Market Metrics

Table of Contents Introduction Business environment Business review Assessing sales growth Conclusion Recommendation Reference List Introduction Organisations can incorporate different categories of marketing metrics in an effort to appraise their performance. Examples of such metrics include customer-based and traditional marketing metrics. Some of the traditional marketing metrics include market share, customer satisfaction, sales growth, customer loyalty, and ad awareness.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Market Metrics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, â€Å"market share and sales growth are the most popular traditional marketing metrics† (Davis 2007, p.96). Kumar and Reinartz (2012) assert that traditional marketing metrics were formulated after it turned out difficult to obtain individual customer data. Consequently, such metrics are deficient for they do not give customer-level insight. H owever, the availability of customer information over the past few decades has led to the formulation of new metrics that assist managers to develop a comprehensive understanding of individual customer and the value of a given customer to the firm (Hauser Katz 1998).  Customer-based metrics fall into two categories, viz. customer activity metrics, and customer acquisition metrics. Customer activity metrics include survival rate, the probability of a particular customer being active [p (Active)], lifetime duration, survival rate, retention and defection rate, and average inter-purchase time (Ambler 2003). The customer acquisition metrics include acquisition cost and acquisition rate. On the other hand, the most popular customer-based value metrics include share of wallet, size of wallet, and share of category requirement. Market share entails the share of a firm’s sale relative to other firms and it is expressed as a percentage. Farris, Bendle, Pfeifer, and Reibstein (2006) assert that market share gauges a firm’s performance against its competitors. The market share metrics enable a firm to determine the prevailing selective and primary demands effectively. The market share metrics does not only enable marketing managers to determine the total market decline or growth, but also to assess the customers’ trend in selecting where to purchase their products or services. Therefore, the market share metrics enables organisations to assess the external market (Best 2010). According to Doyle (2000), market share can be determined on volumetric or on a monetary basis. In the course of its operation, Alliance Boots has managed to attain a relatively high market share of 35 per cent in all its global markets.  The sales growth metric of a particular firm or brand is determined by comparing the changes in the firms’ sales during a given period (Kumar Reinartz 2012).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Sales growth is determined using the following formula: In 2008, Alliance Boots sales amounted to  £ 11,865 million (Alliance Boots  2008). Due to its marketing commitment, the firm’s sales in 2012 amounted to  £ 23,009 million. Using the above formula, the firm’s sales growth is illustrated below: The high sales growth [94 per cent] experienced by Alliance Boots during the period ranging from 2008 to 2012 shows that the firm has been very effective in marketing its products. Over the past few years, managers have increasingly focused on customer acquisition metrics in an effort to make optimal decisions. According to Ismail and Murphy (2009), acquiring new customers is critical in a firm’s effort to improve its long-term profitability. Marketing managers can determine acquisition metrics by evaluating the acquisition cost and acquisition rate. Acquisition cost assesses the responsivene ss of the marketing campaign undertaken by a particular firm and it is determined by determining the cost of marketing campaign and the target number of potential customers.  In the course of its operation, Alliance Boots has managed to attract and sustain a relatively large customer base successfully, as illustrated by the fact that the firm has a high customer retention rate of 65.2 per cent (Alliance Boots 2013). The customer retention rate refers to the firms’ ability to sustain continuous trading relationships with their customers. The rate of customer retention is an indicator of the customer’s probability of defecting to competing products. The firm’s sales growth has also emanated from its ability to deliver products and services that meet the customers’ needs. Consequently, Alliance Boots has been in a position to create a high level of customer satisfaction. By 2012, the firm’s rate of customer satisfaction averaged 64.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Market Metrics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Business environment Alliance Boots focuses at maximising its profitability. Consequently, the firm has ventured into the international marketing by incorporating the concept of global marketing. Farris, Bendle, Pfeifer, and Reibstein (2006) are of the opinion that global marketing has increasingly become very complex, expansive, and extensive. The complexity of the global marketing emanates from the dynamic nature of the environment. Smit (2007) asserts that it is vital for firms’ management teams to possess broad knowledge and understanding of the business environment in which their firms operate. The three main categories of the business environment that firms’ managers should understand include the market environment, microenvironment, and the macro environment (Samli 1996). Bygrave and Zacharakis (2009) are of the opinion that und erstanding these environments is vital in firms’ effort to exploit market opportunities. In a bid to achieve this goal, it is fundamental for firms’ managers to invest in market research in order to acquire important market information.  In the course of its operation, Alliance Boots is subject to changes in the external business environment. These changes emanate from different sources such as changes in customer demographics, economic changes, sociological changes, technological changes, and political changes (Hill Gareth 2009). Lamb, Hair, and McDaniel (2012) assert that things in the external environment are continuously undergoing through change. The pharmaceutical market in which Alliance Boots operates is â€Å"very attractive due to the positive market and macro-economic trends† (Alliance Boots 2013, Para.9). Firstly, the industry is experiencing an increment in demand for pharmaceutical products especially medicines (Alliance Boots 2012b). The rise i n demand has arisen from two main factors, which include continued global population growth emanating from improvement in life expectancy and increment in the average age of the population especially in the developed economies. Findings of a market research conducted by the marketing department revealed that the size of the firm’s customer group aged over 65 years would grow with over 40 per cent between 2011 and 2030. Thus, this customer group will increase with approximately 35 million by 2030 (Age UK 2013). This scenario presents a unique marketing opportunity for the firm to increase its customer base. The pharmaceutical industry is also experiencing the emergence of more innovative and new prescription medicines (Phelps2004). For example, some prescriptions may involve specialised handling and administration, which presents a unique opportunity for the firm to be innovative in its marketing strategies (Needle 2004).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Governments from both developed and developing economies are employing measures aimed at encouraging usage of lower cost-generic prescriptions (Alliance Boots 2012b). This transformation will enable the firm to increase its market share by driving down costs and increasing operational efficiency and ultimately, the firm will attain its wholesaling and distribution objectives (Alliance Boots 2012b). Over the past few years, manufacturers of branded pharmaceutical products have increasingly focused at attaining higher control of their distribution channel. Direct distribution and reducing the number of distributors are some of the avenues that the pharmaceutical firms are shifting to in the contemporary market. This move will significantly enable the firm to lower the cost of its operations. The industry is also undergoing an increment in the rate of consolidation with regard to distribution and wholesaling, which has arisen from growth in demand for a lean distribution channels. Ther e is also a high probability of the firm experiencing an increment in sales revenue due to increased demand for healthcare services (Tucker 2011). Additionally, Alliance Boots should also expect an increment in demand for home healthcare. Financial report The management team of Alliance Boots is very committed at ensuring that the firm attains a high level of profitability. This aspect explains why the firm has integrated various growth and marketing strategies such as organic and acquisitive strategies. Over the past few years, the firm has experienced a considerable growth in its sales trading profit. During the past 5 years, Alliance Boots has continued to experience