The Secret To Visiting All The Colleges On Your List

Whether you’re just starting the college application or deciding where to commit this fall, one thing will certainly help with your decision: a college tour. Unfortunately, colleges are not always close in proximity, and it’s often costly to make the trip. On top of that, with midterms and finals, students may not have the luxury to take a week off of school. The solution? Virtual college tours.With on-demand technology, students can now experience what a college is like without physically being on campus. Universities that were not marketing much on the internet have now collaborated with virtual college tour companies, such as YouVisit, to make sure prospective students are getting a holistic sense of what a school has to offer. On these virtual college tours, visitors are taken across campus, just as they would in real life. There is typically a voiceover of a student tour guide introducing each campus spot with the added ability to pause the videos to read up on the things mentioned during the tour. Though it may not be the same as physically being at a school, this alternative has helped many prospective college students gain access to a more aspects of a college without taking on the heavy financial burden of traveling to visit each one. On average, 80% of applicants visit no more than 4 colleges in person, but, with online campus tours, the schools applicants are able to reach are much more expansive. This has helped many incoming freshman make a more informed decision about where to go to school. However, The benefits aren’t just one-sided. Virtual college tours have also helped increase enrollment rates at certain universities. The United States Air Force Academy, for example, has seen improvements since its launch of their 3D virtual campus tour, increasing their enrollment rate from 10% to 15%. With better technology, these virtual campus tours are becoming more informative and more realistic. From campus tour video chats to 3D campus tours to, now, the possibility of experiencing a school through virtual reality, schools are banking on the positive impact an immersive campus experience will have on its attractiveness to prospective students. YouVisit started to work with Oculus Rift two years ago to transform this experience with the help of Yale University. Mark Dunn, Yale University’s director of outreach and recruitment, believes that it will help students better understand and experience what the school represent for those who are unable to visit. There are definitely many elements that still make in-person college tours more attractive, such as sitting in on college lectures, meeting professors, asking college students questions face-to-face, and experiencing the overall campus vibe. But, with all the effort put into virtual college tours, they dont seem to be a bad substitute at all.

Simultaneous and Simultaneously

Simultaneous and Simultaneously Simultaneous and Simultaneously Simultaneous and Simultaneously By Maeve Maddox The following sentence on a professional writing site caught my attention: Simultaneous people (e.g. the editor and writer) can work on the same document at the same time, ensuring changes aren’t lost in old, misplaced drafts. I have seen nonprofessional writers use the phrase â€Å"simultaneous people† in the context of computer use, as in this exchange between a customer and a service provider: Question: How many simultaneous people can be logged in on my account? Answer: Only one person can be logged in on a computer per account.   If you log in on a computer and are already logged in elsewhere, you will be logged out of your older session. For other devices such as Roku, iPad and iPhone, 3 people can be logged in simultaneously.   Note the use of the adverb simultaneously in the answer to describe a situation that includes multiple users. The principal definition of the adjective simultaneous is â€Å"existing, happening, occurring, operating, etc., at the same time.† I suppose that in one sense we are all â€Å"simultaneous people† because we are all living our lives on the planet at the same time. In most contexts, however, simultaneous usually applies to things or events, whereas people do things simultaneously. Here are some conventional uses of the adjective: In 1964, roughly nine of ten Japanese watched the final match and felt a collective joy in the moment of victory. This simultaneous emotion created a strong feeling of community among them. In 10 years there was a fall in the marriage-rate and a  simultaneous  fall in the value of exported British produce. Id say the scratch  was simultaneous  with the punch.   Before the Rebels threw a monkey wrench into the Empires plans, how many simultaneous Death Stars were envisioned by the Empire? An event at which a chess master plays games with multiple players at the same time is called a â€Å"simultaneous exhibition† or â€Å"simultaneous display.† A â€Å"simultaneous equation† is â€Å"an equation involving two or more unknowns that are to have the same values in each equation.† In the context of oral translation, simultaneous is used to describe human beings who translate from one language into another as a speaker utters it. One of the key skills of the  simultaneous interpreter  is decisiveness. Simultaneous interpreters must have not only complete mastery of the languages, but also of their cultures. A Google search suggests that even in this profession, it’s more common to refer to the act of translation rather than to the translator as being simultaneous: simultaneous interpretation: 434,000 results simultaneous interpreting: 361,000 results simultaneous interpreters: 161,000 Note: The phrase â€Å"simultaneous people tracking† racks up about 19,000,000 results when searched without quotation marks. A phrase associated with robotics, it doesn’t refer to â€Å"spontaneous people,† but to â€Å"spontaneous people-tracking.† The phrase has to do with the fact that a robot must be programmed to avoid human obstacles as it moves about. Here is a suggested revision of the sentence that prompted this post: Editors and writers can work on the same document simultaneously, ensuring that changes aren’t lost in old, misplaced drafts. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 Examples of Passive Voice (And How To Fix Them)"Have" vs "Having" in Certain Expressions10 Tips About How to Write a Caption

Challenges to the pharmaceutical industrys blockbuster-driven business Essay

Challenges to the pharmaceutical industrys blockbuster-driven business model, and the effectiveness of GlaxoSmithKlines strategies for meeting these challenges - Essay Example Scientific innovations take unexpectedly long periods to record progress or profits, which is pulling back the pharmaceutical industry’s blockbuster-driven business model (Antonijevic, 2013, p. 4). Many pharmaceuticals that launched blockbuster models between 1995 and 2000 were the outcome of discovery events began between the 1970s and 1980s (Ding et al., 2013, p. 426). Pharmaceuticals made these efforts to commercialize the upsurge of scientific understanding that had been growing for two decades. Recent scientific developments such as increased amounts of screening and genomics have raised output but their effect is yet to be felt at the bottom line. In the meantime, numerous pipelines guarantee just single digit rates of growth following the expiration of patent effects. Increases in development costs pose as another challenge for pharmaceuticals’ blockbuster strategies (Shore, 2012, p. 116). Declining success rates, higher medical expenses per patient, and the need to carry out bigger tests to gratify increasingly strict regulatory barriers cause increases in development costs. Recently printed surveys indicate that the general expenses for an effective medication increased more than twice during the 1990s, reaching $800 million, counting capital expenses (Dubey and Dubey, 2010, p. 182). While R&D is turning out to be less productive, this data is conservative, particularly for extremely competitive blockbuster groups. As a result, rises in development costs could have caused a much more significant blow to blockbuster-driven business models before the 2000s. The deterioration of patent protection contributed significantly to the collapse of blockbuster-driven business models among pharmaceuticals (Rickwood, 2012). Patent challenges included briefer durations of exclusiveness that raised competition from rival commodities that get FDA approval

Tenant vs Landlord Case Paper Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Tenant vs Landlord Case Paper Review - Essay Example lure to comply fully with all applicable environmental laws, or by reason asserted or actually falling to comply with the provision of the above paragraph. In line to the landlords earlier view, tenant may dispose, handle, use or store those products that contain little quantities of hazardous materials to the extent necessary and for premises use as a general office provided he shall handle, dispose, store, and use them in a lawful and safe manner and does not allow them to contaminate the building, premises, land or the environment. The definition of a hazardous materials clause comes about. This is because the law places the responsibility of hazardous materials on the owner of the property where it was created, disposed, used, spilled and any other involvement with the material that regards the environment. The landlord should consider what kind of business the tenant is engaging in and the past records in regarding hazardous materials. It would be unfair on the side of the tenant because, even if a lease may be industrial or retail, the tenant has to use general office purpose, and will force him to use some equipment that are regarded by the law as hazardous. The tenant can bring things that are hazardous but use them without causing harm to the environment. Restricting him not to bring them is absurd. The landlord’s clause is, therefore, unjust to the tenant. The tenant clause is, therefore, good because it considers that the equipments a business or a resident is dealing with may not be totally free of any hazardous materials. It includes that the tenant shall handle, dispose, store, and use them in a lawful, and safe manner, and does not allow them to contaminate the building, premises, land or the environment. Again the landlord’s clause is limiting the business of the tenant to grow, evolve and transfer from one tenant to another. Being involved in dealing with one thing may lead to the need of complementary goods or services which may be limited

How to make life meaningful Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

How to make life meaningful - Essay Example Since the stated goals of positive psychology are to create thriving people and lead to a more fulfilling life, the interests of positive psychology are no longer treating people with disorders or illness but making the life of a normal person more fulfilling and flourishing. Hence, the mission statement of positive psychology accompanies the act of pursuing a meaningful life. The mission statement states: A Meaningful life is connected to positive functioning: work enjoyment, satisfaction in life, hope, general positive effect as well as happiness and a higher degree of well-being. Research has demonstrated that people have a propensity to create stories as a means of understanding occurrences in life with a life story being a means of imposing meaning on life and therefore connecting people to occurrences (Loewenstein 46). In regards to the manner in which meaning in demonstrated, understanding loss appears as more important during the adjustment process subsequent to the loss while recognizing the benefits may be a more long-term process that takes place over time with the biggest benefits becoming evident later on. There is a consensus that individuals should remain true to what matters and themselves in order to get a meaningful life (Baumeister and Bushman 435). Various strategies exist that can be used by individuals to uncover their true selves and identify and challenge their obstacles that hinder them from seeking their dreams. Three significant steps towards making life meaningful include: For most of the people, simply understanding who they are is a challenging endeavor and based in research that has been conducted previously, approximately forty percent of all the people in America have not yet identified a sense of purpose as far as their lives are concerned. It can be easy to tell people to live life on their own terms, but if they have not been able to identify their own terms, they may develop the feeling that they are drifting

Assessment Of Community Resource Management Environmental Sciences Essay

Assessment Of Community Resource Management Environmental Sciences Essay This is a community development planning study which examined the resource management capacity of selected barangays given the prevailing mindset of people (i.e. no sense of ownership of local resources), how local organizations worked to effect protection and development of these resources, and how the stakeholders managed these resources. To pursue with this aim, the study covered barangays Ayala, Talisayan, Pamucutan, La Paz, Cawit and Tulungatung west coast of Zamboanga City. It utilized Participatory Resource Appraisal (PRA) in data gathering. Data gathered were subjected to SWOT analysis. Results of the study revealed that the communities resources are so vast and rich which barangay officials cannot manage alone. LGUs have laudable resource management plans that need peoples cooperation to implement. However, people do not participate because they believe this is LGUs sole responsibility. Meanwhile, investors, mostly outsiders, have more access to resources, which some over-utilize and/or pollute with industrial wastes. Results of the study, therefore, indicated a need for barangay officials and the people to build their capacity to effectively manage community resources through collaborative efforts in all stages of development. Thus, the study recommended a resource management action planning to be participated in by both barangay officials and sector representatives. Introduction Natural resources are the foundation from which the rural poor can overcome poverty. (Ferrer, et al, 1996). However, in a country like the Philippines which is noted for its rich and vast natural resources, it is a paradox that poverty continues to reign especially among rural folks. Although poverty alleviation and sustainable development are components of Philippine government programs, planning has been concentrated at the higher echelon of government bureaucracy leading to a top down approach which fails to attain participation of concerned communities leaving no feeling of ownership in the programs implemented. Local level participation and grassroots initiatives are key elements in any community resource management effort. (Ferrer, et al. 1996). One of the approaches which placed emphasis on community involvement in management of resources and social justice is community-based coastal resource management. Community-based Coastal Resource Management (CBCRM) is one of the most significant approaches used because of its emphasis on both natural resources and social justice. Its roots come from two strains of civil society movements in the Philippines, namely: environmental conservation and human rights. It undertakes Community Resource Management in the context of community transformation by ensuring social and economic equity, holistic and integrated management, and sustainable livelihood and development. Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is one of the most important manifestations of true decentralization as it relates to control of rural resources. CBNRM programs, if successful, can be models of local empowerment, imbuing communities with greater authority over the use of natural resources. Under the right circumstances, they can also bring important benefits to poor people and poor communities (Holmes Cooper, 2005). The ECSOM (Ecosystem-Based Community-Centered Sustainable Development Organization and Management) proposed by the Maximo Kalaw Institute for Sustainable Development, is also one such community-based sustainable development framework. ECSOM provides the local government and other sectors, the framework for designing and instituting programs for economic development and poverty alleviation, and affirms what is already provided for in the 1987 Constitution and Local Government Code of 1991 (Roxas S.K., 2007). A study is deemed necessary in establishing an ecosystem-based community-centered sustainable development organization and participatory management preparatory and pre-feasibility phase. As such, emphasis is put on expanding participation beyond consultation. It is making the people not mere data sources but also involving them in the process of data gathering and in building their aspirations, needs and abilities toward a just, equitable and sustainable future for all. On this principle was this study anchored, as conducted in barangays Ayala, Talisayan, Pamucutan, Lapaz, Cawit and Tulungatung which form the ECSOM cluster in the west coast of Zamboanga City. Method The study covered the whole communities of the six barangays in the west coast of Zamboanga City, as the main subjects of the study. Specifically, it mobilized the following stakeholders from each community: barangay officials represented by the Chairperson, Kagawads and Sangguniang Kabataan, the Barangay Health Workers, Day Care Workers, Purok leaders and PO leaders, and representatives of sectors such as; farmers, fisherfolks, women, youth and factory workers. The study used primarily the Participatory Resource Appraisal (PRA) procedure that enabled participants to unravel and analyze their situation, and in acting/planning on their own. The PRA is an approach that evolved from a series of qualitative multidisciplinary approach to learning about local-level conditions and local peoples perspective including agro ecosystem analysis (IBRD/WB, 1998). It seeks to generate knowledge and then to use that knowledge to empower the participants as they create solutions to the problems they face. Outcomes are focused not only on the creation of that change, but also on individual and group empowerment, and the creation of a heightened sense of self-esteem through ownership of the process and the solution (Palloff, 1996, p. 47). Secondary data were also collected and analyzed to generate the barangay profiles and served as input to the development planning process. Four phases marked the assessment process. (1) emergence and development of research design which was inspired and influenced by the Ecosystems-Based Community Centered for Sustainable Development Organization and Management (ECSOM); (2) pre-study consultation with respective officials and stakeholders of concerned communities to present the proposed study and agree as to its purpose, scope and coverage, and to generate commitment of stakeholders to participate in the process; (3) mobilization and engagement which entailed the formation and orientation of the PRA team. The actual data collection used PRA tools (resource mapping, social services mapping, production flow chart, seasonality diagram, organizational matrix, historical transect, pie chart of household income and expenditure) facilitated through workshops and focused-group discussions conducted in the six barangays with the people as partners in data collection and analysis. Analysis of data was done on the spot by local re search participants during the presentation of workshop outputs that provided opportunity for checking and feedback, triangulation of findings from three (3) sources (e.g. workshops, focus group discussion and interview with identified key informants, and secondary data) to determine trends and priorities, subjecting data gathered to SWOT analysis, and conducting of consolidation workshops and data validation; and (4) action planning which was a two-pronged process of (a) strategic planning that resulted in the formulation of the 3-year development plan and 1-year investment plan of the barangays consolidated as a cluster plan for the 6 barangays; and (b) institution building which included formation of a viable organizational structure required to operate and implement the cluster plan, complete with vision and mission. Based on the conceptual flow of the study, the primary source (input) in data gathering was the production sectors in the community which included the agricultural and fishery sectors as well as the local government, community-based people organizations, non-government organizations, and the business sector. The data gathered from the participants were used to determine the state of resource management practice of the community in terms of availability, access, utilization and sustainability. Results In order to determine the community resource management capacity of the six barangays, results of the assessment were classified as follows: (a) natural resource (specifically pertaining to the main production sectors i.e. agriculture, fishery and forest resources); (b) basic social services; (c) community infrastructure; and (d) organizational management/ governance. Results of the study revealed a vast and rich natural resource base for the six barangays which comprises of the production sectors such as agriculture and fishery. About a 30-kilometre shoreline traverses the coastlines of barangays Ayala, Cawit and Talisayan a primary source of fish, lobsters and other marine products for small-scale fishermen. It provides great economic opportunities for both local and foreign investors who engage in fishing, canning, box and tin can production, and fish mill operations, all of which provide ample income to some residents and outsiders. Small-scale fishermen, both resident and non-residents of the area have lesser access to fish resources as their fishing technology are no match to the big boats of commercial fishers. Furthermore, they have now to go far out at sea as there are hardly any fishes near the shorelines due to water pollution by industrial wastes. In terms of resource utilization, while large-scale fishers do it for commercial purpose s, small-scale fisher folks do it primarily for subsistence, and whatever extra, they sell (See Table 1). Sustainability of marine resources is challenged by pollution due to dumping of untreated industrial wastes into the sea, and by oil spill from factories. On the other hand, dynamite fishing destroys coral reefs fingerlings. Similarly, the use of fish nets by small-scale fishermen, does not also spare fingerlings, resulting in decreased volume of fishes in the area. Both commercial and small-scale fishers do not heed an existing ordinance on fish ban during the breeding months from October to December. Table 1 Community Resource Base Resource Available Access Utilization Marine Resources Accessed by both big commercial boats owned mostly by foreigners and their Filipino partners; and by marginal fishermen, both residents and non-residents of the area. For fish canning to supply local and foreign markets. For subsistence and small-scale sale of fishes by marginal fishermen. Community Resource Management Capacity (Marine Resources) Approximately, a total of 182 hectares of rich agricultural land are devoted to rice-farming in the low-lying barangays of Ayala, Cawit and Talisayan. Upland barangays of La Paz, Pamucutan and Tulungatung have rich agricultural farms that produce rice, vegetables, fruits, poultry, and cock. These farms employ tenant farmers and farm laborers. La Paz and Pamucutan are engaged in large-scale production of vegetables and other high-value crops. Continuous skills and technology development in these modes of agricultural production are provided by the Department of Agriculture. Earnings and income generated from a 50-hectare farm is estimated at Php100, 000 per harvest (See Table2). The cluster produces sufficient rice supply to the residents of the six barangays. Large areas (in hectares) are devoted to rice farming in the following barangays: Talisayan 180, Tulungatung 115, Pamucutan 100 and Ayala 40. However, the utilization of the potentials of the agricultural land resource is not maximized as harvest is only twice a year. Sustainability-wise, majority of the farmers do not use organic fertilizer and insecticides and still rely on chemical-based ones. Moreover, some farmers complain of lack of post-harvest facilities. Others have difficulty in bringing products to the market due to poor road condition, giving chance for middlemen or compradors to buy farm products from farmers at very low price, almost 1/3 of the market price. Kaingin system, which is still being employed in some areas, endangers the soils richness while illegal cutting of trees in forest areas to supply the box factory and for charcoal making of Talisayan, has led to soil erosion and subsequent siltation in rivers, endangering the supply of water in irrigation systems (See Table 2). Table 2 Community Resource Base Resource Available Access Utilization Agricultural Resources (Agricultural lands, irrigation) Accessed largely by local people. Employs local people as tenants or farm hands. Vegetable, fruit, rice, poultry and cock farms for subsistence and commercial purposes. Community Resource Management Capacity (Agricultural Resources) Two (2) major rivers the Dumalon and Sas rivers supply water to the irrigation systems of Cawit, Tulungatung, Ayala, Talisayan, and Pamucutan. These rivers and their tributaries, aside from being source of irrigation water, also provide good quality sand and gravel a source of a quarrying business thriving in the area by outside investors (See Table 3). However, unregulated sand and gravel quarrying, coupled with cutting of trees in forests, has resulted in soil erosion and erosion of river banks and subsequent siltation. This condition has resulted in flooding in adjacent barangays prompting fishpond owners, in Cawit particularly, to complain. Aggravating the situation is the dumping of garbage in rivers by some residents. A potential proposed mining exploration can pollute the water. Moreover, a proposed mining exploration in the area poses an additional threat to rivers through chemical pollution. Table 3 Community Resource Management Capacity (Rivers) Community Resource Base Resource Available Access Utilization Rivers (with good quality sand and gravel) (Common resource of the six barangays) Some barangay people and some industries have access to forest resources and wildlife Sand and gravel accessed by outside investors. Provide water for farm irrigation and for household, commercial and industrial use. Sand and gravel quarrying for business purposes by non-resident investors. The Ayala watershed consists of 102 hectares, with 277.46 hectares of close canopy area, 217 hectares of plantation forest, 1.93 hectares residual forest, 663 hectares cultivated area, and 11.14 hectares open grass land. There is an existing agreement between the city government and DENR for the protection and conservation of the Ayala watershed that provides potable water to the whole of Zamboanga City. On the other hand, La Paz watershed is protected and preserved through the presence of the WMSU College of Forestry and Environmental Studies WMSU experimental project which covers 1,277 hectares planted to indigenous trees. But local people access and illegally cut trees, including bacawan trees, basically for building houses and other similar structures, without reforestation. There is also rampant cutting of trees to supply raw materials for the box factory in Talisayan. Noticeably some forest areas are gradually denuded. The number of wild animals like deer, wild pigs, monkeys, tarsiers and birds is increasingly decreasing due to continuous hunting by local residents and those from neighboring areas like Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte. There is no barangay ordinance to regulate the activity. Table 4 Community Resource Management Capacity (Forest, Watershed, Wildlife) Community Resource Base Resource Available Access Utilization Forest trees and wildlife Occupied by farmers under stewardship program. Landowners and local populace have access to forest resources. Residents and non-residents have access to wildlife resources. Farmers raise vegetables. Landowners cut down trees for construction. Wildlife hunted for food by residents and non-residents. Ayala -La Paz Watershed Protected area Source of potable water for commercial, industrial and domestic use. Although the rich mineral resources in some barangays remain untapped, there is a proposal of a mining company do to mining exploration in Baluno and La Paz covering around 5-7 hectares. Residents strongly oppose the proposal having experienced the effects of mining done by Zambales Mining at La Paz ten years ago. Ayala farmers were also affected because they were not able to plant for almost ten years. There are still remains of poisonous substances in the riverbeds due to the Zambales mining operations more than a decade ago. Today, some residents engage in camote mining (small-scale) for subsistence (See Table 5). Table 5 Community Resource Management Capacity (Forest) Community Resource Base Resource Available Access Utilization Mineral Resources (e.g. gold, copper, zinc, manganese and ore found in La Paz and Pamucutan) Access is limited to residents in the area who engage in small-time mining activities or camote-mining. To meet subsistence needs. Social services found in the six barangays, mandated of barangays local government units (BLGU), are day care services, elementary and secondary schools, health center, barangay hall, church or masjid, and cemetery. Health services are available 24/7 although some medical facilities are lacking. Basic education is well-provided in the six barangays, with only two barangay high schools serving the whole cluster. The main problem of these schools is inadequate school facilities. Various organizations present in the barangays which offer microfinance facilities are KFI, TAYTAY, Ayudahan and ASA. Land Bank itself gives up to Php300, 000-loan to farmer coops. Loans are availed of in order to finance family enterprise or to subsidize rice farming inputs. However, due to poverty, loan proceeds are sometimes used to buy basic necessities. But the sadder thing is that others spend on vices (See Table 6). Table 6 Community Resource Management Capacity (Basic Social Services) Community Basic Resource Resource Available Access Utilization Health Generally accessible to residents thru barangay health centers, lying-in clinic in Ayala and wellness center in La Paz, which operate 24/7. However, not very accessible to residents of La Paz and Pamucutan due to distance and lack of transporation. High utilization. Education Pres-school and elementary education are available in all six barangays. Secondary education available only in Ayala and Talisayan. In La Paz, households are dispersed making it difficult for children to attend school due to distance. School children avail of educational facilities. Credit facilities Several microfinance facilities operating in the area (KFI, MEMPCO, TAYTAY, Ayudahan and ASA) Land Bank gives up to Php300, 000-loan to farmer coops. For family enterprise or to subsidize rice farming inputs; some spend proceeds to buy basic necessities; others, on vices. As mandated, all the six barangays have their respective elected Barangay Councils. Government line agencies as well as instrumentalities of the city government do their part in addressing the basic services needs of the populace. Community-based organizations are also operating in the area such as womens organizations, farmers associations, and youth associations, sustainability of which are challenged by the fact that these are mostly leader-driven. The local catholic church exerts a degree of influence in the affairs of these communities. A number of non-government organizations also implement projects in these which offer free medical services and housing projects, to name a few. Local and national line agencies of the government also provide services to the barangays. Likewise, the Zamboanga City Water District and the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative also extend their services (See Table 7). Table 7 Community Resource Management Capacity (Operational Management And Governance) Resources Available Access Utilization Sustainability Office of the Barangay Council per barangay Line agencies: DepEd, DOLE, PNRC, PCSO, DAR, DSWD, CSWDO, PNP, FD, CAO, CEO, others. Most accessible structural resource to all constituents Utilized by people for settlement of disputes; emergency assistance; issuance of certificates; and making impartial decisions on barangay affairs. Barangay officials readily available. There is a need to strengthen their capacity to manage and regulate utilization of community resources thru ordinances and resolutions. NGOs/Pos People in communities have access to membership in POs. People have access to services offered by NGOs in the area like Gawad Kalinga, Glee Club, Kasanyangan Foundation, Inc. (KFI), Tzu Chi Foundation and USAID Equals. Community people take advantage of the services and technical assistance offered by NGOs and POs like housing projects and loan grants. Usually, these organizations are leader-driven. Not fully functional as leaders are lacking in capacities. Organizations need continuous capacity building. Only few members sustain their membership. The six barangays covered by the study have some if not all of the basic community infrastructures. The barangays have their respective Barangay Halls or Barangay Offices. Multi-purpose covered courts are also available in these barangays which were constructed inside school campuses and others in donated lands. Barangay Ayala specifically has a mini-gymnasium where public events and activities are oftentimes held. Other community infrastructures available in these barangays are the buildings which house the health centers, day care centers and the schools. Discussion The study revealed the existence a vast and rich community resource base in the clustered barangays, particularly, natural resources. But the people remain generally poor. Some benefit from industries through employment, but this is seasonal. Results of the study also indicated that the communities have lesser access to some resources than outsiders; and that they are not able to manage their natural resources effectively, leaving outside investors to bring havoc to these resources through pollution and over-utilization. Barangay local government units admit they have to formulate more ordinances to protect the resources, while, existing ordinances are hardly implemented. Meanwhile, the rape of the environment flourishes. Clearly, the damage wrought by industries outweighs the benefits from their ventures, especially on the long-term. Although local people have high access to agricultural lands, farmers are beset with lack of farm facilities and needed infrastructure. Infrastructure is known to be the economys backbone. Power and water supply, transportation and communication systems are all important elements in peoples quest to improve their quality of life. Overcoming poverty means individual and collective empowerment, strengthening productive and income generating capacities and increasing opportunities. This requires a clear understanding of the activities of poor people and of the natural, social, economic and political environment in which they live. It also requires supportive policies, institutions, services and investment (IFAD, 2006). The study also revealed that the barangay LGUs have very good resource management plans. However, these remain unimplemented. Given the vastness of the clusters resources, and considering the extent of the adverse effects of inappropriate resource utilization both by residents and non-residents of the barangays, local officials certainly cannot do it alone. This political exercise necessitates the involvement of prime stakeholders the people, even at the planning stage. It also necessitates concerted effort among the six barangays who are intertwined by the ecosystem. Community based resource management is not only about communities taking on the mechanical management responsibilities. It also requires involving communities in all stages of making decisions about the nature and direction of development and conservation (Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Programme, 2004). However, the study indicated that majority of local folks remain passive about their role in managing community resources. To them, this is the sole responsibility of government officials. Thus, there is a need for a two-way paradigm shift: (a) for local officials to encourage people participation even at the planning stage of development initiatives, based on local officials mandate (1991 Local Government Code); and (b) for local people to understand and appreciate their vital role in purposively planning and managing their resources for maximum access and sustainability. Cognizant of these imperatives, the participants of the study proceeded with the formulation of the Three-Year Development Plan and the One-Year Investment Plan. The planning activity was an exercise in community-based resource planning that involved the representatives of the various sectors of the community together with local officials who participated in the study, as inspired by ECSOM and as recommended by the study team. The cluster members likewise institutionalized their plans by forming the cluster organization called the Alyansa de Costa Oeste Para Progreso Y Prosperidad, and created committees to pursue the identified priority projects. The biggest challenge now that confronts the clustered communities is how to sustain the momentum and achieve their goals.

Reaction Paper: Was Marx Wrong? -- essays research papers

Karl Marx was an influential character of history, a man of tremendous intelligence as well as a great inspiration to many philosphers and people past and present. Karl Marx was a man of action for the less fortunate class, in that sense his theories are not wrong, to a certain extent they are positve inquisitions. It is those whom have practiced Marx theories that have misinterpreted his works giving Karl Marx a negative demeanor. Specifically Lenin and Stalin are two leaders who have brought shame to the works of Karl Marx and make this philospher seem like a barbarian. " Marx is a humanitarian because he took the side of the working class."-Overstreet Marx is considered a humanitarian because he was in favor of the non exploitation of the lowest class. His main concern was for the individual in society, Karl Marx's studies yield that he wanted the individuals of civilation to live fulfilled lives. In Karl Marx's economic policies he states that " The workers labor power is a commodity." This holds truth, a workers labor is very valuable, like goods that are sold by a merchant. His labor is not to be taken advantage of because he is an individual fending for a living to survive. Marx states in his teachings that because workers are such a commodity to society that a laborer should not be undermined or exploited, such as the slaves...

Disease and Disorders of the Lymphatic System

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there are high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type I Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. It was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Type I diabetes is usually caused by an auto-immune reaction in which the cells that produce insulin are attacked by the body’s defense system. People who have type 1 diabetes produce very little or no insulin. (Types of Diabetes, 2013) The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. However, in most people, it due to a problem with the body’s immune system. The immune system is supposed to fight harmful bacteria and viruses, but in those with type 1 diabetes the system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. (The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2013) Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas, which lies behind and below the stomach. Once the islet cells have been destroyed the pancreas will produce little or no insulin. The pancreas secretes insulin in the bloodstream and it is circulated throughout the system enabling sugar to enter cells. The main function of insulin is to lower the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. As the level of sugar drops in the blood, the pancreas slows down the secretion of insulin. Because there is no insulin to let glucose into cells, the sugar builds up in the bloodstream where is can cause life-threatening complications. (The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2013) Glucose is important to the body as it is the main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. There are two major sources of glucose, food and the liver. The body receives glucose from various foods containing sugar. When sugar is ingested it is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it enters cells with the help of insulin. When you haven’t eaten for a period of time, your insulin levels are low; this is when the liver converts stored glycogen into glucose to keep the glucose level within the body within a normal range. (The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2013) There aren’t many known risk factors for type 1 diabetes. Some of the known risk factors include: a family history of parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes, Genetics (the presence of certain genes indicates an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes), exposure to certain viruses (Epstein-Barr, mumps, or cytomegalovirus may trigger destruction of islet cells), early drinking of cow’s milk, introduction of cereal to a baby’s diet prior to the age of 3 months, the birth mother who is younger than 25 years of age or if she had preeclampsia during pregnancy, being born with jaundice, and having a respiratory infection just after birth. The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2013) While diabetes is a chronic, lifelong illness, it is controllable. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes monitoring blood sugar on a regular basis, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as insulin therapy. Individuals with type 1 diabetes will generally require regular insulin injections for the duration of their lives . (The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2013) There are various types of insulin used to control blood sugar levels. The three types insulin used for therapy is rapid-acting, intermediate options, and long-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin should be taken within 30 minutes of eating a meal as onset of action begins 10-15 minutes after injection and last for approximately 45 minutes. It is meant to be used to help metabolize food when ingested. Long-acting insulin should be taken at the same each day as it works over a 24 hour period with no peak time. The goal is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, this will delay and possibly prevent complications. Daytime blood sugar levels prior to meals should be between 80 and 120. Bedtime blood sugar levels should be between 100 and 140. Keeping blood sugar levels close to normal most of the time can dramatically reduce the risk of complications to other major organs in the body. Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Long-term complications develop gradually over years. The earlier diabetes develops and the less controlled the blood sugar is, the higher the risk for complications. Type 1 diabetes complications can be life-threatening or even disabling. Heart and blood vessel disease increases the risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and narrowing of the arteries. Excess sugar can injure the walls of tiny blood vessels, with can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tops of the toes/fingers and gradually spreads upward. Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause the loss of all sense of feeling in limbs. Diabetes can also damage the filtering system of the kidneys. Severe damage can lead to kidney failure which can require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Because diabetes can cause nerve damage it can also affect the blood vessels of the retina which can lead to potential blindness. Diabetes increases the risk of cataracts and glaucoma of the eye. This is just a few of the complications of uncontrolled diabetes. (The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2013) Living with diabetes isn’t easy. Management of blood sugar requires a lot of time and effort, especially when newly diagnosed. Poorly controlled blood sugar can directly affect emotions and cause behavior changes, such as irritability. Diabetes can also make you feel different from other people. It is important to take with others who have diabetes. Support groups are available both online and in person. This is a good source of information. You can also visit the websites of the American Diabetes Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Jane Austen Novels essays

Jane Austen Novels essays Comparative Analysis of Pride and Prejudice and Emma by Jane Austen Ã… ¾ Elizabeth Bennet and Emma Woodhouse are portrayed differently by Jane Austen in the novels Pride and Prejudice and Emma, respectively. While Emma is portrayed as an influential and powerful woman because of her wealth, Elizabeth or Lizzy is considered as an average woman belonging to humble parentage. Indeed, Emma is described as a woman who has "the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself;" while Elizabeth is described by her parents as, "not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good-humoured Ã… ¾ Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightly are characterized in the same pattern in both novels. Mr. Darcy, characterized as an individual who is "continually giving offense," and is also "haughty, reserved, and fastidious, and his manners, though well-bred, were not inviting." Mr. Knightly is also considered as a man who continually gives offense as is illustration of Emma as a "spoiled" daughter and woman. Mr. Darcy also holds similar prejudice against Elizabeth's character, describing her as "tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt ME; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men" Ã… ¾ After giving offense to Elizabeth and Emma, both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightly have professed their interest and love in the woman protagonists, respectively. Mr. Darcy, after initially snubbing' Elizabeth at the ball, had a change of heart after seeing her again: "he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the ...

7 Ps of Banking Sector Essay Example

7 Ps of Banking Sector Essay Example 7 Ps of Banking Sector Essay 7 Ps of Banking Sector Essay Executive Summary: Nowadays, the service industry, especially banks, faces increasing competition. In such environment, differentiation is necessary. The general purpose of this thesis is to understand how a bank can achieve differentiation based on a marketing approach. Two research questions will respectively examine the three additional P’s of the marketing mix (People, Presentation or Physical Evidence and Process) and the Customer Relationship Management as possible differentiators. To fulfill the purpose, we introduce an extended model of the CRM concept, including the three additional P’s. After an analysis, it is concluded that the extended model of the CRM concept is actually used as a differentiator. However, as the major Indian bank have a similar strategy; it then appears really difficult to differentiate to a large extent. Background The importance of financial services is self-evident for the well being of economies as well as societies. Major providers of such services are banks, next to mortgage credit companies and insurance companies. Banks, in this context, are commercial retail banks, offering a wide range of financial services and even insurance. Main functions of banks are, according to Encyclopedia Britannica (2006), the provision of loans and the acceptance of deposits. Corporate customers use banks for issuing finance instruments and derivatives. The provision of, among others, instruments for saving, financing, payment mediation and risk controlling are offered in markets characterized by federal regulation and stiff competition. Due to the resulting pressure, financial service providers are forced to evaluate current strategies and to find new ways of approaching the market. The service nature of bank offers represents an additional challenge. A possible way to realize distinct offers is to promise and deliver superior solutions to the problems of customers. The fact that services cannot be patented provides great danger to imitation. Marketers must be aware of this threat and have to create offerings that are unique or only imitable at a high cost. Having such an offering provides for differentiation from competitors. In recent years, relationship marketing is an approach that has been used substantially. Marketing techniques can provide some tools for setting a bank apart from competitors, focusing less on products and more on additional services and the establishment of long term relationships with customers. Services customers in general do not buy services because of the service itself, but rather focus on potential benefits gained through that purchase. An example could be that customers of a bank do not purchase a savings product for the pure safekeeping function, but rather for the promised interest payments on it. Consumers have imperfect information and therefore rely upon assistance to gain important and valuable information from the service provider. Financial service providers must therefore offer the required assistance and use this for successful businesses. The biggest banks can be seen as their respective main competition, due to their offering of similar financial services. A way to remain competitive in the more and more complex banking environment is the use of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) concept. The basic approach of CRM in a banking context is to center all operations of a bank on its customers, creating a CRM state of mind in an enterprise wide manner. CRM then consists of such sub-concepts as internal marketing, relationship marketing, Total Quality Management (TQM) and customer care. This underlying thesis approaches the topic of bank differentiation from a marketing perspective. However, due to the complexity of the subject of marketing, this thesis apply a Customer Relationship Management approach that is extended by three additional Ps (see theoretical framework), from the service marketing literature to narrow the focus of this study. Despite the possibility to identify a basic bank loan as a product to some extent, there is always some kind and amount of service involved when speaking about bank offerings. Therefore the terms financial service/s, financial product/s, bank service/s, bank product/s, and bank offering are used interchangeably. In recent years, financial institutions of all types are operating in an increasingly competitive market environment. In response to this volatile market environment, commercial banks have shown a renewed interest in marketing their products to their customers more effectively. To remain competitive, financial institutions, including banks of all sizes, utilize marketing tools and techniques. Relationship marketing is a way for banks to gain competitive advantage, since technical advances can be copied, whereas relationships cannot. The service nature of bank offers represents an additional challenge. The banking transactions are invisible; the transfer of money from one account to another cannot be seen and is therefore difficult to evaluate. As a result banks have to be concerned with making them known for more noticeable offerings. The two general definitions of differentiation. The first one is the ‘process of differentiating’. The second offered definition states differentiation as â€Å"development from the one to the many, the simple to the complex, or the homogeneous to the heterogeneous†. Product differentiation is defined as the marketing of slightly modified products. The aim of these products is to become irreplaceable. Products can be modified on two levels, a physical and a psychological level Modifications on a physical level include for example materials used, design and quality aspects. Advertising campaigns and reputation building for the producer are aspects that can lead to different psychological perceptions. Usually both levels of product differentiation are applied, and the use of brand names and trade marks plays an important role in this area. The concept of differentiation is described as a process of adding distinct characteristics that are not only meaningful but also valued, to the offerings of a company in order to distinguish the goods or services from the ones of competitors. A description of differentiation in a service industry context, claiming that sophisticated companies never offer their branded services as pure commodities. Differentiation at the lowest product level is extremely difficult because these basic products can easily be copied. The difference is created by differing brand relationships from those of competitors, which eads to a distinct image in the mind of a customer. A variety of possible ways of differentiation. Sophisticated companies manage to find chances to distinguish themselves from competitors at every point of customer contact. Differentiation measures such as form, durability and reparability are devoted entirely to physical aspects of products, and are therefore not applicable in service environments such as the banking sector. The aspect of the ‘physical plant’, relating to image differentiation, deals with facility design. Banks must communicate an image of safety through e. . the architecture of the building, the interior design and materials. There are basically two aspects that reason the use of differentiation: one being competitiveness and the second one being profitability. Successful differentiation increases competitiveness by creating an irreplaceable product, allowing companies to extend product life cycles. Referring to products, the delivery of performance quality has been found to be positively correlated with the Return On Investment (ROI), allowing businesses to charge higher prices for a better product. As current topic only deals with the problem of differentiation of banks from a marketing perspective to a small extent, the authors of this thesis decide to explore the concept of differentiation through the marketing approach. The marketing mix concept, consisting of the so called 4 Ps: Product, Price, Promotion, and Place (Distribution) presents the starting point of this research. However, it appeared that these traditional marketing factors are not useful in the context of financial service differentiation. Expanding the concept of the 4Ps of the marketing mix by adding three additional Ps to service environments. The marketing of services in general, relies heavily on the employees of a service provider. The very nature of service delivery requires the contact of at least one employee and the customer. Knowing this, financial service providers can identify people as a major way to make a distinct offering in the mind of its customers. Purpose The general purpose of this thesis is to understand how a bank can achieve differentiation based on a marketing approach. Questions The questions underlying this thesis are: Do the three additional P’s offer sufficient variables that can be used to achieve differentiation for SBI? How can a bank achieve differentiation from competitive banks by focusing on Customer Relationship Management? Introduction: State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest nationalized commercial bank in India in terms of assets, number of branches, deposits, profits and workforce. With the liberalization of the Indian banking industry in the mid-1990s, SBI faced stiff competition from the private sector and foreign banks which resulted in significant loss of its market share. The case describes the efforts of SBI to regain its lost market share by undergoing a major restructuring exercise which involved redesigning its branch network, providing alternate banking channels, emphasis on lean structure and technology up gradation. The case also discusses how SBI is building its image as a customer friendly bank by launching innovative products services and promoting its brand. History: The origin of SBI dates back to the early 19th century, when the Bank of Calcutta was established in Calcutta (present day Kolkata in the state of West Bengal) in June 1806 under the aegis of the Government of Bengal. Three years after its inception, the bank was renamed Bank of Bengal on receiving its charter. It was a unique banking institution as it was the first joint-stock bank in British India. Next came the Bank of Bombay in April 1840 followed by the Bank of Madras on July 1843. By 1876, the three presidency banks, together with their branches, agencies and sub-agencies, covered major inland trade centers in India. Bank of Bengal had 18 branches while the other two had 15 branches each. Initially, the business of these anks was restricted to discounting bills of exchange or other negotiable private securities, keeping cash accounts and receiving deposits and issuing and circulating cash notes. The last quarter of the 19th century witnessed rapid commercialization in India owing to the expansion of the railway network, to cover all major geographic regions of the country. The three presidency banks were both beneficiaries and promoters of this commercialization process as they became involved in the financing of practically every trading, manufacturing and mining activity in the Indian sub-continent. The three presidency banks were amalgamated in January 1921 to form the Imperial Bank of India. The new bank performed the triple role of a commercial bank, a bankers bank and a banker to the government. However, the quasi-central bank role performed by the Imperial Bank ended with the formation of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the central bank of India in 1935. RBIs establishment was a catalyst in the conversion of the Imperial Bank into a purely commercial bank. At the time of Independence in 1947, the Imperial Bank had acquired a paramount position in the countrys banking industry. It had a capital base of Rs. 18. 5 mn, deposits of Rs. 2. 7514 bn and advances of Rs. 729. 4 mn. It had a network of 172 branches and over 200 sub-offices spread all over India. When the first Five Year Plan was launched in 1951, the rural sector was given top priority. The Imperial Bank and other commercial banks too operated mainly in urban areas and had not yet penetrated the rural sector. To overcome this lacuna, it was recommended that a state-partnered and state-sponsored bank be created to take over the Imperial Bank and integrate the former state-owned or state-associated banks with it 7 P’S of BANKING SECTOR ( SBI) It is very important for any bank to identify the 7 P’s of services so as to understand their customers better and provide them with best of service. The 7 P’s are: PRODUCT PRICE PLACE PROMOTION PEOPLE PROCESS PHYSICAL EVIDENCE PRODUCT MIX The product mix of a company includes all different product lines a company offers to its customers. The product line of a bank might easily include more than 100 different services. In today’s competitive scenario it has become very necessary for a bank to provide it’s customers with a wide variety of services and the best technology in order to attract them. Here is an example of some of the products offered by SBI Bank to its customers. Offering SBI Banks Savings Account is just the right product for everyone, salaried, employees or businessmen, high net worth individuals and NRIs. The unmatched package of SBI Bank Savings Bank account given below brings the benefits of better, efficient and hassle free banking. ATM Network 7-Day Banking Telebanking iConnect-Internet Banking Offering SBI Bank has joined hands with Citibank, to give rise to a new kind of card power unique and unmatched benefits and international SBIlity at the most competitive rates. The SBI Bank Citibank International Silver Card, the MasterCard and Unique Card offers quite a few benefits. Rewards Dial-A-Draft Credit Limit Increase 24-Hour ATMs Photo card Concession on Personal Remittances Overdraft facility Free ATM Card PRODUCT WIDTH AND DEPTH Width Width of the product mix is the number of product lines a company is offering. The product width could be a narrow one or a wide one depending from bank to bank. A wide mix encourages more sales since the banks are able to diversify and provide more to their customers and they also appeal to a larger target market. Depth Depth of the product mix is the number of product items in each product line. Banks with more schemes and services have more depths than those offering only a few. Here is table giving an example of Width and Depth in the Product Mix: Similarly, different banks plan out their product portfolios and based on that, the depth and width of their product mix can be determined. In today’s scenario, where there is cutthroat competition and new foreign banks entering the Indian markets, it has became more or less like a law to have very wide product lines with more and more number of products in each line. PRICE MIX The price mix in the banking sector is nothing but the interest rates charged by the different banks. In today’s competitive scenario where customer is the king, the banks have to charge them interest at a rate in accordance with the RBI directives. Banks also compete in terms of annual fees for services like credit cards, DMAT etc. Another important aspect of the bank’s pricing policy today is the interest charged on the Home Loans and Car Loans. With India’s economy progressing, there are more and more buyers seeking these loans but at a very competitive interest rate. Let’s understand this with an example. A particular buyer approaches a bank for a car loan for a period of 3 years. He is charged Rs. 20,000 as interest. However, if a sale representative of another bank comes to know of this deal, he will try to attract the customer by giving him a better deal i. e. a loan at a lower rate on interest. In this way, it is the customer that ultimately benefits. Here is an example of some of the prices charged by SBI bank for their services ATM Card IssueFree – 2 ATM cards issued free if it joint account Add – on CardRS. 100 – Beyond 2 cards Duplicate CardRs. 100 Other General Charges Current AccountSavings Account Transaction ChargesNILNIL Charges for issue of Cheques bookNILNIL Issue of duplicate statementRs. 25 per pageRs. 25 per page Account closureRs. 100Rs. 100 This example evinces some of the charges that the customer has to pay for the services provided by the bank. The pricing factor is very important because of the kind of competition that is prevailing today in the Indian market. However it is very important to understand that in the banking sector, the main pricing policy is concerned with the interest rate charged. This interest rate is however regulated by the RESERVE BANK OF INDIA and THE INDIAN BANKING ASSOCAITION. Any one particular bank or a group of banks does not regulate it. The interest rate charged cannot be higher than that decide by the RBI and the INDIAN BANKING ASSOCIATION. Thus, inspite of the constraints in the pricing policy due to the RBI directives there are mainly three types of pricing methods adopted by banks. They are: Value pricing: Banks having unique or different products or schemes mainly do this type of pricing. They usually charge a combination of high and low prices depending on the customer loyalty as well as the products. This type of pricing strategy is usually coupled with promotion programmes. Going Rate pricing: The most commonly used pricing technique is the going rate pricing. In going rate pricing, the bank bases its price largely depending on the competitor’s prices. The banks however have to stay within the RBI directives and compete. The banks may charge higher or lower than their competitors. After 1991 when the foreign banks entered the Indian market this method of pricing has gained increasing importance. Mark up pricing: This is a pricing technique wherein the cost of the service is determined and a small margin is added to it and then the final price is offered to the customers. This type of pricing is the not very popular since in the banking sector it is not very easy to arrive at the cost of the service. Thus most banks use a combination of mark – up pricing and going rate pricing. THE MOST FAVORABLE PRICING STRATEGY This model shows a pricing strategy, which should be adopted in order to ensure maximum satisfaction to both the bank as well as the customers. The price should be set in such a manner that the customer is assured that he is not being cheated or overcharged by the bank and at the same time the bank is able to reap maximum profits. Such a pricing stand helps the bank get maximum sales as well as profits since the customer feels that by entering such a transaction he is winning. PLACE MIX Place mix is the location analysis for banks branches. There are number a factors affecting the determination of the location of the branch of bank. It is very necessary a bank to situated at a location where most of its target population is located. Some of the important factors affecting the location analysis of a bank are: The trade area Population characteristics Commercial structure Industrial structure Banking structure Proximity to other convenient outlets Real estate rates Proximity to public transportation Drawing time Location of competition Visibility Access It is not necessary that all the above conditions have to be satisfied while selecting the location but it should be tried to satisfy as many of them as possible. PROMOTION MIX Promotion is nothing but making the customer more and more aware of the services and benefits provided by the bank. The banks today can use a lot of new technology to communicate to their customers. Two of the fastest growing modern tools of communicating with the customers are: Internet Banking Mobile Banking This can be better explained with the example of UTI bank. SMS services SMS functions through simple text messages sent from your cellular phone. These messages are recognized by SBI bank to provide you with the required information. For example, when you enter ‘IBAL’ your cellular phone screen will display the current balance in your primary account. Thus with the help of SMS a wide range of query based transactions can be performed without even making a call. SBI was the first organization in India to provide Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) based services. Mobile commerce using WAP technology, allows secure online access of the web using mobile devices. With WAP one can directly access the ICICI WAP server, check one’s account details and use other value added services. Thus different methods are used by different banks to promoter its services. A bank may have very attractive schemes and services to offer to their customers but they are of no use if they are not communicated properly to the customers. Promotion is o inform and remind the individuals and persuade them to accept, recommend or use of product, service or idea. However there some very important points that is to be considered before the promotion strategy is made. These points are: Finalizing the Budget Before the bank decides the kind of promotion that should be done, it very important to finalize the budget for it. The formulation of a sound budget is essential to remove the financial constraints in the process. The budget is determined on the basis of volume of business of the bank. In addition to this the intensity of competition also plays a decisive role. Selecting a suitable vehicle Another very important task is to select a suitable vehicle for driving the message. There are a number of devices to advertise such as broadcast media, telecast media and the print media. The selecting of the mode of advertising is strongly influenced by the kind of budget decided. Usually for promoting banks the most effective and economical form of advertising has been the print media. Making possible creativity Making possible creativity is nothing but the kind of slogans, punch lines etc. that are supporting the message. They should be very creative but yet simple to be understood by the common man. It should appeal to the customers. It should be distinct from that of the competitors and should be successful in informing and sensing the customers. Testing the Effectiveness It should be borne in mind that the advertisement is first tested for its effectiveness. This should be done with the help of various techniques like testing effectiveness on a sample group. This helps determine the success of the advertisement and in case of any problem the advertisement can be altered and remedied. Instrumentality of Branch Managers At a micro level, it is the responsibility of the branch managers to promote and drive the message to the people in the local area. They should organize small programs in order to attract people and crate awareness in the local area about the new schemes of the bank. Different Ways of Promotion Public Relations: Personal Selling: Sales Promotion: Word – of – mouth Promotion: Telemarketing: Internet: PEOPLE In banking term people means customers and the employees. People are the employees that are the service providers. In a banking sector, the service provider plays a very important and determinant role in rendering the customers a satisfactory and a good service. It is extremely essential that the service provider understand what his customers expect from him. In the banking sector, the customer needs to be guided in a lot of matters, which is possible only with the help of the service provider. The position in the eyes of the customer will be perceived by appearance, attitude and behavior of the customer contact employees. Not only does the customer contact employee influence the customer’s perception but also the customer base of the organization does so. Customers are broadly classified into three categories Normal Account Holders Business / Partnership Account Holder Government PROCESS MIX The process mix constitutes the overall procedure involved in using the services offered by the bank. It is very necessary that the process is very customer friendly. In other words a process should be such that the customer is easily able to understand and easy to follow. Today if particular banks formalities are long and the procedure very complicated the overall process fails and the customer may not be inclined towards using that banks services. Process can be broadly classified into to parts Deposit and advances Ancillary Services Deposits and Advances: In this part customer transactions are considered whether it is cash deposit, check deposit, cash withdrawal, draft making, fixed deposit, recurring deposit.. All these are the part of recurring deposits. In general we can say that monetary transaction is the part of deposits and advances. Ancillary Services: According to 1949 banking services act sub section 6, ancillary services were introduced in the banking sector. In this part bill of exchange, promissory notes, business guarantee given by bank on behalf of an individual to company or country. We can say that non monetary policies are the part of ancillary services and this part is very important part of banking sector because it deals with the sensitive issue of verifying and giving approval to somebody to do business on the guarantee of bank. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Physical evidence is the overall layout of the place i. e. how the entire bank has been designed. Physical evidence refers to all those factors that help make the process much easier and smoother. For example, in case of a bank, the physical evidence would be the placement of the customer service executive’s desk, or the location of the place for depositing cheques. It is very necessary that the place be designed in such a manner so as to ensure maximum convenience to the customer and cause no confusion to him. Let us see an example as to how banks try to make little changes so as to make the service better for their customers. Thus, these are the 7 P’s of services. Each of them plays a very important and a pivotal role in determining the quality of the service provided to the customer. SUGGESTIONS Customer Relationship Management Recent trends for businesses of all industries, as well as banks, show a movement towards a stronger customer orientation, rather than a product orientation. This customer orientation can be facilitated by developing and implementing CRM systems. CRM is an advancement of relationship marketing, now involving concepts of the overall marketing concept, total quality management, internal marketing, customer care, and relationship marketing. CRM concepts have to be realized within an organization in order to be successful with its external customers. Further, the main focus of CRM is the employees, which eventually achieve relationships with customers, turning a CRM program into success. A successful CRM program is only possible when the attention is equally divided towards customers and employees. Internal marketing and relationship marketing are identified to be able to achieve a better internal and external business environment, making them a matter of differentiation. In order to successfully implement a CRM concept, the use of sophisticated CRM computer technology is inevitable. Such software can be used to gather data from separate systems or units and provide an overall picture of customers and their relationship with the organization. Overall marketing concept In terms of the CRM concept, the overall marketing approach as how a bank defines marketing for itself and what the broad goal of the resulting orientation is. Internal Marketing (IM) The concept of internal marketing refers to a marketing approach within an organization, aimed at employees. Internal marketing can be defined as a heavy investment in employee quality performance. Internal marketing is a process where the overall principles of marketing are applied within the company in order to become customer focused to the highest possible extent. Total Quality Management Total Quality Management (TQM) as an organizational approach, aims to continuously improve the quality of all processes in an organization, products and services. Relationship Marketing An approach to identify individual customers, to create a relationship between the company and its customers that lasts over many transactions; and to manage that relationship to the benefit of the customers and the company. Relationship marketing is a management process engaging in a triangular relationship between marketing, quality and customer service. These three elements are interrelated and serve each other. Furthermore, relationship marketing focuses especially on the retention of customers, establishing a long-term orientation focusing on customer service. CRM MODEL INTERNAL MARKETING Three additional P’s: Services, being the fastest growing segment of the economy, provide for additional challenges and opportunities. The traditional 4 Ps were created to fit with tangible goods. Extending the traditional 4 Ps by three additional ones applicable especially in service environments. The new Ps are referred to as Process, Physical Evidence or Presentation, and People. Kotler refers to the 4 P’s (Product, Price, Place and Promotion) as being universal. Concerning the service marketing field, some additional factors can be introduced. In order to develop service quality: People, Presentation and Process are to be considered also in financial service marketing Process Process is the way to deliver the service, focusing on ensuring availability and uniform quality provided. It will decide how customers will get their needs met in the system. For example, earlier in the banking industry, the customers were waiting in separate lines for each teller. Deutsch (1990) proposed that a single waiting line for multiples tellers is the most common way of process. The study of Gerstner (2002) presents the branch network of banks consisting of diverse entities, where branches have own micro markets influenced by demographic and economic history. Gerstner (2002) argues that expecting identical sales and performance levels leads some branches to follow goals that are not aligned with their markets, which in return leads to underachievement of these branches. However, even if the theory claims that the process is an important factor of differentiation in the service industry, it appears that in the Indian banking industry this is not a valid criterion. Indeed, Stefan Nyrinder declared that SEB does not consider the process as a decisive factor to differentiate. Presentation or Physical evidence The presentation is important for banks; since people will develop an according image and style for the bank. If a bank, for example, wants to have the image of a user-friendly bank, its interior will look somewhat like a living room, with sofas, plants, and smiling employees. On the other hand, if a bank wants to have a hi-tech and efficient image, the interior will show a lot of computers and latest technology as well as hard working and busy employees. Strategically placing, for example, flat screen televisions and computers with online access in a branch offers both, the opportunity to inform and entertain waiting customers as well as the chance for applying branding graphics to such devices, naming brand image as a key factor for corporate survival, proposes that the presentation, or bank office design, is an important step in creating and delivering the desired brand image. The exterior design can be utilized to communicate e. g. the history and values of the respective institution. The use of color in combination with texture and finishes is identified to be a simple but very effective factor of differentiation, helping to convey particular messages to the customer and creating a special atmosphere affecting employees and customers likewise. Two types of graphics can be used to establish identity, marketing graphics and branding graphics. While marketing graphics promote products and services, branding graphics enhance brand image and should be used complementary with all marketing activities. Kotler claims, banks have to communicate an image of safety through e. g. the architecture of the building, the interior design and use of building materials. People In the service industries, people are of utmost importance. The service provider is one of the most crucial parts in the provision of services, being for example friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The marketers of the services must select, train and motivate their frontline people. Proper training can make a big difference in the customer satisfaction. According to Kotler, Internal Marketing â€Å"describes the work to train and motivate the employees to serve customers well†. Service marketing requires not only external marketing, but also internal and interactive marketing. For Foss and Stone people in the banking area, and in the service industry in general, are the most important aspect. This is also reinforced by the service marketing triangle. â€Å"Building high value, loyal, lifetime relationships is the most powerful competitive tool a firm possesses†. Management has the task to check, encourage and reward employees for building relationships and checking if the customers are satisfied. As a conclusion, it appears that numerous authors accredit a very important role to people in the differentiation approach. People also have a key part in the general strategy of the bank. An extended CRM model The elements people, the presentation and the process can be considered as a part of the CRM concept as shown before. The authors will thus propose a new model which is considered to be more relevant for a differentiation purpose. The extended model of CRM consists of three aspects. People, as mentioned before, are targeted by and interact in the IM, TQM, relationship marketing and customer care. Since employees and customers are present in all these four elements, the authors of this thesis decided to include them in one section. Kotler identifies service quality as a key to competitive success. Offering a high quality service is thus a way to differentiate from the competitors. Moreover, there is an increasing competition in the service area, and in such environment, firms need to differentiate. Service quality strategy, for example a service quality management program, to differentiate. Moreover, service quality is one of the major values expected by the customers. We focus on the service quality, as a way to differentiate, in their model. The extended CRM model proposed, introduces four factors contributing to increase the service quality: the Internal Marketing, the TQM, the relationship marketing and the customer care. The aim of the Internal Marketing is to increase the quality of the services offered by the firm. Total Quality Management is an organization-wide approach to continuously improving the quality of all the organization’s processes, products and services†. The relationship marketing, consists of building a high value, loyal, lifetime relationship. It is also a competitive tool. The core nature of the relationship obliges the firm to improve its service quality. Indeed, keeping the customer loyal or building a long term relation provokes a high service quality. Reducing the loss of customers, attracting new customers and improving customers and employees satisfaction are three of the aims of the customer care. A consequence of these aims is an improved service quality. As a result, the authors of the thesis consider internal marketing, TQM, relationship marketing and customer care as subprograms allowing service quality. Therefore service quality is the major objective also in a CRM concept. All parts dealing with the internal marketing, customer care, relationship marketing and TQM are considered as primary differentiation tools. They allow for proposing a good service quality which is the major way of differentiation for banks Presentation and Process are not considered by as important as the people aspect. They will then be presented accordingly as secondary tools of differentiation. Conclusion The human element is a major factor of differentiation. As a consequence, a people-based marketing approach has been identified by the authors to be relevant for this study: the Customer Relationship Management (CRM). There are different factors influencing the basic CRM concept: internal marketing, customer care, Total Quality Management, overall marketing and relationship marketing. The way and to which extent service companies approach and deal with these concepts will eventually create unique organizations that stand out from their competitors. Additionally, the writers of the thesis present the three additional P’s stated in e. g. Kotler , especially adapted for the service area: Process, Presentation and People. The three new P’s can be related and included into the CRM concept, extending the initial model to a more complete one that can be applied to this underlying study. Existing theory from established researchers does not provide for achieving truly outstanding characteristics for a retail bank. The reason for this may be found in the general image of a bank representing trust and a sense of seriousness. Airlines (Southwest Airlines) for example or restaurants (McDonalds) can contain an image of fun and still operate profitable, thereby being very different than their respective competitors. The number of banks differentiating to such extents can be estimated to be rather small. Banks differentiate within smaller dimensions, being able to retain an image of trustworthiness and seriousness. Secondary tools of differentiation Process SBI customers have access to service in all SBI branches. Additionally, every branch offers all SBI services (except few), no matter what size or location. All branches are operating independently and are responsible for their operations. In case a branch needs help, it can request different kind of support which will then be provided by the regional banks. The goal is that every branch has to manage the customers who are in the area of their â€Å"church tower† The branches of SBI offer similar services at every branch. However, some special need for example a single business with a large amount of export transactions might not find the service they need at some smaller branch offices, due to the non profitability of offering such a service for a single customer, customers can access all services provided at any offices: Basic services are provided by all branches of SBI, no matter what size, but specialized services like e. g. corporate advisors are available on request in smaller branches. The special competence is provided by regional headquarters. Presentation SBI does not use the physical design of its facilities to differentiate. As with almost all decisions, every branch is different and responsible for itself. The autonomy of branches is represented by some completely different designs between SBI branches. There is e. g. a futuristically designed SBI office in some in India and abroad, still having a rather old fashioned design. Each office has to justify investments like facility design according to its profitability. The design of the branches of SBI should be characterized as similar, because, customers should recognize the bank they enter no matter which branch they visit. SBI should pay special attention to the design of its branches, for example, all offices should use specific colors and similar materials.. As a consequence, â€Å"when you go to the SBI branch, you can recognize the SBI branch [†¦] you feel home†, personal communication, SBI should use the presentation to differentiate from its competitors. SBI should come with a branch design policy, but does not enforce it at any cost, due to the belief that it is not economically reasonable. However, when branches are refurbished, the design policy has to be followed.

ECONOMIC institution and policy(British economy) Essay

ECONOMIC institution and policy(British economy) - Essay Example But the sector experienced a tragic downfall during the post-war period which continued till mid-1980s. However, the trends improved post 1983 and continued to develop till 1990 when it once again underwent a bust period (Buxton & Mananyi, 1998). Many researchers blame this erratic behavior of the supporting sector of UK to the economic policies adopted by the decision makers of the nation and thus, the present paper will attempt to outline the trends of the nation over the decades between 1970 and 2010. Contribution of UK’s Manufacturing Sector, 1970-2010 The contribution of UK’s manufacturing sector could be assessed from a few statistics aligned to the sector. The adjoining graph depicts the change in the gross value added by the manufacturing sector over the years between 1970 and 2009. The trends so depicted denote an overall heavy impact created by the manufacturing sector over the years. However, the difference is found to be rather stark from 1970 to 1980 and th en 1990. In other words, these three years depict huge differences in the gross value added figures. On the other hand, the figures corresponding to the years between 1990 and 2009 are found to be quite near to each other. The year 2000 is characterized by a peak but is followed by a slight dent at the end of 2009. Nonetheless, the figures are found to have improved by almost a multiple of 10 between 1970 and 2009. The following diagram shows the growth in industrial production of UK over the years, which is suggestive of a gradual improvisation in its position. Although the above diagram for gross value added shows a downfall from 2000 to 2009, the present one shows a positive growth occurring between 2000 and 2010. This clearly indicates that there had been a hike in industrial production between 2009 and 2010. The above graph depicts the contribution of manufacturing sector of UK in absolute terms. However, to draw a more robust comparison, the ideal method would be to form a rel ation with the GDP of the economy. Such an interpretation could help in making an assessment of the contribution of the sector to the economy. The bar-graph alongside shows the contribution of the manufacturing sector as receding over time. The decline is a consistent one over the years thus implying the gradually falling importance of the manufacturing and industrial segments of the nation. The declining importance of the manufacturing sector of UK is also prominent from its receding contribution to the employment share of the nation. The adjoining bar graph shows the trends in the share of employment rate accounted by the manufacturing sector of UK. The decline is found to be the greatest from 14980 to 1985 followed by that from 2000 to 2005. As per the latest records, the employment share of the sector to the gross economic value stands at 9.83% which is almost 20% below that in the year 1975. Given the historic importance of the manufacturing sector behind the economic developme nt and growth of UK, a decline in its popularity over the years took a toll upon the net disposable income of the economy. Net disposable income of the economy is found to be traversing through a negative phase after having reached a peak during 1980. This is an obvious indication of the increased costs of structural unemployment in the economy. Another prominent indication is that of a declining percentage change

South Africa Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

South Africa - Research Paper Example According to the research paper "South Africa" findings, South Africa has been inhabited by modern humans for approximately 170 000years, with the two historically dominant groups being the Zulu and Xhosa people. The Dutch colonized South Africa in 1652. Slave transport from Madagascar, Indonesia and India by the Dutch colonists led to increased migration into South Africa. The discovery of gold and diamonds led to conflicts between the Boers and the British, with British and Boer settlers claiming land in the East and North of the country (Fox, 2008). This, in turn, caused conflicts with the Zulu, Xhosa and the Afrikaner groups, mainly for territory. The Zulu grew in strength in the early 19th century, under Shaka the Zulu, and expanded their territory, which ultimately led to the crushing of the1820s, and the rise of the Matebele, under Mzilikazi. In 1830, the Boers, also Voortrekkers, migrated to Orange Free State, Natal and Transvaal region, to get away from British rule and foun ded states in these regions. The mineral revolution of 1867 and 1884 increased immigration and intensified the subjugation by the European settlers of the indigenous people (Fox, 2008). The South African Union was formed by the 1909 South Africa act, following three and a half years of negotiating, becoming a British Empire dominion. The 1913 natives’ land act restricted quite severely indigenous ownership of land. Following a referendum, solely by whites, South Africa gained republic status and the British monarchy was no longer head of state. With legislation for apartheid, most western countries boycotted doing business with South Africa. Nelson Mandela was jailed, and released after 27 years, when he negotiated the end of apartheid. This led, in 1994 to universal elections, won by the ANC (Fox, 2008). South Africa, however, still continues to suffer from chronic unemployment, especially among its indigenous population, and a rising number of poor white citizens. With info rmation and knowledge, it is hoped that Kelly Services will better understand the people of South Africa and the dynamics of their relationships; economically, politically and socially. Dress Code and Business Etiquette In South African banks, companies and other business enterprises, businessmen dress in suits, or if the weather is hot, as it often is, the dress code can sometimes be casual. During summer, men dress in suits, with short-sleeved shirts under their coats, and when they leave the office, they normally discard their stifling coats (Fox, 2008). During meetings business and casual encounters, South Africans shake hands, with firm handshakes being preferable and appreciated. It is also part of the South African culture to acknowledge and address persons of advanced age first. Meetings are also held on appointment, with the South African people valuing punctuality (Fox, 2008). Negotiations are also accepted as a method of doing business in South Africa, although the people prefer to close the deal straight away. It is also necessary to note that they value the generation of realistic figures in these negotiations, with prices