Graduating from High School Essay

Most grade-schoolers dream about the day they will walk across the stage on beginning day and receive their diplomas. They are under the impression they will be free from all work in their life, and be able to finally live. A person graduating from high school can take many directions in life; most graduates also go to dorm at college, travel to college, or start working. First, many graduates run from their parents and desire to go to college as far away from home as possible. When students move away, they get their first feel of living away from home. Which brings everyday jobs like Cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry are a few examples of how college students have to learn to give for themselves. Also, earning a college degree gives a person greater earning like the ability to work in the field of their choice. Going away to college can be a wonderful time for a person to grown-up and start their adult life. Another decision a person may choose after graduating high school is commute to a college. Traveling is not a possibility for everyone graduating high school because of location, but can be a great chance for those who are in drivable distance to a college. Living with parents and driving to college can save college student money because they do not have to pay to dorm. Staying with parents means mom is still around to give home cooked meals and life does not change from high school. Commuting to college can be a great way to save money, while still earning a college degree. Last, many high school students decide not to go to a college and join the work force right after high school. This means they will not be able to pay back expensive school loans and will be able to have more financial freedom in the short term. A person joining the work has the ability to stay in touch with friends in the area they live in and a few years after graduating or find their own place to reside. Joining the work force out of high school is a great option for some people who choose to do so but is not the best plan for those who want to more education. A person’s decision about what they will do after high school, weather it is going away to college, commuting to college or joining the work force, will affect them the rest of their life. A lot of thought and prayer should go into any decision, especially those which will affect a person for the rest of their life. In the end, if a person they believe God wants them to does it will end up the way God wants it.

Dress Not for Success: Fifty Years of American Dress Codes Burdening Students

Karnik Soghomonian Professor Brauer Writing 39C February 16th, 2012 Dress Not For Success: Fifty Years of American Dress Codes Burdening Students Over the past fifty years, dress code policies have been a major topic, a topic repeatedly protested against by American high school students. However, at the same time, dress codes have gained popularity in school districts across America. Since the 1960s, drastic measures have been taken to prevent students from wearing certain clothing of their choosing, in fear that the message presented on their clothing being too controversial.Consequently, students have been burdened with dress codes that infringe upon their First Amendment rights. This ongoing trend of imposing dress codes in schools has plagued America for years, resulting in numerous law suits and student punishments. The dress code debate in American Public schools can be traced through various inconsistent rulings in the court cases dating back to 1969, and continued to gain spe ed as a result of falsified information gathered to encourage dress codes in 1994. This debate has continued despite evidence suggesting its uselessness founded by Dr.David L Brunsma in 1998 and despite the negative psychological effects that dress codes could potentially cause, as implied by Psychoanalysis Erik Erikson in the 1960s. Controversy over American public school dress code policies gained the nation’s attention in 1968, when a group of high school and middle school students attending schools at Des Moines Independent Community School District (DMICSD) in Iowa claimed that their personal rights were being violated in the American schooling system.According to the students, they had been suspended from their school for half a month for wearing black armbands at school protesting the Vietnam War. Their school had suspended them on the grounds of violating the school district’s dress code policy, which stated that no students were allowed to convey any type of m essage through their speech or their clothing. Due to what they felt was an overbreach of school codes into their rights, the students sued the school district on November 12th, 1968. In the months that followed, the case, now known as Tinker, et al v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, et al, 393 U.S. 503, reached the level of the Supreme Court. On February 24th, 1969, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the students saying, â€Å"it can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate† (Tinker). A result of the court case was a set of rules now known as the Tinker Standard, which state that a school district cannot ban any students’ rights unless they can point to specialized evidence that the specific right caused a substantial disruption of education and school activities.The Tinker Standards also state that if a student’s clothing portrays a clear and easy to understand message, the school has no right to hide that message (Hudson 150). This is still the standard in which our court system is supposed to abide. However, as will be mentioned further, the Tinker Standard has been ignored almost completely for forty years by the American School System and the court system (i. d. 154). One such case that ignored the Tinker Standard was Broussard v.School Board of Norfolk in 1992. A student wore a t-shirt bearing the message â€Å"Drugs Suck† to her middle school in Norfolk, Virginia. The student had worn the t-shirt several times to school previously; however on one occasion the student was stopped in the school hallway and sent to the principal’s office where the student was held for the remainder of the day, losing a full day of education. The student, with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union, sued the school district for overbreach.Even though the t-shirt had a plain and easy to understand message th at ‘drugs suck,’ which should have been protected under the Tinker Standards, the court ruled in favor of the school, ignoring the positive message of the shirt insisting that the word ‘sucks’ was too sexual. The court ruled this, even though the school district had failed to provide any evidence of disruption of student education (Broussard). In 1997, David Chalifoux and Jerry Robertson of New Caney High School in Texas wore rosary beads to school to express their Catholic faith.A school police officer told them to remove them due to their association with Hispanic gang culture. The two students, who had never associated with gangs before, looked through a student handbook which did not list rosaries as out of dress code. The students filed a lawsuit against the school, challenging the ban of rosaries in school with the application of the Tinker Standard. The court ruled in their favor, acknowledging that the school failed to provide evidence of the disrup tion f beads (Chalifoux). However, in recent times, it is seen that the Chalifoux case has also been ignored; in 2010, school officials in New York suspended a thirteen year old student for also wearing rosary beads while mourning the loss of his brother (Hudson 144). As can be seen, the legality of dress codes is entirely unclear as courts have contradicted themselves several times. The fact that the Tinker Standard is not widely accepted in all courts causes great confusion in laws of the First Amendment.Some courts, such as the one involved in the Chalifoux case, apply the Tinker Standard while other courts, such as the one in the Broussard case, do not. Some court cases make up their own standards such as seen in one example from Albemere County, Virginia where the court allowed students to wear t-shirt with guns to school, since the mascot of the particular school was a soldier carrying a musket (Hudson 155). Proponents of school dress codes claim that data and evidence support their argument that dress codes and uniforms improve discipline and reduce the crime rates in school.Those in favor of dress code policies point to Long Beach Unified School District, the first district to have a widespread uniform dress code policy in its public schools in 1994. The initial reports show a drop in crime by seventy percent. While this report seems to show positive credence to dress codes, upon closer examination, problems begin to appear. In 1996, Dr. Kerry A. Rockquemore, a professor at the University of Notre Dame, took a closer look at the information gathered in Long Beach and noticed that several other reforms were put into place at the same time as the uniform dress code policy.Rockquemore’s examination conclude to a third variable problem, that while the change in dress code policy was the most obvious change, improvements to campus security through the increase of campus police officers and increase funding to improve teaching methods are most likely the cause of the drop in crime rates seen in long beach Unified School District (Williams). Despite the noted third variables found seen in the Long Beach statistics on dress codes, many school districts have adopted similar dress code policies and have consequently felt no positive results.For example, Miami-Dade County School District in Florida created a dress code policy similar to that in Long Beach in 2006 and in the following few years, saw in increase in student misconduct (i. d. ). In response to the popularity of dress code policies since Long Beach initiated theirs in 1994, Dr. David L Brunsma, currently a professor of sociology at Virginia Tech University, has devoted much of the last fifteen years to studying uniforms and dress codes in public schools and their effects on students. In 1998, Brunsma, along with Dr.Rockquemore of Notre Dame, published his first academic paper showing the results of uniforms and dress codes on student. The study was conducted by following hundreds of students across America that had been chosen for a previous experiment in 1988. Many of these students went to schools with dress code policies while many did not. Brunsma and Rockquemore compared the students and concluded that dress codes and uniforms had no effect on student behavior, academics, drug use, or attendance in school (Brunsma, David and Kerry Ann Rockquemore).The graph below taken from Brunsma’s book The School Uniform Movement and What it Tells Us about American Education published in 2004 as a follow up on his 1998 paper shows nearly identical results that were published in his 1998 paper. The graph shows the correlation coefficient of dress codes and uniforms to various variables thought to be affected by dress code policies. A correlation coefficient of + or – 1 would indicate a perfect correlation while 0 would indicate perfect no correlation, which rarely happens in the real world.As you can see in the graph from Brunmsa’s book, the correlation coeeficients are much closer to 0 than they are to + or – 1. This indicates that there is no significant correlation between dress codes or uniforms to any variables shown in the graph. Figure 1: Brunsma, David L.. The School Uniform Movement and What it Tells Us about American Education. Lanham, Maryland, United States of America: The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, 2004. Print. 