Customer Relationship Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Customer Relationship Management - Essay Example CRM is a broad aspect and can be used from the perspective of consumer, business and implementation of strategies. CRM can be broadly divided into three major categories namely, functional, business strategy and implementation. Functional category includes aspects which relate to the functional areas of an organization and includes areas like sales force automation, customer support etc. The business strategy aspect can be divided into three types which are business, technology and customer. The implementation perspective can be divided into analytical, collaborative and operational based practices. Analytical CRM is a tool that seeks to gather and analyse data related to operational aspects of an organization. Tools like OLAP and other data warehousing techniques help in creating a better experience for consumers by improving their relationship with the organization. Collaborative CRM focuses upon the different points of interaction with the customer and the firm and serves to integ rate the various channels of communication for a better service delivery. Operational CRM helps in providing solutions with regards to various back and front end support for administrative and customer related aspects by integration with different databases to provide customer friendly support and delivery business processes (Motiwalla & Thompson, p.332-333). CRM not only aims at developing a better relationship with the customers but also strives towards creating an all round development.... Collaborative CRM focuses upon the different points of interaction with the customer and the firm and serves to integrate the various channels of communication for a better service delivery. Operational CRM helps in providing solutions with regards to various back and front end support for administrative and customer related aspects by integration with different databases to provide customer friendly support and delivery business processes (Motiwalla & Thompson, p.332-333). Scope and Importance of Customer Relationship Management CRM not only aims at developing a better relationship with the customers but also strives towards creating an all round development of relationship with all the major stakeholders including the suppliers who play a crucial part in the sustainability of the organization. The main aspects of CRM include knowledge of the customer, an effective strategy directed towards maintaining a relationship with the customer, communication and finally the value addition in the product or service offering (Peelen, p.7). Figure 2: Diagram showing the scope of CRM (Source: Buttle, p.299) CRM places the customer at the centre of the framework as all its intended policies are directed towards the development of customer relationship. Management of suppliers is essential considering the fact that they form the backbone of an organization’s business activities. Firms like Wal-Mart have effectively used ERP to bring about a better and efficient relationship with the suppliers so as to deliver greater value to the consumers. Toyota uses a effective CRM framework to manage its large number of suppliers which has helped in attaining efficiency which has reaped numerous operational benefits to

Brazil Culture Night Essay Example for Free

Brazil Culture Night Essay We have a lot of different cultural events going on, but at the International House there is always a culture event every two or three weeks. They usually dedicate a week to a specific culture. They show movies, do lectures, have coffee night and much more. They have different cultures every time. International House had culture events on different cultures like: China, Brazil, Japanese, French, Nepali, German, India, and many more. I have been to many of these culture events. One event in particular that I had been to recently is Brazil culture night. Brazil culture night was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. The doors opened at 6:00 but the actual event started at 6:30 and it lasted until 8:30. The event was held in the International House Great Room where all the events are usually held. I was very excited to go to this event because I know very little about Brazil but I have heard a lot and I was very excited to go and find out new things about Brazil. I specially wanted to see the food and the music. And the language, Portuguese. When I first walked in the lobby of International House it was packed! Everywhere there were lots of people. I saw different age group people from kids to late adults. This made me even more exciting, I love to see lots of people coming to event it just makes it even more fun. In the beginning as soon as you go in, you get your food and you find a place to sit. When I saw the food, my mouth got so watery. My Portuguese professor from last semester was serving us food, and she had told me that she made most of this food. This surprised me because I never thought that she could make this great food. The food was amazing, I specifically loved the desert, I did not know what it was called but it was all chocolaty and it was shaped like a round ball. After every one got sattled in, which completely filled the Great Room there was no space for anyone to sit, some people were even standing. And then the program started around 9:30. There were two presentations, one from the Brazilian people itself and another one was a students here who went there to do the study abroad program. Both of these presentations were very interesting, I learned a lot from them. It made me want to go to Brazil to do the study abroad program. The places they went to were just so beautiful. Later they had the band, â€Å"Cafà © Basil† and they played amazing as well. I realized that I really enjoy Portuguese music I never thought that I would like this type of music but I really enjoyed it. Later they had the Jiu-Jitsu demonstration, which was really interesting. I wish I could something like that. And at the end there was some Samba dance demonstrations, which Joanna presented. I was just mind blown when I saw it! They taught people from audience and then some people just joined them. I really enjoyed the Samba dance. They also had a traditional dancing. Overall I really enjoyed myself there. There was not a better way I would have wanted to spend my Wednesday night. I really enjoyed the food and loved the Samba dancing. I am really glad that they pass flyers around campus, post these events on International House website and also they use facebook to get a lot of people coming to these events. They always have a great out come. Sometimes they do not even have enough food left for the helpers. They have volunteers helping during these events. These volunteers are students and most of them are from the club, Asian American Association. I believe that these students do a great job, in weather it if preparing the food or preparing for the event. One another positive thing about these events held at the International House is that, these events allow us to meet new people outside of what we normally see, who our normal friends are. I have made a lot of new friend from going to these events. I have friends from lots of different culture only because I go to these culture events and I see them there. These events also allows us to experience other culture but in our own comfort zone. I also like how the main focus of these events is that, it show people on campus the similarities and differences between cultures in an interesting fun way, which everyone enjoys. I learned a lot from these events. Like I learned to do a little of Samba dancing and some interesting facts and also the food was amazing. I think they should just keep up the good work that they are doing. They should find a bigger room so that everyone could sit and enjoy but other then that it was wonderful. I loved it!

Reinsurance Business :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Reinsurance Business ARTICLE I – PARTIES TO AGREEMENT This Agreement is solely between the Company and the Reinsurer and the performance of obligations of each party under this Agreement shall be rendered solely to the other party. In no instances shall anyone other than the Company or the Reinsurer have any rights under this Agreement except recognizing the Company has the sole responsibility for the evaluation and appointment of the Underwriting Manager, Managed Care Concepts of Delaware, Inc. (MCCI). Further, it is agreed that Associated Accident and Health Reinsurance Underwriters (AAHRU), a participating Reinsurer, is deemed to be the Lead Reinsurer. In that capacity, any and all actions of the Lead Reinsurer shall be made in the best interest of this Agreement and binding upon the other reinsurers. Should the Company appoint a new Underwriting Manager, the Reinsurer must approve any change in the Underwriting Manager, otherwise the Reinsurer has the right to cancel at the time of change. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their heirs, and successors, if any. ARTICLE II – BASIS OF REINSURANCE On and after the effective date of this Agreement, the Company shall cede and the Reinsurer shall accept as reinsurance, a Quota Share portion, as shown within ARTICLE XXXII – EXECUTION, of the liability on policies, binders, contracts or agreements of insurance, hereinafter referred to as policies, issued or renewed by the Company on or after the effective date of this Agreement and underwritten for and on behalf of the Company by the Underwriting Manager and classified as Basic College Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Insurance, as described below: ï‚ · Basic College Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Insurance: Excess of all other valid and collectible insurance issued to the eligible students (various classes including, domestic undergraduate, domestic graduate and foreign students) and their eligible dependents. If the eligible student does not have primary insurance, this plan will be primary. Some plans may be written on a primary basis for which benefits will then be coordinated with any other plan in which the student is covered as a dependent. Premiums must be paid before insurance is in force and valid. The maximum benefit per individual covered insured is $500,000. ARTICLE III – RETENTION AND LIMIT The Reinsurer agrees to accept a fixed proportion of 85% of the first $500,000 per person per risk for all business subject to this Agreement.

Cottle-Taylor

Therefore, original projections will be more beneficial. Also, Mr. Lang had predicted his estimates based on the success in Thailand, but the demographics of Thailand and India are very different. More than 80% of the individuals live on less than $2 per day. So, we recommend that we should follow our original projection of 20% unit sales increase. Regards, Assistant Executives Cottle India Case Analysis Summary Situation analysis: Mr.Lang has asked Brinda Patel to reconsider her projections of 20% for growth in toothbrush sales in India. Lang proposes that a 3% increase in the advertisement budget will lead to a 30% increase in sales. This assumption is based on prior experience and support they received in the Thailand Market. But demographics of India is very different from that of Thailand. Problem Statement: What is the feasibility of achieving a 25% to 30% growth in toothbrush business of Cottle India in 2010?Options: Brinda Patel should present her original marketing plan of 2 0% projection Brinda Patel should revise her marketing plan to achieve 30% sales growth Criteria: Total revenue Profit from operations Accuracy of assumptions Evaluation of Options: From the analysis and projections, it is seen that though revenue would increase in evising the marketing plan and investing in advertising, the profit earned by the company with the original plan of 20% is still more than the revised market plan of 30%.Recommendation: After evaluating the options, it is recommended that Brinda Patel sticks to her original marketing plan of 20% unit sales growth in the toothbrush market. Action plan She should present the original marketing plan to Lang She should convince Lang about the different economic conditions in India as compared to Thailand. Table of Contents Situational Analysis Cottle Taylor company manufactures more than 200 products under three consumer- roduct categories: personal care, home care, oral care. It is a global company and operates in four geogr aphic regions viz. Europe, Latin America, North America and Greater Asia and Africa.In the year 2009, they generated $5. 7 billion out of the total revenue of $1 1. 5 billion from emerging. In India, they are present only in the oral care business and the operations are controlled by Cottle India. India was a massive market with above 1 billion people and was also the largest democracy in the world. In 2009, India had around 37% people living below the poverty line and around 80% lived on less than $2 per day. Majority of the Indian population resided in the rural regions, where the wages were varying, so the consumers in the rural regions were sensitive to prices.The company is trying to focus on both the rural as well as the urban market in India and has hence three products in different price ranges. They are low-end, mid-range and battery operated types. Also, the people living in the rural areas are not well aware of the product toothbrushes. Around 50% of the rural population use chewy twigs from neem tree to clean their teeth and maintain dental hygiene. Cottle India realized the need to educate the people in rural areas regarding ental hygiene and hence the company partnered with Indian Dental Association (IDA) in 2004, to inform and educate people about oral health issues.In 2008, Brinda Patel took over as the marketing director of oral care operations. In 2009, Cottle India had market share of 38% in total oral care. Brinda had a marketing plan which would bring about a 20% increase in sales but her manager has advised her that the company could higher sales growth by investing more in advertisements. Brinda Patel's manager Michael Lang had increased unit sales growth by 25% in Thailand by investing around 3% of sales to advertisement. Langs's suggestion of opting the same strategy as that in Thailand will not suffice the purpose in India because of the huge demographic difference between the two countries.Problem Statement What is the feasibility of achieving a 25% to 30% growth in toothbrush business of Cottle India in 2010? Options Brinda patel basically has two options with her. One was to go with her own option to stick to the original marketing plan and increase her sales by 20% or Another option is to go by Lange's target of 20-25% owtn in unit sales in the tlnancial year by increasing the budget ot advertising. Criteria for Evaluation Financial analysis is one of the main criteria to evaluate the options present in the situation.In the current scenario revenue generation and increasing the profit are the main things to be taken into account. Since there are two criteria for evaluating the criteria we start with is the profit increasing option. Evaluation of options Option 1: Brinda Patel should revise her marketing plan to achieve 30% unit sales growth Lang projected a growth rate of the toothbrush sales by 16% for low end range, by 120% for mid-range and by 25% for the high end range. The total revenue is calculated us ing these fgures (see exhibit 1). The total revenue estimated by Lang is $11705 million.Comparing it with the Patel's estimation the revenue is high. With Langs projection the Revenue increases by 67. 6%. On the other hand evaluating it in terms of profit there is an increase in profit from $12. 6 million to $17. 58 million (see exhibit 2). But Lang is assuming what worked in Thailand will work in India as well. His prediction is on the basis of the market result of Thailand and the demographics of the two countries are quite different. We see, from exhibit 1, that the mid-range toothbrushes are priced at $0. 98 and from Exhibit 3, it is can be seen that pproximately 42. % population live below $1. 37 per day and 40. 7% live below $2. 74 per day. Thus, for a country with about 83. 4 % population below $2 per day, Lang had projected to increase in sales by 120 %. It is quite improbable for a consumer to buy a toothbrush worth $0. 98 when his disposable income is less than $2 per day.

