History of the Scientific Revolution

History of the Scientific RevolutionWhat we call today as Modern Science and Technology is in fact not that modern, scarce was born nearly half a millennium ago at the magazine of spiritual re bear in Europe. According to usageal accounts, the scientific revolution began in Europe towards the ratiocination of the Renaissance Era lasting from 15th century to eighteenth century. Ancient people who are considered the first scientists called themselves natural philosophers or practitioners of a skilled profession or as followers of a religious tradition. Both institutionally and conceptually, experience was not the independent practice what we see today. Much of what we know as acquirement originally was undertaken by priests and monks, and scientific companionship was taught in temples and monasteries.The scientific revolution was not marked by any single change, but a century long process of disco real in which scientists further elaborated and developed the findings of those wh o had come beforefrom the scientific learning of the ancient Greeks to the scholarly contributions of the Islamic thinkers, to the work of the late medieval and early Renaissance Europeans. The Medieval Islamic Science period lasted from 7th century to 15th century, during which the Muslims were the leading scholars and the heirs to the scientific traditions of Greece, India and Persia. The Islamic Science suffered a gradual decline in the early twelfth century which provided the Europeans an opportunity to seek and translate the works of Islamic philosophers and scientists. Beginning in the late 11th century and over the succeeding(prenominal) two centuries the Islamic world was under pressure by The Crusades and Mongol conquests, during which libraries, observatories, hospitals, and universities were destroyed. In addition to Mongolian invasions and the crusades, political mismanagement and the stifling of ijtihad in the 12th century in favor of taqlid thinking played a part. The destruction of the intellectual center of Baghdad the capital of the Abbasaid Caliphate in1258 is traditionally seen as the approximate end of the Islamic Golden Age. The translation of the Islamic texts into Latin during the 12th and 13th centuries had a great impact on the European Renaissance and helped Europe feign the initiative from the Muslims when political conditions in Islam brought about a decline in Islamic science. By the end of the 18th century, the Scientific Revolution had given birth to Industrial Revolution which dramatically transformed the daily lives of people around the world. During the nineteenth century, the practice of science became professionalized and institutionalized in counselings that continued finished the 20th century.According to many, scientific revolution was the prelude of a much bigger transformation, the Industrial Revolution which began in 1760s. The Industrial Revolution marks a study turning point in history and a shift to powered, sp ecial-purpose machinery, factories and mass production. The iron and textile industry, agri close, and the invention of steam engine played telephone exchange roles in the Industrial Revolution, which also saw major changes in transportation and banking systems. These changes had a profound effect on the socio- economical and cultural conditions in England, and then subsequently spreading throughout the world. The first Industrial Revolution which took place from 1760 to somewhere amongst 1820 and 1840 evolved into the Second Industrial Revolution around 1850 and continued through the 19th century. However, the date of origin is still a highly debated topic among historians. art object it is difficult to explain all of the examples of how technology has operated culture and vice versa, reviewing a some examples from the last few centuries it is clear that the technology developed during and after the Industrial Revolution has changed cultures from simple farming villages to m odern hustling cities and sprawling suburbs.What then is the relationship between Science, Technology and shade? It is an intricate relationship that forms a figurative circle of influence with no real start or end points. Science, Technology and Culture continue to influence one another as they evolve and change over time. From 19th century onwards science, technology and culture have significantly influenced one another. As cultures change so does the technology they develop. A contemporary writer Raymond Williams, in his book Culture and Society regards the concept of culture as consisting of four jointly applicable meaningsA common state or habit of mind, having close relations with the idea of human perfectionA general state of intellectual suppuration in a society as a wholeThe general body of arts andA whole way of lifematerial, intellectual, and spiritual.Culture is thus the totality of the technological, sociological and ideological features of a given society. Rational ity, utility, ethics, freedom, and sociality are the primordial cultural elements of our societies. Because science and technology rest on these central cultural elements, the adoption of new knowledge and new devices does not alship canal imply their acceptance. We often accept an innovation owing to its evident utility at the individual level, and then criticize it for its consequences at the collective or cultural level. Science and technology can contribute to the preservations and advancement of a culture. At the similar time they can also help cause its mutation and destruction. Science has contributed a great deal to human welfare. It has produced miraculous cures for diseases which for a long time, were regarded incurable. It has brought the marvels on industrialism, technology and space exploration. But science has created as many problems as it helped to solve. It has led to an undue stress on materialism and economic barbarism in the absence of controlling mental and mo ral ideas. The knowledge and power of science need to be harnessed to the service of man through the culture the finer sense and sensitivity of man.For instance, beginning in the mid 1950s, the post war years in Western Germany were marked by enormous obstacles. Due to broad bombing destruction and dismantling of factories, various cultural and traditional supply networks were destroyed. Under this circumstance what role did culture play in the technological development of Western Germany? Stokes had argued that the way Western Germany approached technological change bound economic miracle both German past and to the countrys present day industrial structure. The Western German approach, in other words, has drawn upon a set of German technological traditions that emerged in the large 19th and early 20th centuries, major characteristics of which include a drive for technical excellence tempered by gradual implementation of new technologies.There are two views about culture and Germa nys Technological and Economic Miracle one view advanced by scholars about culture and Germanys technological and economic miracle is that the experience of skilled workers and the industry of socio-economic relationships were important factors in permitting an economy to reconstruct