Playful Times Toys Company - Identification and Producing of a Potenti Research Paper

Essays on Playful Times Toys Company - Identification and Producing of a Potential Market for an Electronic Teddy Bear Research Paper The paper â€Å"Playful Times Toys Company - Identification and Producing of a Potential Market for an Electronic Teddy Bear† is a  meaningful example of a research paper on marketing. The origin of the company is traced back from the post-war affluence, to the current times of ‘You’ve Never Had it so Good’ days of the Conservative government and Harold MacMillan. In this case, the existence of opportunities for industry and manufacturing were found to be abundant. This report, in relation to the research report by Hatfield Market Research Consultants, it highlights areas of significance within the report and covers their relevance. It does so by bringing out the reasons and importance of applying different methodologies, and also on the various recommendations made within the report. At the end of the report, further recommendations are made, or justification for the current recommendations made by Hatfield Market Research Consultants. Therefore, it is w ell structured and clearly brought out to give the meaning of the findings achieved in the research study, carried out by Hatfield Market Research Consultants.IntroductionIn every child’s life, toys have been considered to be part of them, and this has been traced back since 1000 B. C (Harper, 2009 p67). This has been passed from one generation to another as parents desire the best for their children, and hence, including the toys they normally play within their own free time. When tracing the history of toys, it is found that the first appearance of kites was in China and then stone yo-yos were in Greece. The first patent for a doll came out in early 1840, and the speaking doll followed in 1887 (Harper, 2007 p102). This speaking doll was brought into existence with assistance from Thomas Edison and also the latest technology, known as a phonograph. This is a huge breakthrough in terms of advancement in technology and different innovative measures, which have brought the diff erence in competition, particularly with matters concerning the toy market.Appropriateness of the Secondary Data Collection and AnalysisAppropriateness of Quantitative Technique in the ResearchThe use of quantitative research technique in such market research was appropriate because the management was supposed:To know the market intensity and the demand for their toys produced, so that they can make reliable decisions.To outline a target audience within the market, and this is supposed to be achieved by determining the exact proportion of the audience in relevance to their specific behaviors, attitudes, intentions, and probably the overall knowledge that is related to the health concern.They were also supposed to find out whether there are specific determinants that are to predict behaviors of the audience at the identified and statistically significant intensity.Considering the finding achieved within the research study, quantitative market research generally was involved on the fo llowing basis:A large group of individuals was used in the surveying, and in this case, they were categorized in terms of age.A structured questionnaire was used that was predominantly equipped with closed-ended questions.From the research description, it has been found out that the population of interest for Playful Times Toys is mothers with children at school. The fieldwork of the study, which was undertaken between 1st and 15th December 2006, saw the completion of 1250 face to face forms of interviews. At this level, a sample size of 1250 individuals who were in line with the industry respondents and norms were preferred for the research, by applying a simple random sample. Considering the inputs of a survey expert is a vital aspect that is needed within the design and the process of conducting a quantitative survey. Before the study is launched, issues related to designing an appropriate sample are supposed to be considered (Nigel, 2010 p121). Looking at the results of the rese arch, it is clearly indicated that valid and reliable measures were used, and a pretest study was conducted before the overall survey study is launched.

Hearing Loss Association Of America - 1358 Words

Background Hearing loss is one of the most common physical conditions in the United States. It has been referred to as an invisible condition, as we can’t see it occurring; all we see is the effects of it (Hearing Loss Association of America). The severity of the loss can range in the classifications of mild, moderate, severe, or profound. It can also occur in just one ear, or both. Hearing loss can occur at any age. People can be born with deafness (which is known as congenital hearing loss), or lose their hearing over a gradual period of time. Causes of why hearing loss occurs vary per person. The most common cause of loss is noise and aging. Buildup in the air, injury, ear infection, rupture eardrum are other causes as well. For children who suffer from hearing loss, most are born with it. Today, in the United States, every two-thirds of every one thousand children are deaf or hard of hearing (Hearing Loss Association of America). This causes their everyday lives to be shaped much differently than normal children. They may have cochlear implants to help them hear. In fact, â€Å"In the United States, more than 25,000 children have received cochlear implants (Lenihan 2010). The child may also have a translator in the classroom to help them understand their regular teacher or may using American Sign Language (ASL) to help them in terms of speaking to another. How They Learn Professor Donald Moores says: â€Å"The deaf brain or mind is different from the hearing brain or mind†Show MoreRelatedHearing Loss Prevention : Healthgreatness1106 Words   |  5 PagesHearing Loss Prevention: HealthGreatness’ Top Tips Frankly, comprehensible top tips to prevent hearing loss do exist. In relation, popularly known to man, there are three different types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. This kind of damage affects the ear canal, middle ear and its bones to the inner ear and auditory nerve. As imagined, repairing your hearing can cost you time and money Fortunately, there are valid methods to protects your ears from this type of damage. TopRead MoreAre Cochlear Implants Necessary?1294 Words   |  6 Pagesand corporation that are usually visually dominant, however without hearing it is viewed as a major disadvantage to the hearing world. Kent State University compiled an accurate definition of the deaf community â€Å" those [of] deaf and hard of hearing individuals who share a common language, common experience and values, and a common way of interacting with each other, and with hearing people.† The deaf community is viewed by the hearing world as an official handicap since they deviate from what is consideredRead MoreEssay on Traumatic Brain Injury1393 Words   |  6 Pagesrehabilitation process which will include certain therapy classes centered on the key areas that were damaged within the patient. The first stage of rehab the patient will receive is called acute rehabilitation. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, â€Å"individuals who sustain brain injuries will begin acute rehabili tation. The treatment is provided in a special unit of the trauma hospital, a rehabilitation hospital or another inpatient setting. During acute rehabilitation, a team of healthRead MoreVirginia Heffernan Arguments Against Headphones771 Words   |  4 PagesHowever, all of this private listening may soon be falling on deaf ears. In Virginia Heffernan’s article â€Å"Against Headphones†, she presents a valid argument stating that although headphones are useful in some professions, they are causing substantial hearing loss, especially in young people. The formulated argument effectively incorporates ethos, logos, and opposing viewpoints with rebuttals, but could be strengthened in some areas to increase effectiveness. Ethos It is necessary for an author to establishRead MoreEssay on The Witch Hearings in The Crucible by Arthur Miller1058 Words   |  5 PagesThe Witch Hearings in The Crucible by Arthur Miller There are strong parallels between Arthur Millers The Crucible and the history it depicts and the reign of terror that the 1950s era of McCarthyism repeated. These two historical events are linked by several commonalities: a lack of intelligent discussion, public hysteria, threats, fear and finally, the presumption of guilt rather than innocence. Miller convincingly uses fiction and dialogue to recreate a very real moment in history, whichRead MoreThe Deaf Community of Puget Sound850 Words   |  3 Pagesspread around the whole world. In America alone over 30 million Americans have significant, chronic hearing loss and almost 2 million people that are completely deaf. And even though there are many people that are deaf, many hearing people know little to nothing about how deaf people live. Delving into the silent world reveals a great deal about the deaf community, deaf culture, and the largest controversy in the Deaf community. One of the most crucial facts that hearing people must know about the DeafRead MoreRumours, by Fleetwood Mac Essay693 Words   |  3 Pagesthat exuded from Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks left me mesmerized. When these sincere artists combined their vocal harmonies and surreal songwriting with their emotionally driven revelations of love, loss, heartbreak and turmoil, one of the ultimate classic albums emerged. If you are unfamiliar with the story, three relationships were falling apart during the making of this album. Mick Fleetwood was divorcing his wife; John and Christine McVie wereRead MoreAnalysis Of Argument Against Headphones By Virginia Heffernan1394 Words   |  6 Pagesaround them. However, all of this private listening may soon fall on deaf ears. In Virginia Heffernan’s article â€Å"Against Headphones†, she presents an argument stating that although headphones are useful in some professions, they cause substantial hearing loss, especially in young people. The formulated argument is effective and valid, and incorporates ethos, logos, and opposing viewpoints with rebuttals. Ethos Heffernan establishes her credibility as an author by quoting and incorporating expert opinionsRead MoreDeaf Americans . Regularly, The Privileges Of Individuals1018 Words   |  5 PagesDeaf Americans Regularly, the privileges of individuals who are deaf get overlooked. Deaf people attempting to connect with hearing experts, crisis responders, or associations are denied basic, essential access to proper communication tools needed, which at times puts their lives at risk. There have been various situations where deaf Americans are wrongfully arrested after calling 911 for assistance. There are situations where deaf individuals die after the hospital withholds a basic medical diagnosisRead More Ethnic Minorities in America Essay2219 Words   |  9 PagesEthnic Minorities in America In the United States the term minority often infers membership within an ethnic or cultural minority group. However, this term also encompasses other groups that lack equality, such as women, homosexuals and people with disabilities. By definition, the hearing majority classifies Deaf people as minorities because of their inability to hear. Yet linguists and social scientists argue that the basis of Deaf peoples status as a minority group is not one of disability

Birmingham international airport free essay sample

Operations management is concerned with the design, planning, control and improvement of an organization’s resources and processes to produce goods or services for customers.  Whether it is the provision of airport services, greetings cards, plastic buckets or holidays, operations managers will have been involved in the design, creation and delivery of those products or service each part of the airport – terminals, baggage handling services, aero plane servicing and catering, for example – has been carefully designed to fulfill not only its current role, but also with the possible demands of the next year and even the next 10 years in mind. Birmingham International Airport; is one of the busiest airport in the United Kingdom. Around 20 flight arrive at and depart from the Eurohub Terminal. Airport Personnel oversea a wide range of complex operations, including flights, passengers, terminals, airfield, facilities, staff, equipment, security and ground transportation. Across the runway and acres of tarmac, at the site of the original airport, the overnight freight operation is just beginning to wake up with the arrival of staff and the preparations for the first aircraft from Europe or the United States. Some of the 7000 staff from the 150 organizations based at Birmingham International Airport (BIA) sees to the needs of their customers. Identify some of the micro operations to be found at the airport. For each one : a) Identify the transforming and transformed resources. b) State which is the predominant transformed resource. c) Describe the output of each micro operation and say who you think its customers are. Answer: In this case study we have found some of the micro operations which have been applied in the Birmingham International Airport. These are as follows- Baggage Handling, Ticketing, Fuel Loading, Aircraft Cleaning, Building Maintenance etc. a) transforming and transformed resources – Transformed resources Transforming resources Bag Baggage Handler Ticket Ticketing Clerk Fuel Fuel Handler Plane Cleaner Building Maintenance Worker b) The predominant transformed resource is the plan. In Operation management plan is the most predominant transformed resource because by proper planning or by imposing proper plan BIA’s Operation Director Richard Heard make the BIA airport is one of the most profitable and organized airport in the world. c) The output of each micro operation and the customers and their outputs are as below – Micro Operation Output of Micro Operation Customer Output of Customer Baggage Handling Reach Destination Passenger Passenger Happy Ticketing Correct Ticket Information Passenger Passenger Satisfaction Fuel Loading Full the Plane Tank With Fuel Airlines Staff Safety Journey Aircraft Cleaning Clean Plane Passenger and Airlines Staff Clean Surrounding Building Maintenance Nice and Solid Building Users of That Particular Building Safe to be Use Question No. -2: Summarize the job of the operation director. What are the main issues/problems he faces in managing the airport? Answer: Operation Director is responsible for supervising the operation of the establishments, to ensure that the highest standards are achieved and maintained in accordance with quality assurance policies and that all legal specifications are adhered to in line with the Health and Safety Policy. The Director of Operations reports to the Chief Operating Officer. In the absence of the Director of Operations, the Chief is designated to exercise authority on behalf of the Director of Operations. Operations director also involve in set up the decision to be taken for long term. Another key task is operational planning. Richard Heard works as an Operation Director in BIA. The main problems he faces in managing the airport through decision making. He has to make a proper decision for coordinating and setting the safety and customer service standards for everyone. For this he need to decide who is going to get the air bridges, who is going to get certain stands, who is going to have their passengers bused to the terminal at peak times, and so on. Operational planning is about making the operation as efficient as possible by working out how they can best allocate their infrastructure to the airlines. Question No. -4: Discuss the relationship between the day-to-day tasks and the long-term issues and explain how Richard manages to oversee both at the same time? Answer: Day-to-day jobs or activity is that one’s anyone does every day as a normal part of your life, your job etc. For example-The manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the hotel. Besides, long-term issues mean any bond issue which having a maturity for long period like 13 months or more. For example-long-term investment etc. There is a relationship between day-to-day tasks and long-term issues. Day-to-day task is involved in long-term issues, because if regular basis of work does not do properly it creates a long-term issue. In an airport management has to maintain the day-to-day activities. For maintaining long-term issues day-to-day task should be done properly. From this case study we see that the Operation Director Richard manages to oversee both day-to-day tasks and long-term issues at the same time. They have appointed terminal managers whose duty is to look after the day-to-day operational problems and they cover the airport 24 hours a day of the week with one senior manager who oversees each shift. The terminal major also deal with the major incidents like bomb threats, thus everyone will be saved and knows what is happening. As an operation director Richard maintains all of these activities for keeping the reputation of the airport for a long time. BIA’s mission is to be the best regional airport in Europe and for this they need to improve everything they do. They also create an impact on the local economy by encouraging inward investment and export. Introduction: Managing the airport is the job of operations director. Managing the airport here means, ensuring the smooth operations occur in and also outside the airport. Other than that is, the operations director must oversee his workers work. He must ensure that all of his workers done their work successfully. Ensuring smooth day to day operations also one of the operations director job. Operations director also involve in set up the decision to be taken for long term. The operations director job is about coordination and setting the safety and customer service standards for everyone to adhere to. Another key task is operational planning. Operational planning is about making the operation as efficient as possible by working out how to allocate the best infrastructure to the airlines.

Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective Essay Example

Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective Paper The Dialectical Perspective Name Fundamentals of Speech Professor Date The relational dialectics perspective is useful for understanding the ups and downs and sometimes illogical nature of interpersonal relationships. Developed by communication scholars Leslie Baxter, Barbara Montgomery and their colleagues, the dialectical perspective assumes that relationships keep changing. They are not maintained, but rather sustained through changing statuses. There are three sets of tensions that are common in relationships: integration-separation; stability-change; and expression-privacy. The first dialectic identified is integration – separation, more commonly known as autonomy versus connection. This is the tension in a relationship where either partner desires to be independent but also connected. The desire for different levels of autonomy and connection can generate friction in relationships. In the initial phase of the relationship we are like actors in a play trying to please the audience. But we cannot repress who we are for too long. Eventually we have to let our true selves show. An example of this is when a couple is in the beginning stages of the relationship, they are spending all of their time together and all is going fine. As time goes along either partner wants to start doing things independently. He/she wants to hang out with friends and have â€Å"alone time†. This can create tension in the relationship because the partner might not want to be left out. It is very common for the relationship to become strained at this point. It is a contrast from spending great amounts of time together; and either partner can feel betrayed. We will write a custom essay sample on Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Tensions in Relationships the Dialectical Perspective specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer A solution for this would be for the couple to have an open discussion about the amount of time that they are willing and/or able to devote to each other on a daily basis. In a bonded relationship, both partners must be direct and honest about their expectations and needs. Other examples might be one partner likes to watch football all the time and can be consumed in it and the other hates sports. There needs to be a compromise made so that both partners get equal time at doing what they like to do while enjoying time with each other. Or, one relational partner is a social butterfly and the other is a social hermit. The point is that we do tend to get together with partners who will test our patience and force us to grow through finding ways to co-exist and resolving problems. The second dialectic identified is stability – change, more commonly known as predictability versus novelty. This refers to the tension in a relationship where either party of the relationship wants the stability of a relationship but at the same time wants to be able to enjoy spontaneity. The tension of predictability versus novelty can present itself in a couple of ways. First, many couples struggle to balance the tension between their need for stability and their desire for excitement. Getting tired of doing the â€Å"same old thing† is always going to be an issue in any relationship. Individuals that are involved in a developing relationship become comfortable with knowing what is going to happen next. However, always knowing what is going to happen next can become extremely boring. What can we do to spice up a relationship? We could easily change the routine a little bit. Do something that you don’t normally do together. If you normally don’t go out on dates – then go out on a date. If you normally don’t buy each other gifts – then buy a small gift every once in a while. If you normally don’t vacation – take a vacation together. Now, let us look at the relationship that is always unpredictable. These relationships are just as likely to be in trouble as the predictable ones. As a couple you also need to have stability in your life. What if you never knew where your relationship was headed? Being able to predict the status of your relationship is a good thing. Whichever relationship you have, working towards a healthy balance between predictability and novelty will help to maintain a healthy relationship. Second, in a new relationship, a relational partner will tend to overlook little nuances in the other partner. They will focus on the positive points about each other and look past the behaviors that they don’t like about each other. After time, we have difficulty accepting our partner’s flaws and will try to change them. Think about it this way – Am I acceptable the way I am? For every one thing that we would like to change about our partner, they equally have something that they would like to change about us. We need to learn that we cannot change people. But what we can change is our viewpoint. By changing our viewpoints, we can transform the way we see relationships. The third dialectic identified is expression – privacy, more commonly known as openness versus closedness. This refers to the tensions in a relationship where one party wants to be completely open and share everything with their partner while on the other hand the other partner feels that they should be able to keep some things private and to their selves. If two people in a relationship are different on this count, they will need to work hard and be proactive to manage this tension or this can become a deal breaker. The primary reason that two people in a relationship can’t get along is because of the past. As couples we need to learn to leave the past in the past and move forward into the present. Stay in the present; don’t start a new relationship dragging relational baggage into the new situation. Some people feel that they need to open up to their partner about every aspect of their lives. This is how they signify trust and become one entity; the couple. Others can feel that if they open up too much or reveal too much they may be judged or abandoned. This type of person feels that each person has a right to a certain degree of privacy, therefore, retaining some of his or her individuality. The goal here is to attain some sort of balance and avoid disagreements. These needs should be addressed in a normal tone of voice, without being demeaning or accusatory. In closing, what have we learned? We have learned that these three relational dialectics are simply put, communication. Poor communication is often the root of relationship problems. Neither partner can read the other partner’s mind, so without communication there is no hope for a harmonious relationship. Without communicating, you cannot make fair and balanced agreements about what does and does not work for both of you. Works Cited Beebe, Steven A. , Susan J. Beebe and Diana K. Ivy. Communication Principles For A Lifetime. Boston: Allyn amp; Bacon, 2010. Jennie. Jens Love Lessons. 2011. 05 March 2012 lt;www. jenslovelessons. comgt;. Sutphen, Dick and Carol Morgan. Radical Relationship Resource. n. d. 03 March 2012 lt;http://www. radical-relationship-resource. com/index. phpgt;.

Superb Biology Studying Hints for Students

Superb Biology Studying Hints for Students Biology Study Hints You can be successful in biology. These recommendations from students who were able to achieve success in their biology courses will help you to get an A grade.Students who succeeded in biology have told us they study at least 2 hours daily during the semester. Be persistent when studying biology. It is a hard work and requires your time and energy. Remember it. To know and understand terminology is one of the keys to success. Study Latin and Greek roots and it will definitely help you to comprehend the terminology and difficult terms. Try to make flash cards for better memorizing. Notice whatever is brought into the lab. Biology teachers have stated that if something is brought into the lab, it is a big chance that you will be tested on it. It is not required to know chemistry for taking biology at College, but it still will be a good background before learning it. Get used to reading over the material before going to your class. Do not skip lessons and listen carefully. It is also important to write down at least 66% of what is said during a lecture to be a successful student. Failing students, for example, write twice as much. Most of all, visit every class. Do not create troubles for yourself by playing truant. Reread the material right after class and then eight hours later. You are more likely to remember the information later. Accomplish what is unfinished. Explain important terms in your own words. Do not hesitate to ask questions any time. Find your instructors during their office hours for help. Seek for help in case you do not understand the material. Use different books from the library to learning and review all your textbook explanations. One of them will definitely be helpful to you.Work in pairs. Read aloud what you are learning and explain terminology to each other. Explain in your own words same and different elements between terms you are learning. Do this in pairs. If biology is your biggest pain always study it at the beginning. Make sure to take breaks every 20-40 minutes to stay fresh. Write down information and frequently review your notes. Use helpful and powerful visualization techniques for remembering terms. For example, break words into small chunks and picture each chunk until you recall them and then put them together. You can use mnemonic techniques to learn faster. For instance, if you need to remember cranial nerves, you can create a sentence with all words starting with the first letter of each nerve. Create tests and test yourself. Put a limit in time while doing tests similar to those you expect in class. Practice with sand clock or an alarm. Practice your difficulties. Ask somebody to quiz you on a regular basis; it transfers more knowledge to long-term memory.

The Colossal Heads of the Olmec

The Colossal Heads of the Olmec The Olmec civilization, which thrived along Mexicos Gulf Coast from about 1200 to 400 B.C., was the first major Mesoamerican culture. The Olmec were extremely talented artists, and their most lasting artistic contribution is without a doubt the enormous sculpted heads they created. These sculptures have been found at a handful of archaeological sites, including La Venta and San Lorenzo. Originally thought to depict gods or ballplayers, most archaeologists now say they believe they are likenesses of long-dead Olmec rulers. The Olmec Civilization The Olmec culture developed cities defined as population centers with political and cultural significance and influence as early as 1200 B.C. They were talented traders and artists, and their influence is quite clearly seen in later cultures like the Aztec and the Maya. Their sphere of influence was along Mexicos Gulf Coast particularly in the present-day states of Veracruz and Tabasco and major Olmec cities included San Lorenzo, La Venta, and Tres Zapotes. By 400 B.C. or so their civilization had gone into steep decline and had all but disappeared. The Olmec Colossal Heads The Olmecs colossal sculpted heads show the head and face of a helmeted man with distinctly indigenous features. Several of the heads are taller than an average adult human male. The largest colossal head was discovered at La Cobata. It stands about 10 feet tall and weighs an estimated 40 tons. The heads are generally flattened at the back and not carved all the way around they are meant to be viewed from the front and sides. Some traces of plaster and pigments on one of the San Lorenzo heads indicate that they may have once been painted. Seventeen Olmec colossal heads have been found: 10 at San Lorenzo, four at La Venta, two at Tres Zapotes and one at La Cobata. Creating the Colossal Heads The creation of these heads was a significant undertaking. The basalt boulders and blocks used to carve the heads were located as much as 50 miles away. Archaeologists suggest a laborious process of slowly moving the stones, using a   combination of raw manpower, sledges and, when possible, rafts on rivers. This process was so difficult that there are several examples of pieces being carved from earlier works; two of the San Lorenzo heads were carved out of an earlier throne. Once the stones reached a workshop, they were carved using only crude tools such as stone hammers. The Olmec did not have metal tools, which makes the sculptures all the more remarkable. Once the heads were ready, they were moved into position, although it is possible that they were occasionally moved around to create scenes along with other Olmec sculptures. Meaning The exact meaning of the colossal heads has been lost to time, but over the years there have been several theories. Their sheer size and majesty immediately suggest that they represent gods, but this theory has been discounted because in general, Mesoamerican gods are depicted as more gruesome than humans, and the faces are obviously human. The helmet/headdress worn by each of the heads suggests ballplayers, but most archaeologists today say they think they represented rulers. Part of the evidence for this is the fact that each of the faces has a distinct look and personality, suggesting individuals of great power and importance. If the heads had any religious significance to the Olmec, it has been lost to time, although many modern researchers say they think that the ruling class might have claimed a link to their gods. Dating It is almost impossible to pinpoint the exact dates when the colossal heads were made. The San Lorenzo heads were almost certainly all completed before 900 B.C. because the city went into steep decline at that time. Others are even more difficult to date; the one at La Cobata might be unfinished, and the ones at Tres Zapotes were removed from their original locations before their historical context could be documented. Importance The Olmec left behind many stone carvings that include reliefs, thrones, and statues. There is also a handful of surviving wooden busts and some cave paintings in nearby mountains. Nevertheless, the most striking examples of Olmec art are the colossal heads. The Olmec colossal heads are important historically and culturally to modern Mexicans. The heads have taught researchers much about the culture of the ancient Olmec. Their greatest value today, however, is probably artistic. The sculptures are truly amazing and inspirational and a popular attraction at the museums where they are housed. Most of them are in regional museums close to where they were found, while two are in Mexico City. Their beauty is such that several replicas have been made and can be seen around the world.

Explain the concept of majority rule with minority rights Essay

Explain the concept of majority rule with minority rights - Essay Example So majority rule is a means of organizing government and deciding public issues, it is not just another road to oppression. The main feature of democratic state is the absence of self-appointed group that has the right to oppress the others. That means that any majority, even in a democracy, should take away the basic rights and freedoms of a minority group or an individual. A democratic country is the country with the Constitution that commits the nation to secularism and equality for all its citizens without discrimination, and guarantees the rights of minorities. Minority rights, as applying to ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples, are an integral part of international human rights law. Like children's rights, women's rights, and refugee rights, minority rights are "a legal framework designed to ensure that a specific group which is in a vulnerable, disadvantaged or marginalized position in society, is able to achieve equality and is protected from persecution"3. The point is that democracy is a system in which all citizens of the state have a guaranteed possibility to make free political decisions by majority rule. But it is very important to realize that a political decision made by the majority is not necessary lawful, as well as majority rule is not for sure democratic. Here we should refer to the Rule of Law, the concept of which has been laid down by Albert Venn Dicey. According to Dicey, there are three principles, which establish the rule of law: 1. The absolute supremacy or predominance of regular law as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power; 2. Equality before the law or the equal subjection of all classes to the ordinary law of the land administered by the ordinary courts; 3. The law of the constitution is a consequence of the rights of individuals as defined and enforced by the courts. So, it is necessary to provide the majority rule with individual human rights grantees, which will be able to protect the rights of minorities. The important issue here is that the minority rights by no means are dependable on majority will. They exist independently, and therefore they can not be eliminated by the majority vote. The ground basis of minority rights protection lays in the principle that democratic laws serve to protect the right of all the citizens of the country. The guarantees of such protection must be implemented in the supreme law of the state, i.e. Constitution. In order to demonstrate how these concepts are incorporated into the U.S. Constitution let us consider two examples, explaining each in reference to the intent of constitutional authors. The Bill of Rights in the US Constitution may be called the most important document serving to protect the rights of any minority of Americans. Since America is a heterogeneous society, almost all people hold at least one minority trait, opinion, belief, behavior, interest, or preference. At the micro-political level of interaction each person is a minority of one. According to Ayn Rand, the "smallest minority on earth is the

The Idea of Relationship Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Idea of Relationship Marketing - Essay Example In this new method it was looked after that the individual transactions are important but it is more important to maintain long termed relationships with the customers. The basic fundamental of this format is to develop an understanding of the customer's views and needs thus it would enable the seller to provide a wide range of articles or service for a longer term. There are six fundamental principals or fundamental markets that are identified by Adrian Payne of Cranfield University in 1991. These are customer markets, influence markets, referral markets, recruitment markets, supplier markets and internal markets. (Fletcher, 2003) But there are specified criticisms to the approach of relationship marketing. According the critics this approach could hardly be evaluated as marketing. This is because this form defies the basic notion of marketing principal which states that the duty of market is to understand the need of the customer in the first place and provide the solution. On the contrary relationship marketing could be enumerated as an extended variation of management, persuasion and public relation. (Lamb, 2004) However, it could be stated in this context that t

Contribution of Bette Davis as an Actor and Her Role as a Female in her Time Period Essay Example for Free

