US Bakery Industry

The US bakery industry has combined annual revenue of nearly $25 billion from commercial bakeries and nearly $2 billion from small retail bakeries. There are about 2600 commercial bakeries in the US and 7000 small retail bakeries. Some of the leading companies within this industry include Interstate Bakeries and Flower Foods as well as smaller divisions such as Sara Lee and Nabisco. The commercial bakery segment is highly concentrated with 80% of the market held by 50 large bakeries. On the other hand, the retail bakery segment is highly fragmented.Larger bakeries dominate the market because they have greater economies of scale in procurement, production and distribution. The industry is also characterized by high automation. However, the end bakery product is generally low value and but the stable demand is sufficient to generate modest revenues for most players in the market. The most commonly sold bakery items include baked breads (white, wheat and rye), rolls, muffins, buns, bage ls and croissants. Other popular items include cakes, pies, pastries and doughnuts. (Industry Overview: US Bakery Industry; Hoovers Online)Competition is tough but differentiation can be attained through automation. Although baking is a low-technology business, the larger the bakery facilities and the more automated the facility the bigger the profits for that company. This is because in large automated facilities, labor costs can be reduced significantly and maximum production can be attained. However, since bakery products are highly perishable, large facilities are only sensible for bakeries which have high sales and do not maintain a great deal of inventories.Bakeries also face competition from coffee outlets and fast food outlets since most of them also carry bakery style products such as bagels, pastries, doughnuts etc. Commercial bakeries again enjoy a commanding position because they can act as suppliers to these outlets while smaller retail bakeries sometimes have to suffer since customers have more inclination to go to fast food outlets then to visit a bakery. Moreover, customer trends are rapidly changing.There was a time when the average consumer desired freshly baked products but now consumers are willing to purchase packaged products and believe that they are safe, easy and convenient to use. Thus, packaged bakery snack products are also snatching the share from retail bakeries which offer freshly baked products to the consumers. (US Bakery Trends) Consumer demands and preferences are also changing constantly. Today, customers have become more health conscious and demand low fat and fat free products. Moreover, customers are now increasingly aware and quite educated.They have detailed information about nutrition and quality issues and have sophisticated tastes and preferences. That is why the industry has seen a growth in non-traditional bread products such as bagels, flat breads and organic products. Bakeries have had to change their strategies and their technological capabilities in order to keep up with the changing customer demands and preferences. (Bakeries and Snacks: 2005) Bakeries are affected by external factors such as volatile prices of raw materials. Most baked goods use ingredients such as flour, sugar and vegetable oil.These are global commodities with fluctuating prices so it is important for both commercial and retail bakeries to make intelligent and proactive purchase decisions. Flour is the primary ingredient in baked goods and accounts for the largest cost element for bakery products. Wheat prices are quite volatile and this can have a significant impact on profit margins. Price of butter has a similar impact and many bakeries have switched from butter to vegetable oil but again quality has to be maintained in order to sustain a competitive position within the industry.The US bakery industry also has a growing export segment. Since the 1990s exports of US bakery products have been increasing consistently. It is expected that exports of US bakery products will exceed $250 million by the middle of the decade if not higher. Some of the core reasons for the growth in exports include rising incomes, increasing populations, growing tourist industries, reduction in trade barriers and an overall increase in global demand for baked goods.The main factors hindering export growth are demand for freshness and transportation limitations. However, with the improvement of technology, bakeries are now able to produce products that overcome these limitations. Moreover, there is always a demand for baked mixes, cookies and dough’s that can be easily packaged and transported and that have longer shelf lives. The biggest customer of US baked goods is Canada. It is a huge market and Canadian customers have similar tastes to US customers.It is estimated that nearly half of US bakery products are consumed by Canada. (Clair, Thomas: 1992)Bibliography1. Industry Overview: US Bakery Industry. Hoovers Online. Retrieved May 5th 2008 http://www. hoovers. com/bakeries/–ID__91–/free-ind-fr-profile-basic. xhtml.2. Clair, Thomas. (1992) Bakery products exports on the rise. AgExporter. Retrieved May 5th 2008 http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m3723/is_n1_v4/ai_11754641/pg_2.3. The Canadian Bread and Bakery Industry. Agriculture and Agri Food Canada. Retrieved May 5th 2008 http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do? id=1171653091262&lang=e.4. Bakery industry cashes in on wholegrain trend. 2005. Retrieved May 5th 2008 http://www. bakeryandsnacks. com/news/printNewsBis. asp? id=62237.5. Eyre, Charlotte. US Bakery markets beckons for Vivartia. Retrieved May 5th 2008 http://www. cee-foodindustry. com/news/ng. asp? id=83797-vivartia-nonni-s-wind-point-partners.6. US Bakery Trends. Retrieved May 5th 2008 http://www. bakeinfo. co. nz/industry/trends/article. php? id=43.

Living in Sin

The poem tells the story of the lovers that starts just after the fairytale of their lives has ended. Actually, it reveals the continuation of relationship where fairytale usually cuts the story at the kisses and declaration of love followed by â€Å"The End† (a story of a Princess which has to wash dishes on a day after a romantic ball). It is important to point out that the speaker is not actually the woman spoken of in the poem. The narrator here depicts the events in this couple’s daily life. Yet, it is obviously a woman, due to the tone of the poem: how she sees the careless husband and notices household disorder. Being in variance with many modern text analysts, I must say that the poem ‘Living in Sin’ is completely autobiographic. It has been written by Adrienne Rich during the first months of her own marriage and conveys her own disappointment in what is left after the romantic prelude. To understand the poem one must notice that it is wholly built on the contrasts the author uses from sentence to sentence. The most evident contrast resides in the mood of the heroes: the indifferent, careless husband (‘he, with a yawn†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢) who seems not to notice the miserable surroundings and only shrugs his shoulders at the mirror admitting the piano out of tune, and the pensive and sad wife who is distressed with the routine circle of everyday cleaning and watching the back of her lover leaving each morning for the trivial cigarettes: â€Å" [he] rubbed at his beard, went out for cigarettes; while she, jeered by the minor demons, pulled back the sheets and made the bed and found a towel to dust the table-top†¦Ã¢â‚¬  . Adrienne Rich has been influenced by the popular image contrast of artist and his woman (generally, a family). Their married life goes in the studio, a huge room without walls or borders, without anything to confirm one’s privacy. Here we obviously see a family of artists where the woman has to play the subordinate role imposed by the society. As means to manipulate women into submitting to housekeeping roles, society promotes a male-dominant view. Most traditional societies expect all women to feign fulfillment in this biological role of a domestic apparatus. Therefore, like the woman in the poem, many women in society accept (although, quite reluctantly) this role of a home caretaker. The images of dusted furniture, dried cheese and empty bottles, overboiled pot etc. produce low, pessimistic tones of the poem – all these trifle seems to be powerful enough to spoil woman’s life and even to kill love: â€Å"By evening she was back in love again, though not so wholly but throughout the night she woke sometimes to feel the daylight coming like a relentless milkman up the stairs†. Here appears another pair of contrasting images: Day and Night that are parallel to Reality and Dream. This woman actually lives double life, enjoying night demonstrations of love and being not able to change the obtrusive tedium of the day which comes like the â€Å"relentless milkman† upon the creaking stair and ruins the fragile dreams of the romantic supper. The piano (summoned by him) seems to be out of tune just like their love. The grime at their window panes is as hard to remove as to bring back the brightness and romantics to the life. Comparatively, each of the household items is dingy. Everything illuminated by the day is out of this light in a paradoxical way – on the contrary, it strives for the night unconsciousness and inempiricalness. So, now it is possible to explain the name of the poem. â€Å"Living in Sin† means to face the day and not to do anything about it, just to see the things go on and to be afraid to make any changes. The woman submits to this role of absolute responsibility without resistance, keeping her resentment and anger to herself. Her constant expenditure of energy with no satisfactory results leads to disappointment. The heroine of the poem is completely unsatisfied but what with she is not quite sure†¦ We, as a reader, can only guess what exactly bothers her: a bunch of disappointing details or the whole picture of their relationship. I think that the last thing does. Everyday dusting, which she has to take around the studio, symolizes the ‘dusting’ of the relationship that is also needed to keep the love alive. Undoubtedly, family life needs refreshment not to be sepulchered by the lay of ‘dust’ and similar days. The woman’s futile efforts result in her â€Å"living in sin†. She sinfully accepts what society dictates and does not try to escape and improve her circumstances. By lettig this miserable life to continue, she denies herself and her individuality. And such self-sacrifice is the biggest sin for an artistic and thoughtful woman.