itself after a disaster. A second, and a more recent view is that the important cultural factor that was prudent for Germanys technological and economic miracle was the ability of Western German technologists and industrialists to embrace technological selections. What then is the relationship between culture and technology? The culture of a society determines the nature of technological development and the evolving technological culture. Technology is thus a cultural enterprise is thus accepted that technology has had an important influence on Western civilizations for the last 300 years. But partly because of the diverse cultures found in human societies, the contribution of some cultures to the po ol of technological advances has been relatively modest. However, technology has always been too important to be measured purely in terms of the activities of technologists. Just as history is not made by historians, but by society, so technology is not developed only by technologists but the wider community.Every human society possesses its own distinct culture, so that the members of one society behave differently in some significant respects from members of every other society. Furthermore, human societies are also distributed over very varied regions differing markedly in climate and environment. There are also very large ethnic, social and cultural differences between the various human communities and their economic conditions. In recent years the impact of culture on technology in most traditional societies has tended to bear on two opposing directions at once. On the one hand westerly technology is being sought virtually without limits on the other hand there is opposition to certain aspects of western lifestyles, attitudes and value. This phenomenon is termed as the techno-cultural gap between traditional values and western technology. Now, if we take these issues into full consideration, we are left to conclude that what is needed at this moment is not just an increase of international technology transfer nor even the setting up of a screening mechanism permitting only appropriate technologies to be transferred, but rather a major at two levels the domestic and the international.At the domestic level, it is important to build a popular technological awareness cover the borderline between the so-called indigenous and modern technology people should become aware of the issues in culture and technology and they can improve their donjon by modifying and improving indigenous and modern technologies.At the international level, the re-orientation and restructuring of science and technology must touch on two areasOn the study of science and technology in schools, scientists, technologists and science educationists of different cultures, languages and social systems must build new paradigms for science and technology education from a multicultural perspective. Science and technology must be seen as existing in all cultures, the issues must be taught and the potentials of these must be explored in situations of everyday life.An acceptance of the restructuring of RD systems could permit the create and the industrialized countries to engage in a dialogue on alternative RD, assessment of technology for development, concrete measures to redirect government RD from technocratic to need-oriented technology development, etc and joint RD for alternative technologies.In the west, the pervasiveness of technologies like televisions, telephones, and computers is affecting the way we perceive the world and how we interact. In addition many new developments, like cloning, challenge fundamental cultural beliefs and traditions. While Western nations have become relatively accustomed to technological change since the industrial revolution, developing nations are just beginning to grapple with the problems of the rapid fundament of industrial and scientific technologies. There is growing awareness of the consequences of the interaction between science, technology and culture. However, we are just beginning to understand how to reconcile the benefits of science and technology-such as higher standards of living, longer life spans, more leisure time, and improved communications-with the possibility of reshaping, many cultures and possibly redefining fundamental aspects of society.As science and technology continue to advance, the ways in which people communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge and attitudes toward individuals, as well as local, national, and international communities, will continue to undergo radical change. The continuing development of science and technology is not inherently bad. However, it has the po tential to endanger our diversity and traditional knowledge. We must work together to determine how to preserve and foster our cultural heritages at the same time we embrace the future.

Language And Social Skills in Child Development

Language And Social Skills in Child DevelopmentPlay is the most important part of the nestlings development. Play allows the children to intensify their physiologic development, psychosocial development and cognitive development. Most pargonnts see cartoons with their children as a way to help their child learn. I induct watched many childrens television programs equivalent vapours clues, the go show, and Dora the explorer, to understand how these television programs help in children and babys development. I chose the Dora the explorer cartoon show to enhance my understanding any(prenominal) the child development. Dora the explorer is an frolicsome childrens television show. Dora the explorer show programmed to engage preschooler activities in a play-along, computer-style adventure. Dora the explorer is an example of physical development. Physical development focuses on the physical exploitation and the development of both gross motor skills (e.g. Walking, jumping) and fin e motor skills (e.g. Finger movements, eye coordination) control over the body. Dora the explorer on-screen character talking with the child encourages the child to take part, label objects, songs and dance actions allow for movements with control and coordination. Dora the explorer animated also influences the cognitive development theory, cognitive theory is a change and perceptual constancy in mental ability such as learning, thinking, and memory. The Dora the Explorer allows the children to think of a way to lower out and to get to their destination, so this helps children gaining knowledge and firmness of purpose problems in daily life, which enhances their memory capability. Television provides the children with a valuable tool at home for great learning. Another theory is influences psychosocial development by Erik Erikson to get through the idea of personality. Watching and learning from on screen shows allow children to gain knowledge of social learning this enhances their self-esteem, learning about the culture and family and teaches them how to interact with people. Cartoons also use expressions that allow children to copy and apply in daily life. Learning new expressions from play allows children how and when to show the emotions. These allow the children to encourage self-awareness about the world around them. The play is