Causes for adoption of Chinas early modern period trading policies Essay

Foundations for appropriation of Chinas early current period exchanging strategies - Essay Example So as to locate a plausible clarification, the investigation of the monetary history and the exchanging approaches of China the early current time frame are critical to build up a connection with the current exchanging arrangements of the nation and the reasons for reception of the equivalent. The financial history of China ranges in the course of the most recent two centuries. In spite of the fact that the Chinese economy was the biggest for a significant piece of the history comprising of the pre-royal, early majestic and the late supreme time, the abundance of the Chinese economy stayed normal because of the halfway times of thriving and destruction. The late supreme period has been alluded to as the early present day time frame that ranges from 1368-1911. This period was under the standard of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) trailed by the Qing tradition (1644-1911). Reasons for selection of China’s early present day time span exchanging approaches The breakdown of the primiti ve framework in China towards the finish of royal period prompted the ascent of shipper class in the early current time frame in China. The ascent of the trader class prompted the expansion in exchanging. The presentation of paper cash, innovative headways prompted far reaching financial exchanges and the expansion in exchange. The state’s power over the Chinese economy decreased and this permitted the trader class to draw in into higher size of interest in their enthusiasm to achieve higher benefits. The Ming line under Zhu Yuanzhang that governed from 1368-1644 in the early present day time frame in China is viewed as the most prosperous periods and one of the Golden time frames in the economy history of China. In the wake of driving the resistance to the Mongol guideline, Zhu Yuanzhang set up the Ming line in the early present day time frame that energized the development of private businesses and supplanted the state possessed ventures. The exchange arrangements received by the Ming line prompted the expansion in remote exchange upheld by privatization approaches. This prompted expanded exchanging between the East and the West. This brought about the development of Chinese economy and GDP because of the exchange arrangements that were received. Exchange contacts were grown at first with India and Africa with state guidelines. Gradually and step by step, the limitations on remote exchange were expelled. The Europeans, Japanese shippers began to pay for the Chinese products in return of silver which helped in adapting the Chinese economy (Stearns 68). The finish of the Ming administration saw the ascent of the Qing tradition towards the finish of the early present day time frame. The Qing line accepted that their nation is rich with assets and there was no need of outside exchange. This achieved staleness in the economy. After the fighting finished, the preclusion on outside exchange was lifted in 1684. This prompted monstrous increment in remote exch ange for the most part with the European nations. This exchange strategy prompted the improvement of the economy which thusly brought household requests up in the early current time frame. The success of the Chinese economy, the ascent in household request, increment in total national output saw in the early current time frame because of the exchange arrangements of expanding outside exchange upheld by privatization are the significant makes that drove the reception of those exchange approaches that won in the early present day time frame. End The plausible clarification for the reception of exchange arrangements of the early present day time of China has been the powerful dynamic of the administration to bring back the Golden days in the Chinese economy. After the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, the exchanging strategies have not been a lot of viable because of the over the top control of the state. So as to modernize the economy and bring supportable

Knowledge Management Foundations of IT Systems Essay

Information Management Foundations of IT Systems - Essay Example Moreover, this procedure draws in bringing together in a general sense upgraded business methodology, innovation arrangements and shared online business to complete advance for change improvements in operational efficiency and client assistance (The Knowledge Management Forum, 1996) and (Levinson, 2011). In addition, information the board offers proposals to unravel different difficult issues of corporate adjustment, proceeded with presence and ability against key irregular ecological change. On a very basic level, it epitomizes an authoritative strategy that searches for synergistic course of action of information and data preparing capacity of data advancements, and the roused and creative ability of individuals. Be that as it may, information the board is increasingly more worried about the reasonable usage as it isn't in the hypothetical portrayal however in certifiable execution wherein lie the most extreme chances and difficulties. Subsequently, all the situations in regards to information the executives must be comprehended inside the exact setting of unsurprising execution results and incentives that react the issues (Brint, 2011) and (Knowledge Management Gateway, 2011). Why Knowledge Management? Information the board is a wide-running assignment and key part of corporate exercises. Maybe at the current associations are keen on building up their private issue information the executives capabilities, to form into an increasingly productive player in the overall information money related framework, or transforming into a progressively reasonable information pioneer and information aggressive association (Knowledge Management Online, 2011). Furthermore, at the current information the executives is actualized over the globe, in all the sorts and industry districts, private and open associations and compassionate foundations just as universal causes. In this situation, proficient information the board is perceived to be an exceptionally basic method of new information and novel ‘ideas' to the innovation technique, to new creative items, administrations and arrangements. Nonetheless, information the executives, as a way, must assist association with achieving hierarchical objectives, or still go past their points and goals. Moreover, the possibility of information the board isn't to quickly transform into a progressively proficient association, anyway to be skilled to deliver, move and actualize information to achieve destinations (Knowledge Management Online, 2011). Executing Knowledge Management System An association that is enthusiasm for actualizing KM framework they should quickly take some of or the entirety of the underneath given strides of productive information the executives. Also, these means are sketched out as isolated strides, just as consecutively, anyway they at last require to be estimated as between related systems, as portion of an all encompassing procedure to information the board. In this situation, one sta rting advance is to quickly evaluate association or team’s headings just as ability for information the executives. I have layout beneath some significant strides of KM innovation application for any enterprise. In this way an association must follow these means for fruitful consummation and accomplishment of the venture: (Knowledge Management Online, 2011) Free KM Assessment Survey Knowledge Management Education Knowledge Management Consulting Knowledge Management Roles and Responsibilities Knowledge Management Processes, Methods and Tools Knowledge Competencies Knowledge Networks Knowledge

Travel Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Travel Industry - Essay Example Worldwide traffic is scheduled to develop at 6.1% during the following decade and is probably going to back off to 5.5% over the 2015-2025 period.1 NORTH AMERICA: North America remains the most develop and the biggest market regarding traffic volume. Since it is a full grown market the twenty years development gauges are lower than the world normal. Anyway the market was possess a significant position in view of the sizeable volume of traffic streams. Global travel possibilities are more encouraging than entomb provincial, hence the traveler armada size will augment to 7402 units in 2025 from its present size of 4133 units(in 2005).2 LATIN AMERICA AND CARRIBEAN: Agreement between Brazil, Argentinia, Chile and Peru takes into consideration a degree of fifth opportunity rights.ElSalvador, Guatemala, Hondauras and Nicaragua have drawn a stage nearer to a solitary Central American Aviation advertise with an understanding that calls for progressively loosened up customs and movement controls. Traffic development projections for Latin America, for the survey time frame are higher than the world normal at 5.3%.The yearly normal rate for bury territorial traffic is foreseen to be 6.1%.3 EUROPE:Inter local traffic inside Europe will remain the second most huge stream representing about 12% of the all out world's traffic inside that district. In 2005 Transatlantic burden factor stood near 83%.European traffic development estimate remains at 4.8% similarly the world yearly development rate. Worldwide traffic development is probably going to be vigorous. In this manner Europe's traveler armada will twofold by 2025.4 Europe-Asia Pacific traffic streams will increment at 6.0%, with Latin America at 6.0%.CIS and Europe traffic streams will hit a 6.6% development rate and a solid 7.3% with Middle East. CIS: International traffic streams from CIS will see a 6.8% expansion, barely over the world normal rate. Russia commands the flying business sector scene in CIS.In September 20005, over 88% of CIS accessible residential limit was with Russia. Key goals for worldwide travel will be-Asia Pacific, North America and Middle East and Latin America.5 AFRICA: Angola and Nigeria are progressively turning into a significant business goal, basically on account of the openness to normal assets like oil, gas and copper. India and China other than different countries have hit exchange associations with these African countries. In 2005, 100,000 Chinese vacationers visited Africa, multiplying the figure from 2004.Sub Saharan Africa is saw a 13% expansion in universal rush hour gridlock inflows in 2005 as against 5% in 2004.6 Center EAST: Dubai has move from the 26th to the tenth situation as a worldwide center in the course of the last decade.Globally, the course displaying the most elevated development as far as traffic volume is London-Dubai. Center East likewise has a topographical preferred position with a 8,000 nautical miles hover around it.Also, the advantage of having three rising economies (Russia, China, India) in its patio makes it a beneficial area. Global traffic development is foreseen to be 7.2% for the following ten years and 6.3% over the range of 2015-2025.7 Potential for New Markets. BRIC: Vast purchaser base and a steady high development rate. The rising economies in Asia with their huge populaces and light economies are relied upon to be the most encouraging

Tort law should not and could not be used to achieve distributive Essay

Tort law ought not and couldn't be utilized to accomplish distributive objectives - Essay Example Tort law can't accomplish distributive objectives and this endeavor would be ill-conceived, unwanted, ineffectual and non practical. For example tort law can't meet the dynamic redistribution of riches from rich to poor yet it is the other path round. Tort law can't propel the status of gatherings that are hindered in the public arena since from numerous points of view it runs low on reasonableness and that the reality is remuneration. Social reasonability and asset assignment is against the less social esteemed in the public arena rehearsing tort law. Tort law can't accomplish distributive objectives since it is brimming with lack of interest. It is flawed that oversights in tort law are frequently treated as bringing about less risk than acts. Treatment of exclusion is not the same as that of demonstrations hence tort law will be law of apathy as in Slovin v Wise (1996) 3 WLR 389. Duty regarding oversight is not as much as that for demonstrations regardless of whether harm was indistinguishable. It is contended that constraining duties regarding an individual particularly corresponding to commitment is the obligation of state. In Liability for oversight, a qualification is drawn between misfeasance where a gathering is careless and nonfeasance where a gathering does nothing by any stretch of the imagination. The general standard is that there is no risk for an exclusion (Slovin v Wise (1996) 3 WLR 389). In equity and rights, profound quality places a commitment on each person to spare life at whatever point it is conceivable. An individual viewing a little youngster suffocate in swallow water is ethically obliged to spare that kid. The law of oversight in tort gives a breathing space. Tort law is a law of fiscal remuneration and in instances of exclusion there is no money related case that outcomes from nonfeasance. In tort, the estimation of social equity can't be figured it out. For example, Party interceded during an episode that prompts injury is see as less capable if some outsider comes in and causes ensuing damage. Consideration is consequently moved from the careless demonstration of the litigant toward the prompt wrong exacted by the outsider. It is unfair to state that the first careless act represents the way that where injury to property is caused however flaw of another gathering the other party is subject to make up for the injury caused. It's implied that the culprit of indis creet act ought to be considered liable for wounds caused through there preposterous conduct. in Baker v Willoughy (1970) HL the court for the situation held that the obligation of the driver and person on foot with respect to watching out were extraordinary; arrangement of risk, 25% to walker and 75% to driver. After three years before a choice looking into the issue was made the inquirer was shot during outfitted burglary in the recently harmed drove. D despite everything needed to make full installment regardless of the happening injury on the grounds that the injury didn't ascend coincidentally or lamp condition. The realities of this case show obviously that tort law can't accomplish distributive objectives. For equity to win everybody should bear duty regarding their own demonstration. Criminal equity require a sentence toward the guilty party in equivalent measures to an inappropriate done. In the event that the guilty party will be a danger to general society, equity and pri vileges of people accommodate detainment. The result of tort law can be so eccentric and financially it might appear to be hard to quantify perpetual harms particularly those identified with wellbeing in money related terms. Furthermore, predictable outcomes

Muddy Waters Essays - Mississippi Blues Trail, Muddy Waters, Blues

Sloppy Waters Essays - Mississippi Blues Trail, Muddy Waters, Blues Sloppy Waters Sloppy Waters Blues as a work of art gave Blacks a medium to show their sentiments. Emotions running from clever to senseless to discouraged. Luckily for a whole kind of music, the just path for Mckinley Morganfield to communicate was through melody. Morganfield otherwise called Muddy Waters turned into an incredible blues vocalist/guitarist. When the Blues industry saw business achievement a considerable lot of its specialists additionally observed rising acclaim. Sloppy Waters delighted in achievement in the business up until and considerably after his demise in 1983. Morganfield was conceived April 4, 1915 to Ollie Morganfield and Bertha Jones. He was conceived in Rollingfork, Mississippi. Close to their two room shack in Rollingfork there was a rivulet, Deer Creek. As a youth he used to play in the stream and get all filthy and sloppy. It was now when his sisters gave him the epithet Muddy Waters. Bertha kicked the bucket when he was around three. After her demise he needed to move in with his grandma in Clarksdale. Brought up in Clarksdale, he likewise went to class there. He went to class until he was mature enough to work in the fields. Much like the entirety of the other field workers Muddy Waters hollered in the fields to pass time or just to move things out into the open. Waters would likewise instruct himself to play instruments. At the point when he was fifteen he realized how to play the harmonica and he would later show himself the guitar. The youthful Waters followed in his dads artist strides. He was a piece of a band at fifteen, with Scott Bowhandle on guitar and Sonny Simms playing the violin. They would play some Saturday evenings in downtown Clarksdale and others he would sell singed fish on evenings. What's more, different evenings he would watch the greats like Son House, Robert Johnson and Charlie Patton were extraordinary melodic effects on Waters. The fundamental effect on Waters was Son House, despite the fact that Waters style of play was progressively comparative to that of Robert Johnson. Sloppy Waters was first perceived by listening in on others' conversations. Alan Lomax of The Library of Congress went to Clarksdale to record Robert Johnson. Be that as it may, sadly, he discovered that Robert Johnson was dead and had been for a long time. The word on the road around then drove Lomax to Muddy Waters. Waters would record two tunes with them in 1941, far before he got renowned. His name would not arrive at family unit status until 1947 when he recorded his initially hit single, I cannot be fulfilled. Sloppy Waters style of blues was viewed as unpleasant and firm. It was not the same as the entirety of the other unreasonably cleaned for the South performers. Waters didnt have a sing-tune voice, yet a profound rough voice. Achievement was consistently expanding particularly since the expansion of musicians. The band praised his sound. Jimmy Rogers was on the guitar, and harmonica pro Little Walter. The band gave eminent sounds while the fantastic ole man played his guitar and sang. In spite of the fact that I tuned in to multiple choices there were two that hung out in my psyche; The Hoochie Coochie Man and Corine Corina. Waters declares his appearance furthermore, his quality as the hoochie coochie man. He needs to tell the world that he is here. Over a steady benchmark, he starts each refrain with a murmur and closing each stanza with a yell nearly. Adding such that says his coming and realize he is here. The following tune Corine Corina is quick paced and cheery. In a practically arguing voice he asks Corina for what valid reason she doesn't cherish him. He leaves Corina before the finish of the melody. This record has a mix of saxophones, a base and an extension with a harmonica. Neither of these melodies convey the normal contemplations of what a Blues tune should like. The most amazing part of the blues is that, through packed with a feeling of annihilation and despondency, they are not naturally cynical; their weight of misfortune and despairing is argumentatively reclaimed through sheer power of erotic nature into a nearly happy certification of life, of affection, of sex, of development, of expectation. Regardless of how oppressive was the American condition, the Negro never lost confidence in of questioned his profoundly endemic ability to live. All blues are a hearty, melodious authenticity accused of tight reasonableness. Sick never comprehend why the vast majority characterize the blues as a statement of misery as it were. - Richard Wright, meaning of blues Sloppy Waters is a legend. Not

