Emr Innovations

Case 3 EMR Innovations Table of Contents decision maker summary3 giveing& riddle /issues identification4 EMRs point of intersection and how is attempting to market4 External Analysis6 Opportunities6 RV intentness6 RV culture6 Threats7 Competitors7 Analysis and recode current situation8 Internal summary8 RVs subjective weakness and strength8 EMR Innovations inborn weakness and strength9 Marketing Audit10 RVs Current Marketing Strategy10 master(prenominal) objective10 Main targets10 RVs Problems11 Alternative Strategies12 Marketing and scattering of the lock- awn12Recomm deceaseed Strategy13 administrator summary Reynolds argon a young couple that transferred their stake e genuinelywhere RVs (recreational vehicles) into a profitable rail line. Their of import objective was to be the the supplier of innovative RV products. Eric Reynolds came up with innovative product c all tolded Lock-Awn Anti-Billowing doojigger , he thought that this product would achieve their goal and enlivened RV deficiencies. They cute to market their product through their own company EMR Innovations , so that they believed that they go to pecify various fields with different specify product , customer, funds , foe and Lock-Awn Anti-Billowing wind selling strategies . The report analysis involve the main international and internal factors that would influence their marketing strategy ( SWOT analysis ) . thence analysis the current RVs strategies and how their throws detail with the marketing variables of product, price, blot and promotion ( four Ps of marketing) which argon use to attain the marketing plans objectives and overall strategies. There atomic number 18 three variables diffusion channels ( direct and in direct ) fit in to their alternative strategy.Than recommended strategies. Introduction& line /issues identification EMRs product and how is attempting to market Eric Reynolds and Mary Reynolds be a young couple that transferred their interest over RVs (recreational vehicles) into a profitable business. In 1995, the Reynolds started an RV location business , and by 1999 they open their own shop in Amana, Iowa , since the business became large. On 2002, their business had steadily grown . However, they aspired to be the supplier of innovative RV products . For that condition Eric Reynolds innovate an innovative products that helped or repaired RV deficiencies.They though that this innovative products, which called Lock-Awn Anti-Billowing Device for RV patio Awnings, may fork out great potency for succeeding(a) investments. Lock-Awn Anti-Billowing Device would protect the internal lock awning mechanism from tear, and keep back it from billow in the wind, in order to reduce accident and improver the efficiency rate. Lock-Awn Anti-Billowing Device became so effective idea to the Reynolds that they invested $10,000 of their own m wizy to develop a prototype, and they had assistance and support from an industry questi on c submit.Since they precious to market this product through a new company EMR Innovations , they penury to analysis different filed with different point . The main five point in the case ( consort to Reynolds view point ) are 1. ingathering Eric and Mary were confident about their prototype product , they had a reliable winner in the Lock-Awn, however they were unsure about it . 2. Customer They had potential customers who had seen the product as positive product, however they were unsure about former(a) customers satisfaction. 3.Money They had no enough budget and financial analyses to entry market. 4. Competitors They afraid of a potential competitor selling same product, which decrease the product thriving chance. 5. How they would market Lock-Awn Anti-Billowing Device They had no market analyses ( marketing strategy ) to depone their belief. To address this need, Reynolds need to become with list decisions that related to picking the main target markets, the position, pricing, promotion, and distribution channels, and then they need to analyze the financial implications of their decisions.The end result of decision , will be a marketing strategy which will effectively launch the Lock-Awn product and EMR Innovations. External Analysis This analysis consists of analyzing the external environment of the company (competitors, social, technological, regulations, etc. ). The purpose is to identify the key opportunities and threats in the environment. Opportunities RV industry RV vehicles (RVs) are recreational vehicles combine transportation and fly-by-night living quarter for recreation, camping and travel. RVs started early 1900s when temperament enthusiasts customized their vehicles.The RV industry flourished after the World War II. In 2000, RV industry consisted of 135 manufacturers and more than 200 suppliers of parts and service. RVs are divide into two categories (motorhomes and towables) and five classes ranging from affordable vehicle to normal people up to luxury one ($ 500,000). In 2002, about 7. 5 million households own an RV in US and projected to reach 8. 5 million in 2010. This offers great opportunity for EMR innovations to succeed since the RVs exist in hefty number and will grow in the future. RV culture As noticed, RVs are popular and used a lot in US.There is most one RV in every 12 households according to get a line conducted by University of Michigan in 2001. The study estimated that there are 30 million RV enthusiasts including households and r shows. The retired couples represent the greatest segment of RV enthusiasts since they are free and fatality to see the rest of the country. They used RVs for traveling since it offers convenience, protect and immunity to go anywhere and anytime without plan in advance. Some of them are full-time on the road roaming around the country and live in RV. Thus, they want their accommodations to be as comfortable as possible. almost of them are spontaneous to spend their money on accessories like auxiliary fuel tank, force out booster and etc. In fact, Richard Dahl, RV owner, manufactured a wet filter for RV plumping systems and sold it for $30. Later, he sold three hundred more items and established new business for himself. This shows RV owners are willing to accept new ideas which eventually help EMR innovation to succeed. Threats Competitors People created so many types of awning lock to overcome billowing problems. However, most of them are homemade and people reported that they easily damaged.There is one commercial product called Awning Saver. Eric and Merry examined the product and found that it would not be a threat to their product since the awning saver is difficult to curb and looks similar to the homemade one. Therefore, there is no obstacle for the EMR innovation to enter the market. To sum up, the external factors show no threat for EMR innovation to enter the market. Analysis and recode current situation Internal ana lysis RVs internal weakness and strength Weakness * Design flaws May decrease RV deficiencies close to RVs suffered from design Flaws on patio awnings, which consider as one of the basic equipment on virtually all RVs . * The original problem is awning billowing problem in manually operated awnings. force * Have flourishing business encourage investment safely * RV consisted of 135 RV manufactures and more than 200 suppliers of component parts and services . * RV had positive economic forecast , although they faced breakdown of RV ownership on 2001. * There was large motivation on their industry and had high rate of enthusiasts customized . In United State , there was a big interest in domestic ground travel * RVers were an incautious group cast deep experience about what people want at traveling . * Their price was suitable for consumer from all standard of living. * Their prices are more affordable prices compared to competitors . EMR Innovations internal weakness and streng th Weakness * unchanging side of the product * High prices to produce, promote and distribute, their product. * EMR prototype is unspoiled an idea and not formulated into any type of industry organization. Most of RVs people solve the patio awning problem by themselves. * Did not have a salutary marketing plan * No develop marketing or promotion strategies . * Reynolds Lack of intimacy to develop, sell , and manufacture a new product , since they did not take care college . * No enough money resources . * Have multitasks ( ex Mary have to care about her 3 children and make bookkeeping for RV repair shop ) . strength * Have an effective prototype products and ideas * Their products are severe in appearance and design . * Easy to install . * Convenient in use and store. ease of operation compared with competitors. * Targets all segment. * Had support and consulting from an industry research center . * Were acquainted with RVs industry . * Had personal experience through thei r repair business. * Their work was flourished and their business had steadily grown . Marketing Audit RVs Current Marketing Strategy Main objective The main objective of RVs marketing strategy is to a win the largest number of people of all ages, by providing their needs ,and satisfy all parties ( company and customer ), in order to achieve the customer set ( benefits and costs ) .As result they try to combined between transportation and fleeting living quarters for camping , traveling ,and recreation . Main targets RVs strategies are clearly directed to the main target , who is well defined , by providing different types of vehicles with different design and suitable prices according to the target level . * Main targets are * Nature enthusiasts customized * Who have interest in domestic ground travel * Who tend to keep their vehicles for coarse time RVs Problems RVs problems Symptoms problem According to 2001 survey data, the RVs face breakdown of RV ownership, illustrated in Exhibit 2. it would be because of the design flaw ) . Current problem Most of RVs owners focused on awning billowing problem , where the company filed to come out with solution that fix the problem potential difference problem May awning billowing problem will affect the economic forecast for the RV industry. This problem may be as opportunity to Reynolds or can be ignore it, since most of RVs people solve the patio awning problem by themselves. Marketing mix (Four Ps). * Product Vehicles that combined transportation and temporary living quarters for camping , recreation , and travel. It can be used by people of all ages and levels. * Enhance flexibility , convenience and freedom * Characterized by comfort, amenities and enjoyment during travel . * Place its available crosswise United State ( for who have interest in domestic ground travel) * Promotion * Price Prices vary between types of vehicles, related to the picks that product provide . Towables Price Include folding campin g trailers $5,000 $10,000 Truck campers, affixed to the put out or chassis of the truck $10,500 Conventional travel trailers $13,000 Fifth stray trailers $25,000 $ 80,000Motorhomes Price Class C $ 35,000 Most luxurious Class A Over $500,000 Alternative Strategies Marketing and distribution of the lock- awn Three viable distribution channels * Mail order product direct internet occupation to a Lock- Awn nett site. This will cost $ 2000- $3000. * Workampers Group indirect because dealers had option to sell the product. A one-time Ad cost $100 and 25% dismiss off the retail price * Distribution method indirect because very difficult to get camping world to sell the Lock- Awn since it required ironlike sale record Advertisement to support selling effortHere are rough ways of advertisement suggested by Mary 1. Advertise in usual RV magazines Motor Home & Trailer Life. Their circulation was 1. 5 million. A 1/3 page black & white 4 quantify would cost $ 25000. 2. Advertise in RV- related Web sites for minimal or no cost. 3. Develop Promotional brochures detailing for high quality- 4 color the picture cost about $1500 for $10000. 4. further and demonstrate the Lock Awn at RV shows and rallies. Travels cost approximately $ 1800. 5. Ask RV trade publications to evaluate and gas the product in their column. 6. Generate discussion about the product in RV chat rooms. . Use the networking systems like RV clubs and forums to spread the study of the product. Recommended Strategy 1- Its recommended to adopt the free advertisement like RV- related Web sites, Ask RV trade publications by light column, RV clubs and RV chat rooms. 2- After one year they can advertise in costly because they have cash flow and can choose Promote and demonstrate the travels cost approximately $ 1800, Promotional brochures detailing for high quality- 4 color the printing cost about $1500 for $10000 and Their circulation was 1. 5 million. A 1/3 page black white 4 times would cost $ 25000.

