Situation Analysis for Revive! UK

Situation Analysis for Revive! UK SITUATION ANALYSIS Situation analysis is the first step on a marketing communication plan. It is necessary step for a company to recognize the key markets issues and understand communication drivers (Fill, 2009). The goal of current assessment is Revive! Company to follow the above glidepath and in the end of the situation analysis there should be key issues that will drive the campaign objectives and communication plan of the company. 1.1 Organisational Analysis Revive! UK operates in the automotive repair sector since 2004 but its history goes back to 1994 as a franchise of Colourworks. The central offices of the company are located is in Rugby with 58 UK franchisees and 135 technicians in total. Their main services include Small and Medium Area Repair Technique such as: Bumper scuffs or scrapes Alloy wheels damage Paint or bodywork scratches Blending repairs to wheel arches Vandal scratches Cosmetic repairs Minor paint repair to trim Body panels Besides providing the above services, Revive! UK is strongly focused on franchising sales as a key mean of growth and market expansion. This fact is also supported from their decision to poach one of the top industry experts on franchising as a franchise director. In the franchise sales sector Revive! UK offers to the clients: Training Branding Minimum personal investment  £10,000 Accreditation systems The company had a 20% increase in sales on year with over 45% of all franchisees running multi van businesses (Revive! Auto innovations (UK) Ltd Bfa, 2017). Their cash in hand was increased from 2014 and according to companys latest financial data for 2015 their Net Work was increased 39,35% from 2014. Revive! UK performs in business to business environment and at the same time directly with the general public. They work closely with dealership groups, fleet and insurance companies and one example of their partners is National Tyres and Autocare (Revive! Auto innovations (UK) Ltd Bfa, 2017, Endole.co.uk, 2017). Key issues: Main focus of the company in franchising sales Very good latest financial data (Their cash in hand was increased from 2014 and according to companys latest financial data for 2015 their Net Work was increased 39,35% from 2014). Possible action: from marketing aspect the company should make more visible their actions in order to be easier approachable for the costumers. During this assignment it was very hard and à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ²ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ± to find details for the company. It is vital for their franchising sales to give as more details as possible to the costumer to make their first step, to make a call into the company. Communication strategy The main communication strategy of the company is based on three basics elements: the convenience, the quality and the low cost of their services. There is no specific campaign for franchise sales besides the information on the website or the public relations stories on websites for the franchising industry. The first impression of a potential costumer with the company comes through the companys website. In order to convince a customer to go through the whole website, get informed about the services and make contact with the company, the website should be visually appealing, should give a general customer relationship management, personalisation and privacy (Mà ¶ller, Brezing, and Unz, 2012; Solutions, 2012). In case of Revive! UK it is found that the website is appealing, well designed, professional and easy to use. It has relevant service information and a standalone section dedicated to public relation stories, while communication contacts are easy to spot on main page. Franchisi ng is also easy to spot with most relevant information. Revive! UK has also a Facebook page with 2,442 followers and they have posts 2-3 times a week. The reviews from clients on the Facebook page are positive. There is no interaction among the company and the Facebook page visitors-followers. It is important to mention that besides Facebook page, the company does not have any other social media tool. Also, according to the companys website, Revive! UK does social responsibility actions for charity organization and community support which are not communicated through other channels beside their website and Facebook page. Another factor that was detected through this assignment is the poor optimization that the company has done for search engines. During the search for the company on Google with different words like: care repair UK, SMART repair services, minor car damage reaper UK, the position of Revive! UK website was not among the first results of the research (appentises a,..). In order to be noticed, the company should improve SEO as a digital marketing practice which will focuses on optimizing the website to increase the number of visitors the site receives from search engines. Key issue: Low Search Engine optimization Many activities with social impact but without being well communicated No interactive social media Possible Action: The company need to examine again the keywords and contents that they are using for the SEO. They should find the correct keywords to connect with words that clients use. But this is not the only solution. Because in some cases according to Ledford (2008) having optimized the correct keywords it is not enough. Factors such as advertising campaigns and update frequencies also affect SEO (Ledford, 2008, pg 14). So, a better strategy on the search engine optimization, without forgetting the optimization for mobile users The company should promote through different channels their social activities. For example, the latest action that they organized Andrew Jordan Goes Calendar Girls for Charity was only promoted from their website. Searching for articles or stories on Google there were no result for this action. In this case, a better PR strategy on this sector of the company would increase their communication strategy. The only social media that the company is using is Facebook. The use of Facebook, although, is limited on posting only news for the company. There is no feedback on the clients comments, even the fact that the comments are good. First of all, as many social media channels the company uses there is a good possibility to increase the SEO. The use of social media should give the opportunity to the company to communicate with its clients. A contest for a free service which would be only through social media, asking followers their opinion for something new that company did, engaging the franchisors in the social media game, these could be some steps to be more involved with their clients/followers/visitors etc. 1.2 Market Analysis 1.2.1 PEST Analysis for Revive! Company PEST analysis is a managerial tool used to analyze and measure market potentials and stands for political, Economic, Social and Technological issues. Political Potential changes on the franchise regulations because of Brexit. EU competition rules will continue to apply to franchising post-Brexit although the Commission will have reduced powers, and block exemption measures at UK level will be needed. (International Franchise Association, 2016) Potential increase in taxes. According to the Bank of England taxes are expected to increase in the following years (Inman, 2017). First of all this means that will affect Revive! UK services and products. With potential increase