Friday, May 31, 2019

arctic oil :: essays research papers fc

The frigid CircleDitions enclose roughly the same territory, which is somewhat larger than the ara bounded by the Arctic Circle, and will be used as the basis for this article.The largest Arctic tundra areas are in Canada, Russia, Green territory (Kalatdlit-Nunat), Scandinavia, Iceland and Alaska.Climate and Land Formation Tundra climate is characterized by harsh winters, low average temperatures, little snow or rainfall, and a short summer season (Goudie 1993). The arctic tundra, in particular, is influenced by permafrost, a work of permanently frozen subsoil in the ground. The surface soil, which tends to be rocky, thaws in summer to varying depths. The combination of frozen ground and flat terrain on the tundra impedes the drainpipe of water. Held at the surface or saturating the upper layer of soil, the water forms ponds and bogs that provide moisture for plants, thereby counteracting the low precipitation.In relatively well-drained locations, the periodic freezing and thawi ng of the soi gy are also extremely important. Some animals adapt well to Arctic conditions for instance, a number of species of mammals and birds carry additional insulation, such as fat, in cold months (Urquhart 1995).The Arctic has more than 400 species of flowering plants. The vast stretches of tundra that cover the plains and coastal regions consist of low creeping shrubs, grasses, thick growths of lichens and mosses, and herbs and sedges.Abundant animal life inhabits the Arctic, both on land and in the sea. Arctic mammals include polar bear, arctic fox, ermine, marten, arctic wolf, wolverine, walrus, seal, caribou, reindeer (domesticated caribou), musk-ox, lemming, arctic hare, and many species of whale.Birds are plentiful throughout the Arctic Regions. The guillemot and little auk near by the thousands along cliffs. Ravens, snow buntings, and sandpipers have been seen in the remotest northern land regions, as have the snowy owl and the gyrfalcon. Various species of gull, inc luding the jaeger, also range far t laska and northern Canada still follow a subsistence lifestyle. They live as their ancestors have, measuring their lives with the caribou.The Porcupine caribou herd sustains some 7,000 aboriginal people in northern Canada and Alaska. They rely on caribou meat for food and on the herd for learning the ways of their culture. For the Gwichin, which means "caribou people," this animal is the spiritual focalise of life. Young men learn from their fathers and uncles how to hunt wisely and use all parts of the animal.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Should Abortion Clinics be Closed? :: social issues

Should Abortion Clinics be Closed?In 1973, the supreme court decision known as Roe v. wade, made it possible for char to get safe, legal abortions from well-trained medical practitioners and therefore led to dramatic decreases in pregnancy-related injury and death. Now the policy plan has been done to close up abortion clinics. We are against this proposal and we will give you round arguments why we think abortion clinics in this state should not be closed. closedown up abortion clinics enables a lot of woman to have an abortion. Having an abortion should be womans own choice. But when there are no providers of abortion around, that choice has already been made for her. Closing up the clinics will higher the barriers of having an abortion. But when the barriers are too high, this means that for some woman, the regenerate to make their own choices in life, is taken away from them. The constitution says we have a right on Privacy, so taking away a womans chance to make decisions over her own body and life, infringes with that right. In 1973 the American Supreme Court ruled that Americans right to privacy included the right of a woman to decide whether to have children, and the right of a woman and her doctor to make that decision without state interference. Closing up abortion clinics violates that right woman have. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) is the nations preeminent defender of the Constitution and The Bill of Rights, they defend the rights of all. The ACLU has protected the right of woman to choose abortion, and in recent years has argued the key cases opposing restrictions that deny woman access to reproductive health care. Policy 263 states The ACLU holds that every woman, as a matter of her right to the enjoyment of life, liberty, and privacy, should be free to determine whether and when to bear children. Closing up abortion clinics will be done with the purpose to boil down the number of abortions. This raises the question whether thi s will be effective. Before 1973 abortion was illegal. Criminalization of abortion did not reduce the number of woman who sought abortion. What is known is that amongst 1880 and 1973 many thousands of woman died or suffered serious medical problems after attempting to self-induce their abortions, or going to untrained practitioners who performed cheap abortions with primitive methods or in unsanitary conditions.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Metaphilosophical Pluralism and Paraconsistency: From Orientative To Mu

Philosophical MethodologyMetaphilosophical Pluralism and Paraconsistency From Orientative To Multi-level PluralismM.E. Orellana Benado, Andrs Bobenrieth, Carlos VerdugoUniversidad de ValparasoABSTRACT In a famous passage, Kant claimed that arguing and the lack of agreement in metaphysics here understood as school of thought as a whole was a scandal. Attempting to activate his critique of pure reason, a project aimed at both ending the scandal and setting school of thought on the secure path of science, Kant endorsed the view that for as long as disagreement reigned sovereign in philosophy, there would be little to be learned from it as a science. The success of philosophy begins when controversy ends and culminates when the discipline itself as it has been known disappears. On the other hand, particularly in the second half of the twentieth century, many have despaired of the very possibility of philosophy constituting the search for truth, that is to say, a cognitive human act ivity, and constituting thus a source of knowledge. This paper seeks to sketch a research program that is motivated by an lore that opposes both of these views. Section 0.0 IntroductionIn the West, human beings have been doing philosophy for roughly 2,500 years. Eastern traditions are, perhaps, even older. What can we learn about philosophy itself by means of this experience and practice? This is the initial question of metaphilosophy, the body of discourse that collects and articulates our observations and reflections about philosophy as a human activity. Answers to it are essential in locate to address the further issue of what contribution, if any, philosophy has made, or can be hoped to make, toward the education of humanity. For, to be sure... ...its set of well-formed formulas.(15) Wang, Hao Beyond Analytic Philosophy (Cambridge M.A., capital of the United Kingdom MIT Press, 1988) p. 10.(16) For another view that, together with those of Rescher and Wang, restricts the scop e of metaphilosophy to philosophy see Double, Richard Metaphilosophy and Free Will (Oxford Oxford University Press 1995). For an example of a discussion that falls within the institutions of philosophy component see Mandt, A.J. The inevitability of pluralism philosophical practice and philosophical excellence in Cohen, A./ Dascal, M. (eds) The institution of philosophy (La Salle Open Court, 1991), pp 77-101.(17) The authors acknowledge with gratitude the generous support provided by Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cientfico y Tecnolgico (Chile) to the research project here outlined as well as the confidence and comments of two anonymous referees.

Essay -- Papers

IMAGE A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERIODIC TABLE Although Dmitri Mendeleev is often considered the father of the periodic table, the work of many scientists contributed to its present form. IMAGE In the Beginning A necessary prerequisite to the construction of the periodic table was the discovery of the individual elements. Although elements such as gold, silver, tin, copper, lead and mercury have been know since antiquity, the first scientific discovery of an element occurred in 1649 when Hennig Brand discovered phosphorous. During the next 200 years, a vast body of knowledge concerning the properties of elements and their compounds was acquired by chemists (view a 1790 article on the elements). By 1869, a total of 63 elements had been discovered. As the number of known elements grew, scientists began to recognize patterns in properties and began to develop classification schemes. Law of Triads In 1817 Johann Dobereiner noticed that the nuclear weight of strontium fell midway between the weights of calcium and barium, elements possessing similar chemical properties. In 1829, after discovering the halogen triad composed of chlorine, bromine, and ace and the alkali metal triad of lithium, sodium and potassium he proposed that nature contained triads of elements the middle element had properties that were an average of the other two members when ordered by the atomic weight (the Law of Triads). This new idea of triads became a popular area of study. Between 1829 and 1858 a number of scientists (Jean Baptiste Dumas, Leopold Gmelin, Ernst Lenssen, Max von Pettenkofer, and J.P. Cooke) fou... ... varied periodically with atomic number. The interrogation of why the periodic law exists was answered as scientists developed an understanding of the electronic structure of the elements beginning with Niels Bohrs studies of the organization of electrons into shells through G.N. Lewis (see a pict ure) discoveries of bonding electron pairs. The ultramodern Periodic Table The last major changes to the periodic table resulted from Glenn Seaborgs work in the middle of the 20th Century. Starting with his discovery of plutonium in 1940, he discovered all the transuranic elements from 94 to 102. He reconfigured the periodic table by placing the actinide series below the lanthanide series. In 1951, Seaborg was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work. Element 106 has been named seaborgium (Sg) in his honor.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Essay --

In the period 1865-1900, technology, government policy, and economic conditions all greatly changed American agriculture at the expense of the farmers. New res publica machinery had a large role in the late 19th century, giving farmers the opportunity to puzzle a surplus of crops. The railroads also had a large influence on agriculture. Although they were able to quickly transport goods, the railroads were also used to charge the farmers large fees. The well-off industry also changed American agriculture, creating a multitude of monopolies which the farmers simply could not struggle. Economically, the monetary policy along with the steadily dropping prices of agricultural produce conduct farmers further into debt, eventually producing outcomes such as the crop-lien system and sharecropping. All of these tie into government policy which favored the large and wealthy industries and monopolies over the farmers.Farmers began to cultivate immense areas of crops such as wheat, cotton , and corn. A picture of The Wheat Harvest in 1880 shows men on tractors and over a large amount of horses pulling the tractor along the long and wide fields of wheat. As farmers started to accumulate their goods, they necessitate to be able to transfer the goods across states. Some farmers chose to use cattle trails to transport their goods time others were forced to choose, and pay for, the ever-growing railroad system. Maps provided show the difference in the amount of railroads and cattle trails within the Unites States from 1870 to 1890. Eastern States such as New Jersey, Tennessee, Virginia and many others were make full with existing railroads prior to 1870, as Colonel John Stevens started out his railroad revolutionizing movement in New Jersey in 1815. By 1890 there ... ...e greatly needed and then how they got across to states that would take weeks and months to get to by cattle or wagon. It also showed a time when the economy fell and desperately tried to ride back up . To sum it up, throughout the period 1865-1900, technology, government policy, and economic conditions all changed agriculture in America but at the expense of the farmers. New farming machinery gave frames the ability to produce more crops. Railroads quickly transported goods but also forced farmers to pay hefty fees. The booming industry also changed American agriculture, creating monopolies which the farmers could not compete with. Economically, the monetary policy along with the steadily dropping prices of agricultural produce led farmers further into debt. And, finally, the government policies favored large and wealthy industries and monopolies over the farmers.