Contribution of Bette Davis as an Actor and Her Role as a Female in her Time Period Essay Larger than life she was – with a career spanning six decades, including Broadway, film and the small screen; having made more than a hundred films and receiving ten Best Actress nominations and being the first woman to be honored with the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award– and equally larger in death, was Bette Davis. Fearless, ambitious and daring, her strong-mindedness won her a few friends and many enemies in her lifetime, but continues to draw audiences to her appeal and aspiring actresses everywhere look up to her as a role-model. In this report, I will focus on Bette Davis’s contribution as an actor and her role as a female icon of her time. Contribution of Bette Davis as an Actor and Her Role as a Female in her Time Period One of the most talented and the biggest stars of the thirties was Bette Davis. Her strong personality off-screen often found its way into the characters she played. She made her wide range of roles realistic, from a sixty-year old queen in The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex to a young beauty in Jezebal. Olivia de Havilland called Bette Davis â€Å"a basically benevolent volcano. † Jack Warner described her as â€Å"an explosive little girl with a sharp left. † Bette ruffled a few feathers in her career, but looking back, any trouble she caused was usually for the betterment of her films rather than from her merely playing the prima donna. Off-screen, her life was filled with as much drama as any role she played, having weathered a broken home, four failed marriages, literary revenge brought forth by her daughter and frail health in her later years (Bubbeo, 2001, p. 43 – 51). In this report, I will highlight the important contributions as well as this screen diva’s achievements in a male-dominated industry, and how her success paved the way for many other women, who emulated her example to carve a niche for themselves in the traditionally male-dominant world. Bette Davis once joked that her epitaph should read, â€Å"Here lies Ruth Elizabeth Davis – She did it the hard way† (Ware, 1993, p. 180). An actress first and a star second – and in no way a conventional beauty- she invented a jagged, sincere, many-sided style of film acting that continues to reverberate through the generations. At her best, Bette Davis put complicated, conflicted women on the screen at a time when most screen characters were still melodramatic simplifications. A small (five foot three) blue-eyed blonde, she was unfazed by the cant of her era that considered screen acting inferior to acting on the stage. An actress first and a star second – and in no way a conventional beauty- she invented a jagged, sincere, many-sided style of film acting that continues to reverberate through the generations. Born Ruth Elizabeth Davis in Lowell, Massachusetts, she was the elder of two daughters of Harlow Morrell Davis, a patent lawyer from a Yankee family of long standing, and Ruth Favor, a homemaker of French Huguenot descent. The couple, incompatible almost from the start, divorced when Bette was ten. As a result, she and her younger sister, Barbara, were educated in a patchwork of public and private schools in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts- wherever Ruth Davis could find work as a professional photographer. Popular and active as child, Betty changed the spelling of her name in imitation of Balzac’s La Cousine Bette and finally graduated from Cushing Academy, a boarding school in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, in 1926. Broadway By 1927, a nineteen-year-old Bette Davis was attending the John Murray Anderson-Robert Milton School of Theatre and Dance in New York. Bette was temperamentally restless and eager to earn a living. She left school before her first year was over, rushing headlong into professional engagements on and off Broadway on tour, and with numerous stock companies, among them George Cukor’s repertory theatre in Rochester, New York. Bette Davis in Hollywood After opening on Broadway in Solid South (1930), she received her first offer from a Hollywood film studio. With a few exceptions – most notably Cabin in the Cotton (1932) – Davis’s first years in Hollywood produced nothing extraordinary. Then, in 1934, after a long campaign, she convinced Warners to loan her to RKO, an American film production and distribution company, to play the sociopathic cockney Mildred Rogers in their adaption of Of Human Bondage, and got her first star-making notices. The next year she won an Oscar for Best Actress for Dangerous (1935), in which she played an alcoholic actress patterned on the Broadway legend Jeanne Eagels. Contribution to the Media Industry In 1936, Warners had to sue to prevent her from violating her contract and making a film in England for the Italian producer Ludovico Toeplitz. When she returned to Warners, however, she was treated generously, starring next in Jezebel (1938), a finely wrought study of the anger and ambivalence of a southern belle. The performance brought her a second Oscar, as best actress of 1938. The next year she played the role that she sometimes referred to as her favorite, Judith Traherne, the mortally ill heroine of Dark Victory (1939). After Dark Victory, Bette Davis starred in an unbroken string of sixteen box-office successes, playing everything from genteel novelists to murderous housewives to self-hateful spinsters to a sexagenarian Queen Elizabeth I. her most memorable films from this remarkably productive period included The Old Maid (1939), The Little Foxes (1941), Now, Voyager (1942), Watch on the Rhine (1943), and The Corn is Green (1945). In 1932, she married her high school sweetheart, Harmon Nelson, a freelance musician. But the marriage was as rocky as her parent’s and in 1938 ended in a divorce. She married again in 1940, to New England hotelier Arthur Farnsworth; he died in 1943 from a skull fracture. The war years were Bette Davis’s prime, and not only on screen. In 1941 she became the first woman president of the Academy of Motion picture of Arts and Sciences, quitting when she realized she was little more than a figurehead. In 1942, with John Garfield, she co-founded the Hollywood Canteen. Totally committed to her role as the organizations president, she danced, ate, and clowned almost nightly with the servicemen passing through Los Angeles. After the war, her career began to sink, with terrible films such as Beyond the Forest (1949). Released from her Warners contract, she freelanced. At 42, she believed her career was over, until her performance in All about Eve (1950), where she played an explosive theatrical prima donna who was terrified of aging. For her performance as Margo Channing, New York Film Critics named her the year’s best actress. In 1962, no longer a box-office name, she took a role in an offbeat, low-budget psychological thriller, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? , poignantly playing a homicidally demented middle aged former child star. The film was a megahit, brining Davis her tenth, and, final, Oscar nomination. In the new era of made for TV films and miniseries, worthwhile roles came to her, including a part as a pathetic recluse in Strangers (1979), which won her a best actress Emmy. In 1977, the American Film Institute bestowed on her its Life Achievement Award; she was the first woman to receive it. Almost more prominent than she had been in her zenith, she now found herself hailed by a new generation of film critics who were seeing her classic films for the first time, and new stars praised her warmly as an influence and a role model. In 1983, she suffered breast cancer and a stroke. Despite permanent damage to her speech and gait, she continued making films. In 1985, Davis was shattered when her daughter B. D. Hyman, published a contemptuous family memoir, My Mother’s Keeper. She feebly tried to respond in her own book, This ‘n That (1987). Then looking dismayingly frail, she played a scrappy octogenarian in The Whales of August (1987), a sensitive study of old age. She died of cancer in Paris in 1989, having gone to Europe to accept an award at a Spanish film festival. Eighty-one at the time of her death, she left behind on film a brilliant constellation of contrasting and vibrant figures, the legacy of sixty years of hard work and dedication to what she liked to call total realism on the screen. Bette Davis- the Independent Female Bette Davis, outspoken, direct, and totally concentrated on her career, was a shrewd businessperson who expected good scripts and demanded the best in production support and working conditions. She was one of the few actresses able to take on unsympathetic roles, such as Mildred in Of Human Bondage (1934) and Julie Marsden in Jezebel (1938) (Ware, 1993, p. 180). Being a fighter, Bette was no stranger to bad times, and she knew how to keep going even when everything seemed to be against her. In 1962, when work became scarce, Bette took out an advertisement in Variety and other trade papers: MOTHER OF THREE – 10, 11 15 – DIVORCEE. AMERICAN. THIRTY YEARS EXPERIENCE AS AN ACTRESS IN MOTION PICTURES. MOBILE STILL AND MORE AFFABLE THAN RUMOR WOULD HAVE IT. WANTS STEADY EMPLOYMENT IN HOLLYWOOD (HAS HAD BROADWAY. ) Bette Davis, c/o Martin Baum, G. A. C. REFERENCES UPON REQUEST This was Davis at her best, and demonstrated her no-nonsense approach to her career and life in general. She knew that only she could improve her situation; no one else would do it for her (Moseley, 1989, p. 148). She was an over-achiever and the advertisement is who she was : bold, fearless and focused – some would say obsessed about her career. She wouldn’t take no for an answer and got her way more often than not in the ruthless world of Hollywood politics. She was a success story, due to her single-minded purpose of succeeding. The highly competitive Davis explained, â€Å"I always had the will to win. I felt it baking cookies. They had to be the best cookies anyone baked. † She was demanding, temperamental, and self-indulgent. By the early 1940s, she had become the First Land of the Screen (Parish, 2007, p. 49). Bette Davis married four times, but claimed her matrimonial choices had been ill-considered because her mates were unable to stand up to her or, as an alternative, congenially sank into the background as Mr. Davis. Ironically, while she failed on the matrimonial front, she found great success as a woman in a man’s world. She is thought to be the first- and finest- presentation of an independent woman on celluloid (Brabazon, 2002, p. 85). ? Conclusion Contemporary feminism needs a Bette Davis, a firebrand woman who is tough, resolute, and passionate. She worked hard, thought deeply and spoke out while post-war masculinity congealed around her (Brabazon, 2002, p. 85). Almost to the day she died, Bette never stopped working. Work was her life and her passion and she embraced it like no other actress before or since. In 1972 Bette said, â€Å"I’ll never make the mistake of saying I’m retired. You do that and you’re finished. You just have to make sure you play older and older parts. Hell, I could do a million of those character roles. But I’m stubborn about playing the lead. I’d like to go out with my name above the title. † She kept her word. Works Cited Brabazon, T. (2002). Ladies who Lunge: Celebrating Difficult Women. Sydney: UNSW Press. Bubbeo, D. (2001). The Women of Warner Brothers: The Lives and Careers of 15 Leading Ladies : with Filmographies for each. Jefferson, N. C. : McFarland. Moseley, R. (1989). Bette Davis: An Intimate Memoir. New York: D. I. Fine. Parish, J. R. (2007). The Hollywood Book of Extravagance: The Totally Infamous, Mostly Disastrous, and Always Compelling Excesses of Americas Film and TV idols. Hoboken, N. J. : John Wiley. Ware, S. , Braukman, S. L. (2004). Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary Completing the Twentieth Century. Cambridge, Mass: Belknap Press. Ware, S. (1993). Still Missing: Amelia Earhart and the Search for Modern Feminism. New York: W. W. Norton.

A Nuclear Reactor :: science

A Nuclear Reactor The term Nuclear Reactor means an interaction between two or more Nuclei, Nuclear Particles, or Radiation, possibly causing transformation of the nuclear type; includes, for example, fission, capture, elastic container. Reactor means the core and its immediate container. Nuclear Reactors are used to produce electricity . The numbers of Nuclear Reactor plants have grown sufficiently . Electricity is being generated in a number of ways, it can be generated by using Thermal Power. It can be employed by using two basic systems a Steam Supply System and an Electricity Generating System these two systems are related to each other. The Steam Supply System produces steam from boiling water by the burning of coals and the Electricity Generating System produces electricity by steam turning turbines. The Nuclear power plants of this century depend on a particular type of Nuclear Reaction, Fission (The splitting of a heavy nucleus like the uranium atom to form two lighter "fission ! fragments" a s well as less massive particles as the Neutrons). In the Nuclear Reactors this splitting is induced by the interaction of a neutron with a fissionable nucleus. Under suitable conditions, a "chain" reaction of fission in which events may be sustained. The energy released from the fission reactions provide heat, part of which is ultimately converted into electricity. In the present day Nuclear power plants, this heat is removed from the Nuclear fuel by water that is pumped past rods containing fuel. The basic feature of the nuclear reactor is the release of a large amount of energy from each fission event that occurs in the nuclear reactors core. On the average, a fission event releases about 200 million electron volts of energy. a typical chemical reaction, on the other hand releases about one electron volt. The difference, roughly a factor of 100 million electron volts. The complete fission of one pound of uranium would release roughly the same amount of energy as the combination o f 6000 barrels of oil or 1000 tons of high quality oil. The reactor cooling fluid serves a dual purpose. Its most urgent function is to remove from the core the heat that results when the energy released from the Nuclear reactions is transformed by the collisions into the random nuclear motion. An associated function is to transfer this heat into an outside core, typically for the production of electricity. The designer provides for a nuclear core in a container through which a cooling fluid is pumped.