double-digit growth in its trading profit. From 2007 to 2012, the firms trading profit has increased with a margin of 88 per cent as illustrated by chart 1 below. Additionally, chart 2 illustrates changes in respective revenue over the past five years. Chart 1: Changes in Alliance Boots trading profit: Source: (Alli ance Boots 2012a) Alliance Boots Financial results for the year ending 31st March 2012 Pro-forma Actual Actual Actual Actual 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12  £million  £million  £million  £million  £million Revenue Health Beauty 6,826 7,120 7,492 7,624 7,671 Pharmaceutical Wholesale 8,393 9,746 10,626 13,154 16,828 Contract Manufacturing 105 106 252 253 255 Intra-group -1,202 -1,309 -1,459 -1,603 -1,745 Group 14,122 15,663 16,911 19,428 23,009 Chart 2: Alliance Boots financial report Source: (Alliance Boots 2012a) Business review In the course of its operation, Alliance Boots has established a number of business divisions. The decision to establish these divisions hinges on the need to attain high profit growth. In developing these divisions, the firm has incorporated two main strategies, which include organic growth and formation of mergers and acquisitions. Lockett et al. (2009) affirm that the incorporation of acquisitive and organ ic growth strategies enables firms to improve the probability of their future growth. The two main divisions include health, beauty, and the pharmaceutical wholesale division (Alliance Boots 2012b).  The health and beauty division constitutes brands that are well established in the market such as No7, Botanics, and Soltan. In an effort to stimulate sales, Alliance Boots undertakes â€Å"continuous product development and innovation, product marketing, and product packaging† (Alliance Boots 2012b, Para.6). In the recent past, Alliance Boots launched other operational lines, which include Boots Laboratories and Boots Pharmaceuticals. The firm ensures that all its health and beauty products are customer-focused (Alliance 2012). In 2012, Alliance Boots health and beauty division experienced an increment in its sales revenue with a margin of 0.6 per cent while its trading profit grew with 6 per cent. The pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution division has continued to exper ience significant growth over the past few years despite the challenging business environment (Russell Russell 2006). One of the factors associated with the firm’s growth relates to its effectiveness in implementing the integration process of the undertaken mergers (Lockett McDonald 2009). Additionally, the firm has continued to improve its customer focus strategy. The pharmaceutical and wholesaling division experienced a revenue growth with a margin of 27.9 per cent, while the trading profits experienced a growth of 24.7 per cent. In 2012, Alliance Boots sales revenue grew with a margin of 18.4 per cent due to contribution from the two market divisions, while the trading profits increased by 12.4 per cent (Alliance Boots 2012b). The chart below illustrates the performance of the two market divisions for the year ending 31st March 2012. Revenue  £ million Trading profit  £ million Revenue Trading profit Health Beauty 7,671 813 +0.6% 6% Pharmaceutical wholesalin g and distribution 16,828 141 +27.9% 24.7% Assessing sales growth Considering the prevailing changes in the market, the macro environment, and the microenvironments, there is a high probability of Alliance Boots experiencing a significant growth in its sales. Some of the factors that might stimulate sales growth include growth in the size of population and increment in demand for home healthcare. Growth in the size of the population will culminate in significant growth in the firm’s sales revenue. Additionally, incorporation of low cost generic prescriptions by most governments will also stimulate the firm to experience sales growth. Additionally, sales growth will also be subject to the high rate at which governments are focusing at increasing their spending on health care (ECORYS 2009). In an effort to attain market leadership, Alliance Boots has integrated effective market expansion strategies, which include organic growth and formation of joint ventures, mergers, and a cquisitions. Incorporation of these strategies is an indicator that the firm will experience significant sales growth in the future. Consequently, the pharmaceutical industry is characterised by a high market potential and demand hence making it very attractive. Conclusion The analysis conducted in this paper indicates that Alliance Boots has been very effective in its operation as illustrated by the various marketing metrics considered. For example, the firm has a relatively high market share, which has positioned it at the top of the market hence a market leader. Its success in venturing into the international market has enabled the firm to attain a relatively high rate of sales growth. Due to its effectiveness and efficiency in meeting customers’ health, beauty, and well being needs, Alliance Boots has been in a position to nurture a relatively high rate of customer satisfaction. The prevailing business environment also presents a high probability of the firm experiencing high sales growth hence its future success. Recommendation In a bid to improve its chances of succeeding in its operation, it is paramount for Alliance Boots to take into account the following recommendations: The management team should incorporate comprehensive and continuous improvement plan and new product development programs aimed at ensuring that its products and services align with changes in customers’ needs. Incorporation of these strategies will enhance the firm’s competitiveness, and thus its future success. A comprehensive market research should be undertaken to improve the effectiveness of marketing and operational decisions made. The firm should take advantage of the technological changes affecting the pharmaceutical industry in order to improve its competitiveness. Reference List Age UK: Later life in the United Kingdom 2013, http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Factsheets/Later_Life_UK_factsheet.pdf?dtrk=true Alliance Boots: Annual Report 2011/201 2 2012a,   http://www.allianceboots.com/AnnualReport2011-12/overview/our-five-year-financial-record.aspx Alliance Boots: Consolidated financial statement 2008, http://media.allianceboots.com/App_Media/AllianceBoots/Financial%20information/Alliance%20Boots%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements%20final.pdf Alliance Boots: Markets and business environment 2013, http://www.allianceboots.com/pharmaceutical-wholesale/markets-and-business-environment.aspx Alliance Boots: Our five year financial record 2012b,    http://www.allianceboots.com/AnnualReport2011-12/overview/our-five-year-financial-record.aspx Ambler, T 2003, Marketing and bottom line, Pearson Education Limited, London.  Best, R 2010, Marketing metrics handbook, Palgrave, London. Bygrave, W Zacharakis, A 2009, The portable MBA in entrepreneurship, Wiley, New Jersey. Davis, J 2007, Measuring marketing: 103 metrics every marketer needs, Wiley, Singapore. Doyle, P, 2000, Value-based marketing, Wiley, Chichester. ECORYS: C ompetitiveness of the EU market and industry for pharmaceuticals 2009, http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/healthcare/files/docs/vol_2_markets_innovation_regulation_en.pdf Farris, P, Bendle, N, Pfeifer, P Reibstein, D 2006, Marketing metrics: 50+ Metrics every executive should master, Pearson Publishing, New Jersey. Hauser, J Katz, G 1998, ‘Metrics: You are what you measure’, European Management Journal, vol. 16 no. 5, pp. 517–528. Hill, C Jones, G 2009, Strategic management theory: An integrated approach, Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Ismail, A Murphy, J 2009, Acquisition methods and customer lifetime value, http://www.duplication.net.au/ANZMAC09/papers/ANZMAC2009-224.pdf Kumar, V Reinartz, W 2012, Customer relationship management: Concept, strategy and tools, Springer, Belbin. Lamb, C, Hair, J McDaniel, C 2012, Essentials of marketing, Cengage, Ohio. Lockett, A McDonald, M 2009, Marketing accountability: A new metrics model to measure marketing effectiven ess, Kogan Page Limited, London. Lockett, A, Wiklund, J, Davidsson, P Sourafel, G 2009, Organic and acquisitive employment for growth: Re-examining, testing and extending Penrose’s growth theory, http://eprints.qut.edu.au/28021/2/JMS_Penrose_resubmission_Round_3_%282%29.pdf Needle, D 2004, Business in context: An introduction to business and its environment, Thompson, London. Phelps, B 2004, Smart business metrics: Measure what really counts and manage what makes different, Pearson Education Limited, London. Russell, J Russell, L 2006, Strategic planning 101, ASTD Press, Alexandria. Samli, A 1996, Information-driven marketing decisions: Development of strategic information system, Greenwood Publishing Group, New York. Smit, P 2007, Management principles: A contemporary edition for Africa, Juta, Cape Town. Tucker, I 2011, Macroeconomics for today, Cengage, Mason. This essay on Market Metrics was written and submitted by user Sebastian Berg to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Exploring Male and Female Non-verbal Forms of Communication Essays