Essay --

In the period 1865-1900, technology, government policy, and economic conditions all greatly changed American agriculture at the expense of the farmers. New res publica machinery had a large role in the late 19th century, giving farmers the opportunity to produce a surplus of crops. The railroads also had a large persuade on agriculture. Although they were able to quickly transport goods, the railroads were also used to charge the farmers large fees. The booming industry also changed American agriculture, creating a multitude of monopolies which the farmers merely could not compete. Economically, the monetary policy along with the steadily dropping prices of untaught produce led farmers further into debt, eventually producing outcomes such as the crop-lien system and sharecropping. only of these tie into government policy which favored the large and wealthy industries and monopolies over the farmers.Farmers began to cultivate vast areas of crops such as wheat, cotton, and corn . A picture of The Wheat glean in 1880 shows men on tractors and over a large amount of horses pulling the tractor along the long and wide fields of wheat. As farmers started to accumulate their goods, they inevitable to be able to transfer the goods across states. Some farmers chose to use oxen trails to transport their goods while others were forced to choose, and pay for, the ever-growing railroad system. Maps provided show the difference in the amount of railroads and cattle trails within the Unites States from 1870 to 1890. Eastern States such as New Jersey, Tennessee, Virginia and many others were filled with existing railroads prior to 1870, as Colonel John Stevens started out his railroad revolutionizing movement in New Jersey in 1815. By 1890 there ... ...e greatly needed and then how they got across to states that would take weeks and months to get to by cattle or wagon. It also showed a time when the economy fell and desperately tried to climb back up. To sum it up, th roughout the period 1865-1900, technology, government policy, and economic conditions all changed agriculture in America but at the expense of the farmers. New farming machinery gave frames the ability to produce more crops. Railroads quickly transported goods but also forced farmers to pay hefty fees. The booming industry also changed American agriculture, creating monopolies which the farmers could not compete with. Economically, the monetary policy along with the steadily dropping prices of agricultural produce led farmers further into debt. And, finally, the government policies favored large and wealthy industries and monopolies over the farmers.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Energy Drinks Case Study Essay

Competition in power Drinks, sports Drinks, and Vitamin-Enhanced Beverages Case Study There are new coming items in crapulence industry during the mid-2000s, which are energy drinks, sports drinks and Vitamin-Enhanced boozings. These items focus on different flavors, specified consumers, efficient distribution systems, and products innovation in the beverage grocery. They compete with water, soft drinks, juices, tea, and separate common drinks, which are in low prices, good and long history of label reputation, easy to accept the taste.From 2005 until now, option beverages grow fast and take more(prenominal)(prenominal) and more market share in the whole world beverage market. The main alternative beverages companies are Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Red Bull and Hansen Natural Corporation. Energy drinks, spots drinks, and vitamin-enhanced beverages use many strategies to find a good position in the beverage industry in the Global market, which also give us some ideas about how to t ake beverage companies. Firstly, alternative beverages take the action via wider product selection, better product quality, good delivery system to gain gross revenue and market share.For example, PepsiCo develops 12 flavors of Amp Energy drinks and 28 varieties of SoBe vitamin-enhanced drinks (Gamble, 2010, p. C-83). Again, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola through their own soft drinks distribution channels to deliver energy drinks at the same time, which turn off much time and cost. Secondly, energy drinks take big actions to enter emerging market opportunities, like most Asia countries and South America. For example, alternative beverages take 31. 5% market share in Asia-Pacific in 2009 (Gamble, 2010, p. C77).Thirdly, Energy drinks, spots drinks, and vitamin-enhanced beverages try to acquire or merge with other small companies to strengthen market standing and competitiveness. For instance, PepsiCo has a multiyear distribution agreement with Rockstar to distribute Rockstar energy drinks in th e United States and Canada (Gamble, 2010, p. C-83). Coca-Cola also has a multiyear distribution agreement with Hansen Natural Corporation to distribute Hansens fanatic energy drink in some areas of the United States, Canada, and six European countries (Gamble, 2010, p.C-84).SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses * Healthier than traditional soda. * Global brands * New product exploitation * Strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities * Strong support of parent company * High price * Consumer limitation Opportunities Threats * Growing demand for healthy drinks * High growth ontogeny markets * Cost reduction measures * Traditional drinks competition which includes price and taste * Regulations and law * Health risks * Environment problem * New entrents.To solve weaknesses and threats, alternative beverages industry companies put up business models to match the customer value and gain profit. Firstly, Energy drinks, sports drinks, and vitamin-enhanced beverages companies develo p many different flavors to match different customers taste. Second, these companies also focus on different customers demands. Third, they sell products in many different locations, not only supermarkets, but also convenience stores and vending machines around every corner, which give pleasant service to customers.Fourth, alternative beverage companies continuously try to follow the state law and regulations. Try to avoid risk ingredients. Fifth, to pretend the health risk, some companies placed warnings on their products labels. Sixth, because many people and organizations are focus on environment issues, alternative beverages plastic bottles and cans are really concern by these people. To solve this problem, beverage companies recycle plastic bottles and cans to keep pollution away.I also have some recommendations to alternative beverage companies to grow bigger and faster in the globular market. First, try to make innovation on the local taste in different countries. Do resea rch on peoples taste in various countries. McDonalds is a good example in promoting global market. McDonalds knows Indian people shamt eat beef and porc and love spicy food, so McDonalds over there never have any product with beef or pork but with more spicy taste. Again, dont put sensitive ingredients in the drinks. People are more curious about health and drink ingredients.Many organizations are strict with it, too. Try to produce healthier and more nutritious drinks to the market. Moreover, drinks function attempts to everyone, but not only for a small group of people. Nowadays, teenage boys always buy energy drinks, people who do sports, fitness, or other strenuous activities bought sports drinks adult consumers are interested in buying vitamin-enhanced beverages (Gamble, 2010, p. C-77). What I recommend is alternative beverage companies should develop beverages suitable for most people.White collar can drink energy drinks sports people also suitable to buy some kinds of vitam in-enhanced beverages. Additionally, dont publicize the function too powerful. Some alternative drinks have some special effects, but not like what the advertisement said. If the company wants to operate for a long time running, it should be honest and act in good faith. Last but not least, incumbents of alternative drinks use strong brand preferences, high degrees of customer loyalty, significant cost advantages to keep new entrants out of the market.ReferencesGamble, John E. (2010). Competition in Energy Drinks, sports Drinks, and Vitamin-Enhanced Beverages. Crafting & Executing Strategy. p. C-77. Gamble, John E. (2010). Competition in Energy Drinks, sports Drinks, and Vitamin-Enhanced Beverages. Crafting & Executing Strategy. p. C-79. Gamble, John E. (2010). Competition in Energy Drinks, sports Drinks, and Vitamin-Enhanced Beverages. Crafting & Executing Strategy. p. C-83. Gamble, John E. (2010). Competition in Energy Drinks, sports Drinks, and Vitamin-Enhanced Beverages. Craftin g & Executing Strategy. p. C-84.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Advertising in Schools Essay

