Mkt 421 Final Exam

1) According to the text, marketing means: A. Selling. B. Much more than selling and advertising. C. Producing and selling. D. Advertising. 2) For Tesla, a new firm that makes an electric sports car, estimating how many competitors will make electric vehicles and what kinds they will make, is: A. A production activity. B. One of the universal functions of innovation. C. An example of the micro-macro dilemma. D. A part of marketing. 3) Which of the following statements best describes the modern view of marketing? A. Marketing should take over production, accounting, and financial services within a firm.B. The job of marketing is to get rid of whatever the company is producing. C. Marketing is concerned with generating a single exchange between a firm and a customer. D. Marketing begins with anticipating potential customer needs. 4) Professional Dental Supply has been successfully selling dental instruments to dentists for the past 20 years, and has developed strong customer relations. When looking for new marketing opportunities, Professional Dental Supply will most likely look first at A. Market development. B. Diversification. C. Product development. D. Market penetration. ) To compete more successfully with its many competitors offering packaged cookies, Famous Amos added its own line of extra chunky premium cookies. This seems to be an effort at: A. Market development. B. Market penetration. C. Product development. D. Combination. 6) Which of the following statements regarding marketing strategies is FALSE? A. Developing successful marketing strategies does not need to be a hit-or-miss proposition. B. These strategies must meet the needs of target customers, and a firm is likely to get a competitive advantage if it just meets needs in the same way as some other firm. C.These strategies require decisions about the specific customers the firm will target and the marketing mix the firm will develop to appeal to that target market. D. It is useful to think of th e marketing strategy planning process as a narrowing-down process. 7) A firm's marketing mix decision areas would NOT include: A. Price B. People C. Product D. Promotion 8) Which of the following is true? A. The product P in the marketing mix stands for only tangible merchandise. B. The product P in the marketing mix stands for both physical goods and services. C. The product P in the marketing mix stands for both physical goods and tangible D.The product P in the marketing mix stands for only physical goods. 9) Product is NOT concerned with: A. Wholesale price. B. Branding. C. Packaging. D. Quality level. 10) Dell, Inc. wants to offer customers televisions in addition to computers. This is a change in their _____________________ A. personnel. B. promotional. C. product. D. pricing. 11) Hewlett-Packard sells personal computers through specialty computer stores, electronics superstores, and its own Internet site. The marketing mix variable that is being considered here is: A. Product . B. Placement. C. Promotional. D. Pricing. 2) The ______ area of the marketing mix is concerned with decisions about getting the right product to the target market when and where it is wanted. A. Promotion B. Place C. People D. Product 13) The main difference between a marketing strategy and a marketing plan is that: A. A marketing strategy provides more detail. B. A marketing strategy omits pricing plans. C. A marketing plan includes several marketing strategies. D. Time-related details are included in a marketing plan. 14) A marketing plan is: A. A marketing strategy—plus the time-related details for carrying it out. B. A target market and a related marketing mix.C. A marketing strategy. D. A marketing program. 15) Which of the following is part of a complete marketing plan? A. Competitors' marketing strategies. B. What company resources (costs) are required and at what rate. C. How different marketing mixes (for different target markets) relate to each other. D. All of th ese. 16) Marketing strategy planners should recognize that: A. Large firms like General Electric, Target, and Procter & Gamble are too large to aim at clearly defined markets. B. Target marketing is not limited to small market segments. C. Mass marketing is often very effective and desirable. D.Target markets should not be large and spread out. 17) Target marketing, in contrast to mass marketing, A. Ignores markets that are large and spread out. B. Focuses on fairly homogeneous market segments. C. Assumes that all customers are basically the same. D. Is limited to small market segments. 18) Good marketing strategy planners know that: A. Mass marketing is often very desirable and effective. B. The terms mass marketing and mass marketer mean basically the same thing. C. Target marketing does not limit one to small market segments. D. Firms like Nabisco and WalMart are too large to aim at clearly defined target markets. 9) ______________ is the process of naming broad product-markets a nd then segmenting these broad product-markets in order to select target markets and develop suitable marketing mixes. A. Mass marketing B. Market positioning C. Diversification D. Market segmentation 20) Clustering techniques applied to segmenting markets A. Usually require computers to group people based on data from market research. B. Remove the need for managerial judgment. C. Eliminate the need for marketing managers to specify in advance what dimensions might be relevant for grouping consumers. D. All of the above are true. 1) The process of naming broad product-markets and then segmenting them in order to select target markets and develop suitable marketing mixes is called: A. Market development. B. Market penetration. C. Market research. D. Market segmentation. 22) Procedures that develop and analyze new information to help marketing managers make decisions are called: A. Analytical research. B. Strategy planning. C. Marketing research. D. Operational planning. 23) ________ ________ ________________ utilizes qualitative and quantitative analysis procedures to help marketing managers make more informed decisions. A. Marketing structure.B. Marketing planning. C. Marketing research. D. Marketing processing. 24) A ______________ is an organized way of continually gathering and analyzing data to get information to help marketing managers make ongoing decisions. A. Marketing research project B. Marketing information system C. Marketing research department D. Marketing model 25) Marketing research which seeks structured responses that can be summarized is called: A. Qualitative research. B. Focus group research. C. Situation analysis research. D. Quantitative research. 26) One of the major disadvantages of the focus group interview approach is hat A. It is difficult to get in-depth information about the research topic. B. It is difficult to measure the results objectively. C. There is no interviewer, so the research questions may not be answered. D. Ideas gen erated by the group cannot be tested later with other research. 27) Focus groups: A. Always do a good job of representing the broader target market. B. Yield results that are largely dependent on the viewpoint of the researcher. C. Are expensive compared to other marketing research methods. D. Are usually composed of 10 to 15 people as participants. 28) The observing method in marketing research:A. Is used to gather data without consumers being influenced by the process. B. May require customers to change their normal shopping behavior. C. Is not suitable for obtaining primary data. D. Uses personal interviews. 29) The attitudes and behavior patterns of people are part of the A. Competitive environment. B. Social and cultural environment. C. Firm's resources and objectives. D. Political environment. 30) Which of the following statements about consumer products is true? A. Specialty products are those that customers usually are least willing to search for. B.Shopping products are tho se products for which customers usually want to use routinized buying behavior. C. Unsought products are not shopped for at all. D. Convenience products are those that customers want to buy at the lowest possible price. 31) ______________ is the process of naming broad product-markets and then segmenting these broad product-markets in order to select target markets and develop suitable marketing mixes. A. Mass marketing B. Strategic planning C. Market positioning D. Market segmentation 32) Which is the first step in market segmentation? A. Naming a broad product-market of interest to the firm.B. Evaluating market segments to determine if they are large enough. C. Finding one or two demographic characteristics to divide up the whole mass market. D. Clustering people with similar needs into a market segment. 33) The first step in market segmentation should be: A. Finding a demographic group likely to use your products. B. Defining some broad product-markets where you may be able to op erate profitably. C. Deciding what new product you could develop. D. Evaluating what segment(s) you currently serve. 34) Which of the following is NOT one of the text's product life cycle stages?A. Market introduction B. Market growth C. Market maturity D. Market penetration 35) The product life cycle: A. Applies more to individual brands than to categories or types of products. B. Shows that sales and profits tend to move together over time. C. Describes the stages a new product idea goes through from beginning to end. D. Has five major stages. 36) Tom and Sally Jones are preparing to purchase a new car. He currently has a Toyota Camry and she has a Honda Accord. They now have two children under age 5, so they plan to trade in Sally's car to purchase a minivan.Sally and Tom decided on a Honda Odyssey because Sally is familiar with Hondas and thinks they are very reliable. In this purchase situation, Tom and Sally's family life cycle stage is a _____________ segmentation dimension, and the benefit Sally seeks (reliability) is a _____________ segmentation dimension. A. Geographic; behavioral. B. Demographic; geographic. C. Geographic; demographic. D. Demographic; behavioral. 37) Regarding product life cycles, which of the following is NOT true? A. It is usually expensive for a new firm to enter in the market maturity stage. B.Industry profits are likely to level off or decline before sales level off. C. The level of promotion usually decreases in market maturity because there is less revenue to cover the cost. D. Many close substitutes are usually competing in the market maturity stage. 38) An industry's sales have leveled off and profits are declining in oligopolistic competition. Consumers see competing products as homogeneous. Several firms have dropped out of the industry, but a new one entered recently. Firms in the industry are trying to avoid price-cutting by spending on persuasive advertising.These firms are competing in which stage of the product life cycle? A. Market introduction B. Market growth C. Market maturity D. Market development 39) During the market introduction stage of the product life cycle: A. Funds are being invested in marketing with the expectation of future profits. B. Considerable money is spent on promotion while place development is left until later stages. C. Products usually show large profits if marketers have successfully carved out new markets. D. Most potential customers are quite anxious to try out the new-product concept. 40) Advertising allowances A.Set the allowance amount as a percent of the retailer's actual purchases. B. Are price reductions to firms further along in the channel to encourage them to advertise or otherwise promote the firm's products locally. C. Involve intermediaries and producers sharing in the cost of ads. D. Allow for coordination and integration of ad messages in the channel. 41) SGCA is having a sales contest to encourage retailers to quickly reduce the inventory of SuperGam er computers. Retailers with the highest sales during the next month win an expense paid trip to a special dealer meeting at a resort in Hawaii. This is A.An example of a producer using sales promotion in the channel. B. Probably illegal because it might encourage price competition among retailers. C. An example of cooperative advertising. D. The type of promotion that continues to impact sales even after the promotion is over. 42) While watching a television program, Liza gets a phone call just as a commercial is starting. She presses the mute button on the television's remote control and takes the call, so she pays no attention to the commercial. In terms of the communication process, the telephone call is an example of: A. Feedback. B. Noise. C. Encoding.D. Decoding. 43) A producer using very aggressive promotion to get final consumers to ask intermediaries for a new product has: A. A pushing policy. B. A target marketing policy. C. A pulling policy D. A selective distribution po licy. 44) American Tourister, Inc. —a producer of luggage—is planning to introduce a new product line. The marketing manager is having her sales force call on retailers to explain American Tourister's consumer advertising plans, the unique features of the new luggage, how the distributors can best promote it, and what sales volume and profit margins they can reasonably expect.This is an example of: A. A pushing policy. B. Intensive distribution. C. A pulling policy. D. Selective distribution. 45) Integrated direct-response promotion: A. Is not necessary or useful when the channel of distribution involves intermediaries. B. Is usually part of a pushing effort rather than part of a pulling approach. C. Focuses on achieving a measurable, direct response from specific target customers. D. None of these are true. 46) Which of the following statements about positioning is NOT TRUE? A. It helps marketing managers know how customers view the firm's offering. B.It refers to how customers think about proposed or present brands in a market. C. It often makes use of techniques such as perceptual mapping. D. Positioning issues are especially important when competitors in a market are very dissimilar. 47) When segmenting broad product-markets, cost considerations tend A. To lead to a large number of small, but very homogeneous, product-market segments. B. To lead to more aggregating. C. To encourage managers to disregard the criterion that a product-market segment should be substantial. D. To be unimportant as long as the segmenting dimensions are operational. 48) Positioning analysis A.Shows that managers and customers usually view present brands similarly. B. Is not a product-oriented approach. C. Helps managers understand the actual characteristics of their products. D. Is a visual aid to understanding a product-market. 49) A _____ is a market with very similar needs and sellers offering various close substitute ways of satisfying those needs. A. Product-ma rket B. Target market C. Generic market D. Standard market 50) Which of the following is NOT a trend affecting marketing strategy planning in the area of international marketing? A. Decreasing role of airfreight. B. Global communication over the Internet.C. Tensions between have and have-not cultures. D. More attention to exporting by small companies. 51) When a company grows globally, this is an example of: A. Market penetration. B. Diversification. C. Market development D. Product development. 52) Identify the incorrect statement about sales promotions. A. The availability of more ad agencies and specialists has spurred growth in sales promotions. B. Changes in technology have made sales promotions more efficient. C. Sales promotions have increased because of competition in emerging markets. D. Sales promotions can be used as tools to overcome consumer price resistance. 3) Which of the following is a key trend affecting marketing strategy planning? A. Growth of marketing informati on systems. B. Less use of technology in personal selling. C. Senior and ethnic submarkets are getting smaller. D. Slower new-product development. 54) It is usually the _________ job, perhaps with help from specialists in technology, to decide what types of sales technology tools are needed and how they will be used. A. Purchasing manager's B. Marketing executive's C. Sales manager's D. Procurement manager's 55) The future poses many challenges for marketing managers because: A.Social responsibility applies only to firms—not to consumers. B. New technologies are making it easier to abuse consumers' rights to privacy. C. It is marketing managers who have full responsibility to preserve our macro-marketing system. D. The marketing concept has become obsolete. 56) Many Internet sites, such as Autobytel. com and Edmunds. com, have extensive information about the prices of new and used vehicles that anyone can use for free. In light of the availability of this information, what is the responsibility of consumers to use it? A. Consumers should not trust any information they receive from any source except the government.B. Consumers should not use it because it gives them an unfair advantage over car dealers. C. Consumers can use it, but should not feel a responsibility to do so. D. Consumers have a responsibility to use the information and be smarter customers. 57) Which of the following statements about ethical behavior in business is true? A. The legal environment sets the normative standards of ethical behavior. B. The legal environment sets the highest standards of ethical behavior. C. The legal environment sets the minimum standards of ethical behavior D. The legal environment sets the maximum standards of ethical behavior.