Business Studies †Marketing Mix Essay

All businesses offer some form of service as part of the product that they supply to customers. This is true of businesses supplying manufactured goods, as well as those that only supply services. By meeting (or exceeding) customers’ expectations, businesses can improve their image and establish a reputation for supplying products with high -quality characteristics. The features of quality service include: * Making sure the customer is safe – This is crucial for a high profile business like IKEA otherwise the media will be straight on to them issuing bad press against them, potentially giving IKEA a bad name, furthermore the customer may wish to take legal action if he/she feels mistreated by IKEA. Again causing problems for IKEA. * Delivering good customer service – Decisive for IKEA to maintain the good name they have, customers in this day and age will not accept poor service, otherwise it’s likely they will look elsewhere. * Improving the quality of the product – Its important IKEA continue improving the quality of there products otherwise customers will begin to lose interest in the company due to its lack of creation and continued progress; customers want to see new/improved products on each visit they make to IKEA. * Making sure the customer is not kept waiting – If IKEA let customers wait for there service, its likely they will simply leave the store and go else where, so its important there staff are motivated and wanting to give IKEA a good name. * Demonstrating good after sales care – Once the sale is done its easy to take the money and that’s it, but with IKEA if a problem arises they will want to help the customer in any way possible. It’s vital for them to retain customers and not lose them to a competitor, and clearly IKEA are doing a good job at this as there profits continue to increase meaning the customers are happy with how they are treated both before and after sales. To see how business offer service in practice, let’s look at some real examples. IKEA sells their products ready to be fitted, meaning the products they sell have to match customer’s precise requirements and also come with good instructions to help them build it at home. Otherwise people will see it as a hassle, meaning they re less likely to purchase from IKEA again. IKEA has bought it self a good name due to fact they offer good after sale services so if needed to contact a member of staff its possible, they give you a good instructional manual, if that’s not enough you can phone them, email them or even talk 1 to 1 with a member of staff on their website via their web chat facility. It is this combination of products together with a range of services that is important in shaping and determining Ikea’s reputation, the distinct characteristics of its products and the company’s competitiveness. IKEA’s website is also a key part in generating sales for there products, its important they describe the product clearly, and give the customer as much information about the product as possible, its less likely that someone will make a visit to IKEA for a product they aren’t given much information about on their website. The above picture is the basic layout for all IKEA products on there website, it has a clear picture of the product, price, special features, measurements, whether it requires assembly, care instructions, material made out of. It also gives the customer the option to see whether they have that product in stock at your local IKEA store, which from personal experience is very useful and practical. IKEA do give a lot of information which reassures the customer that this is the product they want, giving them a buzz and actually wanting to get down to IKEA as soon as possible to purchase the product. B) Price is the amount charged by a business for its products. The factors determining the price of a product can be summarised as the three Cs: Cost, Competition and Customer value. * The cost of producing the product: If a business is to make a profit, then it clearly needs to charge a price that covers the cost of making and selling the product. * The price charged by competitors: A business might want to charge a price at or below that of its competitors. However, if the product is sufficiently unique and superior, then the business might feel it is acceptable to charge a price above that of its competitors. IKEA excels here, in the sense that it offers prices cheaper then its competitors, putting them ahead of the game. * The price customers are willing to pay: This is determined by the value of the product to the target market. If consumers in the target market believe that they can gain significant benefits from the product, then they will be willing to pay a high price. However, if the product provides few benefits, consumers will only be prepared to pay a low price, for example, the price someone is willing to pay for a house will depend on its location, the number of rooms and other factors such as the size of the garden. A business will consider all these factors before deciding on a price for each of its products. In certain situations, it may be appropriate to set a relatively high price. For example, Ikea may set a premium price on a high quality piece of furniture that is widely recognised as being superior to other similar products made by competitors. In other situations a business may opt to set relatively low prices. For example, a new company operating in a very competitive market may set low prices relative to its competitors in an attempt to win business and build a customer base. IKEA are renowned for their cheap prices and high quality products. This has helped them build a huge reputation, and ultimately there cheap prices are a unique selling point, when people think, where can I get good, yet cheap furniture from? Instantly in most cases they think IKEA. IKEA is renowned for being value for money. c) Promotion is a series of marketing activated designed to make consumers aware of products. The ultimate aim, of course, is to persuade them to buy those products. Promotion is an important part of the marketing mix, and business can use a variety of different types of promotion. One of the methods is advertising, advertising is a means by which businesses pay for communication with actual and potential customers through newspapers, television, radio, the internet and other media. It can be expensive, but advertising is often highly successful in influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions. Advertising can be informative, by setting out to increase consumer awareness of a product. This type of advertising is based on facts rather then images. On the other hand, persuasive advertising attempts to convince consumers to purchase a certain product. Persuasive advertising aims to persuade that the advertised product is better than the competition. Sales promotion is any activity that provides a financial incentive to purchase a product. For instance Ikea may hand out free samples of food in their newly built restaurant or perhaps have demonstrations of how to put together some of their products to show customers that’s its easy, and can be done by anyone. IKEA advertising in the UK is intended to raise awareness of the IKEA brand and drive traffic to the stores. Some people love IKEA’s unique style of retail advertising, some hate it, but everyone who sees there advertising has a strong opinion and subsequently it provokes conversation and debate. Despite having some of the most controversial television advertising campaigns in the UK this includes criticising the taste of the British public, invisible furniture, an exaggerated homosexual man advertising for IKEA. IKEA have raised awareness of there brand, let people know they are different to other home furnishing companies and most importantly increased sales. The advertising department includes all aspects of advertising and brand communication from television advertising and sponsorship to magazine and radio promotions. Advertising is used to support many different areas of the business including brand awareness, store themes, catalogue drops and store openings. The term merchandising covers a range of tactics used by businesses at the point of sale (the location at which the products are actually purchased) to achieve higher sales figures. For example, a business might offer retailers special display stands or point-of-sale adverts to encourage them to place the business’s products in a more favourable and prominent position withen stores. Merchandising can be important when: * Consumers make decisions at the point of sale. – This includes a lot of information about the product, making it bright, clear and attractive. * Competitors make extensive use of merchandising. * A variety of rival products are on display in stores. * Rival products have only minor differences. Businesses seek good publicity, and public relations (PR) is designed to improve businesses standings in the eyes of consumers and other interested groups,. Larger organisations have their own PR staff. Ikea engage in a variety of PR activity including: * Making donations to charities – IKEA support unicef to help young children in less fortunate countries around the world. * Sponsoring sporting and cultural activates, and IKEA support the local community by donating products to schools which don’t sell in stores, this is very popular in the community, and keeps the public happy, which creates good press for IKEA. * Allowing the public to visit the business – Makes the customer feel more welcome, and at home with IKEA if they feel involved by learning more about the company. Public relations can be a very expensive form of promotion, and it can be difficult for businesses to assess the effect of public relations on sales. Catalogues are a huge part of advertisement for IKEA, it’s relatively cheap when compared to TV adverts, and its fairly easy to get to the customer, IKEA print 131 million copies of there catalogue making it the most widely distributed commercial publication in the world. Having picked up a couple of the latest IKEA catalogues and handbooks, it’s clear that IKEA thrive on simplicity. The IKEA text is the same font on all brochures, with the traditional blue and yellow logo on the bottom hand side of the page this creates continuity which means people recognise it straight away when they see it again, the traditional yellow and blue logo is based on the colours of there home country Sweden. The background images are warm, cosy, family pictures, one containing a large sofa with numerous pillows, the other an aqua blue kitchen. This gets the message across to the reader that there is a large range of products available, furthermore on the front cover they get the message about there prices, â€Å"Pay less, enjoy more† and â€Å"your 100 page guide to making an affordable, inspired choice†. This encourages the public to go through the IKEA catalogue. Furthermore the catalogue brings the IKEA store into your home, it’s the best way to prepare for a visit to IKEA. d)Place is another term for distribution. It covers the range of activities necessary to ensure that goods and services are available to customers. Deciding on the right place involves a range of decisions. A business needs to consider the most cost-effective way of getting its products and service to the customers. It needs to look at the implications for its profit margins of each means of distribution. The growth in use of the internet has encouraged even small businesses to use websites to sell their products to what can be a global market. This can be highly cost effective means of reaching a wide target audience, but is not suitable for all business and all products. Businesses seek to design marketing mixes that are complementary and work together to benefit the business and to maximise sales. For example, Ikea promotes itself to its target audience on the basis that it offers the lowest possible prices. Place is important to Ikea, and the company locates stores in areas where it costs less to set up, eg on the outskirts of major cities. Which targets both high income earners and low. IKEA’s transport methods are highly effective, large volumes in combination with flat packages are important in helping IKEA to transport products economically from the supplier via the stores to the customers. Flat packs mean that IKEA do not have to pay for transporting or storing unnecessary air – and that not only means lower warehousing and distribution costs, but also less impact on the environment. At present 20 % of all IKEA goods are transported by rail. 6) It makes sense for Ikea to target a wide range of customers. This is referred to as mass marketing. But there’s the other side of it where in some situations they will target small sections of the market. Taken to the limit, this might involve catering for a small select group of customers – a target market that has very specific needs. I.E children’s section. In mass marketing, Ikea would aim their products at most of the available market and normally try to sell a range of similar products to all customers. Mass marketing is possible if the products are popular and purchased by many different types of people. For example Ikea’s furniture products are well suited to being sold in mass markets. Businesses must be able to produce on a large scale if they are to sell successfully in a mass market. A company may have to invest heavily in resources such as buildings, machinery and vehicles. Usually, firm’s also have to be very price competitive to flourish in mass markets. By contrast, niche marketing involves companies identifying and meeting the needs of relatively small areas of the market. The aim is to cater for the needs of customers that have not been met sufficiently by other business, and niche marketing is one way in which small businesses can operate profitably in markets that are dominated by large firms. An example would be Ikea and their play pen for younger children. Market research helps businesses to identify whether they should adopt a mass or niche marketing strategy. In general, this would depend on: * Whether the needs of customers within all parts of the market are being met. * The extent to which a business can provide specialist products capable of meeting the needs of select groups of customers. – This gives IKEA good idea whether there is a need for a unique product on the market, or a product aimed at a special selection of customers, doing this research could potentially uncover new opportunities for them. * The degree to which competitors are currently meeting the needs of all customers within the market. 7) Market research is the systematic collection and analysis of data to enable a business to take better quality marketing decisions. In simple terms, market research allows businesses to find out what customers want. There are a number of reasons why businesses invest in market research. To determine whether IKEA should focus on mass marketing or niche marketing, they can use market research. Most products are only likely to be mainly purchased by particular groups of customers: the market of young working-class males, for example, is very different to that of middle aged wealthy couples. Market research can assist a firm in identifying which parts of the market are most likely to buy its products. It is vital for a business to know who its customers are. This allows the business to: * Design products to best meet the needs of these customers This makes it more efficient at what it does as it specifically meets the needs of IKEA’s customers, meaning its something which grabs there attention, or they can relate to and want to purchase. * Target advertising, promotions and special offers at these groups People like a bargain, once they see a discount on a product they are looking for they are likely to purchase it from IKEA. * Conduct further in-depth research with specific groups of customers to uncover their needs as fully as possible. 5) Businesses need to know what’s happening in the market. To be able to plan its product and marketing effectively, a business like Ikea needs to address three important questions. What is the size of the market? A way of measuring the size of the market is to consider the volume of sales made by all businesses selling furniture. What is the structure of the market? This means discovering the number and size of businesses that make up a market. Are there, for example a few large firms, or many small firms? Or a mixture of large and small firms? If a business is in competition with large firms, it may decide to avoid competing on price terms as larger firms may be able to produce their products more cheaply. Is the market growing or shrinking? Market research can reveal what is happening to sales in market over a period of time. A business may feel more confident about entering a market which is growing, as it should be easier to win sales when some customers are not yet loyal to particular brands or manufactures. The market for DIY furniture has kept growing recently mainly due to Ikea’s success. If IKEA are planning on releasing a new product, its likely they will do research into other products in a similar field to see whether the market for them specific products are increasing or decreasing. This will give them a good idea whether it is worth a full-scale launch of the product they have in mind. 9) Total Quality Control is the most necessary inspection control of all in cases where, despite statistical quality control techniques or quality improvements implemented, sales decrease.The major problem which leads to a decrease in sales was that the specifications did not include the most important factor, â€Å"What the customer required†. To maintain their quality and standards is vital to IKEA, the quality and reliability and workmanship of their products is crucial to there brand. Both to keep their customers and to be legally correct. * Marketing had to carry out their work properly and define the customer’s specifications. * Management had to confirm all operators are equal to the work imposed on them and holidays, celebrations and disputes did not affect any of the quality levels. * Inspections and tests were carried out, and all components and materials, bought in or otherwise, conformed to the specifications, and the measuring equipment was accurate, this is the responsibility of the QA/QC department. * Any complaints received from the customers were timorously and satisfactorily dealt with. This will help keep IKEA a favourites with the customers. To conclude, the above forms the basis from which the philosophy of Quality Assurance has evolved, and the achievement of quality or the â€Å"fitness-for-purpose† is â€Å"Quality Awareness† throughout the company. IKEA hire highly trained quality control workmen, to check that the products in the warehouse are looked after sensiblely and that they are delivered to the customer effeciantly. Quality control is to check that there product meets customer demands and possibly look for ways to improve it. Its important for a business like IKEA to have regulary quality control checks to make sure that the products they sell are always up to standards, making sure the high IKEA standards don’t drop without them being aware. To make sure of this IKEA have a test lab in Almhult which tests both textiles and furniture, around 50,000 tests are carried out in accordance with current standards each year. For several years in succession the IKEA Test Lab has been accredited for it quality system and test methods in accordance with the international standards. All these tests have been developed to correspond to many years of regular use in a domestic enviroment in the areas for which the product is intended. IKEA not only test products during development, but also selects random samples from among the products on sale in the stores. As IKEA say â€Å"It is our customers that we want to come back – not our products† This makes sure that IKEA’s customers get there full value for money and a long lasting product.

