Han Fei Tzu and The Art of Hotel Management

Around 280 B. C. the royal family of Han gave birth to one of the greatest philosophers of China, Han Fei Tzu. He studied under Sun Tzu, and in addition, from other philosophers such as the Taoist Legalist philosopher, Shen Tao, and a Legalist philosopher, Shen Pu-hai. Though Han Fei Tzu did not invent Legalism, he furnished the ideas to its perfection. His theories went against those of Confucius’s and other philosophers, focusing more on the practical level. Though ill fated to die in the hand of his own student, Li Ssu, Han Fei Tzu’s theories prove successful in uniting China and establishing the first emperor of China. Han Fei Tzu is a Legalist. His ideas of government establishment and function strove for those of extremes, of utmost reward and punishment. Han Fei Tzu focused on the art of distrust. His ideas parallel those of the modern world business, where the society is filled with darkness. Moreover, his establishment of the hierarchy of government equals those of modern corporations. The Chief Executive Officer oversees each and every order carried out, with specialists occupying different offices. Speaking of corporations, there is one industry that would draw Han Fei Tzu’s close attention. Not only does Han Fei Tzu’s theories apply in this particular business; furthermore, it actually functions in identical ways. In the hotel industry, the vital component not only lies in skills, capitals, or services. Hotel management, for the General Manager, focuses on the tactics of administration. The society within the hotel stands upon tied complications between individuals. Each and every member and staff deal not only with their duties. They face the challenge of cooperation and service. Thus, almost everyone in the hotel industry faces the challenge of socialization, on the materialistic level. People do not approach without purpose. ‘Deals’ and ‘transactions’ lie beneath every interaction. These deals and transactions may be job promotion, favors, etc. When there is no use for any additional help, people depart in their own ways. As one general manager describes, â€Å"I’d rather have a true enemy then all these false friends†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Putting Han Fei Tzu and the art of hotel management together provides the perfect combo. Han Fei Tzu’s â€Å"The Way of the Ruler† should work in harmony with the way of a General Manager. On the level of executive administration, Han Fei Tzu said, â€Å"The ruler [GM] must not reveal his desires; for if he reveals his desires his ministers will put on the mask that pleases him. He must not reveal his will; for if he does so his ministers will show a different face. † (P16) A GM, like the ruler, must not reveal his true self to his employees. By revealing the GM’s true self, he is also showing his weakness. Thus, his employees will be acknowledged of where to get at the GM. By this, the GM loses his control and power over his staff members, disabling the superiority over them. The skill to perfect the coverage of identity is trust. â€Å"It is hazardous,† Han Fei Tzu warns, â€Å"for the ruler of men to trust others, for he who trust others will be controlled by others. † (P84) When trusting others, one reveals his secrets to them. In turn, one day these secrets may backfire and injure the position of the GM. Thus, making sure to ignore trusting others is a fundamental for GMs to stay in control. In connection to trust is the way of assignment. How can the GM appoint positions if he ceases to trust anyone? This is done through the means of observation. Han Fei Tzu recommended, â€Å"if one were only to observe a man’s features and dress and listen to his speech, then even Confucius could not be certain what kind of person he is. But if one tries him out in government office and examines his achievements, then even a man of mediocre judgement can tell whether he is stupid or wise. † (P124) The result of the work is observed to judge a person. Intuitions and visuals are discarded. Rather, results are used to judge an individual and used to place him or her in the right office. Due to the fact that the world of hotel management lies in deep connection with socialization, the line between the manager and managed must be drawn. Henceforth, if the managed lacks the fear against the manager, the order of the hotel will be disrupted. Employees will act lazily and try to reduce their workload. Thus, to avoid laziness and enhance work efficiency, extreme measures of punishment must be carried out. â€Å"The enlightened ruler,† Han Fei Tzu describes, â€Å"controls his ministers by means of two handles alone. The two handles are punishment and favor. (P30) With extreme punishment, the GM sets an example of how misconduct will be treated, while encouraging hard work by means of reward. The usage of punishment and reward also allows greater control by the GM. Han Fei Tzu explains, â€Å"†¦the officials will turn their backs on law, seeking only to establish weighty personal connections and making light of public duty. † (P23) Through punishment and award, managers will be pulled away from attendance of establishing connections with higher executives, while focusing more on their duty. As mentioned above, the skill of socializing is so abused that hotel staffs solely rely upon connections to escape responsibility. Thus, they will learn that, though with connections, punishments will be carried out when duties are not fulfilled. Similarly, rewards will be given even there exists no connections, as long as the job is done right. Speaking of duties, the difference between executive officers and specialized staff must also be specified. â€Å"Appoint one man to each office. Let no one,† Han Fei Tzu suggests, â€Å"do as he pleases, and never permit men to change office or to hold two offices at the same time. (P39) A waiter is a waiter, and his duty is to serve the customer. Topping the waiters is the chief-waiter, who oversees the functioning of the restaurant. F/B (Food & Beverage) division manager sees to it that all the restaurants are providing the best service possible, keeping their customers content and jubilant. This is the distribution of responsibilities. To succeed in management, the GM must remember the words of Han Fei Tzu, where â€Å"the ministers name their proposals, the ruler holds fast to the name, and the ministers come forward with results. When names and results match, then superior and inferior will achieve harmony. † (P37) One’s own duty must be recognized, and regardless of the importance of the task, only by the fulfillment of every detail can a hotel function in its proper way. Moreover, â€Å"things have their proper place, talents their proper use. When all are in their proper place, then superior and inferior may be free from action. (P35)† Each member of the hotel secures their own position, making sure they have good ethics in their duties. One must not cross the lines of their responsibility, for it brings disorder