Storm Born Chapter Twenty-One

I shot up, anger coursing through my body as I stared at that smug face. A heavy, bejeweled crown sat atop his brown hair, and he wore a close-fitting black satin dinner jacket. â€Å"Don't look at me like that, Lady Markham,† he told me in a voice both pleasant and hostile. â€Å"Dorian will not protect you if you start trouble in his home, no matter how advantageous you are as a lover.† â€Å"Fine. I'll just have to kill you somewhere else.† â€Å"Your plan didn't work so well last time.† â€Å"Neither did yours.† He leered. â€Å"That dress is exquisite, you know. It outlines every part of your body beautifully.† I crossed my arms instinctually. â€Å"Don't waste my time with compliments.† â€Å"Just tossing in my own bid for your body, just like everyone else here.† â€Å"Yeah? Haven't you paid attention? None of their compliments have worked either.† â€Å"Bah. They're petty lordlings and leeches scraping for power,† he said with a sneer. â€Å"The general consensus is that you've refused everyone simply because you've yet to be approached by anyone worthy.† He cut a glance at Kiyo as he spoke. â€Å"Or maybe because I'm with Dorian. Not that it makes any difference. I'd fuck that trowe over there before I'd go anywhere near you.† â€Å"I think I'd like to see that, especially considering he comes to your knees.† â€Å"If this is the part where you tell me how well-endowed you are, save it. There's nothing you can say that would get me near your bed, so just give it up and leave.† His features hardened, a cold and sardonic smirk turning up his lips. â€Å"I suppose I can't argue with that. Not that it matters. I won't be alone tonight.† He stepped aside, just barely, and inclined his head. I followed the motion across the room. Jasmine Delaney stood among a group of gentry nobles. She was watching us, an unreadable look on her face. A long dress, heavy with brocade and jewels, draped her slight form, and her gray eyes looked even more enormous than last time. I clenched my fists, remembering the look on my mom's face when she described her captivity. Wil's picture of a lonely girl, lost in her fantasy world, circled around my mind. â€Å"I will kill you, you bastard. But first I'll make sure you beg me for it.† I sounded like Volusian. â€Å"Eugenie,† murmured Kiyo, laying a hand on my wrist. His voice was firm and cautionary. He apparently feared I'd do something stupid. It was a good fear. Aeson seemed unconcerned. â€Å"Those are kind of extreme measures, don't you think? Especially when there are much simpler ones.† â€Å"Such as?† He shrugged. â€Å"I'll turn her over to you tonight.† â€Å"Let me guess. If I go live with you instead?† â€Å"No such commitments. Come with me just for Beltane. One night, and both you and she walk free. Not a bad offer, especially since there are still a number of men out there plotting to carry you off for an extended period. Considering the other drivel that's approached you, you could do a lot worse. I'm powerful. Rich. Influential. A worthy consort.† I looked Aeson up from head to toe, glanced at the still-watching Jasmine, and then turned back to him. â€Å"I think I'd rather just kill you.† He gave me a mocking bow, face still hard. â€Å"I look forward to the attempt.† He started to walk away, then gave Kiyo a considering look. â€Å"I suppose you could pick worse men to father your child. This one's already proven he can do it.† Aeson swept away from us and headed back to his group. Sliding a possessive arm around Jasmine, he leaned over and kissed her hard, pressing her body up against his. With the difference in their heights, he looked like he was molesting a small child – which, I supposed, he actually was. Puberty be damned. The anger that sight inspired in me solidified into ice as I turned back around to face Kiyo. The look on his face made something inside of me curl up into a ball. â€Å"What's he talking about?† He started to open his mouth and then paused, apparently reconsidering what he wanted to say. My incredulity exploded. â€Å"Kiyo! This is where you tell me he's full of shit and you have no idea what he's talking about.† â€Å"Eugenie†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he began slowly. â€Å"Oh, my God.† I turned around. The ice inside of me melted and made me queasy. â€Å"You have a kid you never told me about. You have a kid somewhere.† â€Å"No. Not yet.† I spun around. â€Å"What the hell is that supposed to – † I stopped. â€Å"Maiwenn. Maiwenn is pregnant.† Poor Maiwenn. Poor sick and weak Maiwenn. I'd heard a number of comments made about her condition and never questioned it. It was a sign of my distraction in the last month. Gentry didn't really get sick. They could get killed in battle, die from an infected wound, or die of old age. That was about it. Even now, looking across the room, I saw her sitting and talking with a few others. She was smiling but looked pale under her tan. The dress she wore was loose and voluminous. The one she'd worn at my house had been similar, albeit not made of silk. She wasn't currently showing off her body. â€Å"You should've told me,† I whispered. â€Å"Yes,† he said simply. â€Å"I should have.† â€Å"You should have told me!† I repeated, my voice loud and strained. Most of the room's noise muffled my cry, but a few people nearby gave us curious looks. â€Å"Shh.† Kiyo took my arm and steered us back toward the wall. â€Å"I was waiting. Things were so uncertain between us. I wanted to have a steady foundation before I told you.† â€Å"Did you ever consider that telling me now might help that ‘steady foundation'? What happened to all the honesty rhetoric?† â€Å"And how would you have taken it?† he asked quietly. â€Å"You've had a hard enough time knowing she and I were together at all.† â€Å"No, I haven't.† â€Å"Eugenie, I see it in your face whenever her name's mentioned.† â€Å"It doesn't matter. This is big.† He shook his head. â€Å"It happened in the past. She and I aren't together. We're friends now. You and I are together.† â€Å"So what? You're not going to do anything with this baby because you guys aren't together anymore?† â€Å"No! Of course not. I'll be there for the baby, and I'll support Maiwenn as much as that requires.† â€Å"Then that's not the past,† I snapped. â€Å"That's your future. My future too if you were planning on being with me.† His face turned even more sober than it had been. â€Å"You're right,† he said after several drawn-out moments. â€Å"It was wrong of me. I'm sorry. I thought I was protecting you.† I gave a harsh laugh that bordered dangerously on being a sob. â€Å"Yeah. Everyone wants to protect me lately. My parents did too. You guys think if I don't hear bad things, then they won't exist anymore. But you know what? They do still exist, and I do end up hearing them. And I wish to God that I could have heard them from the people I love first.† I turned and started walking away. Kiyo grabbed my shoulder. I tried to tug out of his grasp. â€Å"Don't touch me,† I warned. â€Å"We're done here.† â€Å"What are you saying?† â€Å"What do you think? You think I'm going to smile and forgive all this? I can barely forgive my parents, and I've known them my whole life. I've barely known you for a month. That doesn't really count for much.† He flinched. The hand on my shoulder dropped. â€Å"I see,† he said stiffly, face darkening. â€Å"Then I guess we are done here.† â€Å"Yeah.† We stood staring at each other, and where heat once had smoldered between us, only a lonely chasm remained. I turned on my heels and stormed across the room without even knowing where I went. Eager men approached me, but I brushed past them all, apparently showing the arrogance Shaya had said was expected of me. I just couldn't face them right now. It was too much. All of it. The crazy propositions. My so-called legacy. Aeson and Jasmine. Maiwenn and Kiyo. Oh, God, Kiyo. Why had he done this to me? I'd tried to write him off after our first night together, and he'd made me care about him again. Now it only hurt twice as much. The words from last night came back to me. You're mine. Apparently not. I stopped in the middle of the crowded ballroom floor with no clue where I was going. I'd gotten disoriented somehow and forgotten where the exit was. The throne was over there, so that meant – â€Å"Yo, Odile. Some party, huh?† My navigation attempts were interrupted by Finn's approach. I still hadn't adjusted to seeing him in his more humanlike Otherworldly form. â€Å"Finn! I need you to get me out of here.† He frowned. â€Å"You can't leave yet. Etiquette says – â€Å" â€Å"Fuck etiquette,† I snarled. â€Å"Get me out. I want to be alone.† His standard cheery expression faded. â€Å"Sure thing. Come on.† He led me not toward the main doors but rather to a small doorway tucked near a corner. Delicious smells wafted out from inside. This was some sort of back way to the kitchen. A number of scurrying servants gave us startled looks as we passed through twisting corridors and banks of ovens, but Finn moved with purpose, never breaking stride. People tend not to question if they think you know where you're going. With a flourish, he gestured me to a small alcove far from the bustle of the cooks. Hooks with cloaks and coats covered the walls, and I realized this must be where the staff had stashed their personal things. A small bench sat below the hooks. â€Å"Good enough?† Finn asked. â€Å"Yes. Thank you. Now go away.† I sat down and wrapped my arms around myself. â€Å"But shouldn't I – â€Å" â€Å"Just go, Finn.† I could hear the tears in my voice. â€Å"Please.† He gave me a mournful, almost hurt look and then walked away. The tears took a long time to come, and even then, they did so reluctantly. Only a couple streaked down my cheeks. I had felt helpless with the mud elemental, but this was a different kind of helplessness, one with mental, not physical, consequences. My heart ached inside for Kiyo, and my stomach burned with fury against Aeson. Neither ailment looked to have a remedy anytime soon. I don't know how long I sat there before Dorian came. I could only make out his shape in my periphery, but the scent of cinnamon gave him away. He sat down beside me for a long time, saying nothing. Finally, I felt his fingertip gently run along my cheek and wipe away one of the tears. â€Å"What can I do?† he asked. â€Å"Nothing. Not unless you'll let me break hospitality and go do some damage.† â€Å"Ah, sweet one, if that were possible, I would have long since strangled several of my nobles, lest I be forced to listen to more of their idiotic blather.† â€Å"What's the point of being a king, then?† â€Å"Not sure that there is one. The food maybe.† â€Å"You make a joke out of everything.† â€Å"Life's too painful not to.† â€Å"Yeah. I guess.† We lapsed into silence until Dorian called someone's name. A moment later, a small, harried servant appeared. â€Å"Bring us some of that chocolate cake Bertha made. Two slices.† The man hurried off. â€Å"I'm not hungry,† I mumbled. â€Å"You will be.† The cake arrived. It was one of those flourless kinds, so it was more like cake chocolate than chocolate cake. Raspberry sauce pooled around it. I found myself eating every bite. â€Å"Better?† Dorian asked. â€Å"Yeah.† â€Å"You see? I told you it was the food.† I set the plate on the floor and tried to give voice to an idea that had slowly been percolating in the back of my head. An idea that probably would never have dared surface had I not been so furious at Aeson and Kiyo tonight. Indeed, it was Aeson's preposterous proposal that had reminded me of it. â€Å"Dorian?† â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"When we first met†¦you told me that if I slept with you, you'd go with me to get Jasmine. Does that offer still stand?† The first surprised look I'd ever seen on him crossed his face. I took a certain amount of pride in realizing I'd finally caught him off-guard. â€Å"My, my,† he said softly. â€Å"This is unexpected. So. Desperation and fury achieve what all my charms could not, hmm?† A flush spilled over my cheeks. â€Å"Well, no†¦it's not like – â€Å" â€Å"No,† he said abruptly. â€Å"The offer does not still stand.† â€Å"But I thought – â€Å" â€Å"I saw you fight with Aeson and the kitsune. I won't have you come to my bed out of some misguided sense of revenge on the two of them.† He was right in a way, I realized. This was my means of getting back at both them. Aeson for flaunting Jasmine. Kiyo for breaking my heart. â€Å"Please,† I said. â€Å"I'll do it. I-I don't mind. And anyway†¦I have to get Jasmine back. I can't handle her being with him anymore.† Dorian was quiet for a long time. Finally he said, â€Å"All right.† I snapped my head toward him. â€Å"You mean it?