Market Segmentation and Branding

Executive Summary This report entails a comprehensive analysis of the concept of market segmentation. In the report, the researcher is aimed at developing a concrete understanding of how business organizations undertake market segmentation. Additionally, the report also involves an evaluation of how organizations apply branding in their operation.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Market Segmentation and Branding specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The report is organized into two parts. In the first part, the researcher conducts a review of different elements of market segmentation. In this section, the report analyzes the process of market segmentation. This is achieved by evaluating the various steps that organizations undertake in their market segmentation effort. Seven steps are evaluated. The section also illustrates the various forms of market segmentation that are integrated by organizations. These include ge ographic segmentation, demographic segmentation, benefit segmentation, volume segmentation and psychographic segmentation. The researcher also evaluates the benefits associated with market segmentation. In the second part, the researcher evaluates the branding process in organization. This part is composed of a number of sections. The first section entails an evaluation of the branding process. Six steps are evaluated. These include market analysis, brand architecture, the big idea, and market communication, employee involvement and brand measurement. The second part also entails an evaluation of the benefits of branding. Finally, a conclusion and a number of recommendations are outlined. Introduction Background to the study The success of business firms in different economic sectors is dependent on the effectiveness with which they undertake their marketing activities (Baines, Fill Page, 2008, p.76). To attain this, the management teams have to take incorporate various marketing c oncepts. One of these concepts is market segmentation. According to Wedel and Kamakura (2000, p.3), market segmentation is a critical component of marketing. Brennan, Canning and McDowell (2011, p.171) asserts that firms have to be excellent market segmenters considering the dynamic and hypercompetitive nature of the business environment. In the 21st century, globalization has become a common phenomenon thus presenting the consumers with a wide range of products offering to select from (Brennan, Canning McDowell, 2011, p.171). As a result, firms should not only concentrate on offering high quality products.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, firms should be committed at satisfying discriminating customers. This means that it is paramount for firms to shift from mass marketing and concentrate at aggressive marketing techniques. This can only be attained through integr ation of effective market segmentation strategies. In addition, it is also paramount for organizations to integrate the concept of branding. According to Dunn (2004, p.3), branding is aimed at building a firm’s brand equity which is a key component in a firm’s effort to attain competitive advantage. This increases the probability of firms surviving in the long term as going concern entities. Branding is also paramount in ensuring that the firm attains an optimal market position considering the competitive nature of the business environment. Through market segmentation and branding, a firm is able to establish a long-term relationship with its customers. Aim In this report, the researcher intends to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the concept of market segmentation. The report also entails an evaluation of how organizations apply the concept of branding. Scope The report is organized into two parts. The first part gives an analysis of market segmentation while the s econd part entails how organizations incorporate branding in their operation. Analysis Market segmentation One of the core objectives of business organisations is to maximise their profit (Brennan, Canning McDowell, 2011, p.171). Attainment of this goal is only possible if is firm has integrated customer-driven focus. Over the past 2 decades, firms have increasingly considered the concept of market segmentation as an important element in their marketing success. Weinstein (2004, p.3) defines market segmentation as the process through which a firm partitions its market into small groups depending on the customers’ characteristics and needs. According to Croft (p.2), firms intend to satisfy the consumer’s needs. Currently, adoption of mass marketing can lead into a firm failing. For example, a firm’s margin may be pushed downwards because some needs of a certain category of consumers are not wholly addressed.Advertising We will write a custom report sample o n Market Segmentation and Branding specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This may also give the competitor a winning margin. According to Wedel and Kamakura (2000, p.3), market segmentation is based on the notion that a market is heterogeneous in nature. Therefore, it is possible for a firm to divide the market into small homogenous groups on the basis of the consumers’ desires and preferences. According to Dibb and Simkin (1995, p.10), market segmentation enables a firm to satisfy the diverse consumer needs while at the same time maintaining a certain degree of economies of scale. Market segmentation process For market segmentation to be effective, there are a number of steps that management teams should follow as discussed below. Identification of target market The first step in market segmentation entails identifying a specific target market that it intends to sell its products and services to. This is achieved by conducting a co mprehensive consumer market research on the identified customer group. The research should be aimed at establishing whether the identified customer group have common consumption behaviour (Madaan, 2009, p.75). According to Dibb and Simkin (1995, p.18), identification of the target market is important since it influences the effectiveness of the marketing strategies implemented. Understand the expectations of the target audience For a firm’s products and services to be successful in the market, they must meet the customers’ expectations. Through a consumer market research, a firm can be able to understand the customers’ interests and product requirements. For example, through a market research Kellog which is a firm in the hospitality industry was able to develop a product that targeted customers who intended to reduce their calorie intake. Creating the subgroups Organizations should ensure that they have a comprehensive understanding of the target market. This i s attained by creating subgroups on the basis of various characteristics. One of the ways through which a firm can attain this is by integrating certain market variables. Reviewing the target audience The firm should conduct a continuous review of the consumption behavior of the identified subgroups. This will aid in determining the fluctuations in their product requirement and what triggers it. As a result, the firm will be efficient in adjusting its marketing strategies accordingly. According to Madaan (2009, p.75), consumer demand, interests and perceptions varies frequently. Reviewing the consumers’ behavior will increase the firm’s effectiveness in offering competitive products.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Naming the market segment The firm should name the segments developed accordingly for the implementation to be easier. For example, the segments can either be on the basis of age. Develop market strategies According to Brennan, Canning McDowell (2011, p.171), firms should devise strategies aimed at promoting its products in the specific segments. The promotion strategies formulated should contribute towards development of a connection with the target customers. Determining the size of the market segment This is an important step since it in that it enables a firm to plan its marketing mix strategies well. For this step to be successful, marketers should gather sufficient data from the market. Determining the size of the market will also will also increase the firm’s efficiency in sales planning and forecasting. Forms of consumer market segmentation According to Gitman and McDaniel (2009, p.299), there are 5 main bases upon which a firm can conduct its market segmentation. Th ese include geographic, demographic, benefit sought, volume and psychographic basis. Geographic market segmentation This entails segmenting the total market on the basis of its geographic characteristic such as the size and region of the country, climate and market density. Market density refers to the population or number of businesses in a particular areal. Geographic segmentation enables a firm to meet the regional product preferences of the customers. Demographic market segmentation Demographic segmentation is one of the most commonly used market segmentation strategy. In demographic segmentation, there are different variables that a firm can use to differentiate its products and services offering. These include the consumer’s income, age, gender, education, and household size (Gitman McDaniel, 2009, p.301). Evaluation of the consumers’ demographics can aid in offering products that satisfy the target consumer group. A firm can acquire demographic information of t he population from the census conducted by the government. Benefit segmentation This entails segmenting the market on the basis of the benefits sought by the consumers. Firms should understand the benefits that the consumers seek at attaining by purchasing a particular product. This will enable the firm to be efficient in its product development. For example, Sensodyne toothpaste is targeted at consumers who have highly sensitive teeth ((Brennan, Canning McDowell, 2011, p.171). Volume segmentation This strategy entails segmenting the market on the basis of the quantity of goods purchased. This depends on the consumers’ product usage. According to Gitman and McDaniel (2009, p.301), consumers have varying usage habits which range from heavy, moderate, light to non users. This method of segmentation is best implemented if firms’ understand the consumers’ spending habits. Psychographic segmentation Consumers have different personalities and lifestyle which influenc e their consumption patterns. Psychographic segmentation involves categorizing the customers on the basis of their interest and opinions. According to Gitman and McDaniel (2009, p.301), psychographic market segmentation enhances demographic segmentation. Benefits of segmentation