Enzymes Laboratory Report

ENZYMES LABORATORY REPORT Introduction The utilization of any mingled molecule for energy by an organism is dependent on a process called hydrolysis. Hydrolysis breaks complex molecules into simpler molecules using piddle. Similarly, the process that is the reverse of this is called dehydration synthesis, which removes peeing from simpler molecules. However, because hydrolysis occurs very slowly, living organisms use biochemicals called enzymes to speed up the response.In this lab exercise, we studied the nature of enzyme actions using live barm cells as our source of sucrose. The enzyme will then break the sucrose into cardinal molecule of glucose and fructose. Because sucrose is a large molecule that cannot throw in nigh cells, yeast will produce sucrase and secrete it into cell membranes. The sucrose will be hydrolyzed into small six-carbon monosaccharides which can enter into the cell membranes. The sucrose can be obtained from a 0. 5 per centum resultant role of dry b akers yeast in water.In parts A and B, the experiment will look at the best temperature under which the yeast cells degrade sucrose using variable pH and temperature of the environment surrounding the yeast cells. Part C will study the effects of extreme heat on enzyme employment and part D will focus on the saturation forefront for enzymes using varying subst set up dousings. Materials and Procedure See pg 79-82 section Enzymes Experiments in Biology from interpersonal chemistry to Sex Fifth Edition By Linda R. Van Thiel Results In experiment A. ffect of pH, the results we obtained for render 1 was a solution seeming of orange and a pretense exertion of 3. For 2 was also orange and chroma legal action of 3. For 3 was orange and a colouring material operation of 3, for 4 was commons and a ruse legal action of 1, and eventually for 5 was blue and a color activity of 0. From our results, it shows the optimum pH is metro 1-3. The operate in this experiment was se ek tubing 3A, with a pH of 7, as this pH was neutral. In strain B. effects of temperature, the optimum temperature is shown on our chart to be two different points (either 24 or 60 degrees).For our results we trustworthy a solution color of blue for tube 1, and a color activity of 0. For tube 2, we received a solution color of orange and a color activity of 3. For tube 3, we received a solution color of common land and a color activity of 1, for tube 4 we received a solution color of orange and a color activity of 3. Finally, for sample tube 5, we received a solution color of blue, and a color activity of 0. The highest rates of activity were found in strain tubes 2 and 4.The control in this experiment was test tube deed 2, which was kept in the temperature environment of 24 C room temperature. In test C. Effect of Denaturation, the diged sucrose and sucrase received slightly let down color activities than the non-boiled tube. Shown on graph 8. 3, the graph begins with no movement in rate of activity followed by a steady improver in the color activity. The results show that test tube 1, which was boiled sucrase and sucrose, had a solution color of green and a color activity of 1. interrogation tube 2, which contained boiled sucrase had a solution color of green and a color activity of 1, test tube 3, which contained boiled sucrose, had a solution color of orange and a color activity of 3, finally test tube 4, which was neither boiled, had a solution color of red, and a color activity of 4. From the results, the neither boiled tube had the highest color activity. The control in this experiment was test tube 4, which was completely untouched. In test D. Effect if substrate concentration, the high(prenominal) concentrations of sucrose received a higher color activity.The graph is represented by a constant followed by a steady drop as the concentration of sucrose decreases. The results showed that in test tube 1, which contained 100% of sucrose, the s olution color was red and the solution gained a color activity of 4. In test tube 2, the concentration of sucrose of 50%, and the solution color was also red, which a color activity of 4. In test tube 3, which contained 25% sucrose, the solution color was orange, and had a color activity of 3, in test tube 4, which contained 10% concentration the solution color was green and had a color activity of 1.In the last test tube, which had no concentration of sucrose, the solution color was blue, and had no color activity. The control in this experiment was test tube 5 which contained no sucrose at all. Discussion In the outset test, the test of the effect of pH, the results show the effect of pH increases the rate of response as having a slightly acidic pH will increase the actual reaction while supporting a more than fundamental pH will decrease the reaction. In our results, it shows that the pH reaches an optimum pH of 7 before diminish.The results are not completely accurate, as t he for the first time three tubes all had a color activity of 3. The actual results should perplex had a slightly higher color activity for the optimum pH (which would have been from a pH of 5-6) and a lower color activity for the starting and ending pH. Experimental error may be caused by unwashed test tubes and slightly inaccurate lists of solution being hardened into test tubes. The second test consisted of the effects of Temperature. Temperature (as represented in graph 8. 2) increases rate of reaction in the enzyme until reaching an optimum point, and then decreasing rapidly.However, in our results, we were accurate until we reached the optimum point, (37 degrees). Instead of this being the highest point for rate of reaction, we obtained a color activity of 1. Because 37 degrees was the optimum temperature, this should have been the highest point and the highest rate of activity. However, we had an experimental error in the form of accidently placing the 3rd tube in the wro ng temperature environment. The third test consisted of the effects of Denaturation. In this test, the tube that showed the highest color activity was tube four because it was not exposed to the higher temperatures.Enzymes that are boiled, or exposed to extreme temperatures could denature the protein component consequently destroying the enzyme. However, by boiling the substrate, the enzymes rate of reaction increases. However in our data, the first and second test tube should have contained no color activity as such extreme temperature would have already destruct the enzyme. There could have been experimental error in the length it took to boil the test tube as it may not have reached its undeniable amount. The last test consisted of the Effects of Sucrose Concentration.By increasing the amount of substrate, the rate of reaction will also increase as it is more likely that substrate molecules are closer to an enzyme molecule. However, this is only true to a certain limit as demo nstrated in the chart. Both test tube 1 (which contains 100% of sucrose) and test tube 2 (which contains 50% of sucrose) have the same color activity despite the significant expiration in concentration. This is because the concentration of substrates has reached an approximate saturation point, which is seen in this enzymatic reaction to be 50%.

Pros and Cons of Using a Plus-Minus Grading System

scholar and energy Views of Plus-Minus scoring outlines Working makeup Series07-11 December 2007 Jim Morgan (928) 523-7385 James. emailprotected edu Gary Tallman Robert get outiams All professors at Northern Arizona University The W. A. Franke College of origin PO Box 15066 Flagstaff, AZ 86011. 5066 scholarly person and capability Views of Plus-Minus Grading bodys presentment M both colleges and universities keep adopted or argon considering adopting a equalisation strategy that bring home the bacons a larger depend of marking choices than the A finished and through F whole-letter establishment. This usually takes the form of a plus-minus (+/-) leveling schema in star version or an opposite.While a variety of causal agents deliver been identify forth for the move to +/- chumps, a key indigence is the belief that a +/- rank organisation peck both reverse the progression of fall guy pomposity or counter its effects by establishing lots than gull choice s so that performance can be more than(prenominal)(prenominal) in effect antitheticiated. This physical composition first reviews studies of the prevalence in American colleges and universities of +/- rank frames and, whitethornbe more importantly, the prevalence of prep ars not utilise +/- remainss who could po 10tially benefit from a cracking to procedure of this form of demolishing dodging.Beca drop of limitations plant in lendable data, a targeted abbreviation of mark systems of a selected set of universities has been conducted. The results of this secondary research ar briefly reported in the second section down the stairs. Results of the first 2 sections indicate that there remains a substantial set of schools that do not certainly utilize +/- scoring and baron be considering a shift to this form of scaling system. Next the paper reviews literature traffic with capacity and bookman perceptions of +/- judge systems and the effects of these systems on the level and dissemination of set outs and on disciple drive.Substantial discriminations in the perceptions of the ii free radicals ar found. The study focalisation of this paper is the analytic thinking of how stave and school-age child perceptions of the benefits of a +/- razing system differ and what the motivations for these differences might be. The technique pulmonary tuberculosisd to explore these questions is a opinion of both force and bookman reactions to a hypothesized remove to a +/- rate system at a mid-size public university in the Southwest. The results indicate that the strength is much more allowive of a heighten than ar schoolchilds.Insights as to why individually group views the effects of the hypothesized change differently be explored in the paper with possible historys for the differences found in hope theory, a popular theory of human motivation that suggests pupils and readiness get out each react to the change in a way that is same(p)ly to give away positive benefits for them, and in resistance to change theory which seeks to identify the factors cavictimization resistance among groups extend toed by a change. Our study shows that each group apprehends the effects of the change differently and that around students and stave members realize actually strong commitments to their views.Examination of the Ex cristalt of Use of +/- dictates A study by the American Association of College Registrar and Admissions Offices reported that 36% of institutions (both 2 and 4 year) in 1992 habituated pl accustoms or minuses in pass judgment whereas 56% of such institutions did so in 2002 Brumfield, 2005. Thirty- 2 institutions moved to a +/- system oer the ten year period. Private schools were much more likely to use a +/- system than public schools. This continues the trend noted in the prior ten year period when a 12% increase in institutions using a +/system was noted Riley, Checca, Singer, & Wor thington, 1994.In order to further evaluate the use of +/- and some other extended category mark systems, on-line catalogs of a exemplification sample of champion fourth of all AACSB accredited business schools were reviewed to fit each schools infra have grading policy. A bestow of 99 schools were prospected, 71 of them public and 28 private. get across 1 shows the dispersion of grading systems used. Three basic grading systems were identified systems using pluses-minuses, systems using a single intermediate comp each and traditional whole-letter grading systems of A, B, C, D, and both E or F.Note that intimately one third of the schools continue to use whole-letter only grading systems. Among public schools, 30 of 71 (42. 5 portion) use only whole-letter grading. Plus-minus grading systems argon clearly the nearly usual display case of grading system among this group of schools. To clarify the notation used below, the A+ to C+ system would use the mugs A+, A, A- , B+, B, B-, C+, C , D, F, while an A+ to D- system would use A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F and so on. The plus or minus typically raises ( cuts) the prescribe by . or . 33 crop points. As the parry indicates, many schools 1 do not allow pluses and minuses crossways their ample clutches of alums. The grade of A+ creates the possibility of a GPA greater than 4. 0 and, probably for this reason only 9 of the 60 schools with a +/- system include an A+. Four of the 9 schools using the A+ resolve the GPA problem by recording the A+ as a 4. 0 when calculating GPAs, so that the A+ effects just a notation on individual course grades. schooldayss in like manner differ with consider to the bottom of the +/- range. al closely frequently, pluses and minuses are used all the way down through the D-, however, due to issues relating to transfer grades and determining the grade deald for satisfying prerequisites, a number of schools terminate the use of pluses and minuses with the D+ (they do not use a D-) and others stop at the C+ or even C- level. tabulate 1 Distribution of University Grading Systems Number of Schools Using 60 1 8 4 3 16 27 1 7 4 3 32 32 Plus and Minus Grades A+ thru C+ * A+ thru DA- thru C+ A- thru CA- thru D+ A- thru DB+ thru DSingle Intermediate Grade AB, BC & CD AB and BC Whole-letter Only A thru F The A+ grade is counted as a 4. 0 for 4 of the schools using an A+ Systems using a single intermediate grade are far smallish(prenominal) prevalent than the +/- systems. The single intermediate grade is typically listed every as the concatenation of the two grades it lies amid, such as AB for the grade between an A and a B, or as a plus without a corresponding minus. In these systems the grade points awarded for the intermediate grade are half(prenominal) way between the two think whole-letter grades (a 3. 5 for an AB or a B+). Why the Movement to +/- Grading?The proportion of institutions using +/- grading systems increase by 12 percentage from 1982 to 1992 Riley, Checca, Singer, & Worthington, 1994 with the trend continuing. thither are three reasons typically cited as motivation for universities to change to a +/- grading system. They are resides everywhere grade pretension, big businessman to differentiate between students and ability to motivate students to aspire to learn more. A substantial body of literature details the existence of grade swelling in American colleges and universities.One study Levine, 1994 examineed 4,900 college graduates from 1969 to 1993 and found that the number of As awarded had quadrupled and the number of Cs had dropped by two thirds. +/grading shows some promise in reducing grade inflation. In a youthful article the author cites evidence of other studies plus his own analysis of the encounter of Berry College to conclude that the implementation of a +/- system halts and in some cases produces a minor reversal in grade inflation Bressette, 2002. This effect is no t equal over all majors.Majors that traditionally have low GPAs are affected less by a change to a +/- system than majors in a postgraduate GPA major Bressette, 2002). 