and confusion to the hotel as a whole. Everyone minds their own task, and when appointed a certain position, they focus their energy to fulfill the requirements. Relating the bondage of duties and socialization of hotel members enter the competition for position. Every staff working in a hotel looks up to a higher level. They want to upgrade their status to increase their salary, to gain a better reputation, or other unspecific reasons. As a result, while everyone is socializing, treating each other in friendly matters, each one is in fact selfish. In reality, they fight over positions beneath the surface. Thus, a GM must â€Å"guard against danger, fear peril, make haste to designate your heir, and misfortune will have no means to arise. † As long as the GM announces the entitlement of certain positions, individuals will be aware of the occupied office, thus ceasing to plot for competitions. Even as the head of a hotel, the GM has to work in order to gain the ‘favor’ of his colleagues. Unlike the times of Han Fei Tzu, where the emperor ruled a province, GMs ruled only a hotel. Thus, punishments such as beheading and property confiscation could not be utilized. An alternative would be persuasion, to successfully convince his employees to follow his orders. This would be the usage of rewards, or wages. Han Fei Tzu suggests, â€Å"praise other men whose deeds are like those of the person you are talking to; commend other actions which are based upon the same policies as his. † Though this strategy is for ministers, the employers nowadays should also consider this tactic. Through persuasion, the GM may be able to command his people with greater efficiency. The hotel is like a province, and similar to ancient China, there exist more than one province. Competing hotels stand everywhere, and they are the ones that the GM battles. Thus, the GM must know how to maximize the usage of public resource and private capital to triumph in sales over other hotel competitors. Han Fei Tzu has already seen the significance in resource allocation, as he describes, â€Å"When the sage rules, he takes into consideration the quantity of things and deliberates on scarcity and plenty. † (P99) Though by this Han Fei Tzu means in terms of punishment and reward, this rule would be applied towards the usage of capital and investment, for the time is situated for such measures. The change of technology and uprising of new competing hotels also forces the GM to decide on major upgrades for the hotel. Which component of the hotel should the GM upgrade? Should technology be weighed heavier, or should the GM renovate the outlook? Han Fei Tzu recommends, â€Å"Those who have no understanding of government always tell you, â€Å"Never change old ways, never depart from established custom! † But the sage cares nothing about change or no change; his only concerns is to rule properly. † (P93) By this, the GM’s responsibility is to make the best decisions for the hotel, and because circumstances change according to the age, and ways of dealing with them change with the circumstances,† (P99) the GM’s decisions would be in reaction to the functions of competing hotels. If Hyatt renovated their lobby, Sheratons would check to see if this did create a higher room sales rate. If so, the Sheratons should also upgrade their lobby facility to compete against Hyatt. One particularly important writing of Han Fei Tzu is ‘The Eight Villainies’. This not only applies as a warning against the ruler and advice for the minister, it can also be manipulated to be used by the GM. Han Fei Tzu would certainly enjoy seeing his tactics used to its full extent. Here is a briefing for how this ‘Eight Villainies’ can be deployed and modernized for the best use by the GM: Making use of his bedfellows => Immediately upon distribution of reward, the GM may hope to ask for greater job performances, prior to the former one. Making use of his attendants => The GM, as the head of the hotel, can force lower employees such as waiters to agree with the GM, thus convincing the waiter-head to be held responsible for certain events. This applies to other offices as well. Making use of his elder and kin => By visiting the families of his employee, the GM may be more persuasive and successful at convincing his employee at undertaking certain task, for the family, in consideration of promotions, will try to convince particular individuals to gain favor of the GM. Encouraging baleful pursuits => The GM may appoint certain managers or staffs a better office, with fully equipped furniture and luxuries, thus impose heavier duty and greater responsibility unto the manager. Making use of the people => Considering one question, would the employees be in greater pursuit to gain favor from their GM or their manager? Given the fact that the GM is the head of the hotel, employees are certain to strive in contenting their wage-payer. Thus, the GM can impose a greater influence upon his employees to order managers indirectly to do so as the GM pleases. (This is very similar to ‘Making use of his attendants) Making use of fluent speakers => In one way, the GM may assign speakers from popular hotel management schools such as Cornell to speak in agreement with the GM. This increases credibility and enhances the strength of persuasion. Making use of authority and might => The GM is the head of the hotel, thus he possesses the greatest authority and might in the hotel. Using this power, the GM should exploit it to its full extent, by terminating unwanted managers or lazy employees. Making use of the surrounding => The fact that there are competing hotels can too, be used to the GM’s advantage. His position enables special ‘connections’ with other executives, thus when the GM’s own managers are not following orders, the GM can make certain that he would not be able to gain a similar job at a different hotel. Only the GM’s hotel is willing to accept this particular individual. Though these ‘Eight Villainies’ may too, be used against the ruler -Han Fei Tzu wrote it as a warning to rulers- GM should also consider these tactics to employ them himself. A final warning Han Fei Tzu suggests is the trade of authority and power. In this case, Han Fei Tzu warns, â€Å"no ministers should be allowed to borrow the power and authority of the ruler. † (P89) The GM is indeed the most powerful man in the hotel. If he was to lend his authority to managers, this power may be exploited in terms of corruption. Money might be drained, employees might be lost, and worse, the GM himself may be used as a scapegoat. Overall, the vital mentality that should be considered is not only the GM’s. The hotel functions as a whole, thus each and every member work together to benefit the hotel. In hotel management, the ways of the GM stands not alone, but with the support of his managers and employees. Thus, the mentality of these managers and employees should also be considered. Han Fei Tzu summarizes the essence of this whole construct. â€Å"The interests of the state and