There are a number of benefits associated with market segmentation. According to Croft (p.4), segmentation enables a firm to develop a comprehensive understanding of the consumers. For example, it enhances a firm’s understanding of the consumers needs and their decision making process. This makes it possible for a firm to influence the consumers purchasing patterns. This can be achieved by being efficient in the process of formulating marketing strategies such as promotion, distribution, pricing and product development. Additionally, market segmentation also enables a firm to be effective in adjusting its marketing strategies according to changes in the business environment. The resultant effect is th at the firms’ performance is enhanced. Branding in organizations Due to the hyper-competitive characteristic of the market, both large and small organizations are considering branding to be of high priority. According to Dunn (2004, p.3), branding is currently being considered as a financial and a marketing concept. Organizations have appreciated the fact that branding can contribute towards attainment of a long term competitive advantage. This arises from the fact that a long term relationship with the customers is established. Branding is concerned with developing a desirable feeling or idea in the customers’ minds. In their marketing process, firms intend to appeal the consumers in through consumption of their products(Baines, Fil l Page, 2008). Currently, consumers are faced with a wide range of products to select from in addition to a shortage of shopping time. To differentiate their products from competing products, firms integrate the concept of branding. Dunn (2004, p.4) asserts that branding enables a firm’s products and services ‘to stand out’. Organizations are increasingly being committed at developing a strong brand. The process of branding In their branding efforts, firms take into consideration a number of steps. Market analysis The first step entails conducting a comprehensive market analysis. The analysis is aimed at understanding different market aspects such as the existing and emerging market trends. Additionally, market analysis also aids a firm to understand the competitive nature of the market. In branding a firm should ensure that it considers the customers as the core element. Dunn (2004, p.5) is of the opinion that the most successful brands entail those brands which satisfy the customers’ wants and are easily accessible. To be able to conduct a concrete market analysis, a firm’s management team should conduct a review of the firm’s internal brand information. Trend analysis and evaluation of the current competitive information is also paramount. Brand architecture In formulating their brands, organizations should incorporate a number of building blocks. The building blocks are aimed at creating brand clarity. The initial step should entail building a product to supply in the market. The product should be relevant to the customers and differentiated. The firm should also have long term vision. For example, Wal-Mart was established with the vision of being the finest retailing firm. The brand should also attain a position in the market. This entail the perception of the brand compared to competing products (Baines, Fill Page, 2008). The brand should also target a specific and narrow target market. Firms achieve this by making a decision whether the brand is to be a local, regional or a global product. Brand targeting can also be achieved through market segmentation. After this, the firm should decide on the name to call the product. The brand name enables c ustomers to recognize the firm’s products. The brand name should be catchy, easy to pronounce and remember and unique. Other aspects of branding which the firm should consider developing include brand identity, brand promise, brand emotion, brand quality, brand pricing, brand packaging, brand distribution, brand association, brand credentials and brand message. Brand identity and brand name entails developing a name, symbol or logo that can be used to differentiate a firm’s products. The brand should contribute towards attainment of a unique experience. The big idea The success or failure of a particular brand is dependent on the quality of the ideas which form its foundation. A firm should always have ideas that enable its brand to respond to market changes. The big idea enables a brand to move to the next level. Integrated Marketing Communication After successful development of a brand, a firm’s management team should be committed at ensuring that there is suf ficient market awareness. This can be achieved by conducting a comprehensive market awareness campaign. One of the ways through which firms achieve this is by incorporating Integrated Marketing Communication. According to Brennan, Canning and McDowell (2011, p.171), the strategy entails breaking away from the brick and mortar mediums of creating market awareness and integrating emerging market communication mediums. Some of the marketing communication techniques that the firm should consider include use of public relations, advertising, direct marketing, and sponsorship. Some of the emerging mediums which the firm should consider include use of the internet. The market communication campaign ensures that that the consumers are continually aware of the brands existence in the market. Through IMC, a firm is able to create the intended synergy. Employee involvement Firms which are most successful in branding are those which consider the employees in their branding process. The employee s should be educated about the brand’s overall architecture. For example, they should understand how to defend the brand image. Additionally, they should also understand how they can keep the firm’s brand relevant in the market. According to Dubb, employees form the first contact with a certain brand. As a result, they should be fully incorporated in the process of building the brand. Brand measurement This step entails monitoring the performance of the firm’s branding programs so as to determine their effectiveness. Some of the elements considered in the measurement include the products sales, market share and distribution. To be efficient in measurement, a branding plan that stipulates how the firm intends the brand to be. Some of the brand intangibles that a firm should consider include brand awareness, brand preference, perceived value, customer satisfaction, intent to purchase, brand relevance, intent to purchase, perceived value and intent to repurchase. B enefits of branding According to Baines, Fill and Page (2008), a strong brand penetrates the market more easily and has the ability of influencing the consumers purchasing behavior. Additionally, branding also benefits a firm in that it can be able to incorporate a premium pricing strategy. By developing a strong brand, a firm is able to enhance its brand equity. As a marketing concept, branding can be categorized as being a tangible and an intangible marketing ingredient that enhances a firm’s growth and ability to gain a high market share. Additionally, branding can prevent a firm’s market share from being eroded. With regard to financial perspective, branding enables a firm to generate free cash flow. Developing a strong corporate brand improves a firm’s appeal to investors and financiers. This means that it becomes easier for a firm to source for financial capital externally (Gregory, 2009, p. 3). For example, over the years it has been in operation, Coca Co la Company has managed to develop financial stability as a result of branding. The firm estimates that only 4% of its value is attributable to its machinery, locations and machinery. Ninety six per cent of the firm’s value is attributable to intangible assets one of them being its brand. Similarly, Intel which is one of the largest personal computer manufacturing firms in the world attributes 85% of its value to brand equity (Knox, 2004, p.106). By developing a strong brand, a firm can be able to introduce a new product in the market more cost-effectively. Conclusion From the analysis, the success of a firm is dependent on the effectiveness with which it undertakes its marketing. One of the concepts which management teams should consider incorporating is marketing segmentation. Through segmentation, a firm is able to address the consumers’ needs more effectively. The resultant effect is that its competitive advantage is enhanced. Additionally, a firm’s survival in the long term as a going concern entity is also enhanced by its effectiveness in branding. Branding contributes towards development of a strong and a long term customer relationship. Recommendations For firms to survive in a market characterized by intense competition, it is vital for the management teams to consider integrating market segmentation and branding. To be efficient in their market segmentation and branding, firms should also consider undertaking a continuous market research. The research should target both the customer and the competitor as the core variables. This will enable the firms to adjust their marketing strategies in accordance with market changes. Additionally, their branding process should include both the customers and the employees. Reference List Baines, P. Fill, C. Page, K., 2008. Marketing. London: Oxford University. Brennan, R., Canning, L. McDowell, R., 2011. Business-to-business marketing. Los Angeles: Sage. Croft, M., 1994. Market segmentation; a step by step guide to profitable new  business. New York: Routledge. Dibb, S. Simkin, L., 1995. The market segmentation workbook; target marketing  for marketing managers. London: Routledge. Dunn, D., 2004. Branding; the 6 easy steps. California: Cameron Street Press. Gitman, L. McDaniel, C., 2009. The future of business; the essentials. Mason, OH: South Western Cengage. Gregory, J., 2009. The best of branding; best practices in corporate branding. New York: McGraw-Hill. Knox, S., 2004. Positioning and branding your organization. Journal of Product Brand Management. Vol. 13, issue 2, pp. 105-115. New York: Emerald Publishing Limited. Madaam, K., 2009. Fundamentals of retiling. New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited. Weinstein, A., 2004. Handbook of market segmentation; strategic targeting for  business and technology firms. New York: Routledge. Wedel, M. Kamakura, W., 2000. Market segmentation; conceptual and methodical  foundations. Boston: Kluwer Acad emic. This report on Market Segmentation and Branding was written and submitted by user Nickolas Watts to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton. Class study looking at what the teacher directs the students learning towards

