Ohio Public School Funding Essay Example for Free

Ohio Public School financing EssayOhio semipublic crop funding is complicated. Funding of public schools in Ohio is trough kingdoms combination i. e. federal government contributing about 6 percent, Ohio state 44 percent age the local appraise account to more than 50 percent. The formulas for school funding are provided by the state and this determines the amount that is received by all(prenominal) district. As a direct more wealthy districts often raise more amounts than less wealthy districts.On the otherwise hand the state set up the guaranteed amount that each district is supposed to raise and these amounts are not based on the actual expenses that are utilise to fund the schools (Brandt, 2003). The delegation of responsibilities of funding to local districts and plodding reliance on property tax in Ohio, relieve oneself bestowd to inequalities for school children across the country From the time the startle decision was released in 1997, there have been substa ntial benefits, although the decisions from the Supreme Court have not been enforced.In this regard this paper will focus on the schema of school funding in Ohio State and how the public and supreme court has responded to the dust. In addition the paper will focus on the current plans of funding, Ohio school expenditure and potential resultant role to the system (Brandt, 2003). Public school funding in Ohio The system of funding of public schools relies much on local districts property tax and this has resulted to big differences since the system depends on the amount of gold the district is able to raise. The system has caused problems for the poor suburban, rural and even urban schools.For example, in 2003, Coshocton County raised only 7,529 US dollars while Cuyahoga County was able to raise 17,735 US dollars of school funding from the property taxes and state. There are inequalities and some public schools use Xeroxed copies or outdated textbooks. Some of the buildings in whi ch the school children attend their classes have been condemned. Other school struggle to raise money to cater for basic needs such as paying school librarian. Some individual say that the problem is due to lack of attention that is exhibited by poor schools.However, considering the efforts people make ion paying tax, individuals in poor districts contribute bounteous portion of money that they have but they are not in a position to raise as much money as the wealthy districts. In addition wealthy districts have valuable properties that fetch a lot of money as compared to poor districts. The state of Ohio spends a large portion of its tax on private schools. These private schools that are owned by private companies aims at making profits and do not care a bout the local tax payers. In Ohio when the value of the properties increases the state decrease its funding.The states assume that the tax from the properties is directed to school funds. On the other hand public schools do not realize increase of funding since local taxes are normally fixed at the property value at time of last levy. Due to the gross inequalities DeRolph Dale, along with several district schools filed a case against Ohio State in 1991, and stated that the system of funding that is used in the country is unconstitutional. The supreme court of Ohio State began to investigate this system and resulted to establishment of major decisions of the Supreme Court.In 2001, the Supreme Court declared the system as unconstitutional, and directed the general assembly to provide solution (Walker, 2005). Since that time Supreme Court made ruling on the funding system the state has responded by establishing numerous legislations in order to solve the problems of the funding system. However, the problems in funding system still exist and the state has been unable to solve them. When the first decision of Supreme Court was released in 1997, the senate president said that the Supreme Court cannot enforce its rules.In 2001, the president said that Ohio State has no money and therefore Supreme Court has problems (Phillis, n. d). On the other hand following the ruling of Supreme Court there is a great dramatic shock in the funding of public schools in Ohio and many public schools are being constructed and the existing schools renovated. Before 1997 the state did not have priorities to support public schools. In 1997 the decision of DeRolph I influenced the state to support public schools and since then it have provided more than five million US dollars. Capital appropriation in the state of Ohio since 1997 for school facilities is as shown below.

Automobile and Martha Johnson Essay Example for Free

Automobile and Martha Johnson EssayMartha Johnson is a mid- class work family. Marthas goals are buy a car, rent an apartment, stay home and be a full time student, go on vacation, or save the money. The money she has it is from her aunt. Her aunt passed away and left Martha money. I am writing this shew to recommend my option on how Martha Johnson should spend her money. The chose I am going to make is going to help her out how to spend her money.The first goal that Martha has in mind is to buy a car. The advantages is that she has a car that she can use to go to indoctrinate and go to work. She can also use the car to pull back her mom to her doctor appointments. too she can go to the store when she wants to buy something like food, or clothes she will go shopping. The disadvantages is that Martha will have to generate for gas and pay car insurance for the car she buys. She will need to buy a use car not a new car.Also she would need to repair the car if it has any proble ms with the car. The second goal is that Martha wants to rent an apartment to herself and share it with a roommate also she is going to be a full time student . The advantages is that Martha will have her own place and wont be living with her parents. She will also be close to school and she will be walking instead of driving to school. She will also will be able to finish her career early.

