Interviews: Indian Institutes of Management and Personal Interview

Personality Assessment Round Process Details (2013-2015 batch) By now, you must be quite familiar with the different processes that various B-schools use in the second round of their selection program. Let us now look at some individual institutes to get a better grasp of the mechanism they use in order to select the best candidates. Please note that institutes do keep tinkering with their selection processes from time-to-time. Therefore, this list can only help you to understand all the stages that an institute has used for selection in recent years with specific focus on last year's method.However, please remember that it is quite likely that in subsequent years, an institute may use radically different processes as well. IIM Ahmedabad: Process: PGPM: Essay Writing Task + Personal Interview ABM: Group Discussion + Personal Interview Essay Writing: The candidates were given 1 minute to think and 10 minutes to write on the topic. Most of the topics were either general in nature or re lated to current affairs. Some of the topics given to the candidates were – â€Å"CAG is slowing down progress in India's telecom and mining sector†, â€Å"Obsession with constant research by smartphone companies has had a serious effect on our social life.†, â€Å"It is advisable to raise the legal drinking age limit to 25 years for responsible drinking. †Group Discussion: Usually, the Group Discussions involved case studies. Candidates were typically given a few minutes to read the case study and prepare their points. At the end of the discussion, candidates had to write a summary of the discussion. Personal Interview: Personal interviews were conducted after completion of the essay writing task / Group Discussion and, generally, lasted for about 15-20 minutes. In this round, candidates were interviewed by panels of two members each.Those with prior work experience were asked detailed questions pertaining to their experience and their company's business , its market share, growth prospects, industry prospects, turnover, etc. Some candidates were also asked indepth questions pertaining to their job profile and how their previous educational qualifications were being utilized in their current job profile. Candidates with no work experience were generally asked questions relevant to their academic background while a few candidates with prior work experience were also asked questions related to subjects from their academic background.Interestingly, almost all the candidates were asked a few questions from Mathematics as well. The questions related to Mathematics were primarily from areas like probability, distribution curves, statistics, etc. The candidates were also questioned about their hobbies and were expected to have an in-depth knowledge about them. Some candidates were also asked questions about the essay written by them. Specifically for ABM, candidates were asked questions regarding agriculture and why they wanted to join the ABM program. IIM Bangalore: Process: Essay Writing Task + Personal InterviewEssay Writing: The candidates were given 10 minutes to think about the given topic and 20 minutes to write on the topic. Most of the topics were related to current affairs. The candidates were required to do a thorough analysis of the topic and in some cases, from a particular point of view. Some of the topics given to the candidates were – â€Å"Is crime rate in urban India high mainly due to economic disparities? †, â€Å"The world is in social, economic and political turmoil. Any suggestions to improve. †, â€Å"Recently a law has been passed to ban A-rated films on television. Why do you think this decision has been taken? †Personal Interview: Each interview panel comprised three members – two professors and one alumnus of the institute. The interviews were mostly very general in nature. Candidates were asked questions pertaining to various aspects of their CV and SOP (Statement of Purpose) and the panel was typically quite pleasant and friendly. The interviews usually started with the panelists asking the candidates to talk about themselves. Some of the candidates were asked about current developments involving their company or industry. Some of them were also asked analytical questions on issues surrounding their industry / area of work.Typically, most of the candidates were asked a few questions regarding what they had written in their SOPs. IIM Calcutta: Process: Essay Writing Task + Personal Interview Essay Writing: Candidates were allotted 15 minutes to write on the topic. The word limit for the essay was 200 words. The topics given were general in nature and typically required analysis of an issue. Some of the topics given to the candidates were – â€Å"Corruption in sports committees and government interference are degrading the quality of sports in India. Elaborate and provide remedies.†, â€Å"The television media focuses more on violence, disaster and negative news. Why is it so? †, â€Å"What are your views on FDI in retail? †Personal Interview: Mostly, panels which interviewed the candidates had three members. The interviews were largely general in nature. Most of the candidates were asked questions pertaining to various aspects of their CV. Some of them were asked in-depth questions about their subjects or areas of interest. Several candidates were asked detailed questions about their prior work-experience and their reasons for choosing to pursue an MBA. IIM Lucknow:Process: Essay Writing Task + Group Discussion + Personal Interview Essay Writing: Candidates were allotted 15 minutes to write on the assigned topic. The word limit for the essay was 200 words. The topics given were philosophical / abstract. Some of the topics given to candidates were – â€Å"Fame and riches are fleeting, stupidity is eternal†, â€Å"A great city should not be confused with a populous one †, â€Å"Engine is the heart of an airplane and the pilot is its soul†. Group Discussion: The Group Discussion was held immediately after the essay writing. The topic was the same as the Essay writing task.Each group comprised 10-12 candidates. The groups were given 15 minutes to discuss the topic. Personal Interview: Panels comprising two members interviewed candidates. The interviews were very general in nature and often focused primarily on the candidate's goals and aims, as well as past experiences. Detailed questions related to area of work / job profile were common as were questions related to one's subjects of study while pursuing graduation. Many candidates were asked about their decision to pursue MBA and the candidates who had applied for ABM were asked about their reasons for opting for ABM.Candidates were also asked questions pertaining to various aspects of their CV. While most of the interviews lasted for about 20-25 minutes, some candidates reported very brief interviews of just about 8-10 minutes. IIM Indore: Process: Essay Writing Task + Personal Interview Essay Writing: Candidates were allotted 30 minutes to write on the given topic. The word limit for the essay was 300 words. The topics given were very general and analytical in nature. Some of the topics given to the candidates were – â€Å"Today's popular TV serials depict a life different from normal life.Is it a form of escapism or just for entertainment? †, â€Å"How does migration of people into other countries affect nationalism and patriotism? †, â€Å"With so many mergers and acquisitions by big business houses in India, is there any future for small scale enterprises in the country? Suggest ways to help out small scale enterprises. †, â€Å"Despite advances in medical science, progress is slow. Should research knowledge be shared with other scientists or should it be a closely guarded secret? † Personal Interview: The candidates were i nterviewed by a panel of three members.The interviews often focused primarily on a candidate's academic background. Detailed questions related to the candidate's subjects of study while pursuing graduation were asked to almost all candidates, even those who had more than two years of prior work experience. Candidates with work experience were generally asked detailed questions about their job profile. Some candidates were queried on their decision to quit their job and pursue an MBA. Quite a few candidates were also asked questions about their hobbies and extracurricular activities while some were also asked questions about  current affairs, specifically questions related to the budget.Interviews typically lasted for about 25 to 35 minutes. IIM Kozhikode: Process: Essay Writing Task + Personal Interview Essay Writing: Candidates were allotted 45 minutes to write on the given topic. The word limit for the essay was 500 words. The topics given were philosophical. Some of the topics were – â€Å"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone†, â€Å"Forgive your enemies but don't forget their names†, â€Å"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence†.Personal Interview: Panels comprising two members interviewed the candidates. The interviews did not have a set pattern; rather, they were more panel-dependent. While some candidates reported that their interviews were very general in nature and focused on their goals and aims, others reported that their interviews comprised only current affairs questions. Some candidates even reported that they were asked questions pertaining to their academic background only. Interviews generally were 20-30 minutes long. IIM Shillong: Process: Group Discussion (Case study + Essay) + Personal InterviewGroup Discussion: Each group comprised 8-10 students. They were given a topic and the candidates were allotted 10 minutes to read the topic and write on it. This to pic was then discussed by the group for 15 minutes. The topics given were small cases which described certain scenarios. The candidates had to present their perspectives on the given case. The cases were quite general in nature. Some of the cases given to the candidates were – â€Å"A diamond necklace has been stolen fromjewellery store. There is no evidence. The security in-charge decides to pin the blame on the person who last handled the necklace.It was also pointed out that the accused had provided some fake data in his joining application form. Decide whether he can be expelled on that basis, with the charge of theft. †, â€Å"An automobile company had done whatever they could to ramp up the production like overtime, compensation increment etc. There was an employee aged around 30 who died on the floor of the factory. He had been doing overtime to get extra compensation for his family needs. Now the production manager wanted to increase the production owing to th e impending festival season.But the employees disagreed on grounds of the death, and demanded 200% increment in overtime compensation. What should the production manager do? † Personal Interview: A panel, typically comprising three members, interviewed candidates. The panelists were reported to be very pleasant. The interviews generally focused on current affairs and the candidate's academic background. Questions on current affairs were asked in order to get the candidate's opinions on various issues and these opinions were then thoroughly discussed.At times, these questions were also based on the interest areas mentioned by candidates in their resume. A few candidates with prior work experience were also questioned in detail about the nature and technical aspect of their work. Some candidates were also asked ethical questions, like â€Å"What is the difference between right and wrong? †, â€Å"Is it right for the pharma companies to give gifts to medical practitioners ? †, etc. Interviews typically lasted for about 20 to 30 minutes. New IIMs Joint Process: Process: Essay Writing Task + Personal InterviewEssay Writing: For this task, candidates were allotted 20 minutes to write on the given topic and the word limit was 300 words. The topics given were very general in nature, like – â€Å"MBA, B. Tech are gearing up with the market. Are the courses like Literature, Sociology, etc. irrelevant in education today? Give your opinion†, â€Å"What if a business chooses to focus on the bottom of the pyramid? Is innovation really necessary for the growth of a business? †, â€Å"Social networking strengthens relationships but also makes youngsters lonely. †Personal Interview: Interviews were conducted after completion of the essay writing task. Candidates were interviewed by a panel of two members. The interviews were largely pleasant and stress-free. Different candidates were asked different kinds of questions; there was n o set pattern to the interviews. While some of the candidates with prior work experience were asked detailed questions pertaining to their experience, including details about their company; other candidates were primarily asked questions pertaining to their goals and ambitions.Questions such as how do subjects from your graduation help you in your job, etc. were also asked. Some candidates were also asked questions related to their academic background, their hobbies and even the effects of the most recent budget. FMS, Delhi: Process: Group Discussion + Extempore + Personal Interview Group Discussion: Group discussions typically lasted for about 14 minutes. Each group was given one minute to think before the discussion began and one minute to conclude the discussion. Every group comprised 10 to 15 candidates. The topics given to the candidates for discussion were general in nature.Some of them were – â€Å"Formal education stems the free spirit. †, â€Å"Should sting o perations be carried out? †, â€Å"Morals and values are on the decline in India†. Extempore: The extempore was typically conducted at the start of the personal interview. Candidates were given their topic and 1 minute to speak on it. No preparation time was given. A stopwatch was kept on a table in front of the candidate so that he / she could keep a tab on the time. Topics allotted to the candidates were general in nature and many of them were given topics that were somewhat related to their work.For e.g. , a candidate, who had worked in the Oil and Gas sector, was given the topic â€Å"Energy sector in India†. Another candidate, who had work experience in the field of Data Analytics and had qualified for the Maths Olympiad, was asked to speak about â€Å"Infinity†. Personal Interview:Typically, interviews were quite brief and continued for about 5 minutes. Most of them were conducted by a panel of three interviewers. The interviews were quite general in nature. Questions primarily dealt with current affairs and / or hobbies and interest areas mentioned by candidates in their forms.A few candidates reported that they were also queried about their ambitions and future plans. MDI, Gurgaon: Process: Group Discussion + Personal Interview Group Discussion: Typically, around 12 to 15 candidates participated in each group discussion and they were given around 15 minutes for the discussion. Additionally, 3 minutes were given to the group to think about the topic. At the end of every discussion, each candidate was asked to summarize what all had been discussed. Further, all the candidates were asked if they wanted to say something more on the topic.In some groups, candidates were also asked to write down a conclusion of the discussion at the end. Topics for the discussion were very general in nature, like – â€Å"Certainty of justice is more important than severity of punishment. †, â€Å"Does Reservation in Higher Education hamper the real purpose of Education? †, â€Å"Should religious teachings be taught in our schools to inculcate better values in students? † Personal Interview: Generally, a panel consisting of two members interviewed the candidates while a few candidates reported that there was only one interviewer in their case.The average interview lasted for around 10 minutes. However, there were some students who reported that their interview went on for 30 minutes and some others said that theirs lasted hardly 5 minutes. The interviews were quite pleasant and were very general in nature. Candidates were typically queried about their opinions on various issues of current affairs. In many cases, candidates were also queried on the topic that was given to them for their group discussion. Candidates with work experience were also asked questions related to their job profile and the industry they were in.

