The Kea speaks from Dunedin Botanical Gardens Essay Example

The Kea speaks from Dunedin Botanical Gardens Paper In The Kea speaks from Dunedin Botanical Gardens written by Janet Frame, an idea worth learning about is how people, including the readers, will not or do not reach their full potential due to being trapped or restricted. By using the kea in the text, Frame Is able to show the significance of the Idea as the Kea compares the life of the readers to itself. Frame portrayed the importance of this idea through the use of connotative language, metaphors and contrasting language. Frame shows how people, including the readers, will not or do not reach their full attention due to being trapped or restricted Is an Important Idea through connotative language. Connotative language was used in the text to portray and enhance the negative meanings and ignorance within the text. Connotative language Is used throughout the poem but a specific example of Its use may be found within the sentence: While the peach-faced lovebirds huddle together close to the earth In this sentence, the words with connotations are huddled and close. The word huddled refers to the contact between the two birds and close to the distance or pace between those birds and the earth. In context, the words may seem positive, but are negative because the Minimal meaning Is of how people solely stay nearby each other and will only keep notice of, as well as keep close to, the ground. Through deeper meaning, this means that even though people may be trapped, they have chosen to, pretended to, or do not notice themselves being imprisoned and will tolerate the conditions they are In. We will write a custom essay sample on The Kea speaks from Dunedin Botanical Gardens specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Kea speaks from Dunedin Botanical Gardens specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Kea speaks from Dunedin Botanical Gardens specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Their Ignorance is what limits and encases them, whether or not they are aware. Negative connotations used within the text may also e found in the first stanza as while my neighbor three cages away cries, Woe O Woe. This example consists of connotative words, including cages, cries and woe. All these words have negative meanings attached to them as cages imply Imprisonment and restrictions, cries imply deep sorrow and troubles, and woe with grief and distress. The meanings of these words are relative to the idea of being unable to reach our full potential or aspirations as the words include meanings that would restrict an average person from fulfilling his/her goals. Frame portrays the Idea with the thoughts of how being trapped also means to be limited and all the negativity of the feelings involved will bring a person from achieving and reaching their own best. By being unable to distinguish whether or not they are free, it will either bring confusion to the person affected or go by unnoticed and is another reason as to why the mall idea of limitations Is worth learning about. By using connotative language such as those In the examples shown, Frame Is able to implement more negativity into the text so the reader is able to truly grasp how readers being trapped is. This feeling will then enumerate with the feelings the reader will have when questioning his/her own freedom. Through Frames use of connotative language, she has shown the Importance of the Idea and why It was 1 OFF poem. Janet Frame used also used metaphors as a technique within the text. By using this technique, Frame is able to show the comparison between the kea and the readers/ people. An example of the use of metaphors may be found within the beginning of the second stanza: l too, like you, have a ceiling of wires to my aspirations. Through this example, Frame is able to give the readers a sense of imprisonment and limitations of their freedom and choice. Frame purposely used metaphors for a psychological reason; to make the readers question their own freedom as well as others. Through the strategic use of the seas current state, Frame makes a direct comparison and portray the significance of the idea by the use of metaphors so the readers would recognize the mutual states between the kea and herself/himself. Frame also used a metaphor in the last stanza of the text to enhance and deepen the dead and its significance by the lines If you were to write a poem about me you would say, Pity the seas imprisonment. But it would be yourself you pitied in your own prison. This metaphor develops the idea of the readers and people being caged and restricted, therefore not being able to reach their full potential or aspirations and adding to the idea of limitations. This metaphor also compares the mutual states between the readers and people, and the kea. These metaphors are worth learning about as they may be related back to modern society because many people, including he reader, have restrictions and limits to their full potential and aspirations, whether or not they are the cause of it. There is a vast range of factors that limits us as humans, such as family, friends, culture, religion, our surroundings, educations, wealth, health and even ourselves. Within peoples everyday life, these restricting factors may occur, but may go unnoticed by those affected by it. Another notable technique used by Frame was contrasting language. Contrasting language was used to deepen the comparisons between the readers and people, and the kea. It was also used to deepen the significance of the idea and develop the thoughts of the readers and his/her freedom. In the first and last line of the poem, l have learnt how to walk upside down like a fly and you have not yet learned to walk upside down like a fly, Frame deliberately used contrasting language so the reader would have closure that would have been linked with the beginning. This adds to the structure of the text, therefore the readers would be more considerate of the poem as a whole and acknowledge the main idea and significance of the poem while reading links and connections between the multiple language features. In this example, you are able to notice that she has shown the idea of restriction by comparing the difference in skill between her readers/people and the kea. In the poem, this shows that even though we seem to be free and the kea trapped, the kea has gained more skill than we have. The thoughts the readers would have when reading the contrasting language and meaning behind it, make it an idea worth learning about. Contrasting language was also used later in the first stanza, as well s the last as l can sense, though not see, the sky. And you can both sense and see the sky. By this example, Frame expresses the senses and the limitations of them. Another sense, is able to recognize where it is, whereas the readers are able to both sense and see the sky. This reinforces the idea of how we are free but also trapped. Frame has used contrasting language here to provoke the thoughts of the readers about their freedom and choice. This technique relates to the idea worth learning about beca use through the use of contrasting language, Frame influences he idea of imprisonment and limitations. People of modern society will assume they are free because they can both sense and see the sky but are actually controlled by limiting factors in their lives that prevent them from reaching their aspirations and reach their full potential. In Frames mind, she created this commendable poem to compare and contrast the differences and similarities between the readers and people, and the kea. The idea of how the people, including the readers, can not reach their full potential due to limitations is definitely an idea worth learning about in The Kea speaks from Dunedin Botanical Gardens by Janet Frame. Frame emphasizes this idea through the use of connotative language, and by adding deeper meaning to her text, is able to show the significance of the idea. She also used metaphors by making direct comparisons for the reader to develop more of an understanding. To then further develop the idea, Frame used contrasting language, in order for the reader to consider more carefully the idea. By using these techniques, Janet Frame is able to portray the significance of the idea and why it was worth learning about.