Buying decision process and Sony overview

Buying closing process and Sony overviewSony was founded in 1946 in capital of Japan to be a unseasoned revolution in the universe of communications and technology, was able to progress throughout her c atomic number 18er innovative returns added all the new and multipurpose to the lives of millions of tribe, Sony is one of the shell companies in the tenders leading manufacturer of Audio VideoIn addition to excellence in the areas of technology and development of industry calculator laptops and mobile phonesIt is well cognise for m all anformer(a)(prenominal) fans and viewers of the technical world of electronicsSince it was founded in May 1946 and to this day continues to Sony in its bid submission to the infinite and eudaemonia and comfort of all categories of consumers through a variety of laid- fend for-quality products.We may rent a lot of pages to talk about Sony and its history of achievements, which had said the welfare of peoples lives precisely the company is well known by its fans and clients and its products is much or less devoid of any where in the houseAcquire products and all categories of people and on a unalike level of consumerIn this report we will learn on one of the excellent products, which is a high-quality TV square up in terms of purity and clarity of image and soundWhat catchs this product the perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy make up ones minding favorite programs with all the comfort that it is non only a high quality product in terms of the characteristics contained inBut several of the most important aspects of it procurable to consumers at a competitive monetary value is almost unmatched by any other product on the marketAnd where the decisiveness to buy is the most important decisions of interest to any organization interest in studying the market and the trade of their products we will discuss in whatever important details about.INTRODUCTION TO SONY TV SETThis swirl is available at all Son y bloods, and guests would enjoy 10% discount if they buy online from our web site www.sony.comAlso we offer free delivering and one year guaranteeFacilities for wages by installments with the possibility of payment in installments over two years60 inch LX900 Series 3D Full HD BRAVIA liquid crystal display TV spicy frame rate LCDs with a frame sequential display, Sony makes it possible to watch Full HD 3D quality video on 3D compatible BRAVIA LCD TVs. This technology involves alternately transmitting images for the left eye and rightfulness eye to the top. When viewed through the active shutter glaze, the two separate images on the shutter glasses are synchronized with the onscreen image with their Full HD quality intact and precisely transmitted to the viewers eyes. The high-quality super-fine Full HD 3D images deliver unprecedented reality and presence.This offer includes loudspeakers and a DVD Player which makes the user fingersLike a home pictureFeaturesLCD size 60(152cm ), 169TV system digital dvb-t analogDisplay resolution full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080)Buyer behavior decision-making processHow do customers buy?Customers go through a five-stage decision-making process in any purchase. This is summarized in the diagram belowThis model is important for anyone making marketing decisions. It persuasivenesss the marketer to consider the whole purchase process rather than honorable the purchase decision (when it may be too late for a business to influence the choice)The model implies that customers pass through all stages in all purchase. However, in more routine purchases, customers often skip or reverse some of the stages.For sheath, a student acquire a favorite beefburger would recognize the need (hunger) and go right to the purchase decision, skipping data search and military rating. However, the model is rattling useful when it comes to envisioning any purchase that requires some model and deliberation.The buying process starts with need rec ognition. At this stage, the emptor recognizes a problem or need (e.g. I am hungry, I need a new TV set, I ready a headache) or responds to a marketing stimulus (e.g. you pass Sony store and are attracted by a big screen showing a football match or an action movie and).An aroused customer then inevitably to decide how much nurture (if any) is required. If the need is strong and there is a product or service that meets the need close to hand, then a purchase decision is promising to be make there and then. If not, then the process of schooling search begins.A customer can obtain information from several sources Personal sources family, friends, neighbors etc Commercial sources advertising gross salespeople retailers dealers encase point-of-sale displays Public sources newspapers, radio, television, consumer organizations specialist magazines Experiential sources handling, examining, utilise the productThe usefulness and influence of these sources of information will vary by product and by customer. Customers rank and respect soulfulnessal sources more than commercial sources (the influence of word of mouth). The challenge for the marketing team is to identify which information sources are most influential in their target markets.In the evaluation stage, the customer must choose between the alternative brands, products and services.How can the customer benefit from the information?An important determinant of the uttermost of evaluation is whether the customer feels involved in the product. By intricacy, we mean the degree of perceived relevance and personal importance that accompanies the choice.Where a purchase is highly involving, the customer is likely to carry out extensive evaluation.High-involvement purchases include those involving high expenditure or personal risk for example buying a house, a TV set or making investments. Low involvement purchases (e.g. buying a soft drink, choosing some breakfast cereals in the supermarket) have very sim ple evaluation processes.Why should a marketer need to understand the customer evaluation process?The answer lies in the kind of information that the marketing team needs to provide customers in different buying situations.In high-involvement decisions, the marketer needs to provide a good deal of information about the positive consequences of buying. The sales force may need to stress the important attributes of the product, the advantages compared with the competition and maybe even encourage trial or sampling of the product in the believe of securing the sale.Post-purchase evaluation