Learning to Let Go

Learning to Let Go Everything Ive ever let go of has claw marks on it.  â€"David Foster Wallace A sunset is beautiful, but it lasts only so long. Once its over, its over. In time, perfection is tainted by lifes beautiful blemishes, and every perfectionist dies a thousand deaths. We often look at the things we enjoyâ€"the relationships, the experiences, the possessionsâ€"and we want to hold on to them forever. We expect that these things will continue to add the same value to our lives, day in and day out. But life does not work this way. Not everything that adds value today will add value tomorrow. This is particularly evident within our material possessions. Each time we purchase a sparkling new thingamabob, we bask in the light of its potential, excited by the initial value the new object brings to our lives. Over time, though, the value wanes, the glossy newness wears off, and our excitement abruptly dissipates. When that possession stops adding value, however, what do we do? Do we ask ourselves why? Do we donate it or sell it or question why we purchased it in the first place? Not usually. Often, once the dullness sets in, we let our effects gather dust or wither away in boxes in our basements, closets, and junk drawers. Out of sight, out of mind. And but then the only way to reclaim the missing value is to find another thingamajig that is shiny and exciting and new. This cycle is a dangerous downward spiral, a vortex of consumption in which were constantly looking for that next nugget of excitement, that next burst of euphoria, that cocaine high that doesnt last but a few feet past the cash register. Thankfully, there are at least two ways to break this vicious cycle. First, we must question our new purchases. Of course theres nothing inherently wrong with material possessions. Whats wrong is the idea that material possessions will bring lasting joy and contentment. They wont. Instead, we must ask, Will this thing add value to my life? and Is this thing still adding value to my life? This kind of intentional living, when done consistently, will form lasting, empowering habits. Second, we must be willing to let go. We should let go of superfluous excess in our lives, starting with the dusty belongings inhabiting every nook and cranny and dark corner of our homes, eventually moving on to the more difficult things no longer adding value to our lives: sentimental items, unnecessarily large homes, the American Dream, extra cars, shitty relationships. Ultimately, we must learn to let go. To do so, acceptance is the key. We neednt settle, but we all have a reality we must accept. As much as we might want to, well never be able to hold on to a sunset. Likewise, we cant retain every thing and still lead meaningful lives. Life is fulfilling only when we allow ourselves to let go, when we allow ourselves to be in the moment, when we allow ourselves to feel the moment. After all, this moment is lifes only true reality. Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.

MD/PhD Student Interview with Erik Reinertsen

I want to teach engineering to future clinicians, and teach medicine to engineers. Get ready to read about Erik Reinertsen, an MD/PhD student in Atlanta who is on the road to a future that combines his passions of medicine, engineering, helping people, and innovation. You can read about Erik’s MD/PhD journey in our interview below, as well as on his website/blog. Thank you Erik for sharing your story with us – we wish you loads of luck!   Accepted: Wed like to get to know you! Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? Whats your favorite non-school book? Erik: I was born in Korea, and grew up in Redondo Beach, CA. I studied Bioengineering with an option in Chemical Engineering at UCLA. My favorite non-school book is the Lean Startup by Eric Ries, which describes a method of shortening product development cycles by adopting a combination of business-hypothesis-driven experimentation, iterative product releases, and a concept called â€Å"validated learning.† Accepted: Where are you currently in school and what are studying? Erik: I am currently in the MD/PhD program at Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology. My PhD will be in biomedical engineering with a focus on quantitative neuroscience and devices. Accepted: What do you like best about Emory? Erik: I like our medical school building, it is fairly new and absolutely beautiful. Our faculty is also very friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to mentor us students. Accepted: If you could change one thing about the program, what would it be? Erik: If I could change one thing about the MSTP, I would replace the large multidisciplinary journal club with topic-specific conferences that focus more on clinical and translational work in an area we are actually interested in. Accepted: What do you plan on doing with your joint degree? Erik: With my joint degree, I would like to be a faculty member in both departments of a medical school and an engineering school. Of course, I want to take care of patients, and perform research that is motivated by their unmet clinical needs. I also want to teach engineering to future clinicians, and teach medicine to engineers. Finally, I am passionate about entrepreneurship. I believe many physicians have amazing ideas that will never become a reality because of constraints like academic hierarchy and an institutional mistrust of financial systems. I hope to rise to a position of leadership that will enable me to foster a culture of innovation and business management rigor at a major academic medical center. Accepted: Looking back, what was the most challenging phase of the application process so far? What steps did you take to overcome that challenge? Erik: The most challenging phase of the application process was dealing with the incredibly poor design of the AMCAS primary application. Entering coursework one item at a time is inefficient, and I hope future students can use a Google logon and import all coursework with a single click. But in all seriousness, writing three different essays for MD/PhD apps is difficult because you have to cover a lot of ground, craft a compelling story, and not make them all sound the same. I overcame this challenge with extensive editing and input from trusted mentors and friends. Accepted: Can you recommend a cozy spot to study on or near campus? Erik: I have moved in to the health science library because it is close to the parking lot and Rollins School of Public Health which has good food, but the main campus library is decent. I find the Starbucks too crowded and noisy to study. Do you want to be featured in Accepted.coms blog, Accepted Admissions Blog? If you want to share your med school journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at bloggers@accepted.com. Accepted.com ~ Helping You Write Your Best

Personal Philosophy Of Assessment A Middle School...

Janet Boothe EDUC 540 Personal Philosophy of Assessment As a Middle School Language Arts teacher, I have found that assessments are a daily part of our job. Everything that my students do in the classroom ultimately ends up being assessed in some sort of way. I must admit that it can at times be overwhelming for assessments to be such a huge part of our curriculum; I understand the necessity of each one. I haven’t always been focused as intently on assessments. I really didn’t consider the importance of assessments as much. As I gained experience and knowledge I realized that assessing my students provides me with information that makes my job more successful. I believe to effectively teach my students, I must understand and implement the right assessments properly. My assessment philosophy is that to be able to ensure our students are learning and that we are teaching the right way we must include proper assessment for validation. With that being said it is very important to use different forms of assessments to ga uge student performance. One of the outstanding features of studies of assessment in recent years has been the shift in the focus of attention, towards greater interest In the interactions between assessment and classroom learning and away from concentration on the properties of restricted forms of test which are only weakly linked to the learning experiences of students (Black 2015) This research supports the idea that assessmentsShow MoreRelatedIntroduction . Curriculum And Philosophy Have A Profound1102 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Curriculum and Philosophy have a profound effect on the students learning and school environment. It is important that teachers are aware of their philosophy and how their understanding of the curriculum impacts their pedagogy and student – teacher relationship (Ornstein Hunkins, 2017). This essay will explore my pedagogy and philosophy by analysing the curriculum and philosophy of Parkdale Secondary College. For the purpose of this assignment I will be focusing on the year 9 andRead MoreElementary School Essay1596 Words   |  7 PagesLafayette Mills Elementary School is located in Manalapan, New Jersey. Manalapan is an overall middle to high class town. Most of the students come from pretty wealthy households. Because many of these middle-class families are able to provide the children with necessities they need, the schools in the town are also able to provide the students with a great deal of supplies and technology. Lafayette Mills is located in a predominately white ne ighborhood. Therefore, the school is not as diverse as someRead MoreLearning Philosophy And Teaching Philosophy765 Words   |  4 Pagesexperiences is the foundation of my teaching philosophy. From daily exposure and continuous personal research I know that poverty means more than a lack of money; it means a lack of resources-financial, relational, neurological, social-emotional, experiential, and linguistic. It was from this list of necessary resources that I developed my teaching philosophy and the strategies to reinforce it. Currently, I collaboratively teach Pre-K with another teacher, two teacher assistants and 40 children. AboutRead MoreConstructivist Teachers And Teaching Philosophy1454 Words   |  6 PagesTeachers who have a constructivist basis for their philosophy of teaching and learning are seldom satisfied to use textbooks alone. Constructivists know that students must have motivation to search for meaning and create their own understanding of the world of ideas. When students want to know more about an idea, a topic, or an entire discipline, they put more cognitive energy into classroom investigations and discussions and study more on their own. There are five identified central tenets of constructivismRead MoreStudents Role in National Development9194 Words   |  37 Pages1 Preparing Teachers as Agents of Change The Wheaton College Teacher Education Program Conceptual Framework The Department of Education (the unit charged with teacher preparation) at Wheaton College envisions the teacher as an agent of change. This conceptualization of teaching has a spiritual and historical foundation as well as a theoretical framework. The role of teacher as an agent of change is tied closely to the college’s mission, â€Å"to produce whole and effective Christians to serve ChristRead MoreWhy I Am A Teacher1857 Words   |  8 Pagesyears old till the current day, as a Sophomore at Benedictine University, I have wanted to become a teacher. The four years of high school, Oswego High School, I truly become passionate to become a teacher. I took the necessary general education classes, and my elective classes learning about child development and early childhood education. Once I graduated high school, I felt confident to become a teacher, but I discovered that special education was what I truly wanted to do. From the first day or firstRead MoreThe Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia8901 Words   |  36 Pages Foreword Education, in general, gives people a knowledge of the world around us and changes it into something better. Also, the long-term economic, social and personal gains from education are proven – for individuals, families, communities and the development of a nation. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places great emphasis and importance on education, as it is the field that prepares future generations who are the nation s true fortune (Al-Mousa, 2010, p. 7). On the other hand, until the late nineteenthRead MorePhilosophy of Literacy Education3054 Words   |  13 PagesPersonal Philosophy of Literacy Education Throughout my first year as a middle school Language Arts teacher, I have developed a theoretical understanding of what I believe are the necessary components to providing a meaningful and generative environment in which students develop and expand literacy skills. The teaching of literacy needs to include a balance of reading, writing, speaking and listening activities, and needs to be a social endeavor that provides a variety of instructional strategiesRead More100 Essay Topics1545 Words   |  7 Pagest100 ESSAY AND JOURNAL TOPICS Ken Stewart Chapel Hill High School Chapel Hill, North Carolina Journal writing is an informal approach to developing students’ writing skills. The assessment is primarily based on improvement and completing a minimum number of pages (5 pages skipping lines) by the established deadline. My feedback to students is focused on interaction with what they have written as opposed to correcting syntax or orthography. Since this is a dialogue journal, I respect the confidentialRead MoreDual Language4991 Words   |  20 PagesDual Language Guadalupe Silva Lakeland College Table of Contents Abstract 2 Features of Dual Language Education Programs 4 Assessment and Accountability 6 Curriculum 6 Instruction 7 Staff Quality 10 Professional Development 12 Program Structure 14 Family and Community 16 Support and Resources 17 Conclusion 18 References 20 Abstract What is Dual language? Dual language is a form of bilingual