Intact is One Word

Intact is One Word Intact is One Word Intact is One Word By Maeve Maddox Ive seen too many examples of intact written as two words to go on assuming that they are typographical errors. Photo caption: A couch that was left in tact after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Question on medical forum: Is chest muscle left in tact after MastX? Question on aviation site: Why are there only 2 Stukas left in tact today? The adjective intact is written as one word. It means whole, entire, not affected by anything that injures. Ex. An animal that has not been spayed or neutered is said to be intact. The literal meaning of intact is untouched. The in prefix means not. The tact comes from a verb meaning to touch. The noun tact has the same origin. An obsolete use is sense of touch. Now the words main use is figurative: tact ready and delicate sense of what is fitting and proper in dealing with others, so as to avoid giving offence, or win good will; skill or judgement in dealing with men or negotiating difficult or delicate situations; the faculty of saying or doing the right thing at the right time. (OED) As for intact, lets keep it, well, intact. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:16 Substitutes for â€Å"Because† or â€Å"Because Of†One Fell Swoop10 Tips About How to Write a Caption

Hospitality Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Hospitality Management - Essay Example As the discussion declares milk as animal products was fermented under natural conditions which resulted to sour milk products with acidity. The development of milk processes developed into natural preparation of yoghurt and cottage cheese. Over the years, the preparation of milk products has developed including coagulation of milk protein. This led to the need for preservation of milk products so that they would be stored for relatively long without spoiling. The intuition and creativity of man in the ancient times led to the innovation of various preservation techniques. These included storage of milk products in cellars and caves, salting and control of humidity. Nonetheless, processes such as salting changed the taste of the food products a challenge which motivated more innovation in food preservation. This paper stresses that developments such as dehydration and molding illustrate endeavors in the preservation of cheese products. These developments paved way for the modern introduction of various chemicals for the preservation of cheese and other milk products. The invention of refrigeration is a significant development in the food industry in general which also enabled cheese to be stored for a long time without decay. The use of various chemicals in food preservation has led to long shelve life of cheese. The most significant developments in cheese production include the possibilities which have enabled producers to maintain the flavor, texture and taste of cheese for a long time and thus making it appealing to the consumers for a relatively long duration .

Distinctive HR Policies and Practices Research Paper

Distinctive HR Policies and Practices - Research Paper Example The research paper "Distinctive HR Policies and Practices" talks about such distinctive HR policies and practices as compensation and benefits, training, organizational culture, flexibility in the scheduling and methods for attracting and retaining employees by the example of company Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic developed slowly with the help of the medical practice of a pioneer doctor known as Dr. William Worrall Mayo. Over time, the demand for the medical services increased and other doctors and science researchers were asked to join the world’s first private integrated group practice. Doctors and students came from around the world to learn new techniques from the Mayo Doctors, and patients came from around the world for diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic consists of over 55,000 doctors, nurses, scientists, students, and allied health staff at Mayo Clinic locations in the Midwest, Arizona, and Florida. Their mission is to inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education and research. The health benefits provided by Mayo Clinic can be said to be unique as they are tailored towards preventive rather than curative direction. These health benefits cover both full-time and part-time employees and residents who are in the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education. This health benefit plan according to the CNN rating is not 100% as it is a non-profit organization with only an annual $3 billion, but it covers the children. (who are under 3 years of age). Among the offered health benefits covers includes a fitness center that is onsite and a gym membership both at a subsidized cost. It has outpatient health services (which are provided b y their medical specialists within their clinics which assist in cutting their expenditure on insurance services). There are also

General Motors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

General Motors - Essay Example During the duration of its existence, General Motors has engaged in the production of models that target specifically the baby boomers generation. This constitutes of a younger generation who are aggressive bout simple, stylish models that go with fashion. Latest statistical analysis points out that the company has targeted customers in mid 20 who accounts for almost 50% revenue returns from the sale of vehicles (GM, 2014).Economic analysisGeneral motors’ has played a considerable role to the development of the United States and a global economy. Based on the national financial reports of the United States, the company has contributed a higher percentage of economic development for a longer duration since its launching into operation. Not only to the United States, has General Motors’ also had a huge economic impact in its areas of operations. In essence, the organization has triggered operations of the other industries such as aluminum and textile that supply raw mater ials to the industry. In addition, the company has also created job opportunities both directly and indirectly to a significant number of populations.Political//legalWith influence from both the government and members of the public, the company has constantly implemented different policies to harmonize mutual coexistence of all members of the society with customers invoking dominance on to the progress of the business. With the current trend in modern life, most members of the society associate status of life with the car the person drives.

