Innovation and Entrepreneurship Essay

Can you map the different kinds of innovation in the case study? Which were incremental and which radical/discontinuous? Why? Give examples to support your answer. One kind of innovation is providing new ‘e-tailing’ channels through which you can obtain the latest CD of your preference. These innovations increase the choice and tailoring of the music purchasing service and demonstrate some of the ‘richness/reach’ economic shifts of the new Internet game. Also At the heart of the change is the potential for creating, storing and distributing music in digital format – a problem which many researchers have worked on for some time. One solution, developed by one of the Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany, is a standard based on the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) level 3 protocol – MP3. MP3 offers a powerful algorithm for managing one of the big problems in transmitting music files – that of compression. (Tidd 46-47) This is achieved by cutting out those frequencies which the human ear cannot detect. There is also scope for innovation around the periphery –now music reviews and other forms of commentary become possible via specialist user groups and channels on the Web whereas before they were the province of a few magazine titles (Tidd 47) Person-to-person or P2P networking, Sean Fanning, an 18-year-old student with the nickname ‘the Napster’, was intrigued by the challenge of being able to enable his friends to ‘see’ and share between their own personal record collections. Napster.com did not actually hold any music on its files – but every day millions of swaps were made by people around the world exchanging their music collections. Napster opened a door for many others to reinvent similar software’s or technologies successful iPod personal MP3 player they opened a site called iTunes which offered users a choice of thousands of tracks for download at 99c each. This allowed over 1 billion songs to legally be purchased and downloaded around the globe. (Tidd 48) We can see the changes of improvements over time. From having choices to purchase CD of your preference, to MP3 to transmit music files, to commentary channels from the web and then Sean Fanning invented the radical innovation of seeing and sharing music between person to person was a discontinuous yet radical change. Even though, it took incremental change to do so and to get to that point. Another example is e-commerce, many years  ago we had to go to the store to do our shopping, but now, just a click of the mouse and you can shop online. From shoes, clothing, furniture, cars, household supplies to even groceries. How about if you want to write a letter, then just send an email they will receive it in seconds rather than days or weeks in some countries. The telephone, use to be land lines, and even before then, an operator was needed to connect you to your party or to another operator in another country. OMG†¦ I can go on and on. Reference/Cited Work Tidd, J., Bessant, J. (04/2011), Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2nd Edition. John Wile & Sons, (UK),VitalBook file. Pgs. 46-48

Comparative Study of Wuthering Heights, Translations, and I’M No Scared

The texts that I have studied and prepared for my comparative course are: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Translations by Brian Friel, and I’m not scared directed by Gabriel Salvatores. When I address the cultural context of a text I refer to the worlds of the texts, the circumstances which face the plots and the characters of the texts. Some elements of the cultural context of each and every text are the world’s attitudes, social rituals, and structures. Coming to grips with the general norm of the society with in each texts and how the characters behave enables me to enjoy each text all the more.Understanding the world in which each text is set in and thus being able to compare the aspects of their society and what is involved in their material and spiritual lives ostentatiously influences the resolution of the narratives which gave a better impact and added to my enjoyment. I greatly enjoyed seeing the connections between the texts and how their worlds were intert wined in their similarities and differences. Particularly these connections were more vivid to me in the areas of Role of Women in Society, Setting, and Class Structure, within the Cultural context of each text.All three texts revolve around a patriarchal system where the men were the primary authority figure and were central to society. They hold the central roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property. The entailment of female subordination is most apparent in Wuthering Heights where only through marriage is a woman able to gain recognition, position, and a place in society. Being compelled by this, Catherine Earnshaw betrays Heathcliff and really herself as well due to her love for him.Unable to cope with marrying a slave and an outcast in her patriarchal world she accepts Edgar Linton’s proposal for marriage. Edgar’s family were the most elite family in the novel thus giving Catherine a better future than what circumstance she might be in if she marries Heathcliff. Catherine: â€Å"It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now. † In the same way, Maire doesn’t marry Manus in Translations due to his lack of position, property and his inability to provide for a family. Maire sees that the man that she marries will dictate her position in society and so decides that marriage with Manus was not the foremost option.Maire: â€Å"You talk to me about getting married – with neither a roof over your head nor a sod of ground under your foot. † In both circumstances, a society where men hold prestige constrains women to be only able to aspire to be a wife. Marriage, in their patriarchal world, seems to be the only possible way to be able to make a living. The subservient role of women is further illustrated by Wuthering Heights’ patrilineal system which inhibits the property and title of a family to be inherited by the female lineage.Heathcliff effectively utilises this system for his benefit. Knowing that the wealth of a family can only be inherited by the male lineage, he arranges the marriage of young Cathy and his son Linton. Since Edgar died with no son to carry on his family name, his family’s inheritance would therefore be handed to whoever young Cathy marries. The male is dominant and is clearly seen as the head of the family. Similarly to I’m not scared, we see a macho world where power and strength are valued and power rest with the males.Pino tells his son to do his press-ups and they arm-wrestle. Anna, Michele’s mother, is physically assaulted by Felice, one of the gang. In his household, Pino is very much in charge and his wife is obedient to him. Even though in each text, women were inferior to men we also see in some cases where the text subverts the traditional or stereotypical idea of women and their place in society. In translations Bridget shows control when she directs Doalty to hide the animals when the army threatens to kill them .Maire is described as: â€Å"†¦a strong minded, strong bodied woman†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She works as hard as any man in the community at the hay harvesting and plans to go to America in order to provide for her household in which she the head. Maire: â€Å"The best harvest in living memory,†¦ (Showing Jimmy her hands. ) Look at these blisters. † Maire: â€Å"There are ten below me to be raised and no man in the house†¦. † During the Victorian era in Wuthering Heights, women were expected to be obedient, disciplined and faithful. Catherine does not conform to these expectations.There is also a subtle reversal of roles in young Cathy’s marriages where, contrary to traditional norms, she appears to be the dominant partner. She tended to Linton who was a spoilt, sickly weakling. Later Hareton also needs help and encouragement to develop after years of degradation at the hands of Heathcliff. Comparing the cultural context of the narratives heightened my en joyment and helped me have a better experience and insight into the role of women and how they lived their lives subservient under men in a patriarchal society.One of the aspects of cultural context I enjoyed covering on my comparative course is how the class structure in each narrative is divided up. Social class is not solely dependent on the amount of money one has. Rather, the source of income, birth, and family connections plays a major role in determining one’s position in society. England in the nineteenth century was an extremely class-conscious society and social class is an important element in Wuthering Heights. We see the distinction between the two families in Emily Bronte’s novel and their rank on the social ladder.At the top of the locality’s social class, one finds the rich and refined Linton family who live in the sumptuous surroundings of Thruscross Grange. The Lintons were superior to the Earnshaw family and live in Wuthering heights. Within t hese ranks we also see how the cultured from the rustics and those higher up the social scale from those lower down are separated. Speech patterns and accents distinguish the servants such as Zillah, Joseph and Nelly Dean from their masters. An example of this would be Joseph’s Yorkshire dialect and young Heathcliff’s outsider accent which he spoke when he was brought from Liverpool.Equally noticeable in Brian Friel’s Translations is the subtle class diversity between the more educated who were able to speak English as well as Irish and the less educated who only speak Irish. Also noticeable is the feeling of social superiority felt by the English to the Gaelic community of Baile Beag as reflected in Captain Lancey’s condescending attitude. This parallels with Hindley’s deprivation of Heathcliff to a servant. Hindley is a well-educated man who has an outstanding stand in society while Heathcliff was seen as an illiterate vagabond brought in from Li verpool by Mr Earnshaw.Turning to I’m not scared we see how the village of Acqua Traverse is in keeping with the film’s premise that Southern Italy was a deprived place where the people, out of desperation, could understandably turn to crime. The buildings are shabby and clustered around a dusty courtyard. It is reminiscent of Baile Beag with its hedge school in a dusty barn and Hugh’s description of the place with its Hugh: â€Å"Mud cabins and a diet of potatoes. † The people’s aspirations in I’m not scared are simple. Anna dreams of visiting the seaside and eating in a restaurant. The people in Southern Italy were poor and run-down.The difference between the social standing of Southern Italy and Northern Italy lead to the country experiencing spate of kidnappings hence the kidnapping of Filippo. Filippo is from a family among the ranks of the higher hierarchy of Italy at that time. This caused him to be held against his will to be held fo r ransom by the people of Acqua Traverse in hopes that their lives might change for the better and for them to be able to climb higher in their social ladder. Similar to the situation in Translations, Maire desires to go to America in order to acquire a better subsistence.In each text, class structure plays an important role and affects the behaviour of the characters in how they respond to society and the norm and in what choices they make in connection with their rank the class system. Studying the significance of class structure in the cultural context of each narrative benefitted me in my understanding of each text which made my study all the more pleasurable. The setting in the cultural context of a text is definitely important when looking at character development, conflict, and the overall plot.It's the setting for all that is to come; it can convey so much about whom the people are and the way they live. The setting of a narrative can be a character of its own. In all three narratives, the setting is conveyed in a remote, rural location far from any centre of population. I’m not scared shows scenes depicting children romping through the endless fields of golden corn under a blue sky or cycling along dirt-track roads baked solid by the sweltering sun. The entire plot of I’m not scared unfolds over a few days of scorching sunshine near harvest time.This parallels with Translations where Baile Beag is experiencing an unusual heat wave, and similarly just after the hay harvest. We see Owen tell Yolland that it is†¦ Owen: â€Å"The first hot summer in fifty years and you think it’s Eden. † This reminds us in Wuthering Heights where Catherine stays at the Lintons for a few weeks after being bitten by a dog. Cathy receives a taste of luxury and she is drawn to it and is deceived to think that she desires to marry Edgar due to the luxury which she relishes.In the end, both Yolland and Cathy have to face the consequences of the pursuit of their vain desires. Wuthering Heights, however, is in opposition to Translations and I’m not scared. Bronte has placed her novel in a variety of ambience. Ranging from the opening scenes of snowfalls and lashing gales, to blooming springs, radiant summers, and drowsy autumns. In Salvatore’s film, as we see the camera pan across the rolling hill and valleys and sweep over the fields of waving grain, one is struck by the beauty and the emptiness of the landscape.The only sounds are of animals, birds, and insects. Our eyes take in the vivid colours of the red and orange poppies. Then we trace the horizon dividing the golden corn and the purple petals of other flowers from the blue sky to create a wonderfully rich effect. This countryside reminds us of Bronte’s descriptions of the moors. Young Cathy: â€Å"†¦with the bees humming dreamily about among the bloom, and the larks singing high up overhead, and the blue sky and bright sun shining steadily and cloudlessly. †Whether in I’m not scared, Wuthering heights, or Translations, one should not be fooled by mere appearances. The cawing of a crow and the hissing of insects create an ominous effect suggesting all is not well. For underneath the beauty of the landscape lies a terrible secret. In the country side near the tiny village of Acqua Traverse, a young boy named Filippo is being kept hostage in a hole in the ground. In the same way the potatoes in Baile Beag gives a deceiving sweet smell. As Maire says: Maire: â€Å"Sweet smell! Sweet smell!Every year at this time somebody comes back with stories of the sweet smell. Sweet God, did the potatoes ever fail in Baile Beag?†¦ † The sweet smell became the blight of the potatoes in the Great Famine of Ireland. Likewise in Wuthering Heights, Mr Lockwood perceived Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange to be quite a lovely place to be from seeing the beauty of its landscape. Only until later in the novel do es he come to realize that the landscape had a different story to tell with its storms and prevailing winds which reflect the turmoil the families of the landscape endures.Gathering together all that I have learned from my study of the cultural context of Wuthering Heights, Translations, and I’m Not Scared in reference to Role of Women in Society, Class Structure, and Setting, I was able to compare and differentiate the cultural context of these texts for my comparative course. In doing so it further enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of the narratives and made my experience more real and gave a greater impact.