13 Feb. 2012. Figure 1: Brunsma, David L..The School Uniform Movement and What it Tells Us about American Education. Lanham, Maryland, United States of America: The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, 2004. Print. 13 Feb. 2012. With little evidence to support their claims, many schools still implement dress codes, which some psychologists insist is hurting the development of adolescents (Swafford). In 1968, Psychoanalysis Erik Erikson published his book Identify: Youth & Crisis detailing key psychological crises in adolescents’ life that lead to healthy development of personality and dentity. In his book, Erikson describes one crisis in which an adolescent undergoes a series of physical transformations by changing their clothes, hair, body, etc. in order to explore various options in self-identity (Erikson 128). Erikson states in his book, â€Å"should a young person feel that the environment tries to deprive his too radically of all the forms of expression†¦ he may resist with the wild strength encountered in animals†¦without a sense of identity. †(i. d. 130).Here, Erikson is saying that if an adolescent has this remodeling of physical appearance restricted, such as through dress code policies, an adolescent going into adulthood may develop psychological problems in his personality causing him to be no more like an animal than a human. Erikson goes on further to identify these animal-like disorders as idiosyncrasy, depression, identity confusion, negative identity, and in rare cases, dissociative identity disorder (formerly kno wn as multiple personality disorder), and borderline personality disorder.Erikson’s theory of identity development in adolescents is still considered the leading theory in the development of human identity and personality, being taught in college still today (Henry). Despite the evidence drawn from Rockquemore’s and Brunsma’s studies, many schools are still ignorant of this information and still strongly believe that the results gathered from Long Beach are genuine. Assuming mainstream psychology is true, schools are potentially hurting students by preventing them to wear the clothing they want.Who knows how many adolescents have developed a poor self-identity because of their school’s dress code policy. There are many news stories and studies out there that claim that depression and identity disorders are on the rise in teenagers and young adults (Neighmond, Dissociative, and Cloud). Can this rise in identity disorders and depression be due to the rise o f dress code policies? Something must be done to loosen dress code and uniform polices in schools. Surely, some form of code should be in place, but one that does not deprive students of their freedom of expression and identity.Perhaps America needs to go back to 1969, when the original Tinker Standards came out. It would seem that the Tinker Standard was meant to be followed by American public schools and the court system, rather than ignored and shelved only for occasional use. Bibliography Broussard v. School Board of Norfolk. Vol. 801 F. Supp. 1526 (E. D. Va. 1992). 1992. CHALIFOUX v. NEW CANEY INDEPENDANT SCHOOL DISTRICT. Vol. 976 F. Supp. 695 (S. D. Texas 1997). 1997. 18 Feb. 2012. â€Å"Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly Multiple Personality Disorder). † Recurrent Depression. 12 Oct. 006. Web. 19 Feb. 2012. Brunsma, David and Kerry Ann Rockquemore. â€Å"Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Abuse, and Academic Achievement. â₠¬  The Journal of Education Research 92. 1 (1998): 53-62. Web. . Google Scholar. Dr. David Brunsma, a professor of sociology at Virginia Tech, and Dr. Kerry Ann Rockquemore, the Executive Director of the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, argues throughout their research that dress codes and uniforms in public school systems have no effect on students' behavior in school.Brunsma and Rockquemore construct a ten year long experiment proving that there is no connection between the way a student dresses and the way they turn out academically for a scholarly journal on education research. In order to further back up their research, Brusma and Rockquemore cite many other scholarly researchers who have studies dress codes in school who have come up with similar results. Brusma's and Rockquemore's audience can be narrowed to those in the field of educational research, or perhaps parents interested to find out if a school with a dress code policy is right for their child.T heir central purpose is to dismiss the claim that dress code and uniform policies improve student behavior. Brunsma, David L.. The School Uniform Movement and What it Tells Us about American Education. Lanham, Maryland, United States of America: The Rowman ; Littlefield Publishing Group, 2004. Print. 13 Feb. 2012. Dr. David Brunsma, a professor of sociology at Virginia Tech, argues that the use of dress code and uniform policies in public schools have had no effect on students' behavior, grades, drug use, or violence. Brunsma tells his thesis in a book that summarizes  over fifteen years of research of dress codes and uniforms.In order to prove that dress codes and uniforms have no effect on students, Brunsma cites numerous examples of school districts with failed uniform policies and tells of his own journey on testing students across the country to prove that there is no correlation between dress code and student behavior. Brunsma's audience can be narrowed to those working in t he education field and those who are interested to know more about dress codes and uniforms in the public school system. His central purpose is to explain away the common misconception that uniforms benefit students. Brunsma, David L..Uniforms In Public Schools: A Decade of Research and Debate. Lunham, Maryland, United States of America: Rowman ; Littlefield Education, 2006. Print. 13 Feb. 2012. Cloud, John. â€Å"The Mystery of Borderline Personality Disorder. † Time Magazine. 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 19 Feb. 2012. Erikson, Erik H.. Identity Youth and Crisis. New York, New York, United States of America: W. W. Norton ; Company, 1968. Print.. 13 Feb. 2012. Henry, Gleitman, Gross James and Reisberg Daniel. â€Å"Psychology. † . 8th ed. Ed. Sheri L. Snavely. New York, New York: W. W. Norton ; Company, 2010. : 576-582.Print. 1 Feb. 2012. Hudson Jr. , David L.. Let The Students Speak! A History of the Fight for Free Expression in American Schools. Boston, Massachusetts, United St ates of America: Beacon Press, 2011. Print. 13 Feb. 2012. David L Hudson Jr, a professor in law at Vanderbilt University Law School, Nashville School of Law, and Middle Tennessee State University, argues that students’ rights of freedom of expression are being violated in the American school system. Hudson constructs a historical analysis on students’ rights in school and their fight for freedom of expression.Hudson examines court cases, student protests, and other key events in the history of students’ fight for the freedom of expression in schools to tell the tug-of-war story between school officials and students. Hudson’s audience can be narrowed down to those interested in the First Amendment laws, and also the casual reader who with an interest in law and schools. Hudson’s central purpose is to explain the major events in the history of students’ fight for freedom of expression and to educate his audience on why the debate is so importa nt. Murphey, Paul D.. RESTRICTING GANG CLOTHING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS: DOES A DRESS CODE VIOLATE A STUDENT'S RIGHT OF FREE EXPRESSION?. † Southern California Law Review. 64 (1991): 1321. Web.. 15 Feb. 2012. Neighmond, Patti. â€Å"Depression On The Rise In College Students. † National Public Radio. 17 Jan. 2011. Web. 19 Feb. 2012. Swafford, Melinda, Ann Lee and Leigh Southward. â€Å"The Student Dress Code Debate (Part II). † Techniques: Connecting Education & Careers 86. 2 (2011): 10-11. Web. 21 Jan. 2012. Academic Search Complete. TINKER ET AL. v. DES MOINES INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ET AL. 393 U. S. 503. 24 Feb. 1969. Web. 1 Feb. 2012.Willaims, Darlene. â€Å"School Uniforms: The Raging Debate. † . 2000. Web.. Asserting Parental Rights – it’s Our Duty. Writer’s Memo I really like the information that I was able to present in this paper. I feel like it is really convincing and strong evidence. If I had more time, I would just make it better. I would go back and see if I can make any sentences shorter and easier to read. For this essay, I really did not have too many opportunities to go back and review my work. I guess I would thank my class mated for reading my paper and Prof. Brauer for guiding us through the paper. I believe I will get a B+ in this paper.