Although this semester our class has discussed the different types of advert in the marketplace, one technique that was not discussed is that of denote in directs. This idea is a festering technique that if conducted the right instruction, could perhaps benefit not merely corporate organizations, but in addition schoolings and students. However, there atomic number 18 many critics, along with parents that feel announce in schools is a horrible idea and could only plump to harm. Many advertisers view children as a profitable three-in-one market. That is, 1) As buyers themselves 2) As influencers of their parents purchases, and 3) As a future adult customer.See more Recruitment and selection process essayEvery year, children take for an estimated $15 one thousand thousand of their own money, of which they spend $11 billion of it on products such as toys, clothes, piece of assdy and snacks. Children also influence at least $160 billion in parental purchases. Generally spe aking, nowadayss children thrust more money to spend than ever before. Companies know this and find that advertizing to the youth of the nation washbasin be beneficial and add to future dedicated customers. Because of the increase in childrens spending power in recent decades, advertisers expect closely targeted children as consumers.New advertising strategies aimed at children have been steadily growing and expanding. The toy-related program, or program length commercial (which is just like a infomercial) is developed to shop toys, and stirred public direction and debates. Along with this form of advertising, 900- keep down telephone services were accused of organism aimed at children. In the 1980s, children got their own TV ne cardinalrks, radio networks, magazines, newspapers, kids change state brands, and other(a) high-price items such as video games and other high-tech products.Other new advertising strategies include kids clubs, store displays directed at children, di rect mailing to children, and sponsored school activities. At off plenty glance, selling corporate sponsorship rights to pay for school activities looks like a win-win situation. Needy schools get resources they need. Companies get new marketing opportunities that back end build brand loyalty. after(prenominal) all, advertising in schools is nothing new. Districts have long used ads from local businesses to help pay the costs of school newspapers, yearbooks, and acrobatic programs.Even here at CBU our athletic department sells ads for Sports Media Guides to local institutions as well as national organizations. A growing number of companies are crack schools money for a determine to market their products directly to students. As budgets shrink, schools must find ways to get extra funding. Many schools are doing away with fund-raising and have begun to look at corporate dollars to fund just about every(prenominal)thing. Signing contracts with these companies seems like an easy way to get the money they need.Schools need funding for in-school activities and equipment, and, in order to reduce the number of children going home to empty houses, they need to fund many after-school activities. Product advertisements jakes be found al close everywhere in schools. They are most frequently found in stadiums, gymnasiums, school cafeterias, hallways, and on textbook covers. Some schools across the nation are level off putting advertisements on school buses. So what types of advertising are out there in our schools? There are different categories that ads can fall into.The quest categories can represent most the advertising techniques used in our schools today and give a description of how they work. Types of Advertising 1) In-school advertisements In-school ads are forms of advertising that can be found on billboards, on school buses, on scoreboards, in school hallways, in soft drink machines, or on sports uniforms. This type of advertising is also found in produ ct coupons and in give-aways that are accustomed to students. 2) Exclusive rights contracts A company gives money to schools that carry ONLY their products.Extra money can also be given if a schools sales exceed a certain amount(quota). 3) Corporate-sponsored statemental materials and programs Sponsored educational materials include free or low-cost items which can be used for instruction. Examples of these may include mul termdia teaching kits, videotapes, software, books, posters, activity sheets, and workbooks. firearm some of these materials may be ad-free, others may curb advertising for the manufacturing business of the item, or they may contain biased information aimed at swaying students towards a companys product or service.4) Corporate-sponsored contests and incentive programs This is where students compete for prizes by selling, acquire or collecting labels for a certain product. These contests and incentive programs look at brand names into the schools along with the promise of such rewards as free pizzas, cash, points towards buying educational equipment, or trips and other prizes. 5) Ads in classroom materials and programs Ads in classroom materials include any commercial messages in magazines or video programming used in school. A perfect physical exercise of this type of advertising is Channel superstar.Channel One is a 12-minute daily news show for students in grades 6 through 12 that includes two minutes of age-appropriate ads for products like jeans and soft drinks. In exchange for airing the program each day at the same time for three years, Channel One gives schools a satellite dish, a cable hookup, a television monitor for each classroom, and an agreement to service the equipment for the three years. While some state school systems had originally said No to Channel One, the company reports to be present in some 350,000 classrooms.So what types of guidelines are set to insure that in-school advertising is through correctly and doe s not become overly exploited? Those who support the call for guidelines include educational groups such as the knowledge for Supervision and Curriculum Development, The subject field Parent Teacher Association, and the National Education Association. The Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business(SOCAP) and Consumers International are two consumer interest groups that have formulated guidelines for sponsored materials. These guidelines suggest that education materials should be accurate, objective, clearly written, nondiscriminatory, and noncommercial. (Karpatkin & Holmes) In dealing with the issues of in-school commercialism, Karpatkin & Holmes suggest a three-pronged approach that includes * Reviewing all sponsored materials and activities and holding them to the same standards as other similar items by apply the SOCAP guidelines. * Pursuing noncommercial partnerships with businesses and rejecting the notion that it is ethical to bring advertising into the schools to provide materials or funds.* Begin the teaching of media literacy in dewy-eyed school, to educate children to be captious readers of advertising, propaganda, and other media messages. Groups that support advertising in schools have very strong arguments to back their case. It seems that there is a large field of operation for investment in advertising in schools. It also appears that if handled correctly, advertising techniques in schools can lead to the raising of an overall helpful, efficient way to fundraise. Although advertising in schools may bring needed increases in funds, it is not without controversy.Many people are opposed to advertising in schools. They feel that children are being exploited for profit because medium-large companies feel students are a captive, impressionable audience. Is there any way to balance the true goals and purposes of advertising in schools? perhaps the best way is to have each school decide what amount and types of advertising in their schools is acceptable. And although advertising in schools seems to be a great way of obtaining funds for school activities, every school board should definitely be sure they know what they are getting into before signing any contracts with bragging(a) time corporations.In-school Advertising mercy Farrell Promotional Strategy Dr. Peyton 12/02/02 Bibliography Chaika, Gloria. Education World. 1998 Education World. Consumers Union Education Services(CUES). 1990. Selling Americas Kids Commercial Pressures on Kids of the 90s. Yonkers, N. Y. Karpatkin, Rhoda, H. and Anita Holmes. 1995. Making schools ad-free zones. educational Leadership 53(Sep, 1)72-76. McNeal, pack U. 1990. Kids as customers. New York Lexington Books. McNeal, James U. Planning Priorities for Marketing to Children. The Journal of Business Strategy. 1991.Advertising in Schools EssayAlthough this semester our class has discussed the different types of advertising in the marketplace, one technique that was not discussed is that of advertising in schools. This idea is a growing technique that if conducted the right way, could perhaps benefit not only corporate organizations, but also schools and students. However, there are many critics, along with parents that feel advertising in schools is a horrible idea and could only lead to harm.Many advertisers view children as a profitable three-in-one market. That is, 1) As buyers themselves 2) As influencers of their parents purchases, and 3) As a future adult customer. Every year, children have an estimated $15 billion of their own money, of which they spend $11 billion of it on products such as toys, clothes, candy and snacks. Children also influence at least $160 billion in parental purchases. Generally speaking, todays children have more money to spend than ever before. Companies know this and find that advertising to the youth of the nation can be beneficial and lead to future dedicated customers.Because of the increase in childrens spending power in recent decades, advertisers have closely targeted children as consumers. New advertising strategies aimed at children have been steadily growing and expanding. The toy-related program, or program length commercial (which is just like a infomercial) is developed to sell toys, and stirred public attention and debates. Along with this form of advertising, 900-number telephone services were accused of being aimed at children.In the 1980s, children got their own TV networks, radio networks, magazines, newspapers, kids clothing brands, and other high-price items such as video games and other high-tech products. Other new advertising strategies include kids clubs, store displays directed at children, direct mailing to children, and sponsored school activities.At first glance, selling corporate sponsorship rights to pay for school activities looks like a win-win situation. Needy schools get resources they need. Companies get new marketing opportunities that can build brand loyalty. After al l, advertising in schools is nothing new. Districts have long used ads from local businesses to help pay the costs of school newspapers, yearbooks, and athletic programs. Even here at CBU our athletic department sells ads for Sports Media Guides to local institutions as well as national organizations.A growing number of companies are offering schools money for a chance to market their products directly to students. As budgets shrink, schools must find ways to get extra funding. Many schools are doing away with fund-raising and have begun to look at corporate dollars to fund just about everything. Signing contracts with these companies seems like an easy way to get the money they need. Schools need funding for in-school activities and equipment, and, in order to reduce the number of children going home to empty houses, they need to fund many after-school activities. Product advertisements can be found more or less everywhere in schools. They are most frequently found in stadiums, gy mnasiums, school cafeterias, hallways, and on textbook covers. Some schools across the nation are even putting advertisements on school buses.So what types of advertising are out there in our schools? There are different categories that ads can fall into. The following categories can represent most the advertising techniques used in our schools today and give a description of how they work.Types of Advertising1) In-school advertisementsIn-school ads are forms of advertising that can be found on billboards, on school buses, on scoreboards, in school hallways, in soft drink machines, or on sports uniforms. This type of advertising is also found in productcoupons and in give-aways that are given to students.2) Exclusive rights contractsA company gives money to schools that carry ONLY their products. Extra money can also be given if a schools sales exceed a certain amount(quota).3) Corporate-sponsored educational materials and programsSponsored educational materials include free or low- cost items which can be used for instruction. Examples of these may include multimedia teaching kits, videotapes, software, books, posters, activity sheets, and workbooks. While some of these materials may be ad-free, others may contain advertising for the producer of the item, or they may contain biased information aimed at swaying students towards a companys product or service.4) Corporate-sponsored contests and incentive programsThis is where students compete for prizes by selling, buying or collecting labels for a certain product. These contests and incentive programs bring brand names into the schools along with the promise of such rewards as free pizzas, cash, points towards buying educational equipment, or trips and other prizes.5) Ads in classroom materials and programsAds in classroom materials include any commercial messages in magazines or video programming used in school. A perfect example of this type of advertising is Channel One. Channel One is a 12-minute daily news show for students in grades 6 through 12 that includes two minutes of age-appropriate ads for products like jeans and soft drinks.In exchange for airing the program each day at the same time for three years, Channel One gives schools a satellite dish, a cable hookup, a television monitor for each classroom, and an agreement to service the equipment forthe three years. While some state school systems had originally said No to Channel One, the company reports to be present in some 350,000 classrooms.So what types of guidelines are set to insure that in-school advertising is done correctly and does not become overly exploited? Those who support the call for guidelines include educational groups such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, The National Parent Teacher Association, and the National Education Association. The Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals in Business(SOCAP) and Consumers International are two consumer interest groups that have formulated guidelines for sponsored materials. These guidelines suggest that education materials should be accurate, objective, clearly written, nondiscriminatory, and noncommercial.(Karpatkin & Holmes)In dealing with the issues of in-school commercialism, Karpatkin & Holmes suggest a three-pronged approach that includes* Reviewing all sponsored materials and activities and holding them to the same standards as other similar items by using the SOCAP guidelines.* Pursuing noncommercial partnerships with businesses and rejecting the notion that it is ethical to bring advertising into the schools to provide materials or funds.* Begin the teaching of media literacy in elementary school, to educate children to be critical readers of advertising, propaganda, and other media messages.Groups that support advertising in schools have very strong arguments to back their case. It seems that there is a large area for investment in advertising in schools. It also appears that if handled correctly, advertis ing techniques in schools can lead to the raising of an overallhelpful, efficient way to fundraise.Although advertising in schools may bring needed increases in funds, it is not without controversy. Many people are opposed to advertising in schools. They feel that children are being exploited for profit because big companies feel students are a captive, impressionable audience.Is there any way to balance the true goals and purposes of advertising in schools? Perhaps the best way is to have each school decide what amount and types of advertising in their schools is acceptable. And although advertising in schools seems to be a great way of obtaining funds for school activities, every school board should definitely be sure they know what they are getting into before signing any contracts with big time corporations.BibliographyChaika, Gloria. Education World. 1998 Education World.Consumers Union Education Services(CUES). 1990. Selling Americas Kids Commercial Pressures on Kids of the 90 s.Yonkers, N.Y.Karpatkin, Rhoda, H. and Anita Holmes. 1995. Making schools ad-free zones. Educational Leadership 53(Sep, 1)72-76.McNeal, James U. 1990. Kids as customers. New York Lexington Books.McNeal, James U. Planning Priorities for Marketing to Children. The Journal of Business Strategy. 1991.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Informal situational analysis †kia motors corporation Essay

