Issues Related To The Auditor Independence Research Paper

Issues Related To The Auditor Independence - Research Paper Example Self-review threats also present threats to independence while advocacy threats may present unbiased opinions on the financial position of the firm. Intimidation threats such as coercion the owners of the firm will hinder the independence of the auditor. Auditor’s independence must be about integrity, objectivity, and skepticism (Basu, 2009). The auditor is expected to monitor the integrity of the financial statements, review the internal financial controls, review the effectiveness of the internal audit department, and provide non-audit services while considering the ethical guidelines concerning the auditor’s work. Rotation of audit staff and partners will safeguard the familiarity threat and minimize self-interest threats to independence (Flood, 2012). In order to maintain independence, the auditors are required by law o maintain integrity, competence, objectivity, performance, and courtesy. The auditor must safeguard himself or herself from self-interest threats by abstaining from any direct or indirect financial interest in the audit work (Flood, 2012). The auditor should not take any loan, the guarantee of a loan from the client, or engage in undue dependence on the total fees paid by the client. ... In this case, the auditor should not be a promoter of the shares or securities of the client and should not act in litigation or solving of disputes with third parties. The auditors must avoid the familiarity threats and observe ethical guidelines that prohibit conflicts of interests such as abstaining from engaging in audit work if the client is a close family member (Adelopo, 2012). The auditor must not accept any hospitality or gifts from the client, the directors or employees of the client (Basu, 2009). Auditors may face intimidation threats such as the threat of replacement due to disagreements on certain accounting principle, dominant personality of senior management, and pressures to reduce the amount of audit work in order to reduce the audit fees.

Cognitive Interventions Essay Example for Free

Cognitive Interventions Essay Introduction Cognitive behavior therapy includes many types of therapy and can be applied in a variety of circumstances. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is most commonly known for use on clients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, DBT is becoming more popular and often used when working with adolescents. Some adolescents participate in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Counselors find DBT is an effective therapy to help youth acquire the coping skills needed to stop NSSI. A review of DBT, and adolescents suffering with NSSI will better help one to understand why this technique is beneficial. NonSuicidal Self-Injury NSSI is defined as the direct and intentional destruction of ones own body tissue without an intent to die. Therefore, any form of self mutilation not intending to result in suicide qualifies as NSSI. The number of adolescents practicing NSSI is alarming. Youth practicing NSSI include both sexes and every racial and ethnic group. This alarming behavior is not secluded to any particular type of adolescent. NSSI often appears in the form of cutting with sharp objects, scratching, hitting, burning, and inserting objects under the skin. These behaviors typically develop between the ages of 12-14, indicating that adolescent years are particularly vulnerable to such practices. In addition to NSSI, these behaviors are often in conjunction with other self-harming behaviors like eating disorders, substance abuse, and depression. Puberty can be an extremely difficult time for many people and adolescents cannot reason and rationalize as adults can; therefore, youth often develop self-harming issues because they lack proper coping skills. Last, NSSI specifically refers to injuries not acquired while attempting suicide; however, 50-75% of those with a history of NSSI have also attempted suicide at least once. As one can see, NSSI is an alarming behavior that needs attention (Choate, 2012). Addressing the Issue NSSI is a prevalent and serious issue that must be properly handled. Counselors and people working with NSSI youth must have an understanding of the complexity of this matter and be familiar with treatment options. DBT is an excellent method to attempt to help adolescents overcome NSSI behavior. The effectiveness of DBT has been shown in at least seven controlled trials conducted by four independent research teams. DBT shows the most improvement, when compared to prior therapy options, to treat NSSI (Choate, 2012). DBT uses a comprehensive multimodal 16-week treatment approach for NSSI. The multimodal addresses skills for interpersonal effectiveness, self-regulation, and distress tolerance; provides structure to motivate, reinforce, individualize, and generalize these skills; and identifies and alters learned behavior patterns leading to NSSI. This therapy treatment includes individual therapy, family therapy, multifamily training groups, and telephone consultations for those involved in the process. Additionally, a support team for the counselors is a part of this process. Counseling NSSI adolescents is an extremely stressful position so it is important for counselors to have professional peers to share their thoughts. DBT therapy for NSSI adolescents can be practiced in many settings, including inpatient or outpatient treatment (Choate, 2012). Interventions and Techniques Individual Therapy A primary counselor is paired with the adolescent through the DBT process. The relationship between the primary counselor and the client is extremely important. The key goal for the counselor is to help the adolescent develop skills for coping with stressful thoughts, events, and emotions. An important aspect in the client therapist relationship is for the counselor to convey acceptance, validity, and trust. The primary counselor needs to remain calm and listen with interest yet without showing much emotion. A client must not see a counselor react to stories of self-harm in the way a parent or peer might react. The goal for the counselor is to show an understanding of the self-harming behavior while conveying acceptance and validating the adolescents thoughts and actions (Choate, 2012). The counselor shows acceptance; however, the goal is to create change. Although the counselor balances acceptance and change, the counselor continually challenges the client to alter any negative behavior hindering ones life quality. Ultimately the thought is that acceptance and validation will facilitate self-change while change will facilitate self-acceptance. If the adolescent is reluctant to change the harmful behavior, the counselor may spend more sessions building trust and showing validation before attempting change. Additionally, a client may find it difficult to trust the counselor is the client believes the counselor will report NSSI episodes to the adolescents parents. A balance must be created between client trust, parental rights, and confidentiality. With a proper balance allowing the youth comfort, yet abiding by regulations, an adolescent will be able to build the relationship required to develop change (Choate, 2012). Assessments should be conducted during the initial interviews with the client. These initial evaluations are either conducted informally with an interview or formally with a structured interview and self-report tool. The DBT model allows the counselor to integrate assessment results into four DBT target treatment areas. Specific behaviors and areas are written into a treatment plan with goals for the client (Choate, 2012). Target areas: A) Decreasing life-threatening behaviors B) Decreasing behaviors that interfere with therapy C) Decreasing behaviors that interfere with life quality D) Increasing behavioral skills (Choate, 2012). As the treatment begins, the goal is to help the client determine the events, thoughts, or feelings one has prior to the NSSI occurrence. If one can determine factors contributing to the negative behavior, one can start to alter circumstances leading to NSSI and ultimately change the behavior. Clients are asked to maintain diary cards documenting behaviors and actions surrounding NSSI behavior. The diary cards address problem behaviors, immediate prior events leading to problem behavior, vulnerability factors, entire chains of events prior to problem behavior, and consequences from the behavior. Upon review of the cards the counselor can help the client identify triggers of NSSI behavior and find alternative life choices or thoughts to cope better with given situations (Choate, 2012). Multifamily Skills Training Groups The individual session emphasizes focus on assessment, client trust, and identifying the problem. Along with identifying problems, individual therapy does encourage behavior change. However, multifamily group therapy focuses on skill sets needed to facilitate change. To implement behavior changes and develop coping skills, the adolescents must be aware of thoughts, feelings, and actions; tolerate the pain and stress associated with unpleasant life events, regulate emotions better, and become effective at communicating emotions. The DBT approach focuses on building four essential skills: A) Mindfulness B) Distress tolerance C) Emotion regulation D) Interpersonal effectiveness Additionally, a fifth skill was added: Walking the middle path (Choate, 2012). Skill Sets Skill Set One: Core Mindfulness Mindfulness is acknowledging ones emotions, thoughts, and physical experiences without trying to end them, numb them, or avoid them. Learning to observe, describe, and experience emotions without judgment and while in control of ones attention is the core of mindfulness. As adolescents become more aware of emotions in the present, they develop a better understanding of their own emotions and reactions (Choate, 2012). DBT uses a model with three states of mind to teach mindfulness. The three mind-states are reasonable mind, emotion mind, and wise mind. Reasonable mind is controlled primarily by logic. Emotion mind is regulated significantly by emotions. Wise mind synthesizes all the ways of knowing to develop knowing through intuition, using deep inner wisdom. Often time groups sessions will use acting or charades to have participants learn to understand these types of mindfulness (Choate, 2012). Group members are taught to observe their thoughts by awareness. The clients are encouraged not to multitask but rather to focus on one task at a time. The exercise of focusing on one task at a time is referred to as one-mindfulness. Focusing on one aspect at a time allows the client to recognize and understand the emotions related to the specific task. Skill Set Two: Emotion Regulation Emotion regulation helps group members learn to recognize, observe, and describe emotions. Additionally, this skill set teaches one to regulate intense and painful emotions, regulate vulnerability to negative emotions, and increase positive emotions. The clients begin to realize they have control over their emotions and behaviors. When one learns to alter responses to emotions it is both empowering and liberating (Choate, 2012). Ways of teaching emotion recognition often include listening to music or watching a movie. The goal is to have the client react to something, recognize, and observe ones own emotion. As clients recognize emotions they are asked to discuss the responses both mentally and physically connected with the emotional reactions. Group members are taught to respond to ones own emotions with self-compassion and acceptance. Often one may believe an emotional response is wrong, silly, or unjustified. Once one understands that every emotion is justified one can accept the emotion and find a healthy response to that emotion (Choate, 2012). Another aspect of emotion regulation includes reducing vulnerability by maintaining better physical health. Eating well, sleeping sufficiently, exercising regularly, and avoiding substance abuse will help one regulate emotions by maintaining physical health. Ones physical health can weaken ones mind-state, and the person will be more vulnerable to NSSI and other self-harming episodes (Choate, 2012). Skill Set Three: Interpersonal Effectiveness The goal of interpersonal effectiveness is for one to maintain personal values and beliefs while improving relationships. An example of teachings in this module is that group members are often asked to remember the acronym DEAR MAN to help remember the key components of this skill set. The components: Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, stay Mindful, Appear confident, and Negotiate. The best method for learning this skill set is role play. Often the facilitator will pair up group members and role play a variety of situations using DEAR MAN (Choate, 2012). Skill Set Four: Distress Tolerance Stress tolerance relates to ones ability to effectively accept emotional pain, in any given situation, that cannot be changed at the time. Once one can tolerate and accept unpleasant situations, one can more effectively cope. Further skills would help the client to self-soothe and distract from emotionally painful situations (Choate, 2012). Distress tolerance skills have two categories. The first category is skills for accepting reality, and the second is skills for crisis survival. Skills for accepting reality teach clients how to accept everyday life even when it is unpleasant. Deep-breathing is a common practice for this skill. Skills for crisis survival follows more of a distraction method. The goal may be for the client to find an alternative task, practice self-soothing, or take a break. Whatever the activity change is, the goal is to distract one from the crisis and prevent self-harming behavior (Choate, 2012). Skill Set Five: Walking the Middle Path This particular skill set works with the adolescent and family members to help those involved alter polarized thinking and live a more balanced lifestyle. The first step is to encourage participants to abandon black and white thinking and recognize the gray area. People often need to realize that any given situation can be viewed in multiple ways, and often everyone would benefit from viewing incidents through multiple perspectives (Choate, 2012). Common issues between adolescents and parents include strict or lenient parenting; thinking lightly of serious matters, or judging harshly common adolescent behavior; and pushing away, or holding too tightly. Adolescents and parents are asked to determine where they believe themselves and others to be regarding these topics, and try to come to an agreement regarding how to alter behavior and meet in the gray area (Choate, 2012). Communication and listening are key factors involved in developing this skill set. Positive reinforcement is taught to be used whenever possible as parents often think to punish negative behavior rather than reward the positive actions. Reconciling family differences can be a key component when attempting to help an adolescent stop NSSI behavior (Choate, 2012). Effectiveness of DBT for NSSI The treatment for NSSI that has the most positive support is DBT. DBT is the high standard of therapy for reducing suicide and self-destructive behavior among clients with BPD. The effectiveness of DBT has been shown in many trial studies. Not as many studies have been conducted regarding DBT and NSSI with adolescents; however, a DBT model has been created for adolescents and shows very promising results. DBT is the highest regarded method for at risk youth. Certainly, much can always be learned regarding human nature and therapy, and not all people will respond to the same treatment; therefore, this method is certainly not effective every time, but it does seem very beneficial (Choate, 2012). Summary Nonsuicidal Self-injury is a serious issue. As one can see, action needs to be taken to save youth from such harmful behavior patterns. Cognitive behavior therapy, specifically dialectical behavior therapy, has many excellent interventions and strategies to help adolescents facing NSSI (Choate, 2012). DBT uses individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy to help adolescents with NSSI. Individual sessions focus on trust with the counselor, and identifying and acknowledging negative emotions, and behavior patterns. Additionally, the primary therapist will help the client find healthy ways to change behavior patterns and cope with life stressors (Choate, 2012). Group therapy focuses on building the skills needed to accomplish the desired changes. The five core skills sets include: core mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and walking the middle path. Many methods are used to teach and practice these techniques (Choate, 2012). Studies continue to determine the effectiveness of DBT with adolescents involved in NSSI. However, DBT is the standard therapy for adults facing similar issues with BPD. Additionally, DBT seems very promising as an effective method for treating NSSI adolescents. References Choate, L. H. (2012, January). Counseling adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury: A dialectical behavior therapy approach.. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 34(1), 56-71. EBSCOhost.