Example for Literary Paper Essay

Comparison/Contrast: Assignment: For Your Information: Comparison/Contrast – The process of examining two or more things in order to establish their similarities and differences. After reading two selections, you will write a comparison/contrast essay using the guidelines provided in this packet. 1. Any relationship between two or more things will involve some degree of SIMILARITY, as well as some degree of DIFFERENCE. 2. Comparisons can be found in any kind of writing: magazine articles, advertising, essays, news articles, letters, editorials, textbooks, scientific writing, reports, political speeches, and pamphlets. 3. We make comparisons when we have to choose between two or more things: careers, products, political candidates, goals, etc. 4. Comparisons underlie everything we do. Scientists use comparisons in their experiments. Logicians use them to draw conclusions. Politicians use them to formulate policies. Judges use them to render decisions. Ministers teach and admonish us with comparisons. How to Write a Literary Comparison/Contrast Essay When writing a literary comparison, you will answer the question: So What? In other words, you will not only explain the similarities and differences between the two (or more) literary works, but also explain the significance of your comparison. A comparison intends to inform readers of something they haven’t thought of before. Therefore, for a comparison to be illuminating, the things compared must either: 1. Appear different but have significant similarities; i.e., Star Wars and Return of the Jedi. 2. Or, appear similar but have significant differences; i.e., Classic Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation. You must have a purpose for your comparison. The reader of the comparison should not have to ask SO WHAT? at the end of your essay. In a comparison/contrast essay you are explaining the differences between two or more things, as well as explaining, or at least alluding to, what the two things have in common. School Curriculum Specialists, LLC Remember that comparison and contrast is an organizational and analytical structure that supports your ideas, but you still need a thesis in the introduction. The introduction should contain: 1) The names the items to be compared 2) The purpose of the comparison 3) What is being compared and/or contrasted Sample Thesis Statements: Unacceptable — â€Å"I am going to compare the similarities and differences between the films Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T., the Extraterrestrial.† Acceptable — â€Å"A close examination of the way Roy Neary, the protagonist of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Elliott, the protagonist of E.T., the Extraterrestrial, react to their encounters with aliens demonstrates that director Steven Spielberg uses both films to tell similar stories about the difficulties of growing up.† 1. Choose the works of literature you want to compare. 2. Choose the grounds for comparison; i.e. is there something they have in common that makes it worthwhile to show how they are different? 3. Answer the question So What? by determining a purpose for making a comparison. 4. Gather information and evidence from each literary selection to describe and support your grounds for comparison. Use a graphic organizer like the one below and on page 4 of this packet. 5. Outline your essay. 6. Compose your thesis. 7. Write the draft of your essay. Assignment Directions Step One Select two literary texts that can be compared and contrasted for the authors’ point of view, literary style, or other points of comparison. Once you have the literature, it’s time to decide â€Å"what† within each selection you will compare. Step Two Make a graphic organizer OR use the graphic organizers contained in this packet (see page 4). Making notes on the organizer will help visually show you how items, such as characters, author’s development of the plot, author’s use of literary devices, theme, etc. are similar and different. If you decide to focus on just â€Å"theme,† for example, then you will want to create a Venn diagram or comparison chart that helps you analyze how the two authors’ word choices, style, sense of audience, etc. are used to reveal the theme to the reader or support the message. And, of course, compare the authors in this regard. Step Three Once you have jotted notes in the graphic organizer, make an outline for your essay, that includes: ; Paragraph 1: The Introduction – Introduce your topic and state your thesis. Example Thesis: â€Å"Although James Jackson’s novel, Reaching the English Moors, was First written in 1895, the theme can be compared to H.B. Bartlion’s poem, ‘Green Grasses of Home’ support paragraph written a century later. Both Jackson and Bartlion are urging the reader to consider the life lessons m presented in nature. However, Jackson addresses this theme through the use of personification and Bartlion relies on visual imagery.† f Third Second support paragraph Sample Structure In the above example, the writer has established why the two selections are comparable paragraph (common themes), but clearly states that the authors have used two contrasting methods of developing their themes. So, will the writer focus on the alikeness (comparison) of the theme, or the different ways (contrast) the authors developed their theme? Paragraph 2: First Support Paragraph. Set the groundwork for the similarities in the literary selections. In the case above, you would describe the common theme found in each selection. Write a topic sentence and add details to support your topic sentence. Example Topic Sentence: â€Å"Both Jackson and Bartlion are urging the reader to consider the life lessons we can learn from nature.† Provide specific examples of this in the paragraph. Paragraph 3: Second Support Paragraph. Again, write a topic sentence and add at least 3 details. This paragraph will focus a difference between to the two literary selections by stating that Jackson uses personification to develop the theme. Provide specific examples of this in the paragraph. Paragraph 4: Third Support Paragraph. This paragraph will focus on another difference between the two literary selections by stating that Bartlion uses visual imagery to develop the theme. Provide specific examples of this in the paragraph. Include several supporting details. Paragraph 5: Conclusion. Go back and state what you’ve already said in the introduction using different wording, wrapping things up. Step Four Use the outline (above). Write each section of the paper, until finished. Go back and edit, checking for spelling, correct grammar, punctuation, and flow. Use the scoring guide/rubric (page 7 in this packet) to check the completion and correctness of your essay. Compare and contrast essays are just like any other paper and should flow from one paragraph to the next, making sense as you read it. Read and reread. Step Five Use a word processor to type your essay STUDENT SAMPLE Ella Berven October 15, 2011 Period 4 Literary Comparison/Contrast Essay Shades of Being Human Alice Walker and Maya Angelou are two contemporary African-American writers. Although almost a generation apart in age, both women display a remarkable similarity in their lives. Each has written about her experiences growing up in the rural South, Ms. Walker through her essays and Ms. Angelou in her autobiographies. Though they share similar backgrounds, each has a unique style which gives to us, the readers, the gift of their exquisite humanity, with all of its frailties and strengths, joys and sorrows. Tragedy struck both of these women at the age of eight. Ms. Walker lost her sight in one eye. Ms. Angelou was raped. Each described the incident as part of a larger work. Ms. Walker related her experience in the body of an essay published in her book, In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens. Ms. Angelou told her story as a chapter in her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Although both wrote about their traumatic experience, the way each depicted the incident was distinct and seemed to be told for very different purposes. Alice Walker reports the facts to the reader with short sentences written in the present tense. She chooses words which elicit a forceful emotional response from her audience. For example, in telling how her brothers were given BB guns and she was not, Ms. Walker writes, â€Å"Because I am a girl, I do not get a gun. Instantly, I am relegated to the position of Indian.† The word â€Å"relegated† causes the reader to be irate and indignant. Most people do not like being â€Å"relegated† to anything. Another illustration of Ms. Walker’s use of dynamic words can be found in her description of the encounter with her parents following the accident. She speaks of being â€Å"confronted† by her parents. â€Å"Confronted† is a combative word. When people are confronted by others, they want to launch an attack. Her style and choice of words make the reader aware that she is alone and fearful. She is left to fight her battles by herself. Maya Angelou narrates her account in a conversational tone. She uses the past tense which tells her audience â€Å"it’s over† for her. Her words are free from severity. They encourage the reader to see hope in the midst of sadness. Instead of trying to elicit a particular emotional response, Angelou invites her audience to share in her thoughts and feelings. For instance, having given an account of the rape, she writes, â€Å"I thought I had died–I woke up in a white-walled world, and it had to be heaven.† The reader feels a connection with her pain, yet realizes redemption lies close at hand. Whereas Walker tells how she was confronted by her parents, Angelou explains,†she [mother] picked me up in her arms and the terror abated for a while.† There is no impression of combativeness. There is only tenderness and care. Once again, she invites the reader in. Walker wants the reader to feel for her; Angelou wants her audience to feel with her. They achieve their objectives by directing the reader’s attention to specific emotions. The emotional focus of Alice Walker’s story is rage, red-hot and isolating. As I read this piece, I became livid, not only at the thought of her devastating injury and her family’s apparent disassociation, but also at Ms. Walker herself. It appeared to me that she never let go of it. Instead, she seemed to embrace her anger. On the other hand, Ms. Angelou’s anger is subtle and short-lived. Though I was incensed by what happened to her, she quietly insisted that I leave it behind. She concentrated less on her anger and more on the warmth and support of her family. It would be impossible not to address the ways in which both women refer to the intense physical pain each of them suffered as little girls. Ms. Walker gives little description of her anguish, but I clearly felt it. When I read, â€Å". . . I feel an incredible blow in my right eye . . .† and, â€Å"my eye stings, and I cover it with my hand,† my immediate response was to quickly cover my eye with my hand. My body reacted to her pain. Ms. Angelou’s description produced another effect. She wrote, â€Å"Then there was the pain. A breaking and entering when even the senses are torn apart.† Instead of a physical reaction, I felt a wrenching of the heart. Ms. Walker focused my attention on the injury to her body, while Ms. Angelou focused on her emotional scars. School Curriculum Specialists, LLC My most powerful emotional response throughout both stories was one of incredible sorrow. I felt the tremendous weight that sadness and despair can fold around a heart, not only for a child’s trauma, but also for the devastating repercussions that tragedy can produce – loss of dignity, self-esteem, and childhood itself. I wanted to comfort them both. However, by the end of Ms. Walker’s account of the incident, I not only wanted to comfort her, I wanted to shield her as well. Her wounds were still open. At the end of her narrative, she wrote, â€Å"Now when I stare at people – a favorite pastime up to now – they will stare back. Not at the ‘cute’ little girl, but at her scar. For six years, I do not stare at anyone, because I do not raise my head.† I wanted to intervene and help her. Although in Ms. Angelou’s story I yearned to comfort the child, it was obvious that the adult Maya Angelou did not need my protection. She ended her account with these words: â€Å"I would have liked to stay in the hospital the rest of my life. Mother brought flowers and candy. Grandmother came with fruit and my uncles clumped around and around my bed, snorting like wild horses. When they were able to sneak Bailey in, he read to me for hours.† Her family loved her all the way through her trauma, and she moved from despair to hope with their help. Alice Walker and Maya Angelou are both extremely courageous writers. From each we receive a rare and poignant gift. As her book suggests, Alice Walker challenges us to search for resolution in the face of loneliness and despair. Maya Angelou, who â€Å"knows why the caged bird sings,† reminds us that loneliness and despair never have the last word. She gently points us to a window of hope. Both women bless us with shades of being human.

Advanced Target Marketing: Wound Care

Citrus Memorial Wound Care facility provides comprehensive healing of chronic and acute non-healing wounds and offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy in an outpatient setting. The center utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to wound care. A team approach is used to provide patients with the most optimal wound treatment possible. The clinic optimizes its ability to provide patients with the best care possible by using advanced wound healing products including bioengineered skin products, total contact casting, and comprehensive compression wraps. The wound care center offers complete coordination of care including scheduling appointment for patients that require services that are provided outside of the clinic. Budget constraints on the marketing department has created a great need for market segmentation. Treating the surrounding population as a homogenous group is not cost effective or efficient. There is many benefits that can be obtained from a more selective target marketing approach than what is already currently used. Therefore Citrus Memorial Wound Care has recently adopted an new marketing outreach program that will be discussed in greater detail later in this summary. Lifestyle Profile Importance Costumer needs and preferences differ based on their lifestyles. It is important to research and utilize this information to produce the best marketing stagey possible. Eric Berkowitz (Berkowitz 2006, p. 111) wrote in the book Essentials of Health Care Marketing that, â€Å"Lifestyle is an important aspect affecting a consumer’s decision-making process. † The term lifestyle incorporates the way individuals perceive events, prioritize their interests, and how they spend their time. Obtaining knowledge about the surrounding demographic’s life style will greatly improve Citrus Memorials ability to develop appropriate strategies to market to specific consumers. To better the companies ability to market to the most beneficial market in the surrounding area the facility has established which market is the most likely to seek wound care treatment. Wound care patients are predominately patients 55 to 85 years of age with diabetes, venous or arterial insufficiencies, or post surgical patients. The optimal demographic for the wound care center to market to are insured patients that are highly motivated in maintaining their health and quality of life. The marketing department has selected the most promising and cost beneficial demographic groups to focus our marketing programs based on the previously stated information. Citrus county is predominately caucasian. According to the U. S Census Bureau (2009) persons 65 years make up greater than 30% of the total population. Specific locations in Citrus County have been targeted which contain the largest population of the target market. Exclusively 55 and older communities are frequent and will be targeted directly. Income levels are not significantly predictive of the most likely economical demographic that seeks wound care treatment. Both males and females utilize the services equally. In their annual report Wellflorida (Wellflorida 2010), states that Citrus County has a high percentage, 21%, of non-elderly uninsured individuals. This statistical data re-enforces the decision not to target this demographic. The statistical data has proven to be vary reliable and correlates directly with the observations of the author. Target Market Services for chronic non healing ulcers will be marketed to diabetic elderly adults ages 55 to 85 as well as disabled individuals. These services will also marketed to skilled nursing facilities as well as family practitioners in the area due to the large incidence of the selected demographic housed within the facilities. Specific areas in the community will be targeted that contain higher than average percentages of the target market. Hyperbaric treatments will be marketed to radiation therapy patients, diabetic ulcer patients, osteomyolitis patients, post surgical patients, as well as patients with osteoradionecrosis. Health professionals that will be marketed to for the hyperbaric therapy services include oncologist, cancer treatment centers, as well as reconstructive surgeons. Much care has been taken in deciding how the the marketing schemes will be positioned throughout the community. It is important to distinguish Citrus Memorial Wound Care from competitors and become local health professionals and consumers preferred location to prescribe services to or receive service at. Citrus Memorial Wound Care is a hospital based outpatient facility however there are significantly small rates of referrals from within the hospital itself. Significant marketing will be done within the hospital to encourage physicians and staff to utilize the wound care facility as a valuable resource. Educational lunches and promotional seminars will be offered to surround facilities that have been targeted as having a high likelihood of utilizing the wound care services Citrus Memorial provides. Social indicators are key to locating the appropriate location to advertise to. Selecting appropriate mediums to advertise through greatly improve responses from marketing. Citrus Memorial has adopted a direct marketing approach to target the best prospective consumers. Utilizing the database from the local chamber of commerce 26 health facilities have been selected that fit the desired target market profile. Representatives from each facility attended an educational dinner. The event showcased detailed information on how Citrus Memorial Wound Care can help each facility successfully treat patients. Each representative who attended the program was provided a box of Citrus Memorial Wound Care business cards. Patient education pamphlets, referral templates, as well as other promotional items were also distributed amongst the attendees. To stimulate patient awareness of the wound care facility throughout the community lifestyle profiles questionnaires have been distributed via newspaper inserts in select locations previously selected by the marketing department. The lifestyle questionnaires stimulate patients to become aware of their health status. The questionnaires are provided with free postage to the patient to increase the response rate. The questions asked in the marketing tools allows the marketing department locate potential patients as well as provides insight in to how the community perceives the facility. Conclusion Citrus Memorial Wound Care facility provides comprehensive healing of chronic and acute non-healing wounds and offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy in an outpatient setting. In order to improve patient visitations rates the center has adapted multiple techniques to improve its marketing ability. The center utilizes a multidisciplinary approach that provides patients with the most optimal wound treatment possible. Reaching the appropriate demographic through statistical analyzation of the communities lifestyle profile has proved to be successful and effective. The wound care center offers complete coordination of care that can benefit many individuals. It is the duty of the Citrus Memorial Marketing team to create the opportunities necessary for individuals to choose to peruse wound care at Citrus Memorial Heath Systems.

