Marketing Plan for Harley Davidson

Introduction Harley-Davidson Inc. is a US-based motorcycle manufacturer established in 1903 by collaboration between William Harley and Arthur Davidson. The company was considered world’s leading designer of motorcycles comprising of heavyweight, touring as well as performance motorcycles.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Marketing Plan for Harley Davidson specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company also deals with line of motor cycle parts and accessories. The supplies of motorcycles from Harley-Davidson were recognized based on their distinctive design as well as heavy customization. The brand image of the company based on raw power formed crucial part of its unique selling proposition (Whalen et al, 2010). This made the company to focus on differentiation strategy targeting more specific products within various niche segments in the market (Whalen et al, 2010). The nature of the powerful brand image HD uses within the market, led to building of deep relationship between the company, customers and matchless riding experiences. This contributed towards massive loyal brand following since the needs of customers using heavyweight motorcycle were catered for. Marketing strategy of the company focused on company-sponsored events, various dealer promotions as well as advertisements in the media. Target market majorly comprised of baby-boomers who happened to be men above thirty five years of age. However, the age limit has risen over the years to over forty years. This represented the age group who contributed towards Harley-Davidson’s iconic figure within United States of America. Due to decline of customers within this segment, the company strategized in the year 2010 to re-organize their marketing efforts and at the same time focus on multigenerational and multi-cultural marketing strategy.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you ! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Such strategy focused on various age-groups, ethnic backgrounds and also being gender sensitive (Doole and Lowe, 2008). Impact of new and emerging technologies on transport and it applications is currently evident. Advancement in technology have taken very sharp dimension and on upper dimension within the market. Such technologies have been identified to include advances in automobile, accessories and computer production. Increase in the number of automobiles having web superior capabilities as well as new display technologies are on the growing trend. Despite all these, experience within automobile industry reveals that it’s rather expensive to operate within developed countries due to expensive demands from consumers. Such reasons should ensure that the identified gaps in knowledge regarding lucrative markets, and identified opportunities are dealt with amicably (Kotler and Keller, 2007). However, as one of the best ma naged companies within various regions, HD takes pride on the high technological and modernized level of products and services provided. Summary of environmental appraisal analysis for the U.K. market Internal analysis Harley-Davidson line of production deals with automobiles whereby they retail new and used products. Their market supply has been considered adequate by customers for close to over ten decades.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Marketing Plan for Harley Davidson specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There is provision of various unique heritage and culture to employees which enables them to offer excellent services within the automobile industry. HD stands as one of the world leading companies within automobile industry dealing with heavyweight motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise (Whalen et al, 2010). The company has ensured concrete development within its various business segments. Such segments include that of motorcycles and that dealing with provision of financial incentives. The financial service segment deals particularly with wholesale as well as retail financing and insurance (Whalen et al, 2010). There has also been much focus on various innovation- related measures which assist in enhancement of differentiation and methods of costing. At the same time, much difference occurred from economic conditions and finance management within the organization. It is easier to develop performance indicators from the company’s financial records. SWOT analysis Strengths Harley Davidson commands a considerable market share within European countries owing to the nature of its products which includes most sorted out heavy- weight motorcycles. Part of the company’s strength emanates from its area of specialization which is narrowed down to two segments; motorcycles and its accessories as well as Financial Services. Harley-Davidson suppl ies heavyweight motorcycle within various international markets such as Middle-East region and Asia.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, the company boasts of a strong brand name which at one point was used as trade mark amongst American population. Such nature of strength exhibited enabled perpetual attraction of customers especially amongst baby boomers. The Harley Owners Group (HOG) association established within the company has enabled expansion of customer base with approximately since they command approximately 750,000 members globally. This makes HD appear sole sponsor of motorcycle enthusiast within the industry. Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG) is one of the affiliate company’s granted rights of manufacturing products under HD’s brand name. Further strength can be identified through various market segments dealing with different issues such as promotions, customer events, media advertisements and direct-mailing (Magretta, 2002, pp 86-92). Weakness HD’s weak points as it gears up for the UK market can easily be identified in the nature of pricing they use on their product s. This has made it difficult for the company to extend its market share within Asia and European other countries. At the same time, there are internal problems revolving around capacity in production which limits HD’s supply of heavy motorcycles to future market segments (Whalen et al, 2010). Opportunities There’s currently high demand for Harley Davidson motorcycles within regions having high percentage of Middle-Class earners. These countries are found within the European market which at the moment presents the largest motorcycle market in the world. There is potential market amongst the younger generation as well as sports events within America and Asia with quality being the major concern. Threat The loss of considerable domestic market is attributed to emergence of innovative competitors such as BMW and Hyundai which supplies quality but relatively cheap products to the market. At the same time some of the competitors within the market have stronger financial bas e and well coordinated marketing network which ensures smooth operations of their diversified products lines. Potential threat may arise from subsidiary companies using HD’s brand name since they can be tempted to compromise quality (Doole and Lowe, 2008). External factors External Strategic analysis The general environment of Harley Davidson will be analyzed by use of PEST analysis model. For the purposes of capturing various changes within the environment, it is important that Degree of Turbulence (DOT) model be utilized. At the same time, the motor cycle industry within the United Kingdom from which HD is expected to operate will be analyzed by use of Porter’s Five Forces analysis (Whalen et al, 2010). The Degree of Turbulence Strategic analysis of the UK environment requires the application of DOT which reveals on the stability of the industry within the current market situation. The choice of strategy is very important since it will determine the mode of entrance the company uses within various markets. There are always two main approaches used either emergent or prescriptive approach. However, various factors within specified market environments determine the level of turbulence within the environment. The factors considered in such a case include; changeability and predictability (Whalen et al, 2010). According to UK statistics, changeability can be recognized through high chances and probability for environment to change. Changes within the environment are brought about by many other factors categorized as either complexity or novelty. Such factors providing complex impacts include; political, technological as well as social aspects. Global economy represents one of the complex potential factors which might affect penetration of Harley-Davidson Company into United Kingdom market. This is because HD is a multinational company having most of its operations within the international market. Based on this, various changes on technology, prices as well as overall GDP ultimately affect overall performance of HD within emerging markets (Whalen et al, 2010). On the other hand, Novelty factors focuses on the frequency of occurrences of new situations towards the company. Harley-Davidson is considered to operate within high technology environment as exhibited by its major competitors from Japan and other such as BMW. This makes it possible for any company to turn things up-side down within the market based on its level of advancement in technology. Such changes as described above can be determined through application of predictability factor. Predictability is usually determined based on â€Å"rapidity of change† or â€Å"anticipation on future impacts†. These qualities are used to determine rate of transformation within the market as well as availability and quality of information applied on future prediction respectively. Rapidity of change within the UK can be evaluated by examining changes on market responses towards products supplied. This can be linked to the nature of GDP within the regional countries which will ultimately determine the level of supply of HD heavy motorcycles, other premium goods and services. However, with respect to â€Å"visibility of the future†, HD should be capable to predict the trend within the future market of motorcycles within the region. This is since the trend is shifting towards environment friendly automobiles, hence â€Å"forecastable† to predict market inclination. The company’s positioning based on pricing will largely determine their profit margin. Various changes within the environment, calls for adjustments to the strategies applied by Harley-Davidson within other regions. Such changes within the UK environment can best be described through application of PEST analysis (Whalen et al, 2010). PEST Analysis PEST analysis is basically built based on historical data, making it more challenging to predict the future form previous e vents within the market. Despite the analysis from degree of turbulence which could be used in predicting the future, PEST analysis cannot be utilized for the same purposes making it difficult for the company to predict their future trends from past events. Further, such results cannot be directly transferred to the future. For the purposes of analyzing UK market, HD will divide its results based on short-term and long-term events which are done based on the provided financial data. Scale of 1 to 5 can be used to quantify events based on most and least favourable environment for HD products. Using such scales can make it easier comparison between factors. However, HD Company will utilize the most relevant factors within the analysis to predict their performance within the target market. Political factors Previously as revealed from the case study, several obstacles in the form of political factors have led to stagnation of HD products within some markets. This could be seen through enforcement of new laws within countries. However, the most defined area within the market which has attracted several legal enactments is rate of global warming based on greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, nature of disposal of old products and durability of the products determines market acceptance within some territories (Whalen et al, 2010). There are tight legislative restrictions on emissions within the OECD member states. This presents some challenge to HD’s heavy motorcycles since they consume much fuel leading to unwanted emissions (Whalen et al, 2010). European countries have enacted their own standard of operation i.e. EURO 5 which gives directions of operations within automobile industry. The law ensures that all manufacturers are responsible for their product’s performance for the first five years of operation within the market (Whalen et al, 2010). This is the same as United States market which has defined rules enforcing regulations on green house ga s emissions. Such restrictions on emission have the capacity if increasing costs within various areas of development, testing and manufacturing for Harley-Davidson. The process of recycling used and old vehicles is also given equal importance within UK, with the laws stating that various automobile manufacturers are under obligation to retrieve back specific components of their gadgets. Such directives provide additional operational costs on HD, since they are required to be responsible for recyclability of various automobile components. This would make the company to forcefully take into account cost of scraping various components expected from used motorcycles. Consequently, there are various forms of crises based on political instability within the emerging markets in the region. Such cases affect the company’s profitability depending on the size of the market and total revenue collected. Despite all these, there exist high prospects on company’s future based on the nature of the UK market. Political instability results into unexpected outcomes which poses adverse effects on HD’s bottom line. This shows that the state of political stability will have tremendous effect on HD’s operations within emerging markets (Whalen et al, 2010). Economic factors Statistics reveals drastic fluctuations in the world GDP growth within the last few years. Records reveal that in the year 2008, GDP was recorded to be at a decline of over 2.5%. The successive years recorded growth rate of over 1.5% followed by approximately 2.5% (Whalen et al, 2010). Such projections are true reflections on the expected nature of recovery within the future anticipated to be over 3% by the year 2015. It is therefore important for various automobile companies such as HD to carefully differentiate their target markets. This involves analyzing growth within emerging markets and already established markets within western