Consumer Buying Process

Consumer Buying Process A vast number of existing formulations of consumer decision making assume that consumers go through a specified succession of mental and behavioral stages in their decision processes as they engage in a convoluted search of the set of available alternatives to make a purchase.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Consumer Buying Process specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A widespread characteristic of many of the formulations is that they are grounded on hierarchy-of-effects models postulating that on their way from identifying the need for a particular product/service to making the actual purchase, consumers move in one direction through a given sequence which involves or incorporates a set of stages (Dellaert Haubl, 2012). The present report employs the five-stage consumer decision process to critically analyze the online buying process of an Olympus digital camera from the marketer’s point of view. First introduc ed by John Dewey in the formative years of the last century, the five-stage consumer decision process continues to take the center stage in the marketing domain as scholars and practitioners attempt to understand consumer decision making and buying processes (Tanner Raymond, 2010). The first stage – problem recognition – is undoubtedly the critical stage of consumer buying process by virtue of the fact that consumers must first recognize a need for the purchase to happen. Extant literature demonstrates that this stage of the buying process is hinged on the extent of departure from homeostasis, the balance between the consumer’s actual state of affairs and the desired end state (Tanner Raymond, 2010). In this regard, the need/problem to buy the digital camera from online sites was recognized when the departure from homeostasis was acute enough due to an oncoming holiday, and this unfulfilled need/problem required a resolution in the form of a purchase to satisf y the situation. The second stage of the five-stage consumer buying process is the information search, where consumers begin collecting information from numerous sources about the products they need using internal or external search techniques (Dellaert Haubl, 2012).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The search for the digital camera was done internally, where information about the desired digital camera models was recalled from memory and was intrinsically determined by existing knowledge about the models, along with the capacity to retrieve relevant product information from online product reviews and Websites. Based on need recognition and internal information search, it was then decided that the desired alternative models included Nikon, Sony, Philips and Olympus. It is important to illuminate the fact that it is at this stage of the process where advertisers and marketers have the opportunity to influence a customer’s purchasing decision, particularly if the customer applies the external search as it involves largely personal interaction by word-of-mouth or mass-market communication (Tanner Raymond, 2010). Evaluation of alternatives is the third stage of the five-stage consumer buying process and entails evaluating the alternatives and selecting the one that meets the consumer needs and expectations (Dellaert Haubl, 2012). In this phase of the sequence, consumers evaluate product/service benefits and drawbacks and may allocate priorities to various features and specifications to assist them select the best choice (Tanner Raymond, 2010). In this view, the criteria employed to conduct an alternative evaluation for the digital camera included price considerations, brand name and reputation, gadget specifications, quality, country of origin as well as the location convenience of the online sellers’ eBay, Buy.com, CeX and SiteS ell. It is important to note that some dimensions, such as price, quality and brand name, had a greater impact than other presumably contingent dimensions during the evaluation of the mentioned alternatives. Overall, the Olympus digital camera topped the list of alternatives based on the mentioned criteria The fourth stage of the consumer decision/buying process is the purchase decision, which is initiated after the consumer has carefully reflected on all of the factors relating to the product, and has shopped around for the best option based on need/expectations and if the product will solve their problem (Dellaert Haubl, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Consumer Buying Process specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Extant literature identifies three purchase decision categories that consumers usually follow – fully planned purchase (both product/service and brand are selected prior to visiting the store), partially planned purchase (consumer makes an intention to purchase the product/service but brand selection is delayed pending shopping) and impulse purchase (consumer selects both the product/service and brand upon visiting the store) (Tanner Raymond, 2010). A fully planned purchase of Olympus digital camera was made at eBay since the product and brand had already been decided prior to visiting the eBay site to make the purchase. The choice of eBay was due to contingent and situational considerations, including convenient delivery, onsite product promotion and huge discounts. The concluding stage of the buying process is the post-purchase evaluation of the purchasing decision, during which consumers not only deliberate their experience after the purchase but also attempt to establish if their purchasing decision was the right one (Tanner Raymond, 2010). The Olympus digital camera was deeply satisfying due to its elaborate features and quality, but also due to the fact that collea gues and friends fell in love with the gadget during the holidays. Advertisers and marketers may use such elicitation of positive results with a particular product/service to influence consumers decision/buying process for future similar purchases, particularly at the phases of problem recognition and information search (Tanner Raymond, 2010). References Dellaert, B.G.C., Haubl, G. (2012). Searching in choice mode: Consumer decision processes in product search with recommendations. Journal of Marketing Research, 49(2), 277-288. Tanner, J., Raymond, M.A. (2010). Principles of Marketing. New York, NY: Flat World Knowledge, Inc.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