Miss Maudie & Aunt Alex Essay -- English Literature Essays

Miss Maudie & Aunt Alex The Maycomb ladies provide an excellent example of racial prejudice, and a failure to see what it is like in someone else’s skin. They believe they are doing well by making money for missions, failing to see the hardship on their own doorsteps. Aunt Alexandra is very important to the novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ as she is a representative of these viewpoints, disapproving of Calpurnia and disassociating herself from the black community entirely. Miss Maudie however is the counterpoint to Aunt Alexandra. Maudie offers Scout a female role model, whereas Aunt Alexandra tries to make Scout more ladylike, to fit in with her position in life. Aunt Alexandra plays the greatest role in reinforcing class distinctions within the Finch family. As she believes that because the Finch family comes from a long line of landowners, who have been in the county for generations, they deserve greater respect than other people do and therefore must behave according to their status. However her prejudice alienates her from the tolerant Finches, but she fits in well with the rest of Maycomb. Aunt Alexandra has strict and traditional ideas of how society works and the role for a Southern woman within it, which she tries to enforce upon Scout at the beginning to this novel. ‘When I said I could do nothing in a dress, she said I wasn’t supposed to be doing things that required pants.’ Scout immediately takes a dislike to Aunt Alexandra when she criticises her about her overalls. Aunt Alexandra fits in well with the neighbours in Maycomb, but not with the children, as she demands different standards of behaviour from what they are used to. Aunt Alexandra does create an impact during her stay when trying to influence the children during their crucial years of growing up. Atticus is worried that he is not doing his best for his children and is torn between being courteous to his sister and raising Jem and Scout as he sees fit. ‘Your aunt has asked me to try and impress upon you and Jean Louise that you are not from run-of-the-mill people,’ ‘She asked me to tell you†¦.’ Atticus doesn’t really want to do this but realises it’s important to his sister, Jem and Scout can sense this as he keeps saying ‘She asked me to tell you†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Aunt Alexandra plays a major role in Jem and Scout’s understanding of Atticus’s teachings on racial discrimination and prejudice. S... ... in the last few chapters when Jem and Scout are attacked. Aunt Alexandra redeems herself and realises the importance of the children’s well being and not their status, she becomes a changed women in both the reader’s and Scout’s eyes. ‘Are you all right, darling?’ she asked over and over as she worked me free. The reader also sees a definite change to Auntie when she hands Scout her overalls, ‘the garments she most despised.’ She blames herself for the attack and shows care and tenderness in the final crisis. Both Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra are important role models to Scout and Jem at the end of this novel. Especially Aunt Alexandra as she shows the children that there is hope in Maycomb for people to alter their ways and views like she’s started to achieve in the last few chapters to this book. Jem and Scout don’t have a mother figure in their lives but Miss Maudie acts as a feminine role model, helping Atticus to guide them towards the right understanding of life. From this analysis of the two characters Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra, it is very clear that they both care very much for the welfare of the children although they go about showing it in very different ways.

English/Modern Drama Coursework †Thee Crucible Essay

How does Arthur Miller portray John Proctor as a tragic hero in final scenes of ‘The Crucible’? The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller in 1953, which was a time of McCarthyism and paranoia about Communism. Arthur Miller was involved in McCarthyism, as he was accused of supporting Communism. He wrote the play to show people how ridiculous accusations can be, and how easily they can get out of hand. The play is set in the small town of Salem, in 1692. It is set against a great forest, and the people of Salem don’t know what is out there, which is what gives them such a wary approach to the abnormal e.  g. witchcraft. Salem goes by the strict religion of Puritanism, so the people take things out of the ordinary and any sins very seriously, sometimes resulting in the death penalty. When some girls are found dancing in the woods one night by the town minister, Reverend Parris, the younger ones become afraid of the consequences and fake illness. This makes the townsfolk suspicious, and word gets spread of witchcraft resulting in Parris getting a few visitors, who are curious to find out about the previous night’s events. John Proctor is a good example of an Aristotelian tragic hero, as he has all four qualities: nobility-he is very noble in the final scenes, as he gives up his good name for the sake of the other people in the town, hamartia-his flaw or error of judgment is his lust for Abigail Williams, a reversal of fortune-he did have a good life with his farm or family, but ended up being hanged, and the discovery of recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero’s own actions-in act four, he realizes that it is his affair that caused all of the accusations and deaths in Salem, so he allows himself to be hung. In act one, the audience finds out about the well-respected John Proctor’s affair with the niece of Parris, and the Proctor’s former house maid, Abigail Williams, â€Å"I know how you clutched my back behind your house†¦ † He has great guilt for his affair with Abigail, yet his lust for her still lingers. This lust is one of the flaws of his personality that Arthur Miller uses to make John Proctor an Aristotelian tragic hero. Later on in the play, the accusations of witchcraft have gotten out of hand and people have been hung. Proctor and Hale, a witch hunter, try to make everyone see sense, but their pride lies in the way of justice, and yet more people are hanged, including Proctor and Rebecca Nurse, one of the best respected people in Salem. When Proctor and Abigail are left alone, he flirts with her â€Å"Ah, you’re wicked yet, aren’t y’! † This has a double meaning in this case, as John means it in a sexual way as well. Abigail tries her hardest to make John return her feelings for him, by flirting and saying things like â€Å"Gah! I’d almost forgot how strong you are, John Proctor! † John’s weakness for Abigail is the cause of his own downfall in the end, as he admits to his affair when he is put under questioning. This is a noble act, as Abigail was lying, and he ruined his good reputation for the sake of justice to the others of the town. Although this is such a noble act, and there seems to be a way out for most of the condemned people, Elizabeth is asked about it, and denies all knowledge just to try and save John. This results in everyone back to where they started, on a waiting list to be hanged. Elizabeth and John Proctor’s marriage seems to be on the rocks in act two, when they are sat eating dinner, as the stage directions show that they find it very difficult to speak to each other and there is a very bad atmosphere in the room, â€Å"[it is as though she would speak but cannot]. † This awkward atmosphere is the result of John’s previous affair, and the tension is broken, when they begin an argument over her. Although they seem very far apart, later on in act three, John admits to being a lecher â€Å"I have known her, sir. † Admitting to that took a lot of courage, and it sheds a new light to the audience of John Proctor. Elizabeth is called in to prove this, and although Proctor has told the judges she will not lie, she says she knows nothing of the affair, for the sake of saving John’s name. This ends in Elizabeth being taken away, and John being accused of lying. Another sign of their love for each other is in act four, when Elizabeth cannot forgive John, as he cannot forgive himself. This shows his respect for her, and his need for her approval, which could have been the cause of his affair, and his hamartia. In the end, John dies for Elizabeth, as that is the only way he can gain his self-forgiveness, and Elizabeth’s forgiveness, â€Å"He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him! † The way that he allows himself to be hung, shows that he has another characteristic of a tragic hero, as he realizes that he was the one that started all of the commotion in Salem, by having an affair with Abigail. John Proctor seems to redeem himself in the final act, because he shows how much he cares for Elizabeth, suffers willingly for his actions and has a reversal of fortune, by ending up dead. The way that he is shown as so regretful and ashamed by Arthur Miller in act four, â€Å"I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! Makes the audience respect him, and see him as a good man again. Arthur Miller portrays him as a tragic hero in act four, more than the rest of the play, because he breaks down, and the audience sees all of his personality, as he fights for his wife’s forgiveness and his life and good name. The emotional trauma in act four-Proctor’s life being ripped up as he tears the paper up-shows the audience that John Proctor is a good man, and has feelings and emotion like any normal person, so the audience, in a way, sees themselves in him. As well as this, the audience feels sympathy for him, because he doesn’t really deserve to die. He suffers more than he deserves, because of his pride, which is another flaw in his personality. He has the chance to sign a form, that will save him from hanging, but because it will be pinned up onto the church door, he refuses, as he feels he has lost everything apart from his good name, â€Å"I have given you my soul; leave me my name! † Another nobility in act four, is when he is asked whether he knows of anyone else who may have been ‘with the devil,’ and he will not mention anybody else’s name to the court. This shows a resemblance to Arthur Miller, the author, as when he was questioned in the 1950s about allegedly supporting Communism; he never involved anybody else in it. I think Arthur Miller based John Proctor around himself, as well as the real-life John Proctor from Salem. I think Proctor deserves respect for letting himself die, and being so noble. He suffered a lot more than he should have, because there is no death penalty for lechery, but witchcraft-the reason he was hung-does have the death penalty. Although he officially died for being a witch, I think he really died for having an affair, and this is what I think makes him so well-respected. I also think that he is spiritually wounded by Elizabeth, when she won’t forgive him, â€Å"John, it comes to naught that I should forgive you, if you’ll not forgive yourself. † He is also physically wounded, as he has been in prison for the past three months, and â€Å"[He is another man, bearded, filthy†¦ ]. â€Å"