the individual are,† Han Fei Tzu analyzes, â€Å"mutually at odds, and both cannot prevail at the same time. Managers and employees must not act selfishly to gain their own benefits, but rather, everyone must work with good ethics to strengthen the hotel as a whole. The question, â€Å"what would Han Fei Tzu say about hotel management,† is asked. In response, Han Fei Tzu would comment, â€Å"Hence it is said that the art of hotel management affiliates itself to the rules of a king, they work in the same mechanism. Han Fei Tzu would promote a copy of his philosophies to the GM of the hotel. The ways of the ancient government and modern hotel construct are identical. The only difference lies in the lack of military. Yet, without military and arms, the essence of Han Fei Tzu’s philosophies remains. Without the conduct of arms, persuasion is the new modern weapon. To manipulate the thinking of others is the new rule. Han Fei Tzu’s theories are in reality a cookbook for dealing with people. This works perfectly for hotel management because GMs deal more with socialization than actual hotel functioning. Indeed, there involve skill and talent to administer the hotel, yet in order for jobs to be done, the GM must learn how to control his managers and employees. Han Fei Tzu would have been the perfect GM if he lived. He would not comment on everything, but only minor details, for his theories apply in great affiliation with hotel management. Even on a greater level, Han Fei Tzu’s theories are in bondage to corporate functions. The weapon in the modern days though, is wealth. Han Fei Tzu’s thinking not only applies to hotel management, but it also works for corporate executives. Han Fei Tzu would have said the same things to each officer working in a firm, for his teachings hold true for everyone. Han Fei Tzu’s work is actually a perfect guideline for modern day society, where people work to their own benefits and lack the altruistic characteristic that existed in ancient times. Han Fei Tzu focuses specifically on the level of trust and socialization. This skill is vital in the survival of society, because in the world of infinite talents, it is only luck and connection that surfaces a person’s identity and ability. Han Fei Tzu, though dislike the fact that this is true, admits to the flaw of the system. Human nature is ultimately bad and lazy. Each individual strives for their benefits, discarding benevolent practice. Thus, Han Fei Tzu discredits and criticizes the theories of benevolence, particularly promoted by Confucius and Mencius. In the modern world, everyone tries to survive under the tide of wealth and capitalism. They work in companies and firms to accomplish this goal. Yet, it is the interaction of individuals that make up societies, communities, and corporations. Han Fei Tzu, if living in today’s world, would indeed thrift in his philosophies, and make millions if he wrote the book, Han Fei Tzu and the Art of Humanistic Behavior. His ideas target not only rulers and ministers, they too, function well in today’s world.

Focus groups

â€Å"MARKETING RESEARCH †IntroductionBefore traveling farther we must understand definition of Marketing. American Marketing Association defines selling as â€Å"the systematic assemblage, entering and analyzing of informations about jobs associating to the selling of goods and services† . There are many research techniques that can be used for marketing intent, among that we are traveling to discourse about Focus groupFocus GroupA focal point group is a particular type of group in footings of intent, size, composing and process. A intent of focal point group is to listen and garner information. It is a manner to better understand how people think or feel about an issue, merchandises and services. Participants are selected because they have certain focal point group provide qualitative informations features that relate to the subject of focal point group. A focal point group survey is carefully planned series of treatment designed to obtain a perceptual experience on a defined country of involvement in a permissive, nonthreatening environment. Each group is created by six or eight people by skilled interviewer. The treatment are relaxed and frequently participant enjoy sharing their thoughts and perceptual experience. Group member influences each other by reacting to thoughts and remarks of others.A. FeaturesFollowing are the chief features of Focus groups.1. Focus groups involves peoples: –Focus group typically composed of five to ten peoples, but the size can run from every bit few as four to every bit many as 12. The group must be little plenty for everyone to hold an chance to portion penetrations and yet big plenty to diverseness of perceptual experience. When the group exceeds a twelve participants there is a inclination for the group to break up. Participants want to speak but unable to speak because there is merely non a sufficient intermission in the conversation. In this state of affairs participants portion by whispering to the people next to them. This is signal that group is large. Small group of four or five participants afford more chance.2. Peoples possess the certain featuresFocus groups are composed of participants who are similar to each other in a manner that is of import to researcher. The nature of this homogeneousness is determine by the intent of survey. This similarity is footing for enlisting and participants are typically informed of this common factor at the beginning of treatment. This homogeneousness can be loosely or narrowly defined, for illustration suppose an grownup community instruction wanted to cognize more about how to make people who have n't participated in their plan. In this instance homogeneousness could be loosely define as grownups who live in the community who have non yet attend community instruction session. Group member can be vary by age, gender, business, and involvement, but member have the commonalty of being grownups, community members and non members.3. Focus groups provide a qualitative information: –The end of focal point group is to roll up informations that are involvement to the research worker typically to happen the scope of options of people across several groups. This research compares and contrasted informations collected from at least three focal point groups. This differs from other group interactions in which the end is to come to some decision at the terminal of a treatment – range consensus, supply recommendations or do determinations among options. The focal point groups present a natural environment than that of an person because participants are act uponing and influenced by others merely as they are i n life. The research worker serves several maps in the focal point group, moderator, hearer, observer and finally analyst utilizing an inductive procedure.4. Focus groups have a focussed treatment: –The inquiries in focal point group are carefully predetermined. The inquiries are phrased and sequence so they are easy to understand and logical to the participants. Most are unfastened ended inquiries. These inquiries appear self-generated but are develop through considerable contemplation and input. The set of inquiries called oppugning path or interview usher is so arranged in natural and logical sequence. Question near the beginning of the groups are more general. As the groups continues the inquiries becomes more specific and more focussed. The beginning inquiries help acquire people speaking and believing about the subject. Questions near the terminal of group typically yield the most utile information. There is no force per unit area by moderator to hold the group reach co nsensus. Alternatively attending is placed on understanding the feeling, the remark, and through procedure of participants as they discussed the issues.B. Uses of Focus groupFollowing are the utilizations of focal point groups research techniques. 