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton. Class study looking at what the teacher directs the students learning towards INTRODUCTION:'The Outsiders' by S. E Hinton is an early novel based on two waring juvenile gangs, divided by economical and socialbackground, the lower East side Greasers and the upper West side Socs. The novel is set in 1966 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is anovel written in first person by a 14 year old Greaser, Ponyboy Curtis who allows us an insight into the lifestyles of thesedistinct worlds.I chose the novel 'The Outsiders' as a text for year 10 for the following reasons:It is a novel which draws the reader in and allows the reader to understand a lifestyle alien to them. Even though the novel is setin 1966, it is a novel that's theme can be found in any society and time period. The student can relate to this novel as thenarrator of the story is of their own age group and reflects many issues that they themselves may face.English: Francis Ford Coppola at the Cannes film f...The language of the text is easily understood as are the themes in the story. It contains themes that would inte rest a young mind,showing many students the seedier side of life. What it would be like to live under such circumstances in constant fear of theirlives. It deals with gang warfare, alcohol, drugs, child abuse, murder, survival and growing up. These are areas that a pubescentteenager can easily lose themselves in. It forces the reader to realise that in many cases teenagers have no choice in whatlifestyles that are born into in this case either becoming the rich kid or the kid from the wrong side of the tracks.The novel has been incorporated into a Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 movie adaptation, starring many popular young actors ofour time. The use of both...

Eutectic Definition and Examples

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Motives for European expansion in Africa in the 19th Century Essay

Motives for European expansion in Africa in the 19th Century - Essay Example The reliance of these nations on raw materials for industries damaged the balance of trade forcing the countries to seek other sources of raw materials and cheap labor. Competition from newly industrialized nations such as Germany forced other European countries to seek expansion into Africa. Europe started by establishing trading relations with African leaders and encouraged the rulers to trade exclusively with them and not any other nation. At first, the European traders had no interest expanding into the interior of Africa. The partnership was such that the African rulers had assured them of a constant supply of slaves from the interior. However, the rapid expansion of industries in Europe made the colonialists look for more supply of raw materials and cheap slave labor from Africa. The European industries and economy depended particularly on West Africa for development. The palm oil developed from Africa was in high demand as an industrial oil in Europe. There was greed among the Europeans for greater profits and economic growth. The greed meant intensifying and increasing industrial production that meant expanding deeper and deeper into Africa. European conquest of Africa was majorly driven by economic motives and the desire to increase economic growth back in Europe. The Europeans realized that by conquering Africa, they could secure a very cheap supply of raw materials hence success and overall economic prosperity at home. The economic conditions in Europe in the 19th century fueled the scramble for Africa.

Creating conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Creating conflict - Essay Example He gives up and lights his cigarette. Leah stands to walk away escaping the toxic fumes of the cigarette. Jack feels sorry for her but this is a smoking zone he points out a notice on a nearby stand written in capital, ‘SMOKING ZONE’. Lost in his thoughts he hears a commotion and a loud scream. Leah has just been robed her bad and pushed to the ground. The thief is running towards the Jack with Leah’s back in his hands. Subconsciously jack trips the thief by putting his feet across his path. He falls down in a loud thud. Nearby park police officers who heard the commotion reach on time to grab the thief. Leah is now on her feet and is smiling at Jack. She offers her had to greet him. Maybe this was the ice breaker that Jack needed. He offers her a Cigarette again which she accepts without hesitation. John stealthily sneaks into the back door escaping the eagle eye of his manager. He had refused to grant him an early leave to attend Maya’s birthday he was getting late and he had ten more minutes to go. He opens the find the door is locked. He looks up and sees the old window open. He climbs up and squeezes through the tiny window tearing his pants in the process. He falls in a loud thud on the basement behind the restaurant and sprains his ankle. Battered and torn, he is determined not to disappoint the love of his life. He quickly looks through his pockets for his wallet. Unfortunately he has left it on his locker room together with the necklace he had bought for the gift. He is distraught but he can not disappoint Maya as he had done before when he failed to remember her birth day. He decides to trek to James home to get assistance. He takes a short cut through a dark early. He sees two men approach him. He is scared he starts to run back but he is too slow due to the injury. They catch up to him and rough him up. They do not find anything to steal. One of the men gives him a punch on the stomach that knocks him