Kamprad’s Resourcefulness: Ikea

1. Kamprad’s careful stewardship of resources exemplifies his abilities as a manager. By practicing frugalness and economy, he was able to maximize profits by keeping costs low while also being able to continually innovate his growing company. While to some he may appear frugal, he has created a nest egg for economic downturn and well as creating a strong ethic of financial stewardship within his organization. Planning and problem solving became both the framework for IKEA and its source for innovation.As a leader, Kamprad again instilled his own personal values into every fiber of IKEA. Effective cost cutting, hard work, and dedication. Aside from just cutting costs however, being influenced by the Bauhaus movement he also wanted to combine cost saving with a sense of style. (Chaundey, 2000) In addition, the welfare of his employees has been a main concern. (Nelson and Quick, 2011) I believe that Kamprad was (and is) a strong leader and manager for IKEA, and I believe that th ese principles will be carried on in his sons to future success in the marketplace. 2.The followership of employees within IKEA can be directly linked to the Leadership Grid in Fig. 12. 1. (Nelson and Quick, 2011) From the structure of the grid, Kamprad would be a 9,9. Kamprad’s leadership style calls upon and motivates the team members within the company to take initiative and a personal stake in the company. They are hiring not just into a job but into a lifestyle and way of thinking. The combination of careful stewardship with concern for employee welfare creates an environment that gives employees both a responsibility and a sense of community. Etzioni, 1960) Thus IKEA employees are empowered and feel like they are part of something. In this way IKEA ends up with a staff of active independent, critical thinking individuals. (Nelson and Quick, 2011) This overall will drive employees to greater creativity and productivity for the company they care for and cares for them. 3. The case does not give specifics about Kamprad’s actions as a transactional leader, although the narrative would lead one to believe that they style would be uncharacteristic of him. Although Kamprad’s traits as a transformational leader are unquestionable.Kamprad has given employees not just a goal but a way of living. (Davis, 2006) Kamprad himself dresses simply, eats at cheap restaurants and flies economy class. (Chaundey, 2000) Kamprad innovated and redefined ways of doing business repeatedly throughout his tenure as CEO of IKEA. From the mission statement of ‘create a better everyday life for the many people’, IKEA has been built upon a pioneering spirit. (Gowan, 2009) By designed a business plan that allowed IKEA to work directly between manufacturers and customers to keep costs low. ibid. ) By designing the flat boxes and shipping furniture to customers that they assembled themselves, Kamprad has been able to keep cost down. It is these business te chniques along with his uncompromising ethics that he has instilled into the company and led it to greatness. Kamprad’s charisma is a quiet sort largely involving a ‘lead by example’ technique. Employees are drawn to Kamprad because of his strong ethics and personal adherence to them. Kamprad’s philosophy is not just words at board meetings but the way he lives his life.This gives employees a stronger sense of connection with the boss, as he is still very close to his modest roots. The lack of title and privilege within IKEA also reinforces this. (Davis, 2006) References Chaundy, Bob (2000) IKEA’s self-assembled billionaire. BBC News. July 28, 2000 Retrieved from news. bbc. co. uk Davis, Paul (2006) Billionaire Attributes – Modesty: Ingvar Kamprad, Ikea’s Founder and Owner. Retrieved from ezinearticles. com Etzioni, Amitai (1960) Two Approaches to Organizational Analysis: A Critique and a Suggestion.Administrative Science Quarterly, Vo l. 5, No. 2 Gawor, Katarzyna; Halasova, Sona; Polzin, Friedemann (2009) International Business Strategy of IKEA – Activities of the Multinational Furniture Retailer. University of Economics Bratislava Nelson, D. & Quick, J. (2011). Organizational Behavior: Science, the RealWorld, and You. (7th Ed. ) Mason, OH: South Western. Cengage Learning. Etzioni, Amitai (1960) Two Approaches to Organizational Analysis: A Critique and a Suggestion. Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 5, No. 2 Retrieved from www. amitaietzioni. org

How to Write a Memorable Author Bio (with Template)

How to Write a Memorable Author Bio (with Template) How to Write a Killer Author Bio It’s important for indie authors to know how to write an author bio that tells readers: who you are, what you write, why readers should trust you, and how you stand out from other writers.Your bio is like your calling card. â€Å"It's something that will let readers get a sense of who you are, and is an important part for pitching media and book proposals,† sums up marketer Rachel Cone-Gorham, formerly of Penguin Random House.This step-by-step guide dives into the four main components of a killer author bio and provides tips from our talented marketers for nailing each section.Why your author bio mattersFor non-fiction authors, the author bio is a critical marketing tool as who are you are is often as (or more!) important than what your book is about. If readers enjoy your books, they will likely want to get to know you better, summarizes Rob. â€Å"Use your bio as a tool to confirm your credibility, display your personality, and cross-promote other titles. By taking those steps, you can help transform readers into fans.†What are some of the best author bios you’ve seen on an Amazon page or on a back cover? Share them in the comments below and tell us why you like them.

