How Thorpe Park markets Swarm Essay

One of the techniques used by Thorpe Park to market their rides is influencing buyer behaviour. Influencing buyer behaviour is when businesses change things around their product to try and get customers to purchase their product or service. For example Thorpe Park may lower their prices during the autumn because that is when their repeat purchase declines. This may encourage customers to go because Thorpe Park usually doesn’t sell their tickets at this price; they will also know that they are getting a good deal from this because Thorpe Park is actually worth more than that. Thorpe Park could also influence buyer behaviour through using celebrity endorsements by making the theme park look fun, cool and enjoyable place to go, by doing so they are building up their brand image as well. This may influence consumers and may draw them to the park because of the way Thorpe Park has presented themselves through their brand image. Another technique which Thorpe Park could use to market their product is brand building. Thorpe Park could build up their brand so that they can get more customers by using celebrity endorsements. For example they could give celebrities free tickets to Thorpe Park in exchange of them promoting and telling people how amazing the rides are etc. Once people hear and see how amazing Thorpe Park is, Thorpe Park will start to see more people coming to Thorpe Park. This will help them build up a good brand image because of the popularity of the celebrities. Thorpe Park could also use celebrities from well-known movies or programmes to influence buyer behaviour and create a certain brand image which allows Thorpe Park to have an effect on consumer’s choice. Evaluating the techniques I will be analysing the way Thorpe Park uses colours, sounds, duration, ability to target market, message and reference to product in their advert to build up their brand also influence buyer behaviour. I’ll be ranking in the order which I think Thorpe Park uses best in their advert. Colours 9/10 Sounds 8/10 Duration 10/10 Message 8/10 Ability to target market 7/10 Reference to product 7/10 1. Thorpe used colours really well in their advert, they made it link to their theme. They used dark/ greyish colours to create the mood and tension in their advert. This enabled the audience to watch it and question what’s going to happen next. It’s important for Thorpe Park to be successful in this area of the advert to have a successful campaign; if not the businesses advertisement wouldn’t be worthwhile and have no effect on the business by not increasing sales or visitors. 2. Ability to target market is would be no. 1 because they used young people a lot in their advert which is who they are aiming at. They also made the advert appeal to their audience. For example when the swarm goes through the billboard and boy is screaming it makes the ride look scary because it seems like you’re going to crash and seeing that adrenaline and scared look on his face may convince them enough to try out the Swarm ride. 3. Reference to product will be in second place because they’re main focus is to promote the ride and they need to give the audience a visual image of the ride so they know what they are going on. However others may say that’s not how Thorpe Park looks when you get because they’ve exaggerated the scenery to go with the theme of their advert. 4. Duration is just the right length because of Thorpe Parks target audience (teenagers/ young adults). The advert is short and to the point. If the advert was longer, the audience may not pay attention as they are easily distracted. However the beginning is a 5. The message is very clear to the audience. The message tells the audience that it is a thrilling but fine ride you don’t want to miss out on. It also gives you a bit of history on what the ride was based on (alien invasion). They delivered the message well to their audience so it doesn’t leave them guessing what was this about? 6. I think the music in the background worked well in certain areas. For example when he’s taken on the ride the rock music works well with it but I think near the end they should’ve brought back down to the tensed music in the beginning.

My personal narrative Essay

My personal narrative is developed by using the questions posed by McGoldrick and Gerson (1985) in the chapter titled â€Å"Constructing Genograms† (pp. 32-7) as a guiding framework. I am the only child of Neil aged 57 and Dorothy aged 53. Because I am much closer to my father’s side of family, I will begin with his description and his family of origin. My father was born in 1946. He is the second child in the family of four children, starting with Eve who is 60 and followed by Rene and Toby who are 52 and 47 respectively. Because he is physically handicapped, my father has not worked for many years. He met my mother while she was working at a restaurant that he frequented in 1977 and they were married the following year. However, when I was eight years old, my parents were divorced in 1985 when my mother, who could not cope with her alcoholism, left my family permanently. Since then, my father has been a constant source of support for me. After my parents’ divorce, we moved in with my paternal grandmother, Ruth, who died in 1998 at the age of 82. At that time, my paternal grandfather who suffered from heart disease had been dead for four years. A wise, warm and loving grandmother, Ruth more than compensated for my mother’s unexpected departure from my life. Apart from my father who has supported me in all my endeavors, my grandmother was an influential person in my life who encouraged me to realize my ambitions, while cultivating my desire to help others.

Frequency of Presidential Appointees on Federal Judges

The frequency table reveals how many presidential appointees each president made to the Federal Appellate Court bench. This calculated on a per year basis shows that their has been a steady increase, with the exceptions of Ford who showed less and Carter who showed more, in the number of appointees to Federal Appellate Court bench during the last 10 presidencies. Since Federal Court judges are appointed for life terms, under conditions of â€Å"good behavior,† I attribute this increase in the number of Federal Appellate Court judges to larger caseloads with more issues to decide. One of the exceptions noted earlier, Ford, who served only 2 ? years, appointed an average of 4. 8 Appellate Court judges a year. The other exception, Carter who served 4 years and made 56 appointments, had the greatest impact on the Federal Appellate Court system, averaging 14 appointees a year. A Perspective Look at Bush and Clinton's Federal Appellate Court Appointees The data illustrates that Bush's Federal judge appointees were within party lines 91% of the time. In 37 of his awarded Federal judgeships, 34 were Republican, 2 were Democrat, and 1 independent. In contrast, Clinton also stayed within party lines, but at a lesser rate, 85% going to his party, appointing 41 of 48 Federal judgeships to Democrats. The other appointees made by Clinton consisted of 3 Republicans and 4 Independents. It is apparent that presidents appoint Federal Appellate Court judges who conform to their political ideologies. Republican judges, who are chosen because of their Conservative views, tend to hand down decisions that favor government and large businesses. This becomes important in litigation involving labor-management conflicts, environmental issues, and personal injury cases when corporate America is the defendant. Democratic presidents, who also appoint Federal judges in conformity with their political ideology, appoint Democrats. These Democratic Federal Appellate court judges, liberals, are less concerned with the rights of government and corporate America and more concerned with the rights of individuals. This becomes evident in issues involving the First Amendment, rights of individuals in criminal cases, and matters involving discrimination of women and minorities. The statistics show that over the last 10 presidencies, women were appointed to the bench of the Federal Court of Appeals in 39 of the 370 total appointments, or 10% of the time. The appointment of women as Federal Appellate Court judges was never fashionable for either the Republican or Democratic presidents until very liberal Carter, during his term, appointed 11 women to the bench. Although Bush's percentage of women appointed as Federal Appellate Court justices is only 19% of his total, it is much higher than his closest Republican predecessor, Reagan, with a 5% comparison. Clinton's record in regard to female appointees is more balanced, but still skewed. One third of his appointees as Federal Court of Appeals judges in his first 6 years have been a woman. This contrast in difference, Clinton 42% higher than Bush in female appointees, clearly demonstrates their difference in political ideologies. The Democrats with their beliefs in individual rights, reflected in pro-choice decisions, and public policies, such as, protections on the environment by corporations, have attracted many women voters. The Democrats have also been influential in advocating equal rights for women, especially in sexual harassment litigation. The analysis shows that Bush appointed white Federal Appellate Court judges 90% of the time. In Bush's 4 years of office, he appointed 4 judges from a minority, 2 African-American judges, and 2 Hispanic judges, comprising the other 10%. In Clinton's 6 years of office, 23% of his Appellate Court appointments have been from a minority group. He has appointed 5 African-American judges, 5 Hispanic judges, and for the first time an Asian-American judge. Cinton's appointees from a minority group outnumbered Bush's by over 2 to 1. The appointment of Federal Appellate Court judges compared by race in influenced by the beliefs of the political party. Democrats, who traditionally held support from African-Americans and more recently Hispanics, are more favorable toward the ills of the economically depressed, and advocate policies toward equal rights and affirmative action. This being reflected by the percentage of persons of minority being appointed as judges to the Federal Appellate Court by Democrats. The Republican presidents, 5 of the last 10, have appointed 6 persons of minority to the Federal Appellate Court bench. This is 18% in the overall total of 33 minority judges appointed. This demonstrates less concern for minorities and the knowledge of the Republican Party that their support does not come from this sector of the population. In respect to Bush's Federal Appellate Court appointments, religion plays an important part in the decision but less than political ideology, gender, and race. 54% of Bush's appointed judgeships were from the Protestant faith, 24% from the Roman Catholic faith, and 16% from the Jewish faith. The remaining 6% came from those with no religion. Clinton's appointments to Federal Appellate Court judgeships show nearly equal distributions between the Protestant and Roman Catholic faiths with 35% and 33% respectively. The Jewish faith under Clinton received 19% of the appointments and those of Unitarian faith and of no religion received 13%. The percentages are consistent with the knowledge that the United States is a mostly Protestant nation. Republicans, over the last 10 presidencies have by an overwhelming majority, awarded Federal Appellate Court appointments to Protestants. The Democrats, over the same span, have shown more diversity in their appointments. This is in line with the liberal views of the Democrats concerning equal rights and discrimination policy. Overall Patterns of Presidential Appointees to the Federal Appellate Court Bench The statistics revealed by this data indicate that Republican Presidential Appellate Court appointees are predominately white, male, and Protestant. Just during the last 2 Republican presidencies, Reagan and Bush, have the Republicans become a little more diverse in their appointments of Federal Appellate Court judges. The appointments during the Republican terms of Reagan and Bush consisted of ultra-conservatives who were well accustomed to politics and most likely millionaires. The Democratic presidents, likely more liberals in their beliefs, demonstrated this in their appointments to the Federal Appellate Court judgeships. Although the Democratic presidents appointed primarily Democrats, the data shows an increase in the appointments of women, minorities, and other religious faiths; demonstrating diversity and capturing support from these groups. Changes in Federal Appellate Court Appointments over the last 50 years The last 50 years, in respect to Federal Appellate Court judicial appointments, saw Republicans and Democrats appoint members from their own party. The Democrats, starting with Truman, began appointing minorities to Federal Appellate Court judgeships. It was not until the 60's when civil rights and discrimination became issues that Democratic presidents became diverse in their appointments and starting including women and minorities. The Democratic presidents have included religions other than Protestant in their appointments at a higher rate than the Republicans. During this 50-year period, the Republican presidents have not traditionally appointed women or minorities to the Federal Appellate Court. Not until the 80's, under Reagan, did a Republican president appoint members to the Appellate Court that included women and minorities. The majority of the appointees under Reagan and Bush remained to be white males. The appointments by Republican presidents from religions other than Protestant remained low in comparison to their Democratic counterparts.

