Thursday, October 31, 2019

Students to demonstrate an understanding of public relations in travel Essay

Students to demonstrate an understanding of public relations in travel and tourism - Essay Example In order to attract tourists in the highly competitive market, the management uses marketing and management tools that should be taken into consideration (Mill and Morrisson, 2002). The most important marketing tool is Public Relations (PR) as it plays a key role in advertising the locations, activities and identities. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role and importance of PR in the tourism and travel industry. PR in travel and tourism has a very important role to play as it is used in strategic marketing activities and is integrated with marketing communications. The tourism industry is divided into many sectors including travel, tourist destinations, establishments, hotels lodgings and restaurants. The different sectors have their specific audience, public relation tools and convey different messages. The important role of PR is to create favourable perceptions about the tourist destination because success of the industry relies on the different sectors as explained by Deuschl (2006). The sectors need effective PR to gain popularity among the tourists. The PR department creates a positive impression in all the sectors in the travel and tourism industry. The role of PR involves attracting customers and keeping them entertained after they arrive at the destination to their time of departure. The primary purpose of PR is to effectively support other marketing and sales activities attempting to build a positive image of a company, its services and products (Deuschl, 2006). PR help the organization to save money by enhancing relations with the public that constrain or enhance the ability of the entity to meet its obligations. PR is different from other marketing tools, most importantly advertising since it creates the launch of a brand and it has greater credibility. PR promotes improved understanding between the operators and customers. There has been increased competition in the tourism sector among the operators to create

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Dwight D Eisenhower Contributions towards the USA Revolution Research Paper

Dwight D Eisenhower Contributions towards the USA Revolution - Research Paper Example Later on in life, he was married and had a family of two sons, serving as the Chief of Staff in the Army during the presidency of Harry Truman. He ventured into politics in 1952 and won with a clear majority defeating Democrat candidate Adlai Stevenson, himself being a Republican. During his reign as the United States President, he oversaw many political and social changes with the help of Richard Nixon his Vice President. In his presidency the implementation of the Highway Act cannot be overlooked and its importance in the transformation of American infrastructure and commerce. The country before his reign president had experienced great transformations in the automobile sector and ownership of cars had increased necessitating new and well-maintained roads. His National System of the Interstate and defense Highways was a great innovation that helped in the transformation of America (Bennett 451). The new highway system, arguably the greatest public works project to be engaged in Ame rica in its History, aided the speed of transport. However, every great side has a dark shadow and so did his noble idea. The great highway system is directly linked to hindering growth of cities, destruction of neighborhoods, and greatly hurt the environment. The great Interstate Highway system had elements of being helpful and at the same time destructive as has been argued by historian Evan Bennett who raised a question as to whether the highways were to ruin or highways to heaven.The highway was constructed in pursuant to the 1956 Federal Act.... The highway was constructed in pursuant to the 1956 Federal Act on aid to highways, following major campaigns by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The highway forms the second longest road in the world with its present day 47,182 miles its first phase having taken 35 years for construction. The need for the highway at that time was rife following the unsafe roads that had numerous accidents and had recorded high numbers of deaths than before its inception. The President’s quest to have the road constructed was reinforced by the defense part, as there were great fears of the Cold War (Mumford 234). His belief and support for construction of new highways is traced back to 1919 when he joined the first United States Army’s Cross-Country Motor Transport Train. The team was on a mission to learn how motor vehicles would cross the country (Whitman 70). He attributed his vision of the highway from Germany, which had made him see the wisdom of broader ribbons across America inste ad of two-lane highways (Murphy 50). Dwight D. Eisenhower took immediate action upon assuming office, writing a proposal to Congress on the creation of transcontinental highway system (Murphy 50). He signed the act on highways into law on June 26, 1956 that provide for federal government funding of the project to a tune of 90%. The states in this case contributed only 10% of the funding. The immediate negative effects of the construction were the increases in gasoline and tire taxes to fund the project (Faber 26). The highway also saw the first standardization across states in America making the roads less dangerous than before the inception of the highway (Frissell 2). The highway system did not benefit the transport sector only, but had other economic effects on different sectors. Faster

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Business Analysis Techniques for Strategic Planning

