Business Essays Business Plan

Business Essays Business Plan Business Plan Introduction To assess the viability of Star of India’s business plan, it is useful to consider three aspects of the plan: Suitability – concerned with whether the business plan fits the internal and external environment that Star of India operates in Acceptability – this refers to stakeholders’ expectations of the business plan Feasibility – this relates to how achievable the business plan is This report will address all three aspects and show whether the plan is viable under each. Suitability Suitability is concerned with analysing Star of India’s business plan based on an analysis of its internal and external environment to obtain its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Strengths and Weaknesses Star of India’s strengths and weaknesses, derived from an analysis of its internal resources reveal the following: Money This is a definite strength as the return on capital employed (ROCE), gross and net margins are impressive ROCE calculated as net profit divided by capital employed and multiplied by 100 is 112% for the year ROCE reveals the amount of profit earned from the injection of capital or net assets into the business.   This high ROCE is due to the high net profit made from Star of India’s operations Gross margin calculated as gross profit divided by sales multiplied by a 100 is 75% Gross margin reveals that Star of India is efficient in converting the cost of goods sold into income from sales Net margin is calculated as net profit divided by sales and multiplied by 100 – i.e. 46% It compares how much profit Star of India makes when compared with  £1 of income.   It shows how effective the business will be in controlling its expenses These figures show that the plan is suitable from a financial perspective. Break-even is expected to occur between August and September, by which time the total sales revenue will equal total cost for the period.   The margin of safety, i.e. the excess of expected sales over break-even sales is approximately  £490,000 (i.e. total sales for the year minus total sales from April – August 2006). Marketing Marketing is a key consideration.   Good money is being spent on advertising.   Advertising in the industry is mainly through word of mouth and leaflets.   By advertising through television and radio, the possibility to gain increased business is real. As Star of India is an unknown quantity, it is vital that a lot of effort and money should go into marketing.   However, the business could use its considerable profits to invest more in Marketing/advertising. The price being charged for its dishes contributes to the high profits, but the question that needs to be addressed here is, is it suitable to achieve competitive advantage?   If the prices are below or match industry average then it is suitable – if not, then customers would rather go to an established competitor.   The prices charged are competitive. The plan has accounted for seasonal variation as demand should rightly decrease during the summer months due to holidays. Opportunities and Threats In this industry, the main issues are: The extent of competitive rivalry The social behaviour of the population Power of customers Health and safety issues Because the competition is fierce, Star of India must ensure the prices it charges at least matches the industry average.   Otherwise, customers (who have a lot of choice due to the numerous competitors) will eat elsewhere, bearing in mind Star of India is a new entrant to the restaurant business.   Therefore, matching industry average could be a threat as the Star of India brand is yet to be discovered and trusted People eat a lot outside their homes nowadays (social behaviour) due to increasingly busy lifestyles, this consequently means that the opportunities for getting a good customer base exist. Health and safety issues are very important to the government (who can close down business if unsatisfied with their health and safety initiatives or lack of it) and customers would basically like to eat in a clean environment – this provides an opportunity for Star of India. Acceptability For the business plan to be acceptable, it must meet the needs of the main stakeholders, who in this case are: The owner The customers The Government The employees These people will have different needs.   The business plan, on the whole will be acceptable to these shareholders due to the following: The owner The owner is interested in: Making a profit Increasing the number of customers Reducing costs The plan reveals that all of these will be met. As mentioned previously, ROCE, gross margin and net margin forecasts are impressive indeed and would no doubt exceed the management’s expectations especially during the first year of operation.   There is also a positive cash flow in all but one month.   This is important for the business to be able to honour its credit commitments as they fall due.   Star of India can also use the profits to grow the business.   The plan also indicates an increase in the customer base, starting with 1820 customers in April and ending the year with a forecast of 7000.   Again, this indicates a growth plan, which should be acceptable to the owner. Although costs will be rising, this will be at a slower rate than revenue – again, this is acceptable. The customers will be interested in obtaining quality food, at competitive prices in a clean environment, delivered with good customer service.   Star of India is confident of achieving all of these. To achieve the service needs of customers, the employees need to be well trained and highly motivated.   The plan for the next financial year is to use the profits to train and develop new and existing employees and also to reward them through incentives. The government needs to ensure that Health and Safety standards are being met, taxes are being paid and that customers and employees are not being exploited – consequently, Star of India is confident that the government will be acceptable. Feasibility The employee and management are experienced, therefore, delivering quality food through superior customer service is feasible. The business plan reveals there are enough resources to meet the costs of the business – arguably too much resource.   