Go Glow Grow Essay

Go Glow Grow is a nutrition curriculum developed for preschool children. In conjunction with the book Go Glow Grow: Foods for You, children learn about healthy eating, exercising and the importance of hand washing. Using a simplified version of MyPlate, children learn the connection between healthy foods and what they do for the body. †¢Grains are Go foods, they help you run, jump and play all day. †¢Fruits and vegetables are Glow foods; they help you have shiny hair and sparkly eyes. †¢Milk and meat & beans are Grow foods, they help you to grow big and strong. Each lesson includes teacher background information, two activities, snack recipes, and review questions. There is also a take home letter telling parents what their child learned along with an activity and snack recipe to make at home. Glow Foods Apple- Vitamin C Grapes- A, C, B6, Antioxidant Chico-Vitamins, Minerals Pechay- Vitamin A, C, Calcium, Phosphorus Monggo- Protein and Dietary Fiber Malunggay- Iron, Vitamin B, Calcium, Vitamin A Potato- Carbohydrates, Vitamin C, Iron, Fiber Vitamin B-6 Squash- Beta-carotene, Vitamin A and C, magnesium, fiber, folate, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium and Vitamin B6 Grow Foods Fish- Protein, Zinc, Calcium Chicken- Zinc, Protein, Iron, Vitamins, Minerals 1. Go: Carbohydrates Foods rich in carbohydrates, or â€Å"Go† foods, provide healthy energy. â€Å"Go† foods include bread, cereals, pasta, potatoes and rice. Carbohydrate-containing foods are often high in B vitamins, fiber and other essential nutrients, and are a vital source of energy for the brain. An athlete might eat a plate of pasta before a competition to provide her with  the energy to compete at her best. According to the Food Pyramid, developed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), a healthy diet includes six to eleven servings of breads/grains per day. 2. Grow: Proteins Foods rich in proteins, or â€Å"Grow† foods, are foods essential for growth and healthy body development. These include milk and dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, nuts, beans and avocados. Proteins strengthen the bones and build healthy muscles. â€Å"Grow† foods keep the heart strong, and help repair and fortify body tissues. Protein foods are often rich in vitamins and minerals. For instance, salmon is high in calcium, magnesium, Vitamins D and E, and Omega-3 fatty acids. The USDA Food Pyramid recommends two to three servings of dairy foods, and 2-3 servings of non-dairy proteins per day. 3. Glow: Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables, or â€Å"Glow† foods, enhance the glow of skin and hair. Glow foods such as spinach, broccoli, oranges and plums are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Soluble fiber such as prebiotics help nourish the friendly bacteria (probiotics) in the intestines to encourage healthy digestion. â€Å"Glow† foods are also rich in valuable antioxidants. Antioxidants include vitamins E, A and C, and minerals such as selenium. These help fight cell damage to keep the immune system healthy.

Needs of Customer Essay

When customers walk into a restaurant, whether it is McDonald’s or Chez Pierre, they expect to be acknowledged. This is a small service, but it is imperative to the success of the restaurant, as customers who are not greeted may simply walk out and eat somewhere else. The type of host a restaurant has will depend on the type of restaurant it is as well as how busy it is. Some restaurants pay hosts to greet customers, call names off waiting lists and walk customers to their tables. In other restaurants, management and wait staff take over this duty. Regardless of what you can afford for your restaurant, always make sure someone has the responsibility of greeting the guests and that person knows it is her responsibility. Wait Staff When customers go to a restaurant, they expect a good wait staff, unless they are dining at a fast-food chain. Even then, customers expect the counter workers to get their orders right in an appropriate amount of time and solve problems quickly and courteously. In traditional, sit-down restaurants, customers expect the wait staff to be attentive, but not too attentive. Wait staff should not hover or interrupt, but they also should come back frequently enough to attend to their customers’ needs. In addition, they should bring food in a timely manner and handle problems, such as food that has been sent back pleasantly. Customers also expect wait staff to be friendly and personable. Environment Customers usually go to restaurants to meet with others socially in a friendly environment. Although environment is not usually considered a service, service plays a large role in creating a good environment. In addition to making sure the restaurant is clean, attractive and the decor is consistent with the food and restaurant’s image, restaurant owners need to tell their staff it’s OK to let guests linger. Wait staff should not hint that it is time for the guests to go. For example, they should not rush the food to the table unless the customer requests it. They also should not start to clean nearby tables in an obvious manner or wait for customers to get out their money to pay the check. To the contrary, wait staff should say things like, â€Å"Feel free to chat as long as you like — let me know if you’ll need some dessert or a drink refill. † Food and Drink Probably the most important service that a customer expects to receive when dining out is a good selection of delicious and well-presented food. According to London wine writer Jamie Goode, it is more important that food be simple and good tasting, made with quality ingredients, than to be fancy or pretentious. Goode also notes that customers expect a large wine selection that is not overpriced. Furthermore, customers expect food to be consistent with the image of the restaurant. Customers who are dining at a family restaurant, for example, expect sandwiches, traditional dinners and moderate prices. At a more elegant restaurant, prices can be higher but food needs to be more of the gourmet variety.

The Project Management Body of Knowledge Assignment

The Project Management Body of Knowledge - Assignment Example The Management Development and Productivity Institute (1989) has defined project management as the use of administrative techniques and the creation of a good working climate for the achievement of the set goal(s). Every project is conceived with a definite goal or set of goals in mind. This is often true, whether it was done in a formal or informal manner. For these goals to be achieved, resources in terms of capital, personnel, etc of the project must be optimally utilized. The application of management principles and thinking in the context of a project makes the attainment of the desired goal(s) possible. Project success often emanates from the adoption of sound managerial practices. Various models and theories of project management have been developed for managing projects successfully (Streton, 1989.,  Ã‚   MDPI, 1998., PMI, 1994). Some of the models are generic in their application, whereas others are industry-specific. At its most basic form, a project management model encompasses four phases. These are (i) formulation of project goals or objectives (ii) project planning   (iii) project organization and (iv) project follow up. Objectives or goals set for a project should be specific, measurable, achievable and also time-bound. Goals that meet these criteria are described as good and those that fail to satisfy these requirements are deemed bad. The latter may call for a revision in the course of project implementation. The planning phase determines the structure of the project and results in the production of a project plan. The structure of a project deals with its internal composition, while the plan outlines the resources needed, time limits to each given activity and the cost associated with getting them implemented. The plan also sets out procedures for planning itself during project implementation. This is done either hierarchically or randomly.

Explain in your own word Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Explain in your own word - Speech or Presentation Example The anti-derivatives of the function in this part are non-existent. The rule can be utilised in situations when a limit has been ascertained to be in existence. The rule is utilised in establishing functions of limits within a situation where the limit is presumed to exist, but the value remains unknown. The rule can be utilised in calculating limits within real numbers, negative and positive infinities(Krantz, 2004). Within these circumstances, the functional values are assumed to be differentiable. The rule simply applies to situation presenting finite or infinite derivatives. The rule should be used in finding limits in cases presenting a single application. When two applications are utilised the limit values calculation provides the original value. Where more than two applications exist, an answer can never be gotten The series works through providing approximations which are infinitely differentiable. The approximation method utilises partial sums in providing estimations to an entire unknown function of a series. It utilises the first terms of a Taylor series to solve problems regarding some restricted domains in advanced stages of a series. Integration can be defined as a mathematical concept utilised in calculus and is an inverse to differentiation. Integration consists of the area which is normally bounded by a graph and the subsequent axis. An example of an integral value calculated through integration would be amount of water in an irregularly shaped swimming pool. Knowing the various dimensions of the swimming pool, the water becomes surrounded by the walls, hence becoming the integral. Integration solves problems relating to area of irregularly shaped forms. It solves these problems through utilisation of regular shapes like squares, and then effectively converting the irregular shape to a regular shape. c) Give an example of were optimization might be used in the

Management accounting- S-10 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Management accounting- S-10 - Assignment Example " Because various frameworks in the living, social and innovative planet may be grasped thusly, cybernetics cuts over numerous accepted disciplinary borders. The notions which cyberneticians improve along these lines structure a meta-disciplinary dialect through which we might better comprehend and alter our planet. Throughout the period when Anthony's accounting based approach to management control picked up prominence (1960s), the organizational hypothesis written works greatly slanted to a systems-theory perspective. This tendency impacted management control hypothesis and it got indivisible from organizational theory as a rule. To grasp the profundity of the impact that system theory had on management control hypothesis, it is vital to examine the primary tenets of systems theory. In addition, it is imperative to inspect the crux parts of the systems perspective as it affected the route in which classical theory evolved. The systems perspective was established in cybernetics and general systems theory (GST). Norbert Wiener's (1948) cybernetics idea illustrates the methodology of correspondence and control around individuals and machines to achieve alluring goals and to guide the automatic standards discovered in human biotic frameworks onto machines frameworks (Kloot, 1997, p. 49). Cybernetics is concerned with programmed regulation and control of living beings and conglomerations. It is said that cybernetics utilization a negative sentiment circle acted for by setting objectives, measuring accomplishment, contrasting accomplishment and objectives, bolstering back qualified information about unwanted fluctuations into the procedure to be regulated, and rectifying the procedure. As per this perspective, a management control handle in its best disentangled structure is comparative to a specialized control prepare, looking like the control of the high temperature of a room by a thermostat. Anthony's accounting control philosophy was effortlessly interlaced wit h the notion of robotic controls (Otley, et al., 1995, p. 44). In any case, the GST tries to clarify conduct by mulling over the interrelationship of parts as opposed to the nature of the aforementioned parts. A system is a gathering of interrelated parts functioning all in all. Particularly, a system is an arranged or complex entire; a collection or fusion of things or parts framing an intricate or unitary entire. A conglomeration, thusly, could be acknowledged a gathering of interrelated parts filling in general. There may be diverse subsystems that could be associated with structure much bigger systems. The systems view expects that to remember completely grasp the capacity of the entire systems; the interrelationships around diverse parts must be grasped. A framework is said to have a border, and hinging on the level of communication by the systems with its external border, a framework might be acknowledged either an open framework or a shut systems (provided that it doesn't col laborate with the earth). From the systems view, a conglomeration is made out of information, process, and yield parts, and additionally associated subsystems with a plainly outlined framework verge. As clear from the expositive expression, the framework theorists and the cyberneticians joined both hypotheses to demonstrate capacities of conglomerations and all the more in particular the capacity of administration control frameworks. The degree of the impact by cybernetics hypothesis on administration co