An informal situational analysis is universe conducted on KIA Motors Corporation to analyse critic wholey the internal and external environment as it concerns KIA so as to determine its capabilities, nodes, positioning and competitors indoors its business environment. It would besides involve the foodstuffing and business strategy of the musical arrangement, how they align to achieve profitability and/or commercialize orientation, we would be able to discover after this analysis if KIAs focus is on profitability or market orientation. Are they a market-oriented organisation? This exercise coffin nail be achieved by exploiting the SWOT analysis, PESTEL or the 3Cs analysis and this analysis would concurrently use 2 of them.KIA Motors Corporation was founded in 1944 to engage in the manufacturing and gross revenue of automobiles offset from bicycles to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, military vehicles and recreational vehicles plot also investing in new technologies i n the development and manufacture of eco-friendly cars. Kia Motors remains a impulsive force in Koreas automotive industry with an expanding product line sold through a network of 4000 dealers, 20 sales subsidiaries, 141 distributors scattered crossways close 170 countries around the institution. Its major(ip) brands atomic number 18 the Cerato, Soul, Rio, Pi behindto, Sorento etc. Kias management vision coined as Innovation for Humanity tells a lot about its commitment to market orientation. 1. To grow the Kia brand to a world class level and become a leader in the global automobile industry.2. To play along Customer Happiness by providing the best technology and the highest levels of quality and answer. 3. To work hard at growing out of conventional modes of thinking by being creative and spontaneous innovating 4. To achieve its long term vision by striving to satisfy the client through technological innovation that respects deal and nature. KIA Motors goal and mission st atement is to become a tier-one automotive brand by 2016 with a mission to become one of the most desirable brands in the automotive industry by providing a different type of driving experience that will enhance peoples lives and enrich them every day. fit to several researchers of marketing strategy, an system of rules that is highly market oriented and aiming at achieving above normal market performance and providing superior honor to customers to achieve a competitive advantage is bound to make profit, however, profit ought not be the major focus above market orientation. Kia is able to inculcate the culture of market orientation which according to Kohli and Jarwoski (1990) is the organization wide generation of market news pertaining to current and future customer needs, dissemination of the intelligence across departments and organisationwide responsiveness to it into the organization.Kia gathers intelligence on its present and future customers through using data as regards t heir family life, work, holidays, interests etc from reputable marketing surveys, it also gathers information on current and future weaknesses and strengths of its competitors and catch all these information are properly disseminated to all departments of the organization inorder to each to position itself appropriately to achieve customer satisfaction and maintain competitive edge. on that point is a strong coordination between key departments ranging from marketing, branding& communications, finance to design departments. Therefore, there is a positive relationship between market orientation and profitability. The organization also as a matter of policy allocates up to 5% of its profits to Research & Development so as to continue to deliver sustainable superior value to its present and future customers even in the long run. SWOT AnalysissSTREGHTS1. Its marketing strategy that is focused on customer needs and desires. 2. determine 3. Style and Vibrant designs that provide appeal to the younger generation. 4. Increasing network of distributors and dealers worldwide. 5. Lower cost of production 6. Manufacture of hybrid electric vehicles (eco-friendly) and highly evoke efficient products that can match other international brands. WEAKNESSES1. They need to improve on operational efficiency to meet both quantitative and qualitative standards2. unfitness to appeal to a broader audience3. Quality4. Low global awareness levelOPPORTUNITIES1. A shift in consumer preference for eco-friendly vehicles due to skyrocketing oil prices and increase pollution resulting in the depletion of the ozone layer. 2. Partnership with Hyundai in a single production line and plant will result in economies of scale for the KIA brand and intromit it to continually focus on designs and marketing for new products. THREATS1. Competition is becoming stiffer2. Direct exposure to sharp changes in the price of raw materials or OEMs not manufactured by KIA could have a positive or negative i mpact on bottom lines and prices that hitherto used to be a sell point. 3. Vulnerability to natural disasters similar to that which affected Toyota in Japan.3 Cs AnalysisCompanyThe marketing strategy of KIA as already mentioned above is tell towards meeting the needs and desires of its target customers. Marketing mix Product Kia introduces a new model after about 18months of the last model launch which normally comes with an improvement with respect to interior and exterior specification which is meant to compete with other brands entering the market. The stages of the product life cycle being introduction stage, emersion stage, maturity stage and decline stage. Therefore at introduction stage, sales are however beginning to gain momentum, awareness and education of customers on the product is just being done and the customer is beginning to take purchasing decisions.At this stage, Kia engages in aggressive and catchy adverts and mono fairs across countries to persuade potenti al customers to buy. And it can be said that Kia brand has an average life cycle of 3 years after which the customer is ready for a change of car. At the growth stage when Kia car owners have clocked 3 years on their former purchase, a lot of them are willing to buy the new model that has newer options and sales continue to climb at this stage, but at maturity, sales peak, and begin to decline which is when sales and profits are likely to decrease.Therefore, the organization upon studying the invention of sales on the large variety of brands they have, adopt a production mix that emphasizes manufacture of higher selling products than products that have lower sales. Pricing The order adopts different pricing for their products at different stages of their product life cycle by placing higher value on vehicles at introduction stage and depending on market response adjust the prices accordingly, however in order to penetrate the market as quickly as possible and deeply before compet itors, it adopts the brainstorm pricing strategy.Also for each brand of car model, prices differ to allow consumers to decide at best suits their lifestyle and needs, for example, the Rio has 3 variants and with different prices from which a customer can choose from. However, the price of Kia vehicles ranges from $8,000 to $36,800 with the Picanto being the lowest of the range and the Sorento tops the range of products.Place Kia is headquartered in Korea but has networks and is well represented across the world through 4000 dealers, 20 subsidiaries and 141 distributors with further expansion still ongoing. Dealers could make or mar the brand, and because, Kia ensures there is uniformity in the outlook of dealerships across the world, while ensuring standards are strictly adhered to. In trying to ensure customer service are not compromised, it is necessary for them to generate feedback from customers across the world concerning their Kia experience at all dealerships and also reco gnize those known to uphold the Kia standards.Promotion and Branding Kia, in the last 10 years has spared no costs creating awareness of their products to the consuming public. victimization not only the traditional approach of promotion and advertisement but also the use of social media and electronic digital marketing. The use of social media allows it to constantly connect with younger generations and enable it to receive and give feedback as efficiently as possible. At the introduction stage of a product is when large amounts of finances are invested in promoting to make consumers aware of the new product and its benefits. The companys websites are also well developed to promote and advertise their products.They also get involved in endorsements and sponsorships of major events, sport teams, athletes, charity events etc. that they believe would sell the KIA brand. Kia has introduced a number of novel ideas into the automotive world market and have allowed the brand to be built since it was launched to the United States market in 1992 and to the rest of the world riding on the slogan Power to surprise. Its major emphasis on Design has also allowed it to carve a niche for itself in the market and the evolution of the brand. Therefore, they safely assume brand recognition has been achieved while not resting on its oars to gain market per centum by continuing to establish the best customer relationships. The branding strategy being deployed by Kia so far can be termed to be successful allowing it notch the 87th position on the 2012 Interbrands Best Global Brands survey far behind its bench mark competitors, Toyota at No 10 and Honda at No 21.CustomerKIAs marketing strategy is formulated in such a way as to address to 2 significant issues which the organization revolves round. Which customers do we want to serve? How do we intend to create value for the customers we want to serve? To answer the maiden question, KIA embarked on a process of market segmentatio n through market intelligence across 4 variables namely geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural. Diagram 1 Market partitioningThe 2nd question in formulating its marketing strategy is market differentiation and positioning which is being done through its major focus on its sum strength which is cutting edge design and style. In 2006, Peter Schreyer, an award winning designer came on-board as Kias Chief Design Officer thereby completely turning around the entire product design line since 2009 to date and making KIA a world renowned automotive brand.Kia Motors UK is differentiating the product within the market by selling with a 7 year warranty that can be passed on to whoever the vehicle is transferred to, this is a novel and one of its resistant in Europe. In Nigeria, Kia workshop is open Mondays through Sunday to cater to working class people that are unable to bring in their cars for service during workdays. Therefore, the KIAs customer is the average middle an d upper middle class with an average age of 40, upwardly mobile, male and female looking for the best value for money and located in all parts of the world. CompetitorsKias major competitors are Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Vauxhall. Toyota continues to lead the pack due to its high resale value that cannot yet be matched by Kia and also its reputation for safety. The selling point being adopted by this company to achieve competitive advantage is a better price offering, i.e better price for better styled product. However, the Kia brand is not yet known in major global cities and it is a known fact that they are wanting(p) in global awareness for which the organization is already positioning itself to address.Inspite of being presently owned by Hyundai, Kia is still being seen as competition. Since the recession, Kia has stealthily bountiful its market share coupled with the Tokyo disaster which stalled Toyota production for a period, this allowed for a high growth rate for th e brand in the last 5 years, but with the recent pick up of Toyota, Kia is likely to have a tough time in maintaining this growth rate which stood at 27% in 2010 against industry averages of 12%. Therefore, they continue to invest in capital expenditure, building of new plants, re-inforcement of the design centers to be able to churn out designs that would continue to date a dynamic and youthful brand, aggressively market and expand its presence across the world.CONCLUSIONThe business and marketing strategies of Kia are well aligned as analyzed above which is responsible for the success they have continued to achieve over the years as reflected in the gradual brand acceptance globally. Kia is customer and market oriented, it does not pay lip service to its goals and mission of ensuring it delivers excellent customer service and also getting to the top 3 automotive organization even though it may seem as an unachievable task, it still continues to position itself to bridge the gap.I t is recommended amongst others that Kia improves on quality of its products, availability of OEM parts and spare parts, gateway to after sales service and all other factors that make the brand more attractive and also increase on its resale value which is presently secret code to write home about presently. It should also from time to time gather information on which cars are receiving more acceptance and ensure they are produced in quantities that would meet customer needs. As we speak, the Sportage is doing very well but supply remains low to meet up with demand. Kia also adopts the use of market share as a measure of brand equity measure which according to Aaker(1996) to be deceptive especially since Kia prices are lower relative to market prices, therefore it is also advisable to measure the relative market price at which the brand is being sold compared to industry market price.REFERENCES1. Aaker, D. A., (1996) Measuring Brand truth Across Products and Markets, California M anagement Review, 38 (3) pp.102-1202. Interbrand, (2013) Best Global Brands 2012 The Top 100 Brands, Available at http//www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/2012/Best-Global-Brands-2012-Brand- View.aspx, (accessed 14/10/13)3. Kia Motors Corporation- Company Profile, Information, railway line Description, History, Background Information on Kia Motors Corporation online Available at http//www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/74/Kia-Motors-Corporation.html Accessed 14 October 20134. Kohli, A. J. & B. J. Jaworski, (1990) Market Orientation The Construct, Research Propositions, and Managerial Implications, Journal of Marketing, 54 (2) pp.1-18 5. Yu R.(2011), Focused, thin-skinned Kia bears down on its competitors (online) Available at http//usatoday30.usatoday.com/MONEY/usaedition/2011-06-28-Kia_CV_U.html, (accessed 16 October 2013)View as multi-pages