very essential for child development.Reading books to young children is the best way to promote language development and language skills like speaking, reading, and listening. Book reading is good for a childs development to gain imagination. Reading books to children at home chiffonier encourage their reading skills. Books should have something like shapes, unretentive stories, pictures, bright colors that children will find interesting, enjoyable, and fun. This will help develop a sense of reader appreciation. When children have books in their home, they are more credibly to sit down and read them. Parents can and sho uld encourage an appreciation for reading (Elrod, n.d). When reading a book to children the reader needs to keep few things in mind for best results. The books you choose for the children need to be short and simple, attractive, use appropriate language, speak clearly, slowly, and use the expression, as some children learn verbally and some non- verbally. Reading books to children that influence the social learning theory by Alberts bandura. In social learning theory Albert Bandura (1977) states behavior is learned from the environment through the transition of observational learning. Children observe the people around them behaving in various ways (McLeod, 2011). Children learn many different ways some learn quickly by visibly, for example, books that got colors, picture, and shapes with it and some learn verbally, for example- imitating the expression and words. Using various techniques to enhance language development, tunes of the voice and getting them to turn the page that inf luences the theory of positive reinforcement. If imitated behaviors and consequence are satisfying so the child is likely to perform behaviors. If parents are encouraging and giving them positive feedback, then the behavior is likely to repeat as it provides the child with strengths. Simply using the booking reading tools at home helps them learn.Children are very sensitive. We need to handle them with care. So far, the information I have gained through the education of play and language development of babies, and children provided me with a greater understanding that could influence my future practice as a health professional. Skills that I have gained from the knowledge of reading books to children are to create an environment that allows children to understand their personality, which will help children to be more interactive. As a health professional, I progress to a warm and open environment for children to feel secure. In order to achieve my care for practice, I need to use or put the techniques in my practice, and they are distractions, communication, and education. Have a conversation with children for example- about their favourite show, asking questions with slow pace and allowing them to answer and educating them for being healthy. This will enhance their understanding enchantment mine. The use of distraction techniques in my practice can enable me to complete a difficult task with children like taking medicine I can get the child to act like a super hero and be ironlike and asking them to stand straight like a strong soldier. These skills can help me to build a trust and a kin when I am working or handling kids. Building a relationship creates an environment where children feel secure take risks.In my conclusion, play is a cherished part of childhood that offers children important developmental benefits and parents the opportunity to engage to the full with their children. Thus Influences children and babies physical development, cognitive de velopment and psychosocial development. Play allows children to learn new things and to understand the world around them. Reading books is another important aspect to enhance their development. Reading books to children will help children gain language skills. I have gained many skills that can be relevant or may influence my nursing practice as a health professional .The knowledge of children and babies about their play and book reading. I learned many techniques that will make my nursing practice easier when I have to assess children and babies. Distractions, communicating techniques are helpful in nursing practice. Communicating with children about their favorite shows and asking them questions. Thus, all knowledge I have gotten of the play and book helpful.

Importance Of Brand Leadership For A Fmcg Brand Marketing Essay

Importance Of marque Leadership For A Fmcg flaw Marketing EssayThe important objective of this report is to understand the importance of flabby touch leading for a FMCG instigator. The report develops further by analyzing the previous literature on Branding, Brand leadership, and Brand Loyalty which is implied to a FMCG trademark. Fin altogethery, it underpins the Brand value which en up to(p)s Irn Bru to frame Brand Loyalty.1.2 ObjectivesTo range the Brand Leadership model used by Irn Bru.This is based on Aaker et al. (2000) tick off leadership model an analysis would be carried out in order to comp be the model with Irn Bru operations.To identify consumer motives behind purchasing Irn Bru.By the swear out of a devised survey questionnaire, consumer behaviour toward purchasing of Irn Bru allow be analysedTo go over why truth develop from consumer perspective in FMCG marketplace.Academic literature and dimension of crisscross loyalty testament be used to investiga te this objective. strain group will be brought under practice to indentify these factors.1.3 BackgroundWith an increase in the take of competition, and companies crack more than matchless similar product into the market, it has come necessary to defect the product in order to antitheticaliate it from others. Brands play an important role in modern society, and allow products to be easily place within the market. The invention of seting is used in many aspects of human life i.e. it could be a product, religion, sports, culture etc. As companies argon expanding globally, the concept of branding has been recognised as an utmost important factor. Not only to attract set target markets, but alike to attain brand leadership. The main aspects of branding include shiting a successful brand, differentiating amongst its competitors, and maintaining the brand image in the market. Due to the intensity of the modern market, there has been increase in the outlay on marketing brandin g is a major aspect (Aaker, 1991 Simmons, G. 2007). Generally, a brand is considered as a product, service, a presence or personality which rides on the mind of consumers. Branding, according to De Chernatony McDonald (1992), has been characterized as the process of creating value by offering convincing and constant customer experience, which in turn satisfy their necessitates and wants and hold off them coming back. Organisations build started referring to themselves as a branding organisation once customers affirm realized the value of a brand.With diversity in the market, it has become super important for companies to create and maintain high brand sense and identify how it varies from that of the competition. Internet has proved to be a medium that enables consumers to explore the benefits provided. The increase tote up of internet users indicates that