How many new businesses could make such vast amounts of money?   The plan has barriers in the form of competitive rivalry, so the forecasts could be at risk of being regarded as too optimistic, admittedly. The prices charged may need to be reviewed, if they are too high.   Even if they reflect industry prices, it would be advisable to lower them as Star of India is a new business.   This will ensure more customers who are made aware through advertising, will be attracted to the eatery, thus making the sales forecasts more realistic.   This could be done as a promotion, for instance, for six months. More money could also be allocated to advertising from the vast amount of profit to ensure the optimistic customer targets are achieved. Conclusion The plan is very viable, when taken into account its suitability and acceptability. However, although it appears feasible, Star of India could be a bit cleverer to achieve high market share and thus competitive advantage by cutting its prices – this should make it more feasible. The business should be an immense success if these factors are taken into account.   BIBLIOGRAPHY www.bized.ac.ukwww.businessknowhow.comwww.moneychimp.comwww.nonprofits.orgwww.smalltownmarketing.comwww.unb.ca

Factors to Develop a Doctor-Patient Relationship

Factors to Develop a Doctor-Patient Relationship Patients and Health care Professionals need to communicate about many different aspects of health and illness. With reference to a specific example, outline the factors that the health professionals would need to consider when preparing to discuss this issue with a patient. The medical consultation is considered to be one of the most important phases in the care of a patient (Bennet, 1979; Beck et al., 2001). Especially in long term illnesses, health care professionals have a close relationship with their patients; the main reason is because of the nature of this relationship itself, as they are both involved in illness in their own different ways (Bennet, 1979; Ong et al., 1995; Pendleton Hasler, 1983; Molleman et al., 1984; Morrison, 1994; Usherwood, 1999). Through this relationship, health professionals and patients are constantly exchanging information (Ong et al., 1995; Morrison, 1994; Usherwood, 1999); patients are the ones who experience illness and discomfort, and are seeking for both care (feeling that health care professionals know and understand them) and cure (need to define the health problem), (Stimson Webb, 1975; Usherwood, 1999; Ong et al., 1995), whereas health professionals are the ones with the knowledge, experience and the ability to help patients (Bennet, 1979; Messer Meldrum, 1995; Usherwood, 1999). Therefore, physicians and patients are interdependent and influence each other during their interactions (Stimson Webb, 1975; Bennet, 1979; Ong et al., 1995; Pendleton Hasler, 1983; Leigh Reiser, 1985). In order to have a functional doctor-patients relationship, an effective medical consultation and better health outcomes, good communication between physicians and patients is required (Ong et al., 1995; Stewart, 1995). As research indicates, the need for good communication is greater when it is between physicians and patients with fatal medical diseases, such as cancer (Molleman et al., 1984; Ong et al., 1995; Ong et al., 1999). Therefore, health professionals’ role is even more important, since they will need to be prepared for the consultation. Before their meeting, both patients and health care professionals have expectations and anticipations for the consultation and of course are preparing for their face to face interaction (Stimson Webb, 1975; Leigh Reiser, 1985). Health professionals have several subjects to consider and be prepared for, before any cancer consultation, such as medical information that need to be discussed during their interaction with cancer patients , but also factors that may influence their between interaction and communication (Stimson Webb, 1975; Faulkner Maguire, 1994). To begin with, the first factor that health care professionals should consider and be prepared for, before the meeting, is the patients’ emotional state, which can affect both the course and outcome of a consultation (Faulkner Maguire, 1994). The patients’ mood is influenced by numerous factors, such as their current medical condition and experience of illness, their personal information, such as age, culture, education or even the received support from their social networks (Faulkner Maguire, 1994; Suinn VandenBos, 2000; Lin et al., 2003). Bearing all these factors in mind, physicians should understand that working with cancer patients can be challenging and emotionally difficult (Faulkner Maguire, 1994). Although physicians cannot foresee their patients’ mood for their upcoming consultation, they can be prepared for different scenarios and think of different strategies of how to professionally handle difficult situations and yet provide the best quality care (Faulkner Maguire, 1994). First of all, one of the most difficult aspects when consulting with a patient is the breaking of bad news or having to answer difficult questions, for example questions regarding life expectancy and death (Buckman, 1984; Faulkner Maguire, 1994). When informing cancer patients about the severity of their condition, the amount of information to be shared with the cancer patient, depends on the patient himself, for example, cancer patients are often unaware of their condition or patient does not want to be informed about the severity of his/hers condition (Faulkner Maguire, 1994; Maguire, 1999). Nevertheless, the approach which is used to present bad news to the cancer