in taxes Revive! UK will have to increase their prices. That probably will make them to lose one of the current advantages that they have; which is cheap prices. As for the customers a potential increase in taxes will reduce their buying power. Potential risks on franchising outside UK. Due to a potential Brexit. It is unclear which will be the legislature of EU and company should re-examine it is franchise strategy (International Franchise Association, 2016). Import/Export tax duties applied for leaving common market. Changes on agreements would mean potential increase custom duties that will lead to more expensive row material, paint tooling, machines etc import. Export goods might lose pricing competitive advantage and become more expensive to EU market (Whos Who Legal, 2017). Economic Decrease of car sales on 2016. According to articles there are possibilities of a decrease on car sailings. This means that costumers will try to keep their old cars and fixing them if it is necessary (Sharpe, 2016). Worries for new trade deals with EU because of Brexit. According to articles because of Brexit Uk will give up full access to the single market along EU. In a soft Brexit trading would be on a tarrif-free basis (Sharpe, 2016; Bennett, 2016). These factors may make the company more cautious on investments or franchising outside UK. Potential interest rate increase (Moneywise, 2013). Increase of GDP and average salary for 2016(Statistics, 2017) Current improve export rate due to currency exchange Euro VS GP These facts show that costumers will have a good average of salary and this means that they will be more elastic on spending. According to the above information, because of the ongoing Brexit situation, franchising in another European country at this moment would be a risk for the company. The only countries that Revive! UK can approach are Ireland and Scotland. Since they already have tried to franchise in these countries years before without succeeding, probably now with the knowledge and the expertise they have would be easier. Social Current low unemployment rate with uncertain future projection (Statistics, 2017). There is a decrease of the number of the unemployment in the last 2 years (Appendixes). Need for vehicles and repairs expected to have a growth trend. Customer perception trend swift from car being a status symbol to fuel efficiency and low emissions. Customer buying pattern expected to change to short term investing into repairing existing cars for as long as possible before switching to new eco friendly vehicles. New legislation for low fuel cell cars, eco- friendly cars, paint and waste disposal. This factor should make the company examine the products that use in order to be eco- friendly. Technological Catch up changing technology on new cars that will be battery cars etc. This factor means that the company should gain knowledge and skills in new products for these new cars. Improvements in technology for client services. New technology in order to improve client services. Since the companys advantage is the direct answer to the client there should be some improvements from technological aspect. There should be more use of social media and more interactive relation with the costumers. 1.3 Competitor analysis General information Services History Franchise Investment location Clients Minimum investment Support for the franchisees Perfect Detail Smart Repair Mobile minor damage Paint Vinyl Windscreen Bodywork alloy wheels Online shop 150 years Yes UK General public Main dealers Brands (McLaren, Jaguar and Rover) Retailers groups  £10,000 Training Equipment selection Van installation Branding Website and social media support Chips away Brand Leader Automotive paint repair system Car body repairs Bumper scuffs Paintwork scratches Minor dents kerbed alloy wheels 23 years Yes Over 220 units UK General public Main dealers Retailers groups  £15,000 Branding Training Ongoing support Exclusive territory National advertising Expansion opportunities Dentwizart/ Flying colors services Smart repairs Cosmetic damage Scratches Scrapes Bumper scuffs Vandal damage and chips away Yes UK, Europe, North America General public Main dealers Retailers groups  £22,950 Personalised website Training Credit control management services Exclusive geographic territories Low frontend fees SprintFinish Scratches Bumper Scuffs Damaged Interior Trim Damaged Alloy Wheels Repairs to: tears holes cigarette burn in seats and carpets 20 years Yes UK General public Main dealers Retailers groups Charges on different services (more details on appendix 12) Ongoing training defined territory branding UK Final touch Car paint work Smart repairs 24 years New Zealand 4 years in UK Yes UK, Ireland, Europe  £29,995 Exclusive geographic territories Training Machinery, paint, supplies and stock items Marketing material Business and accounting reviews Car Medic SMART repairs Alloy wheel refurbishment Car interior repairs Car seat repairs Car upholstery and car interior plastics 20 years / New in franchising No data Comprehensive Skills, HS and Commercial Training Quality Branded Tools Consumables. Competitive Package including all you need to run your own business Low franchise management fees Key points: Relatively with the most of their competitors Revive! UK has less main services (no inside repairs, no online shop etc.). As most of their competitors the company is operating in England ΆºÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¡ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ ÃŽÂ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¹ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ± ÃŽÂ ±Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à Ã¢â€š ¬ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ÃŽÂ ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ µÃƒÅ½Ã‚ »ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ ÃŽÂ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ± ÃŽÂ ±ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ³ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ franchise According to google search some of the competitors have better SEO strategy (appendix.) Relatively young company with low market and reputation in comparison to their main competitors. 1.4 Consumer Analysis Revive! UK company started their economic activity as a company that provides smart car repair services. Their customers are general public, dealership groups, fleet and insurance companies (Revive! Auto innovations (UK) Ltd Bfa, 2017). Clients in the general public group, according to the data and information that have been collected for this coursework, could be people from 17 years old to 25 years old that are more possible to have small damages in their cars and costumers from 45 to 60 that are also prone to small damages. These consumers in the ACORN classification may be from the category- Financially Stretched 38: Semi-skilled workers in traditional neighborhoods and from the category Comfortable Communities 25: larger family homes, multi-ethnic areas but also from the category 15 younger professional in smaller flats (ACORN/CACI, 2013). Another category that possibly buy Revive! UK services belong to the category 49: Young families in low cost private flats. (Appentixà ¢Ã¢ ‚ ¬Ã‚ ¦) The gender that is more interested in the products and the services are male. Also, according to a Mintel research from 2015 shows that 31% of adults drive a car under 3 years old and a 50% of the drivers have cars over 3 years