Finance & Strategic Management Essay Example for Free

Finance Strategic Management Essay Over the past decades the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has continued to grow in importance and significance due to external pressure of diverse stakeholders, and has thereby become more prominent on companies’ agendas (Carroll Shabana, 2010; Beurden Gossling, 2008). The concept of CSR has been subject to considerable debate, commentary, theory building and continues research (Carroll Shabana, 2010). The question, of whether CSR investments result in financial and social benefits that outweigh its costs, is intensively scrutinized in existing literature (Schreck, 2001; Carroll Shabana, 2010). Adherents of CSR argue that it is in the long-term self-interest of corporations to be socially involved (Carroll Shabana, 2010; Barnet 2007). The overall logic is that CSR increases the trustworthiness of firms and strengthens the relationships with stakeholders. CSR may further result in decreased transaction costs and thereby improved corporate financial performance (CFP), by decreasing employee turnover, reducing operating costs, as well as functioning as a buffer in disruptive events (Carroll Shabana, 2010; Barnet, 2007). Barnett (2007) and Schreck (2011) argue that, if the financial benefits of CSR meet or exceed the costs, CSR can be justified as a rational investment. According to Kurucz, Colbert and Wheeler (2008), firms may attain four distinct benefits from engaging in CSR; cost and risk reduction; gaining competitive advantage; developing reputation and legitimacy; and seeking win–win outcomes through synergistic value creation. Critics of CSR typically use classical economic arguments, articulated most forcefully by Friedman (Carroll Shabana, 2010). Traditionally, the expenditures of CSR are considered an illegitimate waste of resources, which conflict with a firm’s responsibility to its shareholders (Schreck, 2011, Barnet, 2007). According to Friedman (1970) â€Å"There is one and only one social responsibility of business – to use it resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Friedman further argued that, social issues are not the concern of business people, and â€Å"the business of business is business† (Carroll Shabana, 2010). Even though CSR have been subject to critique, an increasing number of corporations are accepting responsibilities that extend well beyond the immediate interest of the owners, by considering â€Å"non-shareholder stakeholders’ concerns† (Grant, 2010; Clegg, Carter, Kornberger Schweitzer, 2011). Although the existence, direction and strength of possible links between CSR and CFP have been the subject of several empirical analyses (Schreck, 2011), and even though CSR is almost universally practiced, the results from empirical studies are inconclusive (De Bakker, Groenewegen Hond, 2005). After more than thirty years of research, it cannot clearly be concluded, whether a one-dollar investment in social initiatives returns more or less, than one dollar in benefits to shareholders (Barnet, 2007; Surroca Tribo Waddock, 2008). The inconclusiveness of empirical studies may be due to unclear and inconsistent definitions of key terms (De Bakker, Groenewegen Hond, 2005; Barnet, 2007), methodological differences (Carrol Shabana, 2010), and diverse approaches of measuring CSR and CFP (Beurden Gossling, 2008). In existing literature, CSR activities are often entioned to reduce risk, by avoiding the various consequences of moral disapproval by numerous stakeholders (Zadek, 2000). However, CSR derived risk reductions are considered as an ex-post beneficial outcome and not as a proactive risk management instrument to control or reduce idiosyncratic risk (firm specific). Under the assumption that, shareholders are risk adverse and prefer a high expected return (Bodie, Kane Marcus, 2011; Brealey, Myers Allen, 2011), a reduction of firm specific risk must be perceived as favorably. Provided that CSR investments can be applied as a risk management tool, CSR could be seen as investments by firms on behalf of its shareholders. Taking a shareholder perspective, this paper looks beyond the socially good deed of CSR, and focuses on the value of CSR as a method to reduce idiosyncratic risk without detriment of CFP. CSR and Risk Management Since this paper hypothesizes that, CSR can be applied as a risk management instrument to preserve CFP, risk need to be defined. Risk can be defined as the uncertainty about outcomes or events, especially with respect to the future (Orlitzky Benjamin, 2001). Widely risk management is defined as a managerial tool to avoid risk, transfer risk to another party, reduce risk, or in some cases accepting consequences of a certain risk (Froot, Scharfstein Stein, 1994). A shareholder’s perspective on risk management however, conflicts with the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) (Markowitz, 1952) and the Modigliani Miller’s theorem on capital structure (1958). CAPM theory states that, the cost of reducing idiosyncratic risks simultaneously reduces the expected return, and hence firm value (Markowitz, 1952). Risk reduction by holding a well-diversified portfolio of securities will be unattainable by risk management (Godfrey, Merrill Hansen, 2009), why a profit-maximizing investor would not prefer risk management. Total firm risk is in general the combination of systematic and unsystematic risk (Hoje Haejung, 2012). Systematic risk, often referred to as market risk or non-diversifiable risk, is usually defined as the firm’s sensitivity to changes in the market average returns, which cannot be reduced by diversification of shareholders (Weber, 2008; Luo Bhattacharya, 2009; Orlitzky Benjamin, 2001). Unsystematic risk is defined as idiosyncratic risk (Hoje Haejung, 2012; Luo Bhattacharya, 2009). Idiosyncratic risk is traditionally viewed as indifferent to the portfolio investors, since it is associated with specific companies and thereby can be reduced by diversified portfolios (Husted, 2005; Weber, 2008). Opposing idiosyncratic risk is of great relevance to the firm manager, whose very survival may depend upon taking adequate measures to reduce the idiosyncratic risk (Husted, 2005). Firms’ financial risk is often defined in terms of variability of returns (Orlitsky Benjamin 2001), or stock price volatility (Luo Bhattacharya, 2009), which is important risk measures, given that higher volatility implies greater investment risk and uncertain future cash flows (Luo Bhattacharya, 2009; Oikonomou, Brooks Pavelin, 2012). A reduction in idiosyncratic risk reflects reduced variance in the future expected cash flows, which translates into greater shareholder wealth (Luo Bhattacharya, 2009; Mishra Modi, 2012). In a strict Modigliani and Miller perspective, risk-management instruments are of no value, since these are purely financial transactions that do not affect the value of a company’s operating assets (Froot, Scharfstein Stein, 1994). The views of CAMP and Modigliani and Miller have been superseded by a postmodern view of risk management as an important strategic tool. Firms do invest in insurances even though the costs of these investments may be in excess of expected losses, which is in clear violation with the perfect market assumption (Smith Stulz, 1985; Stultz, 2002). If risk management can reduce firms’ exposure to idiosyncratic risks, it protects shareholders against the deadweight costs of severe financial distress in a way, that investors can not accomplish in the market by diversifying (Godfrey, Merrill Hansen, 2009). Review of the linkage between CSR and risk For several decades, researchers have aimed at discovering a conclusive linkage between CSR and CFP, the literature however, remains highly fragmented (Aguinis Glavas 2012). According to Orlitsky Benjamin (2001) true economic performance manifests itself in both high financial returns and low financial risk. Among financial and non-monetary benefits, risk reduction is often mentioned as a positive outcome of engaging in CSR activities. Porter and Kramer (2006) argue that, today’s pressure, of external stakeholders to hold companies accountable for social issues, learly demonstrate the potential large financial risks for any corporation. Several scholars emphasize, that the costs of CSR can be justified by reductions in risk and costs derived from engagement in social issues (Caroll Shabana, 2010). The primary argument is that the diverse demands of stakeholders represent potential threats and risks to the viability of the firm, why it is the economic interest of firms to mitigate these threats and gain legitimacy through social involvement (Caroll Shabana, 2010; Schreck, 2011; Kurucz, Colbert Wheeler 2008). Existing literature on the CSR-risk relationship is virtually unanimously agreeing upon a negative correlation between CRS and idiosyncratic risk, where empirical results show that CSR lowers idiosyncratic risk (Spicer, 1978; Orlitsky Benjamin, 2001; Godfrey, 2005; Hoje Haejung, 2012; Caroll Shabana, 2010; Godfrey, Merrill Hansen, 2009; Heal, 2005; Luo Bhattacharya, 2012; Oikonomou, Brooks Pavelin, 2012; Berman, Wicks, Kotha Jones, 1999; Hart, 1995; Shrivastava, 1995; Peloza, 2006). Several studies have also shown a significant negative relationship between CSR and systematic risk (non-diversifiable) (Hoje Haejung 2012; Orlitzky Benjamin, 2001; Mcguire, Sungren Scneewies, 1988; Luo Bhattacharya, 2009). CSR reduces idiosyncratic risk by reducing the probabilities of expected financial, social, or environmental crisis that could adversely influence firms’ cash flows (Hoje Haejung, 2012). Firms perceived as socially responsible may be able to increase interpersonal trust among stakeholders, build social capital, lower transaction costs, and therefore ultimately reduce uncertainty about future financial performance (Orlitzky Benjamin, 2001). Luo and Bhattacharya (2009) present the view of CSR, as helping the firm build a bulwark of defense against future losses of economic value by reducing firm specific risk and vulnerability of future cash flows. Firms with high social responsibility may have lower financial risk, since these are less sensitive to certain negative external events, like regulatory governmental intervention, undesirable publicity, probability of civil- and criminal legal proceedings or consumer boycotts, why risk reduction can