Employability and Entrepreneurship The WritePass Journal

Employability and Entrepreneurship 1. INTRODUCTION Employability and Entrepreneurship 1. INTRODUCTION  2. OCCUPATIONAL RESEARCH  Ã‚   2.1 Terms of reference  Ã‚   2.2 Methodology   2.3 Main findings3. PERSONAL REFELCTION   3.1 Personal analysis3.2 CV Covering letter3.3 Gap analysis3.4 Career action plan4. CONCLUSION5. REFERENCES AND BIBILIOGRAPHY Related 1. INTRODUCTION Employability is the combination of factors and processes that enable people to progress towards or get into employment, to stay in employment and to move in the workplace. The purpose of this report is to discuss the opportunities I as a graduate go through after the completion of my degree, what the employers are looking for in an employee, as well as the role marketers or marketing related careers play in enterprises, then finally the knowledge, skills and attitude I have and hope to obtain. I have always wanted to work in the marketing sector so I have compiled analysis of six different companies, which consist of large-scale companies, small, and medium sized companies. I have used a mixture of analysis to compare various methods that can be used to start a career in the marketing sector and also be successful in the field. I have decided to work in the marketing sector because it provides many job opportunities such as personal selling, advertising, packaging, transport, product development and retailing.   2. OCCUPATIONAL RESEARCH This section of the report would examine the factual reflections of the findings from the occupation.   Ã‚   2.1 Terms of reference The purpose of this report is to look at the graduate opportunities in the UK marketing sector. Research will be made on six different organisations in this sector. The main aim is to show what has to be achieved and how to achieve it.   Ã‚   2.2 Methodology The methods used to approach this research were carried out through primary and secondary resources. The primary research was used to exchange e-mails with one of the staffs of Business Monitor International and PKF to clarify some issues. However most of the research done on this report was from information gathered online which is the secondary research such as graduate job websites like prospect, inside careers and also watching some videos on employability. The companies’ websites were used to get more information. The organizations used in this reportare Standard Life, Glaxo Smith Kline, Akzo nobel corporate, Business monitor international, PKF and Sanofi Aventis.    2.3 Main findings In marketing, there are variety of challenging and interesting job opportunities such as retailing, market research, personal selling and wholesaling. In addition from my findings, there are so many individuals who are employed in non-business organizations that are also engaged in marketing activities. The skills from marketing are used to promote civic, political, cultural and charitable activities, even if an individual earns a living through marketing activities or performs them without compensation in non-business settings, the knowledge and skills gained from marketing are valuable assets. Our highly complex economy relies heavily on marketing activities. The economy produces the profits that are necessary for the growth of individual businesses and also provide health and ultimate survival for the economy as a whole. In essence the general employment trend must be known. According to the survey by BBC, it claims that graduate unemployment rose by 25%. The higher education poli cy institute said in December 2008 the unemployment level rose from 11.9% to 25% among graduates aged under 24. It also said that 17.2% of male graduates were out of work compared with 11.2% of females as at the end of 2009. The report from the institute came a day after a research body had warned that unemployed graduate level could hit record levels as a result of planned public spending cuts. The Higher Education Career Service Unit (HECSU) said that because so many college leavers join the public sector, they were especially vulnerable to cuts. According to the guardian survey, it claims that the unemployment figures are set to rise by 22,000. However those leaving university during the summer face the most difficult job market in more than a decade. There are up to 22,000 more graduate whom are likely to be unemployed this year compared to last figures. The Higher Education Career Service Unit (HECSU) calculated at least one in 10 of this summer’s graduates would not be successful to find a job after six months they leave university, which is equivalent to about 35,000 and 40,000 graduates out of the 350,000 leaving UK universities after first degrees. There are many opportunities for marketing degree holders. There are lots of organisations that are recruiting graduates in marketing or marketing related occupations. According to the Witan Jardine growth statistics marketing opportunities have grown by 47% from last year and experienced growth of 5% over the last quarter. The opportunities in the marketing financial sector grew by 30%, which made an increase of 29% over the last quarter. The media sector roles in marketing for graduates increased by 25% year on year. The professional services marketing roles have soared by 77% compared to January 2006. (Ambition, 2009) Marketing is a very popular career for graduates. Last year, there were 17,000 students who graduated with degrees in marketing, and the research by the Marketing and Sales Standard Setting Body (MSSSB) claims that 580,000 people in the UK are employed in marketing roles. (Inside careers, 2011) There are important roles for graduates in the marketing sector in the future especially those who want to go into retailing. The retail sector is said to accounts for more than 10% of jobs in England. There were 2,777,000 people employed in the retail sector in 2002, the amount of people employed in the retail sector was predicted to rise to 2,869,000 in 2005 and continued growth forecast through to 2012. In 2012 it is predicted that over 250,000 new jobs are expected in this sector. However, there is going to be replacement demand whereby there will be need for new people to replace those leaving the sector is predicted to be five times this figure, with sales and customer service occupations alone needing almost half a million people to replace those leaving the sector (National Guidance Research Forum, 2010). As a marketing graduate your responsibilities can vary depending on the size of the organization and sector and also whether the focus is on selling a product, service or ra ising awareness of an issue that affects the public. A recent marketing degree holder can play roles in organization such as liaising and networking with wide range of stakeholders like colleagues, customers, partner organizations and suppliers. One could also communicate with his target audience and also managing their customers’ relationships. One can also generate advertising opportunities and placing adverts in the press locally, regional, national and specialist