economies. The GDP growth within the European count ries is estimated to be at 1.8% (Duval, 2010). However, within the UK region, there is threat based on credit risk especially with big percentage from debt financing. Based on its financial records, HD should position itself to finance its operations within UK market from matching maturities of bonds to various activities. At the same time, derivatives could be used neutralize risk on interest rates. The other risk faced within European market involves fluctuations in various currencies used. However, this can be reduced through natural hedging where production facilities of the company are stationed within the major market. This would ensure that the revenue generated is spent in the same currency leading to reduction on rather anticipated currency risk. United Kingdom market requires specialized facilities capable of serving the elite population present. This leads to increase in cost of production hence making it difficult to control revenue and operational costs. Currency risks within this market are majorly associated with US dollar and British pound which would account for significant percentage of HD’s total currency exposure. However, deals within foreign countries are neutralized through hedging which happens between Euro and US dollar based on the fact that large revenue is obtained from United States operations which happen to be HD’s country of origin (Whalen et al, 2010). The nature of strength exhibited by dollar against Euro makes currency risk one of the major concerns within the UK market. Current globalization makes operational and manufacturing costs high owing to high cost of raw materials of which in this case comprises of steel and aluminium. Such trends affect ultimate prices of goods due to scarcity of raw materials and increasing demand for motorcycles. Socio-cultural factors The demographics of the market within UK are promising owing to growth experienced within the middle-class. This would represent HD with the desired market segment. However, the market within UK usually demands for products which are environmentally friendly. Technological factors There are lots of difficulties when it comes to technology since there is emergence of highly innovative firms hence gaining competitive advantage is not easy task. However, the nature of engines within their heavy motorcycles makes HD to gain significant competitive advantage over other competitors. Inclination towards environmental issues is creating avenues for the development of environmentally friendly products within the area of transportation. There are certain peculiar attributes notable within market segments which have been singled out. In this context, it is evident that whenever all these socioeconomic factors get managed, the consumer rates of HD’s products might just be equivalent to those high rates observable within other industries. Therefore, there is an evidence of the increasing importance of the institutional elements of th e decisions and performance of motorcycles and associated products. The role of the marketing department in influencing major decisions and the fate of technologically out-dated innovations is seemingly vital and can never be underscored. There are also indications that the various underlined cognitive factors act synergistically with other institutional factors to influence buying decisions of most customers within UK (Daley, 1993). Identification of two new target markets appropriate to HD in the U.K. market The company has for the past years developed new line of products contributing towards enhancement of their products based on value-added services and at the same time utilizing business customers. The new target market would be defined as knowledgeable and maturing but very much familiar with older product technologies. This requires HD to lower their prices and at the same time be innovative for the purposes of maintaining their level of relevance amongst consumers within th e target market. They should focus majorly on needs-based segmentation process which provides opportunities for reaching different consumers. Such segments are usually characterized by low pricing, reliability in quality as well as constant supply. Implementation of new products amongst the younger generation within UK should be accompanied by new branding systems for the purposes of eliminating cases of confusion amongst customers (Whalen et al, 2010). The recreational industry within UK also provides one of the most lucrative market segments. One of the marketing strategies that managers should apply for the purpose of remaining competitive within this industry is advanced technology and at the same time upgrading their establishments with the intention of appealing to more customers. Available literature demonstrates that sports organizations spend considerable sums of money each year to design, build, and elegantly furnish their establishments. The organization should focus on n eeds of trainees using HD’s products such as motorbikes. Such applications assist in implementation of effective organization’s goals and objectives. There should be reinforced elaborate plans focused on establishment of relationship amongst participants within various sporting sections. The organization should be capable of supplying high profiled riders and their sponsors through application of appropriate technologies within their gadgets. Such actions enable tremendous contributions towards individual enhancement of skills which at times is necessary for productivity purposes. At the same time, HD should utilize performance ratings for the purposes of establishing anticipated results from various sports segments. Such performance ratings are based on departmental components and their accomplishments based on organization’s goals. The process involves defined planning of activities whereby objectives from various activities are aligned to those of the company for the purposes of efficient management. Various positive experiences are identified in the process of supervision and major decisions made based on efficiency of applied concepts. Such activities are based on consumer’s learning processes and ability to match the required standards. Overall performance ratings are done on annual basis hence making it possible identification of incompetent areas and afterwards implementation of appropriate plans (Chan and Lynn, 1991). Harley-Davidson as an organization should focus on individual social benefits. This is based on frequent review of articles containing cases on social enterprises within sporting industry which enables them perform various adjustments within some of their respective units such as gymnasium. However, most of their operations should focus on business prosperity in case of recessions. This acts as strong contributor towards frequent updating of their system based on market trends. The management should unveil pos sible trend showing sustained growth and better long-term prospects for such enterprises compared to other for-profit enterprises. This discovery echoes true sentiments for companies operating within such industry. For example, stories within various articles focus on products and services provided through service industry. At the same time, there are more online discoveries concerning necessary improvements required in making customer experience of executive standards within automobile industry (Whalen et al, 2010). In the process of allowing access to information, the management of HD should consider operating common website alongside other sports websites within the region. Such operations allows for easy coordination between fans, management and players. The only lacking facility is that which enables payment to be done over the internet, such improvement would facilitate more online bookings hence decreasing overall transaction costs (Mintzberg et al., 2003). Management of grow th processes with HD focuses on intangible and tangible assets as well as available sports products and accessories. This focuses on providing intended returns based on organization’s marketing strategies. The management at the same time should focus on issues touching vital points such as management of capital investment alongside appropriate working systems. Smooth flow of processes within HD is influenced by availability of highly skilled and motivated employees, having updated and accurate information on the current marketing trends within UK segments. Various measures have been implemented by the company some of which include acceptable level of satisfaction from consumers and balancing on various innovations based on gender. At the same time, HD should incorporate instruments for the purposes of measuring every initiative undertaken in the process of improving level of competency (Mintzberg et al., 2003). Development of differentiated marketing mixes for each target mar ket identified Harley-Davidson products and services accommodate economy to upscale class within business, sports and leisure market environment. Various brand names are used under the umbrella of HD depending on the region of operation. The brand name HD is identified to have strong positioning within the upper and medium scale market range. The brand’s presence in all the continents is felt through durability and nature of HD’s products. At the same time the hotel has strong positioning within transport sector. There is well developed and established information technology which HD utilizes to attract customers such as online technology. The younger generation comprising of X, Y- generations as well as millennial can be easily reached through computerized technologies such as mobile phones and social media. Such marketing channels ensure that services are rendered by use of accurate information regarding specific tasks. Such technological adjustments create possibili ty of using services creating some sense of attraction amongst users since they expect quick responses. This calls for IT technicians to develop highly accurate and fast search engine software. Emergence of new technology with the integrated marketing mix has led to creation of new software capable of handling rapidly growing market segments. This enables use of new technologies for the purposes of content management and deliveries. Development of social networks comprising various groups such as colleagues can possibly be exploited for the purposes of providing efficient and effective marketing services to customers. However, such new technologies have led to emergence of such activities as abandonment of courses, display of boring content and at the same time difficulties in real assessment of work done by sales team. Such problems can be dealt with by use of semantic technologies capable of providing new connections and content deliveries suitable for destines occasions. Such pro gress with new technology has enabled vendors to create messages capable of adapting to the device’s content and location (Kruk and Grzonkowski, 2006). Creation of semantic digital libraries such as JeromeDL assists in software controlled repositories capable of running eLearning content. Due to new technology, it is vital to develop research team capable of reviewing online social projects after every short period during the project cycle. The audit team should be self- dependent without personal interest in the project. New technology demands that auditing on IT system should be carried out to avoid unnecessary hacking of company’s records and data. New technology has advantages and disadvantages of carrying out the project, achievements and relevance of the management’s priorities. Finally, integrative management process that meets the priority, definition, scope, mission, budget schedules, and control are made possible by the technology. Management within HD is however endowed with responsibility of ensuring that online social enterprise applied in reaching the market set clear conditions for achievable schedule, budget and tasks. A standard contract for the signature should be drawn for the purposes of allowing various considerations on all necessary obligations. Such projects allows existence of good auditing which depends on appropriate processes, essential setting priorities, goals, schedules, project definition, supportive culture, and budgetary control for project implementation. The lessons learned from technological innovations should be stored to ensure that clients are comfortable (Reiter, 2005). Concept of globalization has led to generation of various changes within every industrial sector and creates a path towards the modernization. Introduction of computers and mobile phones are said to be the first modernized communication system. There is an agreement that use of computers and use of the information technology can enha nce the effectiveness of communication in terms of operation of the organization, therefore, the same effectiveness can be also present in its application in every department. Computerization can be the most basic yet efficient process that an organization can demand in their every department. In accounting department, it is common for the accountants to commit mistakes in recoding the accounts because of the similarities of most of the accounts. However, the application of a computerized system in the accounting can only lead the entire processes into obtaining appropriate solution into organization’s computerized accounting system (Sharma, 2008). Integrated marketing mix utilizes existing Information Technology comprising of various elements contributing to their current monetary and non-monetary operations. To satisfy the shareholders, the continuous change in operations has led towards complete evolution of computerized accounting system (Sharma, 2008). Computerization of the bookkeeping system can assist the financial and cost-accounting system, administration, and over all control in the accounting department. It is expected that the computerization or the application of the information system provides technical basis for the purposes of developing sound managerial decisions. In the long-run existing information can be analysed and then applied for the operation of Information Technology based companies. Such computerization methods assist in effective management of all segments and at the same time providing additional support required. Related studies capturing the intricacies of analyzing nature of market segments within UK with respect to desired consumer needs have been conducted. Particularly, these have been conducted within the ethnographic investigations of most upper-middle-class and the sub-urban Shaker Heights society. Most studies have also applied the cultural-ecological