global brands can be viewed, and interacted from a single heading. Also, the increasing number of online purchases hy pothesises the early of brands. Since more than one gild manufactures similar products, the question that arises is which brand is a market leader? Brand leadership has opened a bracing gateway for the brands who seek to be on the top of the market. Brands can be an important asset for the company, and in the coming(pre titular) they will be an increasingly prominent feature of business dealings.AG Barr was founded in 1830 with the foundation of Robert Barrs cork-cutting business in Falkirk. In 1875, his son diversified the company into aerated water production, and in 1887 operations were extended to Glasgow. The Glasgow-based company was re-named AG Barr in 1904. Its core brands included Irn-Bru, Tizer and Orangina, the latter(prenominal) of which is produced under licence from Pernod Ricard. The company also breaks Lipton on behalf of Unilever Bestfoods in impulse and cash and carry outlets. In 2001, the company established an agreement with Pepsi Bottling Group to distribut e Irn-Bru in Russia. The company will continue to focus on its core brands and markets. High brand loyalty for carbonates brand Irn-Bru has seen it maintain sales in a declining market celestial sphere The Companys main strength lies in its Irn-Bru brand, which shows no sign of a sales decline and seems unaffected by the general switch to ingathering/vegetable juice amongst carbonates consumers. To a certain extent it is possible that consumers of Irn-Bru atomic number 18 not much concerned with the health issue whilst, comparing to other change brands. In order to meet the necessarily of their potential consumers, Irn-Bru has launched a low-calorie version for the consumers preferring diet carbonated assimilateing. The main strength of Irn-Bru is the inclination of consumers toward Scotlands other national drink. The slaying of Irn-Bru in Scotland is astonishing, despite the economic d receivefall. The catchy advertisements and the tag line Phenomenal has continuously portra y the tradition and the uniqueness of the Irn-Bru. AG Barr has also pursued a strategy of diversification through acquisition the company bought Strathmore mineral water in 2006 and acquired both the TAUT sports drink range and the exotic juice drinks shaper Group Rubicon in 2008. (GMID, 2009).Rationale for the topicharmonize to Aaker et al. (2000), the emerging paradigm of strategic brand leadership is replacing the classic, tactically oriented brand management system. Leadership has become an important aspect of the brand, as it leads to innovation. A key element of brand leadership is brand vision. The ability to see the future of the company through the customers eyes is important, as it sets into motion a long-term strategy for the brand. It is resilient to discover how consumers perceive the product and what their view points are, as brand value is highly based on it. Measuring loyalty towards a product is equally important as it will enable Irn Bru to reflect on their str ategies.Chapter two-Literature Review2.1 Brand and the conceptsA brand is not a name. A brand is not a spatial relationing statement. It is not a marketing message. It is a promise made by a company to its customers and supported by that company. I may invite intelligent agents that can go out and baste pages of reports on e really camcorder on the market, but I dont have time to read them. Ill buy Sony (Sterne, 1999 cited in Rowley, J. 2004). Due to the different characteristics of product, brand enables to tag one brand from another(prenominal) ( Riezebos, R. 2003). One of the main concerning areas in the field of marketing is branding. As brands have grown beyond the national boundaries, it has become vital to manage and operate them with a strategic view. This will enable companies to focus on the specific brand, rather than company as a brand. As the level of competition has risen, companies tend to focus on their branding strategies. A head derived strategy will lead a br and to attain high awareness and success in the market niche. As defined by Pickton and Broderick (2001), branding is a strategy that helps the company and their products to leverage in to the market and it also build brand value for the owners of the brand and also the consumers. Whereas, Randall G (2000) has a presented a different approach Branding comprises of all innate strategic process deviation within the company it is a part of marketing, but not restricted only to marketing department. Based on the benefits offered by a brand, the consumers form a purchasing decision, and evaluate it depending on their needs and wants. According to Temporal (2001), as the importance of branding is increasing, fast moving consumer goods industry is highly benefited by these strategies. Companies have more than one product in the marketplace, and by viewing the soaring profits in this sector. Companies have tried to differentiate it from their rivals, so that consumers find it blowsy to p urchase. Henceforth, brands provide guarantee package to the consumers in terms of value, quality and reliability. Consumers will generate loyalty toward a brand, if the promised quality, value and reliability are full field. As identified by Murphy (1991), Branding adds value to the overall product, and from consumer perspective it provides a self confidence. However, Rowley (2004) has argued by stating that brands not only consist of value, and it also acts an schooling hub. This enables consumers to eradicate the time spent on searching a specific product offering.2.2 Brand EquityThe goal of the brand leadership paradigm is to create solid brands. Brand virtue is defined as the set of associations and behaviour on the part of a brands customers, channel members and parent corporation that permits the brand to net greater volume or greater margin than it could without the brand (Wood, 2000). Appendix 1 depicts, according to Aaker (1991) major assets of a company can be brought in concert into flipper main types Brand Loyalty, Brand name awareness, Perceived quality, Brand association, and other proprietary brand assets such as copyrights, patents, trademarks. Appendix 2 shows the brand equity chain, where the description provided on the brand leads to the strengthening the brand and this results in creation or building of brand value. Keller (2003 cited in Atilgan et al. 2005) defined Brand equity from a customer based point of view as Customer based brand equity occurs when the consumer has a high level of awareness and familiarity with the brand and holds some strong, favourable, and unique brand associations in memory. One of the main reasons for a company to brand their product is to attain organisational goals of attracting and creating amongst their consumers by provision of cost expeditious products, as it will aid company to acquire high margin of profit (De Chernatony McDonald, 1998). Strong brands are the core products of the company and i n order to solve a recognition and financial reward, it is important to build a successful brand.Appendix I Aakers theory on Brand EquityAppendix 2 Brand Equity chainSource Wood (2000)2.3 Brand LeadershipLeading