publications or on the radio, depending on the organization and the campaign. As a marketing degree holder, one could ensure there is effective distribution of marketing materials, and also maintain and update customer database. One could also attend and organize events such as seminars, conference, exhibition and receptions. Marketing graduate could organize marketing research such as creating customer questionnaire, focus groups and also contributing to the development of marketing plans and strategies (Prospec ts, 2009). These jobs are advertised in newspapers and magazines such as marketing week, they can also be found online in job search sites like prospects, graduate-jobs, inside careers etc. Based on the research done on the organisations, there are some key skills, knowledge and experience expected from a marketing graduate. These organisations are looking for people that are highly organized and proactive, with the ability to do different tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines. They are interested in people with the ability to work both independently and in a team environment. A core skill expected is ability to interact and maintain beneficial relationships with other teams across the business. High level of competency in Microsoft office, particularly excel is expected. They also search for people with good skills in leadership with ability to influence without authority in a matrix environment. They are also interested in people who have excellent written and verbal communicatio n skills and also those that can speak good English. As a marketing graduate a lot is expected, only in very exceptional circumstances that organisations accept application from people who don’t meet their academic requirements. This means that the applicant has to provide strong justification for why the organisation should accept him/her. The minimum academic criteria expected by their organisations are minimum of at least 280 UCAS points with a first class or 2:1 degree. The selection process is done step by step. It is a chance for the graduate to show the organisation what they are made of and that they have the skills required. The first step is to fill in an online application form. This gives you the chance to tell the organisation a bit about yourself and also include your CV and cover letter. The second step is to take an online verbal and numerical reasoning test. The third step is a telephone interview to discuss your understanding of the role you have applied for. The forth step is to attend an assessment centre to meet members of the organisation. The fifth step is to receive an offer. 3. PERSONAL REFELCTION In this section of the report, I am going to reflect upon and evaluate my current skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the ones required by the organisation I have researched on.    3.1 Personal analysis During the course of my study, I developed some key skills such as working both independently and also as a group. I worked as a group in my coursework that enabled me to play roles like encouraging the group when motivation is low. During my research, I identified that I need good leadership skills. These leadership skills have been achieved as a group leader in university coursework that also enabled mi to take responsibility for the direction and action of the group. I have developed my interpersonal skills, I have also developed skills to be able to use my own initiative as well as problem solving skills. I strongly believe with my academic achievement, skills and experience, I definitely have a career in marketing. 3.2 CV Covering letter My CV and covering letter are addressed to Business monitor international. See appendix 3.3 Gap analysis Gap analysis is the space between where we are and where we want to be. I have developed some skills that I am confident in. I am confident in my team working skills. I have good interpersonal skills especially in the way I carry myself. In general I have most of the skills these organisations are looking for. However, there are some areas that I really need to focus my personal development like my presentation skills; I lack the confidence to speak in public. I also lack a little bit of computing skills such as using Microsoft office excel. I intend on improving the skills that I am weak at by going for public speaking programmes and career fares to improve on my confidence level. I also plan on using self guide on how to use Microsoft excel to improve on my computing skills. 3.4 Career action plan See appendix 6.3 page 11 4. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this research has given me wide range of knowledge about the recent employment trends for graduates in the marketing sector and also more knowledge about different roles and skills required. While I was doing this report, it helped me realise what knowledge and skills I have now. In general, my career action plan would also help me as a guideline to enable me meet my goals. 5. REFERENCES AND BIBILIOGRAPHY Akzo Nobel (2010) What do we look for? Available at akzonobel.com/careers/graduates/what_we_look_for/index.aspx [Accessed 15th march 2011] Ambition (2008) Marketing Sales Recruitment Trends, Available at ambition.co.uk/sales-marketing-jobs/recruitment-trends.asp [Accessed 19th march 2011] BBC (2010) Graduate unemployment rate rises 25%, Available at bbc.co.uk/news/10500124 [Accessed 20th march 2011] Business Monitor International (2011) Employment listing, Available at https://www5jh.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfojobid=173530company_id=1005source=ONLINEJobOwner=992284bycountry=1bystate=0bylocation=GB%2Ekeywords=byCat=38747tosearch [Accessed 14th march 2011] Glaxo Smith Kline (2010) Experienced hires: search and apply, Available at gsk.com/careers/uk-saa-jobsearch.htm [Accessed 15th march 2011] Inside career (2011) skills required for marketing, Available at insidecareers.co.uk/__802574D800556E37.nsf/id/7nwndntden!opendocument [Accessed 20th march 2011] National Guidance Research Forum (2010) LMI future trends, Available at guidance-research.org/future-trends/retail/info/futureemp [Accessed 20th march 2011] PKF accountants and business advisers (2010) The PKF experience, Available at pkf.co.uk/pkf/careers/work_experience/home [Accessed 15th march 2011] Prospects (2009). Marketing executive: Job description and activities, Available at http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/marketing_executive_job_description.jsp [Accessed 22nd march Sanofi Aventis (2010). Job Details, Available at http://www24.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_sanofiaventis01.asp?s=bkMjPUrEcTFkHhTczjobid=54551,2221122152key=12073363c=865256627269pagestamp=sewfxdjbvkssyzdycm [Accessed 22nd march 2011] Standard life (2011) sales and marketing, Available at standardlife.com/careers/graduates/grad_sales_marketing.html [Accessed 15th march 2011] The guardian (2009) Graduate unemployment figures set to rise by 22,000, Available at guardian.co.uk/education/2009/jul/02/graduate-unemployment-rise-recession-jobs [Accessed 20th march 2011]