Leadership in The Great Debaters Essay

The Great Debaters, directed by Denzel Washington, is an inspirational movie about a specific debate team overcoming racism in the segregated South. It is based off of the debate team of Wiley College, a small religious black school in East Texas, during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Under the guidance of their coach Melvin Tolson, the team kept prevailing week after week against every single opponent. They started competing with other black schools but eventually worked their way to triumph over prestigious white schools as well. Their most significant win was against the all-white Ivy League team, Harvard. With the team’s encouraging story, this movie not only inspired people to make a change, but also presented how even students can make the world of difference. Although their actions made a big difference in fighting for what they believe, the students expressing their opinions by how they would present themselves is what eventually won over the crowd in the final victory. The leadership theme portrays greatly all throughout the movie by using body language, noble examples of mentoring, and finally a student becomes a leader himself. In the movie, the students’ body language itself truly shows a form of leadership that is unexplainable. Throughout all of the debates, one could see their passion in their eyes. For example, during the first dispute against a white team Samantha debates that it is possible for blacks to get a degree at a white college. The main part of her debate that wins over the audience is how emotional she gets about the subject. It also shows her confidence and deep passion in what she believes. Another moment that someone steps up to the plate in a leadership role is when Farmer’s dad comes to the sheriff office to help bail Tolson out of jail. Earlier in the movie we see Farmer Senior let the pig farmers walk all over him. These cruel individuals make him pay for the pig he hit, but not only that they throw the money on the ground and make him pick it up. Farmer sits in the car in awe because he cannot believe what is happening. Therefore, at the station Farmer is beyond proud of his dad for finally standing up for what he knows is right. Farmer Senior stands up calmly to the sheriff and the confidence in his posture is what won the battle. Also, during this scenario the entire debate team comes to jail to support their professor. Showing  their encouragement with poise and certainty, the team does not have to say anything because everything that needs to be said someone could see from their body language. From the start this was not just a team, but also a group of people that have come together like a family. Therefore, the movie does show how what one says could have a huge impact, but also if one should go beneath the words he or she could discover much more. Not only does the leadership portray through ones body language, but also, through mentoring and even one of the students, Lowe becomes a mentor himself. Having a mentor could strongly aid someone to succeed. Professor Melvin Tolson, their debate coach, revolutionizes the small college with his big ideas and unshakable hope for justice. Taking these young souls under his wings, Tolson taught them how to break the chains of inequality and ignorance with the words they spoke and how they spoke them on the debating stage. A strong example is how Tolson takes Lowe under his wing. From the beginning Lowe has been a troublemaker. We first meet him when he is drunk at a bar; not only is he drunk, but also starts a fight with another man for getting intimate with his wife. During the entire movie Lowe handles all of their hardships in the worst ways he could. Even though he is not the most responsible when it comes to dealing with difficulty, the professor sees something in him and makes him the team’s leader when they go to Harvard. Having to stay up all night preparing for the debate, Farmer and Lowe could not agree on anything so Lowe runs out. When he comes back though, the audience can see a different side of him. He gets so emotional in the hotel room and acknowledges how much negative happenings have affected him. Being the strongest debater, he steps down and tells Farmer that he will debate instead. This is such a huge part in the movie because it shows that struggle is such an enormous part of values. Lowe finally understands that anyone with a voice and is passionate about what they believe in can express their opinion on stage; it did not have to it the best debater. He puts Farmer in the position to flourish and he does succeed because he takes the audience to a true-life story of the lynching. In the end, Lowe has become a mentor himself. The leadership themes throughout the movie show that it takes struggle in  order to realize ones values, look beneath someone’s words to find leadership, and mentoring can be a huge part of guidance. When the team had to go through hardships it eventually made them stronger and realize what they really wanted to fight for. Also, it is not always about what someone does that makes him or her a leader, but how he or she does it. When one of the debaters took stage what usually won over the audience is how they presented themselves. Finally, the mentorship by Melvin Tolson is a main factor of the debate team’s success. His leadership is eventually passed down to Henry Lowe which helps the team come to a final victory against the Ivy-League school, Harvard. This movie is such an inspiration and portrays leadership unlike many other movies.

Friedrich Nietzsche's On The Genealogy of Morals Essay

Nietzsches Genealogy of Morality - Essay Example From this paper, it is clear that according to Nietzsche (57), morality no longer guides people but there are forced by different legal circumstances to behave in a given way. In this essay, the writer will try to evaluate and analyze the genealogy of morality as noted by Nietzsche (57). Understanding genealogy of morality is a great way for people to look back and gauge where they went wrong in reference to bad ethics and morals in the society. Nietzsche makes an assertion that one becomes forced to admit that legal conditions could be nothing other than means to create larger units of power (Nietzsche 57). He attacks the ideas that morality is selfless, the idea that suffering can be interpreted as rightful punishment to whoever experiences it because it sharpens their thinking on a given subject. He also argues on the conception of free will that involves the idea that agents could act differently from what they did (Nietzsche 57). Free will, even as anchored on the Holy Bible that God gave His people a free will to choose between what is right and wrong, is a big challenge to the society in reference to the decaying morals. The moral decay happens because people no longer adhere to any traditional customs that guide their ethics and morals because they are free to choose and behave any way they want despite societal values. He talks about a privileging of ‘slave values such as humility and devaluation of those such as pride and audacity, and the conception that morality involves obligations with unconditional obligations and that it is universally applicable or binding. Morality should be upheld at all instances, and governments should institute measures that will boost good morality for their citizens.

Investigating the impact of Information Technology on a career Assignment

Investigating the impact of Information Technology on a career - Assignment Example Yet, IT has already affected how business is carried out in the healthcare industry. Both private and public organizations are progressively adopting IT to modernize and make the delivery of health care services and information more efficient. This leads to a greater demand for healthcare professionals to acquire more skills in the application of healthcare technologies (Miller & Sim 121). In the near future, the magnitude, scope, and pace of adoption of IT in the healthcare industry will only intensify. Developing technologies and social media will break the barrier between professional and public health information. Access to evidence-based interventions and treatments, effective transactions, and constant feedback will most probably revolutionize the usual relationship between patients and healthcare providers. It will also transform how the public or patients access, receive, and assess health information. Understanding and addressing the magnitude and effect of such changes, as well as the contribution of health IT and communication to its facilitation, will demand interdisciplinary data structures and programs (Allan & Englebright 92). These systems will be fundamental for companies/individuals to remain competitive in the future. De Leon, S. et al. The business end of health information technology: can a fully integrated electronic health record increase provider productivity in a large community practice? The Journal of Medical Practice Management, 25.6 (2010): 342-349.

Long Term Consequences of Colonizing Africa Research Paper

Long Term Consequences of Colonizing Africa - Research Paper Example Italy, Denmark, Belgium, Germany also participated but were some of the minor players when compared with the other countries mentioned. By the end of the nineteenth century almost all the entire continent was under political control of at least one European power. European expansion into Africa was encouraged mostly by the industrialization era in Europe as those countries sought raw materials for new and growing markets. Many historians, however, felt that there were many and varied reasons. â€Å"There was the lure of adventure, the search for personal freedom, the sense of mission. There was greed and vanity and lust for power.† 1 The decolonization of Africa, for the most part, took place towards the middle of the twentieth century. Many of the problems faced by Africa today can be attributed to the impact of colonization. There has also been positive impacts, however, that have helped to move the continent forward since the pre-colonial era. One of the major long term consequences of colonizing Africa is the political culture of the different countries. Prior to the colonial era most of Africa could be described as a stateless society. Many of the borders of these modern states were created according to the whims and fancies of the different colonial leaders. â€Å"Namibia’s odd shape was created by the strategic requirements of a German foreign minister†2 . The current political rulers of the varied African countries retained the boundaries set by the colonial rulers with the exception of modern day Tanzania and Eritrea. . This in some way helped in the social identity of the different nations. Hodder stated that ‘once the colonial boundaries of Africa have been drawn up they acquired a permanence, which assisted by unified administration within them, helped to engender modern African unity’3 . In the establishment of the Organization of African States in 1963, on of the agreement made by the members was

Middle Eastern Origins of International Terrorism since 1945 Essay

Middle Eastern Origins of International Terrorism since 1945 - Essay Example For as long as we have had war, terrorism has been with us as a tactic to bring about change in atmospheres of political discontent and also to maintain control. From the Irish War to Osama Bin Laden, the world has experienced political activism to the extent of vandal, murder and suicide. According to Delaware: â€Å"The history of terrorism dates back at least 1500 years when Jewish resistance groups (66 - 72 A.D.) known as Zealots killed Roman soldiers and destroyed Roman property†. By the middle of the century, the Middle East has perfected and monopolized terror as a strategy to maintain control and promote their regimes. According to Middle East Info: â€Å"The Middle East includes 7 out of 19 of the most repressive regimes in the world. Arab and Iranian dictators oppress their subjects, sponsor half of the world’s major terror groups and imperil Israel, the Middle East’s sole democracy†. Today, tearful vigils in remembrance of the September 11 bombi ng of the World Trade Center in New York is the most historical bookmark of Middle Eastern terror. Concept of Terrorism Emotion is the culprit behind many of life’s extremities. Even a terroristic movement starts with some degree of emotional conflict. The concept of terrorism initially brings to mind political manipulation, kidnappings, bombings, and surprise attacks. The saddest aspect of the term is it is often aimed toward innocent bystanders, including women, senior citizens, and children who have no connection to any perceived offense. â€Å"Terrorism has been described variously as both a tactic and strategy; a crime and a holy duty; a justified reaction to oppression and an inexcusable abomination† .... ine terrorism in terms of law are listed in the table below: Definition of Terrorism, United States Code, (United States Code, 2012) Title 22 Chapter 38 of the United States Code (regarding the Department of State)definition of terrorism: : "The term 'terrorism' means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents† Title 18 United States Code defines international terrorism as: "Activities that . . . involve violent acts or acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States†¦[and] appear to be intended . . . to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; . . . to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or . . . to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping† The essenc e of any terrorist movement is its threat to society. It is the basis for the existence of Homeland Security agencies. Regardless of how it is defined, terrorist tactics add up to one thing: violence. The violent approach arose from several circumstances in the 20th century. Nationalism developed in many countries, which undergirded many political movements and the formation of nationalist interest groups. The World Wars and the Cold War made fighting, death, and casualties a commonality. The tactic of taking hostages was added to the list of methods of political objection. The wars delegitimized any theories of peace and non-violent protest (Terrorism Research, 2012). The wars desensitized people to the death and breaking laws (Terrorist Research, 2012). The death toll of the wars overshadowed