Virtual Team Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Virtual Team - Essay Example 1)." As a group, they have complementary skills and are committed to a common purpose, have interdependent performance goals, and share an approach to work for which they hold themselves mutually accountable. The emergence of virtual teams has undoubtedly brought a huge impact in business organizations. According to IBM (2006), virtual team brings together various expertises in company disciplines such as product design, manufacturing, supply chain management and logistics. As GDT works together they can share ideas, experience and technical information to create better solutions which leads to the improvement of the organization's internal operations. Taking the aforementioned information into consideration, this paper will look at the positive effects of having a virtual team in the operation of a warehouse distribution center. This will be done by utilizing Michael Porters famous business tools-value chain and competitive forces. In the value chain model, Michael Porter classified business activities as either primary or support activities. Primary activities include: inbound logistics, production, outbound logistics, sales and marketing, maintenance. Meanwhile administrative infrastructure management, human resources management, R&D, and procurement comprise the support activities. Appendix 1 shows the primary and support activiti... All these activities in the value chain are designed to add value that the customer derived from the company's products or services (Value Based Management 2006). Virtual teaming in the value chain of a warehouse distribution center can bring about more efficiency in the functioning of the entire firm. Locating the warehouse distribution center in the value chain, we can see that it is after the production and before marketing and sales. Establishing a virtual team within the company can integrate the processes within the company. Due to technological innovation, communication within the value chain is more capable of transmitting information to different departments. For instance, the warehouse distribution center can closely collaborate with the other team members in the other departments through the company's intranet. Thus, from the procurement of inputs to the after-sales service, a virtual team can be organized to regulate each process in the value chain. The presence of virtual team makes it easy to monitor the inventory level in the warehouse distribution center and regulate production. It also becomes relatively easier to track inventory levels and replenish stocks to maintain them at the optimum level. Also, delivery from the warehouse distribution center to the customers can be best facilitated if there is a virtual team which oversees the transaction from the warehouse to the customers' doorstep. Of course, some of the functions mentioned above can be carried out by a physical team. However, it should be noted that the presence of virtual team is not hampered by geographic boundaries. It is most important for warehouse distribution centers which are located in two different continents. As information can now be

Rhetorical Analysis Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rhetorical Analysis Paper - Essay Example So many Pidgin pessimists," gives a lot of promise. And he's not stopping, now or in the foreseeable future. "Can you come up wit one more positive way of looking at dis piece o'wot Try tink. Right on. Ho, you get 'em. Das how. We get ONE Pidgin optimist in da house" is as convincing as the essay itself those who will oppose the guy will have a difficult time. "In da real world get planny Pidgin prejudice, ah. Dey, da ubiquitous dey, dey is everywea brah; dey say dat da perception is dat da standard english talker is going automatically be perceive fo' be mo' intelligent than da Pidgin talker regardless wot dey talking, jus from HOW dey talking," he complains as he spars biases. And one imagines a Huck, with slumped shoulders and head cast downward trying to avoid people at daylight, processing his thoughts in his own world dominated only by an African American slave Jim, and at times, by the more acceptable and lovable Tom Sawyer. It's kine lonely, if one sees through it, so much like the cause Pidgin Guerilla Tonouchi is fighting for. Biases ran amuck in a global culture of majority rules as Tonouchi might strongly be shaking his head as he asserts that, "but I no need really look da studies, cuz I can see dis happening insai my classrooms" "Oh Frazier, you're so smart. ... He recalled the experience of his Oriental parents in the 50s to 60s, "If dey talked Pidgin in school den da teachah would slap 'em wit da ruler. Ka-pow. Ow, ow, ow" up to his generation, "You gotta enunciate and tell, "May I please use the restroom" And if you no tell 'em li'dat, den you gotta hold your shishi, brah." He is standing up. "If I knew den wot I know now, HO, I would've SUED da DOE for da kine cruel and unusual punishment. Million dollah settlement right dea," and he depreciates in kine funny, if not yet hilarious manner. He's shaking his head, "wuz equating talking Pidgin to smoking cigarettes cuz he gotta "cut back." If he talk too much Pidgin, den he going get Pidgin cancer and he going DIE, brah. Pua ting. Sad yeah, da tinking" but he's not giving up, nor going away and turn from his cause. In fact, he is facing the challenge head on as he asked his class, "Try tell me all da tings dat people told you ova da years dat you CANNOT do wit Pidgin." And dis wot dey came up wit: Dey Say if You Talk Pidgin You No Can . . . be smart be important be successful be professional be taken seriously be one teacher be one doctor be one lawyer be a government worker be big businessman be da Pope be the president be the wife of the president Dey say if you talk Pidgin you no can . . . communicate eat at fine dining restaurants enter a beauty pageant (and win)" and the list is endless, but he is not stopping. And he is proving the Pidgin detractors wrong. "but I tink so people jus find 'em funny cuz dey know lot of da tings on da list is not true. Bogus li'dat. Why Cuz dey know Pidgin people who eat at fancy restaurants, cuz dey know Pidgin

Ethics at Coca Cola Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethics at Coca Cola - Essay Example This reading of the social context allowed her to execute changes via the political platform by virtue of her leadership of the European Beverages Association. Her leadership of the association thus allowed for important changes specifically restricting marketing of coca cola and other softdrinks not only to make ethical changes in how to do business within her company but also industry-wide. Consequently, ethical changes made by Reiniche were wise with respect to the strategic advantage they conferred to Coke. Other beverage companies were moving in environmentally and ethically driven direction, so Coke could not afford to be left behind and thus, make the move instead a source of competitive advantage. Collaboration and effective communication with regulators, industry players and other non-governmental organization as shown by Reiniche is another facet of organizational leadership. The change initiated with respect to restricting marketing of softdrinks to children necessitated not only the efforts of one company but the collaboration of many concerned parties. Collaboration allows for easier facility of the implementation of the ethical agenda through support and the authoritative use of influence and power to make changes (it greatly helped for instance that Reiniche was President of the European Beverages Association that she welded power to lead the industry to make changes). Furthermore, collaboration only works with effectively communicating agenda to all concerned parties. Coke’s chief executive by Neville Isdell has communicated that ethical changes regarding operations to address environmental concerns are what Coke have in mind – with speeches as he did for the Worldwide Fund for Nature’s annual conference. In action, he has in fact led his company to collaborate with WWF to cut back and recycle the billion of liters of water it uses annually. Creativity and

Adverse Effects of the Arab Spring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 140

Adverse Effects of the Arab Spring - Essay Example Three years after the Arab Spring, the countries that experienced the revolts are still struggling to become stable and peaceful democracies (RÃ ³zsa 17). The Arab world is now experiencing rebellions that have toppled the new regimes and lacks democratic institutions. Apparently, Islam that is the dominant force in the Middle East cannot embrace democracy that dilutes the democratization hopes of the Arab Spring. After the Arab Spring, the Syrian government is now using crude weapons against the unarmed pro-democracy protestors and militarized non-state actors like Hezbollah are now taking charge in the Syrian conflict that depicts instability in the nation. The uprisings have led to a civil war between Assad loyalist and opposition forces (RÃ ³zsa 1). Moreover, Sunni and Shia Muslim groups have heightened tension in Bahrain while the Assad regime is guilty of crimes against humanity depicting the destabilized social identities and states (Hashemi 1). In Tunisia, the revolts overthrew the Ben Ali regime leading to elections that passed power to Ennahda Islamist party. However, in 2013, protests sparked again allowing independent technocrats to cease power from the Ennahda coalition government leading the passage of a new constitution that spelled new and presidential elections (Schwartz 1). These events manifest the political instability in Tunisia after the Arab Spring. In Egypt, the revolts forced President Hosni Mubarak to resign in 2011, and Muslim Brotherhood and Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood assumed power in 2012 after winning the presidential and parliamentary elections respectively (Schwartz 1). However, this did not guarantee the democratization of Egypt since the Islamist-dominated constituent assembly drafted a constitution in the same year against President Mohammed Morsi, who was equally facing protests.

Issues in Accounting Theory and Practice (Case Study National Case

Issues in Accounting Theory and Practice ( National Greenhouse Accounts Factor) - Case Study Example The greenhouse gases include methane, carbon dioxide, specified hydrofluorocarbons, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride and specified perfluorocarbons. There are four methods used to conclude scope 1 emissions. The first one is fuel combustion that focuses on fuel combustion and the emissions it releases. There is ‘emissions of industrial processes’ that deals with greenhouse gases resulted from carbonates consumption and using fuels as carbon reductants or feedstock. It also focuses on the release of synthetic gases in certain cases. Another method used in scope 1 fuels’ fugitive emissions, which focus on emissions from the removal, manufacturing and supply of fossil fuels. The fourth method is ‘waste emissions’ that deals with the release of GHG from the decay of organic material in facilities handling wastewater. The Contex Company has a lot invested in the use of transport fuel. It rents and leases motor vehicles, which means the company is respon sible for direct emissions through fuel combustion. They also provide equipment used in mining that results to the release of methane. The first method is fuel combustion, and it is appropriate for Contex because the company deals with motor vehicles that release GHG through use of fleet fuel. This is also because the most vital source is GHG emissions from the combustion of fuel that account for more than 60 per cent reported emissions. Activity 2 Scope 2 emissions are in most cases a type of indirect emission. The scope deals with activities that produce electricity, cooling, heating or steam that a facility consumes, but are not part of the facility. They take place mainly at electricity generators because of the consumption of electricity at a different facility. The emissions of scope 2 also come from electricity obtained from outside sources. The scope provides the factors of emissions through the electricity’s supplier or by using the NT’s emission factor. The g eneration of NT electricity largely represents a combination of the generation of diesel and natural gas, which is a logical equivalent for the fuel mix employed in outside electricity generation. The factors of emission for scope 2 show data depending on on-grid activity specifically, year average of annual financials, state-based activity, and physical traits of the demand and supply of electricity (Australian Government 2011). To formula, calculate the scope 2 emissions purchase of electricity from an NSW. Y represents the emissions of scope 2 calculated in CO2-e tones, while Q is the amount of purchased electricity in the year and used from the facility’s operation. EF is the factor of scope 2 emission measured in KGs of carbon dioxide emissions for every kilowatt-hour, for a territory or state. GHG Source Quantities used Calculation Emissions tonnes CO2-e Scope 2 – Indirect Energy Purchased electricity - NSW 2,000,000 (2,000,000 x 0.89)/1000 1,780 Purchased elec tricity - Victoria 1,000,000 (1,000,000 x 1.21/1000 1,210 Purchased electricity - Queensland 250,000 (250,000 x 0.88)/1000 220 Activity 3 To calculate the emissions of scope 3, there is need to use a number of emission factors. The main emission factors covered for scope 3 are for organizations that engage in burning fossil fuel and those consuming electricity purchased from other sources. Scope 3 estimates the indirect emissions related to extraction, manufacturing and transport of fossil fuels for those

Overview and Industry Trends & Prospects of General Dynamics Essay

Overview and Industry Trends & Prospects of General Dynamics - Essay Example The company offers a range of solutions and services that are mainly related to the security systems for important national infrastructure, Marine Systems, Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) technology and other defence and security related services. It can be identified that the company generates the most revenues from Information Systems and technology, followed by Aerospace. The company earned a total of $9.15 million from this Information Systems and technology segment with operating earnings of $785 thousands. Moreover, the revenues from this segment have decreased by 10.8% in the year 2014. On the other hand, Aerospace had reported an increase in the revenues as the revenues increased to $8.6 million showing an increase of 6.5%. However, the major aspect of this business segment is that it has the highest ratio of operating earnings to the revenues which is 18.6% in comparison to the other business segments of the company (General Dynamics, 2014). General Dynamics has been operating in a number of countries. However, the group generates the most revenues from United States. Europe is the second most important market for General Dynamics as presented in the figure below: In General Dynamics, there are around 700 employees in different facilities and locations in UK (General Dynamics, 2015b). The company has been working on number of governmental projects in different parts of the world including United States and United Kingdom. For instance, General Dynamics signed a deal with the UK government for armoured vehicles worth $5.8 billion in the year 2014 (Reuters , 2014). Moreover, there are more than 100 SMEs for which the company has worked in UK (General Dynamics, 2015b) The defence industry in which General Dynamics operates is highly dynamic and the industry itself offers many challenges to the company. With the increasing terrorism activities across the globe, it has been highly critical for General

Public Management and Administration Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Public Management and Administration - Case Study Example Government by proxy has grown into a more diverse, pervasive, and an all-encompassing phenomenon that is here to stay. It is imperative that public administration scholars and policy makers offer proposals to reduce or eliminate the problems created by third party government and in turn improve government performance. Government needs partners to do its job. These partners present themselves in the form of for profit and non-profit organizations as well as state and local agencies. From the case study ‘should private contractors be guarding public buildings?’, it is stated that the Federal Protective security- FPS employs 1225 persons who are responsible for 2360 federal facilities. This shows a clear gap that gets filled by the government through proxy. By contacting out to fill the security gap required for public buildings, the FPS turns from a direct service provider to a generator of public value. It is vital that all federal building become well-guarded to protect national interests and property which gets funded by taxpayers’ money. If the government is unable to employ and train the required number of security guards required to man this buildings, contracting out seems a viable option. Government by proxy offers innovation and the ability of the contracted firms to tailor their services to meet customer demands. Contracted security firms get to train their guards on the requirements and challenges posed by the job contracted. These private security firms dedicate their time and capital into offering the ultimate service for their customer as they are in competition with other firms too. From the given case study, the author states of a meeting with private security guard who told him that he was trained on twenty one different weapons. This indicates the training level to which private firms engage their guards in preparing them to meet with the rising threats of insecurity