Biology Word Dissections - Understanding Science Terms

Biology Word Dissections - Understanding Science Terms Pneumono-ultramicroscopic-silicovolcano-coniosis.Yes, this is an actual word. What does it mean? Biology can be filled with words that sometimes seem incomprehensible. Similar to how many biology students will dissect a frog, by dissecting these words into discrete units, even the most complex terms can be understood. To demonstrate this concept, lets begin by performing a biology word dissection  on the word above. Well take this long, seemingly impossible to understand word and break it down into its affix components to make it much easier for us to understand. To perform our  word dissection, well need to proceed carefully. First, we come to the prefix (pneu-), or (pneumo-) which means lung. Next, is ultra, meaning extreme, and microscopic, meaning small. Now we come to (silico-), which refers to silicon, and (volcano-) which refers to the mineral particles that make up a volcano. Then we have (coni-), a derivative of the Greek word konis meaning dust. Finally, we have the suffix (-osis) which means affected with. Now lets rebuild what we have dissected: Considering the prefix (pneumo-) and the suffix (-osis), we can determine that the lungs are affected with something. But what? Breaking down the rest of the terms we get extremely small (ultramicroscopic) silicon (silico-) and volcanic (volcano-) dust (coni-) particles. Thus, pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is a disease of the lungs resulting from the inhalation of very fine silicate or quartz dust. That wasnt so difficult, now was it? Key Takeaways Similar to how many biology students will dissect an animal, by performing a biology word dissection, even the most complex terms can be understood.Once you understand the common prefixes and suffixes used in biology, obtuse words are much easier to understand.For example, a large word like: pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis can be broken down into its constituent parts. After parsing, we realize that it is a disease of the lungs resulting from the inhalation of very fine silicate or quartz dust. Biology Terms Now that weve honed our dissection skills, lets try some frequently used biology terms. For instance: Arthritis(Arth-) refers to joints and (-itis) means inflammation. Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint(s). Bacteriostasis(Bacterio-) refers to bacteria and (-stasis) means a slowing or stoppage of motion or activity. Bacteriostasis is the slowing down of bacterial growth. Dactylogram(Dactyl-)  refers to a digit such as a finger or toe and (-gram) refers to a written record. A dactylogram is another name for a fingerprint. Epicardium(Epi-)  means upper or outermost and  (-cardium)  refers to the heart. Epicardium  is the outer layer of the heart wall. It is also known as visceral pericardium as it forms the inner layer of the pericardium. Erythrocyte(Erythro-) means red and (-cyte) means cell. Erythrocytes are red blood cells. Okay, lets move on to more difficult words. For instance: ElectroencephalogramDissecting, we have (electro-), pertaining to electricity, (encephal-) meaning brain, and (-gram) meaning record. Together we have an electric brain record or EEG. Thus, we have a record of brain wave activity using electrical contacts. Hemangioma(Hem-) refers to blood, (angio-) means vessel, and (-oma) refers to an abnormal growth, cyst, or tumor. Hemangioma is a type of cancer consisting primarily of newly formed blood vessels. SchizophreniaIndividuals with this disorder suffer from delusions and hallucinations. (Schis-) means split and (phren-) means mind. ThermoacidophilesThese are Archaeans that live in extremely hot and acidic environments. (Therm-) means heat, next you have (-acid), and finally (phil-) means love. Together we have heat and acid lovers. Additional Terms Using our new found skills, we should have no trouble with the following biology related terms. Angiomyogenesis (angio - myo - genesis): This is a medical term that refers to the regeneration of heart (myocardial) tissue. Angiostenosis (angio - stenosis): This term refers to the narrowing of a vessel, typically a blood vessel. Angiostimulatory (angio - stimulatory): Angiostimulatory refers to the stimulation and growth of blood vessels. Biotroph (bio - troph): Biotrophs are parasites. They do not kill their hosts as they establish a long-term infection as they get their energy from living cells. Bradytroph (brady - troph): This term refers to an organism that experiences very slow growth without the presence of a particular substance. Necrotroph (necro - troph): Unlike biotrophs, necrotrophs are parasites that kill their host and survive on the dead remains. Oxalotrophy (oxalo - trophy): This term refers to the metabolism of oxalates or oxalic acid by organisms. Once you understand the commonly used prefixes and suffixes, obtuse words are a piece of cake! Now that you know how to apply the word dissection technique, Im sure youll be able to determine the meaning of the word thigmotropism (thigmo - tropism).

Are video games or online role-playing games ever likely to become a Essay

Are video games or online role-playing games ever likely to become a mainstream pastime for people of all ages and social levels Explain the reasons for your answer - Essay Example Mostly arcade games encompass video games and these games were the source of inspiration that later led to the formation of online games. People adopted this emerging trend fast since video games have been an addictive source of pastime from the beginning. Technology keeps modifying things and later video game arcades also began to lose their captivating charm when they were superseded by home video game consoles and computers. The idea of gaming through computers across internet was favored specifically and this gaming trend is spreading quickly throughout the world affecting not only youth but people from all age groups and social backgrounds equally. The fame and attraction of video games and online role-playing games is sky-rocketing currently. This is understood from the above discussion that people have been playing video games for many years to entertain themselves. Video games have come a long way with features and storylines constantly being modified to match the public’s changing tastes. Now thousands of free online video games can be surfed and downloaded from the internet in no time. New innovative ideas related to video gaming keep cropping up, one of which is online role-playing games. This allows online gaming between people themselves from different areas of the world. A broader term for such games is massive multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPG). Another genre of popular online video games among people is party video games which is quite a patent source of entertainment. It seems like video games have been growing alongside internet keeping people from all age groups equally engaged. This is a reality that video games interestingly allow people a chance of forgetting their day-to-day tensions f or a while, replacing them by little joys that are absolutely necessary to keep going on with life. I, on my part, have been forming opinion regarding the vigorously spreading charm of video games for years. I myself

An Energy Management or Efficiency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

An Energy Management or Efficiency - Essay Example In today’s world, thanks to the great technological strides; wind turbines have been developed to wring electricity from the breeze. Thus as more and more people resort to wind energy over the past decade: wind turbine use has increased at more than twenty five percent a year-though only still proving a fraction of the world’s energy. Undoubtedly, most wind energy comes from turbines that can be as tall as a twenty story building and have three 200- foot- long (60-meter-long) blades. These contraptions look like giant airplane propellers on a massive stick. The wind spins the blades, which turns a shaft connected to a generator that produces electricity. Other turbines work on the same principle, but the turbine rests on a vertical axis (Burton, 2011, 57). Interestingly, the biggest wind turbines generate enough electricity to supply about 600 United States homes. Furthermore wind farms can contain tens and sometimes hundreds of these turbines lined up together in particular windy spots, for example along a ridge where the wind is blowing strong. However smaller turbines erected in a back-yard can produce electricity enough to power a single home or meet power needs of a small business. Wind is a clean source of renewable energy that produces no air or water pollution. Interestingly since the wind is free, there are minimal if not, nearly zero operational costs once a turbine is erected. Mass production coupled with technology advances are making turbines cheaper, and many governments are offering tax incentives to spur wind-energy development. Even so, not all people look at wind energy favorably. Some think that the turbines look ugly and complain about the noise generated by the machine. The slowly rotating blades can also kill birds and bats. But this cannot be compared to road carnage, destruction by power lines, and high-rise buildings. The wind is also variable in