Cognitive DissonanceThe final stage is the post-purchase evaluation of the decision. It is common for customers to experience concerns aft(prenominal) making a purchase decision. This arises from a concept that is known as cognitive dissonance. The customer, having bought a product, may feel that an alternative would have been preferable. In these constituent that customer will not repurchase imm ediately, but is likely to switch brands next time.To manage the post-purchase stage, it is the job of the marketing team to persuade the potential customer that the product will satisfy his or her needs. Then after having make a purchase, the customer should be encouraged that he or she has made the right decision.Factors affecting buying decisionPossible influences on the decision processPersonal influencesDemographicSituationalInvolvementPsychological influencesPerceptionMotivesAttitudesPersonalitySocial influencesRoles and familyReference assemblagesSocial classesCulture and sub shadesPersonal factorsIs one that is unique to a occurrence person? It can influence purchasing decisionIn this section we discuss three categories which are demographic, situational, and level of involvement factors.Demographic factors such as age, sex, race, heathen, origin, income, family life-cycle, and occupationDemographic factors have a bearing on who is involved in family decision making. Fo r example, its estimated that by 2010 the Middle East and North African countries. Will have the largest market for TV sets because of more new apartments built for ageing men who is getting married that means more opportunities to sell commodious number of TV sets .Men with age between 25 and 35 are know to have more influence in buying decision process for furniture and other equipments when they are starting furnishing their new apartments with all Necessities.Another example is a persons age and income may affect the number and types of information sources used and the amount of time devoted to seeking information.Demographic factors also affect to which a person uses products in a specific product category. Consumers in the 20 to 45 age meeting are more interested in buying new technology such as this TV set with high definition image specially those who get high income they find it easy to buy a new TV set even if the old one still in a good shape or condition . present Son y set plans how to attract those potential consumers in term of marketing mix focusing how to set prices andSituational factors be the external circumstances or conditions that exist when a consumer is making a purchase decision. Sometimes a consumer engages in buying decision-making as a result of unexpected situation. For example, a person may hurriedly buy a TV set to watch the world cup 2010 or owner of a coffee shop try to attract more customers by offering them watching their favorite teams in the world cup or Olympic Games just two or three days before it starts or sometimes during that occasions. Yet in other circumstances the same individual might spend many weeks shopping around for a discount or any offer available. Situational factors can influence a consumers actions during any stage of the buying process.The time available to make decision is a situational factor that strongly influences consumer buying decision. If there is a little time for selecting and purchasing t he TV set, a person may make a quick choice and purchase a readily available brand.Level of involvementMany aspects of consumer buying decisions are abnormal by the individuals level of involvement it determines why he or she is motivated to seek information about this product and brand but virtually ignores others. The extensiveness of the buying decision process varies greatly with the consumers level of involvement. The sequence of the steps in this process may also be altered. Low-involvement buyers may form an attitude about this product and evaluate its features after purchasing it rather than before. Conversely, high-involvement buyers spend much time and effort researching their purchase beforehand. such TV set is a product that undergoes a great deal of investigation before they are chosen.Psychological factors influencing the buying decision process run within individuals partly determine peoples world-wide behavior and thus influence their behavior as consumers.Percepti onDifferent people perceive the same affaire at the same time in different ways. Similarly, the same individual at different times may perceive the same product in a number of ways. Perception is the process information inputs are the sensations received through sight, hearing, and touch the product.Perception is a three-step process. Although consumers receive numerous pieces of information at once, only a few of them r to severally one awareness. They select certain inputs and ignore many others because they do not have the ability to be conscious of every input at the same time. This phenomenon is sometimes called selective exposure because they select inputs that are to be exposed to their awareness. For example if they are concentrating reading this paragraph, they in all likelihood are not aware that car outside making noise, that the light is on, or that they are touching this book. Even though they are receiving these inputs, they ignore them until they are mentioned.For example a person hoping to buy this TV set is likely to watch an advertisement containing TV set information. An input is likely to r apiece awareness if the information helps satisfy current needs. If the intensity of an input changes significantly, the input is more likely to reach awareness. When a store manager reduces a price slightly, they may not notice because the change is not significant, but if the manager cuts the price in half, they are much more likely to recognize the reduction.MotivesIs an national energizing force that directs activities towards satisfying a need or achieving a goal. demand is the set of mechanisms for controlling movement toward goals. A buyers action at any time is affected by a set of motives rather than by just one. At a single point in time, some motives in the set have priority, but the priorities of motives vary from one time to another. For example, a persons motives for having this TV set when not having a TV set rather than if having an old TV set. Motivation also affects the direction and intensity of behavior. Individuals must choose which goals to pursue at a particular proposition time.A buyer may use a particular shop because of such patronage motives as