The Importance Of Mass Media - 713 Words

Media has been changing definetely since it’s inception; developing with new innovation and changing the way individuals see the world. Well before current types of media happened, individuals saw media through verbal connection and compositons like newsletters. Today, media is seen in many structures: TV, radio, cell phones, web, satellites, daily papers, and more. To comprehend broad communications totally, the concentration must move toward the real improvements in the advancement of mass media in the most recent century, America’s impact from the real improvements, the significance behind media union, and the suggestions towards regular daily existence. Mass Media Over the last 100 years, the development of broad communications†¦show more content†¦As white collar class people and families began to develop socially and fiscally there, leisurely intrigue topped. In the course of the most recent century, innovation has developed and caused a huge number of effects on American culture. The advancement of PDAs or Personal Data Assistance has expanded the reliance of innovation to the clients. As the movement of innovation presumes, it is fitting to see that soon, all shoppers will be exclusively subject to innovation, and will have practically zero worries on whatever else. In the nineteenth century, American culture was reformed with information, not at all like whatever other in which was found. Americans now had a lifted reason in innovation, this helps individuals, not just Americans, in the guide for mechanical purposes. Through trials and tribulation, American culture was an unmistakable must. Having the capacity to state this it has helped us accomplish enormity in life as opposed to impeding us is a remarkable fortune. What is the principal thing that Americans do when they get up in the morning, when they the, or when they are done with work? They check their phones. Right now correspondence and media have a solid hold over our regular day to day existences, we scan for answers in the media, hoping to shape assessments and find out about what on the planet is influencing us. Through the media we choose what places we will go, our political gatherings, what is in style, and numerous different things thatShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Mass Media1003 Words   |  5 PagesEveryone’s comprehension is different and unique in reality. When a person receives a message from mass media, he tells the message which is from mass media to another person. These two people understand what does this message means; however, they may have different comprehension of this message. People can think about each message and analyze a message in a different way because they have their own idea. For example, when people do a survey for a film, some people may think this film is very good;Read MoreImportance Of Mass Media As A Representation Of The First Amendment2774 Words   |  12 PagesImportance of mass media as a representation of the first amendment in Hillary Clinton’s current presidential campaign Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, born in October 26, 1947 is an American attorney, politician and a member of the Democratic Party. She is the wife of the 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton and she served as the First Lady of the united states from 1993 to 2001.Hillary Clinton was representing New York in the United States from 2001 to 2009.In 2008 election, she was theRead MoreNeed N Importance of Mass Media in Our Daily Life1377 Words   |  6 PagesMass media has become an integral part of our lives and can not be separated from our life. Particularly for the urban people, the need for information is more important than ever. Our values and way of life in the society in this information era are strongly influenced by the mass media like newspapers, TV, radio, video, and the internet. Mass media’s influence on people’s lives is even greater and deeper than many kinds of state indoctrination or priest’s sermons from the pulpit in the church Read Mor eNeed N Importance of Mass Media in Our Daily Life1386 Words   |  6 PagesMass media has become an integral part of our lives and can not be separated from our life. Particularly for the urban people, the need for information is more important than ever. Our values and way of life in the society in this information era are strongly influenced by the mass media like newspapers, TV, radio, video, and the internet. Mass media’s influence on people’s lives is even greater and deeper than many kinds of state indoctrination or priest’s sermons from the pulpit in the church Read MoreImpact of Media on the People of Pakistan1347 Words   |  6 PagesIn the late 20th Century, mass media could be classified into eight mass media industries: books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, radio, movies, television and the internet. With the explosion of digital communication technology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the question of what forms of media should be c lassified as mass media has become more prominent. For example, it is controversial whether to include cell phones, video games and computer games (such as MMORPGs) in the definitionRead MoreWhat is Mass Media?917 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is Mass Media? Mass media refers to the many ways that information reaches a large group of people. Sociologists study mass media to see its affects on socialization, social movement, and social power (Chegg, â€Å"Definition of Mass Media†). Examples of mass media: Television Radio Movies Newspaper Internet Importance of Mass Media in Society Mass media is important in society because it reflects the lives, roles, and interests of the people. The media creates the culture and these messages promoteRead MoreThe Theory And Magic Bullet Theory767 Words   |  4 PagesTo begin with, throughout the semester in Mass Communication Theory and Research we’ve discussed various research theories; however, the two theories that interest me were the agenda setting theory and magic bullet theory. I choose these two theories specifically because they both focused on how the media is the core and how it can immensely affect audience’s perception and behavior towards the media. First, The Agenda Setting Function of the Mass Media, it was first put forth by Maxwell McCombsRead MoreThe Importance of Sports to Mass Communication Essay772 Words   |  4 PagesThe Importance of Sports to Mass Communication Understanding of mass communication without attention to sport coverage is practically impossible. Through the mass media, millions and even billions of viewers, listeners and readers are brought into the experience of a great sports performance. The emotional power of sports performance enchanted by slow-motion video and musical sound track, can take you to breath away or bring tears to you eyes. There are a lot of massive spectacles like the SuperRead MoreMedia Coverage on Presidential Candidates 1194 Words   |  5 Pages Both campaign contributions and media coverage has significant power to determine the success of a presidential candidate, and each of them seems to be interconnected with each other. The media has the power of fast deliverance of information, reproducing to an audience of mass quantity, and ability to distort the candidates’ authenticity. Though it largely relies on the campaign contribution that gets the attention of the media. However, it is the media that is more important in determining theRead MoreThe Effects Of Media On Our Society Essay1007 Words   |  5 PagesInfluences of Media on our Society There is no doubt that the media influences us. To state some examples to prove this claim, try answering the questions that follow. Do you feel like attempting a stunt from a movie? Do you base your fashion on what you see the celebrities are wearing? Do you copy the hairstyle of your favorite famous personalities? Have you ever attempted to walk model-like in an attempt to imitate those ramp models in fashion shows? If you answered yes to any of these questions

Population And Immigration In Relation To The Job Market...

Population And Immigration In Relation To The Job Market The most important factor controlling the size, variety and unemployment in the labor force is that of population growth and decline. Baby Boom Generation: An interesting facet of the American job market has to do with a direct connection to W.W.II - the baby boom generation. (those born between 1947-57). A noticeable increase in enrollment in public and elementary schools grew steadily from 1964 and peaked at 46 million in 1971 due to this large group of children entering school. As they graduated or left school, the rate declined steadily for 13 years, but the rate again grew in 1984 when the children of those baby boomers, the baby boomlets, came of school age.†¦show more content†¦Besides the frightening concept of a growth in new workers is an equally alarming increase of experienced workers. It seems that retirement is being postponed longer and longer, and as this occurs more competition is the effect. Baby boomers are finding that they will not be able to retire because they cannot afford to. According to study done by the Rand Corp. a public-policy research group based in Santa Monica, California, those retiring or soo n planning on doing so have at the best done an adequate job of saving - and this is only true if considering Medicare, Social Security, and their private pensions continue to deliver at or near present levels. Rand also found that the total assets of the median households nearing retirement was at about $ 99,350. This alone is hardly enough to support a retired couple for three years given the current standard of living. Linked to this is the decrease in younger workers that can count on receiving company-paid pension benefits, since their employers are leaving their employees to take responsibility for their own retirement. (Louis S Richman, Why Baby Boomers Wont Be Able To Retire, Fortune September, 4 1995). So here you have a younger generation which is being denied job opportunities due to the elder generations resistance to retire because of the economy. Another problem which arises from this situation is thatShow MoreRelatedBritain Of The European Union1476 Words   |  6 Pagesand Europe. In truth, the issue is much more complex and multifaceted. Brexit must be looked at in terms of its socioeconomic consequences on immigration, the job market, and trade; and also its political effects on British sovereignty. It has been claimed through the last coalition government, and the Labour government before that, that 3-3.5 million jobs depend on Britain’s membership within the European Union. This estimate is based upon the assumption â€Å"that the share of UK employment linkedRead MoreHow Can America Become A Better Immigrant Nation?1245 Words   |  5 Pagesdeclining in recent years. Journalists are pointing out that one of the reasons why it got weaker is due to a failed immigration system and outdated policies towards illegal immigrants. For instance, Fareed Zakaria from Time magazine says, although America was once considered an example to many other immigrant nations, it is now falling behind some of them in terms of immigration-related matters (24). Simply put, it is no longer the best immigrant nation it used to be. However, indicators of beingRead MoreA Contemporary Analysis : Immigration And The Three Theoretical Paradigms1749 Words   |  7 PagesA Contemporary Analysis: I mmigration and the Three Theoretical Paradigms Chris Ek Salisbury University Abstract The three theoretical paradigms of liberalism, mercantilism, and Marxism all create different analyses of certain contemporary issues. Leaders in society today use the paradigms to help create opinions over economics, immigration, and other key subjects that world leaders are constantly debating. Although, the knowledge of the basic foundations of each theory is extremely importantRead MoreEssay about Immigration and Its Effect on the United States Economy1640 Words   |  7 PagesImmigration and Its Effect on the United States Economy The 1990s have brought the largest influx of immigrants into labor force of the United States of any decade in this nations history. A panel of social science scholars concluded their assessment of U.S. society with the observation that Americas biggest import is people and determined that at a time when attention is directed to the general decline in American exceptionalism, American immigration continues to flow at a rate unknownRead MoreWorkers Issues Regarding Illegality1394 Words   |  6 PagesImmigration law enforcement in the United States remains ambivalent even now. The population of illegal migrants continues to threaten that of U.S. citizens and legal immigrants despite the federal government’s efforts: stricter border security, increased penalties, and internet-based verification systems (Jost). The lack of reduction in their numbers has a major impact on the economy of America; it distorts conventional employment, distribution of wages and displacement of jobs in the labor marketRead MoreImmigration And Refugees Should Be Allowed For Enter United States Essay978 Words   |  4 Pages:Immigrants And Refugees Should Be Allowed To Enter United States Organization pattern: problem - solution. General purpose : The general purpose of my speech is to actuate my audience to support immigration. Specific purpose: The specific purpose of my speech is to motivate my audience to be in favor of immigration and refugees entering in the states. Primary Audience Outcomes : After my speech I want my audience to understand the problem faced by refugees and immigrants and the reason behind their leavingRead MoreAnalyse What You Percieve to Be the Key Demographic Features of British Society and Their Impact on Business1535 Words   |  7 Pagesbusinesses focus on is the population size and structure; this is mainly due to the large impact that these factors can have on the economy. In terms of population size, the British population is on the increase, though in recent years (1999-2007) the cause of this increase has been primarily because of immigration rather than because of an increase in birth rates. However whilst the population size is increasing, Britain has, what is referred to as an ‘ageing population’ as a result of the largestRead MoreThe Effects Of Immigration On The United States751 Words   |  4 Pagesnegative impact of immigration on the following three aspects: local market, wages and social stabi lity. However, some facts and research show the terrible effect is not significant to these parts. And immigrants also bring some benefits to local residents. A traditional viewpoint on immigration is that foreign population will have a terrible effect on native people to get fewer opportunities to find work. Some people believe immigration will bring a huge impact on local markets because their requirementsRead MoreThe Effects Of Immigration On The United States752 Words   |  4 Pagesnegative impact of immigration on the following three aspects: local market, wages and social stability. However, some facts and research show the terrible effect is not significant to these parts. And immigrants also bring some benefits to local residents. A traditional viewpoint on immigration is that foreign population will have a terrible effect on native people to get fewer opportunities to find work. Some people believe immigration will bring a huge impact on local markets because their requirementsRead MoreWhy Did Australian Officials Feel The Keep Sell? Australia During The Dp Camps Of Post War Europe?1580 Words   |  7 Pagesthe House of Representatives on the 2nd August 1945, Calwell announced a target increase in population of two percent of population per year, approximately 70 000 through immigration, to increase population density. Various Australian officials travelled to the Displaced Persons (DP) camps in Occupied Europe to ‘recruit’ possible migrants. However, there were various obstacles to increasing the population, including that Australia was not well known, and not attractive to DPs, as the distance was

A Worn Path By Eudora Welty - 1495 Words

In the short story â€Å"A Worn Path,† the author, Eudora Welty uses mythical, religious, and spiritual symbols as well as the setting to help the reader understand an old African-American woman’s life. Welty also uses the symbolism to represent the hardships old woman has faced during the old woman’s life. The old African-American woman’s name is Phoenix and is on a journey to town as the readers are taken on journey through her life. Welty also uses fine details and sentence structure in addition to the symbolism and setting to increase the understanding of her story or change the meaning an object. Welty uses to symbolism of two mythical creatures to represent a theme in short story, â€Å"A Worn Path.† During the walk Phoenix recounts seeing a two-headed snake (Welty 481). Snakes are used to symbolize a wide variety of ideas both in literature and mythology. For example the Quetzalcoatl is a feathered serpent which symbolizes rebirth for some myths of Ancient Mexico and Mesoamerica (Mursell). Just like the Ancients, Welty uses a snake to represent rebirth in her story as well but her’s is two-headed. Welty uses each head to symbolize one of Phoenix’s desires. The first head symbolizes Phoenix’s desire to hold on to objects or to habits like trip to town. While the second head represents Phoenix’s desire to be with her grandson. Since Phoenix has two different desires she cannot be reborn until those desires become one. Another mythical creature mentioned by Welty is the well-knownShow MoreRelatedA Worn Path By Eudora Welty Essay1702 Words   |  7 Pages A Worn Path Research Paper The introduction of historical figures, events, and documents sparked in the twentieth century. Documents such as, the Declaration of independence, Bill of Rights, United States Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address are some examples of historical documents. These documents carry such a heavy meaning that the blood and gore that were included are often ignored. Although when the Civil Rights movement is mentioned, there are judgments that are made and accusationsRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty1707 Words   |  7 PagesMichelle Andrews Dr. Goss ENGLISH 1102 9 February 2016 A Worn Path In the Eudora Welty’s ‘‘A Worn Path’’, there is a distinct description of characters that live in the era of segregation and the great depression. Because Welty is a native of the south, this story is based from the experiences during her life. Her struggles are relived in the characters of not just â€Å"A Worn Path† but also a lot of her other stories. She uses hidden messages in her stories and includes deep meaning in the simplestRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty944 Words   |  4 Pagesones you love? In â€Å"A Worn Path,† by Eudora Welty, the reader is taken on Phoenix Jackson’s, the main character’s, journey to the doctor’s office to obtain the medications needed for her ill grandson. Having to commute in such difficult conditions, Phoenix endures through the dense and tiresome woods, stretching from the countryside to the town. After persevering through the long journey to her destination, Phoenix arrive s at the building and receives the medication she needs. Welty concludes the storyRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty Essay1481 Words   |  6 PagesA Worn Path (1940) On an everyday basis people are encountering challenges that stand in their way of them achieving their set goals. However, with determination the vast majority will accomplish the mission they have set out to conquer. In the short story â€Å"A Worn Path† written by Eudora Welty in 1940, Phoenix Jackson, the main character has a mission in which she is trying to complete when she is faced with many challenges. This short story is centered on the challenges that are faced by an elderlyRead MoreEudora Welty a Worn Path12166 Words   |  49 PagesA Worn Path by Eudora Welty Copyright Notice  ©1998−2002;  ©2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design ® and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.  ©2007 eNotes.com LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution or information storageRead MoreEudora Welty a Worn Path12173 Words   |  49 PagesA Worn Path by Eudora Welty Copyright Notice  ©1998−2002;  ©2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design ® and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.  ©2007 eNotes.com LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution or information storageRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty879 Words   |  4 PagesIn the short story A Worn Path by Eudora Welty she focuses on the journey of an old woman heading into town. She uses ridiculous amounts of imagery which really make the story come to life. I believe this short story to be about a woman that has gotten so old, she has cataracts and it seems, the air of a wise woman. Speaking of wise women, it also shows that she really has grown up on this path- even in her old age, her stumbling blindness sh e knows the characters of these woods, and the ways inRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty1441 Words   |  6 Pagesargue that â€Å"A Worn Path† by Eudora Welty mirrors that of a slave narrative while at the same time illustrates the racism that blacks faced while on their journey to equality. Great descriptions are used to illustrate Phoenix Jackson. In the beginning, Welty states that Phoenix has her head tied in a red rag with a dark striped dress reaching down to her shoe tops and an equally long apron (274). Kevin Moberly notes in his article, â€Å"Toward the North Star: Eudora Welty s ‘A Worn Path’ and the SlaveRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty762 Words   |  4 PagesStrongest Will Survive Is it true that younger people in better health and conditions will always complete a task better than an older not so well fit person? In these two short stories â€Å"A Worn Path†, by Eudora Welty, and â€Å"To Build a Fire†, by Jack London, shows us how true that is. The protagonists in â€Å"A Worn Path† is named Phoenix Jackson who is an older black women living in Natchez, Mississippi in the 1930s. The protagonists is a man unnamed in â€Å"To Build a Fire† traveling in the Yukon. In both ofRead MoreA Worn Path By Eudora Welty1005 Words   |  5 Pagesracism because the path represents the slavery path when black folks escaped from their owners and most of all their hiding place so they wont find them . Also the woods represents they same symbols as the path because they ran through there in order to lose their own owners. In this story of â€Å"A Worn Path† is about a grown up woman who goes into town to get her grandson some medication. Phoenix risks her life by walking in the empty woods through path she already knows