1. Helps in determination devising 2. Helps for merchandise development 3. This information can be used for research intent 4. They are of import for treatment intent.When to utilize focal point group1. To prove new construct 2. To measure advertising/ copy 3. To measure publicity 4. To developed questionnaire 5. To bring forth thoughts or support brainstorming 6. To place product/services 7. To measure merchandise serviceabilityC. Advantages: –1. Malleability 2. Provides observation of existent consumer in an synergistic scene. 3. Involves fewer participants compared to quantitative methods. 4. Can be arranged on short notice and at a lower cost. 5. Statistical analysis is unneeded.D. Disadvantages: –1. Focus group consequences are non quantitative 2. Sample size is little ; consequence are non projectable 3. Participants do non stand for the mark market 4. Subject are way of the treatment are moderator dependant 5. Careful reading of the information is important.E. How to carry on focal point groupA short overview of the literature provides some suggestion for carry oning focal point groups. The figure of groups you should carry on depends on your research inquiry and on the figure of different population subgroups required ( morgan1988, p.42 ) .it is by and large suggested that it is more appropriate to work with unusual alternatively of groups of friends or people who know each other really good, because the degree of ( 1988, p.48 ) .it is besides suggested that you should get down with the group every bit heterogenous as possible and so run a 2nd set if groups that are more homogenous ( 1988, p.73 ) .in each instance it is necessary to get down the group with some sort of warming up.These two gap of focal point groups are really typical and helpful:Before we begin our treatment, it will be helpful for us to acquire acquainted with one another. Let ‘s get down with some introductory remarks about ourselves. Ten, why do n't you get down and we ‘ll travel around the tabular array and give our names and small about what we do for life? Today we ‘re traveling to discourse an issue that affects you. Before we get into treatment, allow me do few petition of you. First, you should cognize that we are tape entering the session so that I can mention back to treatment when I write my study. If anyone is uncomfortable with being recorded please say so and, of class you are free to go forth. Make talk up and Lashkar-e-Taibas try to hold merely one individual speak at a clip. I will pay traffic bull and seek to guarantee that everyone gets turn. Finally, delight state precisely what you think, do n't worry about what I think what our neighbour thinks. We are here to interchange sentiment and have fun while we do it. Why do n't we get down by presenting ourselves?Postal QuestionnaireQuestionnaire is a list of written inquiries, there are two types of questionnaire, foremost were respondent could inquire to finish the inquiry with research worker non present these types of questionnaire is called as postal questionnaire. And secondly respondent could inquire to finish inquiry with research nowadays is called as structured interview ( Sociological Research Skills ) .Questionnaires are restricted two types:Near ended: in this type research worker provides a list of suited response ( Sociological Research Skills ) . Open ended: in this type research worker non supply any suited list of response to the response dent.respondent asked to compose the reply in their ain manner ( Sociological Research Skills ) . For my undertaking I am utilizing postal questionnaire because I am a pupil and I am non able to travel each and every topographic points of Singapore. One of the most dependable methods of research is postal questionnaire because it ‘s really easy for research worker to standardise and analyse the inquiries. Each respondent answered precisely same inquiry. And I am utilizing stopping point ended inquirer in this.AppendixQuestionnaireQ.1a. Among all new theoretical accounts of auto which theoretical account you purchased?Answer: – — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  œQ.1b. When?Answer Day: – _____ , Month: – _______ , Year: – ________Q.2 What primary factors will you see foremost while buying a auto?Answer ( A ) Average ( B ) Speed ( C ) Maintenance ( D ) ComfortQ.3 By what beginning you come to cognize about this auto?Answer ( A ) Internet ( B ) Television( C ) Magazine ( D ) Motor Show Exhibition ( E ) OtherIf other please advert your beginning below: – †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Q.4 How much clip will you pass for determination of buying a new auto?Answer ( A ) Less than two hebdomads ( B ) 2 hebdomads to 4 hebdomads ( C ) 4 hebdomads to 6 hebdomads ( D ) More than 6 hebdomadsQ.5 Time taken by trader from puting order to bringing of order?Answer ( A ) Less than 3 hebdomads ( B ) Three hebdomads to one month ( C ) One month to three months ( D ) More than three monthsQ.6 Among all this companies which companies auto will you prefer?Answer ( A ) Audi ( B ) Lancer ( C ) Mercedes ( D ) SonataQ.7 Excluding any sedimentation how was your vehicle chiefly paid for?Answer ( A ) Loan ( B ) Cash ( C ) Leasing ( D ) OtherQ.8 After subscribing a contract how many yearss did it takes for your vehicle to be delivered?Answer ______________ DaysQ.9 Please place the chief alternate vehicle that you considered?Answer†¦ à ¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ .Q.10 How would you rate your overall buying experience at the franchise?Answer ( A ) Poor ( B ) Met outlook ( C ) Satisfactory ( D ) ExcellentQ.11 Did you receive any benefits for taking an alternate specification to ypur preferable pick?Answer ( A ) No ( B ) Yes If yes please reference below †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ . †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ .Q.12 How did you corroborate your concluding order with trader?Answer ( A ) Phone ( B ) Fax ( C ) Personally ( D ) OtherQ.13 Is this auto is satisfactory to your demands?Answer ( A ) Yes ( B ) No Reason: – †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ .. †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦ †¦Q. 14 Do you believe buying auto is really hard process?Answer ( A ) Yes ( B ) NoQ. 15 How satisfied are you with the clip taken to finish the full sale procedure at your franchise?Answer ( A ) Poor ( B ) Average ( C ) Satisfactory ( D ) OutstandingDecision: –†¢ This study inside informations the consequences of a study of new auto purchasers which aimed to understand their purchasing demands and behavior in relation to build-to-order and short bringing lead times. It was portion of a research programme that examined the nature of demand for a Car †¢ Brochures, trader gross revenues staff, auto magazines and friends/relatives were the most common beginnings of new auto information beginnings used. The cyberspace was used by merely under one fifth, and peculiar by those aged 25 to 35 old ages. †¢ Colour or pigment type was the most popular type of specification alteration, and 46 % of those who compromised said they received some signifier of benefit from the trader for making so – preponderantly a price reduction on their new autos, followed by specification ascent. There big differences across the trade names in the benefits offered. †¢ The most common twenty-four hours for doing an order was Saturday, and the most common twenty-four hours for roll uping the new auto was Friday. Most orders and aggregations were made in the afternoon, though about 20 % said they collected their autos in the eventide †¢ On norm, new auto purchasers contacted or visited their trader three times when buying their auto †¢ Key themes that emerged from the consequences included the differences in attitudes and behavior of younger auto purchasers, and differences between volume and specialist purchasers. †¢ Younger auto purchasers are much more impatient than older purchasers and more predisposed to altering their behavior to guarantee they are ‘instantly gratified ‘ . †¢ Specialist purchasers are prepared to wait longer for their autos, with the suggestion that they make a clear nexus between quality and clip – that is, a premium auto by its nature will take longer to do and present. While technically there should be small difference in fabrication and bringing clip for both volume and specializer autos, it can be argued that the current selling and gross revenues system feats and reinforces this out-of-date belief. †¢ Overall, the research suggests that order to bringing clip affairs to new auto purchasers, that consumers expectation are high in footings of a short lead clip.MentionFocus Group As Qualitative Research David L. Morgan Focus Groups Theory and Practice David W. Stewart, Denis W. Rook The Focus Group Research Handbook Holly Edmunds

Land Economics and Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Land Economics and Planning - Essay Example Firms complete a great deal of market analysis before searching for a suitable location. In addition, firms compile detailed information regarding the cost of product. They know whether electricity cost is more important then freight cost or labor price. Prepared with a list of "must haves" based on this information, the firm's site consultant or representative begins the quest for the firm's ideal location. You can be assured that, like the shopper looking for a pair of shoes, individuals seeking a site for their firms are not about to change the selection criteria because they had a great dinner at your local restaurant. That is why developing a site is so competitive and requires a great deal of preparation by community leaders. It didn't work for our shoe clerk to offer to dye the shoes the right color, and it won't work for a community when it offers to change the terrain of its local industrial site. Instead, a community needs to spend time long before that first visit by a fir m's site-selection team seeking answers to the details regarding the site the community wishes to promote. The more a community considers site-selection criteria before it selects or develops a particular site for promotion, the lower the likelihood becomes that local leaders will need to explain why they spent so many public dollars on a site that is drawing no interest. Most communities in the UK can claim to have sites available for business development. Under closer inspection, these sites are usually either undeveloped open spaces (often agricultural lands) at the edge of the community or former industrial lands within the community. Both of these share a common problem: Businesses cannot occupy them without substantial infrastructure improvements.Sites that have been previously used for industry or other activities are called brownfield sites. Most are in central city areas and are often surrounded by mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, or public (schools and hospitals, for example). Usually brownfield sites were occupied by industrial complexes. Since older industries used multistory facilities, these sites are often on small parcels of land. Modern factories are laid out horizontally (using one story) to facilitate assembly lines and flow of products. Older sites carry the risk of environmental contamination, especially since the y were most likely operated during a period of less stringent environmental regulations. Environmental contamination can be costly to clean up. Finally, older sites may still contain the buildings or other structures from the previous land use. These will either need to be demolished or refurbished (this often includes such actions as bringing the structure up to current fire, building and disability codes as well as other standards). To minimize their costs and risks, businesses will usually locate on sites that require minimum investments in infrastructure and other improvements. This usually eliminates the unprepared sites. Hence, communities that want to have successful business sites must have developed a plan for creating a prepared site. Site development is utilized to create marketable, prepared business sites. 1.1 Requirements for a Prepared Site It is important to realize that for a site to be effective, it must satisfy the needs of a particular business. The site is constructed to improve the quality of life of a community, but it still must be a viable site to attract business. As we stressed above, a