Exploring Male and Female Non-verbal Forms of Communication Essays Exploring Male and Female Non-verbal Forms of Communication Paper Exploring Male and Female Non-verbal Forms of Communication Paper â€Å"We cannot not communicate†- this is an established fact in human existence and separates humans from other mammals. Even in silence one sends a multitude of messages: with one’s gaze, facial expression, touch, posture, gestures, and the manner in which one distances himself from the person or persons being communicated with. Equally, one’s choice of clothing and color as well as his timing may say more than what he communicates with his words. Yet as one speaks, more is revealed with the quality of his voice (pitch, tone and intonation), the number and length of his utterances, and the presence or absence of disfluencies in his words and even in his choice of words. Although in most recent studies some communication specialists would separate characteristics attributed to voice as well as word choice as paraverbal communication (Windle and Warren, n. d. ), we will refer to the earliest considerations on the forms of communication- the verbal and the nonverbal (Ehninger, et al, 1982; Pace, Peterson, Burnett, 1979; Becvar, 1974). Whether these nonverbals are sent intentionally or otherwise, one is certain: they serve certain factors: 1) repeating (e. g. vocal utterance and other NVCs that are presumed to repeat what is said), substituting (e. g. shaking the head in disagreement or nodding in acceptance), complementing (to emphasize emotional feelings), regulating, accenting and either deceiving or revealing a person’s intent and real emotions with regards to the communication situation. How much of what one communicates is nonverbal? David Givens (2005) provides an estimate on this phenomenon: Communicating Without Words According to Kramer, 94% of our communication is nonverbal, Jerry (Seinfeld, January 29, 1998). Kramers estimates (like the statistics of anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell [65%; Knapp 1972] and of psychologist Albert Mehrabian [93%; 1971]) are hard to verify. But the proportion of our emotional communication that is expressed apart from words surely exceeds 99%. So much is said even with a very few words that one should have a better understanding of the NVCs to become an effective communicator, and in the process overcome misunderstanding. A number of factors must be considered in understanding this form of communication, namely: 1) the manner in which the nonverbal is sent (either be deliberately or unconsciously transferred); 2) gender (males vs. female); and 3) socio-cultural (Europeans vs. Asians; minority vs. majority). For this purpose, we shall focus our discussion on the effects of gender differences in the use of nonverbal communication. O’Carroll’s (2006) article reviews some of the studies devoted to understanding the effects of gender on an individual’s communication style, including that of Deborah Tannena’s book You Just Don’t Understand: Men and Women in Conversation, which has been in the New York’s list of bestseller for nearly four years and have been translated into 24 languages, implying that certain misconceptions (i. e. girls aren’t more social than boys, neither are they more suggestible, girls aren’t any better at learning off by heart, boys aren’t good at more abstract learning, girls don’t have lower self esteem and that girls lack motivation [Macoby and Jacklin]) why females or males in particular ways while in a communication situation are somehow culturally ingrained in an individual’s pyche. Communicating Without Words Somehow socio-cultural norms (including the roles both assigned and perceived to be attributed to a particular gender) General disparities between male and female communication styles have been described as debate vs. relate, report vs. rapport, or competitive vs. cooperative (Gender Differences in Communication, n. d. ). How these are either revealed or concealed through the nonverbals will likewise be explained. Earlier it was mentioned that several types of nonverbal communication are perceivable in every communicative act. This paper will however focus on only three of them: 1) proxemics or the use of space; 2) kinetics or bodily movements (including gestures; and 3) haptics (touching), which are the more obvious channel of the intended messages, especially in interpersonal communication. There are other levels of communication though: intrapersonal, group and public communication, but for this purpose our discussion will be limited to communication contexts that transpire between two individuals, which centralizes the focus of the message being sent, whether between two sexes or same sex transactions. Proxemics. Just as we communicate with words, so too we transmit messages by placing ourselves in certain spatial relationships, with other persons or objects. The study of these spatial factors- or how we react to the space around us, how we use that space, and how our use of space communicates a particular information- is known as proxemics. Edward T. Hall, a pioneer in the study of proxemics, specified four spatial zones of interpersonal communication (i. e. intimate, personal social and public distance). Communicating Without Words The amount of space a person is allowed in most instances communicates the status of the communicators in a specific communication transaction. Dr. Lilian (1992) concludes that males 1) tend to approach women more closely in terms of their personal space; 2) take up more physical space when sitting or standing, with arms and legs stretched out away from their body; and 3) assume more reclined positions when sitting and lean backward when listening. These observations were likewise echoed in a study conducted by Erica Christoper (n. d. ) Kinetics. The human body is so versatile that it may transmit a number of messages in a single communication transaction. Early researchers delineated body expressions according to the part of the body involved in sending a particular message – facial expression, trunk movements, hand gestures, etc. Empirical evidence also suggests that, in general, 1) women use more head movements than men; 2) smile more often than men; and 3) engages more in eye contact (as cited by Christopher, Ibid). Dr. Lilian on men’s use of facial expression, reports that: 1) They tend to cock their head to the side and look at the other person from an angle when listening; 2) They provide fewer facial expressions in feedback and fewer reactions; 3) They tend to display frowning and squinting when listening; and 4) They stare more in negative interaction (Ibid). Haptics. Everyone uses touch at times to emphasize a point, interrupt another person speaking, or just as a comforting gesture. How this form of nonverbal communication is used and studied given a particular communication situation, has been referred to by communication scholars as haptics. Although women are more likely to use Communicating Without Words touch as a form of communication, men have been found to be more likely to touch women, than women are to touch men (Ibid). These instances, although provide a general observation on male/female communication styles establish the apparent difference in nonverbal use by members of different genders nonetheless. How they differ (relative to social norms and other factors) and to what extent in specific communication context, still need much research. At this point, we rest our case in that we have been provided with the basic understanding on the nonverbal form of communication as affected by gender differences. References: Erica, Christopher. â€Å"Gender Differences in Non-Verbal Behavior: A Global Look at the Use of Passive and Active Nonverbal Cues in Same Sex and Cross-Gender Conversation. † Retrieved 01 April 2009 from Saint Anselm College Website: anselm. edu/internet/psych/theses/seniors2002/christopher/webpage. ht ml#Abstract Ehninger, Douglas; Gronbeck, Bruce E. ; McKerrow, Ray E. ; Monroe, Alan H. (1982). Principles of Speech Communication, 9th Edition. USA: Scott, Foresman and Company. Givens, David (c1997-2008). Nonverbal Communication. Center for Nonverbal Studies. Retrieved April 01, 2009 from http://members. aol. com/nonverbal2/nvcom. htm He Says, She Says: Closing the Communication Gap Between the Sexes. Dr. Lillian Glass. Putnam, 1992. in â€Å"Gender Differences in Communication,† (n. d. ) Communicating Without Words Retrieved April 01, 2009 from The Ladies Room Website: geocities. com/Wellesley/2052/genddiff. html O’ Carroll, Eileen. (September 11, 2006). â€Å"Men are from Earth, and so are Women. † Retrieved April 01, 2009 from Anarchistnews. org: http://anarchistnews. org/? q=node/668 Pace, Wayne R. ; Peterson, Brent D. ; Burnett, M. Dallas. (1979). Techniques for Effective Communication. Philippines: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc. Windle, Rod and Warren, Suzanne. (n. d. ) â€Å"Communication Skills. † Collaborative Problem Solving and Dispute Resolution in Special Education: Training, an electronic manual Retrieved April 01, 2009 from directionservice. org/cadre/section4. cfm#Nonverbal%20Messages