Safe Drinking Water Free Essays

Issue: Safe Drinking Water When looking alot of the big issues within today’s environment I took great interest in safe drinking water. There is not that much of safe drinking water to efficiently hydrate every single person on the planet. Alot of third world countries, especially within Africa and Asia, have issues with their own water supplies being safe to drink. We will write a custom essay sample on Safe Drinking Water or any similar topic only for you Order Now Now if there is safe enough water, they may not be readily available or within a close area to where people are living. One of the reasons why safe drinking water is such a high concern has to deal with the pollution in the water and what the pollution causes. Research done by many organizations, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), have found out that over 75 percent of all diseases in developing countries arise from polluted drinking water. How and what are some of the solutions that are going to be taken into action? Many Organizations have taken the steps to working towards a solution and some even have already initiated their solutions. Some of the Organizations that have focused on the issues are: Global Water, EPA, TWAS, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Operation Safe Drinking Water. To start off, I am going to introduce to you Global Water. Global Water is an international, non-profit, humanitarian organization. This organization was founded in 1982 and their primary focus started with creating safe water supplies, sanitation facilities, and hygiene-related facilities for rural villagers in developing countries. This volunteer-based organization has quite a few successful projects utilizing water and sanitation as a tool to create sustainable socioeconomic development in the poor rural villages. The organization became pretty successful base on their â€Å"Technology Push† program. This program consisted of low-maintenance, state of the art, water equipment that would be used in the water, sanitation, and hygiene-related facilities. Not only were these devices low-maintenance, volunteer groups would reach out to the villagers and teach them how to use and maintain the devices. With this equipment the villages were able to access, purity, and distribute new sources of safe water. The water projects of Global Water have an immediate life-changing impact on the families of the villages. This Organization has been around for 25 years and has brought over 1. billion people safe drinking water and 769 million people sanitation facilities. This organization wasn’t always successful. The problems they had were not that many. The main issue was the size of the volunteer teams and the time and donations given. The speed of the process to reach such a number that they have today had taken over 2 decades to complete. Not nearly as fast as they wanted to do. If they were able to get larger teams and obtain more money, they could have saved more lives and put down for facilities for more poor communities. Next is the EPA. EPA, also known as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, passed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974. The SDWA is the main federal law that ensures the quality of Americans’ drinking water. Under this law, the EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the state water suppliers who implement those standards. This policy was set in 1974 to ensure Americans receive high quality drinking water every day from a public water system. The reason mainly for the policy set was to ensure the safety of the Americans health. There are over 160,000 public water systems, not including private systems, that provide the drinking water to almost all living Americans. There are a number of threats to drinking water in America due to the number of improperly disposed chemicals, animal wastes, pesticides, human wastes, and even wastes that have been injected deep underground. This policy controls any treatment use, chemical contaminants, underground injection control, and monitoring programs for all public water systems as well as some private water systems. Unfortunately this does not include some well water systems that very few individuals have. Now passing this policy was not cheap. It has been estimated over a 5 billion dollars has already been spent since 2003 on the SDWA. The US EPA has taken a infrastructure survey, released in 2001, estimating that drinking water systems will need to invest about 150 billion over a 20-year period to ensure the continued development, storage, treatment, and distribution of safe drinking water. When the estimate was set down, many did agree that it was a conservative low estimate. Now we are coming to TWAS. TWAS stands for Third World Academy of Sciences. TWAS is an international autonomous scientific organization dedicated to promoting scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development. TWAS was founded in Italy, 1983. Since 1986, TWAS has supported scientific research in over 100 countries through a variety of programs with more than 2000 eminent scientists world-wide. What the scientists of TWAS were looking into different ways of using and recycling water that we already have. Now what they discovered is not the lack of freshwater in rural areas, but the access to the fresh water. From there research, 77 percent of city and towns people have access to save drinking water, but only 17 percent of rural inhabitants have access in the Congo. Now this varies from one country to another, but all similar percentages for rural communities are still quite low. There were many solutions that had come about from TWAS, but some of the simple ones were for example, Pipeline water supplies. What I mean by that is innovative micro level methods to capture and harvest rainwater on rooftops, soak pits, and village ponds. Not only did this ease the water-shortage problems, but it was an efficient starting method to obtaining water and used water treatment pills to make the water safe to drink. Next is UNICEF. UNICEF stands for The United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save and improve children’s lives by providing clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, health care, and emergency relief. UNICEF works towards the day when zero children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. One of the solutions for safe drinking water that UNICEF has provided are simple plastic buckets and inexpensive water purification tablets that provide safe drinking water. Now this is just a temporary method versus some of the permanent ones. Alot of the challenges that were being faced for the UNICEF was mainly ways to build dams and other facilities on the rivers in remote communities. Unfortunately the lack funding came into play. The goal of UNICEF is to deliver over 15000 water buckets by this year and hoping to build water purification facilities in the remote communities. Last but not least, Operation Safe Drinking Water. Operation Safe Drinking Water is a small charity that has been working to install rain-catchment systems for school systems in south and central America. This is probably the least effective system without purification. But the main goal for the charity was to prevent the communities and especially the young students to stop drinking the polluted waters of streams or contaminated wells. Not only did the sickness drop over 50% for absent rates, fewer students have gotten sick or missed any classes. This is a newer all-volunteer group that has successfully helped over 50 schools with 500 or more students attending. This method is pretty effective only for preventing the drinking from the polluted streams and wells, but there is no purification system within the tanks that are provided. In conclusion, safe drinking water is probably one of the most important things within a humans life. It is a necessity. Without water, we cannot live. A human being can survive 3 days without water. Without safe water, a human being might only survive 3 days with some of the water sources that are only available to some. With the progression of the different Organizations around the world, more and more areas are being either treated or in the process to being treated so that third world countries as well as even first rate countries have safe drinking water. Organizations today estimate that within the next 30 years, we could have over 60% of the third world countries converted to safe, treated, drinking water. References Bass, J. (n. d. ). The Solution. Operation Safe Drinking Water. Retrieved November 13, 2012, from operationsafedrinkingwater. org/the-solution Kuepper, T. (n. d. ). Water Shortage, Drinking Water Crisis Solutions. Water Shortage, Drinking Water Crisis Solutions. Retrieved November 13, 2012, from http://www. globalwater. org/ Nybo, T. (n. d. ). Simple solutions to provide safe drinking water to remote communities in Haiti :: News from the Field :: Media Center :: U. S. Fund for UNICEF – UNICEF USA. Help Children :: Humanitarian Aid Emergency Relief :: U. S. Fund for UNICEF – UNICEF USA. Retrieved November 13, 2012, from http://www. unicefusa. org/news/news-from-the-field/simple-solutions-help-provide-water-in-remote-areas-in-haiti. html Rao, C. (n. d. ). Safe Drinking Water aâ‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬  TWAS Portal. Welcome to TWAS aâ‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬  TWAS Portal. Retrieved November 14, How to cite Safe Drinking Water, Essay examples

CONCEPTS OF FITNESS AND WELLNESS Essay Example For Students

CONCEPTS OF FITNESS AND WELLNESS Essay JOE EVERSONCONCEPTS OF FITNESS AND WELLNESS 11:00 TO 12:00 12/6/1998The dictionary definition of health is as follows: soundness of any living organism; vigor of body and mind; freedom of defect or disease. I am in good physical condition because I work out often. I also believe I am emotionally well balanced because I fell good about myself. However I am slacking a little bit in the intellectual wellness area because I dont have a very open mind. I have very good faith because I am a Christian. I have some very good friends, so I believe I am in good social well being. My definition of wellness and health, is living a good life and having good friends. One definition of physical fitness is the ability of the body to adapt to the demands of physical effort. Another definition could just be being in good shape. Yet another persons definition might be being skinny. There are five areas of health related fitness. The first is cardiorespiratory endurance, the second is muscular strength, the third is muscular endurance, next is flexibility, and last is body composition. I think physical fitness means being in good shape. Physical fitness can affect your everyday life because if youre in good shape you will be more active and do the stuff you like to do. I have good muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. I do lots of push-ups. I have a weight bench and I lift weights often. I do lots of stretching so I am pretty flexible. One of grandmothers has had cancer, but I dont smoke like she did. I have dark skin and no freckles. I do go in the sun a lot during the summer and get real tan. I am not overweight and I exercise often. I am 64 210 pounds. I believe I am in the recommended weight. My body fat percentage is twenty-three, which is over recommended body fat. My bmi is 23, which is in desirable range. For better cardiovascular health I need to eat more fruits and vegetables. I also dont need to worry so much about the little stuff so much. I should keep lifting weights because thats good for me, but I should also start jogging. Three exercises I could do that are good for my heart are jump roping, jogging, or going to some of my old wrestling team practices and wrestle around. Good foods to eat that help prevent cancer are citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, and dark yellow or red fruits or vegetables. You should also cut down on your fat and saturated fat intake. By eating right and exercising you can obtain a healthy level of body fat. A good exercise for the biceps are curls, and the triceps are multitriceps. Bench press is the most popular exercise for the pectorals. Back extensions are real good for the lower back. Sit-ups are the most popular exercise for the abs. The most popular exercise for the hamstrings is the squat, which also works out the quadriceps. The best exercise to isolate the gastrocnemius is the toe raise. When I work out I prefer free weights; I do three sets with eight reps each set. I lift about five days a week. Head turns and tilts, and towel stretch are two stretches for the upper body. Step stretch and sole stretch are two stretches for the lower body. I will need to eat lower fat foods and not eat so much junk food. I should eat more fruits and vegetables and plan out my meals better and my snacks. I am also going to begin to jog around my neighborhood. I will start to be more active and not lay around and watch TV all day. The SisterHood of the Traveling Pants Essay During this course I realized that I am not always going to be young, and eventually I will have to work really hard to stay in shape and be healthy. Thats what made me start to eat healthier and exercise more often. Hopefully I will stick to it and live a healthy life. .

Doris Lessings The Old Chief Mshlanga. free essay sample

A critical review of the short story: The Old Chief Mshlanga, by Doris Lessing. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss the story The Old Chief Mshlanga by Doris Lessing. It deals with issues such as what kind of dominance is sought, to what degree victims collaborate in their own destruction, the views of the oppressed and the oppressor. It concludes by exploring the kind of future that this work seem to predict. This short story is really an autobiographical work, discussing the authors experiences while living in the white dominated society of Rhodesia, in southern Africa. The main characters of the tale are the Jordan family, who seek to take over native lands, because they need them for white colonization. The family, just like all the colonists, seeks to dominate, and eventually eliminate the natives from the area. They do not care where they go, just as long as they leave, and leave the colonists alone. We will write a custom essay sample on Doris Lessings The Old Chief Mshlanga. or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Conflicts with the Jordan family perhaps incur and certainly expedite the re-settlement. A dispute over village goats that trample the Jordans farm ensues between Chief Mshlanga and Nkosikaas father after Mr. Jordan confiscates the goats (Hurley).

School Prayer Question Essays - Prayer, Spiritual Practice

School Prayer Question Contrary to the claims, students have the Constitutional right to pray in school, either individually or in informal groups so long as the prayer is not organized by the school. But if the students only knew what they were really doing by praying in school. II. First of all they are going against the Bible. As to quote, Matthew 6:5-6: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray..." So as you can see those who pray in places such as the cafeteria, middle of the hall or things of that nature is actually going against the bible. Now I am not saying that a person should not pray in schools, but they should do it just as the Bible says in a personal place. If a student can't find a personal place, and have an undesirable need to pray, they need to not make a big deal out of it. Praying as put in the Bible is a personal experience between that person and God. Not an event to be proclaimed up and down the hallway. III. Another problem there is with praying in schools is the fact that there are some students who don't believe in God. The purpose of a democracy is to have the majority decide but yet always respect the rights of the minority. Some administrators, teachers, parents, and most importantly, kids, just feel uncomfortable when it comes to religion. Several factors could be attributed to this problem, from too many religions and religious theories to religious pressure to lack thereof. But whatever the reason some people feel offended by seeing these students pray. They think that their rights are being infringed upon. Well in example, if a shirt some student is wearing offends a person they tell someone about being offended. Someone else is also offended and so they tell someone. These 2 people influenced by what they have heard tell more people. This chain reaction continues until that kind of shirt is not allowed in schools, in example Marilynn Manson shirts. The minority there is the students wanting to wear the shirts; the majority is the people offended by it. The majority spoke and the minority is told to fallow. But now it is the minority being offended no one cares to do anything about it. IV. The last problem I have are the advocates of school prayer say that without it there is moral decline, blaming the absence of school prayer for everything from low SAT scores to teenage pregnancy. But it just won't work. In fact, legislated school prayer would make things worse. For a school to require students to recite, for example, a Christian prayer would give Christianity a special status, implying that other religions are somehow inferior. One religion would be pitted against another, conflicts would arise, and intolerance would grow. The only palatable compromise in a directed public school prayer would be a watered-down prayer that would be meaningless to the deeply religious and an infringement on those who follow no religion. Some of our senators are trying to pass an amendment in have school prayer required. But the First Amendment begins "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." If we were to have this school wide required prayer we would be in essance establishing a religion. And even though what they are trying to pass is a constitutional amendment it goes against on of the main things our forefathers came here for. The First Amendment is one of the finest laws man has ever written. For over two hundred years, it continues to mean exactly what it was originally intended to mean: Religion and other fundamental rights should remain beyond the reach of majorities and governments, and certainly not subjected to the political whims of Congress. Bibliography "FAQ." Prayer in Schools. http://www.atheists.org/schoolhouse/faqs.prayer.html. Downloaded December 16, 1999 "Maryland teen walks out of Graduation over Prayer." Prayer in schools. http://www.freedomforum.org/religion/1999/5/28mdgradprayer.asp Downloaded December 16, 1999 "Smudge Report." Bible verse. http://www.smudgereport.com/longstories/prayer.html Downloaded December 16, 1999 "Bible Belivers should oppose school prayer." School Prayer. http://users.cnmnetwork.com/lotl2k/prayer.html Downloaded December 16, 1999 "The Bible and Public Prayer." Public Prayer. http://www.religioustolerance.org/prayer.htm. Downloaded December 16, 1999