An Introduction to the Cold War Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

An Introduction to the Cold War - Assignment Example Countries in Western Europe also had some really dangerous weapons, these weapons included long-range missiles, bombs, guns so on and so forth. The countries did not want to take any risk as they were all recovering from the damage caused by the Second World War and another war at that time would have literary wiped them off the map. To conclude it is very fair to say that the countries were afraid of each other because they had some really dangerous weapons which were already used in the Second World War, United States, for instance, had Atom Bombs which caused damage beyond repair in Japan. The world got divided into several different parts after the World Wars; these World Wars caused damage beyond repair. Cold war began after the end of the Second World War, the Second World War ended in the year 1945, The US and the Soviet Union were the ones directly involved in the cold war. The cold war was a situation in which countries did not fight directly; instead, they choose to fight indirectly with each other. â€Å"Do note that USSR in 1945 was Russia post-1917 and included all the various countries that now exist individually (Ukraine, Georgia etc) but after the war, they were part of this huge country up until the collapse of the Soviet Union (the other name for the USSR).† (What was the Cold War?) The US and the Soviet Union were the strongest countries once the Second World War ended and both wanted to dominate each other. To match each other stride for stride they started fighting indirectly. This indirect war had several repercussions upon the other countries and it also affected the US and the Soviet Union. Weapons weren’t used in this cold war, words were used as weapons and the main enemies involved in this war consistently tried to make each other look foolish. The leaders involved in the cold war consistently kept changing but the war still continued, this goes to show the desire to dominate each other and most of the wars occur because of this domination of one country over another.  Ã‚  

Enron Corporate Culture Essay Example for Free

Enron Corporate Culture Essay Bench was founded in the Philippines by Ben Chan in 1987 originally selling men’s t-shirt in small retail stores. The brand is registered under the trademark of Suyen Corporation. The brand also grew on providing ladies’ line, underwear, fragrances, house wares, snacks, and a wide array of other lifestyle products, Kyle Marco P. de Vera, Justin Andrew Lawrence L. Rigor and Jolo Marco R. Tayag are junior students from the Department of Marketing and Corporate Communications in San Beda College AY: 2012-2013. The researchers have equally contributed to the fulfillment of the research with the help and advice of Dr. Jennifer T. Ramos. with the distinction of being present in virtually every retail space in the Philippines, and with a worldwide network of stores and outlets, reaching as far as the United States, the Middle East, and China. It has also been a pioneer to the use of celebrity endorsers, television, and giant billboards to push for a fashion brand that offers premium quality products at affordable prices in the market. By multiple product line and brand extensions, Bench was able to go through demographic divisions such as age, gender, socioeconomic status having â€Å"Bench is forever† as the company’s article of faith. Emerging as a global brand, Bench has 610 stores worldwide, 67 internationally 543 locally. (Adapted from Bench’s Website) Growing globally resulted to creating new product lines and extensions of the Brand; known for being an apparel brand, Bench as a product-oriented company have evolved into being a market oriented brand not only selling clothes but also extending to the market’s needs in terms of lifestyle such as food and personal care. One of Bench’s promising extensions is Bench Fix, aside from the Fix salon, hair wax is also one of the commonly sought product today in their offerings. Many companies or brand today have been adapting to the trends and needs of the society, by utilizing the brand that they have established in the market, they make their offerings relevant at the fast changing time. Product-line and brand extensions do not only create new markets but it is also one of the strategies in maximizing brand equity to survive in the competitive industry. The intention of the study is to know whether Bench is a strong Brand, by assessing its brand equity, brand positioning and competitiveness in the market and eventually make realizations for other pioneered and extending brand entities. The researchers got interested with this particular study because they want to discover whether a local brand of apparel like Bench, can be a strong brand and if it can be as appealing as those of the foreign brands that Filipinos patronize. Operational Framework Input Process Output Figure 1. 1 showed the three variables that have been assessed to know whether Bench is a strong brand, it can be measured through the independent variables, and these are the brand equity, the brand positioning and how Bench deals with the competition. The dependent variable is Bench being a strong brand because it has been the variable subject for result. The figure also displayed the process that the researchers have worked on. The research is a descriptive type of study. Survey was used to gather quantitative data which had been interpreted by its corresponding verbal interpretations. The person triangulation was intended to check and balance the consumers’ evaluation and be able to supplement qualitative data. Conceptual Framework This concept was adapted from , which suggested that a strong brand is manifested through the following indicators; Strong Brand Equity, Strong and Clear Brand Positioning, and Competitiveness. The main problem of the study is to know whether Bench is a strong brand. It specifically seeks to answer these following questions: 1. What is the assessment of the consumers to Bench’s brand equity? a. Brand Awareness b. Perceived Quality c. Brand Loyalty d. Brand Association 2. What is the consumers’ assessment on Bench’s brand positioning level? a. Attribute b. Benefits c. Beliefs and Values 3. How does Bench deal with the competition? a. The relative strengths and weaknesses of competition. b. The marketing strategies of their competition. Assumptions were used in this study. The researchers assumed that the product line and brand extensions of Bench are only categorized into accessories, apparel, personal care, footwear and food that the consumers have assessed in the questionnaire. They also assumed the determinants used in assessing the brand positioning. The researchers presumed that the close competitors of Bench are Folded Hung, Mint, Penshoppe, and People are People. The researchers assumed that Bench is not a strong brand. The study will benefit local competitive company brands to push for a more valuable product and service to create stronger brands enabling them to prepare for product and brand extensions so that they can survive long in the competitive market, not only that they will focus on their current products and services but they can also focus on the other needs and interests of the market. This study will also be able to provide companies and researchers a basis for assessing whether a brand is strong or not. The study will also benefit Bench, because the study will be able to provide an insight with regards to the brand’s current standing and be able to help them identify their existing constraints that inhibit their full brand development. To the researchers, the study will serve as ground for development, as future marketers. This research will be a good foundation for their career. In this study they will be able to assess, select, and apply carefully theories and concepts that they have learned and to the future researchers, the study will be a good source of information if ever it will relate to their topic well. The researchers are expecting that this will be available to the public since the current researchers also had a hard time finding local studies, this will be a good reference for them. Hopefully, the future researchers will be able to improve on this study and also be aspired to help other local researchers as well. It will also benefit the consumers, with the study conducted they will be able to learn and explore more of a brand’s offerings in the market. With more choices, variation in the brand, it will likely improve their buying behavior as to how they manage their lifestyle of selection and consumption. The scope of this study was limited on the assessment of the indicators of a strong brand, which was adopted from Armstrong and Kotler, namely; brand equity, brand positioning, and how a brand deals with competition in the market. The researchers were only focused on Bench as subject. With regards to the quantitative data, there is an ideal number of one hundred (100) respondents composed of buyers and nonusers of the brand to avoid conditional sampling; For the qualitative data, one (1) of Bench’s brand manager and one (1) brand manager of Bench’s competitor has been interviewed, particularly Folded Hung. Because the study is only good for duration of five (5) months, it has to meet with the researchers’ convenience. The researchers are bounded by time financial difficulty, respondents and lack of expertise. Review of Related Literature Building a Brand, a Strong One Brands play an important role in the purchasing decision of the product or service . Companies establish a brand primarily because they want to be considered a reference for customers when purchasing or availing products and services. Like what have said in their study, brands act as shorthand in the consumer’s minds so that they do not have to think much about their purchase decision. Being a reference provider, the brands are the interface between consumers and the company; on the other hand consumers are subject to commit to brands. Since brand is a cluster of functional and emotional values that promises a unique welcome experience (Chang Liu, 2009) and are fundamentally about relationships, these should form the main source of any company’s connection to the customers so that a brand may be able to avoid negative perception and aim for positive feedbacks. Brand’s influence is not imposed by the company or the business; rather their relevance depends on the needs and wants of the people because â€Å"the power of the brand lies in the minds of consumers† . â€Å"Brand name alone does not make a brand† one has to be strong enough to develop a market-leading brand capacity that is essential for long-term competitiveness. What is a strong brand anyway? In identifying a strong brand, we have to take in consideration some key indicators of such; high brand equity, brand positioning and competitiveness. The Brand’s Labor: Brand Equity Aaker defines brand equity as a set of assets and liabilities inked to a brand’s name and symbol that adds to or subtracts from the value perceived by a product or service to a firm and or the firm’s customer however Keller defines brand equity as the differential effect of the brand knowledge on consumer response to the marketing of the brand . Aaker’s definition on brand equity is centered on the consumer’s negative or positive perception attached to the brand while Keller described it as the difference between the business’ projection of the brand on the consumer’s interpretation and perception of the brand. Taking it from a study’s perspective, have suggested that brand equity is the outcome that accrues to a product with its brand name compared with those that would accrue if the same product did not have a brand name, simply put it is the outcome of the overall marketing effort of the brand. Since there is already an evaluation of the product and service, brand equity plays a role in how information is learned and then retrieved and used in making choice . That is why brand equity has emerged as a key strategic asset that needs to be monitored and nurtured for maximum long-term performance . Not only that it serves as an important signal to reduce perceived risk but it is also why considers brand equity as the value of a brand to the firm. According to brands with higher equity have an established strength in the market for they are able to generate higher immediate returns from their marketing mix efforts and higher loyalty brands generate greater stockpiling from promotions. Also have mentioned that buyers respond to branding by purchasing the same products or brands or by showing preference toward a particular brand, bringing firms higher in the market share, higher profits or share value. To sum it all up, brands which have higher equity can get the customer’s preference and tendencies and result in higher level of sale . The concept of brand equity has remained a complex phenomenon for many researchers because of the many associated concepts applicable under it. To understand it fully, the researchers would have to identify its key components. Aaker approaches brand equity as a set of fundamental dimensions grouped into a complex system comprising mainly: brand awareness, brand perceived quality, brand loyalty and brand association. The Impression, Brand Awareness For a brand to sustain a presence in the marketplace, people must be aware of it. As such, at its most basic level, knowledge encompasses brand awareness and the extent to which customers recall and recognize the brand. . To define brand awareness, it is the consumer’s ability to identify the brand and can be measured with the help of brand recall and brand recognition. Brand recall is the ability of consumers to retrieve the brand from memory, when the product category, the needs fulfilled by the category, or some other type of probe, is given as a cue. Brand recognition reflects the ability of consumers to confirm prior exposure to the brand . It is also the extent to which a person able to recognize a particular brand given a set of brands according to . According to the role of brand awareness in building brand equity depends on the strength of the brand’s presence in the consumers’ mind and with that brand awareness had become a vital factor to influence the buying decisions and purchase intentions . It also enhances the prospects of being considered in the future purchase situations. . But awareness alone is not enough according to for the initial work was found that awareness alone was not adequate to build brand understanding. It will also need help of the other brand equity’s dimensions. Perceived Quality: The Judgment To sustain one’s presence in the market, awareness had been the founding principle to perform such but is the image just right to deliver positive quality perception that may even push more knowledgeable consumers to buy or purchase products. Perceived Quality is defined as the customer’s judgment of performance of a performance excellence of a product or service relative to the expectations of quality (Balaji, 2011). In other words perceived brand quality represents consumers’ view of how well a brand meets their requirement and expectations . According to , he stated that â€Å"perceived quality also represent consumers’ judgments regarding a brand’s overall superiority†. To add on Huang’s study, said that consumers’ apparel purchase decisions may be more likely to be influenced by their perceptions of apparel attributes such as price, quality, and style than by their concerns about the ethnical conditions under which apparel is or was produced. Perceived quality is a consumer’s subjective judgment about products or services . It is personal and irrational, quality may only equate to a certain features and benefits that are unique or different from others and these qualities may not be of standard or preference of one prospect, meaning a brand may only be able to be successful if they impress the right people or the target market per se. Brand Association: The Synapse Associations represent what the brand stands for and imply a promise to customers from the organization members. This means that brand association is something that provides meaning to a brand . In other words, brand association are ideas or descriptions consumers can relate with the product or service offered by the brand. Other definition of brand association stated by and is that it is anything linked in the memory of the consumers to the brand and the thoughts that come up to mind after brand or offering is recalled. Brand associations help consumers retrieve and process information and evoke a positive effect and cognitive considerations of the benefits . By convenience, brand association can actually make the product information more accessible that it can influence faster purchase decisions of consumers. Brand Loyalty: The Corner Stone Another dimension of brand equity is brand loyalty. To define brand loyalty on understanding, it is â€Å"a deeply commitment to rebuy or repatronize a preferred product or service consistently in the future, causing repetitive same brand or same brand set purchasing, despite situational influences and marketing efforts having the potential to cause switching behavior†. In relation to the study, mentioned that loyalty is understood to be a long term attachment to a firm and it is considered to be intimately linked to consumer based brand equity. Now how can brand loyalty be of use, brand loyalty is of strategic importance for companies to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage because it is considered as one of the most important factors affecting consumer choice according to and. In identifying loyalty, satisfaction strength is a vital determinant because it plays a crucial role in the translation of stated satisfaction into customer loyalty and research of indicates that though satisfaction is link to some aspects of loyalty, its impact may depend on facets of the prior relational experience. In addition, the authors anticipate that satisfaction strength will influence both loyalty and the translation of satisfaction into loyalty, also suggested that the willingness of individual consumers, employees, friends the investor personal sacrifices in order to strengthen the relationship may help. One of brand loyalty’s substance is, Brand self-connection wherein according to is the idea that attachment involves a bond with the brand included as part of the self; it suggests that a critical aspect of attachment involves the cognitive and emotional connection between the brand and the self. That’s why trust in a brand is important and is a key factor in the development of brand loyalty according to because it can result to customer retention. In metaphor, brand loyalty is the cornerstone of brand equity and brand itself. Brand Positioning According to marketers need to position their brands clearly to target costumer’s minds at the lowest level; they can position the brand on product attributes. However attributes are the least desirable level for brand positioning. A brand can be better positioned by associating its name with a desirable benefit. The strongest brands go beyond attribute or benefit positioning. They are positioned on a strong beliefs and values. They explained the concept of brand positioning in terms of its three levels. The brand must be aligned to its goals and prospect consumers in order to be positioned well in the market. Like what have mentioned in their study, consistency in value delivered helps brand providers understand the value targets and helps customers understand the brand positioning. In the study of , they stated that it is important for businesses to create attraction in their brand to be better positioned than their competitors. In return, when a brand has a relative advantage in consumers’ mind, its market share should increase or at least not decrease . The study of mentioned that positioning is a very left brained phenomenon, where brands are narrowly defined by either personality or benefits. When one defines brands so rigidly, the advertising gets predictable, and there’s no margin for creativity or expansion. Fluid nature and flexibility is one of the ways for brands to survive. Brand belief works by tracking a particular brand also by trying to see it in the context of other brands of the same category, the comparison creates a distinct positioning. Advantages to Competition