Diet Coke Brand

An increase in awareness on health has led to the development of a health drinks segment that most organisations in the soft drink and food sectors are trying to harness. The potential presented by the health drinks sector is unlimited considering the effect that fashion and educational attainment have on it. Moreover, an increase in awareness on the effects of sugar and the number of diabetic cases makes health food and drink some of the most profitable segments in modern business.Soft drinks and Coca Cola are synonymous as the company has a rich history of success in the soft drinks industry that will play a large role in determining the levels of success that can be attained by Diet Coke in developing a reputation that though dependent on Coca Cola will be able to distinctively establish it as a unique brand. With the aid of primary and secondary research it has been established that fashion, reputation and sociological factors are critical in development of a marketing approach t o Diet Coke in the different markets it harnesses.Diet Coke must be able to establish itself as a leading brand name in both the soft and health drink segments which will require consideration on societies being targeted and development of approaches that display conformance to Coca Cola's and others based on the nature of Diet Coke. Dependence on the reputation developed by Coca Cola may not be enough to develop a reputation but with the inclusion of measures that are largely aimed at increasing the presence of Diet Coke in interaction between people and in issues revolving around healthy living, Diet coke can be made one of the leading Coca Cola products.Success may be beckoning but it will take appreciation of the laxity by health drinks manufacturers to harness the power that is in fashion, innovation, research and generally strategic marketing to be able to attain every brand's dream of being a leading product or brand name. Introduction to Brand Coca Cola which started out in the late 19th century has grown to be one of the leading brand names in the present generation (Smith, 2006 p. 19).The company has over the year succeeded in churning out different brands that captured the tastes and preferences of different user groups; this innovation and relevance to the needs of the markets are cited as some of the key strengths of the soft drink manufacturing giant. A notable brand that first came out of its bottling franchise to consumers on Independence Day in 1982 is Diet Coke (Ries & Trout, 2009). The fact that the product came out of a Coca Cola's bottling plant leaves no doubt on its being a soft drink. The key difference between Diet Coke and other brands under the belt of Coca Cola is the fact that it is sugar free.Another feature is the fact that the product uses different brand names and is often referred to as Coca Cola Light, Cola, Cola Light and Coke Dià ¨te in France (Ries & Trout, 2009). There is however no question on the market segment that th e product seeks for it is clearly made for all those who are aware of risk that sugar has on their health. An increase in awareness on health issues is considered a key inspiration to the development of products which can even be used by diabetics (Anderson, Freeman,Williams & Shoesmith, 2007).Furthermore, health and fashion appear to be largely intertwined in that there are seasons within which it is largely fashionable to eat healthy; this should not be mistaken for the need to live healthy. The current generation and those that are largely affected by the global trends especially within their early mid life are the key target group for Diet Coke. A recent increase in awareness on the relationship between weights which is largely affected by levels of sugar intake and health risk places Diet Coke as one of the Coca Cola products that has infinite potential for expansion.Factors Influencing Consumer behaviour At its point of entry into the soft drinks market Diet Coke has come out as a drink that seeks to address the health risks that sugar places on the market segment. The ‘Diet' in the brand name seeks to bring out a consciousness on the health aspect of the drink; the same can be said of ‘light' (Anderson, Freeman,Williams & Shoesmith, 2007). The market penetration of the drink is thus largely affected by the levels of awareness that a segment has on issues that affect their health and how ready they are to address their dependence on sugar.This is one of the factors that have played a critical role in the levels of success that the brand has attained in developed nations relative to developing nations. Level of educational attainment play an important part in determining the levels of success that Diet Coke can attain as a health or soft drink. It is worth noting that awareness on issues that affect individual health is largely affected by levels of awareness that the society has on issues that affect their general health.Furthermore, the gene ral belief and the values that define a society are likely to affect the levels of market penetration that Diet Coke can attain (Ries & Trout, 2009 p. 93). In America, the levels of penetration of Diet Coke among Whites are far larger than in African Americans. Research shows that this is mainly due to the perception of health consciousness being an uptown issue among African Americans who mostly dwell in inner city neighbourhoods (Smith, 2006).It is however clear that culture and educational attainment are largely correlated with respect to tastes in that learned African American have a larger propensity for using diet coke than those with low levels of educational attainment. In UK there is a large correlation between the levels of appreciation of Coke Light and educational attainment across different races (Anderson, Freeman, Williams & Shoesmith, 2007 p. 53). The role played by fashion and health in determining what people let into their bodies cannot be ignored by marketing exp erts.Having developed its market profile as a drink that is free of sugar, Coke Diet is largely dependent on awareness on health risks associated with high sugar use. Information availability and fashion influence play an important role in defining the perception of the society with regard to use of health drinks. An increase in obesity and diabetes and development of awareness programs also play an important part in developing a large market potential for Diet Coke. In general fashion and health are the key factors that any marketing manager would consider is seeking a market segment for Diet Coke.The levels of success that can be attained in such an endeavour are largely affected by the levels of information awareness that the society has and appreciation of health issues. Fashion has developed as one of the most important variables in determining the trends is consumption and this will play an important role in defining the strategies that have to be employed to harness opportuni ties presented by any society. Analysis of the Behaviour Models Behaviour has for a long time been an area of key interest in management sciences.Understanding the behaviour of the market and therefore having a clear definition of the trends that affect their expectation and needs is a position that every organisation seeks in its operations. It is important to note that organisation are in place to address the unmet needs of the society or the market and without a proper understanding of the theories all operations would be in vain (Schiffman, Hansen & Kanuk, 2008 p, 62). In general, the theories developed are not complete and just seek to develop an understanding or in some instances develop a framework for understanding the behaviour of a given market segment.Sociological theories of consumer behaviour are based on experiences that one has in interaction with the environment that he is in (Sandhusen, 2008 p. 11). In fact the behaviours of an individual under this basis is largely affected by the people he interact with and therefore the same effect will be reflected in the perception that he has on ideas, events and even products. The theory is largely reliant on the effect that the society has on an individuals and trends within the society which are definitive of perception that individuals within the said society have of a product or a service.Psychological theories are based on human cognition which is largely affected by experiences, motivation and personal expectation. Under psychological theories of consumer behaviour, the decision to choose a product is largely based on individual perception of the value that the product will add and his perception of value with respect to its costs and needs that he has (Wilson & Gilligan, 2005). Personal theories or model of consumer behaviour are based on the cognitive aspect of individual being which include the lifestyle, occupation, economic circumstance, personality and conception that one has developed of hi mself.These are the major theories that have been developed to try and create an understanding of the factors that affect the behaviour of consumers by affecting the perception that the consumer has of his needs and expectations. Though not conclusive, the theories play an important part in defining the variables that have to be considered in developing an understanding of factors that affect the nature of the market segment. Sociological theories appear to be well suited for marketing of Diet Coke due to its definition as a soft drink that seeks to market itself as a health drink.Soft drinks are consumed as extras and rarely stocked as main meals; in most cases soft drinks are consumed in social meeting and gatherings (Swarbrooke & Horner, 2007 p. 74). Simply, the society is largely involved in use of soft drinks and is therefore influential in the perception that will be developed of a drink. On the other hand, the sociological theory appears to canvas all other theories. Human pe rception is largely affected by people one interacts with and the fashion code that one identifies with is largely affected by the one to one interaction between people or interaction through information system interfaces.In either case, interaction plays an important part in defining the behaviour and perception of individuals and is a critical factor that every theory appreciates (Sandhusen, 2008). Health in the society is taken as an issue of social concern. Consideration of health institutions as social entities is largely informed on social aspects of health. Issues relating to health are generally address at a social level thus the entry of Diet Coke into any segment should be appreciative of this fact by employing a sociological approach to marketing.Under a sociological approach to analysing a market segment issues relating to class, culture, educational attainment, and resource ability are analysed to determine their relevance to the need and expectations of individuals. Fa shion which though considered a personal issue is largely affected by the society should be analysed and its relevance in defining expectation and needs of the society determined. Recommendations a) Primary Research There appear to be a close correlation between awareness on the effects of sugar and health risk.Most health drink manufacturers have harnessed this relationship to develop awareness on issues that affect health to increase their product penetration. However, the role of fashion in developing awareness on health drinks is yet to be harnessed though it has widely been adopted by soft drinks manufacturers. By using the well developed brand name of Coke and the reputation that has been developed by Coca Cola to soar Diet Coke as a soft drink, fashion can be used in developing awareness and appreciation of Diet Coke as a health drink. b) ObjectiveTo determine the efficiency that will be attained in using fashion in marketing Diet Coke as a health drink. c) Research Questions The following questions will aid the attainment of the research objectives: i. Are health drink manufacturers using fashion as a tool to develop awareness on their products? ii. Is the reputation of Coca Cola and Diet Coke capable of sustaining it as a soft drink? d) Methodology The main approach used in the research is questionnaires that are used in collection of data that is analysed with the aid of graphs.A sampling approach is taken in data collection and analysis where twenty marketing experts are randomly selected and administered with questionnaires that seek to address the key research question. The questionnaires which have closed question make it easy to analyse their response and quantify the findings. The results are inferred to the population which is the perception of experts on the position of Diet Coke in the different segments it operates in. e) Results Question Results Yes No Are health drink manufacturers using fashion as a tool to develop awareness on their pro ducts?3 17 Is the reputation of Coca Cola and Diet Coke capable of sustaining it as a soft drink? 14 6 f) Analysis From the primary research it is evident that the reputation Diet Coke has as a soft drink from Coca Cola is enough to soar it above the rather competitive soft drink industry. It is worth noting that Coca Cola is the leading soft drink brand in all areas that it operates in except the Middle East. Furthermore, the research findings show that health drinks are generally not appreciative of the role played by fashion in marketing their products.This presents an opportunity for Diet Coke to strongly establish itself as a health drink while using the reputation that Coca Cola has established in the over 100 years that it has been operational in developing awareness on its being a soft drink. The experience that Coca Cola has had in using fashion as a marketing tool will play an important part in gaining advantage over the rather inexperienced health drink manufacturers in m arketing Diet Coke. Diet Coke has established itself as a health drink and a soft drink thus both segments have to be equally addressed.From research on consumer behaviour, it is evident that the sociological approaches are more relevant to understanding the behaviour of the market segment Diet Coke harnesses. Awareness on trends in health, disease conditions, educational attainment and events which include sports and fashion galas can be used in spreading awareness and appreciation of Diet Coke. Different approaches depending on the values and beliefs that define the community in question; emphasis on research; community participation and awareness on issues that affect societal health would all play an important part in increasing awareness on the presence of Diet Coke.The interaction between individuals is central to development of awareness and Diet coke strategies should ensure that its brand is developed in any area that involves interaction. Celebrities, public forums and spo rts personalities should all be used in ensuring that Diet Coke soars within the waves of a ‘fun drink' that is definitive of Coca Cola product while developing a different approach with regards to its being a health drink.These strategies have been developed in consideration of the need to continually renovate to develop systems that are largely robust and build on past success. Diet Coke has a strong basis as a Coca Cola product and the potential of the market with regards to educational and health awareness is unlimited. This knowledge is important in developing a comprehensive marketing strategy that will help Diet Coke develop as one of the most important name of the greatest success story in corporate history: Coca Cola.

Consumer behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Consumer behaviour - Essay Example n household organisation, handful rare articles on extraordinary behaviour such as children’s sweet, vegetarianism and health food buying, and important, mainly overlooked, historical evaluation of the changes in food habits in the UK and France (Wiessner & Schiefenhovel 1996). Historical documentations of food provision have a tendency to put emphasis on either the general levels of consumption in a particular society, on issues of extreme poverty and starvation, or on specific food provisions, such as sugar. Merely a handful of the common books on the food habits of the British people focus on the commercial condition of meals. Fast foods, restaurants and espresso bars are mentioned very occasionally in the directories of such writings. For instance, Burnett (1989) provides an inclusive synopsis of transforming behaviour in the UK ever since the momentous Industrial Revolution, explaining how disparities in class and ethnic backgrounds affected forms of diet and general norms of nutrition, and though there are informative and helpful concise sections on altering trends of eating out, merely an insignificant fraction of a sizeable book is dedicated to meals taken outside of the home (as cited in Fine et al. 1996: 82). General historical narratives of food habits and consumption in the United States have had used more mentions of the practice and, since the practice or habit of buying and consuming food on commercial vicinities is more traditionally established, the United States is better provided with literatures of both its historical and geographical distribution. Yet, literature remains inadequate. Therefore, this paper will explore and analyse available literature on food habits and food consumption behaviour of individuals in the various parts of the world, but particularly in the Western region, through the application of various theories of consumption. Outlooks of the West towards consumption have consistently been divided. On the one hand,