Business Analysis Techniques for Strategic Planning Through a strategic planning an organization defines its strategy, or direction, and decisions making on allocating its resources to practice this strategy such as its capital and people. There are various business analysis techniques that are used in strategic planning such as SWOT, PEST, STEER and EPISTEL. The strategic planning, which indicates the future course of an organization, is the formal consideration involves three key questions; these questions mainly refer to what an organization does, who it deals to and how it excel. Another integral question can be phrased as how to beat competition (Bradford Duncan, 2000). The development of this business strategy is of great importance for organization as the whole structure of organization depends on it. An authentic business strategy development needs an appropriate analysis of the organization and its environment. This analysis must be executed at an internal and external level in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses o f internal environment (organization) as well as threats, opportunities of the external environment. Different factors are assessed in this regard including the economy markets, competition, supplier markets, labor markets, regulatory environment and Technology. Marketing plans and strategies are the tools that are used as helpful in understanding the goals of the business and to develop the activities to achieve them. Strategic Models and tools are employed by marketing participants to analyze marketing decisions. The 3Cs, the corporation, the customer and the competitors, can be employed when beginning a strategic analysis to get a broad understanding of the strategic environment. Different organizations often use it to convey strategic positioning of their market mix. In order to form a market plan to practice a defined strategy, 4Ps, the product, the price, the place and the promotion, can be used. Marketing theories provides the solution for achieving the marketing goals throug h procedure. The basic theory of marketing revolves around Target Audience, Proposition and Implementation. Organizations sum up their objective and goals into mission and vision statement. They are used to formulate objectives and goals. Every organization follows particular organizational ethics, which meant to show how ethically internal or external stimuli are responded by them. Organizational ethics also expresses the values of an organization to its employees and other entities irrespective of governmental and regulatory laws. Organizational Ethics is interdependent with Organizational Culture. Organizational Culture deals with the beliefs and personal and cultural values of an organization, Psychology, attitudes and experiences. This culture is defined as a collection of norms and values shared by group of the people in the organization and the way they interact with each other and with the stakeholders outside organization (Hill and Jones, 2001). A core competency is definit e factor that is seen as being central to the way it by a business, or its works and employees. It carries out three key criteria, it provides consumer benefits, it is not easy for competitors to imitate and it can be leveraged many products and markets. Competitive advantage takes place when an organization acquires and develops an attribute and combination of attributes that allows it to outperform its competitors. A timetable for the implementation of a strategy shows the timing for the each steps of the plan that is pursued to implement the strategies accordingly. The effectiveness, efficiency and economy have to be evaluated so that the success of the timetable can be estimated throughout the implementation of planning and strategy. This paper examines and assesses the different business models, development of strategic planning, its implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of implementation of the timetable of strategic planning of an organization. The chosen organization is Marks Spencer (MS). Marks Spencer is chosen because it is an important and major British retailer, with over 895 stores in more than 40 territories worldwide, over 600 domestic and 295 international stores (MS International Stores MS website, February 2009). It is also the biggest clothing retailer in the United Kingdom, as well as being an up market food retailer, and the 43rd largest retailer in the world as of 2008. (Wal-Mart remains largest global retailer, according to Deloitte survey). Its domestic stores also sell both food and clothing; it has started the store expansion into other ranges including furniture, home ware and technology. In 1998 it was the first and only retailer to make a pre-tax profit of over  £1 billion (BUSINESS | Marks Spencer profits top expectations. BBC News, 1998). The business assessments of such organization of such a big range and with glorious history will definitely be a remarkable addition in the study of business management and business strategic planning. In general terms provide examples (4to 6) and briefly explain them of theories and principles that underlie strategic planning? Every organization comes into being with a strategy, which is called an organizational strategy and aims to provide a guideline to guiding member of the organization. Since the future survival of an organization depends on its strategy, therefore, every organization is commenced with their own strategy. This strategy involves business strategy mainly focusing on development and progress of the organization including internal and external factors as well. An organization needs to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities that the organization could face while developing strategy, political, economic, social, and technological environment other socio-cultural, ecological, and regulatory factors and environment, informatics, and legal matter are also as important to be analyzed as above factors. For this purpose, therefore, organizations summarize these strategies into their mission, vision and values, which illustrate their business strategy. Provide in outline form, using a diagram a framework which would enable your choice organization to develop its strategy in general terms? The preparatory phase of a business strategic plan relies on planning. At the first, business plan includes Analysis of the Current Situation and Marketing Plan Strategy and Objectives. Marks Spencer requires having analysis of the current situation including past year. This analysis includes analysis of Business Trends, Market Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Market Segmentation, Marketing-mix, SWOT analysis, Positioning analyzing perceptions and Sources of information. Marketing plan Strategy and objectives for next year should also be analyzed including Marketing strategy, Desired market segmentation, Desired marketing-mix, TOWS-based objectives as a result of the SWOT, Position perceptual gaps and Yearly sales forecast. Describe and critically evaluate a small range (3 to 5) of models tools and techniques that could be used to develop marketing for your chosen organization? There are many Marketing strategic models and tools employed to analyze marketing decisions. In order to find a broad understanding of the strategic environment the 3Cs can be used by Marks Spencer. This 3Cs model points out that focus should be on three key factors for success. Three main players must be considered when planning a strategy for business: Corporation, Customer and Competitors. These 3Cs can sustain a competitive advantage in a strategic triangle. From a corporation point of view, strategies are needed to maximize the strengths of a corporation relative to the competition in the area of function that are critical to achieve the success. The corporation does not have to exceed in every function in order to win. If it can achieve decisive edge in one key function, it will ultimately be able to progress its other functions which are now average. In case of swiftly rising wage costs, it is an important decision for company to contract out a major share of its assembly ope rations. If the competitors are not able to shift production so swiftly to vendors and subcontractors, the outcomes difference in cost structure and in the companys ability to cope with demand fluctuations can have integral strategic implications. The cost-effectiveness can be improved by adopting three ways. At first, reduction in the basic cost, exercise greater selectivity such as products offered, orders accepted and functions performed and share certain important functions with other business of corporation and other organization. Since clients and customers are the base of strategy therefore the basic goal is to be of customers interest rather than of the shareholders. This segmentation appears from a trade-off study of marketing costs versus market coverage. There always appears to be a point of reducing returns in the cost versus coverage relationship. The task of the organization is to optimize its range of market coverage, geographically and channel wise. Competitors are l ikely to be scrutinizing the market in similar ways in fierce competition. The effectiveness of a given first strategic segmentation will tend to decline over an extended period of time. It is useful to pick a small group of customers in such situations and reexamine what it is that they really want. A market segment change takes place where the market forces are changing the distribution of the user-mix over time by affecting demography, distribution channels, and customer size, etc. This kind of change is meant to be the allocation of corporate resources to be shifted and the ultimate level of resources committed in the business to be changed. The strategy based on competitor can be built by looking at possible sources of diversities in functions including purchasing, engineering, design, sales and servicing. The power of image and capitalizing on profit and cost structure differences are the ways to achieve the differentiation. I mage can be the merely source of positive differen tiation when performance of product and form of the distribution are difficult to differentiate. In capitalizing on profit- and cost structure differences, firstly, the difference in source of profit may be oppressed, from new products sales etc. Secondly, difference in the ratio of unchangeable costs and changeable costs may also be oppressed strategically. A company with lower unchangeable cost ratio can lower prices in a lazy market and hence gain market share. Another strategic tool that can be useful for Mark Spencer is Porters 5 Forces Model. Porters 5 Forces Model is structural analysis of the market. It rather focuses view of analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of a Market Segment through analyzing the different threats prevail in the market. It is a framework for the business strategy development and industry analysis. It draws upon industrial organization economics to develop five forces that determine the competitive intensity and in the result attractiveness of a market. Porters 5 Forces Model Structureurl.png The Threat from the potential new entrants Profitable markets that submit high returns attract the new firms. Its consequence is many new entrants, which ultimately decrease profitability for all firms in the industry. The profit rate will constantly fall unless the new entrants are not blocked. This is also known as perfect competition. New entrants can be blocked by the existence of barriers in the form of copyright etc. Attractive segment is the one in which barriers for entrance is high while barriers for exit are low. Thus only few new firm ca enter and only non-performing firm can exit easily. Economies of product difference also make an opportunity for small firms to enhance their businesses thus large firms who have their product out in the market in high price, products of low price can affect them. Marks Spencer has been going through the same situation. Brand equity, which refers to the effects of marketing or consequences that accumulate to a product with its brand name compared with those that would increase if the same product did not have the brand name (Leuthesser, Kohli and Harich, 1995). The threat of substitute products or services The existence of products outside of the sphere of the common product boundaries boost the inclination of customers to switch to substitute including relative price performance of substitute, buyer switching costs, perceived level of product differentiation, number of substitute products available in the market, ease of substitution. Information-based products are more flat to substitution, as online product can easily replace material product. There are many reason cause customers to switch to substitute of the product such as substandard product, and reduction in quality of the product. Increase in the features of the product develops the competitive market. Marks Spencer by increasing the features of its products can make the customers stick with their product. The Bargaining power of customers or buyers The customers bargaining power is also defined as the market of outputs such as the efficiency of the customers to put the firm under pressure; it also affects the sensitivity of customers to price changes. Customers concentration to firm concentration ratio, degree of dependency upon existing channels of distribution, bargaining leverage, specifically in industries with high fixed costs, customers volume, customers switching costs relative to firm switching costs, information availability for customers, ability to backward integrate, availability of existing substitute products, customers price sensitivity and differential advantage and uniqueness of industry products are the actors that increases the bargaining power of customers. Large number of supermarkets will provide better opportunity for the potential customers to reach thus it will decrease the bargaining power of the customers. The Bargaining power of suppliers The suppliers bargaining power is also defined as the market of inputs. Suppliers of materials, components, labor and services such as expertise to the firm are source of power over the firm, when there are a few substitutes. Suppliers may possibly refuse to work with the firm or charge excessively high prices for unique resources. Despite the fact that supplier switching costs is relative to firm switching costs, and degree of differentiation of inputs, impact of inputs on cost or differentiation, presence of substitute inputs, supplier concentration to firm concentration ratio, employee solidarity like labor unions and supplier competition and ability to forward vertically integrate and cut out the buyer and Competition among the existing suppliers mainly reinforce the factor. Number of suppliers across Britain will rather diminish this factor for Marks Spencer. The competitive rivalry within an industry For most organizations, the major determinant of the competitiveness of the industry is the intensity of competitive rivalry. Sustainable competitive advantage by innovation, competition between online and offline companies; click-and-mortar -v- slags on a bridge, Level of advertising expense, Powerful competitive strategy and the visibility of proprietary items on the Web all these factor define the competitive rivalry within an industry (Rainer and Turban, 2009). The situation of competitive rivalry is hhigh because there are majorly three rivals of Marks Spencer that provide it a competitive advantage and change its strategic planning. State a variety 7 to 10 of general and marketing strategic options which have been used or are available to the organization of your choice and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of four of these Product Branded product helps in capturing market as it creates an identity of the firm with that brand. Marks Spencer has been selling out branded product but there is no single of theirs, because owning the brand can exceed the sell of that product. The advantage of owning a product as a brand is that it allows the customers to identify the organization with a particular name. While mostly brand products are supposed to be accessible for everyone as a result of its price. Price Price is another factor that is integral for Marks Spencer. Determination of price that depends on the market situation very much affects the market situation for the firm. An affordable Price of the product can be more successful for the firm. Affordable price offer of the Marks Spencer will allow to everyone to access them easily thus it will generate demand of the products if it could not maintain the supply and demand of the products it will have to suffer in the market. Place The place of selling also makes a difference in the marketing strategy of a firm. Since e-commerce has been so much in practice Marks Spencer can start e-commerce through which it can sell out its products online. Besides this, variety of distribution outlets can also be an option for Marks Spencer as it is a good promotion tool of the product. Placing the products in every distributions outlet may lead the firm to the low market level due to its order of supply. Promotion Promotion of the products must be designed in the way Across the Line. Across the Line promotion of the product provide the opportunity to access the customers at any length. Promotion of the products Across the Line will cost the firm highly as promotion across the line requires in order to meet the promotion target. People Work force or staff must be well trained and professional because a well trained work force increase the productivity of an organization. Marks Spencer is the 43rd largest retailer if it hires professional and trained work force it will definitely hit its economy. Process The standard of the services offered must be of good and must be integrated with customer support. Physical Evidence Physical evidence of a firm especially like Marks Spencer does matter. The overall environment of the firm can provide a pleasant impression on others and results in good sell. Who are stakeholders in the organization of your choice and state the three major ones of these. What affect have or could the major stakeholders have on the strategy that the organization has or could introduce. What considerations should be taken into account to ensure that the three major stakeholders can contribute to the development of the organization strategy through some form of participation? There are number of group of stakeholders of Marks Spencer: employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, local communities, pressure groups and local and national government. All these above directly or indirectly influence the Marks Spencer in its strategy making. Employees, who are direct stakeholders of the organization, want secure jobs, well and good pay and fair treatment with all employees. Customers, also a direct stakeholder of the organization, want high quality, good service, and good choice of products. Shareholders look for growth and profit. These direct stakeholders can affect the strategies of the organization. If employees are not satisfied or if feel that they are not enough benefits from the offered strategy they can strongly resist it by so many act of barriers such as resignation or boycott from service. Organization understands that in order to keep the customers stick with product it is important to provide them quality products and services in affordable r ate. The customers who want quality product in affordable price with good services would also reject the strategy if found it not in their favor by rejecting the product or switching to another substitute. Shareholders, who are back bone in the economy of the Marks Spencer, possess the shares of the company; organization will want them to have profit so that the stay with them in the business. Thus there will not be any strategy which in any way annoys the shareholders. The contribution of employees, customers and shareholders is equally important for organizations interest. This contribution by them can part in the development of the organizations strategy through expressing their expectation from the organization. These expectations are not just to be of their favor but in the favor of the organization as well because their benefits and profits are interlinked with the success of the organization. In a laymans language define the term vision, mission statement, objective and value and go to provide professional definitions of these giving the source of these. Every organization comes into existence with a definite purpose which is called objective of the organization. This objective varies from organization to organization such as profitable organization and non-profitable organization. The organization expresses its objective through vision, mission statement. Vision: Vision is the intended or desired future statement of an organization or enterprise in terms of the fundamental objective and strategic direction. Vision refers to a long term view, describing how the organization would like the world in which it operates to be. A vision statement provides the organization with an inspiration that is the basis for all the organizations planning. It explains what an organization wants to do. Mission: Mission is the fundamental purpose of an organization or an enterprise, concise describing the reason of existence and path to achieve its Vision. It also draws a future picture of the organization. Values: Values can be defined as the beliefs of an organization shared among the stakeholders of an organization. Values are the means of driving the organizations culture, ethics and priorities. The vision statement is a realistic, credible, and attractive future for an organization (http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ndu/strat-ldr-dm/pt4ch18.html). Mission statement broadly describes the presence of an organization present capabilities, customer focus, activities, and business makeup (Glossary, Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases by Fred David). Provide the vision and mission statements and strategy of your chosen organization and explain how the effectiveness if these can be measured. Marks Spencer has defined its Vision, Mission statement and Values as follows: The Vision Statement The standard against which all others are measured. The Mission Statement Making aspirational quality accessible to all. The Values Quality, value, service, innovation and trust. Marks and Spencer has followed a value price strategy from its origin. Since Marks Spencer has focused on middle class customers, it has continued with the value pricing strategy. Although its most of suppliers have been Britain, which has higher textile manufacturing costs than other developing nations, Marks Spencer was able to maintain its value by developing strong economic bonds with its suppliers. Through its economies of scale in buying, MS has been able to require manufacturers to adhere to strict quality standards and to bargain lower prices for its customers (De Nardi-Cole, 1998). The standard against which all others are measured, as a vision statement thoroughly conveys the objective of the organization, as the organization has set up the standard as an objective of the organization to achieve. It is promoting inspirational standard of the organization in term of products, service, and quality and price. This vision has greatly affected the organization output as a consequence of achieving its objective through this vision. The mission statement of Mark Spencer revolves around its marketing strategy telling about the price of the products that are affordable enough to be accessed by everyone. Values of the organization describe the standard quality and value of products and services following innovation and trust of the customers. Define the term organizational g12 cultural and ethical values and explain the culture and ethical values of the organization of your choice. Organizational culture is an idea which illustrates personal attitudes, experiences, psychology, beliefs and values and cultural values of an organization. It is defined as the specific set of values and norms shared by people and groups in an organization. The organizational culture as well as ethical values is also known as beliefs and ideas about the kinds of goals of the organization and ideas about the appropriate kinds and standards of behavior members of the organization use to achieve these goals. From organizational ethical values develop organizational norms, guidelines, and expectations that prescribe appropriate kinds of behavior by employees in certain situations and control the behavior of organizational members towards one another (Hill, and Jones, 2001). Organizational Ethics refers the way an organization ethically responds to an internal or external stimulus. Organizational ethics and the organizational culture are interdependent. Although, it is similar to both org anizational culture and business ethics on the micro and macro levels, organizational ethics is neither Organizational culture, nor is it alone business ethics which includes corporate governance and corporate ethics. Organizational ethics express the values of the organization to its employees and to other entities irrespective of governmental and regulatory laws. The organizational culture of Marks Spencer is characterized as a reflection of taken for granted fashion the attitude that is shared by the all members of the organization. The basic assumptions and beliefs operate unconsciously among the members and also exist at the organizational level. The assumptions and taken for granted fashion have taken its roots from the basis of the success of organization. Marks Spencer strictly follow code of ethics, a detail document of the ethical codes, in order to get on with its internal matter. The document contains the responsibility of all belong to Marks Spencer and Behavior for customers, colleagues, shareholders and environment have been explained. Besides, there are policies about workplace and Business (MarksSpencer, Code of Ethics, 2010). Explain the term core competencies and critical success factor and state whether these are necessary to the success of the organization of your choice. Has the organization of your choice amended its strategy in response to changes in the current business and economic climate? A core competency is a particular factor that an organization looks as being integral to the way it, or its works, and employees. It performs three key criteria: provides consumer benefits, not easy for competitors to imitate and can be widely leveraged to many products and markets. A core competency can take many forms, such as technical or subject matter know-how, a dependable process and close associations with customers and suppliers. It also includes product development and culture, such as employee dedication. The core competencies are specific strengths relative to other organizations in the industry which supply the fundamental basis for the provision of added value. Core competencies are the organizations collective learning, and involve the way to coordinate different production skills and incorporate multiple flows of technologies. It is an involvement, a communication, and a strong commitment to working across organizational boundaries. Core Competencies of Marks Spencer The core competencies are vital for the existence of Marks Spencer; it is in its sourcing methods, gave it the power to deliver high value, reliable, consistent quality, investors and customers has trusted it, its quality of management was ranked very high, consequently feeling of what good for Marks Spencer was good for the Nation and epitomized the most honest face of commerce. Since the revolutionary change in the business world, Marks Spencer had to suffer a lot. After the crisis of 1999, Marks Spencer has remarkably amended its strategies in terms of products, customers, price and marketing strategy. As a result of e-commerce revolution Marks Spencer amended its strategy and started e-commerce which ultimately changed its marketing strategy. A large number of the same product in the market caused the Marks Spencer to adopt a differentiation way such as own brand products and Premium brand appearance. Since there are so many products out there in the market that is decreasing the sell of Marks Spencer, due to the threat of the substitute product Marks Spencer has reviewed its prices of the product in order to create competitive advantage. Explain how your organization has responded to change in its environment and consider whether this response has effective The change in the product price from Marks Spencer creates a competitive advantage fro it and it is much effective for the organization. The enhancement in the place of its firm can also be beneficial in the way that it is in the access of as many people as targeted. All these response to the environment from Marks Spencer could provide it some space to restore its position in the market. List what you would consider to be the major functional area in generally and discuss the three major functional areas of organization of choice and why this is so. Every business have work within certain functional areas, among them there are few general major functions performed in all businesses including finance and accounts, production and operations, administration and IT support, human resource, marketing and sales, customer services, and research and development. The major functional areas of Marks Spencer are sales and marketing, human resource and administration and IT support. They are the major functional areas of the organization because Marks Spencer is a retailer of goods, its business growth very much depends on the sales and marketing, human resource (the people and the staff serve the organization can make difference in the growth of the organization) and administration and IT support make the business process smooth and successful. Since the competition is so tough in the market, Marks Spencer must improve their major functional areas. How have the three major functional areas in organization been developed to provide it with a competitive advantage? Efficient and good sales and marketing strategy can play an important role to develop a competitive advantage for the organization. Decrease in the price by change in the marketing strategy increases the competitive advantage for the organization. Human resource is such a function that works as a back bone for an organization, skilled and trained human resource of the Marks Spencer can provide a competitive advantage through inputting the best to serve the organization. Administration and IT support has come out as one of the vital function of the organization since organization has initiated e-commerce, it can efficiently perform as support to e-commerce to give competitive advantage to the organization. Discuss how a timetable for the implementation of a strategy could be developed around key milestones. The implementation of a strategy roadmap needs a time table that defines milestones in weekly, one month, three month, and six month intervals. Implementation milestones should be established and communicated to all key business partners, the board of directors, stakeholders and investors, customers, and employees, from day one. The best timetable and milestones focus on at least the following dimensions: customers, competitors, finance, communications, and culture, intellectual property, globalization, governance, leadership, investors, marketing, partners, information technology, products, sales, processes and policies and space and inf