Sketches Bill Cleggs and Mathew Dickmans prescription for eudaimonia Essay - 1

Sketches Bill Cleggs and Mathew Dickmans prescription for eudaimonia - Essay Example This may not always augur well with other people, but the doer will always possess the feeling of contentment. Despite this, not all individuals easily achieve this state of eudemonia as easily as they would want to. This is as highlighted by Bill Clegg’s memoirs, Ninety Days as he highlights his struggle to fight addiction and the turmoil he goes through in his quest for a good life. On the other hand, Mathew Dickman’s All American Poem as a collection of poems tries to analyze the various facets of life in relation to the pursuit of the good life. Therefore, in the quest for a good and happy life, both Clegg and Dickman take on varying perspectives in relation to Aristotle’s concept of eudemonia, with Clegg focusing more on the aspect of honesty with self, coupled with sobriety, while Dickson’s prescription heavily lies on a positive attitude incorporated with family ties. Bill Clegg tries to look at the issue of achieving the good life from various perspectives that fit into his predicament of fighting addiction that has threatened to annihilate him. Given that Aristotle views eudaimonia as the seclusion of some life aspects in order to remain with only those that make life desirable, Clegg sets to do away with addiction as the vice is tearing him apart. However, this does not turn out to be easy as he postulates, â€Å"†¦and I can feel that old burn, that hibernating want, come awake†¦the relief that first hit will deliver†¦That craving, once it begins, is almost impossible to reverse†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This serves to show the difficulty that lies in the quest to achieve eudaimonia in Clegg’s perspective. His concept of the good life lies in eliminating the addiction and adopting a life free of it. This guides to the perspective that his concept on happiness and the good life relies on obtaining the state of sobriety and as such, C legg sets out with a variety of steps aimed at attaining the sober state. His basic step towards

Battle Of Chickamauga Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Battle Of Chickamauga - Research Paper Example With the help of operation process the commander implemented mission of command. In this battle both the commanders gave direction, support and guidance to the army working under him. As per ADRP 5-0, during this war MG Rosecrans was unable to describe, understand and direct his army properly. The main roles of a commander are to analyze its operations, utilize its resources and communicate effectively with the army for implementing decision properly. MG Rosecrans used cavalry for delivering messages and establishing courier lines which failed miserably. He focused more on La Fayette Road for reaching Chattanooga. But if he had used Dry Valley and Vittetoe roads then he could have gained various opportunities to win the battle. MG Rosecrans was highly involved in managing different small issues of army. He was not concerned about the end result and was generating feasible options. He did not understand the operational environment of the war. Moreover MG Rosecrans failed to deliver his command properly on 20th September which made his army weak in the war. Calvary was used in the war for delivering message and developing courier line. MG Rosecrans used cavalry for managing the army during the war. The misuse of cavalry made the Army of the Cumberland weak. The commander was unable to important information through cavalry. If the commander used cavalry for gathering intelligence then he could have gained strong position in the war. The commander should have focused on exploring various routes for conducting surveillances by using cavalry1. MG Rosecrans relied mainly on couriers for communicating information. He did not used Signal Corps effectively for communicating with its subordinates. There was a need for improved communication in the war. But lack of planning and inefficient use of assets made the communication process weak.

Toulmin Argument Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Toulmin Argument Paper - Essay Example It is important to keep the scientific discoveries and endeavors under manageable rates such that there can be an option of reversible margins (Taubenberger, 2012). A super virus is a chemical substance with the capabilities to kill (biocidal activity) or inhibit the growth (biostatic activity) of other microorganisms. The material functions best in its dilute state hence it is a production of microorganisms. Super virus is kinds of vaccines that are designed by scientists to counter diseases before the conditions affect a person. The process is carried out by extracting a live specimen of a pathogen then activates it to live in a human being (Farberov, 2014). The scientists carryout a total study to understand the nature of the virus in question, in order to develop a super virus. In general position, the super virus acts as a preventive measure. Even so, it is not a wise thing to introduce the super virus in the body of a person. This is because with time the original virus will get used to the introduced super virus. As a result, the original virus will develop other adaptation mechanisms that may be even more complicated and resistant to treatment or vaccines (Zhang, 2014). When the original pathogen develops resistance over an introduced super virus, the original pathogens form more complicated and resistant methods of survival. Under such a situation, the patient is the one to suff er the consequences of the new adaptations because they continue to weaken his or her body. If the scientists could always be ahead in their discoveries that they even cover the later adaptations of the virus in order to deny it any chances of later evolutions. In such a case, the users of the super virus will be completely protected from the aftermaths (Farberov, 2014). It is not wise to create a super virus and present it to a person’s body because the super virus in many instances is found to develop abilities to by-pass the human

Analysis the case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis the case - Essay Example The fact that the company pays well further adds on Stein’s burden of guilt. Stein is also uncomfortable by the fact that his actions, or lack off, may lead to the region’s children partaking contaminated products. He promptly shares this concern with his coworker who conveniently dismisses the concerns. The feeling of empathy that Stein has for the kids also makes him to have second thoughts on the course of action that is being suggested by his coworkers. To further emphasize on his empathy, Stein admits that he feels knots getting tied up in his stomach upon imagining the local lids partaking of milkshakes that have been produced by components from Eastland Dairy. Contrasting factors that ultimately lead to the dilemma and further complicate the decision making process includes the fact that the manufacturing process seems to be self-correcting and that the managers expectations will be met especially when the filter is removed. Admittedly, Stein agrees that the mangers expectations include ensuring that the shift quotas are met and the manufacturing hardware has been cleaned up. Stein as his team will gladly meet such expectations when the filters are removed and the manufacturing process continues without interruption. The profit initiative also influences this outcome. Stopping the process would have been a very costly undertaking for the company. After all, the company exists for purposes of making profit – and they do this by limiting the costs. Another contrasting factor fueling the dilemma faced by Stein is the fact that he has already been informed that the components will still be safe for human consumption nonetheless. Accord ing to a member of the night shift team who is more experienced, the pasteurization and homogenizer process will ensure that the product is safe after all. The fact that everyone on the shift