Attributional pattern amongst men and women Essay

Attribution is the process by which male and females explain causes of events and behaviors. Men and women make different explanatory attributions so that they can understand the world and also seek to reasons for certain events. With the help of explanatory attribution, men and women make judgement based on causes of a certain event or action. They make judgement even if the event turns out that the proposed cause of the event is not related to that event or behavior. People make interpersonal attributions when their actions or their motives are questioned. They are required to explain reasons for their actions. Interpersonal attribution takes place when the cause of event or action takes place between two people. In most cases, one person will want to a positive image, in the interpersonal attribution. An example is given of a sibling who breaks their mothers tea pot. The sibling will most likely blame the other siblings that the blame is shifted from himself or herself (Shaver, 20 09).Various theories have been developed to help understand attributions. Naà ¯ve psychology theory states that people analyse, observe and explain actions or behaviors with explanations. Although people have different explanations to events, their explanations are categorized into two; internal or personal and external or situational attributions (Kowner, 2008). Internal attribution is always made whenever the cause of an event or behavior is assigned to a person’s characteristics as ability, mood, effort, attitudes, personality or dispositions. On the other hand, situational attribution is made when a cause of a particular action or event is assigned to the situation in which the action or event was seen such as other people, task or luck. The two types cause different perceptions of men and women engaging in a particular behavior or event. Correspondent inference theory argues that men and women make inferences about other people when their actions are chosen freely, result in a small number of effects that are desirable and are unexpected. They make inferences by considering the context in which a particular behavior took place. This theory illustrates how men and women figure out personal characteristics of a person from behavioral evidence. They make conclusions based on expectedness of behavior, effect on one’s behavior and on the degree of choice (Kowner, 2008). Covariance model is a theory that argues that people assign behaviors to factors that are present whenever a set behavior occurs. This means that people explanations in a logical, fashion, rational and they attribute the causes of behavior or event to factor that covaries closely with that event or behavior. This theory explores three types of information that make an attribution action of a person’s behavior (Shaver, 2009). The first information is census or the information on how others in the same situation and under the same stimulus behave. The second one is distinctive information or how people react to different stimuli. The third one is consistency information. It refers to the frequency of one behavior as observed under similar stimuli but in varied conditions. Three dimension model proposes that individuals have initial affective responses to several potential consequences of extrinsic and intrinsic motives. These motives in turn influences how one behaves in the future. According to the three dimension model one’s perception leads to a positive outcome and very high expectancy of future victory such as perceptions result to a greater willingness to follow the same activities in the future. The willingness is higher than perceptions that result to negative outcomes and low expectancy of future successes. This cognitive and effective assessment affects future actions when people are confr onted with similar circumstances (Stebbins,2010). I started the research with the understanding that men and women are motivated need to understand casual structures of their environment, to understand why a particular event took place and to the source such an event can be ascribed. I discovered it is important to evaluate several differences between men and women. I reviewed relevant literature to support my research. in a research study by Weiner, he argued that people interpret environment in a way that they maintain positive self image. He further argued that people attribute their success and failures to factors that enable them to feel good about themselves. I also reviewed an article by Westman. Westman(2011) argues that the casual attribution deals with how individuals understand causes of their failures and successes. He argues that attributions can be viewed from three dimensions: stable or unstable, controllable or uncontrollable and internal or external. Individuals who attribute their successes to stable, internal and controllable factors are said to be highly motivated and continue to succeed than people who attribute their failure to unstable, uncontrollable and external factors. His research indicates that men and women attribute their behaviors or actions to different sources.In this research, different methods of collecting information and data were used. Primary sources used were interviews and conversations while secondary sources used includes journals. Research shows that there are differences between men and women attributions in technical classrooms. Attributions that students make in schools explain how their failures and successes are being affected by future expectations, decisions and results. This can be used to explain the causes of underrepresentation of girls in the field of engineering and computer science. The study revealed that there is no big difference between boy’s and, and girl’s on how they assess their accomplishments, in their perceptions and attributions for success or failure. However, girls behaved differently than boys. This was evident from the fact that boys asked more questions related to the field of study while girls asked questions of teachers and made few statements of self assurance. Research revealed that girls earned 30% of bachelor’s degree in computer science and 22% of bachelors degree in Engineering. This shows that girls are underrepresented in technological fields. The explanation for this under representation in sciences, mathematics and technology careers, are interaction of factors. These factors link achievements, efforts and enrollment decisions to girls’ expectations for success. Their expectation of success is influenced by their past successes, self perceptions on abilities and attribution of job value and difficulties (Shaver, 2009). Research reveals that females are socialized in a way that they have low self esteem and motivation in â€Å"male’ fields. This was explored by evaluating reasons that girls give for their failures and successes. It was found that students attribute failures and successes to four makes: effort, task difficulty, experience and luck. The four causes can then be sentenced as being internal or external to a person. Research showed that girls have a higher external locus of control than boys. This makes them less motivated. On the other hand, males view their energy and internal abilities as the reasons for their successes and failures (Medcof, 2008).Research distinguished four types of attributions. Girls have an external bias in their failures hence end up blaming themselves. They also have an external bias to success such that they do not take credit for their success. Males were seen to behave differently. They have an external bias to failure and an internal bias to success. Closer examination of externalities and internalities indicate that there is no complete design for girls and boys in success and failure. Girls are reported to have greater attribution of success to luck and attribute failure to task difficulty while men attribute their success to use of skill and bad luck to failure. These resultss do not rule out the possibility that controllability and stability could be the determining factors rather than externality and internality. Stability refers to what matters. Attributing the success to stable factors of low ability or task difficulty causes one to have a helpless attitude. Research revealed that the motivation is promoted by attributing success to high ability. It was found that males tend to take mastery oriented approach (Shaver, 2009). The interview was carried out to determine the attribution pattern in boys and girls. In an interview, boys and girls attributed uniformly their remembered success in reading or mathematics test to the ability. They all had a hard time answering questions about failure because it was difficult for students to imagine that failure was taking place. Chi-square test was used to compare the occurrences of observed verbal behaviors in boys and girls. The test was categorized into two; questions about peers and teachers. The second category is comments such as assured or unsure, success or failure and independent or dependent. The question asked sought to explore the differences in behavior between boys and girls. A significant number of questions were asked of peers and teachers (Chi-square= 15.85, p=.00, df=10). Both sexes addressed same number of questions to peers. However, girls asked more questions than that expected of teachers. Girls did not seem to have more problem than boys in t ask. Teacher proximity was also examined as a possible reason for girls asking more questions. Teacher questions were classified in terms of proximity of teachers when questions were asked. the three classifications include assisting teachers working in the group, close teachers and far teachers. The chi-test was significant (Medcof, 2008).test Chi-square p-value Degree of freedom. Questions addressed to peers and teachers 15.568 0.000* 1 Questions to teachers about teacher proximity 31.458 0.000** 2 Assured or Unsure Comments 4.834 0.208 1 Success/Failure Comments 2.303 0.105 1 * p < 0.05 ** p < 0.001It was seen that girls tackled more questions of teachers during the teachers during the teacher interaction with the group. Girls were also likely than expected to ask for teachers’ help even if it meant getting up and find a teacher. On the contrary, boys did not go to search for a teacher. It was also observed that girls asked more questions when teachers were close. The assured and unsure comments showed a statistically significant difference between male and female. Research found out that men and women can make mentally, motivating and realistic attributions. There are several factors that affect attribution. These factors include masculinity of the job, age of the participant, contrived versus authentic task, operational definition of failures and successes, operational definition of factors included, the relationship of attribution to expectations and beliefs. Differences between a man and a woman are strong when the job is considered to be performed better by men than women (Medcof, 2008). The field work was carried out to support the discussion of internal and external attributions.The field work was carried out with 20 participants (10 males and 10 females), and it aimed to find differences in attributional patterns between males and females. They were asked to read this paragraph: «One day John noticed that a neighbou, Bill, was planting some flowers in the garden. John had plenty of free time, so he helped Bill plant the flowers. Several weeks later, Bill, the man whom John had helped previously, noticed that John was painting a fence in his yard. Bill had plenty of free time, so he offered to help John paint his fence. »Afterwards, they were asked to say why they believed Bill helped John to see whether they would give reasons that suggest an internal attribution, for example,  «Because he likes to help » or an external attribution, for example «Because he owes him a favour. »The results were the following: Males: 6 gave reasons that suggested external attributions and 4 provided reasons that suggested internal ones. Females: 3 gave reasons that suggested external attributions and 7 provided reasons that suggested internal ones. Differences between men and women in internal attribution to effort and ability determines how one views his or her self worth. It was found that society placed high ability as a reason for this failure and men uses high ability as a reason for their successes. As people grow older, there is a direct relationship between ability and effort. Students can protect their self worth by preventing assessing their ability negatively such as attributing their failures to low effort (Stebbins, 2010). A survey of students in 4th and 6th grade before and immediately after taking a math or spelling exam found that there is sex differences in the way they attribute performance. Performance was different in the two genders because task was classified as either feminine or masculine. It was found out that men made stronger attributions to internal causes of success and external causes for failures in masculinity typed tasks. Similarly, women made stronger attributions for successes and more external attribution for failures in feminine typed tasks (Mcelroy, 2013). A research of the impact of age of participants on attribution showed that there is strong colleration . younger children are reported to attribute their effort to success than older children. As a child grows order, low achievers begin to determine their low ability and attribute it for failures. They start being less optimistic about their potential of efforts to success or to make them be smart. In attribution research, success is frequently operationally referred to as a minimum score. Success may also be defined by one’s self assessment (Mcelroy, 2013). Disturbing findings found out that girls view a certain level of score or accomplishment less favorable than boys with similar accomplishments. This research revealed that its individual’s perception about success that is important other than the objective grade. Attribution is found to have a relationship with beliefs, achievement behaviors and expectations. Meece(1982) established that if there is no linkage between students attribution to their beliefs and expectations, then there is no need of explaining sex differences in terms of persistence, performance and achievement behaviors of choice. Self derogatory attributions in girls result in low expectations for success in the future. Males have high confidence in their abilities which make them have high expectations of succeeding in the future. Females take less pride in their success because they attribute their success to unstable factors. Past failures and successes and attribution to such events leads to emotions of ha ppiness, guilt or shame. Unlike men, women may blame themselves when they are victimized sexually. Stereotypes and beliefs in various cultures blame females for sexual victimization. Supporting attitudes for sexual coercion include: female say, â€Å"no† when they mean â€Å"yes,† females who go to male houses means they are consenting to sex. Some cultures believe it is not bad to force a woman to have sex so long as they had engaged in a sexual relationship before, and that male cannot control their urge when aroused. Women are also blamed for sexual coercion for dressing provocatively. Women are encouraged in these cultures to â€Å"look at themselves† whenever they are victimized. Hence a woman attributes sexual coercion to herself. Self blame has been known to lead to depression symptoms, low self-esteem and trauma. Self blame and guilt refers to feelings that are unpleasant that accompany beliefs that one ought to have thought and acted differently with implications of insufficient justification and wrong doing. Self blame and guilt consist of distress, guilt feelings and internal attributions commonly referred to as a cognitive component. Research revealed further that women in abusive relationships blame themselves and have low self esteem. They make stronger internal attributions in sexual coercions than men. They also experience stronger guilt feelings than men (Stebbins, 2010). Conclusion                      It is clear that the socialization of females plays a important role in attribution. Girls are less likely than boys to take advantage of chances to get involved in â€Å"male† career like engineering and computer science. Girls who are considered successful in these courses and often attribute their success to performance exhibit a behavior that would be regarded as self depreciating. Such behaviors are learnt and internalized before an actual experience and before making attributions that are self depreciating. Teachers should provide positive technology experience for girls and also address cultural messages. They should also be aware of learning styles of girls and accommodate it. Attribution can be used to explain the difference between a man and a woman. From the research, attribution assumes that people are rational, systematic and logical thinkers. This is not true, and it has been criticized because it does not address social, historical and cultural factors that affect and shape attribution. References Bailey, R. C., & Stout, C. (2009). Congruency of Ability Attributions and Interpersonal Evaluation. The Journal of Social Psychology, 121(1), 151-152. Chadee, D. (2011). Theories in social psychology. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Chandler, T. A. (2010, November 1). Self-esteem and causal attributions.. Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs, 1, 7.External Attribution | Encyclopedia of Psychology. (n.d.). Psych Central.com. Retrieved March 15, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/encyclopedia/2009/external-attribution/ FoÃÅ'ˆrsterling, F. (2009). Attribution: an introduction to theories, research, and applications. East Sussex, UK: Psychology Press ;. Graham, S. (2013). Implicit Theories as Conceptualized by an Attribution Researcher. Psychological Inquiry, 6(4), 294-297. Internal Attribution | Encyclopedia of Psychology. (n.d.). Psych Central.com. Retrieved March 15, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/encyclopedia/2009/internal-attribution/ Jones, E. E. (1972). Attribution: perceiving the causes of behavior. Morristown, N.J.: General Learning Press. Kowner, R. (2008, June 22). The Perception and Attribution of Facial Asymmetry in Normal Adults. The Psychological Record, 1, 12.Kruglanski, A. W. (2012, May 2). Attribution; basic issues and implications.. Science, 2, 5.Mcelroy, J. C. (2013). Inside the Teaching Machine: Integrating Attribution and Reinforcement Theories. Journal of Management, 11(1), 123-133. Medcof, J. (2008). An integration of some attribution theories. Hamilton, Ont.: Faculty of Business, McMaster University. Savolainen, R. (2013). Approaching the motivators for information seeking: The viewpoint of attribution theories. Library & Information Science Research, 35(1), 63-68. Shaver, K. G. (2009). An introduction to attribution processes. Cambridge, Mass.: Winthrop Publishers. Stebbins, P., & Stone, G. L. (2010). Internal-external control and the attribution of responsibility under questionnaire and interview conditions.. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 24(2), 165-168.Voyles, M. W. (2009, September 22). Gender differences in attributions and behavior in a technology classroom.. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 2, 6.Weiten, W., & Upshaw, H. S. (2011). Attribution Theory: A Factor-Analytic Evaluation of Internal-External and Endogenous-Exogenous Partitions. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 8(4), 699-705. Westman, A. S., & Canter, F. M. (2011). Relationship Between Internal-External Control Score And Trait-Situational Attribution. Psychological Reports, 40(2), 678-678.Wongà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Onà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Wing, B., & Lui, G. (2007). Culture, Implicit Theories, and the Attribution of Morality. Behavioral Research in Accounting, 19(1), 231-246. Stebbins, P., & Stone, G. L. (2011). Internal-external control and the attribution of responsibility under questionnaire and interview conditions.. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 24(2), 165-168. Source document