Macroeconomics annotation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Macroeconomics annotation - Essay Example he lost in the China’s stock market by about three-fifths of its value, the decision-making body believes that the loosening monetary policy is appropriate. The China’s central bank, People’s Bank of China reflects the decision-making body’s concern and aim for the change in policy. The article’s primary economic element is the lowering of the interest rate in the economy. This lowering of the benchmark interest rate has an effect on the country’s monetary policy and money supply. According to Bradsher in the article, â€Å"effective Tuesday, the People’s Bank of China lowered by 0.27 percent, to 7.2 percent, the regulated benchmark rate that commercial banks may charge for one-year loans to business borrowers with strong credit histories. Rates for shorter-term loans will be generally cut even more while rates for longer-term loans will be subject to smaller adjustments, the central bank said, without providing details (September 2008).† By lowering the interest rate, the central bank aims to signal to commercial banks to lower the lending rate. By lowering the lending rate, the country aims to make funds more accessible to business borrowers. In figure 1.1, China’s benchmark rate is lowered. The interest rate aims to lower the money supply in the country. By lowering the money supply coupled with less stringent limits on lending, China’s Politburo aims to â€Å"protect the country from the global economic downturn.† By lowering the interest rate, China aims to signal commercial banks to lower down their lending rate which makes the cost of accessing financing lower. As is shown in figure 1.2 and 1.3, lowering the interest rates lower the costs to financing, which increases the investments in an economy. This increase in investments due to lower costs of financing that is brought by this change in monetary policy does not increase proportionately in the economy. Figure 1.4 shows the effect of the increase in investment in the economy. Because

The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl Movie Review

The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl - Movie Review Example She was, in other words, a wonderful filmmaker and an admirable survivor, whose fatal flaw was a horrible sense of judgment and an even more horrible tendency to glorify power, irrespective of the ideology it represented. "The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl" compels mixed reactions to its protagonist, evoking both admiration and aversion towards Riefenstahl. In one of the scenes, she is depicted as walking on a pier, carrying her own, undoubtedly heavy, scuba diving gear. Her much younger companions are walking ahead of her and neither offers to help her with her equipment and, indeed, her demeanour suggests that she would have rejected any offers of help. This scene would not have been remarkable were it not for the fact that Riefenstahl was over 90 at the time. This scene, which only occupies a few moments in a very lengthy three hour documentary, captures the essence of the woman. She is not one to concede to weaknesses, human frailties and recognises absolutely no boundaries or limitations. Had she done so, she would not have been directing an underwater documentary at the age of 91. Hence, in this single scene the filmmakers do more than countless verbal testimonies could have ever done - they show the audiences who Riefenstahl is and, who she is evokes admiration. While it exposes her admirable qualities, the film exposes an infinitely less attractive dimension to Riefenstahl's personality. She is self-defensive and over-brimming with self-justification, not to mention unwaveringly unapologetic about the services she rendered to, or her association with, Hitler and the Nazi party. The film shows her defending the association and services in artistic and professional terms; she was not a member of the Nazi Party and did not touch upon anti-Semitism in her work. In her defence and self-justification, Riefenstahl seemingly deliberately overlooks, as Downing (2008: para 1) points out, the propagandist nature of her "Triumph of Will," and the extent to which it affected mass perceptions of Hitler as a national hero and Nazism as the answer to all of Germany's problems. Her defence of her works, as presented in the documentary, indicates that either Riefenstahl did not understand the consequences of her propagandist documentaries, which is hardly be lievable, or quite unapologetically believes that the end justifies the means. In the final analysis, the documentary is objective. It presents both sides of Leni Riefenstahl and, more importantly, allows her to speak for herself. In so doing, it gives the audience the opportunity to witness the good and the bad and, accordingly, arrive at their own judgement. If that judgement is not in Riefenstahl's favour that is not because of the filmmakers' prejudices but because of Riefenstahl's presentation of her own self. Works Cited Downing, T. (2008) "Nazis and the Cinema." History Today, 58(3), 63. Rentschler, E. (1985) "The Use and Abuse of Memory: New German Film and the Discourse of Bitburg." New German Critique, 36, 67-91. Tegel, S. (2006) "Leni Riefenstahl: Art and Politics." Quarterly Review of Film & Video, 23(3),

Leading and managing people Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Leading and managing people - Essay Example In my group we were doing a video shoot for companies. We were to act like a company and we were looking for investors to help make those download videos for companies. Therefore of this assignment being that we were coming from different cultural backgrounds we needed a strong and effective leader and was Ross was a one such leader. From the socio grams it is obvious that Ross choose the influencing kind of leadership style. In the appendix from week 4, 6, 7 and 8 more and more focus is directed on Ross as the project becomes more and more demanding. Furthermore, in week 6 even relationships between the groups members have began to be strained and there is tension however, by week 7 and 8 the leader Ross had straightened this tension and communication was smooth. The straightening and smoothening of the relationships in the group was not done by chance but by the leadership style that Ross had chosen. This is represented well by the emotiograms in the appendix which depicts the stress level of the members at different weeks. However, Ross is shown to be on top of the tree in each and every week looking down at his group members. As some members are distracted, some are lazing around, some are detached and some are completely falling Ross is strong and very alert and is on top of his game. This depicts Ross’ leadership skills as being assertive and influencing to the group members. By being influencing she is giving positive directives which will bring the members together. Being on top of all of the group members Ross put pressure on us to do what was expected of the group. However much this leadership style was good and productive it made me feel like Ross was the only important and my ideas and contributions were not valuable. In th e appendix section sociogram 6 portrays our strained relationship and also emotiogram 7 shows me just hanging by dangerously and about to fall. I believe that Ross’ leadership style is caused by his personality which is

