are significantly less expensive compared to gasoline. This is true since increased worldwide demand for oil dwindles oil supplies hence biofuels becoming the only option. Security: Since biofuels

Primary Commodity Exports and Civil War Essay Example for Free

Primary Commodity Exports and Civil War Essay Fearon’s study particularly pertains to the evaluation on which particular countries are actually prone to undergoing situations such as civil wars. In this article, he along with his co-researchers found out certain elements that contribute to the increase of threat towards the possibility of a country undergoing a civil outburst. According to the said researchers, the most important issues that needs consideration on this part of the situation is the emergence of countries that are involved in primary commodity export appointments in the field of international trade. Apparently, it is in this article that poverty has been noted to be a reactive result of several globalization approaches which also brings about the possibility of social chaos giving way to civil war. The bridge that was supposed to keep nations together through globalization is now serving as the strongest reason of gap between people around the world and even within countries. The widening gap is also producing serious consequences for the richer nations. This is because of their growing dependence on the raw materials of the nations of the â€Å"Third World. † But now these nations have changed their attitudes about how their resources will be used, and paid for. An example of this was the action taken by the oil-producing underdeveloped nations, sending shock waves throughout the industrial lands. For many decades, the poorer oil-producing nations had to sell their oil at a relatively cheap price. Recently, these nations banded together and agreed to quadruple their prices. The poor nations have laid down a clear challenge to the rich nations. They will no longer passively accept what the industrial nations have assumed for more than two centuries. That assumption was that there would always be cheap raw materials available from the poor nations. No longer is this the case. However, the dilemma of the poor nations is that most of them are not blessed with abundant raw materials. Most of them lack abundant mineral and oil resources. They are largely agricultural lands, and in bad years, they have nothing to fall back on to sell to other nations. Therefore, they will not have the money to buy the food and other things they need to help them in bad years. That is just what is happening now to various countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The main idea of studying the way people live in the society is to see how far they have fared in making their way to progress. However, contrary to the aimed unified progress, development is usually shifted only to the â€Å"haves†. Yes, the world may be seemingly unfair, equality may even seem too impossible to be achieved, but through a unified effort, having an equal community could still be worked upon by the entire human civilization; something that is most needed to avoid possible outburst of civil war. Bibliography Fearon, James. Primary Commodity Exports and Civil War. Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 49, No. 4, 483-507 (2005).

How money widens the gap of loneliness in the great gatsby :: essays research papers

The 1920’s in the united States was a time of economic growth in which people lived frivolous lives by believing their money would make them happy. It was a time of alcoholic prohibition and a time of emancipation for women. Thus, it was a time of parties, drinking and wild women for those who could afford it. Those who were at the bottom of society were constantly striving for the top of the economic ladder.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This time era, in Long Island, is the basis of F. Scott’s Fitzgerald’s book, The Great Gatsby. It has become one of the great classics in American literature and is well known for its commentary on social status. Through the introduction of many â€Å"status† oriented characters, Fitzgerald comments on the social lives of those living in the twenties. But does it go beyond the social status issues it addresses, and focus on something deeper? Yes, the characters may focus on their constant climb to economic well being, but more importantly they reveal a theme of The Great Gatsby: in the midst of man’s heart is loneliness and the need to be needed, which is surrounded by the greed of money. â€Å"Gatsby offers a detailed social picture of the stresses of an advanced capitalist culture in the early 1920s† (Fitter), â€Å"Fitzgerald discloses in these people a meanness of spirit, carelessness and absence of loyalties. He cannot hate them, for they are dumb in their insensate selfishness, and only to be pitied.† (Clark).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fryc 2 The plot, or general development of the story, is carefully designed to grow as the reader gets to know the characters. It isn’t until the last few chapters that the actual events of the story add to the theme. Even then, the character’s reactions to these events are what strengthen the theme of loneliness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The narrator, Nick Carraway, presents his own view of himself at the beginning of the story. By being the narrator, he only allows the reader to know what he wants them to know about him. He gives the impression that he is an upright human being that â€Å"reserves all judgments† (p.1). However, by the end of the story, he has come to the conclusion that everyone he has come into contact with is shallow and self-absorbed. Although he might give the impression that he is content with life, a small glimpse of loneliness can be seen in him.