Research design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Research design - Essay Example eralization, or the aptitude of the study to take a broad view of the results across the different situations, groups of people, or even experimental procedures. In other words, internal validity essentially says that the study is measuring what it actually sets out to examine, while external validity says how useful the answers are to more than just one sample, circumstances, or process. In designing a study, the aim is to achieve good internal and external validity. With regards to my research and Chapter 8 of Lee and Lings (2008), the research achieves both the internal and external validity. In terms of the internal validity, the study set out to highlight the past mistakes of the marketing strategies. This was comprehensively addressed thereby giving the research a substantial amount of internal validity. Another aim of the research was to suggest new ideas backed up by evidence for future marketing strategies. Again the research achieved this thereby lending credence to the fact that it achieved the internal validity a great deal. It The external validity also plays out significantly in this research. The data was primarily collected through questionnaires. The information was collected from a sample of people in Bangkok who visit fashion retail stores. The 364 participants targeted by the research are deemed very representative, therefore, giving it external validity. This comes about in the sense that the researcher is able to manipulate the findings in such away as to make them apply across the board. The respondents issued with the questionnaires represent the entire population and not just themselves. It is, therefore, very clear that this research shows both internal and external validity. This is what any effective research aims to achieve and this research is no exception. In the research design, therefore, the research is rich in both the internal validity, achieving its aims and external validity, applying to the entire universe of study. The

Mao Zedong Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mao Zedong - Essay Example Mao was raised as a peasant in a small village called Shaoshan in central China2. As a young man, Mao trained as a teacher; a profession that saw him serves briefly as a librarian in a university in Beijing. Mao was an avid consumer of Marxist literature, which instilled the policies of literature to the young scholar3. Mao would later lead the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as a founder member in 1921. A troubled alliance with Kuomintang Party (KMT) turned problematic when the communists turned against the CCP forcing Mao to flee with many of his supporters to establish an alternative operational base. The second merger between CCP and KMT was primarily based on the need to engage the Chinese who posed a threat on the Chinese territory. Problems would later emerge between the two eventually culminating into a civil war. The outcome of the civil war favored the communists forcing the nationalists to KMT to flee. It was in 1949, after the civil war the Mao Zedong established The People ’s Republic of China. Although the Chinese, at first, embraced the party, Zedong would later convert it into an oppressive edifice that was impatient with all forms of rebellion. The communist experimentation included the nationalization of all industry and the forcing of formers into some collective groups. The communist leader then sought to customize his own brand of communism, which he thought would be Chinese in orientation4. Instead, he only succeeded in plunging the country into famine through the retrogressive policy well known as The Great Leap Forward. The failure of his style of politics mark the beginning of his decline in popularity as the people increasingly pulled back their support even as the regime vigilant against oppression. Some of the policies that collapsed during The Great Leap of Labor included his dream for mass mobilization of labor. This led to a decline in food production as the country grappled with the resultant famine. Following the rising deat h toll that resulted from the drive, the regime was forced to abandon the project. Multiple issues engaged the attention of the regime’s critics. The emerging political reality led to the growth of dissidents who had to flee as the regime became increasingly intolerant to popular opposition. One of the strategies by which Mao sought to quell internal dissent was by the introduction of Cultural Revolution. The ruthlessness that followed, which included the use of the army led to the death of many dissenters. The introduction of the Little Red Book marked the fervor with, which Mao Ze Dong sought to impress communist ideals within his own people5. The book marked an important part in the history of Marxism and the Chinese were forced to internalize the ideals, which were customized, summarized to suit the tastes of Mao Ze Dong as he wanted them. All Chinese were forced to carry the book and normally failure to comply was usually considered as a mark of treason. It is believed t hat police arrested thousands of Chinese people for non-possession of the book. One of the most notable periods during Mao’s time was the Gang of Four. They comprised of Mao Zedong’s wife, Jiang Qing and some of three most trusted colleagues.These were Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, Wang Hongwen. These four were accused later after Mao’s death of systematically manipulating the structures of the Communist Party and the famous Cultural