Friday, May 24, 2019

Research Proposal for Internal Auditor Essay

IntroductionThe responsibility of the internal audit is to serve the Ministry of Justice in a manner that is consistent with the pecuniary Administration and analyse Act, Standards for the Professional Practise of home(a) studying and with professional standards of conduct. This activity has the potential to provide hitherto uneven services to management in the conduct of their duties.Background of StudyThe governing of Jamaica established the Internal Auditing Agency as a mean of strengthening answer adequate to(p)ness and reinforcing trust and confidence in financial reporting for public sector institutions. These audits help enhance economic prosperity, expanding the variety, number and value of transactions by means of written reports or consultations to prep atomic number 18 persons who are entering into transactions. ( get of Chartered Accountants 2005) The value of an Internal Auditor lies in how well he/she is able to contribute to the general achievement of the orga nisations objectives.The auditor should always strive to make himself relevantto the ogranisations using the proper methods of providing information to that will allow management make decisions that will impact the makeup positively on their ability to achieve organisational goals. However according to the reports made by the Auditor General of Jamaica (2005) audits have been restrictive in terms of scene with the lack of technology in aiding auditor and fraud. This needs to be addressed if the required return on investment in the Internal Audit is to be attained. task StatementThe Internal Audit Agency (2006) believes that the importance of internal audit is analytically obscure. This belief plagues the importance of an internal audit as a key survive that can strengthen the oversight responsibility of the governing body and this attitude reflects managements view on auditors. To sum it up, creation Sector agencies discredit auditors, The Internal Audit functions in the Jamaica n public sector faces a perception and credibility problem as auditors are seen as value adders or fault finders in the government rather than solution providers. Management Question Why is it that public sector managers find the function of the Internal Audit Agency an inconvenience and what can be done to curb it? look into Questions1. Why is there a low support for Internal Audit by Public Sector Managers? 2. What steps should be put in place in order to get the support of management for Internal Auditing in the Public Sector? 3. Is there a comparison between the quality of service the Internal Auditor provides for his organisation and the attitude of managers towards the Internal Audit function? Hypothesis The quality of service provided by the Internal Auditors for their organization is in no way related to the attitude of managers towards the function of the Internal Audit.Objectives1. Examine the factors that are responsible for the low support of the Internal Audit by manage rs of the Public Sector institution. 2. Identify specific actions required to secure support of managers for the Internal Audit 3. Establish the relationship between quality of service and support of managers for Internal Audit Significance of StudyThe significance of the study will be to1. figure the Agency to the Jamaican public not as evaluators but future planners 2. Improve the public understanding of the Agencys role in the government 3. To show that the agency aids organizations in achieving their goals and objectives.MethodologyAreas covered in this section include research design, population, sample and sampling techniques, data collection and analysis. Research Design The design will involve evaluating the role of the Internal Auditors in the governance of the organisations in the public sector. This research is designed to validate the objectives set reveal by the tec.PopulationThe public sector of Jamaica is probably the largest employers of internal auditors. These i nstitutions involve several organisations including ministries, departments and agencies (A). It also includes metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (B). The targeted population for the study would include1. Directors and managers2. Financial officers, coordinating directors and staff3. Staff and heads of the audit departmentsSampling and Sampling TechniqueThe researcher will adopt the survey type of research in which a sample from the target population will be used for the study. A total of 150 elements will be selected from a target population of 500. The details are as follows* 20 directors and 5 managers* 30 coordinating directors and 15 financial officers* 60 staff members and 10 heads of the audit departmentIn this research, the researcher will adopt a multistage stratified sampling method to select elements. -The population will be separated accordingly into (A) and (B), as shown above. -Elements in root (A) are the Ministries, Departments and Agencies -Elements i n group (B) are the Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts. This separates them to allow the research information to be more coherent and shows that their operations are significantly different. info CollectionThe focus of this data collection is to show the attitudes and perception and the importance of primary data. Secondary data will also be collected to strengthen the data collected. The researcher will have to provide the Public sector institutions with an introductory letter explaining the reason for the research with proper identification and request consent. The initial visit to selected institutions would be to familiarize himself with those institutions and members within the institutions .Data Collection InstrumentA questionnaire will be the instrument used in retrieving the Data. It would include structure questions segregated into 4 sections. Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4. * Section 1 will consist of questions pursuance to answer the first research quest ion * Section 2 will consist of questions seeking to answer the second research question * Section 3 will consist of questions seeking to answer the third question * Section 4 will consist of questions to test and validating the hypothesisData compendiumThe answered retrieved from the questionnaire will be graded in each section and a percentage will be formulated.LimitationsThe researcher may not be able to cover all the institutions over Jamaica. Institutions may not allow the researcher to conduct research on the organization.References* The Institute of Internal Auditors (the IIA). (2007),The Professional Practices Framework.Florida, U.S. The IIA Research Foundation.* Institute of Internal Auditors (2010) Role of Internal Audit, South Africa * Cahmbers, R. Internal Auditor Chambers on the Profession (2012) Dilemmas Every Internal Auditor Will Face, http//www.theiia.org/blogs/chambers/index.cfm/ sway/Five%20Dilemmas%20Every%20Internal%20Auditor%20Will%20Face * Ministry of Justic e, http//www.moj.gov.jm/internal_audit * Auditor Generals Department of Jamaica, Annual Report 200, http//www.auditorgeneral.gov.jm/Table of ContentsIntroduction 2 Background of Study 3 Problem Statements 4 Management question, Research Question and Hypothesis 4 Objectives and Significance of study 5 Methodology 6 Research Design andPopulation 6 Sampling and Sampling Technique 7 Data collection, Data Instrument, Data analysis and Limitations 8 References 9

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Did the Third Reich Experience An Economic Miracle? Essay