An Introduction to Inti and the Inca Sun God

An Introduction to Inti and the Inca Sun God The Inca culture of Western South America had a complex religion and one of their most important deities was Inti, the Sun. There were many temples to Inti and Sun worship affected many aspects of life for the Inca, including architecture, festivals and the semi-divine status of the royal family. The Inca Empire The Inca Empire stretched from present-day Colombia to Chile and included most of Peru and Ecuador. The Inca were an advanced, wealthy culture with sophisticated record-keeping, astronomy and art. Originally from the Lake Titicaca area, the Inca were once one tribe of many in the high Andes, but they began a systematic program of conquest and assimilation and by the time of their first contact with Europeans their Empire was vast and complex. Spanish conquistadors under Francisco Pizarro first encountered the Inca in 1533 and swiftly conquered the Empire. Inca Religion Inca religion was complicated and incorporated many aspects of the sky and nature. The Inca had a pantheon of sorts: major Gods who had individual personalities and duties. The Inca also venerated countless huacas: these were minor spirits that inhabited places, things and sometimes people. A huaca could be anything that stood out from its surroundings: a large tree, a waterfall, or even a person with a curious birthmark. The Inca also venerated their dead and considered the royal family to be semi-divine, descended from the Sun. Inti, the Sun God Of the major gods, Inti, the Sun God, was second only to Viracocha, the creator god, in importance. Inti was higher-ranking than other gods such as the Thunder God and Pachamama, the Earth Mother. The Inca visualized Inti as a man: his wife was the Moon. Inti was the Sun and controlled all that implies: the Sun brings warmth, light and sunshine necessary for agriculture. The Sun (in conjunction with the Earth) had the power over all food: it was by his will that crops grew and animals thrived. The Sun God and the Royal Family The Inca royal family believed they were directly descended from Apu Inti (Lord Sun) through the first great Inca ruler, Manco Capac. The Inca royal family was therefore considered semi-divine by the people. The Inca himself - the word Inca actually means King or Emperor although it now refers to the entire culture - was considered very special and subject to certain rules and privileges. Atahualpa, the last true Emperor of the Inca, was the only one observed by the Spaniards. As the descendant of the Sun, his every whim was fulfilled. Anything he touched was stored away, later to be burned: these included everything from half-eaten ears of corn to sumptuous cloaks and clothing. Because the Inca royal family identified themselves with the Sun, it is no accident that the greatest temples in the Empire were dedicated to Inti. The Temple of Cuzco The greatest temple in the Inca Empire was the temple of the Sun in Cuzco. The Inca people were rich in gold, and this temple was unrivalled in its magnificence. It was known as Coricancha (Golden Temple) or Inti Cancha or Inti Wasi (Temple of the Sun or House of the Sun). The temple complex was massive, and included quarters for the priests and servants. There was a special building for the mamaconas, women who served the Sun and even slept in the same room as one of the Sun idols: they were said to be his wives. The Incas were master stonemasons and the temple represented the pinnacle of Inca stonework: parts of the temple are still visible today (the Spanish built a Dominican church and convent on the site). The temple was full of golden objects: some walls were covered in gold. Much of this gold was sent to Cajamarca as part of Atahualpas Ransom. Sun Worship Much Inca architecture was designed and built to assist in the worship of the Sun, Moon and stars. The Inca often built pillars which marked the position of the Sun at the solstices, which were celebrated by grand festivals. The Inca lords would preside at such festivals. In the great temple of the Sun, a high-ranking Inca woman – generally the sister of the reigning Inca, if one were available – was in charge of the cloistered women who served as the Sun’s â€Å"wives.† The priests observed holy days such as solstices and prepared the appropriate sacrifices and offerings. Eclipses The Inca could not predict solar eclipses, and when one occurred, it tended to trouble them greatly. The diviners would attempt to figure out why Inti was displeased, and sacrifices would be offered. The Inca rarely practiced human sacrifice, but an eclipse sometimes was considered cause to do so. The reigning Inca would often fast for days after an eclipse and withdraw from public duties. Inti Raymi One of the most important religious events of the Inca was Inti Ramyi, the annual festival of the sun. It took place in the seventh month of the Inca Calendar on June 20 or 21, the date of the Summer Solstice. Inti Raymi was celebrated all over the Empire, but the main celebration took place in Cuzco, where the reigning Inca would preside over the ceremonies and festivities. It opened with the sacrifice of 100 llamas selected for brown fur. The festival lasted for several days. Statues of the Sun God and other gods were brought out, dressed up and paraded around and sacrifices were made to them. There was much drinking, singing and dancing. Special statues were made of wood, representing certain gods: these were burned at the end of the festival. After the festival, the ashes of the statues and sacrifices were brought to a special place on a hillside: only those disposing of these ashes were ever allowed to go there. Inca Sun Worship The Inca Sun god was relatively benign: he was not destructive or violent like some Aztec Sun Gods like Tonatiuh or Tezcatlipoca. He only showed his wrath when there was an eclipse, at which point the Inca priests would sacrifice people and animals to appease him. The Spanish priests considered Sun Worship to be pagan at best (and thinly-disguised Devil worship at worst) and went to great lengths to stamp it out. Temples were destroyed, idols burned, festivals forbade. It is a grim testament to their zeal that very few Andeans practice any sort of traditional religion today. Most of the great Inca goldwork at the Cuzco Temple of the Sun and elsewhere found its way into the melting fires of the Spanish conquistadors - countless artistic and cultural treasures were melted down and shipped to Spain. Father Bernabà © Cobo tells the story of one Spanish soldier named Manso Serra who was awarded a massive Inca sun idol as his share of Atahualpas Ransom. Serra lost the idol gambling and its eventual fate is unknown. Inti is enjoying a bit of a comeback lately. After centuries of being forgotten, Inti Raymi is once more being celebrated in Cuzco and other parts of the former Inca Empire. The festival is popular among native Andeans, who see it as a way to reclaim their lost heritage, and tourists, who enjoy the colorful dancers. Sources De Betanzos, Juan. (translated and edited by Roland Hamilton and Dana Buchanan) Narrative of the Incas. Austin: the University of Texas Press, 2006 (1996). Cobo, Father Bernabe. Inca Religion and Customs. Roland Hamilton (Translator), Paperback, New Ed edition, University of Texas Press, May 1, 1990. Sarmiento de Gamboa, Pedro. (translated by Sir Clement Markham). History of the Incas. 1907. Mineola: Dover Publications, 1999.