Branding Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Branding Marketing - Essay Example The LG product through LGE obeys the established rules of brand extension according to Tauber (2011). Part 2: Critic The section confirms that a better brand extension to the consumer offers satisfaction as compared to a similar established brand. Without these attributes, the consumers are disappointed and prefer the choice in recognized products. The first unsuccessful product listed is in Frito-Lay, created by Pepsi as a product to introduce the lemonade flavor. The parent company distorted the image of the brand that had been known for snack food packaging. This led the consumers to lose interest in the company that changed its line of brand composition. The other poor connection is in the launch of Wolverine World Wide’s Cat Footwear product by the caterpillar company. The company recognized for the production of building machinery launched a clothing line that deters from the company policies. The example qualifies as a poor brand extension with customers failing to appr eciate the product due to inconsistency in the company. Finally, Burger King had launched a marketing strategy that saw the inclusion of underwear as their marketing strategy. This example accords the definition of poor brand extension because the consumers realize the dreadful choice in product. Burger King recognized in the market as a leading food company changing the image to underwear loses the market share due to product inconsistency. Moreover, the association developed in underwear and food products generates unsatisfied customer relations (Cameron, 2009). Part 3 Part 1 lacks the title of the paper and makes the reader fail to understand what the essay clarifies. However, the thesis in the introduction expounds on the aspect of Intelligent Interactions. Moreover, the sentences should be proofread, and the corrections made to produce a flowing introductory paragraph. Industry Analysis The sections clearly states the available brands and their interaction within the market. Th e brand under consideration is in mobile handsets with the Android technology the subject of discussion. The author lists Samsung as the leading market product and justifies the reason, although the evidence is not adequately guaranteed in citation of the sources. This makes the brands appear as formulation of the author who does not have the capability to conduct individualized research on these companies. However, the argument and analysis of the market situation is detailed and precise. Competitive analysis Intelligence Interactions is explained as the option that would attract increased usability of the product. The participants in the Android technology are limited, and with the reduction of prices, the market is bound to be more flexible. However, the author explains that Apple has succeeded in gaining a market share based on the quality of the product. Brand Vision The competition provided by Apple limits the progress of Intelligent Interactions. The author states that their strategy would be to present the marketing strategy to establish a strong connection to the customers like the rival company. This has been included in stronger slogans and better customer services available at the needed period. The section should focus more on Intelligent Interactions as compared to Apple and discuss advanced strategies to reach consumers on an individual basis. Part 2 Target customer Analysis The explanation is accorded in a

The impact of cultural diversity on employee performance of Research Proposal

The impact of cultural diversity on employee performance of transnational corporatiosn TCNs in algeria - Research Proposal Example People’s age, culture, and gender make them perceive the world in different ways. These perceptions are a key to creative thinking, which, in turn, is the key to successful performance of the organization. In real sense, diversity should not be taken to be a problem but instead it should be taken as an advantage. To excel, the organizations must comprehend and use the traditions, skills and backgrounds of a diverse staff (Mazur & Bialostocka 2010). In reality, diversity endows businesses a key benefit in the marketplace. Our wider range of standpoints offers a spectrum of talents – painstaking craftsmanship, for instance, which can enhance many aspects of processes and product research. Diversity assists when: you are doing marketing internationally; negotiating with customers from abroad; launching a drive to a new population – whether international or domestic (Cox & Blake 1991). Cultural diversity has a positive impact on the company performance in regards to revenue generation and profitability as well as non financial growth of the company (Hartenian and Gudmundson 2000) and therefore management should focus on managing diversity rather than minimizing diversity. Organization practice diversity for various reasons such as compliance with the law but a good manager should encourage diversity since it’s advantageous to the company since it pools together people with different capabilities. Diversity represent different concept to many people and therefore there is need to identify specific aspects of diversity in regard to specific organization. Once you understand cultural diversity, your company can appeal to a wider base of staff, and that in turn will enhance you staffing. As you make diversity a key part of policy and measures, it is imperative to work at all degrees and in every department (Cooley & Lewkowicz 2004). Plan strategically at top management levels to incorporate multiethnic motivating and managing; recruit distin ct leaders not just employees; train supervisors in multiethnic skills; review selection and interviewing selection procedures (Cox & Beale 1997). The principals enhancing cultural diversity include: reducing inequality, cultural diversity and encouraging participation. Valuing diversity involves fostering a community that appreciates the benefits and values of a culturally diverse and rich society (Cooley & Lewkowicz 2004). This involves in the active promotion of respect, discouraging racism, harmony and negative stereotyping. Reducing disparity entails recognizing the right of people of varying national ethnic and religious backgrounds to exercise share, and enjoy their culture. Encouraging participation involves availing opportunities for all people to fully participate in public and civil life (Tiedt & Tiedt 1995). Employee performance is influenced by many factors including the following: family; knowledge and skills; adaptability; support from superiors; health; social values ; workplace; and ethics. Most past research has focused on the influence of these factors on performance of employees in diverse organizations. However, little effort has been placed on the influence of cultural diversity on the performance of staff. In light of this, the present research seeks to fill this gap by determining the influence of cultural diversity on the performance of the employees of transnational corporations in Algeria (Ho 1996). This

The role of e-CRM Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The role of e-CRM - Research Proposal Example The research questions set out for the study may not be exhaustive however the proposed research is set out to find suitable answers to these questions that will in fact help the researcher to establish a case for e-CRM and its applications for small and medium in developing countries that are currently facing tougher competitive conditions not only from the local big corporations but also foreign companies that are seeking stronger position in these markets. E-CRM that has been defined in several ways is considered to be one of the most recent developments that have given a new insight to customer relationship management by companies. One of the definitions of e-CRM states that â€Å"E-CRM uses information technologies in order to support strategically the execution of CRM. E-CRM is a combination of hardware, software, process, applications, and management commitment designed to support an enterprise-wide CRM business strategy that will optimize customer satisfaction, customer loya lty, financial performance, etc†.The role of e-CRM is considered to be of high significance for SMEs as it allows such businesses to achieve efficiencies and competitive advantage. Business can use various internet functionalities to overcome hurdles in trade and adopt an approach that is not restricted geographically and can yield better opportunities for SMEs. The use of e-CRM is not simply recording consumer data over the internet but could also be used to provide real time personalization for interaction with customers.

An Interview Formulated From Kleinmans Explanatory Model Essay

An Interview Formulated From Kleinmans Explanatory Model - Essay Example As we began the interview, he proved to be quite knowledgeable on the disease. On the cause of type 1 diabetes, he said it was due to low blood sugar in the body. He believes it started when his pancreas was unable to produce enough insulin needed in the body. This was due to a reckless lifestyle of drug abuse and too much junk food. He further stated that the illness makes him thirsty, fatigued, increases his hunger, frequent urination and has regular blurred vision. He knows the disease is severe and asserts that the disease is among the top five killer diseases in the world. He does not believe it will end soon; however he is optimistic that under proper medical care, the disease can be contained for a long time. The ailment has caused major problems for him. He was forced to give up on sports as his body was not strong enough. He was also forced to forego his love for junk foods in favor of foods with no salt and sugar, which he considers tasteless. His major fear is that his life early may be cut short if the disease becomes unmanageable and that he would never see his family again. On the medication, he prefers fast acting insulin lipro to standard soluble insulin. He is also not a big fan of NPH insulin. He would rather have long acting insulin glargine as it is more effective to him. He hopes that he will live longer to see his children married and to also see and hold his grandchildren. His last remark was that his family was grappling financially to ensure that he received proper medical care.

DNA Worksheet Essay Example for Free

DNA Worksheet Essay 1. Describe the structure of DNA. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid and looks like a spiral. The spiral is also known as a double helix. The strands are made up of our genetic information, composed of genes and chromosomes. There are four bases divided among purines and pyrimidines. On the purines there are Adenine (A) and Guanine (G). On the pyrimidines there are Cytosine (C) and Thymine (T). The base pairs are Adenine and Thymine (A-T) and Cytosine and Guanine (C-G). DNA is found in the nucleus of every human cell. Humans have 46 chromosomes. When a cell reproduces, the chromosomes get copied and distributed to each offspring. 2. How does an organism’s genotype determine its phenotype? The genes are transcribed to produce mRNA. The mRNA is translated to produce proteins. The proteins are more often than not enzymes,that catalyze reactions that would otherwise take forever to happen. These reactions involve the formation of products that are functioning in the cell for various things such as structural support, fibers, cytoskeleton, channels on membrane, enzymes that metabolize food molecules like glucose, energy production, transport, signal systems, pigmentation, attachment to other cells and more. These together, work in an orchestrated manner to produce characters that we can physically see. For example, there is a gene that produces protein involved in the production of melanin (skin pigment). When this gene is mutated or non-functional, the enzyme is not produced. Hence, the pathway of melanin production is shut down and that person does not produce any melanin pigment. This is what we see and call as albinism, the people without any pigment in their skin, hair and eyes 3. Describe each stage of the flow of information starting with DNA and ending with a trait. DNA molecules store the necessary instructions for building a protein macromolecule. These instructions are copied from the DNA molecule into the form of an RNA molecule. One or many copies can be made of these instructions. Each of these m RNA copies move away from the DNA templates and enter the cytoplasm of the cell, where they encounter the machinery that will convert the biological information into the correct linear sequence of amino acids that will become a functioning protein. Once the protein has been assembled and folded it can go to work. In the example of the red-color trait, this protein is in the form of an enzyme catalyst that enhances and speeds up the chemical reaction producing the red pigment. As the protein goes to work the trait is produced. In this example, the trait is the red color seen in the petals of the flower.