Perfect competition Essay Example for Free

Perfect competition Essay Monopoly and monopolistic competitions, basic concepts monopoly means a market situation in which there is only a single seller and large no. of buyers. whereas monopolistic competition is a market situation in which there is large no. of sellers and large no. of buyers. in monopolistic competition, close substitutes are there in the sense that products are different in terms of size, colour,packaging,brand,price etc. as in case of soap,toothpaste etc. but in monopoly, there is no close substitute of the good,if any, it will be a remote substitute like in India, Indian railways has its monopoly but its remote substitutes are present like bus and air service. in monopolistic competition, there is aggressive advertising but in monopoly, there is no advertising at all or a very little. in monopolistic competition,demand curve faced by the firm is more elastic because of availability of close substitutes. it means if a firm raises its price, it will loose its large market share as customers in large will shift to close substitutes present in the market. but in monopoly, the demand curve faced by the firm is less elastic because of no close substitutes. if means if the firm raises its price, demand will not fall in a large quantity as it is only one in the market. u have to understand that the four different kinds, perfect, monopolistic, oligopoly, monopoly are on a spectrum with perfect and monopoly on the extremes, monopolistic is very similar to perfect, and monopoly is different that its a hard market to enter, because theres very few firms and require a big budget to get started. look up the graphs for these competitions and you should have a better understanding MONOPOLY IN TELECOMMUNICATION . Competition in Telecommunications Services Experience has demonstrated that free and open competition benefits individual consumers and societies as a whole by ensuring lower prices, new and better products and services, and expanded consumer choice. The benefits of competition are readily seen in todays telecommunications sector. Dynamic technological change is resulting in new services and systems that provide innovative solutions to communications needs across the globe. As a result, telecommunications is becoming increasingly important to the efficiency and effectiveness of private and public sector institutions. In this environment of rapid change, a competitive marketplace will tap the potential of the telecommunications sector to serve the economic and social well-being of all citizens. BENEFITS OF COMPETITION Free and open competition benefits individual consumers and the global community by ensuring lower prices, new and better products and services, and greater consumer choice than occurs under monopoly conditions. In an open market, producers compete to win customers by lowering prices, developing new services that best meet the needs of customers. A competitive market promotes innovation by rewarding producers that invent, develop, and introduce new and innovative products and production processes. By doing so, the wealth of the society as a whole is increased. In a competitive environment, businesses that fail to understand and react to consumer needs face the loss of customers and declining profits. A policy framework to establish, foster, and regulate competition is critical to the delivery of benefits expected and demanded by consumers. In other words, competition rewards entrepreneurship, responsiveness, and enthusiasm; it punishes sluggishness and indifference. Because of the increasing importance of the telecommunications sector to the overall economy, countries can ill afford the sluggishness and indifference that so often characterize the provision of products and services under monopoly conditions. As developments in technology continue to produce efficient and exciting communications services, societies may be significantly disadvantaged if they forego the rewards of entrepreneurship and responsiveness associated with open, competitive telecommunications markets. POLICY GOALS TO ACHIEVE COMPETITIVE MARKETS In order to achieve the benefits of competition described above, governments and regulators must establish an appropriate policy framework to govern the telecommunications sector. First, governments should remove legal barriers that protect existing monopoly providers from competition by new entrants. Second, policymakers should take affirmative steps to promote competition in sectors of the market that were previously closed to competition. Examples of these steps include adopting policies that encourage multiple methods and modes of market entry. Third, policymakers should consider introducing competitive safeguards to protect against the exercise of market power by incumbent carriers during the transition to competition. The most fundamental of these competitive safeguards involves regulation of the terms and conditions governing interconnection with the existing monopoly providers network. In the United States, although important steps were made to promote competition in the telecommunications sector prior to passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the law firmly established the intent to provide for a pro-competitive, deregulatory national policy framework designed to accelerate private sector deployment of advanced telecommunications and information technologies and services to all Americans by opening all telecommunications markets to competition. EFFECTS OF COMPETITION IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR. The benefits of introducing competition in telecommunications markets are apparent in all segments of the telecommunications market. For instance, competition in the United States and many other countries in long distance and international telecommunications services has led to a dramatic decline in consumer rates for these services, as well as a dramatic increase in demand and a substantial increase in investment. International telecommunications services can be particularly important to the development of a stable and robust economy linked to the global marketplace. The 1997 WTO Agreement on Basic Telecommunications Services ushered in a new era for telecommunications competition in many countries of the world. As part of that agreement, 72 countries have made commitments to open their telecommunications markets to foreign suppliers of basic telecommunications services. As these countries implement their commitments, dramatic change has occurred in their telecommunications markets. In many countries, there are several new providers of international and domestic telecommunications services, and prices are dramatically lower. As a result, increased competition has led to lower international settlement rates in many countries which, in turn, has led to lower calling prices for consumers. Lower calling prices means that people can afford to make more calls, more often, creating closer ties between family and friends in different countries and strengthening business relationships. Thus, introducing competition in international telecommunications markets produces benefits throughout a countrys economy. In addition, as part of the WTO Agreement, 49 countries made commitments to open their satellite service markets. These commitments have helped increase the ability of global and regional satellite providers to obtain the requisite authorizations for their systems. Similarly, in many countries private investment and competition in the provision of terrestrial wireless telecommunications infrastructure has led to declining prices for, and widespread use of, wireless telephone service. In areas where teledensity can increase, moreover, price reductions may expand the number of households that can afford service. This increased demand may make build-out decisions more attractive. For example, in Chile, lower prices increased traffic by 260% from 1994 to 1997. In 1987, there were 6. 7 phones per 100 households in Chile; this number rose to 11 in 1992 and to 15. 2 in 1996. As lower prices stimulate greater demand, an overall increase in revenues results despite additional providers in the market. In the U. S. long distance market, lower prices, in combination with an expanding market for services, have offset revenue loss from price reductions and the decrease in market share. For example, while ATTs long distance market share fell from 90% in 1984 to 45% in 1997, its revenues increased from $35 billion to $40 billion during this same period. Thus, although ATT lost market share, its revenues increased in a competitive marketplace. The benefits from introducing competition in international and domestic telecommunications markets can be fully realized, however, only when market participants have the incentive to compete vigorously to attract the greatest amount of business. It has been the U. S.experience that these incentives exist only where there is open entry into the telecommunications services market. Where entry is limited, or where only one or two new entrants are allowed to compete against the incumbent carrier, the benefits of competition are limited as well. For instance, when cellular telephone service was first introduced into the United States in the 1980s there were only two licensees in each market. As a result, prices remained relatively high and demand was more limited. After additional licenses were authorized in each market, priced dropped, new services were introduced and demand exploded. BUILDING A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR AS A PART OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Developing countries face many infrastructure challenges. While roads, water, and electricity are obvious fundamental requirements, development of a strong communications and information system is vital for the country to survive and prosper. As global developments increasingly push competition and its benefits, developing countries can realize these benefits in part through encouraging the establishment of an indigenous telecommunications sector. And one highly effective way to achieve this is to promote and nurture the growth of small and entrepreneurial entities within that sector. The United States experience provides some insight. Historically, most of the cutting- edge commercial and technology breakthroughs in the United States have been developed by individual entrepreneurs or small businesses, from Alexander Graham Bell to Bill Gates. Additionally, Americas 22 million small businesses produce more than half of the nations gross domestic product, and businesses employing fewer than twenty people have created all 99. 99 percent of the nations new jobs in recent years. Such a phenomenal success story is due not only to the free enterprise system and profit motive, but also to a carefully developed government policy of supporting and nurturing small businesses. The U. S. has implemented numerous federal programs to assist small businesses in harnessing the engines of economic growth and innovation loan guarantee programs, technical assistance programs, investment programs, anti- discrimination regulatory programs, outreach efforts, information and training programs. Congress. established the Telecommunications Development Fund, some $25 million, to invest in promising new telecommunications businesses. Obviously the environment and situation of most developing countries is quite different from that in the United States, and overcoming an embedded monopoly telecom provider is something weve never had to do. Still, some basic steps privatizing, establishing an independent regulator, developing helpful tax and labor laws, a willingness to waive regulatory and filing requirements to the extent possible can produce great benefits. A developing country could make it a condition for foreign carriers and operators serving seeking to provide service to (or within) its territory to undertake efforts to promote or support indigenous and start-up businesses. Supporting the growth of small and entrepreneurial telecom businesses by various means can lead to permanent economic gains for developing nations economies, and to full participation in the global telecom marketplace. METHODS OF INTRODUCING COMPETITION IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR Restricting methods and modes of entry can cause investment distortions and result in higher prices to consumers. It is by allowing the marketplace to select preferred approaches that policymakers encourage efficient entry. Three methods are typically used to introduce competition into the telecommunications sector: * Facilities-based competition * Unbundling of network elements * Resale In addition, a technologically neutral policy fosters innovative systems and alternative facilities designed to meet the needs of the marketplace. For example, the construction of a wireless network may be more appropriate in some markets than the development of a competing wireline carrier. Facilities-Based Competition. When a new entrant constructs a network using its own facilities to reach its customers (i. e. , without using the incumbent carriers network), that type of entry is commonly referred to as full facilities-based competition. By developing a new network, a facilities-based competitor is not constrained by existing, possibly obsolete embedded plant and instead can install the newest, most efficient technology. As a result, the competitor will be able to supply new or additional services such as faster transmission and switching speeds or higher bandwidth capacity, and may be able to do so at lower costs than the incumbent. Facilities-based competitors not only directly benefit their customers but also create competitive pressure for the incumbent to upgrade its network. In addition, facilities-based entry allows the marketplace to drive competition with less regulatory presence. As discussed more fully below, full facilities-based entrants still require interconnection for the mutual exchange of traffic with other providers. New entrants customers need to be able to communicate with subscribers on other networks, especially the incumbents network where the majority of users obtain their service. Without the ability to interconnect on fair terms, a new facilities-based competitor cannot survive. Use of Unbundled Network Elements While full facilities-based competition has many advantages, it may not always be practical for a new entrant to construct an entire network. For example, it may be economically feasible to construct switching and long distance facilities but infeasible to construct local loops or last mile facilities that connect to customer locations. This might be due to economies of scale or the practical difficulties associated with acquiring needed rights-of-way. Thus, a second entry route is one in which the new entrant constructs portions of a network and purchases access to the relevant essential facilities of the incumbent providers network, such as the local loop. This method of entry is referred to as using unbundled network elements, and typically must be required by law or regulation. Entry through the use of unbundled network elements has a number of important advantages. First, it reduces entry barriers by allowing new entrants to begin offering service without having to construct an entire network. Second, on a longer term basis, it prevents the incumbent carrier from exploiting any residual monopoly power that may arise through remaining economies of scale or from the practical difficulties of obtaining needed rights-of-way, antenna sites for wireless systems, etc. Third, it allows new entrants additional avenues of innovation. For example, new entrants can purchase unbundled loops from the established carrier and use them with entirely different types of technologies (e. g. , packet switches based upon Internet Protocol (IP)) than those employed by the incumbent carrier. In this arrangement, consumers benefit from these new and better services and additional choices that competition provides. Regulatory intervention