price, service, location, honesty, product variety, or friendliness of salespeople.Thats why Sony marketers should try to determine why regular customers patronize a store and then emphasis these characteristics in the stores marketing mix.The marketing department should do researching by asking group of people for example what motivates them, why they keep buying that brand even if they know that brand is not as good quality as Sony. Keep researching what motivates them by other brands and what are motives of other brands. talent and knowledgeIndividuals vary in their ability, their competence and efficiency in performing tasks. One ability of inters to marketers is an individuals capacity to learn. Learning refers to changes in a persons behavior caused by i nformation and experience. The consequence of behavior strongly influences the learning process. Behavior that results in satisfying consequences tends to be repeated. For example, when a consumer buys a TV set and likes it, he or she is more likely to advise friends or relatives to buy the same TV set with the same brand he/she bought. In fact, the individual will probably continue to purchase that brand until it longer provides rapture. But when the affects of the behavior are no longer satisfying, the person will switch to a different brand.This is very important for marketers in SONY Company to keep searching for reasons that makes individuals satisfied with this product related to to the marketing mix.Buyers when making purchasing decisions, have to process information. Individuals have differing abilities in this regard. For example, when purchasing this TV set , a well-educated potential buyer who has experience with technology and good brands available in the market may be able to read, comprehend, and synthesis the considerable quantities of information in technical brochures for various competing brands. On the other hand, another buyer with more limited abilities may be incapable of performing this task and will have to rely on information obtained from advertisements or from a sales representative of a particular brand.Here SONY marketers should offer all informations that attract different levels of people, and choose smart advertisements that introduce the product, and its benefits.Inexperienced buyers use different types of information from more experienced shoppers who are acquainted(predicate) with the product and purchase situation. Inexperienced buyers use price as an indicator of quality more frequently than buyers who have some knowledge of a particular product category.So sources of information are different, while buyers with expertise are more confidence to compare and find direct information related to the product, consumers who ov erleap expertise may seek the advice of others making a purchase or take a long a friend.Marketers should be aware of what general consumer back ground of the company and its products, while some consumers think SONY is quite expensive others believe that SONY has the best quality and so on, here SONY have to create the best tools of providing positive information and knowledge for thoseAttitudeRefers to knowledge and positive or ostracise feelings about the product.The acts towards which consumers have attitudes may be tangible or intangible, surviving or non-living.An individual learns attitudes through experience and interaction with other people. Just as attitudes are learned, they can be also changed.An individuals attitudes remain generally steadfast and do not change from moment to moment. Likewise, at any one time, a persons attitudes do not all have equal impact some are stronger than others.Consumer attitudes towards a firm and its products greatly influence the success or failure of the firms marketing strategy. When consumers have strong negative attitudes towards one or more aspects of a firms marketing practices, they may not only stop using the firms product but also urge their relatives and friends to do likewise. For example, one of SONY stores in conglutination AFRICA is was not trusted by wide range of customers because of unfair prices related to other branches in the MIDDEL EAST countries, consumers in those countries does not know that was not SONY company, so the image of SONY was affected in that area, and sales started to flow down because of that big mistake by the company who was representing SONY company in NORTH AFRICA.Marketers in SONY should forever measure consumers attitudes towards prices, package design, the brand name, advertisements, salespeople, services after sale, stores locations, features of the product, and also social responsibility activities.Several methods can help gauge these attitudes. One of the simplest w ays is to hesitation people directly. Asking about the consumer satisfaction about the TV set, are they satisfied with quality and the price, knowing the feedback of consumers, and keep going determining the positive and negative points , to check the performance of all steps involved while marketing the product, trying to attract more consumers by studying their attitudes.PersonalityIncludes all the internal traits and behaviors that make a person unique. Each persons unique constitution arises from both heredity and personal experience. Personalities are typically describes as having one or more characteristics, such as compulsiveness, ambitiousness, gregariousness, dogmatism, authoritarianism, introversion, extroversion, aggressiveness, competitiveness.Here should attempt to find relationships among such characteristics and buying behavior. Even though a few links between several personality characteristics and buyer behavior have been determined, the results of many studies ha ve been inconclusive. Some researchers see the apparently weak association between personality and buying behavior as due to unreliable measures rather than a lack of relationship. A number of marketers are convinced that a consumers personality does influence the types and brands of products purchased. For example the type TV set brand that a person buys may reflect one or more personality characteristics.At times, SONY aim advertising campaigns at general types of personalities. In doing so, they use positively valued personality characteristics, such as gregariousness, independence, or competitiveness. Most products bring upd this way.Social factors influencing the buying decision processThe forces that other people exert on buying behavior.Roles and family influencesEvery person occupies position within groups, organizations, and institutions. Associated with each