Customer satisfaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Customer satisfaction - Essay Example According to Kotler (1995) customer satisfaction can best be defined as an individual’s pleasure or displeasure resulting from comparing the outcome or performance of a product, with prior expectations about performance of the same product. Another definition which exemplifies customer satisfaction is provided by Stank et al. (2007). The scholars posit that customer satisfaction refers to consumers’ evaluation and perception of a specific service or product after purchasing and utilising it. Earlier definitions denote that customer satisfaction constitutes feedback provided by buyers about a service or a product after consuming it (Fornell, 1992; Oliver, 1981). As can be discerned from these definitions, customer satisfaction stems from a customer’s perception of the suitability of a product in comparison to actual experience after consumption. Cochran (2003) emphasises that customer satisfaction is a high subjective concept, since consumers derive pleasure from commodities on the basis of various variables such as the price of the service/product, availability, and reliability, among other attributes. Judging from the various definitions and explanations of customer satisfaction, it is apparent that this concept bears immense significance to companies like Apple, which are currently competing within the global context. For instance, recognising customer preferences and product expectations ensures that the Company manufactures computers and computer peripherals that satisfy buyers. Accounting for customers’ taste and preference in computerised gadgets partially explains Apple, Inc.’s success internationally. This is because customer satisfaction paves way for repeat purchases and heightened customer loyalty. Allbal (2011) points out that there is a wide variety of factors that influence customer satisfaction, since

Memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 13

Memo - Essay Example Before joining ISU for my bachelor’s program, I had managed to garner some achievements in my young career life. Among the achievements I have garnered thus far, two stand out as the most memorable. The first achievement was receiving ‘Best Intern’ award during my time at ABC electronic company after graduating from high school. This award came after the hard work and drive I put in completing my tasks in a timely manner at the organization to the point where I got recognized by the staff and selected for the award. This award is of note as I had only interned at the organization for six months!! The second accomplishment was receiving a ‘best science fair project’ under a physics science fair held at my high school. This award helped to reaffirm my belief that I was destined to be great in the field of science. Before moving over to the US, I worked at a mining company in South Africa—Broadmill Mining. I was tasked as an electrical engineer intern where my responsibilities revolved around developing economic feasibility studies, researching on electrical systems at mining sites, and assisting with reporting on the various stages of project development. My abilities to multi-task, working around schedules, and being flexible were greatly tested and proven during this period. Individuals and organizations are nothing without the communities they serve in and serve for. It is for this reason that I am always passionate about community service and the overall giving back to the society whenever and however possible. I have been lucky to serve in organizations that are cognizant of upholding community service values. As an intern at ABC electronic Company I got involved with the organization’s ‘building green’ campaign for their community service. This campaign ensured everyone who worked at the organization would undertake tree planting during the weekends at various communal sites pinpointed by the organization

The Strategies that Mountain Bank Should Implement to Achieve a Essay

The Strategies that Mountain Bank Should Implement to Achieve a Competitive Advantage - Essay Example Since the Swiss and European banks operate in a different way, this new scenario poses new challenges for implementing controls. In order for Mountain Bank to thrive in its sphere, it is crucial that it implements certain elements in its practice. For instance, it must understand the specialty of its product. Will it penetrate e-banking? Will it accommodate to student loans or mortgage? Deciding to penetrate a target market is the first step towards achieving competitive study. Since Mountain Bank offers many business services, such as retail banking, lending, real estate and corporate banking, it must complete a SWOT analysis to understand the true essence of profitability that each sector can give. Banks, such as Chase and PNC, utilized the points system and spending methods to attract customers. Similarly, Mountain Bank must develop a unique core strategy that creates customer value overtime. Another crucial element that Mountain Bank must embed in its organization in order to gai n a competitive advantage is to enact a cost leadership strategy. It is clear that the mortgage sector has been struggling for years as the recessive environment continues to hurt the economy. Thus, the clear way channel to penetrate the cost leadership strategy is to focus on commodities that other financial banks are not exploiting. Introducing a higher rate for savings account can dramatically be one of the innovative solutions towards creating a brand revenue channel. 2.Describe the types of practices a human resource professional should recommend for Mountain Bank with respect to its tellers, based on the universalistic approach and commitment strategy.   As a premier bank, it is essential that human resources individuals continue to implement strict rules of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act along with strict auditing standards to achieve an excellent commitment strategy. The goal is to excel in providing customers with products that accommodate to their needs while adhering to strict standards that deter frauds. Another element that is crucial in developing these criteria is enterprise risk management system which is applied in order to mitigate the risks that can plague banks such as frauds or bad investments. Moreover, the economy in the past years has been weak, not to say the least. Banks have been defaulting in loans as creditors have failed to pay their loans. These trickled effects have been a domino effect internationally. When one bank is hit by a fraud, it has a dynamic impact throughout the banks in the international front. The bank already was mounted with numerous amounts of risks and troubles prior to this massive problem. The Wall Street Journal reports that many banks, such as UBS, were charged $2 billion for conducting unauthorized trades. Such practices have to be eliminated in order to achieve a higher level of efficiency. 3.Discuss the four human resource strategies (internal/cost, external cost, internal/differentiation, and external/differe ntiation) that may be implemented within an organization.   The four human resource strategies that are associated with internet and external cost and differentiation can be implemented in many ways. First and foremost is the fact that the HR must enact a means of benchmarking organizational performance. An organization performance examines the HRM-firm performance link and allows the bank to evaluate their methodological challenges of measuring

World History And Main Aspects Of Confucianism Essay

World History And Main Aspects Of Confucianism - Essay Example Confucianism developed as a state cult; its leaders became the most powerful in the empire. As a result of the Confucianism, the Han Dynasty developed with its basics reducing the Chinese populace embrace the basics of concepts of Confucianism. On another angle, world religion led to the rise and fall of states in the world. A notable empire that emanated from religion is the Mongolian empire. This empire was influenced by Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. This empire is dated back to the 13th century when the Genghis Khan ruled. The Mongolian empire is said to stretch as far as Central Europe. In this case, it is justified to argue that religion has the ability to expand states from the example of the Mongolian empire. Studies indicate that the Mongolian empire is one of the empires that expanded with great magnitude. However, religion has been credited with the ability to obliterate an empire. In as much as religion has been renowned for its ability to reunite states. Other studies depict the complete opposite of this fact. This can be proven from the Aztec state that received a lot of oppositions from other states that did not accept the fact that the state saw its way to the top through human sacrifice. A collaboration of the religious terms with the socio-economic and political aspects led to the failure of the Aztec empire. The contribution of Christianity has also created numerous responses in regard to rising and fall of empires. In the case of empires in Europe, Christianity contributed a great mile towards weakening existing dynasties in Europe. In the case of Spain, the country took part in wars that were instigated by varying religious beliefs. Most of the rivalries that came up as a result of conflicts resulting from Christianity included wealth disparities and territorial expansion.

Coursework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Coursework - Essay Example Coca Cola Company owns over 300 brands including carbonated drinks, non-carbonated drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks and bottled water. It is estimated that this company has a daily turnover of 2billion on all of its brands thus providing enough prove that Coca Cola Company is among the biggest companies holding biggest market share in the global markets where 80% of the turnover and profitability comes from international markets outside USA. To sustain this dominance and to facilitate its expansions into the new market segments at the same time launching new products the company has to develop market plan in where it outlines various guidelines and strategies that the company should fully implement, more notable is that the Company has become a success story because of its various marketing strategies that suits the various consumer market segment across the globe (Doole 2008). These marketing strategies have enhanced the continued expansions of the company into the new global pot ential markets through acquisition of other brands countering its major competitors, launching of new brands and development of new markets in the unexploited markets as well as facilitating brand awareness to the existing and potential consumers thus enhancing consumer satisfaction, trust and loyalty on these brands. The Company approach on laying emphasis on consumer marketing campaigns has seen the Company’s brand varieties such as Diet coke, Rc cola, Sprite and Fanta performing well in all the market segments globally. The key factor that is notable to significantly contribute to the Coca Cola Company’s global market sustainability is the brand consumer marketing approach of adopting global marketing strategies. The need for adopting global marketing strategies came as a result of the company implementing the consideration of expanding into the global markets where they needed to address the various consumer needs, market segments and diverse consumer cultures (Doo le 2008). Marketing strategies for making marketing decisions varies in different regions in the world therefore it has become important for Coca Cola Company to conduct consumer marketing based on the domestic market segment cultures and the needs of the society. Coca Cola Company has faced stiff competition and increased rivalry in the domestic markets and the international markets, its major rival is Pepsi which is also manufacturing and distributing substitute products to those of Coca Cola Company. There are also other challenges that the company needs to address in order to consolidate its position as a leader in the global and domestic markets. These among others include lower sales of brands in the new markets; communication marketing mechanisms are inadequate; brand recognition and awareness in some market segments was very low and finally is the negative perception of consumers towards Coca Cola brands in regard to health issues. With this situation the Company needed to c ome up with unique marketing strategies and techniques to ensure that they edge out its competitors through the expansion of its markets and the consolidation of the customer base. To ensure that they identify suitable and appropriate marketing strategies for this consideration, the company sought to understand the consumer theories that may apply in the various societies in regard to marketing. They also found out how various marketing and advertisement models work in the consumer