2 Proponents of a +/- system in any case deal it fracture differentiates students and that it is fairer or more precise. Researchers have found that grades are more reliable indicators of student performance as the width of a grade interval is narrowed Singleton & Smith, 1978. The existence of grade inflation in combination with the traditional A-F grading system effectively subjects the grades available and widens the range of student performance represented by each grade.The introduction of +/- grades increases the grades available and narrows the interval for each grade. In majors where grading is more holistic however, readiness believe the additional grade choices create less precision in student evaluations Quann, 1987. It is similarly argued that students are motivated to take a leak harder under a +/- system. Anecdotal evidence in the form of student quotes indicates that they mustiness continue to crop through the entire semester to earn a grade under the more refined +/- system.The chance of earning a spunkyer(prenominal) grade whitethorn be a motivator (plus) but the risk of earning a lower grade (minus) might be an even stronger motivator tally to one study Cullen et al. , 1975. Evidence to the contrary is present in a study of economics classes at a mid-size Midwestern university that reason out students who chose +/- grading were not significantly more motivated than students who did not McClure & Spector, 2005. Student and Faculty Attitudes Toward +/- Grading As noted preceding(prenominal), the momentum is toward adoption of a +/- grading system.However, fully one third of all schools newly use a whole-letter grading system. As these schools contemplate a change to their grading system it volitioning be important for them to recognize the differing perception s of benefits and costs that major stakeholders have. The major centre of this paper is the analysis of how faculty and student perceptions of the benefits of a +/- grading system differ. A recent study of business school faculty and students identified a substantial gap between the expectations and perceptions of the two groups with keep an eye on to grading and academic rigor McKendall et al. , 2006.In addition, articles and editorials in student newspapers of universities considering adopting +/- grades suggest that this pillow slip of change in grading policies is always controversial. Such changes are typically proposed by the faculty and often even offd by students Brown surveyaday Herald, 2006. Students have noted that the use of a +/- system that does not include an A+ grade tends to lower the GPAs of the best students since they potentially have many flow rate A grades that could become A minuses, but relatively few B and lower grades that could be raised by the plu s grade Storelli-Castro, 2006 Daily A indeedaeum, 2006.Perhaps the clearest evidence of how students view +/- grading versus traditional grading occurs when students have a choice in a particular class. Humboldt State University made the +/- system optional. Student choices were tracked in six introduction to programming classes. Students overpoweringly chose the traditional grading system over the +/- system, although students who chose the +/- system clear more pluses than minuses Dixon, 2004. Students from another university were quoted as arguing that the +/- system would increase the intrinsic tax of an A and help in identifying the very best students Bressette, 2002.A fall out of faculty documenting their actual use of a voluntary +/- grading system conducted at Ball State University provides evidence of variation in faculty concentrate for such a grading system Malone, Nelson & Nelson, 2000. The written report asked graduate faculty how extensively they used the +/- sys tem. Seventy-six percent indicated it was used considerably with patron professors and those at the university for 1-4 years indicating the heaviest usage. Full professors use it less as did those with over 15 years service.The colleges that used it virtually were Architecture, Communication Sciences and the Humanities. The colleges that used it the to the lowest degree(prenominal) were Business, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Psychology. Business used the +/- system far less than any other unit in the University. No explanation was proffered for the differences by college. The differing perceptions of faculty by disciplines were noted in another study that concluded Faculty believed that the meaning of a grade varies more across disciplines than across institutions Ekstrom & Villegas, 1994. While the studies noted above point to a variety of student and faculty attitudes toward +/grading, for the most part these studies have not examined the conceptual bases for student and faculty attitudes. There are at least two divinatory perspectives that may be useful in explaining these attitudes. The first is resistance to change theory and the second is expectancy theory. Resistance to change theory is quite an intuitive and simply states that affected parties tend to resist change to their environment, work or otherwise.Literature describing reasons for resistance to change is well established and many of the major elements cited today were identified many years ago. A 1966 American attention Association keynote presentation identified a number of factors that private road people to resent and resist change Burns 1966. While this presentation dealt with the work environment, many of the factors identified besides apply to the type of change dealt with here. hither in paraphrased form, is a partial list of the factors identified 1.The change was naughtily communicated and the parties involved do not understand the economic consumption of the change. 2. The parties involved lacked any involvement in planning the change. 3. The belief that the cost of the change is similarly high versus the potential benefits to be received from the change. 4. The pervasive belief that the rate of flow way of doing things is perfectly adequate. 5. The fear that the new system will fail. 6. The misfortune to consider the habit patterns of those affected by the change and the impact of the change on those habit patterns.In a more recent study, Goltz and Hietapelto 2002 found that employees (or students in our most likely case) resist change when it decreases their power or decimal point of control over stimuli affecting them. A second theoretical explanation of why evolution to a +/- grading system would be resisted can be found in expectancy theory. Expectancy theory, first conceptualized by Vroom 1964 and relying on the work of earlier scholars such as Tolman 1932, git 1954, and Atkinson 1956, represents a cognitive approach to explaining human behavior.The models picture human beings as bustling, thinking, learning and predicting creatures. People learn to perform certain behaviors (or at least increase the chance of performing the behavior) that they expect would lead to positive outcomes. Consequently, existence are not just products of their environment but they are active in attempting to understand the environment in terms of threats and opportunities. For example, students may perceive a change to +/- grading as a threat. Some of the studies cited above suggest that +/- systems not including an A+ grade do tend to reduce the grades of the best students.More generally, students may believe that +/- grades serve to reinforce the importance of grades, that lower overall GPAs will result from the change and that higher levels of incremental study time will be necessary to thrive under a +/- system. The expectations of lower GPAs, also carries with it graduate school acceptance concerns as well. Finally, the iss ue of +/- grading is much more in-person to students as they rightly understand that the effect of the change applies directly to them. Faculty, on the other hand, do not take the change nearly as personally.Faculty may perceive greater flexibility and greater justice in grading with a +/- system and they might also expect that the +/system would be more motivational to students which would cause them to have a well-fixed attitude toward a +/- grading system. Survey Methodology This section describes a survey of student and faculty opinions somewhat the introduction of a +/grading system at a mid-sized university in the Southwest. The university currently uses a whole-letter grading system with only the grades A, B, C, D, and F.The unlike of +/- grading system being considered is one that adds grades of A-, B+, B-, and C+ to the set of potential grades with + grades being enter at . 3 points higher than the base grade (e. g. 3. 3 for a B+) and grades being recorded at . 3 poin ts less than the base grade. 4 Respondents were asked whether they Favored, contrastd or Didnt receive About or armorial bearing About a change to the grading system that would utilize the +/- grading scheme described above. Those who either Favored or Opposed were then asked to rate the strength of their opinions as either assist only slightly, care somewhat strongly or care very strongly.The results of these two questions were unite to produce a 7 point scale with values ranging from rattling potently Support to really powerfully Oppose (see Table 2). Respondents were also asked to describe the reasons for their fend for or opposition. Results of this open ended question were recorded and categorized with up to two reasons being recorded for each respondent. In addition respondents were asked to provide additional training that might be related to their views of the proposed system. Students were asked to indicate their class standing, their GPA, and the college of their m ajor.Faculty members were asked to indicate their college and their length of service at the university. The survey of students opinions was collected by a group of Marketing students who randomly solicited rejoinders from students introduction and leaving commonly used buildings across the campus. The survey of faculty was collected on-line through an e-mail solicitation. Examination of the demographic distribution of responses suggests that the respondents are broadly representative of the students and faculty respectively.The 1433 student responses represent just over 10 percent of the count of student on the surveyed campus, while the 433 faculty responses represents over 50 percent of the eligible pool of faculty members. Hypothesized Relationships ground upon the literature reviewed in the previous sections, the following hypotheses intimately faculty and student attitudes toward the introduction of +/- grades are proposed. H1 Faculty are more encouraging of a +/- syste m than students. There is some evidence that a move to a +/- grading system may reduce the progression of grade inflation or perhaps reverse it.Therefore, faculty who are concerned about the effects of grade inflation would be expected to be supportive of a +/- grading system. Based upon expectancy theory. Both students and faculty may have resistance to change reasons for argue the new system, but these reasons are likely to be stronger for students. Students may view any change in the grading system imposed by faculty as a potential threat to their GPA. Students also are likely to feel less involved in the change and have less understanding of the purpose for the change.Thus, students would be expected to resist the change to a +/- grading system. H2 Freshmen will be more supportive of +/- grades than upperclassmen. Class standing can also be expected to affect student responses to a change in grading system. Upperclassmen have more incur with the current grading system. They m ay feel that they have learned how to work within that system effectively to optimize their grades. Resistance to change tends to increase, as individuals have more experience with and more of a stake in an existing system.Thus, we hypothesize that freshmen will be more affable toward +/- grades than upperclassmen. H3 As a students GPA increases, support for +/- grades decreases. Since most +/- grading systems, including the one described to our respondents, do not include an A+ grade, expectancy theory suggests that students with very high GPAs have a rational reason to believe that +/- grades are more likely to lower than raise their GPAs. For example, consider a student who has earned As in 80 percent of her/his courses and Bs in the other 20 percent leading to a 3. 8 GPA.For that student, the new grading scheme could only lower and not raise 80 percent of her grades while, for the remaining 20 percent, the grade could be either higher (a B+) or lower (a B-). On the other hand, since the system proposed in this survey does not include a C-, a student who has earned 80 percent Cs and 20 percent Bs under the whole-letter system has 80 percent of his/her grades that could only be increased by 5 the +/- grading system. Therefore, we hypothesize that students with higher GPAs will be less favorable toward the use of +/- grades than student with lower GPAs.H4 As the second-rate grade issued in a students college increases, support for +/grades decreases. The average grade in the college where a student is majoring can also be expected to affect responses to +/- grading. Students in colleges where a very high proportion of As are currently given would have reason to fear that +/- grades would lower average GPAs issued in their unit. In a college with a 3. 2 average grade we might expect that 40 percent or more of the grades issued are As and that 40 percent of grades could not increase, but could only be lowered by the introduction of a typical +/grading syste m.By comparison, a college with a 2. 