Effectiveness of Loyalty Schemes for Supermarkets

Effectiveness of Loyalty Schemes for Supermarkets Chapter 1 Introduction It is necessary for organisations to carry out market research before they can come up with a good quality marketing strategy no matter how big or small the company is. Market research is when an organisation studies their customers buying habits and gathers information about the market. The information they find is then analysed to determine the expectations of customers. Market research is necessary because organisations should aim to be marketing orientated and meet the wants and needs of their customers. As well as meeting the wants and needs of customers marketing orientated companies welcome change. This means they can react to external factors and changes in the market like changes in consumer spending patterns. It is a lot easier for an organisation to put together a good marketing strategy if they are marketing orientated and have carried out the appropriate market research to identify the wants and needs of their target market. It is essential for an organisation to satisfy its customers. Meeting customer needs will improve the organisations reputation amongst its customers which will result in a higher profit and could make potentially make customers loyal to the brand. In 1995 Tesco introduced their Clubcard. This was the first customer loyalty card introduced in the UK and there are now 13 million Clubcard members. (MIS Quarterly Executive Vol.8 No.2/June 2009, Leveraging Multichannel retailing: the experience of Tesco.com) Loyalty programs are not just used by companies to offer benefits to regular shoppers and reward customers for their loyalty. Every time a customer uses their loyalty card in store organisations record what products that customer has purchased to find out their specific wants and needs. If the research shows that a product is more popular with customers in a certain area then an organisation could introduce offers to meet customer needs. Therefore loyalty programs are used as a form of market research. The majority of major retailers in the UK now offer loyalty programs. Therefore the purpose of this research is to examine the benefits and drawbacks of these programs to both organisations and customers to see weather actual loyalty can be obtained through one of these programs. There must be major benefits of Loyalty programs otherwise they would not be so popular. However not every organisation like Asda does offer a loyalty program so the purpose of this research is to determine whether they are worth investing in. If the majority of customers who shop in an organisations store own loyalty cards is the company able to process all of the information they have gathered. A loyalty card will also only show the retailer what a customer spends in their specific store and not their general buying habits. A customer may buy their weekly shopping in Tesco and use their Clubcard yet may buy meat from another supermarket or from a local butcher. If Tesco knew this they could introduce offers to encourage customers to buy meat in their store. The Clubcard however would not provide Tesco with this information. Despite this Tesco could use their Clubcard to identify changes in consumer buying patterns. A customer can however own as many loyalty cards as they want which means they can supply information to many different organisations. When customers sign up to a loyalty program they have to provide name, address, age group and often email address allowing the organisation to contact them regularly with offers. With this information the organisation offering the scheme can understand what kind of person is buying certain products. This helps them segment the market and identify the target market for any product. This research is important and of value because organisations will benefit from it if they are considering investing in a loyalty scheme. This research will also help companies understand the advantages and disadvantages of loyalty programs and identify ways they can make the most of the large amounts of data they gather from customers. This research will also be off interest to customers who have signed up to loyalty programs and people involved in business. There are many aims and objectives of this research. The first aim is to understand what loyalty actually is and the importance of loyal customers. Is it actually possible for an organisation to obtain loyalty with a customer? If so can this be achieved through one of these programmes? Also is it possible to measure just how loyal customers are? The second aim is to study the history of loyalty cards and programs and find out which organisations along with Tesco where first to introduce loyalty cards and gain an understanding of how rapidly the trend has grown since both in the UK and internationally. This information will help organisations understand how loyalty cards became so popular with retailers. The third aim of this research is to find examples of how the information gathered from customers using their loyalty card in store has benefited organisations when they determine their marketing strategy. This research will determine whether it is possible for a retailer to process all the information provided by loyalty programs considering how popular they are with customers. Is there any reason why a major retailer like Asda does not offer a loyalty program when a lot of its direct competitors do? This study will also help identify how organisations can benefit from loyalty kiosks. The fourth aim of this research to understand whether loyalty programs really benefit customers or whether its just organisations that get the main benefits. In a lot of cases customers have to spend a lot of money in the retailers store to gain loyalty points and money off products. Despite this organisations can use loyalty programs to determine which products are popular with customers and introduce offers. Therefore being part of a loyalty program could benefit the customer without them really realising it. This study will also help identify how customers can benefit from loyalty kiosks. The final aim is to investigate the different types of loyalty programmes organisations offer and the advantages and disadvantages of the various programmes. This information will hopefully help organisations determine which type of loyalty scheme is most appropriate for them to invest in. All the aims of this project will be achieved by gathering information obtained through secondary research. A large proportion of this research will be gathered from the academic journals. Research will also be gathered from relevant information found in books, articles, newspaper reports and case studies. Previous literature will be reviewed and critically analysed. After this the research methods will be described and results of this research will be discussed, analysed and related back to relevant theory shown in the literature review. The study will then be concluded showing any limitations. The main lessons learnt from this study will be described showing what future research should be conducted. Chapter 2 Literature Review What is loyalty? Can it be purchased? The word loyal is defined in the oxford English dictionary as being â€Å"true to obligations of duty and love† although it is hard to imagine the average consumer feels this way about the supermarket where they buy their groceries. (Uncles, Dowling and Hammond 2003) argue that it is not possible for a consumer to have an emotional attachment towards a brand of tomato soup. Even if customers are not loyal many retailers may have their personal information stored in their computer database. (Rowley 2000) understands that it is very difficult for supermarket to encourage actual loyalty and claims that â€Å"the very technology that supports innovations such as loyalty cards may serve to undermine the concept of loyalty.