Export promotion agency and the key programs offered to exporters

Export promotion agency and the key programs offered to exporters Introduction International marketing presents great challenge to most small businesses within specific countries. Such a challenge is attributed to improvement in technology which involves global use of digital mobile devices.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Export promotion agency and the key programs offered to exporters specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Looking for new markets and customers within those markets makes most businesses face some challenges. However, for the purposes of encouraging exports, various governments have extended their assistance to such small businesses in order to improve export sales of available products. The process is referred to as export promotion and undertaken by Trade Promotion Organization (Delaney, 2012, p. 1). The following are some of the most helpful programs to firms within the Unites States of America. Bilateral and multilateral program on Small Micro-enterprises (SMEs) Thi s program offers SMEs such benefits as reduced tariff rates, protection of intellectual property, business transparency and improved access to information amongst trading partners. The new online capability built by the Department of Commerce’s ITA (International Trade Agreement) is essential in helping SMEs, stakeholders and the general public in taking an advantage of the new available export opportunities (National Export Initiative, 2011). The launch of the â€Å"FTA tariff Tool† provides good opportunities for the small businesses and enables them to benefit from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) markets.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The use of the tool enables the businesses to perform fast, search for industrial products and also play an essential role in revealing individual product tariff rates for subsequent years. This is important to small manufacturers since they are able to plan ahead of time concerning entry into new export markets. Accessing market and sector reports has also been improved enabling a better identification of export opportunities (National Export Initiative, 2011). Provision of trade finance counselling Trade finance agencies have enabled easy access to credit by the small businesses through the expansion of the export credit programs. The new Express Insurance offered by the Ex-Im Bank has simplified the process of application. Additionally, Supply Chain Finance program has ensured convenient access to attractively priced credit. The counselling programs offered through TPCC agencies are crucial since they provide small businesses with appropriate knowledge on better management of working capital. Provision of timely information concerning trade finance gives the needed support and assurance to businesses, hence enabling them to structure their transactions in such a way, so they are capable of g ranting immediate sales (Kharas, 2010, pp. 10-35). Development and improvement of the supply chain infrastructure Means of transportation within the United States provides the very starting point of a very long global logistics chain. Participation in the global economy demands that products manufactured within a country come in the international market at affordable cost.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Export promotion agency and the key programs offered to exporters specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Currently, there is a deep consensus amongst exporters that the country’s transportation system has, to a greater extent, affected the ability of the businesses to access the global markets. Additionally, the presence of reliable and resilient supply chain infrastructure is critical to the promotion of sustained economic growth. This is since infrastructural development ensures improvement on speed and movement of export goods throughout the country and most importantly within the global marketplace (Istrate et al, 2010). Conclusion Export promotion and development are important aspects of the government due to its capability in reinforcing economic development goals for the countries involved (Delaney, 2012, p 1). The United States uses the aspect to offset market fluctuations, create jobs and at the same time use it as source of supporting national exports. The small businesses may find it difficult to connect with potential customers and companies worldwide. This provides opportunity for the government through various promotion agencies to assist in finding solutions and enhancement for their global competitiveness. References Delaney, L. (2012). Export Promotion and Development. Web.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Istrate, E. Rothwell, J. Katz, B. (2010). Export Nation: How U.S. Metros Lead National Export Growth and Boost Competitiveness. NY; Brookings Institution Kharas, H. (2010). The emerging Middle Class in Developing Countries. OECD Development Centre Working Papers, 285, 10-35 National Export Initiative. (2011).2011 National Export Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.export.gov/welcome

Language diversity and global media Research Proposal

Language diversity and global media - Research Proposal Example However, a major concern facing advertisers now is the possibility that historical criticisms directed at limited or stereotypical advertising content involving minorities (Westerman, 1989; Wilson and Guitierrez, 1995) may have created a negative atmosphere for these consumers to receive current multicultural marketing communication efforts. Similarly, as in-language media continues to grow, some have come to question the usefulness of general market English language media channels to reach consumers from ethnic minority groups (NCM.com, 2005). Although extensive research since the 1960s has generally acknowledged improvements in the portrayals of minorities in advertising, scholars and practitioners alike still suggest a need for more frequent and more positive portrayals, along with a broader range of roles and a greater degree of accuracy in the portrayals (Taylor and Bang, 1997). Some have suggested that ethnic media--that is, culturally relevant and/or in-language media--may be a better means for successfully reaching and representing ethnic minority consumers than general market English language media (Kalita, 2005; NCM.com, 2005; Yin, 2002) With increasing improvements of minority portrayals in general media and the development of ethnic media, one area that has been largely overlooked in the literature has been how ethnic minorities actually feel about portrayals of themselves in advertising (Green, 1999; Grier and Brumbaugh, 1999; Holland and Gentry, 1999). Attitudes such as these help form the media environment that in turn determines advertising message effectiveness. A meaningful research agenda relevant to today's media landscape should therefore be to find out (1) if ethnic minorities desire more representation and/or more accurate representation in the media and (2) if the historical criticisms have created a generally negative attitude among ethnic minority consumers and thus a difficult media environment within which a rejection of "mainstream" English language media outlets may exist. To address these issues, African and Latin Americans were selected as the focus of a study as they represent the largest ethn ic minority populations in the United States, and these groups have been receiving a significant amount of attention from marketers (Minority Markets Alert IX, 1997). Size, Growth Rates, And Purchasing Power Today, there are just over 281 million Americans in the United States and nearly one in four claims to have non-European ethnicities (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002). In some of the nation's largest cities (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta) more than half of the residents are nonwhites, and in some cases up to 70 percent of a large city's population consists of minorities. This demographic shift is predicted to continue with non-European ethnicities expected to exceed 50 percent of the U.S. population by the middle of this century (U.S. Census Bureau, 2002). Therefore, to ensure effective marketing communication, it is necessary that marketers understand all aspects of the various ethnic minority groups, ranging from their size and spending power to media use patterns and beliefs regarding marketing efforts. According to the

Strategic Plan of WalMart Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Plan of WalMart - Case Study Example Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is both a domestic enterprise, as well as a national discount retailer. They operate retail stores domestically in the US and various international markets. Wal-Mart operates on an "Every Day Low Price" philosophy because they are able to maintain their low price structure through complete expense control. With this philosophy they have proven to be extremely profitable domestically. Their primary task is buying from suppliers at a low cost and then reselling the goods to customers at a low price, to achieve their company philosophy of low prices and great customer service (Nelson Lichtenstein, 2006). Being in the retail industry, Wal-Mart can choose from many suppliers that provide its various stores with inventory, general buyers, and competition; including Kmart, Sears, Target, Costco discount stores also the local mom and pop stores in various neighborhoods. Wal-Mart is spread all over the Europe and this chain running successfully. But Wal-Mart in the city of Bentonville facing is some problems. Although it has many strengths but it has been facing many threats. Evaluating Wal-Marts situation in terms of the SWOT Analysis, where we will view where its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in terms of its place in the retail industry. Let’s look at what makes Wal-Mart such a dominant force and would break Wal-marts dominance both here and globally by analyzing its position in terms of the SWOT; let’s start by looking at the first part of the SWOT analysis which is the strength of the company. Strengths The strengths of their existing circulation patterns and linkages are good pedestrian orientation around the square and accessibility from other areas of the city. The buildings on the Square are built up to the sidewalk which enhance the pedestrian character. Several entries into downtown help reduce congestion. Also, the schools downtown are within walking distance of a large number of residential areas and walking to school is an option. The redevelopment of the square has provided a central place for community gatherings. The fountain, the confederate soldier statue, the benches, and traditional street lights add to downtown's identity. The statue is a part of the heritage and culture and has been stated as being "a conversational piece". The square is the center for several community activities, such as the Farmer's Market, Pickin' on the Square, and the Art Walk (Weldon Nicholson, 2006). The Wal-Mart General Office brings thousands of people downtown during the week. The Wal-Mart Visitors Center serves to bring people, (approximately 80,000 annually) especially tourists, downtown. Also, Wal-Mart Shareholder's Week provides an economic surge in the spring. Another economic strength is the presence of public services and facilities. The county and city administration offices, especially the courthouse and Bentonville being the county seat serve to anchor the downtown as a place to conduct business. Also, quasi-public businesses, such as Main Street Bentonville, the Chamber of Commerce and the Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission have all selected a downtown location. There are also several personal services that are beneficial to the downtown economy, such as the bank, grocery store, and dry cleaners. They serve area residents as well as the thousands of employees working downtown. Recent development activity has sparked an interest in development and location downtown. Two new brick two and three story buildings at SW A Street and SW 8th Street offer office, retail and residential space. The Bentonville Plaza, just south of the Wal-Mart Genera