Ethics and Law in Business and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Ethics and Law in Business and Society - Essay Example So cities also have mechanisms for the sustenance of social order and social structures. Such mechanisms include rules, laws, regulations, ethics and values. Question one Kohlberg Moral Development Stages Kohlberg developed an interest with the subject of moral development after the works of Jean Peagent. As a result, there are significant similarities between the works of the two, Kohlberg and Jean. To device a model explaining moral development, Kohlberg chose a research sample of boys aged 10, 13 and 16 years from middle and low class families in Chicago. He later added older boys and girls to his sample from other parts of the United States of America and other countries. This move diversified his sample to represent a majority of different societies in the world. After his study, Kohlberg developed a moral development model from one stage to the other. The model has six stages categorized into three levels. Each level has two stages. Pre conventional moral level is the first lev el. The stages in this level are obedience and punishment stage and the individualism and exchange stage respectively. In the first stage, the person assumes that morals and values are external. Individuals in this stage do not feel as members of the society. Children in this stage assume that the rules and morals belong to adults. At this stage, failure to adhere to set rules result to punishments. Individuals thus do what is right so as to escape punishment. An example for this stage is when a student can be punished for getting to school in time the students to develop hatred against the teacher. Stage two is a bit different from stage one in that the individual realizes that all sources of authority have different stands on a subject. It may be right to do a thing in regard to one whereas, it may be wrong in regard to another. In this stage, failure to align with set rules can attract punishment and reprimands. Different from stage one, individuals here do good because they do n ot want to be repaid with bad. This stage thrives on the philosophy of scratch my back as I scratch yours (Sandel 17). Conventional morality is the second level. The stages in this level are good interpersonal relationships stage and maintenance of social order stage respectively. In the third stage, the individuals are majorly boys and girls entering their teens and People in this stage uphold morality as more than simple deals. They believe that they should act in line with the expectations of family members and friends. It is also in this stage that one develops good behavior, acting in good intentions and having interpersonal feelings such as care, kindness and love. A good example is buying of presents to family members and friends. Stage four entails the individual acting as per the expectation of the society and not as per family members and friends. For instance, people volunteer for social works, for example, high school students who volunteer for a city cleanup. People in this stage want to maintain the functioning of society. Post conventional morality is the third level. The stages in this level are the social contract and individual rights stage and the universal principles stage. While stage four people want to see the society function, in stage five people want to see a better functioning society. In this regard, people believe that all people work towards a better society even though different social groups have different believes. Whatever people do in this stage is for the