Kappa Agonists in Management of Pain and Opioid Addiction

Kappa Agonists in Management of Pain and Opioid Addiction Joseph Nguyen Abstract Hypothesis: Opiates mediate pain via opioid receptors, which consist of several subtypes. One subtype, the kappa opioid receptors (KOR), has also been shown to prevent addictive behaviour. Potential novel therapeutic compounds acting on KOR include U50488, CR665, and CR845. It is hypothesized that selective kappa opioid receptor agonists are effective at controlling pain while managing opioid addiction. Methods: Studies for this review were obtained through the PubMed database using a keyword search strategy. Only articles in English published from December 2006 until December 2016 were considered. Results: Kappa agonists are able to decrease inflammatory, visceral, and surgical pain, but are unable to inhibit behaviour-depressing aspects of pain. Kappa agonists also decrease field potential and long-term potentiation in the basolateral amygdala. Additive anti-nociception with mu opioids has been observed as well as decreased fentanyl use, morphine tolerance development, and morphine withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions: Kappa agonists can be effective analgesics while also preventing abuse and addiction to mu opioids. Some evidence also suggests kappa agonist activity in the basolateral amygdala can inhibit affective components of pain. Abstract Word Count: 175 Keywords: kappa agonist, pain, analgesia, anti-nociception, tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, addiction Ultramini Abstract: This study reviewed current research on the analgesic and anti-addictive properties of selective kappa agonists for their use in pain management while preventing addiction. Introduction Opioids are one of the most powerful analgesics available with an increasing trend of prescription in the United States. Prescriptions per capita increased 7.3% from 2007-2012 with 259 million prescriptions in 2012, enough for one bottle of opioids per adult (Dowell et al., 2016). On the other hand, use of opioids presents risks including dependence, abuse, addiction, and overdose which lead to negative health, social and economically impacts. From 1999 to 2014, over 165,000 people have died from opioid overdose and in 2013; an estimated 1.9 million people abused or were dependent on prescribed opioids (Dowell, Haegerich Chou, 2016). However, pain treatment should not be ignored as there are clinical, psychological, and social consequences associated with chronic pain including limitations in complex activities, lost work productivity, reduced quality of life, and stigma, emphasizing the importance of appropriate and compassionate patient care (Dowell et al., 2016). The CDC has recently released a guideline, aimed at primary care settings, suggesting prescriptive protocols as well as methods to evaluate risk of patient substance abuse and addiction. However, the majority of evidence reviewed by the guideline had significant limitations. Although the CDC guideline still has value in preventing exacerbation of pre-existing risk of abuse, results and implementation remain to be seen. Efforts have been made to deter abuse through novel drug formulations, barriers, and pharmacokinetics. Nevertheless, nothing can prevent an addicted person from taking multiple doses at once. This may be a result of the inherent nature of the drugs to activate reward pathways in the brain along with its analgesic effects though mu receptors. Another opioid receptor, kappa-opioid receptor (KOR), has been shown to limit motivational properties of drug abuse (Lalanne, Ayranci, Keiffer Lutz, 2014). This has sparked interest in development of kappa agonists as novel analgesics with low abuse potential. Examples of known selective kappa agonists include U50488, CR665, and CR845 among many others including those continuing to be developed. However, questions still remain about analgesic efficacy and complications for patients already addicted to mu opioids transitioning to kappa agonists. This literature review explores the anti-nociceptive efficacy of kappa agonists and their ability to m anage opioid addicted patients. Balancing adequate pain control with risk of future abuse has been a difficult endeavour for physicians as well as patients. This topic was chosen to investigate the possibility of a potent pain medication without addictive properties as an alternative to traditional mu opioids. Surely, this would be a major instrument in the treatment of chronic pain. This study will be done under the hypothesis that kappa agonists are effective in management of pain and opioid addiction. Methods A search was performed for published literature on PubMed. Search terms were selected to assess analgesic properties and anti-addiction properties of kappa agonists on opiate use (Table 1). The search terms used included: pain, chronic pain, kappa opioid, kappa agonist, pain control, anti-nociception, withdrawal, dependence, addiction, and tolerance. This study looked at articles in English published between December 2006 and December 2016. Articles of all levels of evidence were considered and included review, preclinical, and clinical data. The initial search produced 574 results. These resources were then screened with the following exclusion criteria: articles not involving kappa agonists/receptors, articles on opioids without kappa receptor selectivity, articles on opioids with dual agonist activity, articles on kappa agonist interaction with drugs that were not analgesics. Abstract reviews of the remaining articles were performed to select for articles on analgesic efficacy or anti-addictive properties of selective kappa agonists. The resulting collection of evidence was organized into an evidence table (Appendix). Table 1-Keyword Search Strategy Population Intervention Comparison Outcome Pain OR Chronic Pain Kappa opioid OR Kappa agonist Analgesia OR Analgesic OR Pain control OR Antinociception OR Anti-nociception OR Withdrawal OR Dependence OR Addiction OR Tolerance Results A final total of 11 articles were included in this study, the majority being animal studies on mice or rats. One study involved rhesus monkeys. There was one study that involved a human clinical trial. Also, there was one review using human clinical trials focused only on peripherally selective kappa agonists. Table 2-Summary of Study Designs Reviewed Study Design # of Studies Animal Models 9 Clinical Trials 1 Review 1 Analgesic Efficacy An animal study by Auh and Ro (2012) induced inflammation in rat hindpaws with injections of complete Freunds adjuvant. After 3 days, when mechanical hyperalgesia was well developed, local injections of kappa agonist U50488 were given at different doses and mechanical threshold for hindpaw withdraw response was measured. The results showed dose-dependent increase in mechanical threshold by local injections of U50488 (Auh Ro, 2012). A time effect was also observed where increasing doses of U50488 prolonged the anti-hyperalgesia effect. The role of kappa opioids in inflammatory pain was also studied by Moon et al. (2016) in a research on the effects of peripheral kappa opioid receptors and arthritic pain. Arthritis was induced in rats using 1% ÃŽÂ »-carrageenan injected into the knee. After nociceptive behaviour was maximally expressed (reduced weight-bearing in ipsilateral joint), U50488 was injected into affected joints. A two-way repeated-measure ANOVA showed significant recovery of reduced weight-bearing in the affected limb in comparison to saline. In addition to inhibited nociceptive behaviour, U50488 was also found to reduce mechanosensitive afferent nerve fibre activity in the carrageenan-induced inflamed knee using nerve recording techniques. Aside from inflammatory pain relief by U50488, the peripheral kappa opioid CR665 was found to significantly increase pain threshold to esophageal distension in a study by Arendt-Nielsen et al. (2009). This randomized, double blinded, controlled study compared the effects of CR665 against oxycodone on skin, muscle, and visceral pain stimulation in healthy males. Although CR665 increased pain threshold to esophageal distension, oxycodone had the same effect with addition to increased pain threshold to cutaneous pinch pain, cuff pressure pain, and thermal stimulation. A number of other clinical trials, on peripheral kappa agonist CR845, were reviewed by Albert-Vartanian et al. (2016). A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted on elective hysterectomy patients for analgesic efficacy before and after the procedure, using a 10 cm visual analog scale for measurement of pain intensity. If pain persisted after 24 hours, rescue medication (IV morphine) was given. Significant differences were observed in comparison to patients who only received placebo. Less use of rescue medication as well as a 2-fold decrease in pain intensity was found in patients that received CR845 before and after the surgery. Albert-Vartanian et al. (2016) also discussed a phase 2, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients electing bunionectomy surgery with fentanyl as rescue medication. Over a 48 hour period, pain was measured regularly using a visual analog scale. The study used a sum of pain intensity difference from baseline levels over 24 hours (SPID ­0-24) as a measurement for efficacy along with SPID0-36 and SPID0-48. In patients who completed the study, there was a statistically significant reduction in SPID0-24 and SPID0-48 in those treated with CR845 compared to placebo. However, there was no significant difference in the modified intent-to-treat group. In another phase 2 trial, patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain (>4 out of an 11 point scale) were given an oral form of CR845 with acetaminophen as a rescue drug over 2 weeks (Albert-Vartanian, 2016). A dose-dependent reduction in average pain score of 25-34% was observed. Among patients receiving the highest dose of CR845, 50% had a reduction of †°Ã‚ ¥30% in their reported pain score at the end of the 2 weeks with an 80% reduction in requirement for acetaminophen. Analgesic Efficacy with Other Measures of Pain Aside from sensory components of pain, there are affective and behavioural components of pain as well. An electrophysiological experiment conducted by Huge, Rammes, Beyer, Zieglgansberger, Azad (2009) looked at the effects of kappa opioid receptors activation on mice basolateral amygdala, an area of the brain that is involved in pain processing and pain memory formation. The field potential amplitudes were measured at baseline and under induced long-term potentiation using high frequency stimulation and the effects of kappa agonist U50488H were studied.   The experiment found that U50488H decreased baseline levels of field potential amplitude as seen in Figure 1, while these effects were inhibited by kappa receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine (nor-BNI). Figure 1. Effects of Kappa Agonist and Antagonist on Field Potential Amplitude of Mice Amygdala. Baseline (BL): 100 ±0.5%; U50488H: 86.3 ±2.4%, nor-BNI: 100 ±4.2%. Data points show average field potential (FP)  ± Standard Error. Reproduced from Huge et al., 2009, p. 125. Prior application of U50488H before high frequency stimulation was also found to inhibit induction of long term potentiation (Figure 2) in comparison to long term potentiation induction with no drug (Figure 3). Figure 2. Effect of Kappa Agonist Pre-treatment on High Frequency Stimulated Long Term Potentiation of Mice Amygdala. U50488H: 100 ±4.1%; High Frequency Stimulation (HFS): 102.6 ±7%. Data points show average field potential (FP)  ± Standard Error. Reproduced from Huge et al., 2009, p. 126. Figure 3. Long Term Potentiation Produced by High Frequency Stimulation. Baseline (BL): 100 ±2%, High Frequency Stimulation (HFS): 119 ±4%. Data points show average field potential (FP)  ± Standard Error. Reproduced from Huge et al., 2009, p. 126. Although pain-stimulated behaviours are often used as a measure of pain, such as a withdrawal or writhing response, complementary measures are behaviours that diminish in the presence of pain stimuli (Negus, OConnell, Morrissey, Cheng Rice, 2011, p. 506-507). An experiment by Negus et al. (2011) studied the effects of peripheral and central kappa agonists compared to ketoprofen on rats trained to evoke intracranial self-stimulation using a lever, a behaviour that is depressed by pain. Intraperitoneal lactic acid injection acted as a pain-inducing stimulus, with a stretch response being a pain-stimulated behaviour to contrast with the pain-depressed behaviour of intracranial self-stimulation. It was found that the central kappa agonist (salvinorin A), peripheral kappa agonists (ffir and ICI204448), and ketoprofen all inhibited lactic acid induced stretching. However, only ketoprofen inhibited lactic acid induced depression of intracranial self-stimulation. Salvinorin A had actually i ncreased depression of intracranial self-stimulation while ffir and ICI204448 had no appreciable effect. Similar results were found when Negus et al. used depression of nesting in mice as a measure of pain (2015). Kappa agonist U69593 failed to both inhibit and reverse depression of nesting induced by intraperitoneal lactic acid and intraplantar complete Freunds adjuvant (Figure 4A 4B). However, 1-way ANOVA analysis (pFigure 4A 4B). U69593 was shown to actually depress nesting when administered independently (Figure 4C) and this effect was not able to be reversed by neither ketoprofen nor morphine (Figure 4D). Figure 4. Effects of Ketoprofen, Morphine, and U69593 on Nesting under Different Conditions. Panel A: Nesting depressed by intraperitoneal administration of 0.32% lactic acid. Panel B: Nesting depressed by intraplantar administration of complete Freunds adjuvant. Panel C: Nesting under no treatment. Panel D: Nesting depressed by U69593. Nesting represented as the number of zones cleared of nesting material. V represents drug vehicle only. Darkened points represent significant difference from drug vehicle under given condition. Reproduced from Negus et al., 2015, p. 18.       