Equality and Rights Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Equality and Rights - Assignment Example This leads us to respond to the second question regarding which one between rights and equality comes first. From the foregoing description of equality, human rights can be said to enshrine the very tenets of equality. In other words, recognition of equality comes first before declaration of human rights laws to embrace and protect the recognized equality (Vandenhole 52). From a global angle, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and many related intolerance that have confronted many nations can thus be said to have been due to lack of provision and recognition of the existing equal opportunity for growth (Vandenhole 78). However, the preservation of rights is important since by protecting human rights, human equality and other factors that relate to human relationships and coexistence are also protected constitutionally (Vandenhole 83). Based on the earlier argument, for this reason, when asked as to whether the UN declaration was aimed at protecting human rights or equality? One would be quick to concede the argument presented by Vandenhole (123) that the declaration’s objective was to protect the human right. This is because by protecting the human rights, the declaration would protect within its protective claws the equality of every individual under its umbrella. The declaration was thus intended to embrace the nation’s civil rights and subsequently see to it that disparate unequal treatment of individuals especially in criminal justice systems across the globe ceases to be (Vandenhole 176). However, regressing to the lifestyle led by the founding fathers of the declaration, an opposite of the declaration comes into a picture. The founders were far from achieving a complete equality neither did they give equal opportunity to people different from their own (Vandenhole

Leadership Plan Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leadership Plan - Case Study Example Leadership is the most crucial position in any organization. As a leader, one should be able to identify vision and goals of the organization and establish clear ways of accomplishing the goals. While in a leadership role one influences decisions and shows his relevance in the group. The leader should also be creative enough to solve arising problems in the organization. Joan with the leadership role as a manager of the firm is expected to lead the company in establishing ways of going green as the community expects. The leadership role is faced with a variety of challenges, as Joan is new in the position. In addition, there is much pressure on the company from the decision of going green, and the responsibility of the manager is to enforce the move. For these reasons, the incumbent should give results to convince management and employees that she is competent to office. If one in a leadership role gives results, they will get support from both management and employees. Due to this, any decisions made by the leader will enjoy the support from employees, therefore, establishing a better working relationship (Ciampa, & Watkins, 1999). In doing all the above, one in a leadership role should be able to understand and interpret the environment in which the business operates. Developing winning strategies is also a critical factor and executing them in a brilliant manner. Lastly, leadership role involves measuring of the impact of policies established and adjusting them accordingly. It is also the mandate of individuals in leadership positions to develop organizational, departmental, team and personal capabilities. As a leader, Joan should be able to understand and interpret the environment by identifying opportunities that should be the target of action. In addition, she should be in a position to identify threats to the company before they materialize (Bolden, 2011). As an individual leader, the

Group Counseling Observation Personal Statement

Group Counseling Observation - Personal Statement Example His name is "PB". "PB" is the husband of my supervisor and he was more than willing to take me to a meeting and show me what Alcoholics Anonymous was all about. Before leaving for the meeting, I asked "PB" several questions. They ranged from the length of the meeting to specific problems some of the members. He told me not to be surprised if there were some members who were admitted alcoholics and narcotic addicts. As I questioned him further, he said that many of the people in that predicament were also former criminals. One person in particular was so involved with both drugs and alcohol that he nearly died at the emergency room from an alcohol overdose. Now that my questions were answered, I felt much more at ease and ready to go to the meeting. The building where the meeting took place is located in a school basement. It is dismal but there is an inviting scent of coffee with friendly voices. I don't know whether this is a cheerful setting but I quickly learned that the setting didn't matter. When "PB" and I arrived, he introduced me to all of the members who made me feel welcome. As I surveyed the participants, I noticed that they were from all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. As the meeting started, we began with a serenity prayer and read the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. The second step was the focus of the meeting. ... The first speaker was named Jack. Jack is a successful attorney and has been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over ten years. He relayed his story about how his Power restored him to sanity. Jack said that prior to becoming a member, he knew everything. "I could do anything I wanted to when I wanted to. If anyone disagreed with me, I would do whatever it took to have that person agree with me. It was my way or the highway." With those statements, Jack admitted that when he was drunk, his temper got the best of him. After becoming a member, Jack along with many of the members of the group was able to complete the first step with ease. The second step, however, was going to be a problem. "When I looked at that sign, I was scared because I have been an atheist for most of my adult life." He was hoping that he could skip step two and return to it later, but he was told that he had to complete it before he could advance. Jack said it took quite some time but that higher Power did come to him and it wiped out the "insanity" that was ruining his life. After listening to his speech, I was wondering to myself why these members felt they were "insane". If I saw one of these people on the streets, I would never know that they were alcoholics or they were "insane". I marveled at how they all seemed to speak their own language and somehow have the same experience. Mike was celebrating his second anniversary. He is a parolee and in addition to fighting his demons, is walking the line to make sure he does not go back to jail. He too though mentioned the word "insanity" in reference to discovering a higher Power. The words he used were: "I came, I came to and now I believe." To me, it seems as