Reflective summary on Managing Diversity in Business Essay

Reflective summary on Managing Diversity in Business - Essay Example Examine that how this course helps me to analyse discrimination against women and ethnic minorities. Develop a broader perspective in relation to the benefits of this course. Reflective Analysis I selected the course of Managing Diversity in Business mainly due to two reasons. Firstly, diversity has become an unavoidable characteristic of almost any work group in the countries like UK due to globalisation and immigration. Secondly, I wished to know that what effects gender has in creating diversities; or how women are treated in a demographically diverse setting. While choosing the course, I wanted to get more knowledge in the areas I stated above. However, as I covered the course I came to know about certain perspectives, theories and information which raised some questions and issues in my mind. My initial observations had already revealed that the course highlighted some practical aspects of the corporate world. I often recall the story of one of my friends, who had found a respec table job in a reputed corporation. She was skilled and sincere; and she belonged from an ethnic minority community. At work, her ethnic and sexual identity gradually emerged as her drawback. Her superior, who was also a member of the board of directors, often harassed her sexually during the duty hours. At first, she complained to the Human Resource (HR) Manager, but her application was not processed. The HR Manager took it as a trivial issue and her superior continued to harass her even before her colleagues. In the department, her colleagues were all males and those who belonged from her community were on work visa. Therefore, nobody protested either due to racial contempt or because of fear. Finally, when she warned her superior and the HR Manager that she would seek police intervention and write to the human rights groups, she was sacked on the plea of theft and a false complaint was lodged against her. Consequently she lost her job and could not proceed to court lest she was b lacklisted in the industry. The lesson learned from such stories as that of my unfortunate friend is that ethnic minority women have almost no voice in the HR management system. Through the lecture on ethnic minority women and the suggested readings, my thoughts and indirect experiences regarding discrimination against ethnic minority women were reinforced. When it comes to racial segregation and sexual abuse, HR managers often tend to neglect the victims (Kamenou and Fearfull, 2006). So the main question regarding discrimination against women is that how can we erect an unbiased corporate HRM culture and what legal, social and technical constraints it might face? Moreover, will the Government take a sympathetic approach in this regard? Organisations like Runnymede Trust, Amnesty International, etc. are tirelessly working to raise and resolve these issues. Through the lecture on race and ethnicity, I came to know that over 300 assaults on Muslims in UK had taken place since the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. An interesting detail on Islamophobia further reveals that racial intolerance combined with gender discrimination creates highly complicated situation for the Muslim women in the Western countries (Runnymede Trust, 1997). Hence, public awareness is needed most. I think that this course has finally reinforced my

