The Buying Patterns of the Consumers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Buying Patterns of the Consumers - Essay Example When flaws in this approach became apparent, during the mid-1990s, the focus shifted towards product orientation, which urged the marketers to spend all their resources in perfecting the quality of their products. The next ideology shift during the late 1970s brought the selling orientation, which preached the idea that in order to ensure sales and profits, companies should follow highly aggressive sales strategies (Lancaster & Massingham, 2010, p. 20).   Nevertheless, all these ideologies were stepping stones in allowing marketers to come up with the marketing innovation, which puts customers at the top of everything which the motto, â€Å"a customer is always right†. Marketing approach urges marketers and companies not to engage in â€Å"hunting† but â€Å"gardening†. Marketers agree that â€Å"make and sell† strategy is extremely short-sighted and today, in order to succeed, companies need to follow a â€Å"sense and respond† strategy. Organisations should not put in all their efforts to find the right customers for their products, but the focus should be on finding the right products for your customers (Solomon, 2006, p. 370).   More importantly, in order to find right products for your customers, you first need to have a thorough understanding of the needs and wants of your customers. Only when businesses have the proper knowledge about the buying patterns of their consumers, they can sustain their revenues and ensure that they rank high in terms of customer satisfaction.

Financial statements analysis and financial models(question answers) Assignment

Financial statements analysis and financial models(question answers) - Assignment Example a company, without seeking for debt finance, the following are two ways a company can adopt in order to increase the sustainable growth rate: first, the utility rate of assets should be increased in order to increase the revenue generated, thus, increase the net income. An increase in the net income increases both the ROE and the payout ratio. Second, the company can depend on either retained earnings or equity finance to fund the undertakings of projects with positive net present value. ROE = Profit margin*Total asset turnover*equity multiplier = (0.55*1.9*0.063) = 6.5835%. Sustainable growth = (ROE*b)/1- (ROE*b). 0.09 = (0.065835b)/ 1 – (0.065835b). b = 1.2546 = (1 – payout ratio). Therefore, payout ratio = (1.2546 – 1) = 25.46%. Consequently, for the growth rate to be achieved, the dividend payout ratio must be 25.46%. The interpretation means that the company will use 25.46% of the net income to fund dividend payment. The approximate sustainable growth rate SGR = (ROEb)/1- (ROEb). ROE = (Net income/equity) = (95,000/230,000) = 41.30%. The payout ratio = (42,000/95,000) = 44.21%. Therefore, SGR = (0.413*0.4421)/1 – (0.413* 0.4421) = 0.1826/ (1- 0.1826) = 22.34%. The exact sustainable growth rate = 22.339124%. Since the value of equity never changed during the period, the ROE is remains unchanged. Therefore, the approximate sustainable growth rate is similar to the above determined