be seen as a monetary benefit of CSR (Mcguire, Sungren Scneewies, 1988; Oikonomou, Brooks Pavelin, 2012; Weber, 2008; Orlitzky Benjamin, 2001; Mcguire, Sungren Scneewies, 1988). Participation in specific types of CSR, those aimed at a firm’s secondary stakeholders or society as a whole, is argued to create a form of goodwill or positive â€Å"philanthropic moral reputational capital†, which functions as an insurance-like protection, when negative events occur (Godfrey, 2005; Peloza, 2006). When business activity creates negative impact on society, stakeholders respond by sanctioning the firm (Godfrey, Merrill Hansen, 2009). It is argued that the goodwill, derived from engagement in CSR, reduces the overall severity of the sanctions, by encouraging stakeholders to give the firm ‘the benefit of the doubt‘(Godfrey, 2005; Uzzi, 1997; Peloza, 2006; Godfrey, Merrill Hansen, 2009). The resultant moral capital gained from social engagement has little to do with generating financial value, but the insurance-like protection contributes with preserving shareholder value and thereby financial performance (Godfrey, Merrill Hansen, 2009). Mishra and Modi (2012) fund a significant effect on idiosyncratic risk, when CSR is applied, the authors however enhanced this result by finding that, positive CSR reduces idiosyncratic risk, while negative CSR increases idiosyncratic risk. Literature has, according to Mishra and Modi (2012), often a singular focus on positive CSR, and overlooks that firms also occasionally engage in activities that qualifies as negative CSR. Luo and Bhattacharya (2009) and Porter and Kramer (2006) argue that CSR is not beneficial in all situations, but is rather advantageous in some contexts and disadvantageous in others and can even lead to additional risk. This is in line with Barnet (2007), who argues that stakeholders’ perception of firms’ CSR engagement are path-dependent (Barnet, 2007; Luo Bhattacharya, 2009; Hoje Haejung, 2012). For firms with social negative impact or prior bad reputation, CSR may be perceived as â€Å"blood money† to mitigate past sins, omissions or shortcomings (Luo Bhattacharya, 2009; Barnet 2007). CSR can thereby lead to reduced idiosyncratic risk, but can also expose a firm to additional risk (Weber, 2008; Barnet, 2007). Discussion Even though the CSR-risk relationship have received much attention in the existing literature, managing risk as the predominantly basic for engaging in CSR has not received specific attention. Focus within the field is on ex-post measures of risk-related benefits, where CSR is not valued as a proactive tool to reduce idiosyncratic risk. Existing research does not seem to provide any practical guidance to managerial proactive evaluations of the risk reductions derived from CSR involvement. It further lacks a practical framework to ex-ante quantify the risk related benefits of CSR (Weber, 2008). The above review demonstrates the focus on risk, solely as valuable side-effect of engaging in CSR activities. The authors of the paper posit a research gap exists within the existing literature of CSR and risk: CSR is not considered as a proactive ex-ante risk management instrument to control and reduce firm risk. Given the risk reducing benefits of CSR, the authors suggest that investments in CSR can be used as a proactive risk management instrument to reduce idiosyncratic risk. Such an approach could strengthen the overall CSR involvement and support rational ex-ante decision-making in this area (Weber, 2008). The aim is to draw a much-need attention to the risk-reduction potential of CSR by viewing CSR investments as a proactive risk management tool, where managing risk is the main purpose for engaging in CSR. Empirical resolving the research gap and verifying the hypothesis is beyond the scope of this paper. The authors however, suggest that a potential solution is to apply real option theory as a basis for proactive CSR risk management decision-making. CSR as a real option Attributable to the aforementioned arguments, the function of CSR as a risk management tool can be considered as a real option. Regular options are based on securities (financial instruments), whereas real options are based on hedging against uncertainties in real investment projects (Mun, 2002). An analysis of the costs and benefits of CSR projects, using traditional NPV models, often leads to a rejection, as these fail to contribute to maximizing shareholder value (Friedman, 1962). This is, nevertheless, not always the right decision, as the NPV approach fails to incorporate the main advantage of real options (Husted, 2005). Compared to the traditional NPV approach, real options offer management flexibility through multiple decision-making in situations with high uncertainty. Managers have the option, but not the obligation, to engage in, modifying or end strategies, as new information becomes available (Mun, 2002). A CSR option offers the choice of deferring, abandoning, expanding, or staging an investment project (Amram Howe, 2003). Due to the theoretical and mathematical complexity of option theory, which is beyond the scope of this scientific paper, option theory will be described on an incomprehensive level. In brief option pricing is a function of five variables: the value of the underlying asset, the exercise price, time to exercise, the risk-free interest rate, and the volatility of the underlying asset (Black Scholes, 1973). The value of the underlying asset is the resources resulted from the CSR option, such as qualified employees, PR and cost avoiding’s etc. Husted, 2005). The exercise price refers to the required additional investments needed for receiving the value created by the CSR option. The timing of the exercise is an essential variable, as it has great effect on the value of CSR options. The risk-free interest rate does not play an important role in most real options (Mun, 2002). The volatility or the uncertainty of the underlying asset has a significant impact on the value of CSR options (Mun, 2002). The variance of the expected value can both be higher or lower than the expected return. Black and Scholes is the most widely used regular option pricing model, however, also one of the most complicated models (Mun, 2002). A Binomial lattice approach is applied in most real option pricing, as it provides a more transparent and intuitive appeal compared with Black and Scholes’ theoretical and mathematical approach (Mun, 2002). However, since the aim is solely to clarify the value of real options in a CSR context, the choice of approach is of less relevance. Real options provide an important framework for firms to manage risk by reducing the risk of future investments, and can thus be an essential tool in corporate risk management (Husted, 2005). Finally, a real CSR option explicitly includes a time dimension. This ex-ante perspective is clearly different from the focus on risk in most CSR-risk research, which is ex post in nature. CSR as a risk management instrument – The Toyota example A few decades ago, car manufacturers did not focus so intensively on a green profiling as they do today. The increased oil prices in 1973 and 1979 were influential for the entry of Japanese car manufacturers in USA, who were producing smaller and more gas efficient cars (Andrews, Simon, Tian Zhao, 2011). The gas efficient cars of Japanese manufactures were causative to the car industry as a whole subsequently invested massively in green technology projects. These investments have met consumers’ need and have generated positive branding values. Toyota’s Prius has reached â€Å"cult status†, as it is one of the most gas efficient and green cars on the market. However, more interestingly is the security, that the green profile of the Prius has offered Toyota, which includes protection against the bad publicity of car manufacturers’ contribution to pollution and factors such as Middle Eastern conflicts that influence oil prices and hence sales of cars. At first glance, it appears as Toyota has been skilled at forecasting future trends and meeting customer’s needs without using CSR as management instrument. As the following example however illustrates, Toyota’s management could have benefitted from considering investments in CSR as real options to control idiosyncratic risk and thereby preserve CFP. In 2009 repeated accidents occurred, which were accused to be caused by flaws in floor mats and accelerator pedals in Toyota’s vehicles. This resulted in a recall of more than 5 million vehicles, alone in the North American market (Andrews, Simon, Tian Zhao, 2011). Before a product is recalled, companies have to make severe considerations. A product-recall can have great financial impact in terms of losses in brand value, consumer goodwill, decreasing sales and a negative effect on stock prices (Kumara Schmitza, 2011), which in this case is the value of the underlying asset of the CSR option. The decision to recall the cars is the price of the option. The recall option could have generated strategic flexibility, which however, meanwhile was eliminated, as Toyota’s management failed to exercise the option, before it was too late. The leisurely recall decision resulted in losses in brand value, consumer goodwill, decreased stock price, lower sales, a fine of $16 million and more than 130 potential class-action lawsuits (Andrews, Simon, Tian Zhao, 2011). The negative outcome of the late recall is considered as high volatility of the underlying asset. A faster recalling could have had a avoiding, a limited or opposite effect on product brand, consumer goodwill and the massive media coverage (Husted, 2005). Provided that Toyota’s management had viewed the recall decision as a valuable option rather than severe costs, strategic flexibility could have been obtained, why the negative outcome may have been avoided. A faster exercise of the recall option might have resulted in goodwill or trust, which could have been exploited by Toyota to limit the negative publicity caused by the repeated accidents. Toyota however, failed to exercise the recall option in acute time, why the result was lost flexibility to respond to the unexpected event of the accidents. The value of the real option foregone by Toyota was a function of inter alia lost sales, brand value and reputation. Toyota’s management failed to exploit the advantages of CSR as a risk management tool.