A Study on Research Methods And Approaches

A Study on Research Methods And Approaches This section describes the methods used in carrying out this research. Methodology is an overall approach to research process, from theoretical underpinning to the collection of data (Collis and Hussey, 2003). This section informs the reader of research design, whether it is explanatory, descriptive or he exploratory, and why a particular design is design is chosen. It informs the reader about the primary and secondary sources of data along with argument and rationalization (Ghauri and Gronhaug, 2005). Baker (2003) describes methodology as the critical evaluation of alternative research strategies and methods. Methodology is a combination of techniques used to enquire into specific situation (Easterby-Smith, et al. 2002). Methodology is the analysis of, and the rationale for, the particular method or methods used in a given study, and in that type of study in general (Jankowicz, 2000). 3.2 Research approaches The extent to which the theory is clear at the beginning of the research is important in the design of the research project. The researcher can use the deductive approach and/or the inductive approach (Saunders et.al, 2007). 3.2.1 Deductive approach In this approach, a theory and hypothesis is developed and a research strategy is designed to test the hypothesis. The theory allows examining the specific outcome of the inquiry, which will tend to confirm the theory or indicate modifications (Saunders et.al, 2007). 3.2.2 Inductive approach In this approach, first the data is collected and theory is developed from the result of the data analysed. The result of this analysis would be the formulation of a theory. This approach is concerned with the context in which the events are taking place. Therefore the study of a small sample of subjects might be more appropriate than a large number as with the deductive approach (Saunders et.al, 2007). According to Saunders et al. (2003), followers of the inductive approach would criticise the deductive approach because of its tendency to construct a methodology that is not flexible and that does not allow alternative explanations of what is going on. On the other hand, the deductive approach emphasises scientific principles, moving from theory to data, the need to explain underlying relationships between variables, collection of quantitative data, the application of controls to ensure validity of data, the working of concepts to ensure clarity of definition, a highly structured approach, researcher independence of what is being researched and the necessity to select samples of sufficient size in order to generalise conclusions (Saunders et al., 2003). According to Saunders et al. (2003), the inductive approach also emphasises gaining an understanding of the meanings humans attach to events, a close understanding of the research context, the collection of qualitative data, a more flexible structure that allows room for changes as the research progresses, a realisation that the researcher is part of the research process and less concern with the need to generalise. This approach to research also gives room for alternative theories to be put forth. According to Saunders et al. (2003), deductive research can be quicker to complete. However, time must be devoted to setting up the study prior to data collection and analysis. On the other hand, inductive research can be more prolonged. While the deductive approach to research can be a lower risk strategy, inductive research poses the risk that no useful data patterns and theory may emerge. According to Saunders et al. (2003), most managers are familiar with the deductive approach and are much more likely to put faith in the conclusions emerging from this approach. Having looked at both the research approaches individually and weighing them against each other, it is also useful to look at whether a combination of both these methods is possible. According to Fowler (2002), although most surveys use a single data collection method, it is not uncommon for a combination of methods to be used. This is further reiterated by Saunders et al. (2003) who say that these approaches can not only be mixed and matched, but it is also beneficial to do so. There are two major advantages of using multi-methods in the same study. Another advantage of using a combination of two methods is that it enables triangulation to take place. The advantage of using triangulation is that the weaknesses in each single method will be compensated by the counter-balancing strengths of another. The researcher has used the combination of two methods i.e. triangulation approach which was best suited for the undertaken study. 3.3 Research Design Research design is about organising research activity, including the collection of data, in ways that are most likely to achieve the research aim (Easterby-Smith, et al. 2002). Saunders, at al. (1997) suggests that a research design needs to consider the extent to which you should collect data from a research population. Vogt (1993) defines research design as the science of planning procedures for conducting studies so as to get the most valid findings. Research design is an overall plan for relating the conceptual research problem to relevant and practicable empirical research which provides a plan or a framework for data collection and its analysis (Ghauri and Gronhaug, 2005). Collin and Hussey (2003) argue that determining a research design would give a detailed plan, which will be used to guide and focus on research. Hair, et al. (2003) argues that a research design provides the basic direction for carrying out a project. For the purpose of this research a case study approach has been used i.e. the case study of SVR Institutions, Bangalore (SVR), an educational institution in India. Collin and Hussey (2003) define a case study as an extensive examination of a single instance of a phenomenon of interest and is an example of a phenomenological methodology. Case study is a research study, which focuses on understanding the dynamics present within single setting (Eisenhardt, 1989). Robson (2002) defines case study as the development of detailed, intensive knowledge about a single case or related number of cases. Case study method is used when thesis focuses on a set of issues in a single organisation, and when researcher wants to identify the factors involved in an in-depth study of the organisation (Jankowicz, 2000). The case study approach is suitable because the researcher looked into an educational organisation to ascertain whether this organisation benefits the economically weaker and deprived famili es in the community. 3.4 Adopting Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods Research method is that section of research report that describes the research methods used in conducting the research (Hair, et al. 2003). Research method is a systematic and orderly approach taken towards the collection and analysis of data so that information can be obtained from data (Jankowicz, 2000). Two main type SVR of approaches to research are qualitative and quantitative approaches. The quantitative approach is collecting and analysing of numerical data and applying statistical test, while quantitative approach is more subjective in nature and involves examining and reflecting on perceptions in order to gain an understanding of social and human activities (Collis and Hussey, 2003). Qualitative approach is the nature and content of what is said while quantitative approach determines the number of who said it (Jankowicz, 2000). Baker (2003) argued that quantitative methods are usually regarded as more robust, leading to actionable results and recommendations, whereas qualitative methods are seen as lacking in rigour, resulting in indecisive outcomes. Van Maanen (1983) defines qualitative techniques as an array of interpretative techniques which seek to describe, decode, translate and otherwise come to terms with the meaning, not the frequency, of certain more or less naturally occurring phenomena in the social world. Collis and Hussey (2003) argue that quantitative approach to data collection provides relative ease and speed with which research can be conducted. Ghuari and Granhaug (2005) describe qualitative method of data analysis as the interactive way where collected data are analysed initiating new question and further data collection. Qualitative research is thus common in social and behavioural sciences and among practitioners who want to understand human behaviour and functions. Since this research has to do with social sciences, it makes qualitative analysis relevant to the research. The rationale of using quantitative methods for this study was in order to obtain the opinion of the management, staff and students rather than seek only statistical data which can eliminate the human aspect and only seek to measure a predetermined variable (Black, 2003). The quantitative data analysis gives the research more direction and viable to readers by numeric interpretation of responses to the questionnaires given out, apart from this using quantitative method of analysing is rational. The quantitative data analysis has been used in the research by quantifying responses from the management, staff and students of the organisation via questionnaires. Rather than using large samples and following a rigid protocol to examine a limited number of variables, case study methods involve an in-depth, longitudinal examination of a single instance or event: a case. They provide a systematic way of looking at events, collecting data, analysing information, and reporting the results. As a result the researcher may gain a sharpened understanding of why the instance happened as it did, and what might become important to look at more extensively in future research (Collis and Hussey, 2003). The figures obtained by the researcher from the different questionnaires and the bar charts could be referred to as the quantitative element of this research while the subsequent analysis and explanation of ideas could be referred to as the qualitative element. 3.5 Questionnaires Questionnaire is a list of carefully structured questions, chosen after considerable testing, with a view to eliciting reliable responses from chosen sample. The aim of a questionnaire is to find out what a selected group of participants do, think or feel (Collin and Hussey, 2003). Questionnaires are used to collect data by asking the sample/participants to respond to exactly the same set of questions. Saunders, et al. (2003) identifies two basic type SVR of questionnaires as self-administered and interviewer administered. They further identified the following type SVR of self-administered questionnaire: Online Questionnaire, The Postal or Mail Questionnaire, Delivery and Collection Questionnaires, Telephone Questionnaires, Structured Interview Questionnaires. For the purpose of this research the self-administered questionnaire shall be used through the use of delivery and collection system. The questionnaire method will facilitate this research due to time constraint on the part of both the researcher and the respondents. To justify this, other methods used in collecting primary data are semi structured and in depth interviews. The questions in the questionnaire will be a combination of Yes/No questions, questions that will give the respondent an option to add comments/justification further to his/her answer. Open questions are also used to allow the respondents free to express his/her view, so that it helps in critical analysis. 3.6 Interviews Interviews are a method of collecting data in which selected participants are asked questions in order to find out what they think or feel. Interviews make it easier to gather the necessary information and opinions, maybe face to face, voice to voice or screen to screen; conducted with individuals or group of individuals (Hussey and Hussey, 1997). For the purpose of this research, conducting interviews, a qualitative method of data collection is used. According to Saunders et al. (2003) interviews are categorised as follows: Structured interviews Semi- structured interviews Unstructured interviews Structured interviews are based on a pre-determined set of questions that are asked by the interviewer in a particular order with no room for flexibility. There is no much room for interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee. A semi-structured interview also involves a pre-determined set of questions, but gives the interviewer scope to change the order of questions asked, query certain areas of interest based on the answers given. However, unstructured interviews are informal. This method of interviewing allows the interviewer to ask any questions without being bound to a pre-determined set of questions. It looks more like a casual chat which allows the interviewer to talk about the issues pertaining to the research (Saunders et al., 2003). The interviewer conducted semi-structured interviews, as it is more flexible and helpful in this research. 3.6.1 Interviews Procedure Prior to the interview, each respondent will be met personally to provide him or her with details about the topic, time and details about the topic. All the respondents were issued a consent form, which mentioned that participation will be voluntary, without coercion and they could withdraw from the study at any time. Interviews will be physically constructed in the organisation rooms, with prior permission. 3.7 Samples and Procedures Jankowicz (2000) describes sampling as a deliberate choice of a number of people, the sample who are to provide data from which you will draw conclusions about some larger group, the population whom this represents. Sample is a subset of a population, while population is a body or any collection of items under consideration (Collis and Hussey, 2003). Ghauri, et al. 1995 defines sampling as saving work, examining the sample instead of whole population. Sampling saves time; this is evident when you have tight deadlines. Occasionally, to save time, surveys collect data from the entire population but analyse only a sample of the data collected. For reasons of economy this procedure has sometimes been adopted for hard-to-code questions, such as occupation and industry, in the United Kingdom 1991 census. Data were collected from the total population for all questions but, for the hard-to-code questions, only 10 per cent were entered into the computer and subsequently analysed, although it should be noted that, for the 2001 census, advances in automated and computer assisted coding software meant all these were coded (Teague, 2000). Many researchers, for example Henry (1990), argue that using sampling makes possible a higher accuracy than a census. The smaller number of cases for which the data is collected means that more time can be spent designing and piloting the means of collecting these data. Collecting data from fewer cases also means that the collected information will be more detailed. For the purpose of this research, the sampling method has been used because it is practically impossible to reach the entire population due to time constraints on the part of the researcher. 3.8 Sampling Techniques Sampling techniques are a range of methods that enable the researcher to reduce the amount of data to be collected by considering only data from a subgroup rather than possible cases or element (Saunders, et al. 2003). Two types SVR of sampling techniques are identified as follows: Probability or Representative sampling Non-probability or Judgemental sampling (Saunders, et al. 2003). Probability sampling is the selection of elements based on random sample procedure that gives a known and non-zero chance of being selected, thereby minimizing selection. It involves taking large samples considered to be representative of target population from which they are drawn (Saunders, et al. 2003). In non-probability sampling, the probability of each case being selected from the total population is unknown. Non-probability sampling is more frequently used for case study research. In this sampling the researcher uses subjective methods such as personal experience, convenience, and expert judgement to select elements in the sample (Saunders, et al. 2003). For the purpose of this research a non-probability or judgmental sampling was used because samples were determined by the use of researchers judgement, experience and convenience. 3.9 Population for Study The population will compromise of all the employees of the SVR Institutions, Bangalore. 3.10 Sample Size Collis and Hussey (2003) assert that the question of appropriate number of subjects to include in a sample is complex and it is a question of deciding how accurate the researcher wants the result to be and how confident is the answer. For the purpose of this research, the total sample size is confined to 110 individuals. 3.11 Pilot Study Pilot study refers to so-called feasibility studies, which are small scale versions or trial runs, done in preparation for the major study (Polit et al. 2001: 467). A pilot study can also be the pre-testing or trying out of a particular research instrument (Baker 1994: 182-3). De Vaus (1993: 54) quotes Do not the risk, Pilot test first. The advantages of conducting the pilot study is that it will caution the researcher in advance where the research project could fail, whether the proposed methods or instruments are appropriate or too complicated. Pilot studies are conducted for the following reasons: To assess the feasibility of a (full-scale) study. It wasnt feasible to consider all the UK companies, hence the case study research. Designing a research protocol Use of case study approach, research questionnaires to sample views and opinions about the project topic, subjective selection of sample based on the researchers judgement, disregarding response questionnaires, which were incomplete. Assessing whether the research protocol is rational and feasible The case study approach, use of questionnaires and interviews are tried and proven methods, hence the researchers confidence in employing them. These research protocols were taken to ensure that project deadlines were achievable. Establishing whether the sampling frame is affective The chosen sampling frame was deemed to be effective because the researcher found the method successfully applied in similar research. Identifying logistical problems, which might occur using proposed methods Issuing of questionnaires to a very large sample size was a problem, hence an appropriate sized sample was chosen. Interviews with the sized sample were conducted to gain their views and opinions. Developing a research question and research plan The researcher developed his research questions based on his primary research on the project topic. Convincing other stakeholders that the main study is worth supporting The stakeholder was the researchers supervisor. Before embarking on the project, the researcher had to complete a proposal outlining the importance and benefits of researching the project topic. 3.12 Method of Data Analysis The data collected through responses in the questionnaires, were analysed and interpreted with the use of the Pie Chart: this is a data presentation which is use in analysing quantitative datas to show the proportion of occurrences of categories or values for one variable. (Saunders et al, 2003, p.340). The data collected through semi-structured interviews were analysed through the use of conceptualization, meanings expressed through words and classifying the results into categories. The above methods used indicate that validity and reliability of data will be ensured and problem of bias will be reduced (Collis and Hussey 2003). Both the qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection will lead to actionable result. The case study approach has helped the researcher to be more focused and facilitate a meaningful result. 3.13 Ethical issues Another very important consideration during research is the ethical issues that may arise. Some of the data to be collected during research could be of highly sensitive nature and therefore may need a formal consent. Some other ethical issues could be privacy of the respondents, possible harm to participants, and possibility of deception involved (Diener and Crandall, 1978). These issues have been taken into consideration for the purpose of this research. The data was collected after a formal consent from SVR Institutions, Bangalore. A clear explanation of the purpose of the study was given to the management. All the respondents were explained the purpose of the study and were also given literature about the study and assured confidentiality and anonymity.