patient, is extremely impor tant, since it can influence not only their way of coping with the psychological impact of the cancer, but also it can influence their future adjustment to both the cancer and the treatment (Fallowfield et al., 1990). According to Fujimori and Uchitomi (2009), when patients receive bad news, they want afterwards, their physicians to be supportive as this can help them relieve their emotional distress. Therefore, it is important for health care professionals to consider whether their patient would like to know about the severity of their condition and be prepared not only to inform their patients but also to listen to their concerns and support them. Furthermore, when patients are dealing with a new unknown and therefore frightening situation, they are hoping that through the consultation their need for information will be covered and that they would be able to ask questions and get answers from their physician (Molleman et al., 1984; Faulkner Maguire, 1994). Most of the times, the questions asked from cancer patients are awkward and often reflect the patients’ fears and worries, but also indicate that the patient is thinking and is troubled by the idea of death (Faulkner Maguire, 1994). Even though answering these difficult questions can be challenging for health care professionals, it is important to make sure that patient’s need for information is established. Giving information to cancer patients, is an indication that physician is paying attention and understands their needs, and therefore help reduce feelings of uncertainty and fear (Molleman et al., 1984). Another difficult situation which health care professionals must be prepared to face is their patient’s psychological mood (Faulkner Maguire, 1994). It is very common that cancer patients may be withdrawn and often overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness or even experience anger, which is often a form of defense mechanism (Maguire et al. 1993; Faulkner Maguire, 1994). However, it is essential that patients’ psychological condition is assessed if it is consider dangerous for the patients’ condition (Maguire et al. 1993; Faulkner Maguire, 1994). Moreover, before meeting with cancer patients, practitioners need to bear in mind that they both arrive at the meeting with different knowledge and skills (Leigh Reiser, 1985). During consultations physicians may use medical jargon, which is difficult to be understood by cancer patients (Bennet, 1979; Leigh Reiser, 1985). According to Leigh and Reiser (1985), there is the risk that patients may jump to their own conclusions through what they believe they heard or what they understood physicians told them. As a result, the use of medical definitions may lead to unwanted non-communication and misinterpretation between physicians and patients (Leigh Reiser, 1985; Fallowfield Jenkins, 1999; Chapman et al., 2003). Even when patients are properly informed about their conditions, and their options, it is often difficult for the patients to remember all the information they were given, due to the complexity of these information (Kessels, 2003). As mention by Kessels (2003), the use of written language may help improve to remember and better understand the information given during a consultation. Therefore, it would be useful if health care professionals have prepared or found some leaflets or even written down essential information and instruction (when medication is required), that may help their patients. Thus, health professionals need to be prepared to explain the condition to the patient and be as specific as possible, with the use of nontechnical language, but more importantly to ensure that their patient has understood and has received sufficient information (Leigh Reiser, 1985; Faulkner Maguire, 1994; Ong et al., 1995). Furthermore, health care professionals do not interact and talk only to their patients; most of the times during a consultation a member of the family or a close friend are also present to support the cancer patient but also to get information about the condition of their loved ones (Labrecque et al., (1991); Delvaux et al., 2005). Even though family and friends can influence the way a patient understands and experiences illness (Usherwood, 1999; Delvaux et al., 2005) and are usually involved in decision making, their opinions and views are often not considered (Dowsett et al., 2000). However, with the possibility of the presence of a relative, health care professionals need to consider how the course and outcome of the consultation may be affected, as well as how to treat possible unwanted behavior on behalf of the relative. There are only a few studies, examining the possible negative effects of the presence of a relative during a cancer consultation. Though, a research conducted b y Labrecque et al., (1991) showed that, cancer patients who had a consultation with a family member present were less satisfied with that meeting. Furthermore, physicians are often unable to handle a three person consultation, due to the difficulties that arise from this situation (Delvaux et al., 2005), as it requires special skills that are difficult to practice and the interaction is often more stressful than a normal doctor-patient consultation (Bragard et al., 2006). When a relative is present, the health care professional has to consider not only the needs of the cancer patients but the needs of the relative as well (Delvaux et al., 2005; Lienard et al., 2008). As the research by Labrecque et al., (1991) showed, when a family member was present, consultations lasted longer and the health care professionals were likely to share more information, however they showed more emotional support to cancer patients when they were not accompanied by a relative. Even though each consultation differs and may require more time, these findings show the need for consistency in the information giving (always according to the needs of the patient) and support provided to