Stable Angina Pectoris Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Stable Angina Pectoris - Essay Example Although there are efforts to specify use of angina pectoris for chest area discomfort caused by myocardial ischaemia linked with coronary artery disease, there are also known causes like aortic stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Task Force of European Society of Cardiology 395; Fox et al. 3-9). Angina pectoris is considered stable if it has been occurring for over a number of weeks without any major worsening. Stable angina pectoris normally occur in situations related to increased myocardial oxygen usage. Factors such as ambient temperature and emotional stress can, however, influence symptoms of stable angina pectoris from time to time (Crea & Gaspardone 3767; Christensen 10-11). On the other hand, unstable angina pectoris is characterized by a suddenly deteriorating pre-existing angina pectoris or abrupt appearance of angina during rest or light work. This is generally caused by atherosclerotic plaque rupture which leads to intracoronary thrombus formation. Some patients experience heightened coronary artery tone or spasm (Fox et al 4). The pathological condition giving rise to this imbalance is most often the atheromatous narrowing of the coronary arteries. To attain this medical condition, also referred to as stenosis, there must be at least 50 to 70 percent narrowing of the coronary artery. In such decrease in the inner diameter, the coronary blood flow is rendered inadequate to reach the metabolic demands of the heart during strenuous activities or exercise. The impact of stenosis is not limited to the degree of narrowing of the luminal diameter but also on the length and quantity of stenoses present in the coronary artery (Crea & Gaspardone 3767; Christensen 10-11). Vasoconstriction at the area of the atheromatous narrowing normally results to segmental abnormal function and dilatation of the left ventricle which cause a sudden drop in coronary blood flow. Coronary vasoconstriction, on the other hand, occurs because of curtailed diastolic filling period due to tachycardia and different hormonal actions. Patients with coronary artery disease have the potential risk of acquiring fissuring or rupturing plaque which usually results in platelet aggregation, abnormality of coronary blood flow or thrombotic coronary occlusion. Increased vasomotor tone or spasm arises from the release of substances from activated platelets. This condition crosses the threshold in which a diagnosis of unstable angina pectoris or evolving myocardial infarction is given (Fox et al 5). It is estimated that 30,000 to 40,000 per 1 million persons suffering from angina pectoris in countries with high number of patients with coronary heart disease. The incidence of angina pectoris is notably twice as high as in middle-aged men as in middle-aged women. This medical condition severely limits the lifestyle of patients such that those of working age are forced to apply for early retirement (Christensen 10; Fox et al. 3-9; Crea & Gaspardone 3767). Symptoms Stable angina pectoris symptoms are grouped into four major features. These are in terms of location, association with exercise, characteristics, and

Financial Managment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Financial Managment - Coursework Example igh stock of debentures is usually considered unattractive to invest in for the reason that it has a higher risk especially in the times of financial volatility since only holders of debenture have priority over the company assets in such circumstances. Prudent financial management stipulates that, a business should not depend much on loan capital and debentures compared to equity capital unless it is only being employed for a very short period of time. However, these kinds of ascertaions are highly challenged by Modigliani and Miller (MM). In fact their basic hypotheses states that, in an efficient market, the nonexistence of bankruptcy costs, asymmetric information, taxes and agency costs, the business’s value is not affected by the manner in which that business is financed. According to MM, it doesn’t matter whether the capital of the firm is raised through selling debt or issuing stock. They further state that, the dividend policy of the firm also does not affect it s value. Actually, the argument of MM is straightforward; the cash flows that a corporation can make for all investors are all the same despite the capital gearing. According to them, changing the capital gearing does not in any way alter the firm’s general cash flows (Modigliani & Miller, 1958). b) Factors to consider when raising capital through preference and Debentures i. The Board Operation Although preference shares do not have much effect on the company’s management, debentures do have. This is based on the fact that, a business with external investors needs to be run in a manner that goes in line with the aspirations of debenture holders. With this in mind, it may be quite impossible to manage a company where the lifestyle of directors is the only central part behind the business... This paper approves that the company’s declared objective is to maximize shareholder wealth. In principle, a variety of dividend policies is consistent with this aim depending on factors such as the tax position of the clientele and whether dividend policy has been used to convey information to the market. Pavlon has followed a remarkably consistent dividend policy, adhering to a constant payout ratio. At the time of listing, it would presumably have stated its dividend policy in its prospectus and unless specified otherwise, shareholders would have been justified in expecting continuation of this policy. A switch in dividend policy so soon after listing is certain to offend at least some portion of its clientele. This essay makes a conclusion that The stand point of Director C is based on the argument that all shareholder amounts and returns on investments should always be ploughed back to create more wealth. Besides, his argument to maintain dividend is aimed at boosting more capital for the company and evade on paying taxes on some taxable dividends. For instance, the Director seem to have considered the rate of taxes on both capital gains which at times is not taxed and dividends which are usually taxed at the incomes marginal rate. However, with this process shareholders stand too loose more than if they were given the dividends. First, continuously retaining shares in the company without a close follow up on the performance of the company may create a scenario where the company managers will be having easy cash at their disposal to squander.

Gay in the military Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gay in the military - Essay Example There has been a long history of the gays serving in the army and there have been many political reforms associated with this issue. It has been observed that the confidence or tempo of the military is not affected by the gays serving in the armed forces. The U.S. military prohibited the homosexuals to serve in army in 1916 in the Articles of War. However, a full-fledged ban was enforced in the World War II. After this historical ban, recruits were properly analyzed and observed for signs of homosexuality before being selected for the Army, Navy and Selective Service System. An estimated 4,000 gays who applied were rejected due to their sexual orientation. Lesbians were mostly accepted because asking women about their sexual orientation also violated the standards of behavior and conduct. During 1992, the presidential campaign â€Å"Don’t ask, don’t tell† was initiated by Bill Clinton and claimed to lift this ban. However, this campaign was opposed severely by senior military personals and also the American public. When the attempts failed, the Congress passed a law that gays could serve in army as long as they kept quiet about their sexual orientation. The campaign formally known as the Military Eligibility Act of 1993 was not completely followed and investigations about the homosexuality were still carried out by the military recruitment services. Since 1994, 12,000 gays were dismissed (Webley 2010). The history of gays in the military indicates that many sincere efforts were put up by the politicians to lift this ban. However these efforts were always encountered with opposition not only by the military services but also by the American public. When the issues like increasing the size of the armed forces was put forward by President Bush in 2007, the issue of gays serving in military was brought up again in the form of a heated argument. The policy â€Å"Don’t ask, don’t tell† is a huge

Make up your own topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Make up your own topic - Essay Example In this regard, the article would be critiqued focusing on logical presentation of contentions in the most balanced and objective way. The essay hereby aims to proffer the effectiveness of the author’s discourse using appropriate critical analysis techniques, as required. To analyze the essay in a logical form, one needs to clearly set the meaning of a critical analysis. One’s academic background and learning from various modules on critical thinking recognizes the involvement of rational and logical thinking skills in closely evaluating the effectiveness of a discourse to determine if the specified objective is achieved. Using these explanations, the article initially started with an introductory paragraph that provided some background information on the author’s rationale for pursuing music as an academic major. However, introductory paragraphs need to establish the general overview of the discourse and stipulate the author’s aim and thesis statement as well. In this article, the introductory paragraph did not contain the author’s purpose nor the thesis statement, as required; thereby failing to comply with the general requirement of an academic essay. The author proceeded with a narrative discourse of how people wrongly perceived music courses, in general. While indicating that the perceptions are false, the author did not support the statement but instead, diverted the discussion to presenting some approach to seek respite from the demands of the course. Further, the structure and arguments that are supposed to prove that music is not an easier path was not effectively and logically presented. For example, the paragraph that is supposed to discuss that long hours of practice cut homework time in core and other courses did not support this contention in any way; but instead, opted to discuss the challenges posed by taking a diction course for vocal performance majors. The general arguments that

COE Framework And Ethical Dispositions Comparison Matrix Assignment

COE Framework And Ethical Dispositions Comparison Matrix - Assignment Example I have ranked the issue of Mastery of Content at number two because these are the fundamentals of any successful learning program. For professional educators to align themselves with facts and deliver without bias, a mastery of important concepts and principles is key. According to Mowchan et al. (2015), "Any professional service provider, in this case, professional educators, should conduct business with objectivity, avoiding conflict of interest or personal prejudice and should not intentionally mislead others, for this case students." â€Å"Learners will align educational objectives to content and professional education standards, as well as design formative and summative assessments including rubrics that analyze student learning and teacher effectiveness.† (COE-GCU Framework, 2011) I have rated Student Learning and Teacher effectiveness at number three because this relationship fosters coherence and important shared values. The professional educator can be able to understand the diversity of cultures through such formative assessments that are more certainly than not set by both parties. In a research conducted by Cannaerts et al., 2014 indicated that ethics education was best attained through ethics learning integrated through a curriculum that was learner based. Learning based on diversity of views enhances active participation that is more efficient (Ann, 2013).

Tumultuous Sixties Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tumultuous Sixties - Essay Example However, their hopes were crushed when President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Lyndon Johnson replaced Kennedy as president and brought the culture of working actively to promote the lives of Americans. Johnson believed that the only way to improve the livelihoods of the American people is through education and ending poverty. Johnson introduced the Civil Rights Act from the urging of the Congress, which then outlawed discrimination that is openly based on race, color, sex, religion, national and origin in the American federal programs (Nicholas, 2012). There was an introduction of mechanisms for enforcement to the American culture where there was an open application for voting, employment and public accommodations of American citizens and residents regardless of the race, color and religion.President Johnson introduced new student loans and grant programs that were free from racial discrimination and supported the consumer-protection legislation act. The presidentâ€⠄¢s ambitions to end poverty in America led to the effort of championing for better education and job training. However, the effort enjoyed mixed success, as it was not fully successful. In essence, the federal programs and economic expansion that Johnson initiated increased the number of problems that the poor Americans faced (Nicholas, 2012). What Americans had thought of the administration of Johnson turned out negative and critics pointed out at the numerous assassinations and unrest that occurred during his rule.