Vladimir Lenin: “State and Revolution” Analysis

Vladimir Lenin: â€Å"State and Revolution† Analysis In August and September 1917, Vladimir Lenin wrote â€Å"State and Revolution.† This essay will analyze and examine an extract from this book. First, the document shall be placed into historical context. Then, certain points and references in the text shall be examined. Finally, the essay shall comment on the document’s reliability as a source and its value to a modern European History student. At the time Lenin wrote this book, the European continent had been raging in World War One for three years and Russian people were heavily suffering from the weight of it. Russians wanted a release—from the war, poverty and hunger. Thus, in February 1917, mass strikes and protests occurred and they overthrew the Tsar government. In place, a provisional government was established. Lenin had been living in Switzerland, safe from likely persecution by the government. In July 1917, Lenin returned to Russia believing the time was finally right to revolt with the Bolsheviks. However, the July protests failed. The established leaders proclaimed that Lenin and the other leaders of the protests were simply paid by the Germans to cause civil unrest.[1] Thus, Lenin fled to Finland, at which time he formed his philosophies on the state on paper. The excerpt from â€Å"State and Revolution† that this essay shall examine focuses on the state in transition. Suppression is a key word in the document. Lenin states, that during the transition to a communist state, â€Å"suppression is still necessary.†[2] By referring to the state in transition, Lenin recognizes that the February Revolution had caused forward motion towards his ideal society, but that the task had not yet been wholly accomplished. However, Lenin clarifies that suppression in this case would be the reverse of the usual connotation of the term; the exploited majority, the â€Å"wage-slaves† of yesterday now needed to suppress the exploiting minority. This would be an â€Å"easy, simple and natural† task, according to Lenin, and would cost less human life than when the circumstances had been reversed, that is, when the exploiting minority had suppressed the â€Å"rising of slaves, serfs or wage-labourers.†[3] Certainly, Lenin is ref erring to the bloodshed caused when nobles tried to suppress or punish serfs, and even more specifically perhaps to World War I, from which the Russian people were suffering. In order to suppress the people, Nicholas II had relied on a heavy-handed army and secret police.[4] Thus, Lenin is calling the people of the transitory state to rebel against the provisional government set in place. Whilst Lenin recognizes that the task shall not be bloodless, he does argue that it shall cost mankind less than reverting back to the old system of suppression by the exploiting minority. Next, Lenin declares that â€Å"only Communism† shall make the need for a state â€Å"unnecessary.†[5] With Communism, there remains no one to be suppressed. Without any classes competing against each other or trying to control a certain part of the population, the state shall not serve any purpose. A communist society would not be without flaws, Lenin notes, because inevitably there would be â€Å"excesses† of individual persons whom would need to be suppressed.[6] However, the armed people shall be enough to manage this suppression, with no need for a â€Å"special machine† or â€Å"special apparatus†, that is, the state.[7] Moreover, Lenin states, that the reason for those â€Å"excesses† will fade with communism because the main cause for â€Å"excesses† is the â€Å"exploitation of the majority, their want and their poverty.†[8] Thus, the main cause of excesses shall not exist in the future state, causing the state to event ually â€Å"wither away.†[9] Here, Lenin alludes to Engels’ notion of the state withering away. Lenin believes that with revolution, the process to an ideal, though not â€Å"utopian† society will be a slow, but sure transition. Finally, Lenin makes references to Marx’s differentiated phases of communism, the lower and higher stages. Lenin’s envisioned future state would be the higher stage of communism. He is careful to note, though, that this highest degree of a communist society would not be â€Å"utopian.†[10] The question remains, however, whether or not the document is reliable as a source. Perhaps, the largest problem that might occur for a British student with this document is reading it translated from Russian into English. Precise ideas might be lost with the slight change of a word in various editions. Most importantly, the reader should remember that Lenin had an agenda behind these writings, that is, to lead Russia into revolution, and that the writing is not an objective, philosophical account of affairs. Regardless of the reliability of the document, it still has value to the Modern European History student in that it gives insight into the mind and philosophy of a hugely influential twentieth-century leader. Some scholars, such as Alan Wood, argue that ultimately, the Russian people made the Revolution occur and that intellectual writings were only one facet of the contributing factors to it.[11] However, writings such as Lenin’s â€Å"State and Revolution† are important to read, as they may have been the foundation for why Russian people revolted and give an indication of what they hoped to achieve. Clearly, this document contributes to that understanding, and thus is highly valuable. Bibliography Lenin, V.I. â€Å"State and Revolution† (1917) in The Essentials of Lenin (6) , vol. 2, pp. 202-203, cited in Anthony Wood, The Russian Revolution, 81-2. Phillips, S. Lenin and the Russian Revolution. Oxford: Heinemann Educational Publishers, 2000. The State and Revolution, website online. Accessed on 4 May 2007 from http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/. Wood, A. The Origins of the Russian Revolution, 1861-1917. London: Routledge, 1993. 1 [1] The State and Revolution, website online. Accessed on 4 May 2007 from http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1917/staterev/. [2] Lenin, V.I. â€Å"State and Revolution† (1917) in The Essentials of Lenin (6) , vol. 2, pp. 202-203, cited in Anthony Wood, The Russian Revolution, 81-2. [3] Ibid. [4] Steve Phillips, Lenin and the Russian Revolution (Oxford: Heinemann Educational Publishers, 2000) , 7. [5] Lenin, â€Å"State and Revolution.† [6] Ibid. [7] Ibid. [8] Ibid. [9] Ibid. [10] Ibid. [11] Alan Wood, The Origins of the Russian Revolution 1861-1917 (London: Routledge, 1993) , 2.