up to 10 years old (Mintel, 2015). This research may reinforce the fact that costumers use smart repair car services. For the franchise sales the costumers are from different categories. According to statistics on business start-ups the characteristics of majority of entrepreneurs are white males in their forties. Specifically: 25% of employer owners are between 35 to 44 years old, 31% are 45 to 54 years old 26% are 55 to 64 years old 29.4% of owner managers tend to be A Level or equivalent 21.8% followed by a degree or equivalent 11% has no educational qualifications. Two-thirds of entrepreneurs had no prior experience of owning or managing a business, Half of active entrepreneurs have previously worked in the sector they start a business in. (Startup Team, 2004) In agreement with the above information the costumers on the franchising sales of the company may be in the type 28: Owner occupied terraces, average income (ACORN/CACI, 2013). In this category there are people with income around or above national average, moreover their educational status are in national average and finally in a combination of characteristics such as average age and savings it is shown that this category are in the middle of the average age (ACORN/CACI, 2013), (Appendix ..) 1.5 SWOT Analysis/ Key issues Strengths Revive! Operating nationwide with 58 franchisees with 135 vans Increase of cash in hand and bank in 2014 to 2015 Increase on current Liabilities 2014 to 2015 Increase of total assets Recognized and specialist employees 20% increase in sales on year with over 45% of all franchisees running multi van business Achieved Internationally recognized Investors in people status Investment in systems and technology to reduce franchise admin time and improve Updated website B2B and B2C services Mainly focused in franchise Weaknesses Decrease on Net Worth Potential loss of sales in customers that require other features (tyre ..) Mainly focused in franchise The company operate only in England Relatively young company with low market and reputation No interactive social media Many activities with social impact but without being well communicated Low Search Engine optimization Not enough promotion Revive! UK has less main services (no inside repairs, no online shop etc.). Opportunities Decrease of car sales on 2016 (Sharpe, 2016) Increase of GDP and average salary for 2016 Current improve export rate due to currency exchange Euro VS GP Unknown agreements among UK and EU for franchising sector exporting of goods due to currency Euro vs GP Change on customer buying pattern into being more in repairing their cars than buying new ones Threats Potential changes on the franchise regulations because of Brexit (Mark, 2013) Potential interest rate increase (Moneywise, 2013) Unknown agreements among UK and EU for franchising sector importing of goods: Changes on agreements would mean potential increase custom duties that will lead to more expensive row material, paint tooling, machines etc. Potential increase in taxes (Inman, 2017) Low unemployment rate with uncertain future projection (Statistics, 2017b ). 1.6 Key Issues From the above SWOT analysis the key issues that should the company consider in a new communication campaign are: Recognized and specialist employees Achieved internationally recognized Investors in people status Investment in systems and technology to reduce franchise admin time and improve Mainly focused in franchise Only in England No interactive social media Many activities with social impact but without being well communicated Low Search Engine optimization Not enough promotion 2. MARKETING COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES Make your Smart move with Revive Reflecting on the above key issues, the companys next communication campaign should be focused on: Raising awareness to specific target group in order to increase their publicity through online marketing tools such as website and social media. Making franchise sales in another market beside England. Since the company in the past have tried to distribute their franchise product in the N. Ireland and Scotland market and there were no results (based on the information that we gathered for this assignment) it is time to make efforts again but only in one of the two countries. It is suggested here Scotland. The campaigns name would be the same but other distribution channels. To get involved in a new market, the communication and marketing steps should be more focused. The main marketing communication objectives of the campaign are: 1. Increase awareness with 20% among adults 25-35 years old, of category 2 Rising Prosperty: 2.15 younger professional in smaller flats (ACORN/ CACI, 2013) in the area of West Midlands for Make your smart move with Revive! campaign starting from March 2017 September 2017. 2. Increase awareness with 10% among adults 30 to 45 years old, of category 2 Rising Prosperty: 2.18 career driven young families (ACORN/CACI, 2013) in the area of Edinburgh for Make your Smart move with Revive! campaign starting from March 2017 September 2017. APPENDICES REFERENCES Fill, Chris. Marketing communications: Interactivity, Communities and Content Chris Fill, 5th edn. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. Westwood, John. How to Write a Marketing Plan, edited by John Westwood, Kogan Page, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/coventry/detail.action?docID=1135738. Jobber, D. and Ellis-Chadwick, F. (2012) Principles and practice of Marketin+. 7th edn. London: McGraw Hill Higher Education. Halik, J. (2012). The application of PEST analysis based on EBRD and IBRD methodology. Central European Business Review, 1(3), 14-21. Thomas, H. (2007). An analysis of the environment and competitive dynamics of management education. Journal of Management Development, 26(1), 9-21. Whos Who Legal, 2017 What does Brexit mean for Franchisors around the world? the latest legal features, research and legal profiles whos who legal. Available at: http://whoswholegal.com/news/features/article/33494/what-does-brexit-mean-franchisors-around-world/ (Accessed: 15 February 2017). Inman, P. (2017) UK tax burden will soar to highest level for 30 years, warns IFS. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/feb/07/ifs-warns-steep-cuts-tax-rises-40bn-black-hole-uk (Accessed: 14 February 2017). Copyright (2016) International How does Brexit impact international Franchisors with franchisees in the EU? Available at: http://www.franchise.org/how-does-brexit-impact-international-franchisors-with-franchisees-in-the-eu (Accessed: 14 February 2017). Shoosmiths (2017) What does Brexit mean for UK franchising? part one. Available at: http://www.shoosmiths.co.uk/client-resources/legal-updates/what-does-brexit-mean-for-uk-franchising-part-one-12369.aspx (Accessed: 14 February 2017) Goodchild, R. (2017) Does your vehicle have minor damage? Dont worry we can repair it! Available at: https://revive-uk.com/ (Accessed: 14 February 2017). Revive! Auto innovations (UK) Ltd Bfa (2017) Available at: https://www.thebfa.org/members/revive-auto-innovations-uk-ltd (Accessed: 14 February 2017). Endole.co.uk, 2017 Revive! Auto innovations (UK) limited company information. Available at: https://www.endole.co.uk/company/05115063/revive-auto-innovations-uk-limited (Accessed: 14 February 2017) Sharpe, T. (2016) Misfiring UK car market could see 9% decline in 2017. Available at: http://www.am-online.com/news/market-insight/2016/10/07/misfiring-uk-automotive-retail-market-could-see-9-decline-in-2017 (Accessed: 15 February 2017). Bennett, J. (2016) Hard Brexit will leave UK car industry hanging by a thread. Available at: http://www.am-online.com/news/market-insight/2016/10/11/hard-brexit-will-leave-uk-car-industry-hanging-by-a-thread (Accessed: 15 February 2017). Moneywise (2013) When will UK interest rates rise? Available at: http://www.moneywise.co.uk/news/2017-01-23/when-will-uk-interest-rates-rise (Accessed: 15 February 2017). Statistics, O.F.N. (2017) Gross domestic product, preliminary estimate: Oct to Dec 2016. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossdomesticproductgdp/bulletins/grossdomesticproductpreliminaryestimate/octtodec2016 (Accessed: 15 February 2017). Statistics, O.F.N. (2017) Unemployment rate (aged 16 and over, seasonally adjusted). Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/unemployment/timeseries/mgsx/lms (Accessed: 15 February 2017). ACORN/ CACI 2013 Available at: http://acorn.caci.co.uk/data/#t38_p1 (Accessed: 15 February 2017). Sharpe, T. (2016) Misfiring UK car market could see 9% decline in 2017. Available at: http://www.am-online.com/news/market-insight/2016/10/07/misfiring-uk-automotive-retail-market-could-see-9-decline-in-2017 (Accessed: 15 February 2017). Mà ¶ller, B., Brezing, C. and Unz, D. (2012) What should a corporate website look like? The influence of Gestalt principles and visualisation in website design on the degree of acceptance and recommendation, Behaviour Information Technology, 31(7), pp. 739-751. doi: 10.1080/0144929x.2011.642893. Solutions, S.W. (2012) Articles. Available at: https://www.spritzweb.com/resources/good-website-characteristics.html (Accessed: 18 February 2017). Ledford, Jerri L.. SEO: Search Engine Optimization Bible, edited by Jerri L. Ledford, Wiley, 2008. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/coventry/detail.action?docID=331516. StartUp Team, (2004) The average entrepreneur | page 2 of 2 | startups.Co.Uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas. Available at: http://startups.co.uk/the-average-entrepreneur/2/ (Accessed: 18 February 2017).

Faith and Reason within the Holocaust Essay -- Essays Papers

Faith and Reason within the Holocaust One of the greatest horrors of the 20th Century was the extermination of over 6 million Jews and 5 million others during the Holocaust. In the face of this atrocity many have wondered how such a tragedy transcended in a supposed "civilized" European society. What role did religious institutions play in the prevention or lack of prevention of the horrors inflicted by the Nazis? How did the German government create, within a reasoning public, acceptance and even support for the extermination of a people who previously were considered equals? The inhumanity of the Holocaust was procured with effective use of propaganda on the German people who were willing to support anyone who could return Germany to the thriving time prior to World War I. The Holocaust was able to sustain vitality during the war because of the Westà ­s ignorance and indifference of the horrendous reality that was the Holocaust. The murder of millions at extermination camps such as Auschwitz and Dachau was the end result of a series of events that did not develop through extraordinary circumstances, but rather from an educated German and Western societiesà ­ abandonment of their responsibility to the minority. Ordinarily, one would expect that any acts of injustice to a person would be found morally wrong by religious institutions. However, in Europe, Jews historically had a difficulty functioning within a Christian society. The vision that people could live together peacefully despite religious differences was a New World concept that had not found its way into Europe during the 1930à ­s. A great deal of Germanyà ­s population was Protestant; furthermore, they were Lutherans. As followers of Lutherà ­s principleà ­s... ... this widespread lack of compassion for the other Jews, the Nazis were able to fulfill one of their goals before their final fallà ³the extermination of over 75% of the German Jewish population. In the hours before his suicide, Hitler consoled himself with this while the rest of the world questioned how such an atrocity had manifested. Endnotes: 1. Rita Steinhardt Botwinick, A History of the Holocaust: From Ideology to Annihilation (Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 1996), 19. 2. Adolf Hitler. The Jewish Peril. Rpt. in Rogers, 396. 3. Rita Steinhardt Botwinick, 84. 4. Rita Steinhardt Botwinick, 76. 5. http://serendipity.nofadz.com/cda/niemoll.html> 6. Joseph Goebbels. The Jews Are to Blame. Rpt. in Rogers, 405. 7. Christopher R. Browning, Ordinary Men (New York: Harper Perennial, 1992), 179.

The Post-Soviet Reemergence of the Russian Empire Essay -- essays rese

The 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union signified an end to Russia’s control over its Middle Eastern Empire. Many of its states seceded and founded new nations and Russia lost significant power over the region. The new Russian Federation, in an effort to reestablish Soviet supremacy, has launched a neo-imperialistic campaign to once again have political, economic and security control over the area today known as the Caucasus. Principally, Russia wants to have political control over the area consisting of the lands of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia and Chechnya as well as the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, it is an objective to reap profit from this resource-rich area to stabilize Russia’s economy. Additionally, Russia wants to ensure the security of its power in the Middle East. In order to achieve these motives the Russian Government has used various strategies involving political legerdemain, economic exaction and military operations. After years of weakness following the breakdown of the Soviet Socialist government, Russia has once again sought to expand its empire over all of its successor states. The Russian government has used various tactics to assert power over the Caspian region as well as to achieve its political motives. Russia’s position in the economic sphere has been a valuable strategy to obtain political ends. â€Å"Moscow’s main lever of power, then as now, was its pipeline system, a remnant of the centralized Soviet economy in which all oil and natural gas from the Caspian first traversed Russia before passing on to the West.† (LeVinne, 1999) Russia’s control over this pipeline has meant that it has direct control over the Caspian nation’s resources and can use this to their advantage. One such example was... ...influence within the space of the former Soviet Union a determining aspect in the future of Russian statehood. The entities surrounding the Caspian Sea are also the focus of many vital economic prospects which would contribute to Russia’s hegemony over the Southern Tier region. In a textbook example of neo-imperialism Russia has covered all its bases included the impending threat of enemies resulting from Moscow’s political and economic exploitation. Russia has proved that it will use any means possible such as military conquest and political and economic hegemony to its advantage to extend its control over the territory, political systems and economic profits of the nations forming the Caucasus. The Russian government has certainly demonstrated its resurgent imperial ability and resolute determination to ultimately see the reemergence of a powerful Russian empire.