“The Things They Carried” Essay Example for Free

â€Å"The Things They Carried† Essay In â€Å"The Things They Carried,† Lieutenant Jimmy Cross is torn between being a good leader to his soldiers and his love for Martha, thus making him a truly dynamic character. A dynamic character is someone who undergoes an important, internal change because of action in the plot. For example, personality or attitude would be two that play a role in against Lieutenant. Jimmy cross shows us in the story just what a dynamic character is, and I am going to explain how he acts before the climax and how he evolves after. Dreamy Lieutenant Cross must lead his men through rice paddies in Vietnam. No matter how hard he tries to be a good leader, he cannot stop fantasizing about Martha. He would rather be back in New Jersey with her, a girl who does not love him back. The hardest thing that Lieutenant carries is his emotional attachment to her. It tortures him that she doesn’t feel the same way, but she never will. His love for her is to the point it’s an obsession. As it mentions in the story all the soldiers carry all their necessities they want to make them feel warm and at home, whereas, Jimmy Cross carries in his wallet two photographs of Martha. It reads, â€Å"The first was a Kodacolor snapshot signed love, though he knew better,† and â€Å"The photograph had been clipped from the 1968 Mount Sebastian Yearbook.† We can see this whole dream the he carries around with him distracts him from his job. Throughout the whole story Lieutenant Cross struggles to stop thinking about Martha and start being a better leader to his soldiers. Although he proves to us he is so wrapped up in his fantasies; it takes the death of Ted Lavender for Lieutenant Jimmy Cross to open his eyes and snap out of it. Cross believes he could have prevented it if he wouldn’t have been thinking about Martha. There he decides he has to learn to think only of his job in the field. He will never forgive himself for mistaking the responsibility of his men. Jimmy Cross was being selfish and his now paying for it by having to go on throughout the day missing a soldier. Martha had a way of leading on Jimmy Cross and to allow his love for her to grow. The letters she sent in the mail, the pebble she sent him, and to the words separate but together  quality can make Jimmy Cross very distracted. A lot of times its easy to just get your hopes up and to think about that daily non-stop. Jimmy had a love for Martha that she didn’t ever give back. Often leading him to get his hopes up. I suppose it would be hard to be so far away and just to have that someone you know will be there when you get home and to love you like you love them. That’s all Lieutenant Jimmy Cross wanted. However to overcome all this he burns all of Martha’s letters, throws the pebbles away, and concentrates on being a leader he was supposed to be in the beginning to his soldiers.

An Analysis of the Detective Genre Essay -- English Literature

An Analysis of the Detective Genre Sherlock Holmes, is a fictional yet convincing character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. With plots bizarre, singular and tantalising, Doyle has created of one of our most popular genres. The heroes in the detective genre often display the best of human qualities, and are aware of the idolised role they have been placed in by their closest companions. In the adventure of The Speckled Band the hero, Sherlock Holmes, reveals his concern for his clients and comforts the victim by informing her, "You must not fear". This allows, the reader to understand the distinction between the emotional and professional side of his occupation. During the same conversation Holmes' phrases such as , "I am all attention" indicate his conscientiousness and professionalism. His powers of observation are able to pinpoint a minor flaw in appearance to which others are oblivious, "all comprehensive glances" and "I observe the second half of a ticket". Holmes conveys his equanimity, when threatened his reaction is to chuckle "heartily" and only is insulted when he is associated with the, "official force". In doing so he warns his opponent that intimidation is not enough to put him off. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has created not only an idol but a hero respected by those who know him best for his wit, his methods and his amiable character. Heroes in the modern day version of the genre come from many backgrounds and cultures. This new variety contrasts the Victorian stereotype of a strong and witty character such as Sherlock Holmes. In The Devil's Foot and The Man with the Twisted Lip the hero, Holmes is again portrayed as both judge and jury. Holmes is, "without rest" until a clear picture of... ... in the modern detective genre is a major contrast to earlier detective fiction and has improved the view of women to which others take. The new role of women can be proven in the TV series, "Randall and Hopkirk Deceased" as one of the detectives, Genie is a woman. Although it has taken a hundred years, time has successfully altered the role of women. Whilst comparing modern detective fiction with the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle I have learnt that time has transformed from the prescriptive possibilities for ingredients essential of a detective genre. Such ingredients have been altered by a change in society opinions on various matters from the discrimination of gender to stereotyping characters. From observing fiction such as comic or dramatic I have found that the techniques and plans originate from Holmes himself have nevertheless stayed the same.