7 average grade would be expected to be issuing much fewer As, so that use of +/- grades could potentially either raise or lower nearly all of that units grades. In addition, at least one empirical study Bresette, 2002 found this type of effect as discussed above. For this reason, we hypothesize that students, in keeping with the predictions of expectancy theory, will be less favorable toward +/- grades the higher the average grade issued by their college. H5 -Faculty support for +/- grades will become less favorable as tenure at the school increases.Faculty views of +/- grades might be expected to transform with the length of time that a faculty member has taught under the current grading system. As a faculty members experience with using the existing grading system increases, they, like students, may become comfor table with that system and therefore may be more skanky to change. In addition this type of effect was found in one of the empiric al studies cited above Malone, Nelson, & Nelson, 2000. H6 Faulty support for +/- grades will be more favorable as average grades issued in their college increase.The grading culture of the college in which a faculty member teaches may also impact their views of +/- grades. Faculty in colleges with high average grades might logically feel a greater need for additional grading options to better reflect student performance, whereas faculty in colleges with lower average grades might feel that the current system provides adequate assessment of student performance. On the other hand, since faculty are responsible for issuing grades, differences in current grading practices across colleges tend to reflect the grading preferences of the faculty in those colleges.Faculty in colleges with high average grades may be less likely to feel that grade inflation is an important issue. Thus, faculty support for +/- grades may be either stronger or weaker in colleges with high average grades. We bel ieve the desire for additional grading options will be the stronger of the two effects. Survey Results In analyzing the survey results, we will first font to see whether student and faculty opinions about the use of +/- grades differ. Table 2 below shows summary data about student and faculty opinions. There is a strong divergence between student and faculty opinions about the proposed use of +/- grades.Over half of faculty respondents support +/- grades at least somewhat strongly while only 15 percent of students share this level of support. Almost half of the student respondents even off +/- grades at least somewhat strongly, and many of the remaining students are relatively indifferent to, rather than supportive of, +/- grades. A Chi-squared test of the slide fastener speculation that the distribution of faculty opinions and student opinions do not differ has been conducted and the null hypothesis is rejected at the . 0001 level, indicating that there is a significant differe nce between the opinions of the two groups thus musical accompaniment hypothesis one. bow 2 Distribution of Opinions of Students and Faculty About Use of +/- Grades Students Count Percentage 64 4. 4% 148 10. 3% 145 10. 1% 289 20. 0% 129 8. 9% 332 23. 0% 336 23. 3% 1443 100. 0% 0. 0001 Faculty Count Percentage 126 27. 0% 123 26. 4% 48 10. 3% 26 5. 6% 18 3. 9% 57 12. 2% 68 14. 6% 466 100. 0% Support in truth powerfully Support more or less Strongly Support Slightly Dont Know / veneration Oppose Slightly Oppose about Strongly Oppose really Strongly Chi-Square test p-value The next set of tables provides an analysis of the degree to which student opinions about +/grades vary across different categories of students.First we look at the effect of class standing, that is, do views differ between freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Table 3 presents these results. The Chisquare test indicates that the distributions are significantly different and inspection of the table shows v ery clearly that sophomores and juniors tend to be most strongly contradictory to use of +/- grades. Freshmen and seniors do not support use of +/- grades, but are less strong in their opposition and more likely to be indifferent or care only slightly about the grading alternatives.Sophomores and juniors may feel comfortable with the current grading system and be more reluctant to change, while freshmen have less familiarity with the existing system and seniors feel that they would not be personally affected by any change providing support for hypothesis two. tabular array 3 Students Class stand up vs Students Opinion of Use of +/- Grades Freshman 5. 4% 11. 6% 13. 2% 22. 1% 7. 8% 19. 8% 20. 2% (258) 0. 0045 Sophomore 3. 2% 10. 3% 10. 6% 20. 1% 7. 1% 28. 0% 20. 6% (339) Junior 5. 3% 8. 2% 7. 4% 15. 6% 10. 3% 22. 5% 30. 7% (417) Senior 4. 1% 11. 5% 9. % 22. 1% 9. 9% 21. 9% 20. 7% (416) Support Very Strongly Support Somewhat Strongly Support Slightly Dont Know / do by Oppose Slight ly Oppose Somewhat Strongly Oppose Very Strongly Students in family Chi-Square test p-value Table 4 summarizes the distribution of opinions among students in different grade point average categories. Since, the +/- grading system does not include an A+, students with very high GPAs might rationally assume that they personally have more to lose (through A-s and perhaps B-s) than they have to gain (through B+s), and thus oppose the change.The results of Table 4 support this idea, the Chi-square test indicates that students with differing GPAs do differ in their views of +/- grades and students with higher GPAs are systematically more inclined to oppose using +/- grades thus supporting hypothesis three. Student respondents were asked to indicate the college of their major. Since the classification of colleges differs substantially across universities this information is not directly comparable to other 7 universities. However, it would be of please to know whether the grading rigor o f a students college affects student opinions about +/- grading.Students in colleges which currently give many high grades may feel that they have more to lose from the use of +/- grades than students in other colleges. The university in question has six colleges. Two of them have issued grades which, on average, were below a 2. 8 over the last 3 academic years, two issued grades which were on average between 2. 8 and 3. 1 over that period, and two issued grades which were on average above a 3. 1 for that period. TABLE 4 Students GPA vs Students Opinion of Use of +/- Grades 2. 00 or Less 8. 7% 8. 7% 13. 0% 39. 1% 0. 0% 13. 0% 17. % 100. 0% (23) 0. 0001 3. 50 or More 3. 5% 9. 8% 9. 5% 15. 0% 8. 1% 26. 6% 27. 5% 100. 0% (346) Support Very Strongly Support Somewhat Strongly Support Slightly Dont Know / Care Oppose Slightly Oppose Somewhat Strongly Oppose Very Strongly Students in Category Chi-Square test p-value 2. 00-2. 49 5. 8% 9. 1% 9. 1% 33. 9% 10. 7% 16. 5% 14. 9% 100. 0% (121) 2. 50-2. 99 4. 3% 10. 6% 11. 1% 24. 7% 10. 6% 20. 1% 18. 5% 100. 0% (368) 3. 00-3. 49 4. 7% 10. 7% 9. 4% 15. 6% 8. 4% 24. 8% 26. 4% 100. 0% (572) Table 5 shows the distribution of student opinions across these categories.The Chi-square test for equal distribution does indicate that there is a significant difference in the distribution of responses. Opposition to +/- grades is strongest and support for them weakest among students in colleges issuing the highest average grades thus supporting hypothesis four. This result should be interpreted somewhat cautiously however, because of the natural correlation of average grade with the students own GPA examined in Table 4. That is, in general, students in colleges issuing high grades are more likely to have high GPAs.Next we examine how faculty opinions about +/- grades vary across different faculty categories. First the length of service at the university is examined. Much like the situation described for students, it might be hypothesized that faculty who have been at the institution for a long period of time will be less likely to support a change in a grading system that they are used to and comfortable in using. TABLE 5 Average GPA Issued in Students College vs Students Opinion of the Use of +/- Grades Average GPA Issued in Students College lt 2. 2. 8-3. 1 gt3. 1 6. 0% 3. 8% 2. 6% 11. 6% 10. 5% 8. 5% 9. 6% 11. 7% 7. 6% 19. 8% 22. 0% 16. 3% 9. 1% 10. 5% 5. 8% 24. 9% 19. 8% 27. 1% 19. 1% 21. 7% 32. 1% (450) 3. 1 21. 0% 28. 6% 31. 5% 35. 3% 21. 4% 23. 8% 11. 8% 11. 4% 8. 8% 2. 5% 5. 7% 7. 2% 3. 4% 4. 3% 3. 9% 16. 8% 12. 1% 9. 9% 9. 2% 16. 4% 14. 9% (119) 0. 1329 (140) (181) Support Very Strongly Support Somewhat Strongly Support Slightly Dont Know / Care Oppose Slightly Oppose Somewhat Strongly Oppose Very Strongly Faculty in Category Chi-Square test p-valueThe reasons given by students and faculty members for supporting or opposing use of +/- grades are summarized in Tables 8 through 11. These tables were assembled by categorizing open-ended responses. In the case of respondents opposing +/- grades, there were a number of somewhat distinct 9 responses that were sleek over logically related in an overall category. In those instances the overall number of occurrences in the general category is presented, but the distribution of responses within the subcategories is also presented.Table 8 summarizes reasons given by students supporting the use of +/- grades. The predominant reason given was that the system would provide grades that are more accurate and provide a more refined measure of performance. The second most prevalent reason that +/- grades provide a more appropriate reward for the effort is somewhat related. Other rather frequent reasons given were the feeling that +/grades will raise GPAs and the belief that they will increase incentives for students to work hard in classes.In contrast to the 35 students who felt that +/- grades would raise GPAs, Table 9 indicates that 10 times as many students (352) believe that +/- grades will have a negative impact on grades. It seems clear that fear of lower grades was the most important factor in the overall negative view of students toward the +/- grading system. Just over 100 students indicated that they oppose +/- grades simply because they prefer the current system and either see no reason to change or do not like the new system.Students also criticized the new system as being overly complicated, increasing stress and placing too much focus on grades, requiring more work of them to receive the same grades, and having a potential negative impact on employment, scholarships, and/or getting into graduate school. TABLE 8 Students Reasons for Supporting +/- Grades Number of Comments Grades are More stainless/Refined Provide More Appropriate Reward for the Effort lead Raise GPAs incrementd Incentives to Work Harder Will increase the Reputation of the School Other Schools Use Them 145 43 35 21 7 5Reasons for faculty support for +/- grades are summarized in Table 10. The two most prevalent reasons cited closely parallel the top two reasons for support provided by students. First, that grades will be more accurate and refined under a +/- system (identical to the students top response) and second that they are fairer or better for the students (similar to the students response of provides more appropriate reward for effort). Other prominent reasons for support include the belief that +/- grades will help combat grade inflation, and that they will change student motivation. 0 TABLE 9 Students Reasons for Opposing +/- Grades Number of Comments In SubIn Category Category 352 164 145 32 11 104 54 50 38 34 21 16 15 9 8 5 Negative Impact on Grades An A is an A (is onerous enough) It will lower my GPA Achieving 4. 0 is More Difficult comprehend from ASU / Lower Grades Prefer Current System Like current System / no reason to change Dont like the change System is more Complicated Too much pressure / stress Wil l require more study time for the same grades Puts too much focus on grades Negative Impact on Scholarships/Employment/Grad.School Doesnt motivate me more Like high School/Grade School Changes Schools Atmosphere TABLE 10 Faculty Reasons for Supporting +/- Grades Number of Comments Grades are More hi-fi/Refined Grades are Fairer/Better for Students Will Combat Grade rising prices Will Improve Student Motivation Better / Easier for Faculty (Feel better about grades given) Will Improve Student Feedback 173 50 26 23 12 10 Reasons for opposition to +/- grades among faculty were varied (see Table 11). Most commonly cited is the idea that the change poses more costs than the benefits it provides.The next most frequent concern was the belief that grade challenges and arguments over grades would be increased since more students would be near a boundary between grades. Somewhat related to this are concerns that grades will be more difficult (physically and emotionally) for faculty to constr uct and compute and that the particular grade given will be arbitrary. Interestingly almost as many faculty believed that +/- grades would have no impact on or would increase grade inflation (17) as believed that +/- grades would reduce grade inflation (26). Finally, 10 faculty members expressed concern that +/- grades would overemphasize grades. 11TABLE 11 Faculty Members Reasons for Opposing +/- Grades Number of Comments In SubIn Category Category 39 14 9 9 7 24 21 17 17 10 7 10 6 4 3 2 Cost versus melioratement Current System is OK (no need for change) No Benefit to Change No Benefit to Students High cost to change with Little Benefit Will Increase Grade Challenges/Arguments Grading Will be More Difficult for faculty Grades are More Arbitrary Grade Inflation Impact Will Encourage Grade Inflation Wont Reduce Grade Inflation Overemphasis on Grades Emphasizes Grades versus Learning Adds to Student Anxiety over Grades Not used by Employers / recruiters May Hurt Student Grad School chancesConclusions This study examined the utmost of use of +/- grades in AACSB accredited business schools by collecting data from 99 such schools. Sixty percent of the schools use some variant of a +/- grading system, 32 percent use only whole-letter grading and the remainder use a single intermediate grade. A survey of faculty and student opinions about a move to +/- grading at a mid-sized university in the Southwest provides a number of interesting insights. There is a strong divergence between student and faculty opinions.Over half of faculty respondents support +/- grades at least somewhat strongly as compared to only 15 percent of students. Nearly half of student respondents oppose the change at least somewhat strongly. Students and faculty supporting the +/- grading system cited very similar reasons for their support the belief that grades will be more accurate and refined and the belief that grades will be fairer or better for students. Some students also indicated the ch ange would provide incentive to work harder. Some faculty felt it would combat grade inflation and improve student motivation.Students who oppose the change believe there will be a negative impact on GPAs (352 students believe this versus 35 who believe grades would improve). The next most prevalent student mention was that they prefer the current system and see no need for a change. Faculty who opposed the change commented most frequently that there is little benefit from the change and next that it will increase grade challenges or make grading more difficult for faculty. Opposition to the change was strongest and support for +/- grades was weakest among students in colleges issuing the highest average grades.In addition, sophomores and juniors and students with higher GPAs tend to be most strongly opposed. This suggests that student opposition to a +/- grading system could be reduced by implementing it in a phased manner (starting with the freshman class) and by finding a way to incorporate a grade of A+. In addition, resistance to change theory suggests that it is important that the reasons why the use of +/- grades might be in the best interest of students be effectively communicated throughout the process and that students groups should be involved early in any proposal to institute +/- grades.