One concept of small group communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

One concept of small group communication - Essay Example J. "Group Communication Across the Life Span." Managing Group Life: Communicating in Decision Making Groups. Boston: Houghton Miffling, 1997. 3+. Section One Summary of the Source: The main source used to discuss the concept of task within small group communication is a book titled â€Å"The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication† by Scott A. Myers and Carolyn M. Anderson. This book talks in detail about the very basics of what comprises a small group to detailed discussion on every thing from participation, ethics and personality traits of group members that are vital for effective small group communication. This book not just focuses on group characteristics but also looks at individual participation within the group, so as to give the reader a better understanding of what roles and responsiblities they have within the group and how it effects the group as a whole. Our focus remains on the importance of the task within the small group. The authors have highlighted the imp ortance of the task in the first chapter of the book that not only defines the concept but also goes into the detail of the different types of tasks that a group can face. The text also uses case studies to help the reader effectively understand what is being taught to them through the book. The book also cites the work of different authors on small group communication including research articles and journals that will be used in the next section of this essay where we will talk in detail about the contribution of the source to our understanding of the task within small group communication. Task is one of the primary features of small group communication, the other two being group size and interdependence (Myers and Anderson, 2008, pg. 7). Section 2 Task as a primary feature of small group communication: This section defines task and how it is one the key features in small group communication. A small group as defined by this text consists of â€Å"three or more people working inte redependently to accomplish a task† (Myers and Anderson, 2008, pg. 7). One needs to keep in mind that most research restricts this number to a maximum of fifteen members and not more (Socha, 1997). The importance of task is such that without a task the existence of the group is not required (Myers and Anderson, 2008, pg. 8). The very reason why the group comes together is in order to accomplish a given task. Task is defined as â€Å"an activity in which no externally correct decision exist and whose completion depends on member acceptance† (Fisher, 1971). There are two different types of tasks discussed by Myers and Anderson that basicaly determines how the work is divided between the members and how the communication needs to take place. The first type is the additive task whereby the work is divided among group members in a way that each is assigned an individual task which is eventually combined to create a final project (Myers and Anderson, 2008, pg. 8). The second type is the conjunctive task where coordination is required and all group members have to work in a combined manner to complete the task (Myers and Anderson, 2008, pg. 8). Interdependance although another primary feature of small group communication comes in to play at different stages within these two types of tasks. Whilst the former requires interdependance at a later stage when the work is being combined, within the conjunctive task interdependance needs to be there from the very beginning for coordination to be effective (Myers and Ander

Marketing Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marketing Research - Essay Example The Market Research Society of UK gives the definition as: 'the collection and analysis of data from a sample of individuals or organizations relating to their characteristics, behavior, attitudes, opinions or possessions. It includes all forms of marketing and social research such as consumer and industrial surveys, psychological investigations, observational and panel studies (MRS, 1994) 1. Exploratory Design: This is used to discover the general nature of a problem and variables associated with it. It helps in formulating of relevant hypotheses. This uses primary techniques like focus groups, in-depth interviews and observational studies and also uses secondary data, non-probability samples, case analysis and subjective analysis of the resultant data. They are generally qualitative in nature. 2. Descriptive Design: They focus on the accurate description of the variables under consideration. They use questionnaires and surveys. They are used for determining consumer profile and their product usage studies, price and attitude surveys, sales analysis, media research etc. They are quantitative in nature. 3. Causal Designs: They try to establish the nature of relationship between two or more variables under investigation. The direction of the Causal link is very important. The example of their uses may be measuring the effectiveness of advertisement in terms of sales or study of price elasticity of demand etc. Marketing Research Process: The Marketing Research Process can be divided in the following stages: 1. Define the Problem: The first and most crucial stage of the process is defining the problem and providing the necessary information to the Research team which will help them prepare a proper design plan. This stage helps the organization to assess its current position, to define its information needs and to prepare it to make informed decisions about its future. The information provided helps the market researchers with in-depth understanding of the situation. It is important for the market researcher to interview the staff commissioning the study and any other persons who can shed some light on the situation. This helps in forming the Market Research questions, which will lead to forming sub questions. The success of the research depends solely on understanding the problem and defining the questions and sub-questions for which answers are sought by the research. For our case of Hobbit's Choice the basic problem identified is the feasibility of a fine, upscale restaurant featuring the finest entrees, drinks, and desserts in an elegant atmosphere. 2. Decide Research Plan: At this stage the researchers decide in which category his research should fall into. In our case the Hobbit's choice, we have to first find out whether the research will fall into Qualitative or Quantitiative category. In Quantitative category the research is designed to elicit

12 Angry Men (Movie) Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

12 Angry Men ( ) - Movie Review Example However, when they begin analyzing the case they systematically acquit the accused of the charges. While the change of decision is not unanimous, each juror changes his mind after understanding the context of the crime. When the jurors decide to take a second vote without juror 8, one would anticipate another â€Å"not guilty† vote from the batch. Such is the dictate of the symbolic convergence theory. It argues that another juror would begin considering the facts keenly owing to the motivation he receives from juror 8 and find fault in the case. With juror 8 and 9 doubting the facts of the case, they begin explaining their decisions and are likely to influence the others since they raise pertinent reasons for their votes. Furthermore, as the symbolic convergence theory explains the other judges would begin understanding the facts of the case by considering the explanation from the two jurors. The two are likely to influence the rest since they are of the same caliber. A juror lived in the slum and understands knife fights; another has reading glasses and explains his behaviors. This way, the other jurors systematically understand the facts of the crime thereby acquitting the accused. They understand the facts because of the influence from their colleagues. The theory rightly explains that humans tend to understand an event based on the people involved in the event, their motivations, emotions and meanings. The jurors shared the above facts thus systematically influencing each other. In 1965, Bruce Tuckman explained that a group develops systematically by observing the  Forming-Storming Storming – Norming – Performing  model. The same is the case with the group of twelve jurors. In the forming stage, just as the name suggests the group goes throu8gh the process of creation. Every member strives to impress the other with

Meet Generation Hot by Mark Hertsgaard Are You Ready for More by Essay

Meet Generation Hot by Mark Hertsgaard Are You Ready for More by Sharon Begley Cooler Heads Prevail Against Climate Panic by Jeff Jacoby - Essay Example She goes on to lament on how the whole world seem to be totally unconcerned about the coming treat. Because of the lack of concern, she argues that there is lack of preparedness for future risks and hazards associated with climate change and global warming. Finally, Jacoby brings up his own arguments on how the alarm raised on climate change is too frightening to be wholly true. He therefore argues that there is false alarm with the facts given about climate change. He proceeds to describe those who keep talking about climate change as scaremongers. His last argument is that the stable climate for the last 12,000 reported by Newsweek is a myth. Claims about climate change made in each text Reading through the texts presented by the three authors there can be a strong and outstanding case made about climate change by each of the authors. Hertgaard’s claim is that â€Å"no single event can ever be definitively attributed to global warming; weather results from many factors.â₠¬  He therefore points to both natural and man made causes as reasons behind the ever growing threat of climate change. Indeed, science has done a lot to warn the world of thins we can do as a people to reduce the threat of climate change but there seem to be very little warning coming in as to how we can reduce the effects of natural causes of climate change. From Begley’s context, there is a strong claim that the harsh conditions associated with climate change will continue. This is to say that climate change has not shown its worse forms yet and that though the world has had a lot to cry about concerning the devastating effects of climate change, there still remains a lot more to worry about if steps will not be taken to prevent the phenomenon. Jacoby’s claim on climate change also has to do with the causes of it whereby he pays tribute to natural factors as the major causes of climate change rather than man-made factors. The author simply opposes that carbon emiss ion and other industrial activities can be the most contributing factors. Claims made in these texts contradict one another and where they are similar Hertgaard and Jacoby make contradictory claims on the major causes of climate change. Whereas Hertgaard believes that larger portion of the cause of climate change is man made and so calls on parents of the Hot Generation to advise their children to stop the phenomenon, Jacoby refers such claims as scaremongering just as was made of the end time on May 21. Between Begley and Jacoby also, there is some level of contradiction on the effect of carbon emission on climate change. Whereas greater part of Begley’s argument is directed towards industrialization and for that matter carbon emission, Jacoby believes that the fight against carbon emission cannot be totally right as industrialization is needed and important for development. There are however similarities in the various articles. For example Hertgaard and Begley all point to industrialization as a serious global threat when it comes to climate change. Indeed, there is no denying the fact that industrialization is very necessary for the advanced development of the world. However, the practice could be given a more environmentally friendly face. Research should continue on how industrialization can be continued without its accompanying practices that lead to carbon emission. Indeed there should be an era in industrialization where carbon emission will be