† Many people believe that true loyalty is not actually attainable through loyalty programs and that the main purpose of these programs is to provide management with information. (Jenkinson 1995) strongly believes this and claims that: â€Å"The customers loyalty is simply not for sale. It cannot be bought for ever by companys ordeals. Real brand loyalty results from an emotional bond created by trust, dialogue, frequency, ease of use and a sense of value and added satisfaction. Loyalty is the reflection of a customers subconscious emotional and psychological need to find a constant source of value, satisfaction and identity.† (Jenkinson 1995) does make a valid point but it is still possible to obtain loyalty through loyalty programs its just not very easy. (Stone et al 2004) believe that customers are unlucky to become loyal to an organisation just from being part of one of these schemes. However they understand that a scheme could produce information that could help an organisation find ways to offer suitable rewards to meet the needs of customers which is likely to lead to loyalty amongst customers. (OBrien and Jones 1995) extend this theory and understand that the only way an organisation can obtain loyalty through a loyalty programme is if the organisation offers rewards that are of value to the customer. They claim there are 5 elements that determine value. (see appendix) Even though loyalty can be obtained through loyalty programmes it is necessary that every employee at the organisation is fully committed to the program. Therefore as well as any initial financial investment there also needs to be an investment in staff training when an organisation introduces a loyalty card. (Omar 1999) understands this and believes that a loyalty program will not be successful unless everyone within the organisation is committed. This includes the cashier who simply smiles and asks a customer if they own a loyalty card. (OConner 1996) shares this opinion and understands that customers will come back to a store and become loyal customers if employees are friendly. As well as being fully committed to their loyalty program organizations need to be sure that customers are not just signing up to their loyalty program just for the sake of it. (Omar 1999) understands that some customers may sign up to a loyalty scheme just to get the discounts and may not be actually loyal to the organisation. It is important that Organisations are aware of this when starting up a loyalty program. Even though (OBrien and Jones 1995) have already shown that an organisation can obtain loyalty through a loyalty programme if they offer rewards that are of value to the customer there are also many other factors that can affect how loyal customers are. (Wright and Sparks 1999) have identified that it is possible to achieve customer loyalty through a number of means. This includes where the store is located and how easy it is to access. Also the loyalty of customers very much depends on the quality and price of the goods being sold. (Bellizi and Bristol 2004) understand that a consumer that is part of a lot of loyalty schemes is more likely to be affected by other factors and judge a supermarket on the speed of its checkout lines and its variety of fresh produce. (Gounaris and Stathakopoulos 2004) extend this theory and suggest that customer loyalty is something that can be influenced by a combination of 3 factors. These are the reputation of the brand and the amount of choice available in the market, social influences and recommendations from peers and the degree of risk aversion from the consumer themselves. According to them these influences can create four types of loyalty: No loyalty Covetous loyalty: This is when a consumer has a strong attachment to a brand possible due to social influences yet there is no purchase. Many customers may be interested in premium brand products but choose to buy a less expensive alternative to save money. Inertia loyalty: This is when a customer purchases a certain brand due to habit or convenience but has no emotional attachment to the brand itself. A customer may choose one supermarket over another simply because it is closer. Premium loyalty: This is what every organisation should aim for. It is when a customer regularly buys a companys products due to a high attachment to the brand. However customer loyalty is obtained it is important not to under estimate the value of having loyalty customers. Every organisation should be aiming to encourage loyalty. (Omar 1999) understands the importance of customer loyalty and points out that a store is likely to be unsuccessful without loyal customers because they are likely to buy more products and will be willing to pay more. They are also more likely to recommend the organisation to friends and family which will bring in new customers. Organisations usually have to spend a lot of money on promotions to try and attract new customers to a business. It costs a less money for an organisation to obtain customers then it does to attract new ones. Also once customers are loyal to an organization they are less likely to be interested in the promotions other companies are offering. (Christopher and McDonald 1995) therefore understand that by retaining customers an organization could stop new companies from wanting to enter the market. (Halowell 1996) has also found evidence to show that there is a definite connection between the loyalty of customers and the amount of profit an organisation makes. (Oliver 1997) correctly sums up customer loyalty by defining it as. â€Å"A deeply held commitment to re buy or re patronize a preferred product/service consistently in the future, thereby causing repetitive same-brand or same brand-set purchasing despite situational influences and marketing efforts having the potential to cause switching behaviour.† (Whyte 2004) suggests that loyalty programmers may just create customer loyalty for short amount of time that may not result in full commitment. This however isnt true because there are major differences between loyalty schemes and incentive schemes. (Hirshman and Goldstucker 1978) understand that loyalty programs are more long term and can help an organisation improve its reputation amongst customers and establish a relationship. This is definitely true as general incentive schemes are likely to be short term promotions or offers to make customers interested in a specific product or just to draw their attention to the brand. Loyalty programmes are therefore a lot more expensive to run then simple incentive schemes but a lot more beneficial at the same time. Loyalty schemes can even help organisations come up with appropriate short term offers and promotions which can be directly issued to the target market. (OConner 1996) has identified that incentive schemes are usually a final resort for organisations if their loyalty scheme fails. Even though (OBrien and Jones 1995) have already shown that an organisation can obtain loyalty through a loyalty programme if they offer rewards that are of value to the customer it is still very difficult for an organization to measure how loyal its customers are. (Omar 1999) identifies that Store loyalty is a function of customer satisfaction. This is definitely true as satisfied customers are more likely to keep coming back to the store and become loyal customers. However (Omar 1999) goes on to suggest that a number of variables can be used to determine how loyal a retailers customers are. (See appendix) The variables listed above could definitely be used to measure the satisfaction of customers. Despite this customers may appear to be satisfied and still decide to shop somewhere else if they are attracted by promotion. Therefore it is very difficult for an organisation to measure actual levels of loyalty. The History of Loyalty programs and Loyalty cards Organisations have been aiming to encourage customer loyalty for a long time and the introduction of loyalty cards has definitely helped them achieve this goal. Loyalty cards are now very popular both in the UK and internationally. (Sharp and Sharp 1997) have identified that since loyalty cards have been introduced, they have been used effectively by organisations to increase levels of satisfaction amongst customers. Further research will be conducted to show examples of this. Today the majority of retailers now offer loyalty schemes. (Rowley 2007) is aware of the popularity of Loyalty schemes and identified that they are now â€Å"an established feature of the retail and services landscape.