A Modest Proposal: Cannibalism

I feel that Jonathan brisks piece of work could be used and interpreted several(predicate) with each and all in all audiences alike. There is a whole bunch of information to interpret. How Swift, looks at children not as individuals, notwithstanding as animals used to be sold to the rich as victuals. Swifts work is very dark in this piece, with regard to exchange of children for food. And with regards to Irelands economic advancements spielually depend on it. He urges all other good deal to mobilise that children could be sold in different styles and makes mention of how they could be prep atomic number 18d as a fine food stunner.Swifts states, A young healthy child comfortably nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled and I make no enquiry that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragoust. Now normally if I tail endt pronounce it I dont use it or order it to eat, but these end two ways o f preparing the children as food sounds as if a dish the rich would order. To me it sounds like Swift has earlier expensive taste for riotous habits and tendencies. I think we can almost compare life in Ireland back then to today.All though there arent people selling their children to have the rich feast on their bones, or do I think it will come to that but it is close to our demesnes economic struggle. Our economy wouldnt allow the selling of children of children to play the rich. I do believe Ireland was in a lot worse shape than we currently are. They had no renewable resources such as fruits and vegetables to attend back on the way we do. They also didnt have the measure of import and export trade that we have on our side.Swift unceasingly throughout his story states that selling the children to the rich is the only solution to the countries breathed economic times. He even talks that all the families should consider fat up the smaller children. Also Swift also makes mention of over world and fountainhead makes a suggested solution to this crisis. He proclaims that children at the age of one can be sold to meat markets, thus helping the crisis of over population and in turn saving the parents of the children the cost of raising and providing for that child. Parents, who participated in this baseless idea, would pull the nation out of its current economic struggle.And thats not all he then talks about how parents who helped out with his scheme how it would affect home life. Husbands would grow to respect wives better. What? I dont know at all how this could possibly be something that could have a positive imp practise on a family what so ever. I think that Swift tries to persuade his readers that this is the only option for Ireland and its survival, in a get behind eat dog world. He then starts stating statistics, he mentions of 120,000 some Irish children born in a year, that 20,000 should be kept for breeding and the law of continuation of the Irish legacy.And whats even better is that a quarter of these choosing few, are to be males, are you serious 5,000 boys and the rest girls. This brings a question to my mind, what was the decision making factor that kept the child to be raised or sold. What go past the cake once more is that he says one boy for a total of four girls. I believe this contradicts his husband respecting the whole married woman thing early in the paper. Swift goes on later to rationalise the idea of cannibalism should not stop at children, but instead its countries enemies, or even political figures.The idea of a nation such as Ireland cannibalizing its own population and natural resources sickens me. I would bat an eye at the thought of eating my son, or selling him off to the butcher to be slaughtered and sold. Swift goes on in this story to talk of common practices and courtesies. He talks that if Irish pitiful are to be married, and have a family, the family should refrain from domestic viole nce in and throughout the family, and love and nurse family. I serious think that this guy had dual personalities, he so many different stories to each situation.Possibly he was bi-polar or perhaps he used some opium or something of that nature. I dont think Swift had financial problems what so ever. Swift goes on in his work and states that he admits that this will drastically reduce the Irish population, but other nations should not practice this idea in their cultures. He considers it a healthy patriotism, and goes on to say that the children that are to be butchered should appease domestically and not be exported. This would keep other nations from wanting to enchant the Irish population and decimate the whole society and Irish culture.In Jonathan Swifts work you can tell he is rather garbled with Irelands politicians and the wealthy. You can also see that he is upset at the frequent population of the poor. He is angry at the poor population because they have made no plans or have no intentions to get out of the downward spiral their country is in. I enquire if he wrote this piece as a way of making the general population consider in participating in cannibalization, as an act to blow the whistle in a sense to make the politicians act on the current situation at hand in their times.

Succubus on Top CHAPTER 17

Should I put up Lorelei Biljans posters now? Or wait until after E. J. Putnams g peerless?I exploreed up from the invoices on my desk. Id exclusively reread the same line of numbers virtu every(prenominal)y five times with reveal comprehending any of it, and I was having solely a brusk fall apart luck parsing Tammis question.I rubbed my eyes. Whywould we wait?She shrugged. Dunno. retri hardlyive collarms soma of rude to be advertising one author during a nonher ones signing.My chief moved slowly, probably beca practice session only 5 percent of it was rattling here(predicate) at the bookstore. The rest of my brainpower attempted to muddle through the casualty that was my life.Umno, it doesnt matter. Put them both up. Theyre only a week apart, and we motivation Biljan to narrow a fair shot at publicity besides. Besides, I dont count authors very come forthsmart worked up everyplace competition same(p) that. Theyre handsome low-key.Tammi ran a hand through her sho rt red hair. I dont know. Theyre famed and artistic. Seems resembling thats a bad combination. Temperamental and stuff. non all writers provoke be like circle. In fact, I bet when he abridges maddened enough roughly something, he could really permit someone urinate it.Anything else? I asked, a sharp note of dismissal in my voice. Otherwise, true(p) put up all the posters, authorize?She gave me a startled look and left the dourice. When the door fill upd, I put my head d take in on the desk and groaned. Tammi, in her blissful adolescent na?te, had no idea how close to topographic point she had hit. Like her, I too believed hardening could display a stilt of anger if arrestn enough cause.Like, say, his girlfriend cheating on him.True, Bastien had been bonnyifiedly in saying curing and I had loose definitions of cheating, solely even I knew what did and did not qualify. There was no gray range here. No mutability. I had liveed up hard-core.Id known it too, lying there in that unholy union with Bastien. After my sleepless night, Id left him around break of day and took a cab bear to Queen Anne, my body close up aching. I hadnt valued to talk to him. Hed slept so heavily, he hadnt heard me leave. No evil weighed him down.But me? My cup of guilt was runnething over. Not only that, I still had to make the next decision in this mess to enjoin or not to tell? That was what had really bothered me all day at work. The past was over I could only worry about it for so large. My attention now focused on how to proceed with the future.Fortunately, Seth had worked from home today, which helped a little. He and I eventually had plans to meet up in the evening, simply until that happened, I still had time to come up with something. Anything. nonetheless when I walked home at the end of my shift, I was no adpressed to an answer than I had been at the beginning of the day.Miserable, I pulled up a chair at my kitchen table and sat down with pen and paper. Aubrey jumped up on the tables flat sur facial gesture and lay down to watch me, fractional of her sprawling on the page. I slid her off and made the following heelDONT TELL curingPros status quo resumes, he wont be upsetCons my own gnawing guilt, totally blowing the honesty thingI considered the proclivity for a moment, impress that neither the pro nor con side had more(prenominal) items. It was just that simple. mournful farther down the paper, I wrote up the reciprocal list.TELL SETHPros beneficial thing to doCons admitting Im an idiot, painfully emotional blowout, inevitable breakup, a literal eternity of heart-wrenching sorrow and regretI held the pen and looked back and forth between both lists.This isnt really clearing things up, Aubrey. In an parturiency to relieve my frustration, I hurled the pen somewhere into my living dwell. She watched it sail off with interest and then darted off to confirm the kill.What do you need to tell Seth?Jesus I yelled, practic ally jumping ten feet in the air. Carter had appeared out of nowhere and now stood beside the table, tone casual and laconic. He wore a black T- enclothe over a gray thermal shirt and the same jeans I swear hed had on for the go bad couple decades. Dont do that, okay? Knocking isnt a lost art.Sorry. He pulled a chair out and straddled it, so his long arms draped lazily over the back. Flipping his stringy blond hair out of the way, he gestured toward my list. Didnt mean to interrupt.Youre not, I muttered, crumpling up the paper. I tossed that into the living room too, so Aubrey could defecate more to hunt.Anything you want to talk about? he offered.I hesitated. Of all the raft I knew, only Carter had been a stead degraded believer in Seth and me having a serious relationship. He was the only one who hadnt treated it as a joke. In some ways, that talent have made him a good confidante, yet it likewise disqualified him. I could not oink to the one person who had believed in me ju st how seriously I had messed things up in a weak moment.No, I give tongue to brusquely. But I assume you have something to talk about.He eyed me a moment, like he might push me on what I clearly held back, but then he let the matter go. I have something for you.He extended a balled fist. When he opened it, I found a small pouch lying on his palm. I picked it up and stroked the material. I had no idea what it was, but the cloths smooth texture felt like a flower petal. I started to open it.Dont, he warned. His commanding lineament instantly made me stop. Youll break the spell.What spell?The one that masks whats in spite of appearance the pouch. And the one that masks your divinity fudge signature. I nodded with down the stairsstanding. I might not know what to do with my own bed life, but immortal conspiracies I could follow. To hide me and this from Alecs supplier.The nonsuch nodded in return.I held up the pouch and waggled it at him. So do I get to know whats in there?Its a He paused, not from a reluctance to tell me but to search for the right word. Its a dart, I guess. Or maybelike, an arrowhead. But that sounds weird. Nah, lets call it a dart. Its only about an inch long. A dart that looks like a small wooden arrowhead.Um. Okay. Got it. And what do I do with this darting arrowhead thing?You squeeze the other immortals heart with it.Whoa. Likestaking a vampire?Uh, not entirely. Youll manakin of have to see when the time comes. The key is to move fast. As currently as you open the pouch, hell know what you are and whats in there. You dont want to give him time to react because it wont be pretty if he does. Act fast, and dont outguess yourself.How is a small piece of wood passing to solve all our problems?Its special wood, he replied with a grin.Oh, yeah, that explains everything.Are you close to meeting him? awfully close, actually. I probably could have met him yesterday if Id wanted. Alec was very keen on introducing us.Carter frowned, turning this over in his mind. Hmm. Odd.Should I be worried?No more worried than you already should be at the intellection process of assail an immortal.But Ill be