The First Day of High School Essay Example for Free

The First Day of High School Essay Right when I got out of the car, I had no clue where to go, I’m accustomed to walking through the middle school doors and going to unite with all my friends after a thrilling summer, but today was different. It was my first day of high school and I was about to go on an adventure. I finally reached my destination, the freshman courtyard, and I walked into my first period class. I sat down, looked around and thought to myself, â€Å"I know absolutely no one! † Then the bell rang and my teacher walked in. First thing that came out of her mouth was, â€Å"So who has their summer reading assignment?! and I sat there in astonishment. In middle school, on the first day, it’s usually all about rules, rules, and more rules! And how the classroom should be, but no! Not in high school. It was more of, â€Å"You’re in English honors, let’s get to work and write an essay! † Well wasn’t that a surprise. Later throughout the day, I finally saw some of my friends and felt more comfortable that there were people I knew. I was starting to enjoy my classes, and I got to know my teachers a little more, but now it was 5th period lunch and Man was I hungry! When I walked into the lunchroom, I stopped in bewilderment on where to go; there were swarms of people everywhere I turned, freshman, sophomores, juniors, and even seniors. There was a snack line, soda machines, and an abundance of tables that filled the cafeteria. You could even sit outside! It was a humongous difference from middle school; we have so much more freedom. Speaking of freedom, did I mention how spectacular it is in high school compared to middle school?! In class, we get to work together and have immense amount of free time; we can also take our phones and iPods out more often. During passing we can have our phones out and can’t get in trouble for it! The best part of all is we can have any  electronic devices out at lunch and we can go to two different places, the media and the learning lab. It is so much more suitable than being locked up in captivity all day long. Some people would expect high school to be stricter than middle school and have countless rules. Actually, it is uncomplicated, less strict and more intriguing. When I was in middle school I still felt like a little kid, but now that I am in high school I feel like I am turning into a mature adult.

Issues Surrounding Barriers To Leadership And Leadership Development Management Essay

Issues Surrounding Barriers To Leadership And Leadership Development Management Essay Current leadership practised today goes further than getting people to do what a leader wants them to do. Leadership today is concerned with bringing out the best quality of ability people have to offer and helping to focus an individuals energy and zeal along a united front to achieve common goals. Outstanding leaders assess their own abilities to lead. Todays leaders build teams and oversee the essential elements of teamwork-communication, cooperation, and collaboration. Effective leaders promote shared values among employees, such as open communication, honesty, quality, respect, and mutual support. A clearer understanding of what leadership and leadership development means is necessary in other to understand the issues surrounding barriers to effective leadership and development the construction industry. Leadership as a term has different meaning to different individuals and organisations. Prof. Kenneth Clark defined leadership as an activity or set of activities, observable to others that occur in a group, organisation or institution or institution involving a leader and followers who willingly subscribe to common purposes and work together to achieve them. (Philip 2003). Harry Truman also defined it as the ability to get men to do what they dont want to do and like it (Philip 2003). On the other hand, Leadership development refers to any activity that improves the quality of leadership within an organisation. These activities could range from courses offered in schools to seminars and retreats focused on developing the leadership skills and attitudes of individuals. In the world today, the construction industry plays a major role in the national economy of countries both developed and developing due to the high demand for industrialisation and urbanisation. Due to this fact, essential and effective leadership skills such as good communication skills, Strategic vision and an understanding of the industry are the most essential traits required. The right leadership in the construction industry results in self-managed teams and shared leadership among team members. Leadership development will be required for the advancement, growth, and continued existence of construction businesses in the next millennium. Unfortunately, from the research survey carried out by the chartered institute of building (CIOB) in 2008, the construction industry as a whole was lacking in leadership and most companies in the industry were lacking in developing leadership potentials of employees due to a lot of barriers. This essay is focused on identifying these barriers and critically discussing issues surrounding them. Looking at the construction industry in general, irrespective of country, it was discovered that the a lot of barriers hampered the growth of leadership and leadership development, based on a research survey carried out by the chartered institute of building (CIOB) in 2008, where questionnaires were administered to members of the institute and members of other organisations in the construction industry. Results obtained showed that the major barriers to leadership development and leaders reaching their maximum potential were a lack of opportunity and organisational culture. Other barriers identified were poor communication skills, lack of skills and training, lack of general management skills in work force, lack of incentives, political environment, society/national culture, self confidence, and autocratic management. Further barriers to leadership development where, lack of leadership development programs and individual/personal barriers. However, a lot of issues are what gives rise to these barriers which makes it impossible for proper leadership development in the construction industry. These issues in one way or another are inter related to all the barriers obstructing leadership. Many of the problems arising in an organisation are as a result of people failing to communicate properly which degenerates to confusions and leads to failure in project plan. Communication basically referred to as the exchange of information and ideas from one person to another. A lot of issues arise which make it impossible for leaders to communicate effectively with other members of the organisation in the construction industry. One of this is problem of perception, which adversely affects how we interpret a message gotten from another based on how we perceive the person and sometimes the wrong message is delivered and ultimately has an adverse effect on a project. Secondly, is the problems of culture, background and bias, which makes people to be prejudiced at times ultimately affecting the way a message is received and interpreted thus interfering with the communication process. Thirdly, is the personal attitude of an individual, such as focusing on ones self and feeling superior to others or defensive towards them and sometimes just plain ego hinders effective communication which results in conflicts and confusion arising. Other issues which also hinders effective communication could also be due to stress, as individuals tend to react differently when u nder stress and thus affects the way a message is received and understood for the proper instructions to be carried out. Organisational structure is another key barrier to leadership development in the construction industry. The organisational culture is simply referred to as the a system of shared values, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of an organisation which has being acquired over a period of time which distinguish one organisation from another and affects the way in which members of the organisation react to the opportunities and threats affecting the organisation. Sometimes, this culture has an adverse effect on an organisation and acts as a barrier to change and diversity whereby, the culture is so ingrained that they are ok with the working dynamics and refuse to respond to change from a new leader trying to bring about change or introducing leadership development programme which will improve the organisation but prefer the status quo. Employees are thus, forced to conform to existing culture and potential leadership qualities in employees are subdued and never achieved which affects leadership development in the organisation. A clear example of this, is seen in the UK construction industry which is seen as a predominantly male (that is young white male) dominated, coupled with harsh working conditions which has been translated into a culture embodying crisis, conflict, masculinity and embracing a casual approach to working norms of commitment. This has being summed up accordingly by Harvey and Ashworth (1993)as construction having an image of being a difficult, demanding and unbecoming occupation with an adversarial culture. Gale (1992) also observed that,.it seems that it is in the interest of those who have chosen to work in the industry to maintain the maleness of the culture, thus keeping conflict and crises as preferred aspects of everyday working life. This culture of the industry makes it difficult for female, other ethnic minorities and better educated people from considering construction as a worthwhile career option which will bring about a change in the industry as a lot of this individual coul d have potential leadership qualities which will make the industry to be better organised and developed. This organisational culture has made it a particularly unattractive profession for potential individuals who might consider going into the profession as it is alleged to have a casual, fragmented and hierarchical nature which makes it incapable of functioning in a harmonized, homogenous way when dealing with issues relating to development, training, education etc. This fact has being recognised by professionals and clients in the industry and acts as a major barrier for potential change to occur in the organisation as members are strongly opposed to change occurring in the industry. The society/national culture also acts as a barrier to most leadership development and the potential for leadership to be developed in organisations. A typical example of this is seen the Nigerian context where the cultural characteristic of leadership in Nigerian society is mostly patrimonial-based on hereditary within members of a family. The leadership mantle is masculine which is mainly handed down to the first male child and where this is unattainable, other family members play a major role in the selection of predecessors to head the organisation. Family members also have strong influences on the decisions taken by these leaders who may or may not have acquired the proper training qualification or skills that is required from a leader. A notable case of patrimonial selected leadership can be seen in DANTATA SAWOE which is arguably the most prominent indigenous construction company in Nigeria. Like most indigenous companies, it is owned by a family with about fifty years of exi stence and its leadership has gone through the generations of the kin of the founder and is still expected to go down the lineage. With this style of leadership style, there is the tendency for individual leaders to try to distinguish themselves and carve out a niche for himself. This may lead either to the leader given diminutive chances for various individuals under him to participate and air their views in such organizations. Secondly, because the leadership consist of a group that shares similar beliefs and values, the organisation portray weakness in its cultural diversity and place more emphasis on their own culture. Further barriers to leadership and leadership development are a lack of opportunity and lack of skills and training in the industry. A general lack of opportunities exist in the industry for employees and individuals to improve their leadership skills and ability as most organisations under-invest in leadership development programmes and employees have no access to new experiences coupled with the fact that organisations failed to meet their employees expectation and needs all act as a barrier to improving leadership skills. From the survey carried out by the CIOB, it showed that 25% believed that a lack of opportunity was the greatest barrier to potential leaders becoming leaders and that about 45% of companies in the industry did not have a formal succession plan or leadership strategy. A lack of leadership development program in most organisation is a key issue as most organisations do not invest in training their employees or improving their skills by organising seminars or sending them on courses which in the long run benefits the company or organisation by enabling the company to be better organised and co-ordinated. In some other cases, where training is offered by the organisation, the leadership development methodology is often wrong as employees receive this training without development as sometimes what is learnt is not applicable to the industry directly or entirely different. Moreover, a shortage of skills in the industry also acts as a barrier to leadership development this is as a result of the poor image projected by the industry, low incomes and a lack of academic/vocational courses and apprenticeship where all contributing factors to a general lack of skill in the construction industry in UK. Also, a lack of general management skills in work force acts as a barrier to leadership development as poor management often result in leaders not delegating work properly and results in assigning the wrong people for the wrong job and at the wrong time, this is as a result of being disorganised and not being able to organise schedules. This barrier could arise as a result of not having the proper management skills such as, having a positive attitude to work which influences employees to have such attitude and work is done and finished on time. By not be trustworthy and honest also affects management skills. By not been arrogant or imposing but be able to listen to other views of individuals and reach a compromise. A typical example of poor management skill is seen in autocratic management in which only the leaders views are taken as utmost and final leaving no chance for subordinates to take initiatives but the leader prefers to hand down instructions which amounts to bad mentoring. This practice is very common with most construction companies in Nigeria specifically with the organisation CTA PARTNERS LTD where the companys head felt other members of staff where not competent enough to do particular work and refused to allow staffs use their initiative which often resulted in projects not being completed on time and acquired more cost for the client and all involved in the project. However, when proper management skills are administered in an organisation, it can result in an efficient, productive team of happy workers whereas if not it can lead to a general feeling of resentment, bad atmosphere, loss of productivity and loss of team morale. Further barriers also could be a lack of incentives in the industry such as not recognising and rewarding team members or employees who have made valuable contribution to the industry. As if this is done it motivates and inspires employees to take on more challenges to reach the organisations goal. In addition to all the barriers mentioned above is personal/individual barrier imposed by employees on themselves. Issues surrounding this barrier are numerous such as the unwillingness to developed or coached and employees assume that they know all whereas they are lacking in a lot of leadership abilities and skills. Another clear case is the inability or unwillingness to try something new and not being open to innovation but prefer to carry on with the way things are run in the industry. Closely followed by this negative reaction to feedbacks or change and refuses to change to make the company operate better. Next is the issue of being threatened by others (especially those below in rank or subordinates) this causes envy to arise and victimisation through creating obstructions that would make it impossible for their potential leadership skills to manifest. Other issues are sometimes our need for power and recognition coupled with greed makes it impossible for leadership skills to b e developed properly. In conclusion, having identified the barriers and issues surrounding leadership and leadership development, in other to resolve these issues, it is essential for leadership programmes to include education and training particularly in communication skills and general management training so that individuals can harness their leadership skills. A conclusion reached from the research survey was that recognition of effective and successful leaders within the industry would help to promote leadership and inspire others and these leaders could serve as mentors to the younger generation. Also, the perceived organisational culture of industry has to change so barriers which prevent opportunities for people to show leadership potential are removed and the industry is better organised and co-ordinated improving the working culture of the industry. Strategies for identifying potential leaders should also be in cooperated into organisations if the industry is to develop leaders. Another critical issue is addressing the shortage of skills in the industry; this can be remedied by making sure the industry strives to retain its skilled workforce, employing graduates and offering the appropriate professional development to achieve their potential for leadership management careers in construction and continuous training to ensure employees are competent enough to do the job. All these factors if addressed will provide a level ground for leadership potential to be developed in the construction industry REFERENCES Gale, A.W (1992), The construction industrys male culture must feminize if conflict is to be reduced: the role of education as a gatekeeper to male construction industry, in Fenn, P., Gameson, R. (Eds), Construction Conflict Management and Resolution, E. F.N. Spon, London. Harvey, R.C, Ashworth, A (1993), The Construction Industry of Great Britain, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford. Philip, S., (2003). Leadership (2nd Edition), Kogan Page Limited, London.