† â€Å"Certainly. We'll go back to my room and see how you do.† â€Å"See how – ? What's that supposed to mean?† Was the deal contingent on how good I was in bed? He smiled. â€Å"I'll get Nia to take you back. I have to mingle a bit more and will join you soon.† Nia arrived as if by magic and did exactly as he'd said. Once alone in his massive chamber, I paced restlessly, reconciling myself to sex with a full gentry. It would be easy. Nothing to it. I just had to lay there. Gentry didn't carry diseases like humans. I couldn't get pregnant. One night, and I could finally get revenge on that bastard Aeson and the smug look on his face. And yes, Dorian had been right: I'd be getting revenge on Kiyo too. Who knew? Maybe sleeping with Dorian would fill the terrible, aching hole Kiyo's betrayal had left in me. â€Å"Admiring the view?† asked Dorian when he finally entered. I stood by the huge picture window, staring at my own reflection in the dark glass. â€Å"I'm never here in daylight. I've never seen what it looks like.† â€Å"It's lovely. You'll see it in the morning.† I supposed I would. He took off the heavy robe, poured a glass of wine, and sprawled back on the pile of pillows on his bed. The move seemed less an initiation into sex and more of an expression of fatigue. He looked very ordinary. Very human. â€Å"You look tired.† I leaned against the bedpost, watching him. He exhaled heavily. â€Å"It's hard work amusing one's admirers – as you can no doubt attest to. How'd you like your first royal party? Tell me who you spoke to. Your night must have been more tedious than mine.† Gingerly, I sat on the bed's edge and recounted the night for him. I gave my opinions and offered up as many details as I could on my many solicitations. Names eluded me, but Dorian could identify the culprits pretty easily based on other identifying information. He laughed so hard at my accounts and opinions, I thought he'd start crying. Swinging himself up gracefully, he slid over on the satin coverlet to sit beside me. â€Å"You poor, poor thing. No wonder you like hunting us down. Although, I confess after my own equally inane experiences tonight, I might have a few names to give you.† â€Å"You shouldn't say things like that.† He shook his head and laughed. â€Å"Stay here long enough, and you'll say them too.† Those gold and green eyes watched me, glimmering with both affection and desire. For a moment, I could almost believe Dorian wanted me for me and not for my human fertility or connection to a prophecy. Resting his hand on the back of my neck, he kissed me, and I had no more time for questions. We'd kissed a lot by now, and his lips still held that same silky softness, that careful precision and control. I was used to this, and it warmed up every part of me, but tonight's inevitable conclusion loomed before me. My lips almost faltered but still managed to kiss him back. I could do this. It was easy†¦right? He gently lay me back on the bed, still kissing me as he rested his body partially across my own. The heat and weight of him triggered something pleasurable within me, even as some part of my brain suddenly started pining for Kiyo and recalling every bad thing I'd ever been taught about gentry. My breath quickened but not from passion. No, no, I chastised myself, forcing my body to not go rigid. This is Dorian. There's nothing to be afraid of. But I was afraid. This didn't feel right. I couldn't let myself do it, even though I knew there was no reason not to. I hung out with gentry now. I had titles. I wanted to learn their magic. I wanted to kill Aeson. And yet, somehow, some part of me refused to give into this final – Dorian broke away from me and sat up. â€Å"It's as I thought. You don't want to really do this. You're afraid of me.† I half sat up, propping on my elbow. Swallowing, I tried to breathe more steadily. â€Å"Didn't you say once that you wanted me to be afraid?† â€Å"Not this afraid. Besides, your heart is a bit muddled tonight.† He rose from the bed and casually poured another goblet of wine. Sipping from it, he walked over to the window and stared at the nothingness, just as I had earlier. â€Å"W-what are you doing?† â€Å"I told you before. I don't take women who don't want me.† He kept his back to me, but his voice held that usual carefree tone. Like everything was still just one big joke. I wondered if he was upset. I couldn't read him at all. â€Å"Er, wait†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I scrambled off the bed and grabbed his arm, nearly spilling the wine. â€Å"What are you saying? We have to do this. I swear, it doesn't matter. I want to do this. Really.† â€Å"Maybe. You don't look at me like you do the kitsune, but I've felt your desire before. It's a fleeting thing, though, and it can't quite win against that part of you that says not to submit to one of the shining ones.† â€Å"Maybe we can ignore that part.† He laughed and touched my cheek. â€Å"I adore you, you know that? I'm so happy I met you.† I swallowed, anxious and desperate. â€Å"Please, Dorian. I want to get Jasmine. We have to do this.† â€Å"We aren't doing anything like that. Not tonight, I'm afraid.† He walked away and sat back on the bed near the headboard, just as he had earlier. â€Å"I will, however, make you a deal. We will postpone our arrangement until you're ready. In exchange for this grace period, I add the further caveat that we won't go to Aeson until you've made some suitable progress with your magic.† I thought about our last couple of dismal lessons. â€Å"That might take awhile†¦.† â€Å"Then it takes awhile. Really, if you want every edge you can get to defeat him, you'll be better off knowing something about your power, even if it's small. Your weapons are strong, but if they're gone†¦then they're gone.† I wanted to fight him on this, to tell him I couldn't wait that long. Fuck the magic. Fuck my prudish resistance. We should get the sex over with and just grab Jasmine. But I knew he was right. On all levels. He didn't deserve my body without my mind being into it, and I did need every advantage I could get. â€Å"Well, then†¦can we practice tonight? Seeing as how nothing else is going on?† If I distracted myself, maybe I'd stop hurting for Kiyo. â€Å"No point in bothering with tact, eh? Very well, then, let's see what we can accomplish.† I dragged a chair into the middle of the room while Dorian produced some more cords from his never-ending supply. â€Å"Beige and violet,† he said, holding them up. â€Å"To match your dress.† â€Å"It's ‘champagne.'† He didn't tie my hands this time, but he did completely bind my torso. Again, he used intricate patterns as he worked, integrating unique braids and weaves. The purple silk crisscrossed around my breasts, and each time his hand brushed some sensitive part, a secret thrill would run through my body. What was the matter with me? If I could have these physical reactions, then why couldn't I have sex with him? The binding took forever, just like always. It made me so impatient, but Dorian clearly enjoyed it. He worked with infinite patience, careful of every weave and knot. When he finally finished, he stood back and surveyed me, just as he had the last two times. â€Å"Very nice,† he observed, eyes taking me in. A strange thought occurred to me as I sat there. I willingly let him do this to me, but really, it was a leap of faith. My arms might be free, but as he stood over me, I realized how helpless I was. How totally in his power I was if he wanted to abuse it. But he didn't. He never did. After blindfolding me, I heard him fetch the water pitcher from the other room. Once it was apparently hidden, he returned to the bed. I heard the bed shift under his weight, the sound of more wine pouring out. â€Å"Have at it,† he said. I focused just like I'd done in our last two lessons. My mind expanded, reaching out into the room, trying to find the water I supposedly had an affinity for. I repeated the same exercises, visualizing moisture and wetness. The way it felt and tasted. Yet, when I pointed to where I thought the water jug sat, he told me I was wrong. So I tried again. Three more times, to be precise. Failures each time. I heard him yawn. â€Å"Would you like to call it a night? I dare say this bed is big enough for us to sleep chastely in. Or, if you wish, I have no qualms about sleeping on the sofa in the other room.† â€Å"No,† I said stubbornly. â€Å"I want to try again.† â€Å"As you like.† Again, I went through the motions, hating them yet burning with need. I wanted to do this. I wanted to control the power. I might have failed at sex tonight, but I would not fail at – â€Å"It's there,† I said suddenly. â€Å"Where?† I pointed, and in my outstretched hand, I could almost feel something wet. It was so easy. How had I not noticed this before? â€Å"It's right beside you. Really close. If you're still lying on the bed, I'd say†¦elbow level. Maybe on the table.† He stayed quiet. â€Å"Well? I'm right, aren't I?† â€Å"Check the rest of the room.† My hopes crumbled. â€Å"I was wrong again.† â€Å"Just check. See if the water is somewhere else.† I didn't get his game. Why the vagueness? Had I found it or not? But I tried again, reaching out into the room. That spot near him pulsed to my senses. The water was there, I knew it. So what was this all about? Another spot suddenly called out to me. I reached for it without using my hands this time, and that same strong pulsing reached back. And with that sensation came a slight tingle, only a spark, but it whispered of the power I'd felt in the dream-memory. â€Å"Okay. Right by the door. On the floor, I think.† â€Å"Yes.† The response was surprisingly simple and clear. No jokes or games. â€Å"Right? I'm right? Really? You're not just messing with me so we can go to bed?† I heard his soft laugher as he walked to the door and then approached me. Taking my hand, he dipped it down into a ceramic pitcher, and I felt cool water slide over my hand. I laughed, ecstatic and empowered. I felt like splashing it on both of us. â€Å"So what'd I find the first time then? By the bed? It must have been something, judging from your reaction.† â€Å"Indeed it was.† He took the pitcher away, walked toward the bed, and returned to me. I felt his arm move toward me, and then the scent of something strong and fruity touched my nose. â€Å"The wine,† I realized. â€Å"I found the wine.† â€Å"Yes. Quite remarkable too, considering I'd almost drank it all.† He set the decanter down and untied my blindfold. â€Å"Now, my dear, it's time to go to sleep.† He knelt before me and started the tedious process of undoing all those ties and knots. I waved my free hands. â€Å"You want help?† He shook his head. I could smell the wine on him. â€Å"No. Leave me my simple pastimes, please.† â€Å"Are you drunk?† â€Å"Probably.† He worked steadily on freeing me from the cords, his fingers a little less precise than they'd been earlier. I again felt that strange chill over being so ensnared. Released at last, I stood up and stretched. â€Å"Can I have some of that?† I wanted to celebrate, and after weeks of good behavior, I realized I could safely drink here. Funny that the safest place for me now would be in a gentry's keep. He held up the decanter. There was probably only one glass left. He eyed it askance for a moment and then took off his shirt. Perplexed, I watched him walk over to the door and stick his head out. â€Å"Yes, sire?† I heard a voice say. â€Å"We need more wine!† declared Dorian in a booming voice. â€Å"Lady Markham and I have a lot more to do tonight.† â€Å"Right away, your majesty!† â€Å"Hurry, man. You have no idea how demanding she is. I can barely keep her satisfied as it is.† I heard boots running on the stone floor. Dorian shut the door and turned to me. â€Å"Your wine will be here shortly, and my prowess will no doubt be proclaimed throughout the castle.† I rolled my eyes at his show. â€Å"So did I pass the test?† â€Å"Hmm?† â€Å"You said I had to make progress in magic before we could go get Jasmine.† â€Å"Oh. That. Well, this wasn't exactly progress.† â€Å"The hell it wasn't.† He sat next to me on the bed. â€Å"You found the water. Now you have to do something with it. Your enemies won't be impressed when you inform them there's a lake just over the next hill.† I sighed. Great. â€Å"So what's the next step?† â€Å"Next you make the water come to you.† â€Å"Huh. Well. That at least sounds more exciting.† â€Å"Not really. Mostly we do exactly the same thing except you just sit around and try to make it move.† â€Å"You're the most boring teacher ever.† He grinned and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, just as a knock sounded at the door. â€Å"It all depends on what you want me to teach you.†