fine if I just act fast and dont overthink it, huh?Right. I imagine thats pretty common for you anyway.Anything else I should know? easilylets see. Yeah. One thing. Dont actually do it until theres provocation.What? I stared. Being a doodly-squat who pushes addictive substances that destroy mortals isnt provocation enough?Oddly, no. You have to be threatened in some way.Annoyed, I tossed the pouch onto the table. This was so true of Carter and Jerome. A bizarrely complex scheme with ridiculous nuances and loopholes. Threatened? How can he threaten me? He cant unlesswait, hes not an immortal who could kill me, is he?No, of persist not. But he could make things veryun facilitateable for you. Anyway, theres a lot of ways to threaten a person. If he hurts youor you feel indefensiblelike he could abuse his power over you, then thatll work. Hes a stronger immortal than you. Preying on you especially when you belong to Jerome, so to speak is a big no-no. You would be justified in protecting yourself. But, if you attack wantonly, youll get in trouble from the powers that be for targeting other immortals. Youll alike get us in trouble for arming you.This sounds kind of like entrapment.Thats an ugly word. lets just guard it in terms of self-defense.So, you think things are breathing out to get rough enough that Ill actually need self-defense?He hesitated. I dont know. I just dont know.Yeah, but then, if this guys perfectly nice and just sells me a stash of ambrosia, I cant do anything? Weve wasted the trip?Like I said, I dont know. Really. But honestlyif theyre making it this easy to find him, I have to think something weird is going on. Just be careful, okay? His face was all seriousness now. Youre smart. You can pull this off.And I dont suppose, at any point in this, youre going to tell me who this guy actually is?I believe ignorance is bliss.I threw my hands up, not knowing what else to say. Carter traded a a few(prenominal) more jokes with me and then rose to go. Hesitating, he gave me a particular(a) look.You sure you dont want to talk? Youve obviously got something bugging you. I do. But Ive got to commode with it on my own.Fair enough. See ya. An eyeblink later, the angel disappeared.Seth showed up about an hour later, a little blue paint smudged on his face. terry cloth and Andrea are movie the kitchen now.I smiled at him, swallowing all the churning emotions inwardly me. How can you get so messy when you dont even do the painting?I found a washcloth and dabbed at his face in a fruitless effort to clean him up. Standing so close, I suddenly had a flashback to last night. His hands stroking my breasts. Feeling him inside of me, filling me up. Our bodies moving together. His lips parting slightly when he came.It wont come off, I said abruptly, jerking away.Oh. Okay.I sta yed moody and silent for the rest of the night, influenceed and distant at any sort of touching. Seth picked up on the vibe right away and let me have my space. We walked a few blocks down the street to a theater that only showed Oscar nominees and artsy, independent films. We proverb one of the latter, and I have to admit, it did take my mind off my love life, if only for two hours.Sitting at an Italian restaurant afterward, I let him draw me into a discussion of the films merits. It amazed me that my mouth could keep up with the discourse while the rest of me was in an entirely varied world.Over and over, I replayed what had happened last night and not just the call forth part. I analyzed everything, the events that had led up to it. Why had I do it? What had made me give in? Had it really been an altruistic attempt to fix Seth and me by removing the temptation? Had it been an aching desire to take comfort in Bastien? Or, most likely, had it been something selfish on my p art? A yearning desire to touch what I wasnt supposed to have not because it might help our relationship, but because I just wanted to do it. I had wanted that pleasure. I had craved his body and simply gave in to the hedonism I longed for. I was a creature of hell, after all. I had observed originally that we werent exactly known for our self-control.Yet none of that changed the fact that it had happened. It had happened, and I had to do something about it. Ordid I?Seth sat across from me, looking happy and content as we talked. Ignorance really is bliss sometimes. I thought back to the lists. If he never found out, the truth couldnt hurt him. We could go on as we had. The only problem would be that I knew the truth. I had to live with this betrayal, not only of our physical relationship but also of our attempts at honesty and openness. One more en endeavour on the list of dark and nasty secrets I already kept.You with me, Thetis? he asked suddenly.Huh?He gave me a small, sweet smile and moved his hand over to hold mine. I squeezed it back. You look like youre miles away. I gave him a half-smile in return. Apparently I wasnt as subtle as I thought. I looked at him, analyse those beloved features, and shook my head. I couldnt do it. I couldnt tell him. Not yet.Just tired, I lied.We shared a dish of gelato and then returned to my apartment. We had just set up the cacography board when I felt immortal signatures approaching.I groaned, not wanting to deal with this. Hail, hail, the gangs all here.Seth looked perplex until we heard the knock at the door. I opened it, letting in Hugh, Peter, Cody, and Bastien.You are alive, said Peter cheerfully, smothering me in a hug. We attempt calling you tonight.And Ive been trying to get a hold of you all day, added Bastien pointedly.I was perfectly aware that he had called me many times. I had purposely not answered my phone.Sorry, I said to all of them.Hey, Seth, said Cody, clapping the writer on the back. The vampire and the rest of the immortals spread themselves out around my living room like they lived there. I gave their giggling and careless behavior a withering glance.You guys been barhopping?Yup, said Hugh with pride. You both of you could have joined us.Fortunately, the night is still young, declared Bastien. He strolled around the living room, arching an appalled eyebrow at the Scrabble board. When you didnt answer, we decided to come issue an invitation in person.Were going to go fool away pool, explained Cody happily. Over at that place in Belltown. You guys should come along. He gave Seth a conspiratorial grin. Georginas a wicked pool player.Thetis is good at everything, Seth murmured automatically. I could tell by his body language he wasnt comfortable with a bunch of drunken immortals in the room. I also knew he didnt want to go out.Sorry, guys, I told them. Weve already been out. Were staying in.This earned uncomplimentary remarks and groans of disapproval.Oh come on, begged Hugh, trying to get Aubreys attention with a cat wreak on a string. She didnt fall for it and hissed at him instead. We always get better service when you go with us.Besides, said Bastien nastily. It doesnt look youre doing anything else exciting. You should be grateful we came along. Were bad you something. Something you couldnt otherwise get.I remained calm, but I think the others picked up on the sudden tension in the air. Sorry, I repeated. Were staying in. You guys can hang out for a little bit, but then Ive got to kick you out. Were doing our own thing. I wasnt aware you guys did anything at all, muttered Bastien in a voice only I heard. mayhap the vampires too, with their superhuman hearing.You got anything to drink? asked Peter, gently nudging me toward being a good hostess.I was still locked in a battle of wills and eye extend to with the incubus. Yeah, I just bought a six-pack of Smirnoff Ice.Oh, said Cody. Score.He and Hugh raided my refrigerator, brief out bottles of prissy malted beverage to everyone except Seth and me. We abstained. Lounging around, conversation on silly topics soon ensued, although Bastien, Seth, and I did not participate. Seth stayed liquid because he always stayed unruffled in such settings. Bastien and I stayed quiet because we were pissed off at each other.I excused myself for the public convenience and found Bastien waiting remote the door for me when I finished.Alcohol runs right through you, huh? I asked, pushing past him.He blocked my way, substitute me up against the wall.What the hells wrong with you? he demanded in a low voice.Nothing. Let me go.Bullshit. I left you like a hundred messages. Youre avoiding me.So? Its my prerogative. Just like that song.He snorted. Let me guess. Youre having some sort of melodramatic clean crisis over what happened last night. Thats so typical of you lately.Dont talk to me about last night. You shouldnt have done what you did.Is houldnt have? My God, Fleur ,dont act like youre the victim here. zippo forced you. You more than consented. In fact, I daresay you enjoyed it.It was a mistake.And so avoiding me is going to fix it? Dont delude yourself. It wasnt a mistake. It was good for you. I helped you. I gave you something you would have never gotten otherwise. Youll remember it for the rest of your life.Gee, I said, dripping sarcasm. How kind of you. Because thats really all there was to it, wasnt there? You only did it to help me. Nothing more. You for certain didnt do it just because you could. Because I was beautiful and I was wonderful and you wanted me. Listen to me No. You listen to me. If I want to avoid you, let me avoid you. Dont show up at my house drunk and try to force your way into a dialogue. It makes you more of an asshole than youd be otherwise. I dont want to talk to you. Not anytime soon. Maybe not ever.Forevers a long time. He leaned closer, one hand on my arm. Dont you think youre overreacting to one fuck? Besides, you cant cut me of f. Youve got to help me with Dana.No, I declared icily. I do not. Youre on your own with that. And if you get sent to Guam, then its your own fucking fault. Maybe itll give you some time to think about your relations with women outside of business.Damn it Georgina?We both turned and saw Seth standing in the hallway. Bastien and I were close too close but not romantically close. Anyone with half a brain could tell we were locked in a dispute. Our postures radiated it, as did our expressions. The grip Bastien held on my arm was not friendly.Are you okay? Seth asked carefully. His words came out low and measured, but I saw something strange in his expression. Not anger, but something else kindling in his eyes. He had told me in one case he chose his battles carefully, and I wondered then what he would do if he thought the incubus was a real threat to me.Were fine, I said. I skint from Bastiens grasp, and he didnt fight it.Yes, he agreed with a cold smile. Were fine.He walked past m e but stopped when he was even with Seth.You should be flattered, Bastien told him. around women invoke God during sex, but Fleur yells your name. One would have thought you were a deity, considering how many times she paid homage to you last night.He go on on to the living room, and I didnt even stick around to see Seths reaction. I stormed after Bastien.Get out, I told him. I looked over at the other immortals. All of you, get out now.Peter, Cody, and Hugh stared at me in astonishment. Id kicked them out a number of times, but none of them had ever heard me use this voice on them. Consequently, they heeded it. They scrambled out the door in under a minute, Bastien shooting me a dark glance as he left.When they were gone, I took a deep breath and turned to Seth. Anger and discouragement boiled inside of me.Let me guess. You want to know what he meant.His face was unreadable. Honestly, I dont know. He suddenly sounded tired. I dont know if I want to.Yeah, well, Ill tell you anywa y.The words tore at me while coming out, but I really didnt want to hold onto the secret anymore. Not only because Bastien had given it away but also because I knew I wasnt going to be able to stand having it fester inside of me. It hurt too much. Talking to the incubus had made me realize that.So while I didnt mention the pictures, I told Seth everything else. Everything.When I finished, he didnt say anything. He stared at some nonexistent spot in the air, face sportsmanlike once more. After a couple of minutes of aching silence, he finally turned back to me.So. How was I?

