Sports Chalet Marketing Plan

Introduction Marketing communication strategies are important in aligning a company towards the target market in order to achieve optimal sales. The main determinants of a successful marketing communication plan lies in the proper brand alignment and research on segmentation.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Sports Chalet Marketing Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In order to achieve the desired goals, positioning ensures clear difference of a company’s products from the existing products of its competitors. The strategic plan should internalize the aspects of business vision, mission, values, communication plan, and a balanced scorecard. Thus, this reflective paper will attempt to review the business and marketing environment of the Sport Chalet Company. Company description The Sport Chalet Company has been in operation for the last six decades. The company operates in the sports apparel industry and has fifty one stores spread across the U.S. The main categories of products retailed in this company include men’s wear, women’s wear, team sports gear, shoes, and solo sports gear. Among the most visible sports brands that are featured in the Sport Chalet store are Diamondback, Adidas, Nike, Premcor, and Columbia. The company specializes in sporting goods for sporting activities such as football, camping, Scuba, basketball, fitness, and swimming among others. In addition, the store has expanded it scope of operation to include rental services for sports and adventure equipment. The store features properly arranged sections for each category of the apparels it stocks (Sport Chalet, par. 2). The Sport Chalet store has grown over the years into relatively new markets and customer segments across the U.S. From its humble beginning in La Canada, the company expanded into Huntington Beach and other parts of Southern California. Following the success of its team and sol o sports gear products, the company expanded into the consultancy services and Scuba classes. The company has been active in the NASDAQ since the year 1992. Sport Chalet boasts of a very dynamic and talented workforce. The company has introduced an online shopping platform which has become very popular in the last five years. The company has been facing competition from establishments such as the Adventure 16, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the Sports Authority companies (Sport Chalet, par. 5).Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Rationale for developing a marketing communication plan for the company The Sport Chalet will eventually need to embrace more traditional media marketing in order to keep growing, especially when targeting clients. In order to effectively reach such audience, the proposed marketing communication plan will suggest the best advertisement strategie s to cover its wide market area (Cheverton 21). Through the proposed marketing communication plan, the Sport Chalet will become a global brand that is preferred by most sports enthusiasts. The company will definitely have to branch out beyond its target market due to the brand dynamics and the need to expand market base. The company will have to decentralize its marketing strategies to meet the specific demands or consumer behaviour if it decides to implement internalisation strategies that will be proposed (Cheverton 41). These aspects influence the need to carry out a comprehensive marketing communication plan the Sport Chalet Company. Conclusion The Sport Chalet Company is positioned to reap heavily from the recommendations that will be in the proposed marketing communication plan. Despite its wide market, there is need to counter competition and ensure business sustainability. Currently, the market dynamics discussed above should be skewed to optimise the company’s produc t performance. The strategies to ensure business sustainability will be presented in the proposed marketing communication plan. Works Cited Cheverton, Philip. Key marketing skills: Strategies, tools, and techniques for marketing success, London, UK: Kogan Page, 2004. Print.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Sports Chalet Marketing Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Sport Chalet. About Us. 15 Sep. 2014. Web. This case study on Sports Chalet Marketing Plan was written and submitted by user Lea Y. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

English Essay Writing

English Essay Writing English Essay Writing English Essay Writing Writing an essay is not an easy work. The success of your work depends on the topic and the type of the college essay. Critical, expository, argumentative are definitely the most difficult ones. Narrative essay, for example, is easier to write, because this type of English essay is like a story telling. You can write whatever you want in such essay. English essay writing requires ability to think and analyze information. Essay topics are usually proposed by the teacher, but if you have such an opportunity to make your own choice, select the one you like the most. However, be sure you would be able to present the topic in a good way. Here is an essay example on the 'Benefits of the plastic surgery'. (Introduction) Nowadays plastic surgery is widely used in the modern world.   (Thesis) The great thing about plastic surgery is that the benefits can be both physical and emotional, external and internal. The physical benefits of plastic surgery are, though, multi-faceted. (Body paragraph) The first thing that many people notice after plastic surgery is that their bodies seem more proportional or balanced. Whether a person prefers to have surgery on their face, hips, breasts or things, the aim is to sculpt the body in a way that looks natural. The result often allows people to look more like they feel like they should look. (Argumentation) This may sound strange, however a nose that is too large for a particular person's face or a bust that is too large or too small can blur all of this person's other features making them seem disproportionate. Surgeons aim to correct this by taking individual's body into consideration before deciding on a desired result. The physical result of plastic surgery often produces a healthier look and people who undergo surgery report that healthier look permeate their entire lifestyle. People who have surgeries like liposuction and breast reduction usually feel that their new bodies allow them to participate in physical activities that they wouldn't have considered before surgery. Plastic surgery can open new doors to people who are scared to take on activity like swimming and aerobics because of the lack of the clothing involved and the way they felt that they would be looked at by other people. (Conclusion) Whether a person chooses to undergo plastic surgery to improve his/her lifestyle or to improve his/her look, there will always be emotional benefits and a person finally becomes enabled to feel comfortable in their body. Many people find that they are more outgoing, personable and confident when they become accustomed to their transformation and this can be a benefit that lasts a lifetime. We hope this example of the English essay writing helps you to understand the structure of the academic essay writing. Try to select interesting topic and attract your reader's attention while writing English essay. A good college essay requires good skills of argumentation. While writing an essay make a plan, think about examples. You should present your point of view in an essay. Ordering custom essay writing assistance at .Com, you receive 100% plagiarism free essay written in accordance to the instruction you provide.   We are never later with delivery, and we always pay attention to your needs and requirements.