Analyzing Gallagher’s Oroonoko’s Blackness Essay -- Oroonoko’s Blackne

Analyzing Gallagher’s Oroonoko’s Blackness  Ã‚      Oroonoko is a fascinating text overflowing with descriptions of complex relations between and within the different races. The attitudes and actions of the Aphra Behn and her characters would make for a rich analysis from any number of behavioral approaches, but there are many more layers to this story than the dominant racial themes. In fact, in "Oroonoko’s Blackness" Catherine Gallagher argues that the main character’s unusually dark skin color actually represents kingship, commodification, and the degree to which he and the author are embodied in the work. Though Gallagher recognizes the significance of Oroonoko’s ethnicity in the conflict between the African and European groups, she writes that it is displaced by these three ideas when examined from other perspectives. At times her arguments for this are difficult to decipher and appear contradictory, especially in the explanations on textuality, embodiment and transcendence, but, overall, the claims of the cr iticism are strong and convincing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this essay the author makes a believable argument for her theories of kingship and commodification. These ideas are interrelated and dependent upon Oroonoko’s blackness symbolizing worth when it usually implies the opposite. Gallagher mentions the question of why Oroonoko’s skin is so much darker than the rest of his people when blackness is almost always associated with moral degeneracy and light colored complexion with nobleness. Her answer is that it actually improves his status as a hero. She explains that his accomplishments, which are comparable to the most famous Europeans, distinguishes him as a leader, but "it is in his blackness that his heroism partakes of t... ...works, it seems pointless to mention a view of The Unfortunate Bride that is contrary to the work she is critiquing without explaining the cause for the difference. By first connecting authorial obscurity to Mooria, the reader assumes that it will again be related to The Royal Slave. But the reverse occurs and causes confusion. If Gallagher does not know the reason for the difference, then she should stay with the original text and not refer to any outside sources that do not agree with her argument.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Though Gallagher’s critique may be somewhat lacking, there is no doubt of her superior understanding of Oroonoko and its implications. Her claims are original and calls the audience’s attention to subtle themes. The criticism may require several readings to capture all of its meanings, but its interpretation creates enough interest to make it worthwhile.  

Information Technology Acts

Technology has advanced greatly in the recent years. The internet has made it is easy for people to get any information they want, which in return presents danger to minors. This advance in technology has opened new issues that need to be addressed. Children depend on adults to protect them from any harm and as a result government passed acts to prevent child abuse on the internet. The two acts being discussed in this paper are the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000 and the Children’s Online Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998. Children’s Internet Protection Act, 2000 The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a federal law which was passed by Congress to prevent children from viewing the offensive or harmful content over the Internet (â€Å"FCC†, 2013). CIPA regulates the schools and all public libraries. It makes it mandatory to filter all its computers to stop children from accessing sites that are not appropriate. (â€Å"FCC†, 2013). The (CIPA) was passed in December 2000 and its main priority is to protect children’s innocent eyes from child pornography and other dangers of the internet. CIPA does not require a certain kind of filter system, but rather to make sure schools and libraries have some sort of filters to prevent such activities. There are online predators, inappropriate chat rooms, and sexual content that children are at risk for if this law was not passed. Ultimately, all households, schools, libraries, workplaces, and restaurant have access to the internet and this is a law that needed to be passed. Children’s Online Protection Act (COPPA), 1998 The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was passed in 1998. It specifically addresses children under the age of 13 that navigate thru any sort of internet service. COPPA requires anyone driving a website to have verifiable knowledge and consent from parents of any child 13 and under. Also, the driver has to get the consent of those parents before using any information given to them by the children. Furthermore, whether studying, shopping, surfing or chatting, children are blind to the fact that there are bad people who get their information and use it for all the wrong reasons. Advances in Information Technology The internet is a worldwide tool that is used for many different reasons. The Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000 and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 is a product of advances in information technologies. Regrettably, the internet can be used anywhere and anytime. The wireless fidelity, Bluetooth networks, and ultra wide-band network all give access to internet from any cell phone, computers, laptops, or tablets (Rainer Jr. & Cegielski, 2007). In addition, this creates a problem for minors because there are many online predators looking for ways to transition children into their world of viciousness. As a result, advance in information technology has created eye openers for every parent around the world. The advance in information technology opened issues that needed to be addressed because Children depend on adults to protect them. The government passed the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000 and the Children’s Online Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998 as a result of advancement in technology. As a matter of fact, parents should be more cautious as to what their children are using the internet for. Ultimately, the responsibility of a child falls on their parents References FCC.  (2013).  Retrieved from http://www.fcc.gov/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act Rainer Jr., K. R., & Cegielski, C. G. (2007). Information Systems (3rd Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, INC.

Economic development and social standing of women in low income countries Essay

‘The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world’ is a famous saying that is pertinent to the argument that analysts make about development of women in low income countries depending on the raising of social standing of women in these countries. Because, Women are the nourishing ground of human resource of any society. Children are the future citizens of a Nation and the global world. High standards of women in society lead to a rich human resource. A productive human resource is the most important potential of a country for economic growth and prosperity, which further brings about a total development of that nation. Women are the grassroots of such a growth. Therefore it is very logical to argue that economic development in low income countries highly depends on women and their empowerment, the raising of their social standing in that society. â€Å"Family is a social institution found in all cooperative groups to oversee the bearing and raising of children throughout the world† wrote John J Macionis (2006). Children who are raised by equal status, educated mothers, in developed countries grow up to go to higher levels of education and become responsible adults of the nation. The women thus use their time and resources to development of their children. But the women in under developed low income countries do not have an access to such resources like education and good health. Their social standing is low and hence these nations give rise to an underdeveloped population which in turn results in low economy of the country. These countries are patriarchal and believe in supremacy of Economic development men. Women are a neglected section and thus they remain at the lowest strata of that society. â€Å"Gender stratification plays a vital role in socialization of families, peers, schooling, and mass media† says John J Macios (2007). Raising standards of women will therefore bring about an elevation in the standards with which they raise their own children. Upliftment of women, their empowerment, providing these women social dignity, facilities of good health and sanitation, education and career skills is an important factor that needs attention in low income Countries. With an equality of genders both, men and women could make valuable contributions to the economy of their country. Not only economic development but the overall enrichment of the human resource of the whole world will then take place. Sociologists the world over argue about the dependence of social status of women in low income countries with their economy because investment in human resource is the only answer to development and optimization of natural resource. Respected, educated, healthy, happy mothers are the only answer to a well developed world. Not just for a few countries and not just for economy but for the good health of the Universe, women all over the world deserve a high status in society. They really are the ones who teach children to become good and responsible adults, and this is the only way economic development can take place. Therefore sociologists agree and analysts argue that economy of the country depends upon the social standing of women in that country with special reference to the low income nations of the world. References Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: The Basics. Pearson Education.

8 Best Jobs in Retail (And How to Get Them)

8 Best Jobs in Retail (And How to Get Them) Working in retail may not be the glamorous job of your dreams, especially when you have to muster a smile for the 15th customer asking a ridiculous question on your 10-hour shift. But it’s a solid career option, short- or long-term, with a skill set that makes you hireable in many different fields, and lots of opportunities. Along with food service, retail is the biggest pool of jobs in the United States right now. We live in a society that needs stuff, on demand, and that means we also need an army of helpful, knowledgeable people to steer us toward that stuff. If you’re in the market for a retail job (or your next one), there are lots of great opportunities for you. Where Are the Jobs?Everywhere- literally everywhere. From the mom-and-pop store down the street to the big box store that magically has what you want when you want it, stores need staff. Sure, metro centers like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles will have more job openings, but you don’t need to wo rry about relocating for your career. You can find retail jobs near you.What Are the Best Jobs?Retail can be a hard industry: long hours, demanding shifts, the *ahem* joys of dealing with the public. Where you work can make all the difference between feeling good about your job and wishing you’d gone into animal dentistry instead. Let’s look at some of the best companies out there right now in retail, which offer strong benefits packages and focus on employee well-being as well as paying the bills.CostcoYou probably know you can get an industrial-sized vat of ketchup at Costco, but did you also know it’s consistently rated one of the best places to work? With a median salary of$13.14 according to Investopedia, it’s one of the highest-paying retail employers out there right now. The company also offers a lot of employee-friendly benefits like health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) program, and dependent care coverage. Plus an employ ee discount on that ketchup.NordstromWith more than 300 stores in the U.S. and Canada, Nordstrom is one of the biggest upscale retail chains in the country. As a cornerstone in malls around the country, Nordstrom is known for offering a median salary of $14.96 per hour, the highest hourly retail associate pay as of 2016. It also gets high marks among employees for offering benefits to part-time employees as well as full-timers.TargetAs the nation’s second-biggest retailer (after WalMart), department store Target (look for the big red bullseye) is one of the most employee-friendly retail workplaces. The median salary is $9.25 for sales associates, with significant bumps for managers and warehouse workers (who have a median salary of $19.40). The company also offers a number of supplemental benefits which include health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, healthy living initiatives, and less common benefits like tuition reimbursements, savings and investment plans, f lexible spending accounts, parental leave, and childcare assistance.CarMaxGone are the days when the phrase â€Å"used car salesman† called to mind a shady guy in a bad suit and a â€Å"trust me† smile. These days, consumers value data and clear information about the investment they’re making in a car. CarMax has parlayed its customer service on that front into becoming the largest used car dealership in the U.S., and one of Fortune’s top 100 companies to work for. CarMax is big on employee appreciation, with $1,000 bonuses and a pizza party for employees who go â€Å"above and beyond.† Top sellers are sorted into â€Å"clubs,† and are rewarded with trips, dinners, and other compensation for their hard work.Lowe’sIf DIY is your passion, then Lowe’s can be a great destination for you. Its salary and benefits are tops in the big box home improvement store game, with a median salary of $12.95 and a strong offering of employee bene fits like health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, disability insurance, and retirement benefits.Trader Joe’sWorking in retail doesn’t always mean being a retail associate- creative skills are in demand as well. At grocery chain Trader Joe’s, artists who create the store’s trademark in-store artwork, cartoons, and brightly colored displays make a median salary of $13.64. The company also offers employees health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, and a retirement plan. Must-haves: strong art background and a sense of whimsy about organic yogurt.Gap/Old Navy/Banana RepublicGood luck finding a mall or shopping center without one of these stores holding down a corner. With more than 3,300 stores worldwide, The Gap (along with its sister stores/brands Old Navy and Banana Republic) is a retail powerhouse, offering a median salary of $11.86. The stores also offer employees health insurance, dental insurance, daycare assistance, and commu ter benefits.ZapposIf you’re a shoe enthusiast, Zappos probably needs no introduction. If you’re not, Zappos is one of the largest online shoe retailers, owned by Amazon. Ranked #38 on Fortune’s best retail companies list, Zappos emphasizes the â€Å"life† part of â€Å"work-life balance† for its team members. The services they offer to employees include laundry service, car washes, educational and leadership seminars, parental leave and adoption reimbursement, and- one of the most unusual perks of all- expense reimbursement for pet adoption, as well as pet sitters/walkers. (And now my dog wonders why I don’t have a job somewhere that prioritizes her needs better.)How Do I Get These Jobs?The good news is that these companies are all broadly located, with locations all around the country. Assuming the geographic hurdles are low, what do you need to snag one of these opportunities?Build your resume.The starting square for any job hunt, retail or not, is getting your application package together. You’ll need to dust off your old resume, for starters, or (even better) rebuild a bigger, better one from scratch.Be creative.The mall is going to be full of job applicants, but what about that shopping center down the street? Consider applying to stores and jobs in less high-traffic areas.Consider seasonal employment.If you find that there are more applicants than openings at your target store, keep trying. If they hire seasonal help, apply for it. You’ll have a foot in the door, and can show off your stellar retail skills over the holiday rush season.Do your research.What is the company’s status right now? How are its stocks doing? If a company is in its death throes (and just announced a round of store closings), now is likely not the time to apply. But if things look healthy from your research (online searches, nothing too extensive or wonky), then you’re more likely to get a better reception.Put i n face time.Applying online is a great and convenient tool. For retail, though, it’s not necessarily a replacement for showing up, putting in an application, and showing the hiring manager that you have the right stuff. While it’s not a full-on interview, take the opportunity to go down to the store, wearing an interview-ish spiffy outfit, and present your resume in person to the manager. It’s a nice first impression, and can make you more memorable as they sort through your application with others’.Check often for new job postings.Set daily reminders (or even a few times a day) to search for new job listings on the store’s site. Retail is a high-turnover field, and you can never predict exactly when there will likely be more job openings. Keeping an eye on the listings will let you jump on opportunities as they come up, instead of getting there a few days later, after the job has already been filled by Not You.Don’t be afraid of job hopping .â€Å"Job hopping,† or moving from one job to another after a short period of time, used to be frowned upon. These days, it’s become more of an accepted cost of moving up and building skills. If you’re in one job and another opens up that could broaden your experience or give you a bump in pay/compensation, don’t be afraid to go for it.Whether you’re a vet of the retail job scene looking to trade up, or looking for your first retail job, we’ve hopefully laid out a ton of options for you to consider and a path for you to follow. Good luck!