Citigroup Essay -- essays research papers

Introduction The Name of the company which I choose, is Citigroup. I’ve been interested in the company for a very long time. Since the day I first met my brother in-law eight years ago, I’ve been at awe in regards to the sophisticated manor in which employees carry themselves and the company name as a badge of pride and accomplishment. When I first entered High School, I instantly became an honors student and attained the honor of being directly involved with the community based activities of Soloman Smith Barney, because of my direct involvement with many employees of the company, I learned that Citigroup would be the best place for me to build a career upon matriculation from college. Last Summer when I graduated from High School, I was given an internship in the company, continuing my networking exposure. All summer interns were given a complementary breakfast with Sanford I. Weill, but myself and a few other Seniors from my former High School were treated to a private lunch with Mr. Weill, I would say it was as a direct result of that lunch my appetite for knowledge of the company grew. Framework Of the Business Citigroup did not begin as one single entity, but rather as many smaller companies, which would later become part of larger, more efficient corporation, through mergers and acquisitions. The main symbol of the company, the red umbrella, represents a company by the name of travelers, which was founded in 1864, â€Å"when a group of Hartford businessmen each contributed $200,000 as capital stock in order to establish this new insurance enterprise.† As a symbol of insurance protection, the umbrella became associated with The Travelers in 1960, as protection against â€Å"a rainy day.† Once Travelers Group merged with Citicorp in 1998 to form Citigroup Inc., the new company retained the red umbrella as its logo. In the investments and securities market, Citigroup holds the names of two legendary brokerage firms, Soloman Brothers and Smith Barney. Smith Barney dates back to nineteenth century Philadelphia, where a young broker, Charles Barney, founded his firm in 1873 and a young investment banker, Edward B. Smith, started his in 1892. These pioneers of the American securities industry helped make Wall Street the world's financial capital. In 1938 Charles D. Barney & Co. and Edward B. Smith & Co. merge, forming Smith Barney & Co. In 1910 Arthur, ... ...s the company’s CEO of Asset Management. Human Resources Key skills needed to accomplish the firms many missions, include, the ability to reason and think progressively. After a few encounters with various staff members within the same department but all who graduated college with contrasting majors, I began to wonder how it was that such different individuals could possibly work in the same department, then I realized that they all shared the same common ability of thinking progressively and reasoning but, the manor in which they reasoned would differ from individual to individual. From the managers which I spoke to at the company, their subordinates appear to be more than just instruments by which to accomplish a desired task, but rather possessing a symbiotic relationship between manager and subordinate. Each manager came to realization that the company’s goals could not be met without the workers, and the workers realized that both their financial and professional needs could not be met without devotion to the company. When speaking to a manager or low leveled worker, one would believe that you were speaking to the Chairman based on the level of conviction within their words.

The Ubiquitous Media Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Topics

The Ubiquitous Media    The news media is an ubiquitous presence in our times. Whether it is the switching of a television channel, turning a radio dial, signing on the Internet, or glancing at a newspaper, the media is present. It is a social infrastructure that was created to inform citizens of happenings, but has now become a multi-billion dollar association of corporations and advertising agencies. The real price of the media is incalculable because of how it shapes and molds our views of the world. This influence for the most part is positive and horizon expanding but may have negative connotations.    The news media is limitless. It provides for me all the basic factual information I need in order to be an informed citizen. By reading a newspaper or watching the evening news, I gain a wider view of the world. My opinions are formed partly by the news because of the facts given. My viewpoints are not formed entirely by the news media though; there is a definite difference between believing and simply listening.    Some of America tends to be easily inf...