† (Uncles, Dowling and Hammond 2003) suggested that competitors are likely to copy a loyalty scheme if it appears to be successful. This seems fairly understandable as organisations are often influenced by the activities of the competition. OMalley (1998) realises that there is a chance customers may begin to expect a reward every time they visit a store as loyalty cards have led to them being bombarded with promotions and money off vouchers for products they regularly buy. The above literature suggests that the introduction of loyalty cards is the only reason for organisations being so obsessed with obtaining the loyalty of customers. It is obviously a major factor but (Omar 1999) has identified that loyalty schemes have been growing in popularity for a lot longer than this and suggests that â€Å"such a remarkable shift to loyalty-building activity has been made possible because the cost of recruiting each consumer into a loyalty scheme has fallen substantially in real terms since the early 1970s.† (Omar 1999) also believes that the popularity of loyalty schemes may lead to their downfall by understanding that the majority of loyalty schemes are now run in pretty much the same way. He is therefore able to identify that the differentiation these schemes provided when they first became popular is slowly being lost. This could well be the reason why Asda have chosen not to invest in loyalty scheme even though the majority of their direct competitors have. (Omar 1999) even suggests that: â€Å"loyalty cards could start a more sophisticated round of mark-down wars which held the high street stores to ransom in the late 1980s and early 1990s.† However this seems unlikely. How loyalty programs benefit the organisation: (Walters and Hanrahan 2000) have been able to identify the numerous benefits for organisations that use loyalty programmes to store the purchasing details of their customers. Loyalty schemes can help an organisation decide where it places its products and how they allocate their space in store. They can also use the information they have stored in a database to introduce in store promotions and offers on products where they have identified interest from customers. Loyalty programmes can also more importantly help an organisation find out who its target market is. Tesco have had a lot of success since launching their very successful Clubcard scheme. (Uncles, Dowling and Hammond 2003) have identified that Tesco have been able to use their Clubcard to aid brand extension. Tesco have definitely shown that they understand the importance of customer loyalty. (Turner and Wilson 2006) were however able to identify Clubcard is not the only reason for Tescos loyal customers and major market growth. It is necessary for an organisation to know who its target market is and offer rewards to the right customers. (OBrien and Jones 1995) understand that it is important for organisations to consider the value of their customers. If they fail to do this an organisation may waste time and money satisfying the customers of less value whilst the greater value customers are not satisfied and loose loyalty as a result. An article by (Media Week 2009) suggested that loyalty schemes with the most members may not be the most successful ones. The article described how â€Å"todays loyalty efforts are more concerned with the quality of membership and not just the quality.† This makes sense as organisations are aiming to obtain loyalty and therefore dont just want customers to sign up for loyalty schemes just to get the discounts. It is still difficult to understand how a retailer is able to process all the information provided by loyalty cards considering how popular they are with customers. (Uncles, Dowling and Hammond 2003) identify that a popular loyalty scheme is likely to gather a lot of unnecessary data which is of no use to anyone. (Omar 1999) therefore suggests that â€Å"any loyalty scheme must be driven by a database to ensure that it adds a significant new element rather than being simply another promotional activity.† (Omar 1999) makes a very valid point although organisations are still dealing with a very large amount of information.. Loyalty cards have become increasingly popular within the last few years due to advances in technology like the growth in computer memory capacity (OConnor 1996) believes that it is therefore now possible for an organisation to track, identify and respond to the buying behaviour of customers. Also with this information a retailer can contact customers through direct mailing. (Passingham 1996) argues that not all customers who shop in a retailers store will sign up to a loyalty scheme so some of the data that is being stored may be inaccurate. Loyalty schemes also dont provide retailers with information about customer buying habits outside of that specific store. However a large proportion of regularly shoppers are likely to be part of the organisations loyalty scheme so this is unlikely to be a serious concern of organisations as they will still be able to get an overview of the buying habits of specific groups of customers. One of the main reasons that customers may refuse to sign up to a loyalty scheme is because they are worried that the organisation may give out their personal information to third parties. (Sarathy and Robertson 2003) have identified that customers may be concerned about their privacy when it comes to loyalty schemes due to recent corporate mismanagement scandals. However customers will be less likely to worry about this if they are attracted to the rewards being offered by the scheme. The following research by (Schriver 1997) which was carried out just as loyalty cards were becoming popular in the UK. He was able to identify 6 factors that surprisingly made consumers less loyal today than in the past. He also identified that the 6 factors can increase consumer doubt leading to more complaints and a lower level of loyalty as well as greater price sensitivity. How loyalty programs benefit customers (Potter 1998) identifies that customers deserve to be treated well by organisations. This is true as they are unlikely to come back and re visit a store if the experience they received was not a pleasurable one. It is clear that loyalty cards benefit organisations but how much do they benefit customers. (Schultz and Bailey, 2000) believe the rewards that customer receive are simply given to them as compensation for the information they provide. This section proves that this is not entirely correct and that loyalty programs can benefit customers. Despite this (Uncles, Dowling and Hammond 2003) have identified that the main reason organizations invest in loyalty schemes is because they expect the program to benefit them. This is because the main aim of any business is to make a profit and being marketing orientated and meeting the needs of customers is the main way of achieving this aim Rowley (2000) has identified that loyalty style kiosks are becoming an increasingly popular way for organisation to encourage loyalty amongst customers in the USA. She describes how the kiosks themselves are placed at the front of stores and she is able to identify that they offer a lot more benefits then simple promotional leaflets. By offering one of these kiosks organisations are therefore likely to increase the satisfaction of their customers. This is because they are likely