Interactions with Mu Opioids There is evidence suggesting kappa agonists have anti-addictive effects (Lalanne et al., 2014). However, it is important to evaluate the effects of kappa opioids in concurrent use with mu opioids. A study on interactions of fentanyl and U69593 in rhesus monkeys showed a decrease in the rate of drug self-administration when the kappa agonist was added to fentanyl compared to fentanyl alone (Negus, Schrode Stevenson, 2008). This effect increased with greater proportions of U69593 in the mixture (Figure 5). Using a conditioned response for food as a measurement for activity, both fentanyl and U69593 alone depressed the behaviour while mixtures showed a less than additive effect. Furthermore, at the lowest proportion tested (0.22:1 U69593/fentanyl), U69593 reduced the behaviour depressing effects of fentanyl. Figure 5. Rate of Self-Administration of Fentanyl vs. Dose of Fentanyl, U69593, or Mixture. Reproduced from Negus et al., 2008. Negus et al. also demonstrated additive thermal anti-nociception, using tail withdrawal threshold from heated water, with the fentanyl/U69593 mixtures at all proportions tested (2008). More evidence of additive effects of kappa and mu opioids was shown by Sakakihara, Imamachi, Saito using a similar method in mice (2016). Intrathecal injection of kappa agonist TRK-820 combined with morphine resulted in a stronger anti-nociceptive effect compared to morphine alone. Compared to morphine alone, kappa agonists also have benefits regarding the development of tolerance. It is well known that repeated use of mu opioids quickly develops tolerance. The addition of a kappa agonist has been shown to inhibit the development of tolerance to morphine (Hamabe, Yamane, Harada Tokuyama, 2008). Mice treated daily with subcutaneous morphine for 5 days developed reduced analgesia from morphine from days 3 to 5. However, daily administration of kappa agonist U50488H 5 minutes after injection of morphine attenuated the onset of tolerance (Figure 6). Additionally, pre-treatment of kappa receptor antagonist nor-BNI inhibited the tolerance-blocking activity of U50488H. Figure 6. Effect of Kappa Agonist U50488H on Morphine Tolerance. Each point show means  ± standard error. AUC: Area under curve. #: P Although U50488H inhibited the development of tolerance it was unable to inhibit morphine withdrawal (Tao et al., 2008). However, Tao et al. demonstrated that another kappa agonist, LPK-26, may be able to. Chronic doses of morphine, kappa agonist (LPK-26 or U50488H), or both were administered to mice over 5 days and induction of withdrawal was achieved by subcutaneous injection of naloxone 2 hours after the final dose of morphine. Chronic treatment with LPK-26 did not produce a withdrawal response. However, chronic treatment with morphine produced a strong withdrawal response in the form of withdrawal jumping. Furthermore, chronic treatment with morphine along with pre-treatment with LPK-26 had a significant reduction in withdrawal response in a dose dependent manner (Figure 7A). Body weight was also measured before and after naloxone withdrawal induction (Figure 7B). Only LPK-26 showed significant reduction of morphine-induced weight loss. Figure 7. Effects of LPK-26 and U50488H on Withdrawal Jumping and Weight Loss. Data set shown as mean  ± standard error. Reproduced from Tao et al., 2008, p.310. Discussion Analgesic Efficacy of Kappa Opioids Side effects of selective kappa agonists mainly stem from its activity in the central nervous system. These side effects are the main hindrance for pharmacologic use of kappa opioids and include dizziness, dysphoria, confusion, sedation, hallucinations, diuresis, and even psychotic symptoms at high doses (Walsh, Strain, Abreu, Bigelow, 2001). Strategies to minimize these unwanted effects revolve around limiting the activity of kappa agonists to peripheral sites of action. Local injections have been shown to reduce inflammatory pain in animal models through reduced activity of afferent nerve fibres (Auh Ro, 2012; Moon et al., 2016). Although the analgesic results mentioned were limited to animal models, in humans, intravenous administration of peripherally selective formulation CR665 also shows evidence of analgesia for visceral and surgical pain (Arendt-Nielsen et al., 2009; Albert-Vartanian et al., 2016). Furthermore, oral formulations CR665 have been shown to reduce inflammatory osteoarthritic pain in humans (Albert-Vartanian et al., 2016). Continued pain treatment is required if kappa opioids are to be considered as an alternative to mu opioids and research shows viability of kappa opioids in different formulations and routes of administration for the treatment of pain in traditional measures. The components of pain include affective elements as well, which is especially important in chronic pain. Pain affect is comprised of the unpleasant emotions associated with pain as well the emotions towards future implications of having chronic pain. The latter is based on reflections of pain memory and is known as secondary pain affect. As a consequence, chronic pain states can lead to depression and anxiety, which lowers well-being and quality of life (Price, 2000). The amygdala is a crucial structure in the brain involved in emotional learning, pain processing, and constructing of pain memories (Huge et al., 2009). Kappa opioids are able to reduce the activity and inhibit long-term potentiation in the basolateral amygdala. As long-term potentiation is considered a cellular model for learning and memory formation, kappa opioids may be able to prevent or extinguish pain memory and treat affective components of pain. However, this experiment, at the moment, is limited to mice and fu rther study is required to assess whether the results can be translated to human.   Furthermore, these results may be due to structurally specific central actions on the amygdala as other studies show evidence of dysphoric effects from central kappa opioid receptor activation (Lalanne et al., 2014). Although kappa agonists have regularly been shown to provide analgesia in assays using pain-stimulated behaviours as measurements of pain, there is contrast when pain-depressed behaviours are observed instead. Pain-depressed behaviours are behaviours that are decreased due to pain. Some examples that have been tested in animal models are feeding, movement, and reinforced behaviours. In humans, it is analogous to mood or functionality. When pain-depressed behaviours are studied, not only do centrally active kappa agonists fail to relieve pain of this aspect, they may worsen it (Negus et al., 2012; Negus et al., 2015). It should be noted that peripherally active kappa agonists relieve pain in pain-stimulated assays without affecting pain in pain-depressed assays and may be safer than centrally active kappa agonists (Negus et al., 2011). In comparison to kappa opioids, conventional analgesics such as mu opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do relieve such components of pain in addition to pain-stimulated behaviours (Negus et al., 2011; Negus et al., 2015). Even so, kappa agonist still have value as they have been shown to reduce pain in human trials as discussed previously. The studies on pain-depressed behaviours have limitations to animal models and further studies are needed to understand how clinically relevant the effects may be for humans. Managing Addiction Some of the major problems of using mu opioids for pain control are the development of tolerance, dependence, and drug abuse, which may all contribute to addiction. Although there are many other drugs that also relieve pain, the difficulty lies in managing addiction at the same time. Kappa agonists, aside from having low abuse potential, have been shown to decrease self-administration of fentanyl in animal models (Negus et al., 2008). These results are promising evidence for kappa agonists being agents to prevent opioid abuse. Also, kappa agonists have additive analgesic effects with mu opioids (Negus et al., 2008; Sakakihara et al., 2016). This possibly reduces the amount of mu opioid required for effective pain management while also reducing addiction and abuse liability due to less use. Increased usage of mu opioids may be due to the development of tolerance, requiring increased dosage to maintain analgesia. The high addictive potential of mu opioids makes this a concerning issue. However, addition of kappa agonists during administration of mu opioids may be able to significantly inhibit the development of tolerance (Hamabe et al., 2008). It may be possible to prevent the development of physical dependence and addiction to mu opioids by adding kappa agonists to drug regimens of chronic pain patients. As for those who are already affected by physical dependence on mu opioids, there is evidence that kappa opioids can inhibit withdrawal symptoms and reduce dependence (Tao et al., 2008). However, some kappa agonists, such as U50488H, do not have any significant effect. It has been suggested that the inconsistency may be due to varying affinities for different subtypes of kappa opioid receptors. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates potential for kappa agonists in managing opioid addiction through modulating dependence and withdrawal. Future studies may provide better understanding on subtype functions and improve designs for desired effects while minimize side effects. Also, as the studies regarding kappa agonist interaction with mu opioids are mainly done on animal models, further investigation is required to see whether results can be extended to humans. One important point to distinguish is non-selective versus peripherally selective kappa agonists. As mentioned previously, activation of kappa receptors in the central nervous system can lead to many side effects. Peripherally selective kappa agonists still produces analgesia, but it is uncertain whether the effects of the kappa agonists on abuse, tolerance, and dependence are due to central or peripheral activity. If these effects are due to central activity, the benefits of kappa agonists for addiction management will be limited by their undesired side effects. Still, in a study involving a peripherally selective kappa agonist and its effects on nicotine, there is some evidence suggesting that activation of peripheral kappa receptors do inhibit symptoms of withdrawal and dependence by inhibiting activity of central kappa receptors. Conclusion In conclusion, this study found that selective kappa agonists provide analgesia to inflammatory, visceral, and surgical pain. In contrast, they were not effective inhibitors of behaviour-depressing effects of pain. Specific activities of kappa receptors in the basolateral amygdala, however, may inhibit affective components of pain.   In managing addiction, kappa agonists may able to prevent mu opioid abuse, prevent the development of tolerance, inhibit the symptoms of withdrawal, and reduce physical dependence. The additive effect with mu opioids and the inhibition of tolerance development can reduce the required amount of mu opioids for effective analgesia, thus reducing abuse and addiction likelihood. Overall, selective kappa agonists are a good prospect for managing pain while combating opioid abuse and addiction. Appendix Evidence Table First Author Date of Publication Study Design Level of Evidence Study Population Therapy or Exposure Outcome/Results Albert-Vartanian 2016 Review 1 Human CR845 CR845 reduced pain with less abuse potential Arendt-Nielsen 2009 Clinical trial 1 Healthy males CR665, Oxycodone CR665 is effective on visceral pain Auh 2012 Animal model 0 Rats U-50488 Local kappa agonist attenuated inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia Hamabe 2008 Animal model 0 Mice Morphine, U-50488H Analgesic tolerance to morphine is prevented by U-50488H through suppression of PKC Huge 2009 Animal model 0 Mice U-50488H Activation of kappa receptors decrease synaptic transmission and long term potentiation in the amygdala Moon 2016 Animal model 0 Rats U-50488, Nor-BNI U-50488 inhibits nociception in arthritic knee joints of rats Negus 2008 Animal Model 0 Rhesus Monkey Fentanyl, U69593 Addition of kappa agonist to fentanyl demonstrated additive anti-nociception and decreased drug self administration Negus 2011 Animal Model 0 Rats Ffir, ICI204448, Salvinorin A Kappa agonists do not inhibit pain-depressed behaviours Negus 2015 Animal model 0 Mice Morphine, Ketoprofen, U69593 Morphine/Ketoprofen inhibited pain-depressed behaviours whereas U69593 failed to do so Sakakihara 2016 Animal Model 0 Mice Morphine, TRK-820, Nor-BNI Addition of kappa agonist to morphine may have additive anti-nociceptive effects Tao 2008 Animal Model 0 Mice Morphine, LPK-26, U50488H LPK-26 is a potent analgesic with low dependence and inhibits morphine withdrawal