Integrated Marketing Communications The WritePass Journal

Integrated Marketing Communications Abstract Integrated Marketing Communications ). 2.3 Measurement of IMC over Time The interlinks in the marketing communication results in a circular process. It is obvious that behaviour influences attitudes and vice versa. For instance, a consumer’s positive familiarity with a brand may force the customer to change the attitude and previous networks or strengthen the positive network that was in existence. Therefore, IMC is based on a long-term synchronization of promotions and messages (Katrandjiev, 2000). IMC is distinguished from the other marketing activities in that it influences the behaviour of the target groups. This happens since IMC is planned, created, implemented and assessed through analysis of consumer behaviour in terms of current and future prospects of purchasing a product or a service. The application of a longitudinal study provides an effective measure for IMC. Since a time factor is a necessity in measuring IMC, accommodation of time as a factor has high chances of providing acceptable and practical results. To develop a measure of ef fectiveness of IMC a comparison between it and the traditional marketing communication (TMC) is necessary. Practicability of this measure in the business world is complex since it is complex to apply both TMC and IMC in order to develop the effectiveness of IMC in a specific organization. Several theories have been developed in the recent past in an attempt to develop the concept of IMC (Duncan, 2002; Schultz, Tannenbaum and Lauterborn, 1993, p.16). However, most of the developmental theories are founded on explanations involving advantages, definitions and acceptance. The main problem facing IMC is the measure of its effectiveness. Several approaches to providing metrics that can be used for measuring IMC have been developed. Many of the theories of measurement of IMC are developed based on the work conducted by Schultz and his colleagues. They conducted a study in 1993, which concluded that the IMC’s main objective is to create communication platforms that support the current purchasing capabilities of all customers or even change future behavioural prospects. Shultz et al concluded that the process of measuring IMC should involve measurement of all behavioural aspects of the customer that is in proximity to the actual acquisition behaviour as possible, and the process of measurement should be developed as part of the planning process. However, the authors did not succeed to measure IMC effectively due to the approach they adopted that measurement focused on output as earlier discussed. Kitchen and Schultz (1999) and Shultz et al (1993) advocated for the use of outside-in planning advance as a way of dealing with the challenges of measuring IMC. This process is designed to be initiated at the customers tracking backward based on the decision to purchase, so as to determine the point where the customer made the decision to purchase the product or service. This approach requires an utmost attention on the customer and the various opportunities where purchase message is delivered to them during the process. Analysis of the impacts of different messages at different points provides an effective way of measuring the impact and hence IMC. Some of the IMC tools through which the customer can be reached are the internet, sales promotions, media advertising, event sponsorship, personal selling, and direct marketing. Since IMC deals with integration, the tools should be monitored so as to determine the impact of the integrated system on consumer behaviour. Developing a tool to measure the integration is quite complex. For instance, it is impossible to measure the absolute IMC effect of coca cola products in the UK due to various competing effects such as price, brands, a variety of promotional strategies, huge number of advertising, as well as the effects of communication which it intertwined between the consumers and the suppliers (Coca Cola, 2013). These results to a very complicated marketing effect that is integrated with cases such as sales promotions affecting brand as well as sales and vice versa. Developing a measure that can integrate these factors is very complex and can only be achieved if conducted individually limiting on determining the effect of integration. 3.0 IMC is Measurable From the analysis above it is obvious that direct measurement of IMC is quite challenging, but there are various ways in which other elements of IMC can be measured and the resultant normalization of the measure be used as a general measure of IMC. Therefore, measurement of IMC is not as ineffective as the argument presented to validate it from derailed development. To fully comprehend this argument, consideration of the effects of various tools of IMC interact and the impacts. This will provide an insight into how various IMC tools can be used in the measurement of the impact and effectiveness of IMC. Therefore, this can be used to plan, execute, and evaluate any IMC program. 3.1 Effects of Advertising Most theories around advertising as IMC tools revolve around how customers perceive advertising messages. The focus of advertising effect is based on measuring the immediate response to the message as a cognitive reaction form of persuasion (Wright, 1980) and significance accessibility model (Baker and Lutz, 2000). Of most significance is the analysis of the effect of advertising over a prolonged period of time. The analysis of the effects of advertising is illustrated in the response hierarchy model (Vaughn, 1980). Therefore, by application of these models, advertising as an IMC tool can be measured effectively and applied in the interpretation of the effect of IMC programs in an organization. 3.2 Sales Promotion Effects In application, promotion of sales accounts for an equal or sometimes even larger budget as advertisements and yet very little has been done regarding measuring the impact of direct sales promotions as an IMC tool (Belch and Belch, 2004). The current marketing field has witnessed increased dependence on direct sales promotions as a marketing tool. This has resulted in increased demand for development of effective tools for quantifying and hence measuring the IMC tool (Neslin, 2002). Sales promotions impact is measured by analysing the impact on sales. Most marketers perceive direct sales promotion as a catalyst that increases sales. This limits many marketers to the analysis of the short-term impact of sales promotions on sales. However, sales promotions can also be used in the development of the brand image by influencing consumers’ purchase intentions, attitudes, image, and beliefs. For instance, the difference between brand-building or franchise sales promotions and non-fra nchise sales promotions can well be analysed by developing a measure for sales promotion (Spethman, 1998). This develops an effective tool for measuring how customers maximize on their efficiency and utility in economizing their purchases. 3.3 Interactive communication effects This is the fastest growing tool of IMC. The interactive media allow for a two-way traffic communication mechanism. This allows consumers to participate in the product or service development. Through interactive media, consumers become active participants in the marketing process. An integrative processing model developed by Rodgers and Thorson (2000) analyses how consumers perceive online advertisement processes. This tool provides data that can be used in quantifying the measure of online advertisement, which can in turn be used as a tool for measuring IMC programs even in an integrated model. For instance, the time consumers spend online can be used in the assessment of the level of consumer interests and participation in online advertisements. The application of traditional advertisement measurement tools can enhance the process of measuring the online advertisements. This approach limits but does not completely hinder the measurement of the impact of interactive media to the con sumer behaviour. 3.4 Synergistic Effects To comprehend the measure of IMC fully, consideration of the effects of multiple marketing tools is essential. This is because most consumers interact with more than one marketing tool before reaching the final decision. According to Naik and Raman (2003), IMC approach is distinguished from the conventional one because IMC analyses the impact of each marketing medium on other mediums. This results to the combined effect of various marketing tools. The development of a measure of Synergistic effects of the marketing tools provides an effective avenue for developing an acceptable measure for IMC programs and their impacts. To highlight on the success of measuring IMC by developing measures for the different IMC tool, this paper will analyse its application at Red Robin, a leading Burger producer in the USA. The success of this company is as a result of application integrated marketing communication in reaching out to its customers. The company applies both online and offline marketing tools this has made it reach most of its consumers as well as attract new customers due to the effectiveness of the IMC tool applied. According to the company’s chief marketing officer, the success of the IMC is entrenched in the application of measurable tools such as advertising, sales promotion, and interactive communication (Red Robin, 2013). With the application of consumer driven marketing strategies, the company has successfully managed to be competitive. 4.0 Conclusion The future of planning and execution of marketing is fully dependent on the IMC approach. The current rate at which IMC is being analysed has proved to be substantive enough to overcome the threat of reduced application of IMC due to its complexities in terms of evaluation. This paper has analysed the most applicable measures for measuring IMC identifying the possible impracticality of the measures. The conclusion is that there is no one single measure that can provide effective IMC effectiveness evaluation. However, its effectiveness can be measured by analysing IMC tools and effects of application of IMC programs as a result of specific tools. The argument presented by Kitchen, Kim and Schultz over the possibility of the hindrances of development of IMC due to lack of measures for evaluating it, is disputable. It is possible to measure the impact of IMC by observing specific tools and quantifying the results by integrating and hence develop a Synergistic effect measure of IMC tools . The continued study and experimentation of IMC will enable it to continue to develop as it poses a positive future as an effective marketing communication tools. The theories have provided information on how the IMC concept has quickly undergone a transformation and acceptability due to the success witnessed in organizations where IMC is applied as a marketing communication tool. References Belch, G. E. Belch, M. A., 2004. Advertising and Promotion: An Integrated Marketing Communication Perspective, (5th Edn), New York, NY: McGraw Hill/Irwin. Baker, W. E. Lutz, R. J., 2000. An Empirical Test of an Updated Relevance-Accessibility Model of Advertising Effectiveness, Journal of Advertising, 29(1), 1-15. BMW Group in the UK, 2013, About Us. Retrieved July 30, 2013, from bmw.co.uk/en/footer/publications-links/aboutus.html Coca Cola, 2013. About Us. Retrieved July 29, 2013, from coca-cola.co.uk/about-us/ Duncan, T., 2002. IMC: Using Advertising and Promotion to Build Brands, New York, NY: McGraw Hill/Irwin. Lee, D.H. Park, C.W., 2007. What is ‘neuromarketing’? A Discussion and Agenda for Future Research International, Journal of Psychophysiology 63, 199-204. Kitchen, P.J, Kim, I. Schultz, D.E., 2008. Integrated Marketing Communications: Practice Leads Theory, Journal of Advertising Research, 48(4), 531-546. Kitchen, P. J. Schultz, D. E., 1999. A Multi-Country Comparison of the Drive for IMC, Journal of Advertising Research, 39(1), 21-38. Katrandjiev, H.I., 2000. Some Aspects of Measuring Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Series, Economics and Organization, 1(8), 87-93. Neslin, S. A., 2002. Sales Promotion, Cambridge MA: Marketing Science Institute. Naik, P. A. Raman, K., 2003. Understanding the Impact of Synergy in Multimedia Comparisons, Journal of Marketing Research, 60, 375-388. Rodgers, S. Thorson, E. 2000. The Interactive Advertising Model: How Users Perceive and Process Online Ads. Journal of Interactive Advertising, 1 (1), 1-23. Reid, M., 2005.   Performance Auditing of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMV) Actions and Outcomes, Journal of Advertising, 34(4), 41-54 Red Robin, 2013. About Us. Retrieved July 30, 2013, from redrobin.com/about/executives/4 Schultz, D   Kitchen, P. 2000. A Response to ‘Theoretical Concept or Management Fashion?† Journal of Advertising Research, 40(5), 17-21. Schultz, D., Tannenbaum, S. Lauterborn, R. 1993. Integrated Marketing Communications:   Pulling It Together and Making It Work, Lincolnwood, IL:   NTC Business Books. Spethman, B., 1998. Is Advertising Dead?† PROMO, 1, 32-36 Vaughn, R. 1980. How Advertising Works: A Planning Model. Journal of Advertising Research, 20(5), 27-33. Wright, P. 1980. Message Evoked Thoughts, Persuasion Research Using Thought Verbalizations. Journal of Consumer Research, 7, 151-75.