the cancer patient, regardless the presence of a relative. It essential, before the consultation, for the physician to be prepared to share information, consult and be supportive, whether his patient is alone or not. To conclude with, the communication and consultation between health care professionals and cancer patients are challenging and often emotionally difficult for both (Faulkner Maguire, 1994; Bragard et al., 2006). Though, health professionals are trained and have acquired both knowledge and skills to cope with difficulties, they might face while working with cancer patients (Faulkner Maguire, 1994). More research can be conducted, in order to examine the complexity of the doctor-patient relationship and how it is affected by the patient’s psychological condition or the presence of a relative, how the patients benefit from a good doctor-patient relationship and an effective consultation and finally how the health care professionals can prepare for consultation with cancer patients. REFERENCES Bragard, I., Razavi,, D., Marschal, S., Delvaux, N., Libert, Y., Reynaert, C., Boniver, J., Klatstersky, J., Scalliet, P., Etienne, A. M., (2006). Teaching communication and stress management skills to junior physicians dealing with cancer patients: a Belgian Interuniversity Curriculum. Support Care Cancer, 14, 454-461. Beck, R. S., Daughtridge, R., Sloane, P. D., (2002). Physician-Patient Communication in the Primary Care Office: A systematic Review. Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, 15, 25-38. Bennet, G., (1979). Patients and their doctors: The journey through medical care. London: Bailliere Tindall. Buckman, R., (1984). Breaking bad news: why is it still so difficult? British Medical Journal, 288, 1597-1599. Chapman, K., Abraham, C., Jenkins, V., Fallowfield, L., (2003). Lay Understanding of Terms used in Cancer Consultation. Psycho-Oncology, 12, 557-566. Delvaux, N., Merckaert, I., Marchal, S., Libert, Y., Conradt, S., Boniver, J., Etienne, A. M., Fontaine, O., Janne, P., Klastersky, J., Melot, C., Reynaert, C., Scalliet, P., Slachmuylder, J. L., Razavi, D., (2005). Physicians’ Communication with a cancer patient and a relative. Cancer, 103(11), 2397-2411. Dowsett, S. M., Saul, J. L., Buttow, P. N., Dunn, S. M., Boyer, M. J., Findlow, R., Dunsmore, J., (2000). Communication styles in the cancer consultation: Preferences for a patient-centered approach. Psycho-Oncology, 9, 147-156. Fallowfield, L. J., Hall, A., Maguire, G. P., Baum, M., (1990). Psychological Outcomes of different treatment policies in women with early breast cancer outside a clinical trial. BMJ, 301,575-580. Fallowfield, L., Jenkins, V., (1999). Effective Communication skills are the Key to Good Cancer Care. European Journal of Cancer, 35(11), 1592-1597. Faulkner, A., Maguire, P., (1994). Talking to Cancer Patients and their Relatives. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Fujimori, M., Uchitomi, Y., (2009). Preferences of Cancer Patients regarding communication of bad news: A systematic literature review. Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, 39(4), 201-216. Kessels, R. P. C., (2003). Patients’ memory for medical information. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 96, 219-222. Labrecque, M. S., Blanchard, C. G., Ruckdeschel, J. C., Blanchard, E. B., (1991). The impact of family presence on the physician-cancer patient interaction. Social Sciences Medicine, 33(11),1253-1261. Leigh, H., Reiser, M. F., (1985). The Patient: Biological, Psychological, and Social Dimensions of Medical Practice (2nd ed.). London: Plenum Medical Book Company. Lienard, A., Merckaert, I., Libert, Y., Delvaux, N., Marchal, S., Boniver, J., Etienne, A. M., Klastersky, J., Reynaert, C., Scalliet, P., Slachmuylder, J. L., Razavi, D., (2008). Factors that influence cancer patients’ and relatives’ anxiety following a three-person medical consultation: impact of a communication skills training program for physicians. Psycho-Oncology, 17, 488-496. Lin, C. C., Lai, Y. L., Ward, S. E., (2003). Effect of Cancer Pain on Performance Status, Mood States, and Level of Hope Among Taiwanese Cancer Patients. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 25(1), 29-37. Maguire, P., (1999). Improving Communication with Cancer Patients. European Journal of Cancer,35(10), 1415-1422. Maguire, P., Faulkner, A., Regnard, C., (1993). Managing the anxious patient with advanced disease a flow diagram. Palliative Medicine, 8, 76-81. Messer, D., Meldrum, C., (1995). Psychology for Nurses and Health Care Professionals. London: Prentice Hall/Harvester Wheatsheaf. Molleman E., Krabbendam, P. L., Annyas, A. A., Koops, H. S., Sleufer, D. T., Vermey, A., (1984). The Significance of the Doctor-Patient relationship in coping with cancer. Social Sciences Medicine, 18(16), 475-480. Morrison, P., (1994). Understanding Patients. London: Bailliere Tindall. Ong, L. M. L., De Haes, J. C. J. M., Hoos, A. M., Lammes, F. B., (1995). Doctor-Patient communication: A review of the literature. Social Science Medicine, 40(7), 903-918. Ong, L. M. L., Visser, M. R. M., Lammes, F. B., De Haes, J. C. J. M., (2000). Doctor-Patient communication and cancer patients’ quality of life and satisfaction. Patient Education and Counseling,41, 145-156. Pendleton, D., Hasler, J., (1983). Doctor-Patient Communication. London: Academic Press, INC. Stewart, M. A., (1995). Effective Physician-Patient Communication and Health Outcomes: A Review. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 152(9), 1423-1433. Stimson, G., Webb, B., (1975). Going to See the Doctor: The Consultation Process in General Practice. London: Routledge Kegan Paul Ltd. Suinn, R. M., VandenBos, G. R., (2000). Cancer Patients and their Families: Readings on Disease Course, Coping and Psychological Interventions. Washington DC: American Psychological Association. Usherwood, T., (1999). Understanding the Consultation: Evidence, Theory and Practice. Buckingham: Open University Press.