Effect of Export Performance on Economy

Effect of Export Performance on Economy CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION In this chapter, first we introduce the study by highlighting its background followed by a brief description of Malaysias economy and external trade based on relevant statistics related to economic growth trends and international trade, respectively. Next, we further proceed to look in detail at the export performance concept. Then, we indicate the current major products exported by Malaysian firms, and their main export destinations. Research problem, question, and objectives, followed by the significance, scope, limitations, and organization of the paper, are all discussed in the last part of the chapter. 1.1. Background of the Study With the increasing trend of globalization, the arena of market and competition for business firms has expanded from domestic markets to the international markets. This has accentuated the importance of understanding the behavior of firms in foreign markets. Exporting represents a viable strategic option for firms to internationalize and has remained the most frequently used foreign market entry mode chosen (Zhao Zou, 2002), as it provides the firm with the flexibility needed to penetrate and compete in new international markets. In 2001, the World Bank published the report Globalization, Growth and Poverty: Building an Inclusive World Economy. The report shows that 24 developing countries, which increased their integration into the world economy, achieved higher growth in incomes, longer life expectancy and better schooling (Van Dijk, 2002). Exporting is considered to be one of the most important ways for developing countries to link with the world economy. Therefore, it is identified by governments and public policy makers as a priority (Morgan, 1997). 1.1.1. Malaysias Economy and External Trade The Malaysian economy has shown to be one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia Pacific region. The structure of the Malaysian economy had a dramatic transformation in the last five decades. Gradually over this period, it has displayed attributes of newly industrialized country and its economy has shown an impressive track record (Hamid, 2004). The country had an impressive annual growth in the 1970s reaching 7.8%, and continued to grow at a rate of 8.8% in the 1980s except during recession in 1985 to 1986. The recovery started in 1988 and the economy sustained an annual growth of over 8% in the 1990s. However, the Asian financial crisis had the worst impact when the economy shrank by 11.2% year on year in the fourth quarter of 1998 (The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009). This led the Malaysian government to implement several economic policy adjustments which started in 1999 in order to speed up the recovery. Consequently, the economy recorded a positive growth in seven consecutive years. After a strong take-off of 5.3% in 2003, the second half of 2006 recorded a higher than expected growth of 5.9% (Malaysia Economic Report , 2006). Recently, as a result of the global recession, Malaysias real GDP contracted by 6.2% year on year in the first quarter of 2009 (The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009). However, the economy reco vered gradually later in the same year. Malaysias trade policy focuses on greater integration into the world economy and enhancing its global position as a trading nation. The country has consistently maintained its position as the 18th largest global exporter and the 20th largest importer in the last few years (WTO, 2005). Malaysias trade with the world from 2000 to 2009 is illustrated in figure 1. The bar chart shows that Malaysia had a steady increase in total trade. The country reached a peak of approximately RM787.5 billion and RM643.1 billion in 2009 for exports and imports respectively, yielding a trade surplus of RM144.4 billion. This trend is expected to continue in the next few years as more economic reforms would take place, coincided with high growth rates expected. 1.1.2. Export Performance Export performance is broadly defined as the outcome of a firms activities in export markets (Shoham, 1996). The fundamental importance of export performance to international marketing has led to a substantial body of research. It is recognized that research on export performance is of vital interest to three major groups: public policy makers, managers and researchers. First, export performance is important for public policy makers or governments as it contributes to the development of foreign exchange reserves, increases the level of imports a country can afford, provides a vehicle for job creation, improves employment opportunities, improves standards of living, and encourages better working conditions and more efficient business (Lages Montgomery, 2004). Second, at a micro level, managers view exporting as a way to expand their firms access to international markets, benefit from economies of scale, reduce the dependence on their domestic markets, and enjoy faster sales, employment, and growth (Freeman Lawley, 2005). Third, as a result of its importance for both policy makers and managers, researchers consider exporting a challenging and promising area for theory building in international marketing (Zou Stan, 1997). Since gaining independence from Britain in 1957, Malaysia implemented a series of 5-year development plans in order to transform its economy from being an exporter of rubber and tin to emerge as one of the worlds largest producers of palm oil products, timber, oil and manufactured products (Wheeler Mohamad, 1993). Additionally, due to its impressive growth, the manufacturing sector has replaced agriculture as the number one sector in the economy. Table 1 shows Malaysias major export products in January 2010. The manufacturing sector remains a dynamic engine of growth for Malaysia with an estimated share of 31.5% of GDP in 2005 (WTO, 2005). It is considered to be the most dominant sector with approximately three quarters of total exports. This is mainly due to the significant contribution of electrical and electronic products as they are Malaysias leading export earner with a value of RM21,372.3 billion, representing 40.75% of total exports in January 2010. Palm oil retained as the second largest export revenue earner with a total value of RM3,985 billion or 7.6% of exports. Third, liquefied natural gas (LNG) made up 6.5% of total exports with RM3,400.3 billion. Chemicals chemical products were the fourth largest commodity accounting for 6% of total exports with RM3,173.9 billion. The remaining different products Table 1: Malaysias major export products in January 2010 (Billion Ringgits) Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, January 2010, Malaysia External Trade Statistics. Retrieved on 16/2/2010 from: http://www.matrade.gov.my/cms/documentstorage/com.tms.cms.document.Document_2c11596d-7f000010-584c584c-f259ef13/Press%20release%20Jan10%20Eng.pdfCalculated based on the values of the table. including crude petroleum, refined petroleum products, and others, formed approximately 40% of total exports in the same period. For export destinations, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) was Malaysias major export market in January 2010, with RM7,094.9 billion (13.53% of total exports), as shown in table 2. Table 2: Malaysias major export markets in January 2010 (Billion Ringgits) Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, January 2010, Malaysia External Trade Statistics. Retrieved on 16/2/2010 from: http://www.matrade.gov.my/cms/documentstorage/com.tms.cms.document.Document_2c11596d-7f000010-584c584c-f259ef13/Press%20release%20Jan10%20Eng.pdf Calculated based on the values of the table. The next major export destination is Singapore (13.26%, RM6,953.5 billion), followed by Japan (11.15%, RM5,849.7 billion), USA (9.37%, RM4,917.2 billion), and Hong Kong (5.5.%, RM 2,876.2 billion). These top five export destinations accounted for more than half of Malaysias total exports. The statistics reflect the increasing significance of exporting as a key economic tool for growth and development in Malaysia. In addition, despite the downturn caused by the Asian financial crisis thirteen years ago, Malaysia has made rapid strides in economic development through the continuous adoption of appropriate policies and strategies to ensure sustainability of growth (WTO, 2005) as well as to transform the economic structure of the country into a manufacturing and export-based economy. 1.2. Problem Statement, Question, and Objectives of the Study A problem is defined as any situation where a gap exists between the actual and the desired ideal state (Cavana et al., 2007). It is critical that the problem of the study is unambiguously identified, and followed by a clear, precise, and succinct statement of the question and objectives of the study. 1.2.1. Research Problem Much of the knowledge about successful export activity is fragmented, and the tradition of building on previous findings is not well-established in the export marketing field (Aaby Slater, 1989). Many export performance studies focused only on a single factor affecting export performance, while there have been only few attempts to come up with models that incorporate a wide range of relevant factors. These exceptions include, (Cooper Kleinschmidt, 1985); (Cavusgil Zou, 1994). Some of the discrepancies in the literature might be attributable to differences regarding the way in which export performance has been assessed (Walters Samiee, 1990). In this context, the vast majority of studies have utilized objective performance indicators (Katsikeas et al., 1996). However, there are two problems with the use of certain objective measures: First problem is concerned with research methodology i.e. accurate objective indicators of export performance are not easy to obtain since formal company financial statements and reports often make no clear distinction between domestic and export business operations, partially due to the fact that many firms view exporting as an extension of their domestic activities (Yang et al., 1992). Second, a serious comparability caveat may arise as a result of inherent measurement weaknesses underlying most objective measures (Katsikeas et al., 1996). Differences among industries and product subsectors in terms of competition or technology could lead to incoherent comparison across the sample firms. In other words, objective indicators of export performance, such as sales volume, sales growth and market share, might have little meaning in those cases where the firms surveyed belong to different industry or product groups (Covin, 1991). Accordingly, in order to fill this literature gap, it is important to use different indicators to measure the multi-dimensionality of export performance and increase the reliability of the results. In this research, we adopt three subjective indicators to measure export performance of Malaysian manufacturing firms by asking respondents three questions to indicate their perceptions in achieving objectives regarding export sales, export market share, and export profitability. We use this subjective composite indicator because, compared to other objective export indicators, it cancels the size effect and it also facilitates comparison between companies of different sizes and industries. 1.2.2. Research Question Are firms characteristics, export marketing strategy, management perceptions, and export commitment associated with export performance? If so, which of these contributes most to the variance of the dependant variable? 1.2.3. Research Objectives This study aims to contribute to the meager but growing literature on firm-level export performance for developing countries by using Malaysia as the empirical platform. The study was designed to reexamine some determinants of export performance mentioned in the export marketing literature, more specifically, certain firms characteristics, export marketing strategy adopted, managements attitudes and perceptions, and export commitment are integrated factors that viewed as significantly influencing export performance. In a nutshell, the study seeks to achieve the following two objectives: To investigate the relationships between export performance on one hand, and firm characteristics, export marketing strategy, management perceptions, and export commitment on the other hand. Establish the relative importance of each of the independent variables in influencing export performance of Malaysian manufacturing firms. 1.3. Significance, Scope, and Organization of the Study In the next few paragraphs, we address the approaches deployed in this paper that contribute to the significance of this research in the context of export marketing field. Further, the scope, limitations, and organization of the paper, are all discussed subsequently. 1.3.1. Significance of the Study With the increasing global business competition, it has become important, particularly for firms in developing countries, to understand the determinants of export performance as firms survival and expansion, and consequent economic growth of many developing countries are strongly dependent on a better understanding of what determines the export performance (Sousa et al., 2008). In spite of the numerous empirical studies of export performance published since the 1960s, the conclusions reached by researchers in this area have, however, varied widely. The significance of the present study is derived from its design to look anew at some determinants of export performance mentioned in the literature in order to examine their effect on export performance manufacturing firms in Malaysia where export marketing research is of extreme relevance for both practitioners and scholars, knowing that the country is considered to be the worlds eighteenth largest exporter, and the trend is growing significantly over time. For example, exports posted a double digit growth in December 2009, year-on-year, rising significantly by 18.7% to RM54.7 billion, compared with December 2008 (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2010). 1.3.2. Scope and Limitations of the Study The evidence reported in this paper should be interpreted in the light of several limitations. That is, in addition to the relatively low response rate of just 17%, the research effort was restricted to manufacturing firms within a specific country context, thus caution may be exercised in generalizing the present findings too broadly. Nonetheless, generalizations of the study findings may be applicable to those exporting frameworks with similar structural characteristics of export marketing. Furthermore, the cross-sectional nature of the data limits our ability to rule out cause-effect inferences (Katsikeas et al., 1996). Such one-shot study may not be suitable for a research that involves a dynamic phenomenon, therefore, the adoption of longitudinal studies in future studies can provide more insights into the dynamic aspects of export behavior and performance. Other limitations were related to time constraint, specifically during data collection period which started in mid-February 2010. This stage of the research was coincided with celebrations of the Chinese New Year, on February 14th, the period during which most companies in Malaysia had at least a one week holiday. As a result, it took us a relatively longer time than expected to receive responds in order to proceed for further analysis. 1.3.3. Organization of the Study In this study, an attempt is made to synthesize and empirically test a model of export performance focusing on exporters from an ASEAN member. Specifically, the sudsy constitutes indigenous Malaysian manufacturers trading with overseas distributors. The paper is formatted into several sections. First, an in-depth literature is presented including key theoretical and measurement problems. Next, a conceptual framework of export performance is developed through the statement of several hypotheses. Then, the research design approach and methodological procedures including data analysis are described. Lastly, we present the findings of the study followed by a discussion, conclusions, and recommendations. Summary of Chapter One Through its external trade policy, Malaysia aims primarily for a greater integration into the world economy in order to maintain its position as one of the largest global exporters, specifically exports of manufactured products. At a micro level, export performance refers to the outcome of a firms activities in export markets. It is a way to expand access to international markets, benefit from economies of scale, reduce the dependence on domestic markets, and enjoy faster sales, employment, and growth. Studies within the export marketing field are characterized by the discrepancy and fragmentation of the findings. In this context, most export performance studies utilized objective export performance measures. However, this might result in the fragmentation of findings due to some issues related to research methodology and comparability caveat among firms. Therefore, subjective indicators are employed to measure the dimensionality of export performance in the Malaysian context. The objective is delineate the relationship between export performance (dependent variable) on one hand, and firm characteristics, export marketing strategy, management perceptions, and export commitment (independent variables) on the other hand. CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW In this chapter, a conceptual background of export performance is coherently addressed; starting with a relevant review of the export marketing performance literature and their main characteristics including the way in which export performance has been measured. We further proceed to identify and classify the multiple independent variables that have been frequently used in past studies. At the end of the chapter, some examples of the discrepancies in the findings of some studies are highlighted. 2.1. Export Marketing Performance Literature The classical economic view tries to explain why it is beneficial for a country to engage in international trade based on the assumption that countries differ in their abilities to produce goods efficiently. The comparative advantage theory, for example, helps to explain the pattern of international trade that we observe in the world economy (Heckscher Ohlin, 1991); (Ricardo, 1817); and (Smith, 1776). However, the assumptions underlying the principle of comparative advantage are unrealistic in many countries and industries. That is because competitive advantage depends on the capacity to innovate and upgrade. It also depends on the extent to which a home environment is dynamic, challenging, and forward looking. Therefore, competitive advantage is not inherited; in other words, it does not grow out of a countrys natural endowments, its labor, its interest rates or its currencys value, as classical economics insist (Porter, 1990). A plethora of studies have been published in the past 30 years on the determinants of export performance. This is mainly due to the increasing relevance of export marketing as an area of inquiry. Existing literature shows that the United States is the most researched country in export performance studies. However, an increasing number of studies have been conducted by European researchers from non-English-speaking countries who published in English-language journals. Examples include, (Bijmolt Zwart, 1994), (Holzmuller Kasper, 1991), and (Madsen, 1989). Some other studies have also been conducted in developing countries in Asia and Latin America. Characteristics of the studies reviewed are summarized in table 3. The main characteristics that we focused on are: 2.1.1. Size of the Sample Except for one study which used a data base of 20,161 Indonesian firms from different manufacturing sectors, the size of the samples used in the studies reviewed ranges between 51 and 783. Most of them were drawn from multiple manufacturing industries, while just few such as (Cavusgil Kirpalani, 1993), (Singer Czinkota, 1994), and (Sriram Manu, 1995), had included in the sampling, reselling and service firms in addition to manufacturing firms. 