Friday, October 25, 2019

Grandmother as Head of Household in Katherine Anne Porters The Old Order :: Free Essays

Grandmother as Head of Household in Katherine Anne Porter's The Old Order In her short story, "The Old Order", Katherine Anne Porter's creation of Miss Sophia Jane--The Grandmother-- illustrates the embodiment of patriarchal power within a matriarchal figure. What intrigues me is Porter's reversal of personality traits between the Grandmother and her husband. Porter's depiction of the Grandmother paints her as the undisputed head of house-- she "wears the pants" beneath the many layers of lacy petticoats and heavy skirts. The contrast between the Grandmother and her husband strike me as a reversal of typical gender-assigned personality traits. The Grandmother is "altogether just, humane, proud, and simple", in and of itself, I would attach these traits to a masculine man (not just any man!) (20). In contrast, the terms Porter uses to describe the Grandmother's husband, in and of themselves, are gendered, "hysterical" traits: "lack of aim, failure to act at crises, a philosophic detachment from practical affairs" (21). In the marriage of these antithetical personalities, Porter illuminates the problems faced by a headstrong women stifled by her gender-defined role in life. Atypically, the Grandmother was the head of the household, undeniably the dominant figure-- for virtually everything. Her husband "disliked and feared her deadly willfulness, her certainty that her feelings were not only right, but beyond criticism", and in doing so he loathed the traits that normally sit with a male head of house (21). In doling out her authority, the Grandmother may have been perceived as unwavering, but "her own doubts and hesitations she concealed . . . as a matter of duty" (11). There was no "female" emotionality behind the Grandmother's actions, what was rational was right; the Grandmother's husband took care of any illogical thinking and foolhardy ventures. The Grandmother was undeniably "before her time". While she embodied the persona of a patriarch, she was unable to fully assume her role-- and I'm not talking the male sexual role.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Critics of the immigration law Essay

The topic I have chosen is â€Å"Illegal Migration on the U. S. Border† since this is currently a significant issue as reflected by the heavy media coverage depicting the allegedly alarming rate by which the number of illegal immigrants has risen in the United States since 2004. The Washington Post, for instance, reports that approximately half a million immigrants have poured in last year, outnumbering the number of legal immigrants. (Cohn A13) The concern over illegal immigration has therefore drawn out varied responses and put immense pressure on the Government, including President Bush who is reported to be proposing granting temporary working visas to foreigners as part of the legal remedies to the situation apart from the proposed wall to be built in the borders between the U. S. and Mexico and heavy personnel enforcement in patrolling the borders. (BBC News) Its nearest neighbor, Mexico is logically the foremost source of both legal and illegal immigrants in the country. I have so far been able to check online sources of information such as the news networks mentioned above. I would like to peruse additional materials such as previous studies on the issue and other materials such as those printed by the advocates and critics of the immigration law in order to gain a deeper understanding of the topic mentioned. From my perspective, there is indeed a clear need to strictly enforce the immigration laws to address concerns on homeland security and other threats posed by illegal immigration, including the syndicate groups that have obviously been taking advantage of both the laxity of the State in patrolling its borders and the desperation of Mexicans and other nationals who are after the supposedly greener pastures offered by the United States. I therefore see no harm in the President’s proposal for the issuance of temporary work visas to immigrants. On the contrary, it would help make the monitoring easier for immigration officers and therefore also help control the influx of illegal immigrants in the country. Works Cited: Cohn, D’Vera. â€Å"Report Details Growth in Illegal Migration. † Washington Post. 28 Sept. 2005:A13 â€Å"Viewpoints: U. S. Illegal Migration. † 23 May 2006. BBC News Online. 1 July 2007.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

My Risky Adventure

My Risky Adventure For my topic, I chose to write about my most recent risky adventure. Two summers ago, my Spanish teacher put together an educational field trip to Costa Rica. We saw new things that we have never seen before. We also did things that none of us had ever done before. The scenery there was breathtaking. Most of all, the overall experience was very educational. I recommend everyone to travel out of the United States if they ever get the chance to. There are things in Costa Rica that I have never seen before. I saw my first jelly fish and got stung by many jelly fish that day.We went snorkeling off the coast of Costa Rica; it was simply amazing until I felt a sting on my ankle; I looked down and there it was a jelly fish. I will never forget that day. Costa Rica is also crowded by many volcanoes. I had never seen a volcano in person until we visited Costa Rica. The forest there is completely different also: it is much greener. Everything there is green, not like a deep forest green, but a bright, live green. It was beautiful. The trees there are huge, not only in length but also in width. Even the flowers are different there: they are all colors of the rainbow.The colors are more vivid and smell so much sweeter than the flowers back home. There are things that I also have never done before until I visited Costa Rica. First of all, I have never traveled outside of the United States. I discovered the officials of are very strict on how they allow things through customs. One of the most exciting things we did while there was riding a zip line, a zip line is where you start at the very top of something and rides it all the way down while being hooked in a harness. We went on a zip line through the tropical forest, from the canopies all the way down to the very bottom.There was wildlife all around us; we were going so fast everything looked like it was being fast-forward. All of the colors ran together, mostly it looked like a green blur. Also along th e zip line we saw monkeys, birds, and other exotic animals. I also went to my first club. It wasn’t what I expected by no means, it was most of a fiesta type party. We learned how to salsa and do other types of traditional dances there. Another fun thing we did was jump off a cliff by a water fall. It was not only the funniest thing I have ever done in my life but also the scariest.The water was so cold it felt like I was surrounded by a million ice cubes. The scenery there is just amazing. Everything is so colorful, from the green tropical forest to the bright vivid color flowers. There is every color of the rainbow, and there are flowers of every color imaginable. The ocean there is a bright crystal blue, the type of blue you can only imagine. In the far end of town you can see a line of mountains and volcanoes. The colors all work together, from the brightest of colors to dullest of the ashy grey mountains. The beauty is breath-taking but so is the poverty.Everywhere you w alked there were people on the side of the road. Not only were there humanbeings without a home and food but also animals. The last thing I am going to talk about from my experience is that it was very educational. I took Spanish for two years and I finally had the chance to actually use what I learned in class. We had to order everything in Spanish. Our tour guide made us speak to him in Spanish even though he spoke English. We learned a lot about what their lifestyles consisted of: how they prepared a meal, how they danced, and how they lived.When you go from the way you have been living your whole life to a completely different country, it makes you open your eyes to what you actually have and how lucky you do have it. In Costa Rica it really opened the world up to me: there are people out there lucky to just get one meal a day, while here we usually just throw our scraps away. I saw people digging out of the dumpster so that they could just get that one meal that day. It is very educational when you leave a place wanting to change the world and make it a better place.In conclusion, Costa Rica is the most risky adventure that I have ever taken inmy life. I was taken outside of my comfort zone and placed into a whole different world. Everything I knew here in America was nothing alike in Costa Rica. The things that I saw and the things that I have accomplished just because I decided to take a risky adventure out of the country is life changing. It made me realize just how different things are outside of our homes. I would never look back and regret going to Costa Rica. This was simply an amazing experience. If you ever get the change to go, I completely recommend it.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Born to Be Wild essays