Marketing Analysis Of Marks And Spencer

Marketing Analysis Of Marks And Spencer Success is the ability of a firm to do well than its competitors. By 1990s MS had been massively successful in terms of market share profit. Therefore, we can take up that the firm was overtaking its competitors in term of market share and profit. This was attained by different approaches. The companys maturity, strategies, philosophy and control of the value chain were all vital to its success. Strategy of product and service differentiation was the main feature for MS . The development of brand St Michael and its creation as a sign of British manufactured quality, at a sensible price were essential to the company. By providing a welcoming, co-operative service that guarantee superior shopping comfort and handiness to customers, distinguished MS from further high street retailers. The company quickly turn into a household name, with a solid corporate image, that could be trusted upon to give good value for money. This prepared it stand out from the rest and therefore more fruitful. As MS matured, and it advanced along its experience curve, it was able to benefit from an accumulation of experience, process innovation, economies of scale and improving customer brand loyalty (Porter M. 1980. pp163-164). This assisted the company to deliver improved service at a low cost, to customers who were less price-sensitive, thus assuring success. Simon Marks, well-known as aggressive Leader for his expertise over the business and his thought. His firm thoughts and realization of core values provided the company a strongly devoted ethos culture. This ethos was continued through the employ of staff that would fit-in and turn into part of the family. Staffs of MS were very faithful, which meant that they could be trusted upon to provide the true level of service to the clients. They actually were Customer oriented through the start of the business to be crucial to the success of the company. MS deployed a very thoughtful style of strategy, which empowered whole control of all features of the business. Thru its was effective years, the company kept and remained true to the durable core values, firstly set in place by Simon Marks. Every store manager tracked central route on all matters with devotion to rules and the company fundamental ethics and values. This confirmed that the MS image was steady throughout the nation and assis ted to support the business identity. The culture admired the policy and strengthened the companys victory through differentiation. Simon Marks recognized the market necessity for great quality at reasonable price. It was his trust that most of the British suppliers could arrange for these items and he rapidly forged close ties with his belief suppliers. This connection was so vital, it was incorporated in the companys central principles. Suppliers had to deliver products of the high quality and description and this assisted to give MS a large manufactured goods range that customers could trust on. The locked-in suppliers, captive distribution, owned retail outlets, effective in-house service network and strong after sales support meant that MS had a strong vertically integrated system that controlled most of the value chain (Porter. Ibid. p128). Guaranteed products from a assured chain assisted make MS so fruitful. The achievement of MS was not only owed to the company itself, a certain amount of good fortune is also required for any business to succeed , creativity, hard work and market requirement. Back in the late 1880s, Michael Marks had not continued with the penny bazaars or Simon Marks not carried back ideas from America proceeding how to advance the business, then it is more than probable that the company would not have been a achievement. MS was so effective because it occupied an area of the retail market that no one other had. It distinguished itself and continued high criteria in product quality and customer deal whereas keeping price reasonable. MS managers were devoted to the company beliefs and operated closely to produce strong links with British suppliers. Market Penetration: i.e. existing products in existing markets. Additional product lines have been offered in the food and clothing categories to gain more market share. MS has introduced a designer collection with the aim of entering different segments of the younger (Thompson, 2001). Also, different product ranges such as cosmetics, furniture, books and CD, financial services etc have been introduced. Certain marketing events has been introduced by MS such as growing advertising, employing an outside agency for public relations and launching the marketing department to take a more dedicated customer orientation. MS has upgraded its product lines through innovation. E.g. Buying in new fabrics and colours, increasing product offerings (MS 1998 annual report). Product Development: i.e. new products in existing markets. MS offers customers a more extensive choice based by the highest quality and safety standards. MS introduced in-store bakeries, rear-service delicatessen, hot food counters and so on into stores to differentiate itself from competitors for providing new selling opportunities for unique product ranges (MS 1998 annual report). Some innovative products are added such as washable silk, jumpers and etc. (MS 1998 annual report). Furthermore, MS introduces sub brand designer in order to supply a collection of womens clothing for the fashion conscious woman (http://marksandspencer.com, 18/03/02). Market Development: i.e. existing products in new markets. MS increased selling space by 410,000 sq ft in 1998 through opening 4 new stores, extending 16 stores and purchasing 19 selected stores from Littlewoods (MS 1998 annual report) in order to upgrade and make the stores more pleasure experience for the customer. Also, MS has opened a number of stores at UK railway station and airports. MS has tried to enter into the young segment by offering more fashionable clothing and introducing some designer brand. Moreover, MS is now offering a mail order for busy people and those living in remote areas. Mean while the company continued to established markets in Western Europe, Canada, USA, and the Far East, this was now being done via a franchise method. Diversification: i.e. new products in new markets. Apart from its core products: food and clothing, MS developed a new strategic direction within the UK through its diversification into financial services, home furnishings etc. (Maureen Whitehead, 1992). MS also diversified into US retail food market by purchasing Kings Supermarkets (http://www.clm1.org, 24/04/02). Until 1998, MS has already had more than 20 outlets. MS also diversified into the world market. They were following-up on their worldwide reputation that they had gained since the 50s by only selling quality items at value pricing. Current Strategic Situation: Due to successful again MS must to inspect what made them successful originally Simons Marks understanding of customer preferences and trends. This led MS to meeting the customers requirements in the market and launching some very solid core capabilities, which over time commanded to others. Though, where MS pass on wrong is that they lost touch with the developing market and hence requirements of customers; customers needs transformed but they didnt. To re-establish this success MS must certify they know the market exceptionally well and decide what section of the market they wish to acquire. By going back to their original rudiments, inspecting their existing strengths and deciding on a market segmentation strategy that best matches these strengths, MS should be able to become moneymaking once more. Continuous satisfactory market research must be accompanied to certify MS does not lose touch again with their target market as another blunder could critically damage the organisation . Today MS is operating in a highly competitive market where purchasers have a comparatively high percentage of disposable income and are spending large amounts. This gives them high negotiating power specially since they are well knowledgeable about competition and so it is important to use the most cost effective suppliers to be able to save costs and grow the profit. With modern manufacturing techniques consumers are expecting high quality even at this low cost. Buyers presume a minimum standard and a market accumulation situation had established. The large number of substitute products in the market today also helps makes it this highly competitive atmosphere; there are many other retailers having competition for both the top and bottom end of the market share. This necessitates MS to have an aggressive marketing strategy to recapture market share. MS needs to take opportunities which form on its current strengths and be cautious about current threats that could potentially lead to more difficulties. By structure on existing strengths or core capabilities MS should goal to strengthen its market place and form new competencies earlier boarding on a noteworthy expansion program. Once a number of strong core competencies have been established MS can consider dangerous growth. SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS MS became Well Known MS has created a Good image for their customers. Their store locations were prime. Clothing is a requirement but several peoples also purchase a wide-ranging variety of clothes to match their different events or desires. Urge purchasing accounts for a high share of sales. Customers are continually purchasing new clothes to fill their wardrobes, either for the reasons of fashion or to switch worn-out stuffs. The UK industry is stronger in design fashion. Less common for people to get prepare their personal clothes than it was in the past. Costs of manufacture are dropping down as manufacturing is progressively being moved to inexpensive places around the world. WEAKNESSES Severe rivalry lead MS to heavy discounting that is grind down profit margins. The UK cloth trade has lesser output than leading European competitors is progressively being vulnerable by low cost foreign competition. Substantial brands have high profiles and their goods are relaxed to copy by counterfeiters with slight changes by competitors. Large chains dominate the retail sector and the only way to gain share in this mature market is to success to win customers from competitors. Speedy fashion variations can render items obsolete very quickly. Outmoded mail order collections are losing ground, as it is difficult to keep well-informed of fashion. Internet selling is unlikely to be significantly successful, as customers like to try on clothes and see the superiority of fabric and workmanship. Sales are periodic, with the greatest spending taking place in the run-up to Christmas, when more expensive coats and party wear are anticipated. Clothes are also common gift choices. The state of the reduced can have an important impact on sales at the top end of the market, as well as on desire buying. OPPORTUNITIES Men still spend less on dresses than women and this segment of the market remains underexploited. There is quiet sufficiently of probable for further merging in the market. The asset of brands such as Dorothy Perkins and the expertise of British retailers suggest there is probable for further growth abroad, mostly in the new EU member states. The ending of the MFA should lead to more discounts in the cost of products which could increase retail sales overall and/or cause consumers to trade up to items once elsewhere their means. Number of working women remains to growth, they will not only want more clothes for work but are also more probable to have the financial freedom to create clothes purchases. The industry remains to encourage a teenager marketplace for fashion-conscious 8 to 12 year-olds. THREATS Clothing chains from overseas, mainly those from Europe, such as Zara, have positively occupied UK high streets. Conventionally popular retailers, like Marks and Spencer, will have to adapt or face the harm of more market share to aggressive groups such as Arcadia. Both manufacturing and retailing are labour concentrated and are affected by legislature concerning minimum wages and working hours. The increasing participation of grocery multiples in clothing retailing is adding low-price volume to the market. A recession in the economy could cause men, in specific, to cut back on overall expenditure in this sector. In the current market environment a quantity of choices are open to MS now. These include: Founding a strategic union with another organisation This would involve an unwritten agreement with other clothes retailers not to encroach on each others market share. This would allow MS to regain strength in its original core business and so ensure it is in a better position to possibly expand into new markets in the future. Dis-investments In order to focus all its efforts on the recovery of the UK business, MS could divest or close non-core businesses and assets, which would allow it to focus only on core business until its market position is regained. Purchasing of smaller competitors To minor the level of competition and create trading easier MS could buy up minor retailers. This would give MS more control over the market and growth their market share deprived of making many changes. For MS to attain organic development and recover the market share they once had they neediness to initially toughen their core profit centres by selling more of their current merchandise to their current clients. After this MS can initiate to reconstruct its reputation for quality service and distinguish their products so customers observe them to be of higher value then the competition. By control the price constant this should help take back segments of the market missing to competitors. Once this is attained MS can remain to look at choices for product innovation. By introducing absolutely new and original products they can further strengthen their market segments. After this has been completed MS should begin to market their current merchandise to attract customers from fresh market segments through careful