The Impact of Olympic Games on Supply Management

The Impact of Olympic Games on Supply Management Abstract The fact that Olympic Games are to be held next year, it is important to analyze some of the issues relating to the supply of products. This also includes factors of importance to the companies as they prepare to have the service delivery of their best suit, as well as, the most vital considerations in the pursuit of such goals (McCarthy, 2011, p.1).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Impact of Olympic Games on Supply Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Here, let me say that London being the host of the great event, it is important for suppliers and companies at large to have the best preparation before the event. This will save them a lot of agony, which could arise from the failure to plan, in addition to constant reaction disparities. Therefore, it is important to focus on some of the factors that the companies might be undergoing in the pre-preparation of the event with regard to the issues tha t are arising to them now, those that will be portrayed in the actual event also the resultant effects of the whole event thereafter. Possessing the knowledge of the markets as it relates to issues of delivery of products precisely supply as well as the factors that affect the channels and modes of supply, the issue of Olympics games in London is of major concern. This is because it raises various sensitive considerations as it pertains to the companies and their readiness for the event. This paper will therefore, seek to answer the question, why do companies seem unprepared for the Olympic Games in London? This will be based on the article provided for review as well as the actual analysis of management issues relating to supply in the usual market and the issue of disaster management. Introduction To begin with, the article analyzes the previous market behaviors as they relate to issues of supply and the essence of future strategic planning. The Olympic season here is compared to Christmas season in terms of companies’ operations requirements (Albert 1). This is because of the peak, with reference to operative considerations of organizations. It is presumed that even though buyers may not feel directly impacted by such occurrences, their respective supply chains are significantly affected.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A managerial perspective of the situation is given by the UK country’s manager Humphries, where he denoted that a greater risk is even projected in a situation where the customer is not preferred by the supplier. This is because in terms of supply, prioritizing the customer will get a very low position and might end up running short of supply or getting none (Blackstone, 1989). The most advised aspect of the companies getting supplies from similar suppliers to those of the Olympics are in the actual sense in a very dangerous position. This is because when it comes to supplying for them as well as the Olympics they may get the second position in priorities. This is a major threat to the supply requirements of the companies, as it would render them unreliable to their customers and eventually losing the customers. The mentioned risk however, can be mitigated through the establishment of better control of inventories, which will help in the elimination of the error of underestimation or overestimation of demand (Sollish Semanik, 2007). The impact of Olympic Games on the supply of products Actually, some companies will choose to take advantage and use the Olympic branded products seeking to obtain maximum demand of the products. However, such companies ought to be extremely careful when it comes to purchasing because of the risk of being new in the Olympics trade. Another risk relating to the use of the branded products is, though at first they may be well selling, and giving appealing ret urns, they might turn to be a very big disappointment after certain occasions. This is with reference to the case of the 2010 rebranded products whose demand significantly fell after England had dropped out of the tournament. However, this should not hinder the suppliers from accessing the benefits of the branded products, but it is only aimed at cautioning them to be flexible and take advantage of supplies when necessary. The issue of disruption however, is not the only concern for the buyers hindering them from preparation of their contingent plans. Other issues have also been playing a role in the interference with such planning. These include the unrest that has been noticed in the United Kingdom, as well as, the issue of weather disparities.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Impact of Olympic Games on Supply Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It has been realized that in most cases, organizations ar e not prepared in advance for the day-to-day unforeseen risks. The organizations in the recent past have not been considerate of the disruption impact brought about by the Games. It is further noted in the article that some suppliers who do their businesses in a small scale have not considered the factor of business continuity sufficiency, which is the main threat on the companies not anticipating for wellbeing of the Olympic Games. Effective supply chain aims at eventually getting the operations back up and ensure the sufficient consistency of the operations. The second thing to consider in the discussion on the readiness for the Olympic Games is that of the supply chains. These chains are facing increased pressures and the purchasers should be ready for it. However, as the Olympic Games get closer, it has been noticed that most of the purchasers have realized the potential too late about the essence of disruption of the supply chains. The exception of the percentage of companies t hat are anticipating and preparing for a disruption as it pertains to the games is 40%, and this is a considerably small figure as compared to the initial performances portrayed. A research to identify the notions and perceptions of the purchasers on issues relating to the supply chain showed that more than four fifths did not think there were any problems associated with the supply chain, which in this situation is a very vital issue of consideration as it relates to the companies’ preparedness for the Olympic Games. Further survey showed that 58 percent did not hold any plans that would be of use in the event that such problems came up. Quoting the statement made by John Mile who is a procurement consultant, it is evident that the effects on the supply chains on an issue relating to the supply chains are inevitable.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 time round therefore, during the Olympics it should be among the suppliers’ considerations to meet these inevitable business surcharges and therefore planning for them should be amongst their most recent and considered a list of priorities (Sollish Semanik, 2007). These inevitable surcharges therefore, require the suppliers to plan and ensure that their councils are strategically protected from any risks they might face. The Olympics therefore, might have a big impact on business continuity. It is presumed that due to the issue that will be accruing to the London Olympics, anyone who at that time will be operating business in and around London must have an issue however, adequately they prepare. In the recent past however, some of the internal risks analysis on the forecasting of the Olympic Games have been underway and the main intend of the analysis is looking at the discovery of alternate working ways which may include stock piling the necessary resources before the start of the Games (Sollish Semanik,2007). Let me now focus on some of the major companies in the London markets also those that are intending to be involved in trading during the Olympic Games. Here, a critical look on the Dixons retail, the company feels that it is ready to handle any issues, which might arise relating to matters of operational considerations, as well as, marketing opportunities. They are different in that in their business consideration unlike other companies who give the first priority to the trading aspect and profit maximization, their major focus is on the expectations for a disruption. In preparation for these, they have already built into their initial plans extra capacity for the accommodation of such disruptions as projected concerning the activities of Olympic Games. Supply chains play a major role in the determination of how reactions in the workplace as issues of riots are treated also their effects to a company’s profitability. What remains to be seen is that contingency planning is a major attribute towards the effective decision making also the eventual solution analysis in the companies’ activities. James Jaggard the best way to avoid disruptions is only through building of reliable and considerably good relationships with vendors. The companies that have used this approach in the preparation of the Olympic Games activities feel that their supply chains will not be negatively impacted and business will go on as usual (Sollish Semanik, 2007). An applicable methodology is the utilization of the existing long-term contracts also the existent partnership agreements as possible. This as per the article is aimed at ensuring that the supplier chain changes are greatly limited as they could lead to project delays as well as, an act as a major financial risk. Where there are no flexible vendors, deals like the one mentioned above due to the lack of good relationships with them, Jaggard believes that the place where act ion should begin is at the identification of the strategic also the technical suppliers who are critical to the business. In the advice of Jaggard, it is important to realize that some of the technicalities that can be handled include the measure of capacity and capability, an understanding of the customers of your supply, the understanding of an own spending profile as well and the supplier’s capability of your own (Cavinato, Flynn Kauffman, 2004). The beliefs of purchasers differ significantly in that other purchasers believe that their focus in terms of risks accruing to them is the future prices. However, this can be treated in due consideration of the activities of