Apple Strategy Management Essay

Formerly known as orchard apple tree Computer, apple Inc. has effectively became a no-hit family in a combative consumer electronics industry. The steady managed to get by divulge of the closetsell diametrics by creation innovational and differentiating its harvest-festivals done superior divine service standards and high quality overlaps. To ensure standards atomic name 18 met, apple outsourced its manu eventuring to a legitimate third troupe electronics manufacturing company, Foxconn Technology. In recent stratums, the knowingph angiotensin converting enzyme industry is moving towards commoditization. This resulted in intense competition where constant founding is required to withstand its traffic commercialiseability. orchard apple trees strategic capabilities much(prenominal) as having shipshape hardw ar/ softw atomic number 18 program organizations has en fittingd the corporation to position itself in term of assess, rarity, inimitability and n on-substitution. and, to rest substantiateing its grocery sh ar as the best smartphone, the corporation might desire to reassessment its tune suitability, so as to maintain its trade dealerership in the industry. This strategic analysis and evaluation report entrust hence study apples performance and body forthability through using business aim strategies before strategic recommendations argon decided upon. In put for apple to continually retain its foodstuff position, the corporation might need to depend its business suitability such as its strategic direction. Through mart place ripening, the company empennage increase its st fresh man in recent securities industry segments. There is a need to look into its R&D (Research & Development), so that unused harvest-homes with queer features provoke progressively substantial. Table of Contents intro (300words) 372Background Information apple Inc. is a technological company that had achieved majuscule success in designing, producing and selling its wide range of products categories including Mac, IPad, IPod and I call off, which experiences innovations in computers, media tablet, movable music players and sprightly phones respectively. In addition, apple too offers a word form of related software system of rules, applications, services, sort outworking solutions, periph sequencels and third-party digital content which represent a revolutionary era for innovation and differentiation of orchard apple tree. (reuters). Although touch screens in restless devices are non rising, apple managed to be the first to achieve mass grocery store place adoption for that technology by creating and lay outing the first IPhone series in January 2007. The IPhone was so much ahead of its time that it virtually created a new division in the market leaving everyone else playing catch up (Elliot, 2012). The apples target market includes teenagers, college and university students, business volume, young children and kids and adults. As of family 29, 2012, it had 412 retail stores in 14 countries around the world. (Financial Report 2012) At the corresponding time, orchard apple tree had an large 72,800 regular employees and an additional 3,300 temporary employees or contractors oecumenic (orchard apple tree 3 stratum PnL). Financial PerformanceAccording to the financial report, the company recorded total net tax in bring forth of $156,508 million during the fiscal year 2012, which shows an increase of 63% over fiscal year 2011. In which net profit accounted for $41,733 million, a 61% increase over fiscal year 2011 (orchard apple tree 3 year PnL). As observed from the report, Apples coarse profit margin had rise from 40.5% to 43.9% in the by 2 years. This is mainly the result of effective implementation of woo- leadership and differentiation dodge over the years. (Find source). civilizationThe smasheds pervious CEO, Steve Job (from 1997 2011) had created a c ulture in which vision are understood and is live by their employees. He believes that communicating the vision to the employee is al virtually as consequential as coming out with new products (Elliot. Jay, 2012). This culture was kept alive even when Tim Cook took over as CEO (from 2011 sure) which essentially kept all Apples employees on the same page and enact the vision with true temper (Elliot. Jay, 2012) which is attain to strategic management (Find that book)Macro Environment epitome (700words) 803PESTEL AnalysisPESTEL analysis impart be used to understand Apples external milieu and gain an insight of Apples prox business potential, market situation and operations directions. There are sixer elements in the PESTEL analysis Political, stinting, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (Findsource). Considering surfacements, trends, indicative incidents at the world(prenominal) levels, we identify that Social, Technological and Legal element of the PESTEL ana lysis pose a much signifi fuckt impact on Apples mobile phone SBU as compared to the rest.SocialApples social environment is one of see contri exclusivelyor for its success today and testament continue to lead it into greater height in future (wei kang, 2013). Its intend different slogan is the unique crew of simplicity, creativity and luxury check into the product that reflects the users indivi forked identity and the desire to be different (Schneiders, 2011). Apples pervious CEO Steve Job constantly had a sense of what consumer really wanted and adjusted the companys products line to meet their wants. In an new(prenominal)(prenominal)wise words he tells them what they should cook sex (VERGANTI, 2010). This is a phenomenon known as the cult marketing in which people do not know their wants until cult marketers present it to them (RAGAS & BUENO, 2005). In honest impairment, Cult marketing is actually a tool used in dodge to strengthen customer patrioticty (Schneiders, 2 011). This element has signifi ignoret electropositive impact as it rents Apple to overhear the strengthenedest customer loyalty in the world and achieve the highest re procure rate in the electronic playing field (MacNN, 2006). This effect can be seem worldwide whenever Apple transmit their new product, Apples fans would camp for days in apparent motion of the store only to get one of its newest innovation. This shows that Apples users really love Apple unlike well-nigh others (NUSSBAUM, 2005). In addition, due(p) to the technology development, Apples Products such as the IPhone are no all-night being viewed as luxuries but real necessities goods (source). To succeed in the yearn run, Apple should follow and abide to its guiding principle dont follow your customers Lead them which implies that consumer need to be shown a superior alternate(a) which Apple distinguishes itself and contribute these alternatives (MacVarish, 2009).TechnologicalThe market for mobile phone and other electronic products that Apple offers puts them in a hyper competition environment goaded by the fast railyard of technological changes. Companies like Apple which invent such productswill have to continually invest substantial count of money on research and development (R&D) to produce better performance, new feature and better design products to counter the short life pedal and frequent groundwork of new products in the market (source). According to MacVarish, one of Apples guiding principle for their innovation system was Be your own tangledest Critic. In which, Apple aims to offer new product lines that replaces older products making their them obsolete and thus countering competitor from doing so. With this principle to stun itself, Apple managed to beat its competitors too (MacVarish, 2009). Ultimately this enable Apple to lead the market as it did in the launching of the different generation of IPhone specially IPhone 5 which become the worlds best-selling Sm artphone worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2012 (Maisto, 2013). As a result, Apples R&D expense increases exponentially from $1.782 billion in 2010 to $3.381 billion in 2012 (Apple 3 year PnL). Due to their research intensive nature to keep innovation ahead of competitors, Apple becomes less damage-effective in saturated markets and is open to greater risk if its R&D does not come through (source).LegalThe intellectual property war has long being used as tool in technology and management strategy by companies such as Apple to gain strategic prefer against their competitors. Apple alone has filled as many as 250,000 patents for the IPhone and other Smartphone covering the design and functionality of these products (Cusumano, 2008). Apple had lawsuits all around the world with its competitors such as Samsung, Motorola and Nokia both suing and being sued over violation of each others patents (source). One such case is the lawsuit in the U.S betwixt the Apple and one of its to p smart phone competitor Samsung in which the jury awarded Apple $1.05 billion in damage and ordered virtually of Samsungs Smartphone products off shelf in parts of the US (source). This verdict allows the IPhone to gain distinctive advantage in the US market and at the same time helped Apple in announce and broadcast IPhone originality. In addition the amount of damage awarded to Apple could be counted as revenue which eventually increases the profit margin significantly for of Apple that quarter. In conclusion, objet dart most lawsuits Apple filed comes with little success, any court decisions that verdict infavor of Apples patents will likely allow IPhone to stick by on distinctive in the market (Cusumano, 2008). patience ( combative) Analysis 815Michael Porters 5-forces modelApples militant position and its attractiveness in the smart-phone market can be explained in analyzing the Porters 5-Forces mannikin (Porter, 1980). Using the agonistical forces, it would identify th e competitiveness and its ability to position itself with diversification. It will show its sustainability and profitability of its iPhone series. little terror of Potential Entry/Barriers to entry wiped out(p)The smart-phone industry is saturated and poses strong barriers to potential neophytes who are keen to recruit the market. Presently, on that point are a few well-established competitors that have a bouffant market share and economies of scale which limits new entrants from go ining. Its strong brand presence and consumer loyalty is a hindrance to potential entrants (Bostic, 2013). New entrants require a cosmic amount of capital investment, so as to compete against the market leaders. Due to large economies of scale, it is nearly impossible for this new entrants to enter and gain substantial market share. Sometimes, on that point is a need for new entrant to innovate such as creating distinctive features or software to compete. further this usually brought about by l ack of resources as investing in ample resources does not come cheap. Legal terms such as patents and trademarks serves as a barrier to new entrants. New entrants also demonstrate barriers such as legal terms. These are usually patents or trademarks that the dominants players have. This market leaders such as Apple Inc have patents on its designs of iPhones including software such as iTunes. This prevents any infringements from new entrants to copy interchangeable ideas. subsequently all, Apple is silent a dominant player in the smart-phone market and competing against Apple really requires a new entrant high start-up follows. quoteBostic, K, (2013), Study finds 20% of Apple iPhone users switched away from Android in past year, Apple Insider Porter, M, (1980), Competitive strategy Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors, Free Press,Simon & Schuster Adult issue Group Rivalry between competitors HIGHThe smart-phone market is very well-developed and there is a high degree of concentration. It is controlled by a few large competitors which are Apples strong rivalry. This are dominant smart-phone players such as Samsung, LG and HTC lively which has high capital investments. Smart-phones have become a commodities item that any person will require. As such, dominant players have been placing an emphasis on competitive pricing. This will enable them to gain an perimeter over competitors. These competitors are generally of comparable size with Apple in its operations. Due to stiff rivalry, Apple will differentiate itself in terms of design features and functionalities. Its competitors have also aggressively hear a leadership position in the smart-phone market by constantly innovating and want new changes. The result of technology advancement has also caused an increased competition to seek change in the industry. This in turn results in rivalry among smart-phone players to streamline its products and constantly refreshed its gadgets to meet the demand, so as to stay in competition. (Apple Inc Report, 2009). ReferencesApple Inc. SEC 2009 Form 10-K Filing Page 16 Threat of substitutes MODERATEIt may seems that Apple has a variety of substitutes in the market, but the nature of Apples products sets itself apart from competitors. Although it may seem that Apple has an extensive array of substitutes in the market, but its proprietary nature of products sets itself apart from competitors. Presently, its threat of substitutes of its smart-phones (e.g iPhone5) are still moderate. only if competitors are already sit on its successes by constantly innovating and substitutes it with a similar product in the market. In general, Apple sources its parts from mingled suppliers, thus keeping itself unique in the smart-phone market. As such, Apple still have to constantly stay modernistic and price conscious so as to effectively positioned itself against other competitors with a strong branding and following. As such, its differenti ation strategy can effectively diversified itself from others.Bargaining spring (buyers) LOWThere are many smart-phone brands in the market that is a substitute to Apples iPhones, but the talk terms power by buyers remain low. The main fact is that Apples focuses on differentiating its products from its competitors. Its unique designs, features and cult marketing are testimony to its loyalty by buyers. Its niche market in the smart-phone industry also makes buyers less sore on product pricing. Customers or loyal fans of Apple are still willing to pay regardless of the price. Although major(ip) retailers or businesses have some congeneric power to bargaining due to its start volume, individual buyers still have no control peculiarly on their product pricing. Apples lack of third party options also means that buyers have less options for other product. Bargaining Power (Suppliers) LOWApple relies on a variety of suppliers in its cook up for smartphones. Usually, it is not lim ited to just one single supplier for various components in the assembly of its smartphones. As such, this leaves Apples suppliers with less bargaining power over prices. This enables Apple to successfully create a competitive advantage over its competitors in the market (Apple Annual Report, 2012). Due to its bulk quantities of components, Apple Inc can have a leverage over suppliers through negotiating better terms and pricing. This allows Apple to have a lower cost structure and ensures a higher profit margin as compared to its competitors.Apples Strategic Capabilities 684AnalysisApples co-ordinated system of ironware and software has enabled the business steadfast to successfully market and develop to be their most valuable strategic resources (Dhaliwal, 2009). It was their former CEO, Steve Jobs that pulled Apples stern to the growth stage. Apples knowing team of software engineers, programmers and designers are the firms key out resources in innovating. This enables App le to utilize their fellowship to successfully create a tailored hardware and software system which serve as its key capabilities. Its integration in its key capabilities has allowed Apple tocreate a competitive advantage and sustainability in the market (electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition, 2009).Resource/Capability evaluate Rare Imitate Non-substitution Relationships with OEMs sell arrangements betrothed Hardware/Software Systems Figure 1 VRIN TableApplying VRIN,The VRIN model, a four key criteria resource-based view, examines if Apple Inc. uses its strategic resources to create a competitive advantage. Relationships with OEMsApple gets good relations with its OEM business partners in China. It includes companies such as Foxconn and Hon Hai Precision Industry. This close relationships that the firm maintains with its partners assures that the outputs produced are superior and of high quality. This allows Apple to be ahead of other smart-phone manufacturers wh o prefers not to outsource production. assess Its strong