The Next Great Wall Essay -- Encryption Technology Essays

The Next Great Wall The attacks of September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center triggered the passing of the USA Patriot Act â€Å"to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes."1 It passed quickly and with little debate. Soon, encryption of information became a topic to address and efforts took place to allow the government backdoor access to anything encrypted by products developed within the United States. This generated much controversy and was opposed by many organizations. It did not take long before the supporters of these encryption bills backed down. The Chinese government, on the other hand, did not go through such a process. Restrictions on encryption technology imported to or developed within China have been put forth. Their attempts at such control contrast what the United States considers is a denial of our rights to privacy even when addressing national security. The U.S. has acknowledged the significance of supporting free encryption policies while China’s restrictions have shown they are even more limiting, unenforceable and morally wrong in how it affects its citizens as well as its international neighbors. U.S. Policies Addressing encryption technology over the last 5 years has been a challenge for establishing policy in the United States. Development of advanced encryption technology heightened towards the end of the 20th century and questions on its usage soon came into play. On February 23, 1999, the Security and Freedom Through Encryption (SAFE) Act was introduced â€Å"to affirm the rights of United States persons to use and sell encryption and to relax export controls on encryption."2 In addition, o... ...urnal. (back) Moore, Tim (2003), IEEE P802.11 Wireless LANs Draft 5.1, Retrieved February 7, 2004, from the World Wide Web: IEEE (MS Word Document). (back) CNET Asia Staff (2003), China Wi-Fi codes to be controlled by 11 firms, Retrieved January 25, 2004, from the World Wide Web: CNet News. (back) Freeman, Charles W. III (2004), Deputy Assistant USTR Feb. 5 Testimony, Retrieved February 7, 2004 from the World Wide Web: USInfo.State.Gov. (back) Shim, Richard (2003), China Implements new Wi-Fi security standard, Retrieved January 25, 2004 from the World Wide Web: CNet News. (back) Shim, Richard (2003), China Implements new Wi-Fi security standard, Retrieved January 25, 2004 from the World Wide Web: CNet News. (back) Gossett, Sherie (2002), e-Freedom fighters forge new weapon, Retrieved February 7, 2004 from the World Wide Web: World Net Daily. (back)

Myths of the American Dream Exposed in Arthur Millers Death of a Sales

Myths of the American Dream Exposed in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman    Willy Loman, the lead character of Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman, believes in "the myths of the capitalistic society"(DiYanni 412). This essay will examine the impact of the capitalistic myths on Willy Lowman.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Willy believes in the myth that popularity and physical appearance are the keys that unlock the door to the â€Å"American Dream†. We are first introduced to the importance of popularity and physical appearance when Willy is speaking to his wife, Linda, about their son Biff.   â€Å"Biff Loman is lost,† says Willy.   â€Å"In the greatest country in the world, a young man with such personal attractiveness gets lost.†Ã‚   In this quote, not only is Willy confused about how Biff’s good looks can’t help him get a job, but also because his son can’t get a job in a country like America.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Willy believes in appearance, in phoniness, in popularity with those he regards as important in the capitalistic machine. An example of how Willy depends on popularity to help achieve the dream is seen when Willy is having a flashback in which he’s speaking to both Biff and Happy about having his own business. The boys ask their father if his business will be like their Uncle Charley’s.   Willy responds by saying that he’ll be, â€Å"Bigger than Uncle Charley!   Because Charley is not- liked.   He’s liked, but he’s not- well liked.†Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The most significant example of Willy’s belief in the popularity myth also takes place in one of Willy’s flashbacks.   Again, he is speaking to his sons about becoming successful.   He tells them, â€Å"...the man who makes an appearance in the business world, the man who creates personal interest, is the man who gets ... ... slogans for his own beliefs: â€Å"Chevrolet, Linda, is the greatest car ever built.† But his blind faith cannot sustain him: â€Å"That goddam Chevrolet, they ought to prohibit the manufacture of that car†.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Each day Willy must run faster and stretch his arms out further in his attempt to catch the dream. When he is too tired to run, Willy is spewed out of the capitalistic machine as a worn-out and useless part. Willy then gives all that he has remaining so that his son can collect the insurance money and thereby pay his entrance fee to the capitalistic machine. The same machine that destroyed Willy. Works Cited DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Compact Edition. McGraw Hill, 2000. 395-530. Miller, Arthur. "Death of a Salesman" in Literature, Reading, Reacting, Writing, Compact Fourth Edition. Harcourt, Inc. 2000.