making strategies that counter the rise in prices in that a reconsideration of the initial specifications of the products and work on re-designing the whole product for the purpose of changing how well it suits the particular market. Considerations The article ends by giving a review of certain considerations , which are the main attributes of impact assessment. These considerations are the activities of the organization to extend lead times with suppliers in advance aiming at factoring in the possible issues. A good example of how this could be done is through the updating of the Information technology system. Secondly, the organizations should seek to find out possible alternatives for transport and the distribution where goods could be delivered effectively whenever the necessity arises as this could curb disruption issues. There is also need to assess the possibilities of business continuity plans of the partners in the supply chain as well as the ones of your own organization. Back-up servers for the protection of the IT department should be harnessed. A given possession of the article portrays that shortage as the case of fuel should be prioritized and curtailed. Too much reliance on a particular vendor should be avoided since this leads to disparity in the sense that it is acknowl edged for dependence by different suppliers to obtain vendors at will (Trent, 2007). Alternative sources of business critical supplies and enhances ease of access. Payment ought to be backed- up also systems to ensure that vendors continue to be paid no matter the payment circumstances. All the above information as it pertains to the article shows the varied impacts of Olympic Games also the levels of preparedness portrayed by companies as pertains the games. However, the analysis does not clarify the essence of management in the case of London companies also the issues of effects has not been clearly brought out as per the different aspects the Games might impact the companies (Sollish Semanik,2007). Therefore, it is important to note that the most suitable steps should be analyzed considering the various contributions of management. In addition to this, it is important to focus on how these vary to suppliers in the case of a great event like the Olympics in London also in ensurin g that the main aspects of preparedness in supplies and factors of forecasting as well as, good strategic planning are in their rightful positions. Supply management concisely describes the process of corporate or institutional buying. This is mainly in terms of buying for internal as well as, external uses of goods and services. In most of the organizational set ups, buying is mainly contractual between the buying and selling parties for the considerable amounts referred to as price (Trent, 2007). This price is in most cases monetary in nature. In the case of Olympic preparation by the London markets, it is important to realize that in the first place, these companies ought to strategize effectively if they are to win the disruption effects, which might arise in the course of service delivery to customers. Before the actual Games, which are due by several months, companies are facing major challenges in terms of forecasting. Here, companies should be in the frontline to work out st rategies, which will ensure that the problems, which might arise in the due course of operations during the Olympics also the events thereafter, are favorable to their operations. Let me say that strategizing gets a bit tricky when location cannot be predetermined (Hayes, Gary, and Upton, 1996). For instance, it is a matter of fact that the companies ought to forecast the places of residence for many fans, which cannot be predetermined as the interest of people, are very dynamic also, every service provider is in the pursuit of giving the best offers to attract the majority of the customers (Cavinato, Flynn Kauffman, 2004). Therefore, it gets very hard for companies to project specific places to work on in terms of analyzing how supplies will be enhanced in the respective places. This therefore, brings a tragedy in that it is also not possible to invest equally in all areas and ensure an analysis of supplies in all areas is intensified. The companies therefore, in preparation for t he Olympic Games are facing major challenges in terms of the ease of analysis of the supply needs as well as lack of adequate resources to help in financing the required activities due to fear of taking the great risk of investment in the activity (Tersine, 1982). The only solution that can be reached in this case is only to ensure that operations at the company’s level are intensified as well as the motivation for companies to take great risks and make major investments. The second perspective to work from is the issue of the problems that the companies might face during the actual games. Here, it is important to realize that since most of the companies will not have effectively strategized, the risk of shortage of supplies is likely to result. There are possibilities that due to congestion in the towns which in fact will result from the population seeking to be part of the competition the issue of poor system of supply may arise. Here, the main considerations are the access ibility of the areas of delivery, which most probably will be less accessible since most of the people will be heading to the outlets to get their shares of products (Simchi-levi Kaminsky, 2004). On the issue of the major outlets, it will be noted that because of congestion, which might reduce the accessibility of the retail areas, people may opt for the major supply areas where congestion will result and the results of congestion are usually reduced levels of efficiency in operations as well as reduced accountability of transactions. Therefore, for those who might not have planned, their purchasers will be prone to failures in accessibility as well as shortages of goods. For those who might have reliable strategies to work with during the period, there is a risk that they might have invested so much in their operational plans that they might not get returns enough to compensate them as well as gaining those profits. In addition, some of the planners might be disadvantaged in that their strategies might work against the actual happenings of the Olympic Games. When such happens, it is a main disadvantage in that the eventual process and costs of the strategy is useless and the financial result could ruin the business due to the failure of returns from an investment (Simchi-levi Kaminsky, 2004). Aftermath of the Olympic Games The third perspective of the Olympic Games is the factors that may affect the companies after the actual Games. Here, the discussion will take three courses. The first one involves the companies that will have participated in the supply during the actual games, secondly will be the companies that had intended to take part but their strategies did not work for the Games and the third group encompasses those that never participated at all. The companies that will be favored by the activates of the Olympic Games are bound to get considerably very high profit returns from it and eventually increase their scope of operations as well as booster their cooperate image which might lead to them extending their functionality globally (Rose and Spiegel, 2011, p.1). Therefore, it is important to note that however, a shortcoming of such participating organization would be a lack of efficient resources to use later, the returns obtained from the venture would be adequate to acquire the organization resources from any location (Cavinato, Flynn Kauffman, 2004). For companies that will have been interested in the venture but their strategies failed them, the makeup activity for them will be a hard one since such risks might end up in giving the company a financial crisis which might end up to the closure of companies that lack a wide market share. However, the companies may recuperate through action of aggressive advertisement to ensure that they re-attain a major market share also to give them the capacity to work for the organizations wellbeing. The third category of the companies in due consideration of the effects of the Olympic Games as forecasted is the group that will not take part at all in the affairs of the Olympic Games (Preuss, 2000). Here, let me say that these companies will be improved in terms of the economies of scale of the other companies but dealing with similar products. Therefore, they will directly benefit from the policies that may be made pertaining to their line of service delivery by the legislation. Conclusion In summation, it is worth to note that supply chains are very sensitive chains in the delivery of service to customers. Therefore, London ought to take advantage of the activity in their country and maximize from the opportunity in that they should allow for more flexible rates and terms of operations during the Games to accommodate a wider audience for business. Reference List Albert, A. 2011. Ready for anything. Supply Chain Management. Web. Blackstone, H. 1989. Capacity Management. Cincinnati: South-Western Publishing. Cavinato, J. L., Flynn, A. E., Kauffman, R. G. 2006. T he supply management  handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill. Hayes, R., Gary, P., and Upton, M. 1996. Strategic Operations: Competing through  Capabilities. New York: Free Press. McCarthy, S. 2011. Sustaining Olympic Sustainability. Supply Chain Management. Web. Pooler, V. H., Pooler, D. J., Farney, S. D. 2004. Global purchasing and supply management. Boston, Mass: Kluwer Academic Publishers. Preuss, H. 2000. Economics of the Olympic Games: Hosting the Games 1972-2000, Petersham, Walla Walla Press. Rose, A., and Spiegel, M. 2009. The Olympic Effect. Centre for Economic Policy Research. Web. Simchi-levi, D., Kaminsky, P., Simchi-levi, E., 2004. Managing the supply chain: the definitive guide for the business professional. New York: McGraw-Hill. Sollish., F., Semanik., J. (2007). The procurement and supply managers desk reference. Hoboken: NJ, J. Wiley. Tersine, R. 1982. Principles of Inventory and Materials Management. New York: Elsevier Science Publishing. Trent, R. J., 2007. Strat egic supply management: creating the next source of competitive advantage. Ft. Lauderdale: Ross Publishers.