Personal Narrative - Athlete to Academia Essay -- Autobiography Essay,

Athlete to Academia Instead of feeling pressure to conform as a student at the University of Georgia, I have found that being in college has made me value the importance of a higher education more so than I ever had before. During high school, my primary goal was to play well enough to receive a football scholarship. At that time, my focus was not on academics. However, since I've arrived at the University of Georgia, my entire concept of the value of a college degree has slowly changed. Rather than seeing just football in my future, I can now picture myself as a football player with a college degree. Consequently, instead of having a negative impact on my personal growth, college has helped me broaden as a person. Contrary to popular opinion, athletes do have interests outside their sport. Since I enrolled at Georgia, I have found myself intrigued by the painters whose visions were presented in my art class, as well as by the empathy displayed in my social work class. I feel as if I've grown as a person while learning more about the world I live in. My scope of und...

A Worn Path :: essays research papers

The Journey of Life As I began to read this short story about a painful and tedious trek an aged grandmother endures she has made for the last three or four years to the city with one intention in mind, to get a medicine for her chronically ill grandson. On a cold December day she repeats the same journey again. As we read, it appears to be about a long journey the woman has made throughout the entire story, but by carefully examining the theme, it tells us that there is a greater message than just a long trek. In the story â€Å"A Worn Path† by Eudora Welty, an old woman whose human spirit is full of dedication, dignity and high morale overcomes tremendous obstacles of life in the name of love. Phoenix Jackson is the protagonist of the story who is an African- American woman, old and probably disabled. As one person says in the story â€Å"You must be hundreds years†(Welty, p365) addressing Phoenix. All of these characteristics are the evidence that the journey is not going to be easy, but her faith in God and strong relation with nature accommodate her on the way. She understands nature by designating it as a â€Å"guardian† when her dress gets caught in the bush. â€Å"Thorns doing your appointed work. Never want to let folks pass†(Welty, p364), says Phoenix while taking her dress carefully out of the bush. When she has difficult times such as fatigue and the fall in the bush, she addresses to God by reaching her hand to Him, but nothing reached down to her. It is not her time to leave the Earth yet, so God sends her a hunter, instead, for help. With her belief in God, her goal to finish her journey and her love for her grandson, she conquers all obst acles on the way. The most difficult obstacle on her way is a young white man who actually helps her stand up when she falls, but he still poses as a great danger to her because of his prejudiced beliefs against black people. Eudora Welty creates two protagonists of opposite race for the purpose of showing racial discrimination in society. By meeting Phoenix and the hunter can get into societal conflict if Phoenix becomes aggressive against his attitude. Yet, she avoids any verbal and physical confrontations and still manages to get even in the game.

Wilson Disease Essay example -- Health, Homeostatis

A patient presented with symptoms that suggested she might be schizophrenic. With many conditions mimicking schizophrenia, the doctor reviewed the notes from the family and noticed the patient had missed an eye doctor appointment. The physician, very aware an exam could confirm or refute a diagnosis, requested an eye examination be performed. Kayser-Fleischer rings were present in the cornea of her eyes. These rings are deposits of copper and sulfur granules and are greenish-gold in color. They are not always present; however, when they are, they are a classic identifier of Wilson disease. (Holtz, 2006, pp.108-109) Therefore, the eye exam confirmed a diagnosis of Wilson disease for this patient. While working in England during the early 1900’s, Alexander Kinnear Wilson, an American neurologist, described the disease. (Schilsky & Brewer, 2009) As with many things, because he was the one who originally described it, it is named after him. Wilson disease is also referred to as hepatolenticular degeneration. (Mayo Clinic, 2009). It is a genetic, chronic disease that stores up excess copper in the liver. Accumulation of excess copper begins at birth. (Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg, 2010) Copper is an essential trace metal vital to human health, requiring a small, regular intake to maintain homeostatis. According to Copperinfo (2011), â€Å"At least 20 enzymes contain copper and at least 10 of these require copper to function.† The brain, the skin, the heart and the immune system all need copper. Ingested copper is absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. From there, it enters the bloodstream, making its way to the liver. (Copperinfo, 2011) A healthy liver serves as a filter. Part of its functionality is metabolizing carbohydr... ...cinnati Children’s Hospital, 2009). A normal liver adequately filters and removes toxins from the body through the urine or bile. A lack of copper homeostatis in a diseased, damaged liver obstructs this process. This excess accumulation of copper in the liver is Wilson disease. Inherited mutated genes, one from each parent, cause the disease. If only one mutated gene is passed on, then the individual is just a carrier and will never be diagnosed with Wilson disease. It is prevalent worldwide, including several different ethnic groups. It most often affects children and teens from ages 10 to 20 years old. Occasionally there are exceptions and we see diagnoses of Wilson’s in children as young as three and adults over the age of 50. Treatment is available that, if continued for a lifetime, will maintain copper homeostatis and the patient will live a good life.