to feel valued as they get to choose their rewards instead simply being given a voucher they could potentially discard. Omar (1999) has already identified that loyalty is function of customer satisfaction. Despite customers receiving points every time they use their card in store (Omar 1999) believes that a number of schemes are purely set up to provide retailers with a database so that they can advertise their products directly to customers via emails. This is definitely a valid opinion. Therefore research will be carried out to find examples of how organisations have used their schemes in order to contact target groups of customers directly. If customers dont benefit from an organisations loyalty scheme the business is unlikely to be successful (Dowling and Uncles 1997) point out that this may make customers frustrated resulting in them losing loyalty. Different types of Loyalty Programs: There are many different types of loyalty programmes which can be used by organisations offering a wide variety of products and services. There is no single type of loyalty programme that is guaranteed to be successful. A study from (Wanswink 2003) showed that brand managers believe that all loyalty programmes can have an impact on the buying behaviour of customers. The study also showed that the most cost-effective loyalty programmes were the low and moderate ones. However another study by (Gordan and Mckeage 1997) showed that loyalty programmes are more likely to be successful if the organisation is offering a product or service that the customer considers to be high involvement because of the financial, social and physical risk involved. American express also offer a club yet they charge a fee to join. Although this could prevent customers from joining the loyalty programme (Shiffman and Kanuk 2007) can see a benefit of this by suggesting that â€Å"this increases the customers investment in the relationship which may lead to greater commitment and increased usage loyalty† Some companies reward loyal customers by giving them points so they can gain more goods or services from the organisation. This kind of point system is very popular with hotel chains and airlines. (Shiffman and Kanuk 2007) believe that this could act as an exit barrier because customers would have to give up the points if they started a new relationship. Chapter 3 Methodology Now that the relevant literature has been reviewed further research has been conducted to examine the benefits and drawbacks of loyalty programs to both organisations and customers. The purpose of this research was too help organisations who offer loyalty cards identify ways in which they can make the most of the information they gather whilst benefiting organisations that dont currently offer a scheme by helping them identify if loyalty schemes are beneficial or not. Customers who are part of loyalty programs and people involved in business will also benefit from this research. Several aims and objectives of this research were established before the research was carried out. The first aim was to find out what loyalty actually is and whether actual loyalty can be obtained through a loyalty scheme. After this the history of loyalty cards and loyalty programs were researched to identify how rapidly the trend grew in the UK and internationally. This was followed by research into the benefits of loyalty programs for both organisations and customers and research into the different types of loyalty programs in which customers can sign up for. In the end all research that was conducted was secondary and not primary. This was partly due to insufficient funds as it would cost a lot of money and take a lot of time to arrange interviews with members of the major organisations that were studied. There were also plans to hand out questioners to people in supermarkets although these never went ahead due to ethical reasons. Despite there being some limitations of this study all the information found from the secondary research did relate to the aims and objectives and therefore will be of benefit to the reader. The research process consisted of examining several articles, various figures and company websites in order to achieve the aims and objectives. The majority of this research was taken from journals, newspaper articles and from The Grocer magazine. A number of case studies were also examined during the research process. An article in the Grocer from the 18th April 2008 entitled â€Å"Service with a smile† was examined because it described some of the various ways organisations could encourage loyalty amongst customers. However one of the main purposes of this research was to identify if loyalty can be obtained through loyalty schemes. Are loyalty schemes able to reach large groups of shoppers? Another article in The Grocer from the 6th February 2010 entitled â€Å"retailers need to work harder to increase loyalty card appeal† was examined in order to answer this question. Research was conducted to find out how many loyalty cards are currently in operation in the UK and internationally. This will help gain an understanding of how rapidly loyalty schemes have grown in popularity over the last 15 years. A number of sources where found which featured sections that showed exactly how popular loyalty schemes were on a national and global basis in different years and the relevant figures are shown and analysed in the results section. One of the sources used is an article from (University Of Minnesota 2009) entitled Leveraging Multichannel Retailing: The experience of Tesco.com which describes how Tesco have grown to dominate the UK market. Figures were also taken from a case study in a book by Omar (1999) entitled Retail Marketing. An article from Media Week entitled â€Å"the brave new world of loyalty marketing† featured results from a state by state analysis by the COLLOQUY Loyalty Census which describes the popularity of loyalty cards on a global scale and by how much this has increased since 2007. Several major organisations were researched to find out which loyalty schemes had been successful and the reasons for this. Most major organisations now offer a loyalty program. How do independent retailers encourage loyalty? An article in the Grocer from the 5th February 2010 entitled â€Å"Independent chains seek to win loyalty with card schemes† helped to answer this question. Organisations value the customers loyalty and their purchasing activity data. However a lot of money is spent on loyalty schemes and therefore research was carried to find out whether loyalty schemes are worth investing in. An article from the BBC written on the 17th February 2003 entitled â€Å"The cost of Nectar loyalty† explains why this may not be the case. Dispute this many organisations have benefit from loyalty schemes and Tesco is definitely an example of this. A lot of research was therefore based around Tesco as they currently dominate the UK market. Page 17 of the Walters D, Hanarahan J (2000) book entitled Retail Strategy described some of the major benefits loyalty club members at Tesco receive. The article by the (University of Minnesota 2009) was also examined again because it described why Tesco had been so successful. Page 94 of this article described how Tesco were able to manage customer relations and use their ClubCard to aid direct marketing. Why Asda do not offer a loyalty scheme? The answer to this question can be found in the results section. The answer was taken from an article in the Grocer from the 7th November 2009 entitled â€Å"Why Asda rejected launching its own loyalty card scheme† explains exactly why. However another article in the Grocer from the 20th February 2010 entitled â€Å"Is Asda paying the price for not joining the loyalty club? Suggests reasons why this decision made by Asda may have been a mistake Asda are owned by Wal-Mart which is a major American retailer who currently has the 2nd largest database in the US behind the US government. T