Essentials of Planning Study Guide

CHAPTER 4—ESSENTIALS OF PLANNING MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. Planning is a. a complex and comprehensive process involving interrelated stages. b. organizing, implementing, and controlling. c. finding the best person for a job. d. communicating effectively with stakeholders. 2. Strategic plans are designed to a. implement operational plans. b. establish day-by-day procedures. c. shape the destiny of the firm. d. carrying out the functions of management. 3. The purpose of tactical planning is to a. establish a general purpose for the organization. b. translate strategic plans into specific goals and plans for organizational units. . tell entry level workers what to do on a daily basis. d. compensate for past mistakes. 4. Branch manager Hector establishes recycling goals for his branch to support the company's strategic goal of being a good environmental partner. What is Hector doing? a. tactical planning b. strategic planning c. long-range planning d. vision formulation 5. A study of CEO failure indicated that 70 percent of the time their failures were attributed to a. poorly developed plans. b. poor execution, not poor planning. c. over-ambitious plans. d. lack of adequate cost controls. 6.A manager controls the plan when he or she a. creates a vision statement. b. creates a mission statement. c. establishes a budget to pay for the action plan. d. checks to see how well goals are being attained. 7. A contingency plan is implemented if the a. strategic plan is too modest. b. control processes do not work. c. original plan cannot be implemented. d. action plan succeeds. 8. Which one of the following is a component of true business strategy? a. a high level of operational effectiveness b. a set of activities common to other firms c. giving customers trade-offs d. aving quite different activities to make similar products for different markets 9. A key difference between a vision and a mission is that a. b. c. d. the mission relates more to today's realities. a mission is set farther into the future. a vision does not deal with products or services. a vision deals more with operations. 10. A recommended procedure for formulating strategy is for top-level managers to a. form a small committee to do most of the work. b. gather inputs from large numbers of people. c. perform the task themselves during a retreat. d. base strategy on fixing customer complaints. 1. The purpose of the strategic inventory is to help the manager a. size up the environment accurately. b. determine how much inventory is on hand. c. involve workers at all levels in formulating strategy. d. develop operating plans. 12. Which one of the following strategies should be classified as a business-level strategy? a. strategic alliances b. diversification of goods and services c. product differentiation d. sticking to core competencies 13. The purpose of a SWOT analysis is to assess a. strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. b. strategy, weaknesses, options, and time. . sa tisfactions, worst options, and trade-offs. d. successes, winners, and ominous threats. 14. Which one of the following is not one of the five competitive forces that business strategists are supposed to take into account? a. competition among business units within the firm b. the power of customers to affect pricing and reduce profit margins c. the threat of similar or substitute products d. the power of suppliers to influence the company's pricing 15. The firm's purpose and where it fits into the world is identified by the a. strategy. b. policy. c. mission. d. objective. 16.McDonald's states that it would like â€Å"to satisfy the world's appetite for good food, well-served, at a price people can afford. † The preceding reflects McDonald's a. cost-leadership strategy. b. mission. c. annual goal statement. d. advertising campaign. 17. Krispy Kreme donuts, a well-known donut retailer (but much smaller than Dunkin Donuts), most likely emphasizes which one of the following busi ness strategies? a. cost leadership b. product differentiation c. strategic alliances d. high speed 18. When two pharmaceutical firms get together to market a drug, their strategy is referred to as a. igh speed. b. cost leadership. c. product differentiation. d. a strategic alliance. 19. Suppose that Starbucks opens a nation-wide chain of carwashes, called Starbucks Car Wash. After two years, the executive team sells of the car washes, and invests the cash back into building more Starbucks stores. The strategy illustrated is referred to as a. high speed. b. sticking to core competencies. c. product diversification. d. a strategic alliance. 20. A functional strategy for becoming and remaining a successful organization is to a. form a strategic alliance. b. ind and retain competent people. c. get to market faster than others. d. export products. 21. Assume that Motorola developed a cell and camera phone so small it comes with a strap to wear on the wrist like a watch. Which strategy d oes this product launch most likely fit? a. cost leadership b. product differentiation c. focus d. high speed 22. Save-A-Lot has become one of the most successful grocery chains by serving the poor and offering low prices. This is an example of a. focus strategy. b. premium pricing. c. product differentiation d. cost leadership 23.Policies serve as guidelines to action a. that still allow for some interpretation. b. that must be followed quite strictly. c. for workers below the top-management level. d. mostly in the areas of finance and human resources. 24. Management by objectives (MBO) includes a. reviewing group members’ proposals. b. creating action plans to achieve objectives. c. establishing unit objectives. d. all of the choices. 25. Part of Domino’s Pizza’s original success was based on getting pizzas delivered more quickly than competitors. This strategy is called a. strategic planning b. cost leadership c. ocus. d. high speed TRUE/FALSE 1. T The first step in the planning process is defining the present situation. 2. T In planning, measuring external threats is part of defining the present situation. 3. F The major thrust of business strategy is to achieve a high level of operational effectiveness and efficiency. 4. T An exit strategy might be part of the contingency plan. 5. T A firm's strategy is a master plan for achieving its goals and objectives. 6. T A major aspect of the nature of business strategy is to choose a unique set of activities to deliver a unique value. 7.T The mission of the Grand Union supermarket chain is probably to provide food, beverages, and related merchandise (all of high quality) to the general public. 8. T The purpose of crowdcasting is to obtain widespread input into the development of business strategy. 9. T To bring about a successful SWOT analysis, it is important to be clear about what you are doing and why. 10. T Firms must constantly change in order to be aligned with their key environments. 11 . T The major purpose of the strategic inventory is to help the manager size up the competition, the customers, and the technology necessary to compete effectively. 2. T Corporate-level strategy is concerned with the total direction of the enterprise and the selection of specific businesses. 13. F A SWOT analysis is often used to decide upon which weapons and tactics will be used to deal with a corporate crisis such as a contaminated food product. 14. T One of the five competitive forces is the power of customers to affect pricing and reduce profit margins. 15. F Corporate-level strategy helps answer the question, â€Å"Which businesses should we enter? † 16. F One of the competitive forces identified by Michael Porter is the power of charities to extract money from a corporation. 7. F The experience of General Motors in diversifying into financial services illustrates how sticking to core competencies is the most effective business strategy. 18. F The Rolls Royce and Mercede s Benz automobiles are examples of a cost leadership strategy. 19. F Nike and Apple get together to produce a soccer ball that plays tunes when in motion, illustrating a functional-level business strategy. 20. T An example of the business strategy of sticking to core competencies is for a company like Papa John's Pizza to concentrate on selling pizza and related food and beverage items to the public. 1. T A medical products firm specializes in the manufacture of prosthetic arms and legs, thereby illustrating a focus strategy. 22. T A rule is a specific course of action or conduct that must be followed;. 23. T Operational planning often focuses on the short term. 24. T An MBO program involves people setting many objectives for themselves. 25. F In management by objectives, the objectives start at the bottom of the organization and move upward. ESSAY 1. Explain the nature of business strategy, including its four major components.Use a real or hypothetical company in at least two place s in your answer. ANS: A strategy is an integrated overall concept and plan of how the organization will achieve its goals and objectives. According to Porter, business strategy has four components: Strategy involves more than operational effectiveness; Strategy rests on unique activities (Southwest Airlines’activities focus on low-cost, convenient service); A sustainable strategic position requires trade-offs (Dollar General has low prices but lacks an inviting store atmosphere); and Fit drives both competitive advantage and sustainability.PTS: 1 DIF: M REF: pp. 123-125 NAT: AACSB: Reflective Thinking, Strategy 2. Several laptops were stolen from an office by a group of people pretending to be part of the cleaning company. Every laptop stolen contained sensitive client data. After the theft, all clients had to be notified that their personal information may have been compromised. The breach of security prompted 25 percent of the company’s clients to close their accoun ts. 1. What are policies and rules? 2. Could policies and rules have prevented this situation? Explain ANS: 1.Policies are general guidelines to follow when making decisions and taking action; they are plans. A rule is a specific course of action or conduct that must be followed; it is the simplest type of plan. Ideally, each rule fits a strategic plan. 2. If the company had policies and rules on how computer ID and passwords should be stored, and how laptops should be secured, these problems would most likely have been avoided. PTS: 1 DIF: D REF: pp. 140-141 NAT: AACSB: Technology, Information Technology 3. Write a memo to managers in your company, explaining an MBO program that your company intends to implement.ANS: An MBO program involves sequential steps: Establishing organizational goals; Establishing unit objectives; Reviewing group members’ proposals; Negotiating or agreeing; Creating action plans to achieve objectives; and Reviewing performance. PTS: 1 DIF: M REF: p. 143 NAT: AACSB: Reflective Thinking, HRM 4. Using the planning model, how would you plan an event for 500 people. ANS: The steps of the planning model include: 1. Define the situation (a birthday); 2. Establish the goals and objectives (good food, good music, good setting, 500 friends); 3.Analyze the environment in terms of aids and barriers to goals and objectives (aids: many people to help, ballroom with a nice atmosphere available–barriers: high costs); 4. Develop action plans to reach goals and objectives (list calls to be made to florist, restaurant, musicians); 5. Develop budgets (establish cost per person for food and beverage, cost for centerpieces, cost for musicians); 6. Implement the plans (reserve the ballroom, musicians, send out invitations); 7. Control the plans (oversee the food service, the music, the seating. ) PTS: 1 DIF: M REF: p. 119 NAT: AACSB: Reflective Thinking, Strategy