E85 gas vs. regular gas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

E85 gas vs. regular gas - Essay Example Today, E85 is produced from pole to pole and has a strategic role in energy policies of many countries (Kraemer, 2006, p. 128). This paper is to give a general overview of all pros and cons of ethanol use in America specifically. According to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, U.S. fuel suppliers, in the period of 2006-2012, have to increase the amount of added into fuel ethanol from 15 to 28 billion liters. Nowadays, for comparison, the United States consumes annually about 545 billion liters of regular gasoline. However, as a result of the Congress legislative initiatives, more than two trillion miles have been on traveled over, in last 25 years, on fuel mixed with ethanol. Most automobile companies increase production of flexible-fuel vehicles. As a consequence, most modern cars have automated fuel control systems allowing regulating air - fuel ratio sufficiently enough for simultaneous use of E85 and regular gasoline. For example, Ford, a leader in production of environmentally frien dly vehicles, has a range of Flexible Fuel - vehicles that run on E85, pure gasoline, pure ethanol E100 or any mixture of gasoline and ethanol (Focus, C-MAX, Mondeo, Galaxy, S-MAX, F-150, Ford Sedans Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car, Escape Hybrid E85) (Byrge & Kliesen, 2008, p. 5). Global interest in alternative (renewable) fuels was imposed, first of all, by different national environmental programs. It is known that the use of renewable fuels in a given region can reduce: †¢ Greenhouse gas emission - by 14 – 19% (9, 5 million tons of Ð ¡ÃÅ¾2 in 2008); †¢ Consumption of petroleum products - by 73 - 75 %; †¢ Use of fossil fuels - by 13 - 35 %. In addition to the environmental aspect, use of ethanol - gasoline mixes (E85) has the following advantages compared to regular gasoline: higher octane number, which means lower wear and increased life of a car engine; reduced vehicles’ service charges; lower cost of E85 at retail; product ion of ethanol supports national economy (agriculture mainly, processing industry and transportation inter alia) (Dale & Pimentel, 2008, p .22). But it’s totally wrong to consider that the use of ethanol has only advantages. Indeed, ethanol allows reducing pollution to some extent, since less carbon monoxide (CO) is emitted during its use. But, because of the high Reid Vapor Pressure, acetaldehyde and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released, which produce more smog (Cunningham, 2007, p. 280). Companies, that manufacture and operate pipe lines, refuse to add pure 100% ethanol or ethanol containing fuels into their pines because of corrosion. So, starting from 2006, there is a constant shortage of rail-tanks for ethanol transportation. More and more fossil fuels (such as diesel and gasolin