Public Health Core Functions Health And Social Care Essay

In 1988, the Institute of Medicine made a study ( IOM, 1988 ) on â€Å" The Future of Public Health † which fundamentally changed the manner public wellness was planned in the USA. The commission that was set up recommended in that study that wellness bureaus for the province degrees should escalate their managerial capablenesss in three indispensable functional countries which are assessment, policy development and confidence. The rise in attending to managerial competency has gone with the rise in involvement in tracking, quantifying and bettering the appraisal of wellness impact of authorities bureaus in the USA, ( Wang, 2002 ) in other states that are developed ( Kemm, 2000 ) and all over the universe ( Sim, and Mackie, 2003 ) . In the United States of America, the attempt got to a serious degree when the â€Å" Healthy people 2000 † was published and is turning continuously. Considerable advancement has been achieved in associating specific ends for the betterment of the wellness of the population like the rate of testing malignant neoplastic disease and immunisation to specific managerial activities like the development of human resources through plans like the Turning Point Performance Management Collaborative ( Public Health Foundation, 2002 ) . On the other manus, these plans do n't cover with some holistic inquiries on public wellness ( Kemm, 2000 ) like is it obligatory to be competent in all three maps, or is being adept in one or two adequate to achieve betterment in wellness position that is above-average? The Institute of Medicine conducts two national plans for kids. This is geared towards the betterment of the edifice blocks of the kids. The plans are School Breakfast Program ( SBP ) and the National School Lunch Program ( NSLP ) . These plans play of import parts in helping the wellness and nutrition of school pupils in the United States by offering low-cost or free tiffins that are balanced nutritionally each school twenty-four hours. In 2008, the School Breakfast Program ( SBP ) gave breakfast to 10.5 million kids while over 30.5 million kids received tiffin from the National School Lunch Program ( NSLP ) . At present, to acquire compensation from federal, school repasts must run into the 1995 established ordinances for criterions of nutrition and demands for repast. In the old ages, developments have been made in dietetic counsel since those guidelines were set up. The manner in which demands for repast are monitored and implemented will determine whether pupils take portion in SBP and NSLP and eat the nutrient that is given to them. Critical schemes of execution to advance alteration and increase the engagement of pupil in the plan include affecting the school as an entity, affecting parents, pupils, and the populace ; educating the pupils on nutrition ; and supplying practical aid. The engagement of industry will be relevant to the procedure of execution which includes presenting attractive nutrients that are low in concentrated fat and Na and those that have a higher ratio of whole grain to refined grain. Additionally, current methods for monitoring will steer the attempts of execution. The support recommended from the services of nutrient and nutrition include ; Practical support for continuously developing and bettering bill of fares, puting orders for suited nutrients and commanding the cost of these nutrients while continuing their quality. New methods for oversing the quality of repasts in the school that lay accent on meeting of import ordinances for diet. Activities of public wellness have well improved the quality and length of life all over the universe ( Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 1999 ) . In certain, the reduced incidence and happening of infective disease has been a major accomplishment of public wellness. On the other manus, the advancement of the hereafter will be more debatable to accomplish and measuring the public bureaus ‘ wellness impact will be more hard. As stated by Jocelyn Elders, the former sawbones General of the United States, ‘public wellness is ill understood-perhaps because when it is effectual, nil happens ‘ ( Elders, 1995 ) . As there are a fluctuation in the intercessions and wellness impacts, the ability to place the activities of a wellness bureau that is straight lending its quota to the advancement is difficult to determine and is ever dependent on argument ( Coyne and Hilsenrath, 2002 ) . A set of three of import maps as stated above has been developed by the Federal Gove rnment ‘s Institute of Medicine in the USA. Not many surveies have made effort to mensurate the status of public wellness pattern in the USA as it is linked to the recommendation of the Institute of Medicine ( IOM, 1988 ) sing all three of import maps. Out of eight surveies that were ab initio conducted, four laid accent on section of local wellness ( Handler and Turnock, 1996 ; Scutchfield et al. , 1997 ) and the other four took an attack on province degree ( Halverson et al. , 1996 ) . Scott et al. , 1990 were the first squad to transport out a complete nose count based on the of import maps of public wellness indicated by the Institute of Medicine. Seven old ages subsequently, Scutchfield et al. , ( 1997 ) repeated the study done by Scott et al. , ( 1990 ) and found that the figure of bureaus involved in confidence and appraisal activities was in general, unchanged. On the other manus, the per centum of wellness bureaus in the province degree that are enthusiastically involved in policy development dropped from 72 % to 49 % within the same period. For policy development as it relates to particular issues, such as genetic sciences and the bar of disease ( Piper et al. , 2001 ) , states displayed even reduced degrees of activity. This means that in merely about half of the provinces, the maps of a formal policy development were absent even on the footing of self-report. In the research on direction, approaches bases on constellation are used to look at the relationship between public presentation, construction of the organisation and determination devising, and the strategic planning capablenesss of organisations. Additionally, a positive connexion between fiscal public presentation and systems constellation of strategic planning has been confirmed to be objectively ( Veliyath and Shortell, 1993 ) . On the other manus, no researches to day of the month hold made effort to separate constellations on non-monetary steps of success such as the results of health care. The highly indispensable characteristic of any constellation is specifying the planned intent of the organisations that are analyzed. From the position of public wellness, it is indispensable to measure the effects of the of import maps on the steps of population wellness position. Consequently, analytically associating the planning theoretical accounts of bureau to the appraisal of public wellness impact is a natural add-on of the methodological analysis of constellation. The section of wellness and human services in the US has recognized 10 taking wellness arrows and suggested that they should be used as steps of result because they â€Å" assist everyone understand the importance of wellness publicity and disease preventionaˆÂ ¦ developing schemes and action programs to turn to one or more of these indexs can hold a profound consequence on increasing the quality of life and extinguishing wellness disparities † ( US Department of Health and Human Services, 2000 ) . The chief wellness indexs are Physical activity Fleshiness Use of baccy Maltreatment of substance Sexual behaviour Mental wellness Violence and hurt Quality of the environment Immunization and Access to wellness attention Other research workers and organisations ( Sutocky et al. , 2000 ) have set up a directory of the wellness position of community utilizing similar steps for illustration, since 1989, the group called the UnitedHealth has formed annually studies that ranks the general province of wellness in all 50 provinces. The study gives a elaborate position of the wellness tendencies of the population across the US. The Markss are made to draw