Case study about print culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Case study about print culture - Essay Example Among the things connected to the print media are; history of the book, its production, circulation and consumption, and the role of the publishers, editors and the authors in coming up with the complete and finished end product. The medium theory is a contemporary means of classifying the role of the media in an examinable mode to come up with how it impacts on the human communication and also how the human expression is captured in a bid to emphasize on the role of the media in our life and its significance (David 2005, p.12). In the recent past, it has been found that most emphasis has been laid on the content and not the medium of the communication itself. It is of importance to look at the role of the medium through which communication will reach the people and also come up with the way in which it is going to change the world’s social and cultural values. In our case, the book â€Å"Stone’s Fall† by Lain Pears is a good one in which we can observe the main theme and aim of the publisher and the author and the intention of the entire work. Darnton entails clearly the use of print as a means of communication to reach to the population and also come up with the best way in which they can understand the media best. It entails the origin of the print media since the 15th century and brings on board the concept of research in a bid to come up with a general and common way of viewing the print industry. According to the founders of the medium theory, the suggestions are that the media is the message and the channel in which communication was transmitted. The medium theory however, does not comprehensively allow people to acknowledge what the message conveys or how the information is received. It tackles mostly the concept of the media richness and also the characteristics of the medium itself. Mcluhan (1967) stressed on how channels differ and how they awaken and alter the thoughts and the

Marketing Plan for Coca-Cola Co Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Marketing Plan for Coca-Cola Co - Term Paper Example To create awareness about a healthy lifestyle should be the focus of its strategy and the sales would automatically follow. Regular monitoring is essential to know where the strategy is moving. 1. Company History Started in 1886, Coke was marketed as a tonic containing extracts of cocaine and caffeine-rich kola nut until 1905 (Bellis 2011). As the popularity of soda fountain declined, the company released the â€Å"New Coke† formula in 1985. Today more than one billion drinks of Coke are consumer every day. In 125 years of its existence the company has developed more than 160 low and no calories drinks in its range of products (The Coca-Cola Company 2010). It currently has more than 500 brands and is available in more than 200 countries across the world. Coke now plans to launch an energy drink in the UK market and since the market is already saturated, it has to evaluate the market characteristics, which would help the company to formulate the marketing strategy. 2. Environme ntal Analysis 2.1 Economic Analysis The UK is one of the most globalized countries and its economy is the sixth-largest economy in the world. The UK has a GDP of 1.353 Euro or 23.300 Euro per inhabitant, which is the European average (Senior Watch n.d.). The UK has the opportunity to invest at the national as well as the individual level. The UK economy is just recovering and hence even short-term tax imposed on soft and energy drinks could jeopardise the fragile economy recovery (BSDA 2011). The food and drink sector represents over 15% of manufacturing turnover and employment (IfM 2010). Its output was not affected even during the recession. The weekly earnings of people employed in this sector are above average and the job tenure is over nine years; the sector has only 6% temporary workers. 2.2 Social Analysis The wealth of an individual elderly person in UK is high (Senior Watch n.d.). The education level of the people is also high in UK. Obesity levels are very high in UK. Almo st two in every adult in the UK are overweight. The quality of food and drink, as well as the sedentary lifestyle has been identified as the reasons for overweight in UK (EMIS 2008). UK soft drinks consumption has gone up by 4% since 2009 as per chart shown in Appendix A. People are keen to include daily exercises and workout because of this the health and energy drinks market has high growth potential. 2.3 Political analysis The UK does not have a President and historically most British governments are composed of ministers from a single political party although at times there is a small opposition party (Darlington 2011). Generally the UK enjoys high political stability and hence the regulations for sectors such as food and drinks sector would not change drastically. The three parts of the UK have their own local administration and responsibilities. 2.4 Legal and regulatory analysis Since soft drinks contain high caffeine levels and since their popularity is growing, the BSDA (Bri tish Soft Drinks Association) has released a code of practice stating how the drinks should be labeled and marketed so that consumers have all the information. The labels are also expected to carry the statement, â€Å"Not suitable for children, pregnant women and persons sensitive to caffeine†

Case study following Essay Example for Free

Case study following Essay Each student needs to complete a case study write-up and submit by the due date following the submission requirements outlined in the course profile (and provided below). Students need to address the following questions in their case study write-up for the Kanthal A case: 1. Describe the competitive environment in which Kanthal operates. 2. Describe in detail how the old cost system operates. Your answer should include a detailed description of how selling, general and administrative (S,G A) costs are treated. 3. What is the opportunity faced by Kanthal in relation to reducing batch costs? 4. Describe in detail how the new cost system works. Your answer should include a detailed analysis of the calculations in Exhibit 5 and a description of the each of the steps and their importance in in the new cost system. Within each of the steps, the derivation of the separate line should be shown. 5. Calculate the profit on the following orders using information from Exhibit 5. The characteristics of the orders are: †¢ Order 1: Sales SEK2000, 1 order, In stock †¢ Order 2: Sales SEK2000, 1 order, Non Stock †¢ Order 3: Sales SEK160000, 3 orders, Non Stock. †¢ Order 4: Sales SEK160000, 28 orders, 22 Non Stock All of your calculations are to be derived from Exhibit 5. This includes Volume Costs, Order costs for Non-Stocked Products and Selling and Administrative Order Costs. What does a comparison of the orders show? From Exhibit 6 and Exhibit 7 provide an example which matches closely to the four orders above. 6. What are some action plans that Kanthal might pursue in response to information provided from the new cost system? Case Write-up Requirements: Your case write-up should consist of your individual response to each of the questions provided. These questions are aimed at directing your attention to the major problem and issues faced by the company and allow you to apply the concepts and principles covered in ACCT7107 to date to a real business. There is no requirement to answer more than what has been asked in these questions nor to prepare the write-up as a report, however, headings and sub-headings should be used within the answers to each questions to facilitate a good flow. You are limited to 800 words (12 point font and minimum 1. 