SAM 344 UNIT 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SAM 344 UNIT 1 - Essay Example the past, top administrators of sports organizations used to dictate or make decisions in consideration to other factors, overlooking the characteristics of the target market segments. But they have realized that failure to take into consideration their needs, tastes and preferences, along with their attitudes and beliefs towards the products and services is counterproductive to the marketing gains made. Thus the sports organizations are today investing in efforts to acquire information regarding their target market segments (Chelladurai, 2006). Knowing the behaviors, attitudes, tastes and preferences of the target audiences is alone enough for firms to determine the sports marketing match. To do this, marketing research is needed. Marketing research helps an organization to have an idea of the hearts and thoughts of the sports fanatics. In the process, they acquire knowledge of who the fans are, whether they are excited or satisfied, what should be sponsored, and the various ways in which the sports sponsorship will influence customers (Chelladurai, 2006). The twenty-first century witnessed major changes in the demographic characteristics of the target audience. A case in point was women’s growing interests in sports. As fanatics in the sports industry transform, marketers ought to be continuously informed of their changing demographic characteristics as well as their interests. They must also assess the impacts that their sports sponsorship programs have on consumer behavior (Chelladurai, 2006). Finally, as marketers look into other factors dictating sports marketing, they need to understand that fan satisfaction, growth rate and loyalty are all significant considerations in marketing

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 115

Summary - Essay Example At last, Africa came to light with the emergence of nationalist such as Kwame Nkhurumah of Ghana and Nelson Mandela of South Africa. South Africa was able to elect its first black president in 1994 after a long spell of foreign leadership (Murithi, 132). The intensity of Apartheid reduced as a result of the new era of leadership. The late 21 century was a symbol of a peaceful era as the world began transforming from world war era to an era of peace among independent nations. The transformation was signified by the end of a cold war between the USSR and the United States signed by US president George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev of USSR. The rebirth of the new era saw Africa through its struggle for independence and ushered a period of development. Africa has since gone a mile ahead with the improvement of the education system, technology and communication. Africa is currently able to host major events such as the Olympics and the world cup. Africa had undergone a lot of hostility in the past thus it was anticipated by many people that it would be hard for Africa to transform but it has responded well to the changes and currently considers all the past events as historical part of the new