attending to critical steps that affects the wellness of the populace. Additionally, set uping the points into a individual variable permits an all inclusive comparing of general wellness advancement with the of import maps. Consequently, nailing relationships between the constellation of of import maps and the betterment of the wellness of the population is a relevant add-on to both research in public wellness and direction. Background In recent old ages the usage of Health Impact Assessment has been on the rise in the USA, energized by an increasing consciousness among professionals of transit, public wellness and planning that transit planning and land usage can hold a considerable impact on the wellness of the populace. Health Impact Assessment is an instrument to assist determination shapers and other contrivers better place the wellness result of the determinations they make. Health Impact Assessment is described as â€Å" a combination of processs, methods, and tools by which a policy, plan, or undertaking may be judged as to its possible effects on the wellness of a population, and the distribution of those effects within the population † ( European Centre for Health Policy, 1999 ) . HIA have been loosely used in Europe and other topographic points ( Kemm, 2004 ) , and processs are the same in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, local illustrations are needed to increase the suitableness of pol itical relations, to increase consciousness of their usage round the state, to function as illustrations for farther Health Impact Assessment, to be used as theoretical accounts in United States based preparation class for Health Impact Assessment and to maintain record that Health Impact Assessment applies in the scenes of the U.S. Lesser resources may be needed to form new HIAs if research workers can draw the reappraisals of literature and methods from related Health Impact Assessments officially done in the United States, taking note of the fluctuations in domestic environment and specifications of undertaking and policy. For case, the analysis of wellness impact based on U.S. of extra income from a life salary order ( Bhatia and Katz, 2001 ; Cole et al. , 2005 ) may be of import as portion of the consequence of wellness analysis that is attributed to employment created by a new concern development in the United States ‘ informations on web between income and wellness from Europe will be non so applicable for such an analysis because of colliding economic, societal and political conditions. An adept squad in 2004 critically looked into the possibility for increased usage of HIAs in the United States and made suggestions on the following stairss that could better the usage of HIAs ( Dannenberg, 2006 ) . These stairss includes transporting out experimental HIA undertakings, making a database of Health Impact Assessment completed, griping up the capacity to develop people to transport out HIAs, developing motive to increase the demands for Health Impact Assessments by those who make determinations and developing practical methods for anticipations ( Dannenberg, 2006 )

Quantitative and Qaulity Research

Quantitative & Qualitative Research COMPARISON OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS Introduction This paper compares and contrasts qualitative and quantitative research methods in three basic areas. These are the of their: epistemological foundations, data collection methods, and data analysis methods. The paper ends with a brief summary of the primary points made. ComparisonGall, Borg and Gall (1996) discuss several similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods. With respect to similarities, both kinds of research formulate epistemological positions regarding the nature of causation and reality and both comprise a set of methods for designing research, collecting data, analyzing data, and deriving information from data collection and analysis.However, they differ in terms of the epistemological positions they advocate and in the methods they hold to be appropriate for meaningful scientific inquiry. One primary difference between the t wo research methods according to Gall, Borg and Gall (1996) involves their epistemological assumptions about the nature that causality. The quantitative method, according to the authors, rests on a view of causation as an external, measurable force that occurs independently of the observer and can be used to explain diverse phenomena.On the other hand, the conceptual foundation of qualitative research holds that causation itself is predominately a human interpretive process. The foregoing assumptions have implications for how scientists should study reality. Quantitative research roots its methods of acquiring information in a view that holds that reality is external to the observer whereas the qualitative method grounds its methodological principles and practices in the notion of reality as an interpretative construct.This point has been discussed by Wainwright (1997) who states that typically qualitative research seeks to discover information about any given phenomenon by obtainin g an in-depth understanding of the meanings and definitions of the phenomenon that are conceptualized by informants; moreover, these need not be many informants; a simple case study of one individual is said to yield much given the subjective element of reality.Quantitative research, based on its assumptions of causation and reality, attempts to arrive at an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon by measuring â€Å"it† in some fairly objective manner with results that can be established as valid by a set of formal scientific/methodological principles of inquiry and set criteria for reliability and validity. It seeks for results that are stable across time.Thus, while qualitative research aims at discovering how a very small collective interpret a phenomenon, quantitative research looks at some objective index of the phenomenon attempting to produce information that is stable and valid for large populations and samples. Gall, Borg and Gall (1996) note that for some domains s uch as education, the existing knowledge base consists of information obtained by both quantitative and qualitative research.The authors point out that many research experts believe it is quite acceptable to use both kinds of research to collect information about a given phenomenon despite their differing assumptions—-provided that the two methods are assigned differing roles in terms of the contribution they make to understanding the phenomenon being studied. With respect to the foregoing, qualitative methods are assigned the role of intensively observing some small sample and conceptualizing possible themes, patterns, processes, and/or structures as being involved in the phenomenon of interest.Quantitative methods are then called upon to determine whether the conceptualized constructs are supportable or confirmed. For example, a quantitative study might be conducted of three special education students' responses to inclusion with possible patterns of response being conceptu alized based on this small sample. Quantitative methods would then be used to determine whether this pattern of response is present in a much larger collective of special education students.Thus, qualitative and quantitative research can be seen as working together in complementary fashion. Gall, Borg and Gall (1996) report that the extent to which the two types of research can work to complement each other, in actual practice, is dependent on two contingencies. First, the phenomena being studied must be stable across time. Second, qualitative researchers must provide constructs that can be operationalized which is to say that can be measured in some objective way using a numerical system of some sort.If these conditions are satisfied, quantitative measures can then be used to support whether what is present at the individual or case level is also present for larger populations and samples. Gall, Borg and Gall (1996) further report that some researchers do not believe the two resear ch approaches can actually work together in a complementary fashion; this because of