5 line spacing). The case study will be graded according to your individual write-up. Students are encouraged to follow the ‘How to Prepare a Case Study’ approach prepared by Sid Huff and Ron Weber provided as a handout in Week 1(also provided in the Lecture 1 Learning Materials on the course blackboard website). Submission Requirements: The submission requirements outlined in the course profile are provided below: Submission: Students must submit their case write-up with completed BEL Faculty Assignment cover sheet by 4pm on Friday 2 September, 2011 to the BEL Faculty Collaborative Learning Centre (Level 1 Bldg 39). Students should also note the new requirements for assignment submission also taken from your course profile (section 5. 4 Other Assessment Information): All assignments are now to be electronically submitted via Blackboard. The instructions for submission are in the Online Submission Folder in your course Blackboard site. The online submission is in addition to any other submission requirements that appear in this ECP. Students should also refresh themselves with the University’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism. The relevant information taken from your course profile is presented below: Academic Integrity It is the Universitys task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise. Plagiarism The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as ones own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media. Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www. uq. edu. au/hupp/index. html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the Universitys approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism. If students cannot meet the due date for the case study write-up, the following university policies and guidelines apply: Applications for Extensions †¢ Medical grounds: Applications for extension on medical grounds shall be made by lodging the Application for Extension of Progressive Assessment form and supporting documentation at the location outlined in Section 5. 3 of the Electronic Course Profile for the course concerned. †¢ Exceptional circumstances: Applications for extension on the grounds of exceptional circumstances shall be made to the relevant Course Coordinator/Program Director by lodging the Application for Extension of Progressive Assessment form and a personal statement outlining the grounds for the application at the location and by the due date outlined in Section 5. 3 of the Electronic Course Profile for the course in which this application is made. If the exceptional circumstances are such that the student cannot reasonably be expected to have complied with these conditions, a case should be made as to why these conditions could not be met. †¢ Outcome of application: Students will be advised of the outcome of their application via their student email. Note: A Case Study submitted after the due date and time (for which no extension has been granted prior to the due date), will incur a late submission penalty. The penalty is at the rate of 5% of the total available marks for the assessment item, for each calendar day or part thereof that it remains overdue.

An Inside View of the U.S. Marine Corps Essay Example for Free

An Inside View of the U.S. Marine Corps Essay The book â€Å"First to Fight: An Inside View of the U. S. Marine Corps† by Marine General Victor H. Krulack is about the life and journey of the marines. The author is a legend in the Marine Corps, and this book is his way of showing the world of the struggles and the fights that the Marines went through and still do today. The author begins by saying that the book contains some parts about history and legend and the other parts about his opinion on certain issues involving the Marines. This book is able to touch the lives of many because the author, using his personal experiences and that of his fellow Marines, conveys the very essence of being in the Marine Corps. The stories of his life serve as inspiration to those in the service. He was a former Lieutenant General and as such, everything that he has written in his book is very appealing to the readers because of its authenticity. People respect his opinion and they want to know his perspective on the controversies that have been around for quite some time. The book successfully shows how the Marines were able to deal with and get past their challenges, and it also explores the potential conflicts that may be encountered in the future. The author reviews intensely the very core foundation of the Marines by examining the war where they participated in. Examples would be the battle of Khe Sanh in Vietnam war and the 1950 Inchon landing that happened in Korea. Gen. Krulak illustrates in the book how the cooperation of both the Corps and the Navy paved the way for one of the most unforgettable operations in the history of battles (Krulak, 1999). He also provides an explanation of why and how the United States Military chain of command works the way it does today. This book is widely read mainly because the author is able to portray the relationship of the Marines with others engaged in the public service especially during trying times like the period of World War II. The author has successfully transferred into words the importance of being a Marine and how it feels like to be one, and he has succeeded in showing the world the reason behind the reputation of the marines, and the reason for their existence is not because of what they can contribute to the country but because the country believes in what they can do. â€Å"First to Fight† not only brings a new insight about marines in action, but it also provides political strategies and tactics because not all battles are won and fought in the field, and the Marine Corps has proven their worth and competence both in and out of the battle field. Gen. Krulak firmly states that what makes the U. S. Marine Corps great is their solidarity. They are more than just military machines; they are a brotherhood of people, and reading this book makes a person appreciate the past and the great men behind it (Krulak, 1999). History shows that the United States has been through a lot of war. Some of them are won and some are lost. In the conclusion of his book, the authors parting words are that the Marines should always be aware of what they stand for and meet the challenges uprightly without making any compromises. These very words are the reason why these noble men should be given utmost respect. The country will not be what it is today if not for their bravery. They fought hard for the country, and reading this book is one way of acknowledging and appreciating them and giving them the recognition that they deserve. Reference Krulak, V. H. (1999). First to Fight: An Inside View of the U. S. Marine Corps. New York: US Naval Institute Press.