Causes of Dreams and Nightmares

Causes of Dreams and Nightmares Evangjelos Danaj Abstract What are nightmares they are dreams bad ones that affect us every people sees dreams but not all of them see nightmares. We see nightmares most of the time when we are affected in a negative way in our life our when we ourselves have done something bad we tend to overthink it and that is one of the reason as to why we see it in our dreams in a bad way. Nightmares generally when happens periodically is the result of the person who sees it of lack of sleep or for people who are afraid of a scare movie or something most common nowadays due crises of humanity people tend to get stuck on a particular upsetting thought. On the other hand if it happens systematically then that is when people say that they have nightmare disorder this is dangerous for people because nightmares may lead to people jeopardizing their own safety or another human beings safety and because during nightmares people have rapid eye movement or REM they do not remember as to what they have done. Introduction Nightmares are dreams that happen during sleep and during when humans have rapid eye movement that is one of the reason as to why when we are having nightmares we have strong feelings of fear, distress, terror and anxiety. This is most likely to happen at a person’s later part of sleep. Nightmares become a disorder when it has affected our social life, our occupation and many more other important areas in our everyday life or if a someone keeps on seeing the same nightmare with the same topic meaning something that we have experience in our everyday life or an experience that we over tend to think about it then at this point if a person experiences this sort of nightmares then this this when we may call Nightmare disorder. This has been most commonly seen to happen at the age ten and has been seen as normal unless they interfere with sleep with their development or with their psychosocial development. This is most commonly shown to girls than boys and may last until they matur e into adulthood. Adult’s nightmares are something entirely different than at that which was for children because it does not affect them as much as it affects the children and will not affect their development psychology them much and in addition to that unlike children most of adult’s nightmares are commonly based on the fact that they either be anxious about something with external stressors or external trauma. Biology Biology is mostly connected with our DNA or our Genes that make up our DNA which are mostly connected with our behavior. Because Nightmares affect our sleep meaning that we feel them up to a certain level and that they do not allow us to sleep because of the shock that we receive because nightmares are dreams that frighten us. The most affected ones are the children who are unable to nurture the right way because they are afraid of nightmares for example if a children who is ten years old and his parents break for many different reasons then the children may have one of the many symptoms which differ from children to children, nightmares that will affect him in many ways. One of the most common effects that this kind of nightmare will have on children in the nurture sector may be Growth Hormone Deficiency. This problem has most commonly been seen to happen to children for adult’s nightmares don’t affect their biology directly but indirectly. Meaning that they are affect ed by post-traumatic stress and that they may be affected by other psychiatric illnesses. Since they are receiving medication for these problem that medication may affect their biological system which can cause the human to go crazy. Another disorder which affects human’s dreams and results at them having nightmares may be due a birth problem and feeling since the people who tend to feel more and are affected by it more may overthink most actions and that will result in him having nightmares. With the help of technology and research medicine has been made for people who are facing these problem to help them overcome it also psychologist has found method that enables them to help the patients overcome problem that affect them indirectly through the help of talking it out or with the help of interaction and communication with one another. In addition to the above stated Breathing disorder can cause nightmares this disease can cause sleep aupnia which will result in the little s leep that we get to have nightmares this disease together with nightmares can cause severe effects on the human mind like falling asleep without realizing it a high fever which will be hard to treat children will have a Hyperactive behavior, depression and if it is severe then we will notice that our legs will have swelled. Emotions Most people do not know this but emotions are affects very much from nightmares. Emotions meaning our mood, which result in us not waking up in a rather refreshed mood but waking up and leaving us with the feeling that the sleeper who has just seen a nightmare has been in a battle with something all night long. Furthermore this abstract can lead us to seeing more disoriented dreams meaning nightmares and can increase our anxiety which will lead to seeing more nightmares. People have become clinically depressed because they have not been able to identify what it is that has leaded them to having nightmares. Based on research that has been done by unknown researcher’s people that are clinically depressed and that they have not been born with any biological problem and that these symptoms are shown when a person cannot identify the origins of the nightmare disorder have a tendency to three to four time more than the average person. Another hypothesis may be that nightmares are a way for your unconscious mind telling us that we are not dealing with our stress as we should be. Another hypothesis about nightmares may be that because we are having difficulties accepting some facts that we as people do not accept for many different reasons then that means that the nightmare that we see is our mind overanalyzing it and showing it to us so in other words we can say that it is our mind telling us as to what we should fix. Taking all things into consideration we can safely say that nightmares as in general are not things that come out of nowhere but they are the products of our brain telling us and indicating to us as to what it is that is under our minds so nightmares are not problems that descended upon us from above or from below as most people tend to claim when they are having nightmares. Social life Nightmares generally in social life aspect affect adult more than they affect children due to the fact that they have a lot more social interaction than children have. Adults due to the fact that most of them work overtime or sometimes even 24 hour straight they tend to eat late at night that affects their brain and the metabolism which result in signaling the brain to have a higher activity rate. Through nightmare through our everyday life we may want an object that we will get up do get it through sleep walking. In other words Nightmares can cause us to have other problem mostly psychological problem. In looking at how our nightmares affect our social interaction with other people it is important to take note that nightmares play a vital role in our life. Another aspect here may be that because during our everyday moment we have no time to process our thought and so that leads to the brain processing it throughout the night and at most times resulting into us seeing it as a bad nig htmare. Recent measurement’s show that most common people that have nightmares are the one who have done a crime and even though they have been judged for the crime that they have by the government and not by someone who is of the law because people tend to think that if they are judged by the law then there sins are forgiven but that is not the cause because even and after they do jail time for the crime that they themselves have committed and they still see that through nightmare because those are experience that have left them at a traumatic state of mind that is for those who have done crimes but for those people who have not done crimes but they have just experienced shocking thing like war veterans see and see again from time to time themselves at the frontline because they know sub-consciously that what they are doing is wrong so in other words nightmares may also be cause by actions that we ourselves know subconscious are wrong and still we go through with it. Conclusion In the end taking all things into consideration Nightmare disorder is an illness that can be treated through many ways without the help of specialist meaning a therapist. One way to do this is to alleviating stress with in your home your personal life this will result in us eliminating anxiety the individuals most likely course of action as to have a relaxing sleep and not to see nightmares. Another course of action that someone may do may be through the help of fitness and in corporation with relaxation therapy which will result in the individual have a more relax and a more complete sleep. In addition to this one skill trough training and everyday exercise can be through yoga and in through with meditation techniques which help in a person’s a sleeping atmosphere. Patients can also choose to do this through the help of a specialist meaning psychotherapy so that they can learn as how to deal with and cope with stress and find different ways to deal with it. Most patients tend to select the route of medication but the ones who can be provided with medication and diagnosis are the ones who have report that they are having reoccurring nightmares over and over again more than four times a week. Prazosin is a commonly used medicine to treat people who are having problems with Posttraumatic stress disorder. Therapy has helped a lot of people to deal with frightening themes and has helped them alleviate from the nightmare recurrence. Usually a large amount of the patients will improve as the patient gets older and older. Based on the latest research a treatment is under way that at this point is currently weak but its main point is that the patient who is suffering from nightmares to be able to benefit from it but currently it is still weak. On the other hand there also the people who tend to think that they are having nightmares those people are given a placebo pill a pill of sugar so as to think that they are cured. REFERENCES Ernest Hartmann, The nightmare: the psychology and biology of terrifying dream, 21 Jan. 2010, University of Michigan, Basic Books, 1984 Joanne L. Davis PhD, Treating Post-Trauma Nightmares: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach, Springer Publishing Company, 2008 Paul R. Carney, Richard B. Berry, James D. Geyer, Clinical Sleep Disorders, Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 2012

Essay --

Scott Derrickson’s Sinister is a popular movie which is well-known by the public. It is renowned for its extremely horrifying storyline. While not only being a horror flick, this film belongs to the genre of thriller too. This movie is disturbing, as it is filled to the brim with unusual killings, and also not forgetting the supernatural elements embedded in it. The director, Scott Derrickson, who is notable for directing many popular horror films, wrote this screenplay with the genius concept of using a â€Å"found footage† that he is sure will trigger the audiences’ curiosity. Derrickson has a really good skill set for horror. He loves the idea of elevating the genre beyond the norm. The inspiration for Derrickson to film this movie happened when he had a nightmare about going up into his attic and finding a box of Super 8 films about ghastly murders. He had been noodling around with a story based on that ever since. The theme of this movie is an unexpected one as no one would have foreseen something so serious to happen out of something so small. The main character, Ellison Ostwalt, played by Ethan Hawke, relays the theme really well in the movie. He is devoured by his drive and determination to return to his professional glory that he unintentionally put himself and his loved ones in danger. Derrickson uses selfishness as the theme to remind the audience how this attitude can lead to unpleasant consequences. Ellison Ostwalt’s selfishness in the movie â€Å"Sinister† brought upon tragedy to his family in various ways. Ellison Ostwalt, a true crime writer, is on his last fumes of fame after his best-selling book, â€Å"Kentucky Blood†. He is tired of not having as much popularity. As such, he is determined ... ... has correctly implied the theme in this film. This movie teaches us to not be so self-centered but to show a more caring attitude to the people surrounding us. Of course, it is important to always have the initiative to improvise and improve in whatever we are doing and in this case, our career, but only to a certain extent. Honesty is also very important as honesty and trust are one of the many fundamental principles in maintaining a loving and caring family. As they say, honesty is the best policy. For instance, Ellison lied to his wife and hid the information about the haunted house from his family. This action has caused many consequences to all of them. Therefore, being honest is necessary too. Sinister has conveyed the theme as a message to the audience of how important is it to not be so self-conscious and to remain grounded and unselfish.