advancement planned by careful market research. Once they have recognized a position in other market segments they can begin to distinguish their merchandise within that mark et segment and additional strengthen their position. Finally, MS can initiate to once again increase by looking at new product options in completely new markets such as financial services. Therefore I would recommend MS primarily disinvest loss-making sub-sidiaries to allow the organisation to focus on upgrading its core business strength. This can be assisted by founding a strategic alliance with other organisations not to violate on each others market for the time being. Smaller competitors should not be attained at this stage until MS is in a sturdier financial position. Strategic Direction for the future: Internal Development: MSs will have to invest in training led to enhanced performance of supervisors and junior management. In-addition, MS will have to give people widespread roles through inspiration in order to help organization grow more smoothly. Inside the UK market MS will have to decide to revolutionize the store with modern look. The upgrading on design and layout for the store will have been introduced in an attempt to gain customer demands on convenience and to increase more shopping attractive. done Acquisitions: MS have to buy more stores as part of the growth programme; this will allow the company to double the number of locations. The store bought will then be altered into MS corporate style, with specific departments of the MS business (Welwyn Garden City). Joint Development: The relationship with suppliers allows MS to sharing knowledge and information throughout the supply chain i.e. MS worked with its suppliers e.g. Dupont to pioneer the use of the material Lycra for the mass market (case study). Future Resources of MS: Tangible:  ª Wide variety of high quality products with value for money, own-brand products  ª Hard working staff and good management team  ª Loyal customers Intangible:  ª High product value  ª Good image, so it will converted into high reputation  ª Buyer and staff loyalty  ª They will must have some Strong relationships with suppliers  ª Highly expertise expertise knowledge Human:  ª Supply-chain management; expertise in outsourcing  ª Outstanding services in purchasing and merchandising  ª Small hierarchy that will allow outstanding communications between head office purposes and stores. E.g. managers ask about employees opinions frequently to encourage argument and the expression of new ideas Successful strategic management requires winning, retaining and balancing resources. Performance depends directly on simple, mostly tangible, resources, but the growth of tangible resources is dependent on intangible factors. However, for MS, the loyalty of customers and the reputation is decreasing, the morale is shrinking and the cost is increasing (Kim Warren, 2002). The value chain analysis could be used to identify the organisational capabilities. Value Chain Analysis: SUPPORT ACTIVITIES Firm Infrastructure:  ª Subcontracting with suppliers as well as outsourcing domestically and internationally  ª Development of financial services such as availability of credit cards Technology Development:  ª MSs technologists working together with suppliers to gain knowledge about product development (e.g. with Dupont-Lycra)  ª EPOS system to help MS improve productivity so that it can respond faster to market changes  ª Customer ordering system (mailing system)  ª Having its own website for online selling, which allow customers to see products and service online Human Resource Management:  ª Good appraisal system for employees such as store Management training program and so on (Morgenstein Strongin, 1992)  ª Specialist advisers in key departments  ª Staff service initiatives Procurement  ª Minimising the environmental impact of their operations and merchandise  ª A well established supply base, with a high product specification standards PRIMARY ACTIVITIES Inbound Logistics:  ª Long-Term and non-contractual relationship based on mutual trust and understanding  ª Integrated business process with suppliers in terms of product specification, material management, quality control and so on  ª Sharing knowledge and information throughout the supply chain Operations:  ª Exclusive quality control in the operation process  ª Dealing direct with manufacturers instead of through intermediaries, understanding and controlling products from raw materials to finished goods  ª Subcontracting production with very tight conditions to suppliers  ª The costs of stockholding were carried by the supplier  ª Working across within franchises Outbound Logistics:  ª Franchise agreement overseas such as Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and so on  ª Good Store location Marketing and Sales:  ª Comfortable shopping environment  ª High quality products with good value for money  ª Wide ranges of products and services Services:  ª Offering the highest standard of customer care (Johnson Schole, 1997; Case Study) The value chain analysis helps MS identify the way to cooperate across different functions in the chain and then add more value to products and sustain competitive advantages. Having had the value chain analysis, the core competences of MS are as following:  ª Sourcing methods  ª Ability to deliver high value, reliable, consistent quality products  ª The trust from investors and customers  ª High quality of management 4.0 Evaluation MS Strategy: In order to evaluate MS strategy, the SFA analysis will be give below: Strategy Suitability Feasibility Acceptability Differentiation * * * Do Nothing Withdrawal * * * Market Penetration * * Market Development * * * Product Development * * Diversification * Internal Development * * * Acquisition * * Joint Development * * * Differentiation The company had serious consideration regarding the future direction of the company and its brand (St. Michaels). Because of its success in image, branding and quality, it is viewed acceptable to continue down the same road. Do Nothing The Do Nothing strategy has not been successful as it leaves MS behind in the market place, due to this MS has lost its continuous development in terms of quality, branding, customer values and so on. They have proven too slow to take action against those changes in a very competitive market place. Withdrawal According to the company inability to operate successfully in countries such as Canada, US, Fast East and some European countries as well as the Asian crisis in 1997, the choice left for the company would be to close the unprofitable outlets while remain operating in the other countries that still profitable. Market Penetration MS starts to introduce a number of new product lines in 1998 such as cosmetics, financial services, furniture and etc. however by the time they were introduced its competitors had already followed MS some successful strategy. Consequently, MS has lost its competitive advantage. Market Development Regarding to the acquisition of 19 outlets from the Littlewoods group this was suitable because it allowed the company to achieve its reposition in the market place. Product Development MS re-evaluated and improved a number of product lines mainly in the food and lady clothing, but also entered into the furnishing business. The food lines improved MSs profitability; however, the clothing and soft furnishing have not yet been able to compete with high street competitors. Diversification MS had taken their standard strategy formula and tried to stall it in their overseas operations, but they did not take the culture differences and other risks, i.e. economic, commercial and political. Internal Development The modernization of outlets, the retraining of employee and upgrading their central purchasing system helped MS to be more competitive in the marketplace. Acquisition MS acquired the 19 stores from Littelwoods for the purpose of adding them to the up-grading programme with the purpose of adding to the companys property assets. The company also acquired the food chain King Supermarkets in the United State, this operation operates under its own name. Joint Development MS required new ideas to add excitement to its product lines and therefore enhance the shopping experience of their customers. The failure of MSs suppliers to develop possible new products has been viewed as a failure in their relationship which had to be addressed without delay. The problem was due to the past attention had been given to quality and efficient delivery of the product, Marks Spencer standards have always be strict, the MS and not enough effort on focusing on their customers and what customer wanted from the relationship. When the customers feel satisfied then will be prepared to commit themselves to future purchases from the same supplier, this can be viewed that the relationship gives MS a real competitive advantages as well as economic 5.0 MSs situation: Text Box: Industry Saleshttp://www.coursework.info/document/3/4/4/44381/44381_files/image013.gif According to the life cycle, MS is sitting in the mature stage and the fortunes have been in decline. As the increasing competition such as from Next and Gap, the customer tastes changing and the short of experience of going overseas, MSs profit declined sharply from  £1,102m in 1997 to  £546m in 1999 and the share price declined from  £6.65 to  £4.61 (The Chartered Institute of Marketing, 2001). http://www.coursework.info/document/3/4/4/44381/44381_files/image014.gifGap Analysis: MS was very successful in product range and quality in the past; therefore, they overlooked the changes in the environment such as increasing competition, changes in customer tastes and so on. As a result, they remain do-nothing strategy without investing in product innovation, environmental monitoring or marketing, which led to the decreasing in profits in 1998. In order to fill the gap, MS should start to look at and change product and marketing strategies. Furthermore, different options should be looked at by MS such as brand identity (different brands for different segments), segmentation (more attention on key segments), diversification (for the financial service, they should choose the effective target audience and identify their needs and wants properly). (MS Corp. Press Office, 2001) http://www.coursework.info/document/3/4/4/44381/44381_files/image015.gif In the past, MSs strategy based on broad differentiation (image of good quality and wide range of products at affordable price). At the moment, its strategy was unclear because they were trying to do everything to maintain its competitive advantage. They are using unrelated strategies such as cutting costs (cost leadership) as well as trying to use differentiation focus by entering different niche markets (financial services and so on) as well as differentiating its brand through the range of products on offer. Consequently, leads to the company positioning in stuck in the middle. All in all, MS failed the sustainable competitive advantage hurdle. With fickle customers, changing fashions and intense competition, a sustainable competitive advantage is difficult to maintain in this particular sector. Although MS has plenty of attractive retail space and George Davies brought a magician, however, MS need to have some dramatic change in order to survive and revive. 6.0 Recommendation and conclusion: MS faces the toughest test of its ability to survive in the war of the High Street. It must not only defend its market share, but must also find ways of gaining back customers perception in terms of quality, brand loyalty and so on. MS required new ideas to add excitement to its product lines and therefore enhance the shopping experience of their customers (Dennis Adcock, 2000). MS is changing itself such as outsourcing and recruit more new and young employees. New strategies are in Place: an upmarket clothing line has been introduced, returning to selling only own-brand products, stores have been revamped, top management appointments made, the utilization of Microsoft BizTalk serve and Window 2000 serve and opening out-of-town stores to shift surplus stock. The difficulty for MS is achieving the right balance between the corporate values that gave it its strong market position, and the innovation that is required to stay competitive. It is a tough time for MS and also the right time for a new broom, MS should get lessons from past and look at more about what is happening in the market place and change itself from the old way of doing things to a brand-new image in order to sustain its competitive advantage and regain its leading position. Reference: Books:  · Case Study from Declan  · Daft and Marcic, 2001  · Dennis Adcock, 2000, Marketing Strategies for competitive advantage; John WileySons Inc.  · Hartley and Palmer, 1999  · Jennings and Wattam, 1994, Decision Making An Integrated Approach, 2nd edition, Financial Times, Pitman  · Jobber, 2001, Principles and Practice of Marketing, 3nd Edition, McGraw-Hill Publishing Company  · Johnson, Scholes, 1993, Exploring Corporate Strategy Text and Cases, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall International (UK) Ltd.  · Johnson Schole, 1997, Exploring Corporate Strategy, 4th Edition, Prentice Hall  · Kim Warren, 2002, Strategic Performance connecting to the fundamentals of business dynamics, London Business School  · Morgenstein Strongin, 1992, Modern Retailing Management Principles Practice, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall  · Naylor, 1999  · Thompson, 2001, Strategic Management, 4th Edition, British Library Internet:  · http://www.clm1.org/education/2001/ms.pdf, 24/04/02  · http://marksandspencer.com, 18/03/02  · http://www.statsed.co.uk/bes/bes_spring1999/28_2/sec2.htm, 19/04/02 Other Sources:  · Chartered Institute of Marketing, 2001  · Marks Spencer Press Release, June, 1996  · MS 1998 annual report  · MS Corp. Press Office, 2001  · Maureen Whitehead, 1992, Management Decision, Vol. 32 No. 3, 1994, pp. 38-41  · Pawlyna, Andrea, British retailer on the roll, Asian Business, April, 1996  · Welwyn Garden City, Deputy Head, Stanborough School Appendix 1: http://www.c