brands are perceived to be relevant, unique and compelling. They inspire customer loyalty and enable organizations to charge price premiums. They increase bargaining power with business partners, make it easier to hire and retain talented employees and provide organizations with clear strategic directions and platforms for future growth. Together, these lead to well above average financial performance and a market valuation that far exceeds book value. (Aaker, 2000) Leading brands are organizational assets that moldiness be preserved, enhanced and leveraged for the benefit of their organizations. Aaker Joachimsthaler (2000) developed a Brand Leadership model which will enable companies to build strong brands for the future. It comprises of quaternity challenges which an o rganisation should consider.2.3.1 Organisational contendEvery organisation should structure and process their functions that will lead them to be a strong brand in the market place. A clear organisational hierarchy should be made so that brands are not at the mercy of ad hoc decisions made by those with no long term interest. When a company increases its portfolio, and extends the production line, all(prenominal) manager from a different production line should provide a common set of inputs, outputs and knowledge that will benefit the organisation. The inter-communication will enable the sharing of insight, experience and brand building initiatives. As companies are going international, there lies a trend which companies struggle to confront with, and organisational challenges are raised. With the increasing competition for talent growing amongst business networks, current economic activities rationalise the challenges which are created within the firm. In order to gain competiti ve advantage, change in organisational strategy is important as response to market need is important.2.3.1.2 Brand StrategyStrategies are always used to gain sustainable competitive advantage, which could reflect from any part of the organizations operation. The marketplace is the evaluator of this advantage. Brand strategy is the process whereby the offer is placed to evoke the perception of advantage (Arnold, 1992). Almost all the features of Brand Management are driven by the overall brand strategy otherwise a company might be leading with a entangled perception and image of the brand. Strategy gives focus and direction to brand management and provides the platform that enables brand managers to gain consistency in all their brand cogitate activities (Temporal, 2002). According to Reizebos (2003), a brand strategy is based on two parameters differentiation and added value. Differentiating refers to the practice of trying to establish the difference between a companys own produc t and that of the competitor. This signifies that the intention of the brand strategy has a competitive character. By targeting the differentiation strategy, the firm tends to deliver a brand competitive advantage. The other fundamental trait of a brand strategy is added value, which refers to the fact that a brand has more value for consumers than the bare product. In order to create such an added value, the brand must(prenominal) be meaningful for the consumers (Reizebos, 2003). Appendix 3 shows different branding strategy approaches adapted by brands, and their advantages and disadvantages (Drummond Ensor, 2001).2.3.2 Brand ArchitecturePertomilli et al. (2002) defines brand architecture from a company perspective as a combination of strategies which include managing, organising and operating in to the market with their brands.2.3.2.1 Branding in FMCG sectorBranding plays a world-shattering role in FMCG sector, as there are myriad of products in the market. Due to presence of h igh number of products, it acts a powerful instrument in creation of differentiation and higher store presence. Since the competition is intense in this sector, it is highly important for firms to make their brand identifiable from others. Packaging, graphics and promotional activities such as advertisement is used to attract consumers (Ellwood, 2002). Brands operating in this sector are highly cost efficient and production is carried out in masses. A high capital is required to establish production of FMCG brand, as production cost is high such firms enjoy the benefits of economies of scale. As identified by Moffett et al. (2002), products are not confined within a region or state of matter. With increase in globalisation, brands can be found in any part of the world. Companies need to consider the global implications of marketing and try to gain brand leadership in the marketplace. For the FMCG sector, publicise plays a pivotal role and is the best channel to move on with the t argeted audience. Moreover, with the advancement of internet and information provided on it, consumers tend to opt to review product information online before purchasing it. With high competition and many brands offering same product quality, it is very tight to generate brand loyalty in FMCG sector.2.3.2.3 Benefits of Branding in FMCG sectorA successful brand is one which evokes the consumers by creating and sustaining a strong, positive and lasting pattern. (Fill, 1999). For a FMCG company, it is important to create trust towards its brand in minds of consumers. This trust is being built by providing give way quality and satisfaction. Once the trust is created, it subjects to the top most choice of the consumers mind set and leads to re-purchasing actions. The approval of customers signifies that branding, from consumer perspective, is a method which reduces the time taken for decision-making and related perceived risk of the product. This shows that the brand name provides inf ormation about the quality, price, and attributes of the product without requiring the consumer to undergo the time consuming process (Fill, 1999).2.3.2.4 Branding in the soft drink sectorWith the fierce competition in the soft drink industry, firms are fighting for market share. Companies should reflect upon their branding strategies, as they are of paramount importance. Companies should extend their brands to miscellaneous market niches in order to meet the needs of the consumers. The scope and opportunity in this market is high, as products can be differentiated by infusing different flavours. It would be appropriate to emphasize that the value which the brand adds to the product is intangible, however, its presence is undeniable and with immense significance. Considering the characteristics of soft drinks, branding is an ideal marketing tool which allows companies to position and differentiate between the offered product and its incremental value.International product portfolio analysisThe Boston Consulting Group (BCG) originated an early version of product portfolio analysis. The BCG version classifies a companys products into four categories stars, cash cows, problem children, and dogs. The classification is based on market share and market growth rate. The best product portfolio for one market is different from that of another. harvest-home A, for example, may be a star in country X, and a dog in country Z. Individualizing the use of portfolio techniques for each country will help define