Pharmaceutical Marketing Ethics :: essays research papers

The discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of medicines always involve questions of ethics. For example increasing pressure by governments to reduce healthcare expenditures potentially creates ethical issues for sales and marketing employees as they work to grow in the business. The healthcare industry is highly regulated and most pharmaceutical companies are committed to operating within the law. They have developed their own policies and guidance to ensure that all employees meet the highest ethical standards in their work. The Code of Conduct explains the standards that are expected from employees and is clearly communicated across each company. An Employee Guide to Business Conduct explains what the Code means in practice. Most pharmaceutical companies are committed to sales and marketing activities that are ethical, responsible, principled and patient focused. They conform to the high, ethical, medical and scientific standards that are set by governments and regulators. On top of the regulatory requirements of governments, they govern their sales and marketing activities through company policy, on Pharmaceutical Marketing and Promotion Activity, and through industry and company marketing codes. Companies believe that it is important to work with governments to contribute to constructive debate on issues surrounding pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Where legal and appropriate they make political donations as part of this engagement. All of their interactions are governed by the Code of Conduct and appropriate Corporate Policies. Most have company wide auditing in place to fully investigate suspected breaches of their company standards and take appropriate disciplinary action, including dismissal where a ppropriate. Never in the history of pharmaceutical marketing have the challenges been so intense and the stakes so high. Threats to growth and profitability have turned up the heat on pharmaceutical marketing teams to do more with less. As a result, pharmaceutical marketers must attain a new level of sophistication and precision to improve performance and maximize return on investments. At the same time, pressure is mounting on all fronts to provide greater value to all customers-including patients, providers and payers.

Importance of Being On Time Essay

Scheduling the work day is one of the most important duties any leader in the Marine Corps or the Armed forces in general, tackles each and every day. Being at the right place at the right time for any member of the Armed forces is extremely essential to the defense of the entire United States of America. It’s because of this that being on time is remarkably important. Dependability, accountability, consistency and discipline are all crucially important for all members of the armed forces. Being on time shows that a Marine is dependable and has his or her priorities straight. Being at the appointed place of duty means to be there on time and has always been one of the most important aspects of being a Marine. Failure to be on time not only hinders mission ready capability and readiness, but also can without a doubt cost unnecessary loss of life. It is important to realize that it is necessary for those in the Armed Forces are held to a high standard. Punctuality remains and always will be an extremely vital aspect of military bearing and discipline. It has a direct correlation to a Marine appearance, combat readiness, mission effectiveness, and essentially every aspect of military life and responsibility. I cannot place enough emphasis on how important being on time constantly is. For instance; a Marine who is late or does not report at all to a place at the time ordered effectively compromises and diminishes the efficiency of which the task or mission at hand can be completed. In an extreme case a Marine who is not on time to relieve the current guard’s post would cause the combat effectiveness and readiness of the unrelieved guard to be greatly reduced. This would be caused by fatigue, or lack of supplies, etc. Consequently the guard on post could be compromised and the security of the area could be breached. These things do occur, however, they can undoubtedly be avoided by merely, once again, being on time. The importance of being on time is so you will be early to where ever you need to be and accomplish whatever you need to do. If you are early you will always have time to make sure everything that you need to do is straight and there aren’t any errors in what you need to do. It is important to be on time for work because it shows that you are dedicated in the things that you do and it can help you in moving up in your field of expertise. It is important to be on time in the military because you will be at the right place at the right time, you will be accountable for and if anything was to happen no one can accuse you of anything because you were where you were suppose to be at the right time. Whenever you show up late to something it shows that you have no discipline or respect for anyone else because now everyone has to wait for you to arrive instead of starting on time or possibly earlier. It is important to be on time because it shows leadership, commitment, loyalty and that you are responsible enough to be trusted without supervision. It is very important to be on time because it is crucial to the mission, my leadership, and me as a Marine.

Anna Hazare’s Movement Against Corruption

A new landmark in the history of independent India, a new path paved by the veteran anti- corruption campaigner Anna Hazare. His struggle against corruption was a gentle reminder of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha. His fast-unto death, the five day fast has shown the world what Gandhism means in today’s world. The power of Gandhiji’s non violence will never cease to exist in the ages to come. While in Libya and Yemen there is bloodshed for freedom, where people are waging war against one another during the crisis, here in India, a respected social activist Anna Hazare is waging a peaceful, non violent war against corruption. His urge to free India of the greatest evil, corruption, commends appreciation. This fight against corruption staged at Jantar Mantar was not a one- man show. People from different parts of the country gave their support to Anna Hazare. The greatest merit of this non violent struggle was that no political party was involved in it. Anna Hazare and his supporters were not influenced by any political party. There was only one flag waving high in the sky and in our minds, the Indian National Flag. The fast ended on a very positive note when the idea of Jan Lokpal Bill was accepted by the Government of India. According to the Jan Lokpal Bill, there will be a separate body to investigate and curb the ugly face of India†¦. CORRUPTION; where people have the right to raise their voice against corrupt politicians. Moreover the CBI will be seen as an independent body, free of any other external influence. Now that the bill is going to be sanctioned, a very important question arises†¦. Can all the Indians touch their heart and say with confidence that the Jan Lokpal Bill will eradicate corruption Maybe to an extent but I don’t think it will erase corruption completely in a vast country like India. The Jan Lokpal Bill may have loopholes like the Right to Information Act, an Act passed due to the thrust laid by Anna Hazare. According to the right to information act, the citizens of India have the right to get information on any matter concerning the country, but recently an incident occurred which clearly reflects the loopholes in it. A citizen of India lodged a complaint about the illegal wealth possessed by the former chief justice of India, K. G Balakrishnan. Even today complete information about the wealth of this most corrupted chief justice of India is not known to the public. Why? Is it beyond the Right to Information Act? Similar loopholes are likely to be there in the Lokpal bill also. It is sure that as time passes some illegal and illogical rule will come whereby the citizens cannot use this bill against the Prime Minister, Chief justice and so on thus restric ting its use. The new committee formed to frame the bill must take in the interest of all sections of the population. It should be taken care that the bill will be unbiased and does not favour any person; be it the president or prime minister. Further it should be accompanied by other reformation, yes, reformation from the grass root level. Recently when assembly elections were held in Kerala, crores of rupees were spent by each candidate of the 140 constituencies for campaigning. Where did this money come from? If it is the contribution made by big industrialists and so on, then those candidates when elected should serve their interests. In Tamil Nadu, people are given free T. Vs and laptops. Where did this money come from? All these are different manifestations of corruption. A very effective way to end corruption is to reduce the money power in elections. Crores of rupees are deposited as black money by many influential people abroad. This unaccounted money should be brought back and if it is done, this black money alone can provide the necessary funds required for the construction of metros in a ll the states of India. These reformations if enforced can provide that extra impetus needed to curb corruption along with the Lokpal bill. The Lokpal bill is cent percent legitimate and it upholds the spirit of the constitution because its main aim is to create a corruption- free India. If by any chance it is against any article of the constitution, it is better to amend the constitution rather than the bill because of its most noble cause. The 2G spectrum case, Adharsh Bhavan Colony, commonwealth games are the different issues which we have been hearing in the last few months which has made India a laughing stock in the comity of nations. Let us use the Jan Lokpal bill wisely, sealing its loopholes and see the ultimate result. Let us hope for the best.