Steps Towards Resurgence essays

Steps Towards Resurgence essays A declining economy, an aging population, and government corruption are just some of the reasons that account for Japans declining global role. Many issues pose a serious threat to the countrys citizens now and the future that put in doubt Japans current decline as a temporary consideration. The countrys stock market collapse in 1990 not only affected its own economics and politics but also the markets of other countries like the United States. Japan is steadily continuing to decline as a global power let alone the superpower it dreamed of being and the countrys stock market collapse in 1990 not only affected its own economics and politics but also the markets of other countries like the United States. Regaining a higher position in the eyes of the world is very important to Japan but its focus before anything else needs to be on the resurgence of its morality as expectations for accelerated unemployment, widening economic inequality, unprecedented domestic debt levels, and feeble po litical efforts to address these problems, (MacDonald and Lemco 2002, 157) are very real. Currently, Japan is not only shrinking in its population but also aging as well, a problem not unique to only Japan but other Asian countries as well. (French 2002). More people are retiring than there are young people entering the workforce, which means people now working and paying into pension funds can expect their money to be used up by their retirement (MacKinnon 2003, 1). Japan is not only seeing more of their younger population going across seas for education but end up staying for work which could cause the country to approach a brain drain. The population decline does not seem to be a temporary issue, as it will peak in the year 2005 at 125 million. Given the Japanese birthrate of 1.3 per woman, by the year 2030 the proportion of Japanese adults will have fallen in half, and twenty year ...

Fatiguer - to Fatigue, Tire - French Verb Conjugations

Fatiguer - to Fatigue, Tire - French Verb Conjugations The French verb  fatiguer means to fatigue or tire. Find simple conjugations for this regular -er verb in the tables below. Conjugations of Fatiguer Present Future Imperfect Present participle je fatigue fatiguerai fatiguais fatiguant tu fatigues fatigueras fatiguais il fatigue fatiguera fatiguait nous fatiguons fatiguerons fatiguions vous fatiguez fatiguerez fatiguiez ils fatiguent fatigueront fatiguaient Pass compos Auxiliary verb avoir Past participle fatigu Subjunctive Conditional Pass simple Imperfect subjunctive je fatigue fatiguerais fatiguai fatiguasse tu fatigues fatiguerais fatiguas fatiguasses il fatigue fatiguerait fatigua fatigut nous fatiguions fatiguerions fatigumes fatiguassions vous fatiguiez fatigueriez fatigutes fatiguassiez ils fatiguent fatigueraient fatigurent fatiguassent Imperative tu fatigue nous fatiguons vous fatiguez Verb conjugation patternFatiguer  is a  regular -ER verb

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 8 - Essay Example (New World Encyclopaedia) EPA is the most comprehensive regulatory agency for environmental concerns. There are several legislations such as Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, United Nations Environment Programme, Energy Policy Act etc. for tackling the environmental issues. Climate change is caused due to imbalance between the incoming solar radiation and the outgoing heat of the earth. Human influences, Orbital variations, Solar Output, Volcanism, Plate tectonics and Ocean variability are the causes of climate change. Climate change can be prevented from reaching dangerous levels by reducing emissions through efficiency, substitution and sequestration. Conservation of energy, habitat, water, wetland, wildlife, marine life and soil helps restore ecological balance. The costs associated with loss of biodiversity is high and can lead to deteriorating ecological balance, hence sustainable development and consumption can help to conserve biodiversity. Non-Point Source Pollution is the sour ce of water problems and to mitigate this we must achieve zero discharge of pollutants as per the Clean Water’s Act.

Should government provide free public education to children of illegal Research Paper

Should government provide free public education to children of illegal immigrants - Research Paper Example The right can only be contested from the standpoint of reason. Based on this, lawmakers can make laws or amend the constitution 3. It is difficult to sustain, the expenses that will be required to implement the law is likely huge and American social order can be threatened IV. Conclusion The rights of children of illegal immigrants to free education accorded to citizens of the United States must be rescinded because it threatens order in American society Should children of illegal immigrants be given rights to free education? I. Introduction Offer (2012, p. 187) revealed that â€Å"undocumented children still face numerous obstacles when attempting to access public school education.† New questions have been raised on the â€Å"right of children on non-immigrant visas to enroll in school† (Ofer, 2012, pp. 187-188). Addressing the questions is important because around 12 million unauthorized immigrants live in the United States and the past 10 years has recorded an averag e of about 500,000 illegal entrants to the United States each year (Hanson, 2009). The problem of illegal immigrants appear difficult to solve as illegal immigration continues even large volume of resources have been poured in â€Å"securing US borders, ports, and airports; and since 2006, a growing rate of policies have targeted unauthorized immigrants within the country and their employers† (Hanson, 2009, p. 1). ... 11). This is specially the case when the expense is taken â€Å"relative to the potential gains from eliminating illegal entry† (Hanson, 2009, p. 11). Earlier, Hanson (2007, p. 5) also pointed out that there is even â€Å"little evidence that legal immigration is economically preferable to illegal immigration.† A related question is: should illegal immigrants be given right to free education in the same manner accorded to US citizens? II. Arguments supporting the rights of children of illegal immigrants to free education According to Ofer (2012, p. 187), â€Å"thirty years ago, the Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe that undocumented children have the same rights to access a public school education as a children who are United States citizens or immigrant lawfully admitted to the United States.† According to Ofer (2012, p. 188), â€Å"in 1982, the Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe that states must not deny the equal protection of the laws to a subclass of c hildren based solely on their immigration status, and that undocumented children have the same right as children who are U.S. citizens or immigrant children lawfully admitted to the United States.† According to Ofer (2012), based on the Supreme Court decision, the right of undocumented children to access free education in the same manner granted to citizens is guaranteed under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. According to Ofer (2012, p. 191), â€Å"the Equal Protection Clause provides that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.† Most importantly, Offer (2012, p. 192) pointed out that â€Å"the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution is not confined to the protection of citizens† as the

Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 6

Law - Essay Example In this paper, laws are discussed as far as their determinations of the levels of freedom people enjoy are concerned (Locke 15). In America, there is a law governing each activity. From handling children to the amount of sugar in a Coke bottle, everything in America follows given guidelines. Operating without these guidelines often lands people in trouble ending in jail terms and fines. While the breaking of laws occurs in every country, the United States is often ridiculed for having laws on subjects that could be easily resolved using other methods. Being the most elaborate constitutions on earth, the United States constitution has a profound effect on the way people handle other people and live life in general (Locke 24). First, having some rules in place limits people’s freedom of movement. For example, moving from one state to the next requires that one informs their original state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and then updates their driver license to that effect. Failure to do these often results in one’s license being suspended. It is actually illogical that a nation with a single currency, president, and national flag should have different laws on the same issue. Secondly, having too many laws limits people’s imagination since it scares them into believing whatever they are up to could land them behind bars. In this sense, many people fear entering businesses such as the trading of commodities since one just does not know to differentiate between legal and the illegal. In essence, being without laws has its advantages and disadvantages. While not clouding people’s judgment, it gives people freedom to carry out evil deeds unchecked. As Hobbes once said, the existence of such a â€Å"dissolute condition of master less men, without subjection to Laws, and a coercive Power to their hands from rapine, and revenge† would be a breeding grounds for all vices bent on curtailing civilization and comfort. Laws shall thus remain

Marketing plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marketing plan - Essay Example The Apple 1 was a design of a microcomputer system with video terminal and 8k bytes on a single PC card. Steve Jobs approached technology with a â€Å"visionary† perspective, so he insisted that his self and Steve Wozniak try to sell the machine. The birth of the first Apple was April 1, 1976; however, Steve Jobs didn’t approach Apple with serious intentions, until 1977. When Apple 2 debuted at a local computer shows trade it feature was in a plastic case and include color graphs, Apple 2 became an attractive machine. The demand for these new devices increased exponentially shortly after its introduction. With substantial sales revenue growth, Apple was in position to expand the company. In 1980, Apple 3 was released and everyone from employees to managers were purchasing Apple computers. However, shortly after Apple took a hit in 1981 and operations began to slow down, resulting a layoff off 40 employees. In addition, and unfortunate during this slowdown for the compan y, Steve Wozniak suffered a car accident, which resulted in Steve Jobs stepping up and becoming the chairman of Apple. As time progressed with the market growing rapidly IBM released their first PC and they quickly dominated the market. Steve Jobs team worked as quickly as possible to compete with the IBM. In the end, Steve Jobs realized that Apple would need to become a â€Å"grown up† company and then realized that he might not be the man for the job. In 1983, Jobs believed that John Sculley would be the man for the job and he became the president and CEO of Apple. Although Sculley was an overachieving businessman, in which he did not have much knowledge about the computer industry. Jobs, who of course was knowledgeable concluded that Mac would ultimately be made or broken by software industry. In January, Apple had a 60 In second commercial introducing the Macintosh, analysts predicted that the IBM world would be shattered by Macintosh. The Mac had a strong reputation amon g

Are good Team Players good Human Beings too Essay

Are good Team Players good Human Beings too - Essay Example in Greenwood & Kanters, 2009, p.299). This paper contends that team sports can potentially improve the players' character, but some conditions have to exist, particularly the existence of a â€Å"properly structured team sports program† that integrates character development. It is based on the belief that in order for team players to be â€Å"good† people, their coaches should also provide specific instructions that train and reward the former for â€Å"good† behavior too. This paper argues that a properly structured team sports program can develop good character by honing discipline, confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork attitudes and behaviors. A â€Å"properly structured team sports program† is not focused on winning alone, but includes a shift in thinking about sports, where character development takes a central seat. Greenwood and Kanters (2009) defined the shift of team sports toward positive youth development (PYD). Positive youth development uses f ive development indicators, also known as 5 C's: connection, character, competence, confidence, caring or compassion, where these indicators are based from the studies of Lerner, Fisher, and Weinberg (2000) and Pittman et al., (2001) (as cited in Greenwood & Kanters, 2009, p.299). ... that sports can build good character, although some studies already indicate that it can be structured to improve several attitudes and behaviors (Greenwood & Kanters, 2009; Camire & Trudel, 2010). This paper argues that PYD is only one of the many ways that team sports can be structured to develop good character, especially since it actively connects sports with good character. It is important that sports is structured to enhance character so that it can impact character. Being a sports achiever can develop intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, as well as improve discipline. Participating in team sports can enhance discipline, because it is a structured game with definite goals. Team sports is about end goals that can be attained through relentless practice. Coaches encourage players to work hard by enhancing their mental, physical, and emotional abilities. These abilities cannot be improved over night and so the players practice numerous times, so that they can physically improve the ir bodies to fit their respective team positions and its demands. This embeds discipline ethic among players, which they can use also in other aspects of other life. For example, in school, they will also be motivated to study harder for subjects they have difficulty with. Furthermore, team sports enhances the mind because of the visualization needed to win the game. The players should also â€Å"think† to win so that they can win. This can be quite useful in thinking about other endeavors also, such as in doing exams and being a better son, daughter, or Christian. In addition, team sports enhances the players' emotional abilities, such as the ability to accept failures and victories (Austin, 2010). Players also learn perseverance, because when they lose, it does not mean that they should