Born free generation

?It is not for nothing that the born free youth in 2013 has been named the â€Å"me generation†. Today’s people growing up are materialistic, self indulged and obsessed with themselves. This essay will explore that 19 years after the first the first democratic elections in South Africa, the young people of today are little different from their counterparts else where in the world. My argument will show that this is somewhat ironic because politically inspired school pupils were the catalysts for one of the most important resistances against the apartheid government. In 1976 the National Party attempted to modify the education act and insist that Afrikaans be the medium of instruction for Bantu education. On the 16th of June politicised and angry young teenagers poured into the streets of Soweto equipped with suitcases and stones. They confronted heavily armed policemen and the might of the South African military with the determination to express their outrage at yet another political injustice. Hector Peterson lost his life on this day and his limp body became emblematic of a politicised youth determined to make South Africa a democratic country. When President’s Kennedy, Nixon and Johnson involved the United States of America in a war across the globe, to minimise the influence of communism, young people in America took to the streets and protested vigorously across the land. Indeed, this event characterised popular culture to such an extent that protest music became a genre popular worldwide. Singers such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary voiced the objections of the â€Å"Love Generation†. Music in fact became the medium for political resistance in South Africa as well; Johnny Klegg became the â€Å"white Zulu† and his anthropologist wrote resistance songs, which young people in South Africa promoted with much vigour and enthusiasm. Stephanie Powers too became a voice of political decent and her raspy voice with songs like â€Å"Last night when we were young† energised disco techs in which young South African’s danced the night away. However, 19 years after the demise of Apartheid, young South Africans are no longer interested in political and social protest music, in fact the pop genre has never enjoyed such wide spirit support in this country. Justin Bieber’s concert in Cape Town and Gauteng enjoyed unprecedented popularity and support. The columnist for the Sunday times exclaimed on the 14th of may that the hysterical behaviour of so many young girls was reason for great concern in fact anyone attending this concert could not have failed to be struck by one of the great ironies of one of the great â€Å"Musical bonanza† in Soweto, a bowl of poverty and deprivation. In fact, a sensitive appreciation of these ironies can be little other then down right embarrassing. However, if this were limited to one outing only, young people’s self indulgence and narcissism might be forgiven however, Johannesburg Stadium has been the host to Lady Gaga, The Red Hot Chilli Pepper and U2, in each case promoters smile at ticket sales and the amount of money made from each outing. Furthermore, it would be a little naive to believe that this is a characteristic only displayed by the youth of South Africa. Young people worldwide it would appear are pleasure seeking and selfish and are all too willing to emulate and worship celebrity culture. Charlotte Metcalfe in her article, â€Å"Where are all the role models, the real heroines we once revered† satirises adolescent hero worship of figures such as Cheryl Cole

A Description of Human Geography Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A Description of Human Geography - Assignment Example Some of these include the birth rate, death rate, fertility rate, natural increase rate and zero population growth. All the rates are ratios and their functions are that these aspects are used to check on the population change. The aspects of ratios and rates form the population dynamics, which are treated with critical and spatial information that helps in evaluating the interaction between physical geography and human geography. b) The concept of population cohorts theory is also referred to as population pyramid theory. It is a graphical representation of the five-year age groups called the cohorts. The information in the population pyramid is used in various government sectors, for example, the economic demand notion for teenagers with the sociological concept. This helps the government in responding accurately to various matters such dependency ratios. b) On the other hand, Muslim refers to a person who follows the religion of Islam. Muslim refer to an individual who submits himself or herself to God. They consider Quran as a book containing the word of God and that word revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. b) The Islamic religion has five pillars of faith and they are five observable features that distinguish Islam from other religion like Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism religions of the world. The first pillar of faith is that no God worthy of worship but Allah. In this pillar, the profession of faith require Muslims to bear witness to the oneness of God and Muhammad is his messenger. The second pillar is prayer. The inherent pillar relies on assumption that every individual have a direct relationship with God and therefore individuals should pray five times a day. The third pillar is giving charity where social responsibilities are considered part one's service to God. Payment of a specific possession to the welfare of the community is an act of purification and growth.