Communication & professional relationships with children, young people and adults Essay

1.1 In order to develop a positive, professional relationship with a child, it is very important to communicate effectively in your dealings. This means learning how to approach and respond to children. Positive relationships go hand in hand with successful communication of information. Adults within a school who deliver information strongly and effectively are more likely to be beneficial to pupils. Good communication skills involve watching and censoring what we say in times of stress or excitement so our behaviour is not copied and the school expectations are upheld. If we set boundaries and ask a child to behave in a certain way, then we ourselves cross those boundaries, then it is harder for that child to understand what is acceptable and what is not. Good and effective communication must be worked on or misunderstandings may happen, leading to bad feeling and sometimes un-repairable working relationships. 1.2Â  There are several principles of relationship building with children, firstly effective communication; this is a key area in developing initial relationships. Secondly showing respect to a child and listening to their point of view will in turn earn respect and you should always take time to remember their names. Another principle is being considerate and taking into consideration that a child maybe under stress which may have affected their behaviour in the short term. Maintaining a sense of humour is another key principle as laughter is a great way to relax and relieve stress. It is important to always take time to listen as a child may need to confide or ask advice. Showing interest develops relationships. Principle number six is to always remember personal issues and inquire from time to time and show concern, this makes a child feel cared for and will relax more in your presence. Finally being clear on key points and when speaking to a child and relaying information is important, ask the child to repeat what you just said so that it is clear that the child understood at the end of your discussion. Relationships in school are built on a daily basis, by following these key principles you can build a good rapport with children. 1.3Â  To communicate with pupils from a different cultural background it is important to adapt your behaviour to suit the situation; for example a child from a different country may require you to speak slowly and concisely enabling that child to understand easily and take an active part in the conversation. In some cultures it is considered to be impolite to look somebody in the eye whilst talking to them therefore it would be necessary to adapt how we behave by adhering to their practices.

Free Essays on 20th Century Cuban Immigration

Cuban Nationalism For several reasons, Cubans have a very strong sense of "Cubanidad," cultural identity. This sense of cultural identity comes partially from a sense of placeCuba as an island has clearly defined boundariesand partially from the homogeneity of language and shared culture. It is a major factor in the relative stability of the revolutionary government in Cuba and in the stability of the Cuban community in the United States. Despite the fact that within the Cuban-American community there is a great deal of political contention, the community forgets its differences in taking care of its own. One of the practical problems service providers face in working with newly-arrived Cubans is that they can function so comfortably within the Spanish-speaking Cuban-American communities: There is little motivation to learn English or move away to areas where there are better jobs. Cuban Immigration to the United States Given the closeness of Cuba to the United Statesboth geographical and, before the 1959 revolution, economicit is no surprise that there has always been movement of people between the countries. The 1910 census showed that there were officially 15,133 Cubans living in the United States, and a report on immigration to Congress at the time included data on 44,211 Cubans. In 1959, an estimated 124,000 Cubans were living in the United States. In the early years of the revolutionary government, an additional 215,000 moved here, and now the Cuban community is well over a million. As we mentioned above, the center of that community is in Miami, but there are sizable communities in other cities in Florida and in New York, Illinois, and California as well. The existence and size of the Cuban community in the United States is a result of both "push" and "pull" factors. The revolutionary government's inflexible attitude toward dissent, and its imperviousness to demands that dissenters make, probably constitute the greatest... Free Essays on 20th Century Cuban Immigration Free Essays on 20th Century Cuban Immigration Cuban Nationalism For several reasons, Cubans have a very strong sense of "Cubanidad," cultural identity. This sense of cultural identity comes partially from a sense of placeCuba as an island has clearly defined boundariesand partially from the homogeneity of language and shared culture. It is a major factor in the relative stability of the revolutionary government in Cuba and in the stability of the Cuban community in the United States. Despite the fact that within the Cuban-American community there is a great deal of political contention, the community forgets its differences in taking care of its own. One of the practical problems service providers face in working with newly-arrived Cubans is that they can function so comfortably within the Spanish-speaking Cuban-American communities: There is little motivation to learn English or move away to areas where there are better jobs. Cuban Immigration to the United States Given the closeness of Cuba to the United Statesboth geographical and, before the 1959 revolution, economicit is no surprise that there has always been movement of people between the countries. The 1910 census showed that there were officially 15,133 Cubans living in the United States, and a report on immigration to Congress at the time included data on 44,211 Cubans. In 1959, an estimated 124,000 Cubans were living in the United States. In the early years of the revolutionary government, an additional 215,000 moved here, and now the Cuban community is well over a million. As we mentioned above, the center of that community is in Miami, but there are sizable communities in other cities in Florida and in New York, Illinois, and California as well. The existence and size of the Cuban community in the United States is a result of both "push" and "pull" factors. The revolutionary government's inflexible attitude toward dissent, and its imperviousness to demands that dissenters make, probably constitute the greatest...