explanation model to investigate and analyze the many intertwin ing elements or conditions that may influence buying behaviour of consumers within such segments. For instance, the cultural-ecological model related to the minority population segment integrates major groups of factors that may easily shift their based on the nature of goods supplied to them. These include: the manner in which a particular community manage and handle various transportation means based on culture; how these minorities interpret and consequently respond to such technological advancements. It is critical to observe that the first set of factor deals with the general system prevalent within a society. However, the second factor deals with personal or individual predisposition about certain manipulative or affective factors eminent from the major systems of the society. The last factor is also unique because it majorly relies on the distinct history as well as the minority conditions or status within the larger European market. In general, these factors may be viewed to be the set of conditions originating from the community forces. The focus of most studies have also intensively reviewed and analyzed the general consumer perceptions based on beliefs and practices. Some of these have potentially included factors such as their fundamental educational convictions as well as behaviours. Their associations with the general market system and effective products and their explicit convictions and behaviours have also been critically analyzed and investigated. The manners in which target population interprets and consequently respond to the notable cultural and technological disparities remain significant. This is due to their united identity citation. In addition, the marketing strategies and approaches applicable and pertinent to these target markets are vital in the analysis and examination of the basic reasons or factors influencing and leading to product’s success or underperformance. The information or facts from most of such investigations and studies have been assisting in the comprehension of the existence of performing automobiles not just within the urban setting, but again within the suburban communities. Thus, it is notable that the class-based inspection of the challenges confronting UK market is still insufficient. Evidently, current studies on rate of use of motorcycles amongst younger generation seem limited and minimal. Thus, the research will contribute considerably to the mentioned marketing catastrophe currently experienced by HD. It is crucial to consider these provisions within the marketing context. The marketing trends assumed by some competitors within the industry have proved devastating within recession periods. These require immediate attention from the concerned sectors. This has been evident even within most research cases and study findings in automobile industry. Therefore, it can no longer be assumed that the prevalence or domineering of some companies within certain market segments has pot ential influence or manipulation within their performance levels. Harley-Davidson have to build great brand awareness throughout different international markets in order to play a crucial role in the consumer selection, and that could be achieved by establishing foreign representative sales and marketing offices within their desired target market countries. International representatives would be divided on 3 main parts: Asia (Beijing, China) – Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, is the nation’s political and cultural centre. It has become a well-developed modern city, an economic centre and being one of the biggest industrial bases in China. It is the centre of China’s politics, culture, science, commerce, international interchanging, etc. In addition to that, China has a very large share of business in Chicago. Hotel Tempus would comfortably accommodate business customers, as well as we would be attractive for leisure travellers due t o a current â€Å"Mad Men† hype in China. In Europe, London is the main business hub and the most cosmopolitan city in the United Kingdom. It exhibits a great cosmopolitan culture courtesy of its endless array of skyscrapers and a bustling city-life. Having an office in London would benefit HD in terms of strategic location being close to largest companies, establishing corporate connections and gaining more business oriented customers. In addition to that, London has direct flights to other strategic regions hence providing huge market advantages. In Canada, Toronto serves as its financial capital serving as the cultural capital of English Canada, and the largest city in Canada. Whereas, Montreal is the most expensive city in Canada, situated in French part of Canada, being very historical and artistic. Establishing representative office and marketing campaign in these two regions, would generate flow of both leisure and business customers to HD products. Sales and Marketing Department structure and work process (Fill, 2005) Hiring of sales and marketing staff for an operation comes with the responsibility to provide effective sales management, which is controlled by Director of Sales and Marketing. Sales team main focus should be reaching out to new and existing customers, through the primary channels that are individual for each particular type of guest, and conducting personal sales. Personal sales are often the most effective means of customer contact, especially in cases where market demand is high. Personal sales call is used for the purposes of building rapport with clients or potential clients and selling those intended products and services. Responsibility of a sales team would be equally distributed among employees of Sales division, each member of staff having a personal relationship with a population segment hence providing individual level of service and care in order to accommodate needs of customers. Sales provide large revenue generatin g centre, which bring in direct profits. Marketing Marketing is a complex process that requires thorough research and focus on customers, marketing staff would provide sales team with a lot more tools to help them know the customer, for example creating a well-organized and professional sales kit. Only the information pertinent to the client’s particular needs should be included, in order to get the business and convince consumers on the quality of HD’s products. Accordingly to a desired target audience (domestic and international), the marketing department should serve as an extensive unit, consisting of small groups of people, especially at the phase of pre-opening marketing and launch. Such individual employees should be held responsible for: Managing Social media and response, twitter, blogs, maintain and expansion of email database. Performing creative marketing strategies, direct work with analytics and research agencies as well as engaging in publicity and corpo rate branding. In addition to that, there should be an advertising agency serving the purposes of improving media decisions. This enables precise work on target markets and hence making efficient use of stipulated advertising budget. The selection process of an ad agency should be conducted based on certain criteria’s, which would include mandatory portfolio experience with automobile firms, reputation, and ability to do a research and work within international markets. Moreover, outsourcing company’s work would provide additional advertisement and marketing of the established network within HD’s brand. Channels of reservations Being in such aggressive and highly competitive environment HD must consider working with a suitable distribution channels for the purposes of reaching major target markets. Technology has created a massive change within automobile industry; the days where there were no reliable ways of guaranteeing delivery of goods are gone. As things m ove there is no escape from the digital revolution, and as a modern market, HD should consider these changes for long-term strategy based on attracting more customers. There is a new breed of third party intermediary i.e. Google, Face book, Apple); their power grows, as they gradually become the preferred points of entry for consumers to do purchasing of equipments. The categories of meta-search (Google, hotel Finder, Room Key), social, (Face book, Trip Advisor) and mobile (mobile apps) European actual economy requires a much more aggressive approach to sales and distribution. As a matter of fact, the ultimate goal of any motorcycle company is to be visible on all distribution channels so that consumers can easily access the products. Channel management is about managing a multitude of channels along with optimizing the level of sales and revenue which could generate and additionally manage company’s reputation online and offline (Van-Weele, 2005). Each channel should be audi ted in an organized manner for the purposes of ensuring efficiency within potential markets. The channel and the processes supporting sales should be designed to be customer-centric where it is best suited to serve, and position appropriately within the distribution ecosystem. This makes company products accessible and compelling in comparison to other competitors. Online customers would require individual channels of purchase. This would ensure that HD’s sales and marketing department reach out to customers through correct channels, foe example women from the target market. HD’s task should focus on satisfaction of different customers having different needs, and ensuring they are satisfied for the purposes of maintaining relationships with existing customers and gaining new ones (Chandon et al, 2000). Conclusion From the information contained in the case study, there is necessity of HD’s management to develop and implemented electronic management system which e nables bringing together of all operations within common network. There should be total improvement in chain management within the entire market. This can be justified from the overall market performance which makes it possible, the necessary adjustments within consumers’ trends and market developments. Renovations within the revenue management system has contributed towards development of forecast system meant to optimize sales and pricing strategies. Such developments enables managers to have easy time in following various developments within the entire market hence making necessary adjustments based on informed decisions. Efficiency experienced in the operation of revenue management within can be attributed to the technological development within entire market system (Reiter, 2005). On an annual basis, HD should establish new level of knowledge concerning consumer buying patterns based on psychology. Within this line of thought, it is easier to discover the necessity of de veloping significant marketing strategies. Their effort to deliver to individuals, groups and organizations should be prompted by secure and knowledgeable workforce capable of identifying and satisfying consumer needs within different segments. Harley-Davidson should invest in consumer behaviour research which enables the organization to have the capacity of obtaining extensive data on consumer spending patterns. This can be very instrumental in strategizing for emerging markets. Consequently, they have improved on their responses and decision-making processes for the purposes of ensuring relevance within motorcycle industry. There are decisions that are always very important when establishing strong base within potential market segments. In addition, HD should manage to keep their competitors in consideration, since main focus is on finding differences in superiority and taking advantage of such situations. As an organization they should strive to identify where they record best pe rformances, and at the same time focus on the quality of products within the market. Service branding appears to be a very important factor owing to the fact that consumers normally make their judgment based on their previous experiences. In such cases HD should maintain an attractive brand name hence prompting an increase in market share. The management should meanwhile set-up an investigation team charged with responsibility of looking into the various milestones hence come-up with concrete results and solutions capable of countering any form of failure. References Camardella, M 2003, â€Å"Effective Management of the Performance Appraisal Process,† Employment Relations Today, Vol. 30, No. 1, pp.103-107. Chan, Y Lynn, B 1991, â€Å"Performance Evaluation and the Analytic Hierarchy Process,† Journal of Management Accounting Research, Vol.12, No.1, pp. 57-87. Chandon, P, Wansink, B Laurent, G 2000, â€Å"A Benefit Congruency Framework of Sales Promotion Effectivenes s,† Journal of Marketing, Vol. 10, No.2, pp. 65-81 Daley, D 1993, â€Å"Performance Appraisal as an Aid in Personnel Decisions†Ã‚  American Review of Public Administration, Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 201-214. Doole, I Lowe, R 2008, International Marketing Strategy. Web. Fill, C 2005, Marketing Communications – Engagement, strategies and practice.  Pearson Education Ltd, Edinburgh Gate. Kotler, P Keller, K, 2007, Marketing Management, Pearson, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Kruk, D Grzonkowski, G 2006, â€Å"Social Semantic Collaborative Filtering for Digital Libraries,† Journal on Digital Information, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 11-30. Magretta, J 2002, ‘Why business models matter,’ Harvard Business Review, Vol. 80, No. 8, pp. 86-92. Mintzberg, H, Ghoshal, S, Lampel, J Quinn, J 2003,The strategy process:  Concepts, contexts, cases, (4th ed.), Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River. McNeill, R 2009, â€Å"The Go-To-Market Frontier: Global Account Managem ent (GAM),† Journal of Global Business and Technology, Vol. 10, No.1, pp.12-29. Reiter, H 2005, â€Å"The Contrasting Policies of the FCC and FERC regarding the Importance of Open Transmission Networks in Downstream Competitive Markets†, Federal Communications Law Journal, Vol. 57, No. 2, p. 243. Sharma, U 2008, â€Å"Accountant as Institutional Entrepreneurs: Changing Culture at a Fijian Telecommunication Company†. Web. Van-Weele, A 2005, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Analysis,  Planning and Practice, (4th edition), Thomson International, London. Whalen, B, Santos, G, Kaier, R Snyder-white, D 2010, â€Å"Harley Davidson Motor Company.† Alpha Dogs, Vol.3, No. 2, pp.1-29. This report on Marketing Plan for Harley Davidson was written and submitted by user Analia Boyer to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Problem Solving Application †Where in the World is Disney