College Students today! essays

College Students today! essays College students today are very different from those of previous eras, and can be classified into three different categories. The Braniacs, the average Confused crowd, and the Slakers are the three main groups into which college students are divided. The purpose of the present is to inform you of the characteristics that identify an individual classified in any of these groups. By doing so, once you have acknowledged which group you pertain to and your flaws, you will hopefully set yourself a goal in hopes to improve your status as a college student. First there are the upper-intelligence group better known as the Braniacs. These are the individuals who posses the brains to manage and accurately cope with the overwhelming college experience. They usually have good time management skills, which allows them to have a balanced schedule and proper distribution of time permitting them to do all the required assignments and have space for leisure activities without having to sacrifice either. They maintain a 3.0 and above grade point average without really stressing themselves. Usually the integrants of this particular group posses just the right amount of maturity and realism to make out of their college experience a true success without wearing out their brains and making their lives miserable. These smart students most likely earned their studies financially through their hard work and consequently scholarships. The second group we wish to analyze is the Average Confused Crowd. Most college students fall under this category. The average procrastinating-do not know what to do with their life-puzzled daydreamers. Seeds of the average economic-class family; a family that works hard to pay for their childs college studies. These fellas are somewhere in between the best and the worst. They manage to obtain passing grades yet their journey to reaching these is...commendable. They make their l...

The Meaning and Origin of the Surname Rodriguez

The Meaning and Origin of the Surname Rodriguez The name Rodriguez is of Spanish origin. It patronymic in nature (taken from the paternal line) and means son of Rodrigo. The ez or es added to the root signifies descendant of. The given name Rodrigo is the Spanish form of Roderick, meaning famous power or powerful ruler, which comes from the Germanic elements hrod, meaning fame and ric, meaning power. Where Do People With the Rodriguez Surname Live? Overall, Rodriguez is the 60th most common surname in the world. According to WorldNames PublicProfiler, the Rodriguez surname is extremely popular in Spain. Its most commonly found in the region of Islas Canarias, followed by Galicia, Asturias,  Castilla y Leà ³n, and Extremadura. The name is also popular in Argentina and is distributed fairly evenly throughout the country. The genealogy site Forebears ranks Rodriguez as the number one surname in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, and Uraguay. It ranks second in Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Panama and third in Spain, Peru, and Honduras. Fast Facts About the Name Rodriguez Ninth Most Common Name in America: According to the 2000 census, Rodriguez ranked the ninth most common surname in the United States, likely the first time a non-Anglo name ranked among the top 10 (at #8 the Hispanic surname Garcia also cracked the top 10).Famous People Named Rodriguez: Luis Rodriguez, contemporary poet; Michelle Rodriguez, American actress; Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees third basemanAlternate Surname Spellings:  Rodrigue, Rodriques, Roderick, Rodiger, Rhodriquez, Rhodriguez, Rodrigues (Portuguese) Genealogy Resources for the Surname Rodriguez Contrary to what you may have heard, theres no such thing as a Rodriguez family crest or coat of arms.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals- not families- and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted.   To learn more about the origins of common Hispanic surnames and their meanings, a good place to start is with the information taken from the 2000 U.S. census about the 100 most common U.S. surnames and their meanings. The following is a list of other helpful resources for learning more about the Rodriguez surname: The Rodriguez DNA Project: This Y-DNA project is open to all males with the Rodriguez surname (or its variations) interested in working together to use DNA testing and traditional family history research to identify common Rodriguez ancestors.Rodriguez Family Genealogy Forum: Search this popular genealogy forum to find others who may also be researching your ancestors, or post your own Rodriguez query.FamilySearch- Rodriguez Genealogy: Access over 12 million free historical records and lineage-linked family trees posted for the Rodriguez surname and its variations on this free genealogy website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Rodriquez Surname Family Mailing Lists: RootsWeb hosts several free mailing lists for researchers. You can also search or browse the list archives to view Rodriquez surname queries and posts going back for over a decade.DistantCousin.com- Rodriquez Genealogy Family History: Explore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Rodriguez. The Rodriguez Genealogy and Family Tree Page: Browse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the Rodriguez surname from the website of Genealogy Today. Sources Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1967.Menk, Lars. A Dictionary of German Jewish Surnames. Bergenfield, NJ: Avotaynu, 2005.Beider, Alexander. A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from Galicia.  Bergenfield, NJ:  Avotaynu, 2004.Hanks, Patrick, and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989.Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003.Hoffman, William F. Polish Surnames: Origins and Meanings.  Chicago:  Polish Genealogical Society, 1993.Rymut, Kazimierz. Nazwiska Polakow.  Wroclaw: Zaklad Narodowy im. Ossolinskich - Wydawnictwo, 1991.Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

Artworks in painting from the 16th century Essay

Artworks in painting from the 16th century - Essay Example Until 15th century printed books were elusive or presence of the handwritten materials was left to a few affluent people in the society. The lives of the saints could not learned from books and considering most people in the towns were majorly illiterate people and thus understanding of documents written in Latin became a problem most people. Latin was the main language used in most biblical teaching amidst a wide variety of lingual speaking groups of people. The parish priest applied the paintings in teaching his flock concerning the bible and on saints in general. Such common types of paintings called ‘Biblia Pauperum or in other terms the ‘Poor Man’s and was considered to act as visual aid in helping the congregation in assimilation of the elementary teachings. Some informed people in the villages helped in teachings the crowds on messages contained in the paintings and thus unraveling the main intrinsic relevance of the paintings. The painting had very synonymo us inclusions of exaggerations which were applied in unearthing the data contained in the painting. The paints exhibited traits such as wicked leaders, assassins, executioners, torturers and other quality by the application of the exaggerations in the paintings. The forms of the clothing’s and adornments of the people were also very notable from the paints. The villagers had the skills to identify between the true message delivered and notable exaggeration entailed in the process.

Marketing (Buyer Behaviour) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing (Buyer Behaviour) - Essay Example t will provide the business executives with sufficient information regarding the strategies used by HP and Dell in terms of being able to effectively influence the buying behavior of its target consumers. Founded in 1939 by Bill and Dave (HP, 2008a), Hewlett-Packard (HP) manages to grow as the leading computer manufacturer in the global markets. Today, HP operates in more than 170 countries all over the world. Dell was founded by Michael Dell in 1984. (Dell, 2008a) Since then, the company remains focused on addressing the specific needs of the customers when purchasing a computer system. Dell’s strategic decision to penetrate the global markets in 1987 (Dell, 2008b) enabled the company to become one of the biggest computer manufacturers today. Specifically in Australian market, HP and Dell were able to capture the biggest market shares with 21% and 15% respectively. (Tung, 2008) (See Appendix I – Market Shares of Major Computer Manufacturers in Australia on page 11) Under the Needs and Wants, discussion will focus on determining the buyers’ behavior on these two major portable computer manufacturers, a clear market segment and the specific needs and wants of the consumers in terms of using the two branded laptops will be identified. Eventually, the different strategies used in motivating consumers to purchase either of these two products as well as the attitudes or consumers’ preferences with regards to these brands will be discussed. The last part of the report will tackle the impact of consumers’ social class on how marketers are able to communicate with them including how the marketing communication methods used may have affect the consumers’ perception on these products. Between September ___ to ___ of year 2008, a total of 100 market research survey questionnaires will be distributed to a total of 100 laptop owners who are living in Australia. (See Appendix II – Market Research Survey Questionnaire on page 12) Aside from conducting a

Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Dispute Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Dispute - Essay Example Individuals are engrossed in reflective thinking when they are faced with a problem, which does not provide answers. The answers, in this case, are uncertain and there is no authority to provide the correct answer. In this case, there is no specific correct answer and the problem has to be evaluated in the light of the past data. The subject of reflective thinking consists of the evaluation of beliefs and the integration of contrasting views. The problem faced in the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan is intense as its base lies in the problem between the tribes of the area and the problem do not provide with suggestive answers. (On reflective thinking; Bajoria) The problem of the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan has a long history to it. The Afghanistan side of the border has a long history of various tribes fighting over the supremacy of the land. The British during its rule in the Indian subcontinent began to expand its empire in Central Asia where it faced the Russian opposition. The land of Afghanistan was fought over by both countries. The English fought wars in Afghanistan and won over the land. They demarcated a three-tier border system to distinguish the extension of their rule. The lines were drawn by negotiation with the then Afghan ruler King Abdur Rahman Khan. The first border was between Pakistan and the areas under the Pashtun rule. The second tier distinguished the Pashtun areas from that of Afghanistan. This is the Durand line. Sir Henry Mortimer Durand drew the borderline and it was named after him. The Durand line is the globally documented boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The third frontier was the external bo rders of Afghanistan in the north. Most of the problems in the area of the border stem from the presence of tribal communities in the region.  