Virtual Learning Environment In Higher Education Education Essay

The usage of Blackboard platform has been adopted by many higher acquisition establishments. But a few surveies have been carried out on its impact on pupils, talks and administrations. This thesis is about the impact of practical acquisition environment package such as Blackboard in higher acquisition establishments ; a instance survey has antecedently shown that the Blackboard package is being used chiefly for administrative maps and non to its maximal capacity. Recognition Though merely my name appears on the screen of this thesis, a great many people have contributed to its production. I owe my gratitude to all those people who have made this thesis possible and because of whom my experience has been one that I will care for everlastingly. My deepest gratitude is to my adviser, Dr.William Micheal Gasser. I have been surprisingly fortunate to hold an adviser who gave me the freedom to research on my ain, and at the same clip the counsel to retrieve when my stairss faltered. I am besides grateful to him for promoting the usage of right grammar and consistent notation in my Hagiographas and for carefully reading and noticing on infinite alterations of this manuscript. Many friends have helped me remain sane through these hard times. Their support and attention helped me get the better of reverses and remain focused on my survey. I greatly value their friendly relationship and I deeply appreciate their belief in me. I am besides thankful those who helped me in my research by supplying feedback through the on-line questionnaires. Most significantly, none of this would hold been possible without the love and forbearance of my household. My immediate household has been a changeless beginning of love, concern, support and strength for me. I would wish to show my heart-felt gratitude to my household. My extended household has aided and encouraged me throughout this enterprise. Contentss 1 Introduction 5 2 Introduction to VLE 6 1.1. Problem Statement 10 1.2. Target 10 1.3. Result and Actors 11 1.4. Scope and Scale 11 1.5. Ethical issues 11 1.6. Purposes and Objectives 12 1.7. Thesis Outline 13 2 Research Methodology 13 2.1 Library Search 14 2.2 Online Journal Articles Search 14 2.3 Open Access Online Journal Articles Search 14 2.4 Web Search 15 2.5 Extra Literature 16 3 Impact of Using Blackboard Software on Students and Lectors 16 3.1 Students 16 3.1.1 Students ‘ perceptual experience 17 3.1.2 Students Evaluation of VLE Components 18 3.1.3 Blackboard versus Face to Face Teaching 19 3.1.4 Impact on Learning 20 3.1.5 Impact on Learning Outcomes 21 3.1.6 Impact on Society 22 3.2 Lectors 22 3.2.1 Lectures ‘ perceptual experience 23 3.3 Impact on IS Strategy 25 3.4 Students perspectives 28 3.5 Lecturers positions 30 4 Decisions 33 5 Bibliography 34IntroductionIn recent old ages, the demand for instruction has changed because of an increased demand for a extremely educated work force that will be expected to larn continuously ( Alavi & A ; Leidner, 2001 ) . Education has become an un stoping procedure in one ‘s life-time due to which the agency of instruction are besides being transformed in order to run into the outlooks and to maintain the continuity of instruction traveling. The acquisition which was ab initio done in a face to confront environment, is going into an environment mediated by computing machines and digital engineerings. In 1886, the first president of the University of Chicago, William Rainer Harper wrote: â€Å" the pupil who has prepared a certain figure of lessons in the correspondence school knows more of the topic treated in those lessons, and knows it better than the pupil who has covered the same land in the schoolroom † ( Harper, 1971, p. 12 ) . Since the 1970s, the Open University of UK, has pioneered the construct of modern distance acquisition by supplying blended learning environments of face-to-face tutoring and class bundles including audio- and video-based class stuff. Since the reaching of the Internet, educational net-based engineering is germinating quickly at universities worldwide ( Mason, 2003 ) . However, the demand of practical acquisition has of all time so increased today, that we barely find a student/tutor who does n't utilize or cognize how to utilize the practical acquisition packages available. Some research has been done on acquisition by Virtual acquisition environments, and they show a variable perceptual experience of VLEs for both pupils and academic staff. In an rating of on-line distance instruction, Westerberg and Marald ( 2004 ) found that university directors and instructors perceived this sort of instruction as a agency of making out to a higher figure of pupils. Students, on the other manus, appreciated the chance to analyze in a mode more independent of limitations of clip and infinite, than traditional instruction on campus. Teachers experienced a heavy work load and high outlooks to be accessible to pupils, while pupils perceived the pedagogical quality of online classs being lower, compared to classs on campus ( Westerberg & A ; Marald, 2004 ) . The fi ndings of high outlooks of being available to pupils are confirmed by Zhang and Nunamaker ( 2003 ) , who found that scholars perceive more chances for communicating with teachers in a practical acquisition environment than in a traditional schoolroom. With these differing sentiments in head, it could be sensible to inquire if learning by agencies of practical acquisition environments is a phenomenon truly accepted by instructors and pupils. This thesis is being carried out to happen out the factors act uponing the impact of practical acquisition environment for both the pupils and the teachers/turtors.Introduction to VLEAA practical acquisition environment ( VLE ) A is aA softwareA system developed to back up acquisition and instruction in an educational environment. A VLE can work within an administration via Local Area Network ( LAN ) , over the Internet as Wide Area Network ( WAN ) and supply a aggregation of educational tools in order to ease assignments, communicating, contents direction and attendings. VLEs can be used for distance acquisition or supplement traditional face to confront schoolroom activities. A web page is a front terminal interface that is browsed by pupils and academic staff, the back terminal can represent databases, web waiter and other relevant hardware and package tools. Blackboard ( c.f. , Figure 1 ) is VLE package that supports and facilitates on-line acquisition and teaching.A A It enables, Course content stuffs, such as talk notes and talk slides to be uploaded on the Blackboard site for easy entree and downloads by pupils Online communicating between lecturers/tutors and pupils by the usage of forums and treatment boards Online capable presentation and tutorials in a practical schoolroom Groups direction in order to ease treatment and exchange of educational stuffs Uploading and taking on-line assignments that involve automatic marker and feedback strategies Posting proclamations on a site and e-mailing pupils enrolled on a peculiar class Scheduling class and assignment deadlines Tracking pupils activities on a site and Course work entry and its automatic recognition. Blackboard package is used by over 3700 instruction establishments in more than 60 states Smith ( 2009 ) . Figure 1: Blackboard screenshot Many researches have shown that pupils ‘ activities under Virtual Learning Environment are largely based on administrative maps such as subjecting assignments and reading messages in forums or newssheets. It has been found that pupils are merely active and engage themselves in collaborative and synergistic activities in ain environment such as in societal networking ( e.g. , Facebook and Myspace ) . A survey in Smith ( 2009 ) showed that although pupils value resources placed on VLEs such as Blackboard, they value more face to confront contact with their lectors or coachs. Lectors play a really critical function in how pupils engage themselves with VLEs. Research in Smith ( 2009 ) has shown that bulk of lectors are replacing the bing methods alternatively of introducing new methods that will promote pupils to bask collaborative and synergistic acquisition methods. Another research has shown that some lectors ‘ usage of Blackboard has enhanced their appraisal of pupils work capablenesss in the face to confront schoolroom scenes ( Woods et al. ( 2004 ) . In most of least developed states, VLEs are regarded as inferior to face to confront schoolroom scenes. If engineering is suitably used so it normally has important benefits to our day-to-day life. The same chief applies to the usage of Blackboard. Appropriate usage of Blackboard has shown to hold important benefits to both pupils and their lectors. Some of these are outline below. Traditional methods ( face to confront learning ) were compared with the usage of Blackboard package for sociology pupils. It was revealed that pupils ‘ rating compared favorably in the group that was utilizing Blackboard with important addition in perceptual experiences of lector relationship and rating Koeber ( 2005 ) The research in Campbell et Al. ( 2008 ) found that participants on on-line treatment attained higher Markss in their tests than those with face to confront method. This showed that VLE was linked with greater accomplishments. It was shown in Hepworth et Al ( 2000 ) that VLEs promote significantly greater critical thought among pupils than traditional method of face to face schoolrooms. It was revealed by APLU ( 2009 ) that larning results via Blackboard were better than face to face instructions. It was found that 56 % of talks ( with and without on-line experience ) recommended on-line plans to at least one pupil. It was shown that over 80 % of lectured with on-line talking experience recommended on-line plans. Farquarson ( 2007 ) found that there was an impact on pupils ‘ societal experiences at universities by take parting in on-line activities. It was suggested that this could be used as keeping scheme since supportive equal groups are an facet of pupils ‘ battle. There is clear indicant of the effectivity offered to pupils and their lectors through the usage of VLEs such as Blackboard. This is much derived from the facets such as administrative acquisition and instruction undertakings, for case, managing and accessing content stuffs, communications or proclamations such as forums or intelligence, scaling, attendings, assignments and feedbacks. With VLEs there are benefits of flexibleness and convenience of entree at anytime and from anyplace, there is flexibleness of communicating and coaction environment, this means that there is a big degree of control passed to the pupil.Problem StatementHow does Virtual Learning Environment impact pupils and academic staff in Higher Learning Education? Virtual environment for acquisition can be considered as an sweetening of our traditional face to confront schoolroom environment, nevertheless the impact of both is wholly different from one another and this thesis is being carried out to foreground the positive and negative facets every bit good as the impacts on pupils, teachers/tutors and over all higher larning instruction system.TargetGiven the job statement in this survey, the mark audience is academic staff, pupils, VLE package proprietors and any research workers interested in VLEs and their impacts in HLE. The end is to hold a list of factors that VLE impacts pupils and academic staff in HLE establishments. The list will so be good for future support and sweetening of VLE package such as Blackboard.Outcome and ActorsThe chief result of this survey will be the list of impacts of VLE on HLE institutes that can be used to advance and heighten VLE in larning establishments. The histrions in this survey are Blackboard package us ers i.e. , pupils and academic staff.Scope and ScaleThe range of this survey will be limited to UK pupils and academic staff with experience of utilizing Blackboard package. About 150- 200 participants will be consulted online in order to carry on questionnaire exercising.Ethical issuesEthical issues were taken into consideration in this survey. There was no hazard of exposing topics to any hazard as the lone topics were Blackboard users who were merely asked inquiries about their experiences utilizing Blackboard and those who took portion in the study were good informed and were good cognizant of the intent of the study. No private or confidential informations was required from clients during interviews or when their feedbacks were obtained from on-line signifiers. Still whatever informations collected during this thesis was kept confidential and used strictly for study and extraction of impacts of the use of VLEs.Purposes and AimsThe purpose of this undertaking is to look into the impact of a Virtual Learning Environment ( VLE ) in Higher Learning Education ( HLE ) . The involvement is in the ways by which the VLE provides pupils ‘ and lectors ‘ demands and agencies of back uping communicating and the sharing of resources in HLE. The undertaking aims will be supported by the undermentioned aims: – To reexamine the province of the art of VLE package and applications and its related engineerings. To reexamine the execution of VLEs and associated experiences of the stakeholders in the context of policies, schemes and precedences. To analyze the impact of VLEs solutions execution from the position of the pupils, research workers and lectors. To analyze the current arguments and future waies of VLE such as societal media and the impact of Web 2.0 Show the findings of this undertaking as an MSC thesis to the University of GloucestershireThesis OutlineThe balance of this thesis is organised as follows. Chapter 2 out lines the research methodological analysis used in this survey. The impact of Blackboard package on pupils and lectors is described in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 nowadayss instance survey and decisions are given in Chapter 5.Research MethodologyThe purpose of this undertaking is to look into the impact of a Virtual Learning Environment in Higher Learning Education. The involvement is in the ways by which the VLE provides pupils ‘ and lectors ‘ demands and agencies of back uping communicating and the sharing of resources. Primary informations spotlight aggregation activity has been through questionnaires and through research by utilizing resources such as the Internet, diaries, and library. The questionnaires were conducted to pupils and talks on their usage of VLE package such as Blackboard. The questionnaires were merely through on-line via a web site. Below are the sorts of initial article searched and conducted in the class of this survey: –Library SearchA library hunt was conducted utilizing an advanced hunt in the ICT, societal scientific disciplines and instruction subdivisions. The keywords entered for the hunt are:BlackboardWebCTVLEThe hunt consequences were read and relevant 1s were selected for farther rating.Online Journal Articles SearchA methodical hunt was conducted, shoping equal reviewed articles published in the undermentioned on-line diaries but non limited to: Computers and Education British Journal of Educational TechnologyOpen Access Online Journal Articles SearchA methodical hunt was conducted by shoping unfastened entree online diaries, related to VLE utilizing keywords such as: – Virtual acquisition environments ( VLE ) Course Management Systems ( CMS ) Learning Management Systems ( LMS ) Blackboard/WebCT Blended acquisition The undermentioned diaries were accessed: – The Electronic Journal of e-Learning ( United Kingdom ) The European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning ( EURODL ) ( Europe ) The Journal of Distance Education ( Canada ) Australian Journal of Educational Technology Australian The International Journal of Emerging Technologies and SocietyWeb SearchThe undermentioned keywords were entered into a web hunt engine ( google.com ) Distance acquisition Blackboard/WebCT VLE E-learning Mobile larning Web 2.0 Social media Social package Personal web Personal acquisition environment Open educational resources Open beginningExtra LiteratureIn add-on, articles recommended by friends and supervisor were studied and relevant stuffs were extracted and used. Statistical package such as Microsoft Excel was used to analyze informations obtained from questionnaires.Impact of Using Blackboard Software on Students and LectorsStudentsA two twelvemonth study in Midwestern University in USA by Lonn and Teasley ( 2009 ) found that 95 % of pupils at the campus were utilizing Blackboard and 95 % of their activities in the Blackboard were based on communicating and document direction. Merely 5 % were on synergistic activities such as Wikis, chat and treatment boards. In New Zealand, it was found by Santhiveeran ( 2006 ) that the Blackboard was accessed 23 hours a twenty-four hours. The most popular environment was paperss country where pupils could download talk notes, slide and assignments. A research conducted by JISC in UK revealed that pupils are merely interested with Blackboard features that run into their demands and sometimes merely when they suit them ( JISC ( 2007 ) ) .Students ‘ perceptual experienceMany pupils in HLE institutes were either born or have grown up during the digital age. This coevals of pupils are excited by engineering and perceive that VLE engineering such as Blackboard package will ever assist in the instruction enterprise. These pupils do non believe that Blackboard will of all time perplex their acquisition curve MORI ( 2008 ) . There are few surveies that have researched on pupils ‘ perceptual experience looking at personal features and how these affect pupils ‘ easiness of utilizing VLEs such as Blackboard. Sun et Al. ( 2008 ) found that larning anxiousness on computing machines have negative influence on VLEs satisfaction. Lecturers ‘ attitudes on VLEs will hold positive influence on pupils ‘ VLEs satisfaction. Research conducted by Liaw ( 2008 ) found that sensed usefulness and satisfaction were the major factors that contribute to pupils ‘ behavioral purpose to utilize VLEs such as Blackboard package. It was concluded that effectivity of VLEs can be influenced by a figure of factors such as multimedia bringing, quality and synergistic activities of VLEs. These findings besides suggested that pupils ‘ perceptual experiences was that inappropriate usage of VLEs package such as Blackboard is worse than non utilizing the engineering at all to back up VLEs.Students Evaluation of VLE ComponentsSharpe et Al. ( 2006 ) learned the usage of VLE package such as Blackboard was positively overpowering with regard to accessing class stuffs and as a addendum to traditional face to confront schoolroom apparatus. The survey by Mori ( 2008 ) showed that two tierce of pupils accessed class stuffs via the VLE and were really satisfied. Students besides valued the usage of treatment board found in the Blackboard and were satisfied by lectors who played important axial rotation in modulating them. At that clip it was found that pupils were non much exposed to Wikis and were less comfy with societal networking site such as Facebook with their lectors or coachs in them. My research conducted in UK with 50 pupils informally interviewed, all of the 50 pupils acknowledge the usage of Wikis and hence it was concluded that, now pupils are familiar with wikis but still non comfy with talks in the societal networking sites. The survey my Morgan et Al ( 2006 ) established that the usage of confab and bulletin board in Blackboard was effectual in exciting brooding acquisition in nursing pupils. Students said that they developed more brooding accomplishments by the usage of Blackboard than a face to face schoolroom. Bridge and Appleyard ( 2008 ) found that assignment entry via Blackboard and feedback was positively received with 88 % of pupils interviewed pinpointed that subjecting class work via the VLE was clip and fiscal economy and 93 % preferable feedback via the Blackboard package.Blackboard versus Face to Face TeachingThe survey conducted by Oladiran and Uziak ( 2009 ) in Botswana found that the usage of