Case Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case Management - Essay Example Case management can also be referred to as program coordination or service coordination (Levine and Brill 5). Case-management is a problem-solving function which is designed to ensure progression of services by overcoming the systems rigidity, misuse of certain facilities and fragmented services (Holt 15). Case management dominates in HIV/ AIDS programs in order to ensure that both the affected and their families get access to care and other services. It is also used in other programs which include the elderly, people with chronic disabilities, teenage mothers, mental health clients, veterans, the disabled, school children, substance abusers, developmentally disabled individuals among others (Holt 140). There is a number of ways in which people can access their needs during case management. The case manager should identify the problem facing the client. This will ensure that he has understood the type of conflict that he should address. This enables him to prepare adequately in managing the case. After getting to know the type of client one is working with then, the case manager should be able to categorize the clients according to case management settings (Holt 56). These include classification according to organization, type of case manager, payment, and the case manager functions (Holt 57). The client one is working with should cooperate effectively. This is because cooperation is effective in reducing the emotional component of the conflict. As one continues dealing with the client, he or she should assess the adherence of the client to the case management procedure (Levine and Brill 34). The tests chosen for the client are supposed to be accurate enough in order to generate the required end results (Holt 67). The case manager should take his/ her time in monitoring the client’s progress. Assessment of the client is an ongoing procedure (Holt 20). During this period, the case manager should have built a solid relationship with the client. Moreover,

Promotional Activities Essay Example for Free

Promotional Activities Essay Section 1.0 Introduction Throughout this assignment, I will be producing a plan of a promotion campaign for an existing business. I have decided to choose Marks and Spencer Plc. I will be looking at how Marks and Spencer use promotional activities and incorporate them into a promotional mix creating a vital choice in the success of the promotion campaign. As well, I will be considering whether promotional activities can affect a business’ final choice of promotional mix. Marks and Spencer Plc are located all over the UK, with currently 600 stores that range from the large stores to the simply food stores, but their largest store is situated at Marble Arch on London’s Oxford Street. By 1975 Marks and Spencer had opened over 285 international stores. The locations of all Marks and Spencer have nearby bus stops and car parks enabling it to be accessible to its customers, in addition, a large number for the stores have collect by car facilities for customers to pick up their goods at a later time. They currently employ over 75,000 employees in the UK and internationally. Marks and Spencer was founded by Michael Marks in 1884. He opened a stall at Leeds Kirkgate Market and all the items were sold for a penny. In 1894 Thomas Spencer invested  £300 to become Michael’s partner in the company.  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­ Marks and Spencer have a very user friendly website, that shows their aims and objectives that they want to achieve to be a successful business. It provides links to their promotions and to their online shopping. I will be using this website throughout my coursework. (See appendix A). They have a lot of competition that is mainly the large supermarket chains Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda who are all wanting customers to come to their stores because they have the products that customers are looking for at the right price for them. They do not specialise for a specific target market as  they cater for women, men and children in clothing, however their food lines tend to be the more luxurious, high quality and expensive. Their market share is 10.7% for clothing and footwear (See appendix B) and for food the market share is 3.9%. (See appendix B). Their annual turnover in the UK is  £8.16 billion and internationally is  £898 million. (See appendix B). To ensure a business succeeds within the promotional mix, promotion is key in achieving this. I will be looking in depth to see whether Marks and Spencer have achieved this or whether they need more advertisement enabling their customers to become aware of their aims and objectives in finalising the promotion. Marks and Spencer’s objectives are: Continue to invest in and grow our core UK retail business, by introducing new goods and services. Strengthen our UK property portfolio. Drive our MS Direct business. Expand our International business. Integrate Plan A (our ‘eco plan’) into every aspect of how we do business, so that we grow in a sustainable way.

Critical Issue Promoting Technology Use In Schools Education Essay

Critical Issue Promoting Technology Use In Schools Education Essay Although there has been a strong push to get educational technology into the hands of teachers and students, many obstacles to implementation still exist. Equipment may not be placed in easily accessible locations. Hardware and software often pose problems for teachers in the classroom, and just-in-time technical support may be unavailable. Teachers may lack the time and the motivation to learn technology skills. Professional development activities may not provide ongoing, hands-on training for teachers or practical strategies for implementing technology into lesson plans. Initial technology funding may not be sustained and thus not capable of providing upgrades, maintenance, and ongoing professional development. Fortunately, these obstacles can be addressed and overcome. This Critical Issue provides practical information for promoting technology use in schools. OVERVIEW: The push to provide technology in schools has been successful in recent years. According to Goldman, Cole, and Syer (2000), most schools have computer labs and many have computers in every classroom. More than 90 percent of all schools are connected to the Internet, and more than 33 percent of teachers have Internet access in their classrooms. Yet teachers readily admit that they are not making as much use of technology as they could. According to an Education Week survey, nearly 30 percent of teachers said their students use computers only one hour per week; nearly 40 percent said their students do not use computers in the classroom at all (Trotter, 2001). Although technology is more prevalent in the schools, several factors affect whether and how it is used. Those factors include placement of computers for equitable access, technical support, effective goals for technology use, new roles for teachers, time for ongoing professional development, appropriate coaching of teac hers at different skill levels, teacher incentives for use, availability of educational software, and sustained funding for technology. Placing Computers for Equitable Access Access to technology is an important issue for teachers and students. Although schools may have computers available, one factor that determines their use is where those computers are located. If computers are connected to the Internet but are not in a convenient location, the availability to students and teachers will be limited. Across the case study sites, there were five different strategies for allocating computers for student use:  · Distribution among the regular classrooms  · Computers in labs  · Mobile computer labs  · Incremental roll-out  · School-within-a-school The standard computer lab is commonly used in schools. If the use of the computer lab is carefully scheduled, it will provide high equipment utilization; on the other hand, keeping the computers in one place may be a barrier to using them on a continual but intermittent basis as a part of the curriculum. Some schools prefer to place computers in the regular classroom. These computers often are distributed through incremental rollout. In incremental rollout, technology is given to a limited number of classrooms at first and then expanded to an additional classroom each year. Sometimes the computers are distributed on a grade-by-grade basis with primary grades first and upper grades later receiving the most up-to-date equipment. This approach requires continual, yearly funding. Some schools have chosen to start with their Internet connection in the school library. This location necessitates that the library-media specialist is aware of educational sites to supplement students classroom activities. The library-media specialist also needs to work with teachers and the technology specialist to determine the best use of the equipment. In situations where software also is a limited commodity, the school library may house and catalog the software, as is done with other educational materials. This situation makes the software available to all teachers and allows teachers flexibility in assigning work to students. Whatever decisions are made on allocation of equipment, it is imperative that all staff members are included in the decision making and that long-term plans are made for acquisition and upgrading of materials. Such collaborative decision making and planning helps ensure staff buy-in, equity of access, and effective use of technology in teaching and learning. Providing Technical Support Without continuous technical support, technology integration in the classroom will never be satisfactorily achieved (Bailey Pownell, 2002). Most teachers have heard horror stories about equipment failure, software complexity, data loss, embarrassments, and frustration. They dont want to be left hanging with 30 students wondering why nothing is working the way it is supposed to be. When teachers are trying to use technology in their classrooms and they encounter difficulties, they need immediate help and support. Providing Time for Ongoing Professional Development Learning the new roles and ways of teaching that go hand-in-hand with technology integration requires that teachers have opportunities to participate in an extended process of professional development. Teachers need time to acquire technology skills and develop new teaching strategies for integrating technology into the classroom. Except for occasional in-service programs, teachers often have no time built into the school day for their own professional development. When professional development activities are conducted after school, teachers may not have the energy necessary for engaging in learning. Burgos (2001) notes, The research on staff development tells us that its least effective when its done at the end of the school day. Some researchers suggest that the ideal time for teachers to participate in professional development activities is during the summer, when students are not a consideration and teachers do not have as many demands on their time. But teachers are more likely to apply new instructional strategies if they receive feedback and support while trying the new strategies in their classrooms. Coaching Teachers at Different Skill Levels A school may be home to educators with a wide variety of skill levels in technology: computer gurus anxious to put the capabilities of the newest hardware and software to use; moderate technocrats, who implement basic computerized tasks; and the technologically limited. The problem faced by administrators and professional development staff of such a school is providing adequate training to bring all teachers to an adequate level of technical expertise so learning goals can be met. After the teachers skill levels are identified, administrators, teachers, and the technology specialist can brainstorm to determine what support and resources teachers need to advance to the next stage. Teachers can develop personal plans for professional development that include goals for using technology. These professional development plans can be competency driven, identifying specific areas where technology can be used effectively; they can specify outcomes to be achieved using technology, such as implementing specific projects with students; and they can list software applications that should be mastered by specific dates. By putting individual goals in writing, these plans formalize teachers commitment to using technology in the classroom, states Tenbusch (2002). Choosing Appropriate Software One barrier to technology integration is the difficulty many teachers face in finding and using appropriate software for instruction (Glenn, 2003). Teachers at novice or apprenticeship stages of technology integration may need guidance in locating multimedia software and Internet sites to support the schools learning goals, either because they are unfamiliar with these media or because they feel overwhelmed by the profusion of software on the market and sites on the Internet. Lack of time and experience to make good decisions about what particular products or sites have the potential of fostering learning goals can make technology integration a frightening prospect. Glenn (2003) succinctly summarizes the challenge: Problems exist with finding and using appropriate software or courseware for instruction. The number of high-quality curriculum materials has increased, and there is a wider variety; however, creating innovative learning opportunities for all students remains a fundamental challenge and elusive for far too many teachers. GOALS:  · The schools technology plan clearly identifies learning goals to be achieved through technology.  · Technology supports the instructional learning goals. It is integrated into instruction in meaningful ways so that it contributes to the attainment of high standards by all students.  · Technology is used for challenging, long-term projects that promote students higher-order thinking skills instead of merely for drill-and-practice programs to improve basic skills.  · All students have opportunities to use a variety of technologies to support their work on authentic tasks.  · All technology is in operable condition and is being used effectively and to the maximum extent possible.  · Just-in-time technology support is available for teachers and students.  · There is a flexibility in managing the technology to ensure that all students and teachers have equity of access.  · Professional development is considered an important part of the technology plan and the technology budget.  · The professional development component of the technology plan ensures that every teacher has allotted time throughout the school year for professional development relating to technology and its integration into the classroom.  · Professional development in technology is directly applicable to the classroom situation.  · A diverse portfolio is in place to ensure that funding is available to support technology and ongoing professional development. Administrators:  · Pursue funding strategies to provide the necessary technology, professional development, technical support, equipment upgrades, and equipment maintenance to achieve educational goals.  · Develop strategies for ensuring equitable use of education technology for all students and teachers.  · Acknowledge the benefits of plugging educators into technology improved student performance, increased student motivation, lower student absenteeism, and higher teacher morale.  · Understand the implications of preparing teachers for the Digital Age.  · Ensure that the school is providing professional development for effective technology use.  · Determine expectations for teachers in regard to their use of technology in their classrooms. Develop strategies for teaching the teachers and eventually winning teachers over.  · Read about technology implementation strategies in Teachers and Technology: Making the Connection.  · Provide all teachers and administrators with an Internet e-mail address. Use e-mail for all school announcements.  · Provide a networked computer on the desk of every teacher and administrator.  · Provide all teachers with on-site training in technology use. Ensure that teachers have adequate time to practice new skills, explore software, and become proficient with the schools technology.  · Involve teachers in identifying and pursuing technology professional development that is appropriate to their needs and skills.  · Encourage teachers to set their own technology integration goals as part of their individual professional development plans.  · Ensure that adequate technical support is available.  · Address any problems that arise with new uses of technology in the classroom quickly and efficiently.  · Use a variety of time and monetary incentives as well as job requirements that encourage teachers to use technology in their classrooms. o Provide release time for teachers to participate in technology professional development activities during the school day. o Pay for additional professional development activities, such as outside conferences and workshops that address specific classroom technology issues. o Pay teachers to act as technology mentors for teachers with novice technology skills. o Provide classroom-embedded mentoring, tutoring, and follow-up activities. o Financially reward teachers for designing good instructional uses of technology. o As an additional incentive, offer technology for classroom or personal use: laptop computers, technology equipment, and software. o Make teachers base pay contingent upon participation of technology professional development. o Include technological competence as one aspect of teacher evaluation. o Tie job security to technology professional development by adding technology competence to teacher evaluation, requiring technology-related professional development for contract renewal, or making technology professional development a requirement for re-certification.  · Periodically visit classrooms to determine teachers technology needs and to observe and encourage their integration strategies.  · Provide opportunities for teachers to observe effective technology use in other classes or schools.  · Recognize teacher successes with technology. Share these stories with the school and the community. Encourage teachers to share their successes with colleagues at conferences.  · Participate in professional development programs, study groups, and other technology activities with teachers and other staff members.