Pttls Unit 1

1. Summarise key aspects of legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice relating to own role and responsibilities The key legal and regulatory requirements relating to my role as a teacher are:- †¢ Children Act (2004) – Every child matters †¢ Copyright, Designs & Patents Act (1988) †¢ Data Protection Act (1998 amended 2003) †¢ Equality Act (2010) †¢ Freedom of Information Act (2000) †¢ Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) †¢ Human Rights Act (1998) Protection of Children Act (1999) †¢ Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006) There will be Codes of Practice, either generic or specific, that will need to be followed such as the Code of Professional Practice (2008) introduced by the Institute for Learning. 2. Explain own responsibilities for promoting equality and valuing diversity It is important that students are able to attend, and participate in their choice of course or learning event, for it to be accessible on equal ter ms.To support this ideal, I must adhere to the equal opportunity legislation in place, which ensures that learners are not discriminated against in terms of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, pregnancy or maternity, religious or other belief, marriage, civil partnership or gender reassignment. Whilst this is an ideal situation we are not able to treat everyone exactly the same. It is important to understand the needs of learners so that we can give them the best experience in the learning environment.If I have a student who uses a wheelchair, then I must ensure that access to the learning venue is suitable and that any portable ramps etc are available. Where I have students that are from diverse cultural backgrounds I should encourage an environment where differing opinions are respected and prejudice or stereotyping are challenged. Where further support is required by a learner, it should be offered 3. Explain own role and responsibilities in lifelong learning First ly, I need to identify the needs of the organisation, individuals and me personally.I will ensure that any forms are easy to complete and cater for different languages or print size and are available in hard copy or electronically. I will need to make an initial assessment of the needs of learners and agree learning plans. I need to prepare a scheme of work to include session plans, learning materials to meet the needs of the syllabus and liaise with other interested parties. I will need to facilitate learning using a variety of approaches including formulating ground rules, record keeping, incorporating different teaching and learning materials and even knowing who and where the nominated first aider is.I will need to assess the learning, ensuring that the awarding body rules are met. I must ensure that relevant documentation is completed and kept safe and confidential. I will need to check the students lerning outcomes have been met and that they have gained the necessary skills a nd knowledge. I need to evaluate my teaching experience by obtaining feedback from others. I can obtain this from the student, awarding body and organisation I am working for.I will also evaluate my own work in order to make improvements to my teaching ability and the learning experience. 4. Explain own role and responsibilities in identifying and meeting the needs of the learners I can identify the learners needs at the application stage, by interview, questionnaire, or at a student 1to1 session, or at the beginning of the session or programme. I must give clear guidance on the process and information to ensure the course meats their personal learning needs. Once I have the information this will help me with my planning.I need to ascertain the required learning support (help with ITC, numeracy, literacy), or student support (help with personal issues, general guidance or advice), and again use the information in my planning and course execution. 2. 1Explain the boundaries between t he teaching role and other professional roles It is important to understand where my role as a teacher ends and where I need to involve other professionals. These might include Heads of Dept, H&S officers, technicians, support workers or admin staff. Within the ACO I may need to refer to parents/guardians Wing, Region or Head Quarters specialists.I, for instance as a teacher am not qualified to repair a broken plug socket so I would refer to an electrician, similarly I am not a social worker therefore any issues that are of a personal nature (to the student)I would pass over to the relevant specialist rather than trying to deal with it myself, potentially causing more harm. 2. 2Describe points of referral to meet the needs of learners It is possible that I will encounter students with a variety of degrees of needs so I need to remain impartial and sensitive to individual situations. I will not be able to deal with every situation that arises.I must be aware of where I can refer stud ents for help both within and externally to the organisation. Below is a table containing example points of referral. |INTERNAL |EXTERNAL | |accommodation officers |awarding organisations | |careers advisers |banks or building societies | |colleagues carers | |Counsellors |charities | |examination officers |childcare agencies | |financial services staff |Citizens Advice Bureau | |first-aiders |employers | |health and welfare officers |health centre. , slimming clubs, general | |information , advice and guidance staff |practitioners, hospitals | |interpreters |Job Centre Plus | |learning support staff |motoring and transport organisations | |mentors |police | |student support staff |telephone help-lines and agencies such as abuse, alcohol, bereavement support, | |student union representatives |Childline, Crimestoppers, debt, drug, lesbian and gay switchboard, gambling, | |teachers |NHS Direct , parentline, Samaritans, victim support | | |websites which are relevant | Table from ‘Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector’ by Ann Gravells – Pg 53 2. 3Summarise own responsibilities in relation to other professionals My main responsibility is to my students, however I need to be aware of the impact my actions will have on other groups or individuals. I will need to be conscious of how I work with other managers on site as well as my peers, with awarding bodies including internal and external verifiers & Ofsted inspectors and other external agencies. Within the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO). I will also have responsibilities with regard to parents/ guardians and other members of the ACO. I must remain professional and not exceed my role boundaries 3. Explain own responsibilities in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment It is imperative that the environment is safe. The room or area for teaching must be large enough to support the activities being undertaken and the number of people involved. A risk assessment s hould be carried out to highlight and eliminate (so far is practicable) any potential dangers. Consideration must be given to lighting, heating, ventilation and toilet facilities to ensure the comfort of learners and teaching staff. I must inform the group regarding procedures for housekeeping, and emergency evacuation. 3. 2Explain ways to promote appropriate behavior and respect othersI would establish with the group some ground rules both for the learners and myself to promote the appropriate safety, behaviour and respect of everyone. It is important that these rules are negotiated and agreed with the group. These rules can be reviewed and changed as the course progresses as needed. For the group – what they should expect from each other, things like courtesy, respecting others views etc. For myself – What the learners can expect from me. Some rules may be imposed – health and safety, no smoking, no anti-social behavior. Some more negotiable – standard of dress, break timings, turning off mobile phones. Reference Book Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector’ by Ann Gravells