Problem Solving Application – Where in the World is Disney Introduction Disney Corporation is planning to move its operations to other parts of the world. For the company to compete favourably in these markets it has to come up with workable strategies. The targeted market is in the far- east and Australia specifically Shanghai and Sydney. Disney has a burning desire to serve as many cultures as possible all over the world.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Problem Solving Application – Where in the World is Disney? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Company’s unique sense of creativity and imagination can be well utilized to conform to the culture of both Sydney and Shanghai communities. In every place all over the world, there is always a desire to create some sense of learning within the young generation. This can be achieved through improvement of the facilities that are used to foster the love for learning. This idea gives the young people the confidence to tackle new discoveries identified throughout the world (Fogler and LeBlanc, 2008). Brainstorm and Mind-map The following mind-map helps in generating ideas on how to approach the operations within the targeted areas. It gives valid information concerning various segments that are of great interest. In the case of Shanghai, there are some elements that must be considered to generate an idea on how to plan and approach the market. The population of Shanghai should be considered in order to determine the amount of space required to establish the operations. The average income per person should also be considered, the likes and dislikes of the community and the tourists. Majority of the young population within this area like products with cartoon pictures on them, this provides a good market base. The urban population is considered the wealthiest; however they should be grouped according to their financial ability. The criterion to be used to estimate the economic status of the marke t should be addressed. The city is reach in domestic tourism; this provides Disney Corporation with a sure and available market. Disney Corporation can do well in the entertainment sector in Sydney, majority of the children in Sydney enjoy watching Disney’s animated films. However, the older generation must be convinced that the films are free from staff that may endanger their children’s social lives. Problem Statement In both markets majority of the rural population live in poverty, this is a limitation on Disneyland. This is a problem since Disney Corporation will not be able to profit from this market. The city lacks middle income earners, this shows that there is a very big disparity between the rich and the poor.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The area is dominated by communist and this puts a lot of risk to Disney Corporation unless they give the government a big share to control. There is also the risk of terrorist attack and wars which is a big threat to tourism within the region, and also the risk to natural disasters since China is a country prone to Natural calamities. In the entertainment sector, Disney Corporation is considered to present their films in a discriminating manner encouraging anti-socialization between cultural groups; they present their films in an acceptable manner. The films are considered to abuse cultural integrity. There is the challenge of using meaningful scribbles to suit every local culture served, this might seem a challenge especially when it comes to Chinese way of writing. The use of magic does not at interest at all majority of the cultures in the far-east (Brand Channel, 2009). K-T Problem Analysis SITUATION APPRAISAL: The market demand for Disney Corporation is growing weaker due to the nature of services it offers to consumers. A lot of questions have been raised on the cultural int egrity of Disney productions and the impact it has on the younger generation. PROBLEM ANALYSIS: The situation within the cities provides some risks that have to be faced by Disney Corporation before penetrating the market. In Shanghai there is the problem of natural disasters and also the risk of facing it off with a communist society where there is a big disparity between the rich and the poor. Then there is the sharp criticism from the Sydney community which believes that though Disney’s animated films attract millions supplies, they are more stereotypical. This is believed to promote social division amongst individual races and communities. DECISION ANALYSIS: One of the best actions to be taken by Disney is to first of all monitor the economic and general performance of some related companies involved in the same targeted opportunity, and then evaluate on what steps they need to take in order to deal with the shortcomings. This presents a good channel on which point they s hould start exploring the market. POTENTIAL PROBLEM ANALYSIS: The question lies on how to convince the general community that the services provided are culturally friendly and means no harm to children. The other issue how much finances will be required to cater for the risks involved which includes terrorism, wars, community risk and natural disasters (Sawyer, 2008).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Problem Solving Application – Where in the World is Disney? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More K-T Situation and Decision Analysis Decision Analysis Decision statement: It is a good move for Disney Corporation to explore Shanghai and Sydney Markets. This would make sure that there is an increase in income and revenue collection, it will also ensure that Disney has a wider market to satisfy presenting it with opportunity to build its brand name (Fogler and LeBlanc, 2008). Objectives to be achieved by the decision Mu st To develop a strong image amongst the consumers To develop a strong economic and social status amongst different communities having diverse cultural set-up. Wants To ensure that every consumer all over the world is reached by the services offered. To attract and serve foreign, urban and rural markets To nurture close ties with the governments within the countries they serve. List of alternative or options (Fogler and LeBlanc, 2008). Alternative solutions A B C Parks Hotels and resorts Animated films ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION A B C Musts 1. Develop strong image brand. 2. Strong economical and social status Go Go Go Not Go Go Not go Wants weight Rating score Rating Score Rating score 1.Services to all 9 consumers GO NOT GO NOT GO 2.serve foreign, 7 urban and rural markets GO NOT GO NOT GO 3.Nurture close ties 5 with Govt GO NOT GO NOT GO Concise Decision Statement The company must incorporate social responsibility to its audience so as to gain the ability to penetrate market as fast as possible. However, there are several benefits involved that outweigh the disadvantages, this makes it very ideal for Disney Corporation to stage its foot in these regions, focus on the rate of return and face the challenges which will ultimately lead to more gain. Recommendation of Disney’s location Disney Corporation should first of all monitor at a close range the performance of other companies offering the same services in these areas. This is of advantage since it could give Disney the chance to evaluate and set its investment priorities right. It should first of all start by building a theme park to assess the market potential then include other projects like hotels later. The shanghai government also regulates the number of films to be released in the market annually; this might pose a big challenge to Disney’s animated films (Brand Channel, 2009).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Disney Corporation should first of all test the market’s worth through the building of parks. This may help in determining the actual size and status of the market since it serves both local population and foreigners. It is easier to influence local community and foreigners to visit parks than hotels or buy animated films. In addition Disney should put strategies on how to attract through their services, the large number of tourists that visit these areas. The amount of money it will cost to put up these projects must be calculated based on the level of risks involved. Conclusion The success of Disney Corporation has long been linked with the generation it served at an early age. This means that taking Disneyland to Shanghai will not attract much attention since their children are nurtured on a totally different culture. This may lead to poor sales because the services might not seem to be of much interest, hence better they focus on Sydney as opposed to Shanghai. Reference B rand Channel, 2009. Is Disney’s Shanghai Dream a World of Make Believe?.  Web. Fogler, H. S. LeBlanc, S., 2008. Strategies for Creative Problem Solving, Prentice- Hall, New Jersey. Sawyer, K., 2008. Group Genius: The Creative Power of Collaboration. New York: Basic Books, Perseus Books Group.