position is a role. A set of actions and activities that a person in a particular position is supposed to perform, based on the expectations of both the individual and surrounding persons. Because people occupy numerous positions, they also have many roles. For example, a man may perform the roles of son, wife, father, employee or employer, civic organization member, and student in an evening class. Thus are several sets of expectations placed on each persons behavior.An individuals roles influence both general behavior and buying behavior. The demands of a persons role may be inconsistent and confusing. To illustrate, assume that the man mentioned above is intellection about buying this TV set. While he wants this TV set to enjoy watching world news or football games, his children want to watch cartoons or connect the screen to play station and play games. His wife wants him to delay the TV set purchase until next month. A colleague at work insists that he should buy a particular brand, known for high quality. Thus an individuals buying behavior is partially affected by input and opinions of f amily and friends.Family roles related directly to purchase decisions. The male head of household is likely to be involved heavily in the purchase of this product. Deciding if its the right time to purchase or not. Although female roles have changed, women still make buying decisions related to many household items. Husbands and wives participate jointly in the purchase of products, especially unchangeable goods such this TV set. Some young men aged 25 to 35 who is getting married in summer season their brand homage can be quite changeable.In this case marketers in SONY frequently promote for such product during holidays to catch this stark to reach group at time when they are more receptive to a promotional message.When two or more family members participate in a purchase, their roles may dictate each is responsible for performing certain tasks initiating the idea, gathering information, deciding whether to buy this TV set, or selecting another brand.Thats why marketers need to be aware of how roles affect buying behavior. To develop a marketing mix that precisely meets the needs of the target market, and they must know not only who does the actual buying, but also what other roles influence the purchase. Because sex roles are changing so rapidly, they must ensure that information is current and accurate.Reference groupsA group becomes a reference group when an individual identifies with it so much that he or she takes on many of the determine, attitudes, or behavior of group members. The person who views a group as a reference group may or may not know the actual size of the group. Most people have several reference groups, such as families, friends, religious, civic, and professional organizations.A group can be negative reference group for an individual. Someone may have been a part of a specific group at one time but later rejected its values and members. One can also specifically take action to avoid a particular group.A reference group may serve as a point of comparison and a source of information for an individual. A customers behavior may change to be more in line with the actions and beliefs of a group member. For example, a person might stop buying one brand of TV set and switch to SONY on the advice of members of the reference group. Generally, the more conspicuous the product, the more likely it is that the brand decision will be reference group.This days reference groups plays a big role affecting the buying decision, specially in advertising and the way the company choose to promote for the product, it was a very successful experience when SONY do a smart advertisement for its products specially TV screens, a lot of consumers enjoyed watching the Brazilian football player RECARDO KAKA doing the advertisement, he attracted a lot of customers, even who dont watch football matches.Social classesWithin all societies, people rank others into higher or pass up positions of respect.This ranking results in social classes. A s ocial class is an afford group of individuals who have similar social rank. A class referred to as open because people can move into and out of it. The criteria for grouping people into classes vary from one society to another. In western countries, many factors are taken into account, including occupation, education, income, wealth, race, ethnic group, and possession. In some countries like Arabic countries, wealth and income are more important than education and occupation in determining social classes.A person is ranking someone does not necessarily apply all of societys criteria. The number and the importance of the factors chosen depend on the characteristics of the individual being ranked and the values of the person who is doing the ranking.Social class influence many aspects. For example, it affects childhood training, choice of religion, selection of occupation, and how people spend their time. Because social class has a bearing on so many aspects of a persons life, it als o affect buying decisions, for example, wellborn seem to prefer luxury automobiles such as the BMW and MERCEDES-BENZ, which symbolize their status, income, and financial comfort.Thos upper-class would buy TV set with the latest technologies available which is full HD screens and 3D with 60ince size with all the accessories, they like to make it like a home cinema they might spend large amount of money to buy such a TV set.Culture and subcultureIs everything in surroundings that is made by human beings. It consists of tangible items, and intangible concepts, such as education, welfare, and laws. Culture also includes the values and wide range of behaviors that are acceptable within a specific society. Are learned and passed on from one generation to the next.Culture influences buying behavior because it permeates daily lives. It determines what people wear, eat, where to live and travel. It also influences how people buy and use products and the satisfaction gained from them.While s ome countries spend a lot of time watching TV , others might spend much time surfing the internet, so culture determines how TV purchased and used, it in turn affects all the marketing mix, promotion, distribution, and pricing of the product.Marketing mixThe Market Mix (often referred to as the 4-Ps)Refers to the unique blend of marketingElements knowing to meet the needs of theOrganizations target market. The MarketingMix consists of the organizations Product Price Promotion Distribution (Place)Understanding how