Born to Be Wild essays Good dancers are not born but are made. Some people might think dancing is easy and others difficult which may depend on their experiences as well as seriousness in their dancing. In the video Born to Be Wild, four best dancers in the world though are uniquely different but are portrayed to share one thing in common thats to dance like there is no tomorrow. In order to master any skills we need practice and to be the best in the world of dance requires more practice, talent, hard work, sacrifices, and passions for dancing than anyone else. The adjective best means superior and can only be used to describe one person. Being the best dancers in your country as well as the world means you are always competing with everyone else in this world by going more beyond than other goes. Maintaining the reputation is a never ending process of learning, perfecting, and doing more than what other would be willing to. Being always one step ahead of other requires tremendous amount of time and energy thats by putting dance first in your life. This may take years or a lifetime of practicing while others get to do something new and different. Dance like in all others areas of career is always looking for a change and a challenge to the extent of human beings which makes natural talent an ever more advantage. A boy that can learn how to spot faster wou ld mostly likely be able to succeed more than another boy because he would learn things faster and have more confidant to persevere when things get tough. All the time commitment can be considered sacrifices as well as undying love for dance. Most of all it takes determination as well as desperateness to constantly be in the mood of competitiveness and perfection, which makes being the best not a simple task. Someone having a passion for anything may be called a maniac, fanatic, or a lunatic by others who do not share the same dream as the person. Most people consider bal...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Frances and Americas Health Care Systems Comparison

Frances and Americas Health Care Systems Comparison Introduction The America spends around 15% of its GDP on the costs of health care, and this percentage exceeds the OECDs spending being 8.8% almost twice and the French costs, which constitute 11.2% of its GDP, in 40%. France health care spending is 11% of the national output, matched up to 15% used in America in health issues, such as infant mortality (Skinner Garber, 2008).Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on France’s and America’s Health Care Systems Comparison specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Health care system in the United States has received a criticism due to the absence of universal medical coverage in contrast to the universal health coverage in France. Since French insurance coverage is basically obligatory, medical expenses are more largely allocated to the whole population. Even though laws in America permit particular kinds of health care offered to the uninsured patients, they inc rease health expenses for the insured; and these greater health care expenses are borne by the people looking for health care instead of society in general. Exclusive of the situation of greatly communicable diseases, the treatment, which offers a huge social advantage, is debatable in regard to an extra earning or income. This paper discusses and compares France and the U.S. health care systems. Health Care System in the United States Health care system in the United States has brought about more polarizing discussion. Some critics state that the U.S. provides the best health care structure in the world due to directly accessible health care technology and high-tech facilities that have been the point of reference in medical care. Others criticize the system of health care in America as being ineffective and uneven due to the point that it spends more money on medical care than any other country, and there are still a lot of uncovered people, managerial waste, and unreliable qualit y. Health care providers are mainly owned and controlled by the private operators, and health coverage offered by the government in the public health care system ensures around 62% of the total, and provision is provided by programs, such as Veterans Health Administration, TRICARE, and Medicare (Himmelstein Woolhandler, 2004). Most people under the age of 65 are covered by their employers; some purchase coverage on their own, while others are uncovered.Advertising Looking for critical writing on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the United States, 49.8 million people, 16.2 percent of the population, were uncovered in 2010, which showed an increase from 16 percent in 2009. In line with WHO, the U.S. allocates more on health care per capita, being $7,145; moreover, it raised the figure on health care as ratio of its GDP became 15.1 percent that was greater than of any other country surveyed in 2009. America was ranked the fourth highest level of public medical care expenditure per capita of $3, 430, following other nations with higher level of health care spending per capital, which were Monaco, Norway, and Luxembourg. In 2009, research in five states reported that health care debt made up to 46.2 percent of entire individual bankruptcies. In 2010, 62.2 percent of filers for bankruptcies declared an increased health care spending. Since then, medical expenses and the number of uncovered and underinsured became greater than before. Government Implication In 2010, President Obama passed a law, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which supported phased implementation over four years of an inclusive arrangement of authorized health coverage with reforms intended to remove different undesirable activities of the insurance providers. These activities address the areas, such as yearly and life coverage gaps, premium loadings, and necessary screening. It also establishes a least ratio of direct health care expenditure to premium income, and price competition strengthened by the formation of three standard insurance coverage stages, to allow open assessment by end users, and online health coverage services that enable consumers to assess prices and other service plans. Health care system offers subsidy to allow the low income earners to purchase insurance and conserve private health facilities and private insurance. The law enacted by President Obama includes provision related to the health care that is to be executed over seven years, and extending Medicaid eligibility for the public translating to 135 percent of the FDL (Federal Poverty Level), offering incentives to firms to allow medical benefits, forbidding refusal of coverage and denial of claims derived from the present situations. This law also creates health care insurance exchanges and supports subsidization of coverage premiums for the public, representing 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level in order for their highest spending for yearly premiums to descend from 2% to 10% of earnings (Skinner Garber, 2008). It also disallows the insurers from instituting annual insurance or coverage caps and focuses more on the establishment of medical research. Commencing in 2014, the law will disallow insurers to refuse insurance to sick candidates, or demand certain conditions, for instance, advanced payments or premiums. The 2010 Acts entail coverage providers to cover more expenses, requiring that not less than 80% of premiums should be used in health care or ‘quality upgrading’ and complete medical coverage for immunizations and screenings through disallowing annual and lifetime caps that provide uneven distribution. Pros and Cons Medical researches in the United States, which are carried out in some institutions, such as Cleveland Clinic, the Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Medical School, are among the best in the world, and well-known due to the developments they do in medicine, mainly, because of the latest free-market structure.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on France’s and America’s Health Care Systems Comparison specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For the people with employment and great benefits, or those who can pay for it, various American insurance programs are ranked among the best programs in the globe. Another benefit of the latest American medical care program is that taxpayers are not responsible for the cost related to giving health care insurance to all the people (Skinner Garber, 2008). Medical care expenses in the United States are more than in any country all over the globe, and its system where every person should be covered just serves to raise these expenses at the cost of the taxpayers. Most people assert that tax contributions would carry funds away from national security and education to finance newly established medical care sys tem. The noticeable drawback of the health care system in the United States is that though the taxpayers have used more of their income in the American health care, most researches report that Americans have not become healthier than people in other countries that spend less on health care than the US. There is huge amount of money used in American health care, and the government pays out more of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on medical system than any other nation. In 2008, the United States allocated almost 15% of its total GDP on health care (Skinner Garber, 2008). Another noticeable drawback of the health care system is that most people are either underinsured or uninsured, and the United States Census Bureau reported that in 2003, 65% of people were insured by health insurance controlled by the government while 15% of the population were uninsured. Health Care System in France The French government offers some series of varied and all-inclusive health care programs. For ove r 95% of the people, health care is either completely free or fully compensated (Snchez-Serrano, 2011, p. 30). The people also have the privilege to select among health care facilities, irrespective of their earning levels. Additionally, the waiting lists for surgeries, just like in the United States, are not found in France health care system. Medical care coverage in France is a section of the Social Security structure which is financed by income of the employees (60% of the accounts), imposed taxes from tobacco and alcohol, and payment provided by the revenue related to earning that composes capital revenues and retirement pensions.Advertising Looking for critical writing on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Apparently, it seems that medical insurances repay health care facilities more in the United States than in France. However, above 80% of French citizens have supplemental medical coverage, usually offered by their employers. Government Implications In the mid 2001, a law was enacted by the government enabling the health care system to offer more support to people in need in their every day tasks. In March 2002, the government also enacted a policy creating reimbursement for every accident related to health issue, regardless whether it is their own fault or not. These new policies were added to the previous confirmed policies, such as reimbursement rights in instances of illness prevention or pregnancy, health costs for employees and students, organized screening of particular disorder, and family planning. The ‘2012 Hospital Plan’ allocated with  £10 million is to allow the implementation of fresh investments with some major concerns, such as the reinforcing compleme ntarities among health care providers situated in certain area, the improvement of security system, and the automation of health care system (Snchez-Serrano, 2011, p. 30). In 2002, a law passed by the government addressed the rights of the patients on pain relief, in line with reimbursement for severe medical accidents, patient consent, availability of communication to the patient, and dignity of the patient. Pros and Cons People benefit from the ability to choose personal medical providers or doctors, and patients with long-term disorders or illnesses are allocated with more funds or 100 percent medical insurance coverage. The less income earners are provided with universal healthcare that is funded by taxes. Moreover, the medical expenses for the people suffering from the long-term illness are fully compensated, and they can confer with different practitioners or select university, private, public, general, or private health care providers. Health care systems have a loose edition of universal health care, denoting that the government made a controlled system that enabled medical care facilities and insurance providers to insure everybody (Snchez-Serrano, 2011, p. 30). Health care system in France also allows more funds to be used in medical costs due to the structure where the patients need to consult the doctor first, which adds more expenses. Comparison of Health Care Systems France health care spending of 11 percent of the national output is lower as compared to 15% used in America in health issues, such as infant mortality. Health care systems of both France and the U.S. allow patients to have different selections when looking for medical care or providers (Budrys, 2011, p. 135). In France, patients commonly get interventions directly from a professional or consultant, while in the United States, the expansion of HMO signifies that most patients should receive the consent of a ‘primary care physician’ before looking for specific interventio ns. The U.S. system can be annoying to patients, but also preserve the spending directed to health care costs when the primary care physician considers it unimportant. Like France, America provides both the public and the private insurers, and the issue that especially concerns the system of the United States is the control of the private component over the public one. In France, being jobless signifies reduced tax funds going into Assurance Maladie’s treasury, but in the U.S., it means that a person may lose his or her coverage (Budrys, 2011, p. 135). In France, regulation also limits the medical coverage providers from appropriately pooling policies and reforms by risk group, which increases medical coverage premiums in general. Medical systems normally take advantage of reduced regulation and an inclination towards a medical arrangement where insurance assumes to a function of offering for dependent and upsetting health care emergencies among groups for which the possibili ty for these incidences is roughly the same. In the U.S. health care system, reforming the way in which practitioners and other providers are salaried is an essential aspect in providing system transition, especially, in the common payment system, and generates incentives to offer extra services, instead of improved and high-value approaches to care for conditions. Conclusion Health care systems in France and America undergo more expenses caused by the application of medical coverage for regular medical care where the key receiver does not receive the full cost of the health care. It appears that the U.S. spends more funds in health care system than any other country in the world, including France. Different measures and reforms are needed in both systems to provide satisfying services and regulate amount of the funds allocated to these systems. References Budrys, G. (2011). Our Unsystematic Health Care System. Plymouth: Rowman Littlefield. Himmelstein, D., Woolhandler, S. (2004). Administrative waste in the U.S. International Journal of Health Services, 34(1): 79–86. Snchez-Serrano, I. (2011). The World’s Health Care Crisis. Paris: Elsevier. Skinner, J., Garber, A. (2008). Is American Health Care Uniquely Inefficient? Journal of Economic Perspectives, 22(4): 34-56.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