different product portfolios for each foreign market. Although portfolio analysis of products for international sale is relatively new, it can assist the company in determining how to divvy up resources among different markets.Positioning a new product/brand depends upon the firms ability to describe product attributes that will generate a flow of benefits to buyers and users. The international seller planner must put these attributes into bundles so that the benefi ts created match the special needs of each targeted market segment or subculture. Product posture then is viewed in a multidimensional space, commonly referred to as theperceptual space or product space (Johanson, 1985). In terms of perceptual space, a particular version of a product is graphically represented as a point specified by its attributes. Competitors (local and international) and other products are similarly located. If points representing other products are close to the point representing the new product, then these are products similar to the new prototype. If the prototype is positioned away from its closest competitors in the world markets and its positioning implies positive features, then it is likely to have a significant competitive advantage. This mapping process is appropriate for each foreign country/market segment contemplated.2.3.3 Brand identity2.3.3.1 Competitive psychoanalysisAccording to Cohen (1988), competitive analysis permits the understanding of di fferential competitive advantage, as well as the comparative advantages in relation to competitors. Intense competition requires operations to be carried out with maximum efficiency. The key to this is large-scale production to reduce the value of fixed costs per bottle. With increasingly sophisticated vehicles and rising investment costs, the optimum economic scale increases (Rees, 1999).Industry Analysis Using Porters Five ForcesAccording to Besanko (2007), in order to devise and execute successful strategies, a firm must understand the nature of the markets in which they operate and compete. In 1980, Micheal Porter developed five forces to analyse the extent of competition. Understanding the nature and strength of each of the five forces within an industry assists managers in developing the competitive strategy of their organization. (Campbell D., 2002, p.134)The Five Competitive Forces for Irn BruA structural analysis of the UK carbonated soft drinks industry examines the tresp ass the various forces have on this industry. Firms operating in the carbonated soft drink market in the UK, face tough competition from the rivals. Every soft drink organization should review its rivals products, analyse any potential new entrants in the market, understand the ingest of substitute products, review the consumption pattern and demand amongst the buyers, and identify appropriate suppliers. Porters five force model is used to analyse the magnitude of competition. The intensity of competition within the industry is quite high, with regular advertising wars taking place on the other hand, sales are increasing and the products are differentiated. There are high barriers to limit entry such as the high capital required for production and distribution, increasingly advanced and specialised technology, lack of access to distribution, and strong consumer loyalty to recognised brands.A final, but very critical, point to bear in mind is that the forces themselves change over t ime. Sometimes in a predictable way, other times not. However, it is usually possible for the firms to have some influence over these changes. If no action is taken to counter the forces, it is extremely likely that the forces will grow stronger over time. Each firm needs to consider the actions that it could take to counter the forces, or position itself in such a way as not to face their full impact. For example, merging with a rival not only eliminates a competitor but also reduces the number of competitors in the market as a whole, something that can benefit all rivals by reducing competitive intensity.Threat of RivalryIn the UKs soft drink industry, Irn Bru faces the greatest competition from its arch rival Coca-Cola and Britvic soft drinks (Appendix, X). Their presence all round the globe shows their potential strength, and demand in the consumer market. As can be seen from the table, Irn Bru has made constant strides in an upward direction by gaining market share.Manufacturer s retail value brand shares in carbonates, 2006-08200620072008 (est.)% changem%m%m%2006-08Coca-Cola GB, of which1,296651,302651,334662.9 Coca-Cola934479424796848+3.6 Fanta127612461156-9.4 Schweppes96510251116+15.6 Dr Pepper613613653+6.6 nance573563603+5.3 Lilt211171151-28.6Britvic Soft Drinks, of which277142801430515+10.1 Pepsi215112241125212+17.2 7-Up241281301+25.0 Tango382281231-39.5AG Barr Irn-Bru824864915+11.0Other965945884-8.3Own-label239122351220010-16.3Total1,9901001,9971002,018100+1.4Source Mintel, 2009Loyalty towards brand names is another factor to measure brands performance. Brand loyalty in the soft drink market is another component which Irn Bru has to deal with from its rivals. Coca Cola and Pepsi are well established brand names all around the globe. Due to high brand awareness and product availability, they attain high market share. The presence of Irn Bru in the international market is very limited. Perhaps, due to its authenticity, it is famous in Scotland, and h as struggled in other international markets (e.g. Russia, South Africa, Australia, America and Canada). The soft drink industry is mature, with nominal current growth and limited ability of firms to increase revenues at the pace they may have become accustomed to in the past. Of course, new markets, such as in Middle East or Southern Asia, may result in major new growth opportunities. The current makeup of the industry line-up leads to higher levels of competition. On one hand, key rivals offer different products, but similar in size, which increases competition. Differences in companies philosophies, cultures, and histories result in varied strengths and litenesses, and lead to different strategies in pursuit of competitive advantage the overall predictability of the industry development decreases and industry volatility increases. Irn Bru has a strong presence in the Scotland, due to the fact that it is the country of origin and a strong culture is associated with it.Threat of n ew entrant entrance to the market, on a large scale, is difficult. The risk of new entrant in the soft drink industry is low. The presence of renowned brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, and their strong distribution channels in major grocers, public houses, and fast food outlets get over the industry. Moreover, as the market is saturated, growth tends to be minimised. Such situations prevent new entrants from entering the market, and competing against strong brands. With high fixed cost attached i.e. labour, warehouse, logistics and economies of scale, it is difficult for new entrants to compete with established brands. Market saturation and high fixed costs, the levels of barriers are increased, and henceforth, entering into the UK soft drink market is difficult. Furthermore, because the products are