David Foster Wallace on SNOOTS - Extreme Usage Fanatics

David Foster Wallace on SNOOTS - Extreme Usage Fanatics After reading this article, decide if you are a SNOOT: one of the Few, the Proud, the More or Less Constantly Appalled at Everyone Else. Question: What Is a SNOOT? Answer: SNOOT (n) (highly colloq) is this reviewers nuclear familys nickname clef for a really extreme usage fanatic, the sort of person whose idea of Sunday fun is to hunt for mistakes in the very prose of [William] Safires column [in The New York Times Magazine]. This definition of the family word SNOOT (an acronym for Sprachgefà ¼hl Necessitates Our Ongoing Tendance or Syntax Nudniks of Our Time) appears in footnote number five of David Foster Wallaces review article Authority and American Usage (in Consider the Lobster and Other Essays,   2005). There, the late author of Infinite Jest devotes more than 50 smart and entertaining pages to the topic of grammarin particular, to the dispute between linguistic conservatives and linguistic liberals, otherwise known as the Prescriptivists vs. the Descriptivists. Before deciding whether you would feel comfortable characterizing yourself as a SNOOT, consider Wallaces description of SNOOTitude: There are lots of epithets for people like thisGrammar Nazis, Usage Nerds, Syntax Snobs, the Grammar Battalion, the Language Police. The term I was raised with is SNOOT. The word might be slightly self-mocking, but those other terms are outright dysphemisms. A SNOOT can be defined as somebody who knows what dysphemism means and doesnt mind letting you know it.I submit that we SNOOTs are just about the last remaining kind of truly elitist nerd. There are, granted, plenty of nerd-species in todays America, and some of these are elitist within their own nerdy purview (e.g., the skinny, carbuncular, semi-autistic Computer Nerd moves instantly up on the totem pole of status when your screen freezes and now you need his help, and the bland condescension with which he performs the two occult keystrokes that unfreeze your screen is both elitist and situationally valid). But the SNOOTs purview is interhuman social life itself. You dont, after all (despite withering cultural pressure), have to use a computer, but you cant escape language: Language is everything and everywhere; its what lets us have anything to do with one another; its what separates us from the animals; Genesis 11:7-10 and so on. And we SNOOTS know when and how to hyphenate phrasal adjectives and to keep participles from dangling, and we know that we know, and we know how very few other Americans know this stuff or even care, and we judge them accordingly.In ways that certain of us are uncomfortable about, SNOOTs attitudes about contemporary usage resemble religious/political conservatives attitudes about contemporary culture: We combine a missionary zeal and a near-neural faith in our beliefs importance with a curmudgeonly hell-in-a-handbasket despair at the way English is routinely manhandled and corrupted by supposedly literate adults. Plus a dash of the elitism of, say, Billy Zane in Titanica fellow SNOOT I know likes to say that listening to most peoples public English feels like watching somebody u se a Stradivarius to pound nails. We are the Few, the Proud, the More or Less Constantly Appalled at Everyone Else.(David Foster Wallace, Consider the Lobster and Other Essays. Little, Brown and Company, 2005) As regular visitors to this site may have noticed, we strive to remain on speaking terms with both sides in the Usage Wars. Looking at how language works (description) happens to interest us more than laying down arbitrary laws on how language should be used (prescription). And yet its clear that most readers arrive at About.com Grammar Composition in search of rulings, not linguistic ruminations, and so we do try to be accommodating. But how do you define your interest in language? Are you a fan of Lynne Trusss Eats, Shoots Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation (2004), or do you feel more at home with David Crystals The Fight for English: How Language Pundits Ate, Shot, and Left (2007)? Are you inclined to fuss at a child who uses aint, or are you more interested in finding out that until the 19th century in both England and America aint was an acceptable usage? In short, do you consider yourself a SNOOT?