How to Automate Marketing Apps With CoSchedule and Zapier

How to Automate Marketing Apps With and Zapier What would you do with more time each workweek? You could: Spend more time doing actual creative work †¦ generate more profit for your business, and †¦ †¦ feel less stressed, all at the same time. Most marketers would agree this sounds But, how can you get that kind of time back, though? I’d like to say it involves using the ability to freeze time. I can’t say that, though, because that’s scientifically impossible ( for now). But, I can tell you all about the next best thing: hooking up your calendar with Zapier, using our latest integration. By using both apps together, you can connect your favorite software services, allowing you to manage and automate tasks in one place. The result? More time to get your real job done, with less copy-paste repetition and general banging-your-head-against-a-wall frustration. Best of all, Zapier is a freemium app that connects seamlessly with . Let’s take a look at exactly how easy it is to get started. Follow along, and you’ll be making magic happen with Zapier in no time. How to Automate Marketing Apps With and Zapier to Save Tons of TimeRemind Me: What Is ? If youre new around here, let me fill you in quick. is a web-based marketing calendar app that makes it easy to plan, manage, and execute marketing projects. When your marketing team has one place where they can map out timelines, collaborate on projects, and visualize clear deadlines (and a lot more), getting things done effectively and efficiently becomes much easier. In short, is your teams hub connecting the spokes of your marketing tool stack. And when its connected with Zapier, that power becomes even greater. Try Free For 14 Days: Ready to take for a spin? Start your free trial or schedule a demo and get your entire team organized on one marketing calendar now. So, What Is Zapier, Exactly? Zapier is a web app that connects other web apps. It works by setting up triggers that automate tasks between apps. For example, each time you add an event to your Google Calendar, it could create a new Marketing Project in . Heres a quick look at what it is, and how it works: Best of all, it’s compatible with an incredible number of apps. While we’re going to focus on using it to connect to your favorite services, there’s a whole lot more it can do. Why Should I Sync My Marketing Tools With and Zapier? The short answer is because you’re A) busy and B) want to accomplish more in less time. The more in-depth answer is because it makes it super easy to manage multiple tools and applications in one place. By empowering marketers to automate routine processes, you can cut mundane tasks from your schedule, and better focus your energy on work that matters. Here are a few examples of things you can do: Sync your Google Calendar and . Add projects to each time a row is filled in Google Sheets. Connect project management tools (including Basecamp, Asana, and Wrike), to your calendar. And that’s barely scratching the surface of what’s possible. If you can think it, there’s a good chance you can make it happen. Heres how busy #marketing teams can use @zapier to connect their favorite apps to @Important Terms to Know Before we get too much farther, there are a couple features and terms that would be useful to understand: Marketing Projects: These are unified folders in connecting items on your calendar together. They’re used to keep all the moving pieces of individual projects and campaigns organized. Zaps: In Zapier, the connections you create between apps are called Zaps. Theyre created by selecting Triggers and Actions, causing App A to make App B to complete a given action. When creating a Zap, its possible to select as the trigger or action. Got it? Now, let’s move on. Recommended Reading: How to Connect Your Favorite Tools With Zapier (Live Demo Recap) Getting Started: Creating a Zapier Account The first step is to create and Zapier accounts. If you’re already a customer, you’re halfway there. If not, you can always start a trial or schedule a demo with an expert. Then, create a free Zapier account by hitting up their website and entering some basic info. With a free account, you can create five Zaps (or connections between apps). If you need more power, you can upgrade to a paid account. Once you log in, youll see a search bar and a directory full of software services and apps: Then, select : For a more detailed walkthrough on connecting to Zapier, check out our helpful support documentation. Youre on your way to more marketing productivity already. Connecting @and @zapier is easy. Heres how:How Are Zaps Created? Now that you’re in, it’d be helpful to know how Zaps are created. Fortunately, this video from Zapier themselves has that covered: Then, if you want to experiment building Zaps of your own, follow our handy support doc. Next, Start Connecting Apps With Our Favorite Zaps The first thing you’ll see once you connect to Zapier is our favorite Zaps. These are some simple templates that make it easy to connect several popular services quickly. Those include: Honeybook Trello Basecamp Asana Wrike MailChimp Google Sheets That’s a solid set of apps you can quickly connect to ! To see how they all work, watch this demo recap video (or follow our step-by-step guide below): But, your selection isn’t limited to this list (Zapier is super powerful and featured extensive functionality to create your own apps). For now, we’ll start with these. + Google Sheets Google Sheets is one of the most popular requests we receive for integrations. And now, with Zapier, it’s possible! Using the Gsheets Zap with , you can automatically add Marketing Projects to when you add a row to a particular spreadsheet. Start by selecting the Zap: Next, youll see a description of the Zap: Click Create this Zap. Next, youll see the following prompt, asking you to create a Trigger: Click Continue. On the next screen, youll see detailed instructions for how to set up your Google Sheet to correctly create Marketing Projects in : Weve got our directions. So, lets set up that Google Sheet: Click Continue, and connect your Google Sheets account: Then, select a spreadsheet and worksheet: Youll then be asked to test your new Zap: Now, youll be asked to create an Action in . The first step is to click Continue on the following screen: Then, connect your account (if you havent already): Youll be asked to paste in your API key (you can find this in Settings Integrations): Next, youll need to test your Zap. Start by filling in details for a test Marketing Project: Then, click Send Test to : Congratulations! Youve now created a working Zap. Now, team members can just fill in your Google Sheet to build out Marketing Projects, which other team members can complete. Thats how Zaps get created. Each Zap listed in this post can be set up similarly by following the step-by-step on-screen prompts. Honeybook + HoneyBook is a popular business management platform for creative professionals. Now, with , you can automatically create a Marketing Project on your calendar once a project is complete in Honeybook. This makes it easy to promote your work (and bring in more clients). Heres how you can use @zapier to connect @honeybook and @+ Trello When you connect Trello (a popular kanban-style project management platform) together with , you can automatically create content on your calendar when you create a new Trello card. So, once you create a card in Trello †¦ †¦ you can create a new piece content that you’ll create on your calendar. You can also create tasks in Trello and have them appear right on your calendar. This zap works similarly, but will instead create a task on your calendar (rather than a piece of content). Now, if I were to add a card to Trello as a reminder to get something done, itll appear on the calendar, too: Heres how you can use @zapier to connect @trello and @+ Basecamp 2 and Bascamp 3 Basecamp is an all-powerful project management platform. It’s been around since 2004, and it’s trusted by tons of customers around the world. And now, it syncs with ! Whether you’re using Basecamp 2 or 3, you can turn your to-do’s in Basecamp into Tasks on your calendar. Remember the task we synced between Trello and ? With Basecamp, the process works in a similar fashion. That gives you full visibility on everything you need to get done, right in (without needing to bounce between two apps). You can also sync entire marketing projects between Basecamp and . Say you have a project manager working behind-the-scenes magic in Basecamp, but your marketers are in . Your PM could create a project in Basecamp. Then, your marketing team will have all the moving pieces in place, so they start getting the work done. Heres how you can use @zapier to connect @basecamp and @+ Asana Similarly, if you’re using Asana for project management, you can sync it with your calendar. Using this Zap, any time you create a project in Asana (click the + sign and select Project): Fill in your project details: And itll create a matching Marketing Project in : Marketers and project managers, living in perfect harmony? Stranger things have happened. Heres how you can use @zapier to connect @asana and @+ Google Calendar If you’re using to keep your entire marketing team organized, it’d probably be useful to see all your meetings alongside your other work and projects. And where do those meetings typically live? On a Google Calendar. So, why not bring the two together? By using this zap, you can create a meeting on Google Calendar: And see it appear on your calendar: This is super helpful if meetings are sometimes initiated by teams outside marketing that aren’t in your calendar, but run everything through the Gsuite. Heres how you can use @zapier to connect @googlecalendar and @+ Wrike Wrike is a widely-used freemium project management platform used by all kinds of teams. Now, you can connect it to and stay on top of tasks better than ever. Using this zap, creating a task in Wrike automatically creates a task in . For example, if your project management team is in Wrike, and your marketing team is in , you can keep everyone on the same page with a single version of truth. Heres how you can use @zapier to connect @wrike and @+ MailChimp MailChimp is one of the worlds most popular email marketing service providers. With their well-structured freemium model and smart balance between power and usability, there are lots of good reasons for that, too. We’ll have some cool email functionality coming to (that we can’t quite talk about yet in detail). But, if you want your calendar to get to know MailChimp, you can do that with this zap. Now, when you schedule an email in MailChimp, itll appear as a piece of content on our calendar. This makes it easy to see when emails are being sent, alongside all your other content and projects.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Journal 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Journal 5 - Essay Example Mobile technologies have revolutionized the educational system by allowing greater opportunities and greater exposure to new forms of learning which can be beneficial to not only traditional students, but also those returning to school to earn their degree. From a historical context, the development of mobile technologies such as the Internet has been slow. Text messaging and email would have been looked at as science fiction about a hundred years ago. The first type of â€Å"e-mail† was done through Morse code. Research was done in the library by reading over many journals and papers. The smallest computers would take up entire buildings. Compared to the cell phones and palm pilots we have today, the original cell phones were often so big they would have to be carried in a bag. The rudimentary internet technology could only be accessed with minimal functions. The development of all these technologies has increased exponentially over the last century. Greater communication tec hnology and development of technology in general has lead to a more diverse educational experience. Now, many lectures and lessons that are done in traditional schooling, both at the elementary and higher education levels, are all technology enhanced. In particular, this allows schools which have limited academic resources the chance to have access to resources and notes from other schools/institutions. Also, technology allows greater diversity in learning, which in children can be essential because children respond to many different types of learning. Mobile technologies also add to the flexibility of learners, especially in non-traditional students who are returning to school. It allows them to access and submit assignments from phones or computers rather than the traditional handing in hard copies because many of these people work full time jobs and have families. Additional developments in this technology and in data processing has allowed for greater cooperation and communicati on in politics, research, education, and in many other areas as well. Personally, this technology has greatly affected my life. In my short time in society, I have seen the growth and expansion of technology, specifically in the last few years. The internet has revolutionized the way I study for school. I can now research topics on multiple databases as well as type up reports. Mobile media and streaming videos/music has also served an entertainment purpose. If I miss an episode of my favorite show or want to download the new top song, I can access it not only from my computer, but also from my cell phone. The most important part in the development of mobile technology is the ability for me to stay connected with everyone. Not only can I call my parents and friends, but I can also send them text messages from my phone. Social networking sites also allow me to keep up with all my friends. Even though the development of this technology has the greatest effect on learning and education , I believe that it has mostly impacted my social life. Even though we are able to use and function with the technologies we have today, in the next few years they will become obsolete as better and more efficient technologies take their place. To every side of the coin, there are benefits and consequences to the development and uses of more advanced technologies. There is a greater benefit in this development. Our technology is what allows for society to communicate and cooperate with each other.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Three Main Dimensions of Financial Institutions Essay - 1