have already acquired the impression of good experience, and reputation matters, very heavy advertising would be a necessity to gain a foothold as a brand producer. Entry as an own labe l producer might be possible, but it would demand a large scale operation to keep costs pot and be as competitive as the existing large own-label producers. Even with the removal of trade barriers and generally greater harmonization within the European Union, major continental firms have appeared to be reluctant to plan a takeover on the UK market. There are at least several strong brands for every consumer segment currently in the carbonated soft drink industry. Consumers do have a choice, and many have developed brand loyalty. It would be difficult for new entrants to sufficiently differentiate their products and to build brand identity and loyalty.Threat of SubstituteThere are number of substitute for carbonated soft drinks e.g. mineral water, fruit juice, energy drinks, tea, coffee etc. Water and sport drinks provide more variety that appeals to the consumers who seek the healthier options. However, carbonated soft drinks have little by little been gaining market share at thei r expense and this trend does not appear set to reverse. In addition, carbonated soft drinks have a particularly strong appeal to the youth market (10-25years), which is where most of the sales can be traced to. Overall, the threat appears relatively weak, especially to the core youth market.Power of suppliersSoft drink industry suppliers do not hold a strong competitive pressure. There are usually several suppliers to choose from for any of the soft drink components therefore, the rivalry between suppliers is high, and companies have many options, including manufacturing components themselves, which some of them still do. Again, relatively weak pressure exists, with the exception of sugar producers and plastic suppliers. The work force is not highly organised, nor is it militant.Power of BuyersThe large numbers of consumers willing to purchase a bottle of carbonated soft drink mean that the actions of a single consumer will not have a notable effect on a companys performance. At th e same time, however, these consumers face low switching costs and have varied degrees of brand loyalty, which requires companies to spend significant resources on capturing and retaining that individual consumer. Over 65% of sales are sold through multiple grocers. The top five marketplace chains account for nearly 70% of all grocery sales and are thus in a strong bargaining position. Some 8% of sales are through fast food restaurants, and 6% sales are through public houses. (Mintel, 2009) The remainder of sales are relatively weak buyers, including off-licences, confectionaries, newsagents and restaurants. Soft drink manufacturing companies distribute the products to these stores so that they can be sold to the consumers. The top grocers buy soft drinks in bulk, as it allows them to purchase goods at a cheaper price.The strongest pressures come from the power of buyers and the fairly intense non-price competition within the industry. Nevertheless, overall the industry seems to be in a fairly healthy position the leading firms are very profitable and industry growth is expected to be steady around 8% over the period 2007-9. Cola, as a product, appears to be reaching maturity, but other segments offer prospects of development and growth. This plays to an advantage in the hand of Irn Bru, as the product offered is completely contrary to the Colas. At the same time, the firms are actively competing on quality and bringing new products to market, as well as being innovative in terms of reducing costs by investing in new technology and machinery, developing new forms of packaging and offering better distribution services. The danger is that the firms may not be able to sustain the route to growth and instead may seek growth through techniques such as undercutting rivals prices in a market share game. In this situation, profits are likely to deteriorate rapidly if destructive head-to-head price competition becomes the main competitive instrument.2.3.3.2 The Brand Positioning ConceptAccording to Kotler (1997), Positioning is the act of designing the companys offering and image so that they occupy a meaningful and distinct competitive position in the target customers minds. The positioning of a brand is not about the quality which products provide, but it is what consumer thinks about the brand. For positioning, it is important how a consumer perceives the product rather than its physical nature. According to King (1991 cited in Fill 1999), advancements in technological fields have allowed products to offer similar functional and physical appearance, where consumers choices and decision will be based on the brand name. Henceforth, positioning origination as a brand will evoke actual and potential customers. According to McCormack (1984, cited in Olsson 2004), positioning is a factor which determines what consumers are actually purchasing while buying any product or service and subsequently communicating related imitations and inspirations to t he buyer. An organization should primarily evaluate and identify where they stand in the market spectrum and then position it accordingly.2.3.3.3 Branding from Consumers PerspectiveA brand provides not only a source of information, but also performs certain other functions which justify its attractiveness and its monetary return, when they are valued by buyers. According to (Kapferer, 2008), there are eight main functions (Appendix 4), Identification and practicality are mechanical and concern the essence of the brand i.e. to function as a rec

United Airline’s Employees Pension Plans Essays -- Economy Economics E

coupled Airlines Employees Pension PlansAn event in the headlines today that will require humane resource involvement is join Airlines decision to most likely terminate all of its employees pension plans due to bankruptcy and turn them everywhere to the PBGC or Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The PBGC is a federal agency that insures traditional pensions in case companies go belly up. Basically what this amounts to is that United Airlines workers retirement plans could be cut by up to 75 percent. The decision to end the pension plans by United Airlines is stated as creating the biggest default in U.S. history and forcing a possible bailout (The Christian Science Monitor, Alexandra Marks).This issue is not exclusive to United Airlines workers but to any employee who works for a company suffering from financial troubles. If United goes through with ending the pension plans, it is feared that the other airlines currently suffering financial troubles will soon follow suit. Beca use of globalisation and competition from low-wage companies that do not offer company paid pension plans, the responsibility for retirement security may shift from the airlines to the individual workers to take manage of. Advice from Brad Belt, executive director of the PBGC is that Its incumbent on individuals to be well informed, prudent about their investments, and to save accordingly.Union members are angry because United Airlines went behind their backs and reached...