Development and Future of the Apple iPod

Development and Future of the Apple iPod The iPod is perhaps the most talked about technological product in recent times. It has set sales records that have lave literally destroyed the predictions of all analysts by superseding everyone’s expectations. The interesting issues concerning this topic is how the iPod impacted not only the digital music electronics industry, but was also responsible for the turnaround of a company on the brink of bankruptcy. It is this very fact that makes the growth and life cycle of iPod an experience in itself and one that creates a sense of wonder at its success. But how did all this come about and just why did the iPod do so well? These are questions that we look to find answers towards whilst shedding light on the internal pressures faced by the parent company Apple. The paper takes the reader through the history of the parent company Apple and its declining fortunes until the introduction of the iPod. This revolutionary innovation then dictated the pace at which the organisation was able to turn itself around to become one of the more successful computer companies in the world today. The report also looks at how Apple as a company defines itself with the onset of the iPod boom – can it still call itself a computer company in the literal sense of the word or does it now see itself entering a diversified phase of business operations and hence, would need to re-think it’s overall business strategy and core competencies. The views of different writers expressed through the paper help in building an understanding of the pressures the company has undergone over the last decade and why it has taken the decisions that it has. The paper revolves around the growth of the iPod as the key driving force for all major business and technical decisions, it understand how it had to be re-modelled and adapted to the market needs and demands. The paper also paints the competitive landscape at different stages of the growth cycle and how this impacted or did not impact the iPod. Finally, the paper looks at the varying consumer tastes, the positives drawn from the product itself and what lies in store for the future of the product and the company. The methods used to create a deeper understanding of the iPod environment were through a variety of primary and secondary sources. Some of this is discussed in greater detail in different section of the paper. However, for the purpose of this report, the researcher took great care in trying to put together different pieces of work by various writers so as to be able to provide more holistic and all-encompassing view of the real scenario that surrounded the iPod boom. On a more generic note, most writers and experts within the industry agreed that the success of this product was unrivalled by others of its kind in recent times. Introduction Background Success stories always find their way to centre-stage. But what makes a journey even more interesting is when accompany that finds itself in some level of difficulty turns the tide and jump starts its engines to climb to the top of the success ladder. Apple’s is one such story. Whilst the problems that affect it lie in the background, the phenomenal success of its iPod has people fascinated. Marketing gurus swear by the growth of this innovative product that provided the perfect solution to a generation that was technologically familiar and defied competition to control every conceivable bit of the market that it entered – the digital music space, and made it its own. How and why is what we attempt to discover. History The history of the iPod dates back to the January of 2001. Apple had just introduced ‘iTunes’ – a programme that enabled Accusers to burn music off audio CD’s and convert them into music files on their computer systems as digital audio files. This provided users with the flexibility of creating libraries for their music files, clubbing favourite songs in order and in time to come, download them to portable devices. This natural extension saw the introduction of the iPod in the month of October 2001. Unlike other portable devices in the same range, the iPod was the first of its kind to store music files on a hard disk similar to a computer. Other devices used flash cards and detachable storage devices that could not hold as many bytes of data as the iPod did. Infect, the first few iPods had a 5GB storage space, which equated to the storage of approximately a 1000 songs. The question to be asked at this stage was if the software for writing music to the computer was developed keeping the iPod in mind? However, sources within the company maintain that the iPod was only conceptualised 6 months before its release date. Whatever the truth might be, the two scenarios complemented each other beautifully giving consumers the best of both worlds and a logical extension to the process of listening to music. In November 2001, the first iPods were shipped to waiting buyers and byte end of the year, 125,000 iPods had been sold for a price of $399.Within a year, other computer companies as well as large retailers were selling iPods as value-adds. Dell, Best Buy and Target were some of the more prominent names at this stage and had dedicated sites and sales teams pushing for iPod sales. By June 2003, Apple had managed to sell 1 million iPods, which could download music from both Macs as well as PCs. Interestingly, by the end of 2003, one of its largest resellers Dell; had decided not to sell anymore iPods and instead launch its own version of the iPod called the DJ(Digital Jukebox). In order to download songs from the Internet, Dell partnered with a company called Music Match that offered that service. By mid-2004, 6 months after it hit the 1 million mark, Apple crossed the 2 million mark in iPod sales but the peripheral market was just getting warmed up to the portable devices segment. In addition to thud by Dell, HP announced that it was repackaging the 4G iPod and selling it as a PC friendly device. Motorola launched its next generation phones that would be iTunes compatible. In one of the more recent statistics of the iPod wave collated in October 2004, there were some interesting findings. Apple held 82 per cent of the digital market across all music players and 92 per cent of all hard-disk based music players. The nearest competitor to the iPod was the device launched by Creative. They had a 3.7 per cent market share. In addition, 2 million iPods are being sold every 3 months. The music industry too has gained immensely through these sales. The total number of downloads have been clocked at a 150 million which equates to 4 million per week. The latest iPod has a mechanism that enables the storage of digital photographs as well as music. Today, Apple figures have registered total of 6 million iPod sales. That’s a fascinating growth path, which would make any marketing professional envious of replicating that kind of success. On careful consideration though, it took very long for iPod to really drive its sales figures to the kind that it was able to achieve in the years 2003 and 2004. Until then, the figures were good, but not something to write home about. The turning point for Apple came with the introduction of the third generation iPods. This is apparent since it took almost 2 years for iPod to register its first million in sales and soon after the launch of the 3G iPod in Tokyo less than 6months later; Apple was able to register its second million in iPod sales. Interestingly, the sales figures recorded over the 3-year period were averse to any form of competition from companies such as Creative, Dell, river etc. They sold cheaper products but not for a moment, did they encroach upon the market share that was and is still monopolised by iPod. Apple has also utilised an aggressive marketing strategy towrope in different age groups by using the draw of celebrities and song choices. For instance, in late October 2004, Apple unveiled what was called the U2 iPod. Apple conducted a promotion exercise in sync with the release of U2’s song – Vertigo. The new iPod was designed with black casing, a red wheel and a back cover that had the engravings ofU2 with the band signatures. It is little things such as these that have made the iPod such a role model for marketing strategists. The unique blend of having a great product and infusing the right level of awareness and visibility to sell it to the masses. In the chart below, the growth path of the iPod from its inception, to the end of 2004shows how sales surged in 2003 after the release of the 3G iPods as mentioned earlier. Not to mention, as the iPod sales soared, so did the number of downloads for music. Initially, the software iTunes needed tube bought in order to write songs from audio CD’s to the computer, following which they could be downloaded to the iPod. In 2003, Apple introduced an online music store that enabled iPod users to download music directly from the Internet. This worked in 2 ways – it provided users with an increase in choice of music that they would like to have downloaded as well as simplified the procurement of iTunes. No more dada user have to buy a software, install it onto the computer and then use it to burn music off a CD and finally onto the hard disk of the iPod. Simplifying this process for millions of users had its positives as can be seen from the graph above. The first big jump in sales was in October 2003 when the PC version of the music store went live. This enabled far more users to be able to download songs onto their computers and diluted the monopoly of Accusers. 2 months later, in December 2003, following a lot of media hype and attention being given to the iPod and a corresponding increase in Christmas sales, more and more people began downloading songs from iTunes. And in between July 2004 and October 2004, Apple registered growth of song sales from a 100 million to a 150 million. (http://www.ipodlounge.com/articles_more.php?id=4280_0_8_0_M) It must be noted that in many instances within the paper, the use of iPod and Apple is synonymous. After much deliberation, the researcher decided that it was important to approach the paper from the perspective of the parent company Apple. Any impact that the environment would have on Apple would be reflective in the iPod strategy. At the same time, in circumstances that would affect the company both positively and negatively, would subsequent effect the iPod and vice-versa. Aims and Objectives The aim of this paper is to understand the growth of the iPod through the years. It all began in the year 2001 and it has been a short journey to success. But how long will this be able to continue, what is the future for the product, how will it fend off competition and how will it impact Apple in the longer run. We all know that it has been apathy-breaking journey for Apple as it picks itself up from the doldrums of declining computer sales with its innovative invention that saw it spring back into the limelight. It is also the endeavour of this paper to highlight how important an impact the iPod has had on Apple alone and why can’t other company’s model the same success story. Literature Review The Success of the iPod According to Haddad, Charles (2002),the iPod is one of the most revolutionary products to hit the computer and electronics market place. He believes that the only way forward for Apple is to diversify its product range and move from being a niche computer manufacturer to providing technology that understands the gap between technology and entertainment. He quotes how the market share for Apple in 2002 had remained at 3 per cent for a number of years. In order to move it from there, it was imperative that they looked beyond the computer industry since it was reaching a saturation point in most developed markets and the level of competition from across the globe was making it extremely difficult for large computer manufacturers to survive. Digital handheld music players were a growing market in 2002. There were few players in the market place and industry experts such as ID Chad stated that demand would grow by 74 per cent over the next 3 years. In retrospect, they weren’t right – but only because the demand has recorded triple digit growth since 2002. In addition, the anticipated sales for 2002 were pegged at 12 million units of all kinds of portable digital music devices. Haddad brings up an important point about how the level of competition within the digital handheld music products industry was still at a minimalistic stage in comparison to other industries where companies such as Microsoft and Intel who had taken over the PC market. He believed that the next generation of buyers were more interested in a product that was different, satisfied their requirements and at the same time, was ‘cool’ and suave to have. Especially in the case of handheld devices where consumers would cart it around with them, this need for trendy and sophisticated gadgets was of the utmost importance. At the time of writing his article, Haddad had researched the iPod when music files were downloadable only from a Mac. The iPod sales were still consistent and looking positive during that stage but Apple had not introduced downloading files onto PC’s at that stage. Once that happened, iPod sales grew dramatically. The iPod was never intended to lift the flailing computer business of the parent company but overtime, Haddad statements would hold good, as the iPod would grow to become one of the most successful products ever launched by a computer company. (Haddad, Charles, iPod, You Pod, Will We All Pod? Business Week Online; 7/3/2002) Teething problems with Strategy? With the degree of success that the iPod has seen over the years, there have been few instances that writers have been able to find a chink in the armour of this hugely successful product. One such writer is Salk ever, Alex (2004). In the first of his articles – ‘Apple’s slow boat to China’, he discusses how the Chinese economy is one of the most lucrative investment decisions for businesses the world over and how Apple has failed to take advantage of this huge opportunity. He begins by using the views of consultants who have worked within the Chinese market place for decades now and seen it evolve over the years. He quotes Merrill Weingrod who works with a marketing consultancy – China Strategies. When Salk ever asks Weingrod how lucrative the Chinese market is for product such as the iPod, he answers saying that the market potential for men’s electric shavers is $300 million annually. Weingrod believed that the Chinese have the buying power to spend $200 to $250 on luxury shavers today which are not a necessity by any standing. This was just an indication of their mind-sets and how much they were willing to spend and for what. He reiterates this by stating that the Chinese population measures 300 million in terms of the number of cell phone subscribers across the country. They pay an average of $200 for their handsets and connectivity. In addition, the average Chinese employee earns far less than his / her American counterpart and yet, he / she is willing to pay larger proportion of their salary towards buying luxury goods. This equates to the buying potential and eagerness amongst the population and above all – a prospective consumer. One who is constantly on the lookout for the infusion of luxury goods into the market so that he /she can go ahead and purchase it, provided there is a need of course. In addition, the Chinese economy is the fastest growing economy in the world with its GDP growth rate pegged at 9 per cent annually. It has one of the largest middle-class societies in the world with disposable income that is growing as fast as their growth rate. With every factor in the book of marketing pointing towards the Chinese market, Salk ever is dismayed at Apple’s strategy to stay out of this market and not undertake an aggressive marketing strategy that would tap it’s he potential. The only real steps that Apple has taken towards entering this economy is to ensure that iTunes Music software is downloaded onto every Manufactured by China’s second largest computer manufacturer – Founder Technology. It is an ironical decision considering the consumer who would purchase the machine would have little access to the iPod on which he could have downloaded his / her music. Besides this decision with the Chinese industry, Apple hasn’t taken any more steps towards making any investment decisions in this region. There was one instance when they almost toyed with the idea of opening an iTunes Music Store but then retracted any steps made in that direction. The figures that Salk ever quotes are astounding to the reader. According to him, at least .3 present of the population of China has disposable income that equates to that of an individual in the US who would earn approximately $25000 to $30000 annually. That figure translates to approximately 60 million people today and will grow to 3to 4 times that number over the next decade. With the increasing middleclass and the ability to buy products that others around the world can afford, very soon the Chinese middle class would equal the entire population of the United States. So what do the Chinese see these new gadgets in the market place as? According to market analysts Bryan Mama company that tracks the buying of cell phones in Asia, but based in Singapore, the number of cell phones that are replaced are astounding. The Chinese people like to replace their cell phones 6 to 12 months earlier than consumers in North America and Western Europe. Gadgets are seen as a status symbol of sorts. Owning the latest models makes individuals feel like they are popular and wanted, according to the company. Chinese consumers also tend to go for gadgets that are sleek, suave and trendy. According to Salk ever those are the kinds of words that would define the iPod but they don’t find any place in the market. He tries to look at the picture from Apple’s perspective. As a company, Apple’s strategy is to consolidate and preserve its position in the markets that it is strong in. In the bargain, it would not look to invest in new markets such as China. In fact, Apple has a miniscule presence across the entire length and breadth of Asia. If Japan is taken out of the equation, Apple draws less than 10 per cent of total sales from this region. Naturally, it is not an area of too much interest for the moment. Whilst Apple takes a back seat to proceedings in this region, competition in the form of Sony, Motorola and Creative have made inroads into the Chinese market. As an example, Motorola entered the Chinese handset market early and in the first quarter of2004, it was proud to declare that it has achieved a market share of 40per cent. It had the first mover’s advantage introducing a technology that few others were brave enough to take into this country many years back and today it has paid off. The Chinese market is known for its penetration problems. The researcher agrees with the insights that Salk ever has provided into this untapped region and understand the problems that Apple faces in the future lest it not take steps in this direction. The level of investment required at a later date where the market is abuzz with competition would be significantly higher. It makes completes sense for companies to invest in C hina at this stage and there is no reason why Apple should not be one of them. (Salk ever, Alex, Business Week Online; 7/22/2004) In another article by Salk ever albeit on a different issue, he adopts similar stand on the problems that will plague Apple. In his article, ‘iPod: Leader, but Not Ruler’, he states that the sales figures by Apple are either over-exaggerated or are inaccurate since there isn’t enough evidence that the data being collated is validated. Apparently, data in countries in Latin America, India, South Korea, Eastern European Taiwan are difficult to validate and not easy to obtain. There are also other areas across Asia, including China where data retrieval and collation is not as accurate as it is made out to be. So when Apple boasts of global sales and achieving market shares across the world in excess of 50 per cent across the electronic market (MP3 players), they may very well be over the top. To evidence his findings, Salk ever looks at the various methods that companies use to collate market data that can be passed onto consumers and other business prospects. On one hand, they can utilise the services of US market research companies such as the NPD group that solely dedicates its efforts to the US retail economy. On the other hand, companies such as Apple can resort to asking OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and component manufacturers how many pieces they are taking to the market place. Whatever may the case be, according to Salk ever, Apple doesn’t quite have accurate information omits global market share. He confirms that Apple is certainly a global leader but not dominant. This could have been a very interesting report but the only flaw with his research is that he fails to document enough evidence either through statistics or through credible sources that can allow him to judge with some level of certainty that Apple’s iPods are infect facing tough times ahead. To