Essay --

Lab Report 1 Allison M. Shaw Bio 302L Sec: 009 Thursday February 12th, 2014 Introduction: HL-60 cells were initially taken from a Caucasian female that had acute promyelocytic leukemia (Cirtain, Mittelstadt, Higgins, Pollson, 2002). These cells are good for studying cellular processes and under favorable conditions, are â€Å"immortal†. HL-60 cells have a relatively quick doubling time of no more than 48 hours, and do not experience apoptosis, which makes them â€Å"immortal† (Cirtain, et. al, 2002). The HL-60 cell line’s immortality is instrumental when it comes to finding possible treatments for patients with leukemia, which is of interest to researchers. This immortality attribute is also critical for studying mechanisms of monocyte and granulocyte differentiation (Collins, 1987). Another quality about the HL-60 cell line that is equally important is its ability to differentiate into the white blood cell line (Collins, 1987). Granulocytes and monocytes are the two most important types of differentiated cells in this experiment, although white blood cells also differentiate into macrophage-like cells and eosinophils (Collins, 1987). Compounds occurring naturally that induce HL-60 cell line differentiation include Vitamin D (Collins, 1987). Chemical inducers, such as DMSO and PMA in this experiment, can induce HL-60 cells to differentiate into cells along the myeloid path (Cirtain et al,. 2002). DMSO is studied as a control for PMA treatment conditions and is used to make PMA solution. It causes HL-60 cells to differentiate mostly into granulocytes (Cirtain et al,. 2002). The control in this experiment is cells treated with DMSO, and is done to show DMSO has no effect on PMA (Cirtain et al,. 2002). Using kinase C, PMA activates cert... ...he line. Further studies could allow researchers to gain valuable information possibly leading to cures for numerous cancer types. References: Cirtain, Mittelstadt, Higgins, Pollson. â€Å"Chapter 3.† Power Point. Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory Manual. Great River Tech. Web. 8 Feb 2014. Cirtain, Mittelstadt, Higgins, Pollson. â€Å"Chapter 4.† Power Point. Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory Manual. Great River Tech. Web. 8 Feb 2014. Collins, S. J. "The HL-60 Promyelocytic Leukemia Cell Line: Proliferation, Differentiation, and Cellular Oncogene Expression." The Blood Journal 70 (1987): 1233-1244. Xie, Bei, Amale Laouar, and Eliezer Huberman. "Fibronectin-mediated Cell Adhesion Is Required for Induction of 92-kDa Type IV Collagenase/Gelatinase (MMP-9) Gene Expression during Macrophage Differentiation." The Journal of Biological Chemistry (1998): 1576-1582.

Media, Sports, Athletes, and the Health of Children Essay examples --

"Image is nothing, thirst is everything." This is a slogan used by the soft drink Sprite. It tells a consumer not to buy a product because of the labeling, packaging, or the way it is presented, but to instead buy it because it tastes good. This seems to be an honest and open statement, not what you would expect to hear in an advertisement. Ironically though, just before this slogan flashes on the screen, Kobe Bryant and Grant Hill, two of the NBA's rising starts, are shown talking about how wonderful Sprite is. This slogan contradicts what the rest of the advertisement says, and it contradicts what the advertisement industry tries to do in general. The use of sports icons in advertisements for the food industry, especially those directed towards children, is far from uncommon. Children are led to believe that the health and abilities of the superstars in the commercials will be transferred to them if they use a certain product. This is detrimental to children. Commercials advertising food can be seen on television all the time. The advertising industry is always trying to make one food look better than another does. Often, using professional athlete endorsements does this. At any given time there is at least two professional sports season in session. By using current stars and heroes from those sports to promote their foods, companies try to increase their sales. In the Sprite commercial, Bryant and Hill drink Sprite both on and off the court. After drinking the Sprite, they get a burst of energy, and are able to blow by the opponent and score. A child who is watching television will recognize the two athletes, and tend to watch the rest of the commercial. After seeing how well... ... bad. "Milk Mustache" advertisements are one exapmle of how rpofessional athletes use their influence upon children in a positive way. Milk is an important part of our diet. The milk mustache really catches the eye, and makes the viewer pay attention. This kind of advertisement is beneficial to the children that see it. It promotes a drink that is an integral part of growing children as well as athletes. Unfortunately, the majority of commercials involving athletes are of the latter kind. Children look up to the superstars of today's sports world. They are the children's heroes. What is presented to the viewer in commercials, is misleading. Sports stars need to be more concious of what they are endorsing. To be an athlete, healthy eating is a must. The advertisements and professional athletes today, do not promote or support this. Media, Sports, Athletes, and the Health of Children Essay examples -- "Image is nothing, thirst is everything." This is a slogan used by the soft drink Sprite. It tells a consumer not to buy a product because of the labeling, packaging, or the way it is presented, but to instead buy it because it tastes good. This seems to be an honest and open statement, not what you would expect to hear in an advertisement. Ironically though, just before this slogan flashes on the screen, Kobe Bryant and Grant Hill, two of the NBA's rising starts, are shown talking about how wonderful Sprite is. This slogan contradicts what the rest of the advertisement says, and it contradicts what the advertisement industry tries to do in general. The use of sports icons in advertisements for the food industry, especially those directed towards children, is far from uncommon. Children are led to believe that the health and abilities of the superstars in the commercials will be transferred to them if they use a certain product. This is detrimental to children. Commercials advertising food can be seen on television all the time. The advertising industry is always trying to make one food look better than another does. Often, using professional athlete endorsements does this. At any given time there is at least two professional sports season in session. By using current stars and heroes from those sports to promote their foods, companies try to increase their sales. In the Sprite commercial, Bryant and Hill drink Sprite both on and off the court. After drinking the Sprite, they get a burst of energy, and are able to blow by the opponent and score. A child who is watching television will recognize the two athletes, and tend to watch the rest of the commercial. After seeing how well... ... bad. "Milk Mustache" advertisements are one exapmle of how rpofessional athletes use their influence upon children in a positive way. Milk is an important part of our diet. The milk mustache really catches the eye, and makes the viewer pay attention. This kind of advertisement is beneficial to the children that see it. It promotes a drink that is an integral part of growing children as well as athletes. Unfortunately, the majority of commercials involving athletes are of the latter kind. Children look up to the superstars of today's sports world. They are the children's heroes. What is presented to the viewer in commercials, is misleading. Sports stars need to be more concious of what they are endorsing. To be an athlete, healthy eating is a must. The advertisements and professional athletes today, do not promote or support this.