Race and Genetics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Race and Genetics - Essay Example Since then it has been a subject of debate whether these differences have a genetic basis. 'The high habitability of intelligence and the difficulties of formulating credible environmentalist explanations' have been pointed to explain the difference. Jensen, A. Robert. Intelligence, Race and Genetics. (1999). West View. The arguments by Jensen that intelligence is largely due to hereditary, including racial heritage raised a lot of discussion. Some of the explanations given by the environmentalists include, bias in the tests, the adverse social and economic living conditions of the blacks, discrimination and prejudice and the historical legacy of the slavery, which has demoralized blacks. (Flynn, 1980) Flynn, J.R., Race, IQ and Jensen. (1980). Routledge & Kegan, P. Sarich (2004) made cogent arguments that white race and racial differences are real. He said that the race as a concept is older than the Colonial Europe. Differences in intelligence correlate to the concept of race. Sarich, V. The Reality of Human Differences. (2004). West View Press. Rushton has divided the population in three groups. Africans and Negroes in one group are referred as blacks, Europeans as whites and East Asians and Mongolians in one group as Orientals. He believes that the race differences start in the womb. The blacks are born earlier and grow quicker. They also achieve a faster sexual maturity, family stability and population growth.Rushton, J. Phillip. Race, Evolution and Behavior. A Life History Prospective. (1997).Transaction Publishers. Rushton describes studies that show a consistent pattern of human racial...Since then it has been a subject of debate whether these differences have a genetic basis. 'The high habitability of intelligence and the difficulties of formulating credible environmentalist explanations' have been pointed to explain the difference. Some of the explanations given by the environmentalists include, bias in the tests, the adverse social and economic living conditions of the blacks, discrimination and prejudice and the historical legacy of the slavery, which has demoralized blacks. (Flynn, 1980) Sarich (2004) made cogent arguments that white race and racial differences are real. He said that the race as a concept is older than the Colonial Europe. Differences in intelligence correlate to the concept of race. Rushton has divided the population in three groups. Africans and Negroes in one group are referred as blacks, Europeans as whites and East Asians and Mongolians in one group as Orientals. He believes that the race differences start in the womb. The blacks are born earlier and grow quicker. They also achieve a faster sexual maturity, family stability and population growth. The Orientals on the other hand have the largest brains and IQ. The difference in the race is both due to genes and environment.

Social Rights Are Human Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Social Rights Are Human Rights - Essay Example Human rights are defined as the rights that a human has as a result of being a human. This follows that every human being has an inherent authority over human rights. Human rights cannot be divided whether they are civil or political; for example the right to live, no discrimination before the law and freedom of speech and expression. Similarly, economic, social and cultural rights cannot be divided either. However these rights are interrelated and dependent on each other. This follows that progress in one right has an influence on the other and withdrawal of one impact the other (United Nations Human Rights, 2011). Whelan and Donnelly (2007) argue that Western countries have advocated economic and social rights strongly and consistently over the period of time, leading to the post-World War era as we know now. However most analysts are of the perspective that political and civil rights have been given preponderance over social rights. McNally (2006) observes that the global corporat e agenda is a representation of the trend towards commodification that has led to the promotion of capitalism since its advent, highlighting the greater importance being given to political rights. Human rights encompass a range of freedoms and rights, of which economic, social and cultural rights form a part of. The human rights definition that follows does imply the notion of protecting social rights and laws and regulations are meant to safeguard the basic and vital â€Å"needs of the human person and his/her dignity in times of peace and war† (Kalin, Muller & Wyttenbach, 2004). However human rights do not grant equal importance to the rights that they compromise of. It is argued that social rights are not given the same status by human rights as it gives to civil and political rights. According to Vierdag (1978), civil and political rights have always been considered as absolute and immediate compared to economic, social and cultural rights, which are considered programmat ic and to be recognized over the period of time. This will form the core of the argument in this paper and will focus on the status of social, civil and political rights in the context of human rights. When taking human rights as a collective concept, it can be appreciated that human rights have developed and evolved throughout the course of history. This has led to the division of human rights into three generations. Kalin, Muller and Wyttenbach (2004) observe that the pattern and process of the evolution of human rights is manifested in their structure. The Human rights that are represented and divested in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be classified into several generations; this classification is based on the historical origin of each generation. Commonly human rights are divided into three main generations. The first generation consists of civil and political rights and the second generation refers to economic, social and cultural rights. The third generation com promises of collective rights or solidarity rights. The division of human rights into further generations creates a difference in the level of importance attached to each. This paper will delve into the details of the first two generations. Civil and political