is necessary in order to require the incumbent carrier to unbundle its network and to price the resulting elements at economically efficient prices. More specifically, incumbents should be required to provide any requesting telecommunications carrier non-discriminatory access to elements of the incumbents network on an unbundled basis on rates, terms and conditions that are just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory. Incumbents should be required to provide any reasonable method of interconnection, including physical collocation or virtual collocation, or interconnection at a point between the incumbents and new entrants network. In the United States, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 identified a minimum list of network elements that incumbent local exchange carriers must unbundle. These network elements include: local loops, network interface devices, local and tandem switching capabilities, interoffice transmission facilities, signaling and call-related databases, operations support systems, and operator services and directory assistance facilities. In addition, new entrants should have access to pole lines, ducts, conduits, and rights-of-way owned or controlled by the incumbent. Resale In the telecommunications context, resale occurs when competitors obtain a service at a discounted or wholesale rate from the underlying, established carrier and then sell the service to their own customers. Resale can serve a multi-faceted role in promoting and sustaining competition in telecommunications services. Resale may be an effective entry vehicle for new entrants that may initially lack the necessary capital to build their own networks. Resale may also allow small competitors, which will not become facilities-based providers, to offer service. In addition, resellers may stimulate usage of the incumbents network, and thus may benefit the incumbent facilities-based provider and further growth of the entire sector. Moreover, this competition may help to keep prices lower for consumers, increase consumer choice, and ultimately stimulate economic growth. Experience in the U. S. long distance market suggests that resale can yield significant public benefits. Resale competition takes the form of arbitrage, where a reseller purchases a large number of minutes at a quantity discount and resells them to small customers at prices lower than the retail prices otherwise available to those customers. By providing affordable prices for the customer, resellers stimulate demand and thus compel facilities-based carriers to bring their prices closer to actual costs. At the same time, the increased competition from resellers expands the availability of innovative services, such as new billing terms and alternative rate structures. In particular, resellers can create consumer value by creating different billing plans or targeting their marketing to under-served groups within the community. Many countries have committed to a policy of resale as part of the WTO Basic Telecommunications Agreement to provide market access for basic telecommunications services. For smaller countries, resale provides some of the benefits of competition even if the total amount of telecommunications traffic generated is insufficient to attract multiple facilities-based carriers. Resellers may resell an entire service without modification, which is referred to as Total Service Resale. Resellers may also choose to obtain some services from the underlying carrier and combine them with services that they provide themselves. For example, a carrier may offer long distance services using its own switching facilities but lease long haul facilities from the incumbent provider. Resale also allows providers to offer bundles of different services without actually constructing the necessary facilities. By doing so, they can achieve certain economies in terms of marketing while providing a package of services for the convenience of their customers. For example, a local exchange carrier can offer long distance services without constructing long haul facilities. Similarly, a carrier offering both local and long- distance services could add mobile services to its package without constructing its own wireless network. In many industries resale occurs as a natural part of the development of markets. However, in telecommunications, a dominant carrier may be required by law or regulation to make its services available for resale. In particular, a regulatory requirement may be necessary to force the underlying carrier to offer services at a wholesale rate. In a competitive market, however, some providers may find a source of revenue in the provision of services on a wholesale basis. This often occurs when the facilities-based carrier has excess capacity on its network. In the U. S. long distance market, some carriers have constructed nationwide fiber-optic networks with the intent of offering transmission services on a wholesale basis to other carriers. Real market experience has shown that resale can spur competition. The growth of competition in the U. S. long distance market resulted from a combination of the facilities-based and resale competition models. From the early stages of long distance competition, facilities-based providers and resellers have actively competed against one another. This approach resulted in more affordable rates, new service offerings, and numerous new entrants. Despite the obvious benefits of resale, it has limitations. First of all, the reseller is limited to a greater or lesser extent by the technical features and functions of the underlying carriers network. This limits the ability of the reseller to innovate. Second, resale alone does not put competitive pressure on wholesale rates and services because the underlying carrier may not be subject to competitive pressures to innovate at the wholesale level. This means that the regulator must retain some degree of control over the pricing, terms and conditions of the wholesale offering. INTERCONNECTION, THE KEY TO COMPETITIVE SUCCESS The key to competition within telecommunications services is the ability of networks to interconnect. Interconnection allows communications to occur across networks, linking competitors so customers of different networks can communicate with one another. For competition to be successful at maximizing consumer benefits and innovation in the telecommunications market, carriers that compete for customers must also provide competitors with access to those customers. Shared access to customers occurs through interconnection, and access to all customers is necessary both for successful entry and for continued competition. If the incumbent, with the vast majority of customers, does not interconnect with new entrants, it is unlikely that the new entrants will remain economically viable. A regulatory framework is needed to aid in the transition from a monopoly environment to a competitive environment because a monopoly or dominant provider has a strategic interest to keep out or minimize competitors in its market. As a result, the monopoly or dominant provider has a strong incentive to limit interconnection. Therefore, a regulator that is independent of any operator and of inappropriate political influence should adopt rules that give new entrants bargaining strength equal to the incumbents. The price of interconnection (or transport and termination), for example, could serve as a significant barrier to entry for new networks. An incumbent monopolist has an incentive to demand a high price to terminate calls originating on a new entrants network and pay nothing for calls originating on its own network. In the United States, transport and termination charges are reciprocal and based on the long run incremental cost of providing the transport and termination on the incumbents network. Thus, the primary purpose of mandated interconnection is to foster a competitive environment that is fair to all competitors. Because the incumbent service provider has the vast majority of customers, a new entrant must be able to interconnect in order to provide full access to its customers. Without the ability to interconnect, new entrants would be severely restricted in their ability to compete with the incumbent. REGULATORY TOOLS FOR PROTECTING AGAINST THE EXERCISE OF MARKET POWER DURING THE TRANSITION TO COMPETITION Special problems may arise when a telecommunications carrier with monopoly power in the provision of a particular service or facility wants to offer a competitive service that is dependent upon the use of the monopoly service or facility. This may occur, for example, where competition has been introduced in the long distance and international markets but the local market remains a monopoly. The two problems are cost- shifting/cross-subsidization and discrimination. The first problem arises if the monopoly service is regulated on a rate-of-return (profit) basis. If so, there is an incentive for the carrier with monopoly power to shift costs from the competitive service to the monopoly service. Shifting costs in this manner artificially raises the price of the monopoly service and allows the carrier to charge below-cost rates for the competitive service. This results in the captive customers paying above- cost rates for the monopoly services and hampers the development of a viable market for the competitive services. An example of this situation could occur when a carrier with monopoly power in the provision of local facilities or services wants to enter the long distance market or information services market. The second problem occurs when control over an essential service or facility necessary for a competitive service enables the monopoly carrier to discriminate in favor of its own competitive offering. For example, a carrier with monopoly power in the provision of local facilities or services has the incentive to discriminate in favor of its own long distance or information service. This discrimination may manifest itself in the form of better quality interconnection or faster installation times for needed facilities or services. What follows is an overview of some of the tools that are available to policymakers and regulators to discourage or prevent cost-shifting/cross-subsidization and discrimination. These tools or techniques can be used alone or in combination. The more stringent techniques may be appropriate when and where the threat is greatest. Less stringent techniques may be appropriate as competition takes hold in the previously monopolized market. Outright Prohibition on Providing the Competitive Product or Service One technique for preventing a carrier with monopoly power from cross-subsidizing and discriminating in the provision of a competitive service is to prohibit the carrier from entering the competitive market. Outright prohibitions have been and are being used in the United States. For example, the original agreement (Consent Decree) that led to the divestiture of the Bell Operating Companies from ATT prohibited the former from certain activities, including the provision of certain long distance services and information services. Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Bell Operating Companies are prohibited from offering long distance services and alarm services until certain conditions are met. While outright prohibition prevents cross-subsidization and discrimination, it may also deny the public the benefits of possible economies of scale or scope that may be derived if the carrier is allowed to provide the competitive service. Outright prohibition may also deny the public the benefits of innovation that might come from the participation of the monopoly carrier in the competitive market. Price Caps for Regulated Monopoly Services The incentive to shift costs from a competitive service to a monopoly service exists under profit regulation. Under price cap regulation, the prices of the monopoly services are capped (indexed to inflation and expected productivity increases). Price cap regulation has a number of advantages, including incentives for the carrier to be more efficient. It also discourages the monopoly provider from shifting costs from the competitive activity to the monopoly activity, because if the price of the monopoly service is capped, there is no incentive to shift costs from the competitive service to the monopoly service. Separate Subsidiary Requirement Under this requirement, the carrier with monopoly power is allowed to provide the competitive service, but only through a separate subsidiary or affiliate. The separate subsidiary requirement is combined with an obligation that the monopoly carrier treat the affiliated company no better than it treats unaffiliated providers of the competitive service. In other words, the monopoly carrier must deal with the affiliate on an arms- length basis. The regulator has the ability to control the degree of separateness. Examples of the requirements for separateness can include requirements that the monopoly provider and its affiliate: * Maintain separate books of account. * Utilize separate officers and personnel * Employ separate marketing activities * Not share common equipment or facilities * Adhere to certain restrictions on information flows that would unfairly benefit the competitive affiliate In addition, a typical requirement is that if the affiliate must obtain any transmission services from the monopoly provider, it must do so on a tariffed basis. Tariffing Requirements Tariffing is a fundamental technique traditionally used to protect users (both consumers and other carriers) against discrimination. Tariffing requires the regulated monopolist to file tariffs explaining its service rates, terms and conditions with the regulatory agency and to adhere to those rates, terms and conditions once the tariff is filed. Through the tariff and enforcement processes, which include opportunities for public comment, the regulator has some ability to prevent cross-subsidization and discrimination. Accounting Separation A requirement to maintain separate books of account can be adopted even without the imposition of a separate subsidiary requirement. Accounting separation typically requires the regulated monopoly provider to set up and maintain separate books of account for the competitive activity and to adhere to prescribed methods of separating costs. This provides a degree of protection against cross-subsidization. Imputation Requirements An imputation requirement obligates the regulated monopolist to charge the same amount for a service or facility provided to a competitive affiliate or operation that it charges to an unaffiliated provider, and to include that amount in the price it charges for the competitive service. Service Quality Reporting Requirements A service quality reporting requirement obligates the regulated monopolist to collect date and report on the quality of the services provided to both affiliated and unaffiliated competitors. This helps regulators detect and correct discrimination in the provision of essential services or facilities to competitors. Resale Requirements As discussed earlier, a resale requirement has a number of advantages in promoting competition. Resale can also help prevent cross-subsidization. For example, where a carrier has market power in the provision of switched services but there is competition in the provision of private lines, the carrier may try to increase the price of the switched service in order to cross-subsidize and thus under-price its private line offering. If the carrier is required to allow the resale of the private line offerings, however, entrepreneurs could combine the private lines with their own switching, and undercut the prices of the monopolists switched service offering. This has the effect of discouraging the carrier with market power from engaging in cross-subsidization. Unbundling Requirements An unbundling requirement forces the regulated monopolist to make network elements available to competitors on an unbundled basis under rates, terms and conditions that are just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory.