Longisquama - Facts and Figures

Longisquama - Facts and Figures Name: Longisquama (Greek for long scales); pronounced LONG-ih-SKWA-mah Habitat: Woodlands of central Asia Historical Period: Middle Triassic (230-225 million years ago) Size and Weight: About six inches long and a few ounces Diet: Probably insects Distinguishing Characteristics: Small size; feather-like plumes on pack About Longisquama To judge by its single, incomplete fossil specimen, Longisquama was closely related to other small, gliding reptiles of the Triassic period like Kuehneosaurus and Icarosaurus. The difference is that these latter reptiles possessed flat, butterfly-like wings of skin, whereas Longisquama had thin, narrow plumes jutting out from its vertebrae, the exact orientation of which is a continuing mystery. Its possible that these quill-like structures extended from side to side and gave Longisquama some lift when it jumped from branch to branch of high trees, or they may have stuck straight up and served a strictly decorative function, probably related to sexual selection. Of course, it hasnt escaped the notice of scientists that Longisquamas frills seem to have stopped just short of being genuine feathers. A small handful of paleontologists have seized on this resemblance to propose that Longisquama may have been ancestral to birdswhich would either cause this creature (which is tentatively classified as a diapsid reptile) to be reclassified as an early dinosaur or archosaur, or upend established thought entirely and trace modern birds back to an obscure family of gliding lizards. Until more fossil evidence is found, though, the current theory (that birds evolved from feathered theropod dinosaurs) appears to be safe!

A gay man's case against gay marriage Essay

A gay man's case against gay marriage - Essay Example Once these ingredients are compromised the outcome is a broken relationship. Homosexuals should not consider their relationships as a particular breed that require special treatment rather focus on promoting healthy marriages. In fact there is a greater possibility for same-sex marriages to fail compared to their opposite sex counterparts. The society considers it as a social disorder. The belief that marriage was originally between a male and a female is indispensable. According to the author, gays find it difficult to answer the fundamental question as to why they a fighting for this kind of marriages. From a gay perspective he even considers it myopic and pointless. Homosexuals should consider a revision of their agenda and focus on more pertinent issues. Pathos is an emotional appeal to the reader. Michael’s claims cannot be quoted out of context. The author is not against homosexuals crusading for their rights. In fact, he is of the view that they have a right to partake of civil marriage, the benefits that come with it. Furthermore, denial of legal status give to opposite-sex couples is discrimination. The point why homosexuals are pushing for legalization of their marriages is not precise. For example, some argue that the traditional heterosexual relationships are not the best hence the need to try a different kind. Due to the shallowness of this proposition they think that by changing the players they will change the game plan without really having an alternative game plan. The argument is emotional vulnerability and maturity. Simply because there are many cases of divorce, domestic violence, child abuse and adultery among heterosexual couples does not imply theirs will work better. It is even ironical to use adultery; a religious term specifically in Biblical context to push their agenda. It is critical to remind them that what they practice is an abomination according to the