2.1.2. Industry Context of Studies The vast majority of the reviewed studies employed samples drawn from multiple manufacturing industries. Only few have included in addition to manufacturers, reselling and service firms. Examples include (Cavusgil Kirpalani, 1993), (Singer Czinkota, 1994), and (Sriram Manu, 1995). This reflects the importance of manufacturing firms in the world economy. However, findings cannot be generalized to other industry contexts. Table 3: Characteristics of the reviewed articles Solberg 2002 Norway 150 mult manuf SML survey correlation/ anova firm Albaum, Tse 2001 Hong Kong 183 mult manuf SML survey regression firm Gencturk, Kotabe 2001 USA 162 mult manuf SML survey anova firm Effect of Export Performance on Economy Effect of Export Performance on Economy CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION In this chapter, first we introduce the study by highlighting its background followed by a brief description of Malaysias economy and external trade based on relevant statistics related to economic growth trends and international trade, respectively. Next, we further proceed to look in detail at the export performance concept. Then, we indicate the current major products exported by Malaysian firms, and their main export destinations. Research problem, question, and objectives, followed by the significance, scope, limitations, and organization of the paper, are all discussed in the last part of the chapter. 1.1. Background of the Study With the increasing trend of globalization, the arena of market and competition for business firms has expanded from domestic markets to the international markets. This has accentuated the importance of understanding the behavior of firms in foreign markets. Exporting represents a viable strategic option for firms to internationalize and has remained the most frequently used foreign market entry mode chosen (Zhao Zou, 2002), as it provides the firm with the flexibility needed to penetrate and compete in new international markets. In 2001, the World Bank published the report Globalization, Growth and Poverty: Building an Inclusive World Economy. The report shows that 24 developing countries, which increased their integration into the world economy, achieved higher growth in incomes, longer life expectancy and better schooling (Van Dijk, 2002). Exporting is considered to be one of the most important ways for developing countries to link with the world economy. Therefore, it is identified by governments and public policy makers as a priority (Morgan, 1997). 1.1.1. Malaysias Economy and External Trade The Malaysian economy has shown to be one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia Pacific region. The structure of the Malaysian economy had a dramatic transformation in the last five decades. Gradually over this period, it has displayed attributes of newly industrialized country and its economy has shown an impressive track record (Hamid, 2004). The country had an impressive annual growth in the 1970s reaching 7.8%, and continued to grow at a rate of 8.8% in the 1980s except during recession in 1985 to 1986. The recovery started in 1988 and the economy sustained an annual growth of over 8% in the 1990s. However, the Asian financial crisis had the worst impact when the economy shrank by 11.2% year on year in the fourth quarter of 1998 (The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009). This led the Malaysian government to implement several economic policy adjustments which started in 1999 in order to speed up the recovery. Consequently, the economy recorded a positive growth in seven consecutive years. After a strong take-off of 5.3% in 2003, the second half of 2006 recorded a higher than expected growth of 5.9% (Malaysia Economic Report , 2006). Recently, as a result of the global recession, Malaysias real GDP contracted by 6.2% year on year in the first quarter of 2009 (The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009). However, the economy reco vered gradually later in the same year. Malaysias trade policy focuses on greater integration into the world economy and enhancing its global position as a trading nation. The country has consistently maintained its position as the 18th largest global exporter and the 20th largest importer in the last few years (WTO, 2005). Malaysias trade with the world from 2000 to 2009 is illustrated in figure 1. The bar chart shows that Malaysia had a steady increase in total trade. The country reached a peak of approximately RM787.5 billion and RM643.1 billion in 2009 for exports and imports respectively, yielding a trade surplus of RM144.4 billion. This trend is expected to continue in the next few years as more economic reforms would take place, coincided with high growth rates expected. 1.1.2. Export Performance Export performance is broadly defined as the outcome of a firms activities in export markets (Shoham, 1996). The fundamental importance of export performance to international marketing has led to a substantial body of research. It is recognized that research on export performance is of vital interest to three major groups: public policy makers, managers and researchers. First, export performance is important for public policy makers or governments as it contributes to the development of foreign exchange reserves, increases the level of imports a country can afford, provides a vehicle for job creation, improves employment opportunities, improves standards of living, and encourages better working conditions and more efficient business (Lages Montgomery, 2004). Second, at a micro level, managers view exporting as a way to expand their firms access to international markets, benefit from economies of scale, reduce the dependence on their domestic markets, and enjoy faster sales, employment, and growth (Freeman Lawley, 2005). Third, as a result of its importance for both policy makers and managers, researchers consider exporting a challenging and promising area for theory building in international marketing (Zou Stan, 1997). Since gaining independence from Britain in 1957, Malaysia implemented a series of 5-year development plans in order to transform its economy from being an exporter of rubber and tin to emerge as one of the worlds largest producers of palm oil products, timber, oil and manufactured products (Wheeler Mohamad, 1993). Additionally, due to its impressive growth, the manufacturing sector has replaced agriculture as the number one sector in the economy. Table 1 shows Malaysias major export products in January 2010. The manufacturing sector remains a dynamic engine of growth for Malaysia with an estimated share of 31.5% of GDP in 2005 (WTO, 2005). It is considered to be the most dominant sector with approximately three quarters of total exports. This is mainly due to the significant contribution of electrical and electronic products as they are Malaysias leading export earner with a value of RM21,372.3 billion, representing 40.75% of total exports in January 2010. Palm oil retained as the second largest export revenue earner with a total value of RM3,985 billion or 7.6% of exports. Third, liquefied natural gas (LNG) made up 6.5% of total exports with RM3,400.3 billion. Chemicals chemical products were the fourth largest commodity accounting for 6% of total exports with RM3,173.9 billion. The remaining different products Table 1: Malaysias major export products in January 2010 (Billion Ringgits) Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, January 2010, Malaysia External Trade Statistics. Retrieved on 16/2/2010 from: http://www.matrade.gov.my/cms/documentstorage/com.tms.cms.document.Document_2c11596d-7f000010-584c584c-f259ef13/Press%20release%20Jan10%20Eng.pdfCalculated based on the values of the table. including crude petroleum, refined petroleum products, and others, formed approximately 40% of total exports in the same period. For export destinations, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) was Malaysias major export market in January 2010, with RM7,094.9 billion (13.53% of total exports), as shown in table 2. Table 2: Malaysias major export markets in January 2010 (Billion Ringgits) Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, January 2010, Malaysia External Trade Statistics. Retrieved on 16/2/2010 from: http://www.matrade.gov.my/cms/documentstorage/com.tms.cms.document.Document_2c11596d-7f000010-584c584c-f259ef13/Press%20release%20Jan10%20Eng.pdf Calculated based on the values of the table. The next major export destination is Singapore (13.26%, RM6,953.5 billion), followed by Japan (11.15%, RM5,849.7 billion), USA (9.37%, RM4,917.2 billion), and Hong Kong (5.5.%, RM 2,876.2 billion). These top five export destinations accounted for more than half of Malaysias total exports. The statistics reflect the increasing significance of exporting as a key economic tool for growth and development in Malaysia. In addition, despite the downturn caused by the Asian financial crisis thirteen years ago, Malaysia has made rapid strides in economic development through the continuous adoption of appropriate policies and strategies to ensure sustainability of growth (WTO, 2005) as well as to transform the economic structure of the country into a manufacturing and export-based economy. 1.2. Problem Statement, Question, and Objectives of the Study A problem is defined as any situation where a gap exists between the actual and the desired ideal state (Cavana et al., 2007). It is critical that the problem of the study is unambiguously identified, and followed by a clear, precise, and succinct statement of the question and objectives of the study. 1.2.1. Research Problem Much of the knowledge about successful export activity is fragmented, and the tradition of building on previous findings is not well-established in the export marketing field (Aaby Slater, 1989). Many export performance studies focused only on a single factor affecting export performance, while there have been only few attempts to come up with models that incorporate a wide range of relevant factors. These exceptions include, (Cooper Kleinschmidt, 1985); (Cavusgil Zou, 1994). Some of the discrepancies in the literature might be attributable to differences regarding the way in which export performance has been assessed (Walters Samiee, 1990). In this context, the vast majority of studies have utilized objective performance indicators (Katsikeas et al., 1996). However, there are two problems with the use of certain objective measures: First problem is concerned with research methodology i.e. accurate objective indicators of export performance are not easy to obtain since formal company financial statements and reports often make no clear distinction between domestic and export business operations, partially due to the fact that many firms view exporting as an extension of their domestic activities (Yang et al., 1992). Second, a serious comparability caveat may arise as a result of inherent measurement weaknesses underlying most objective measures (Katsikeas et al., 1996). Differences among industries and product subsectors in terms of competition or technology could lead to incoherent comparison across the sample firms. In other words, objective indicators of export performance, such as sales volume, sales growth and market share, might have little meaning in those cases where the firms surveyed belong to different industry or product groups (Covin, 1991). Accordingly, in order to fill this literature gap, it is important to use different indicators to measure the multi-dimensionality of export performance and increase the reliability of the results. In this research, we adopt three subjective indicators to measure export performance of Malaysian manufacturing firms by asking respondents three questions to indicate their perceptions in achieving objectives regarding export sales, export market share, and export profitability. We use this subjective composite indicator because, compared to other objective export indicators, it cancels the size effect and it also facilitates comparison between companies of different sizes and industries. 1.2.2. Research Question Are firms characteristics, export marketing strategy, management perceptions, and export commitment associated with export performance? If so, which of these contributes most to the variance of the dependant variable? 1.2.3. Research Objectives This study aims to contribute to the meager but growing literature on firm-level export performance for developing countries by using Malaysia as the empirical platform. The study was designed to reexamine some determinants of export performance mentioned in the export marketing literature, more specifically, certain firms characteristics, export marketing strategy adopted, managements attitudes and perceptions, and export commitment are integrated factors that viewed as significantly influencing export performance. In a nutshell, the study seeks to achieve the following two objectives: To investigate the relationships between export performance on one hand, and firm characteristics, export marketing strategy, management perceptions, and export commitment on the other hand. Establish the relative importance of each of the independent variables in influencing export performance of Malaysian manufacturing firms. 1.3. Significance, Scope, and Organization of the Study In the next few paragraphs, we address the approaches deployed in this paper that contribute to the significance of this research in the context of export marketing field. Further, the scope, limitations, and organization of the paper, are all discussed subsequently. 1.3.1. Significance of the Study With the increasing global business competition, it has become important, particularly for firms in developing countries, to understand the determinants of export performance as firms survival and expansion, and consequent economic growth of many developing countries are strongly dependent on a better understanding of what determines the export performance (Sousa et al., 2008). In spite of the numerous empirical studies of export performance published since the 1960s, the conclusions reached by researchers in this area have, however, varied widely. The significance of the present study is derived from its design to look anew at some determinants of export performance mentioned in the literature in order to examine their effect on export performance manufacturing firms in Malaysia where export marketing research is of extreme relevance for both practitioners and scholars, knowing that the country is considered to be the worlds eighteenth largest exporter, and the trend is growing significantly over time. For example, exports posted a double digit growth in December 2009, year-on-year, rising significantly by 18.7% to RM54.7 billion, compared with December 2008 (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2010). 1.3.2. Scope and Limitations of the Study The evidence reported in this paper should be interpreted in the light of several limitations. That is, in addition to the relatively low response rate of just 17%, the research effort was restricted to manufacturing firms within a specific country context, thus caution may be exercised in generalizing the present findings too broadly. Nonetheless, generalizations of the study findings may be applicable to those exporting frameworks with similar structural characteristics of export marketing. Furthermore, the cross-sectional nature of the data limits our ability to rule out cause-effect inferences (Katsikeas et al., 1996). Such one-shot study may not be suitable for a research that involves a dynamic phenomenon, therefore, the adoption of longitudinal studies in future studies can provide more insights into the dynamic aspects of export behavior and performance. Other limitations were related to time constraint, specifically during data collection period which started in mid-February 2010. This stage of the research was coincided with celebrations of the Chinese New Year, on February 14th, the period during which most companies in Malaysia had at least a one week holiday. As a result, it took us a relatively longer time than expected to receive responds in order to proceed for further analysis. 1.3.3. Organization of the Study In this study, an attempt is made to synthesize and empirically test a model of export performance focusing on exporters from an ASEAN member. Specifically, the sudsy constitutes indigenous Malaysian manufacturers trading with overseas distributors. The paper is formatted into several sections. First, an in-depth literature is presented including key theoretical and measurement problems. Next, a conceptual framework of export performance is developed through the statement of several hypotheses. Then, the research design approach and methodological procedures including data analysis are described. Lastly, we present the findings of the study followed by a discussion, conclusions, and recommendations. Summary of Chapter One Through its external trade policy, Malaysia aims primarily for a greater integration into the world economy in order to maintain its position as one of the largest global exporters, specifically exports of manufactured products. At a micro level, export performance refers to the outcome of a firms activities in export markets. It is a way to expand access to international markets, benefit from economies of scale, reduce the dependence on domestic markets, and enjoy faster sales, employment, and growth. Studies within the export marketing field are characterized by the discrepancy and fragmentation of the findings. In this context, most export performance studies utilized objective export performance measures. However, this might result in the fragmentation of findings due to some issues related to research methodology and comparability caveat among firms. Therefore, subjective indicators are employed to measure the dimensionality of export performance in the Malaysian context. The objective is delineate the relationship between export performance (dependent variable) on one hand, and firm characteristics, export marketing strategy, management perceptions, and export commitment (independent variables) on the other hand. CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW In this chapter, a conceptual background of export performance is coherently addressed; starting with a relevant review of the export marketing performance literature and their main characteristics including the way in which export performance has been measured. We further proceed to identify and classify the multiple independent variables that have been frequently used in past studies. At the end of the chapter, some examples of the discrepancies in the findings of some studies are highlighted. 2.1. Export Marketing Performance Literature The classical economic view tries to explain why it is beneficial for a country to engage in international trade based on the assumption that countries differ in their abilities to produce goods efficiently. The comparative advantage theory, for example, helps to explain the pattern of international trade that we observe in the world economy (Heckscher Ohlin, 1991); (Ricardo, 1817); and (Smith, 1776). However, the assumptions underlying the principle of comparative advantage are unrealistic in many countries and industries. That is because competitive advantage depends on the capacity to innovate and upgrade. It also depends on the extent to which a home environment is dynamic, challenging, and forward looking. Therefore, competitive advantage is not inherited; in other words, it does not grow out of a countrys natural endowments, its labor, its interest rates or its currencys value, as classical economics insist (Porter, 1990). A plethora of studies have been published in the past 30 years on the determinants of export performance. This is mainly due to the increasing relevance of export marketing as an area of inquiry. Existing literature shows that the United States is the most researched country in export performance studies. However, an increasing number of studies have been conducted by European researchers from non-English-speaking countries who published in English-language journals. Examples include, (Bijmolt Zwart, 1994), (Holzmuller Kasper, 1991), and (Madsen, 1989). Some other studies have also been conducted in developing countries in Asia and Latin America. Characteristics of the studies reviewed are summarized in table 3. The main characteristics that we focused on are: 2.1.1. Size of the Sample Except for one study which used a data base of 20,161 Indonesian firms from different manufacturing sectors, the size of the samples used in the studies reviewed ranges between 51 and 783. Most of them were drawn from multiple manufacturing industries, while just few such as (Cavusgil Kirpalani, 1993), (Singer Czinkota, 1994), and (Sriram Manu, 1995), had included in the sampling, reselling and service firms in addition to manufacturing firms. 2.1.2. Industry Context of Studies The vast majority of the reviewed studies employed samples drawn from multiple manufacturing industries. Only few have included in addition to manufacturers, reselling and service firms. Examples include (Cavusgil Kirpalani, 1993), (Singer Czinkota, 1994), and (Sriram Manu, 1995). This reflects the importance of manufacturing firms in the world economy. However, findings cannot be generalized to other industry contexts. Table 3: Characteristics of the reviewed articles Solberg 2002 Norway 150 mult manuf SML survey correlation/ anova firm Albaum, Tse 2001 Hong Kong 183 mult manuf SML survey regression firm Gencturk, Kotabe 2001 USA 162 mult manuf SML survey anova firm