to position the market offeringPutting the right product in the right place, at the right price, at the right time.We already have created a TV set that is a particularly group of customers wants, now we put it on sale in a place that those same customers visit regularly, and price it at a level which matches the value they feel they get out of it and do all that at a time they want to buy.Theres a lot of truth in this idea. However, a lot of hard work needs to go into fin ding out what customers want, and identifying where they do their shopping. Then we need to figure out how to produce the item at a price that represents value to them, and get it all to come together at the critical time.The marketing mix is a good place to start when we are intellection through our plans for this TV set, and it helps avoid any kind of mistakes.The marketing mix and the 4 Ps of marketing are often used as synonyms for each other. In fact, they are not necessarily the same thing.Marketing mix is a general phrase used to describe the different kinds of choices organizations have to make in the whole process of bringing a product or service to market. The 4 Ps is one way. A good way to understand the 4 Ps is by the questions that we need to ask to define marketing mix. Here are some questions that will help you understand and define each of the four elementsProductWhat does the customer want from the product/service? What needs does it satisfy?What features does it h ave to meet these needs?Are there any features weve disoriented out? Are we including costly features that the customer wont actually use?How and where will the customer use it?What does it look like? How will customers experience it?What size(s), color(s), and so on, should it be?What is it to be called? How is it branded?How is it differentiated versus your competitors?What is the most it can cost to provide, and still be sold sufficiently pull inably? (See also Price, below).PlaceWhere do buyers look for this product? If they look in a store, what kind? A specialist boutique or in a supermarket, or both? Or online? Or direct, via a catalogue? How can you access the right distribution channels? Do you need to use a sales force? Or attend trade fairs? Or make online submissions? Or send samples to catalogue companies?What does competitors do, and how can we learn from that and/or differentiate?PriceWhat is the value of the product to the buyer?Are there established price points f or the product in this area?Is the customer price sensitive? Will a small decrease in price gain extra market share? Or will a small increase be indiscernible, and so gain extra profit margin? What discounts should be offered to trade customers, or to other specific segments of your market?How will the price compare competitors?PromotionWhere and when can we get across marketing messages to target market? Will we reach audience by advertising in the press, or on TV, or radio, or on billboards? By using direct marketing mail shot? On the Internet?When is the best time to promote? Is there seasonality in the market? Are there any wider environmental issues that suggest or dictate the timing of market launch, or the timing of subsequent promotions?How do competitors do their promotions? And how does that influence your choice of promotional exercise?The 4Ps model is just one of many marketing mix lists that have been developed over the years. And, whilst the questions listed above are the key, they are just a subset of the exact probing that may be required to optimize marketing mix.Amongst the other marketing mix models have been developed over the years is Boom and Banters 7Ps, sometimes called the extended marketing mix, which include the first 4 Ps, plus people, processes and physical layout decisions.Another marketing mix approach is Lautenbergs 4Cs, which presents the elements of the marketing mix from the buyers, rather than the sellers, perspective. It is made up of Customer needs and wants (the equivalent of product), Cost (price), Convenience (place) and Communication (promotion). In

change management: Resistance

transfer management ResistanceChapter 2 A Re deal of the Literature2.1. IntroductionThis part entrust focus on how to ein truthplace interject turn downance to c atomic number 18en. We totallyow discuss theories on resistance to diversify and any opposite theory related to transfigure management.The pattern of channelise is something that we are facing everyday in our life it is at that placefore the only constant. Change member signifierle take gradual, rapid or infra mental synthesis form. Society is make up of human beings as puff up as inanimate organisms are subject to transfer over time. Environment is the only compute that is subject to and the only thing that does non assortment is the careen itself.Change eternally affects employees in the pre positionncy, therefore it is outstanding to manage it successfully in stage to repeal a failure of pitch or resistance to intensify.The change concept was studied by Authors like Lewin, Trist, Hardy, Ni eto and more. Nieto (2006) highlighted that a satisfactory definition of change is where the refreezing stage of Lewins model is no longer an option because nowadays change is faster in the twenty graduation century, there is no gather up to refreeze or you give be left behind by the competition.2.2. A Review of the LiteratureIf we conduct a survey we will find out that many another(prenominal) employees comport a negative attitude, behaviour and perceptions towards change. Employees feel more insecure virtually their jobs, status and as well the fear of doing more bailiwick.Very often, the touchs of change on employees in the makeup are negative. There are fears, stress, frustration and resistance of change. Therefore nearly employees tend to resist to the change and change is always first resisted than accepted or supposeing as an opportunity for improvement.Change, as death and taxes bottomlandnot be avoid, is it necessary bad? Even though uncomfortable and embarras sing, change can also be positive.The marriage, the birth of a child and a promotion are examples of change, very often we are happy and therefore it can be easily accepted preferably than the negatives unitary like the divorce and the death. Good or bad, any change that happens whether to a person or inside an governing rents conquerance and management.Nothing is unchangeable, even organizations are required to change.It is important to know understand why people resist change, to support those who cannot cope with change by motivating