Wal-Mart and Union Representation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Wal-Mart and Union Representation - Essay Example Advantages: Some of most considerable advantages that Wal-Mart can get while being represented by unions include better working conditions, increased number of benefits, good compensation, and secure place in the market. Wal-Mart can struggle for these benefits with the help of unions. Almost every retailer wants better working conditions not only to operate effectively but also to earn high revenue. Efficient supply chain, better relationships with suppliers, security of supply, and improved compliance are some of the main aspects of good working conditions for retailers. Along with these benefits, Wal-Mart can also raise its voice for good compensation and secure place in the market under the umbrella of unions. Working alone in foreign countries can be risky for Wal-Mart because there will be no one to support the business moves in case of any change in the economic policy. Therefore, in working with unions, Wal-Mart can achieve the above-mentioned benefits for its retail stores present in C hina and Canada. Disadvantages The capacity to accommodate economic strikes is one of the main disadvantages of union representation. Another disadvantage can be the rules, which people have to abide by under the representation of unions. Apart from these disadvantages, there is no big disadvantage of union representation for Wal-Mart.... cant benefits, which unions can provide to the employees, include increased wages, reduction in wage inequality, better way to raise voice against discrimination, job security, better fringe and health benefits, and improved working conditions. Almost every employee working for any company or organization wants increase in the wages and job security. Union representation is a perfect way for the employees to achieve these goals. Unions work for the favor of employees and do everything, which can secure their professional future. Strong labor unions set the pay scales for the employees, which employers need to follow in order to avoid conflicts. The collective bargaining power of unions also protects employees from being dismissed without any mistake (Blank, n.d.). Unions not only help employees get fringe and heath benefits from the employers but also they raise their voice in order to convince governments to develop policies regarding reduction in wage differences and workplace disc riminations. Workers represented by unions get their basic rights and benefits regardless of their race, sex, or religion. Therefore, we can say that unions really help employees get a considerable number of benefits. The disadvantages of unions for employees are not big enough to overshadow the benefits of unions. Some of the main disadvantages include limited workplace flexibility and limitations to adhere to the plans of the unions. Answer: no: 3 Wal-Mart tends to slow or stop union representation in the United States. The consequences of Wal-Mart’s efforts can be detrimental both for Wal-Mart and for the employees working in the United States. The consequences for Wal-Mart can be poor working conditions, decreased number of benefits, and insecure place in the market in case of