Romance - Fear Of Death Gives An Aphrodisic Like Effect :: essays research papers

There are many ideals related to romance, including such things as love, excitement, violence, fear and commonly war. This is presented in such texts such as the ‘Trojan war’ where men are fighting for the love of a woman. In Romeo and Juliet where Romeo is excited by fear of the Capulets, or in ‘My Sweet old Etcetera’ where the soldier is thinking of his lady rather than of the ensuing battle. Thus it is evident that romance is commonly related to violence, danger, and fear of death (particularly in the young) often giving the effect of a potent aphrodisiac. Love has existed in many forms throughout time. There is no better example than in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In this tale, when love is most apparent, the most crucial events occur to develop this "tragedy." Juliet needed Romeo to get away from her overprotective parents who were planning her future. If Juliet were going to disobey her parents, they would have disowned her. Ironically, at the party that Lord Capulet held so that Juliet could meet her projected husband, Paris, she met her future husband, Romeo. They met by chance, looking into each other’s eyes and instantly being attracted. In the balcony scene Juliet warns Romeo of the danger to his life if her kinsmen find him there, "If they do see thee, they shall murder thee". This warning on Romeo’s life has an impression on him. However it does not make him take caution, it gives an influence making him even more excited, wanting to be with Juliet. Giving a similar effect to an a phrodisiac. The fear of death that has an effect of exhilarating Romeo is strongly reiterated in cummings "my sweet old etcetera". Where the young soldier is at war, writing to his lady. He is telling the story of how people at home had acted towards his enlistment, for instance his mother hoping he would die, and how they were hypocritical. Such as his father stating it was an honour to die for your country and that he would "if only†¦.". The soldier then shows us in his writing that with the excitement and violence of war along with the fear of his imminent death he is somewhat stimulated. To an extent that he is "dreaming" more of his woman and her body, predominantly her sexual organs, instead of the battle and fate that is soon to be upon him.

Single-Sex Schools Fail to Improve Learning Essay

In 2002, only about a dozen schools were separating the sexes, according to the National Association for Single Sex Public Education, an advocacy group. Now, an estimated 500 public schools across the country offer some all-boy and all-girl classrooms. 2Proponents argue the separation allows for a tailored instruction and cuts down on gender-driven distractions among boys and girls, such as flirting. But critics decry the movement as promoting harmful gender stereotypes and depriving kids of equal educational opportunities. The ACLU claims many schools offer the classes in a way that conflicts with the U. S. Constitution and Title IX, a federal law banning sex discrimination in education. Researchers also have weighed in. 3For many parents, the rationale for placing their child in a single-sex school is the belief that academic performance will be improved. New research finds an absence of evidence to support this assumption. Moreover, evidence does exist that sex segregation increases gender stereotyping among children and teachers and legitimizes institutional sexism. 4The findings are the crux of a new article in the journal Science that examines single-sex schooling. â€Å"Though public sentiment may have strengthened in support of such settings for improving the learning environment and outcomes for both boys and girls, the science is just not there to support this,† said Richard Fabes, Ph. D. , one of the authors of the Science article. 5The Study authors cite evidence that single-sex and coeducational outcomes are equal. Similar large-scale reviews in Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand found little overall difference between single-sex and mixed-sex academic outcomes. Talk to our students and our graduates and they’ll tell you about the value of learning in an environment where competitive and collaborative spirits are unleashed in the absence of gender-based expectations. 6Another misconception rebutted in the article is the claim that boys and girls learn differently. Study authors said that this premise is not supported by research as neuroscientists have found few differences in children’s brains beyond the larger volume of boys’ brains and the earlier completion of girls’ brain growth — neither of which is known to relate to learning. 7Critics of single-sex education argue that socializing, especially between genders, should be an integral part of education. â€Å"Positive and cooperative interaction with members of other sex is an effective method for improving intergroup relationships,† according to the authors. 8On the other hand, an influential conservative political movement, represented by the presidency of Ronald Reagan; public concerns about sexual freedom; a rise in unmarried–particularly teenage– pregnancy; and the growth of sexually transmitted diseases led to a reexamination of coeducational policies. There is evidence, however, that sex segregation increases gender divisions among children. â€Å"Separating boys and girls in public school classrooms makes gender very salient, and this salience reinforces stereotypes and sexism,† Fabes said. 9Moreover, for both girls and boys co-education provides a more realistic way of training young people to take their places naturally in the wider community of men and women. It helps to break down the misconceptions of each sex about the other and provides an excellent foundation for the development of realistic, meaningful and lasting relationships in later life. 10The authors note that research has shown that labeling and segregation of any form – be it, gender, eye color, or randomly assigned T-shirt groups – is detrimental as this implies that the groups differ in important ways which may lead to the development of bias. â€Å"Is it ever good to segregate on the basis of race, income or age? I think the answer is no,† Fabes said. â€Å"There is no good evidence that it is ever a good time to separate and segregate. Any form of segregation undermines rather than promotes equality. † Source: Arizona State University http://psychcentral. com/news/2011/09/23/single-sex-schools-fail-to-improve-learning/29723. html Writer’s Arguments Counterarguments Writer’s Refutation