What is Education? Education has been an important aspect in people’s l

What is Education? Education has been an important aspect in people’s lives. As children What is Education? Education has been an important aspect in people’s lives. As children, they start their academic careers in elementary school and as they grow older they move onto middle school, and then finally high school. I believe that from elementary school to high school, students are getting the minimal amount of education. Some people stop their education after their grade twelve year and some go onto post-secondary institutions. In addition, I also believe that students who finish high school but decide not to pursue post-secondary schools will have acquired enough education to carry on with their lives and as well as getting entry level jobs. Furthermore, students who continue their education in colleges and universities will become more academically skilled while increasing their chances of getting a well paid job (depending on their major). Their lives will be enriched as well. In this paper, I will argue my thoughts on what is the experience of education. There are many ways to argue what the experience of education is. My argument is that the experience of education means gaining the skills and knowledge to not only to survive in the real world, but to gain awareness and appreciation for life-long learning and the things that happen around us. Education is such a broad field as there are so many educational paths to take to become successful in a particular field. Common knowledge says that the education we’ve experienced in elementary school have helped prepare us for middle school. The same thing applies for entry to high school from middle school. These events from the three different c... ...e different situations. These skills should not be overlooked and should not be taken for granted. We must appreciate the world around us and be thankful for what education has provided us. Without education, we may not be able to do everyday things such as calculating our expenses, thinking logically, and interpreting one’s idea, etc. I believe that in life, all people to some extent are committed to life-long learning. Everyday we go through an experience such as studying at school, helping out in the community, or being a good Samaritan. For every experience we gain, we use that experience to gain another experience. Works Cited Barnhart, Clarence L., & Robert K. Barnhart, eds. The World Book Dictionary: Volume one A-K. Chicago, IL: World Book Inc., 1993. Dewey, John. â€Å"My Pedagogic Creed†. The School Journal 54, no.3, 16 January 1897: 77 – 80.

Large Format Printing

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Service Types We print in wide format and offer full color service with digital-quality results. Our professionals can design and custom-create logos for your business. We also produce graphical artistry and digital imaging that demonstrate our mastery of the state-of-the-art technology we use for your products. About Us Our company employs the latest in technology along with the most highly trained professionals to provide you with creative and incisive signs that bring the customers to you. Our wide format printers provide you with the breadth of space you need to convey all the details regarding your company or event. Our digital solutions offer you the flexibility of print-on-demand service, so that you never have to waste time, money, or resources. Our range of services include vehicle signage, outdoor and indoor banners, paper and billboard printing plus other formats that plaster your company’s image all over town and place it indelibly in the minds of your customers. The work we provide gives you a competitive edge in a cut-throat market, where advertising can make the difference between success and failure. Our small and large format signs and banners have the power to distinguish your company or event as one dedicated to excellence. First impressions are lasting, and our company is dedicated to helping your business make the best impression. With our sharp digital imaging, custom fit magnetic signs, and fleet graphics, we feature the strengths of your company in the most distinct detail. Plus we provide the best value for money in the industry, as our skilful designs are custom fitted to your needs through patient and efficient customer service designed around you. At [Name of Company] we are committed to serving you, and will always be the best choice for all your print and display advertising needs. How We Work This company is built around customer satisfaction, and in everything we strive to put you, the customer, first. That is why we focus all our efforts into providing reliable, knowledgeable, creative and friendly service to all we come in contact with. We begin offering you assistance even before you commit to being a customer, as we are interested in facilitating your success in every way we can. We care about the way you present yourself to the world—that is why we offer not only the best customer service, but also the highest quality workmanship with the most committed and qualified staff. Our staff is highly trained to manage the needs of the customer, by first exhibiting excellent communication skills in order that the customers’ needs be properly probed, understood, and satisfied. The knowledge and skill of our staff also manifests itself in the countless creative solutions we are able to provide for your specific business. We are willing and able to combine any and all the forms of our products in order to design the best advertising method for your company, or for any event you wish to promote. Our reputation is fast growing as an efficient, creative, and capable firm that offers friendly and all-inclusive service. Plus we place you in one-on-one consultation with our experts to make sure that you have the chance to fully explain your needs. Your needs are a priority, and we place them first. We make ourselves available throughout the day to serve you, and return your projects to you with time to spare. Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed, so we work hard and remain available until you are completely satisfied. Come and visit us, or continue browsing our site for more information.