Stereotypes and Prejudices Essay Example for Free

Stereotypes and Prejudices Essay Everyone uses stereotypes in one way or another. (CX) People tend to judge from their first impressions, but prejudices do not get very dangerous until they lead to stereotyping and discrimination. The victims of prejudices and stereotypes may lose their own individual personalities, and they retreat into their own groups. Both Chopin, in â€Å"Desiree’s Baby,† and Piercy, who writes â€Å"Barbie Doll,† bring up this problem in their writings. Chopin and Piercy write about stereotypes and prejudices because they want people to think about the devastating effects of stereotypes and prejudices. To develop their theme, they write about the victims of prejudice, how they are treated differently, and how they end up in life. (S) Appearances influence many people. One day, when Desiree stands â€Å"against the stone pillar,† Armand â€Å"ride[s] by and see[s] her there,† and he soon falls in love with her (Chopin 346). (CC) Not knowing much about her characteristics, Armand falls in love with Desiree, and he marries her not long after that, which can be seen by the fast transition in Chopin’s story. Similarly, the â€Å"girl child† in â€Å"Barbie Doll† is described by her classmate as having â€Å"a great big nose and fat legs† (Piercy 352). Piercy writes that although she â€Å"[is] healthy and tests intelligent,† she keeps â€Å"[going] to and fro apologizing† for her body (352). People care about how she looks more than what she has in her heart. Being victims of prejudices, the characters in Chopin’s and Piercy’s works are treated differently. The way that Desiree, her baby, and the girl child have to face prejudice is not identical. While talking to her daughter, Madame Valmonde does not stop looking at the child; in addition, she â€Å"[lifts] it and [walks] with it over the window that [is] lightest,† and she â€Å"[replaces] it beside its mother† (Chopin 346). No one uses â€Å"it† to call a baby, and Desiree’s son is regarded as an animal because he is not white. From being the â€Å"proudest father in the parish†, Armand turns cruel as he discovers that his child â€Å"is not white; it means that [his wife is] not white† (Chopin 347). (CC) Chopin brings readers back to the age of slavery, which is a shame in humans’ history; the slaves cannot live as humans because they are distinct from the majority of the Whites. (S) Obviously, being different is the end of their life. (CX) On the other hand, the girl child in â€Å"Barbie Doll† has a chance to live if she gives up her personality. The author writes that she â€Å"[is] advised to play coy, exhorted to come on hearty, exercise, diet, smile and wheedle† (Piercy 352). She is given a chance to live the life of a machine, not a human, which is programmed according to the social standards. â€Å"Her good nature [wears] out like a fan. So she [cuts] off her nose and her legs, and [offers] them up,† writes Piercy (352). The fact that she has a choice is ironic. Chopin and Piercy also come to the same ending for their characters. Desiree and the girl child finish their lives in the same way. Desiree does not take the â€Å"broad beaten road which [leads] to the far-off plantation of Valmonde,† but she walks â€Å"across a deserted field† (Chopin 348). Readers may ask themselves whether Desiree does not take or is not allowed to take the broad road. She disappears among the â€Å"reeds and willows†, and she never comes back (Chopin 348). Likewise, the girl child ends up her life â€Å"in the casket displayed on the satin she [lies] with the undertaker’s cosmetics painted on, a turned-up putty nose† (Piercy 352). â€Å"Is everyone satisfied? † asks Piercy. (CP) The victims of prejudice are not happy, so they choose the death to cease their misery. It is the time that people have to be aware of stereotypes and prejudices. Both Chopin and Piercy signify that stereotypes and prejudices are destructive. â€Å"Consummation at last† is a sarcastic way of Piercy to tell the truth (352). It is the consummation of people who judge others through appearances. (CP) Prejudice is no longer accepted in modern societies; however, it still exists in the nature of humans. Stereotyping prevents people from learning the real facts about themselves, and it allows them to discriminate and commit various crimes against all kinds of people. In pursuit of a better society, everyone should patiently fight against the unfairness of stereotypes and prejudices.

Business Administration Goals Essay Example for Free

Business Administration Goals Essay The world of business is one of the most complex yet interesting fields that an aspiring professional may dwell into. Business can turn a poor man into a tycoon just by venturing to franchise, invent a new device or work for a million-dollar company. Even though business may sometimes scare other individuals, it is also the very reason why others strive hard to be a part of the fast-moving commerce elites. As mentioned, it makes great impact to a person’s life. Hence, not all who took the risk was able to succeed, if business is not administered in the most effective way—it could cost a person a lifetime in paying debts. Conceivably, I belong to the group of aspiring individuals who dreams of having a company that will change lives of other people. Even though I am aware of the risks of petitioning myself to the lives of the privileged, I am whole-heartedly stepping forward to pursue my dream. My sole ambition is to serve the public with grace and wit—make ethical decisions and sustain financial stability—but before all that, I know I must be able to hone myself in becoming one. Success does not happen overnight. It requires determination and the right education to build an empire of assets. My dad is a business man. I grew up knowing that being a businessman means being a leader. It does not necessarily mean that I need to have constituents to lead, but that I need to be decisive. My father always told me that business tycoons who failed in the industry were nothing but greedy individuals who does not know a thing or two in making decisions—the ethical ones. Since then I promised to myself that I will be a leader who knows how to lead well. A person anchored not only with tangible assets but with knowledge. Entering college served as a crossroad for my dreams. I was torn between engineering and business. Most of my friends in high school encouraged me to enroll with engineering courses. For a while I was dumbfounded with the thought that neither of my friends wanted to become leaders of tomorrow—own a construction company per se. But my instinct was racing through my veins, as I turn every magazine that featured the finest business tycoons in the country, my heart pounded. I then knew I wanted to be like them. It was a field that I grew up with and it will be what I shall pursue. I had my degree in business administration. The goal that made me pursue my dream was a manifestation of my confidence. The training that I have received inside the walls of the classroom and off to the real world brought out the entrepreneur in me. During my academic years, my mentors taught me how to manage a business entity—the aptitude in solving problems which are based on the comprehension of tools, concepts, and theories of functional business disciplines. Aside from that, it is through education that I acquired the capability to excel functional borders, fusing and integrating information to create multifaceted, short-term decisions with limited data. Education has served me well in honing myself in becoming a capitalist of the 21st century. It was through commencing and conducting researches and divulge in competitive analysis that I was able to apply the strategies that I learnt. I realized that environmental scanning is necessary for long-term strategic decisions. To effectively harness and utilize the dawning of technology and employ such in the most deliberate manner was a mean of keeping one’s game alive. Competition is tight in the business arena. Each player must be prepared and must have forecasting methods to stay in the game. My goal is to enrich my knowledge on these fields which I know are beneficial for my future career. Every individual have a set of goals. Mine only happens not only to be a goal but also a dream that I have long wished to hold a grasp of. I want to improve the knowledge and skills that I have acquired in my tertiary years. I humbly believe that there is more to learn. Given the fact that I am determined to run a company that will provide employment for the underprivileged, I know I need to be equipped with the capacity to balance finances and be armed with managerial skills. In the light, I am optimistic that I will succeed. Every single lesson will help me in the future and possibly help others. I do not only wish to keep the knowledge that I have for myself but I also intend to share these with other aspirants—to help the next generation in raising the economy of the country. Globalization has expanded the face of business in the society. I consider every country an asset as new ordeals shall be discovered. Thus to be able to handle this massive weight of transactions I must learn the twists of every nation’s economy and become skilled at risk management. I am preparing myself for the worst. As mentioned earlier, anything can happen. Although quite on the contrary, I envision myself breaking boundaries. My goal now is to defy the trend of risk-taking; that given the efficient strategies, a blooming entrepreneur will not fail. Individuals who still believe in the necessity of the discipline of business administration to address real world, value laden issues would gain a foothold and began the long climb back to a place in the sun. As modularity becomes an established way of doing business, competition among fresh and old dogs in business will intensify. Nevertheless the society will look for the best-performing or lowest cost goods and services, spurring these increasingly sophisticated and independent suppliers into a race for innovation. The world is full of possibilities, they say. Therefore there is a spark of hope in the goals I have set. I may sound too idealistic in this sense but I am looking on the bright side. I will make my parents proud. I will reach my goals—no matter how tough the ride gets.

Influence of Gender Socialisation Causes of Inequality

Influence of Gender Socialisation Causes of Inequality In our society gender is considered one of the most important things by which a person can identify themselves. When a baby is born the first question one asks is not if the baby is healthy or how the woman who has just given birth is but if its boy or a girl?. The gender we are assigned when we are born sticks with us throughout our life, regardless of if we agree with it or not, seemingly influencing the way we act, dress and live our lives. In the following essay, I will discuss the way in which we can define gender both scientifically and sociologically. I will examine how the socialisation process influences our learning of gender norms and how these norms perpetuate gender differences in our society and the inequality that can occur as a result. There are many ways in which one can define gender. Macionis and Plummer define gender as the social aspects of differences and hierarchies between male and female (Macionis Plummer, 2012). While sex is often defined as the state of being either male or female as determined by biological characteristics. (Marchbank Letherby, 2007). We often see sex as being something natural while gender is a social construct built to more clearly define the differences between the sexes. Gender is evident throughout the social world. We see it in our workplaces, schools and in everyday society. Sociologists believe gender cannot exist on its own, it interacts with social norms, values, and in particular, social differences. For example, while society tells us, men are to have traditional masculine traits, to be strong and forceful, one would not expect the strength of a thirty-year-old man to be the same as an eighty year old. (Punch, et al., 2013). We do not have a say in the gender that is assigned to us, it is given to us based on our biological sex. However , there are arguments that show that sex does not always equal biology. Humans do not always fit into the mould of male and female. A study carried out by the University of Sussex, stated that in countries such as India and the USA; the idea of being transgender and gender fluid is becoming progressively more common and accepted. (Jolly, 2002) This study leaves many questions as to whether we are bound by our biological sex at all. If it is possible to change the sex we were born, then why should our gender identity be so important? Nonetheless the gender that is given can and does have implications on the life we will evidently lead and the way is which we experience socialisation throughout our life. Gender socialisation is the way in which boys and girls learn their gender scripts, the appropriate roles they are expected to follow. Boys and girls experience gender socialisation and are taught there gender identity in different ways. However, this gender identity most often highly tainted by the social world around said person. Marchbank and Letherby researched and wrote about many studies which examine the way in which we encourage masculine and feminine ideals, noting that this encouragement is unescapable in schools, the media, clothing, and toys. This does not allow people to explore their own gender, instead pushing people to conform to one definition either male or female. Something many people feel they do not fit. Many leading sociologists have augured that this does, in fact, lend its hand to the problems many people face in terms of gender discrimination and inequality. (Marchbank Letherby, 2007) While we are moving towards a day of gender fluidity in terms of peoples preferences of their own gender and in our gendered roles, inequality does still exist and is evident in everyday life. These differences and inequality vary greatly from country to country. What is considered acceptable in one country may not be in another. This is all a part of a particular countries gender order, defined by Macionis and Plummer as the way in which societies shape notions of masculinity and femininity into power relationships (Macionis Plummer, 2012) Jill Matthews first developed the idea of the gender order in 1984. Matthews argued that the gender order does not mean inequality but allows a distinction to be made between males and females that relates to the general form of gender relations. (Pilcher Whelehan, 2004, p. 61). This idea however, is outdated. Many critics of this theory agree that the gender order does account for the differences in gender expectations between countries it does not account for inequalities between both male and female and those who may not identify as such. Maharaj (1995) and Pilcher (1999) recognize that Matthews and consequently Connell, who based his studies off of Matthews, have theories that are historical in context and do not allow for differences such as time, place and diversity. Similarly, the theory of gender order does not account for gender norms varying from country to country, while gender inequity does not. (Pilcher Whelehan, 2004) Seen all over the world, perhaps the most universa l form of gender inequality is found in the work place. Woman are much less likely to be promoted to managerially and senior positions in work and are highly unlikely to be doing the same job as her male counter parts. For example, in the United States, less than ten percent of workers said they have a co-worker of a different gender who does the same job. (Ryle, 2015) A huge reason for this form of inequality and many more; is the negative qualities seen as being feminine or possessed by only women. Women are seen as the weaker sex, they are too emotional to take on high power roles and are better suited for care giving ones. These connections are directly related to the way in which gender is seen and taught by society. In the USA, women are more likely than men to have a college degree yet are more likely to live in poverty and have lower earnings than men. (Smilowitz, 2015) After examining the meaning of gender, how we learn gender through the socialisation process and societys gender order it is clear to see that all these factors lend their hand to gender inequality. Gender inequality is seen throughout the world, in ways that are often universal. And, contrary to popular belief does not only affect one gender but both and all genders. The social contrast of gender puts us a box. A box that aims to dictate how we will lead our lives based on our biological sex. Inequality runs rapid through our daily lives References Jolly, S., (2002). Issue 10: Culture, Sussex: In Brief . Macionis, J. Plummer, K., (2012). Gender and Sexualities. Third Edition ed. Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall. Marchbank, J. Letherby, G., (2007). Introduction to Gender Social Science Perspective. First ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Pilcher, J. Whelehan, I.,( 2004). 50 Key Concepts in Gender Studies. 1st ed. London: Sage Publications. Punch, S., Marsh, I., Keating, M. Harden, J., (2013). Sociology: Making Sense of Society. Fifth Edition ed. Harlow: Person Education Limited. Ryle, R.,( 2015). Questioning Gender: A Sociological Exploration. 2nd ed. California: Sage Publications. Smilowitz, A., (2015). For U.S. Women, Inequality Takes Many Forms The Huffington Post, 14 April, avaliable: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ariel-smilowitz/for-us-women-inequality-takes-many-forms_b_7064348.html [accessed 18 Mar 2017]