Link Natural (Pvt) International Audit

Link Natural (Pvt) International Audit EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Link Natural (Pvt) Ltds decision to advance their business to France was apart of the economical and socio-cultural analysis carried out to identify the market potential for the product (Link Samahan) to be sustainable in the French herbal market. The company is already conducting their businesses in many locations around the world, and France was a further step taken to expand their global presence. The following report is the market audit conducted in order to identify some of the key factors that should be taken into consideration when expanding a business across borders. A brief description of the product Link Samahan is presented initially in the report followed by an analysis of the product acceptance as well as possibilities of product resistance by the French consumers. This was identified through considering factors such as trialability, complexity, relative advantage, observability and compatibility of the product in the French herbal beverage market. The report further analyses the market in which the product will be sold and the geographical regions in France that were chosen for the initial business operations, namely Paris, Nice and Marseille. The basic transportation systems and modes in the selected areas are also discussed followed by the main communication methods used by them. Furthermore the report provides a description on consumer buying habits, distribution of the products, pricing strategies and the advertising and media usually used to reach the target market. A comparison and contrast between Link Samahan and its competitors in the French market is also carried out in the report. The comparison includes the prices, product features, packaging differences along with the promotional methods and distribution channels utilized by Link Samahan and the other competitors. Moreover, the report extends to discuss the market size indicating the trend of the industry sales and the expected sales for Link Samahan in the coming year. Finally, the agencies that will benefit the company and the important government regulations that should be followed by the company are discussed at the latter part of the market audit. INTRODUCTION Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd. is a leading business entity in Sri Lanka that provides herbal, Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals as well as safe and effective herbal healthcare products. Some of the main products of Link Natural include, Link Kesha hair oil, Link Sudantha toothpaste, Gotukola Tea and Spa/Aroma products. As a result of extensive research carried out for years, Link Natural introduced Link Samahan, a 100% natural herbal product to the market for curing common colds and similar ailments. Currently Link Natural is exporting their products to countries such as Malaysia, USA, UK, Germany, Thailand, India etc. (Company Profile, 2009) France being a European Union country owns the largest land among the EU countries. As an expansion in the maturity level of the product (Link Samahan), Link Natural has decided to distribute the product to three different locations situated in France. According to (Bell, 1997), French people consider herbal beverages to be healthy and they are most commonly used in every day life in the French culture. The demand for herbal products in the European market has risen over the years and this can be considered as a great opportunity for Link Natural to expand their business to France. In order to identify the target market and their potential it is vital to carry out a detailed market analysis with regard to the product. Thus the main focus of the following report will be to evaluate a market plan and audit for the purpose of marketing Link Samahan in the French herbal beverages market. The market audit will comprise of a detailed description on the target market, geographical distribution, diffusion of innovation of the consumers as well as advertising, pricing and promotions in terms of the herbal beverages market in France. THE PRODUCT: LINK SAMAHAN Link Samahan is an authentic herbal product made in Sri Lanka and it is made of 14 natural plants which are generally used in Peyave formulations. As stated in (Product Data Sheet, n.d.), in ancient Sri Lanka Peyave was considered to be one of the most popular cures for viral fevers and influenza, and it consists of a mixture of herbs in boiling water. This instant herbal beverage is used for common colds as other similar ailments such as sneezing, itching eyes, running noses etc. Currently Link Samahan plays the leading role in the Sri Lankan herbal products market for colds and other related ailments, and Link Samahan is being distributed to 32 destinations in eight different countries around the world, (About Samahan, 2009). (Refer Appendix 1). Link Samahan will be expanding into the herbal beverage market in France for the first time. An innovation is any product or a service that consumers perceive to be new, as stated by (Solomon, 2004, pg.567). Therefore, the following section will focus on how the proposed target market will perceive Link Samahan and their levels of acceptance and resistance will be determined. LINK SAMAHAN AS AN INNOVATION (As perceived by the intended target market) Diffusion of innovation refers to the process whereby a new product, service, or idea spreads through a population, (Solomon, 2004, pg.567). The rate of adoption may differ from person to person even within the same culture. According to (Solomon, 2004, pg.567) a study of 11 European countries found that consumers in individualistic cultures are more innovative than consumers in collective cultures. Therefore to identify the acceptance rate of Link Samahan in France a few important factors will be analyzed apart from the consumer behavioural changes among the target market. These factors are as follows: Relative advantage It is important that the consumers believe that the product is important and more beneficial for them than the alternative brands in the market, as the new product adaption rate is directly proportional to the relative advantage of the new product. The main characteristic of Link Samahan is that it is an herbal drink, which can be prepared instantly by just dissolving in hot water. Furthermore it has the relative advantage of being a complete natural product that can not only be used to prevent colds and similar ailments, but also can be used as a hot beverage. Therefore, it can be said that Link Samahan has a 2-in-1 relative advantage compared to other herbal beverages. Compatibility According to (Solomon, 2004, pg.570), the innovation should be compatible with the lifestyle of the consumers. No matter how convenient the product is, sometimes the consumers may not accept the product due to ethical or cultural issues. But as mentioned before according to (Bell, 1997), the French have a popular demand for herbal beverages, and have over a 70% of herbal products in large grocery stores and hypermarkets. This is one of the core reasons that Link Natural has decided to distribute Link Samahan to France. It can be stated that Link Samahan is strongly compatible with the French market and will potentially have a high usage rate. Complexity Link Samahan is a moisture-proof, triple laminated sachet with a net weight of 4 gram per packet and contains a soluble powder that can be instantly made, which makes it very low in complexity. For the convenience of the French people the directions and other details will be indicated in French, as well as English as opposed to the Sinhala, Tamil and English product details used in Sri Lanka. Therefore the product will be easier to understand and use over the other competitor brands available in the market. Trialability Link Samahan is considered to be a fast moving consumer good (FMCG). Therefore with regard to trialability, promotions will be carried out at the initial stage at the supermarkets and retail stores for the consumers to taste the product through free samples. Since consumers have the ability to try out the product and evaluate it through the free samples, Link Samahan has a very high trialability factor. Observability An innovation should be high in observability for an adopter to be aware of its existence. Having promotions as mentioned above can be of use to a certain extent (i.e. taste) but the exact outcome of Link Samahan cannot be observed immediately after the consumption. MAJOR PROBLEMS RESISTANCES TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF LINK SAMAHAN, BASED ON THE PROCEEDING EVALUATION Any company when entering to a new market or introducing a new product is faced with a potential risk of failure no matter how favourable the circumstances are. Therefore it is essential to analyze the consumer acceptance for the product in order to survive in the market. Based on the proceeding evaluation, Link Samahan has a high potential of the consumers acceptance as there are high levels of relative advantage, compatibility, trialability and it is also low in complexity. THE MARKET MARKETS IN WHICH LINK SAMAHAN WILL BE SOLD Through the sociocultural and an economical analysis conducted previously, it was identified that there is a favourable market for Link Samahan to be introduced in France. According to (Bell,1997), approximately 2500 metric tons are sold annually in the herbal beverages market in which 60% is in sachet format, 36% in instant products and about 2% in bulk. One of the main reasons to penetrate the French market is their acceptance of herbal beverages. It is most commonly used in many households and is enjoyed by most French people. Thus there is a demand for herbal products, and in addition to this, Link Samahan can also be used as a cheap effective way to cure common colds as oppose to using Saunas which is also highly popular in France. Link Samahan is an FMCG which can be afforded by anyone ranging from lower-middle level to upper level income earners. France has an estimated population of 64,057,792 as mentioned in, (France Demography, n.d) Geographical regions France is a Western European country which borders countries such as Belgium, Spain and Italy in the Europe region. 77% of the total population has been urbanized as of 2008 and 65% of the total population falls in the 15-64 years age category, (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.) (Refer Appendix 2). The population is one of the main factors that have to be taken into consideration in deciding the main geographical regions for Link Samahan to be distributed and marketed to. According to research carried out by (Butler, 2009), the main cities in France with the highest populations are Paris (11,293,200 people), Marseille (1,532,400 people), Lyon (1,665,700 people), Toulouse (975,000 people), Nice (943,000 people) and Nantes (718,700 people). Furthermore, France is generally known to be a cold city and it is a country with typical seasonal changes through out the year. Also, according to (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.), France is faced with floods, midwinter windstorms etc. at certain times of the year. Hence, the probability of people being faced with the common cold is high in terms of climate changes. The company has selected Paris, Marseilles and Nice to distribute and market Link Samahan due to the above mentioned reasons. Another primary reason for selecting Marseilles and Nice is the easy access due to being situated in the coast of France bordering the Mediterranean sea. Hence geographically there is easy access to these cities and the products can be shipped conveniently from Sri Lanka. Forms of transportation available in these regions Paris There are many forms of transportation used in Paris. It consists of four airports, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly being the main two commercial airports and, Le Bourget, and Beauvais Tille being two smaller airports for budget airlines and private jets, (Paris Airports, n.d.) Gare de Lyon train station in Paris provides rail services to the south and east of where Marseilles and Nice are situates. Therefore, Link Samahan can easily be transported to and fro from Paris to the other 2 selected locations, (Gare de Lyon, n.d). Apart from this the Metropolitan underground train network and the two tramlines are also commonly used for transportation in the city of Paris. The bus network in Paris covers the Ile-de-France region and also it extends in the central Paris. However, traffic has to be taken into consideration when travelling by bus as Paris a busy city, (How to use Parisian transport networks, 2003). Marseille Marseille has one airport. Similar to Paris it consists of a bus network and two metro lines which are commonly used among passengers. It is convenient to travel using the Metro Line over the bus network due to the heavy traffic situation in the city. The main train station in Marseille is called Gare Saint Charles and it connects to Paris, which takes approximately 3 hours, (Marseille Transport, 2007). The Marseille Port, being the largest port in France, plays a major role in transporting of Link Samahan from Sri Lanka to France, as the company will be using Vieux Port in Marseilles as the main port to distribute the products to Marseille and Paris and Nice respectively, (Marseille Cruise Port, 2009). From Marseilles, Link Samahan will be transported via train from Gare Saint Charles Station to Paris. Nice The main concern of the company is transporting the product from Marseille to Nice. Therefore the Link Natural (Pvt) Ltd. will be using the railway system for the means of transporting the product to Nice. Communication available in these regions The most common methods in communicating in Paris are through telephone, Internet, and television. Some of the main telecommunication companies situated in Paris are Coriolis Tà ©là ©com, France Telecom, Orange (France Telecom), Bouygues Tà ©là ©com and SFR in which most provide the consumers with telephone as well as internet broadband facilities. (France Telecommunication Companies, 2009) According to (Internet World Stats, 2008) the main dominator of all telecommunication methods such mobile, fixed, Internet and broadband in France is France Telecom. Similar to Paris, Nice and Marseille also use Internet, Telephone and television as main methods of communication. 58.1 % of the population uses the Internet in France (Internet World Stats, 2008). Therefore, Link Natural can use Internet advertising to promote Link Samahan in France for wider reach of the target market. According to (Television Viewing by Country, n.d.), the average viewing rate of television in France is 23 hours per person per week, which indicates that accessibility for television is high among the consumers and therefore television media can be used as an effective means of communicating the product to the customers. Consumer buying habits Consumers buying habits may vary according to the type of products purchased by them. For instance, people may compare and contrast when purchasing a shopping good with the alternative products available in the market. Since Link Samahan is a consumer good, which needs little effort of the consumer in purchasing the product the consumers in the intended target market are not expected spend a lot of time in deciding on purchasing the product. However, since the herbal beverages market is considerably large in France it is vital to pay attention to the leading competitors brands purchased most frequently by the consumers. Product use patterns The herbal beverages market in the Europe has grown over the years due to health concerns of most consumers. People are more careful with their health as a result of their busy scheduled lifestyles. The French generally tend to consume herbal infusions daily in the night after dinner time. Therefore the usage of herbal beverages in France is regular and consistent in the current market. Product feature preferences Most people look for convenience when purchasing products and are more health conscious considering the health issues that they are exposed in the society as previously mentioned. Link Samahan is marketed as a two in one product, which is an herbal cure of colds, as well as a normal hot beverage to the consumers. Therefore the taste of the product is given special consideration so that the consumers will show a favourable response towards the product. It also an instant drink which can be prepared easily. Shopping habits According to the research carried out it was identified that the average consumer purchases herbal beverages approximately once in every three weeks. With the rise in health concerns among the people and herbal beverages being conveniently available in the local retail and supermarket outlets customers are bound to purchase them on a regular basis. Distribution of the product Most of the herbal beverage products are available all over France. They are mainly distributed in local grocery stores, retail outlets and many international supermarket and hypermarket chains located in the country. According to (Shopping in France, n.d.) some of the main supermarket chains are Champion, Carrefour, Auchan, Casino, Leclerc and Intermarchà ©. Advertising and Promotion Advertising media usually used to reach the target market The usual methods of advertising FMCG products are through television, radio, and newspaper/magazine advertisements, as they are targeted towards a mass market of all levels of income earners. Having the fourth highest television-viewing rate in the world, 99% of the households in France have access to televisions especially in the urban areas. According to (Press Reference France, n.d.), there are 584 television networks currently operating in France and marketers of FMCGs frequently use television advertisements. Another popular method of advertising is through Radio networks, as most people have access to radios. Considering the busy lifestyles of the people most companies have adopted this method as people in urban as well as rural areas are known to listen to the radio even when doing other work. Other methods used include newspapers and magazines. French are said to have a high literacy rate of 99% and newspapers and magazines are commonly used around the country. Apart from these methods, Internet is also widely used for advertising consumer products as most people purchase goods online, especially the younger generation. Sales promotions customarily used For most FMCG products, most commonly used sales promotions methods are buy one get one free promotions, in store promotions and free sampling promotions held at retail stores and supermarkets. Pricing Strategy Initially Link Natural will be using the price penetration strategy at a set price of â‚ ¬10.50 intending to attract more customers and capture a larger market share. However, the price maybe varied accordingly in the future depending on the purchasing trend of the consumers and discounts will be given during different seasons. COMPARISON CONTRAST OF LINK SAMAHAN WITH THE COMPETITORS PRODUCTS Link Samahan Brand Name: The name Link Samahan is a family brand name, which is derived from the company name Link Natural. This gives Samahan a special recognition for the consumers, as Link Natural is a well-reputed company in many countries in the EU. Features: Link Samahan is made using 14 natural Ayurvedic herbs, which were chosen through a comprehensive study done by Ayurvedic scientists for years. The main feature of the product is that it is a beverage, which can be made instantly by dissolving in hot water. The basic flavors of Samahan are Lime and Lemon, and will extend to include Mint and Linden (which is a common taste preference of the French people). Package: The 100g pack consists of 25 moisture-proof, triple laminated sachets with a net weight of 4 grams per packet. The details on the sachet will be indicated in both French and English for the convenience of the consumers. The sachet will be yellow and green in color to give a natural look and the colors will be differed accordingly when new flavors are introduced. The competitors products Link Samahan is mainly marketed as a medicine for curing common colds as well as a regular herbal beverage. Therefore there is no direct competitor for the product although there is a large market for herbal beverages in France. There are many herbal tea products available in the French market. The market leader is Lipton with more that 46% of the herbal sachet tea market. The Lipton Company brands Elephant and Saveurs du Soir, dominate the French herbal beverage market by providing various types of herbal tea flavors. The bulk herbal tea market is dominated by La Tisanerie brand, which is also a popular brand available in