Criminal Justice Trends Evaluation Research Paper

Criminal Justice Trends Evaluation - Research Paper Example The crime levels involving cases of robbery, homicide, illegal drugs and other violent crimes statistically increased based on research data (Shaw, van Dijk, & Rhomberg, 2003). Anent to social injustices concerns are problems too on sex trade, (inclusive on problems on prostitution and pornography where the flesh trade considered consenting adults as ‘victimless crimes’ that are subject of ‘moral panics’) and of white collar crimes that ranges from forgery, corruption, identity theft using electronic devices, and money laundering. It’s unfortunate that white collar criminals, when caught, are not served with penal sentences but are only required to pay for the damages done to victims. Aside from the preceding prominent crimes, the United States is also confronted with crimes that have magnitude effects to civilian communities and to the state. Terrorism along with so called white collar crimes are also considered to be criminal offences, though sociol ogists consider the aforementioned to be ‘political crimes’ (Mueller, 2013). ... group, use of radiological threat, falsification of documents and other entailing effects that could victimize large number of civilian populace (National Counterterrorism Center, 2013). The Federal Bureau of Investigation likewise stated in its reports based on collated information from law enforcement agencies that there is an increase of 1.9 % of violent crimes in the last six months in 2012 (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). These violent crime cover murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. With regards to the property crimes, there is an increased of 1.5 percent in 2012 compared to the reported statistics in 2011 that include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Bank crimes statistics also showed that in 2011 alone, there are 5,014 robberies, 60 burglaries, and 12 larcenies which looted about $ 38.3 million dollars of cash and other valuable properties (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Only 20% of t hese cases are recovered or solved by law enforcement authorities (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). According to statistical records, there are 6,088 persons involved in varied bank crime cases but only 3,263 persons are identified, of which 1,229 of 37% are involved in narcotics and 583 persons or 18% are recidivists of robbery, bank burglary and bank larceny cases (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Aside from the increase of statistics on crimes, the advancement of information technology also made it easier for the commission of crimes since most of the transactions are done online and the criminals’ coordination or communication hasten their networking or their plans of carrying out their criminal designs (U.S. Department of Justice, 2013). Crimes can be undertaken by

Reading Text Commentary - New Internationalist Magazine Essay Example for Free

Reading Text Commentary New Internationalist Magazine Essay This reading text has been written for an adult audience for some form of magazine such as the new internationalist (www.newint.org) that is focused on worldwide concerns. This text does have a similarly to the listening text, as this reading text has been written to inform on a political issue however this text attempts to achieve this by a written format. This text aims to inform the audience of the Liberty and Livelihood march and for those who are unaware of why rural Britain is having such a problem, to them see reason for their outcry. The main challenge of this text is that as this text is written to inform, the reader cannot hear the tone of voice and various features that a speech would have and would have to re-create the situation themselves. This would mean that key points of the text are not quite obvious. Images from this march have been included in an attempt to let the reader understand the atmosphere of the Liberty and Livelihood march. As the images used were taken by me, there would be no problem with copyright legislations. Although this text does produce a challenge of attempting to highlight key issues, I have attempted to combat this by highlighting quotes as often done in newspapers and other articles. Tony Blair cannot just bat an eyelid This not only catches readers at first glance, it also brings out key issues and in this case the key issue is view of Tony Blairs ignorance of the public opinion. To bring these key issues to attention, I have changed the font size, alignment of the text and made the text bold to catch the readers eye. Another replication of newspaper articles that is used in this text is the use of images and the pun used for the title. The images used are relatively powerful images are they show the live action of the protest. The second picture used is of the anti-hunting group. This picture has been used as it shows the other side of the story and adds more depth and validity to the text. For further replication, I have used powerful words in the text to create an emotive text that would make the text stick in the minds of those who read it. Whoever is right, the steady haemorrhaging of the countrysides vitality and distinctiveness is set to continue whatever the fate of the hounds quarry. This sentence is a prime example of how I have attempted to use powerful language in this text. The general tone of this text is formal as this text is attempting to inform the reader of what happened then and why there was so much interest. This was done by using 3rd person sentence structures that direct the attention to the protestors and not the person reading it. By doing this the reader can attempt to understand why there was such a huge protest that would show that rural Britain does have a voice. This texts target audience would be 16+ who had the knowledge to fully understand what the text was suggesting and how important it shows another example of the neglect for public opinion. Several audiences, mainly being friends and family members, read this text and gave a critical response about this text. The general reaction of this text was that it contained a lot of thought provoking material and strong use of words that made them think about the future of Britains agriculture. The main criticism that I found with my first draft was that it could have been longer, I then added to this text in attempts to make it longer When presenting this text for a final time to an audience, it was found that the audience enjoyed reading this text and that it was an informative text. I had added a considerable amount more to the text to hopefully give more information to the audience as I found that the main problem found when receiving feedback from my initial audience was that they did not know enough about the subject as all they knew was what they saw on the news. When observing the final audience reading this text I observed various features of non-verbal communication that indicated that they were enjoying the read and found it informative and useful text. This was an excellent response as the aim of this text was to inform the audience of the problems of Britains agriculture faced that people who lived predominantly in the city were previously unaware of.

John B. Watson Essay -- Psychology, Behaviorism

John Broadus Watson was a famous American psychologist who lived between 1878 and 1958. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina to Pickens and Emma Watson and was the fourth of six children. The family was not well off financially and John did not have an easy childhood. In spite of the poverty that engulfed the family, John’s father turned into an alcoholic who cared less for his family. However, Emma, John’s mother was a devoted religious woman who struggled to take care of her children with less support from her husband. In 1891, John’s father left the family and disappeared after engaging in extra marital affairs with other women. The infidelity strained his marriage with Emma and the relationship with his children. After the disappearance of his father, John became unruly and confused due to the lack of full parental care of both parents. He became defiant at school and did not want to listen to advice from his teachers. He bullied fellow students and was involved in other antisocial behaviors which were quite unacceptable in the school environment, further more he became violent and even rebelled against his mother (Buckley, 1989). Watson’s negative attitude towards education did not last forever and it changed after he was accepted to Furman University where he began his training at the age of sixteen in 1894. John’s life started to turn around with his enrollment and the help of his professor Gordon Moore. He later developed a positive attitude towards academic work since he realized that he could at least now contribute to the community regardless of the social class of his family. His academic performance was quite brilliant and he graduated from Furman University with a master’s degree in 1899. He later enrolled at... ...ormation is introduced even if the previous pattern of behavior has been already established by reinforcement (Cherry, 2011). In conclusion, the theory of behaviorism is based on observable behaviors for easier quantification and data collection. Effective techniques such as behavior intervention and discrete trial training originate from this school of thought. The approaches are very essential in altering the maladaptive behaviors in adults and children (Cherry, 2011). Today, conditioning and the use of reward and punishment are used to help people learn accepted behavior and in other cases to help them stop problematic behavior (Coon & Mitterer, 2008). This has made behavior modification and training easy and possible. Therefore, Dr. John Watson played a tremendous role in the transition of psychology from the work of earlier scholars to the modern scholars.