Marketing plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marketing plan - Essay Example The Apple 1 was a design of a microcomputer system with video terminal and 8k bytes on a single PC card. Steve Jobs approached technology with a â€Å"visionary† perspective, so he insisted that his self and Steve Wozniak try to sell the machine. The birth of the first Apple was April 1, 1976; however, Steve Jobs didn’t approach Apple with serious intentions, until 1977. When Apple 2 debuted at a local computer shows trade it feature was in a plastic case and include color graphs, Apple 2 became an attractive machine. The demand for these new devices increased exponentially shortly after its introduction. With substantial sales revenue growth, Apple was in position to expand the company. In 1980, Apple 3 was released and everyone from employees to managers were purchasing Apple computers. However, shortly after Apple took a hit in 1981 and operations began to slow down, resulting a layoff off 40 employees. In addition, and unfortunate during this slowdown for the compan y, Steve Wozniak suffered a car accident, which resulted in Steve Jobs stepping up and becoming the chairman of Apple. As time progressed with the market growing rapidly IBM released their first PC and they quickly dominated the market. Steve Jobs team worked as quickly as possible to compete with the IBM. In the end, Steve Jobs realized that Apple would need to become a â€Å"grown up† company and then realized that he might not be the man for the job. In 1983, Jobs believed that John Sculley would be the man for the job and he became the president and CEO of Apple. Although Sculley was an overachieving businessman, in which he did not have much knowledge about the computer industry. Jobs, who of course was knowledgeable concluded that Mac would ultimately be made or broken by software industry. In January, Apple had a 60 In second commercial introducing the Macintosh, analysts predicted that the IBM world would be shattered by Macintosh. The Mac had a strong reputation amon g

Integrated marketing communications Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Integrated marketing communications - Essay Example Relationships can be enhanced through the web efforts (Gurau, 2008). 6 IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) is entirely a new way of looking into the business related communication process. The paper aims to discuss the roles that e-communication plays in the integrated marketing communication strategy. The paper begins with the short introduction of the IMC. It describes in detail the importance and the role of IMC in the organisation. E-communication plays a vital role in IMC. It has enabled the companies to promote the brand over the internet itself commonly known as I-branding. It has also allowed an organisation to perform the marketing functions like promoting, distributing, segmenting, targeting and selling the goods to the ultimate consumers. The paper in the next phase looks at the literature review which is the study that has already been conducted by the other researchers. At first it demonstrates about the integrated marketing communication strategy then it ultimately talks about the role of e-communication in IMC. The paper will also discuss about the benefits and role of the e-communication strategies in an organisations daily activities. For the purpose of this short case study will be presented and then a thorough discussion on the case study will be conducted. The paper is beneficial in understanding the features and usability of e-communication strategy implementation in order to assimilate the various marketing efforts into a collaborated strategy. According to Tom Duncan (2002), integrated marketing communication can be stated as â€Å"a process for managing the customer relationships that drive brand value. More specifically, it is a cross-functioned process for creativity and nourishing profitable relationships with customers and other stakeholders by strategically controlling or influencing all messages sent to these groups and encouraging data-driven purposeful

Clothing Later Victorian (1870-1890) Essay Example for Free

Clothing Later Victorian (1870-1890) Essay After the death of her husband in 1861, Victoria went into seclusion, and though still deeply respected as sovereign of a great empire, she ceased to influence fashion as directly. The somber colors that came into fashion are attributed to the fact that the British Court remained in mourning. Black became a popular fashion color in this period, not only worn for mourning. However dress forms changed significantly. After decades of full skirts, a new silhouette appeared that accentuated the body while still covering it. The tightly fitted bodice remained, but now the full skirts were swept back, leaving a tight narrow skirt in the front, with all the fullness arranged in the back. The chief feature of this period was the rear emphasis in dress, typified by the bustle, a padded arrangement of drapery that accentuated the buttocks. The bustle was at its largest in the mid 1870s (above right), but would develop in a more tailored form in the mid 1880s (left). However, throughout the period, the narrow silhouette and rear emphasis was a constant. Although the new look was decried as immodest because it revealed, even exaggerated the female shape, it was also an extremely restricting style that required exceptionally severe corseting. This was a period in which more women were coming out of the home and into the community to participate in volunteer work and other public activities. In this period the womens rights movement (which included suffrage, protection for working women, and dress reform) gained momentum. Both the revelation of the womans body and the protest against the restrictiveness of the garments reflected the changing times. In addition to factory work, long done by poor women, the typewriter and the sewing machine were now creating work opportunities for middle class women who needed income. Since fashionable dress limited mobility, changes in dress were called for to accommodate these new realities. Art Nouveau (1890-1911) The Art Nouveau silhouette, particularly that of the 1890s, in some ways echoed the look of the early Romantic period. The Full leg-o-mutton sleeves and flared, moderately full skirts were similar (left). However, the hour-glass figure with its erect posture, stiffly boned collar band, and high shoulders suggested a more formidable image than the slope-shouldered decorative butterfly of the 1820s and 1830s. Increasing numbers of young unmarried women now worked in shops and offices, and housewives were often active in church work and other community voluntary activities. Women also began to appear socially in public, in restaurants and even at the beach. Sportswear -specialized clothing for strenuous activity- had begun to appear as early as the 1860s but in the 1890s the advent of the bicycle put women into pants bloomers in public for the first time. Tailored (but skirted) suits for women, similar to mens suits in cut, were now part of every womans wardrobe (right). A example of a dress by the House of Worth, beautifully shows the relationship of fashion design to design in the other decorative arts in this period. After 1900 the silhouette shifted to the s curve of the new corset style (left), recommended by reformers as a healthier alternative to the hour-glass silhouette. Soft, gauzy fabrics combined with lace became the style, and for special occasions, lightweight white lacy cotton dresses were worn by every one. The sinuous lines and soft materials and colors were consistent with the Art Nouveau style as we have seen it in furnishings and architecture. These soft dresses, particularly those worn near the end of the period, were also reminiscent of the classical styles of the revolutionary period a century earlier. Suits and tailored dresses also continued to be part of the daytime repetoire, however. On the whole, clothing was becoming more relaxed as womens lives continued to expand. Romantic (1815-1840) After 1815 womens dress became increasingly fussy and decorative, as skirts became fuller, and the waistline gradually descended to the natural waist. Severe corseting also returned, as did layers of petticoats. In this period, women were pushed back into a more modest role, befitting the weaker sex, often described as delicate, fragile, and decorative. The intellectuals and artists of the Romantic movement valued emotion and sentiment, in contrast to the cold reason that was perceived to have driven the revolutions of the 18th century enlightenment. Women, believed to be more emotional than men, were idealized as the muses of artists. Some, like Elizabeth Barret Browning and Mary Shelley, achieved recognition as artists in their own right. Women were also placed on a moral pedestal, and looked upon as the guardians of family and community virtue, and the educators of the children. This moral elevation of women would eventually lead some to suggest that women deserved a wider role in public affairs. However, for now, dress reflected the perception of women as weak and decorative. The slope-shouldered, full sleeved silhouette suggested a weak body, and a butterfly-like decorative quality. Later in the period, the look became increasingly subdued and modest. Early Victorian (1840-1870) The young queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837, and would rule England until 1901 during the height of the British Empire. During this period she became a happily married mother of nine children, and represented the ideal of womanhood for her age modest, devoted to family and duty, and the guardian of morality. Her tastes in clothing were also influential, reflecting her values, and those of her times. The major characteristic of the dress silhouette in this period was the exceptionally full and long skirts that completely shrouded the lower body . The skirts became so full that by the late 1850s hoops were needed to support the skirts, as the heavy layers of petticoats could no longer achieve the desired effect. The bodice and shoulders were very narrow, accentuating a weak upper body silhouette and tiny waist accentuated by the voluminous skirts. In the 1840s and 1850s deep bonnets were worn that modestly hid the face and neck except when the wearer looked directly at the viewer (above, right). In fact, except for evening wear, clothing covered virtually every bit of skin except the face (left). However, it was also in this period that the first protests against this restrictive form of dress appeared. Dress reform was associated with concern for protecting the health and welfare of women, which included the womens suffrage movement and the temperance movement. The restrictive fashionalble dress of the day was seen as both unhealthy and as a restriction on womens activities. An alternative costume was promoted that was based on loose-fitting pants borrowed from traditional Turkish womens costume. This costume became known as Bloomers, because it was popularly associated with activist and editor Amelia Jenks Bloomer. However, this costume was not widely accepted at the time for street wear, although bloomers were gradually adopted for girls and womens physical education activities. In the 1860s, though skirts reached their fullest, hats became smaller.Decoration became more geometric, and striped fabrics were also popular. By the end of the period, the full skirts became asymmetrical, with fullness pushed to the back, a precursor of the next major fashion shift. In this period the sewing machine was invented, revolutionizing the manufacture of clothing. By the mid 1850s sewing machines were appearing in private homes, and began to account for a substantial proportion of domestic clothing production. This invention also made possible the rise of the ready-to-wear clothing industry. Charles Frederick Worth became established in Paris in this period as the first true couturier that is the first dressmaker who would set fashion, not merely follow the instructions of his wealthy clients. His premier client was the French Empress Eugenie. By the 1870s the well-to- do women of the world came to his salon to be dressed by the great Worth.