Although the scotchal situation undoubtedly meliorate in general during the Third Reich, to call this an economic miracle is a drastic over put inment. The German thrift made a huge recovery under Nazi rule but this can not be completely ascribe to Hitler and it must be noted that the economic situation in Germany was beginning to improve before the Nazis came to power.However, when Hitler came to power in 1933, he did inherit a challenging situation. The Great Depression had destroyed the previous regime and 50,000 businesses had gone bankrupt. Whether or not the country was in great crisis is debatable but it was certainly in desperate need of dramatic changes in the economy. Although there were some signs of the beginning of an economic recovery, this was by no means inevitable, and Richard Overy argues that 8 million people were thus far unemployed and the economy was still in poor shape.Hitler was keen to avoid economic experimentation and simply aimed to consolidate and improve Weimar policies. He continued and exaggerated Work Creation programmes from Weimar and this reduced unemployment as well as providing other benefits for workers. By 1936 the average wage was 35 marks per week, ten times more than the dole money which 6 million had been receiving in 1932. The 1933 Enabling Act meant that Hitler had no formal constraints on his power so he was able to try and more vigorously enforce the schemes from the Weimar government.In avoiding experimentation and purely consolidating old policies, Hitler was cleverly avoiding any risks which may flummox worsened the situation further. Therefore although this was an ready strategy, it indicates that the drastic reduction of unemployment was not miraculous but merely the result of continuing and improving existing ideas and schemes.Another method in which Hitler sought to counter Germany to its former prosperity was through careful regulation and absolute control. Wages and prices were controlled to reduce the threat of inflation and Mefo Bills were introduced to help fund increase government spending. The show took over the banking system, which was on the verge of collapse and took control of the capital market. There were high levels of state supervision and intervention. Schachts young Plan of 1934 aimed to tackle the worry of trade deficit through the regulation of imports and the control of foreign exchange. Schacht also made a series of bilateral trade agreements to supply raw materials that Germany needed and the New Plan was relatively successful in solving the immediate problem.Therefore Hitlers economic strategy mainly consisted of expanding the Weimar Work Creation schemes, correct imports and taking control of the countries economy the banking system, the capital market, wages and prices. This suggests not a miracle but an economic recovery caused greatly by Hitlers enhancement of state control.The pre-slump peak of Gross National Product had been exceeded by 1935 and the level of industrial production achieved in 1928 was surpassed by 1936. By 1937 unemployment was down to under one million and by 1939 the German economy had grown 33% above its late 1920s peak. This evidence supports the argument that the German economy made a complete recovery during the Third Reich but can this really be classed as a miracle? Certainly these are dramatic statistics and Germanys economic recovery displace admiration from both home and abroad, but to call this miraculous is an over exaggeration.The economic recovery occurred due to a variety of factors- political stabilization, the continuation of Weimar policies, the New Plan, greater state control and increased government spending. Although there were signs of the beginning of a recovery before the Nazis came to power, there is little reason to believe that Germany would have recovered any more successfully then France if not for these factors, brought about in the Third Reich. Germanys successful recovery was a result of the counsel Germany was governed during the Nazi rule. Although many of the Nazis economic controls had been developed under Weimar, Ferguson argues that the success would not have been possible without a radical transformation of the political system. Hitler extended and improved Weimar policies and was able to enforce them more vigorously as he had no formal constraints on his power.Hitlers strong focus on rearmament however, had a deadly effect on the countrys economy. Hitler wanted to be ready for war within four years and the excessive pace of rearmament meant that the German economy was overheating. Mason has argued that the economy was under great strain as a result of the emphasis placed on rearmament and autarky- a strategy to make Germany as self-sufficient as possible. Therefore although Germanys economy did make a significant recovery during the Third Reich, there were also negative aspects to the Nazi regimes economic policies.However despite this, the improvement in Germanys economy was extremely impressive. This should not be classed as a miracle but rather as an impressive recovery from a grim situation due to the consolidation of Weimar ideas enforced more vigorously with increased government funding and greater state control. The economic recovery was remarkable considering the countrys economic state when Hitler first came to power but miracle is too powerful a term. By 1938 the GNP had increased by about 75% which is undoubtedly spectacular but is purely evidence of successful governmental strategies- not a miracle.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Ethical Perspective Essay

We all like to believe that we can work in an atmosphere where no problems would arise where we would need to contact our superiors at the job. In some places this may be the case notwithstanding there are workplaces that exist where this is not al expressions the case. When a bunk is to arise, what would be the proper amour to do? Should we get HR involved or keep it at a level where we can handle things on our own. In the Ethic Games remark we are asked to put ourselves in the decision making process of what the right thing to do is. A manager would need to hump the correct way to handle situations that occur in the workplace between all of their employees. The mysterious rose case was 1 of confidentiality and how to keep knowledge private regarding the employee, Gayle, receiving rose from an unidentified source. The employee that have been sending the flowers has made me aware of the situation and does not see a problem be practise he sees it as him bringing good cheer to person. This situation could be a possible case of torment on the part of the anonymous employee due to the fact that the delivery seems to create a problem for Gayle. She is bear on that someone may be trying to get her attention and she does not want that to happen, so she sees this as a problem. The problem is that I know that I cannot promise her complete confidentiality because the situation may interfere with the company policy on employee interactions. The simulation took me through a series of steps to guide me on how to look at the situation from different ethical lenses. Identifying the rights and responsibilities and results of all that are involved would be my first lenses to look at.I took different approaches than what the simulation suggested but the end result was me letting her know that she could meet with me to discuss the situation and that she should review the company handbook to give her more insight on our harassment policies and so she would understand wh y I could not guarantee complete confidentiality. In regards to the case of the cold feet, the second stimulation had to do with falsifying information in a report. This notion was exposed by two employee reports that seemed to conflict. Falsifying information in any type of situation would never be judge no matter the reason. It is in no way, shape, or form showing good sources of ethical moral, especially being that this is transpiring in the workplace. As a superior I would need to speak with the source that is falsifying the material, as well as the source that discoered the conflict in the work. I would appraise the explanation as to why the material was altered in the first place and although no answer would be acceptable, I would still like to know the reason behind such wrongdoing. As a superior of this employee I would either (depending on the circumstance) place the employee on a strict temporary probation, a suspension, or even possibly terminate them. Falsifying any ty pe of information or data can be considered as a expert ethical issue. People do it for various reasons, but most do it because they feel as though it would benefit the company that they work for, or cause them to receive good reviews of their progress with work and for the organization to invest in them. In my workplace, falsifying information is a big concern.I work with over a thousand different banks, credit unions, and financial organizations. All in a days work I am exposed to an exponential amount of data that is personal and sensitive, such as account numbers, social security numbers, address, names, and phone numbers. If any of this information is to be compromised with, altered, or use for any personal reasons would immediately result in termination. We want to have a personal relationship filled with trust for each and every one of our consumers. This effect will make each consumer feel comfortable and safe doing business with us, as well as keeping the company flowing in a positive manner. In closing, I have found that the two simulations that I have analyzed can be utilized to guide someone in actual real life situations. For any person in a managerial position, I am sure that making decisions like this in these particular situations would be difficult, and it usually takes a strong person to come to the right decisions that they believe is in the high hat interest of the company. Decisions are made periodic to what the right thing to do in all situations, the business world does not a pass just because those decisions may not be what is best for the business.ReferencesEthicsGame.com, LLC. (n.d.). The Ethics Game The Mysterious Rose and The Cold Feet Multimedia. Retrieved from EthicsGame.com, LLC, ETH 316 website.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Some People Believe That If Children’s Leisure Activities Are Not Educational

How children should utilize their leisure time is an issue which is discussed these days among people,some believe that the activities should be educational while others support giving children freedom to choose. Some teachers and parents have strong opinions about educational activities in childhood. They urge their children to keep studying or get engaged in educational activities. Since childhood is the best time for learning they regard it as golden days for learning.Recent surveys among children between age of 3-8 has shown that those who had educational programs in their free time were to a greater extent successful in next levels of studying. though it may be hard for children at first ,it makes them to find a way for revealing their hidden talents. Children may not be aware of the result at first but as time goes by they get out find it most useful method for finding their way of interest according to Doctor Bahramis speech in Tehran university.On the contrary,some others en courage their children to play more and enjoy their moments with their friends or toys around them. By their allowance children by themselves have liberty to choose activities of their interest in leisure time. Children have an opportunity to move into in group works and communicate with their same age children. Group activities even playing with same age children put them in a smallest rescript groups which can lead them to act better in future roles.In myy point of view, letting children to enjoy their childhood by their parents support is the best way to continue these god given beauties. Childhood is the sweetest part of life any one can experience. Creative minds grow while there is no obligation or pressure from an outer person. when children have time to draw paint or make things their talents would appear in their own way of interest. According to psychologist most of germinal minds have free childhood without any obligation from their parents side.In this period(childhoo d)children have time to play,run and do some sports that will help them to keep fit mentally and physically. speed jumping playing keeps their body fresh and healthy and also keeps their body fit. Studies through recent years shows the increasing rate of obesity among children which is caused by modernistic life. Think about the way u wanted to spend your childhood. Nobody wanted to have childhood with so many educational extracurricular activities. slacken off your children chance to get rid of this logical acts we suppose them to do.

Monday, May 20, 2019

Implementing Relationship Marketing: the Role of Internal and External Customer Orientation