B Midterm

Consumers Perspective From a consumers perspective, we are always looking for ways to present ourselves favorably to the public -? whether we do it consciously or unconsciously. Some consumers want to be perceived as the â€Å"Geeky Gadget', always on the rise to own the top notch smartness (need for uniqueness, P. 161). This is also a good example of how this consumer engages in impression management, P. 122, to positively maintain his or her public Image. The way a person seeks to pursue their ideal self may play an important role n driving this change.For example, a person who dollies Steve Job's innovative and creative character may want to become innovative by associating him/herself with Apple products (ideal self, P. 122). A different example in how an individual's perception about owning the latest or newest phone is through their extended self. For example, an interesting study conducted by Google indicated how â€Å"people are using mobile to change all aspects of their l ife† (Michael Oliver, 2013). Furthermore, most smartened users cherish their phones so much that it comes their identity (extended self, P. 28). Company's Perspective In contrast, from a company's perspective, an organization's culture can shape their approach based on their core values and beliefs. For instance, a company that emphasizes the values of innovation, learning, and creativity can influence their employees' behaviors to become innovative and creative in making new products (values, P. 174). 2. Temporary Situation on Consumer Behavior People's decisions to live frugally depend on a variety of factors including their motivation, lifestyle, and timing.Motivation Conflict One reason people may be cutting back on spending is due to motivational conflict. For example, I purchased a Samsung Galaxy SO because believe it satisfied all my needs. On the other hand, however, I had to suffer the consequences of paying an expensive fee (approach-avoidance conflict, P. 99). Since I have invested in something expensive that I believe will last me a long time, I am not willing to spend money or time looking for another smartened.Hierarchy of Needs People can also be cutting back depending on where they currently stand on the levels of their needs. Consumers who have satisfied their lower-level needs and want to fulfill their upper needs may be willing to consume more to get there. On the other hand, if consumers feel that their lower level needs haven't been met, they will remain in that level until they no longer feel dissatisfied. For example, a student who is struggling to pay rent may not be likely to spend money for a smartened to feel connected with her peers.Once she has earned enough money from her part-time job to pay off all her rent and has fulfilled her need of safety, she may move on to satisfy her need for belongingness. Lifestyle Another reason why consumers are not willing to spend is because of their lifestyle. A person's social class should be understood as it plays a huge role in influencing what type and quantity consumers buy (Boundless, n. D. ). Consumers in the upper class have a higher level of disposable income, and therefore, are willing to spend more on luxury good items than those with less disposable income. 3.Multi-attribute Model: Smartened Decisions Attribute (I) Importance (l) Beliefs (B) phone 6 as unsung Galaxy AS BlackBerry Passport Fast Processor 5 4 Large Built-in Storage High Camera Quality 3 Eng Battery Life Easy Navigation Attitude Score 65 72 69 53 The five attributes that are most important for me in terms of deciding what smartened to purchase encompasses the processor speed, large built-in storage, high quality camera, long battery life, and finally, the ease of navigation. L When assessing a phone's attributes, did some research and read over some product reviews and recommendations based on consumption communities, p. . I also took into consideration my positive and negative experiences In using a smartened. For example, the fast receptors and long battery life attributes display the highest weight of importance because value the performance of a phone in terms of its speed and ability to last a long time. Having to charge a phone two to three times a day was painfully inconvenient, and therefore developed a negative attitude towards the performance of that phone (utilitarian function, P. 187). Regarding the table above, Samsung Galaxy SO ranked the highest with an overall attitude score of 72.As I did more internal and external research on each smartened (cognition), I valued a lot of the attributes Samsung Galaxy ad offered (affect) causing me to purchase the product (high involvement hierarchy, P. 189). In addition, my attitude object towards Samsung products has developed over time, establishing a strong brand loyalty (internalizing, level of commitment, p. 293). Also hold a strong favoritism towards the Samsung brand, which enforces me to buy their products regar dless of what price it is (brand equity, P. 163). 4.Improving the image of the BlackBerry Passport to University-aged Students The lowest ranked phone under the multi-attribute model is the BlackBerry Passport with an overall attitude score of 53. But how can marketers improve the image of this phone to attract university-aged students? Capitalizing on Relevant Advantage Blackberry's Passport smartened ranked relatively high with a score of 4 on both fast processor and large built-in storage. Since the attribute built-in Storage perceives low importance, marketers can emphasize the convenience of having enough storage as if you were to bring a mini-laptop.Laptops have huge storage, and if consumers perceive that the BlackBerry phone holds a sufficiently large storage component, it can reinforce the presence of the hone. Strengthen Perceived Product-attribute Link Although BlackBerry's ease of navigation ranked low importance, marketers can alter a consumers attitude towards this att ribute so that they are appropriately educated on how to navigate the device. For example, doing tutorial videos allow for better understanding on how to use the smartened.Add a New Attribute Since many university students value the element of convenience, Blackberry can add a feature where instead of paying for a purchase through a credit or debit card, users can pay through their phone. Furthermore, BlackBerry can also capitalize on is their physical keyboard. This can be a huge factor in leveraging consumer preferences on being able to physically touch buttons. Influence Competitors' Ratings It is really crucial for marketers to consider maintaining an ongoing bond or relationship with their consumers as this is one of the factors of keeping them motivated to stay loyal.This is mostly the hardest thing to do as it is very complicated to persuade loyal consumers of a competitor to switch to BlackBerry. Keeping this in mind, BlackBerry can establish a reputation for being the most organized smartened. For example, they can advertise how they sponsor many student clubs and companies to keep teams organized and connected. 5. Changing Consumer Behavior through Instrumental Conditioning Apple can change consumer behavior towards illegal music downloads through instrumental conditioning in many ways using positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement.Variable-interval Reinforcement Variable-interval reinforcement is a great way to counteract illegal downloading of music. For every music download a consumer purchases, Apple can reward them with a PIP exclusive pass to a concert of their top unload music artist. For example, if a consumer consistently downloaded One Republic's music, tunes can notify them that One Republic is having an upcoming concert in their nearby location and reward them with the exclusive PIP tickets along with a friend. This is also a good example of frequency marketing, P. 2. A Combination of Positive and Negative Reinforcement Another p ossible alternative Apple can do is use negative reinforcement as a way to reduce the behavior of downloading illegal music. Apple can create a built-in program within tunes that allows them to analyses which source the USIA came from and guilt the consumer by publicizing it on their tunes library (guilt, P. 114). In addition, they can also limit the storage of songs a consumer can input in their library based on the number Of different sources the music came from.