Legal Research Assessment

Legal Research Assessment Question 1 Could Vincents security staff be given power to issue fixed penalty notices for disorder? Issues What is a fixed PND? Who legally can issue? How does this apply to these particular facts? Research Lexis Halsburys Laws of England – search â€Å"penalty notice for disorder† Result – 639 Directions as to Defendants good character – reference to Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 s2(1) Search Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 s2(1) – Part 1 deals with Provisions for Combating Crime and Disorder and within this section 2 with Penalty Notices S2(1) â€Å"a constable who has reason to believe that a person aged [10] or over has committed a penalty offence may give him a penalty notice in respect of the offence.† Note subordinate legislation Penalties for Disorderly Behaviour (Amendment of Minimum Age) Order 2004, SI 2004/3166 no reference to under-age drinkers in the facts so not following up further Reviewing rest of Part 1 and noting that under s(4) a â€Å"penalty notice† is defined as â€Å"a notice offering the opportunity†¦to discharge any liability to be convicted of the offence to which the notice relates.† S(1) lists offences leading to penalties on the spot and noting that these include â€Å"being drunk in a highway, other public place or licensed premises† , â€Å"disorderly behaviour while drunk in a public place† and â€Å"behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress† Halsburys Laws of England 542 penalty notices and penalties Halsburys Laws 543 deals with procedure Therefore appears that in addition to the police â€Å"accredited persons† may be able to issue PNDs subject to certain exceptions. Westlaw Searching for Police Reform Act 2002 s41 – accreditation under community safety accreditation schemes Applies where under s(1) a chief officer of police has entered into arrangements with an employer for the purposes of carrying out community safety functions Schedule 5 sets out the powers that may be conferred on â€Å"accredited person† Under s41 (4) chief officer of police must be satisfied that (a) the employer is a â€Å"fit and proper person to supervise† [the carrying out of the function of the accredited person], (b) the person themselves is a suitable person to exercise the powers (c) the person is capable of carrying out the function and (d) the person has received adequate training Under s41(5) chief officer of police may charge a fee for considering and granting applications Accreditation only applies while AP is employee of the person with whom chief of police has entered into the arrangement and for specified period, although can be renewed. S40 Police Reform Act 2002 – community safety accreditation schemes – under s40(1) chief officer of police of any police force may establish such a scheme Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1084582443type=RESOURCES Guidance also found on the Home Office website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/penalty-notices/212291 Essex Police website – details of accreditation scheme on â€Å"about us† page http://www.essex.police.uk/about.aspx Question 2 Would male customers have any cause of action against the Club for being charged twice the entrance fee of women on a Wednesday or Thursday night? If so, where could this action be instigated? Issues Is this sex discrimination? Where can proceedings be brought? Research As mentioned in memo that threatened to complain to Equal Opportunities Commission – looked for its website. Comes under Equality and Human Rights Commission (EOC) at www.equalityhumanrights.com/ Main legislation is the Equality Act 2010 which came into force 1 October 2010 and brought into one place the fragmented existing laws against discrimination. Guidance on EOC website suggest that businesses need to avoid unlawful discrimination which includes setting conditions – eg â€Å"ladies nights† would almost certainly fall into this. Says EA applies to both public and private sectors, Human Rights Act 1998 – to public bodies Also referred to Human Rights Law and Practice, Third Edition Lexis Nexis 2009 – EHRC is non-departmental government body Lexis Equality Act 2010 s13 Direct discrimination (1) A person (A) discriminates against another (B) if, because of a protected characteristic, A treats B less favourably than A treats or would treat others. s29 Provision of services, etc. (1) A person (a â€Å"service-provider†) concerned with the provision of a service to the public or a section of the public (for payment or not) must not discriminate against a person requiring the service by not providing the person with the service. (2) A service-provider (A) must not, in providing the service, discriminate against a person (B)— (a) as to the terms on which A provides the service to B; (b) by terminating the provision of the service to B; (c) by subjecting B to any other detriment. Part 9 deals with enforcement – s113 with proceedings, 114 jurisdiction, 118 time limits and 119 remedies. Important points – bring in county court in area where business based within 6 months of discrimination. Westlaw Equality Act 2010, Part 2 (4) and (11) â€Å"protected characteristic† includes sex. Recent news – Hall and Preddy case (unreported) – same sex couple who were not allowed to stay in bed and breakfast received  £1,800 each in damages Question 3 Is Lucca entitled to the additional 6 months leave? If so, does Vincent have to keep his job open for him? Issues What is the entitlement to paternity leave? Can Lucca return to the same job? Research Westlaw Search â€Å"paternity leave† – Additional Paternity Leave Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/1055) came into force 6 April 2010. Under Employment Rights Act 1996 requirement to make regulations entitling fathers to paternity leave – 2 consecutive weeks within 56 days of birth. Work and Families Act 2008 inserted s80AA and 80BB into ERA – reference to ordinary and additional leave. Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002/2788 gave entitlement to 2 weeks paternity leave. Additional Paternity Leave Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/1055) Additional paternity leave where child due on or after 3 April 2011 – up to 6 months and entitled to return to same job after leave. Internal Report Memo From: Trainee To: Supervising Partner Date: 30.03.11 Re: Vincent Grubnic, managing director of the Vortex, Night- Club Dear Supervising Partner Thank you for your memo dated 29.03.11 in which you requested I conduct some research ahead of your meeting with Vincent Grubnic next Thursday, focusing particularly on the following issues: 1. Could Vincents security staff be given power to issue fixed penalty notices for disorder? 2. Would male customers have any cause of action against the Club for being charged twice the entrance fee of women on a Wednesday or Thursday night? If so, where could this action be instigated? 3. Is Lucca entitled to the additional 6 months leave? If so, does Vincent have to keep his job open for him? Summary In relation to issue 1 Vincent can apply to the local police force for accreditation for his security staff to be given the power to issue penalty notices. In relation to issue 2 it is likely that the promotion described would fall foul of sex discrimination law and the complainant could bring proceedings in the county court and possibly be awarded damages. Therefore it is advisable that the promotion is changed. In relation to issue 3 it is again likely that Lucca will be entitled to the additional leave and, if his job is not held open for him, there is a risk of Lucca bringing an employment claim. Issue 1 Fixed penalty notices for disorder The starting point is the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (CJPA), Part 1 of which deals with Provisions for Combatting Crime and Disorder. This legislation created the power for the police to issue penalty notices for certain offences. A â€Å"penalty notice† is defined as â€Å"a notice offering the opportunity†¦to discharge any liability to be convicted of the offence to which the notice relates† . Therefore a person given a penalty notice, assuming they elect to pay the specified amount, will not be convicted of the offence detailed in the notice. If, however, they do not pay the specified amount they are likely to be charged with the offence and may be convicted. The offences which may lead to on-the-spot penalties include â€Å"being drunk in a highway, other public place or licensed premises†, â€Å"disorderly behavior while drunk in a public place† and â€Å"behavior likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress .† The amount of the penalty is specified by order of the Secretary of State with the fixed amount for most of the listed offences being  £80, or  £40 in case of person under 16. The notice must include specified details including the alleged offence, the circumstances in which it occurred and the persons right to ask to be tried for the alleged offence in place of paying the fixed amount. Initially, under CJPA, it was envisaged that penalty notices would be issued by the police . However, this was later widened to include Police Community Support Officers as well as people accredited under a community accreditation scheme . The Police Reform Act 2002 (PRA) created the power for the chief officer of a police force to set up a community accreditation scheme. Under such a scheme, an â€Å"accredited person† has similar powers to the police to issue notices and therefore the chief officer must be satisfied that that their employer is fit to supervise them carrying out their role, that the person themselves is suitable to the role and that they have received training. Under s41(5) PRA the chief officer of police may charge a fee for considering and granting applications. Accreditation schemes are aimed at particular types of work including staff of private security firms . My research suggests that Vincents staff may therefore be able to obtain accreditation, assuming Vincent is prepared to pay the necessary fees for the application and training and that both he and the staff are deemed suitable to participate. If this is something Vincent would like to pursue, there are further details about the local accreditation scheme on the Essex Police website . Issue 2 Sex discrimination in promotions In order to consider this issue, I firstly reviewed the law in relation to discrimination on the grounds of sex. The legislation in relation to the various types of discrimination has recently been brought into one place in the form of the Equality Act 2010 which came into force 1 October 2010. I note that the student who made the complaint had threatened to complain to the Equal Opportunities Commission. The EOC now comes under the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which provides a wide range of guidance and advice to both service users and businesses. The guidance suggests that businesses need to avoid setting conditions in promotions which favour either sex and suggests that â€Å"ladies nights† would almost certainly fall foul of the requirements of the new legislation. . This guidance is confirmed by the legislation itself. The Equality Act 2010 (EQA) states that â€Å"a person (A) discriminates against another (B) if, because of a protected characteristic, A treats B less favourably than A treats or would treat others.† The sex of a person is a protected characteristic. The EQA makes specific references to service providers and that discrimination is not permitted in the terms in which A provides a service to B. My view is that it is clear under the EQA legislation that service providers such as Vincent cannot offer a service at one rate to men and at another rate to women without breaching requirements in relation to discrimination. Turning to enforcement, this is dealt with under Part 9 EQA. The student could issue proceedings in the county court in which Vincents business is situated, which in this case would be Colchester County Court, and would have 6 months from the action complained of in which to do so. While he cannot make a claim through EHRC it may provide assistance if there is sufficient interest in the matter. If the students case was successful, he may be awarded damages and it is therefore advisable commercially that Vincent changes the promotion as soon as possible. While this would not prevent a claim, it would limit its impact and the interest of the EHRC. Issue 3 Additional parental leave Finally, I turn to the question of the bar manager, Lucca. The Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA) states that the Secretary of State shall make regulations entitling fathers who meet specified conditions to a period of 2 weeks of paternity leave. This was carried out through secondary legislation in the form of the Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002. The Work and Families Act 2008 then inserted s80AA and 80BB into ERA making reference to â€Å"ordinary† and† â€Å"additional† leave. Following this, the Additional Paternity Leave Regulations 2010 (APLR) came into force on 6 April 2010 and made provision for entitlement to additional leave where the baby was due on or after 3 April 2011. It appears that Vincent does not dispute Luccas entitlement to the 2 weeks ordinary paternity leave. However, it appears that Lucca also meets the criteria for additional paternity leave under the APLR having been employed for more than 26 weeks, being the father of the child and, along with the mother, apparently expecting to have the main responsibility for bringing up the child. In addition, the baby is due after 3 April 2011. Lucca wishes to take 6 months leave beginning 6 months after the birth, which he is entitled to do providing he gives notice 8 weeks prior to the start of the leave . The notice must be in writing and include both employee and mother declarations that the purpose of the leave is for Lucca to care for the child while the mother is at work. The APLR also confers a right for Lucca to return to the same job providing he does not take more than the 6 months intended leave . If Vincent does not keep the job open for Lucca then it is likely that he will have been unfairly dismissed which may give rise to a claim. I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any queries or would like me to do any further work on this matter prior to your meeting, such as contacting Vincent to ensure he brings along identification if he is a new client.