be fair to Salk ever though, he does introduce the subject of the growing competition of iPods outside the borders of the US from Asian electronics companies. In the coming years, cheaper labour costs of the Asian companies will allow them to create inexpensive models of the iPod and compete on price aggressively. In addition, Salk ever states that the Asian consumers who are growing to the largest consumers of entertainment products, prefer smaller sized iPods. This is not in sync with Apple’s strategy since they plan to introduce larger and heavier models of the iPod in the coming few months. And even if iPod does take the cue and invests in smaller models in time, it would have lost outing comparison to other digital music manufacturers. But Salk ever does summarise his studies by admitting the dominance of iPod within the digital market place, yet cautions against rising competition and price sensitive market in the near future. (Salk ever, Alex (2004) Business Week On line; 5/27/2004) Curzon (2005) has an equally interesting point of view. He believes that the iPod boom would not be able to sustain the success that it has experienced for much longer. His rationale is based around stock prices and other statistics that he discovers about Apple which point towards changing tide in the coming years. Curzon promotes the concept that Apple as a company is on the decline once again and encourages people to sell their shares now since they would lose money in the coming few months lest they hang onto them. He begins by mentioning the usual success stories of the company – the last 2 years have seen iPod sales rise more than twenty times from 219,000 units towards the end of 2002 to over 4 million units at the end of last year. In fact, Lehman Brothers had initially projected iPod sales to be approximately 3million units at the end of 2004. They had to revise their figures closer to the end of the year and pegged it again at 4 million units for the year 2004. Apple on the other hand clocked 4.5 million units for the year ending 2004, ahead of anybody’s expectations. Another indication of the progressive rate of success is how the number of downloads from the iTunes rose from 50 million to 200 million. Finally, the biggest turnaround statistic lies in how the company almost went bankrupt after the dotcom era a decade ago and last year, recorded sales figures in excess of $3 billion with no debt on their financial statements. What makes very interesting reading is how Ken Curzon describes the decline in the demand of iPods and correspondingly, with the parent company as well. He states that after the Christmas rush for buying iPods, in all probability consumers will not be willing to spend as much money on it. As he puts it – â€Å"Holiday shoppers are more enthusiastic about higher prices, but once the holiday season ends, they usually don’t like to spend money on products that are priced at a premium†. In keeping with the same, Curzon predicts that in the first few months of 2005, the rate at which consumers buy iPods would drop gradually at first and then, more drastically later in the year. Lehman Brothers too have declared that they expect a 14 per cent drop in sales figures over the course of the year. In another case, Curzon talks about how on one hand, the sales of iPods have certainly been increasing in conjunction with an increase in market share, but the parent company Apple has seen a decline in its market share from 2 per cent to 1.9 per cent. The ‘Apple Stores’ are an over-riding success because of the iPod and its driving consumers tithe stores. But although the number of footfalls across these stores has doubled, the number of consumers buying Apple PC’s has remained constant. Additionally, Apple’s revenue figures in comparison to other computer companies are very average. For a company that is on the biggest ride of its business life, it records a growth rate of 33 present in comparison to HP’s 29 per cent. And what makes this look more dismal according to Curzon is that the operating margins for the previous year were declared at 3.94 per cent. This was far lower in comparison to HP’s 5.2 per cent and Dell’s 8.56 per cent. (Curzon, Ken, Esquire; Mar 2005, Vol. 143 Issue 3, p112) Somehow, Curzon does shed light on certain statistics that project Apple’s performance in a questionable light but on closer observation, it appears that the facts have been manipulated to project a negative perspective to the progress of Apple. The researcher believes this tube the case since there are many individuals who constantly try and influence the market forces through published writing such as this to ultimately try and manipulate the performance of the stocks. For every negative statement that Curzon was able to highlight, there appears tube an equally positive explanation for the same. For instance, decline in market share by .1 per cent is not necessarily a negative impact on the company. It depends on the marketing strategy of the company – is it trying to move out of certain markets and invest in others. Additionally, in saturated market places such as the US, any form of product diversification would have an impact on the market share as well. So there are considerations that need to be taken before any conclusions can be made. At the same time, the researcher believed it important to include Curzon’s work since it was one of the most recent articles on the iPod that sounded warning bells and tries to get the reader to see the success story from a different perspective. So where exactly is Apple headed towards now? According to Murphy(2004), a significant contribution of Apple’s success can be attributed to the iPod and hence, any future success parameters would also be defined by the iPod. The competition amongst the computer industry is very intense with players such as Microsoft for software, Dell, HP undim for hardware and a host of other system integrators and competitive channel partners. Due to a diminishing market share as mentioned earlier of under 2 per cent, the total business worth of the company has fallen to half that of its sales revenue. The only light in this dark tunnel is the fact that the stock price at Apple has almost doubled over the past 2 years. But can the parent company depend on single product offering and expect to piggyback ride it all the way tithe bank? It’s not possible says Murphy. There will come a time in the near future when sales of iPods begin to decline, competitive forces take over with lower priced products and existing markets begin to get saturated. Some of these products would come from companies such as HP,Dell, Sony, Creative, Gateway and Rio, each offering a product that is significantly cheaper and has greater memory storage in comparison tithe iPod. For instance, Creative has launched a new product that also has a longer battery life and also has white earplugs similar to those of Apple, taking a leaf out of Apple’s trendy design. At the same time, it has been seen that consumers have complained about the lack of availability of iPods in the stores. And to make matters worse, Apple hasn’t been able to confirm a deadline by when they would be made available. Times will change gradually. As Murphy mentions – the pricing of the iPods over time will fall significantly and Apple would need to sell more and more iPods just to maintain the revenue figures. For instance, there is an assumption based on pricing that Apple would need to sell at least 20 per cent more iPods in the coming year to be able to sustain the same level of growth over the year. This should not be a problem currently considering growth is predicted to rise to 70 per cent but in time, this could certainly become an issue. If looked at differently, Murphy argues that falling prices of products are fine as long as business efficiencies were rising. 4 years ago, when the sales figures of Apple were 4 per cent higher than they are today, the operating profits of the company were at 9 per cent of total sales. Today, that figure has come down to 3 per cent. In addition, the number of employees added over the past 4 years has gone up by 32 per cent and the sale per employee has significantly decreased from $930,000 to$674,000. For apple to be able to sustain its growth and maintain a leading position in the market place, it cannot depend wholly on the iPod revolution. Its notebooks and desktop products account for 64 per cent of its current sales as a company. But except for the month of June that recorded a 14 per cent increase in revenues, the rest of the year remained much the same in terms of sales. This is worrying for Apple since it doesn’t have too many back up measures to fall on should they land in trouble. To tackle some of this problem, Apple had introduced a series of Apple stores across the US, UK and parts of Western Europe. These stores hosted the latest introductions by the company including all models of the iPod and its peripherals. The rationale lay in ensuring that consumers would walk into these stores with the excuse of looking at the iPods and at the same time, browse around and take look at the range of other Apple products as well. Unfortunately though, this move didn’t bring in the kind of sales that Apple management had predicted. When Apple was asked about this stagnancy that was creeping into their product lines, they said that 50 per cent of all buyers at their new stores that they have introduced are new consumers and they propose to build relationships through their product quality and peripherals and increase their market share of repeat buyers. Interestingly, Murphy is one of the only writers on this subject who believes that the main fault of Apple’s moderate performance lies with its CEO Steve Jobs. Over the course of its business history, Apple has always ensured that its software configures only with its hardware and no others. For instance, the Mac operating system can only be run on Mac computers. In comparison, the Windows Operating systems can be used on a variety of different hardware systems making it a more universally accepted operating system. The time for niche solutions in not the way forward. Apple must realise that the money lies in the numbers and they can in no way get to those numbers by limiting access to their software. It really is a Catch-22 situation for them. In much the same way, the iPod can only play music that has been downloaded from iTunes. What happens when the iTunes faces intense competition from other music download software companies in the near future? Are we saying that the iPod would only have limited access to music and perhaps, not the entire range of mus Development and Future of the Apple iPod Development and Future of the Apple iPod The iPod is perhaps the most talked about technological product in recent times. It has set sales records that have lave literally destroyed the predictions of all analysts by superseding everyone’s expectations. The interesting issues concerning this topic is how the iPod impacted not only the digital music electronics industry, but was also responsible for the turnaround of a company on the brink of bankruptcy. It is this very fact that makes the growth and life cycle of iPod an experience in itself and one that creates a sense of wonder at its success. But how did all this come about and just why did the iPod do so well? These are questions that we look to find answers towards whilst shedding light on the internal pressures faced by the parent company Apple. The paper takes the reader through the history of the parent company Apple and its declining fortunes until the introduction of the iPod. This revolutionary innovation then dictated the pace at which the organisation was able to turn itself around to become one of the more successful computer companies in the world today. The report also looks at how Apple as a company defines itself with the onset of the iPod boom – can it still call itself a computer company in the literal sense of the word or does it now see itself entering a diversified phase of business operations and hence, would need to re-think it’s overall business strategy and core competencies. The views of different writers expressed through the paper help in building an understanding of the pressures the company has undergone over the last decade and why it has taken the decisions that it has. The paper revolves around the growth of the iPod as the key driving force for all major business and technical decisions, it understand how it had to be re-modelled and adapted to the market needs and demands. The paper also paints the competitive landscape at different stages of the growth cycle and how this impacted or did not impact the iPod. Finally, the paper looks at the varying consumer tastes, the positives drawn from the product itself and what lies in store for the future of the product and the company. The methods used to create a deeper understanding of the iPod environment were through a variety of primary and secondary sources. Some of this is discussed in greater detail in different section of the paper. However, for the purpose of this report, the researcher took great care in trying to put together different pieces of work by various writers so as to be able to provide more holistic and all-encompassing view of the real scenario that surrounded the iPod boom. On a more generic note, most writers and experts within the industry agreed that the success of this product was unrivalled by others of its kind in recent times. Introduction Background Success stories always find their way to centre-stage. But what makes a journey even more interesting is when accompany that finds itself in some level of difficulty turns the tide and jump starts its engines to climb to the top of the success ladder. Apple’s is one such story. Whilst the problems that affect it lie in the background, the phenomenal success of its iPod has people fascinated. Marketing gurus swear by the growth of this innovative product that provided the perfect solution to a generation that was technologically familiar and defied competition to control every conceivable bit of the market that it entered – the digital music space, and made it its own. How and why is what we attempt to discover. History The history of the iPod dates back to the January of 2001. Apple had just introduced ‘iTunes’ – a programme that enabled Accusers to burn music off audio CD’s and convert them into music files on their computer systems as digital audio files. This provided users with the flexibility of creating libraries for their music files, clubbing favourite songs in order and in time to come, download them to portable devices. This natural extension saw the introduction of the iPod in the month of October 2001. Unlike other portable devices in the same range, the iPod was the first of its kind to store music files on a hard disk similar to a computer. Other devices used flash cards and detachable storage devices that could not hold as many bytes of data as the iPod did. Infect, the first few iPods had a 5GB storage space, which equated to the storage of approximately a 1000 songs. The question to be asked at this stage was if the software for writing music to the computer was developed keeping the iPod in mind? However, sources within the company maintain that the iPod was only conceptualised 6 months before its release date. Whatever the truth might be, the two scenarios complemented each other beautifully giving consumers the best of both worlds and a logical extension to the process of listening to music. In November 2001, the first iPods were shipped to waiting buyers and byte end of the year, 125,000 iPods had been sold for a price of $399.Within a year, other computer companies as well as large retailers were selling iPods as value-adds. Dell, Best Buy and Target were some of the more prominent names at this stage and had dedicated sites and sales teams pushing for iPod sales. By June 2003, Apple had managed to sell 1 million iPods, which could download music from both Macs as well as PCs. Interestingly, by the end of 2003, one of its largest resellers Dell; had decided not to sell anymore iPods and instead launch its own version of the iPod called the DJ(Digital Jukebox). In order to download songs from the Internet, Dell partnered with a company called Music Match that offered that service. By mid-2004, 6 months after it hit the 1 million mark, Apple crossed the 2 million mark in iPod sales but the peripheral market was just getting warmed up to the portable devices segment. In addition to thud by Dell, HP announced that it was repackaging the 4G iPod and selling it as a PC friendly device. Motorola launched its next generation phones that would be iTunes compatible. In one of the more recent statistics of the iPod wave collated in October 2004, there were some interesting findings. Apple held 82 per cent of the digital market across all music players and 92 per cent of all hard-disk based music players. The nearest competitor to the iPod was the device launched by Creative. They had a 3.7 per cent market share. In addition, 2 million iPods are being sold every 3 months. The music industry too has gained immensely through these sales. The total number of downloads have been clocked at a 150 million which equates to 4 million per week. The latest iPod has a mechanism that enables the storage of digital photographs as well as music. Today, Apple figures have registered total of 6 million iPod sales. That’s a fascinating growth path, which would make any marketing professional envious of replicating that kind of success. On careful consideration though, it took very long for iPod to really drive its sales figures to the kind that it was able to achieve in the years 2003 and 2004. Until then, the figures were good, but not something to write home about. The turning point for Apple came with the introduction of the third generation iPods. This is apparent since it took almost 2 years for iPod to register its first million in sales and soon after the launch of the 3G iPod in Tokyo less than 6months later; Apple was able to register its second million in iPod sales. Interestingly, the sales figures recorded over the 3-year period were averse to any form of competition from companies such as Creative, Dell, river etc. They sold cheaper products but not for a moment, did they encroach upon the market share that was and is still monopolised by iPod. Apple has also utilised an aggressive marketing strategy towrope in different age groups by using the draw of celebrities and song choices. For instance, in late October 2004, Apple unveiled what was called the U2 iPod. Apple conducted a promotion exercise in sync with the release of U2’s song – Vertigo. The new iPod was designed with black casing, a red wheel and a back cover that had the engravings ofU2 with the band signatures. It is little things such as these that have made the iPod such a role model for marketing strategists. The unique blend of having a great product and infusing the right level of awareness and visibility to sell it to the masses. In the chart below, the growth path of the iPod from its inception, to the end of 2004shows how sales surged in 2003 after the release of the 3G iPods as mentioned earlier. Not to mention, as the iPod sales soared, so did the number of downloads for music. Initially, the software iTunes needed tube bought in order to write songs from audio CD’s to the computer, following which they could be downloaded to the iPod. In 2003, Apple introduced an online music store that enabled iPod users to download music directly from the Internet. This worked in 2 ways – it provided users with an increase in choice of music that they would like to have downloaded as well as simplified the procurement of iTunes. No more dada user have to buy a software, install it onto the computer and then use it to burn music off a CD and finally onto the hard disk of the iPod. Simplifying this process for millions of users had its positives as can be seen from the graph above. The first big jump in sales was in October 2003 when the PC version of the music store went live. This enabled far more users to be able to download songs onto their computers and diluted the monopoly of Accusers. 