Applying Platos Allegory of the Cave Essay -- Plato, Philosophy, Phil

Applying Platos Allegory of the Cave to Oedipus Rex, Hamlet,and doubting Thomas BecketPlato was maven of the greatest philosophers of all time. He is recognized all over the world as one of the greatest minds of all time. Knowledge is required under compulsion has not hold on the mind.(Durant 24). Platos dialogues are the fruit of a rare mind but the could not have kept their perennial freshness if they had not somehow succeeded in expressing he problems and the convictions that are common to Platos age and to all later ages. Genius alone is not enough or perhaps it were wiser to say that we recognize genius still in the power of divination that overleaps the boundaries of a special time and place.(Jowett xi). Although Plato did not come up with the Allegory of the Cave, Socrates did, he transcribed it. In their own ways, Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, and Thomas Becket, prove that one must fatigue the chains of the cave to discover the truth. In view of Platos Allegory of the Cave, several literary works contain characters who break from the shadows of the cave to witness the real world. Platos Allegory of the Cave, presents Socrates instructing one of his students to imagine that there was a cave that was totally dark, except from the discharge that comes from the entrance and from a fire. The student was instructed then to imagine that the inhabitants of the cave have their necks and legs chained to the wall, impossible for the inhabitants to move. The people who control the cave place objects in front of the fire so that the inhabitants of the cave only see the shadows of the objects that the people want them to see. The chained inhabitants never get to see the real objects, only the belie images of the objects. Furthermore, the inhabitants of the cave perceive the distorted objects as real, not the actual objects as being real. Socrates, then tells the student to imagine if the inhabitants of the cave were suddenly freed of the chains. The inhab itants would be in agonizing pain, for the first time in their lives the individuals can stand and move their heads. Their bodies are not used to being in such positions. The inhabitants of the cave, now are able to behold the light glimmering outside the cave. The inhabitants who were only adapted to only darkness, perceive light. The light stabs at their eyes, it is too painful for these individ... ...the cave and witness the light of the real world, one will never get to see the harsh truth of their destiny.Works CitedGibson, Anna Lee, Allegory of the Cave. Advanced Placement English Writing Manual and Literary Guide. Ed. Jewell Worley and frump Gentry. Wise Wise County Vocational-Technical Center. 1992.The Canterbury Story. Anglicans Online. Http//www.anglican.org/online/uk-europe/lambeth/canterbury.html. 3 Dec., 1997.Jowett, Benjamin. The Dialogues of Plato. Ed. William Chase Green. impudently York Liveright Publishing Company. 1954. Durant, Will. The live and opinio ns of the greater philosophers. The Story of Philosophy. New York Simon and Schuster Rockefeller Center. 1961. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. England in Literature. Illinois Scott, Foresman, and Company. 1987.Becket Murder. Hyperhistory. Online. Http//www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/ppersons5_n2/beck.htmlStravinsky, Igor. Oedipus Rex . Online. Http//www.coc.ca/98stra-synopsis.htm.Jaspers, Carl. Plato. The Great Philosophers. Ed. Hannah Arendt. New York harcourt, Brace & World, Inc. 1962.Jowett, B. The Dialogues of Plato. New York Random House. 1937.

Physics of Rowing :: physics row boating

Missing enciphersMarathon runners talk about hitting the wall at the twenty-thirdmile of the race. What rowers confront isnt a wall its a mess hall - anabyss of chafe, which opens up in the second minute of the race. Largeneedles ar being driven into your thigh muscles, while your fore coat of arms seemto be splitting. Then the pain becomes confused and disorganized, notlike the windedness of the runner or the leg burn of the biker but anall-over, savage unpleasantness. As you pass the five-hundred-meter mark,with three-quarters of the race still to row, you realize with reverethat you are not going to make it to the finish, but at the same time theidea of letting your teammates down by not rowing your hardest isunthinkable...Therefore, you are going to die. Welcome to this life.-- Ashleigh TeitelThe BasicsThe sport of rowing involves numerous combinations and classes of athletes. Boats toilet be rowed with or without coxswains (the non-rowing captain) and by 1, 2, 4, or 8 rowe rs. Each rower can handle one oar (sweeping) or two oars (sculling). Racing shells are currently being made with Carbon or Carbon/Kevlar combinations. The act of rowing involves the alter of momentum by the rowers and their oars to the water. The momentum is transferred to the water by pulling on the oar and pushing with the legs (the feet are attached to the boat by restraints). This causes the seat to slide rearwards and the oars to pivot on the riggers. Each stroke is made up of four basic parts catch (blade vertical in the water, knees bent, arms forward), drive (legs straight, arms pulling toward the body), finish (oar out of water, blade vertical), recovery (body moves forward, blade turns from vertical to the horizontal). For some of the basic lunges acting on a 4+ (coxed four) see Figure 1.Figure 1 mx is the mass for each rower x (1-4) and coxswain (c), M is the mass of the boat, and Fx (x=1- 4) is the force exerted by the stroke and Fdrag is the resistive force of the wa ter. DragDrag is the transfer of momentum from our moving object to a fluid. A crew moves through both water (in cope with with the shell) and air (in contact with a small part of the shell and the rowers). Effect on CrewTo minimize air resistance rowers wear skimpy unis and force their coxswains to lay in the very short and narrow stern of the boat.

Sterility Drug Progesterex Urban Legend :: Urban Legends

Sterility Drug Progesterex Urban LegendThe source for this urban legend is a 19 year old male of Palestinian descent who is currently studying engineering at Montgomery College. His father owns a heating and air conditioning company and his mother is manager for a high school cafeteria. This source first heard the story on the Internet when he received the story on an online Web group. He thence spread the warning to all of his contacts. You should tell all the misfires you know to be careful because there have been cases in Boston where little girls who have been slipped roofies rohypnol, a common land date rape drug utilise to incapacitate the victim for date rape were also slipped a horse sterilizer. This spick-and-span drug is becoming popular because when it is utilize the woman that is raped cant have a child and later identify the suspect through DNA testing. Apparently one girl was slipped these two drugs and was found the next morning by police and was taken to the hos pital. There the doctors say that at least five men had raped her. The girl had no knowledge of the events because of the roofy she was slipped. Doctors also informed the police and the patient that upon blood testing that a low grade horse sterilizer was used on the victim and that she would never be able to have children due to the effects of the drug. The horse sterilizer is readily available to veterinarians and farmers, so it is easy to find. This new drug will sterilize someone forever, so tell them to be careful.This harrowing story was told quite compellingly with strong body language. What was most effective close this performance was that the source never hesitated when he spoke and was very clear on details. During the wide-cut course of this performance, it seemed that the performer was fully convinced of the validity of this story. During the entire performance the word which he emphasized the most was forever, when mentioning the effects of the horse sterilizer on wo men. He was very insistent that the drug affects women permanently and that is why it is so dangerous.Upon further research of horse sterilizers and rape, the name that came up most often was Progesterex. A site search of Progesterex on www.webmd.com (a health service page) resulted in zero finds, with suggestions for progesterone, which is a naturally occurring hormone in women that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.