Children with Down Syndrome Plastic Surgery Essay

Children with Down Syndrome: Plastic Surgery Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Children with Down Syndrome share similar characteristics such as its effects on their facial features. The bandwagon of most children protracts such features as extra skin. As a result, these children have an epicanthi fold that is additional skin on their eyelids inner corners. In addition, they have slanted eye openings rather than the horizontal openings, a feature referred to as slant palpebral tissues. Besides, such children have flattened nasal bridge and may also have downturned lower lip and flat mid-facial zone. Notwithstanding, they may have an open mouth with a protruding tongue. Plastic surgery was proposed in the 1970s as a way to reconfigure their children’s facial features to recover from Down Syndrome. Surgery recoveries for this ailment are categorized into facial reconstruction and tongue surgery. The treatment approach has elicited mixed debate on the parenting and parenting rights. This paper argues that parents of children with Down Syndrome should not subject their children to plastic surgery to make them look more conventional.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To begin with, interventions to change the body of a child may involve use of medicines, surgery or hormones. Conventionally, such interventions inflicted some physical damage to the children and are generally optional (Ameen & Boby, 2013). The procedures to reshape the body of a child are irreversible, invasive and potentially dangerous. Nonetheless, the fact these decisions are made indifferent to therapy needs differentiates them from similar parental decisions that design the child. Indeed, current laws do not consider the difference in these decisions, and therefore, parents can decide to subject their children to various body shaping. Current laws are indifferent to children body shaping decisions although they raise concerns on child rights, parental rights as well as parent obligations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the U.S.A for instance, it is constitutionally and in common law embalmed that competent adults decide on their personal medical decisions. These decisions go beyond lifesaving treatment, dangerous cosmetic procedures and election treatment. In this regard, children are not considered as competent adults. Ethicists argue that teenagers and young children should decide on their medical procedures. However, the law vests decision making for teenagers and children on their guardians and parents withy limited restrictions. Therefore, legally, parents are free to decide among different alternatives including plastic surgery to reshape their children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Obviously, there is much as stake when parents are allowed to subject their children to plastic surgery even when the children have Down Syndrome. Firstly, plastic surgery inflicts physical harm as it involves piercing and cutting of the skin (Ouellette, 2010). Besides, it may entail removal of organs or tissues as well as injection or anesthetizing with hormones. Consequently, the children stand at a risk of suffering cancer, nerve damage, hypertension, diabetes or death in extreme cases. Notwithstanding, such children are likely to suffer from psychological risks associated with injury to identity and stigma. Still, the piercing, cutting and injecting the tender skin of children constitute child abuse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For ages, plastic surgery was a recipe for austerity and ostensible rich or a requisite recovery treatment for birth deformities and trauma sufferings. However, today, it is an optional cosmetic surgery accessible to people of all economic structures and ages (Ouellette, 2010). In spite of these, this paper is of the opinion that it should be accessible to adults only. For this reason, the researcher does not harbor ill will against plastic surgery for treatment but emphatically reserves it for adults only. Therefore, this is not a grand conceptualization to present a teenage girl for breast implants to rejuvenate her low self esteem. Neither should a teenage boy be subjected to plastic surgery for skin acne scars. Instead, parents should tally for a few more years for them to make these shaping decisions in their adulthood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Parents of children with Down Syndrome subject their children to plastic surgery to make them look â€Å"more conventional†. To begin with, â€Å"conventional† is a relative word in Down Syndrome vocabulary because most children tend to take after other members of their family (Ameen & Boby, 2013). Therefore, there is nothing unusual. So, conventional is a term used to brandish children with Down Syndrome by their parents to refer to a â€Å"less embarrassing† look. Note that I do not use any particular term for that purpose. As a result, my son and daughter are my children, period! If they have Down Syndrome, they are not normal, weird, and conventional or anything like that like their elder siblings or not. They are my children, period!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Coincidentally, parents subjecting their children to cosmetic surgery claim unconditional love to their children (Ameen & Boby, 2013). However, they willingly, uninfluenced and independently expose their children to pain and suffering in an effort to throw a cover over their having Down Syndrome. Most of the parents claim to mitigate humiliation, embarrassment and pain from teasing by â€Å"fitting them in†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pardon my dumbness, but I wonder how it helps a kid with learning disabilities learns that his parents were extremely embarrassed and ashamed of their outlook that they would have spent astronomically to reverse the situation (Ameen & Boby, 2013). Equally, I wonder how it helps the child when it is teased at school for being â€Å"unconventional† while the peers cannot tell that the child has Down Syndrome. For this reason, parents of children having Down Syndrome should not subject their children to plastic surgery. They should wait for the children to become of age and make personal decisions. After all, plastic surgery is an irreversible condition. References Ameen, F., & Boby, C. (2013, June 4). Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome. HubPages. Retrieved December 27, 2013, from http://society-parenting.hubpages.com/hub/Parenting-a-Child-with-Down-Syndrome Ouellette, A. (2010). Shaping P arental Authority Over Children ‘ s Bodies. Indiana Law Journal, 85(3), 956-1001. Source document

Paul Watzlawick’s First Axiom Essay

Paul Watzlawick was an Austrian-born psychotherapist, psychoanalytic, sociologist and philosopher. He was best recognized for his venture in schizophrenia, as well as his communication theory regarding the five axioms. (Sack, Herald) His first axiom – â€Å"one cannot not communicate† – states that no matter how much a person tries not to communicate, there will some forms of communication going on. (Blanford, Roxanne) Watzlawick believed that every little behavior sends a message, regardless whether it’s intentional or otherwise. Therefore, all behavior has communicative value. When I first read about his theory, I honestly thought that it was unreasonable. Personally, I thought that sometimes unintentional actions do not mean that one is sending any form of communication. However, according to Kit Welchlin, a well-known public speaker, he states that â€Å"no matter what you say, or don’t say, people apply a meaning to it†. He gave an example of his observation on how the value of a co-worker from a marble factory was recognized by the messages that the manager sent through his actions. In addition, Eric Myers, founder and C. E. O. of Myers Business Diagnostics and Solutions LLC, said that people can make â€Å"judgment calls† to the non-verbal actions that the other is showing. â€Å"Words is only 7% of communication, body language 55%, and tone 38%†, Myers’ said at one of his talks. Another person who agreed to the theory is Dr. Amy Gaffney, an assistant professor from University of Kentucky. She believes that many people don’t always realize that anything that they do could â€Å"potentially be perceived as a form of communication†. She gave a simple example of how a student who’s nervously presenting in front would react to her â€Å"funny face† that she made because of the other noisy students behind her class. Besides the three influential speakers/researchers that I’ve mentioned above, there were also many other researchers whom have agreed at some point towards Watzlawick’s theory. So, I decided to conduct a personal experiment, with my brother as the subject of matter. I purposely picked him up late from his work place one day, and I observed his actions and behavior – which includes expressions, as he walked towards my car. I found out that although he did not mention that he was a bit irritated by my lateness, but his little fidgets and frowning of the eyebrows gave away. The findings of this experiment, combined with some additional researches, changed my perception towards Watzlawick’s theory. In short – I agree to Watzlawick’s First Axiom of â€Å"One Cannot Not Communicate†. Since every of our behavior may be perceived as a form of communication, there will be times where our behavior doesn’t actually convey the message that we want to convey. These are called â€Å"unintentional communication†. One very good example is when someone is deep in thought, and so happen the person’s eyes are facing your direction. You would start to wonder why the person is looking at you, but in actual fact, the person isn’t. A man who’s wearing a suit and drives a luxurious car doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s rich. But to the eyes of others, that person might be misperceived as rich. In a nutshell, Watzlawick’s theory of â€Å"One Cannot Not Communicate† is true, but to a certain extent, because not all behavior actually conveys the message that the person wants to convey.