How Do Cultural Differences Affect International Marketing Marketing Essay

How Do Cultural Differences Affect International Marketing Marketing Essay Markets are becoming increasingly internationalised and, for businesses to achieve sustainable growth in such markets, it is critical that they gain an understanding of the complex and diverse nature of international markets and of associated international marketing strategy (Doole and Lowe, 2008, pp. 5-6). International marketing strategy involves marketing mix decisions being made across both national and cultural borders. The coordination and management of effective and efficient marketing mix strategies globally for a multi-national organisation is fundamental to its business success (Wall et al., 2009, pp. 338-349). The term globalisation is first believed to have been used in a paper published by the late Theodore Levitt in the Harvard Business Review (1983). Since that time, the term globalisation has evolved to embrace more than just its original economic dimension. This has happened despite the fact that most academics and theorists are not able to agree on a common definition for globalisation (Healy, 2001). This dilemma was summed up by the sociologist, Anthony Giddens (1996), when he said thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ There are few terms that we use so frequently but which are in fact as poorly conceptualized as globalization. However, in spite of this lack of agreement on a definition, there is general agreement that the globalisation of world markets has been a major factor in the internationalisation of business (Wood and Robertson, 2000). The internationalisation of business has also been largely responsible for the so called homogenisation of consumer products and services worldwide, a phenome non sometimes know as the McDonaldization effect (Ritzer 2004, pp. 2-3). However, the counter argument to this position on globalisation is that there are very few brands that can truly be said to be global with most of the examples, such as McDonalds itself, Coca-Cola, and Nike, being based in the USA (de Mooij, 2010, pp. 31-32). Despite the relentless onward march of globalisation, the creation and implementation of a successful marketing communications strategy in a developing country, such as India, requires a significantly different approach to that required in a developed country, such as the United Kingdom. For example, language is a significant issue in the execution of marketing communications. The UK is more ethnically and culturally diverse than it was previously, but its first language remains as English. In India, however, there are a large number of ethnic groups and more than twenty official languages (Usunier and Lee, 2009, p. 7). Whilst originally a British colony, independent India has evolved its own political and legal systems which now have significant differences when compared to those in the UK. Any misreading of the political and legal environment in a particular country, by a multinational brand, can cause significant problems in marketing communications terms. In India, for example, t he UK based chocolate manufacturer, Cadbury, created intense anger amongst the population at large in 2002 when it completely underestimated sensitivity by politicians and the public at large to the enduring dispute between India and Pakistan over the territory of Kashmir. Cadbury promoted in together with the tagline Im good. Im tempting. Im too good to share. What am I? Cadburys Temptations or Kashmir? Cadbury compounded its insensitivity by launching the campaign on Indian Independence Day when nationalist feelings were running particularly high (Doole and Lowe, 2008, p. 17; Dodd, 2002). In addition, consumer attitudes and behaviour towards brands and products can be influenced by other factors such as the social environment. For example, marketers of innovative products, such as personal computers and other electronic gadgets, need to be aware that there are fewer so called early adopters in developing countries than there are in developed countries (de Mooij, 2005, p. 129). According to theory of the Diffusion of Innovations, early adopters are more likely to purchase a new and technically innovative product than are other consumer types (Rogers 1995, pp. 252-280). Consequently, in marketing communications terms, brand owners of such products will need to focus on the tried and tested nature of their technology rather than innovation when communicating their products to consumers in developing countries. Whilst issues such as legal and political systems and social environments are not necessarily directly related to culture, is perhaps culture itself that is the biggest single, differentiator in terms of global consumer behaviour (Blackwell et al, 2001, pp. 313-354). Culture should be regarded as a process rather than a distinctive dimension of consumer behaviour. At an individual level, culture comprises a number of different elements that all work together coherently including values, beliefs and knowledge. At a group level culture consists of the arts, morals, protocols, and legal systems present in any particular country or region. However, culture is principally characterised by language, institutions, and material and symbolic productions (Usunier and Lee, 2005, p. 4). The popular view is that that the worlds trade, financial systems technology, and media, are becoming increasingly globalised, a process frequently referred to as globalisation (Usunier and Lee, 2005, p. 66). Som e theorists such as Kenichi Ohmae go even further suggesting that the world will be a nationless state marked by the convergence of customer needs that transcends political and cultural boundaries (Pieterse, 2009, pp.10-11). Conversely, however, many academics believe that consumer behaviour will never become truly globalised as cultural influences refuse to follow the globalisation path remaining, as they do obstinately regionalised and, in some cases, localised (de Mooij, 2010, p. 2). According to Hall and Hall (1990, p. 6) there are two distinctive types of culture namely Low Context and High Context. The culture in the UK is regarded as Low Context/ Individualistic, and in India as High Context/ Collectivistic. Cultural attributes, such as communication and language, which are critical dimensions of marketing communications, demonstrate considerable variance between the two types of culture. In the Low Context/ Individualistic cultures, such as that in the UK, communication tends to be explicit and direct whereas in Low Context /Individualistic culture, such as that in India, it is usually implicit and indirect see Appendix I. It is important that these language and communication differences, brought about by differing cultures, are reflected in the language and communication styles that are deployed in the marketing communications activities targeted at particular markets. Power distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful accept and expect that power is distributed unequally (Hofstede, 2001, p. xix). The Power Distance Index (PDI) is a tool used for the measurement of the degree of equality, or inequality that exits amongst the population in any particular country. A country with high PDI score would indicate that it high levels if of inequalities in its society whereas of power and wealth whereas a low PDI score would be an indicator of more social equality (Hofstede, 2001, p. 50). The PDI for India is 77 whilst that of the UK is 35 (Hofstede, 2003, p. 87). This would indicate that there is more inequality in India than there is in the UK. This finding is substantiated by the fact that India has a very hierarchical society based on social status by birth whereas the UK has a non hierarchical culture with status based on wealth and income, (Hollensen, 2011, pp. 237-244). In addition, gender plays an important role in consumer behaviour in developed and developing countries. In India paternal authority means that marketing communications for many product areas has to be targeted at males who are also the head of their household whereas in societies where there is equality of the sexes, such as in the UK, marketing can effectively be targeted at either sex depending on the nature of the product and its positioning (Usunier and Lee, 2009, p. 71). Furthermore, the central role of the family in Indian culture means has had implications for global brands such as McDonalds which, although using standardised store formats worldwide has positioned and promoted its outlets as family restaurants whereas in the UK, and other developed countries, it has positioned itself as fast food restaurant and a venue for childrens parties (de Mooij, 2010. p. 15). The need to consider whether or not a marketing communications strategy for a brand that is effective in a developed country, such as the UK, should be adapted for a developing country, such as India, is fundamental to that brands international success (Kotler and Armstrong, 2010, p. 259). There are two high-level, strategic options that such multi-national brands can adopt. Firstly, such a brand can think and act globally by deciding to use the same marketing communications strategies across all of its international markets or, secondly, it can think globally but act locally by developing and customising strategies to meet the needs of consumers in particular local markets across the world (de Mooij, 2010, p.2). Organisations with a standardised approach to marketing communications are striving for their customers to perceive a consistent brand image in all of their operational markets (Hafez and Ling, 2005). However, despite this approach many brands may still find that their consu mer perception varies in different cultures (de Mooij, 2010, p. 37). For example, global consumers of Coca-Cola in different cultural markets worldwide will undoubtedly be aware of the Americaness of the brand however, they will still evaluate the global brand values of the drink based on their own particular cultural knowledge, values, and beliefs (de Mooij, 2010, pp. 31-32). A major benefit of a standardised marketing communications strategy is that the associated costs will usually be lower the activities will be easier to manage and control than would be the case with adapted strategies. In addition, if marketing communications strategies have to be adapted for particular markets then there is potential for the strength of the brand to be diluted (Hafez and Ling, 2005). Truly global brands, such as Coca-Cola, are largely able to standardise their marketing communications activities globally because of the worldwide recognition that the brand enjoys. The Coca-Cola brand communicates certain values, such as fun and happiness, that are able to appeal to global consumers regardless of their country of origin or local culture. This can be clearly demonstrated in the brands global advertising campaign the Happiness Factory, which was launched in 2009 see Appendix II. However, even Coca-Cola can not always justify the total standardisation of its marketing c ommunications and has, historically, had to produce adapted television commercials for some countries, including the UK, such as in the UK. However, Coca-Cola has since reiterated its desire to produce only globalised marketing communications campaigns (Eleftheriou-Smith, 2011). However, there are very few truly global brands that have the power of Coca-Cola and, consequently, most brands will have to adapt their marketing communications strategy to take account of local markets. According to Vignola (2001), brand names and the attributes and characteristics of products are the easiest elements of the marketing mix to standardise in global markets. By definition, therefore, marketing communication is more difficult to standardise. This view is supported by Hafez and Ling (2005) who suggest that a premise of basic marketing practice is that organisations operating globally have to determine how best to adapt their marketing communications strategies to the local markets in which they sell their products or services. Unlike with a standardised approach, brands that use an adapted approach to marketing communications consciously permit their consumers to perceive differing brand images according to their culture. This enables the brand to establish higher levels of brand equity in individual market s than would be possible with a standardised approach (Hafez and Ling, 2005). The culture of consumers in developing countries tends to include higher levels of risk aversion that does the culture of consumers in developed countries (Hollensen, 2011, p. 237-244). In terms of adapting marketing communications activity for a global brand, then research has shown the strategies that are especially effective are those that reassure consumers in developing markets, such as India, that the brand they are choosing is free of risk (Erdem et al, 2006). It can be seen that there are a number of differences that exist between developed and developing countries in relation to the creation and implementation of marketing strategies. These differences are particularly significant in marketing communications terms and are largely, although not exclusively, related to culture. These differences are at odds with the basic and inherent desire on the part of many multi-national brands to standardise their marketing communications for both cost and ease of control reasons. However, it has been shown that this approach is not necessarily always appropriate as local cultures can be stubborn in their resistance to receiving standardised messages about brands and products. Consequently, a strong case can usually be made in favour of locally adapted marketing communications strategies, rather than those that are standardised globally, for most brands and products. It is really only those true global brands, such as Coca-Cola for example, that enjo y a consistent and powerful image, together with high levels of brand equity, across cultures that can be fully justified in adopting a globally standardised approach to marketing communications. In conclusion, therefore, the global and local dimensions of marketing communications should always be reflective of a brands recognition, power, and acquired equity in each individual, operational marketplace and its likelihood of generating different cultural responses at a regional or local level.