Best marketing mix for selling refrigerators

Best marketing mix for selling refrigerators Wholesaler and retailer have many resembles, but also they have many differences. Wholesaler and retailer are working together for making a profit. Wholesaler sells to the retailer, retailer sell the products to the end consumer. Wholesaler sell only on large quantities and their prices are for whole quantities, on the other hand retailer sells on smaller quantities and is marked up from the wholesalers prices. Wholesaler and retailer receive goods from wide range of different sources and then redistribute them to convenient locations along with a marketing package that is valued by their customer of the final consumer according to Brassington and Pettitt (2003). There is a big distinction between wholesaler and retailer, because wholesaler is focused on business B2B (business to business), on the other hand retailer is focused on B2C (business to consumer). Retailer is the most important part in business, because they connect brands to final consumer. As Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong (2010) retailing includes all the activities involved in selling products or services directly to the final consumer for their personal, nonbusiness use. Also, retailer has much more cost than wholesaler. For example: rent, employees, taxes, loss/breakage, advertising. On the other hand wholesalers have to pay for less stuff. For example: the phone bill or clerks payroll for taking an order. Wholesaler is also an important par in business. Wholesalers help the manufacturers to reach many small customers at a low cost, wholesaler also select items and build assortments to sell to their customers and many other aspects. According to Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong (2010) there are four types of wholesalers: Merchant wholesalers are the largest single group of wholesalers, accounting for roughly 50% of all wholesaling. They have two broad types: full service wholesalers and limited-service wholesaler. A broke brings buyer and sellers together and make negotiations. Agents represent buyers and sellers on a more permanent basis. 1 Personal Selling is the impersonal arm of the promotion mix. A companys salesperson create and communicate customers value through personal personal interactions with customers (Kotler and Armstrong , 2010). Personal selling is available for many years and maybe this is the oldest profession in the world. People who do selling have many different names such as salesperson, sales representative, district managers, account executives, sales consultants, sales engineers, agents and account development reps. Personal selling according to Keegen Green (2011) is person-to-person selling communications between a company representative and a prospective buyer. On the whole, the salesperson is persuading the potential customer to make a purchase and his job is to present the product well by using its advantages and disadvantages. Also the main step in persuading a person to make a sale is to understand customers` needs and organize the company`s efforts to solve customers problems. Most of t he salespersons are well-educated, well-trained professionals who add value for customers and make customer relationships. Keegen Green (2011) share that personal selling is also a popular marketing communication tool in countries with various restrictions on advertising. The term salesperson cover a wide range of positions for example they can be an order taker such as the department store salesperson, who is standing behind the counter. According to Armstrong and Kotler (2011) personal selling involves interpersonal interactions between salesperson and individual customers whether face-to-face, by telephone, via e-mail, through video or Web conferences, or by other means. Actually, many people consider that personal selling can be much more useful and better than advertising the products. Salesperson always can explore, probe the customer, to learn about their problems and to implement an marketing offer to them, which will fit the potential customer`s needs. Advertising in WEBSITES v. Advertising in DAILY NEWSPAPERS 2Advertising is a tool to persuade people to purchase a goods or services. It is mostly used by business firms, organizations, agencies to promote their products to various target publics. According to Kotler and Armstrong (2008) you have to make four important decisions, when developing and starting an advertising program: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Setting advertising objectives this is the first step and it should be defined very well, also it should be based on past decisions. Advertising should be accomplished with a specific target audience for a period of time. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Setting the advertising budget according to Kotler and Armstrong (2011) there are four common methods used to set the possible budget. Affordable method Percentage of sales method Competitive parity method Objective and task method à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Developing advertising strategy it consist of two important elements to be your advertising good: Advertising messages Selecting advertising media à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Evaluating advertising campaigns to choose the best places for you campaign according to you target mission. Advertising is defined by Kotler Armstrong (2005) as any paid form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods or services through mass media such as newspapers, magazines, television or radio by an identified sponsor. 3Advertising in websites is one of the most known types of advertising. It has its advantages, but on the other hand it has many some limitations, disadvantages. On the whole, it is good to advertise in websites, because you have high selectivity, low cost, immediacy and many interactive capabilities. But also we should have in mind the disadvantages such as demographically skewed audience, relatively low impact, audience controls exposure. Online advertising appear as banners, pop-ups, flash movies, email advertising, backgrounds, wallpapers and so on. Here you can see an example of banners: Sources: www.abv.bg, www.vbox7.com , www.sportni.bg A great advantage of advertising online is that you can administrate and run your media anytime. And there are different types of purchasing your advertisement, but of them are most used: CPC (Cost per click) advertisers pay only when visitors click on banners and are redirected to their websites. CPA (Cost per action) when a member complete a transaction, such as a purchase or sign-up. Advertiser , in most cases,prefer this type of advertising, because it ignores any inefficiency in the sellers. CPM (Cost per Mile) also it is as cost per impressions Advertiser pay per thousand impressions or loads of his advertisement, which has shown in the website. Paul Baines, Chris Fill and Kelly Page (2008) claim that these forms of advertising are best way to drive traffic to your website and also encourage people to make a purchase. Also they assert that online advertising the fastest growing advertising medium in history. As Frances Brassington Stephen Pettitt print media, such as local and national newspapers, special interest magazines and trade publications, have thus become the primary focus for most organizations. Advertising in newspapers give us the opportunity to communicate with our potential customers quickly and flexible. Newspapers are regularly scheduled publications, which contains news, articles, information and advertisements. This type of advertising offers us a wide range of advertising opportunities and audiences. There are two types of newspapers: 4 Daily newspapers: are published every day with some exceptions. For example on Sundays and some holidays. They are issued in the morning and they consist of advertising inserts, stories, news from the previous day and are posted at the last page some jokes and crosswords. Weekly newspapers: this are newspapers which are smaller than daily newspapers and are also published two-three times a week. Newspapers are of the most used types of advertising and their advantage is that they can be afforded not only by national chains of retailers, car manufacturers but also to small companies, which start a business. The main problem of newspaper advertising according to Brassington Pettitt (2006) is targeting. It is linked to its cost-efficiency and advertisers want to have more selection in targeting, because in newspapers wastage rates is high. Newspapers have shorter lifespan, because they are used and people throw them and do not use more. BENEFITS SOUGHT or DEMOGRAPHIC segmentation Market segmentation is the process of dividing large heterogeneous markets into smaller, homogeneous subsets of people or business with similar needs and/or responsiveness to marketing mix offerings (Kinnear and Bernhardt, 1990). Segmentation have wide definition. There are many examples of market segmentation: when you go to a shop in soft-drinks section you will find soft-drinks to different brads, with sugar, no sugar, with and without caffeine, in different flavors, in returnable bottles, in cans, in individually containers or in six packed- this is the concept of market segmentation. Segmentation has many types, but in this paper will be reviewed only two: benefits sought and demographic segmentation. Benefits sought is a type of segmentation and it groups people in different benefits that they seek from the product. According to Gary Armstrong Philip Kotler (2011) benefit segmentation requires fining the major benefits people look for in the product class, the kinds of people who seek for each benefit, and the major brands that deliver each benefit. And also they give some examples: 5 Fit and Polish consumer want something, which is balanced between function and style, they exercise for results but want to look good doing it. Serous Sports Competitors they desire a combination between performance and function. Value Seeking Moms they are shopping for the family and they are looking for durability and value. Thus, each segment seek a different mix of benefits. Gary Armstrong Philip Kotler (2011). Demographic segmentation is concerned about segments, which are based on Age consumer needs and want change with age Gender this segmentation is used in clothing, cosmetics, toiletries and magazines. Family size family life cycle Income Occupation Education levels of population Religion Race Family Nationality Generation 6According to Gary Armstrong Philip Kotler (2011) demographic segmentation is the most popular bases for segmenting groups. As Thomas Kinnear Kenneth Bernhardt (1990) segmentation is the most popular way marketers identify important market segments and target markets. Demographic changes can create opportunities for marketing innovation according to Wareen Keegen Mark Green (2011). Moreover they give us an example of two entrepreneurs in France, who have significantly improved their business. They started with a small specialized stores of about 5000 square meters floor space and as a demographic segmentation they made a big corporation and now they are one of the biggest companies in the world. Analysis section: As we saw in this paper, selling is not an easy task. You should have many skills, you have to find customers needs to persuade them to buy and the most important thing is the customer to be satisfied from the product, which he bought. Nowadays, it is difficult to decide which distribution channel, marketing mix or which segmentation to use because the world is becoming more and more different and people are influenced by different things. Selling refrigerators is actually difficult, because every people have different preferences. What is best for selling refrigerators wholesalers-retailers connection or personal selling, which has been proved with the years as one of the best ways to sell something. Wholesaler-retailer is a good method to sell refrigerators in this particular case, because it is possible not to have the products, which customer is need and immediately you may purchase them from the wholesaler, it will ask the manufacturer for the given type of refrigerator and del ivery will be done. The customer will be glad that have receive a refrigerator, which he want most and the wholesaler-retailer will be satisfied that will earn money. On the other hand personal selling is other good way for selling refrigerators, because you are with the potential customer and you could easily to understand what are his desires and to suggest the best product, which will fit the customer. In this paper I will use the results of a marketing research, which was made in Sofias malls. 7Figure1. Who influenced men and women, when shopping. In our marketing research men and women were asked about the person, who influenced their decision, when making a purchase or who they asked when they have questions concerned about the best product. In Figure1 we can see that men and women request assistance, when they are buying something. Lets assume that these men and women will buy refrigerator, they will be influenced by shop assistant, which means that personal selling is a good method to persuade the customer to make a purchase. I do not want to say that wholesaler-retailer is not a method which help running many business. On the whole, it will help and will be a way of selling, but according to customers opinions, personal selling is better. What about the advertising, nowadays there is so much that sometimes managers get confused. One of the most powerful advertising tools available are websites and newspapers. In our case, which will help us more to persuade people to buy a refrigerator. Once more we will make a consultation to our previous marketing research about which advertising influenced more men and women. Figure 2. Which advertising influenced men and women as potential buyers. 8 Advertising in websites or newspapers is the given task in our case. Actually I have to mention here that Internet is becoming more and more in our live, so advertising in websites will be one of the most preferable places to advertise your product. In figure 1 we can see that men and women are influenced by advertisements in newspapers and magazines. Moreover, nowadays, most managers and companies decide to advertise their products by magazines, newspapers. For example we can find their offers freely everywhere. Most companies published every week a magazines/newspaper with their top and cheap products. Really, advertising in Internet is a good idea, we can have a strong advertisement, but is not preferred than newspapers. In newspapers customers may see a large photo of the product, their options and advantages, while in Internet they can only saw a banner and nothing more. People who want to buy technologies are more common to be influenced by advertisements in newspapers or magaz ines. So, as a conclusion we have to have in mind the customers preferences and their opinion about what influenced them to make a purchse and here newspapers advertising is better than advertising in internet. Definitely, advertising in Internet give us a grat opportunity to choose between different types to run our advertisements and to target specific group of people, but we observe that people are more influenced by advertisements in newspapers. Benefits sought and Demographic segmentations are appropriate for selling refrigerators, in our case. As to Palmer (2000) customer are becoming increasingly diverse in their needs. According to him some of the bases for identifying different types of customer are familiar such as age, gender, geographical location. Other such as attitudes and lifestyle. The main mission of segmentation is to identify groups of people, who will buy and respond to an offer. In our particular case, demographic segmentation and benefits sought will help us to sell more refrigerators. According to Jobber (1998) when examining criteria, the marketer is trying to identify good predictors of differences in buyer behavior. So, here you find analyses about better segmentation when purchasing a refrigerator. 9Benefits sought determine the people with different preferences, on the other hand demographic segmentation help us to find the best place to advertise our product. For example if we advertise in newspapers, we can choose the best place, which meets our targets and to advertise there. Demographic segmentation give us the opportunity to segment people and to choose best part, where we will buy more. Benefits sought also segment people according to their preferences. For example some people will need a white, black, noir or purple refrigerator, others will want to buy small or big, others will prefer to have a refrigerator which have many options (such as to make ice, to purified water and so on). In general, refrigerators are unique product among the white technologies and every family needs this technology. In an ideal world, each individual buyers would be considered to have 10unique set of needs, which they seek to satisfy Palmer (2000).