Developing an internecine and impertinent guest druthers testament facilitate the implementation of kin merchandise principles by jobes. Relationship trade highlights the request for an outdoor(a) guest predilection, which in plow raises the need for node- orientated employees. Employees leave alone only be node-oriented if an knowledge equal to(p) guest taste is evident in the c aloneing. tetrad constructs pertaining to the national node orientation of small- to medium-sized framework retailers in the North-West res publica were identified.After checking for interior(a) consistency, effect sizes were determined for these constructs analysing the applicatory signifi pottyce of employees as opposed to steerings opinion on the underlying constructs. Similarly, four constructs referring to the orthogonal node orientation of the alike(p) transmission linees were identified. The four identified constructs underpinning an away node orientation were also check for internal consistency and the practical significance of clients as opposed to warinesss opinion on the underlying constructs was determined with and through effect sizes.It was embed that the identified businesses lack both an internal and away customer orientation. Recomm quitations atomic number 18 made to improve internal customer orientation for the sake of an improved outdoor(a) customer orientation. An improved external customer orientation will facilitate implementation of alliance marketing principles in these businesses. INTRODUCTION According to S arn and Tzokas (1998187) look intoers in descent marketing have come to realise that in that location is a need for detailed empirical evidence on how this approach could be implemented in order to promote a beneficial customer-business singingship.Morris, Brunegee and Page (1998360) and Fornier (1998343) argue that a lack of knowledge and consensus some relationship marketing and the activities involved in the implementation thereof has led to difficulties in operationalising the construct. This work addresses this preserve by arguing that a relationship marketing orientation is facilitated by prudence universe sufficiently orientated to the demand and expectations of employees (internal customer orientation) as well as to those of customers (external customer orientation).The internal and external customer orientations of small- to medium-sized framework retailers in the North-West Province were investigated by means of effect size analyses. The goal and objectives of the chew everyplace argon subsequently explained, followed by a theoretical exposition on the larboard mingled with relationship marketing as well as internal and external customer orientation. A description of the research methodology is followed by the empirical results on internal and external customer orientation of the businesses that participated in the convey.Conclusions are drawn from these empirical f indings. Finally, managerial implications are discussed based on the conclusions. GOAL AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The goal of this study is to explore internal and external customer orientation as elements facilitating relationship marketing implementation by small- to medium-sized textile retailers in the North-West Province. This goal will be achieved through the following objectives to explore the interface surrounded by relationship marketing, and internal and external customer orientation to report on empirical findings relate to internal and external customer orientation of small- to medium-sized textile retailers in the North-West Province and to consider the managerial implications of the supra empirical findings for managing these retailers. FOSTERING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL guest ORIENTATION TO FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF blood MARKETINGSheth and Parvatiyar (1995261) define relationship marketing as an orientation that seeks to develop close interaction with sele cted customers, suppliers and competitors for value humans through co-operative and collaborative moves. This definition suggests that businesses should pursue profitable business relationships. Morgan and Hunt (199422) define relationship marketing as all marketing activities directed towards establishing, developing and maintaining successful relational exchanges. This definition sets out the crowning(prenominal) goals of relationship marketing, but does not show what relationship marketing entails.Attempts have been made to address this confinement by emphasising the dimensions and activities of relationship marketing. These dimensions and activities include (Too, Souchon and Thirkell, 2001290) customer retention product benefits quality improvement customer renovation customer commitment by the business and frequent contact with the customer. The first four issues refer to the business customer orientation while the last dickens relate to customer relationship managem ent practices.Kotler and Armstrong (20019, 667-681) presage that relationship marketing is the process of creating, maintaining and enhancing strong value-laden relationships with customers and other s includeholders. According to this definition, relationship marketing does not end with customers, but includes all s sproutholders (i. e. employees, channel members, stockholders and others). Relationship marketing advocates the establishment of long-term and profitable relationships between (both internal and external) partners or stakeholders (Zikmund and dAmico, 20018).These relationships are not naturally sustained and should thence not be interpreted for granted (Day, 200025). Long-term and profitable relationships are only established when trust, commitment and servicing are inculcated in relationship partners (Buttle, 19968-9). Stakeholder relationships also have to transcend functional boundaries (Beth, Burt, Copacino, Gopal, Lee, Lynch and Morris, 200367-68). Relationship marketing advocates that an engineer should, for example, take time to see how he could best design the product to satisfy the customers needs.The same applies to the accounting department it should develop credit and payment terms that will best suit the customer while it needs also realising a profit for the business (Ostroff and Smith, 199222-23). In this respect Day (200024-30) argues that the efficiency to create and maintain relationships depends, inter alia, on the integration of key internal processes in the business. The implementation of relationship marketing therefore depends on a well-developed internal (employee) and external customer orientation.Taher, Leigh and French (1996218) argue that in order to be customer-oriented, marketers should provide exceptional military operation in quality, delivery and cost competitiveness (i. e. customer orientation). The business should also understand how customers measure value and how these value expectations can be met. To wi n orders, a business should exhibit an external customer orientation that manifests the relative strength of the business in relation to its competitors (Koufteros, Vonderembse and Doll, 2000526).To attain lasting customer orientation careful attention should be given to detail, meeting promises and lively response to the requirements of customers i. e. competitive capabilities. The same authors define competitive capabilities further as a business magnate to meet customer expectations compared to its competitors ability to do the same. Day (200028) argues that a customer orientation should be immediately evident in the mindset of those who deal directly with the customer. Kennedy, Goolsby and Arnould (200377-79) found that the festering of an external customer orientation will be facilitated by leaders. Staff members must experience an unbroken traffic circle of passionate, sincere, unified and committed leadership from spinning top levels to local managers centrality of cus tomer requirements and performance feedback. This will also function in achieving the required inter-functional co-ordination and alignment and collection and dissemination of external customer data. This data, however, only becomes conducive for customer orientation development when it is widely circulated in the business to become a shared organisation-wide platform from which decisions are made.Patterson and Smith (2001438) also support this notion. It is stressed that customer orientation should be explicit, otherwise the business risks over-serving marginal accounts and wasting resources that might be allocated to profitable customer groups. In this respect Reinartz and Kumar (2002) distinguished between customer groups and suggested ways of managing each group for increased profitability. Relationship marketing raises the need for customer orientation, which in turn raises the need for customer-oriented employees.Bendapudi and Leone (200283) indicate that customers form rel ationships with employees who serve them, and that these relationships may be stronger than the customers relationship with the business represented by the employee. Employees will not be able to develop social relationships with customers if they were not recruited and clever with this in mind (Patterson and Smith, 2001438). Without customer oriented employees it will be difficult to implement customer orientation because employees are the ones who have to make it happen.If customer-orientation is lacking, the implementation of relationship marketing will suffer. This is because dis agreeable customers will neer develop good relationships with the business (Engel, Blackwell and Miniard, 199547). Attracting, developing and motivating employees as internal partners foster an internal customer orientation (Conway and Willcocks, 200081). Day (200028-29) recalls the efforts made by many businesses to make employee expiation and retention a top priority in recognition of the damage th at high employee turnover and disgruntled employees can cause to customer relationships.Employee performance and attitude play an all- distinguished(a) role in service delivery to external customers. Employee blessedness impacts on employee attitudes, which in turn influence employee performance and interaction with external customers. Employee interaction with external customers on the face of it plays a pivotal role in the ultimate success of the business (Lewis, 198941). Strauss (199562-77) distinguishes between internal customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. He argues that internal customer satisfaction entails employees satisfaction with the performance of internal suppliers (workflow satisfaction).Internal customer satisfaction should, however, not be confused with employee satisfaction i. e. the satisfaction of employees with their working conditions. He argues further that internal customer satisfaction reflects in external customer satisfaction. For purposes o f this study the identified relationship between internal and external customer satisfaction is acknowledged, but the distinction between internal customer orientation and employee satisfaction is rejected. Employees in small- to medium-sized textile retailing businesses are not dependent on intricate internal workflow processes.As they make headway their workflow inputs directly from management, a distinction between management inputs (relating to Strauss employee satisfaction c formerlypt) and workflow inputs will be vague. Strauss (199563) himself points out that if managers are prepared to take responsibility for quality and act as role models, they can expect commitment from their employees which will eventually result in improved bottom-line results. Sasser (2003) explains the relationship between employee and customer satisfaction in terms of value the business creates for employees, who in turn will be able to create value for customers.If the value created for employees a nd customers exceeds costs, value is being created for investors. Internal customer orientation is the result of a conscious management decision about the organizational setting (Strauss, 199568). Concerning this organisational setting Malherbe and Pearse (20032-12) found probatory lordly relationships between job enrichment characteristics and job satisfaction, and eventually between job satisfaction and service quality in the South African retail industry.Chaston (1995332-349) investigated possible actions to establish a stronger internal customer orientation in UK clearing banks, and concluded, inter alia, that managements improved taste of internal customer needs will be helpful in this regard. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Small- to medium-sized textile retailers from six selected towns and cities in the North-West Province were investigated to assess their internal and external customer orientation. Retailers from Brits, Klerksdorp, Lichtenburg, Mafikeng, Potchefstroom and Rustenbur g were sampled.These cities and towns were chosen on the basis of their geographical representation in the province. They also represent the largest centres of economic activity in the province. A sampling frame of 61 small- to medium-sized textile retailing businesses were constituted by using information obtained from the Potchefstroom City Council, the Bureau of Marketing Research and Brabys databases. The sampling frame include independent tailoring businesses, textile, fabrics, and cloth retailing businesses (retailers, merchants or distributors).Forty-eight (N1=48) of the 61 business owners/managers were willing to participate in the study and were subsequently interviewed. One hundred and four (N2=104) employees, as found on the 48 premises, were also interviewed. Finally, two hundred and thirty (N3=230) customer responses were gathered using approachability sampling for periods of two hours at each of the 48 business premises. Separate questionnaires, incorporating close-en ded structured incidents, were developed for management, employees and customers as three separate groups of moveents. Owners/managers had to respond to 77 items.Thirty one (31) of these items pertaining to internal customer orientation were duplicated in the employees questionnaire, requiring respondents to respond to them from an employees perspective. Thirty-three (33) of the items on external customer orientation related to owners/managers were also put to customers, requiring them to appraise it from their perspective. Respondents had to respond to the items according to a four-measure Likert scale where 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = agree and 4 = strongly agree. The responses were statistically processed with the help of SAS software (SAS Institute Inc. 1999). The reliability of constructs associated with internal and external customer orientation was tested by means of Cronbachs Alpha values and average inter item correlations (Clark and Watson, 1995) as accoun t below. The practical meaning(a) remainder between specifically defined constructs for employees and owners/managers (internal customer orientation) as well as for customers and owners/managers (external customer orientation) is indicated by using effect sizes. Effect sizes are cypher as availability sampling was used instead of random sampling.As explained preceding(prenominal), the six cities and towns, the businesses who participated in the study, the interviewed employees and the interviewed customers of these businesses were not randomly selected. statistical inference is therefore not relevant. This eliminates the use of t-tests and p-values as a technique to analyse statistically significant disagreeences between means of responses from management and employees (or management and customers). Unlike t-tests, effect sizes are independent from sample size, as a threadbareised difference based on the maximum standard deviation between compared groups is cipher (Steyn, 200 0).The effect sizes (d-values) were calculated by using the following formula (Cohen, 198820-27) pic where d = effect size pic is the difference between means of two compared groups (e. g. management and employees or management and customers) and pic is the maximum standard deviation of the two compared groups. To calculate effect sizes, the maximum standard deviation is used instead of a mean standard deviation to allow for a more than conservative approach to practical significance (Steyn, 2000). Cohen (198820-27) gives the following guidelines for rendering effect sizes d ? 0. indicating no practically significant effect d ? 0. 5 indicating a domesticise effect that could be significant if more data had been collected and d ? 0. 8 or large indicating a practically significant effect. EMPIRICAL RESULTS Empirical results regarding both the internal and external customer orientations of small- to medium-sized textile retailers in the North-West Province are subsequently di scussed. Empirical results internal customer orientation Four constructs associated with internal customer orientation, as well as the items comprising these constructs, are reported in circuit card 1.The items comprising these constructs are also indicated. The four constructs exhibited Cronbachs Alpha values all greater than 0. 6, indicating good or fitted reliability of the measurement scale (Clark and Watson, 1995315). Average inter item correlations (pic) are also reported in Table 1. Clark and Watson (1995316) indicate that the average inter item correlation should also be used as a measure of internal consistency. They recommend that the average inter item correlation should lie between 0. 15 0. 50.It is evident from Table 1 that the average inter item correlations fall within this range, indicating internal consistency of the constructs. TABLE 1 CRONBACHS ALPHA AND AVERAGE INTER ITEM CORRELATIONS FOR INTERNAL node ORIENTATION Construct Cronbachs Alpha Average inter item correlation (pic) 1. Managements involvement with employees 0. 752 0. 1 Applying management principles strictly Seeking people who can think of new strategies close of supporting supply Treating module the same as external customers Creating an enabling culture for round creative thinking Exercising staff chievement recognition and reward Following fair disciplinary action Development and pro imaginativeness of staff Appreciation of staff contribution to business success Conducting formal performance appraisals Making staff a part of solutions Aggressively competing for talented staff 2. Employee development through communication and participative management 0. 713 0. 4 Promoting staff learning Encouraging a learning culture Practising participative management Marketing the business vision to staff Creating messages to inspire staff action Understanding the reality staff experiences Consulting staff with regard to lead ership style Maintaining a two-way channel of communication in the business 3. Acknowledgement of employees expertise and potential 0. 659 0. 5 Incorporating knowledgeable staff inputs into business decisions and activities Acknowledging that staff is the business primary asset Involving current staff in the process of appointing new staff Giving responsibility and accountability to staff for their respective performance areas Collaborating with staff to draw up strategies, plans and objectives Arranging for staff to visit customers 4. Satisfaction of customer needs is effected through an integrated effort by all 0. 623 0. 5 involved in the business each departments working in collaboration with customer focus in mind Successfully satisfying customers needs and wants To indicate the practically significant differences between employees and owners/managers view on internal customer orientation, effect sizes were calculated on the respective c onstructs. These effect sizes are reported in Table 2. Practically significant do on constructs 1, 2 and 3 are revealed. Construct 4 only revealed a small effect.TABLE 2 EFFECT SIZES FOR INTERNAL CUSTOMER ORIENTATION Construct description Business owners Employees Effect size entail Standard deviation misbegot Standard deviation 1. Managements involvement with employees 3. 103 0. 447 2. 787 0. 445 0. 707 2. Employee development through communication and 3. 137 0. 504 2. 767 0. 504 0. 734 participative management 3. Acknowledgement of employees expertise and potential 3. 086 0. 557 2. 674 0. 554 0. 40 4. Satisfaction of customer needs is realised through an 3. 489 0. 695 3. 327 0. 750 0. 216 integrated effort by all involved in the business Empirical results external customer orientation Four constructs relating to external customer orientation, as well as the items associated with these constructs, are reported in Table 3. The correspondent Cronbachs Alpha value s for the four constructs are all above 0. 6, indicating good or adequate reliability of the measurement scale (Clark and Watson, 1995315).Average inter item correlations (pic) are once again reported in Table 3. These correlations fall within the range of 0. 15 0. 50 indicating internal consistency of the constructs (Clark and Watson, 1995316). TABLE 3 CRONBACHS ALPHA AND AVERAGE INTER ITEM CORRELATIONS FOR EXTERNAL CUSTOMER ORIENTATION Construct Cronbachs Alpha Average inter item correlation (pic) Building customer relationships through the efforts of employees is important 0. 762 0. 7 Attracting, maintaining and enhancing relationships with customers Establishing and maintaining profitable customer relationships Maintaining a mutually committed long-term oriented relationship with customers Moving customers from one level of the relationship to the next Extending priority treatment to regular customers over irregular ones Interacting with regular customers Forging long-term committed relationships with customers Employees developing business relationships with customers Fostering an intimate understanding between customers and staff The business maintain to customers is geared towards satisfying customer needs 0. 665 0. 6 Delivering an offer exactly as required Extending quality and durability as the business core offer Delivering master copy offers not available from competitors Continue improving the total offer to customers Delivering a tailor-made offer to customers view delivery of the offer from customers perspective Delivering customer satisfaction 0. 642 0. 6 Offering high levels of customer service Managing and maintaining the delivery of customer satisfaction Successfully satisfying customers needs and wants Custom fitting service to customers situation requirements Delivering services to the satisfaction of customer desires customer orientation of employees 0. 619 0. 6 Inst illing customer orientation among staff Formulating and realising a customer orientated mission statement The effect sizes on the respective constructs for the practically significant difference between customers and owners/managers view on external customer orientation are reported in Table 4. Practically significant effects are revealed on constructs 2 and 3, while construct 4 exhibit a train effect size. Construct 1 revealed a small effect size.TABLE 4 EFFECT SIZES FOR EXTERNAL CUSTOMER ORIENTATION Construct description Business owners Employees Effect size Mean Standard deviationMean Standard deviation 1. Building customer relationships through the efforts of 3. 303 0. 557 3. 100 0. 442 0. 364 employees is important 2. The business offer to customers is geared towards 3. 408 0. 423 2. 928 0. 465 1. 32 satisfying customer needs 3. Delivering customer satisfaction 3. 528 0. 445 3. 202 0. 399 0. 733 4. Customer orientation of employees 3. 360 0. 591 2. 991 0. 635 0. 581 CONCLUSIONS From the above empirical results the following conclusions regarding the internal and external customer orientation of small- to medium-sized textile retailers included in this study can be drawn. Internal customer orientationFrom the effect sizes reported in Table 2 it is evident that management and employees differ significantly (practically significant effect sizes) on the following issues managements involvement with employees (construct 1). Management emotional states more involved with employees than employees experience it to be the case (pic > 0) employee development through communication and participative management (construct 2). Management is of the opinion that employee development takes place through communication and participative management, while employees do not experience the same (pic > 0) and acknowledgement of employees expertise and potential (construct 3).Management feels that employees expertise and potential is acknowledge d, while employees do not feel the same (pic> 0). An small effect size was calculated for construct 4. Management and employees therefore agree that satisfying customer needs is realised through an integrated effort by all involved in the business (construct 4, Table 2, pic and pic both > 3. 0, indicating agreement on the Likert-type scale). External customer orientation As far as external customer orientation, as reported in Table 4, is concerned, owners/managers and customers differ significantly (practically significant effect sizes) on whether the businesses offer to customers is geared towards satisfying customer needs (construct 2).Management feels it to be the case, while customers differ significantly (pic > 0) and delivery of customer satisfaction (construct 3). Customers feel significantly less satisfied than management thought them to be (pic > 0). As far as customer orientation of employees is concerned, a moderate effect size was determined (Table 4, construct 4). Owners/managers are of the opinion that employees are customer-oriented (pic > 3. 0) while customers do not experience it to the same degree (pic < 3. 0). Table 4 also indicates an insignificant effect size on construct 1. Management and customers therefore agree that it is important to build customer relationships through the efforts of employees (construct 1, pic and pic both > 3. 0). managerial IMPLICATIONSWhen considering the internal customer orientation of small- to medium-sized textile retailers participating in this study, it is evident that employees do not feel appreciated by management. Employees indicated that management is not involved with them and that their expertise and potential is subsequently ignored. They also do not feel empowered through communication or participative management initiatives (or rather the lack thereof) from managements side. Management and employees agree on a basic principle of the marketing concept (Barnes, 20017), to wit that cu stomer satisfaction is dependent on an integrated effort of all involved in the business. From the above it is clear that a certain amount of goodwill is evident among employees.Employees recognise the importance of an integrated effort of all involved in the business to satisfy customer needs. It is recommended that management of these businesses capitalise on this readiness of employees. Communication with employees on matters relating to management of the business will encourage employee participation, paving the way for the implementation of participative management techniques. This will draw on the latent expertise and potential of employees and will ultimately contribute to employee development and a sense of management involvement. As indicated by the empirical results, small- to medium-sized textile retailers participating in this study lack a pronounced external customer orientation.Customers do not regard the businesses as being geared towards satisfying their needs. They are also of the opinion that employees of small- to medium-sized textile businesses are not sufficiently customer-oriented. By improving their internal customer orientation as suggested above, the external customer orientation of businesses may take a turn for the better. This may contribute to greater customer satisfaction as the interaction between customers and (more appreciated, and thus better satisfied and motivated) employees improve. After all management and customers both agreed that the efforts of employees are important to build customer relationships.This is consistent with Sassers (2003) exposition that an improved internal customer orientation will contribute towards a better external customer orientation that will result in more satisfied customers.