Business Comparison Of China And USA

Business Comparison Of China And USA This essay critically analyses the differences and similarities between the United States of America and the Republic of China. Firstly, this essay identifies the main theories of intercultural communication by applying Hofstede ´s intercultural framework. Secondly, the Chinese and United States negotiators style will be discussed followed by an explanaition about how to manage negotiation in both countries. Thirdly, the similarities and differences between China and the United States will be compared. Negotiating with the Chinese is an important topic in international business and cross-cultural management since China is playing an increasingly active role in doing business with the western countries [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] negotiating with Chinese is also becoming increasingly important for international business successes in particular, since after China joined WTO in December 2001. (Zhu et al., 2007: 354) The aim of this study is to compare the Chinese and United States American negotiation styles on the general cultural differences to help to get a better understanding when doing business in China or the United States. Chaney and Martin (2004) as cited in Zhu et al. (2007: 355) define cross-cultural negotiation as conversation or discussions of common and conflicting interests between persons of different cultural backgrounds who work to reach an agreement of mutual benefit. International managers can profit from studying similarities and differences in negotiating behaviours to recognize what precisely is happening during the negotiating process (see Appendix A). However, managers first need to understand their own negotiation styles, to understand the similarities and differences in intercultural communications (Deresky, 2000). 2. Intercultural communication and their main theories In 1959 the phrase  ´intercultural communication` was firstly used by the cross-cultural researcher Edward T. Hall as he divides cultures into two types, high-context culture and low-context culture (Aneas and Sandà ­n, 2009; Hall, 1976). Further in 1980 the management researcher Geert Hofstede analysed data from more than 100,000 IBM employees and developed his Cultural Dimensions Model. His theory is based on the assumption of four dimensions: Power Distance Index (PDI), Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV), Masculinity versus Femininity (MAS) and Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) (Powell, 2006). The fifth dimension Long-Term Orientation versus Short-Term Orientation (LTO) was identified by Geert Hofstede and Michael H. Bond in 1988 (Fang, 2003). Finally, Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner developed a model of seven dimensions of culture to help explain intercultural differences. These dimensions are called Universalism versus Particularism, Individualism versus Comm unitarianism, Specific versus Diffuse cultures, Affective versus Neutral cultures, Achievement versus Ascription, Sequential versus Synchronic cultures and Internal versus External control (Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner, 1998). 3. Hofstede ´s intercultural framework In this study the focus is on Hofstede ´s well-established management theory. Figure 1 displays the intercultural framework of Hofstede. According to Hofstede and his model it is of high significance to consider the high cultural differences between Chinese and American people to be successful in doing business across borders. Figure 1: The 5D Model of professor Geert Hofstede Source: Adapted from: Itim International (n.d.). Geert Hofstedeà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ Cultural Dimensions [online]. Available at: URL:http://www.geerthofstede.com/hofstede_dimensions.php? culture1=18culture2=95#compare [Accessed 20 January 2010]. The Power Distance Index (PDI) stands for the hierarchy of power within a society and its general acceptance amongst the countrys people. Chinas ranking is almost 80 which is a very high level compared to United States ranking with 40. The level of inequality of power and wealth is high but, according to Hofstede, accepted by the Chinese society. Thus, that the level of power distance is very high in China, the boss is in the authority and in the position to decide over everything. American culture however allows more equal power and respect for every rank in a business, which means for our business that our Chinese employees will probably need to be educated to make decisions on their own. Regarding Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV) China ranks noticeably low in individualism (20) compared to the United States (91). Consequently, the Chinese culture is strongly collectivist; being integrated into a group is crucial and society values loyalty as well as strong relationships to both friends and family. The high ranking of the United States means that the society is very individualistic. More precisely the integration into groups does not play such a big role as it does in China. Furthermore, we have to consider that in the index of Masculinity (MAS) China arrives at a rank of 66 which could be interpreted as a rather masculine society. Chinese people do not show their feelings and try to be calm in every situation. However, between China and the United States (62) is no big difference. This points out that both countries values assertiveness, success, power and competition. The Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) shows that the Chinese are rather accepting new uncertain situations than avoiding them (rank 30), so they seem to be more tolerant to different opinions; however, it is not a country that embraces risky situations, it rather accepts them. People in uncertainty- accepting countries usually do not express their feelings. The United States ranks higher (46), which means compared to China the American culture is not open to new situations. People here act influenced by their emotions and tend to be more nervous. Regarding Long-Term Orientation (LTO) it is manifest that Chinese culture is much more committed loyalty to and respect for traditional business strategies than the United States (29). This shows the highest ranking factor worldwide in long-term avoidance (118). Chinese people never want to lose face and are short-term oriented. The United States, on contrast, is a long-term planning country in which thrift, perseverance and persistence are valued to deal with. For instance, to deal with economic changes or with adaptation to new situations. 4. Chinese Negotiators The Chinese business culture is especially affected by the term  ´guanxi` and the notion of saving face. In a culture, which is focused on relationships, it is important who you know. Chinese people get things done through relationships with family, friends and contacts (Gesteland, 1999). Tung and Worm (2001: 521) argues that guanxi refers to relationships among people and that [t]hey are dyadic, personal relations between people who can make demands on each other (see Figure 2). Further,  ´guanxiwang` is the social network in the Chinese business culture and for them it is fundamental to avoid upsetting anyone in the network because it can lead to destabilizing the web of connections (Chee and West, 2007: 57). A key component of  ´guanxi` is the notion of saving face. A Chinese person ´s reputation and social position are based on it. Loosing their face involves reduced social resources, wealth and connections (Ma, 2006). Figure 2: Dyadic relationship in guanxi network Source: Adapted from: Tung, R. L. and Worm, V. (2001). Network capitalism: the role of human resources in penetrating the China market. International Journal of Human Resource Management. Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 517-534. 5. Managing Negotiation with the Chinese To manage negotiation with the people from different cultures it is important to keep in mind that the individuals involved in the negotiation are of different cultures and that there is likely to be some misinterpretations because of their chosen methods of communication (Woo et al., 2001: 351). There are several reasons for the cultural differences. Most of the Chinese business persons are obsessive about price details, because of the fact that China has a traditional agrarian culture. The Communism system and Confucianism, the traditional Chinese way of thinking, affects the negotiation process recognizable through their respect for hierarchical relationships, preservation of face, and group harmony (Chee and West, 2007: pp.97-98). Tung and Worm (2001) as cited in Davison and Ou (2008: 290) suggest Negotiation outcomes depend on the degree of mutual understanding achieved by the transacting partners [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] the quality of the guanxi developed during negotiations may actually be more important than either the price or the product quality [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] eventual price or product quality may vary subject to the guanxi. If a person, who is doing business in China, is already in a  ´guanxi` network, this business person has to intensify this relationship. If a business person is not involved in a  ´guanxi` network, then it is important getting into a network and getting in touch with influential Chinese business persons (Holt and Chang, 2009). Furthermore, when negotiating in China, business persons have to be prepared to discuss all issues at the same time and in an apparently disorganised order (Deresky, 2000). 6. United States Negotiators The United States business culture is focused on deals with foreign or unknown people and especially affected by notions prestige, honor, status, dignity and authority (Yabuuchi, 2004: 264). Gesteland (1999: 272) suggests that an American negotiators degree of expressiveness in communication is likely to be strongly influenced by his or her particular ethnic background. For United States business people it is important to be issue-related, objective and time-conscious. However, Zhu et al. (2007: 357) argue that Americans tend to pay less attention to social ranking. 7. Managing negotiation in the United States The United States culture is affected by their immigrant society and that is the reason for the cultural diversity. As mentioned above it is all but impossible to predict and esteem specific the negotiating styles of the United States business people. The business people in the United States are time-conscious because of the fact that they dont waste their valuable time for the company. There exists no allegiance to the company (Chua et al., 2009; Gesteland, 1999). 8. Similarities and Differences between China and the United States After analyzing the negotiation style in China and the United States and its reasons, several similarities as well as differences can be pointed out. First of all, it is important to understand the effect negotiating perceptions have on the negotiating outcomes (see Figure 3). Figure 3: The relationship model Source: Adapted from: Ma, Z. (2006). Negotiating into China: the impact of individual perception on Chinese negotiation styles. International Journal of Emerging Markets. Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 64-83. Both countries put emphasis on assertiveness, success, power and competition through their closely index of Masculinity in the intercultural framework of Hofstede. Further, look on Chinas and the United States concession behaviour both countries are doing their utmost to achieve their goal and get as much profits as possible (see Appendix A). According to Hofstede, differences between the two countries can be shown in their Long-Term Orientation. The United States (118) are long-term oriented and China (29) short-term oriented. This means that China is more committed to loyalty to and respect for traditional business strategies than the United States. Furthermore, one of the biggest differences is their decision-making behaviour (see Appendix A). United States business people are known as the fastest decision makers in the world whereas China doesnt rush to take a decision. Finally, both countries have a different pursue a different goal in the negotiation process. For the Chinese it is a kind of dialogue, more precisely an exchange of information. In the United States negotiation is associated with an outcome which could be a contract. 9. Conclusion Summarising the findings and arguments shows that both countries should have an understanding of the traditions and culture. Woo et al. (2007: 351) suggest that [w]hen negotiating with the Chinese it is imperative to be conscious of [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] the structural collectivism of those involved in business negotiations. Especially the business people from the United States should be prepared for a long visit when doing business in China. The best way to be successful in China is to build guanxi, which is a time-consuming procedure but essential. The Chinese business people have their focus more and more on the content of the deals and the details of the prices. In comparison to the business negotiation in the United States soft handshakes should be avoided because for some of them it reflects weakness (Gesteland, 1999). Appendix Appendix A: Negotiation Procedures à   Business Protocol Chinese Negotiator United States Negotiator Dress Code à  men: suit, white shirt, conservative tie à  women: conservative suit or dress à  varies somewhat according to location and type of business Meeting and Greeting + soft handshake/ moderate eye contact bone-crushing handshake/ overly direct gaze + firm handshake/ direct eye contact some believe soft handshake reflects weakness Exchanging Business Cards + exchange of name cards is done using both hands + read the business card + put the card away in a leather card/ place it on the table in front of you dont write on someones name card à  may not initiate the exchange of business cards Exchanging Gifts à  be prepared with appropriate gifts/ present gift with both hands + expensive cognac/ items typical of your own country/ logo gifts à  is not a gift-giving gift-giving culture many feel uncomfortable if presented with an expensive gift Winning and Dinning + master the fine arts of eating with chopsticks + toasting your counterparts à  many prefer to maintain a separation between their professional and private lives à   Negotiating Behaviour Chinese Negotiator United States Negotiator Bargaining Range à  often bargain vigorously à  expect major concession on price and terms à  expect them to test your opening offer for flexibility Concession Behaviour à  expect pressure tactics à  be prepared for some hard bargaining Plays and Counter-Ploys à  generally mask negative emotions à  may on occasion display anger as a pressure tactic à  a favourite bargaining tactic is time pressure à  another is to ask for quotations on a sliding scale by quantity Decision-Making Behaviour à  a long time-consuming process à  decisions take time à  fastest decision makers in the world Source: Adapted from: Gesteland, R. R. (1999). Cross-cultural business behavior: marketing, negotiating and managing across cultures. 2nd ed. Copenhagen: Handelshà ¸jskolens.