Haplology - Definition and Examples in Language

Haplology s in Language Definition A sound change involving the loss of a syllable when its next to a phonetically identical (or similar) syllable. Haplology is a type of dissimilation. Perhaps the best-known example is the reduction of Anglaland in Old English to England in Modern English. The reverse process is known as dittologythe accidental or conventionalized repetition of a syllable. (Dittology also means, more broadly, the double reading or interpretation of any text.) The counterpart of haplology in writing is haplographythe accidental omission of a letter that should be repeated (such as mispell for misspell). The term haplology (from the Greek, simple, single) was coined by American linguist Maurice Bloomfield (American Journal of Philology, 1896). Also Known  As   syllabic syncope Examples and Observations Haplology . . . is the name given to the change in which a repeated sequence of sounds is simplified to a single occurrence. For example, if the word haplology were to undergo haplology (were to be haplologized), it would reduce the sequence lolo to lo, haplology haplogy. Some real examples are:(1) Some varieties of English reduce library to libry [laibri] and probably to probly [prÉ”bli].(2) pacifism pacificism (contrast with mysticism mysticism, where the repeated sequence is not reduced and does not end up as ​mystism).(3) English humbly was humblely in Chaucers time, pronounced with three syllables, but has been reduced to two syllables (only one l) in modern standard English.(Lyle Campbell, Historical Linguistics: An Introduction, 2nd ed. MIT Press, 2004)The words library and necessary, especially as spoken in Southern England, are often heard by foreigners as libry and nessary. But when they repeat the words as such, they do not sound right, since there should be a lengthened r and s, respectively, in those words. It shows that foreigners notice the beginning stages of haplology in those words, when there is as yet no complete haplology.(Yuen Ren Chao, Language and Symbolic Systems. Cambridge University Press, 1968) I have often noted that Americans, in speaking of the familiar Worcestershire sauce, commonly pronounce every syllable and enunciate shire distinctly. In England it is always Woostershr.(H.L. Mencken, The American Language, 2nd ed. Alfred A. Knopf, 1921) Also See What Is the Correct Pronunciation of February?AssimilationDissimilationElision

Human Resource and Organizational Performance Essay

Human Resource and Organizational Performance - Essay Example HR therefore can improves a company performance through; increasing motivation and promoting positive attitudes among the employees, increasing employees abilities and skills, giving employees a vast responsibilities so that they can realize their potential and make full use of their abilities and skills. Moreover, through looking at the wellness/safety and health of the employees such as development of accident prevention strategies, substance and AIDS abuse policies, health and legal safety policies, and promotions and implementations of wellness programs, companies make its employees comfortable and work towards the achievement of the company goals and objective. For example, FedEx Corporation Company has made lots of strides through their Human Resource strategy where they developed a philosophy called people-service-profit (Bohlander & Snell, 2010). The fundamental belief from that philosophy was that excellent care of the employees yield excellent service to the company. FedEx offers regular feedback actions programs as well as annual survey to track employees’ relations. The above program provided resolution opportunities and permits problem assessment. The company also provided better ways of addressing problems so that the company employees could be kept balanced (Berger, 2011).Additionally, a strong Human Resource offers Training and development services to their employees to boost employees’ skills and knowledge in their job areas to international standards. This involves designs, evaluation, planning.

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility Case Study - 1

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility - Case Study Example The study also aims to assess the impact of these strategies on stakeholders of the company, namely customers, employees and promoters of the brand. The paper tries to establish that the strategy of sustainable development has led to growth of customer base, increased customer retention and has been an overall benefitting investment for the company. Best Buy, through low prices and big discounts, has been attracting several customers, but its policies on sustainable development has also garnered goodwill and increased brand equity. The company uses the policy of recycling of e-waste to increase chances of return sales as well as helps in conserving the environment through sustainable strategies (Luo and Bhattacharya, 2006). Hence, in the study, the effort of Best Buy to implement its sustainable development policies and their impact on the brand has been critically examined. In 1966, Richard Shulze had opened a very  small business  at St. Paul in Minnesota, called  Sound of Music. In the next 17 years, the small store of Shulze had gradually grown into a multi-million dollar firm. By 1983, Sound of Music had changed its name to Best Buy Corporation, Inc. The first superstore opened up in Burnsville, Minnesota, under the new name. The store began selling more brands and appliances. It also started offering central service as well as warehouse distribution. In the nineties, Best Buy was the pioneers to offer newest technology such as, DVDs and HD TVs. By 1999, Best Buy and Microsoft had collaborated for mutual promotion. This has also led them to offer a two for one stock split. Best Buy operates through two business segments, Domestic and International. The  financial security  of Best Buy relies on its stores, Magnolia Audio Visual Stores and the Geek Squad. Between the year 2005 and 2008, Best Buy wanted to achieve a higher income rate than earlier. Four strategies that

Week 5 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Week 5 - Assignment Example When there is such a rapport between the mentor and the mentee, there is a continuous development of life skills among the mentees. Life skills developed include assertiveness, goal setting skills, time saving methods, critical thinking, creative thinking, career awareness, conflict resolution, finance management and decision-making. A mentor also assists the mentee in obtaining extra resources especially when it comes to education issues. He is a resource broker. He guides and advocates for the rights of the mentee. He is a professional manager rather than a counselor. He does increase the ability to interact with diverse people from various economic, social, political, and cultural backgrounds. It is possible especially through introduction into various workplace and school settings, and talking with people with different diverse behavior, character and attitude. All these are qualities my mother, who has been the best mentor in my life, which she possesses. She has been a real mentor to me and has portrayed excellent positive qualities of a mentor. She is a good listener, always listening to my pleas even. She is available when I need her most, especially when am discouraged and at the verge of giving up. She is such a caring and responsible adult. Essentially, she is my role model, and I do aspire to be like her. Even when I fail in a few areas, she does not give up on me, but shows me there is still a new room for

Questions regarding weather Risk, breakeven exchange rate, Essay

Questions regarding weather Risk, breakeven exchange rate, - Essay Example In fact, this sort of trading would be comparable to trading the varying values of stock indices, currencies, interest rates and agricultural commodities. However, the inception of the  weather derivatives has made weather a tradeable commodity (Stephen Jewson, Anders Brix and Christine Zeihmann, 2005). Weather derivatives are financial instruments that can be applied by individuals or organizations as component of a risk management strategy to decrease the risk associated with adverse and unexpected weather conditions1. It is different from the crop insurance that is generally used for high risk coverage. The weather derivatives are mainly used for low risk events. Until recently, insurance has been the main tool used by companies for protection against unexpected weather conditions. But insurance provides protection only against catastrophic damage.  Insurance does nothing to protect against the reduced demand that businesses experience as a result of weather that is warmer or colder than expected. Farmers can use weather derivatives to hedge against poor harvests caused by drought or frost; theme parks may want to insure agains t rainy weekends during peak summer seasons. Hence the CEO of ADLA must use weather derivatives. For example, a company might use a weather derivative to hedge against a frost ans heavy wind velocity (a low-risk, high-probability event). In this case, the company knows its revenues would be affected by that kind of weather. But the same company would most likely purchase an insurance policy for protection against damages caused by a flood or hurricane (high-risk, low-probability events).  Ã‚   In contrast to the various outlooks provided by government and independent forecasts, weather derivatives trading will give this company (ADLA) a quantifiable view of those outlooks and hence protects the interests of the company against adverse weather elements. Over the counter trading weather derivatives are privately

Creating an Inclusive, Student Centred Learning Environment Essay

Creating an Inclusive, Student Centred Learning Environment - Essay Example As the paper highlights the teacher must establish a working relationship with parents, in order to better and more holistically approach the lesson in a manner most effective for the learner. For the kindergarten music class, the teacher could inform parents of the songs they had learned so that the parents could practice them at home with their children. According to the report findings the general education teacher in an inclusive environment will need to collaborate with the various professionals who perfrom specialized functions in the special education field. Most important among these is the special education teacher, who shall be responsible for coordinating student services and an Individualized Education Program or IEP, which shall be designed for each special-needs child. Frequent collaboration between the general education and SPED teachers should immediately address SPED learners’ needs by adjusting lesson content and strategy. Other professionals involved in the collaboration process conducted by the general education teacher are the school psychologist, counselors, social workers, speech and language as well as physical and occupational therapists, nurses, paraprofessionals, and school administrators. Speech and language therapists could help maximize the music therapy aspect of this music class for autistic learn ers. In classroom preparation, the first consideration should always be the choice of furniture and their best arrangement to accommodate the unique needs of its occupants.

Questions regarding weather Risk, breakeven exchange rate, Essay

Questions regarding weather Risk, breakeven exchange rate, - Essay Example In fact, this sort of trading would be comparable to trading the varying values of stock indices, currencies, interest rates and agricultural commodities. However, the inception of the  weather derivatives has made weather a tradeable commodity (Stephen Jewson, Anders Brix and Christine Zeihmann, 2005). Weather derivatives are financial instruments that can be applied by individuals or organizations as component of a risk management strategy to decrease the risk associated with adverse and unexpected weather conditions1. It is different from the crop insurance that is generally used for high risk coverage. The weather derivatives are mainly used for low risk events. Until recently, insurance has been the main tool used by companies for protection against unexpected weather conditions. But insurance provides protection only against catastrophic damage.  Insurance does nothing to protect against the reduced demand that businesses experience as a result of weather that is warmer or colder than expected. Farmers can use weather derivatives to hedge against poor harvests caused by drought or frost; theme parks may want to insure agains t rainy weekends during peak summer seasons. Hence the CEO of ADLA must use weather derivatives. For example, a company might use a weather derivative to hedge against a frost ans heavy wind velocity (a low-risk, high-probability event). In this case, the company knows its revenues would be affected by that kind of weather. But the same company would most likely purchase an insurance policy for protection against damages caused by a flood or hurricane (high-risk, low-probability events).  Ã‚   In contrast to the various outlooks provided by government and independent forecasts, weather derivatives trading will give this company (ADLA) a quantifiable view of those outlooks and hence protects the interests of the company against adverse weather elements. Over the counter trading weather derivatives are privately