Genre Criticism of Stanley Kubricks The Shining Essay examples -- Shin

Genre Criticism of Stanley Kubricks The Shining The true measure of success for any film lies in its ability to establish a relationship with its audience. Perhaps more than in any other genre, the horror film must be aware of this relationship and manage it carefully. After all, the purpose of a horror film is not necessarily to invoke thought, but rather to evoke an emotional reaction from its audience. Horror films of all types have used frightening images, disturbing characters, and thrilling sequences to inspire fear. Within the genre, 'tried and true' methods have become staples in evoking this response from the viewer. From serial killers 'around the corner' to monsters under the bed, the horror genre has employed these methods to guarantee a scare from its audience. The result is often a predictable film that only touches the surface of this relationship. Every once in a while, however, a film comes along that explores the possibilities and experiments with the depth of this relationship. Such films are presented in ways to attach themselves inside of the human psyche and remain there long after the film is over. Stanley Kubrick?s The Shining is one of these films. A true auteur, Kubrick steps into the horror genre and explores the potential of the power of a horror film. Through the use of imagery and sound, Kubrick creates a film that is beautiful, terrifying, and thought provoking. With its use of shot selection, motion, lighting and pace, The Shining defies the conventions of the horror genre to create a unique and captivating film experience. At its core, The Shining is a narrative about a haunted house. Jack, played by Jack Nicholson, is a man who takes on a job as an off-season caretaker at a huge, isolated resort with a haunting past and brings his wife, Wendy, and son, Danny, along to spend a winter alone at the Overlook Hotel. As a struggling writer, he sees the job as an opportunity to work on his writing in a peaceful, serene setting. The supernatural powers of the house and the effects of isolation begin to wield their power over Jack and turn him into a crazed murderous lunatic. His descent into madness ultimately leads him in an attempt to kill his wife and son. The title of the film is derived from Danny?s ability to see into the future and communicate with the supernatural. This ?shining? serves as a conduit through... ...ycle through the hallways of the hotel. The camera ?rides? right behind Danny, showing us everything that he sees on his tour. Again, the moving camera is used to establish a unique perspective. We get the feeling that Danny is leading us into another frightening encounter with the hotel?s resident spirits. However, as we follow him on this ride, nothing happens. Every corner he turns serves as an opportunity for a shocking image or a quick scare, but Kubrick never gives us the expected payoff. In fact, Danny completes a full circle and ends up right where he began, safe and sound. This is one of many examples in which the film explores its relationship with the audience and uses its deliberate pace to maximize its potential.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Overall, Stanley Kubrick?s The Shining is both beautiful and terrorizing. In one-way or another, Kubrick manages to defy all of the conventions of the horror genre to deliver a unique and chilling film experience. Through the brilliant use of his camera and the calculated accumulation of suspense, he creates a film that is very aware of its relationship to its audience and revels in its opportunity to explore the potential of that relationship.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

The Screwtape Letters - Types of Love Essay -- Religion, C.S. Lewis

While attending Oxford University, C.S. Lewis went from being an atheist to a renowned Christian. Lewis touched a vast audience with his numerous books (around thirty or more) including The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, and The Four Loves. He brought fantasy and entertainment into his writing along with slight to thunderous bits of theology woven through his stories and books. This made Lewis one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century. One of the better known books from C.S. Lewis is The Screwtape Letters. The Screwtape Letters is a fiction book comprised of thirty-one letters from Screwtape, a senior tempter and head in a department in Hell, to his nephew who is a novice tempter Wormwood. These letters are detailed instructions on how to cause Wormwood’s patient to fall from the Christian life. Screwtape, in all his devilish wisdom, pin points certain tribulations that all humans face and gives a devil-sided view to the human responses. The book is fiction, yet can be studied because of the spiritual lessons that are inversely taught throughout the letters. In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis addresses a position on love that is seldom heard, yet universally felt. Screwtape makes a very clear distinction between his ideal of love and true love. If we take what Screwtape thinks love is, and reverse the teaching completely, all that is left is the love that God approves of. The purest and most sought after love is God’s. Love has been divided by C.S. Lewis into five ways. One way, taught in The Screwtape Letters is â€Å"being in love†. The other four ways is taught through The Four Loves: Affection, friendship (philia), romantic love (eros), and Agape love. Understanding the difference between the lo... ...coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, and irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell. (6) Works Cited Collins, Harper. "C.S. Lewis Classics". Harper Collins Publishers. March 10, 2010 . Lahti, David. "Lewis, C. S. The Four Loves ". 11 March 2010 . Lewis, C.S,. The Screwtape Letters. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc., 1996. Rayment, W.J.. "Synopsis of the Screwtape Letters". Bible Study Resource Center. March 10, 2010 . The Screwtape Letters - Types of Love Essay -- Religion, C.S. Lewis While attending Oxford University, C.S. Lewis went from being an atheist to a renowned Christian. Lewis touched a vast audience with his numerous books (around thirty or more) including The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, and The Four Loves. He brought fantasy and entertainment into his writing along with slight to thunderous bits of theology woven through his stories and books. This made Lewis one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century. One of the better known books from C.S. Lewis is The Screwtape Letters. The Screwtape Letters is a fiction book comprised of thirty-one letters from Screwtape, a senior tempter and head in a department in Hell, to his nephew who is a novice tempter Wormwood. These letters are detailed instructions on how to cause Wormwood’s patient to fall from the Christian life. Screwtape, in all his devilish wisdom, pin points certain tribulations that all humans face and gives a devil-sided view to the human responses. The book is fiction, yet can be studied because of the spiritual lessons that are inversely taught throughout the letters. In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis addresses a position on love that is seldom heard, yet universally felt. Screwtape makes a very clear distinction between his ideal of love and true love. If we take what Screwtape thinks love is, and reverse the teaching completely, all that is left is the love that God approves of. The purest and most sought after love is God’s. Love has been divided by C.S. Lewis into five ways. One way, taught in The Screwtape Letters is â€Å"being in love†. The other four ways is taught through The Four Loves: Affection, friendship (philia), romantic love (eros), and Agape love. Understanding the difference between the lo... ...coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, and irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell. (6) Works Cited Collins, Harper. "C.S. Lewis Classics". Harper Collins Publishers. March 10, 2010 . Lahti, David. "Lewis, C. S. The Four Loves ". 11 March 2010 . Lewis, C.S,. The Screwtape Letters. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc., 1996. Rayment, W.J.. "Synopsis of the Screwtape Letters". Bible Study Resource Center. March 10, 2010 .

Wedding Speech Delivered by the Groom :: Wedding Toasts Roasts Speeches

Wedding Speech Delivered by the Groom I would like to start my speech today by thanking Richard for his kind words. I am really proud to have become Isia’s husband; ever since the day we met I have been treated as one of the family and this has made our Journey to this day that much smoother! Thank you both for your blessing I promise that I will make you proud and live up to the high expectations I am sure you have! Thank you for everything you have both done in making this day so special if it wasn’t for you I am sure I would still be saving. So far the day has been an amazing experience and I am sure it can only get better. I would also like to thank you on behalf of Isia for all the love and help you have given her over the years. I thank you for making Isia the most loving, caring, sweet and kind person I have ever met. I really am the luckiest man alive. Thanks to Mom and Dad: I would now like to thank my own mom and dad for all the love and support they have given me over the years. I am sure you are looking at me now and thinking what a brave boy? I am not really one for speeches especially in front of 80+ people. You have always been there for me and helped me though good times and bad especially in my younger days. If I have ever had a problem where did I go mom and dad of course. I couldn’t ask for two more loving people. I am very proud to have you here with Isia and I on our special day. I know that your love and support will continue for many years to come. Thanks to Isia: I now come to the most important person in my life, and that’s Isia my beautiful bride. I am so proud to say that you are my wife you really do look amazing. I am sure that you will all agree that she has done me proud. I wrote this before today so I never knew until now just how amazing you would look. Knowing you like I do I am sure you will now be getting rather embarrassed and possibly a little pink. But I am sorry I must go on. We first met at a new years eve party in 1999 we said hello and that was it.

Definition of Groupthink. Retrieved from Essay

I have always had a different idea of what groupthink really means, to me I thought of it as a bad idea from someone amongst a group of people that had not been voiced seemingly because the person having this thought lacks confidence or backing. More like trying to proof to your business partners that an idea of using an outdated tactic to target a young crowd is not the best idea In its own definition Wikipedia(2013) describes groupthink as a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an incorrect or deviant decision- making outcome, whereas it can also be viewed as the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility. All different versions of what it is but also giving a detailed well round idea and description. Good examples of groupthink situations as studied by Janis in the book â€Å"fiascoes† are such as the United States government failure to anticipate the Pearl Harbor attacks, the Bay of Pigs invasion, the escalation of Vietnam War, and the ill-fated hostage rescue in Iran (Janis,1972) Some recent past examples of groupthink would be in the hastened decision making of the Bush administration and Congress to pursue an invasion of Iraq based on a policy of â€Å"preemptive use of military force against terrorists and rogue nations.† It is definitely an undeniable fact that groupthink has been a large part of decision making in the United States government for a long time. As we speak, arguably the best current example of groupthink that the American government is facing is the Obama Care. This is so because some might see it as a majority of democrat leaders refusing to see or identify with different ideas that are outside theirs, thus leading to what psychologist consider as a mental deficiency commonly known as groupthink. â€Å"Groups affected by groupthink ignore alternatives and tend to take irrational actions that dehumanize other groups† (Janis, 1972). I found it rather interesting reading the article by the net advisor to bring out reasons as to why the Obama care was created under the influence of groupthink. The net advisor article reads â€Å"the patient protection and affordable care act or â€Å"Obama Care† was passed by majority of the then Democratic House. The house leadership under Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) refused to allow the US senate of any party to even consider debating, let alone voting on Obama care. The house by passed the entire U.S. senate by using a controversial self-executing rule or â€Å"deem and pass† procedure then quickly sent it to president Obama to sign†(Net advisor). This brings out the question, what if the Democratic Party had not made such an irrational decision to pass the Obama Care, would it have made any difference in the case of the government shutdown. Since the main reason that led to most of the republican members to oppose raising the debt ceiling that would have prevented the government from shutting down was primarily a disagreement in the Obama care. This is arguable in both sides since the republican party might also have made a groupthink decision to prevent the Obama care under any circumstances, leading to a government shutdown that has dented the government debt even more, ironically an issue that they (republican party) are trying to avoid with the Obama care. The united states is established in two well defined parties and many are the times that the conflicting views from each party, makes it harder to make any decisions or view the others opinion. Hopefully in the future the decisions from our leaders can be viewed in a more universal dimension, thus the administrators of our president can challenge each other to eliminate groupthink. References Janis, I (1972, Victims of groupthink (1st edition ed) retrieved from http:// leadership theory 3450.blogspot.com Obama care is an example of Groupthink gone wrong. Retrieved from http://netadvisor.org/2013/09/26. Definition of Groupthink. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupthink

Butler Lumber Company Essay

I. Statement of Financial Problem Butler Lumber Company is facing the internal risk of not having enough borrowing power to continue operations as desired. The owner of the company has established a relationship with a new bank to increase their borrowing power, however, based on Butler Lumber Company’s past Operating Statement and Balance Sheet, the company is expecting to continue substantial growth without considering external risks that may affect their business. Currently the company requires debt to maintain daily operations and growth. II. General Framework for Financial Analysis A company should maintain higher liquidity ratios that will sustain operating activities and desired growth, as well as allow the company to pay any short-term debt obligations. One way to maintain higher liquidity ratios is to collect on receivables timely, and use cash obtained to take advantage of discounts offered on inventory purchases. Additionally, a company’s inventory should turn several times per year. As sales are forecasted a company should increase their inventory to accommodate forecasted sales on a monthly basis, but keep as little as possible on hand. Ideally, inventory would turn 10-12 times per year. III. Application of the Financial Framework Butler Lumber Company has experienced significant growth over the last few years. Their pricing has remained competitive compared to similarly available product. The company expects to continue growing at this level and to do so, requires the availability of credit from their bank to maintain current and increased inventory levels and to cover operating expenses. Butler Lumber Company maintains a high level of inventory. Essentially, the company is leveraging their credit and using that to maintain their high inventory levels. As the company grows, their inventory purchases should be  based on their forecasted monthly sales. In 1990 their inventory was turning 4.67 times per year, or every 2.5 months. While continued growth may make this feel necessary, the company has failed to consider external risk factors that could affect their business drastically. While they’re sales are driven by not only new home construction, but home repairs as well, in the event of an economic crisis home repairs would likely decrease. As a result, Butler Lumber Company would have a substantial amount of wasted inventory on hand. Butler Lumber Company’s sales have increased, however so have their receivables. With receivables sitting uncollected for 42 days, the company is unable to use that cash to pay their outstanding payables with discounts or cover their operating costs without incurring debt. Finally, the company’s liquidity ratios support their need for better cash management. Their current ratio suggest the company is solvent and would be able to cover their short-term liabilities if needed. However, the quick ratio for the company is very low year after year. Their cash on hand would not cover their short-term liabilities. IV. Assumptions and Special/Mitigating Circumstances No assumptions were made in this analysis. The company’s financial statements clearly state their condition. Recommendations are based on that information. V. Conclusions and Recommendations Butler Lumber Company should monitor their inventory levels closely and maintain only the inventory required to get them through 1 to 1.5 months of sales. They should also employ an aggressive collections team to assist with collecting within the terms of payment outlined in customer agreements.

Night of Terror

Denise Cummens Greg Aamot English 122 3 March 2013 Allen W Taylor- The Night the Sirens Blew Everyone experiences at least one terrifying event in his or her lifetime. How we assimilate the event shapes our attitudes, or maybe vice-versa. It can become the catalyst that lead, to phobias; sometimes it even earns itself a fancy title with â€Å"syndrome† attached to the end of it. So many of us just call it a memory, but one can share with eight other people.People need to always remember that, tornadoes are not simply violent forces of nature; consequently, they are threats of weather that turns into tornadoes as, it forces change for those who live in its path of destruction. If we go and look back at that historical day through the readings of, â€Å"The Night the Sirens Blew. † We get the recap of the worse tornado outbreak in the Twin Cities, which was in 1965 and worse of six strong tornadoes that occurred around Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota on May 6, 1965. Th is was nicknamed â€Å"The Longest Night† and is the most often remembered for the two F4 tornadoes that hit Fridley, Minnesota.Where thirteen people were killed in the six tornadoes that touched down in the Twin Cities area on that historical day. People that lived through that day recall what happened to the author, first it was famous WCCO radio personality Dick â€Å"Chappy† Chapman, who was the main broadcaster the night of the outbreak. He remembers that night began shortly after 6p. m when the first funnel cloud was spotted neat Norwood Young America, just west of the Twin Cities. Chappy, recalls that was the beginning of a long night and he left the microphone on until 1a. m the next morning.Chappy recalls his conversation with Joe Strub from the Weather Bureau. Joe was an outstanding guy who really knew a lot about storms. At the time of the historical outbreak, he was working on tornado research and found that these storms would â€Å"pulse†. In anothe r words, the storm would build-drop-build-drop. This is how he explained this storm was so massive that is literally â€Å"chewed† up debris and flung it all over the place. Joe also recalls being a pioneer in lobbying for safer trailer park tornado prevention measures. He wanted â€Å"cement tie-downs† and reinforced storm shelters in every trailer park.The many people that Allen Taylor talked to about this historical day, also talked about the things that lead up to this massive night of tornadoes, like the St. Patrick’s day blizzard aftermath of March 17, 1965 and many bad flooding and so we were used to all the interruption in the news due to all the bad weather, until the night of the tornadoes. So after all the blizzards and flooding the Weather Bureau hooked in a â€Å"tie-line† between WCCO and their offices, so when bad weather hit all they had to do is pick up the phone and report right then and there.All the people that talked to Allen about th e night the sirens blew all recall the many tornadoes that swept across the Western and Northern portions of the 7 county regions and that they ranged from F2 to F4, which killed thirteen people and injured 683 people. If it was not for the National Weather Bureau, local officials, and the outstanding communications by local radio and television stations. Most of the credit needed to go to the annoucers of WCCO with saving countless lives. It was also the first time in twin Cities history that civil defense sirens were used for severe weather.The Weather Bureau said â€Å"we didn’t hesitate a bit† to sound the sirens. It was the first time that the air raid alarm was used as a tornado warning since the system was instituted in May of 1959. So with all the things that happened on that night and it is not hard to believe that everyone will experience at least one terrifying event in his or her lifetime. How we assimilate the event shapes our attitudes, or maybe vice-vers a. It can become catalyst that lead, to phobias, and sometimes it even earns itself as just a memory to recall sharing with others.So the author who recalls, the events in our childhood shape our world and our perceptions. He says even though he was only five when this historical night took place he can recall the colored lighting and the once-in-a-generation power associated with these storms left an impact on him and all the people who lived through that night. The two main reasons he said he wrote this book, was because he has always been interested in storms and wanted to recall that night, and he had a great joy of being able to talk with the people who lived through those tornadoes that night.Those tornadoes wiped everything out! In today’s dollar the damage was 1. 2 billion dollars, making it the swarm of tornadoes and one of the costliest outbreaks in US history. That night was the main storm surges which spawned 24 tornadoes in one evening. It is his hope by reading this book you feel the emotions of the people who survived that night. Allen hope is that you enjoy the most researched documented book ever written on the worst tornado out break ever to hit the Twin Cities.