Vermeer’s Painting Technique inWoman Holding a Balance Essay Example for Free

Vermeer’s Painting Technique inWoman Holding a Balance Essay Johanna’s Vermeer’s paintings, although masterpiece creations of great precision and detail, were hardly recognized until after his death. After his death, many observations and analysis were conducted. Much of his painting styles became noticeable by investigating his unfinished works. His lifelike paintings used very special techniques invented exclusively by him. The camera obscurer technique is his claim to fame. Constant reinventions of his painting techniques come around today in several different forms and style. The camera obscurer technique is widely used for theatre, film and stage designing. One of his most famous astounding paintings are A Woman Holding a Balance. The painting, A Woman Holding a Balance, is a portrait emphasizing riches, material wealth, luxury, femininity daintiness and delicacy. Upon looking at the picture, delicate feminine items symbolizing material luxury jumps out and touches the viewer. A woman wears a designer dark blue jacket with white fur trimmings. Such elegant jackets were worn by upper class wealthy women while doing their domestic duties. The exquisite jacket is lined with fur throughout the inside of the jacket, indicating this is an intricate designer original. At this time, the only heating resources available were a fireplace usually in the living room. The three boxes laying on the luxurious wooden table, containing intricate detailed luxurious designs are another outstanding symbology of wealth and riches. Red velveteen lines the largest box. Several glowing, shinning pearl necklaces lay over the top of delicately carved jewelry box. To the far left, in front of the painting is a blue velveteen blanket or cloth. The images sold and viewed today in art museums are restored. In the original paintings, the blanket resembled a greenish tone. The greenish tone was a side effect of the heavy yellowish varnish Vermeer used to shade or set his entire paintings. Blue colorings are known to discolor varnish in paintings. On the wall, directly across from the woman, is an elegant ebony mirror. The mirror may indicate pride and vanity. Many arguments and research looked into finding out what was the woman holding in the balance. Earlier sources concluded the balance was holding gold coins. However, microscopic research showed there was nothing in the balance. The message the balance contains may be interpreted infinitely. Perhaps the woman was involved in a peaceful solitary prayer or meditation ritual. The balance could stand for mental or emotional peacefulness, much like crystals used in prayer ceremonies. One of the most beautiful highlights of this painting is natural sunlight furnishing the light in the room. The photograph bears incredibly noticeable brightness. The sunlight brings a hint of notoriety to the golden curtains. The painting contains a picture inside a picture. In the background, on the wall is a mysterious picture containing many subliminal shapes and designs. It may be considered abstract art work. In the upper center appears to be a man, perhaps an angel in human form, descending down from the heavens surrounded in glowing light. To either side appears to be what may be interpreted as animals, but not definitely so. At the bottom of the photo are designs appearing to be lots of people. The photograph was apparently another famous painting named The Last Judgment. The woman may also be very pregnant, in her eight or ninth month.

Macbeth: Shakespeares Comparisons And Contrasts :: essays research papers

Macbeth: Shakespeare's Comparisons and Contrasts Throughout Macbeth Shakespeare uses comparison and contrast to bring out characteristics of his main character, Macbeth. Shakespeare uses comparison with Duncan, Lady Macbeth, and Banquo to bring out aspects of Macbeth's character. After hearing of Macbeth's courageousness on the battlefield, Duncan, a good and honest king, bestows the tittle of Cawdor on Macbeth. The king then proclaims his son Malcom to be Prince of Cumberland, in effect designating him as successor to the throne of Scotland. This dramatic announcement of Duncan's chosen successor marks the beginning of an ironic story. It is at this point in the play that we, the audience, become fully aware of Macbeth's intentions to murder the king. Duncan hails Macbeth as his "worthiest cousin" and blindly entrusts his fate to one whom he considers his "peerless kinsman." Shakespeare concentrates on Macbeth's courage so that he can contrast it later on with the terror and panic of Macbeth's psychological anguish. Lady Macbeth will stop at nothing -not even murder- to satisfy her driving ambition. She worries that Macbeth is "too full of the milk of human kindness" to go after the throne. She wants to be tough and begs the spirits to "unsex me here." Macbeth, on the other hand, hesitates to murder Duncan for several reasons. Among these reasons the earthly consequences frighten him the most. How would his new subjects react? Would the kingdom disrupt in chaos? Furthermore Macbeth cannot escape present punishment if he fails. We see Lady Macbeth's persuasiveness producing a new courage in her husband and that courage is manly enough to perform murder. Therefore, Macbeth has no reasons for murdering Duncan except for his "vaulting ambition," his lust for power. Throughout the play we see Lady Macbeth's and Macbeth's conscience, or lack of, change places. Macbeth transformed from having a guilt ridden conscience to having no conscience what so ever. However, Lady Macbeth changes from having no conscience at all to becoming so guilt ridden that she took her own life. Like Macbeth, Banquo is courageous.

Health Care Providers

HIPAA is a very important health care law that all health care providers are required to comply with and is designed to simplify administrative aspects of health care. Established in 1996 HIPAA is used to protect and secure the privacy of patients’ health care information and health insurance portability. It also standardizes electronic data transactions(Austin, Wetle, & Wetle, 2012). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA is a federally enacted law, although if the state has stricter guidelines healthcare providers must fallow the state’s law. For example HIPAA requires the health care provider to keep documents for 6 years after the last date of service, and the state requires health care providers to keep documents for 10 years after the last date of service, than the health care provider must fallow the states guidelines for these types of things. There are many key facts that a health care employee should know about the HIPAA law. On the first date of service the patient must be presented with a written HIPAA notice, although they are not required to sign the notice to receive treatment. The health care provider must have record of a good faith effort, and document the refusal with a reason for the refusal as well. The HIPAA notice must be written in plain language, state the rights the patient has, how their protected health information (PHI)is used and disclosed, and how to contact HIPAA with questions or complaints. Health care providers must promptly revise and distribute notices when there are any changes. Spoken, written, and electronic information are all protected under HIPAA. HIPAA stresses to health care providers that they must avoid incidental use and disclosing patient information. Violation of this can result in severe consequences such as civil fines of up to $50k, 1 year in prison or both, obtaining information on false pretenses result in 5 years of prison time or $100k in fines, or both, If protected health information is disclosed a $250k fine or 10 years of prison time or both is imposed. All of these consequences are per violation. These regulations affect everyone involved with the health care facility because it affects how people do their jobs, what resources are available to them, how the patients are treated, and how well the employees fallow the regulations.