House by Tracy Kidder, A Short Review of the Book

House by Tracy Kidder, A Short Review of the Book House by Tracy Kidder is the compelling true story of the construction of a home in Massachusetts. He takes his time with details, describing it all in over 300 pages- the evolution of the design, the negotiations with builders, the groundbreaking, and the roof raising. But, dont look to this book for floor plans or building instructions. Instead, author Tracy Kidder focuses on the human aspirations and struggles behind the project. Facts That Read Like Fiction Tracy Kidder is a journalist who is renown for his literary nonfiction. He reports on actual events and real people by creating a story for the reader. His books include the best-selling Soul of a New Machine, Home Town, Old Friends, and Among School Children. When Kidder worked on House, he immersed himself into the lives of the key players, listening to their squabbles and recording minute details of their lives. He is a reporter who tells us the story. The result is a non-fiction work that reads like a novel. As the tale unfolds, we meet the clients, the carpenters, and the architect. We eavesdrop on their conversations, learn about their families, and peek into their dreams and self-doubts. Personalities often clash. The complex dynamics are dramatized in five sections, spanning from the signing of the contract to the moving day and the uneasy final negotiations. If the story seems real, its because it is real life. Architecture as Drama House is about people, not floor plans. Tensions mount as contractor and client quibble over small sums. The architects search for an ideal design and the clients selection of decorative details take on a sense of rising urgency. As each scene unfolds, it becomes apparent that House is not only the story of a building: The construction project is the framework for exploring what happens when we put a running meter on a dream. Truth Behind the Story Although House reads like a novel, the book includes just enough technical information to satisfy a readers architectural curiosity. Tracy Kidder researched the economics of housing, the properties of lumber, the architectural styles of New England, Jewish building rituals, the sociology of building, and the development of architecture as a profession. Kidders discussion of the importance of Greek Revival styles in America could stand on its own as a classroom reference. Yet, as a testament to Kidders craftsmanship, the technical details do not bog down the plot of the story. History, sociology, science, and design theory are woven seamlessly into the narrative. A comprehensive bibliography closes the book. You can get a flavor for Kidders prose in a short excerpt published in The Atlantic, September 1985. Decades later, well after Kidders book and the house was built, the reader can continue the story, because, after all, this is nonfiction. Kidder already had a Pulitzer Prize under his belt when he took on this project. Fast forward to the homeowner, lawyer Jonathan Z. Souweine, who died of leukemia in 2009 at the young age of 61. The architect, Bill Rawn, went on to create an impressive portfolio for William Rawn Associates after this venture, his first residential commission. And the local building crew? They wrote their own book called The Apple Corps Guide to the Well-Built House. Good for them. The Bottom Line You wont find how-to instructions or construction manuals in House. This is the book to read for insight into the emotional and psychological challenges of building a home in 1980s New England. It is the story of well-educated, well-to-do people from a specific time and place. It will not be everyones story. If you are now in the midst of a building project, House may strike a painful chord. The financial woes, the strained tempers, and the deliberation over details will seem uncomfortably familiar. And, if you are dreaming of building a home or pursuing a career in the building professions, watch out: House will shatter any romantic illusions you may have. But while the book spoils the romance, it may save your marriage ... or at least, your pocketbook. Buy on Amazon Originally published by Houghton Mifflin, October 1985, House has become a staple at library book sales. Paperback by Mariner Books, 1999. ~Reviewed by Jackie Craven Related Books: The Apple Corps Guide to the Well-Built House by Jim Locke, 1988Buy on Amazon The Architecture of Happiness by Alain De Botton, 2008Buy on Amazon Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, 2008Buy on Amazon The Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder, 1981, 2000Buy on Amazon

A’ Minimum Of Two’ A Short Story

A Minimum Of Two A Short Story â€Å"Minimum of two† is a collection of short stories written by Australian writer Tim Winton. He writes his stories in different views such as first and third person, mainly for the reader to feel the story more in depth. The book features 14 short stories which are; Forest Winter, No Memory Comes, Gravity, The Water was Dark and it went forever down, Nislam’s Friend, Minimum of two, Distant Lands, Laps, Bay of Angels, The strong one. Holding, More, Death belongs to the dead his father told him and sadness to the sad and finally Blood and water. Throughout all of these stories there is relevant trauma for past events, coming to an outcome of growth in either a positive or negative way. The short story that in my opinion is the most powerful in regards to trauma and growth is the story â€Å"Minimum of two†. It’s written in first person view of the husband (Neil). This is a deep story about a married woman called Greta getting raped by a senior in her de partment by the name of Fred Blakey. He is taken to court by Greta and Neil and is sentenced to 5 years imprisonment but for Neil this is not enough because he went through ample suffering through the recovery of Greta in the way that she did not want to be intimate with him because she was sensitive as expected after being raped. With this issue, Neil decides to take matters in his own hands and contemplates killing Blakey when he gets released, he tells his friend Tony Mitchell that he will be doing this. Mitchell doesn’t agree with what Neil wants to do, but Neil doesn’t listen to him and ends up killing Blakey when he got out. His conscience then catches up with him and he then feels like the most horrible person, saying that he feels that he was a â€Å"dead man†. The main trauma in this story is the rape of Greta by Fred Blakey, this is mainly trauma from Greta as she becomes sensitive and doesn’t get intimate with Neil, this is also a traumatic for him, and this is shown in the way he writes about his feelings. It seems like her intimacy with him is a great thing for him making this story traumatic for both Neil and Greta. In the ending Neil kills Blakey and comes to a negative growth of feeling sorry for himself, as well as losing his best friend Tony Mitchell. The next story that showed trauma and growth is the story called â€Å"Distant Lands†. It’s written in the third person view. This short story is about an overweight woman working at her father’s newsagency. This woman is called â€Å"Fat Maz† she was teased and tormented through high school and also was not supported very well by her parents, they also treated her as if they didn’t know her or that she wasn’t their daughter. There was a day though that changed her life, a stranger Pakistani man comes into the newsagency, and opens the book â€Å"Distant Lands† has a glance and leaves. As she goes to inspect the book sh e realises the blurb saying â€Å"You will want this book never to finish†after she reads the blurb she is interested in reading the book, as she is reading it the Pakistani man comes into the newsagency once again and this time re-opening â€Å"Distant Lands† and smiling at Fat Maz, he gives her money and some confidence to leave her garbage job helping at her father’s newsagency

Religion, Feminism, and Environmentalism Research Paper - 1

Religion, Feminism, and Environmentalism - Research Paper Example Women who are both religious and in support of the efforts of the women’s movement have sought common ground in order to actively pursue ecological interests. In comparing Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist faiths in context with women’s movements, it is clear they are actively interested in both principles of equality and ecology where common ground can be found which unites these belief systems. Ecological feminism is a theory that combines feminist ideals and motivations with a concern with preserving the world through ecological perspectives. Warren and Cheney write that â€Å"Ecological feminism is a feminism which attempts to unite the demands of the women's movement with those of the ecological movement in order to bring about a world and worldview that are not based on socioeconomic and conceptual structures of domination†. The marriage of the women’s movement and ecological interests is not new and can be seen in many cultures, including in Brazil whe re the women’s movement and the landless people movement were grew together in order to support the concept of living off of the land in a communal and freedom based environment that was contextually absent of consumerist interests. This was done in order to support the weak and the marginalized in a meaningful and bountiful way.2 It may be that the problems within the environment are some of the most serious problems that are being faced in the 21st century as the economy and the act of working is based upon consumerism which often strips resources and fundamentally changes ecological systems both nonhuman and human.3 The idea of ecological feminist movements are often based upon practical solutions to social problems where in the shadow of patriarchy and male dominance, alternatives to participation in economies where there are disadvantaged women find ways in which to focus on less economically based roots of survival. Hindu The traditions of India were always based upon e cological principles in which sustainability was a driving force behind decision making in relationship to resources. Religious texts such as the Vedas and Puranas supported environmental ethics as well as the Advaita philosophy that â€Å"acquires a cosmic character as it considers all living beings to be God’s creation†4 This is the basis of Indian belief systems that place importance on reverence for the Earth. However, industrialization and the formation of larger cities as centers of employment have led to deforestation and he disruption of what had been carefully attended ecologies, specifically affecting women who depend more on the natural world for their sustenance and methods of earning a living. The development of environmental movements have allowed women a common cause that does not run contrary to other cultural belief systems, but allows them to assert themselves into the public discourse. The extremes of poverty sometimes prevent women in India to becom e activists, but it galvanizes others.5 In India, the issues of ecology and sustainability are integral to the needs of many women who are struggling with extremes of poverty that is heightened by destruction of resources that would have otherwise supported them. As in most nations, women in India are among the poorest demographic, with urbanization pushing women into the workforce at a higher rate of 19.5%, which leaves them in marginalized social positions in low paying jobs.6 The issue of ecological irresponsibility affects these women directly as their tradition and culture is irrevocably changed, the sustainability of the ecology is