Paul’s Missionary Journey Essay

The Apostle Paul was the great leader in the momentous transition which characterized the apostolic age, the transition from a prevailingly Jewish to a prevailingly gentile Christianity. Under his guidance Christianity was saved from atrophy’ and death, which threatened it if it remained confined in Palestine. At the same time, by reason of his insight into the truth of the Gospel and fidelity to it, as well as by his devotion to the Old Testament and loyalty to the highest Jewish ideals in which he had been reared, he saved Christianity from the moral and religious degeneracy to which it would surely have been brought if it had broken with its past, and had tried to stand alone and helpless amid the whirl of Greek religious movements of the first and second Christian centuries. In Paul a great force of onward movement and a profound and conscious radicalism were combined with fundamentally conservative principles. Paul appears to have been born at not far from the same time as Jesus Christ. According to Acts, Paul was born in Tarsus (Acts 9:11; etc. ), received the double name Saul/Paul (13:9), and through his family possessed Tarsian and Roman citizenship (22:25-29 (Murphy-O’Connor 32-33). Overall, Paul can be described as an able and thoroughly trained Jew, who had gained from his residence in a Greek city that degree of Greek education which complete familiarity with the Greek language and the habitual use of the Greek translation of the Scriptures could bring. At bottom he ever remained the Jew, in his feelings, his background of ideas, and his mode of thought, but he knew how to make tolerably intelligible to Greek readers the truths in which, as lie came to believe, lay the satisfaction of their deepest needs. At Jerusalem Paul entered ardently into the pursuit of the Pharisaic ideal of complete conformity in every particular to the Law. He was, he tells us, â€Å"found blameless† (to every eye but that of his own conscience), and, he says, â€Å"I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers†. With fiery passion he entered into the persecution of the Christian sect, was present and took a kind of part at the murder of Stephen, and undertook to carry on the work of suppression outside of Palestine at Damascus, whither he journeyed for this purpose with letters of introduction from the authorities at Jerusalem (Murphy-O’Connor 52-57). At this time took place his conversion. That he was converted, and at or near Damascus, his own words leave no doubt. â€Å"I persecuted,† he says in writing to the Galatians, â€Å"the Church of God. . . But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus† (Gal i. 13-17). The change evidently presented itself to Paul’s mind as a direct divine interposition in his life. It came to him in a revelation of Jesus Christ, whereby (and through no human intermediary) he received the Gospel which he preached, and the commission to be an apostle. He refers to it as to a single event and an absolute change of direction, not a gradual process and development; the two parts of his life stood sharply contrasted, he did not conceive that he had slid by imperceptible stages from one to the other. â€Å"What things [i. e. his advantages of birth and Jewish attainment] were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ . . . or whom I suffered† — as if in a single moment —†the loss of all things† (Phil. iii. 7. 8). From Paul’s own words, then, we know that he was converted from a persecutor to a Christian, at a definite time and at or near Damascus, by what he considered to be the direct interposition of God; and it seems to be this experience of which he thought as a vision of the risen Christ (Hubbard 176-77). After Paul’s conversion, which took place in the latter part of the reign of Tiberius (14-37 a. d. ), about fifteen years passed before the missionary career began of which we have knowledge from Acts and from Paul’s own epistles. During this time Paul was first in Arabia, that is in some part of the empire of which Damascus was the most famous city, then in Damascus, and later, after a brief visit to Jerusalem, in Cilicia, doubtless at his old home Tarsus. In this period we may suppose that he was adjusting his whole system of thought to the new centre which had established itself in his mind, the Messiahship of Jesus. With the new basis in mind every part of his intellectual world must have been thought through. Especially, we may believe, will he have studied the relation of Christian faith to the old dispensation and to the ideas of the prophets. The fruit of these years we have in the matured thought of the epistles. They show a steadiness of view and a readiness of resource in the use of the Old Testament, which testify to through work in the time of preparation. Epistles written years apart, like Galatians, Romans and Philippians, surprise us by their uniformity of thought and unstrained similarity of language, in spite of the richness and vivacity of Paul’s thought and style. So, for the most part, the characteristic ideas even of Epliesians and Colossians are found suggested in germ in Corinthians and the earlier epistles. Paul’s epistles represent the literary flowering of a mind prepared by years of study and reflection (Murphy-O’Connor 90-95). At Paul’s missionary journey and the beginning then made of churches in Asia Minor we have already looked in a previous chapter. After his return to Antioch followed that great and pivotal occasion of early Christian history, the so-called Council, or Conference, at Jerusalem, described in the fifteenth chapter of Acts and by Paul in the second chapter of Galatians. At that time Paul established his right to carry on the work of Christian missions in accordance with his own principles and his own understanding of the Christian religion. His relation with the Twelve Apostles seems then and at all times to have been cordial. His difficulties came from others in the Jewish Church. To this we know of only one exception, apparently somewhat later than the Conference, the occasion at Antioch when Peter under pressure from Jerusalem withdrew from fellowship with the gentile brethren, and called out from Paul the severe rebuke of which we read in Galatians. There is reason to believe that the rebuke accomplished its purpose. At any rate, at a later time there is no evidence of a continued breach. The idea of missionary travel had evidently taken possession of Paul, for after returning from Jerusalem to Antioch he soon started out again, and was incessantly occupied with missionary work from now until the moment of his arrest at Jerusalem. Leaving Antioch on his second journey he and his companions hurried across Asia Minor, stopping only, it would appear, to revisit and inspect churches previously established. They were led by the Holy Spirit, as the writer of Acts believed, to direct their course westward as rapidly as possible to Greece, which was to be the next stage in the path to the capital of the world. In Macedonia and Achaia Paul and his companions worked with varying success at Philippi, Thessalonica, Ber? a, Athens, Corinth. At Corinth, the chief commercial city of Greece, the Christians arrived in the late autumn. The work opened well, and Paul remained at that important centre until a year from the following spring. The date of his arrival cannot be exactly determined, but is probably one of the five years between 49 and 53 a. d. While at Corinth he wrote the First and (if it is genuine) the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians. Somewhere about this time, perhaps before leaving Antioch for this journey, the Epistle to the Galatians was written. The churches of Galatia, to which it is addressed, were probably the churches known to us in Acts as Pisithan Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. After a flying trip to Syria and perhaps to Jerusalem Paul returned to Ephesus in Asia Minor, where he settled down for a stay of three years. A few incidents of this period have been recorded in the Book of Acts, and are among the most striking and realistic that we have. They include a remarkable number of points of contact with facts known to us from archeological discoveries, and in no chapters of Acts is our confidence more fully reassured in the contemporary knowledge and the trustworthiness of the writer of the book. While at Ephesus Paul had much communication with Corinth, and wrote I Corinthians, which had clearly been preceded by another letter. There are indications in II Corinthians that after this he found the difficulties in the church at Corinth such that he wrote them at least one letter which has been lost, and made a short, and in its outcome exceedingly painful, trip to Corinth and back to Ephesus. Finally he was impelled by danger to his life to leave Ephesus, and went through Macedonia to Corinth. On the way he wrote, to prepare for his own presence, the epistle we call II Corinthians. Arriving at Corinth in the early winter he stayed until spring. His literary impulse continued active, and to this winter we owe the Epistle to the Romans. Earlier letters had been’ called out by special need in one or another church; in Romans Paul comes nearer to a systematic exposition of his theology than in any of his earlier writings. He knew the importance that would surely belong to the Christian Church of Rome. He had made up his mind to go there. But first he must go to Jerusalem, and there were dangers both from the risks of travel and from hostile men. Of each hind his life had had many examples. Accordingly he provided for the Roman Christians a clear statement of his main position, together with a reply to several of the chief objections brought against it, notably the allegations that his presentation of Christianity involves the abrogation of God’s promises to his chosen people, and that it opened the way to moral laxity. This letter Paul sent as an earnest of his own visit to Rome. He had been for a year or more supervising the collection by the churches of Asia Minor and Europe of a contribution for the poor Christians at Jerusalem; the gentile churches should thus make a repayment in carnal things to those who had made them to be partakers of their spiritual things. This contribution was now ready, and Paul himself with a group of representatives of the chief churches took ship at Philippi and Troas for Jerusalem. The voyage is narrated in detail in Acts, evidently by one who was a member of the company. At last Paul reached Jerusalem, and was well received by the church; but, followed as he was by the hatred of Jews from the Dispersion who had recognized the menace to the Jewish religion proceeding from the new sect, he was set upon by a mob, rescued only by being taken in custody by the Roman authorities, and after a series of exciting adventures which will be found admirably told in the Book of Acts, was brought to C`sarea. There he stayed a prisoner for two years and more until on the occasion of a change of Roman Governor his case was brought up for trial, when he exercised the right of a Roman citizen to appeal from the jurisdiction of the Governor to that of the imperial court at Rome. It was late autumn, but he was dispatched with a companion whom we may well believe to be Luke the beloved physician, and from whom our account certainly comes. The narrative of Paul’s voyage and shipwreck, of the winter on the island of Malta, and the final arrival at Rome early in one of the years between 58 and 62 a. d. is familiar. It is the most important document that antiquity has left us for an understanding of the mode of working an ancient ship, while the picture which it gives of Paul as a practical man is a delightful supplement to our other knowledge of him(Murphy-O’Connor 324). In Rome, while under guard awaiting trial, Paul probably wrote Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and the circular letter, seemingly intended for churches in Asia Minor, known to us as Ephesians. They show some new development of ideas long present with him, and some new thoughts to which his other writings give no parallel, and the style of some of them has changed a bit from the freshness of Galatians and Romans; but these are not sufficient reasons for denying that Paul wrote the letters. They are, indeed, as it seems to me, beyond reasonable doubt genuine. The Book of Acts ends with the words, â€Å"And he [Paul] abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him, preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him. † This period of two years is sufficient to include the composition of the four epistles to which reference has just been made, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Epliesians, the so-called Epistles of the Captivity. What happened at the expiration of the period? Apparently Paul’s case, long postponed, then came to trial. Did it result in his release or his execution? The evidence is meager and conflicting, and opinions differ. It is perhaps a little more likely that he was released, and entered on further missionary work, probably carrying out his original purpose of pushing on with the proclamation of his Gospel to the west, and establishing it in Spain; but of this period there is no narrative. If after two years Paul’s imprisonment at Rome ended with his release, as the absence of well-founded charges against him would lead us to expect, he must have been later again apprehended, probably in connection with the persecution artfully turned against the Christians at the time of Nero’s fire in July of the year 64. It is probable that he was beheaded, to which privilege his Roman citizenship entitled him, and that he was ultimately buried on the Ostian Way at the spot where now stands the splendid basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Adam Smith vs. Karl Marx essays

Adam Smith vs. Karl Marx essays Both Adam Smith and Karl Marx are considered two of the top twenty most influential people in the world for the millennium. They both are respected in their views for creating a perfect society where everyone is happy. Adam Smith, a brilliant Scottish political economist philosopher born in 1723, had the goal of perfect liberty for all individuals through the capitalistic approach. While Karl Marx, born in 1818, believed in individual freedom for society and logically criticized capitalism giving reasons as to why it was irrational and why it would fall. Figuring out what kind of state will ensure the greatest freedom or liberty of individuals was their main philosophical problem. They differed in their views of human nature, the social decisions made in the society, the role of competition, and the effects of the division of labor on human beings. Perfect liberty according to Smith, will allow a system of natural liberty to establish itself in which every man, as long as he does not violate the laws of justice, is left perfectly free to pursue his own interest his own way. This self-interest produces a market and in effect produces perfect liberty. In Smiths theory of human nature, Smith suggests that human nature will turn the beneficence of the rich to the poor out of sympathy for their condition. Marx did not agree with Smiths passions of human nature and the phenomena of sympathy. Marx said that, because it was always in the economic interest of capita to take advantage of or exploit workers, nothing could persuade capitalists to change their ways. He thought peaceful progress towards equality and social justice was impossible. The only way to establish justice was for the workers to overthrow the capitalists by means of violent revolution, according to Marx. He urged workers around the world to revolt against their rulers. Marx says that all injustice and inequality is a ...