Examples of Diacritical Marks

Examples of Diacritical Marks In phonetics, a diacritical mark is a  glyph- or symbol- added to a letter that alters its sense, function, or pronunciation. It is also known as a diacritic or an accent mark. A  diacritical mark is a point, sign, or squiggle added or attached to a letter or character to indicate appropriate stress, special pronunciation, or unusual sounds not common in the Roman alphabet, according to  L. Kip  Wheeler, a professor at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee. Purpose While diacritical marks are more common in foreign languages, you do encounter them quite often in English. For example, diacritics are often used with  certain French loanwords,  words  that are imported into one  language  from another language. Cafà © and clichà ©Ã‚  are loanwords  from French that contain a diacritical mark called an acute accent, which helps indicate how the  final  e  is pronounced. Diacritical marks are used in dozens of other foreign languages, including  Afrikaans, Arabic, Hebrew,  Filipino, Finnish, Greek, Galician, Irish, Italian, Spanish, and Welsh. These marks can change not only the pronunciation but also the meaning of a word. One example in English is rà ©sumà © or resumà © versus resume. The first two terms are nouns that mean  curriculum vitae, while the second is a verb meaning to return to or begin again.   Diacritical Marks in English There are literally dozens of diacritical marks, but it is helpful to learn the basic diacritics in English, as well as their functions. Some of the marks and explanations are adapted from a  list of diacritical marks  created by Professor Wheeler. Diacritical Mark Purpose Examples Acute accent Used with certain French loanwords cafà ©, clichà © Apostrophe * Indicates possession or the omission of a letter children's, don't Cedilla Attached to the bottom of the letter c in French loanwords, indicating a soft c faà §ade Circumflex accent Indicates reduced primary stress à ©levtor à ´pertor Diaeresis or Umlaut Used with certain names and words as a guide to pronunciation Chloà «, Brontà «, coà ¶perate, naà ¯ve Grave accent Occasionally used in poetry to indicate that a normally silent vowel should be pronounced learnà ¨d Macron or Stress Mark A dictionary notation to signify "long" vowel sounds pÄ dÄ  for payday Tilde In Spanish loan words, the tilde indicates a /y/ sound added to a consonant. caà ±on or pià ±a colada Tilde In Portuguese loanwords, the tilde indicates nasalized vowels. So Paulo *Because marks of punctuation arent added to letters, theyre generally not regarded as diacritics. However, an exception is sometimes made for apostrophes. Examples of Diacritics Diacritical marks are plentiful in English-language articles and books. Writers and  lexicographers  have used the marks to great advantage over the years as these examples show: Acute accent:  Feluda handed over the blue  attachà © case  before he sat down.- Satyajit Ray, The Complete Adventures of Feluda Apostrophe: Lets go down to my house and have some more fun,  Nancy said. Mother wont let us, I said. Its too late now. Dont bother her, Nancy said.- William Faulkner, That Evening Sun Go Down. The American Mercury, 1931 Diaeresis  or Umlaut:  Five young activists were voted into office, bringing political validation to a youth-driven movement dismissed by establishment elders as naà ¯ve, unschooled, and untenable.- Youthquake. Time,   Oct. 6, 2016 Grave accent:  Margret stood in her chamber;Shed sewn a silken seam.She lookà ¨d east an she lookà ¨d west,An  she saw those woods grow green.Tam Lin, The Traditional Tunes of the Child Ballads Macron: neighbornoun  Ã‚  neigh ·bor   \ˈnÄ -bÉ™r\- Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed., 2009 Diacritics in Foreign Languages As noted, there are literally dozens of diacritical marks in foreign languages. Wheeler gives these examples: Swedish and Norse words may also use the circle marking above certain vowels (à ¥), and Czechoslovakian words may use the hacek  (ˆ), a wedge-shaped symbol to indicate a ch sound as in English chill. But unless you learn- or at least develop a proficiency- in those languages, you wont know how to read the words and letters altered by diacritical marks. You should, however, learn where these marks have become common in English- and where they have been dropped, notes  Shelley Townsend-Hudson in The Christian Writers Manual of Style. It can be tricky to know when to retain the diacritical marks, she says: The language is in flux. It is becoming more common, for example, to see the acute accent and diacritics being dropped from the words  clichà ©, cafà ©, and  naà ¯ve- thus,  cliche, cafe, and  naive. But dropping diacritical marks can change the meaning of a word. Townsend-Hudson argues that in many cases you should retain these crucial marks, particularly various accents, to ensure you are referring to the correct word, such as  pà ¢tà ©Ã‚  instead of  pate: The first use means  a spread of finely chopped or pureed seasoned meat, while the second refers the crown of the head- certainly a great difference in meaning. Diacritical marks are also important when you are referring to foreign place names, such as  So Paulo, Gà ¶ttingen, and  Cà ³rdoba  and personal names such as  Salvador Dalà ­, Molià ¨re, and  Karel ÄÅ'apek, she notes. Understanding diacritical marks is the key, then, to correctly identifying and even using many of the foreign words that have migrated into the English language.

The thesis statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The thesis statement - Essay Example Some of the factual content that the author uses to support the argument includes the mentioning of the fact that whales are able to discipline their children, play games, help wounded fellow whales and coordinate complex activities. The use of the fair minded yet purposeful tone makes the reader listen to the argument before making a judgment on it. Moreover, it makes the writing more compelling. One major weakness which is however evident in the text is that the argument on the intelligence of the creatures is not very much compelling. Parallelism has been greatly used by the author in the essay for a positive outcome. This is a technique that employs the use of grammatically similar components to be able to add balance and rhythm to sentence (Montgomery, Durant & Fabb, 2007). An example is the word whale that has been repeated in the beginning of most of the sentence to not only lay emphasis but also creates a

Opinion on economic issue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Opinion on economic issue - Essay Example In this context, in order to identify the potential causes of the rising rental inflation in the US, the study has relied on varied academic articles and business reports. In accordance with the viewpoint of Madigan, the average rent of the apartments had increased to 3.1% in the US market during the last year in comparison to the year 2012 (Madigan, â€Å"Why Rising Rents Haven’t Pumped Up Inflation†). On the other hand, Keely, Ark, Levanon, and Burbank, arguably claimed that the cost of housing property is decreasing in the US market in the recent days. In this regard, Keely, Ark, Levanon, and Burbank argued that the buying demand of the housing property has been dramatically reduced during the last few years in the US. Contextually, several economists have believed that rising price of food and energy has influenced the demand of real-estate in a negative manner (1-49). On the other hand, Madigan claimed that rising prices of medical services, education and communication services have indirectly affected the demand of the real-estate in the US marketplace (Madigan, â€Å"Why Rising Rents Haven’t Pumped Up Inflation†). Ho wever, Keely, Ark, Levanon, and Burbank arguably claimed that the rental demand on the US market has dramatically increased in the last few years (1-49). In this regard, it can be asserted that financial crisis and high rate of interest as well as the mortgage burden has affected the demand of the household buyers. On the contrary, it has influenced the tendency of renting residential, which has caused high inflation in the domestic market place (Madigan, â€Å"Why Rising Rents Haven’t Pumped Up Inflation†; Keely, Ark, Levanon, and Burbank 1-49). Based on the above discussion, it has been recognized that the cost of real-estate property has reduced in the US market due to high rate of interest. At the same time, it has been also recognized that 38.2% of the US population are associated with mortgage household property, which signify that the