Education of the filipino Essay

?According to the article, it seems that foreigners, especially the Americans influence us in a lot of different ways. They influence us in terms of speech, sense of style and clothing, food we eat, the movies we watch and even how we think and decide. And for that, I can say that our minds are somewhat manipulated by the Western culture and thus, we think and act as if we were like them. Where is the modern day Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara who took their stand for the traditional way of living? Where are the people who care enough to preserve our culture and tradition? I agree with Renato Constantino’s statement in which I would quote â€Å"Education is a vital weapon of people striving for economic emancipation, political independence and cultural renascence. † One must be aware of the country’s problems, understand the solution and be caring and courageous enough to work and sacrifice for our country’s salvation. We Filipinos must work hand in hand to achieve one goal. In my opinion, many Pinoys want the Philippines to be an American state because for them, lying in independence could mean poverty. Hopeless and grim as it may seem. For me, it’s not just the government and the system that has problem here, it’s the people and their manners plus attitude. It is also said that the most effective way of subjugating people is to capture their minds. In doing so, we are tricked into doing or being someone we are unlikely to be and some of our beliefs and stand can be swayed by such illusions of freedom to express. As long as feelings of resistance remain in the hearts of the vanquished, no conqueror is secure and as long as we are strong and sure of ourselves, we can avoid being swayed by others. The Filipinos mentality sometimes just escapes me. Many are bias and many are just plain jealous of the fact that Filipinos can be smart too. A lot can’t still accept that fact. On the other hand, there are several weak beings that move beside the â€Å"authorized† person holding the power against them or what we call â€Å"puppets†. The American culture has been a part of the Filipino’s lives. But despite of that I believe that we must preserve our resources and Filipino values to an extent. The fact still remains that these people are in a conquered nation whose national life had to be woven into the pattern of American dominance. The drawback is that we still rely on first world countries such as the United States for support financially and economically. Absurd as it may sound but the truth remains that we are poor and we need them to survive. A classic example would be us students most especially those taking up Nursing. We are struggling hard to finish this course because of its demands abroad. Many are aiming to seek for better job opportunities abroad. I would be lying if I say that I am taking up Nursing because I want to serve my country, but who doesn’t want a brighter future? Now where’s my sense of nationalism? I say I’m just being practical. It’s much better to accept the fact that we, Filipinos are diverse in culture and language as well as our way of thinking because we have been influenced by so many cultures internally and externally. It is true that education will bring emancipation and the right education will broaden our perspective and hopefully, appreciate and capitalize on the diversity to propel us forward.