Blackboard was non preferred as entirely usage of learning method. Students preferable Blackboard as a compliment to face to confront learning in a schoolroom. The recognised the power of IT in the acquisition, they accepted that the usage of Blackboard farther enhanced their IT skills and made them more independent in their thought. In general it was found that the usage of Blackboard improved the quality of their surveies, this was perceived by 75 % of the pupils interviewed. Two decisions were derived by the survey of Benoit et Al ( 2006 ) : – VLE is non by and large superior to traditional face to confront schoolroom apparatus, based on the sum of acquisition, and Students are systematically more satisfied the traditional schoolroom apparatus than with VLE. This is besides supported by the research conducted by MORI ( 2008 ) who revealed that pupils still value face to VLEs schoolroom apparatus. But pupils are motivated to utilize VLE because it us flexible, can be accessed at anytime from anyplace and saves clip. The survey conducted by McGill & A ; Hobbs ( 2008 ) proved that the VLE usage is suited in HLE institutes but non needfully better than traditional face to confront schoolroom apparatus.Impact on LearningThe research by Benoit EL Al. ( 2006 ) found that utilizing VLEs were systematically non really effectual compared to traditional face to confront direction in footings of larning publicity and pupils preferred face-to-face instruction. The survey conducted by Arbaugh ( 2004 ) on an MBA programme showed that while there was minor alteration in pupils ‘ perceptual experience of larning between their first on-line class on VLE and attendant classs on VLE, there were major positive alterations in their learning satisfaction with the VLE as a bringing medium, their perceptual experiences of pupils interaction, and the convenience and easiness of usage of the Blackboard. These findings imply that as pupils obtain movable accomplishments and cognition in VLE, their perceptual experiences of the VLE as a positive acquisition medium better. Most of the major alterations in these perceptual experiences happened between the first and 2nd period that the pupils attended in the VLE classs, which implies that pupils need to analyze at least two classs via VLE before reasoning sing classs bringing medium. Therefore, academic staff should pay particular attending to first clip pupils choosing for a class via VLE in order to promote their engagement in following classs via VLE. The survey by Lonn & A ; Teasley ( 2009 ) , Attwell ( 2009 ) and Bricheno, Higginson & A ; Weedon ( 2004 ) showed that in footings of impact on acquisition, VLEs showed some accomplishment in footings of heightening communicating, the countries of larning where VLEs had small impact were collaborative and synergistic acquisition. In a research conducted in 20 educational establishments, Bricheno ( 2004 ) found that collaborative and synergistic acquisition did non look to hold major alterations in several establishments. †Impact on Learning OutcomesThe correlativity between the usage of VLEs and pupil classs has been researched really widely. Percival and Muirhead ( 2009 ) studied two groups of concern and IT pupils at the University of Ontario in the Institute of Technology. One group was trained by traditional face to confront method and the other one by VLE. Both groups were evaluated by the usage questionnaires and there were approximately 40 % of respondents to the questio nnaires by both groups. The purpose of the rating was to determine participants ‘ usage of VLE package such as Blackboard and measure the impact of VLE on overall classs. Just a little figure of participants in both groups listened to the on-line pre-recorded talk. Participants who listened to pre-recorded talk obtained much better classs than those who did n't. VLE learning pupils made more usage of electronic books and talk notes, podcasts and treatment boards. Percival and Muirhead ( 2009 ) concluded that although today ‘s pupils are familiar with cyberspace engineerings, it can non be taken for granted that these pupils will automatically go accustomed to utilizing these new engineerings for larning. Students are required to familiarise themselves with the benefits of engineering to their acquisition in order to do smooth passage from traditional schoolroom to online acquisition.Impact on SocietyFarquharson ( 2007 ) conducted an probe on the impact of different manne rs of tutorial treatment on making societal relationships among pupils. Three manners of treatment were selected for comparings: Blackboard online treatment package, Blackboard electronic mail package and traditional face to face tutorials. The group with Blackboard treatments and electronic mail were more expected to increase friendly relationship webs amongst their equals. In add-on, older pupils reported a larger figure of friendly relationships. The findings suggested that, on-line engagement in Blackboard activities might hold an impact on pupils ‘ societal experience in HLE ( Farquarson, 2007 ) . This could perchance be used as a strategic attack to better keeping rates, since supportive equal webs are an of import facet of pupil battle.LectorsThe Association of Public and Land Grant Universities in the USA published a papers on the usage of VLE such as Blackboard by module members ( APLU 2009 ) . In their survey of module members at US universities, about a one-fourth o f all modules who responded were talking at least one on-line class via VLE at the clip of the study. Over a 3rd of module members indicated that they have lectured online. Furthermore, the most experient module members, those with more than 15 old ages of talking experience, are giving talks online at a rate equivalent to faculty members with less lecturing experience. About a ten percent of all module members reported that they were in the procedure working on developing on-line talks. The per centum of module members who have developed on-line talks is about the same as the per centum of module members who have lectured on-line classs. Forests et Al ( 2004 ) showed that module members chiefly use the Blackboard package as a class direction or disposal tool to do class material readily available to pupils and manage class classs and attendings.Lectures ‘ perceptual experienceForests et Al ( 2004 ) established that module members ‘ attitudes were really positive when it came to the schoolroom administrative maps of the Blackboard package but their ideas were impersonal in footings of its instructional and psychosocial benefits. It was found that females had more positive attitudes than males in footings of the Blackboard package ‘s capableness to better schoolroom disposal and advance a positive relational environment. Across all module members, 34 % used Blackboard package to beg a greater diverseness of pupil sentiments than is otherwise possible in the face-to-face environment and 60 % agreed that certain characteristics in the Blackboard system enhanced or elevated their appraisal of pupil work and instructional capablenesss in the face-to-face schoolroom scene. It was besides revealed that a sum of 80 % agreed that the Blackboard package helped them to clearly and expeditiously pass on information about talk demands, and 60 % agreed that the Blackboard package helps them better to run into the acquisition demands of pupils. It was besides revealed that 62 % agreed that the Blackboard package helped them to break their clip direction in disposal affairs and 64 % agreed that Blackboard package improved their pupils ‘ ability to derive cognition of class stuffs. It was found by Lonn and Teasley ( 2009 ) that both male and female lectors believed that the VLE engineering improved instruction and acquisition but were more positive on the consequence of it on their instruction than on pupils. Lectors perceived that the finest advantage of the Blackboard package was how it enhanced and better their communicating with their pupils. Very few female and male lectors chose learning or larning betterments as the most of import advantage from utilizing Blackboard package. A survey conducted by Mitchell and Geva-May ( 2009 ) explored attitudes towards, and attitudes impacting, VLE execution. In recent old ages at that place has been greater credence of VLE by institutional determination shapers, as evidenced by high degrees of larning establishment engagement, but greater module members ‘ credence still lags behind. This spread affects the permeant acceptance of VLE. Mitchell and Geva-May ( 2009 ) proposed that module members credence of VLE is influenced by attitudes related to four factors: – Intellectual reluctance, such as the concerns that pupils ‘ perceptual experiences that VLE is inferior to traditional schoolroom apparatus. Support, such as preparation, clip and aid. Change, in peculiar with respect to doubts the construction and operation of the educational establishments will alter and hence threatens their stations. Economy, where the greatest uncertainty was with the perceptual experience that more support would be needed to back up VLE.Impact on IS StrategyInternet entree connectivity has revolutionized the instruction sector peculiarly on VLE. This is really of import as the connexion should be good plenty to be able to make a practical environment such that information can be accessed and shared without any hold or job and firmly.EffectssLikelihoodLow Medium High Negative Avoid Favorable Beneficial Table 1 Internet Access Since VLE such as Blackboard package depends much on internet entree, any dislocation will hold all activities that involve the information flow between talks, pupils and institutional direction. The likeliness of this to go on is medium but the effects are really negative and therefore any learning establishment should avoid this to do negative effects by holding a backup communicating scheme, this can be done by holding more than one cyberspace entree suppliers and an automatic switch over one time one entree is lost.EffectssLikelihoodLow Medium High Negative Avoid Favorable Beneficial Table 2 Security Modern communicating like high velocity cyberspace connexion comes with drawbacks. Security is the major drawback, privateness, confidentiality and unity of private informations fluxing over the cyberspace between lectors, pupils and instruction staff offices poses security breach. With wireless internet entree in about every place in developed states, the security issue becomes more important. The likeliness of this to go on is high, its consequence is really negative and therefore any larning institute with VLE as the manner of acquisition and learning bringing should guarantee strong encoding tools and sensings are in topographic point at all sides of communicating.EffectssProbabilityLow Medium High Negative Favorable Beneficial Encourage Table 3 Software Collaborative VLE package plays a major function on the efficiency in instruction sector for maintaining pupils and lectors together. With these package, about everything is automated, scheduling, presentment and even instant messaging. The traditional message flows in an office is expeditiously organised. These package bundles are going really sophisticated as new engineerings in processing and storage capacities of personal computing machines are improved. The likeliness of these bundles to better is medium and hence increased productiveness in instruction sector, but its consequence is really good, therefore any establishment with VLE deployment should promote any kind of design or development of the collaborative educational package.Case surveyStudents positionsThe intent of this chapter is to supply an in depth position of of import findings that have already been reported in recent old ages. Students ‘ position for VLE was studied by Stephen Lonn and Stephanie Teasley in 2009. This survey does non concentrate entirely on pupil perceptual experiences but besides cover academic staff perceptual experiences. It makes peculiarly exciting reading as the survey is focused on an organizational execution of an unfastened beginning VLE, and so it is interesting to see whether the perceptual experiences of pupils and academicians are traveling to be different than those found in the usage of commercial VLEs. The survey makes a point that VLEs are used chiefly for the distribution and storage of class stuffs though they can be used for heightening coaction and interaction via tools such as treatment boards, confab suites, wikis and web logs. It farther points out that these tools permit VLEs to back up constructive methods for acquisition and instruction. A cardinal issue nevertheless is achieving pupils and academician ‘s acknowledgment of the chances provided by the tools. It reports that at the University of Wisconsin ( Morgan, 2003 ) academicians reported that one time they have had used the VLE they did commence to reconstitute their classs and eventually their pedagogic attack. It besides disputes that there are a figure of other related surveies but there has been a short of longitudinal surveies which might descry how pupils and academicians change their beliefs and methods to the effectual utilizations of VLE in acquisition and instruction. The survey is conducted at the University of Michigan where they found that academicians ‘ development on VLE is voluntary and the usage of the VLE is non obligatory over most of the establishments. They addressed a figure of cardinal inquiries: Does IT better instruction and acquisition? No major difference between pupils and academicians in footings of IT expertness. Major difference with respect the usage of IT. Students reported preferring a high degree of IT usage than academicians. Which of the following net incomes from utilizing information engineering in your faculties was most valuable to you: Contented sharing, Assignments ; confabs, proclamations ; agenda, treatment, wiki, course of study? There was a major difference between academicians and pupils. The most popular reply from academicians was that it enhanced their communicating with pupils, and for pupils the most popular reply was that it saved them clip i.e. , it was more efficient. The top four maps selected by pupils and academicians as ‘very valuable ‘ were the same, if in a slightly different order, covering content sharing, proclamations, course of study and agenda. When analyzing system event log files this seems to fit the questionnaire statistics with 95 % of activities being correlated to content, assignments, proclamations, agenda and course of study. Merely 5 % of events were associated with synergistic and collaborative tools, treatment board and wiki. For efficient communicating, instruction and acquisition activities. Students and lectors were asked to rate specific activities categorised as either ‘efficient communicating ‘ or ‘supporting acquisition and learning ‘ . Lectors tended to rate ‘efficient communicating activities ‘ as ‘very valuable, ‘ more than pupils. Teaching and larning activities tended to be rated as ‘valuable ‘ instead than ‘very valuable ‘ by both pupils and talks. In general, the survey noted that both lectors and pupils agree that IT heighten instruction and acquisition. However lectors agree more strongly than pupils that IT can better instruction and acquisition. The survey suggests that pupil responses are perchance based on how the VLE tools have really been used. The perceptual experiences raised in this survey of a non-commercial VLE such as MOODLE by pupils and lectors are no different to the types of perceptual experiences raised sing the usage commercial VLEs such as Blackboard.Lectors positionsThe article of Woods et Al. ( 2004 ) explored how far the Blackboard package aids and supports a blended acquisition method by analyzing its usage and impact on three countries of instruction and acquisition: The Blackboard package as a class direction platform, used as an country to supply talk notes, assignment, slides and other helpful larning stuffs as reading lists, course of study, auxiliary readings and external links. Besides the usage of the class system, the trial director and the appraisal tools belong partially excessively this country. The Blackboard package as an assignment tool. How far does the Blackboard package encourage diverseness, and animate critical thought and advance different larning manners before or after a face to confront schoolroom session? Specific features in this country are the treatment boards and trial directors. The Blackboard package as a tool for schoolroom society. How far does the Blackboard package encourage set uping relationships and interaction between class pupils and lectors? In order to react to these inquiries a study was carried out and sent to 50 colleges and universities in 2003 in a Midwest province of the USA ( all acquisition establishments addressed were utilizing Blackboard ) . The study was done by 862 module members from 38 establishments ; 59 % of the respondents were male, and the bulk of all respondents considered themselves as really computing machine literate. Almost half had taught with VLE such as Blackboard package and a important bulk ( 83 % ) had received preparation or assist on how to utilize the Blackboard package. The chief grounds specified for utilizing the Blackboard package were: Professional involvements ( 65 % ) Encouraged by co-workers ( 27 % ) Encouragement of pupils ( 11 % ) The survey indicates that the dominant usage of the Blackboard package is in the country of class administrative affairs. For case: 75 % on a regular basis published their course of study 81 % sent legion or sporadic electronic mails to the whole category 59 % used the class systems Less common usage was made of the assignments tool ( 28 % ) . However 41 % of respondents had conducted a quiz and 45 % had used a treatment board to promote argument and coaction. The Blackboard package was used less normally as a pedagogic application. For case, participants pointed out occasional usage of the treatment board to go on in category treatment or to back up treatment prior to a face to confront schoolroom session. 22 % used the group tools to partition pupils into treatment groups and about 6 % used the unrecorded confab or practical schoolroom characteristics to discourse class content online. The bulk of the letter writers are to some extent impersonal towards the outlook that the Blackboard package can promote a schoolroom society. About 11 % indicated that the Blackboard system was used to develop a stronger sense of schoolroom society and the bulk ( 60 % ) pointed out they ne'er used the Blackboard package for this intent. In decision, the Blackboard package seems chiefly to be used as an disposal and direction tool as portion of a blended acquisition method. The large figure of the participants ne'er used Blackboard package for more synergistic class functionalities such as formative appraisal and for practical office hours. The survey suggests that the Blackboard package seemed to be used to supplement traditional face to confront schoolroom apparatus.DecisionsThis thesis has presented the impact of VLEs on pupils and lectors in larning establishment. The instance survey presented has shown that the Blackboard package seems chiefly to be used as an disposal and direction tool as portion of a blended acquisition method. The bulk of the participants ne'er used Blackboard package for more synergistic class functionalities such as formative appraisal and for practical office hours. The survey suggests that the Blackboard package seemed to be used to supplement traditional face to confront schoolroom appa ratus. The survey besides concludes that both lectors and pupils agree that IT heighten instruction and acquisition. However lectors agree more strongly than pupils that IT can better instruction and acquisition. The survey suggests that pupil responses are perchance based on how the VLE tools have really been used. The perceptual experiences raised in this survey of a non-commercial VLE such as MOODLE by pupils and lectors are no different to the types of perceptual experiences raised sing the usage commercial VLEs such as Blackboard.