relationships maintained with its business partners allow Apple to take advantage of opportunities by Foxconn, such as cheap manufacturing costs. This ensures that the firm can provide a keep up judge in its products and thus reducing any threats (Barney, 1991). Inimitability Competitors can still imitate by following Apples strategy of finding an OEM partner. But what sets Apple apart from the rest, is its ability to maintain its development of software, which others has problems imitating despite having an OEM partner. The intention of Apple Inc. is to integrate multiple functions into development an Apple product. This will ensure Apples users get the most appraise when they purchase the final product. Apple Inc. ability of combining all 5 aspects of key strategic resources/capabilities into one, allows the firm to be ahead of competitors due to its prolong value and its success in taking opportunities and reducing thr eats. (Barney, 1991). Retail LocationsThe introduction of Apples retail stores provide the corporation with a bodily presence and convenience to its customers. It allows Apple tocreate a store pattern by providing an attractive store front and superior customer service. This key resource serves as an important value to Apple which is a relative rarity in the industry. Value Its strategic locations of its retail stores worldwide provide consumers with the ability to reach its products easily. This gives Apple a competitive advantage against competitors. crotchet Apples strategy in positioning its store and differentiating its products ensures that the firm is in a leadership position. Its unique grammatical constituents of its strategic retail location are a rarity to the organization. Talented software development teamsApple has a capable team of software developers. This are often cautiously chosen by the corporation and serves as Apples most talented programmers. They assist A pple with introducing important products. But often developers of this standard of measurement are not rare in the IT industry, neither are they tough to imitate. Hence other smart-phone manufacturers such as Samsung Mobile can also train or hire strong caliber of developers too. Industrial endeavor CapabilityIndustrial design capability is one of Apple Inc. strategic resource that serves as a function of its innovation ability. Its capability of its innovative design teams are valuable to the corporation. Its innovative design teams also have strong teamwork which forms one of Apple Inc. strategic resource too. This enables Apple to then be very valuable, rare among its competitors and also its difficulty in imitation.Tailored Hardware/Software SystemsApple Inc. competitive advantages among competitors are having a tailored hardware and software systems. It is one of Apples most important abilities as it is only specifically designed and built in its integrated products. Its clo sed system styles also form its specialty as most competitors relied on third party software. One example would be Samsung Mobile adopting the Googles Android market. Its capability of combining its own design, software development, hardware programmers ensures its competitive advantage. Value The benefits of having its own hardware and software ensure that the firm provides value to its consumers. Rarity The rarity ofhaving a dynamic team of talented staff allows the firm to develop specialized hardware and software which are unique to the company. This are important factors which identifies Apples power in the industry. Inimitability Apples inimitability in most of its strategic capabilities allows the firm to be of a competitive advantage than its competitors. In particular, its tailored software, iOs app store was developed ahead of its competitor, Samsung mobile who adopted the Google Play store. Though Apple has a talented team of software developers, this is still inimitable as competitors can train and develop staff. In general, Apples strong strategic capabilities still prevent competitors from intimidating. Non-substitution In general, Apples products are substitutable with alternative products. The conclude that sets apart from its competitors is its brand identity and its tailored hardware and software. This development serves as a unique factor which no third-party can substitute. Sustainability as Competitive AdvantageTo successfully sustain Apples continued performance and competitive advantage, its management may consider seeking exclusive partnerships or arrangements with its OEM partners to bring costs down and probably stretchability out to more countries with expansion of Apples stores. These strategies will allow Apple to continually lead the market with its dominance and market share.ValueThe intention of Apple Inc. is to integrate multiple functions into developing an Apple product. This will ensure Apples users get the most value whe n they purchase the final product. Apple Inc. ability of combining all 5 aspects of key strategic resources/capabilities into one, allows the firm to be ahead of competitors due to its sustained value and its success in taking opportunities and reducing threats. (Barney, 1991). RareIn the smart-phone industry, there are many brands that compete directly with Apple iPhones. But what stands out against competitors is Apples ability to position and differentiate its products. Its innovativeness in industrial design, specialized hardware/software and its strategic retail locationallows Apple to gain its uniqueness in the market. This assures Apple Inc. as a successful system due to its brand identity and superior quality.Inimitate Apples inimitability in most of its strategic capabilities allows the firm to be of a competitive advantage than its competitors. In particular, its tailored software, iOs app store was developed ahead of its competitor, Samsung mobile who adopted the Google Play store. Though Apple has a talented team of software developers, this is still inimitable as competitors can train and develop staff. In general, Apples strong strategic capabilities still prevent competitors from inimitating. Non-substitutionGenerally, Apples products are substitutable with alternative products. The only reason that sets apart from its competitors are its brand identity and ability to keep hold of Apples fans. Its talented teams of software developers and tailored hardware/software are an uniqueness to Apple and no third-party can be substituted. line of reasoning Strategy 781Strategy StatementAn analysis shows that there is a strategy shift in Apple for its smart Phone business as the company had a change in leadership since 2012. Apples current goal is to give its consumer the best product flummox by offering superior high and low-middle end products that are user friendly, innovative in design and feature, integrate seamlessly and excellence sales and post- sale documentation experience for consumers (forbes). Generic Competitive StrategyApples is pursuing a hybrid combination of product differentiation and cost leadership strategy. With the combination of the 2 strategy, Apple managed to achieve high profit margin where it produces its smart phone cheaply and selling them at a aid price.Competitive scope (broad target)Under Tim cooks (CEO of Apple from 2012- current) lead, Apple started to explore new territory by building on the success of its current smart phonebusiness unit and expanding it into emerging markets. This strategy is seen to be put into action with the announcement of the IPhone 5s and IPhone 5c (a watered-down version of the IPhone series) launch (Apple main website). With the dual launch of the IPhone 5s and IPhone 5c, Apple managed to position its product in both the premium and non-premium category respectively that offers 2 price points. The IPhone 5s will continue to greet their current market while the IPhon e 5c will catered to more price sensitive customer base particularly from the emerging market.Competitive Advantage (Lower cost and Differentiation)Given that Apple will be having a dual IPhone launch with almost the same design, features and running on the same operating system (ISO 7), it will achieve economies of scope where cost factors such as advertising and research and development will be shared. In addition, the 2 IPhone caters to different market segment, allowing Apple to have a larger addressable market where economies of scales can be achieved by driving suppliers cost down with the promise of increase order quantity. These factors will help Apple deliver cost leadership in the smart phone industry. However despite the increasing effort in research and development to bring about innovation and to differentiate their smart phone, Apple failed to produce ample uniqueness and dimension that is valued by their consumer. In fact, Apple is replicating its preceding IPhone model with minimum introduction of game-changing features. The companys pare pace of innovation can be inferred from its latest launched flagship IPhone, the IPhone 5s which retains the dimensions and design of its pervious flagship Phone 5 with little addition to its feature and performance (yahoo news).Value drawstringApple.inc has been able to perfect the compass of activities in innovation. Apple starts from its new ideas of product design through R&D with its strategy capability and extensive funding. Then manufacturers it and finally markets it wholeheartedly. The cultivate of transforming inputs into outputs compromises a number of primary and plunk for activities (Hill and Jones, 2001, p.133). Each value is considered to be a source of competitiveadvantage. Value grasp analysis is a powerful tool for managers to identify the key activities within the firm which form the value chain for that organisation, and have the potential of a sustainable competitive advantage for accompany. Therein, competitive advantage of an organisation lies in its ability to perform crucial activities along the value chain better than its competitors Technology DevelopmentBuying and R&Dinward LogisticsMost components are generally available from multiple sources a number of components are currently obtained from single or limited sources. Hardware products are manufactured by outsourcing partner primary in Asia e.g. Foxconn.Delegate raw materials acquisition Apple works with its OEM partners to delegate the raw materials acquisition process but provides some supervision for quality control purpose.Automated receiving systems Apple has implemented sophisticated automated receiving systems to speed up the receiving process and reduce facility footprint and storage space requirementThat is a have-to doe with for suppliers. Apples smartphone margins are the highest in the industry. But as those margins come under pressure, Apple will push suppliers to cut costs. Flat-panel televisions followed a similar pattern, with margins for screens eventually falling to near break-even levels, says Alberto Moel, an analyst at Bernstein Research.( http//online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323610704578625540722848194.html) outbound LogisticsApple used variety of direct and indirect scattering channel, such as retail stores,online stores and direct sales force, 3 Rdparty cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers and value added resellers.Apple continue to expand and improve its distribution capacities by expanding the number of its own retail stores worldwide in order to ensure a high quality buying experience for its product.Economical packing Apple employed teams of design and engineering experts who develop product package thats slim and light yet protective. Efficient packaging design not only reduces materials and waste, it also helps reduce the emissions produced during transportation.Marketing & gross revenuehttp//www.docstoc.com/docs/121102555 /Apple-Computer-Value-Chain http//www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/30/us-honhai-idUSBRE83T08K20120430References usedDhaliwal, A. (2009). Apples Q4 results beat analysts? Estimates quarterly profit rises to $1.67 billion. Top News, retrieved on September 14, 2010 from http//topnews.us/content/27794-apple-s-q4-results-beat-analysts-estimates-quarterly-profit-rises-167-billion Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition. (2009). Electronic Industry Code of Conduct. retrieved on September 14, 2010 from http//www.eicc.info/PDF/EICC%20Code%20of%20Conduct%20English.pdf Barney J, (1991), Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage, Journal of Management, vol. 17, no1, p99-125 Identifying the strategyGeneric Competitive StrategyApple is pursuing a broad differentiation strategy. Apple differentiates by offering high-quality, exceptional design, and personalized service. The scope of their strategy is broad targeting customers ranging from straightforward beginner users to specials needs power-users.1) Cost-leadership2) Differentiation championship SuitabilityApple Inc. is bear on with which strategic directions and methods suggested addressed the issues the corporation faced (Johnson & Scholes, 2008). It assists in determining the business suitability of strategic choices which relates to the strategic position. To test on Apples suitability on its proposed business strategies, the Porters value chain model is chosen to consider the internal factors of the organization. Strategic DirectionsMarket sagacityPresently, Apples infrastructure is very well established and developed. But the corporation should still continue in its infrastructure developments, so as to achieve back its high market share in the smartphone industry. Its market penetration business strategy relies heavily on its primary activities such as inbound logistics, outbound logistics and sales and marketing. To continue moving towards the market penetration direction, its support activities do pla y apart. The technology development will then be in a position to assist the support to the proposed strategy.Product DevelopmentApple may need to consider a strategic drift to gain a competitive advantage in its business strategy. The product development strategy gets its assistance from support activities such as developing new products to meet customer demands. To increase its firm performance and market share, Apple is introducing new features such as flick sensor on its new iPhone5s and also colored version of its iPhone5c (Apple.com). This new features or product development somehow serves a determining factor whether Apple will achieve its business strategy or affects its incorporated performance.Market DevelopmentAt present, the firm is adopting the market development strategy. It assistsApple in venturing into new market segments. Thus, there is the importance to focus especially on the primary activities of inbound and outbound logistics, sales and marketing. Apple is st ill able to rely on its OEM partners for resources especially in manufacturing, which serves as Apples key competency. To move ahead, Apple might need to enter or develop new market, such as in developing markets which it has zero presence. With its strong alliance partner, such as Foxconn, Apple is able to utilize its logistics part and its strong sales and marketing to open up new market. Hence, these three suggested business strategies are suitable to evaluate the value chain, and Apple can carry any of these strategies ahead. Apple will need to consider which strategy will achieve its overall business objectives to sustain itself in the market.ConclusionReference List1) http//in.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?symbol=AAPL.O (reuters) 2) http//files.shareholder.com/downloads/AAPL/2634031917x0x444195/E7A8FE5F-8835-46AB-ACC2-6FA28DFB546D/Three_Yr_Financial_History.pdf (Apple 3 year PnL) 3) Porter. ME, (2008), The Five Competitive Forces that Sharpe Strategy, Harvard Busin ess Review, vol. 86, no. 1, pp. 78-93, Business Source Complete, (online) Available at EBSCOhost database Accessed15 sept 2013 (Porter, 2008) 4) MacVarish, B. (2009, August 13). command Principles of Apple Innovation.brucemacvarish.com. Retrieved January 29, 2010, from http//www.brucemacvarish.com/2009/08/guiding-principles-of-innovation-at-apple1-dont-follow-your-customers-lead-themapple-tends-to-place-less-emphasis-on-evide.html (MacVarish, 2009) 5) Cusumano, M 2008, Technology Strategy and Management The Puzzle of Apple, Communications Of The ACM, 51, 9, pp. 22-24, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 16 July 2013. (Cusumano, 2008) 6) http//www.forbes.com/sites/mobiledia/2012/02/19/nuts-apples-ceo-reveals-future-strategy-google-to-expand-into-hardware/ (forbes) 7) (http//sg.news.yahoo.com/photos/apple-unveils-iphone-5s-iphone-5c-slideshow/five-colors-iphone-5c-cases-photo-181338126.html) (yahoo news) 8)