Marketing Strategy Essay

Discuss the type of product the company will offer and identify its primary characteristics The type of product the company will offer is a bracelet called Life Alert band. The characteristics of this device are size and the ease of use along with a lifetime guarantee. The Life Alert band is light and portable that no one will even know it’s on his or her wrist. It’s the size of a thick rubber band and comes in different wrist sizes. It has one easy to access button with an emergency icon that only needs to be pushed once to alert the Life Alert call center in the event of an emergency. The bracelet has several hidden sensors that monitor a person’s pulse and blood sugar and wirelessly sends this information to the Life Alert monitoring centers. If a change is detected in any of the monitors the bracelets sends a signal to the centers for immediate action. The Life Alert medical counselors immediately call the patient to see if they are ok. If no response is received they dispatch emergency responders right away. The bracelets uses flash memory to keep the device slim and flexible. It has a flexible band that can bend slightly. The material of the bracelet is a made of hard rubber that protects the electronics and its sensors. The bracelet requires a one-time setup much like a cell phone has to be programmed by Life Alert in order to ensure communication is occurring with their monitoring centers. The device has wifi built in for local communication. Users who have a wireless network can browse directly to the bracelet using a web browser. This gives them access to all the information the bracelet is recording. Discuss the product branding strategy Entrepreneur magazine states that a branding strategy is how, what, where, when and to whom you plan on communicating and delivering on your brand messages. Where you advertise is part of your brand strategy (Enterpreneur, 2011). In this case a brand is name that consumers associate with a device or service. Life Alert has many devices, all which bare its name on it. For example wireless companies such AT&T sell cell phones from different manufactures but all of them have the name AT&T on them and their logo. This goes for any large company that sells multiple products even if the products are manufactured by another company. Another good example is Apple. Apple has mp3 players, desktops, laptops, and other computer peripherals, all have the Apple logo on them. Therefore, the branding approach for the Life Alert bracelet will be the umbrella branding approach. The umbrella approach will help Life Alert in promoting their popular name even further. In a survey taken by ACNielsen International Research, 87% of Life Alert members said that Life Alert’s protection is a main or important factor in their decision to keep living at home rather than going to a retirement institution (lifealert911, 2011). Life Alert members on an average spend 6 more years living alone because of their services. The bracelet will not only enhance their product line but attract more customers. The introduction of this bracelet will increase their customer base and maybe appeal to those who have a serious illness. The bracelet will become the main entity of the product line with Life Alert’s name and logo. Discuss how the product fits within a product line and the depth and breadth of the line. Life Alert’s bracelet is a unique product that has carved a niche in the medical devices industry. It fits into health care products that offer emergency services for monitoring and addressing health related issues. It addresses a void in the industry and aims to support independence in aged adults by providing state of the art monitoring and emergency services. The distinctive aspect of the Life Alert bracelet is that it is both broadens and intensifies in scope in terms of its breadth and depth. It fits well into the product line Life Alert offers. It’s an extension of the current product offerings. Some of the functionality the bracelet offers cross’s over to other product categories. For example the bracelet now becomes competitive with blood glucose meters. Regardless, the bracelet extends the depth and breadth of the company. Explain how the product and target market strategies fit with the organizational strategy. The organizational strategy is based around a few key factors. The company’s business domain is clearly defined and is focused towards Mature 50+ adults who wish to live an independent lifestyle. The factors that are considered are mainly geographical location, age, retirement lifestyle and medical needs. The strategy is effective as it concentrates on a few key product and ervices. Life alert employs niche marketing to devise a product strategy aimed at that targets mature 50+ adults residing mostly in Florida, which is a popular retirement destination, who are currently living a retired lifestyle and desire a degree of independence and who may or may not have specific medical needs. The Life Alert bracelet fits into the organizational strategy for Life Alert. Introducing the bracelet will solidify the stance in the market. The organizational strategy for Life Alert is to be most innovative company in assisting the elderly. Life Alert can take advantage of its existing organizational strategy to support and market the bracelet. The company can further expand its diversified portfolio of services by using its existing infrastructure and the multifaceted use of its core resources. By including and expanding on existing product offerings the company can reduce cost and maximize return on resources. Life alert bracelet can utilize the infrastructure for Life Alert Necklace, security, monitoring and emergency response services with minor additions. All of these services employ the same core organizational set up, which is the monitoring center, which maximizes service offering with minimal investment. The marketing strategy includes Ads in local newspapers or niche publications, Opt-in web sites that make use of keywords to connect with potential customers, direct mail campaigns, as well publicity through Television developed for mature audiences. The bracelet can be incorporated under these existing marketing tools since it’s directed towards the same target audience. The ease of competitors’ entry into Life Alert’s market segment is minimal as the company employs a profitable business model where users pay an initial set-up charge for the systems and the company generates revenues each month through subscription-based monitoring costs. The company also distributes medical alert system to more than 300 resellers and is one of the largest wholesale medical alarm distributors in the nation, with over 200,000 medical alert devices in service. The bracelet can be an adjunct to the existing portfolio and use the same monitoring system and distribution strategies in use. The business strategy also supports innovation and product development and at present only a couple companies offer a medical alarm with two-way voice. With an additional service such as the bracelet the company will be a step ahead of its competitors and can utilize its R&D budget to support the new product. The company’s ability to customize services and marketing different price points for packages will allow customers to use the bracelet with other Life Alert products and services. The new product aligns well with the company’s organizational strategy and the same marketing strategy can be applied towards the Life Alert bracelet.