Ernest Hemingway Essay

Ernest Hemingway is one of the most legendary figures in American literature, known for his writing as well as his love of the dangerous—deep sea fishing, big game hunting, bullfighting in Spain, etc. As an author, he covers myriad subject matter in a very distinctive style. His sentences are short and non-descriptive, and the reader must work to uncover literary elements like theme. Dialogue is his real specialty. He uses very few descriptive details. His novels tend to be more about masculine subjects and based on his adventures while his short stories are known for his exploration of roles between men and women. His novels tend to be based on his experiences. In fact, as the Hemingway Resource Center states, â€Å"When you want to find the truth about Hemingway’s life, look first to his fiction† (Hemingway resource center). In Our Time was published in 1925 and contained some very notable short stories, such as â€Å"Big Two-Hearted River. † Men Without Women was published in 1927. The Sun Also Rises was one of the first books he published, and the subject matter was a group of young people living in Spain, expatriates living abroad. The main character was in â€Å"love† with a woman who was also in love with a bullfighter. â€Å"The Sun Also Rises introduced the world to the â€Å"lost generation† and was a critical and commercial success. Set in Paris and Spain, the book was a story of unrequitable love against a backdrop of bars and bullfighting† (Hemingway Resource Center). Soon after that in 1929 came A Farewell to Arms, which some would say is the best book to come out of the experience of World War I. The tragic ending actually comes from one of Hemingway’s wives (Pauline) and her struggles with childbirth. And after that came his dissertation called Death in the Afternoon, all about bullfighting. Hemingway says that, â€Å"It is intended as an introduction to the modern Spanish bullfight and attempts to explain that spectacle both emotionally and practically. It was written because there was no book which did this in Spanish or in English. † In this dissertation he began to form his idea of the true hero as â€Å"grace under pressure. † He also outlined his â€Å"theory of omission† or â€Å"iceberg principle,† which is a theory very important to future literature. He states: â€Å"If a writer of prose knows enough about what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of the iceberg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water. The writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing. † (Hemingway Resource Center). His novel called The Green Hills of Africa in 1935 came from the fascination Hemingway had with Teddy Roosevelt’s African hunting safaris. With borrowed money from his wife’s uncle, Hemingway spent three months in Africa on a safari of his own. The novel comes from this. 1940 brought For Whom the Bell Tolls, a novel about the Spanish Civil War. Many of his novels were really about that whole idea of the Hemingway hero. The Hemingway hero must face death bravely and live life to the fullest even in the presence of death. Hemingway suffered through a long period of not being favored by the critics and was determined to gain back his previous status. This is when he published The Old Man and the Sea, the quintessential novel of courage and persistence. This book sold over 5 million copies in a very short time, and suddenly Hemingway was on top of the heap once again. This book about a man’s struggle with a humongous marlin even won the Pulitzer Prize in 1953. He simply could not duplicate the brilliance of this book again. His nonfiction sketches of Paris in the 1920s called A Moveable Feast (1964) did nothing to advance his reputation. Unfortunately, due to age and medical problems Hemingway never wrote anything close to this again. He ended up killing himself due to depression and medical problems. While the themes of his novels tend to revolve around his experience, his short stories do so too but to a lesser extent. His focus in many of his famous short stories tends to be more about the lack of communication between males and females. For example, His short stories â€Å"The Snows of Kilimanjaro† and â€Å"The Short Happy Life of Frances Macomber† both come from the safari experience as well although the focus is different. In â€Å"Snows of Kilimanjaro,† Hemingway’s main male character is a writer who has basically wasted his talent by becoming sexually involved with a rich woman who buys him everything he needs. This short story can certainly be seen as Hemingway himself lamenting the way that he was wasted his talent as a write although some say it is about F. Scott Fitzgerald. His male character, Harry, is a chauvinistic pig while the female character attends to his every need. She is weak, and this allows the writer to take total advantage of her. Again, the reader can’t help but wonder how much of this is autobiographical. Another short story that has gained much attention is from the 1927 book called men without Women. This story is called â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants† shows how much of a story Hemingway could tell with very little. It defines his minimalist style. In classic Hemingway style a couple sits at the bar of a train station discussing an unknown subject. Part of the beauty of the story is that the reader must work to uncover the subject of their conversation, but