Community Health Nursing - Clinical Intervention Paper Assignment

Community Health Nursing - Clinical Intervention Paper - Assignment Example The Westchester Arc understands that some families who have a child with intellectual disabilities have difficulties in coping with the unique behavioral problems of their children with special needs. Medicaid Service Coordination helps individuals and their families who are eligible for Medicaid, to coordinate a wide range of services. These include access to government services and advocacy for services, including medical assessments and appointment, training and professional development, educational, recreational resources and housing. According to the US Census 2010, the Katonah city had a total population of 1,679 people compared to 10,739 residents of Katonah code 10536 in 2010 (Martin & Thompson, 2011). In CDP Katonah, there were 1,679 people, 589 households, and 445 families. The population density is 2,398.6 per square mile (883.7 / km2). There were 619 housing units at an average density of 884.3 ml / sq (325.8 / km2). The city has 87.1% White, 2.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 5.4% some other race, and 2.2% Hispanic (Kennedy, 2009). There were 589 households out of which 46.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples led by, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.1% had an elderly dependent. The approximate household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.24. In the CDP the masses were spread out with 29.5% under the age of 18, 5.1% fro m 18 to 24, 24.1% 25-44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% spread, the 65 years of age or were older. For the period 2007-11, the estimated average annual income for a household in the city was $ 86.296, and the median income for a family was $ 86.923. Full-time male workers had a median income of $ 54,250 USD 64 674 against women. About 7.7% of

Human Resources Essay Example for Free

Human Resources Essay Human Resource Policies Assessing personnel needs HR must be approachable if an employee seeks advice regarding employment Recruiting personnel   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Recruitment must be objective and has to meet the standards of the company Screening personnel Applicants must be screened in an objective manner and test their aptitude for the job Selecting and hiring personnel   Upon selection, the hired applicants will be more than qualified for the job applied for Orienting new employees to the organization   Newly-hired employees are oriented by the company guided by its mission and vision Deciding compensation issues Compensation and other benefits should be discussed upon signing the contract. Benefits and Compensation Basic Salary   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The monthly wages that an employee must received due to work rendered. Night Differential   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An employee who works from 10pm until 6am will get a 30% of his basic salary Fringe Benefit   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Employees should be   complemented with the following: housing, group insurance (health, dental, life etc.), income protection, retirement benefits,daycare, tuition reimbursement, sick leave, vacation (paid and non-paid), social security, profit sharing, funding of education, and other specialized benefits.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Employee awards Prolific   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An employee is award because he works more than is required. Efficiency   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An employee is awarded because of his work ethic and objectivity Resourcefulness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     An employee is rawwarded due to his ability to find alternatives for the betterment of the job Customer Satisfaction It is always a company standard to treat a client in a proper manner, so as to make an increase in sales. Such award given to the employee makes him a role model for other employees. Innovative An employee is given this award because he strives for progress Salesmanship An employee makes a transaction beyond his quota, sales of the company would increase and will give the company and the manufacturer a boost on their public relations. Citation: The Art of Motivation: An Incentive Industry Primer

Electric Drive System Design, Simulation and Construction

Electric Drive System Design, Simulation and Construction Abstract In this experiment, three phase flexible inverter was used to drive a Brush Less Direct Current (BLDC) machine. Three experiments steps use three-phase inverter which is connected to resistor and inductor load and BLDC machine to examine and measure 1) Pulse Mode Modulation (PMW); 2) Three wave signal sinusoidal and 3) BLDC signal sequence. Computer simulation using MATLAB Simulink is used to analyze the laboratory result and software calculation. The speed and torque of BLDC machine can be controlled by controller using PWM technique. This BLDC machine can be modelled as Resistor and Inductor Load.   1.1 Background Many electrical load (e.g. electric motor, lighting) need a wide of range voltage, current, frequency and phase angle which is converted from electrical source (e.g. electric grid, battery) with constant voltage, frequencies, current and phase angles. This conversion mechanism use power electronics converter and one application of converter is inverter which convert DC input into AC output [1]. In this experiment, this inverter will provide a variety of voltage and frequency to drive BLDC machine in order to operate at a specific speed and torque. 1.2 Module Aims The aim of this experiment is to understand design, construction, simulation, and testing of an electrical drive system through practical experience. The procedure of this project can be divide into following steps. Research electrical drive technology. Construction of an electric drive. Simulate and understand an electric drive system. Experimental test, analysis and verification of the system Diagrammatic interpretation of software operation Production of a written technical report. 2.1 Pulse Width Modulation In this experiment, the circuit use 3 pairs of MOSFETs as shown in figure 2.1. Having set the PIC software to the PWM test mode for the controller, measurements was taken on terminal point in three pairs (J1-J2, J3-J4 and J5-J6) which indicate gate-on voltage. Figure 2.1. 3-phase MOSFET arrangement diagram. The gate-on voltage on terminal J1-J2 over time can be shown in figure xx, it consists of time-on (T-on) and time-off (T-off). Time switching period can be calculated as T=t-on+t-off and duty cycle as ratio of time-on (T-on) over time switching period. The 3 pairs of MOSFET have relatively the same switching frequency and gate-on voltage, but in the different percentage of duty cycle, as complete result shown in table xxx. From figure xx, dead time is calculated as time span from J1 when voltage start to off and J2 when voltage start to on. PMW switching frequency = Duty cycle = Figure 2.2. PWM signal for J1 (Yellow) and J2 (Green): time-on, time-off and voltage on. Figure 2.3.   PWM signal: dead time between J1 (Yellow) and J2 (Green). Table 2.1. PWM Signal (J1 to J6) 2.2 Three Phase Sine Wave Generator In this experiment, the controller is programmed with test 2 test to convert from DC supply to 3-phase AC output. The output of inverter connected to electrical load (resistor and inductor) and then voltage is measured between resistor R1. The frequency of AC output can be altered by the R22 potentiometer. By varying the setting of potentiometer, the result between resistor R1 (V1-V2) can be shown in figure 2.1 for minimum, figure 2.2 for middle, and figure 2.3 for maximum setting of potentiometer. Figure 2.4. Inverter frequency (f=1.97Hz) in the minimum setting of potentiometer Figure 2.5.   Inverter frequency (f=16.18Hz) in the middle setting of potentiometer Figure 2.6. Inverter frequency (f=19.82Hz) in the maximum setting of potentiometer Figure 2.7. PWM signal (f=10.16kHz) while at the duty cycle 23%. 2.3    BLDC Motor Control In the test-3, the controller is programmed with test 3 test to convert from DC supply to operate and control a three phase BLDC machine. BLDC machine is equipped with three Hall Effect sensors, their function is to sense the rotor position to the controller in order to make MOSFETs can make certain switching arrangement to produce a particular speed for BLDC motor. After inverter connected to hall effect sensor and to power supply of BLDC motor, the results can be shown for the sequence position between H1-H2 (figure xx), between H1-H3 (figure xx) and also the total sequence position between H1-H2-H3 in figure xx. The supply voltage for BLDC, phase A voltage is can be shown in figure xx and figure, which magnitude at around 25 V but the duty cycle fluctuate between range 37% up to 62%. Figure 2.8. H1 (Yellow) and H2 (Green) sequence at almost similar frequency (f1=132Hz and f2=131Hz) Figure 2.9.   H1 (Yellow) and H3 (Green) sequence at almost similar frequency (f1=132Hz and f3=130Hz) Figure 2.10. Relation between H1 (state 1) and voltage phase A (duty 37%). Figure 2.11. Relation between H1 (state 0) and voltage phase A (duty 62%). Figure 2.12. H1-H2-H3 command sequence. 2.4    Variable DC Supply Simulation In this Matlab simulation, DC supply was connected to resistive-inductive load with the value of R=47Ohm and L=33mH. DC output was produced by compare the triangle waveform and a reference setting point. The triangle waveform magnitude has minimum value -1 and maximum value +1 with a frequency 20kHz. The reference setting point was set at 0, 0.5 and 1 which represent duty cycle (D=0%, D=50% and D=100%). The shape of current waveform with duty cycle can be shown in figure xx. There are several screens captures with a variation of 1) the reference setting point (figure xx), 2) the triangle switching frequency and 3) the value of inductance. Figure 2.13. The output current with duty cycle D=50% and swithing frequency fs=20kHz Figure 2.14. The output current with different inductance duty cycle (D=0%, D=50%, and D=100%) Figure 2.15. The output current with different switching frequency (fs=10kHz, fs=20kHz, and fs=40kHz) Figure 2.16. The output current with different inductance value (L=1.65mH, L=3.3mH, and L=33mH) 2.5    Variable AC Supply Simulation In this AC supply, AC supply was also connected to resistive-inductive load with the value of R=47Ohm and L=33mH. AC output was produced by compare the triangle waveform and a sinusoidal control signal. The triangle waveform magnitude has minimum value -1 and maximum value +1 with a frequency 10kHz. The reference was a sine wave with frequency 50 Hz and magnitude varying from maximum +1 and minimum -1. The shape of current waveform with duty cycle can be shown in figure xx. There are several screens captures with a variation of 1) the sine wave reference signal (figure xx), 2) the triangle switching frequency and 3) the value of inductance. Figure 2.17. The output current with a sine wave reference setting fc=50Hz and a switching frequency fs=10kHz Figure 2.18.   The output current with different sine wave reference setting (fc=25Hz, fc=50Hz, and fc=100Hz) Figure 2.19. The output current with different switching frequency (fs=10kHz, fs=20kHz, and fs=40kHz) Figure 2.20. The output current with different inductance value (L=1.65mH, L=3.3mH, and L=33mH) 3.1 Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) This MS Word template (.dot file) was prepared by Dr. Jonathan I. Maletic in the Department of Computer Science at Kent State University.   This is Version 1.0.   It is a template for Thesis/Dissertations for the College of Arts and Science at KSU. 3.2 Three Phase Sine Wave Generator In this Matlab simulation, DC supply was connected to resistive-inductive load with the value of R=47Ohm and L=33mH. DC output was produced by compare the triangle waveform and a reference setting point. The triangle waveform magnitude has minimum value -1 and maximum value +1 with a frequency 20kHz. The reference setting point was set at 0, 0.5 and 1 which represent duty cycle (D=0%, D=50% and D=100%). The shape of current waveform with duty cycle can be shown in figure xx. There are several screens captures with a variation of 1) the reference setting point (figure xx), 2) the triangle switching frequency and 3) the value of inductance. 3.3 BLDC Motor Control In this AC supply, AC supply was also connected to resistive-inductive load with the value of R=47Ohm and L=33mH. AC output was produced by compare the triangle waveform and a sinusoidal control signal. The triangle waveform magnitude has minimum value -1 and maximum value +1 with a frequency 10kHz. The reference was a sine wave with frequency 50 Hz and magnitude varying from maximum +1 and minimum -1. The shape of current waveform with duty cycle can be shown in figure xx. There are several screens captures with a variation of 1) the sine wave reference signal (figure xx), 2) the triangle switching frequency and 3) the value of inductance. 3.4 Variable DC Supply Simulation In this AC supply, AC supply was also connected to resistive-inductive load with the value of R=47Ohm and L=33mH. AC output was produced by compare the triangle waveform and a sinusoidal control signal. The triangle waveform magnitude has minimum value -1 and maximum value +1 with a frequency 10kHz. The reference was a sine wave with frequency 50 Hz and magnitude varying from maximum +1 and minimum -1. The shape of current waveform with duty cycle can be shown in figure xx. There are several screens captures with a variation of 1) the sine wave reference signal (figure xx), 2) the triangle switching frequency and 3) the value of inductance. 3.5 Variable AC Supply Simulation In this AC supply, AC supply was also connected to resistive-inductive load with the value of R=47Ohm and L=33mH. AC output was produced by compare the triangle waveform and a sinusoidal control signal. The triangle waveform magnitude has minimum value -1 and maximum value +1 with a frequency 10kHz. The reference was a sine wave with frequency 50 Hz and magnitude varying from maximum +1 and minimum -1. The shape of current waveform with duty cycle can be shown in figure xx. There are several screens captures with a variation of 1) the sine wave reference signal (figure xx), 2) the triangle switching frequency and 3) the value of inductance.