and coaching them and also handling the problems that change brings.Organisations are dynamic entities. They are changing all the time as they develop their operations and outputs in the pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness.The management of change is concerned with how change is effected in organizations and the principles and processes are inherently the equal whether applied to the resign of the working practices of one section or the re-specification of the whole organisation and management structureAccording to Balogun et al (1999) change management is fast becoming one of the most talked about topics in management circles. Discussions about organizational change often focus on how important it is for organizations or individual managers to possess a capacity in this area. Likewise, business school courses on strategic change stress that change competence is fast becoming a key promotion differentiator at bottom a managers toolbox.2.3. Change managementAccording to Ventris (2004), change management is all about inspirational leadership, detailed planning and rigorous, comprehensive writ of execution.A successful change management programme can be assistive to establish a continuous change in the organisation. But the most important thing is to declare people realizing the value of change. Once people and have good experience about change management, and recognize the need for almost continuous change.As Wil liam Shakespeare verbalize Things must change or cease. This sentence illustrates what has been said before about the Constance of change.Organisational change is a modification to employee attitudes, expectations, and skills (Robertson, Roberts, and Porras, 1993), it can also be a roll introduction of sunrise(prenominal) ways of thinking, acting and operating ( Shalk, Campbell and Freese, 1998). The general aim of organizational change is an adaptation to the environment ( Barr, Stimpert and Huff, 1992 Leava and Barry, 2000) or an improvement in performance (Boeker, 1997 Keck and Tushman, 1993)This definition shows the importance of culture on change management, for the management to be able to implement these changes successfully, they will require changing the organizational culture which is not something easy to accomplish.Therefore by change employees attitudes, expectation and kills as suggested by many authors it will be necessary to make sure they adapt to the bare-assed environment and improve their performance which will also improve the organisational performance.Organisational change involves moving from the known to the unknown. Because the upcoming is not certain and may affect employees performance, worth, and header abilities, people inside the organisation do not want change unless they are hostd to do so. It will be therefore important to constitute readiness for change.Implementing change in an organisation involves moving from the existing organisation state to the desired future state. (Cummings and Worley 2005)Change is omnipresent in society, and can buy the farm in many forms. It is not a new phenomenon. Many Authors have developed a model of change process as it was argued by Moorhead and griffon vulture (2004) cited by McKenna (2006), that an alternative model of lewins process model will be the continuous change process model, which incorporates instancets of the Lewin model. It is considered more realistic because it stud ies the change in an organisation from the top and recognizes that change is continuous.It is not good enough for an organisation to change it must try to anticipate it as well by being proactive. This would require the planning of organisational change as part of the organisational strategy.According to McLagan ( 2003), managing changes as they emerge is not enough nowadays. As the number and complexity of changes increasing, it is time to plan and afterthought about the structure of the organisation. It is time to accept the change in our life and move along with it, avoid doing business as regular or staying in the status quo. It is time to look at how the organisation is running its daily activities so that it is not a case of constantly trying to override the usual organisational processes. Such approach requires a structural and mental regesign of the organisation.The author emphasizes that change should not be managed during a period of crises or when strategies shift. It i s a continuous contend and condition in organisational life.A successful change management depends on how fasten is the organisation to change its culture that is the attitude and the behaviour of members of the organisation. It is pointless to have only a part the employees who agree to the proposed changes. The aim of the executives is to ensure that all employees in the organisation are accepting the desired changes.The biggest motivator is to see other people embrace change management and witness the successful implementation of the companys vision.2.3.1 The importance of changeChange will always be there and will not disappear. Technology, civilizations and creative thought will keep their ever- accelerating drive onwards.It could be argued that change has almost become a continuous routine. (Luecke, 2003)Change management plays a significant role in any organisation since the task of handling change is not an easy one. Managing change in this case, mean making change in a pl anned way. Changes involve more challenge and life without challenge can become boring, therefore it is important to pit any shrimpy change because it will create an impact inside the organisation.The speed of change has increased significantly. Managers and the organisations they work for will be judged by their ability to manage change successfully. Unfortunately, for the managers of the early twenty-first century their ability to cope with complex change situations will be judged over ever decreasing time scales.Change is important because it enables to business managers to be more effective as a leader and sponsor of change. Knowing the importance of change will also enable you to disallow and manage resistance to change, decrease the cost, avoid unnecessary turnover and increase the probability that your business changes produce the desired results.