Understanding The Concepts Of Normative Development Young People Essay Essay Example

Understanding The Concepts Of Normative Development Young People Essay Essay Example Understanding The Concepts Of Normative Development Young People Essay Paper Understanding The Concepts Of Normative Development Young People Essay Paper The intent of this authorship is to show my cognition and apprehension of the term normative development . I will analyze Daniel s ( kid I carried out my kid survey on ) acquisition and development in relation to my cognition and apprehension of normative development by mentioning to the Early Years Framework Stage ( EYFS ) ( Scots Government, 2010 ) . I will demo grounds of my cognition and apprehension of two theoreticians, in which will associate in some manner to Daniel s acquisition and development. I will demo how I supported and provided suited learning chances for Daniel, by mentioning to all three visits. From this, I will measure and reflect on my ability to make this by utilizing the Pre-Birth to Three Guidance ( Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010 ) and refer to my ain experience and propose some challenges for staff lovingness for babes in early childhood Centres. Dryden et Al. ( 2005 ) utters that every kid is a alone person and will develop at different times and in different ways throughout their life. Child development is holistic ; a kid can non hold cognitive development if they do non hold linguistic communication development. When a kid develops, the development does non come on in one country and discontinues in another. ( Doherty and Hughes, 2009 ) Normative development agencies phases of development that the bulk of kids of that specific age are expected to accomplish. ( Meggit, 2006 ) . I will utilize the ( EYFS ) ( Scots Government, 2008 ) to exemplify Daniel s ( 20 four months old ) phase in larning and development. The EYFS ( Scots Government, 2008 ) suggests that kids aged between 16 and 20 six months are expected to demo marks of utilizing one and two word vocalizations to show simple and more hard messages. Daniel demonstrated this on all three visits, nevertheless was most apparent on visit two when we went to the park. Daniel chiefly used one word vocalizations, such as up , o ( travel ) , oggie ( pooch ) , you . He endeavoured to utilize two word vocalizations on visit two and three when he said, the H2O and Nana you . I took images of playthings and characters from his favorite programmes and set together a book to assist back up Daniel s linguistic communication development. Not merely do kids necessitate to hear linguistic communication being spoken to develop their linguistic communication development but societal interaction is needed besides ( Bruner, 1983 cited in Doherty and Hughes, 2008, p.311 ) . A Language Acquisition Support System ( LASS ) ( Bruner, 1983 cited in Doherty and Hughes, 2009, p.311 ) is a group of attacks used by parents/carers to farther advance the development of linguistic communication. This attack is where the grownup speaks to the kid at a more advanced degree than the kid is capable of making on their ain ( Doherty and Hughes, 2009 ) . On visit two, Daniel uses his custodies to sprinkle in the puddles and says to myself you . I used the scaffolding attack and responded by inquiring, Would you like me to utilize my custodies to sprinkle in the puddles with you? By utilizing the staging attack and inquiring Daniel if he would wish me to fall in him, has helped me measure my pattern by mentioning to one of the four key rule s in the Pre-Birth to Three Guidance ( Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010 ) Respect . I respected Daniel s wants about what he wanted to make ; he made an informed determination by leting me to attach to him in sprinkling in the puddles. ( Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010 ) . Responsive attention is another cardinal rule and is defined as: building close relationships with kids, being observant of them and meaningfully involved with them. ( Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010, p.23 ) I was tuned into Daniel s wants by detecting him and reading his signals. By making this, I noticed he was highly engrossed with playing in the puddles. I went over and became involved in what he was making by take parting aboard him. Daniel so presented what most kids of that age are expected to demo between the ages of 16 and 20 six months marks of looking for ways to acquire attending from others by drawing them into societal interaction. ( Scots Government, 2008 ) Daniel besides demonstrated he could utilize his turning physical abilities to do societal interaction ( Scots Government, 2008 ) by utilizing his custodies and pess to sprinkle in the puddles to obtain my attending. In conformity with the EYFS ( 2008 ) kids aged between 16 and 20 six months are expected to look to others for reactions which test what they know about themselves. ( Scots Government, 2008 ) . This is clear on visit one when Daniel sat on his female parent s articulatio genus, keeping onto her manus, whilst he watched the telecasting. John Bowlby s theory highlighted the significance of the fond regard between kids and their chief defender ( Sayers, 2008 ) . Daniel showed he had a strong fond regard with his female parent. Mary Ainsworth established the strange state of affairs ( Dryden et al. 2005, p. 78 ) where the babe and female parent are in a room playing, the female parent so leaves the room, go forthing the alien in the room with the babe. The bulk of the clip, this experiment resulted in the kid being discerning and uneasy at their female parent s disappearing. ( Dryden et al. 2005 ) . On visit one, Daniel showed marks of anxiety when his female parent left myself in the r oom with Daniel as she went to reply the door. Daniel besides displayed on visits two and three that he can: Make picks that involve challenge, when grownups guarantee their safety ( Scots Government, 2008, p.31 ) . I used Lev Vyostsky s thought of the zone of proximal development ( ZPD ) ( Pound, 2005, p.40 ) to back up Daniel s acquisition and development in this state of affairs. The ZPD is the infinite between what a kid can make by themselves and what they can make with the support of a individual who is more adept. ( Pound, 2005 ) . On visit two, Daniel indicated he wanted to travel on the mounting frame by stating up . I assisted Daniel with his permission and ensured his safety by traveling up the mounting frame behind him. Visit three, Daniel besides demonstrated this phase of development when he began to mount up the chute backwards at the swimming baths. I ensured Daniel s safety by patterning how to travel up chute the right manner and by keeping his manus to mount the stairss. I can associate my pattern to the cardinal rule Relationships in the Pre-Birth to Three Guidance ( Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010 ) as I strongly believe a connexion was made between Daniel and I when I helped him mount up the mounting frame on visit two. Besides, on visit three when I modelled and helped him mount the stairss on the chute by keeping his manus. A farther key rule I can associate my pattern to is Responsive attention ( Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010 ) because I readily responded to what Daniel wanted to make, I believe Daniel began to swear myself and felt safe and unafraid when I assisted him. ( Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010 ) As antecedently mentioned, Daniel and his female parent have a strong fond regard. Daniel showed anxiety when he was left in the room with myself on visit one when his female parent went to reply the door. This could be a possible challenge for early childhood practicians working with this age group as Daniel may take a piece settling into babys room as his fond regard with his female parent is really strong. It is clear Daniel is still unsure when being left entirely with aliens myself on visit one. Other members of staff/adults may walk in and out of the room who Daniel do non cognize, which may ensue in him acquiring upset, which once more could dispute practicians. Consulting with Daniel s female parent, she informed me that Daniel has neer attended drama group but interacts good with Dion ( Daniel s female parent s friends small miss ) . On visit one Dion came to see Daniel and I observed how they interacted with one another. Before long, Daniel hit Dion because Dion wanted her Wellington boot back. This may be a possible challenge for practicians working with this age group as Daniel does non cognize at this phase how to play with other kids because he has non had the experience. He besides demonstrated aggressive behavior towards Dion which may be a farther challenge for practicians. The grownup to child ratio for under 3s is one grownup to five kids. Daniel is an lone kid and thrives to derive grownup attending. Daniel s demands are responded to instantly by his household as he is an lone kid, it is certain from visit one if Daniel does non acquire what he wants he will shout. This may be a challenge for practicians as each are responsible for five kids and may happen it hard to react to every kid s demands. It has been said that parents are their kid s chief pedagogue ( Whalley, 2007 ) and is hence highly of import to affect them in their kid s acquisition and development ( Ward, 2009 ) . Throughout the kid survey, I involved Daniel s female parent through initial meetings to discourse Daniel s involvements, general information, his acquisition and development and what my following stairss were in taking this further. Throughout the kid survey I respected and valued the information Daniel s female parent gave me in respects to Daniel. For kids to develop successfully and make their full potency, a strong positive relationship between parents, instructors and professional health professionals is indispensable ( Hobart and Frankel, 2003, p.1 ) A relationship was built between Daniel s female parent and I as we both connected and came to understandings on suited acquisition chances for Daniel. Trust was besides created as Daniel s female parent allowed me to interact and invent appropriate acquisition chances for Daniel s age and phase of development. ( Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010 ) In decision, Mentions Doherty, J. Hughes, M. ( 2009 ) Child Development: Theory and Practice 0 -11 England: Pearson Education Limited Dryden, L. et Al. ( 2005 ) Essential Early Years Abington: Hodder Arnold. Hobart, C. Frankel, R J. ( 2003 ) . A Practical Guide to Working with Parents. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Ltd. Pound, L. ( 2005 ) How Children Learn London: Step Forward Publishing Limited Learning and Teaching Scotland. ( 2010 ) Pre-Birth to Three: Positive Results for Scotland s Children and Families: National Guidance. Glasgow: Learning and Teaching Scotland Scots Government ( 2008 ) Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Nottingham: Scots Government Ward, U. ( 2009 ) Working with Parents in Early Old ages Settings Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd. Whalley, M and the Pen Green Centre Team. ( 2007 ) Involving Parents in their Children s Learning ( 2nd Edition ) London: Paul Chapman Printing