the black death Essay -- essays research papers fc

In â€Å"The Black Death† the author Phillip Ziegler attempts to fully describe the Plague that struck Europe in 1338 and remained until 1665. The year of the great Plague of London Ziegler tries to give an unbiased account of the Plague by compiling information from contradictory sources. Ziegler begins the book with the Tartans catapulting diseased corpses into Genoese as the Genoese escape back to Europe. Following this, the author provides some insight into the Plague in Italy, Germany, and France, in which he highlights the persecution of Jews, who became the scapegoat for the Plague in Germany. The majority of the book discusses the Plague in England, dealing with the people that died.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ziegler doesn’t argue an opinion of his findings. He openly admits that he has done no original research. Instead, he presents a collection of materials and draws some conclusions based on their findings. Ziegler’s intention in writing â€Å"The Black Death’, is to provide an accurate an unbiased account of the plague that struck Europe in 1338, and to appeal to human emotions through eye witness accounts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ziegler begins with different accounts on how the plague arrived in Europe. After presenting a few ideas, poisonous fumes, or unburned or unburied corpses, Ziegler finds the real truth of the plagues origin in a bacteria known as Pasteur Ella Pestis. Pasteur Ella Pestis, which forms itself within the siles of the dead corpses, head foun...

The Process of Baseball Season Preparation :: Expository Process Essays

The Process of Baseball Season Preparation Baseball has always been America’s natural past time. Many fans love watching baseball but do not realize how hard it is to prepare for a season. Most fans think the players just show up on the first day. I think this belief is completely false. I feel that preparing for a baseball season requires much preparation. The preparation I use includes working on my swing, working out, and studying other people’s ideas on hitting. These steps are necessary for me to have a successful season. These steps have proven to be a valuable aid in helping me to prepare for the season. I believe these steps are the basic steps to becoming a great baseball player. Developing my swing is the first step I use in preparing for the upcoming season. There are a few different techniques I use to work on my swing. The first way is to take hitting lessons. I learn much of my knowledge about hitting from taking hitting lessons. My usual routine consists of taking lessons three times a week. This allows me to be evaluated by a professional. I took hitting lessons from the same coach for five straight years. His teachings have helped me become a much better hitter. Another way I develop my swing is by practicing daily. Even though I take hitting lessons, I still need more work. I am lucky enough to have access to a facility that has hitting cages. This allows me to work in the winter and during inclimate weather. By going to work on my swing on my own, I am able to work on the skills that my hitting instructor has taught me. This seems like it would take a long time, but it does not. I carefully plan out my time, and this allows me to use my time wisely. I allot times to work different aspects of my swing. By doing this, I am able to cover all aspects of my swing. I also videotape my swing, and this allows me to view myself afterwards. Since I videotape my practice sessions, I can go over my sessions afterwards. I have caught and fixed many mistakes my carefully watching my swing on the recordings. Developing my swing is the first of three main steps I use in preparing for the upcoming season. Next, I work out using weights to improve my chances for success in the upcoming season.

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AN ISO 9001 : 2008 CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL B-SCHOOL MARKS: 80 Information Technology N. B. : 1)Attempt any sixteen questions questions carries equal marks. 1. 2. 3. What are the characteristics of a technologically enabled organization? How does an Organization acquire & disseminal knowledge? Why do you suppose inquiry – only applications were developed instead of fully on lines system? 4. 5. What kind of technology is least flexible? Most flexible? How does strategic planning differ between a firm that offers services & one that manufacturers a product?Is there a difference in the impact of technology on strategy in any two types of firms? 6. What kind of business activities do you think are most amenable to common systems in different countries? 7. What kind of programs do you think are likely to make the most use of floating – point instructions? 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Distinguish between computer hardware & software which most concerns a manager? What kind of softwar e does a server for a local area network need to have? What is OLAP? How does it contribute to the organization? Similar article: Text Mining for BusinessesWhy are standards so important in communications? What industries are most likely able to take advantage EDI? Are there applications where it does not matter if multiple databases are simultaneously updated? 14. Most organizations today have computers and software, all of which are supposed to work on a network, from different Vendors? What are the potential problems with using products from many different sources? .. 2.. 15. What are the differences in design for multi-user system versus a personal system on a pc? )All 16. Does a system have to use the most modern technology to be successful? Why or why not? Are there disadvantages to utilizing the most up-to-date technology? 17. 18. 19. Why should one insist on a demonstration of a package? What is a spaghetti organization? How can you transform a huge firm like General Motors with the help of information technology? 20. How more user development eventually eliminates the need for professi onal systems analysis and programmers? 21. 22. 3. 24. How can a company use multimedia today? How does one go about identifying the expert to be used in developing an expert system? Describe how a virus actually works? What kind of files does it want to infect? What kind of changes does information technology either create or facilitate within and between organizations? What other changes are associate with IT? 25. What are the drawbacks of work place monitoring? Why management might wants to monitor worker productivity?