Explore the various reasons for Hamlet’s delay Essay

Shakespeare presents the subject of hamlet’s provocation in a way that many different reasons could be suitable and debateable at the same time. Through the whole play, Shakespeare makes it clear that hamlet delays the intended murder for reasons such as preventing Claudius from going to heaven, waiting for the right opportunity to strike, hamlet trying to get proof that his ghost’s father is right and possibly that he wants to kill Claudius and lie with his mother. In the early stages of the play, the audience is introduced to the death of hamlet’s father â€Å"the king† and soon afterwards his mother marries Claudius. Hamlet’s father’s ghost appears suddenly to hamlet and tells him to kill Claudius, the man responsible for his death but spare his mother. However hamlet delays because he is uncertain if his father’s ghost is real or the devil sent to deceive him and damn his name as quoted † that spirit I have seen maybe the devil, sent to damn out of my weakness and melancholy. † The term â€Å"maybe† clarifies that hamlet has doubts about the true form of the ghost and therefore he needs solid proof and believes that the devil exists with bad intentions of making people sin. However, hamlet clearly fears weakness and melancholy or he does want to be taken advantage of. At this point in time, he shows how smart he is by saying†I will have grounds more relative that this, the play is the thing. † This quotation suggests that hamlet decides to search for his proof to make sure that he is right and fair but at this time, his mind is troubled because he does not know the truth yet but is eager to find out by making the players play his father’s death where in that process he will observe Claudius’s reactions. It’s fair to say that hamlet is a religious person and his religious beliefs that ghosts are agents of the devil are the ones which make doubt his father’s ghost and therefore delay his revenge. When hamlets get proof that Claudius is indeed the murderer, the opportunity of killing him in the church presents itself but hamlet does not take it because he does not want to send Claudius to heaven as quoted from his soliloquy † a villain kills my father and I, son do and send him to heaven! No† hamlet withdraws from killing Claudius because Claudius has confessed his sins and if he dies now, Claudius will go to heaven to enjoy while he and his father suffer in hell and clearly hamlet does not want that. One of the reasons he does not want them is the fact that he does not want let down his father’s ghost which told him to kill Claudius in sin so that he suffers the same fate as his father and hamlet clearly wants Claudius to suffer for killing his father. After he withdraws, hamlet says to himself that he will wait for the time when Claudius is in sin as his father was and then strike. Hamlet’s final judgement prevents him from acting which is based on religion. However, this lost opportunity can be attributed the reason that hamlet is moral and different from Claudius and by killing Claudius is like him being compared to a murderer. I also assume that his psychological status, that is his troubled mind which I think is depressed and possibly a real madness prevents him from carting out the murder. Some critics say hamlet delays because he is waiting for the right time. I agree with that because he has an opportunity to kill Claudius in the church but he does not take it and says that he will wait for the time when Claudius in sin as quoted † when he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed. † The term when suggests a time it will right in hamlet’s mind to kill Claudius and so he waits for that right time. However, other reasons for the right time might be that Claudius is a king and so well guarded that it’s not easy for hamlet to strike him down and hamlet fears the consequences if he kills Claudius. He fears he will hurt his mother for a start which he does not want to happen and secondly, he has no clear proof to prove that Claudius is the villain except for the ghost which people assume is an agent of evil or the devil and so people will deny his proof. Hamlet wants Claudius to be seen as the villain but if he kills Claudius, people will assume that he is the villain and probably be driven out of the country. In conclusion, hamlet’s provocation is due to many reasons which all make sense and sound right as presented by Shakespeare. His delay could be as a result of waiting for the right so that everything goes as planned by him and also the need to get concrete proof his father’s ghosts is right to avoid deception by the devil which is smart.