How to Handle Your Job Search During the Holidays

How to Handle Your Job Search During the Holidays while you might think job searching during the holidays is a waste of effort, nothing could be further from the truth. there are fewer job seekers during the holiday season, employers are shorter on applicants and recruiters are less busy. that makes it the perfect time to reach out and find that great job. so get your retail resume ready and start applying to retail jobs. here are a few tips that can get you moving to make a success of your holiday job search. 1. take a temporary jobmany employers add on extra help during the holidays, and this is a good time to pick up a temporary job or part-time job that might lead to something permanent. this is a particularly good time to find sales jobs, retail jobs and customer service jobs. hospitality job availability also picks up during the holidays and has openings in restaurants, hotels and other businesses.2.  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢tis the season to reconnectthe holiday season is a good time to reconnect with former co-workers, friends, family and individuals you know who might have a lead on a job. sending holiday cards or emails with an upbeat notation on how you are job searching may end up with leads or recommendations. if you aren’t sure what holidays these individuals celebrate, a new year’s greeting is always appropriate.3. do volunteer workthe holidays are a time when many charitable organizations are fundraising and need more volunteers. this is an opportunity to meet new people and network. it also looks good on a resume to show that you are active in the community and support worthy causes.4. attend holiday eventspeople who attend holiday get-togethers, events and parties are normally in a good mood because they are enjoying themselves. this can be a good opportunity to take along a few of your business cards and, if someone expresses interest or knows of a good job opening, you can hand them one of your cards. afterward, don’t forget to express appreciation for their help.5. remain flexiblere cruiters are extremely busy people, but less so during the holidays because many people stop looking for jobs this time of year. because competition is less, this may be a good time to talk to a recruiter. try to remain flexible if you can get an interview, because it may be difficult to fit you in at a different time. many recruiters work through the holiday season, so it is a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity.6. check your resumeif you are finding fewer job opportunities during the holidays, this might be a time to take a look at your resume. ensure that all information is up-to-date, and change any parts that could benefit from a fresher approach. don’t forget about your linkedin account. this may be a good time to do some updating, rewriting and have a more flattering photo taken for your profile.7. create your own websitehaving your own personal website is an ideal way to get your skills and accomplishments known. however, it takes some time to create one, a nd fashioning your own website over the holidays may be good timing. by showing this website to hiring managers, you have more opportunity to make a good impression and expand information on your skills.sometimes, adjustments have to be made when you are conducting a job search at certain times of the year. however, being proactive is the best way to find that job you want. thejobnetwork searches for jobs fitting your description around the clock and notifies you of each one by sending you an email alert. you only fill out what your qualifications and job interests are in order to get started. sign up for job match alert, and we do the rest.

The democratic and participative management styles Essay

The democratic and participative management styles - Essay Example When the employees feel that they are being involved in the decision-making process, they tend to give more feedback and ideas that may be beneficial for the management. It is in fact, the employees at the bottom level who are doing most of the hands-on job of the organization. Allowing them to take part in the decision-making process gives them the idea that management is willing to listen to them and to consider them as important members of the organization not just robots that they command to do certain things.  In the consultative style, the management raises the issue with the employees and considers the employees’ ideas and opinions regarding the issue. The employees become part of the decision-making process because the management opens its doors for feedback and opinions of the employees. This is the same for the participative management style. The difference lies in the final decision-making process. In the consultative style, the management takes responsibility and accountability of the final decision. The final decision may be influenced by the employees’ feedback. With this, the management makes the employees feel they are involved in the decision-making process but they do not share the responsibility of the decision. The management is able to create an open environment, however, the downside of this style happens when the management’s decision does not conform to the majority or minority of the group. This might create a feeling of rejection for those who gave.

Weekly ass. #3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Weekly ass. #3 - Essay Example This has changed the dynamics of a workplace. Workers can communicate with their counterparts in different parts of the world instantaneously without distance being a barrier. Also they can access software programs, company records located in different locations at will with the right authorisations. Today’s businesses can have a global workplace spread across different countries and perform their activities and services as though it was all at one location (Guffey et al., 2009; 70). E-commerce has matured in a great way and made it possible not only for service-based companies but also product-based companies to bring down the boundary barriers. Physical presence is no more a necessity (Steinfield et al., 2001). With virtual presence businesses can now handle all activities. Even product delivery (of tangible goods) can be fulfilled with the assistance of logistics suppliers and courier services. This means a company located in one part of the world can have a product delivered to another part with just having a virtual presence. An example of this is the outsourcing of customer support centres. Customer support centres are very important for any business to satisfy the customers. Unlike the past, customer support centres are no more needed to be in parent country but can be located in any part of the world and still function effectively. Steinfield, Charles, Harry Bouwman, and Thomas Adelaar. "Combining Physical and Virtual Channels: Opportunities, Imperatives and Challenges." MSU. N.p., 25 Jun 2001. Web. 7 Feb 2012.

Leadership Bachelor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Leadership Bachelor - Essay Example However, should there be any lapses, which is the one to be blamed If there are irregularities, which are those people responsible Or which brain should conceptualize the plan in order to achieve success How can the people inside the team with different tasks and interests be guided with regards to their movement and execution of plans In these cases, it all boils down to one individual-The Leader. We all know that a team is composed of many individuals, but how important is the leader in unifying these individuals and to achieve the needed success of an endeavor or certain project Leader is defined as the one organizes or is in charge of the group or something that leads or guides others (allwords.com 1). In layman's term he is the one who is in charge of the team, the standard bearer per se. How vital is the performance of the leader in order to obtain the desired output Up to what extent does the leader takes over especially if he or she leads the team. These are only some of the questions that are in need to be answered in order for us to know the importance of a leader on a certain team. It is a common connotation that when the word team is used, it has something to do with sports. Perhaps, let us also take a look in this field. In almost all of the team sport, there are leaders in and off the playing court. A coach perhaps can be considered as leader as he is the one who creates and induces his system with regards to the performance of his players in each and every game. The quarterback in American football, point guard in basketball, libero in volleyball and stopper in football. All do have different designations but has the same impact and importance in the team. They lead the team in scoring and in defense. It is also said that they can make or unmake the team, so what's with these leaders that the whole team depends on them It is said that an organization regardless of its nature whether it is a business, political party, alliance et cetera is a form of team. They all have leaders. In most cases, the leaders are the ones whom they look up to whether they are into the peak of the success or into the bitterness of defeat. A team is defined as a group of people working on a common goal, with different task and interdependent with each other. This means that a certain team cannot succeed by an effort of an individual but rather an effort of different individuals with a common goal; they are united with a driving force. However, their efforts will almost be next to inutile, if no one will act to be the head or the leader of that team. Primarily, the main concern of the team leader is to ensure that the team's plan in order to succeed is properly executed. Tam leader must also know the strengths and weaknesses of each and every individual member in order to ensure that the manpower that is delegated to perform specific task can deliver the goods. The leader must also be a good follower like the old saying with regards to the leaders. They should always follow the rules that the team has prescribed for its members. With all these facts laid, it always boils down to one question. How important is leadership to a team Does it have an impact to a team considering a team is comprised of many individuals Sometimes leadership in team particularly in organization is

Cybersecurity Best Practices Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Cybersecurity Best Practices - Assignment Example The safety of one’s computer, network or personal information need to be protected by viruses, identity thieves, malware and any other form of threat. The steps to be taken to protect the above and safeguard personal systems shall be addressed in relation to two case studies analysed herein. Upon receiving a new computer for the home environment, it is necessary to ensure this system is as secure as possible. Both the computer and the home network need to be protected from viruses, hackers and malware. The home network should be guarded from external threats because it is used to perform sensitive transactions such as online banking services, online shopping among others that may require one to share private information. It is this information that hackers seek access to, in order to attempt to steal a person’s identity and use their credit card information or bank details, for example, to access the victim’s finances. In addition to numerous security tools and programs that one can install into their computer and use to keep the system secure, it is advisable to take an interest in hacking methods, so that one knows when their system is under threat. It is due to this type of negligence that many victims fail to prepare themselves properly in case of an attack. This lack of preparedness has also seen efforts to recover from cyber-attacks rendered ineffective. Such information can be found online in trusted websites, with training on the latest hacking methods and scams being identified and addressed. It is therefore important for individuals to take up some time and learn about hacking and methods of countering the same. In order to secure this type of network, the following steps should be undertaken. The setting up of a home network has the advantage that an individual can have access to the internet from any point within the premises either

Chemical Substances Fungicides Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Chemical Substances Fungicides - Essay Example As the paper highlights fungicides work include the following; there are specific fungicides that impairs synthesis of the genetic material in fungi thus avoiding synthesis of major fungi constituents that are necessary for life, enzyme and other cell components are not produced and eventually the cells die .Another group of fungi are known hinder electron transport system which is essential for the physiological function of the fungi like the oxidative phosphorilation, an important process in respiration. Inhibition of protein synthesis is also a way in which fungicides arrest the fungal growth, this indicates that it stops the all important processes of transcription and translation hence death results. Membrane synthesis can also affected making the fungi cells vulnerable to the process of osmosis that is, the selective nature of the membrane ceases and the cells suffers lysis.Mitosis and cell division of the fungi can also be affected leading to no propagation of the pathogens, t his leads to reduction of the fungi population, in this case the propagative spores are affected. Some fungicides have multisite effect; they affect almost all parts of the fungi including the mycelium that are used by the fungi to absorb materials for their use, water being an example. From this study it is clear that even though the use of fungicides has become popular in increasing crop production in terms of quantity and quality, it should be clearly noted that when consumed, they have a devastating effect on human; some chemicals used to make the fungicides are carcinogenic and can induce chaotic division of cells resulting into tumours.They are also toxic and can lead to chronic or acute poisoning depending on the lethal dose of the fungicides. Long time exposures to the chemicals have also been known to cause sterility.