Target Corporation

Target Corporation Executive Summary: This report shows an in-depth study of Target Corporation, the accomplishments, and the programs offered, it shows why this is a place where consumers can shop in comfort and security. It also shows a place where people like to shop, and why people like Target Corporation. It goes beyond the cash registers, with a multitude of socioeconomic programs and community outreach endeavors. Target gives back to local communities on a large scale in education and internships for the development of our future leaders and business people. Target offers a workforce and a workplace that embrace diversity, which gives the corporation an economic advantage, which makes them more competitive in this global economy. Although, if you searched for bad comments about a corporation you can find them and this will hold true of any corporate giant. These articles are misleading and should not be taken out of context. We are dealing with the positive aspects of this Corporation that far outweigh the negativ e. So take a trip to your local Target store and see for yourself. Experience the helpful staff, the clean and bright shopping environment, and everything that Target is offering over the competition! The founders vision, for a company that is focused on all of the stakeholders remains clear. Team 1 has concluded that we do in fact like Target very much, and have enjoyed writing this report. Every one of us has formed a positive opinion of the discount chain, although the company is not perfect it does stand out as the best in its class. Other discount stores that compete with our favorite just do not measure up to the same commitment to the quality of the shopping experience. If you compared how the stores are kept and organized Target is always in the lead. Kmart and Wal-Mart may try to beat the pricing, but Target will match prices and always beat them with the overall shopping experience. We hope that this report will give you a better insight into why Target is the leader, from their commitment to the environment and local communities to the generosity shown to the educational system and charitable organizations. In addition, above all else it really is fun, pleasant, clean and economical to shop there. Our report focuses on five major things to consider: * The Business Plan. Their history plays a major factor in their success and we have found this is why it is a sound investment. It is why they are still a growing company worldwide.  · Environmental Concerns and Local Communities: How this company approaches the concerns of our environment is to be admired. As well as, their giving back to education and a multiple of charities is noteworthy.  · Employee Experience: People who work for this innovative entity have stated their overall satisfaction with their jobs. To mirror the community is a diversification goal also.  · Marketing Strategies: A clean, orderly and safe atmosphere coupled with competitively lower prices, and offering their own brands, is their true strategy.  · Advertizing: Top rated commercials, national popular sponsorships, and choice of logo and colors are the core of their advertizing campaigns. Because of these findings, we have concluded that Target is everything we love and more. We recommend that you do your shopping at a local Target store this holiday season, and enjoy your shopping experience as we do. Introduction: Why is Target so successful and why do we like shopping there so much? The purpose of this report is to show the details of positive attributes that this corporate giant has to offer, as individuals, as well as the local communities, the environment, and the world. * What are their economic standings, growth, and investment opportunities? Are they what we are looking for? * Are they a responsible company to the environment and local areas in which they do business? Are they kind to the less fortunate? * How do their employees feel about working there? Is diversity truly a goal and do they mirror their local communities? * When you enter the store do you feel comfortable and safe? Are the prices and products what you want to see? * Are the commercials and sponsorships memorable? Does the Target logo and colors stick with you afterwards? Background: This report is part of our Business Communications Class at College of the Sequoias; our topic (Target Corporation) was first chosen with others by our professor Lucy DeCaro then chosen again by Susan McCormick. All of us on Team 1 voted unanimously to claim Target as our company to research. We wanted to see if Target held up to our impressions we had prior to researching this company. If you have never shopped at a Target store, this might give you a reason to do so. Target is in almost every city in United States and is gaining a foothold in the global market place. Their logos are a household name with good feeling attached to it. Targets integrity is unmatched in the discount franchise market place. Our goal is to show the direct and indirect benefits that Target has to offer. We intend to prove that this store lives up to the advertizing and slogans we have heard and seen for years. We will highlight the key points and attributes of this company to show how even a corporate giant can be a down to earth positive force for our own personnel benefit and the benefit of others. Their Business Plan: The Target Way Target History in Brief In 1902 Dayton Dry Goods was formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota by George D. Dayton. In 1901 George was a banker / real estate investor who became a partner in Good Fellows Dry Goods Company. Within one year, he took over and became the owner / president and renamed Good Fellows Dry Goods. It was then called Dayton Dry Goods for ten years. In 1912 it is renamed The Dayton Company and is more widely known as Dayton Department Stores. In 1916, The Dayton Company starts Retail Research Association (A co-op of retailers) after two years becomes Associated Merchandising Corporation. 1 Target full_report Corporate ResponsibiltyIn 1920, the company faced a freight-handlers strike, which threatened to stop all delivery of merchandise to the stores. Therefore, Daytons decided to use airplanes to deliver the goods to the stores in Minneapolis. The good were in such high demand because of the strike, that the public escorted the planes though the streets to buy the goods thus started a new era of shipping methods. 1938 George D. Dayton dies and his son George N. Dayton takes over. 1950 George N. dies and Donald C. Dayton takes over as president and gradually all the grandsons take top positions in the company, a truly family owned company. In 1956, The Dayton Company spearheads the first fully enclosed shopping mall putting the top retailers in one shopping building. This was to address the sprawling suburbs needs and changed forever the way we shop here in America. 1960 Target is born. It was the innovative thinking that changed the Daytons Department stores into a new discount store chain we now call Target. It was in 1961 that Douglas J. Dayton targets the department stores vast wealth and knowledge to combine fashion, supermarkets, and discount quality into one shopping place. 1962 they debated and came up with Target as the name of the new chain. They also chose the red and white colors and a Bulls Eye as the new logo. â€Å"As a marksmans goal is to hit the center bulls-eye, the new store would do much the same in terms of retail goods, services, commitment to the community, price, value and overall experience.† May 1st 1962 Targets grand opening in Roseville, Minnesota, followed by St Louis Park, Crystal and Duluth, all in Minnesota within the same year. In addition, in 1966 Target starts up outside of Minnesota in Denver, Colorado. Dayton make the transformation complete as it becomes a national retailer and ceases to be the department store chain it once was. The stock goes public on Sept 6, 1967 with five divisions: Daytons Department Stores, Target Stores, B. Dalton Bookseller, Dayton Jewelers and Dayton Development Company. The next year the company defines the Target symbol Icon, The single red dot with one circle around it. (Target.com) Target has evolved in many ways, but a century later still adheres to the founders scrupulous sense of ethics, with thoughtful management, well-defined corporate governance, and continuity in leadership, Target sticks with Daytons view of giving back to community. Investing In The Target Way 1. Take Stock in Target Investing in Target Corporation (TGT: NYSE): Is it a good investment today? The stock market is a still quite volatile and with down turn in the economy, or recession, investors should think twice about it. Many of us are still licking our wounds and frustrated with our 401k plans. So, why invest with a company like target? Ockhams rating (as of 10-14-09) for the past ten years show the cash earnings ratio of price to sales per share highest to lowest are 1.13x to 0.72x. What this means is that the price of the stock must produce a certain cash flow ratio compared to the cost of each share. Targets cash earnings are one of the most important things to consider when thinking of investing in the company. (Dividends are not the most important thing, although, it is nice to get a check in the mail for owning a piece of the company.) The real deal is that if the price of the stock has the ability to generate cash earnings. (Does it make money?) This is what we call the P/E price to earnings ratio. As of 10-16-09, the price per share of Target stock is $51.35 and each share earns $2.86 per share per year. The price to earnings ratio is a bit on the high side at 18.10, based on historic values, (the lower the number the better) but still holds a rather firm grip with investors. Ockham also considers the recent economy and its historical ratios of 16.00 and to 10.02. Dividends are another factor to consider but not the biggest by any stretch at $.68 per share per year, meaning a yield of about 1.38% currently. You should also factor in the historical highs of 2.72% and a low of 0.50%. Today the median dividend is only off by about 14.29% of its median, which is not that good or bad. Overall, it is still a good and safe stock market investment today. (Ockham) 2. Economic Responsibility Target maintains the standards of well-defined corporate governance, a strong commitment to ethical operations, and transparent financial disclosure. (Target 43) Corporate governance has been a Target practice for more than fifty years. (Target 45) Target has a passion to create value for the customer, the stockholders, a value for employees, and a value for the communities in which they do business. Strong Corporate governance at Target starts with a Board of Directors that is independent, engaged, committed, and effective. The Board establishes, maintains, and monitors standards and policies for ethics, business practices, and compliance that span the company. Working with management, they set strategic business objectives, ensure that Target has leadership that is dynamic and responsive, track performance, and institute strong financial controls. Target believes in strengthening investor confidence and creating long-term shareholder value, so they can continue to deliver innovations that provide opportunities for customers and the Target Corporation. (Target Report 45) When searching for companies to invest in, character counts. Target has won numerous awards for these things. (Target Report 47) The 2009 Awards  · Target ranked 41st on the list of â€Å"Americas Most Reputable Companies† Forbes * Target ranked one of the â€Å"Worlds Most Ethical Companies† Ethisphere magazine  · Target named one of â€Å"25 Noteworthy Companies for Diversity† Diversity Inc * Target named one of â€Å"Americas Most Shareholder-Friendly Companies† Institutional Investor magazine  · Target named one of â€Å"Americas Most Popular Stores† Forbes * Target recognized as â€Å"Best in Class for Corporate Governance† Governance Metrics International (GMI) * Target ranked 19th of 363 companies on the list of Worlds Most Admired Companies Fortune magazine * Target ranked 11th among the â€Å"Top 100 Employers of the Class of 2009†Black Collegian magazine * Target named one of the â€Å"Best Places to Work for Recent Grads† Experience.com * Target recognized on Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index Dow Jones * Target ranked 8th on the list of â€Å"Best Places to Launch a Career† Business Week The details of Target Corporation, accomplishments, and the programs offered, show why this is a place where consumers can shop in comfort and security. This report shows a place where people like to shop, and why people like Target. From front end to back end, Target has all the bases covered. Target Corporation goes beyond the cash registers, with a multitude of socioeconomic programs and community outreach endeavors. Target gives back to local communities on a large scale in education and internships for the development of our future leaders and business people. Target offers a workforce and a workplace that embrace diversity, which gives the corporation an economic advantage to be competitive in this global economy. (Target pressroom) Although, if you searched for bad comments about Target you can find them, this is true about any big company. (Complaint board) These are misleading, and should be put to the test. We are dealing with the positive aspects of this Corporation that f ar outweigh the latter statement. So take a trip to your local Target store and see for yourself, the helpful staff, the clean and bright shopping environment, and everything that Target is offering over the competition! The founders vision, for a company, that focuses on all of the stakeholders remains clear. (Target Report) Expanding 1. New Targets have Environmental Concerns It starts with their architecture and storefront design. â€Å"Target Corp. is breaking out of the big-box mold with unique exterior designs for its new and renovated stores.†They are being required by the cities where Target wants to build new stores that they not only are attractive, but also fit the surrounding community themes. They are doing just that in many of the hosting cities by working with Eames Gilmore, senior manager of architecture of store designs for Target. In order to stay profitable the store design and cost must reach a balance between Targets profitability and cities demands. The exterior designs must also reflect the Target image of cleanliness, modern, and upscale merchandise inside the stores. (John Vomhof Jr.) 2. Super Targets The first Super Target opened in Omaha, Nebraska in 1995. 