Free Essays on The Ninety Nines

The Aviation world, as with numerous other aspects of the world, has many various â€Å"firsts†. For example the first to fly and airplane: Orville Wright. The first Jet flight: Robert Stanley. The first to fly Mach 1: Charles â€Å"Chuck† Yeager. Leonardo Da Vinci (coincidently the first aviation enthusiast) said it best when he stated that, â€Å"Nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first known.† Unfortunately the birth of aviation did not come at a time when it was appropriate for a woman to fly a plane (therefore never knowing flight), so in turn most of the very significant â€Å"firsts† had already been claimed by men. When the first woman got to â€Å"know† a plane it was not something that she â€Å"hated† but â€Å"loved†. But something that she and many other pilots would come to know and have an immense amount of love and devotion for, despite sabotage, ridicule, hard work, and all while maintaining the composure and duties of a lady. Leading to one firsts that could only be claimed by women: The first club, support group, and educational organization for women all in one: The Ninety-Nines. Throughout history the Ninety-Nines play a lead role in the encouragement, recruitment, and support of women in aviation. Many of the firsts and the accomplishments that were made, and that are still being made today by women, were or are members of the Ninety-Nines. From the first women’s air derbies, to the Amelia Earhart scholarship of today, the Ninety-Nines has been through the thick and the thin, from the start to right now. Women’s desire to wander the skies goes back long before the days of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The first recorded flight for women was in 1784. Elisabeth Thible was the first woman to fly a hot air balloon. It was not until 1798, nearly a decade and a half later, when hot air balloons were deemed airworthy and safe enough for a woman to make her first balloon solo. Jeanne Labrosse was the first wom... Free Essays on The Ninety Nines Free Essays on The Ninety Nines The Aviation world, as with numerous other aspects of the world, has many various â€Å"firsts†. For example the first to fly and airplane: Orville Wright. The first Jet flight: Robert Stanley. The first to fly Mach 1: Charles â€Å"Chuck† Yeager. Leonardo Da Vinci (coincidently the first aviation enthusiast) said it best when he stated that, â€Å"Nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first known.† Unfortunately the birth of aviation did not come at a time when it was appropriate for a woman to fly a plane (therefore never knowing flight), so in turn most of the very significant â€Å"firsts† had already been claimed by men. When the first woman got to â€Å"know† a plane it was not something that she â€Å"hated† but â€Å"loved†. But something that she and many other pilots would come to know and have an immense amount of love and devotion for, despite sabotage, ridicule, hard work, and all while maintaining the composure and duties of a lady. Leading to one firsts that could only be claimed by women: The first club, support group, and educational organization for women all in one: The Ninety-Nines. Throughout history the Ninety-Nines play a lead role in the encouragement, recruitment, and support of women in aviation. Many of the firsts and the accomplishments that were made, and that are still being made today by women, were or are members of the Ninety-Nines. From the first women’s air derbies, to the Amelia Earhart scholarship of today, the Ninety-Nines has been through the thick and the thin, from the start to right now. Women’s desire to wander the skies goes back long before the days of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The first recorded flight for women was in 1784. Elisabeth Thible was the first woman to fly a hot air balloon. It was not until 1798, nearly a decade and a half later, when hot air balloons were deemed airworthy and safe enough for a woman to make her first balloon solo. Jeanne Labrosse was the first wom...

What Happened to Shakespeares Skull

What Happened to Shakespeares Skull An examination of William Shakespeare’s  grave  in March 2016 suggested that the body is missing its head and that Shakespeare’s skull may have been removed by trophy hunters some 200 years ago. However, this is just one interpretation of the evidence found in this excavation. What really happened to Shakespeares skull is still up for debate, but we do now have some important evidence concerning the famous playwrights grave. Shakespeare’s Grave For four centuries, William Shakespeare’s  grave sat undisturbed underneath the chancel floor of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. But a new investigation conducted in 2016, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, has finally revealed what lies beneath. The church has never allowed an excavation of the grave- despite many appeals from researchers over the centuries- because they wanted to abide by Shakespeare’s wishes. His wishes were made crystal clear in the inscription carved into the ledger stone above his grave: Good friend, for Jesus sake forebeare, To digg the dust enclosed heare; Bleste be the man that spares thes stones, And curst be he that moves my bones. But the curse is not the only unusual thing about Shakespeare’s grave. Two more curious facts have bothered researches for hundreds of years: No name:  Of the family members buried side by side, William Shakespeare’s ledger stone is the only one that doesn’t carry a name.Short grave:  The stone itself is too short for a grave. At less than a meter in length, William’s ledger stone is shorter than the others, including that of his wife, Anne Hathaway. What Lies Beneath Shakespeare’s Tombstone? The year 2016 saw the first archaeological investigation of Shakespeare’s grave using GPR scanning to produce images of what lies beneath the ledger stones without the need to disturb the grave itself. The results have disproved some firmly held beliefs about Shakespeare’s burial. These break down into four areas: Shallow graves: It has long been asserted that the Shakespeare ledger stones covered a family tomb or vault beneath. No such structure exists. Rather there is nothing more than a series of five shallow graves, each aligned with the corresponding ledger stone in the chancel floor of the church.No coffin: Shakespeare was not buried in a coffin. Rather, the family members were buried simply in winding sheets or a similar material.Disruption at the head: Shakespeare’s mysteriously short ledger stone corresponds to a repair that has been made underneath the stone floor to support it. Experts suggest that this is due to disturbance at the head end of the grave which has caused significantly more subsidence  than elsewhere.Interference:  The tests conclusively proved that Shakespeare’s grave is not in its original state. Stealing Shakespeares Skull The findings correspond to a rather incredulous tale first published in an 1879 edition of the Argosy Magazine. In the story, Frank Chambers agrees to steal Shakespeare’s skull for a wealthy collector for the sum of 300 guineas. He hires a gang of grave robbers to assist him. The story has always been disregarded because of the (presumed) inaccurate details of the actual digging of the grave in 1794: The men had dug to the depth of three feet, and I now watched narrowly, for, by the clogging of the darker earth, and that peculiar humid state–small I can hardly call it... I know we were nearing the level where the body had formerly mouldered.No shovels but the hands, I whispered, and feel for a skull.There was a long pause as the fellows, sinking in the loose mould, slid their horny palms over fragments of bone. Presently, I got him, said Cull; but he’s fine and heavy.† In light of the new GPR evidence, the details above suddenly seemed remarkably accurate. The established theory up until 2016 was that Shakespeare was buried in a tomb in a coffin. So the following specifics in this story have piqued the interest of archaeologists: Details of the shallow three-foot graveDetails of the body buried directly in the earth with no coffinDetails of soil disruption at the head end of the grave Where Is Shakespeares Skull Today? So if there is truth in this story, then where is Shakespeare’s skull now? A follow-up story suggests that Chambers panicked and attempted to hide the skull in St. Leonards Church in Beoley. As part of the 2016 investigation, the so-called â€Å"Beoley skull† was examined and â€Å"on the balance of probability† was thought to be the skull of a 70-year old woman. Somewhere out there, the skull of William Shakespeare, if it has actually disappeared, may still exist. But where? With intensified archaeological interest sparked by the 2016 GPR scans, this has become one of the big historical mysteries and the hunt for Shakespeare’s skull is now well and truly on.