their differing epistemological views of causation and reality — views which make for not only conceptual but also profound methodological differences.For example, quantitative research stipulates that a researcher must state what can be expected to be revealed by his data analysis based on existing research (hypothesis formulation and testing). Qualitative researchers, however, believe that theories and concepts are only meaningfully derived AFTER the data has been collected. Similarly, the two research types differ in the methods they use to derive meaningful information from the data. Quantitative methods hold that the data should be analyzed statistically while quantitative research holds that it should be analyzed using formal methods of reasoning and interpretation.Gall, Borg and Gall (1996) have also listed some of the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods i n terms of the reports each side outputs following their investigations. In this regard, the authors state that the reports of quantitative research tend to be impersonal and objective write-ups of research findings. Qualitative research reports, on the other hand, are said to reflect the researcher's analytical reconstruction and interpretation of data provided to readers with an awareness that the readers themselves will, in fact, reinterpret what is reported.However, since it is likely that the epistemological structures of both research methods have some truth and some error in their epistemological frameworks, Gall, Borg and Gall (1996) state that it is quite possible that both methods can contribute valid data and so edify scientists' attempts to understand a given phenomena when used together in a complementary fashion. Given the foregoing, it seems reasonable to suggest that the determination as to whether a given researcher should use qualitative or quantitative methods, or use both conjointly, may depend upon the nature of information he desires and the use to which it shall be put.For example, Crowl (1996) states that if a researcher desires to focus on some complex issue and to use it in a pragmatic way, then it is wise to conduct research using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Both methods are said to provide a broader examination of the phenomenon and thus yield a fuller understanding of its complex structure. This broader look, in turn, is said to foster greater insight into the ways the information can be practically applied. Mertes (1998) states that there are certain kinds of information needs that are better suited to being answered using qualitative methods than quantitative methods.These are said to include: (1) the need to understand in detail why an individual does something; (2) the need to determine what aspects, components, or elements of a given issue or phenomenon are important and why they are important; (3) the need to i dentify a full range of responses or opinions existing in a given collective; and (4) the need to find areas of consensus in patterns of response. On the other hand, Mertes (1998) states that quantitative research is probably the best choice if there is a need to determine â€Å"how many† or to measure some volume-related characteristic of a collective.In other words, quantitative research should be used when there is an interest in how many people in a population have a particular characteristic or response. Further, Mertes (1998) reports that quantitative research is appropriate for measuring attitudes and behaviors, for profiling certain groups, and for formulating predictions. One particularly interesting point about qualitative and quantitative research methods is to note that the distinguishing characteristics are actual differences only to a certain extent.For example, McKereghan (1998) notes that qualitative and quantitative research can be distinguished in several wa ys and goes on to list some of these differences. Specifically, it is noted that quantitative research is objective; qualitative research is subjective. Quantitative research seeks explanatory laws; qualitative research aims at in-depth description. Quantitative research measures what it assumes to be a static reality in hopes of developing universal laws. Qualitative research is an exploration of what is assumed to be a dynamic reality.It does not claim that what is discovered in the process is universal and, thus, replicable. However, what McKereghan (1998) points out is that when actual research studies are examined in methodological detail, they seldom fit the sharp clear models of differences that are provided in written discussions of the two research approaches. Rather, in most any given study, elements of quantitative and qualitative procedures can be found. Because of this, McKereghan argues that discussing research using this dichotomy may not be especially applicable to w hat actually goes on in the world of research.Thus, while the two methods can be distinguished, it is probably important to note that this clarity of distinction is present far more in theory than in practice. Finally, it can be noted that quantitative methods help to make generalizations to larger groups and follow a well-established and respected set of statistical procedures, of which the properties are well-understood. However, in terms of practice, there is again an important issue related to whether practice actually meets the standards set for this research approach.As noted by Gall, Borg and Gall (1996), many studies are designed poorly, i. e. , many studies cannot find a significant difference when one exists, due to insufficient sample sizes or to extremely small effect sizes. Further, quantitative methods are often misinterpreted. Summary In this paper's comparison of qualitative and quantitative research methods, several points were made. It was noted that the two resear ch approaches differ in terms of their epistemological positions on causation and reality and this in turn makes for a number of methodological differences in the approaches.For example, it was noted that qualitative research typically entails in-depth analysis of relatively few subjects for which a rich set of data is collected and organized. Quantitative research, on the other hand, was said to entail the proper application of statistics to typically a large number of subjects. Further, the points were made that while quantitative research is objective; qualitative research is subjective. Also, it was noted that quantitative research seeks explanatory laws; qualitative research aims at in-depth description.In addition, quantitative research was said to measures what it assumes to be a static reality in hopes of developing universal laws while qualitative research is an exploration of what is assumed to be a dynamic, shifting, interpretative reality. It was noted that due to the di ffering nature of the two research approaches, it is likely that the selection of which to use will depend upon the nature of the information sought by the researcher and the use to which this information will be put. Examples were offered showing the kind of research to which each method or a combination of methods are particularly suited.Finally, the point was made that while there appear to be large differences between the approach from a philosophical/conceptual position, in actual research, methods from both approaches are often used. Further, the standards set for conducting each particular type of research, especially quantitative research, are often not met. References Crowl, T. K. (1996). Fundamentals of educational research (2nd ed. ) Madison, WI: Brown and Benchmark. Gall, M. D. , Borg, W. R. & Gall, J. P. (1996). Educational research: An introduction (6th ed. White Plains, NY: Longman. McKereghan, D. L. (1998). Quantitative versus qualitative research: An attempt to clar ify the problem. Document available at:http://socrates. fortunecity. com/qvq. html. Mertes, D. M. (1998). Research methods in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Wainwright, D. (1997). Can sociological research be qualitative, critical and valid? The Qualitative Report, 3(2). Document available: http://nova. edu/ssss/QR/QR3-2/wain. html.