McDonaldization of Society Essay

The book of George Ritzer, has taken certain elements from Weber’s work and presented a critical analysis of the impact that is felt by the social structural change on human interaction and identity. According to the book, Ritzer claims that the fast food business and its structure is responsible for the present organizational force and this process or rationalization has disseminated into the everyday lives of the individuals and their interaction levels. As has been defined by Ritzer himself: †¦Mcdonaldalization,†¦. is the process y which the principles of the fast food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as the world. (ritzer,1993:1) If one was to perceive the growth of this franchise, the fact that it has thousands of outlets worldwide and is located in the suburbs, military bases, malls. And even the highway exchanges present the extent to which our lives have been taken over by this process. It is not only the fast food chains which represent this issue but even the other chains such as those connected to Toys, Bookstores, newspapers and child care amongst several others. There have been instances-increasing in number-that the newer areas of business expertise are making use of this process. Everything is handled and managed in a way to control the perceptions and mindset of people. There have been five dominant themes which were outlined by Ritzer in his book which center on the idea of efficiency, calculability, predictability, increased control, and the replacement of human by non-human technology. The first one deals with the notion of efficiency and it is basically translated as the use of means in order to reach a goal or aim with the least amount of time and effort. The idea of efficiency can be seen by the way the people in different business or industries perceive it to be as it can differ for different business structures. This is viewed as a benefit and advantage to the customer in all respects and forms. The different ways that this is achieved can be seen through the use of the ATM machine, voice mail, and drive-up window services salad bars etc which all cater to reducing the time required for that business purpose. The customer might not be aware of this but in this process; he actually conducts various sorts of services and pays for them as well which were available to him before on demand. It might seem as a noteworthy service but in reality it is just a way of cutting time and costs for the firm and increasing the cost for the customer. It requires learning the usage of these newer services, and in order to apply and make use of them the customer has to bear the extra costs for these value- added services. Another theme which comes across is the idea and notion of calculability. In order to define this notion, the words of Ritzer would be put to effective use: â€Å" this involves an emphasis on things that can be calculated, counted , quantified. Quantification refers to a tendency to emphasize quantity rather than quality. This leads to a sense that quality is equal to certain, usually (but not always) large quantities of things†. (Ritzer, 1994:142). There are several examples which can be used to explain the idea of making use of quantity- some of the fast food offerings such as the Big Mac, Big Whopper, Wnedy’s Biggie meals etc which all point to the fact that quality has been effectively replaced by quantity. Another pertinent area which comes to the notice of the reader is the fact that time-saving plays an integral role in this process as well. There are newer and improved recipes which allow for the food to be made in much shorter time and the microwave food products cater to the need of such time conservative individuals. Another theme which is presented effectively is predictability. It is in reference to the attempt that is played by the attempts that are made in order to structure our environment and hence, surprise cannot have any effect on our sensible nature. Those who act sensibly and use their logic will always have an upper hand as they would be well prepared in advance for any problems and issues that might come their way. The customer of this sort would expect the same taste, quality and requirements that he got from one area product to be applied elsewhere. The example of the entertainment industry can be used in this regard as the audience is made to water movies upon movies either regarding the same theme, sequels or even series regarding the same issue. Therefore, a sense of predictability has become a prominent feature of all our lives and we operate by it. Whether it is going to the office from 9 to 5, going for some sort of entertainment on the weekends-we do follow a course which more or less is decided and is hence, predictable. The human race is being doctrine by the idea of predictability and any deviation has become a source of risk. The other theme which was taken on by the author of this book was the idea of control through the substitution of nonhuman for human technology. In Ritzer’s own words: â€Å"these two elements are closely linked. Specifically, replacement of human by nonhuman often oriented towards greater control. The great source of uncertainty and unpredictability in a rationalizing system are people –either the people who work within those systems or the people who are served by them. †(Ritzer 1994:148) For the human per see, everything is planned and done for him before hand and he operates as a mere obedient automation machine which operates as ordered by machine with no thinking on his behalf being carried out. If one was to look at the different areas of one’s life, it could be seen that from the kitchen to the living room, all of us make effective use of technology in one way or another. The machines do the tasks for us and us being treated as mere handlers of them. As per the claim of Ritzer: â€Å"the next step in this development is to have the customer do the scanning† Ritzer (1994: 150) This comment clearly indicates the fact that the humans have over time allowed the machines to overtake them in this case of managing and carrying out the work. The computer and machines have been accepted as the measurement criteria by which we assess ourselves and our skills. What is being seen as a development is that the human skills and capabilities are being rapidly eroded in the fact of development and the humans are merely being used in order to facilitate the processes of the machinery. The last theme which was analyzed and discussed by the book would be that of the irrationality of rationality. This theme mocks the rationality of these systems which are a source of the pride of the owners of these product companies. This book represents a view that if analyzed properly it could be seen that under these rational systems or so called-there lies an edge of irrationality. In Ritzer’s own words: â€Å" most specifically, irrationality means that rational systems are unreasonable systems. By that I mean that they deny their basic humanity, the human resource, of the people who work within are served by them. (Ritzer, 1994:154) All of us have been victims at different points at time when we have had to wait quite long for the food, groceries which make us question the rationality of the fact that though more is being paid for the efficient -ness and effectiveness of these systems, yet at the end those very systems are being undermined by the essence of rationality. We make use of the products and services which are aimed at providing us with better services and results only to provide us with less than desired results. The dependency increases of all on these very systems and in effect, it becomes a mere trap as the humans rely heavily on these for their different purposes and aims. However, this same vicious cycle creates an even worse effect as the environment which is sued for the basic purposes of breathing is polluted and affected in a number of detrimental ways. In Ritzer’s book: â€Å"the communal meal is our primary ritual for encouraging the family to gather together every day. If it is lost to us, we shall have to invent new ways to be a family. It is worth considering whether the shared joy that food can provide is worth giving up. (Visser, 1989:42, in Ritzer, 1994:156). The easy availability of readymade meals etc have made things much more easier for the present generation and hence, a number of important elements which were present initial have seen to be fading. The world is becoming heavily dependent on manmade objects and services which in effect is making it lose its own individuality. The above part of the paper effectively discussed the elements of the book and the following paper would critically analyze these themes and ideas. The author of this book has presented some quite simple views and understanding of the various themes. The author presents an understanding that the human values are an unnecessary area which does not require exploration and what actually requires attention are those systems which are endangering the humans’ ability to think. Through his analysis, Ritzer is able to apply his principles to a wide range of phenomenon which includes the economic and social aspects as well. What comes across is a failure in order to explore the cultural dimensions and though his analysis is a social analysis-it yet fails in a number of ways. what is clearly required is a cultural perspective and in order to add to the normative stance of Ritzer, certain important areas such as the strategies of resistance and critical perspectives need to be focused on as well. One of the weaknesses which are inherent in this book is the fact that by representing McDonald as the paradigm of McDonaldization the actual progress is negated and undermined in a lot of ways. There comes across an excessive dependence on the Weber theory and that what can be used to overcome the problems is the multiperspectivist approach. The rationale of the book clearly comes as a method of presenting the sociological theory of Weber to rationalize the theory with a number of empirical data usages. He adds to the analysis of Weber which was further carried out by this book as he tries to restructure a vast array of areas which extend from the general social dynamics and the larger structure of the social organizational structure. What comes across as a strong concept throughout the book is the concept of consumption and the area of production which plays an important area in the McDonaldization process is actually ignored. The concept of profit is touched upon is certain cases ( Ritzer 1996:44,62F)although it could have been better handled if the author had aimed it at through the rationalization process of production and consumption. Being part of a rationalization process, McDonaldization is a phenomenon through which the world markets are being rationalized and reorganized in order to maximize the capital accumulation. The cultural dimension and aspect of the McDonaldization process which the corporate word makes effective use of in order to create the family values and attract the attention of the viewers and readers. Therefore, the company and franchise McDonald’s is not merely selling services and products but in fact is selling certain cultural values and inculcating them as well. The process of purchase etc is merely a small part of the actual value chain. Therefore, McDonaldization is in fact part of a social phenomenon which has its own cultural values and codes which have been largely ignored by the book and its author. The US is actually a race which consists of the values such as family etc which are catered to by these franchises as they promote these national values and validate them to the entire nation. Therefore, the author undermines the different aspects and methods of McDonald’s which is an ideological and cultural phenomenon as well as being an economic one. The cultural dimension is largely overlooked and ignored by the author in the pursuit of portraying the economic process. The theory of homogenization is also presented in a highly generalized manner and the standard of the process of McDonaldization is portrayed throughout the book and what is ignored is the fact is the variety and diversity of the consumer practices in the different areas and regions of the world. Each different region and area has its product offerings which differ to a large extent and that has been largely ignored by the author of this book. The social rationalization and the different phenomena which is experienced by the various races and creeds are not presented at all which presents a major flaw and weakness of this book and the author effectively. The subjective process of the process are ignored in the pursuit of the theory of rationalization and the presentation of Ritzer’s ideas are clearly too objective and fail to highlight the various subjective and cultural values of McDonaldization. Ritzer argues that the concept of Modernization (Ritzer, 1994:148f) is what McDonaldization is perceived as but one has to analyze that whether it truly is that or is the reality actually different. There are aspects of this process which are clearly interlinked with the traditional values and the claims of the author of the McDonaldization process being the cause of the modernists is undermining this important area and aspect of the McDonaldization process. While the rationalization process of production and consumption are areas and aspect of the McDonaldization process, they clearly do not overtake the entire meaning and existence of the entire process. In fact, the reality of the process is the fact that the McDonaldization process does not only relate to Weber’s theory of rationalization and Marx’s theory of commodification but there are other postmodern elements which are connected to it. Ritzer’s attempts to distance the analysis of post modernity from the McDonaldization process are in connection to his failure to bring out the connections between the cultural dimension and the McDonaldization process. An important area of the postmodern theory is the cultural aspect which has been linked with the transactional culture that is enacted upon this McDonaldization process and created even further. The connection that is created between this process on a global and local scale might have been analyzed by this book but what has been ignored is the social functions, different meanings and experiences that are generated by the McDonald’s in a number of regions. This paper has not only represented the themes but also represented the flaws and weaknesses inherent in this book and what could have been done in order to improve the understanding of the process. References The McDonaldization of Society by George Ritzer (ISBN 0-7619-8812-2) McDonaldization: The Reader by George Ritzer (ISBN 0-7619-8767-3) The McDonaldization Thesis: Explorations and Extensions by George Ritzer (ISBN 0-7619-5540-2) McDonaldization of America’s Police, Courts, and Corrections by Matthew B. Robinson McCitizens by Bryan Turner Resisting McDonaldization, ed. Barry Smart Golden Arches East: McDonald’s in East Asia by James L. Watson Sociology of Consumption: Fast Food, Credit Cards and Casinos, ed. George Ritzer The McDonaldization of Higher Education, ed. Dennis Hayes & Robert Wynyard Enchanting a Disenchanted World by George Ritzer Ritzer, George (2008). The McDonaldization of Society. Los Angeles: Pine Forge Press. ISBN 0-7619-8812-2. McDonald’s UK. â€Å"Questions Answered†. Make up your own mind. . Retrieved on 2007-09-15. â€Å"Due to the global scale of the McDonald’s business, many commentators seek to use its brand and international presence to support various positions and theories that they wish to put forward. † Sociological Beginnings: On the Origins of Key Ideas in Sociology, McGraw-Hill, 1994. The McDonaldization of Society, Pine Forge Press, 1993. The quote from Margaret Vissner, taken from Ritzer’s presentation is found in: â€Å"A Meditation on the Microwave,† Psychology Today, December 1989, pp. 38ff. Alfino, Mark, Caputo, John S. , and Wynyard, Robin, McDonaldization Revisited: Critical Essays on Consumer Culture, Westport: Praeger, 1998 Emerson, Robert L. , ,Fast Food: The Endless Shakeout, NY: Lebhar-Friedman Books, 1979 Halberstam, David, The Fifties, NY: Fawcett Columbine, 1993 Hogan, David Gerard, Selling ’em by the Sack: White Castle and the Creation of American Food, NY: New York University Press, 1997 Kroc, Ray, Grinding It Out, Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1977 Luxenberg, Stan, Roadside Empires: How the Chains Franchised America, NY: Viking, 1985 Ritzer, George, The McDonaldization of Society, Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press, 1996 Ritzer, George, The McDonaldization Thesis, Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 1998 Reiter, Ester, Making Fast Food: From the Frying Pan into the Fryer, 2nd ed. , Buffalo: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1996 Severini Kowinski, William, The Malling of America, NY: William Morrow and Company, Inc, 1985 Fletcher, Liz. (1993, February). Is there a chance for a standardised user interface? The Electronic Library, 11 (1):29-32. Manley, W. (1981, June). Facing the public. Wilson Library Bulletin, 55 (10): 762-763,798. Martin, Marilyn J. (1991, May). Academic libraries as information consumers: Implications for policy making. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 17 (2): 93-98. McManus, N. (1995, November). The browser wars: Netscape and Microsoft battle to control World Wide Web formatting standards. Digital Media, 5 (6):11. Ritzer, G. (1996). The McDonaldization of Society. Revised ed. Thousand Oaks, Calif. : Pine Forge. 265p. Schlack, M. (1996, October). Wanted: New software. Byte, p. 14. Tibbets, J. & Berstein, Barbara. (1995, July). Microsoft monopoly? Never! Information Week, 538: 112. Thorner, Marvin Edward, Convenience and Fast Food Handbook, Westport; The Avi Publishing Company, Inc. , 1973 Wasson, Chester R. , Consumer Behavior: A Managerial Viewpoint, Austin, TX: Austin Press, 1975