Enzymes Laboratory Report

ENZYMES LABORATORY REPORT Introduction The utilization of any complex molecule for energy by an organism is dependent on a process called hydrolysis. Hydrolysis breaks complex molecules into simpler molecules using water. Similarly, the process that is the reverse of this is called dehydration synthesis, which removes water from simpler molecules. However, because hydrolysis occurs very slowly, living organisms use biochemical’s called enzymes to speed up the reaction. In this lab exercise, we studied the nature of enzyme actions using live yeast cells as our source of sucrose. The enzyme will then break the sucrose into one molecule of glucose and fructose. Because sucrose is a large molecule that cannot enter most cells, yeast will produce sucrase and secrete it into cell membranes. The sucrose will be hydrolyzed into small six-carbon monosaccharide’s which can enter into the cell membranes. The sucrose can be obtained from a 0. 5 percent solution of â€Å"dry baker’s yeast in water†. In parts A and B, the experiment will study the optimal temperature under which the yeast cells degrade sucrose using varying pH and temperature of the environment surrounding the yeast cells. Part C will study the effects of extreme heat on enzyme activity and part D will focus on the saturation point for enzymes using varying substrate concentrations. Materials and Procedure See pg 79-82 section: Enzymes â€Å"Experiments in Biology from Chemistry to Sex† Fifth Edition By Linda R. Van Thiel Results In test A. ffect of pH, the results we obtained for tube #1 was a solution color of orange and a color activity of 3. For #2 was also orange and color activity of 3. For #3 was orange and a color activity of 3, for #4 was green and a color activity of 1, and finally for #5 was blue and a color activity of 0. From our results, it shows the optimum pH is tube # 1-3. The control in this experiment was test tube 3A, with a pH of 7, as this pH was neutral. In test B. effects of tempera ture, the optimum temperature is shown on our graph to be two different points (either 24 or 60 degrees). For our results we received a solution color of blue for tube 1, and a color activity of 0. For tube 2, we received a solution color of orange and a color activity of 3. For tube 3, we received a solution color of green and a color activity of 1, for tube 4; we received a solution color of orange and a color activity of 3. Finally, for test tube 5, we received a solution color of blue, and a color activity of 0. The highest rates of activity were found in test tubes 2 and 4. The control in this experiment was test tube number 2, which was kept in the temperature environment of 24 C [room temperature]. In test C. Effect of Denaturation, the boiled sucrose and sucrase received slightly lowered color activities than the non-boiled tube. Shown on graph 8. 3, the graph begins with no movement in rate of activity followed by a steady increase in the color activity. The results show that test tube 1, which was boiled sucrase and sucrose, had a solution color of green and a color activity of 1. Test tube 2, which contained boiled sucrase had a solution color of green and a color activity of 1, test tube 3, which contained boiled sucrose, had a solution color of orange and a color activity of 3, finally test tube 4, which was neither boiled, had a solution color of red, and a color activity of 4. From the results, the neither boiled tube had the highest color activity. The control in this experiment was test tube 4, which was completely untouched. In test D. Effect if substrate concentration, the higher concentrations of sucrose received a higher color activity. The graph is represented by a constant followed by a steady drop as the concentration of sucrose decreases. The results showed that in test tube 1, which contained 100% of sucrose, the solution color was red and the solution gained a color activity of 4. In test tube 2, the concentration of sucrose of 50%, and the solution color was also red, which a color activity of 4. In test tube 3, which contained 25% sucrose, the solution color was orange, and had a color activity of 3, in test tube 4, which contained 10% concentration; the solution color was green and had a color activity of 1. In the last test tube, which had no concentration of sucrose, the solution color was blue, and had no color activity. The control in this experiment was test tube 5 which contained no sucrose at all. Discussion In the first test, the test of the effect of pH, the results show the effect of pH increases the rate of reaction as having a slightly acidic pH will increase the actual reaction while supporting a more basic pH will decrease the reaction. In our results, it shows that the pH reaches an optimum pH of 7 before decreasing. The results are not completely accurate, as the first three tubes all had a color activity of 3. The actual results should have had a slightly higher color activity for the optimum pH (which would have been from a pH of 5-6) and a lower color activity for the starting and ending pH. Experimental error may be caused by unwashed test tubes and slightly inaccurate amounts of solution being placed into test tubes. The second test consisted of the effects of Temperature. Temperature (as represented in graph 8. 2) increases rate of reaction in the enzyme until reaching an optimum point, and then decreasing rapidly. However, in our results, we were accurate until we reached the optimum point, (37 degrees). Instead of this being the highest point for rate of reaction, we obtained a color activity of 1. Because 37 degrees was the optimum temperature, this should have been the highest point and the highest rate of activity. However, we had an experimental error in the form of accidently placing the 3rd tube in the wrong temperature environment. The third test consisted of the effects of Denaturation. In this test, the tube that showed the highest color activity was tube four because it was not exposed to the higher temperatures. Enzymes that are boiled, or exposed to extreme temperatures could denature the protein component thus destroying the enzyme. However, by boiling the substrate, the enzyme’s rate of reaction increases. However in our data, the first and second test tube should have contained no color activity as such extreme temperature would have already destroyed the enzyme. There could have been experimental error in the length it took to boil the test tube as it may not have reached its required amount. The last test consisted of the Effects of Sucrose Concentration. By increasing the amount of substrate, the rate of reaction will also increase as it is more likely that substrate molecules are closer to an enzyme molecule. However, this is only true to a certain limit as demonstrated in the chart. Both test tube 1 (which contains 100% of sucrose) and test tube 2 (which contains 50% of sucrose) have the same color activity despite the significant difference in concentration. This is because the concentration of substrates has reached an approximate saturation point, which is seen in this enzymatic reaction to be 50%.

St. Anselm essays

St. Anselm essays Saint Anselm was born in 1033 AD in Aosta, Italy, now a province in the northwest corner of the Italian peninsula. Although not much is known about his childhood and adolescence, it has been said to be one of much instability. At the age of 27 in 1060, Anselm became a monk of Bec in Normandy. Bec at that time was the center of Norman monasticism and was one of the most famous schools in Europe. It also had one of the best teachers at the time, an Italian monk named Lanfranc. Anselm soon succeeded him as prior and abbot, and gained fame as a teacher like Lanfranc. After William I conquered England in 1066, Lanfranc became archbishop of Canterbury, remaining close friends with Anselm. The successor to William I was William Rufus, an immoral man that left the position of archbishop of Canterbury vacant after Lanfranc to avoid moral opposition from the church. It was only when Rufus was dying when he wanted to appoint an archbishop to avoid going to hell. He pleaded with Anselm even though he rejected it, and was eventually forced into the position. While in the position, he disagreed with Pope Urban II, and tried to make the church condemn sodomy. Meanwhile, William Rufus recovered from his illness, and now wanted to depose Anselm from archbishop of Canterbury by ordering the bishops to renounce obedience to him. After a long quarrel with the king, Anselm eventually agreed to go into exile, which he stayed in until Rufus was replaced by his brother Henry. He was then recalled from exile, and was displeased with the king again, and refus ed to pay homage to him, which caused a large battle between church and state along with other things. He went into exile then once more, and was recalled once more to reluctantly accept an agreement for peace and for him to be leader of the English church. Peace between the king and the church was reinstated in 1106, and Anselm was the leader of the E ...