Business Writing on Persuasion for Charity

Business Writing on Persuasion for Charity Business Writing on Persuasion for Charity Persuasion for Charity Philanthropy as social corporate responsibly needs to be uplifted and supported by every person and organization. This is because corporate giving demonstrates that organizations feel and support the welfare of the society and local communities. It is therefore, a way of giving back to the society, in recognition of the many benefits that they in turn avail to organizations. Keep a Child Alive is a program aimed at providing treatment, love, and support to families affected by HIV/AIDS across the globe. It also provides lifesaving antiretroviral treatments, care, and other support services to vulnerable children and people in society. The charity has got offices spread throughout the world where they provide their services to this category of people in society. The charity does not rely on government for funding but rather draws its revenue from, their own programs, direct and indirect public support. They report no membership fees, non-government funding, and revenue from earned inc ome. Therefore, it receives its huge chunk (approximately 95% of its total revenue) from private contribution hence makings it one of charity with an impressive fundraising operations. According to charitynavigator.com, all information about charity organization can be accessed on the website. The website provides in a simplified manner data about various categories of charity organization in terms of their sources of income, location, the nature of their services, their current financial status, areas of operations among other information concerning them. It is therefore, easy and simple to access and determines the kind of charity to offer donation and support their course. Keep a Child Alive charity in 2009 financial years managed to collect a total income of $4, 088,674, and its expenses amounted to $3,556,335. In the year 2010, 87% of Keep a Child Alive charity revenues came from programs, 7% from fundraising, and 6% from management. Even though, the charity has not provided tangible information on the exact number of people that were assisted and the number of organization that participated in their initiative by sending their donations, of the total amount contributed, approximately 7% came from fundraising. This implies therefore that only 7% of the total revenue was accrued from donors; both individuals and corporations as large percentage of their revenue is generated from their own programs. According to Keep a Child Alive website, approximately 33.4milion people are infected with HIV/AIDS worldwide and therefore require the intervention of the charity every year. This statistics is a clear indication of how costly it is for the organization to meet its objectives in ensuring that such children and people are taken good care of. In light of the foregoing, I strongly support the involvement of the company in supporting the charity through social corporate responsibility initiative, by assisting it to reach a wider population to offer their donations and assistance. Apart from leading its philanthropy in supporting the charity, the company will join a larger network of companies involving in philanthropic works and be able to expand its operations, as it will meet new prospective clients. Furthermore, the initiative will enable the company to earn positive reputation from the public as well as increase its coverage to the public hence benefiting. In addition, this interaction will enable the company gain a competitive edge over its competitors, as its customers will feel a sense of care and concern to the needs of the vulnerable in the society. The business is a partnership type. It is an advertising company dealing in billboards, print and electronic advertising. The company has over 220 employees stationed at different locations. However, its headquarters is located in California. It therefore, serves the local market and foreign market depending on the needs of the client. The company is guided by a mission statement† Information is Power.† This shows how the company values and sees the potential information can have. The power of information is important in triggering course of action. The company currently has recorded an increase in its returns triggering it to join the entire society in contributing back to less fortunate through social corporate responsibility programs. The organization has horizontal leadership structure giving the employees and the management an opportunity to relate and interact freely hence fostering their relationships. If you need professional Business writing help feel free to contact professional business paper writing service.

Book of Hosea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Book of Hosea - Essay Example God's love is so great that it surpasses the transgressions of the Israelites. With this experience, Hosea has become an authentic and effective prophet of God. The following ideas and interpretation of the Book of Hosea are taken from various sources. The Book of Hosea is divided into two parts. The first part is about the Prophet's Marriage and Its Lesson (Hosea 1:1-3:5). The second part is Israel's Guilt and Punishment (Hosea 4:1-14:9 (New American Bible)). According to John Shelby Spong (2005), Hosea lived at the Northern Kingdom and started being a prophet in the last years of Jeroboam II (786-746 B.C.). There are several speculations about this person. Some say he is a priest while others call him a cult prophet. Spong says Hosea is "very sensitive, emotional man who could pass quickly from violent anger to the deepest tenderness." He is married to Gomer, who caused him so much trouble and pain. She is described as very beautiful and the favourite sex partner of the upper class men. When she became older, she is reduced to a slave. Spong describes it dramatically in the following passage: And one day he went to a slave market sale, and this haggard old woman with matted hair and bloodshot eyes was brought out on the slave auction block, and the crowd around there began to laugh. Who in the world would pay anything for that hag But Hosea recognized that as his wife. And in a strange and bold act he stood up when the bidding was open and he offered the highest price that anyone would pay for the strongest young male servant That's the only way Hosea knew how to begin to restore Gomer's dignity and he brought her to his home, and he installed her as his wife, the head of his household. Such sacrifice could surely not be done by an ordinary sinful and selfish person. This is indeed an impressive way of showing the credibility and sincerity of the message of Hosea to the adulterous Israelites. Got Questions Ministries gives a detailed outline of the Book of Hosea. The main points and subdivisions of the Book are outlined as follows: 1. Author: Hosea "is the only prophet of Israel who left any written prophecies which were recorded during the later years of his life." 2. Date of Writing: "Hosea, the son of Beeri, prophesied for quite some time, from 785 to 725 B.C. The Book of Hosea was likely written between 755 and 725 B.C." 3. Purpose of Writing: The Book is written to show "a loving God whose loyalty to His covenant people is unwavering." Moreover, Richard D. Patterson, in his "Introduction to Hosea: Historical Context," details the milieu when the Book of Hosea and the events therein. The setting is said to be during the eighth century B.C. at the Northern Kingdom. Also mentioned in the Book, four eighth century kings of Judah, thus making the setting to be in Judah. The kings mentioned are: Uzziah (c. 792-740 B.C.), Jeroboam II (c. 792-752 B.C.), Jotham (732 B.C.) and Hezekiah in Judah in (729 B.C.). This shows that Hosea lived a long life and cautioned and encouraged the people of Israel. This also implies that the Israelites are a difficult people to lead and it is only God's great unconditional love that makes them survive the tests of time and pressures from the neighbouring tribes. The era is described as "a period marked by great economic and political success but growing spiritual apostasy." Patterson continues