TUI Group Environmental Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

TUI Group Environmental - Essay Example Established in 1997 the company has expanded its operations in tourism to emerge as the market leader globally (TUI AG, 2015). The company has invested in three business portfolio; TUI Hotels and Resorts, TUI travel and the cruise ship venture. TUI has strong portfolio comprising of over 1,800 travel agencies, 300 Hotels, 13 cruise liners, 130 aircrafts, six airlines, etc. The company recorded turnover of â‚ ¬18.7 billion in 2013/1014 financial year (TUI AG, 2015). TUI operates in more than 180 regions with over 30 million clients. The company’s shares trade on London Stock Exchange (FTSE) and in Frankfurt Stock Market. TUI experience strong competition from Thomas Cook, First Choice Holidays, Rewe Touristik and My Travel Group. TUI’s growth strategy is to increase the number of hotels by opening more 60 hotels and purchase four new ships.Porter’s five forces analysis promotes the understanding of sources of sources of external challenges facing the industry.T he threat of new entrants: The tourism industry requires high capital and is controlled by a few market leaders. However, the possibility of entrants of low-cost airlines offers price threat to TUI. Developing of efficient rails and customers preferences for personal vehicles can have adverse effects on the company. Substitutes: The social media, TV and other social activities pose some threats of substitutes though not a perfect replacement of tourism. Also, tourism is highly undifferentiated thus there is low threat of substitute.

Physical Distribution Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Physical Distribution Management - Assignment Example The second part of the work at hand presents the remarkable answer to the idea that â€Å"Optimally configuring a supply chain requires warehousing to be considered as an integral part of the supply chain design process†. Adhering to the ultimate principle of Porter concerning the value chain model, the work at hand presents relevant justifications as to why warehousing is a crucial activity or service that needs to be optimized for IKEA’s advantage. There are important advantages on the part of IKEA pertaining to the optimization of its supply chain through effective warehousing activity. Some of these advantages are justified further in the work at hand. The two topics that are included in the work at hand have revealed how important it is to make sure that the distribution system should be optimized for the advantage of both the firms and the target customers. The work at hand presents the opportunity to consider remarkable insights as to why it is important to make sure that the distribution system is at its healthy condition. In the first place, the justification of cost is included in the work at hand. However, the association of customer value was another remarkable point. Transport and distribution management are complex processes in an organisation that tries to employ the actual concept of physical distribution management. In the advent of advanced technology and the integration of Information Technology (IT) in the actual communication process linked to distribution management, it is essential to consider how IT applications can be integrated in a dynamic firm that is actively involved in distribution operations. On the other hand, warehousing in the supply chain design process is another consideration to ensure productive operation that will lead to the opportunity to provide high value for customers, and eventually competitive