Three Main Dimensions of Financial Institutions - Essay Example Even in 2011, we find that the markets continue to struggle with the question of economic reforms, in association with other basic questions, like how to develop sustained and enduring financial growth while also elevating fiscal responsibility. The development of financial systems is affected by various factors, which are, financial institutions risk management policies, ‘indebtedness’ of both individuals and sovereign elements, the banking system, regulatory delinquencies, and exports via the ‘exchange rate policy.’ Some modern researchers claim that the chief cause of the current economic recession is mainly owing to certain socio-economic queries, pertinent to a much broader context, like the enduring presence of income inequality, through the investments made in the line of education and human capital (Rajan, 2010). The World Economic Forum has defined financial development â€Å"as the factors, policies, and institutions that lead to effective financial intermediation and markets, as well as deep and broad access to capital and financial services† (The Financial Development Report 2010, 2010, 4). Financial development is the trajectory through which the states can work towards elevating the efficacies of their economic system (markets and resources), the banking sector, the monitoring of various investment projects, and overall strengthen the position of the financial system. Thus, one can view financial development as a major aspect of affecting a country’s economic growth and welfare (Huang, 2006, 2). Strong factual evidence uphold the notion that finance is at the base of a state’s developmental process.  

Digital investigation in the organisation Essay

Digital investigation in the organisation - Essay Example Different models of operation used depend on the complexity of the situation (Marshall, 2009). Digital investigations arise as a result of an occurrence suspected, attempted or actual in an organization. The occurrences can be triggered by internal and external factors and can cause considerable damage or loss to an organization directly or indirectly. For instance a. Abuse of the organizations resources such as internet b. Fraud and distortion c. Unauthorized access by employees d. Sexual harassment or display of indecent or pornographic material e. Breach of contracts f. Departmental misuse g. Security breach A contingency plan should be devised to mitigate such incidences. A framework formulated will prepare for both low frequency/high impact as well as high frequency/low impact events in the organization. This paper details investigation procedure at Salford university school of computing science and Engineering. Our case study will focus on server intrusion in the university sch ool department. An incident of server intrusion to the university system occurred, and a contingency plan formulated to authenticate the suspicion, respond and analyze the incident. Due to the delicate nature of digital evidence improper handling may lead to damaged or compromised data. The idea of having to start an investigation in this department can lead to a crisis. Proper procedures need to be laid down to manage the crisis. There are general questions, which the CFA will need to address in order to carry out the investigation successfully. a) Who should the initial suspicions or observations be reported? b) Access of quality evidence? c) Identification and acquisition of relevant digital evidence? d) How the university can operate effectively during the period of investigation without creating a crisis which might be worse than the one investigated? e) The legal obligations of the university needed during the investigation and association with external law enforcement agencie s f) The role of management in determining the direction of the investigation and the possible incidence of biasness. A digital investigation divided into different stages according to the model adopted. Researchers at the U. S. Air Force studied various models and came up with common characteristics that characterize these models. They then incorporated them in a single model known as Abstract Process Model. It contains different phases; this model has 17 phases classified into 5 major groups (Gilbert Peterson, 2009). a. Preparation b. Deployment c. Physical crime scene d. Digital crime scene e. Analysis The data flow diagram above show a simplified process of forensic investigation. The first stage involves a number of activities. First, the computer or the system to be investigated should be on. If the student uses password, then the CFA has to look for a way to open it. There is a universal password that opens locked computers without tempering with the files. The second stage i nvolves application of different forensic tools to retrieve data from the computer memory. The tools used should enable the CFA to retrieve deleted data from the recycle bin. During this process, the computer being investigated should be cordoned. The third stage involves application of different physical investigation models to the computer. These include taking the finger prints on the keyboard and mouse. Any other information that may help the CFA is taken. Before the information is analyzed, the forensic expert should check the accuracy, integrity and

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Response of the United States to the Katarina Catastrophe Assignment - 7

Response of the United States to the Katarina Catastrophe - Assignment Example However, the administration lacks proper and efficient methods, hence failing to convince international partners to venture into the project. With this knowledge, the government has no other way but to come up with detailed procedures for accepting foreign aid. The first step entails setting up a communication protocol with a mandate to request for tailored support in a discreetly proper method (Lasser, 2012). National Preparedness and Response Authority (NPRA) creation and enactment will benefit in the provision of grave leadership for alertness and response to cataclysms. With the task, the NPRA, therefore, needs qualified and experienced leaders in crisis management. In addition, the technic used together with the staff needs real and professional knowledge in disaster management and justification (Bissell, 2014). The NPRA integrates inclusive approaches to crisis management, which involves readiness, response, repossession, and mitigation. Essential infrastructures that include energy and telecommunication system look up to the NPRA for protection from harm and recovery in case of a previous natural disaster encounter. For efficiency and systemic procedures, the establishment of regional offices will help coordinate the response process effectively. It is also the mandate of local agencies to identifying and tailor response to disasters that affect specified geographical areas (Lasser, 2012). The content of the paper precedes research on how a sea storm resulted to Katrina destructive hurricane. It clearly brings out the effects of Katrina on the population and destroyed properties in the affected areas. It also includes both the merits and demerits of processes used in the handling of the Katrina, with clearly outlined policies and recommendations in case of future occurrence of the same disaster. If followed, future damages will be reduced (Haddow, Bullock, & Coppola, 2014).

International Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

International Marketing - Essay Example The Italian retail trade experienced a growth rate of 1.2 percent in 2003, led largely by recent developments in distribution which sprang from changes to long-standing import barriers in the country (alibaba.com, 2008). Easing of legislative restrictions have made the Italian marketplace more favourable for retailers of all varieties in relation to ease of setting up new business ventures in this country. Lower costs plus the development of a new distribution infrastructure in this country make it appealing to international companies looking for new market opportunities. M&S products are considered fast-moving products and, in Italy, these types of goods are purchased by a younger market audience (Eghbal, 2007). Marks & Spencer has often been criticised for not appealing to younger demographics, instead relying on far-too-traditional marketing which has driven the business’ operating model for over 80 years. M&S must be aware that younger demographic purchases will make up the majority of fashion and houseware purchases in this marketplace. The Italian economy is currently experiencing the worst recession in the last sixty years, with household consumption rates falling by 1.1 percent in early 2009 (OADBS, 2009). However, despite this recessionary environment, consumer disposable income levels grew by 4.3 percent since 2008, indicating that there is strength in consumer incomes and availability of resources needed to purchase M&S products (OADBS). In comparison to other European countries, declines in spending in Italy are not as substantial while other countries experience more difficulty in a recessionary environment. â€Å"There is an imbalance between the north and the south of the country† in terms of retail infrastructure, with more competitors and the existence of distribution infrastructures in the north region of Italy (alibaba.com, p.1). Because of this infrastructure, the northern regions of Italy

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Constitutional Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Constitutional Law - Essay Example For instance, if a person has been apprehended and charged with a criminal offense, they have to be presumed culpable and should be punished for their misconduct. This theory believes the criminal justice system was developed to control criminal conduct among individuals (Levesque, 2006). On the other hand, the due process model holds that individuals charged with various crimes are generally innocent until proven otherwise. In light of this, any individual charged with an offense should be allowed to enjoy certain unalienable rights. Packer (1968) described the due process model as drawing several similarities from an obstacle in the quest for granting criminal suspects punitive treatment and or sentences. The primary aim of the due process model is that, except for cases whereby suspected criminal offenders hold the society to ransom, they should be granted freedom until they are declared culpable. The model supports the notion that the primary aim of criminal justice is to safeguard the rights of the innocent and condemn the guilty. According to Levesque (2006), crime control model upholds as credible the outcomes of police investigations, and as such, police should have sweeping powers as far as fighting crime is concerned. By handling criminal suspects under police custody as if they are culpable of criminal offense, cases could be resolved as quickly as possible. Crime control, therefore, speeds up the administration of justice. In contrast, the due process model recognizes the importance of police activity in guaranteeing justice to members of the society. However, the powers of the law enforcement officers should be restricted to avoid cases of abuse or maltreatment to criminal suspects. Due process advocates for accountability of various stakeholders in the criminal justice process, which can be achieved by

International Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

International Marketing - Essay Example The Italian retail trade experienced a growth rate of 1.2 percent in 2003, led largely by recent developments in distribution which sprang from changes to long-standing import barriers in the country (alibaba.com, 2008). Easing of legislative restrictions have made the Italian marketplace more favourable for retailers of all varieties in relation to ease of setting up new business ventures in this country. Lower costs plus the development of a new distribution infrastructure in this country make it appealing to international companies looking for new market opportunities. M&S products are considered fast-moving products and, in Italy, these types of goods are purchased by a younger market audience (Eghbal, 2007). Marks & Spencer has often been criticised for not appealing to younger demographics, instead relying on far-too-traditional marketing which has driven the business’ operating model for over 80 years. M&S must be aware that younger demographic purchases will make up the majority of fashion and houseware purchases in this marketplace. The Italian economy is currently experiencing the worst recession in the last sixty years, with household consumption rates falling by 1.1 percent in early 2009 (OADBS, 2009). However, despite this recessionary environment, consumer disposable income levels grew by 4.3 percent since 2008, indicating that there is strength in consumer incomes and availability of resources needed to purchase M&S products (OADBS). In comparison to other European countries, declines in spending in Italy are not as substantial while other countries experience more difficulty in a recessionary environment. â€Å"There is an imbalance between the north and the south of the country† in terms of retail infrastructure, with more competitors and the existence of distribution infrastructures in the north region of Italy (alibaba.com, p.1). Because of this infrastructure, the northern regions of Italy

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Understand The Role Of The Social Care Worker Essay Example for Free