Control System -inkwell Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Control System -inkwell - Coursework Example A review of this system is targeted at enhancing how the company handles its employees’ remuneration and other work packages. In this report, the chosen system for review is the payroll system, whose investigations are expected to provide a summation of the entire accounting system that is in operation in the organisation. A study of Inkwell’s payroll system shall entail an in-depth examination of the organisational activities such as the tax management, tracking of taxes that have been withheld, analysis of the record of hours employees work, and a record of the paychecks issued to employees (Bragg, 2006.p.125-129). To assess the payroll system being used by the company with the motive to provide recommendations for its improvement in efficient employee management. The payroll system, being a core accounting system is essential to the management as it streamlines the organisation’s ability to stay on top of its regulatory and legal responsibilities. Therefore, this report shall seek to identify the weaknesses within the organisation’s payroll system, and determine the needs that require improvement. Therefore, the report shall outline the cost-benefits analysis of implementing the payroll system’s improvements in Inkwell Limited (Bragg, 2003.p.85-92). It is expected that as a result of this review, it would be possible for the payroll system being used to effectively process payroll reports that can be used to make tax withholding summaries. The covering of this system’s evaluation in this report has been achieved as part of an accounting assessment, which is part of the AAT level 4 accounting. 2.1 Inkwell Limited is a Limited Company with a larger section of its operations majored in the private sector. However, its specialisation in the re-manufacturing or re-cycling of used laser toner and printer cartridges. The company’s sales targets are achieved by distributing its products through a nationwide chain that comprises over 60 high

Chemical Substances Fungicides Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Chemical Substances Fungicides - Essay Example As the paper highlights fungicides work include the following; there are specific fungicides that impairs synthesis of the genetic material in fungi thus avoiding synthesis of major fungi constituents that are necessary for life, enzyme and other cell components are not produced and eventually the cells die .Another group of fungi are known hinder electron transport system which is essential for the physiological function of the fungi like the oxidative phosphorilation, an important process in respiration. Inhibition of protein synthesis is also a way in which fungicides arrest the fungal growth, this indicates that it stops the all important processes of transcription and translation hence death results. Membrane synthesis can also affected making the fungi cells vulnerable to the process of osmosis that is, the selective nature of the membrane ceases and the cells suffers lysis.Mitosis and cell division of the fungi can also be affected leading to no propagation of the pathogens, t his leads to reduction of the fungi population, in this case the propagative spores are affected. Some fungicides have multisite effect; they affect almost all parts of the fungi including the mycelium that are used by the fungi to absorb materials for their use, water being an example. From this study it is clear that even though the use of fungicides has become popular in increasing crop production in terms of quantity and quality, it should be clearly noted that when consumed, they have a devastating effect on human; some chemicals used to make the fungicides are carcinogenic and can induce chaotic division of cells resulting into tumours.They are also toxic and can lead to chronic or acute poisoning depending on the lethal dose of the fungicides. Long time exposures to the chemicals have also been known to cause sterility.

Synergetic Solutions Report Essay Example for Free

Synergetic Solutions Report Essay Just like individuals, organizations experience change as they move through life. Change can happen for a variety of reasons, but in the end organizations change how they do things and often how they are structured to better meet their goals- and very commonly, to grow (Feigenbaum, 2014). Synergetic Solutions, Inc is a $6 million company in the business of system integration-assembling and reselling leading computer brands. Two years ago, driven by the stagnating system integration market, Harold Redd, the Chief Executive Officer of Synergetic Solutions, made forays into the network solutions business of designing and implementing complex computing networks. Synergetic recently landed an order worth $1.2 million for designing a network, while orders worth $5 million are in the pipeline. Consequently, the network solution business accounts for 20% of the total revenues of the company, which stand at $6 million at present. Encouraged by this promising start, Harold Redd has made an important strategic decision. He has decided to focus on the networking solutions business and raise its revenues to 80% of total sales (Human Relations and Organizational Behavior, 2014). Internal/External Forces of Change External forces that an organization has determine the internal forces that drive the change. In order for an organization to be successful, they must be able to adapt and recognize the internal and external forces of change. The external forces of change within Synergetic Solutions are competition, technology, and customer demands. If a business wants to stay competitive, it must change the way it does business and operates. In addition, it must change what services or products it offers to its customers. Harold Redd, knew that in order for his company to stay competitive he needed to redesign his business and move from just assembling and reselling leading computer brands to the network solutions business of designing and implementing complex computing networks. Technology is continually changing jobs and organizations (Robbins Judge, 2011, Chapter 18, p.590). Technology is a positive external force of change as it improves efficiencies and processes within the company. Investing in upgrading technology also allows the organization to stay competitive as an employee will be able to be more productive. Customer demands are also another external force within  Synergetic Solutions. Synergetic recently landed an order worth $1.2 million for designing a network, while orders worth $5 million are in the pipeline (Human Relations and Organizational Behavior, 2014). In order to not lose customers to the competition, organizations need to be able to have the capabilities to fulfill their customers needs. This involves making sure that technology and tools are up-to-date as well as the employees are trained on the new processes. The internal forces of change within Synergetic Solutions are the culture, the organizational structure and increasing revenue. Organizational culture includes an organizations expectations, experiences, philosophy, and values that hold it together, and is expressed in its self-image, inner workings, interactions with the outside world, and future expectations (Organizational Culture, 2014). Because of external forces of change like technology, competition, and cu stomer demands, it causes internal forces of change within Synergetic Solutions like culture, for example. Policies, procedures and expectations within a culture sometimes have to be revised or developed because of new processes and new ways of doing business. The employees also have to be trained on these new processes or new employees with the relevant skill-sets to perform the job, will be hired. Most employees within Synergetic Solutions have a limited skill-set, in which they only have the basic computer assembling and troubleshooting skills (Human Relations and Organizational Behavior, 2014). Another internal force of change is organizational structure. Because of the conflicts occurring between the team leaders and the functional heads with regards to the projects, it was necessary to restructure the organizational structure within Synergetic Solutions. The work environment and the organizational structure was redesigned in which we moved from the present departmental structure to a new team-based structure. We realigned the employees into project teams. We allowed the employees to express their concerns with regards to projects and changes and their concerns were addressed. Because of the restructuring, there is better coordination between the team members. Another internal force of change is the goal of the CEO, Harold Redd, to increase revenues of the networking solutions business from 20% of sales to 80% of sales by the end of the next nine months. In order to successfully meet the goal of increasing revenue, change has to occur internally within the organization  ranging from improving processes to upgrading employee skill-sets. Implementing Change The factors that a leader need to consider to implement a change strategy successfully in this organization is that they need to make sure that there are clear and concise guidelines, policies, and procedures for the changes so that the employees do not revert back to their old behaviors. Another factor to consider is to make sure that the employees understand the reason for the change and have the necessary skill-sets to adapt to the change, so that they will be less likely to resist the changes. There are several change models that a leader might utilize to implement change within an organization. One change model that the leader might use to implement change within Synergetic Solutions is: Lewins Three-Step Model. Kurt Lewin argued that successful change in organizations should follow three steps: unfreezing the status quo, movement to a desired end state, and refreezing the new change to make it permanent state (Robbins Judge, 2011, Chapter 18, p.596). Within the unfreezing stag e, the company is evaluating and determining what needs to change and why it needs to change within the organization. The existing system needs to be broken down before a new way of operating can be installed (Change Management Consultant, 2014). You have to compel people to understand that the old ways cannot continue in order for the company to grow (Change Management Consultant, 2014). Because Harold Redd decided to make a strategic decision to focus on the networking solutions business, this caused changes within the organization to occur. During the transition stage, the organization starts to transition into the changes that were determined during the unfreezing stage. Within this stage, the leader is trying to show the employees how the changes will benefit them, as well as the company. Its important to communicate and keep your employees involved in the changes. Hold meetings to communicate the changes and address the employee concerns. Once the employees trust and understand the reasons for the change, they will be more willing to accept the change and adapt to it. During the refreezing stage, the changes that were made are becoming stabilized. At this stage, the employees are understanding the changes made and becom ing comfortable with the changes. You have to make sure that the changes stick, so that the employees do not  revert back to the old ways. Throughout the Lewin Three-Step Model, effective communication is important. You have to ensure that you keep the lines of communication open so that employees can voice their concerns about the changes implemented. You also need to ensure that you hold meetings to make sure that the employees are utilizing the new way of operating within the organization. Another change model that the leader might utilize is: Organizational Development. According to Robbins Judge (2011), organizational development is a collection of change methods that try to improve organizational effectiveness and employee well-being (Chapter 18, p.598). The methods value human and organizational growth, collaborative and participative processes, and a spirit of inquiry (Robbins Judge, 2011, Chapter 18, p.599). Offering incentives to the employees for competency growth and variable pay packages motivated the employees to improve their skills in order to adapt to the changes. Realigning the employees into project teams and involving the employees by allowing them to voice their concerns would improve organizational effectiveness as well. Open and effective communication is key within this model because if the employees feel engaged, involved within the process, and if they feel support from their superiors, they will be more willing to adapt to the change. Resistance to Change Resistance to change occurs because most individuals do not like change. There are several sources for resistance to change. The kind of resistance within Synergetic Solutions is: habit, security, economic factors, fear of the unknown, and threat to expertise. Most people are stuck in their way of doing things and do not like to change. When they are confronted with change, they have the tendency to respond in their accustomed ways. People with a high need of security are likely to resist change because it threatens their feelings of safety. Changes in job tasks or established work routines can arouse economic fears if people are concerned that they wont be able to perform the new tasks or routines. Change substitutes uncertainty for the unknown. Changes in organizational patterns, may threaten the expertise of specialized groups (Robbins Judge, 2011, Chapter 18, p. 593). When employees understand the reasoning and logic behind a change, they will be more committed to adapt to the c hange. One way that Synergetic  Solutions can manage resistance to change is by educating and communicating to the employees the logic behind the change. Another way is by building support and commitment. You can develop a skill-set training program for the employees that will help them with the transition of the change, so that they will not have anxiety. Allowing the employees to participate, be involved and have a voice within the change process is another way in which the leader can manage resistance. Another way is to develop positive relationships. When an employee trusts the leader implementing the changes, they will be more willing to adapt to and accept the changes. Based off this analysis and the implementation of the numerous changes, Synergetic Solutions is definitely heading toward the direction of becoming a networking design hothouse. As long as Synergetic Solutions maintains the changes implemented, they will be successful and stay competitive. To survive in market environments where change is the only constant, organizations need to be agile, flexible, and capable of adapting to change quickly (Human Relations and Org anizational Behavior, 2014). References Change Management Consultant. (2014). Kurt Lewin Three Phases Change Theory. Retrieved from http://www.change-management-consultant.com/kurt-lewin.html Feigenbaum, E., (2014). Define Organization Change. Demand Media. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/define-organization-change-2786.html Human Relations and Organizational Behavior. (2014). UOP; Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/vendors/tata/sims/hrob/organization/hrob_organization_frame.html Organizational Culture. (2014). Business Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/organizational-culture.html Robbins, S.P., Judge, T.A. (2011). Organizational Behavior (14th ed). Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.