France. However, they also sell sachet packages in a variety of flavors. Apart from these competitors, Solinests Ricola brand of instant herbal infusions dominates 90% of its product area while 10% of the market represents other Store brands, (Bell, 1997) (Refer Appendix 3) Lipton Brand name: Lipton Elephant Brand Lipton Saveurs Du Soir Features: Both brands mentioned above are herbal teas and have different types of flavors ranging from mint to a wide range of fruit flavors. The price ranges from  £6.00 to  £7.00. Package: Each pack contains 25 sachets and is presented in their own unique color depending on each flavor. Foods International Brand name: La Tisanià ¨re Features: La Tisanià ¨re is also an herbal tea with various flavors such as Les Fruisanes range, which has a variety of fruit flavors, Trà ©sors de Nature range, which has a variety of flavors combining flowers and herbs and the Wellness range. (What about La Tisanià ¨re, n.d) Package: Different flavors are presented in different colors and packed in 25 sachet boxes. Ricola Brand name: Ricola Features: Ricola herbal tea is a popular hot beverage especially during the winter season and is commonly used as a remedy for colds and coughs, (Instant Teas, n.d.) Similar to other competitors, Ricola also offers a wide variety of flavors in their herbal tea range. Package: Ricola teas are generally packed in a plastic container ranging from 200g onwards and in presented in different colors according to the flavors. Comparison All competitors of Link Samahan fall under the herbal tea category. Therefore there is a relative advantage for Samahan as it will be marketed as an herbal beverage as well as a medical concoction used for common colds and similar ailments. Most competitor brands seem similar in appearance which makes it hard for the consumers to distinguish between them at a glance. However, Link Samahan will be presented in its own unique packaging so that it will be visible among rest of the products. The most significant difference between Link Samahan and other competitors is that the price of Link Samahan will be slightly higher due to the fact that it is more of a remedy to cure colds as well as a regular herbal beverage. The competitors price The following is a list of prices of the competitors available in the herbal beverages market. There is no significant difference between the prices of each brand. Competitors promotion and advertising methods The primary method of advertising used by Lipton is through newspaper advertisements. Lipton range consists of a wide range of brands. Thus, they advertise each brand separately rather than as a whole. Since most people have access to reading newspapers daily, they believe that it is the best way to capture the target market. La Tisanià ¨re on the other hand is mainly advertised through radio advertisements along with the Twininngs and Ovaltine, which are the other hot beverage products of their mother company Foods International. Ricolas main focus is on health magazines as they stress on health benefits of consuming Ricola herbal tea such as a cure for coughs and colds. However, Ricola products are also advertised through radio advertisements as well as newspapers through feature articles etc. Other main promotion methods used by these competitors are discounted prizes, special draws and competitions, sponsoring various events and coupon systems. Competitors distribution channels Lipton: Hypermarkets and supermarket chains Foods International: Supermarket chains and retail stores Ricola: Hypermarkets, supermarkets and retails stores MARKET SIZE Estimated industry sales for the planning year According to the research carried out in France, a rise in the industry sales is expected in 2010/2011 due to the regular consumption of herbal products among the consumers. The income level of the consumers may not affect them since herbal beverages are considered as an FMCG. Estimated sales for Link Samahan for the planning year The graph indicates the forecasted sales for Link Samahan for the year 2010 per city. According to the figures shown, approximately about 45,350 packets per city will to be sold and roughly about 3250 packets will be sold per month in average in the year 2010. Furthermore, Link Samahan is expected to detain the market share rapidly in the French market according to the number of estimated sales. All these details are further discussed in the preliminary marketing plan. GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION IN THE MARKET PLACE Agencies that can help Link Natural The herbal beverages industry especially herbal tea industry is a rapidly growing market in France. Apart from being sold mainly in hypermarkets and supermarkets, herbal beverages are commonly used in health care centers, hospitals, holiday spas as well as hotels around the country. The usage of herbal beverages can be highly encouraged among the consumers through most of these agencies which will benefit the sellers in the trade. For instance, Link Samahan can be made available in popular health spas and hotels such as George V-Buddha Bar Spa, Ban Thai Spa, Bleu comme Bleu and Spa Anne Fontaine in Paris, (Spas Whats New,n.d.), and SPA de lhotel Boscolo Exedra Doctor, sauna le cercle Nice Saint Maurice and Nyrvana Madeleine Nice, in Nice (Saunas and Spas in Nice, 2009). It will also enable brand recognition through making the products available in recognized organizations to grab the attention of the target market. Regulations that must be followed It is vital that all companies follow the rules and regulations of the country to avoid complications. France belongs to the European Union and according to (Gauthier, 2005, pg.7), the European Commission has decided to draft a legislation on herbal medicinal products, dietetic foods, nutritional and functional claims, and fortified foods. Also according to (Gauthier, 2005, pg.7), the French Research Center on Nutrition and Food has a recommended allowance of a percentage of ingredients in the products to be consumed daily, and if the product doesnt meet those requirements, a special authorization from the French Public Superior Council for Hygiene (CSHPF) should be obtained by the manufacturer to market the product. Also according to French regulations it is important that all information such as product definition, list of ingredients, shelf life, weight and volume etc. are labeled in French on the packaging of the product. (Gauthier, 2005, pg.7) Apart from these, according to (France Trade Regulations and Standards, n.d.), quality and ecological labels, bar code price labeling, and usage instructions should also be mentioned. In general it is important that the product does not portray any offensive material that is not accepted socially, religiously, ethically etc. in France as it will not be accepted under the government regulations. MARKETING PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The following preliminary marketing plan was prepared by Link Natural (Pvt) Ltd to present a comprehensible idea on their business expansion of Link Samahan to France after conducting an ample research on the feasibility of the product in the French market. The main objective of this report is to guarantee that the product will be successful in the French market when competing among the alternatives available. The report portrays a detailed description mainly on the intended target market focusing on geographical, sociological, demographical etc. aspects, which are relevant to B2B and B2C markets. It gives an insight to the expected sales and the profit expectations for the year 2010. Furthermore, it explains the penetration strategies used by the company to gain market share of the consumers of herbal beverages in the market. It is imperative to analyze the product adaptation and modification by using factors such as core components, packaging, and support services etc. to grasp a clear interpretation of the product, which is described with sufficient details in the analysis. The report also focuses on to one of the major components in the marketing the mix, the promotions of the product carried out in France. The overall promotion objectives are explained followed by advertising, sales promotions, personal selling and other promotional tools used by the company to promote Link Samahan among the French consumers. Moreover, it explains the distribution components from origin to destination, which includes port selection, mode selection, packing, important documentations, insurance claims etc. as well as channel of distribution and more importantly the price determination of the product. Finally the terms of sales and method payment used by the company are explained followed by the budget and the financial statement of the entire business plan. Therefore as mentioned above, the crucial factors are highlighted in this report to ensure the success of Link Samahans establishment in the French market. THE MARKETING PLAN MARKET OBJECTIVES Target Market France has been ranked the 19th most populated country in the world, with a population estimate of 64,057,792, as stated in (France Demography, n.d.). It is therefore impractical to target the entire population of the country. The company has taken into consideration factors such as demography and geography when selecting the target market for Link Samahan. Demographically, the variables that were taken into consideration when selecting the target market were age, sex and income status. 65% of Frances population falls within the age group 15-64 years (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.). Both males and females having a lower-middle to upper level income will be targeted since Link Samahan is an FMCG and is generally affordable to all the income groups mentioned above. Geographically, Paris, Marseilles and Nice are 3 of the most populated and metropolitan cities in France. Collectively in these 3 cities, the total population amounts to approximately 14.6 million (France People, 2006). Therefore, the primary business-to-consumer (B2C) target market for Link Samahan in France is: males females, from lower-middle to upper level income groups, between the ages of 15-64 who are primarily residing in the cities of Paris, Marseilles or Nice. There will also be a business-to-business (B2B) target market which would consist of the most visited retail stores, supermarket chains, hypermarkets and health holiday spas in the sele Link Natural (Pvt) International Audit Link Natural (Pvt) International Audit EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Link Natural (Pvt) Ltds decision to advance their business to France was apart of the economical and socio-cultural analysis carried out to identify the market potential for the product (Link Samahan) to be sustainable in the French herbal market. The company is already conducting their businesses in many locations around the world, and France was a further step taken to expand their global presence. The following report is the market audit conducted in order to identify some of the key factors that should be taken into consideration when expanding a business across borders. A brief description of the product Link Samahan is presented initially in the report followed by an analysis of the product acceptance as well as possibilities of product resistance by the French consumers. This was identified through considering factors such as trialability, complexity, relative advantage, observability and compatibility of the product in the French herbal beverage market. The report further analyses the market in which the product will be sold and the geographical regions in France that were chosen for the initial business operations, namely Paris, Nice and Marseille. The basic transportation systems and modes in the selected areas are also discussed followed by the main communication methods used by them. Furthermore the report provides a description on consumer buying habits, distribution of the products, pricing strategies and the advertising and media usually used to reach the target market. A comparison and contrast between Link Samahan and its competitors in the French market is also carried out in the report. The comparison includes the prices, product features, packaging differences along with the promotional methods and distribution channels utilized by Link Samahan and the other competitors. Moreover, the report extends to discuss the market size indicating the trend of the industry sales and the expected sales for Link Samahan in the coming year. Finally, the agencies that will benefit the company and the important government regulations that should be followed by the company are discussed at the latter part of the market audit. INTRODUCTION Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd. is a leading business entity in Sri Lanka that provides herbal, Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals as well as safe and effective herbal healthcare products. Some of the main products of Link Natural include, Link Kesha hair oil, Link Sudantha toothpaste, Gotukola Tea and Spa/Aroma products. As a result of extensive research carried out for years, Link Natural introduced Link Samahan, a 100% natural herbal product to the market for curing common colds and similar ailments. Currently Link Natural is exporting their products to countries such as Malaysia, USA, UK, Germany, Thailand, India etc. (Company Profile, 2009) France being a European Union country owns the largest land among the EU countries. As an expansion in the maturity level of the product (Link Samahan), Link Natural has decided to distribute the product to three different locations situated in France. According to (Bell, 1997), French people consider herbal beverages to be healthy and they are most commonly used in every day life in the French culture. The demand for herbal products in the European market has risen over the years and this can be considered as a great opportunity for Link Natural to expand their business to France. In order to identify the target market and their potential it is vital to carry out a detailed market analysis with regard to the product. Thus the main focus of the following report will be to evaluate a market plan and audit for the purpose of marketing Link Samahan in the French herbal beverages market. The market audit will comprise of a detailed description on the target market, geographical distribution, diffusion of innovation of the consumers as well as advertising, pricing and promotions in terms of the herbal beverages market in France. THE PRODUCT: LINK SAMAHAN Link Samahan is an authentic herbal product made in Sri Lanka and it is made of 14 natural plants which are generally used in Peyave formulations. As stated in (Product Data Sheet, n.d.), in ancient Sri Lanka Peyave was considered to be one of the most popular cures for viral fevers and influenza, and it consists of a mixture of herbs in boiling water. This instant herbal beverage is used for common colds as other similar ailments such as sneezing, itching eyes, running noses etc. Currently Link Samahan plays the leading role in the Sri Lankan herbal products market for colds and other related ailments, and Link Samahan is being distributed to 32 destinations in eight different countries around the world, (About Samahan, 2009). (Refer Appendix 1). Link Samahan will be expanding into the herbal beverage market in France for the first time. An innovation is any product or a service that consumers perceive to be new, as stated by (Solomon, 2004, pg.567). Therefore, the following section will focus on how the proposed target market will perceive Link Samahan and their levels of acceptance and resistance will be determined. LINK SAMAHAN AS AN INNOVATION (As perceived by the intended target market) Diffusion of innovation refers to the process whereby a new product, service, or idea spreads through a population, (Solomon, 2004, pg.567). The rate of adoption may differ from person to person even within the same culture. According to (Solomon, 2004, pg.567) a study of 11 European countries found that consumers in individualistic cultures are more innovative than consumers in collective cultures. Therefore to identify the acceptance rate of Link Samahan in France a few important factors will be analyzed apart from the consumer behavioural changes among the target market. These factors are as follows: Relative advantage It is important that the consumers believe that the product is important and more beneficial for them than the alternative brands in the market, as the new product adaption rate is directly proportional to the relative advantage of the new product. The main characteristic of Link Samahan is that it is an herbal drink, which can be prepared instantly by just dissolving in hot water. Furthermore it has the relative advantage of being a complete natural product that can not only be used to prevent colds and similar ailments, but also can be used as a hot beverage. Therefore, it can be said that Link Samahan has a 2-in-1 relative advantage compared to other herbal beverages. Compatibility According to (Solomon, 2004, pg.570), the innovation should be compatible with the lifestyle of the consumers. No matter how convenient the product is, sometimes the consumers may not accept the product due to ethical or cultural issues. But as mentioned before according to (Bell, 1997), the French have a popular demand for herbal beverages, and have over a 70% of herbal products in large grocery stores and hypermarkets. This is one of the core reasons that Link Natural has decided to distribute Link Samahan to France. It can be stated that Link Samahan is strongly compatible with the French market and will potentially have a high usage rate. Complexity Link Samahan is a moisture-proof, triple laminated sachet with a net weight of 4 gram per packet and contains a soluble powder that can be instantly made, which makes it very low in complexity. For the convenience of the French people the directions and other details will be indicated in French, as well as English as opposed to the Sinhala, Tamil and English product details used in Sri Lanka. Therefore the product will be easier to understand and use over the other competitor brands available in the market. Trialability Link Samahan is considered to be a fast moving consumer good (FMCG). Therefore with regard to trialability, promotions will be carried out at the initial stage at the supermarkets and retail stores for the consumers to taste the product through free samples. Since consumers have the ability to try out the product and evaluate it through the free samples, Link Samahan has a very high trialability factor. Observability An innovation should be high in observability for an adopter to be aware of its existence. Having promotions as mentioned above can be of use to a certain extent (i.e. taste) but the exact outcome of Link Samahan cannot be observed immediately after the consumption. MAJOR PROBLEMS RESISTANCES TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF LINK SAMAHAN, BASED ON THE PROCEEDING EVALUATION Any company when entering to a new market or introducing a new product is faced with a potential risk of failure no matter how favourable the circumstances are. Therefore it is essential to analyze the consumer acceptance for the product in order to survive in the market. Based on the proceeding evaluation, Link Samahan has a high potential of the consumers acceptance as there are high levels of relative advantage, compatibility, trialability and it is also low in complexity. THE MARKET MARKETS IN WHICH LINK SAMAHAN WILL BE SOLD Through the sociocultural and an economical analysis conducted previously, it was identified that there is a favourable market for Link Samahan to be introduced in France. According to (Bell,1997), approximately 2500 metric tons are sold annually in the herbal beverages market in which 60% is in sachet format, 36% in instant products and about 2% in bulk. One of the main reasons to penetrate the French market is their acceptance of herbal beverages. It is most commonly used in many households and is enjoyed by most French people. Thus there is a demand for herbal products, and in addition to this, Link Samahan can also be used as a cheap effective way to cure common colds as oppose to using Saunas which is also highly popular in France. Link Samahan is an FMCG which can be afforded by anyone ranging from lower-middle level to upper level income earners. France has an estimated population of 64,057,792 as mentioned in, (France Demography, n.d) Geographical regions France is a Western European country which borders countries such as Belgium, Spain and Italy in the Europe region. 