also that every detail in the setting, in the story itself goes toward making meaning. It also shows the communication breakdown between man and woman. For example, the very fact that the story is set in a train station is pure beauty. This couple must make a decision about the issue before them (abortion). There is no going back and there is not standing still. They must get on whichever train they are getting on without hesitation. As the girl looks out one side of the station, she sees green, fertile ground. As she looks out the other side, she sees dry barrenness. Again, the symbolic meaning is clear. The couple has an entire conversation and never mentions the word abortion, nor do they look at each other. They look at everything else which shows the extent to which they are uncomfortable with the subject and each other. They repeat the same phrases over and over again without any true understanding, although the girl does seem to catch on in the end. This is classic Hemingway to show the lack of communication even between two people who are supposed to be close. A sample of Hemingway’s masterful dialogue follows: Well,’ the man said, ‘if you don’t want to you don’t have to. I wouldn’t have you do it if you didn’t want to. But I know it’s perfectly simple. ‘And you really want to? ’ ‘I think it’s the best thing to do. But I don’t want you to do it if you don’t really want to. ’ ‘And if I do it you’ll be happy and things will be like they were and you’ll love me? ’ ‘I love you now. You know I love you. ’ ‘I know. But if I do it, then it will be nice again if I say things are like white elephants, and you’ll like it? ’ ‘I’ll love it. I love it now but I just can’t think about it. You know how I get when I worry. ’ ‘If I do it you won’t ever worry? ’ ‘I won’t worry about that because it’s perfectly simple. ’ To say that this man and â€Å"girl† do not understand each other is pure understatement. They are talking in circles and are just not communicating. Hemingway’s short stories are full of this kind of dialogue. Another famous story called â€Å"Cat in the Rain† discusses the sense of isolation for an American wife. As Darren Felty states, â€Å"The work revolves around the desire of Hemingway’s protagonist, an American wife vacationing in Italy, to rescue a cat from an afternoon rain storm. She fails in her attempt, revealing in the process the emotional distance she feels from her husband and the attendants at the hotel. The story employs a complex of barriers, enclosures, and geometrically defined details to represent the emotional and psychological boundaries that restrict character interaction† (Felty). This seemingly simple story uses barriers to symbolize the relationship between the man and woman. Once again, communication is a huge problem. While the wife tells her husband of this poor kitty in the rain, he barely looks up from his paper. Eventually she ends in a tantrum, much like â€Å"Hills Like White Elephants† in order to be heard. But the details of setting that Hemingway uses are genius to show the alienation of the characters. This story is told to perfect satisfaction in two pages. In following with a very important theme of Hemingway is â€Å"Big Two-Hearted River. † In this story, the reader follows Nick from innocence to knowledge. Basically Nick returns to a place he fished when he was younger, but the whole area has been destroyed by fire. However, by returning to this place of innocence from his youth, Nick is able to go forward in life as Hemingway’s heroes are. The theme of alienation is played out chillingly well in â€Å"A Clean Well-Lighted Place. † Again, we see a Hemingway hero living his life but accepting death. In this story an old man comes to this diner every night. He arrives late one night as the young waiter is closing up, but the young waiter doesn’t want to let him have a drink. An older waiter, the voice of experience, allows him to have a drink because he understands just how important it is for everyone to have â€Å"a clean well-lighted place† that is open as long as possible. In other words, he understands loneliness in a way the younger waiter could never imagine. Lastly, an important short story is â€Å"The Short and Happy Life of Frances Macomber. In this story, Hemingway’s idea of a hero is played out. On this safari, Frances is very scared. He is also ruled by his wife. However, he stands up to his wife and is happy for a few seconds until he is killed. Like Hemingway’s code hero, he becomes brave (if only for a minute). He faces his fear and overcomes it; it matters not that he dies shortly after. F. Scott Fitzgerald criticized Hemingway for writing stories in which nothing happens. That is true in a way. There is not much action in Hemingway’s novels or short stories, but the dialogue and the setting tell the reader so much. Hemingway is known for his masterful use of dialogue and his sparse details to tell more than a complete story. He describes this in his iceberg principle. â€Å"If it is any use to know it, I always try to write on the principle of the iceberg. There is seven-eighths of it underwater for every part that shows. Anything you know you can eliminate and it only strengthens your iceberg. It is the part that doesn’t show. If a writer omits something because he does not know it then there is a hole in the story† (Hemingway). Overall, Hemingway is one of the greatest American writers the world has seen.