218 Super Target stores have opened in 22 different U.S states. Most of the stores have opened in Texas and Florida. Super Target stores are approximately 175,000 square feet, offering many amenities to its guests, including a bakery, deli, full grocery selection, and fresh produce. Most Super Targets have a Starbucks, and Pizza hut express. Some stores even have a Taco Bell Express, but are currently being phased out. Super Targets also have a Pharmacy, Target Photo, Target Portrait Studio, and some stores also have a U.S Bank or Wells Fargo. Targets goal is to make their stores a one stop shop, to many shoppers. These days time is money, and to be able to do your banking, grocery shopping and pick your prescription up in one stop is just what we are looking for. (Wikipedia) 3. The Target Way Website targetdotcom.jpg 2 Started in 1999 â€Å"www.target.com† is an enormous and viable part of the corporate entity, started in 1999 it remains a great stronghold to the company profile. They do so well that Target.com is rivaled only by Amazon and eBay for new shoppers visiting the site in December, and they growing by an annual 26% increase year after year. They are in the top eleven online retailers for the overall strongest sales. (Internet Retailer) This is very impressive for the online community as Target is an internet and World Wide Web giant. This just proves again that innovation and forward thinking of the marketing strategy is truly one to make an example of. Target.com is so well designed that almost anyone can complete their shopping in little to no time at all. It offers many different uses such as finding a local store, viewing the weekly ad, gift registry, photo and pharmacy. The website has many offers for the consumers during the holidays such as free shipping if you spend more than $50 online. You can also purchase a gift for a loved one online and have it shipped directly to your family member. Target also uses its website for employees who can view and print their paychecks as well as sign up for benefits. (Target.com) Diversity 1. The Strength of Many the Power of One Our Commitment The strength of many. The Power of One. 3 42% of Target team members are ethnic minorities (vs. 32% across the u.s) 59% of target team members are women (vs. 48% across the u.s.) 4 Target renamed it diversity program â€Å"the strength of many the power of one†. Diversity at Target isnt a program; it is a core value that is integrated into every area of their business. Target takes pride in being a performance based company that gives equal opportunity to all that perform, and boldly defines diversity as individuality. Targets Diversity Statement on Target .com states; â€Å"Individuality may include a wide spectrum of attributes such as personal style, age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, physical ability, religion, family, citizenship status, socioeconomic circumstances, education and life experiences.† To Target diversity is an attribute that makes an individual unique that does not interfere with effective job performance. Target has also taken steps to extend their domestic partner benefits to straight, gay, and lesbian employees. And has received a score of 86 on the Human Right Campaigns equality index score. Target was also named â€Å"One of the top 100 best companies for working mothers† in 2004. (Wikipedia) 2. Mirror the Community Targets goal is to make sure their employees mirror the diversity of their communities as stated in J. Groves personal communication report (2007). As each employee during their training, usually within the first three months of employment, attend courses teaching them about some of the situations they may be faced with and help them to understand the value of diversity with Target. Some of the classes they attend cover dealing with differences among the employees, effective communication skills, working in a multi cultural workplace, and managing inclusion. It is Targets commitment to diversity, their value of the communities in which their stores are, and the ability to hire employees with the same values that keep Targets arms wide open to diversity. (J. Groves) Environmental Concerns and Local CommunitIES Environmental Responsibilities 1. Plans and Goals Target knows the responsibility it shares in taking care of the environment and being a good steward of our natural resources. With these things in mind, Targets plan is thus: * Minimize their carbon footprint * Use resources responsibly * Eliminate waste * Offer a selection of natural, organic and eco-friendly products * Develop facilities that align environmentally, community and business needs * Influence their vendors and suppliers to embrace sustainable practices (Target Report) 2. Reducing the Carbon Footprint Carbon Footprint, the new buzzwords in corporate talk these days, many corporations build this into their overall marketing plan. A marketing plan is not just advertising and selling the product, it is the entire goal and plan of the company with an insight of how the company will affect all stakeholders. The stakeholder in this instance is the environment. Target has since 1989 been using an energy management system, that optimizes their use of energy. According to testimony given to Congress, the U.S. Green Building Council states that buildings emit 39% of all U.S. CO2 and use 71% of the nations electricity.(USGBC) Targets energy management systems, is centrally located and monitored at the corporate headquarters to enable company-wide energy policy and troubleshooting. Along with the close supervision of energy consumption, Target is now looking at the feasibility of retrofitting stores with on-site energy systems, to include renewable energy such as solar cells (see 5) and fuel cell technology, with a goal to reduce Targets overall carbon footprint. Solar roof panels harness the suns energy at a Los Angeles Target store. 3. Eliminating Waste Post Consumer Products has been a great way Target has been generating revenue. Target maintains programs to recycle, corrugated cardboard, electronics, plastics, mixed paper, aluminum and much more. Target also creates policy for internal actions that are much stricter than the local and regional regulations to ensure compliance, with an eye on protecting the natural resources of our planet. Corporate keeps in mind that any company which does not respect the communities that they do business in, and take a proactive environmental stand, will ultimately fail. Target proves that they understand the power of the court of public opinion. (Target Report 28) 4. Offering a Selection of Natural, Organic and Eco-friendly Products Target Food and Grocery is an organic produce retailer, the USDA certified Target in 2006 and Target now carries more than 700 organic items. Many of the organic items that Target sells, are owned-brand items from Archer Farms © label. They produce milk, cereal, whole-wheat pasta, pizza, applesauce, frozen yogurt, olives, tea, and so many other products. (Target Report 31) The health and beauty selection at Target also maintains environmentally responsible standards. All of the personal care products have not been developed through animal testing, and are free of synthetic materials such as phthalates, sulfates and parabens. These standards of environmentally conscious and consumer minded ideals have made Target an industry leader and innovator in how to conduct responsible business in our communities and throughout the world. (Target Report 31) Target also influences vendors, how they use resources, ethical and product safety standards, and the fair treatment of all employees. Target requires that vendors guarantee that all goods are made in compliance with all relevant laws, both U.S. and the laws of the country in which the goods are produced. This includes the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which governs how employers pay and treat their employees. To be in compliance with this contract term, the vendors must confirm that their business partners are also in compliance with the law. In addition, they establish similar basic minimum requirements in certain countries where labor laws are not yet well developed. If a vendor violates their agreement, the penalties range from the loss of the contract or order to the loss of all future business with Target. (Target Report) Local Communities and Schools 1. Community Outreach Since 1946 Target has given 5% of income through community grants and programs that support education and the arts and social services. Whether it helps kids read, make art supplies available or offering emergency aid in a time of crisis, Target demonstrates its commitment to its communities in many ways. Some of the ways Target supports the community is through giving red card holders the option to choose which school locally they choose to donate 1% of their purchase to. Also Target celebrates Dr. Seusss birthday yearly with volunteers at each store to read to children. Target also provides seniors with a personal shopper during the holidays and even assists them with free gift wrapping. These are just a few of the great things Target does within their stores. Target focuses its community giving efforts in four key areas: arts, education, social services, and other vital partnerships. Arts: Target supports arts experiences that are family-oriented and affordable, including programs such as art exhibits, free days at museums, classes, performances and those that bring the arts to schools or schoolchildren to the arts. Education: Reading is an essential element of each childs educational process. Target supports programs that promote a love of reading or encourage children to read together with their families. We specifically focus on programs that inspire young readers (birth through 3rd grade). In addition, our Take Charge of Education program is a school fundraising initiative. â€Å"Ready. Sit. Read!† is dedicated to fostering a life-long love of reading in children. The program focuses on children from birth to age nine, and was developed in partnership with the United States Department of Education. â€Å"Ready. Sit. Read!† includes a partnership with the national non-profit organization Reach Out and Read; sponsorship of the Library of Congress Letters about Literature project; monthly childrens crossword puzzles; and sponsorship of book festivals throughout the country. Target also supports United Through Reading, a program to help deployed military members and their children stay connected by videotaping the parent reading a book, sending that video to his/her children, and returning a video to the parent that shows the reaction of the child watching the video of the deployed parent reading. Social Services: Target supports organizations that help build strong communities in which we do business. For example, they support organizations that help prevent family violence such as parenting classes and family counseling. In addition, they also provide assistance for support groups and abuse shelters. Other Vital Partnerships: Target supports communities through numerous volunteer programs and the United Way. We are a partner with the American Red Cross to support immediate and on-going disaster relief and preparedness. Our partnership with United Way is one of the most successful campaigns in retail. In keeping with partnerships around the world, Target considers its stewardship vital to the success of all stakeholders and resources. (Target.com) 2. Schools and Education Target supports education with the help of our REDcardsm holders, they have donated more than $260,000,000 to K-12 schools since 1997. Take Charge of Education was launched in 1997 and has contributed to over $260 million to more than 110,000 schools nationwide. Through the Take Charge of Education program, Target donates an amount equal to 1% of REDcardsm (Target Visa and Target Card) purchases made at Target and Target.com and 1/2% of Target Visa purchases made elsewhere, to the eligible K-12 school of the cardholders choice. Schools have used these unrestricted funds for everything from student recognition programs and new playground equipment to library books and school musical costumes. An impressive 9 million Target cardholders participate in the program. The Target Corporation will award 5,000 field trip grants of up to $800 each for the coming K-12 school year. Managed by Scholarship America, the Target Field Trip Grants Program is open to education professionals who are at least 18 years old and employed by an accredited K-12 public, private, or charter school in the US with a 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1) tax-exempt status. Educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff of these institutions must be willing to plan and execute a field trip that will provide a demonstrable learning experience for students .Grant funds may be used for visits to art, science, and cultural museums; community service or civics projects; career enrichment opportunities; and other events or activities away from the school facility. Funds may also be used to cover field trip-related costs such as transportation, ticket fees, resource materials, and supplies, (Stephanie Gerding Pam MacKellar librarygrants.blogspot.com) TCOE (Take Charge of Education ©): Target assists K-12 schools in generating extra income by providing all the necessary formats. Target provides clip art that allows the school to create personalized material for fundraisers, website banners and flyers for their events. Here is how target helps schools raise money. Targets take Charge of Education Campaign gives the schools links to download. With the following links: * Promotion Letter * Thank-You Letter * Donation Letter * Press Release * Full-Page Flyers (8.5 x 11) * Download a Banner * Clip Art * Website Banners All you have to do is click on the subject you want, highlight, cut and paste and you create the document appropriate for the event. (Target.com) Target gives the schools tips for success  · Use your parent newsletter and school website to encourage RED cardholders in your community to enroll in Take Charge of Education. Express your thanks to those parents who have designated your school! * Generate excitement—set a donation goal and share your progress. * Tell the community how much your school received from Take Charge of Education, and how it was used. Talk about how the program is making a difference. * Make it easy for people to designate your school by providing the community with your 5-digit school ID assigned by Target. If you would like to participate in Take Charge of Education but prefer an option that does not involve credit cards, you can choose to promote the Target Check Card. It links directly to an existing checking account, with all of the ongoing rewards of a RED card credit account. (Target.com) 3. Charities, The United Way, Salvation Army, Red Cross and The Target House Social Services 6 Target is very active in donation to other local charities such as the United Way. Target has actively supported the United Way since 1962. According to Target.com, Target and individual team members donated 13 million dollars in 2008, as well as donating 32,000 volunteer hours as part of the United Way campaign. Target also proudly supports the Salvation Army. In 2008 Target provided 2.42million in direct support of the Salvation Armys mission and programs. Target is also active with the American Red Cross providing relief to flood, fire and tornado victims, Target team members donate time and money on an as needed basis. http://www.joshsportstalk.com/Target-House-Front.gif 7 Since the opening of The Target House in 1999, Target in partnership with St. Judes Hospital provides long term housing for patients and their families during their treatment, all at no cost to the family. Patients are assigned to the Target House if the patients treatment is set to be longer than three months. The Target House features 96 two bedroom apartments, fully furnished. They also provide families with free laundry facilities, a playground, a music room, a gym and a library full of books and movies. The Target house is set up to make families feel at home during their loved ones treatment. To date the Target house has housed 1,290 families from 42 states and 36 countries. (stjude.org) The Target Employee Is It a Good Job? 1. The Employee Experience