Understand The Role Of The Social Care Worker Essay 1.1 A working relationship is different from a personal relationship. In a working relationship there are set boundaries which can never be crossed and must remain professional at all times. You do not share personal information about yourself or your family. You should always treat everyone equally regardless of your personal opinions and never force your opinions onto anyone, follow your works policies and procedures at all times. A personal relationship is the opposite you don’t have policy and procedures to follow, a personal relationship is much more relaxed and you show each other affection tell each other private things, you share personal information like mobile numbers with family and friends they also know your address. There are no risk assessments or care plans to complete. 1.2 There are lots of different roles which lead to lots of different working relationships. These can differ greatly, when speaking to care workers or other support workers is professional it is a lot less formal than when you speak with a manager, or a doctor that comes to visit a service user the way you address them is much more formal, again when service users family or friends visit it is much more informal but you should always be professional. Understand the importance of working in ways that are agreed with the employer 2.1 It is important to adhere to the scope of the job role because when an employee first starts working they have agreed to adhere to it, and it is a legal responsibility to stay within your job role. This creates a good and effective working environment. By being accountable for your own actions and being respectful of others job roles; it makes an effective working environment to work in. 2.2 Agreed ways of working means following policies and procedures, following individual care plans accordingly, this will also include risk  assessments that are in place and following any codes of conduct. An agreed way of working is working to the standard that was agreed at the beginning of the employer contract. This enables you to work effectively and helps to protect and care for the service users. 2.3 The importance of full and up to date agreed ways of working is the first thing that is put into place before anyone is put into a social care environment. You have a job description which you should read fully. It means that you agree to follow the agreed ways of working to the policies and procedure standards; you should also know that you have the skills and experience to be able to do that job. It is very important to keep up to date with service users care plans and risk assessments also company policies and procedures. Without up to date information the safety and well being of the service users are put at risk and you could be breaking the law. If there were no agreed ways of working put in place it would be impossible to know what was expected of the individual and make it more difficult to care for the vulnerable in our care. Understand the importance of working in partnership with others 3.1 Working in partnership with others can help you with tasks that would be difficult to do on your own. This could be another colleague helping to make checks on medication and booking them in. Other people you can benefit from working in a partnership could be the families of service users, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, care workers, advocates, and other health care workers and professionals. These people could help with information that will help you to do your job better by supporting you with any problems you might have, for instance if you have a problem communicating with a service user, by talking to their family or a friend and working together can help you by making suggestions of methods of communication for the service user, or even communicating with the service user themselves to help to reach a solution. With help from others it will make it easier to reach a level of work that you aim for, this makes it possible to care for service users a s fully as possible. 3.2 You can improve partnership working by attending training sessions, and by knowing your roles and responsibilities, and everyone knowing the policies and procedures. It is also a good thing to have good communication between everyone involved. This can make working much easier and efficient. Another way could be by giving honest and unbiased information and opinions to people you work with, this will help to build a bond of trust, and would encourage them to act in the same manner towards you. By doing this it can help provide the best possible care for the service user. 3.3 Try to handle conflict situations by remaining calm, ending the conflict before it starts to escalate and gets worse. Remain respectful of others be open minded don’t be judgemental. There may be times when this is not possible and the following are required. Avoid rising challenges or suggestions you are incorrect. Ask colleagues to listen to you and respect your opinions, but you should be respectful to theirs too. If there is conflict with a colleague and you cannot resolve it then you need to speak to your manager. Always be professional and use your listening skills acknowledge what they are saying by nodding your head, repeat what the other person has said to you, this shows that you are listening to them and not ignoring them which could make matters worse, and show understanding. You should ask your manager for support and guidance if you need it. You should not let your personal feelings affect your professional manner or judgement. This is important as remaining calm can often defuse a conflict situation. 3.4 You can access support and advice about the partnership working to help resolve conflicts from either colleagues, manager, and other social care bodies. The advice is invaluable because of their experience and knowledge in offering ways and methods when dealing with conflicts or partnership working. The manager could help you with the legal side of things and offer professional solutions to conflicts with higher bodies, such as social services or outside agencies. Anytime you have a concern regarding partnership working speaking to any of the above will help to resolve the conflict.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Leadership and Personality Research