77% of the total population has been urbanized as of 2008 and 65% of the total population falls in the 15-64 years age category, (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.) (Refer Appendix 2). The population is one of the main factors that have to be taken into consideration in deciding the main geographical regions for Link Samahan to be distributed and marketed to. According to research carried out by (Butler, 2009), the main cities in France with the highest populations are Paris (11,293,200 people), Marseille (1,532,400 people), Lyon (1,665,700 people), Toulouse (975,000 people), Nice (943,000 people) and Nantes (718,700 people). Furthermore, France is generally known to be a cold city and it is a country with typical seasonal changes through out the year. Also, according to (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.), France is faced with floods, midwinter windstorms etc. at certain times of the year. Hence, the probability of people being faced with the common cold is high in terms of climate changes. The company has selected Paris, Marseilles and Nice to distribute and market Link Samahan due to the above mentioned reasons. Another primary reason for selecting Marseilles and Nice is the easy access due to being situated in the coast of France bordering the Mediterranean sea. Hence geographically there is easy access to these cities and the products can be shipped conveniently from Sri Lanka. Forms of transportation available in these regions Paris There are many forms of transportation used in Paris. It consists of four airports, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly being the main two commercial airports and, Le Bourget, and Beauvais Tille being two smaller airports for budget airlines and private jets, (Paris Airports, n.d.) Gare de Lyon train station in Paris provides rail services to the south and east of where Marseilles and Nice are situates. Therefore, Link Samahan can easily be transported to and fro from Paris to the other 2 selected locations, (Gare de Lyon, n.d). Apart from this the Metropolitan underground train network and the two tramlines are also commonly used for transportation in the city of Paris. The bus network in Paris covers the Ile-de-France region and also it extends in the central Paris. However, traffic has to be taken into consideration when travelling by bus as Paris a busy city, (How to use Parisian transport networks, 2003). Marseille Marseille has one airport. Similar to Paris it consists of a bus network and two metro lines which are commonly used among passengers. It is convenient to travel using the Metro Line over the bus network due to the heavy traffic situation in the city. The main train station in Marseille is called Gare Saint Charles and it connects to Paris, which takes approximately 3 hours, (Marseille Transport, 2007). The Marseille Port, being the largest port in France, plays a major role in transporting of Link Samahan from Sri Lanka to France, as the company will be using Vieux Port in Marseilles as the main port to distribute the products to Marseille and Paris and Nice respectively, (Marseille Cruise Port, 2009). From Marseilles, Link Samahan will be transported via train from Gare Saint Charles Station to Paris. Nice The main concern of the company is transporting the product from Marseille to Nice. Therefore the Link Natural (Pvt) Ltd. will be using the railway system for the means of transporting the product to Nice. Communication available in these regions The most common methods in communicating in Paris are through telephone, Internet, and television. Some of the main telecommunication companies situated in Paris are Coriolis Tà ©là ©com, France Telecom, Orange (France Telecom), Bouygues Tà ©là ©com and SFR in which most provide the consumers with telephone as well as internet broadband facilities. (France Telecommunication Companies, 2009) According to (Internet World Stats, 2008) the main dominator of all telecommunication methods such mobile, fixed, Internet and broadband in France is France Telecom. Similar to Paris, Nice and Marseille also use Internet, Telephone and television as main methods of communication. 58.1 % of the population uses the Internet in France (Internet World Stats, 2008). Therefore, Link Natural can use Internet advertising to promote Link Samahan in France for wider reach of the target market. According to (Television Viewing by Country, n.d.), the average viewing rate of television in France is 23 hours per person per week, which indicates that accessibility for television is high among the consumers and therefore television media can be used as an effective means of communicating the product to the customers. Consumer buying habits Consumers buying habits may vary according to the type of products purchased by them. For instance, people may compare and contrast when purchasing a shopping good with the alternative products available in the market. Since Link Samahan is a consumer good, which needs little effort of the consumer in purchasing the product the consumers in the intended target market are not expected spend a lot of time in deciding on purchasing the product. However, since the herbal beverages market is considerably large in France it is vital to pay attention to the leading competitors brands purchased most frequently by the consumers. Product use patterns The herbal beverages market in the Europe has grown over the years due to health concerns of most consumers. People are more careful with their health as a result of their busy scheduled lifestyles. The French generally tend to consume herbal infusions daily in the night after dinner time. Therefore the usage of herbal beverages in France is regular and consistent in the current market. Product feature preferences Most people look for convenience when purchasing products and are more health conscious considering the health issues that they are exposed in the society as previously mentioned. Link Samahan is marketed as a two in one product, which is an herbal cure of colds, as well as a normal hot beverage to the consumers. Therefore the taste of the product is given special consideration so that the consumers will show a favourable response towards the product. It also an instant drink which can be prepared easily. Shopping habits According to the research carried out it was identified that the average consumer purchases herbal beverages approximately once in every three weeks. With the rise in health concerns among the people and herbal beverages being conveniently available in the local retail and supermarket outlets customers are bound to purchase them on a regular basis. Distribution of the product Most of the herbal beverage products are available all over France. They are mainly distributed in local grocery stores, retail outlets and many international supermarket and hypermarket chains located in the country. According to (Shopping in France, n.d.) some of the main supermarket chains are Champion, Carrefour, Auchan, Casino, Leclerc and Intermarchà ©. Advertising and Promotion Advertising media usually used to reach the target market The usual methods of advertising FMCG products are through television, radio, and newspaper/magazine advertisements, as they are targeted towards a mass market of all levels of income earners. Having the fourth highest television-viewing rate in the world, 99% of the households in France have access to televisions especially in the urban areas. According to (Press Reference France, n.d.), there are 584 television networks currently operating in France and marketers of FMCGs frequently use television advertisements. Another popular method of advertising is through Radio networks, as most people have access to radios. Considering the busy lifestyles of the people most companies have adopted this method as people in urban as well as rural areas are known to listen to the radio even when doing other work. Other methods used include newspapers and magazines. French are said to have a high literacy rate of 99% and newspapers and magazines are commonly used around the country. Apart from these methods, Internet is also widely used for advertising consumer products as most people purchase goods online, especially the younger generation. Sales promotions customarily used For most FMCG products, most commonly used sales promotions methods are buy one get one free promotions, in store promotions and free sampling promotions held at retail stores and supermarkets. Pricing Strategy Initially Link Natural will be using the price penetration strategy at a set price of â‚ ¬10.50 intending to attract more customers and capture a larger market share. However, the price maybe varied accordingly in the future depending on the purchasing trend of the consumers and discounts will be given during different seasons. COMPARISON CONTRAST OF LINK SAMAHAN WITH THE COMPETITORS PRODUCTS Link Samahan Brand Name: The name Link Samahan is a family brand name, which is derived from the company name Link Natural. This gives Samahan a special recognition for the consumers, as Link Natural is a well-reputed company in many countries in the EU. Features: Link Samahan is made using 14 natural Ayurvedic herbs, which were chosen through a comprehensive study done by Ayurvedic scientists for years. The main feature of the product is that it is a beverage, which can be made instantly by dissolving in hot water. The basic flavors of Samahan are Lime and Lemon, and will extend to include Mint and Linden (which is a common taste preference of the French people). Package: The 100g pack consists of 25 moisture-proof, triple laminated sachets with a net weight of 4 grams per packet. The details on the sachet will be indicated in both French and English for the convenience of the consumers. The sachet will be yellow and green in color to give a natural look and the colors will be differed accordingly when new flavors are introduced. The competitors products Link Samahan is mainly marketed as a medicine for curing common colds as well as a regular herbal beverage. Therefore there is no direct competitor for the product although there is a large market for herbal beverages in France. There are many herbal tea products available in the French market. The market leader is Lipton with more that 46% of the herbal sachet tea market. The Lipton Company brands Elephant and Saveurs du Soir, dominate the French herbal beverage market by providing various types of herbal tea flavors. The bulk herbal tea market is dominated by La Tisanerie brand, which is also a popular brand available in France. However, they also sell sachet packages in a variety of flavors. Apart from these competitors, Solinests Ricola brand of instant herbal infusions dominates 90% of its product area while 10% of the market represents other Store brands, (Bell, 1997) (Refer Appendix 3) Lipton Brand name: Lipton Elephant Brand Lipton Saveurs Du Soir Features: Both brands mentioned above are herbal teas and have different types of flavors ranging from mint to a wide range of fruit flavors. The price ranges from  £6.00 to  £7.00. Package: Each pack contains 25 sachets and is presented in their own unique color depending on each flavor. Foods International Brand name: La Tisanià ¨re Features: La Tisanià ¨re is also an herbal tea with various flavors such as Les Fruisanes range, which has a variety of fruit flavors, Trà ©sors de Nature range, which has a variety of flavors combining flowers and herbs and the Wellness range. (What about La Tisanià ¨re, n.d) Package: Different flavors are presented in different colors and packed in 25 sachet boxes. Ricola Brand name: Ricola Features: Ricola herbal tea is a popular hot beverage especially during the winter season and is commonly used as a remedy for colds and coughs, (Instant Teas, n.d.) Similar to other competitors, Ricola also offers a wide variety of flavors in their herbal tea range. Package: Ricola teas are generally packed in a plastic container ranging from 200g onwards and in presented in different colors according to the flavors. Comparison All competitors of Link Samahan fall under the herbal tea category. Therefore there is a relative advantage for Samahan as it will be marketed as an herbal beverage as well as a medical concoction used for common colds and similar ailments. Most competitor brands seem similar in appearance which makes it hard for the consumers to distinguish between them at a glance. However, Link Samahan will be presented in its own unique packaging so that it will be visible among rest of the products. The most significant difference between Link Samahan and other competitors is that the price of Link Samahan will be slightly higher due to the fact that it is more of a remedy to cure colds as well as a regular herbal beverage. The competitors price The following is a list of prices of the competitors available in the herbal beverages market. There is no significant difference between the prices of each brand. Competitors promotion and advertising methods The primary method of advertising used by Lipton is through newspaper advertisements. Lipton range consists of a wide range of brands. Thus, they advertise each brand separately rather than as a whole. Since most people have access to reading newspapers daily, they believe that it is the best way to capture the target market. La Tisanià ¨re on the other hand is mainly advertised through radio advertisements along with the Twininngs and Ovaltine, which are the other hot beverage products of their mother company Foods International. Ricolas main focus is on health magazines as they stress on health benefits of consuming Ricola herbal tea such as a cure for coughs and colds. However, Ricola products are also advertised through radio advertisements as well as newspapers through feature articles etc. Other main promotion methods used by these competitors are discounted prizes, special draws and competitions, sponsoring various events and coupon systems. Competitors distribution channels Lipton: Hypermarkets and supermarket chains Foods International: Supermarket chains and retail stores Ricola: Hypermarkets, supermarkets and retails stores MARKET SIZE Estimated industry sales for the planning year According to the research carried out in France, a rise in the industry sales is expected in 2010/2011 due to the regular consumption of herbal products among the consumers. The income level of the consumers may not affect them since herbal beverages are considered as an FMCG. Estimated sales for Link Samahan for the planning year The graph indicates the forecasted sales for Link Samahan for the year 2010 per city. According to the figures shown, approximately about 45,350 packets per city will to be sold and roughly about 3250 packets will be sold per month in average in the year 2010. Furthermore, Link Samahan is expected to detain the market share rapidly in the French market according to the number of estimated sales. All these details are further discussed in the preliminary marketing plan. GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION IN THE MARKET PLACE Agencies that can help Link Natural The herbal beverages industry especially herbal tea industry is a rapidly growing market in France. Apart from being sold mainly in hypermarkets and supermarkets, herbal beverages are commonly used in health care centers, hospitals, holiday spas as well as hotels around the country. The usage of herbal beverages can be highly encouraged among the consumers through most of these agencies which will benefit the sellers in the trade. For instance, Link Samahan can be made available in popular health spas and hotels such as George V-Buddha Bar Spa, Ban Thai Spa, Bleu comme Bleu and Spa Anne Fontaine in Paris, (Spas Whats New,n.d.), and SPA de lhotel Boscolo Exedra Doctor, sauna le cercle Nice Saint Maurice and Nyrvana Madeleine Nice, in Nice (Saunas and Spas in Nice, 2009). It will also enable brand recognition through making the products available in recognized organizations to grab the attention of the target market. Regulations that must be followed It is vital that all companies follow the rules and regulations of the country to avoid complications. France belongs to the European Union and according to (Gauthier, 2005, pg.7), the European Commission has decided to draft a legislation on herbal medicinal products, dietetic foods, nutritional and functional claims, and fortified foods. Also according to (Gauthier, 2005, pg.7), the French Research Center on Nutrition and Food has a recommended allowance of a percentage of ingredients in the products to be consumed daily, and if the product doesnt meet those requirements, a special authorization from the French Public Superior Council for Hygiene (CSHPF) should be obtained by the manufacturer to market the product. Also according to French regulations it is important that all information such as product definition, list of ingredients, shelf life, weight and volume etc. are labeled in French on the packaging of the product. (Gauthier, 2005, pg.7) Apart from these, according to (France Trade Regulations and Standards, n.d.), quality and ecological labels, bar code price labeling, and usage instructions should also be mentioned. In general it is important that the product does not portray any offensive material that is not accepted socially, religiously, ethically etc. in France as it will not be accepted under the government regulations. MARKETING PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The following preliminary marketing plan was prepared by Link Natural (Pvt) Ltd to present a comprehensible idea on their business expansion of Link Samahan to France after conducting an ample research on the feasibility of the product in the French market. The main objective of this report is to guarantee that the product will be successful in the French market when competing among the alternatives available. The report portrays a detailed description mainly on the intended target market focusing on geographical, sociological, demographical etc. aspects, which are relevant to B2B and B2C markets. It gives an insight to the expected sales and the profit expectations for the year 2010. Furthermore, it explains the penetration strategies used by the company to gain market share of the consumers of herbal beverages in the market. It is imperative to analyze the product adaptation and modification by using factors such as core components, packaging, and support services etc. to grasp a clear interpretation of the product, which is described with sufficient details in the analysis. The report also focuses on to one of the major components in the marketing the mix, the promotions of the product carried out in France. The overall promotion objectives are explained followed by advertising, sales promotions, personal selling and other promotional tools used by the company to promote Link Samahan among the French consumers. Moreover, it explains the distribution components from origin to destination, which includes port selection, mode selection, packing, important documentations, insurance claims etc. as well as channel of distribution and more importantly the price determination of the product. Finally the terms of sales and method payment used by the company are explained followed by the budget and the financial statement of the entire business plan. Therefore as mentioned above, the crucial factors are highlighted in this report to ensure the success of Link Samahans establishment in the French market. THE MARKETING PLAN MARKET OBJECTIVES Target Market France has been ranked the 19th most populated country in the world, with a population estimate of 64,057,792, as stated in (France Demography, n.d.). It is therefore impractical to target the entire population of the country. The company has taken into consideration factors such as demography and geography when selecting the target market for Link Samahan. Demographically, the variables that were taken into consideration when selecting the target market were age, sex and income status. 65% of Frances population falls within the age group 15-64 years (Central Intelligence Agency, n.d.). Both males and females having a lower-middle to upper level income will be targeted since Link Samahan is an FMCG and is generally affordable to all the income groups mentioned above. Geographically, Paris, Marseilles and Nice are 3 of the most populated and metropolitan cities in France. Collectively in these 3 cities, the total population amounts to approximately 14.6 million (France People, 2006). Therefore, the primary business-to-consumer (B2C) target market for Link Samahan in France is: males females, from lower-middle to upper level income groups, between the ages of 15-64 who are primarily residing in the cities of Paris, Marseilles or Nice. There will also be a business-to-business (B2B) target market which would consist of the most visited retail stores, supermarket chains, hypermarkets and health holiday spas in the sele