Balanced Scorecard and Financial Perspective

African Journal of Business Management Vol. 5(32), pp. 12520-12530, 14 December, 2011 Available online at http://www. academicjournals. org/AJBM DOI: 10. 5897/AJBM11. 928 ISSN 1993-8233  ©2011 Academic Journals Full Length Research Paper An investigation into the interrelation between balanced score card factors: A case study in the automotive industry Jalalpoor Mahdieh1 and Tolouei Pedram2* 1 Department of Management, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. 2 Accepted 14 June, 2011 Since 1990s, when Kaplan and Norton introduced balanced scorecard (BSC) model, this model has been considerably popular amongst managers all over the world. Although BSC is known as a successful performance measurement tool amongst managers, there have been criticisms of that including: How financial and non-financial measures are linked together? Are relationships in a direct way or there is bi-directional casualty?To overcome the limitations t o current BSC theory, this paper aims to describe main factors of each balanced scorecard BSC perspectives and investigate interrelation between them with consideration to automotive parts sector in Iran. For this aim, we analyze the relationship between various perspectives in structure of balanced scorecard and measure causal relationships between various perspectives and their role in improving financial perspective. This research was conducted through a set of monthly reports of Balances scorecard factors in Tosnco – company of auto industry – during a three-year period.Case study evidence verified the underlying theoretical hypothesis of BSC. It is verified that perspectives are positively correlated with each other and new interrelation between internal process perspectives factor and financial perspective evidence was also found. The innovative dimension of this research is that we actually applied BSC in Iran and investigated factors related to auto industry an d interrelation between factors with each other. Key words: Performance, process, customer, finance, factors. INTRODUCTION Performance measurement is considered a part of a performance management system. This process includes series of activities to eminently and spiritually achieve organizational excellence in the competitive field and focus the efficiency and effectiveness of these activities. Martinson (1999) offer several descriptions of organizational performance, and present a variety of models and methods to performance measurement at the same time. Traditional performance measurement methods *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email  protected] ut. ac. it Abbreviations: BSC, Balanced scorecard; statistical package for the social sciences. SPSS, that were based on financial measures- not only reflected the complete success or failure of companies that did not ave the necessary abilities, but also failed to establish a logical relation between the company’s success factor s and was unable to support management programs (Kaplan and Norton, 2001). Environmental management issues have received an increased amount of attention in recent years, as have various performance measurement systems (PMS) such as the balanced scorecard (BSC). At this time, BSC was presented as the most practical and comprehensive performance measurement model. In recent years, BSC has been a comprehensive model when looking at management issues for financial and non-financial purposes and has been very popular as it as attracted a lot of attention (Norreklit, 2000). This model offers a variety of performance factors in four Mahdieh and Pedram perspectives: The Financial perspective; the customer perspective; the internal business process perspective and the organizational learning and growth perspective. The BSC is a multi-criteria evaluation concept that highlights the importance of performance measurement (Tseng, 2010). Based on BSC, the cause and effect relationship between th e four perspectives have been created (WongOn-Wing et al. , 2007; Paul, 1998). In fact, the logic of cause and effect as the essence of he BSC approach-which distinguishes it from other approaches- is described (Atkinson et al. , 1997). It is stated that the learning and growth performance, internal process performance, costumer performance, and financial performance counteract each other eventually (DE Haas and Kleingeld, 1999). Jones and Sasser (1995) recognized a cause and effect relationship between loyalty and customer satisfaction and financial results, where customer satisfaction leads to loyalty and it is customer satisfaction that can bring positive financial results. Due to the chain relationship between perspectives, hanges in one perspective would cause changes and reactions in other perspectives. Consequently, managers can achieve improved financial results through the chain relationship between perspectives (Cohen et al. , 2008). Relationships in BSC model are indicate d within the framework of the fact that in order to make financial results, we must provide value for costumers, and this would happen only, when an organization improved internal processes and match them with costumers’ demands. Accordingly, in order to improved internal processes, and initialize processes that provide value for costumers, the rganization must reinforce growth and learning in the organization (Kaplan and Norton, 1996). Hogue and James, in study of Australian construction companies in 2000, realized that the companies employing non-financial factors have made considerable financial results. Other researchers have realized that using BSC is indirectly related to improved performance and profitability (Malina and Selto, 2001). There are very few researches related to causal relationship between various factors; especially between financial perspective and other perspectives in BSC model. Amongst such researches we can point to a research, in Greece, that onside rs the relationship between parameters of BSC model in 90 companies. Results of this research indicate that improving non-financial perspectives results in better financial perspectives, and non-financial perspectives are interrelated (Cohen and Thiraios, 2008). Although BSC is known as a successful performance measurement tool amongst managers, there have been criticisms of that including: How are financial and nonfinancial measures are linked together? Are relationships in a direct way or there is bi-directional casualty? In this study, we present an approach to overcome the limitations to current BSC theory.The scope of our study is two-fold; the first goal is to investigate and identified main factors of each balanced score card perspectives with 12521 consider to automotive parts sector. We categorize the factors and determine their priority in regard to environment of automotive parts industry. While the second goal of the study is focused on cause and effects logics and linki ng financial and non-financial perspectives together. In this part, we will assess the influence of factors of each perspective on other perspectives and analyze the cause and effect relationship between them. In order to present a better image of reciprocal impacts f various factors, we have taken into consideration four perspectives of the automotive company with an exception of BSC, and then we will analyze the interrelationship between four perspectives. Considering the fact that in the present environment of Iran, management and control affairs are considerably important, and accurate scientific evaluations are amongst managers’ major concerns, BSC is considered to be one of the most comprehensive and functional tools of performance evaluation. This research measures the effects of different perspectives of balanced score card in an automotive parts manufacturing unit in Iran. LITERATURE REVIEWHere, we first explain how to use balanced scorecard, and then in the next par t, we investigate and identify factors related to each perspective. Part A – BSC Since 1990s, when Kaplan and Norton introduced BSC model, this model has been considerably popular amongst managers all over the world. Hundreds of organizations have already employed this model, or intend to employ it in near future (Rautiainen, 2008; Kald and Nilsson, 2000). Healthcare organization in Sweden has appreciated BSC model quite well, and has employed it as a solution to organizational problems, as well as a means of realizing organizational goals (Aidemark, 001). Germany, England and Italy have also successfully developed BSC model (Gehrke and Horvath, 2002). Numerous countries in Northern Europe have employed this model (Kald and Nilsson, 2000), and studies indicate that the model has been specifically favored in most of those countries; although in some countries, including France, where there is another model called â€Å"dashboard† rooted in their culture, BSC model is no t so popular (Bourguignon et al. , 2004). Kaplan and Norton stress on importance of three principals in the concept of BSC: 1. Maintaining causal relationship 2. Including adequate performance incentives and timulators 3. Maintaining the relationship with financial measurement factors (Speckbacher et al, 2003). 12522 Afr. J. Bus. Manage. Figure 1. All perspectives of BSC. On this basis, researches refer to this model as a means of working out strategies based on causal relationship (Speckbacher et al. , 2003). Causal logic is considered to be the essence of BSC model. Other researchers name causal logic as the core of BSC model (Atkinson, 1997; Norreklit, 2000). There are also theories stressing that Kaplan and Norton (1996) have not adequately explained the causal relationships, and researchers claim that the entioned relationships are not causal, and are merely logic (Pedram, 2003). Another research, in Finland, is indicative of dissatisfactions caused by lack of causal relationsh ip between components of the model (Malmi, 2001). Although definition of causal relationships is the basis of accomplishment for balanced scorecard model, apparently many organizations do not take this into consideration (Aidmark, 2001; Ittner et al. , 2003). Part B – Factors related to each perspective in BSC In this paper, in order to measure and evaluate relationships between various perspectives, we searched or factors related to each perspective. The four perspectives of BSC are learning and growth, internal processes, costumer, and financial. Here we briefly explain characteristics of each perspective. Learning and growth perspective: stress on innovation, creativity, competition, capabilities, and target subjective properties. This perspective aims to identify professions (human assets), system (informational asset), and organizational state (organizational asset) in order to support internal processes. Internal process perspective: identify decisive processes in the o rganization. In this perspective, we ust make sure that company’s products and services meet the needs of customers. Costumer perspective: results in introduction of a valuable approach that guarantees loyalty of costumers. In this perspective we must keep constantly identifying parameters, which costumers consider as valuable, and provide them for costumers. Financial perspective: defines tangible outcomes of organization’s strategies and includes a series of traditional financial factors. This perspective covers longterm goals of the organization, and company’s major goals are usually put into this perspective. Financial erspective is usually considered to be a secondary aspect and a function of other perspectives. It is indeed the outcome of activities of other three non-financial perspectives. All perspectives, their causal relationships, and their relationships with strategies are shown in Figure 1. METHODOLOGY Kaplan and Norton stress that BSC is a model, and must be optimized in accordance with specific elements related to an organization or industry. This model cannot be used as a general model for various organizations and industries, or even for all aspects of an industry. Therefore, it must be designed and xecuted individually for each condition and each organization. Every organization must adjust BSC to its own mission, outlook, strategy, technology, organizational culture, and environment, in order to use it properly (Kaplan and Norton, 1993). For the same reason, we searched in related literature and Mahdieh and Pedram. studies and worked out factors related to each perspective within the realm of automotive parts. The factors are as follows: 1. There are some general factors in accordance with the requirements of international standard. Standard related to this industry is ISO/TS16949: 2009 and ISO9000 2.There are also factors related to costumer, which all companies must report to costumers periodically. 3. Factors related to other stake holder such as communities, share holders and employees 4. Factors included in scientific articles and researches with related subjects We took all required factors from the mentioned sources and put them in Table 1. Source of each factor is shown in the table too. After taking the viewpoints of experts and conditions of the Company into consideration, we selected main factors from Table 1. Factors shown in Table 2 are measured and analyzed as major factors throughout this article.Also in Table 3, the number of factors which are used in the paper is shown. Hypotheses formulation According to Kaplan and Norton model there is a continuous relationship between perspectives of BSC. According to this model, Kaplan and Norton claimed that outcomes of optimizing performance of learning and growth perspective are evident in better performance of internal business processes. This would accordingly have a positive effect on costumer perspective, and finally improves financial performance. These relationships are shown in Figure 2. The following research has aimed to evaluate this claim.In this article, we analyze the relationship between various perspectives in structure of balanced scorecard. Measuring causal relationships between various perspectives and their role in improving financial perspective is the final goal of this research. Three hypotheses were formed in this regard: H1. 1: There is a positive relationship between learning-growth perspective and internal process perspective. H1. 2: There is a positive relationship between internal process and costumer perspective. H1. 3: There is a positive relationship between customer perspective and financial perspective.In the next part, we investigated the relationship between each main perspective of BSC and detailed factors of the other perspectives. The second part of article will assess these hypotheses: H2. 1: There is a positive relationship between all factors of learning and growth perspective and internal process perspective in total. H2. 2: There is a positive relationship between all factors of internal process perspective and costumer perspective in total. H2. 3: There is a positive relationship between all factors of customer perspective and financial perspective in total. 