2 months later, in December 2003, following a lot of media hype and attention being given to the iPod and a corresponding increase in Christmas sales, more and more people began downloading songs from iTunes. And in between July 2004 and October 2004, Apple registered growth of song sales from a 100 million to a 150 million. (http://www.ipodlounge.com/articles_more.php?id=4280_0_8_0_M) It must be noted that in many instances within the paper, the use of iPod and Apple is synonymous. After much deliberation, the researcher decided that it was important to approach the paper from the perspective of the parent company Apple. Any impact that the environment would have on Apple would be reflective in the iPod strategy. At the same time, in circumstances that would affect the company both positively and negatively, would subsequent effect the iPod and vice-versa. Aims and Objectives The aim of this paper is to understand the growth of the iPod through the years. It all began in the year 2001 and it has been a short journey to success. But how long will this be able to continue, what is the future for the product, how will it fend off competition and how will it impact Apple in the longer run. We all know that it has been apathy-breaking journey for Apple as it picks itself up from the doldrums of declining computer sales with its innovative invention that saw it spring back into the limelight. It is also the endeavour of this paper to highlight how important an impact the iPod has had on Apple alone and why can’t other company’s model the same success story. Literature Review The Success of the iPod According to Haddad, Charles (2002),the iPod is one of the most revolutionary products to hit the computer and electronics market place. He believes that the only way forward for Apple is to diversify its product range and move from being a niche computer manufacturer to providing technology that understands the gap between technology and entertainment. He quotes how the market share for Apple in 2002 had remained at 3 per cent for a number of years. In order to move it from there, it was imperative that they looked beyond the computer industry since it was reaching a saturation point in most developed markets and the level of competition from across the globe was making it extremely difficult for large computer manufacturers to survive. Digital handheld music players were a growing market in 2002. There were few players in the market place and industry experts such as ID Chad stated that demand would grow by 74 per cent over the next 3 years. In retrospect, they weren’t right – but only because the demand has recorded triple digit growth since 2002. In addition, the anticipated sales for 2002 were pegged at 12 million units of all kinds of portable digital music devices. Haddad brings up an important point about how the level of competition within the digital handheld music products industry was still at a minimalistic stage in comparison to other industries where companies such as Microsoft and Intel who had taken over the PC market. He believed that the next generation of buyers were more interested in a product that was different, satisfied their requirements and at the same time, was ‘cool’ and suave to have. Especially in the case of handheld devices where consumers would cart it around with them, this need for trendy and sophisticated gadgets was of the utmost importance. At the time of writing his article, Haddad had researched the iPod when music files were downloadable only from a Mac. The iPod sales were still consistent and looking positive during that stage but Apple had not introduced downloading files onto PC’s at that stage. Once that happened, iPod sales grew dramatically. The iPod was never intended to lift the flailing computer business of the parent company but overtime, Haddad statements would hold good, as the iPod would grow to become one of the most successful products ever launched by a computer company. (Haddad, Charles, iPod, You Pod, Will We All Pod? Business Week Online; 7/3/2002) Teething problems with Strategy? With the degree of success that the iPod has seen over the years, there have been few instances that writers have been able to find a chink in the armour of this hugely successful product. One such writer is Salk ever, Alex (2004). In the first of his articles – ‘Apple’s slow boat to China’, he discusses how the Chinese economy is one of the most lucrative investment decisions for businesses the world over and how Apple has failed to take advantage of this huge opportunity. He begins by using the views of consultants who have worked within the Chinese market place for decades now and seen it evolve over the years. He quotes Merrill Weingrod who works with a marketing consultancy – China Strategies. When Salk ever asks Weingrod how lucrative the Chinese market is for product such as the iPod, he answers saying that the market potential for men’s electric shavers is $300 million annually. Weingrod believed that the Chinese have the buying power to spend $200 to $250 on luxury shavers today which are not a necessity by any standing. This was just an indication of their mind-sets and how much they were willing to spend and for what. He reiterates this by stating that the Chinese population measures 300 million in terms of the number of cell phone subscribers across the country. They pay an average of $200 for their handsets and connectivity. In addition, the average Chinese employee earns far less than his / her American counterpart and yet, he / she is willing to pay larger proportion of their salary towards buying luxury goods. This equates to the buying potential and eagerness amongst the population and above all – a prospective consumer. One who is constantly on the lookout for the infusion of luxury goods into the market so that he /she can go ahead and purchase it, provided there is a need of course. In addition, the Chinese economy is the fastest growing economy in the world with its GDP growth rate pegged at 9 per cent annually. It has one of the largest middle-class societies in the world with disposable income that is growing as fast as their growth rate. With every factor in the book of marketing pointing towards the Chinese market, Salk ever is dismayed at Apple’s strategy to stay out of this market and not undertake an aggressive marketing strategy that would tap it’s he potential. The only real steps that Apple has taken towards entering this economy is to ensure that iTunes Music software is downloaded onto every Manufactured by China’s second largest computer manufacturer – Founder Technology. It is an ironical decision considering the consumer who would purchase the machine would have little access to the iPod on which he could have downloaded his / her music. Besides this decision with the Chinese industry, Apple hasn’t taken any more steps towards making any investment decisions in this region. There was one instance when they almost toyed with the idea of opening an iTunes Music Store but then retracted any steps made in that direction. The figures that Salk ever quotes are astounding to the reader. According to him, at least .3 present of the population of China has disposable income that equates to that of an individual in the US who would earn approximately $25000 to $30000 annually. That figure translates to approximately 60 million people today and will grow to 3to 4 times that number over the next decade. With the increasing middleclass and the ability to buy products that others around the world can afford, very soon the Chinese middle class would equal the entire population of the United States. So what do the Chinese see these new gadgets in the market place as? According to market analysts Bryan Mama company that tracks the buying of cell phones in Asia, but based in Singapore, the number of cell phones that are replaced are astounding. The Chinese people like to replace their cell phones 6 to 12 months earlier than consumers in North America and Western Europe. Gadgets are seen as a status symbol of sorts. Owning the latest models makes individuals feel like they are popular and wanted, according to the company. Chinese consumers also tend to go for gadgets that are sleek, suave and trendy. According to Salk ever those are the kinds of words that would define the iPod but they don’t find any place in the market. He tries to look at the picture from Apple’s perspective. As a company, Apple’s strategy is to consolidate and preserve its position in the markets that it is strong in. In the bargain, it would not look to invest in new markets such as China. In fact, Apple has a miniscule presence across the entire length and breadth of Asia. If Japan is taken out of the equation, Apple draws less than 10 per cent of total sales from this region. Naturally, it is not an area of too much interest for the moment. Whilst Apple takes a back seat to proceedings in this region, competition in the form of Sony, Motorola and Creative have made inroads into the Chinese market. As an example, Motorola entered the Chinese handset market early and in the first quarter of2004, it was proud to declare that it has achieved a market share of 40per cent. It had the first mover’s advantage introducing a technology that few others were brave enough to take into this country many years back and today it has paid off. The Chinese market is known for its penetration problems. The researcher agrees with the insights that Salk ever has provided into this untapped region and understand the problems that Apple faces in the future lest it not take steps in this direction. The level of investment required at a later date where the market is abuzz with competition would be significantly higher. It makes completes sense for companies to invest in C hina at this stage and there is no reason why Apple should not be one of them. (Salk ever, Alex, Business Week Online; 7/22/2004) In another article by Salk ever albeit on a different issue, he adopts similar stand on the problems that will plague Apple. In his article, ‘iPod: Leader, but Not Ruler’, he states that the sales figures by Apple are either over-exaggerated or are inaccurate since there isn’t enough evidence that the data being collated is validated. Apparently, data in countries in Latin America, India, South Korea, Eastern European Taiwan are difficult to validate and not easy to obtain. There are also other areas across Asia, including China where data retrieval and collation is not as accurate as it is made out to be. So when Apple boasts of global sales and achieving market shares across the world in excess of 50 per cent across the electronic market (MP3 players), they may very well be over the top. To evidence his findings, Salk ever looks at the various methods that companies use to collate market data that can be passed onto consumers and other business prospects. On one hand, they can utilise the services of US market research companies such as the NPD group that solely dedicates its efforts to the US retail economy. On the other hand, companies such as Apple can resort to asking OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and component manufacturers how many pieces they are taking to the market place. Whatever may the case be, according to Salk ever, Apple doesn’t quite have accurate information omits global market share. He confirms that Apple is certainly a global leader but not dominant. This could have been a very interesting report but the only flaw with his research is that he fails to document enough evidence either through statistics or through credible sources that can allow him to judge with some level of certainty that Apple’s iPods are infect facing tough times ahead. To be fair to Salk ever though, he does introduce the subject of the growing competition of iPods outside the borders of the US from Asian electronics companies. In the coming years, cheaper labour costs of the Asian companies will allow them to create inexpensive models of the iPod and compete on price aggressively. In addition, Salk ever states that the Asian consumers who are growing to the largest consumers of entertainment products, prefer smaller sized iPods. This is not in sync with Apple’s strategy since they plan to introduce larger and heavier models of the iPod in the coming few months. And even if iPod does take the cue and invests in smaller models in time, it would have lost outing comparison to other digital music manufacturers. But Salk ever does summarise his studies by admitting the dominance of iPod within the digital market place, yet cautions against rising competition and price sensitive market in the near future. (Salk ever, Alex (2004) Business Week On line; 5/27/2004) Curzon (2005) has an equally interesting point of view. He believes that the iPod boom would not be able to sustain the success that it has experienced for much longer. His rationale is based around stock prices and other statistics that he discovers about Apple which point towards changing tide in the coming years. Curzon promotes the concept that Apple as a company is on the decline once again and encourages people to sell their shares now since they would lose money in the coming few months lest they hang onto them. He begins by mentioning the usual success stories of the company – the last 2 years have seen iPod sales rise more than twenty times from 219,000 units towards the end of 2002 to over 4 million units at the end of last year. In fact, Lehman Brothers had initially projected iPod sales to be approximately 3million units at the end of 2004. They had to revise their figures closer to the end of the year and pegged it again at 4 million units for the year 2004. Apple on the other hand clocked 4.5 million units for the year ending 2004, ahead of anybody’s expectations. Another indication of the progressive rate of success is how the number of downloads from the iTunes rose from 50 million to 200 million. Finally, the biggest turnaround statistic lies in how the company almost went bankrupt after the dotcom era a decade ago and last year, recorded sales figures in excess of $3 billion with no debt on their financial statements. What makes very interesting reading is how Ken Curzon describes the decline in the demand of iPods and correspondingly, with the parent company as well. He states that after the Christmas rush for buying iPods, in all probability consumers will not be willing to spend as much money on it. As he puts it – â€Å"Holiday shoppers are more enthusiastic about higher prices, but once the holiday season ends, they usually don’t like to spend money on products that are priced at a premium†. In keeping with the same, Curzon predicts that in the first few months of 2005, the rate at which consumers buy iPods would drop gradually at first and then, more drastically later in the year. Lehman Brothers too have declared that they expect a 14 per cent drop in sales figures over the course of the year. In another case, Curzon talks about how on one hand, the sales of iPods have certainly been increasing in conjunction with an increase in market share, but the parent company Apple has seen a decline in its market share from 2 per cent to 1.9 per cent. The ‘Apple Stores’ are an over-riding success because of the iPod and its driving consumers tithe stores. But although the number of footfalls across these stores has doubled, the number of consumers buying Apple PC’s has remained constant. Additionally, Apple’s revenue figures in comparison to other computer companies are very average. For a company that is on the biggest ride of its business life, it records a growth rate of 33 present in comparison to HP’s 29 per cent. And what makes this look more dismal according to Curzon is that the operating margins for the previous year were declared at 3.94 per cent. This was far lower in comparison to HP’s 5.2 per cent and Dell’s 8.56 per cent. (Curzon, Ken, Esquire; Mar 2005, Vol. 143 Issue 3, p112) Somehow, Curzon does shed light on certain statistics that project Apple’s performance in a questionable light but on closer observation, it appears that the facts have been manipulated to project a negative perspective to the progress of Apple. The researcher believes this tube the case since there are many individuals who constantly try and influence the market forces through published writing such as this to ultimately try and manipulate the performance of the stocks. For every negative statement that Curzon was able to highlight, there appears tube an equally positive explanation for the same. For instance, decline in market share by .1 per cent is not necessarily a negative impact on the company. It depends on the marketing strategy of the company – is it trying to move out of certain markets and invest in others. Additionally, in saturated market places such as the US, any form of product diversification would have an impact on the market share as well. So there are considerations that need to be taken before any conclusions can be made. At the same time, the researcher believed it important to include Curzon’s work since it was one of the most recent articles on the iPod that sounded warning bells and tries to get the reader to see the success story from a different perspective. So where exactly is Apple headed towards now? According to Murphy(2004), a significant contribution of Apple’s success can be attributed to the iPod and hence, any future success parameters would also be defined by the iPod. The competition amongst the computer industry is very intense with players such as Microsoft for software, Dell, HP undim for hardware and a host of other system integrators and competitive channel partners. Due to a diminishing market share as mentioned earlier of under 2 per cent, the total business worth of the company has fallen to half that of its sales revenue. The only light in this dark tunnel is the fact that the stock price at Apple has almost doubled over the past 2 years. But can the parent company depend on single product offering and expect to piggyback ride it all the way tithe bank? It’s not possible says Murphy. There will come a time in the near future when sales of iPods begin to decline, competitive forces take over with lower priced products and existing markets begin to get saturated. Some of these products would come from companies such as HP,Dell, Sony, Creative, Gateway and Rio, each offering a product that is significantly cheaper and has greater memory storage in comparison tithe iPod. For instance, Creative has launched a new product that also has a longer battery life and also has white earplugs similar to those of Apple, taking a leaf out of Apple’s trendy design. At the same time, it has been seen that consumers have complained about the lack of availability of iPods in the stores. And to make matters worse, Apple hasn’t been able to confirm a deadline by when they would be made available. Times will change gradually. As Murphy mentions – the pricing of the iPods over time will fall significantly and Apple would need to sell more and more iPods just to maintain the revenue figures. For instance, there is an assumption based on pricing that Apple would need to sell at least 20 per cent more iPods in the coming year to be able to sustain the same level of growth over the year. This should not be a problem currently considering growth is predicted to rise to 70 per cent but in time, this could certainly become an issue. If looked at differently, Murphy argues that falling prices of products are fine as long as business efficiencies were rising. 4 years ago, when the sales figures of Apple were 4 per cent higher than they are today, the operating profits of the company were at 9 per cent of total sales. Today, that figure has come down to 3 per cent. In addition, the number of employees added over the past 4 years has gone up by 32 per cent and the sale per employee has significantly decreased from $930,000 to$674,000. For apple to be able to sustain its growth and maintain a leading position in the market place, it cannot depend wholly on the iPod revolution. Its notebooks and desktop products account for 64 per cent of its current sales as a company. But except for the month of June that recorded a 14 per cent increase in revenues, the rest of the year remained much the same in terms of sales. This is worrying for Apple since it doesn’t have too many back up measures to fall on should they land in trouble. To tackle some of this problem, Apple had introduced a series of Apple stores across the US, UK and parts of Western Europe. These stores hosted the latest introductions by the company including all models of the iPod and its peripherals. The rationale lay in ensuring that consumers would walk into these stores with the excuse of looking at the iPods and at the same time, browse around and take look at the range of other Apple products as well. Unfortunately though, this move didn’t bring in the kind of sales that Apple management had predicted. When Apple was asked about this stagnancy that was creeping into their product lines, they said that 50 per cent of all buyers at their new stores that they have introduced are new consumers and they propose to build relationships through their product quality and peripherals and increase their market share of repeat buyers. Interestingly, Murphy is one of the only writers on this subject who believes that the main fault of Apple’s moderate performance lies with its CEO Steve Jobs. Over the course of its business history, Apple has always ensured that its software configures only with its hardware and no others. For instance, the Mac operating system can only be run on Mac computers. In comparison, the Windows Operating systems can be used on a variety of different hardware systems making it a more universally accepted operating system. The time for niche solutions in not the way forward. Apple must realise that the money lies in the numbers and they can in no way get to those numbers by limiting access to their software. It really is a Catch-22 situation for them. In much the same way, the iPod can only play music that has been downloaded from iTunes. What happens when the iTunes faces intense competition from other music download software companies in the near future? Are we saying that the iPod would only have limited access to music and perhaps, not the entire range of mus