Personal Narrative about Skiing Essay -- Narrative Essay Ski Trip

The coat of armor I adorned, made of down feathers and a nylon shell, yielded no protection against the daggers of that cold winter air. As I peered out toward the horizon, I saw nothing but tree tops, and some snow capped mountain tops in the distance. With my feet bound to freshly waxed skis, the only thing stronger than my ski poles was my determination to get down the mountain. I turned to my right, only to see the immediate drop off of the ski slope. As I crept up a little closer to the edge, I noticed an incline that before now was only known to me through pictures of cliff diving, or an exaggerated road runner and coyote cartoon. With a deep breath of that icy cold air that seemed endless at the time, I pushed myself off the mountain, and I was skiing. The wind blew past me as...

Luxury Goods and Jewellery in India Essay

The VERTU originally started in 1998 in Great Britain, now wholly owned subsidiary of Finnish company Nokia. The same year founder and Chief Designer, Italian Frank Nouvo began putting his ideas for Vertu on paper and the board of Nokia gave the project a green light. Frank Nuovo was a design strategist at Nokia from 1995 to 2006, when he left to become Vertu’s lead designer full time. Also in 1998 the company made it a company principle of hand making their products with â€Å"exotic, rare and naturally durable materials†. In 1999, their characteristic V form was established, and it is still highly visible across the Vertu product portfolio. In 2000 Vertu began taking shape as a company, locating their headquarters in England, and started an extensive Research and Development- project and decided on some of the parts that would go into the phones as well as some design decisions, such as the use of sapphire crystals as a design-tweak. Three years in to operations, Vertu was granted the Vertu Concierge Service as a patent and this is still one of Vertu’s edges in the luxury cell phones market. Vertu launched what they themselves call the â€Å"†¦first ever luxury mobile phone† near the Eiffel tower in Paris in 2002, the Vertu Signature. With the first phones now available on the newly created market for luxury phones, Vertu also had the opportunity to offer one of their customers help through the concierge service, with a flight from London to New York. In 2005 10. 000 concierge requests was made according to Vertu, a figure that is, and should be (due to their customers privacy), hard to confirm. In 2003 they open their 50th retail location. By 2010, Vertu had more than 90 own boutiques and was sold in over 600 locations in almost 70 countries, worldwide, according to Nokia`s financial statement for 2010. In 2007 Vertu went on a joint venture with Ferrari, creating an special edition phone marking the car company’s 60th anniversary. CONCEPT AND UNIQUENESS The concept of Vertu is to appeal to high-end customers who look for something unique in their mobile phones. Through meeting target customers standards about design, materials, price and brand Vertu has created a market for luxury mobile phones. The additional services, such as the Vertu Concierge give customers an elevated experience. â€Å"Vertu aims to enhance and enrich customers’ lives through the services and products we offer. This enrichment will now further extend to the experience in our stores with a focused, tailored approach to customer interaction. † by Perry Oosting, President of Vertu BUSINESS STRATEGY Nokia’s first idea was to create a phone that was completely contrary to the company’s mass phone distribution and enter the luxury market by creating the subsidiary company Vertu. In order to keep the luxury image and status of Vertu, the phone was not associated with Nokia’s mass mobile phones. During the recession in 2009, the CEO Perry Oosting, announced that Vertu was launching cheaper phones and accessories as a tool to keep up the market shares and survive the recession. Late 2011, the new CEO of Nokia, presented the new strategy; to use a new operating system from Microsoft for their smartphones. This resulted in a giant downfall in market shares. As mentioned above, Vertu’s flagship stores are located at the most exclusive shopping districts, amongst other Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, in order to be associated with the same luxury atmosphere as the neighboring brands. Vertu also put a huge emphasis on the store layout, everything from special glass for the display cases, to the floor and lightening. For the ultimate luxury experience, they also provide high personal service with top skills. For the exclusiveness and status of the luxury phone, it was chosen to be launched in connection with fashion shows at Paris fashion week and was thereby becoming to be viewed as a fashion brand instead of a technology brand. This was a strategic move to strengthen the image if the brand. Vertu chose to launch their products in the BRIC countries, which consists of some of the most emerging markets in the world today. Additionally, the Middle East and Japan are also two extremely important markets for Vertu, partly due to the strong technology awareness in these areas. The sales in these countries are larger than in the western countries and the luxury company is exploiting the new wealth of the generations with high luxury awareness and taste. In order to gain greater market share in the British and Hong-Kong market, Vertu has numerous joint ventures and partnerships with jewelry stores, such as King Fook Jewelry in Hong-Kong and Goldsmiths in Harrods, London. â€Å"We understand communications technology. We believe now that we understand the luxury industry. It will take something for competition to match that. † – Nigel Litchfield, former president of Vertu, 2002 MARKETING MIX Product: Vertu sells hand-made luxury phones made from fine materials like gold, platinum and sapphire. Along with every purchase the buyer receives superior service and is entitled to free ‘concierge’ service which assists users with exclusive services like restaurant and hotel reservations, priority bookings, and a global recommendation network. Price: Vertu prices range from $5,000 to over $300,000. The prices vary with the different collections and the materials that are used in them. Place: Vertu phones are selectively distributed. They are available at company-owned boutiques and at other various company-selected luxury stores like London Jewelers, Goldsmiths, Tourneau and Colette. Vertu locates its stores in luxury shopping districts of large metropolitan areas and opens relatively few stores. The stores are small, intimate and have a luxury feel more like that of a jewelry store than a cell phone store. All sale locations can be found on vertu. com. Promotion: Vertu acquires much publicity from sales to celebrities like David Beckham, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. As well Vertu has collaborated with big brands before like Ferrari, Boucheron and Audemars Piguet. Vertu releases different collections at different times and will only make a certain number of phones in order to keep a prestigious image and attract buyers. Vertu has a website for publicity which features product descriptions and photos of celebrities who own Vertu phones. POSITIONING. Vertu was a pioneer in the luxury cell phone market and has positioned itself as the top-of-the-line targeting high-net-worth individuals. Vertu accomplishes this by using only the finest materials to manufacture their products which are all handcrafted ensuring that every product is of perfect quality. Vertu will release different collections each featuring different materials and designs which make the collections unique and prestigious; their most expensive line ever was the Signature Cobra designed by Boucheron, only eight were made and they cost $310,000 each. Vertu will often collaborate with other luxury brands, like Boucheron, Audemars Piguet and Ferrari, to extend their success and name in the luxury product world. Vertu offers superior and personalized service to its clients, including a free concierge service anywhere in the world, guaranteeing customer satisfaction and loyalty. They also position themselves by showcasing the celebrities who own their products as an indication that their products are for the rich and famous. Vertu has locations all over the world in 70 countries however they open relatively few boutiques solely in luxury shopping districts of large cities and thus are considered selectively distributed. Vertu boutiques are decadent, small, intimate venues which offer personalized service to clients wishing to make a purchase; the other stores licensed to sell Vertu products are also luxury stores like Tourneau Watches and London Jewelers in the United States, Bandiera Jewelers in Canada, Colette in Paris and Ernest Jones in London. Vertu very successfully maintains a prestigious image with its ultra-luxurious products and superior service through its positioning. VERTU SERVICES VERTU brand offers services that are unique, independent and carefully customized to the particular needs and desires of their customers. All services are integrated into gadget. VERTU CONCIERGE Vertu Concierge is added directly to the customer`s handset, offering luxury assistance and enrichment. The service is offered by voice call or email, and access through a dedicated key on the cell. At the moment of VERTU phone registration and activation of VERTU Concierge service, initial â€Å"fitting† call is proposed. It can be done immediately at purchase time or later up to client`s choice. The â€Å"fitting† call gives an opportunity to have full explanation of services offered by Concierge, as well as client can express her/his needs and desires which will be matched to this service. This includes the establishment of personal preferences, the range of the service they would wish and significantly, the sort of contact they wish to receive from Vertu. The Vertu Concierge Classic service offers the client with 24/7 access to a team of lifestyle managers, situated within a network of global centers covering all the main time zones including London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and San Francisco. Vertu Concierge also has managers on the ground in major destinations in order to create close relationships with specialist suppliers of goods and services specifically for Vertu clients. Many customers choose to use Vertu Concierge for their travel and lodging requirements as Vertu has protected exclusive opportunities for its clients. Vertu Concierge can contact the widest network of hotels, restaurants and airlines, and can as a result meet the exact preferences and expectations of their customers. Vertu Concierge clients may also ask for support with purchases ranging from small luxury items to accompaniments to their property range. Vertu Concierge is available in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin and Cantonese. Vertu Classic Concierge is included free of charge for one year from the date of purchase of a Vertu handset. VERTU CITY BRIEF. Vertu City Brief is a global digest of information covering more than 200 cities and destinations worldwide. Launched in September 2009, it is now one of Vertu’s most utilized services. Independently written for Vertu by experts in their respective fields, Vertu City Brief is available on Vertu handsets in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Japanese and Simplified Chinese. Refreshed and updated on a regular basis, Vertu City Brief allows the user to hit the ground running on arrival in an unfamiliar territory or to explore new or exciting opportunities in their home town. If the customer does not see anything which exactly meets their requirements, Vertu City Brief is the perfect inspiration to begin a conversation with a Vertu Concierge Lifestyle Manager. VERTU SELECT Vertu Select delivers original articles selected to inspire, inform and entertain based on a user’s region, preferences and passions. Written by carefully selected global journalists, experts and organizations, the articles appear via the handsets RSS feed once a customer has registered their phone. Vertu Select is available in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Japanese and Simplified Chinese. VERTU. ME Introduced with the launch of Constellation Quest in October 2010, vertu. me is a service that provides the user with a Vertu email account and effortless harmonization of the device’s lifestyle and business tools. Should the customer choose, the user’s emails, contacts, calendar and task information can be automatically synchronized with Vertu’s secure servers, giving the benefit of protected back up of their data. Vertu offers the consumer complete peace of mind. Should the handset be lost, this data can be retrieved and seamlessly downloaded to a replacement phone. The system also ensures that whenever the vertu. me account is accessed, whether from the phone, a home or office computer (PC and Mac) or via the web, this information is up to date. TARGET CONSUMER The Vertu mobile is a highly luxurious product, which doubtlessly is made to fit the extremely wealthy population of this world. The main customers are rich and found in the urban areas, who are constantly searching for the extraordinary products. Furthermore, their flagship- and department stores are situated in the finest areas, in order to attract the highly rich international shoppers. â€Å"These are people who buy the best quality watches, the best quality fashion devices† – Nigel Litchfield, former president of Vertu The special features and services of the phone such as the â€Å"Vertu Concierge†, attracts customers who are constantly traveling worldwide – jet setters. The Vertu mobile was the first phone which was able function in over 180 different countries. This fact covered many needs and made it rapidly attractive for people who were constantly traveling such as celebrities and high ranked business people. In fact, Madonna, Beckham and Gwyneth Patrol were some of Vertu’s first users when it was launched. CONSUMER-BASED BRAND EQUITY PYRAMID Brand Salience For Vertu achieving right brand identity involves brand salience. People generally are not still aware of VERTU because it is relatively â€Å"young† brand and promotion is quite narrow. However their target consumer for sure can recall and recognize this brand. So conclusion here is that Brand salience is more depth than breadth. This basically means that even thou there are not yet many people knowing VERTU, but those who do , they know all insights of it, can easily recall it and understands what this brand is about. Brand Performance The product itself is at the heart of brand equity, as it is the primary influence of what consumers experience with a brand, what they hear about the brand from others, and what the brand can tell customers about the brand in their communication. Brand Performance relates to the ways in which the product or service attempts to meet customers` functional needs. This is on top level for VERTU brand. It is crucial to contribute to customers` desires, wants and needs. Vertu brand highly represents all what their HNWI customers want to have for paying a high price. The product is highly durable; it has distinctive logo, premium pricing and advanced technology in gadgets. Unique services provided for customers by VERTY also attributes to brand`s performance. Brand Imagery Another variable CBBE Pyramid is second type of brand meaning which involves brand imagery. Imagery deals with such a properties of a product, which meets customers` psychological needs. It is more about what people think of it, how they see it. VERTU`s imagery is extremely individualistic and stylish. When customer is buying VERTU cell he/she buys a beauty of it as well. As of VERTU`s customer has a strong judgment of a brand as high quality luxury product. Credibility is high and customer see VERTU as superior, advantageous brand. Brand Judgments Brand judgments focus upon customers` personal opinions and evaluation with regard to brand. This involves how consumer put together all from performance and imagery association to make kind of an evaluation. VERTU`s clients evaluate this brand as a high quality luxury brand. Brand Feelings This variable shows emotional response with respect to VERTU brand. It shows what feelings are evoked by the marketing strategy for the VERTU and how does it affect feelings about themselves and relationships with others. Customer of VERU is for sure status-conscious person. Customers of VERTU have a unique and warmth feeling about the brand. It can be exciting due to special relationship of beauty and technology in brand`s products. Customer feels it is trendy and relates to special status and therefore social approval. Customer feels high security within this brand due to all advantages provided. As VERTU makes consumer feel better self-respect, pride, fulfillment and accomplishment also occurs. Brand Resonance Final variable of pyramid shows brand relationships with a customer based on Salience, Performance, Imagery, Judgments and Feelings. As for VERTU even if general awareness is low the behavioral loyalty is very high, customer want to get back to this brand, consequently repeat purchase is possible. Brand loyalty is necessary but not sufficient for resonance to occur. Within VERTU brand customer is not returning to this brand again due to, for example, scarce of substitutes. VERTU attained their main goal- strong personal attachment to brand. It goes beyond of having just a positive attitude to view brand. Another important part of Resonance is active engagement. This probably is the strongest affirmation of brand loyalty. It occurs when client is willing to invest time, energy, money in to the brand. Constantly customers of VERTU are invited to special social events created by VERTU worldwide, and they are participating. Therefore VERTU has a very strong relationship with its customer. SWOT ANALISYS FOR VETRU STRENGHT * Masterpiece of design, engineering, and craftsmanship. * Was truly innovative pioneering brand * Strong reputation (Products have established strong reputation in their field) * Global expansion (Includes significant growth over last 10 years) * Customer service * Control of Quality(As produced just in one factory in England) * London Symphony Orchestra is creating ringtones exclusively for each model of Vertu WEAKNESSES * Extremely high production price (which leads to high product price) * Limited access as distribution is exclusive and limited (Missing opportunities for new customers) * Not able to buy online (More customers now go online). * Not enough technical innovation again (Many customers claim that gadgets are beautiful but not really practical) OPPORTUNITIES * E-business (launch â€Å"buy option† online) * Emerging markets * Mix VERTU styling with Nokia (in order to increase awareness ) * Change of consumer lifestyle (growing demand from young and senior people) THREATS * Increasing Quality of Competing Products and Number of those * Importance of counterfeiting (Chinese counterfeiting factories already picked up the idea) * Newer forms of luxury and innovation are constantly changing COMPETITORS. GOLDVISH Brand established in Geneve, Switzerland in 2003. Very Haut-Couture style but extremely not practical. Cells are difficult to buy, narrow distribution channel. View itself as a pioneering brand of luxury cell phone on official website which is obvious lie. The pioneering brand was VERTU. Only 3 lines of phones are developed since 2003. The most expensive gadget is â€Å"Le Millionaire† and it costs $1,000 000. MOBIADO Canadian-based manufacturer of luxury phones with modern minimalistic design launched in 2004. It has 3 main lines –Classic, Professional and Grand Line. Mobiado actively participates in social events in North America (such as Golden Globes and Couture Fashion Week in NY). The brand is not very popular in Middle East and Europe. Still Distribution channel is not wide enough. Price range is from $1,900 to $57,000 GRESSO Gresso is Russia-based company which started its activity in 2007, so it is the newest competing brand in luxury phones field. Gresso has 5 main lines and they also provide customized phone for their clients. But mostly popular in Russia and Vietnam, Ukraine and one distributor in USA so far, however it is compensated by their option to buy products online. For Gresso products price range is from $3,000 to $42,000. RECOMMENDATIONS Focused and customized segmentation is valuable in this market, so VERTU must continuously concentrate on their customers’ needs and desires. As any luxury company which faces constant global expansion it has to pay attention to counterfeiting problem. For example, Apple Inc. now faced big problem in China where whole Apple stores are opened and being â€Å"fake†. China already produces cheap unqualified cells, abusing the brand VERTU, so losses in long-run might be significant. VERTU must work on effective anti-counterfeiting strategy in order to preserve the â€Å"face† of the brand. During this study we have discovered that general awareness of the brand is still low, therefore VERTU might collaborate with mother-company Nokia in order to produce some kind of mix and make the brand more popular and easily recognized, as for example H&M and Roberto Cavalli collaboration. Vertu is constantly launching Limited Edition lines which are sufficient in this market, because â€Å"best consumer† wants something distinctive and really exclusive, and more important, the customer is ready to pay for that. Partnership with Ferrari, Boucheron and Ermenegildo Zegna increased popularity of the brand considerably. For that reason, we suggest VERTU to collaborate more also with fashion designers, thus gaining also â€Å"fashion† group customers. 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