12523 se performance factors which had been frequently used in literature of BSC. For financial perspective we used one financial criterion. In the following tables abbreviations and values related to each factor are brought from TOSN data during the period of 2006-2009. Number of factors in each perspective is shown in Table 4. We worked out level of realization of factors on the basis of company reports, covering the period of March 21st 2006 to March 20th 2010, and in a monthly order. In order to synchronize and facilitate calculations, we worked out reports related to the factors on a monthly basis and in forms of percentages.For each factor, we worked out 48 data from the existing information, we then calculated geometrical average of factors and determined the level of interrelation between each factor and geometrical average of the related perspective. We also worked out value of each factor for the period of March 21st 2006 to March 20th 2010. Measuring the relationship between perspectives This trend showed that the BSC, when executed have growth factor. By using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) in this article, Level of interrelation between each factor and other factors of the same perspective was taken into consideration.By using SPSS, we determine importance rate of sub-scales (factors). The importance rate of each factor is shown in Tables 5, 6 and 7. Also the correlation between four main perspectives is shown in Table 8. The relationship between these four perspectives is shown in Figure 3. In Addition to relationships which are stated in Kaplan and Norton BSC card, it is obvious that there are some strong between perspectives. These relation ships demonstrate that not only these for perspectives are in contact with each other in simple direction as it is shown in Figure 2; they depend on each other indirectly. It eans that not only our hypotheses in the first part are based on facts; some other relationships should be taken into account. Next, we determined whether all the sub factors of each perspective influence on upper perspective. For this aim, we consider each factors of one perspective (for example learning) and calculated the correlation between all factors of that (L1-L8) with the next perspective (In this example, the process perspective). Based on BSC model, all of the factors of each perspective (Learning) must influence directly on the next perspective (process). We will investigate whether this claim is true or not.These relations are shown in Figure 4. Research method Conclusion Statistics used in this article are related to automotive parts manufacturing companies in Iran. The data are collected in Naien Development and Progress Company (TOSN Co. ). TOSN was established in January 1997. The main activity of this company is manufacturing main parts of automotive engine. The company is the sole manufacturer of some specific parts in Iran. The company outlook is defined as pioneering in manufacturing main parts of automotive engine in the Middle East. In this research we tried to In this article, we investigated factors related to each erspective. In order to measure and evaluate relationships between various perspectives, we searched for factors related to each perspective and ranked them for each perspective (Tables 5, 6 and 7). In the next part, we evaluated level of interrelation between non-financial perspectives and financial perspectives through 12524 Afr. J. Bus. Manage. Table 1. General factors related to evaluating BSC perspectives. Perspective Factor Abbreviations Financial Return on assets return on equity inventory turnover sales margin assets turnover, debtors turnover R OE ROA IT SM AT DT Percentage of lost clientsPercentage of customers’ complaints Market share on time delivery to customer rate of orders variety of products (according to the market), Perceived level of quality Perceived level of trust to the products After-sales service Rate of new costumers Perceived level of service Brand awareness Brand image Perceived value of money Perceived level of service PLC PCC MSh OTD RO VoP PLoQ PLoT AfSS NC PLoS BA BI PVoM PLoS Effectiveness of the quality management system Degree of evaluation suppliers performance number of raw material suppliers Reduction defect (casting ,machining) Reduction scraps m ean time to repair ean time between faults repair costs Quality cost Per capita logistic per capita raw materials transportation costs per capita product transportation costs EQMS DoESP NRMS RD RS MTTR MTBF RC QC PL PRMTC PPTC Costumer Internal processes 1 source 2 4 * * * * * * * * 3 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mahdieh and Pedram. 12525 Table 1. Contd. production person-hours average daily production percentage of product realization Useful product line internal duplication error overall equipment efficiencyEffective dispatching of orders (in terms of price, specifications and delivery time) degree of cooperation with suppliers degree of cooperation with distribution channels Speed of adopting innovations already introduced in the market Speed of adopting innovations not yet introduced in the market rate of support the groundwork for establishment of a process-based organization Learning and Growth PPH ADP Ppr Upl Ide OEE EDO DoCS DoCDC SoAIaI SoAInI sgepo Per capita presented suggestion, per capita accepted suggestions per capita executed suggestions rate of training hours rate of training section efficiencyFrequency rate of accident Severity rate of accident rate of access to IT per capita non-cash bonus rate o f investment in new technology rate of innovative products and services exchange of information with co-operative companies Promotion of common business plans with co-operating companies Cooperative companies monitoring Collaboration and information exchange in the organization Pps Pas Pes Rth Rtse FRA SRA Rai PNCB InvTech IPS FExCO FPCBT CCM FCoEx * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Source 1-factors from international standardSource 2-factors from customer viewpoint Source 3-factors focusing on stakeholder viewpoint Source 4-factors from literature review questioning main hypotheses in balanced scorecard logic. Indeed, we tried to find a real evidence for this claim. The questioned data in TOSN, manufacturer of automotive parts using balanced scorecard for 3 years, confirms this claim in some aspects. Results of presented hypotheses were as follows: Interrelations between growth perspective and intern al processes perspective was almost 0. 96. Also, interrelation between processes perspective and costumer perspective was 0. 824. Interrelation etween costumer perspective and financial perspective was 0. 781(results are shown in Table 8). Therefore, in this company there is a deep and 12526 Afr. J. Bus. Manage. Table 2. Selected factors related to evaluating BSC perspectives in this article. Factor Financial perspective Sales margin Abbreviation Label Sm F Customer perspective Market share Perceived level of quality Perceived level of trust to the products After-sales service Perceived level of service Brand awareness Brand image Perceived value of money MSh PLoQ PLoT AfSS PLoS BA BI PVoM c1 c2 c3 c4 c5 c6 c8 c8 Internal business and production process perspectiveEffective dispatching of orders (in terms of price, specifications and delivery time) degree of cooperation with suppliers degree of cooperation with distribution channels Speed of adopting innovations already introduced i n the market Speed of adopting innovations not yet introduced in the market Rate of support the groundwork for establishment of a process-based organization EDO DoCS DoCDC SoAIaI SoAInI Sgepo p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 Learning and growth perspective Rate of investment in new technology Rate of innovative products and services Exchange of information with co-operative companiesPromotion of common business plans with co-operating companies Collaboration and information exchange in the organization Rate of training hours Rate of training section efficiency Cooperative companies monitoring InvTech IPS FExCO FPCBT FCoEx Rth Rtse CCM l1 l2 l3 l4 l5 l6 l7 l8 Table 3. Number of factors in each perspective. Number of factor 1 8 6 8 23 Perspective Financial perspective Customer perspective Internal business and production process perspective Learning and growth perspective Total and positive relationship between non-financial factors of the model. According to BSC model, Kaplan and Norton claimed hat outcomes of optimizing performance of learning and growth perspective are evident in better performance of internal business processes. This would accordingly have a positive effect on costumer perspective, and finally improves financial performance. Kaplan and Norton did not investigate the different relationship between all perspectives. In this article, we assessed all the relationships between perspectives to determine the cause and effect relationship between all perspectives. Our research resulted in amazing conclusion. We found the relationship between business processes and financial perspective strong.Interrelation between financial perspective and internal Mahdieh and Pedram. 12527 Figure 2. Effect of factors of BSC on each other. Table 4. The importance rate of each factor in the learning perspective. L1 1 0. 854(**) 0. 933(**) 0. 938(**) 0. 947(**) 0. 969(**) 0. 968(**) 0. 959(**) 0. 975(**) L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 L8 L L2 0. 854(**) 1 0. 959(**) 0. 948(**) 0. 868(**) 0. 8 91(**) 0. 922(**) 0. 903(**) 0. 938(**) L3 0. 933(**) 0. 959(**) 1 0. 968(**) 0. 934(**) 0. 937(**) 0. 954(**) 0. 954(**) 0. 978(**) L4 0. 938(**) 0. 948(**) 0. 968(**) 1 0. 928(**) 0. 957(**) 0. 976(**) 0. 955(**) 0. 984(**) L5 0. 947(**) 0. 868(**) 0. 34(**) 0. 928(**) 1 0. 911(**) 0. 934(**) 0. 957(**) 0. 961(**) L6 0. 969(**) 0. 891(**) 0. 937(**) 0. 957(**) 0. 911(**) 1 0. 987(**) 0. 958(**) 0. 978(**) L7 0. 968(**) 0. 922(**) 0. 954(**) 0. 976(**) 0. 934(**) 0. 987(**) 1 0. 963(**) 0. 990(**) L8 0. 959(**) 0. 903(**) 0. 954(**) 0. 955(**) 0. 957(**) 0. 958(**) 0. 963(**) 1 0. 982(**) L 0. 975(**) 0. 938(**) 0. 978(**) 0. 984(**) 0. 961(**) 0. 978(**) 0. 990(**) 0. 982(**) 1 Table 5. The importance rate of each factor in the process perspective. P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P P1 1 0. 852(**) 0. 918(**) 0. 765(**) 0. 916(**) 0. 865(**) 0. 962(**) P2 0. 852(**) 1 0. 663(**) 0. 951(**) . 925(**) 0. 853(**) 0. 920(**) P3 0. 918(**) 0. 663(**) 1 0. 580(**) 0. 736(**) 0. 683(**) 0. 827(**) P4 0 . 765(**) 0. 951(**) 0. 580(**) 1 0. 824(**) 0. 738(**) 0. 827(**) P5 0. 916(**) 0. 925(**) 0. 736(**) 0. 824(**) 1 0. 939(**) 0. 968(**) P6 0. 865(**) 0. 853(**) 0. 683(**) 0. 738(**) 0. 939(**) 1 0. 958(**) P 0. 962(**) 0. 920(**) 0. 827(**) 0. 827(**) 0. 968(**) 0. 958(**) 1 Table 6. The importance rate of each factor in the customer perspective. C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C C1 1 0. 979(**) 0. 959(**) 0. 872(**) 0. 953(**) 0. 945(**) 0. 806(**) 0. 820(**) 0. 938(**) C2 0. 979(**) 1 0. 948(**) 0. 891(**) 0. 947(**) 0. 53(**) 0. 855(**) 0. 876(**) 0. 965(**) C3 0. 959(**) 0. 948(**) 1 0. 849(**) 0. 972(**) 0. 960(**) 0. 705(**) 0. 733(**) 0. 898(**) C4 0. 872(**) 0. 891(**) 0. 849(**) 1 0. 873(**) 0. 933(**) 0. 879(**) 0. 878(**) 0. 956(**) C5 0. 953(**) 0. 947(**) 0. 972(**) 0. 873(**) 1 0. 970(**) 0. 733(**) 0. 764(**) 0. 917(**) C6 0. 945(**) 0. 953(**) 0. 960(**) 0. 933(**) 0. 970(**) 1 0. 804(**) 0. 829(**) 0. 961(**) C7 0. 806(**) 0. 855(**) 0. 705(**) 0. 879(**) 0. 733(**) 0. 8 04(**) 1 0. 985(**) 0. 935(**) C8 0. 820(**) 0. 876(**) 0. 733(**) 0. 878(**) 0. 764(**) 0. 829(**) 0. 985(**) 1 0. 946(**) C 0. 938(**) 0. 965(**) 0. 898(**) . 956(**) 0. 917(**) 0. 961(**) 0. 935(**) 0. 946(**) 1 ** Correlation is significant at the 0. 01 level (2-tailed). processes of production and business was positive and equal to 0. 946. Based on this finding, we tried to determine the reason for this relationship. For this aim, we considered all the factors of each perspective and we evaluated these detailed relationship. Interrelation between factors of process perspective and financial 12528 Afr. J. Bus. Manage. Table 7. The relationship between main perspectives. L P C F L 1 0. 967(**) 0. 888(**) 0. 950(**) P 0. 967(**) 1 0. 824(**) 0. 946(**) C 0. 888(**) 0. 824(**) 0. 771(**) F 0. 950(**) 0. 946(**) 0. 771(**) 1 ** Correlation is significant at the 0. 01 level (2-tailed). Table 8. The relationship between each factor of one perspective with the next perspective. Relatio nship between factors of learning perspective and three other perspectives Learning factor Process Customer Financial ** ** ** L1 0. 971 0. 793 0. 968 ** ** L2 0. 854 0. 967 0. 827** ** ** L3 0. 921 0. 916 0. 911** ** ** L4 0. 951 0. 917 0. 914** ** ** L5 0. 910 0. 793 0. 929** ** ** L6 0. 984 0. 852 0. 944** ** ** L7 0. 977 0. 884 0. 945** L8 0. 947** 0. 843** 0. 932** Relation Strongly accepted Moderately acceptedStrongly accepted Strongly accepted Moderately accepted Strongly accepted Strongly accepted Strongly accepted Relationship between factors of process perspective and three other perspectives Process factor Learning Customer Financial Relation P1 0. 880** 0. 740** 0. 889** Direct relationship P2 0. 940** 0. 964** 0. 849** Strongly accepted P3 0. 687** 0. 547** 0. 729** Direct relationship P4 0. 869** 0. 968** 0. 765** Strongly accepted ** ** P5 0. 934 0. 817 0. 888** Direct relationship P6 0. 960** 0. 752** 0. 936** Direct relationship Relationship between factors of custo mer perspective and three other perspectives Customer FactorLearning Process Financial Relation C1 0. 753** 0. 711** 0. 822** Strongly accepted C2 0. 821** 0. 775** 0. 696** Not accepted C3 0. 656** 0. 579** 0. 803** Strongly accepted ** ** C4 0. 506 0. 525 0. 677** Strongly accepted C5 0. 628** 0. 664** 0. 531** Not accepted C6 0. 748** 0. 663** 0. 600** Not accepted ** ** C7 0. 957 0. 936 0. 961** Strongly accepted C8 0. 921** 0. 923** 0. 937** Strongly accepted perspective as a whole was the greatest level of interrelation between financial and non-financial factors. As it was earlier demonstrated, there is a strong direct relationship between business process perspective and inancial perspective. This relationship has not been declared as a direct relation in Kaplan and Norton Model; whilst its more analysis will be useful regarding its high occurrence rate, factors p1, p3, p5, p6 are the main reason for such strong correlation between business processes perspective and financia l perspective. It shows that although, according the model, the relations are series like and bottom-up, there are other relations amongst perspectives as well which must be considered. More detailed analysis of such relations may be posed as the following: P1 high correlation with the financial perspective:Effective dispatching of orders (in terms of price, specifications and delivery time) with financial perspective; given the status quo of the company, relation of this factor with financial perspective is so that more Mahdieh and Pedram 12529 Figure 3. The relationship between four perspectives in BSC. Figure 4. The relationship between main perspectives factors. attention to this factor will lead to faster payment by the customer and hence improvement of financial status of the company. market with financial perspective; this factor relates to R and D field. And regarding its high importance for the ustomer, it will result in faster payment and also will create direct relationsh ip with financial perspective. P3 high correlation with the financial perspective: Degree of cooperation with distribution channels, with financial perspective; this factor affects on p1 factor and improves the performance in terms of financial perspective. P5 high correlation with the financial perspective: Speed of adopting innovations not yet introduced in the P6 high correlation with the financial perspective: Rate of supporting the groundwork for establishment of a process-based organization with financial; because of its elation with â€Å"activity based cost† (ABC) method, it has found relationship with processes and processes separation topics. Considering such direct relations between these two perspectives and their definitions, it can be concluded 12530 Afr. J. Bus. Manage. that although the offered relations in this model are verified in this case, all relations have not been considered in BSC model. Thus, consideration of all of these relations is essential to ac hieve the strategic goals of the company. Research limitations and suggestion for further Factors introduced in each perspective were general. 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