Leadership and Personality Research Section One: Leadership Model Leadership is commonly identified as an art, yet slightly understood as a science in various literatures. Leadership is both a science and an art (Hughes, Ginnett Curphy, 2011). To define what art is, in the noble words of Gunter Grass, Art is accusation, expression, passion. Art is a fight to the finish between black charcoal and white paper (Taberner, 2012). Furthermore, to borrow an interesting description of what art is not, from Leo Tolstoy, Art is not, as the metaphysicians say, the manifestation of some mysterious idea of beauty or God; it is not, as the aesthetical physiologists say, a game in which man lets off his excess of stored-up energy; it is not the expression of mans emotions by external signs; it is not the production of pleasing objects; and, above all, it is not pleasure; but it is a means of union among men, joining them together in the same feelings, and indispensable for the life and progress toward well-being of individuals and of humanity (Tolstoy, 2016). From the above, I arrived to an understanding that leadership seems to be a grey area with various definitions and identifications. I believe leadership is within oneself, it is a process that requests various human skills transformed into mere instinct, which requires a sense of understanding in regards to a particular environment via observation and experimentation as to achieve a certain goal. Many leadership styles exist, lending itself to being explained through multiple metaphors without a one size fits all model. Although it was not an easy task to determine a single metaphor for a personal leadership model, I reflected on my own personal life. Having grown up in a family of farmers, I shall thus compare leadership to farming. Farming, as defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary, is an act of growing crops and/or keeping animals. A farmer can be thought of as a leader since they attend to the following activities: Planting/growing crops and raising/breeding livestock. Continuously attending to crops and feeding livestock. Finally collecting what the land or livestock have produced. Given the above activities, a sound farmer would be one that reasons with each and every considerable act of nature as well as promotes a sense of nurture to what they are attempting to achieve. There are certain acts of nature that cannot be foreseen such as weather conditions. At a time where technology was not around to predict the weather forecast, farmers took upon themselves learning and adapting to the environment, as it was crucial and necessary in constantly maintaining the wellness of the crops and livestock. There are more factors farmers face when considering the art of appropriate farming. Appropriate farming involves the management of three different activities, that are crops, livestock and off-farm enterprises. The decision-making process is relatively difficult as it encompasses the farmers use of their knowledge as to come as close as possible to fulfilling the goal they are striving to achieve (Norman, Worman, Siebert, Modiakgotla, 1995).[1] For example, their ability to manage and allocate crops away from livestock in order to achieve a balanced healthy environment on the farm is necessary, so as not all the crops are being fed on by the livestock and no t all the livestock are grazing throughout the farm. As farmers grow crops with a high-quality yield and cater to nurturing their livestock, similarly, leaders help in growing people and ensure sustainability and profitability to a business. The land and soil are the business culture, the climate is the market, the pests and diseases are then the competition (Tole, 2017). Leaders sow their values into the lives of others through the expression of attitudes, words and actions. Regardless as to where a leader may exist, be it at work, at home or in a community, the impact that individuals may have on your leadership, your business or organization requires attention as expressions are to be highly regarded by ones emotional instinct perceived from such interactions (Hale, 2013). Given the outline and understanding of the course this was witnessed by myself in the topic of Emotional Intelligence. I learned that we must partake in being in-tune with our emotions whilst dealing with others in and out of the workplace; attempting to understand the characteristics of whom we are dealing with as well as trying to relate to them to achieve a common goal. This has been evident whilst I recollected my personal observation of farmers attending to their land and livestock with much love, care and attention as to result in better productivity without dialogue. That alone is a magnificent skill to acquire. Leaders cultivate what they have sown by continuously connecting the dots between their words and actions. This is managed by living out or modelling what matters most to them about others, work, life and faith. Having such a practice put into effect tirelessly, is regarded to be like farming, since farmers weed/water the crops and feed/raise the livestock as to facilitate the full growth of crops as well as maintaining healthy livestock (Hale, 2013). Finally, leaders harvest what they have sown and cultivated (Hale, 2013). Like farmers, leaders allow themselves to celebrate their goals as well as reflect back on what they have generated or created per se. The act of doing so simply allows the leader to indulge themselves to progress together with their team as they exemplify success to themselves and continue working positively. Reflections, allow a leader to identify where they may have gone wrong and try to approach their harvest in a different manner yet more productive way (Miller, 2012). Similarly, with farming, the farmer would feel a sense of gratification as their goals of maintaining a healthy environment on the farm and the ability to sell their fresh produce as well as having high yields of growth, and a set of well-fed/raised healthy livestock. The farmers reflection to their creation would always require attention, hence identifying newer strategies to implement and put into action as to increase productivity and mak e more use of their resources to progress forward. The personal leadership model, highly relates to leading by example which is evident in the above section, as I mention exemplifying success in order to progress for both leaders and farmers. I can see it as a vital part of a famers life since each observation I can recall from my past allows me to identify most examples that these farmers could show rather than just point it out in words. I learned actions speak louder than words throughout the life I have lived thus far. This made me understand that not everything is settled by words and sometimes complete silence and the portrayal of an action is more than enough. Therefore, art is a very relevant topic when it comes to leadership due to the understanding of what art is and is not. Leaders are an amalgamation of various skillsets and knowledge. To better phrase what I previously mentioned, I believe farmers are leaders. In regards to my observations to the behaviours of multiple farmers, I can say they have acquired a high level o f emotional intelligence, have self-actualized their purpose, and yet are self-aware of their own actions towards tangible hard-to-communicate-with resources (i.e. land, crops and livestock). Effective leaders, are not always known to be good leaders whereas I believe farmers make good effective leaders due to the way they challenge the process of farming seeking opportunities to change, grow and improve their farms as well as define a model of life by behaving consistently in coordination to their associated goals. More-so the characteristics that are seen in farmers have a tendency of relying on growth and development. For example, their mere ability to encourage their competency in terms of adapting to the know-hows of running a farm as to sustain it, their integrity in acting honestly with the resources given to them as to harmonize the potential of a high level of productivity, their ability to carry on what they do in regards to their direction and the well-being of their resources and finally their vision that allows them to feel rewarded and celebrate their achievement in creating an healthy environment where all resources are put to work together to maximize grow th (Leadership, 2016). The leadership styles will vary from one style to another. The majority of styles witnessed in farming are realised to be situational, functional and moral in terms of understanding the importance of all the stages that are required to achieve the final goal. Situational comes into action whilst having to deal with unforeseen changes. Functional relates to the ways of dealing with the available resources such as the land, crops and animals in this scenario. Lastly, the moral approach comes handy whilst the farmers set to better the environment they are within by acting consistently, treating the livestock with care and provisioning a safe environment for their produce (Harvey, 2009). Section Two: Leadership Personality Assessment Self-leadership being the ability to lead oneself towards achieving goals. In understanding my purpose as a person, I became willing to work on self-development. My journey started with the growth of a need to depend on myself. Its emergence grew from self-education and the help of various others whom were regarded as leaders. I embraced my liking of leadership from certain role models in my life, starting from my family, later becoming certain icons of the past and present. I am grateful for having parents who shed the light of intellectualism and wisdom whilst growing up. Many of the lessons they taught me kept me progressing throughout life as well as catering to a greater understanding in identifying my percipience of others I characterised as role models. In the words of Jack Welch, Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others (Greenberg, 2012). Growing oneself is a lifelong process and so is leadership. It requires continuous assessment of skills and qualities, yet it helps in understanding the aims of life and co-ordinates the ability to set goals and realise potential. Personal empowerment and self-education allowed me to find greater self-confidence, self-awareness, self-management and a level of self-motivation to commit to tasks in life to reach a satisfying goal. John F. Kennedy once said: Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other (Kennedy, 1963). As I continued to grow, my path crossed with others. It is inevitable to have at least one friend or person to whom you cannot relate to or try and befriend, regardless of all stages in life. A person will eventually work with someone on a given task. This can be seen either at work, home or within the community. Given the fact that I have moved away from the home I grew up in, many obstacles came my way. I no longer lived in my comfort zone. My surroundings were new, the people within the community were foreign to me, I had to re-calibrate and learn more about the environment I was living in. Therefore, I took on setting more goals that would encourage my participation in this environment. This helped me acquire a sense in furthering my knowledge of teamwork as well as elevate my emotional intellectual instincts in accordance to the surroundings, yet not allow the surroundings change who I am. I remained true to myself, but I visualised a larger set of goals. Results from the psychometric tests are as follows: Myer-Briggs/Jungs Big Five, 16 personalities (ENFP Personality (The Campaigner) | 16 Personalities, 2017). I am an ENFP-A Appendix B. Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Prospecting and Assertive. This suggests that I possess the personality of a campaigner and has the role of being a diplomat whilst utilizing the strategy of people mastery. Tony Robbins DISC (Robbin Research International, 2017). I have a moderately low Decisive, very high Interactive, high Stabilizing and moderately high Cautious personality Appendix C. In accordance to the DISC study, I seem to always build a comfort zone. This suggestively allows me to maintain my stress levels even when I am placed in a fast-moving environment due to my tendency to consciously think about modifying my behaviour. The Narcissist Personality Inventory (NPI-40 iLearn: MGSM, 2017). Score: 15/40 The lower the score the less narcissistic I am, as suggested by Raskin Hall. This simply states I have an average level of narcissism and is concluded in seven different facets. To my understanding from this test and the diagram available in Appendix D, various qualities have suggested levels of authority, self-sufficiency, superiority, exhibitionism, exploitation, vanity and entitlement that my personality tends to project. The high level of superiority indicates my senses of being of a high intellect whilst compared to the other tests. Personal observations in accordance to the above tests: My suggested personality is ENFP-A as per 16 personalities. The individual traits that were suggested showed a high level of extraversion, a high level of being intuitive, showing feelings, a prospecting character, and moderately assertive. The role as characterised by 16 personalities suggests I am a diplomatic campaigner who uses the strategy of people mastery. Results from the interviews: Interviewee 1 (the male participant), identified my personality to be ESFJ-A as per 16 personalities. The individual traits that were revealed by him showed a high level of extraversion, a moderate level of being observant, showing feelings, judging, and a high level of assertiveness. The role as characterised by 16 personalities suggests I am a sentinel consul who uses the strategy of people mastery. More-so, interviewee 1s completion of the DISC test further acknowledged a moderately low Decisive and very high Interactive personality, whilst concluding a very high Stabilizing and moderately low Cautious personality. Interviewee 2 (the female participant), identified my personality to be ISTJ-A as per 16 personalities. The individual traits that were revealed by her showed a moderate level of introversion, a high level of being observant, being practical, judging, and assertive. The role as characterised by 16 personalities suggests I am a sentinel logistician who uses the strategy of confident individualism. More-so, interviewee 2s completion of the DISC test revealed a well-balanced result that indicates a high average Decisive, a high average Interactive, a high average Stabilizing and a high average Cautious personality. Both interviewees were asked to come up with a list of six traits to help identify who I am to them. One listed the traits, whilst the other rated them from 1 10 (1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest). The results were fascinating to me, as I would have never actually considered them about myself. To conclude the results, I have found out that I possess certain characteristics of a natural leader. Given the above suggestions describing my person, I do realise everyone has potential of being a leader in their own way. I believe leading a good life and being a good person shows greatness; those are the first signs of true leadership. I embrace my strengths and work upon encouraging further strengths to emerge, yet I disregarded any mention of weaknesses. I believe everyone has weaknesses and implying them would discredit the ability of minimising them, yet understanding them may allow a person to bypass them. As once mentioned by Shusaku Endo: Every weakness contains within itself a strength (Scott, 2016). I envision my weaknesses as partially evident within my strengths and in bettering my strengths I can overcome any weakness. Therefore, the suggested strengths I have acquired can be further worked upon to better my being and indulge my sense of leadership. As for my efforts in bettering myself via personal development, I have set goals to improve the skills I lack in. Traits like social boldness and dominance as stated by the interviewees present in Appendix E will require some work to improve on, yet maintain and improve the rest of the other traits. Whereas from my own assessments, I would have to picture myself in being more assertive and find ways to identify my dominance as I never thought of myself as being someone who is well dominant, rather someone who is very competitive. References Cambridge English Dictionary. (2017). Meaning of farming in the Cambridge English Dictionary. www.dictionary.cambridge.org. Retrieved 13 March 2017, from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/farming Greenberg, M. (2012). Six Qualities Leaders Need to Be Successful. Psychology Today. Retrieved 15 March 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201204/six-qualities-leaders-need-be-successful Hale, R. (2013). Why Leaders are like Farmers. WellSpirit Consulting Group, Inc. Retrieved 13 March 2017, from http://wellspiritconsulting.com/why-leaders-are-like-famers/ Harvey, T. (2009). Leadership theories, leadership models and leadership principles. www.learn-to-be-a-leader.com. Retrieved 14 March 2017, from http://www.learn-to-be-a-leader.com/leadership-theories.html Hughes, R., Ginnett, R., Curphy, G. (2011). Leadership: Enhancing the Lessons of Experience (7th ed., p. 5). McGraw-Hill Irwin. Kennedy, J. (1963). John F. Kennedy Speeches John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Museum. www.jfklibrary.org. Retrieved 15 March 2017, from https://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Research-Aids/JFK-Speeches/Dallas-TX-Trade-Mart-Undelivered_19631122.aspx Leadership. (2016). www.thepeopleindairy.org.au. Retrieved 14 March 2017, from http://www.thepeopleindairy.org.au/working-together/leadership.htm Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM). (2017). iLearn: NPI-40 Narcissism Personal Inventory. ilearn.mq.edu.au. Retrieved 15 March 2017, from http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/mod/quiz/view.php?id=3829882 Miller, P. (2012). Self-reflection: the key to effective leadership. Todays Manager, Dec 2011 Jan 2012. Retrieved from https://works.bepress.com/peter_miller/133/ Norman, D., Worman, F., Siebert, J., Modiakgotla, E. (1995). The farming systems approach to development and appropriate technology generation (1st ed., p. 33). Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Robbins Research International. (2017). DISC Profile: Free Online Personality Strengths Test Tony Robbins. Tony Robbins. Retrieved 15 March 2017, from https://www.tonyrobbins.com/disc/ Scott, K. (2016). What is Your Biggest Weakness? Vistage Florida. Vistage Florida. Retrieved 15 March 2017, from http://florida.vistage.com/2016/11/30/what-is-your-biggest-weakness/ Taberner, S. (2012). Cambridge Companion to GuÃÅ'ˆnter Grass (1st ed., p. 167). Cambridge: ProQuest LLC. Tole, J. (2017). Why leadership is very much like farming. LinkedIn Pulse. Retrieved 13 March 2017, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-leadership-very-much-like-farming-jonathan-tole Tolstoy, L. (2016). What is art? (1st ed.). Bloomsbury Academic. Appendices       Appendix A: Appendix B: 16 Personalities: Personality type: The Campaigner (ENFP-A) Individual traits: Extraverted 61%, Intuitive 68%, Feeling 64%, Prospecting 53%, Assertive 63%. Role: Diplomat Strategy: People Mastery Summary: An extraverted mind that prefers groups activities, gets energized by social interaction and tends to be more enthusiastic, yet easily excited than introverts. A very intuitive individual who is very imaginative, open-minded and curious. Someone that prefers novelty over stability and focuses on hidden meanings as well as future possibilities. A naturally sensitive and emotionally expressive individual who tends to be more empathic and focuses on social harmony/cooperation. An assertive individual who is self-assured, even tempered and resistant to stress. Can refuse worrying too much and tends to not push themselves too hard when it comes to achieving goals as they believe goals will naturally come to them. Appendix C: DISC: Strengths: I have a large knowledge-base and a continuing appetite to learn more. I have the tendency to be friendly and easy-going whilst interacting with others. I possess the ability to focus on building my own skills and talents as well as assist others on building their own. I am modest rather than egocentric, yet can become more assertive when necessary. I have a desire to become the best that I can be, or an expert in a specific area. I acquired the ability to self-manage. Appendix D: Question 1 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I am much like everybody else. b. I am an extraordinary person. Question 2 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I am more capable than other people. b. There is a lot that I can learn from other people. Question 3 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I get upset when people dont notice how I look when I go out in public. b. I dont mind blending into the crowd when I go out in public. Question 4 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I wish somebody would someday write my biography. b. I dont like people to pry into my life for any reason. Question 5 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I am a born leader. b. Leadership is a quality that takes a long time to develop. Question 6 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. People sometimes believe what I tell them. b. I can make anybody believe anything I want them to. Question 7 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I am going to be a great person. b. I hope I am going to be successful. Question 8 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I would prefer to be a leader. b. It makes little difference to me whether I am a leader or not. Question 9 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. Being an authority doesnt mean that much to me. b. People always seem to recognize my authority. Question 10 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I can live my life in any way I want to. b. People cant always live their lives in terms of what they want. Question 11 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I really like to be the centre of attention. b. It makes me uncomfortable to be the centre of attention. Question 12 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I like to look at myself in the mirror. b. I am not particularly interested in looking at myself in the mirror. Question 13 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I dont care about new fads and fashions. b. I like to start new fads and fashions. Question 14 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I have a strong will to power. b. Power f or its own sake doesnt interest me. Question 15 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. Compliments embarrass me. b. I like to be complimented. Question 16 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I will never be satisfied until I get all that I deserve. b. I take my satisfactions as they come. Question 17 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I expect a great deal from other people. b. I like to do things f or other people. Question 18 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. Sometimes I tell good stories. b. Everybody likes to hear my stories. Question 19 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I sometimes depend on people to get things done. b. I rarely depend on anyone else to get things done Question 20 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I always know what I am doing. b. Sometimes I am not sure of what I am doing. Question 21 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I try not to be a show off. b. I will usually show off if I get the chance. Question 22 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. My body is nothing special. b. I like to look at my body. Question 23 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: a. I just want to be reasonably happy. b. I want to amount to something in the eyes of the world. Question 24 Two statements. Which best applies to you? Select one: