Mutiple Sclerosis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Mutiple Sclerosis - Research Paper Example In addition, this disease is commonly reported among the female gender besides affecting young adults. At certain incidences, the infection may lead to either physical or cognitive disability (Kalb, 2011). Hence, worsen the ailing person’s condition because it assumes either relapse or progressive state (Kalb 2011). The disease’s pathophysiology is widely unknown to many, though numerous studies are underway with the intention of ascertaining other factors about it (Lezzoni, 2010). Multiple Sclerosis presents itself in two phases (Lezzoni, 2010). The initial phase encompasses brain hidden damage whereas the second is spinal cord paralysis (Lezzoni, 2010). During these phases, most lesions characterize the silent areas of brain damage thus, becoming difficult for doctors to detect them. What follows is infiltration of immune cells known as demyelination (Lezzoni, 2010). The depiction of this state mostly encompasses white matter and lesions appearing mainly in a peri-ventricular pattern (Lezzoni, 2010). Besides the intense injury of the normal white matter, the illness also damages cortex and profound gray material nuclei (Lezzoni, 2010). Symptoms of this illness majorly occur due to the accumulation of lesions in the central nervous system (Lezzoni, 2010). The most notable symptoms of th is disease encompass lapses, which are due to axonal conduction at the trace of the lesions (Lezzoni, 2010). Multiple sclerosis lesions in the brain and spinal cord lead to the damage of numerous central nervous system parts (Lezzoni, 2010). The disease professes various clinical symptoms that can be either mild or aggressive. For instance, numbness in limbs, slurred speech, fatigue and dizziness which represent mild symptoms, whereas vision impairment, pain in various body parts, lack of body coordination and balance breakdowns encompass aggressive symptoms (Lezzoni, 2010). Infected persons are extremely

Managerial Finance and Financial Markets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Managerial Finance and Financial Markets - Essay Example commercial property can be used as an alternative investment during periods of high inflation, which is possible because of its low correlations with bonds and stocks. More so, the inclusion of commercial property in the portfolio will offer regular streams of income, for example in form of rent, which can be adjusted periodically thus shielding the investor from the effect of high inflation. The force behind commercial estate returns, from macroeconomics viewpoint, is different from that of equity and bonds. In this view, commercial property is an ideal source of portfolio diversification. Furthermore, the commercial property is in itself diversified, hence its performance is very unique. Commercial property can be used to diversify unsystematic risk, but not systematic risk. The reason why it is difficult to diversify systematic risk is because it influences a large number of assets (Case, 2014). The diversification, in this case, depends on risk-adjusted returns, the investor’s horizon and correlations (as shown in Table 1). Some of the types of diversification that can be generated from commercial property include that between private and public real estate, between bonds and equity, by property type, by investment strategy, within domestic market (geographically), and between domestic and foreign market. International diversification, whereby investors venture into international real estates, is a potential means of reducing risk as it offers very low return correlations. For example, by investing internationally, investors achieve low performance fluctuations, in a manner that cannot be achieved locally (Hudson-Wilson, Fabozzi & Gordon, 2003). Commercial property, relative to other asset classes, has been historically known to offer higher returns. However, in the long term, although commercial property is expected to generate a lower return compared to public equities, it is expected to perform better than bonds. Even though this relationship has

Drug addiction Essay Example for Free

Drug addiction Essay As a part of the human service professional reviewing case studies will be an important part of the job. Not only should we keep notes on every client but we could use them as a reference for future clients. The case studies could become useful if past and future clients have similar cases. In this case study we will examine family, social, and intimate relationships. Identify any role changes that may have occurred, and immediate and future effects of healthy and unhealthy habits demonstrated in this case study. My case study is on Jackson the 25-year-old, unemployed, single adult male, with a substance and alcohol abuse problem. After graduating high school Jackson started attending college the following fall to earn a degree in chemistry. In the course of his freshman year Jackson suffered a major head injury in a car accident. As a result he sustained loss of his cognitive and analytical functioning skills, due to damage to his Cerebrum. Jackson begin drinking alcohol and abusing the painkillers giving to him by Doctors following the accident. As a result Jackson is now using prescription painkillers and mixing with alcohol to relieve the pain of feeling like a failure because he had to quit college. He now lives with his mother in Chicago Illinois where he currently attends a substance abuse program. Growing up in a single-parent household without the contributions of a father figure, Jackson has had problems holding on to any type of relationship. Although he’s been involved with women in his past, while in college he began to question his sexuality after becoming sexually attracted Hall 3  to this college roommate, uncomfortable with the way he was feeling toward another man Jackson asked the transferred to another room. As a son, Jackson was dependent on mother. Growing into a man, he left for college and begin to gain independence. After the accident it seems roles may have changed over time because Jackson has retreated back to his infant dependence stage. He’s now reliant on his mom, painkillers, and alcohol. As a middle adult male Jackson’s future looked bright, but after slipping back to young adulthood Jackson has lost the inability to maintain  control over his life. Jackson’s unhealthy habits will have many ill effects now and in the future. Starting with his alcohol abuse as stated in an article about underage drinking among college students, alcohol use among college kids is a major concern†¦ At colleges and universities throughout the United States. The main problem being alcohol is consumed by students on the under the legal age of 21 (Miller, Stout, and Shepherd, 2000). Jackson’s drinking is putting at risk for splurging on alcohol, killing someone or himself, or trouble with the police. Jackson also suffers from substance abuse problem, which according to the article, Trauma and Substance Abuse, there are an estimated 20. 6 million young and middle adults that are classified as the defendant on drugs or alcohol (Galonte, Salman, Albers, and Sena, 2012). Jackson’s drug use is also increasing the risk of death. After long-term drug and alcohol use Jackson’s behavior could lead him to stealing from his family, thus bringing Hall 4 about issue of trust within the family. His run-ins with the police and having a record could hurt his chances of obtaining a job. The drug use could also affect him from being able to pass a drug test. Jackson’s inability to gain his sobriety is not only hurting himself, but his future, family, and even his health (mixing alcohol with prescription drugs can damage the liver). This paper has assessed Jackson in great detail. A 25-year-old middle adult whose future seemed bright, but due to the accident Jackson has lost all hope. Jackson needs to complete his substance abuse program, become sober, become employed, and consider going back to school, this will ultimately built his self-esteem and give him self-worth. After careful consideration, I will continue to follow up with the client in order to repair his self-confidence and interpersonal skills, so that he can improve his Intimate and personal development. Hall 5 Reference 1. Galante, J. M. , Ahmad, S. Albers. E. A. (n. d. ) Trauma and Substance Abuse: Deadly Consequences of Intravenous Percocet Tablets. Clinical Communication; Adults,() 2. Miller, N. S. , Stout, A. W. , Sheppard, L. M. (2012, September). Underage Drinking Among College Students. The journal of emergency Medicine, 43 (3), e167-e169.

Intergrated marketing communications in the retail banking sector

Intergrated marketing communications in the retail banking sector Nigeria is among the developing countries in the World today. In the 1980s, several developing countries pursued some form of financial liberalization program or other, in order to boost the development of their countries. (Ayadi and Hyman, 2006). In achieving this financial liberalization, the First Bank of Nigeria Plc played a major role since the development and maintenance of the Nigerian economy. Being the first of its kind in Nigeria. The Nigerian Banking system started its history as far back as 1892 with the establishment of the African Banking in Lagos, the Capital of Nigeria as at then; it was taken over by the Bank of British West Africa (BBWA) in 1894 and was later acquired by Standard Bank of West Africa in 1965. In 1969, Standard Bank of West Africa incorporated its Nigerian operations under the name Standard Bank of Nigeria. In 1971, Standard Bank of Nigeria listed its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and placed 13% of its share capital with Nigerian investors. The bank changed its name to First Bank of Nigeria in 1979. (The journalof African society). Now, First Bank is the biggest bank in Nigeria out of the 25 banks, it has been rated as the largest RETAIL lender in the country. FBN has a subsidiary in London, UK which started its operation in year 2002 having a branch in Paris. The bank as at 2009 December had a total asset of N2,172 billion (USD14,718 million). (First Bank Financial Highlights 2009). Being the first of its kind in Nigeria, it has made a large clientele base and this has given the management so much confidence and a sense of satisfaction which has led to the neglect of customers satisfaction maximizations and feelings. There are 25 banks in Nigeria, although FBN Plc has been rated has the largest retailer bank, other banks are improving on the loop holes of their products and services and using that medium to sap their customers. The Nigerian populace has come to realise that they own the money (capital) of the bank and because of that; they should get the best products and services possible. Doole et al, (2005) says In the fast moving competitive environment it is vital for organisations to provide customer satisfaction otherwise they risk losing their customers to competitors. The penalty for not providing customer satisfaction can be a steep decline in the organisations performance, as Marks Spencer, McDonalds and British Airways (BA) have recently found. Integrated marketing communication consists of varieties of medium of communication all in the name of satisfying customers in order to get new customer and to retain existing customers. Zeithaml et al (2006) says, marketing communication is more complex today than it used to be. In the past customers received marketing information about goods and services from a limited number of sources, usually mass communication sources such as network television and news papers. With a limited number of sources, marketers could easily convey a uniform brand image and coordinate promises. However, todays consumer of both goods and services receive communications from a far richer variety of advertising vehicles- targeted magazines, websites, direct mail, movie theatre advertising, e-mail socialisation and a host of sales promotion. Consumers of services receive additional communication from services capes, customer service departments, and everyday service encounter with employees. FBN Plc is the biggest bank in Nigeria in terms of asset and clientele base but lacks a proper integrated marketing communication system. It has so much relied on the facts that it is the first bank ever in the country and the Nigerian populace believe strongly in the bank because of its strong asset base and because it has stood the test of times. Despite their strong clientele base, FBN can single handled own 90% of the customer population in the country if it adopts IMC. Chris Fill (2009) IMC has emerged partially as a reaction to this inadequacy and to the realisation by clients that their communication needs can (and should) be achieved more efficiently and effectively than previously. The FBN customers are yearning for qualitative and uniform information about their funds and interest. The Nigerian government created a monetary policy reform that was geared to stabilize the economy in short-run and to introduce a market system for effective allocation of resources. The efforts were directed at promoting financial savings, reducing distortions in investment decisions and inducing an effective intermediation between savers, investors and their financial institutions. (Ayadi and Hyman, 2006). Integrated marketing communication build a strong brand identity in the market place by tying together and reinforcing all your images and messages. IMC means that all your corporate messages, positioning and images, and identity are coordinated across all venues. It means that your PR materials say the same things as your direct mail campaign and advertising has the same look and feel as your website. (Zeithaml et al 2006). Thus this research work aims to explore the opportunities awaiting FBN Plc after adopting a well integrated marketing communications system to boost its customer satisfaction. Research Questions and Objectives: Identify the need, want and demand of the market. Identify the causes of lack of customer satisfaction Identify and evaluate the market opportunities for FBN Plc. Analyse the FBNs competitive advantage over its rivals Develop a well qualitative and quantitative integrated marketing communication system for FBN Plc. Methodology: Conceptual Framework and Design Fisher (2010) says conceptual framework is formed of patterns of concepts and their interconnections. It is usually based on cause and effect relationships which are often the basis of hypotheses that such research seeks to test. It has also been noted by Easterby- smith et al (2002) that conceptual framework helps to take a more informed decision about the research approach, decide which method(s) are appropriate for the piece of research, and also to think about constraints which may impinge on the research. FBN Plc being a bank and with diverse staff and customers spread all over the country, it is therefore advisable from the understanding of methodology (conceptual framework) to go by positivism approach which is linked to quantitative method. Yates (2004) states that other approaches (quantitative methods) within the social sciences may come from the fact that natural science methods appear to be successful in their field of use. Most research texts have categorised research into two parts; quantitative and qualitative approaches. (Knox 2004) notes that this is mostly done for ease of explanation or to reflect differences in style or marketing, (for structural reasons or for addressing alternative research disciplines) or simply differences in approach is in hindsight for the research. It is said by Yates (2004) that from research texts, the relationship between positivism and quantitative method is almost a law or truth. He then further highlights (with other authors) that quantitat ive methods can be used with other areas of examples within the social sciences. Also that one can argue clearly that positivist thinking has influenced quantitative or numeric research. This could be as a result from the justification that quantitative methods are just as appropriate within an interpretivist piece of research. Ticehurst and Veal (2000, p15) support this linkage between quantitative and positivism by stating that the quantitative approach to research is also known as management science or operations research. Therefore linking discipline with philosophy. Saunders et al (2003) sees research process as an onion. Adapted from Knox (2004, P.123) Within this onion the second layer refers to the subject of the research approach that flows from ones research philosophy. Therefore linking the philosophy of positivism with different approaches. This onion has now explained that ones research could make do with Deductive Approach: develop a theory and hypothesis or hypotheses and design a research strategy to test the hypothesis. Inductive Approach: in which data will be collected and a theory will be developed as a result of data analysis. (Saunders et al (2003). Deductive approach is a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is validly inferred from some premises and must be true if those premises are true. And Induction is a form of reasoning that usually involves the inference that an instance or repeated combination of events may be universally generalised. (Malhotra, 2003). From the above, I as a researcher in the case of FBN Plc have chosen to use from the Onion; Positivism approach which will lead me to deductive approach (quantitative method). I am expected to use this approach to identify an area of enquiry which is the customers and members of staff of FBN Plc to be able to have a good background of developed theory, which is seen as crucial for, guide me. The issues to focus an enquiry upon emerge from the established theoretical framework i.e., the customer service procedure, products and services and information given to customers about their funds. Specific variables are identified that the researchers deem should be measured, i.e., hypotheses are set. An instrument to measure specific variables is developed. Respondents give answers to set and specific questions with a consistent language and logic. The response to the set questions are analysed in terms of a prior established theoretical framework. The researcher tests theory according to whether their hypotheses are accepted or rejected. (Malhotra,2003). Knox (2004) concludes that positivist paradigm is majorly used by marketing researchers (positivism = deduction =quantitative methods); in aligning methods with philosophical stances. It also helps to form the nature of techniques that are applicable by researchers. Alternative Paradigm Names Positivist Interpretivist Quantitative Objectivist Scientific Experimentalist Traditionalist Qualitative Subjectivist Humanistic Phenomenological Revolutionist Adapted from Malhotra(2003 p.138). Easterby-Smith et al (2002 p28) argue that the key idea of positivism is that the World exists externally, and that its properties should be measured through objective methods. This infers that only knowledge, which is observable, is in fact valid. This then brings together the epistemology of positivism with quantitative methods i.e. methods which are essentially numerical evidence, following a very natural science approach to the research in hand. In reference to the Onion diagram, the third layers consists of six Research Strategies which include; Experiment, Survey, Case study, Grounded theory, Ethnography and Action result. This research is to make use of all these strategies to know the expectation of customers and what the management and staff are ready to deliver to their customers. Saunders et al (2003) further expatiated on data collection to be by the following which will be the means of my gathering of information; Case study (questionnaires, interviews, observations) and Documentary analysis. Expected data collection: Collection of primary data will be conducted majorly in Nigeria through personal interviews (observations), questionnaires for customers and staff of FBN Plc, and customers and staff of other banks. A major interview will be conducted with the Head of Department of the following units; Retail, Human Capital and Social and Welfare (customer service) at the Regional office. Secondary data will be collected through the customer and staff complaint boxes, financial news and reports and other related websites. Resources: This deals with how to find things out by research than discovering things by reading literature. Fisher et al., (2010). In gathering information for the research work, survey research will be adopted to have accurate and generalised views. In having a successful research work, one needs to make use of several resources in the survey approach which includes the following: Questionnaire: a question is a method of obtaining specific information about a defined problem so that the data, after analysis and interpretation, result in a better appreciation of the problem. In this research work, the questionnaire must have these set of information inclusive Facts and knowledge Opinions Past behaviour Future behaviour (chisnall 2005). Pilot testing questionnaire: chinall (2005) notes that, it is vitally important to make sure that questionnaire are piloted through all the stages of development. He further explains that it contains question which are specific, clearly understandable, capable of being answered by particular population sampled and free from bias. Webb (2002) confirms that piloting of questionnaire helps to evade participants biased answer. Personal interviews: helps with structured questions like rating question in self-response instruments and open-ended questions. These are orally presented, with the advantage that there is the opportunity for the interviewer to interpret questions, clear up misunderstanding, or gather data from those not fully literate from the designers language. (Black, 1999). It also helps observe and quantify the respondents attitude when interviewed. Documentary analysis: this is analysing the news originating from the financial sector of the country, news about the general views of customers and staff and complaints of staff and customers. Ethical issues: this poses as a problem in gathering information from staff and customers when there is a restriction on privacy, customers and staff that believe they should be loyal to their bank and employer and this can be done by keeping some things secret. Research bias: Saunders et al.,(2009) says to avoid research being bias, questionnaires and interviews must be designed and tested before being put to use. Time: a time frame must be set to achieve the expected result for the research. Literature Review To appreciate the importance of integrated marketing communication (IMC) it is useful to understand its origin and the major elements that have helped in its development. For many years agencies and clients believed that to deliver messages to particular audiences it was necessary to use specific tools of the communication mix. At the time it was a common belief that to achieve specific communication effects on buyers it was necessary to use particular tools. (Chris Fill,2009). Schultz et al.,(1993) says the practice of integrated marketing communication is emerging as one of the most valuable magic bullets companies can use to gain competitive advantage. Advertising, sales promotion, direct response marketing, and public relations practitioners are busy finding common ground to meet the coming challenge of selling to customers rather than market. This explains that integrated marketing is not out to increase profitability alone but also to achieve maximum customer satisfaction. IMC has now emerged as the response to this structural shortfall and the realisation by customers that their communication needs can (and should) be achieved more efficiently and effectively than the way it was in the past. IMC develops and extends the notion and value as a communications process targeting a firms external market. By directing Internal Integrated Marketing Communications (IIMC) towards their employees, firms are able to promote employee satisfaction, trust and commitment, thereby strengthening the firm-employee relationship and ultimately affecting profitability by enhancing customer satisfaction (Herington, Johnson and Scott 2006). By achieving employees satisfaction, trust and commitment, it results in employees dedication and putting in their best at their duties and this helps increase customer satisfaction. Gummenson (2002) confirms this, that previous studies have shown that employees who are familiar with and committed to an organisations market orientation and brand values play a critical role as part-time marketers. All customer oriented employees, not just those associated with marketing, help to deliver the brand promise. They can influence relations, increase customer satisfaction, customer perceived quality and ultimately revenue. Therefore, directing integrated marketing communications towards a firms internal market is itself a critical part of achieving sustainability and profitability. (Ferdous, 2006). Schultz et al., (1993) have produces a lively, no-nonsense critique of this fast moving marketing trend in integrated marketing communications. Taken alone, the early chapters documenting the shift from mass production to mass marketing are worth the price of the book. Yet the real meat of the text is revealed as the authors analyze the emerging reality of true one-on-one marketing to individuals, a reality made possible by the power of information technology to develop this ultimate consumer segmentation approach. The fundamental reasons offered for the popularity of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) among marketers is that it is good for the bottom line and a necessity in todays fractured market place. Nonetheless, despite the evolution and increased critical evaluation of IMC, it remains neither universally understood nor universally accepted as a useful construct. Furthermore, IMC is not consistently applied as a marketing principle and according to Hutton à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦has resulted in superficiality, ambiguity and blurred focusà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Hutton 1997, p. 8). It is high time financial institutions realised that they all offer the same products and services and the only thing that can put a major distinctive difference to their services and product is by going extra mile to adopt IMC. Financial products are controlled by regulatory authorities in an economy. It includes administrative tinkering by governments with financial prices such as interest rates and exchange rates. McKinnon and Shaw (1973) further agrees that financial institutions are generally offering the same services and are controlled by government, and this is hindered in a repressed financial system by the low level of savings, it responds in a positive way to real rates of interest on deposits as well as the real rate of growth in output. Moreover, investment is negatively related to the effective real rate of interest on loans, but positively related to the growth rate of the economy. However, if it is proven that the basic financial practices of a bank is solely dependent of government policies, it is only a good thing for the bank(s) to look for best opportunities to improve on their services to survive and sustain their stand in the highly competitive market. This is further proven by Ferdous (2008) that the fundamental reasons offered for the popularity of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) among marketers is that it is good for the bottom line and a necessity in todays fractured market place. IMC has been able to achieve what other marketing processes have not been able to by breaking down corporate, geographic, and political borders to reach into customers homes and offices in a matter of weeks or days through the use of worldwide networks created by computer and communications technology that have been inculcated into the process of IMC. (Schultz et al., 1993). Integrated Marketing Communication Integrated marketing communication plan. PLACE Distribution strategy CHANNEL/MEDIUM CHOICE C OTHERS (PR, POS, etc.) Objectives Strategy ELECTRONIC Objectives Strategy PERSONAL CONTACT Objectives Strategy TELEPHONE Objectives Strategy DIRECT MAIL Objectives Strategy MASS MEDIA Objectives Message strategy Media strategy Adapted from McDonald and Dunbar (2004, p.19). Ferdous (2006) describes IMC to have been variously described in terms of a process, a marketing orientation, an organisational structure, a set of marketing tools, a basis for accountability and a philosophy. In fact it is all of these. However according to Robert Lauterborn who helped coin the IMC label, What IMC has come to mean to too many people is little more than two-from-column A, one-from-column B media selection process (Lauterborn 2003, p.14). Schultz (1997) agrees that the focus has been one of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Trying to integrate discipline rather than customer or prospects communications. In addition, focusing IMC efforts on the integration of a firms external marketing communications disciplines ignores the gains in competitive advantage to be had from a horizontal integration across a firms total communications effort including that of its internal market. The need for integration is the notion that some aspects of marketing communication should be integrated. The origin of IMC can be found in the prevailing structural conditions and the needs of particular industry participants, an understanding of what elements should be integrated in order to achieve IMC needs to be established. The elements to be integrated are; relationships, structures, brands, communication tools, messages, employees, technology, agencies and IMC strategy. (Chris Fill, 2009). The integrated elements are applicable to understanding IMC as a customer oriented process in creating a common understanding of its principles and core values. It is known that the primary aim of any business is profitability which can only be achieved when customers are satisfied. Profitability as defined by Ferdous (2006) is the function of customer behaviour, and then customer orientation is not only logical but essential. IMC integrates everything that impacts customer behaviour, not just the organisations conscious outgoing marketing messages. It begins with product development and includes packaging (branding), selection of distribution channels (communication tools), channel management (agencies), customer behaviour (relationship), customer relationship management and total quality management. It involves the multi-dimensional, interactive, continuously measured communication that connects brands or products and the customer. Lauterborn (2003 p. 15). Furthermore, Cravens et al. (2003) identifies four attributes that set IMC apart from traditional promotional strategies. They are comprehensive, drawing on all of the media, tools and technologies available to affect behaviour; unified execution of all the components of the organisation; and IMC programs em phasise productivity in reaching the designated targets when selecting communication channels and allocating resources to marketing media. Before considering the delivery of values of IMC, the communication channels will be given further attention, the channels are generally complex, and they involve various media for different communication with the same set of target market or customers. Ferdous (2006), these views about IMC values share three key attributes which are fundamental to its values as a marketing concept. They recognise that IMC is about the connection between the brand and the customer and that communication in all its forms facilitates this relationship. Implicit is the understanding that marketing is the whole business from the point of view of its final result, which is from the customers point of view, marketing today is not a function, but a way of doing business; marketing is everything and everything is marketing. (Harris 1993,p.13). Most importantly in this approach is the recognition that purposeful and coordinated management of customers and their relationship with the organisation is at the heart of building brand equity, which at a time of brand proliferation is critical to success. (Ferdous 2006). The Role of Communication. Communication is the greatest use of language. John Locke has seen the use of communication as the clue to an analysis of the notion of linguistic meaning. Customer communication completes the marketing cycle, linking customer with product, service and availability. At a societal level, in order to connect to mass production and consumption there simply must be mass communications. At its best, commercial communication engages in real dialogue, transmitting value and meaning, while responding to feedback and remaining close to the external customer. Communication has the role to announce, inform, promise, persuade and influence customers to buy in by communicating and delivering customer satisfaction. ( Doole et al.,2005). Communication is the best instrument for sustaining a good relationship between a business and its customers if well understood. In as much as communication is essential between a business and its customers, so also a communication feedback is also very crucial. This because; if a wrong interpretation has been gotten from the information passed by an organisation and a feed back is not received from the customer, the customer retains the wrong information , the organisation might be repeating the same information again at great expense. But when a feedback is in place, the organisation has an opportunity to correct the misinterpreted information and pass the right information across which makes the customer a happy one. Communication when used in the right context strengthens relationships. Doole et al.,(2005) recognising that employees deliver quality, internal communication encourages affiliation with organisational values as well as providing everyday working information. He further explains that communication to both external and internal customers is central to both marketing transactions and relationships. LEVEL OF COMMUNIVATION CORPORATE BUSINESS UNIT MARKETING DEPARTMENT Product Price Promotion Place Price packaging BRAND MANAGEMENT People Sales Advertising Public relations Merchandising Direct Adapted from Doole et al., (2005p.249) This explains the level of communication and how uniquely they have their level of importance to the whole communication process of an organisation. If one malfunctions, it invariably affects the whole system. This helps to increase the value and credibility of brand communication. At this stage, it should be clearly noted that commercial communication should be based on clear intent as noted by Doole et al., (2005), a communication campaign generally seeks to both push product on to and pull products off the shelf and position the offer competitively in the mind of the consumer. Its components parts need to hang together as a cohesive whole and remain consistent with core brand values. It is further noted that during the process of product life cycle, communications have very different roles to play; Introducing new products: the role to play at this initial stage is getting target market attention, also getting the market to test the product or service and the major task at this initial stage is acceptance of the product or service. Product maturity: at this stage, the product has been accepted and needs to proceed to the next stage, the task here includes sustaining the brand identity, maintaining the loyalty, defending the market share and adding value to the product or service is the major task at this level. In a situation where the products or services face rejection or losing market share, the need to improve on the product is essential (revitalise and reposition) or direct customers towards alternative, perhaps reducing communications to bare bones dominates. With the aid of product or service campaign, messages can be charged with differentiating, reminding, informing or persuading (DRIP) or sequentially securing attention, arousing interest, building desire and promoting action (AIDA) and moving a customer from unawareness through purchase to brand loyalty. The Communication Process. The communication process of IMC is between internal external customers. This research work is based on the evaluation of IMC between the employees (internal) of FBN Plc. and its customers (external). Groonroos (1985) explained internal marketing as an instrumental behavioural strategy for developing the state of mind that allows customer service effectiveness and building of relationship marketing. Ferdous (2006), in recent times, marketing professional and scholars have given considerable importance and attention to Internl Marketing (IM). According to Lings (2004) much of the literature on internal marketing, contains a variety of interpretations of the domain of internal marketing, it aim and focus. This means, treating employees as customers, understanding and attending to their wants and views which will help achieve a positive change in employees attitudes and on the long run affecting customer (external) satisfaction positively. Chernatony ( 2001 as cited in Ferdous 2006) suggested that in order to coherently transfer brand values to the companys stakeholders, employees must develop a shared understanding of what the brand stands for, through implementation of a unified communication approach. Today, the way organisations communicate with their internal markets, better known as internal communication (IC) (Tansuhaj et al., 1998; Thompson and Hecker 2000; Ahmed and Rafiq 2003; Kong 2007) is considered one of the most essential internal marketing considerations. Ahmed and Rafiq (2003) attempted to give a more acceptable and holistic explanation of internal marketing through the use of internal communication as a cultural framework and instrument for achieving strategic alignment while building customer service competence. This is reveals the importance attached to internal (employees) communication in operationalising internal marketing concepts/activities and achieving organisational competitive advantage and success. (Ferdous 2006). External customers are the major component of a business or an organisation. Customers determine the existence and longevity of a business. It is therefore important to understand how to carefully communicate information across such that it would not be misinterpreted. Organisations should understand how they receive, process and respond to the feedbacks gotten from customers. (Doole et al., 2005). If quality is meeting and influencing customer expectation (Doole et al., 2005) and even delighting clients, then managing expectations matters. It is very crucial that employees (internal customers) do not promise more than what they can deliver. Communicating with customers regularly is critical, keeping in touch with them, comprehending their expectations, apologising and explaining the limits of service possibilities can influence their expectations and may expand their zone of tolerance. Ferdous (2006) emphasises on viewing IMC as a process that focuses on both internal and external customers is the first step to developing a c

Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District Essay -- Church State Argumen

In cases having to do with constitutionality, the issue of the separation of church and state arises with marked frequency. This battle, which has raged since the nation?s founding, touches the very heart of the United States public, and pits two of the country's most important influences of public opinion against one another. Although some material containing religious content has found its way into many of the nation's public schools, its inclusion stems from its contextual and historical importance, which is heavily supported by material evidence and documentation. It often results from a teacher?s own decision, rather than from a decision handed down from above by a higher power. The proposal of the Dover Area School District to include instruction of intelligent design in biology classes violates the United States Constitution by promoting an excessive religious presence in public schools. The Dover Area School District of Dover, Pennsylvania is seeking approval from the General Assembly of Pennsylvania House to include the theory of intelligent design in the instruction of biology. Intelligent design, also known as I.D., is a theory that seeks to refute the widely-accepted and scientifically-supported evolution theory. It proposes that the complexity of living things and all of their functioning parts hints at the role of an unspecified source of intelligence in their creation (Orr). For all intents and purposes, the evidence cited by I.D. supporters consists only of the holes or missing links in evolutionary theory; it is a widely-debate proposal, not because ?of the significant weight of its evidence,? but because ?of the implications of its evidence? (IDnet). House Bill No. 1007?the bill in question?propos... ...20Biology%20Curriculum--011005.pdf ?Dover Area School District Biology I Planned Instruction/ Curriculum Guide.? Dover Area School District. http://www.dover.k12.pa.us/3598_7352811954/lib/3598_7352811954/Biology%20Curriculum.pdf ?Edwards v. Aguillard, 482 U.S. 578.? Pepperdine University School of Public Policy. 1987. http://publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu/academics/faculty/lloyd/projects/conlaw/ed_v_ag.htm ?House Bill No.1007.? The General Assembly of Pennsylvania. 2005. http://www2.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2005/0/HB1007P1153.pdf ?Lemon v. Kurtzmann 403 U.S. 602.? FindLaw for Legal Professionals. 1971. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=403&invol=602 ?Walz v. Tax Commission of City of New York, 397 U.S. 664.? FindLaw for Legal Professionals. 1970. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=397&invol=664

Charitable Works of Muhammad Ali :: Biography

Muhammad Ali is important in many ways. First, his boxing career success inspired many people to follow their dreams to attain greatness. Second, Muhammad Ali and Peter Arnell founded G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) (Our). G.O.A.T. is a food and beverage company that seeks to inspire young adults to eat smarter, to live healthier lives, and to rise above their current status. G.O.A.T. products are expected to come out early next year. Third, Muhammad Ali has raised over fifty million dollars for charities throughout the world. Finally, although Ali retired from the sport in 1981, he showed his love for it by inspiring the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. This act promotes fairness in boxing. I have learned many new things about Muhammad Ali. Previously, I thought he was the greatest boxer of all time, however after my researching, I think he is one of the greatest persons of all time. I never would have guessed that by the time he was 19 years old he had already won six Kentucky Golden Gloves, two National Golden Gloves, two National AAU Titles, and an Olympic gold medal (Howard). I never knew that Ali refused to join the army because of his religion. Because of this, his boxing license was cancelled. He was stripped of his title, and was sentenced to five years in prison for draft evasion. The Supreme Court, however, reversed the draft evasion conviction on June 29, 1971, and Ali continued his boxing career. I did not know that Muhammad Ali was honored as a United Nations messenger of peace and went to Iraq in 1990 to negotiate and successfully get fifteen United States hostages released. Ali also received the Medal of Freedom last November. Ali's impact on today's society is enormous because of his success in everything he does. You can visit the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and learn about Ali the poet, Ali the boxer, and Ali the dreamer (Visitor). The Muhammad Ali Center also offers an exhibit where you can learn about Ali's life. The Muhammad Ali Center is a non-profit organization and donations support the vision, preserve the legacy, and promote a global community. Ali has inspired many people through his boxing and through his peace work. He is a role model in whom one can find humor, equality, and good character.