Gourds and Their Uses essays

Gourds and Their Uses essays Gourds have been useful to civilization for years. The gourd, a family member of squash, cucumbers and pumpkins, have been used for centuries even including B.C.. Natives found the gourd most useful for ritual, and everyday uses. There are many different kinds of gourds that have been used for different purposes, and many different places where wild gourds can be found. Just the color of a gourd can determine the power it has in a religious purpose, and the shape also can determine what purposes the gourd will serve. A gourd, also called a Cucurbitaceae because of its family, is most popular for the use of everyday uses. For example, gourds have been used for storage, canteens, utensils, and even ornaments. When the gourd is painted, waxed, and carved it is known as the sacred or sprit keeper, according to ancient beliefs. In the past when gourds where first founded in the wild, the Woodlands Indian Nations used gourds for daily routines. Later into the years, the early settlers discovered the true value of gourds such as using them for Used as floats by the Africans, gourds have helped people from traveling to surviving. When used as utensils, the gourd would be cut precisely with a arrangement of sharp tips at the end to stab the item they were trying to kill or eat. The tips were usually jagged, because the supplies these people had to cut the gourd were insufficient. The thinner the gourd, the easier the shell is to break while carving. On the other hand, the thicker the gourd, the harder it is to carve, which also causes breaking. Gourds have also been used for spiritual reasons. The common name for these gourds are called Spirit Herd Gourds, and are carved and painted with the symbols of sacred horses. Inspired by the Cherokee heritage, these gourds represent their guardians and ancient spirits. When black horses are painted on the gourd, this represents the ...

Pulp Fiction Review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pulp Fiction Review - Research Paper Example Tarantino’s application of style in the Pulp Fiction is a representation of emerging approaches. It is centered on a movie context rather than real life. The use of alteration and paradox gives new energy to the film and gives its audience a new experience. The infamous Pulp Fiction is a tale of a number of connected lives of two men who make a living from killing, a boxer who is aging, a mob boss, accompanied with his wife. The story revolves around the lives of these individuals as they experience a number of unsettling, intense, memorable, comic and emotional situations. In a review of the film, Ebert Roger describes it as being a comic film that revolves around drugs, violence, blood, unusual sex, dead bodies and other graphic details. The plot of events and the theme of the film seem to be strange. Tarantino matures every scene sufficiently by the use of a variety of cinematic aspects, which transforms the film into an iconic and a memorable masterpiece (LoBrutto, 76). Ta rantino applies cinematography, editing, affectivity of sound and mise-en-scene to warn the audience of any events transitioning, introduce scenes, enlighten the audience hidden traits about the characters and enhance anticipation while maintaining suspense. This is evident in a scene where Vincent has to pick up Mia from Wallace’s house for the night. The scene commences with a tracking shot of him making his way to the front door in which his body forms a silhouette in the front door. The cameras capture for a brief moment the note that has been taped to the door and then make a zoom in on the note. The interests of the audience are maintained by the shift to Mia’s voice which narrates the note and this explains the content to the audience. Vincent enters the door and Tarantino’s expertise when it comes to mise-en-scence becomes apparent (Jewers, 99). The effect that immediately captures the eye is the color scheme of the house. Almost every item is white in c olor, which the inclusion of the couch, carpets, walls, lamps to even the shirt that Mia is wearing. For the enhancement of the white color scheme, key front lighting is used in the scene. This color also adds irony to the film since white in often linked to purity, yet the inhabitants of the house are far from innocent. One addicted to crack while the other is a mob boss. Juxtaposition is also introduced with regard to the fact that Vincent is wearing a black suit yet the rest of the house is white in color. Analysts may suggest that this is a premonition that he has no place in the house and that bad misfortune will befall him if he stays in the house. The house has also been designed to appear to be very modern since various forms of modern technologies have been incorporated into the house such as cameras that are able to watch over the main rooms (Polan, 133). While Vincent if unaware that he is being watched by Mia through a camera viewing station, he walks around the house at ease. To maintain the entertainment value of such a scene, Tarantino makes use of non-dietetic sound, despite the fact that it was coming from the record player, but the audience is not aware of that aspect until the end of the scene. The song is about a about a girl that is in love with the son of the

Argument Essay, 1. I believe Existence of God. 2. God does not exist Research Paper

Argument Essay, 1. I believe Existence of God. 2. God does not exist. For example, like The Ontological Argument - Research Paper Example It would be no exaggeration to contend that human thought has been seized with the idea of God, from times immemorial (Safa and Ahmadi D1). Substantiations relating to the existence of God constitute some of the enduring features of philosophical discussion. Some of the classifications of the corroboration of God’s existence are those that are conceptual or dependent upon aspects of the created order (Cumming 3). It is a mystery, as regards the manner in which supernatural faith interacts with human beings. The highest knowledge relating to God that can be derived solely from philosophical considerations has been defined as the preambles of faith or the praeambula fidei. The few individuals who experience the act of belief, do not find these preambles of faith to be exceedingly enigmatic. These fortunate individuals have testified that the true believer enjoys the grace, which can be termed the intelligence provided by faith (Grzesik 258). It is indeed faith that induces one to seek God and thereby admit one’s shortcomings. As a consequence, individuals are enabled to comprehend that help from the Lord is essential to avail of the benefits provided by Him and to transform the intellect to understand the higher truths. This entire process of transcendence is critically dependent upon faith (Grzesik 259). Arguments that support or oppose the existence of God can be classified as deductive or inductive. Ostensibly, the existence of God tends to be difficult to establish, despite several of the atheists being rational human beings. This state of affairs has been attributed to certain ontological assumptions regarding the nature of the world and the nature of God (Crutcher 430). Presumptions regarding the existence or non – existence of God, tend to possess a circular nature. This is due to the fact that such arguments attempt to establish their hypothesis by making an assumption regarding the non – existence or reality of