Cumberland Case Essay

1. What’s your price for the curled metal pads? Why? (3) 2. How attractive an opportunity is this for CMI? (7) 3. How are you going to market these pads? Describe your marketing plan. (8) 4. What are you going to say to the Colerick Foundation?Exhibit 1: CMI was one of the largest manufacturers of curled metal products in US with an 80% market share. CMI’s sales were dipping and management was not optimistic of maintaining the current market share in the long run. Cumberland had a history of using curled metal technology to develop innovative metal products like slip-seal to meet the demanding specifications. Existing cushion pads in the market seem to be meeting the need adequately and hence no specific attention was being paid to develop new and high performing products. The results of tests of the use of new metal pad had been excellent, exhibiting nearly 33% gain in efficiency and 20 times more life as compared to asbestos pads. Because of the lack of an existing market and sales and distribution channels, company faced a herculean task of convincing the channels that there indeed was a market for the new pad. Existing pads in the market came in standard diameters but CMI’s manufacturing process provided the flexibi lity to develop pads in any diameter using the same band of curled metal. Because of the lack of statistics on cushion pad usage, CMI did not have a clear idea of the sales mix of the various product sizes. Contractors and Subject matter Experts(Prof. R. Stephan McCormack of Pennsylvania A&M university ) had expressed great enthusiasm about the new pad. At this stage of prior to product launch and manufacturing, CMI seem to be struggling to find a responsible contractor to use the product and monitor its performance | Opportunities| Threats|No direct competition for Cumberland existed because of the lack of interest of†¦ foot driven. This alternative is in line with the price of current used pads in the test scenario, hence competitive. The advantage of this method is it fulfills the company objective of 50% markup, is easy to calculate, and competes well with other pads. Furthermore, proceeding years will realize a greater than 50% margin since the $150,000 equipment investment will be eliminated. This approach would work best for a strategy of extensive market penetration. Since the price of the pads are the same current used, CMI needs only to convince consumers of the  effici ency and safety advantages to convert them to the new pads. However, this pricing method does not consider the possibility of premium pricing due to efficiency cost savings or value added to the customer by using the CMI pads. Case PresentationCurled Metal Inc. (CMI) faced a pricing and channel marketing decision for metal pile cushions utilized during pile driving. CMI’s approach to metal pads has significant efficiency advantages over currently used pads available in the market. However, CMI has to take into account several barriers to entry into this market. The primary barrier is that most companies viewed role of pads as a necessary accessory or tangent item instead of viewing them as a potentially value adding or cost reducing part of pile driving. In order to penetrate the market, CMI has to alter the point of view of pile driving pads for the opinion leaders, engineering firms, and contractors involved in the decision process. There is several stakeholders to consider, first CMI that need a new successful product to the continued success of the company. The decisions regarding pile cushions could greatly increase the company’s revenues and profits. There are also several secondary sta keholders in the pile driving industry. Secondary stakeholders include pile hammer manufacturers, architectural consulting engineers, soil consultants, pile hammer distributing/renting companies,†¦Promotion strategyPatent? Curled Metal’s strategic and marketing objectivesThere is a need to increase the industry’s awareness for the new pad and to recognize it as a â€Å"necessity† for projects.This can be achieved by soliciting different influencing parties. Different parties have established ties with their targeted clients. The parties can easily influence clients.Pile hammer manufacturers, architectural/ Consulting engineers play a role in influencing decisions of contractors by providing recommendations. Curled Metal should maintain a good relationship with these parties and carry out firm visits to introduce the product to them.For independent pile-driving contractors, professional staff from Curled Metal can be assigned to these contractors to help with management at the initial period.Less resource should be allocated on pile hammer distributing and sophisticated engineering/ construction contractors as it may be difficult to change their mindsets.This can also be achieved th rough promotion. Curled metal can continue to make use of the influence of respected Professor Stephen McCormack of Pennsylvania A&M University. Since sophisticated  firms of the industry are familiar with his research, Curl Metal should value Professor McCormack’s influence. Curl Metal should publish the test results of the new pads to the industry when it is finalized.Curled Metal can make use of existing publication on pile-driving jobs, such as Oklahoma Contractor. Curled Metal can have its advertisement featured on the publication to introduce the advantages of the new pads.Curled Metal can also sponsor professional-level seminars and conference for contractors, designers and equipment developers to exchange ideas. Curl Metal can make us of the chance where different parties gather together and promote the new pads to them. Professors can be invited to hold talks and explain how the new pads can help save resources and time. Answered questions: What should a customer be willing to pay for one of Curled Metal Incorporated’s new cushion pads? What factors are relevant in calculating willingness to pay in this situation? Prepare a specific monetary estimate of customer value in this situation. What price should Curled Metal Inc. set for one of its new cushion pads? Why? Please focus on an 11.5-inch cushion pad. On page 1 of the case, Curled Metal Inc.’s vice president Joseph Fernandez says, â€Å"The way we price this could have a significant impact on everything else we do.† An integrated strategic option specifies the basic type of advantage a company will pursue (e.g., differentiation? low cost? other?), relevant decisions about customer and product scope, and key choices throughout the company’s value chain. Please prepare an integrated strategic option for CMI – an option that specifies your price but also specifies the many other choices facing CMI in formulating a strategy for its new cushion pads (e.g., in marketing, sales, distribution, production, finance, and other functions). Case analysis for Curled Metal Inc.1. What should a customer be willing to pay for one of Curled Metal Incorporated’s new cushion pads? What factors are relevant in calculating willingness to pay in this situation? Please prepare a specific monetary estimate of customer value in this situation. When calculating the value of CMI’s curled metal pads to the customers one has to take a variety of factors into account. These are the total costs per hour of pile driving, the saved costs for driving as well as the savings in  changing time. By calculating the total amount of money saved when applying the new pads, one can calculate the â€Å"real value† of the product. One „real hour’sâ€Å" worth of pile driving is calculated as follows: One real hour has a total cost of $714. We will use this number for further calculations. Below I have calculated the total costs for driving time, replacing pads for both the Kendrick Foundation Company and Corey construction†¦ Cumberland Metals: Case Study Analysis. 1/9Cumberland Metals faced a both a pricing and channel marketing decision for metal pile cushions utilized during pile driving. Cumberland’s approach to pile cushions had significant efficiency advantages over other asbestos methods that were currently available in the 1979 market. However, Cumberland faced several barriers to entry into the pile cushion market. The primary barrier was that most companies viewed role of cushions as a necessary accessory or tangent item instead of viewing cushions as a potentially value adding or cost reducing part of pile driving. In order to penetrate the market, Cumberland would have to alter the lackadaisical view of pile driving cushion pads for the opinion leaders, eng ineering firms, and contractors involved in the decision process.Key IssuesCumberland needs to consider several marketing decisions. First, they must determine a method for pricing and ultimately a price for the new metal pads. Second, Cumberla nd must decide which channels to market the pads based on the selected pricing strategy. Third, Cumberland must determine how much to invest in manufacturing equipment by estimating market penetration and considering the costs and benefits of investing in pad producing equipment.AnalysisCumberland’s new metal pile driving pads provided several benefits over the current asbestos cushions. Several Pad features and pricing decisions will be discussed and analyzed in this section. First, the safety and heat properties of the cushions will be analyzed and compared to current asbestos pads. Second, efficiency characteristics will be analyzed and compared with current asbestos pads. Third, several methods of calculating the best price in order to match the price to the value added for the customer will be discussed. Finally, an analysis of the different marketing channels a nd marketing strategy will be presented. Safety Presentation MarketingCumberland Metal Industries ( CMI cushion pads) The  Problem Definition: For Cumberland Metal Industries the curled metal cushion pads represent a great breakthrough. These pads offer the company the opportunity to diversify, and double their sales, given a proper market introduction. Cumberland Industries faces the challenge to Place in the market (promote/advertise) and price their latest innovation, the curled metal cushion pads in a way that it reveals the great advantages that the product provides.In order to do that, the company needs to pay attention to certain factors that can influence the success of the product on the market. These factors are: promotion and advertising, and the pricing of the metal pads on the market.Marketing Strategy: A sensible thing for the company to do is to use the niche strategy in order to place the product on the market. A Niche strategy will focus on a specific area of a service or a product. The advantage of using niche strategy is that it can focus on a specific niche that provides either a large volume of business or small volume with lucrative profit margins. The whole idea behind the niche strategy is that it targets those people who are interested in the type of product offered. In our case, by placing the CMI metal cushion pads as a niche, Cumberland Metal Industries has the potential of becoming a dominant player on the market.The next step is promoting and advertising the product as such (niche/innovative etc.). What Cumberland Industries should do, is create a brand. They have a truly innovative product that has the potential of becoming a huge success. Before the CMI metal pads, the only pads available were the asbestos pads. Those, however, could be found at diverse retailers, and were not properly marketed. Moreover, it is well known, and proven that the asbestos pads are a hazard to health and also there are some government regulations that prohibit the use of asbestos. Cumberland Metal Industries – Pricing Strategy Executive SummaryCumberland Metal Industries (CMI), a company specialized in making of curled metal products, has develop a new product, metal cushion pad with health safety and long durability, to help contractors drive piles faster. Based on the successful tests, CMI now wants to launch this new product to the market. The main challenge CMI is facing is to price its new pads. Since the pad is totally new in the market, CMI should use perceived  value pricing method and apply marketing mix programs comprised of advertising, education, and distribution channels to launch this product as well as develop it to get full market share in the future.Perceived Value Pricing – strategy for future successCMI should set the objective of this new business to be the monopoly and to maximize profits. However, the prerequisite for this objective is to get a patent to prevent this product from being copied and imitated. As long as CMI did not get patent for this product, CMI should not sel l it as it would invite the entry of competitors because this cushion pad is not a high technology product and easy to be copied.