Eye for an Eye essays

Eye for an Eye essays Today there is a big controversy over capital punishment whether or not it works or if its morally right. People who favor the death penalty say that the criminals deserve it and is the only way for justice to be served. This statement is very true. Many murderers and rapists today are not serving most-if even half-of their sentences due to early parole or overcrowded prisons. If a murderer is sentenced to life imprisonment, not only does it cost the tax payers money to support them but often their life in jail is often better than that which some citizens live everyday. As of today there are currently thirty- seven states that have the death penalty. A majority of the other states, mostly in the Midwest, have abolished it. At the end of 1992 State and Federal prisons reached a record high of 883,593 prisoners. This record meant that approximately 1143 prison bed spaces are needed per week due to overcrowding. To put this in an economic prospective, on the average each prisoner costs $22000 per year, and the cost of new construction averages $54000 per bed. These 883,593 prisoners are costing the American tax payers approximately 19.4 billion plus another 61.7 million for the construction of the 1143 spaces needed. The average time a death row prisoner has to spend in jail until the death sentence is carried out is about nine years six months. Economically, its cheaper to keep them in prison for those nine years and execute them, rather than let them spend their life in jail taking up space and tax money. Those who argue that its more expensive to execute the prisoner dont look at the overall picture. In 1992 of the 2575 prisoners sentenced to death, 1 out of 11 had a prior conviction of homicide. This means additional people had to die before these murderers were sentenced to death. What kind of justice is that? If these murderers were sentenced to death the first time convicted, innocent liv ...

Sexual harassment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sexual harassment - Essay Example The American public figure and the publicist Warren Farrell is convinced, that we already for a long time live in conditions of matriarchy. According to Farrell, women during all the XX century were an exclusive class of the western society, and the feminist - their fighting group - have led struggle on the destruction of the already crushed opponent. Everyone can come to this conclusion that will approach to a question of an equality of sexes, using the system of universal criteria. Since women have received suffrages, they stable, simply by virtue of higher for a long time life, make the majority of the electorate. Especially zealously Ð ¤Ã °Ã'€Ã'€Ð µÃ »Ã » opposes the myth that women during the centuries were the victims of man's oppression, numerous requirements of fair indemnification are based on what statement in the form of profeminist policy.And for many results of the newest sociological researchers lead in Britain, show that exactly men most often are the victims of violence in the families. What is considered to be sexual harassment in civilized countries? Not only aspiration of the tyrant to the sexual coitus. Not only the threat, at which victim is offered or to obey to sexual requirements, or to suffer the consequences but also and obscene jokes, jokes, hints, indecent touches, - that is any actions unacceptable for the reasonable woman. The woman has the right to keep on the certain standards of behavior at work which should not include sexually directed behavior.

The Passion Food Catering Parties Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Passion Food Catering Parties - Lab Report Example In the events and parties that will be organized by this business, the serving of items will be carried out under strict supervision to ensure that the clients get the best services from the service provider. Passion Food will rent space for the office and kitchen in the same region where it will be located. Renting the kitchen and the offices will be done in the industrial areas of the town. This is done to ensure that the cost of the rent is kept as low as possible. Due to the fact that space will be used to prepare and store food, there is no need of having a store that is aesthetically pleasing or stores that are in a classy or nice neighborhood. Passion Food d projected to generate annual revenue of about $ 100000.This revenue is expected to rise after the first three years of operation after the business is able to cut a niche for itself in the catering industry. For every business that wants to get into the markets and succeed, it is very important that a market research is carried outlaw market research entails studying and evaluating the current market in order to fully understand the dynamics of the market. Market research provides the business with the much need information that it will require in order to be able to operate efficiently and to be able to match and even outdoor the competitors in the market. It is due to this reason that a market research is required before the Food Passion business is rolled out. The market research, in this case, is done for three major goals and reasons. First of all, the market research is will be carried out in order to understand the dynamics of the catering industry. With this understanding, the business will be able to determine the best-operating ways that will enhance its efficiency and profitability.