Subculture: Electro House Raver

The hallway is dark and all you hear are melodic beats getting steadily louder growing with your anticipation as you walk closer to the entrance. The hallway opens up to a huge warehouse stuffed with ravers. Strobe lights blind you at first but their inviting energy gets you in the mood. Up front is a DJ mixing continuous beats making the floor pulsate. All of your senses are heightened giving everything movement and energy. Electro House is more than just a genre of music. This genre has formed into a subculture because of its enormous following, lifestyle, and roots. The electro house music lifestyle grabs hold of mostly youth. However race, gender, and socioeconomic status is all ranges. A younger crowd is drawn to this genre because of the fun party scene involved and the care free attitude the genre evokes. The electro house genre became more than just music in the 2000’s. Popular DJ’s became the main draw for clubs. Typically this kind of party is called a rave. A rave describes the atmosphere which is dark, has strobe lights and sometimes accompanied by a projection of images to go along with the music. Ravers are the people who go to raves. This is the person who evokes the house music lifestyle. Typically a raver is young, dresses fashionably, and sometimes likes the drugs ecstasy, cocaine, and or MDMA. Raves can be known for their drug consumption but not all ravers are like this. An experienced raver usually brings or wears something that glows. If a raver brings glow sticks this allows an opportunity to dance with one in each hand, this is very popular while listening to electro house music. The fast paced music allows the ravers to dance rhythmically and can be compared to tribal like movements. In every day slang electro house is called electro. Jargon is also used to describe different kinds of electro house music. A bootleg is a remix made by a DJ who doesn’t have the official legal rights or permission to make the remix. These kinds of remixes are common and are done by every DJ. Mashups are similar and involve a producer taking elements from different tracks and putting them together to make a new one. White labels are twelve inch vinyls released for test pressing containing the bootleg tracks or remixes. Ravers also have a slew of jargon when talking about ecstasy. Mostly the terms E, X, or rolls are used and when on the drug most refer to it as â€Å"rollin†. To understand the subculture of electro house the history of house music needs to be established. House music in its first form was disco. The history of house music starts back in 1977 when â€Å"Saturday Night Fever† came out. â€Å"Saturday Night Fever† was an instant hit and a surge of young americans went to disco clubs. Disco at this time was a blend of 70’s funk, soul music, and rock. Most of the disco scene was in New York until 1979 when it spread to underground warehouses in Chicago and Detroit. The creation of house music was an attempt to get listeners hooked. So Chicago and Detroit DJs decided to introduce new techniques in the way disco was being presented. This combined with its separation from New York disco helped it evolve into its own genre. House music became known as more edgier, raw, and incorporated more diverse sounds. Electric keyboards, beat boxers, as well as beat machines helped to refine it into what it is today. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa still have one of the largest house scenes to this day. Plenty of sub-genres of house music has formed since the 1970’s. There is acid house music, latin house, disco house, hard house, funky house, chicago house, NRG house, tech house, New York house, and the largest electro house. Electro house grew from house music and has shown its superiority since 2000. Electro house music differentiates from house music with its four to the floor beats, analogue basslines, high pitched leads, usually accompanied by a piano or string riff. The electro house tempo ranges from 120-130 bpm. The word electro comes from the 1980’s electro movement by which it was influenced. After the 1980’s synth pop sound came the electroclash movement of the early 2000’s. This is where electro house was born, particularly from the Detroit techno scene. The electro house genre has become steadily more popular on the Billboard Top 100. The mainstream electro house songs usually feature a remix of a slower original song like Kid Cudi, â€Å"Pursuit of Happiness† later remixed by Steve Aoki to become an electro house anthem. Other notable electro house DJ’s are Benny Benassi, Daft Punk, Crookers, David Guetta, Deadmau5, Justice, Klaas, MSTRKRFT, Spencer & Hill, and The Bloody Beatroots. Electro house music’s popularity has been on the rise since 2000. You tube has allowed this genre to spread because unknown DJ’s know have an effective platform to showcase their talents. Electro house ravers have a belief system similar to the disco era. Both groups of young adults want to escape their problems and live in the present. Their intertwining beliefs stem from house evolving from disco. Electro house makes it their own by taking it to a level of embracing who you are. An electro house raver isn’t easy to define because they embrace who they want to be. When you walk into a rave you will see some people dressed in halloween type costumes such as angel wings and bright neons or others in regular street clothing. You don’t have to wear a particular type of outfit to fit in. Electro house lovers value this because it’s about the music. The drug ecstasy is widely embraced for this reason. It always the raver to unwind and leave behind their troubles. Disco in the 70’s and electro house of today both allow an escape for their generation. This is also why electro house has such a wide range of youth followers. There’s no pressure to be rich or be a certain race. Where ever you are from and what ever you do electro house will embrace you.