( Hiatt, J and Creasey, 2003)As change is essential in an organisation, it is crucial to continue to improve and sustaining the change. The results about the organisational leaderships ability to continue and sustain performance improvement will be observed after a long period of time.Schein (2004 and Kotler (1995, 1996) have suggested that change is onlySustainable, when the organisational culture will match the new ways of thinking.These new ways of thinking must think over the new behaviors and approaches thatBecome institutionalized.Change is important in any organisation and it contributes to its success, but thepeople observe it in a different way, some employees dexterity resist the changein a passive way or in the opposite way.2.4. Types of changeChange is inevitable in an organisation. Different types of change require different strategy strategies to implement the change successfully.According to Dessler(2004) there are four types of change which are strategic change, technological change, structural change and people/Behavioural/Cultural change.Strategic change could be one option. For example, a company can face declining profits and decide to adopt this kind of change. This type of changes are unremarkably triggered outside the company. External threats or challenges, such as deregulation, intensified global competition, and dramatic technological innovation like the earnings generally make organisation to embark on companywide, strategic change.Strategic changes are often required for survival. For example researchers discovered that implementing strategic change did not necessary lead to success, but companies which did not change failed to survive.Another types of strategic changes will the one implemented during a crisis period, these types of change are highly risky. technological change is the second basic approach of Desslers type of change.It nub bringing change in the way the company is creating and marketing its products or services. Here, for example, the owner of a smaller farm might want to improve the productivity by buying new machines, training empl oyees to use the new machines and also modifying the relationship between employees and their physical environment.Structural change is all about modifying the organisational structure or it is about how to reorganize. Structural change means changing one or some(prenominal) aspects of the companys organisation structures.( Here, for example, GEs new CEO, Jeffrey Immelt, recently reorganized his loadeds huge GE Capital division. He broke it into four divisions, with their four managers reporting directly to him rather than to the former GE Capital head)Structural change can also be applied by downsizing, recruiting or replacing. Or managers can change the firms infrastructure by changing its policies, procedures, and rules. nation/Behavioural/Cultural changeThis is the last approach strategic, technical and structural changes invariably trigger various changes in the behavioural side of the firm, including the employees attitudes, value, and skills to the job.This type of change is very difficult to manage because it is related to people and people always resist change, culture is intemperately to change.Some Authors have also discussed about other types of change.According to the punctuated equilibrium paradigm, incremental change is associated with those periods when the industry is in equilibrium, and the focus is doing things better through a process of continuous tinkering, adaptation and modification.Nadler and Tushman (1995) argue that incremental changes are not always about small changes. They can be large in terms of both the resources needed and the impact on people. A key point of this type of change is that is builds on what has already been accomplished and focuses on the continuous improvement. According to the gradualist paradigm incremental change can be cumulative and, over time, can lead to an organisation transforming its deep structures and reinventing itself.Transformational change is another type of change and it occurs during period s of instability. This kind of change can be referred to be revolutionary, but most writers- for example Tichy and Devenna (1986), Kotter (1999) and Burke and Litwin (1992) use the term transformational change. It involves a break with the past, a step function change rather than an extrapolation of past patterns of change and development. It is applied on new relationships and dynamics within the industry that may undermine core competencies, and try to know the very intent of the organisation. This king of change involves doing things in a different way or doing different things.Transformational change is change which cannot be handled within the existing paradigm and the organisational routines it entails a change in the taken-for-granted assumptions and the way of doing things around here.Nadler and Tushman have summarized the work of Tushman and colleagues, and the studies suggest that continuous incremental and discontinuous transformational change are faced by most companie s but that This pattern of change keep on coming with some degree of regularity Patterns change across sectors (e.g. periods of discontinuity may follow a thirty-year make pass in mini computers) in almost all industries the rate of change is increasing and the time between periods of discontinuity is decreasing. The Authors also suggest that this h grey-haireds true whether the focus is casual or continuous change, and they propose that the ideal company in both cases would look like the successful self-organising firms that have been studied by Brown and Eisenhardt in the computer industry. There are three main categories of organisations that may not experience periods of discontinuous change the self-organising and continuous changing learning organisation, companies that operate in the niche markets and last organisations that are able to continue functioning without transformating themselves. Weick and Quinn (1999) and Gersick (1991)Combining the incremental change and the t ransformational change which have been discussed so far- the extent to which change involves incremental adjustment or transformational change- provides a useful typology of organisational change (see Figure xxx).Nadler et al. (1995) also identify four types of changeTuning is a type of change that occurs when there is no rush to change. It involves looking for better alternatives of achieving and defending the strategic vision. Here, for example, improving policies, methods, procedures introducing new technologies redesigning processes cost or developing people with required competencies.Adaptation is an incremental and adaptive receipt to a pressing external demand for change. It might involve responding to a successful new marketing strategy adopted by a competitor or to a change depending on the availability of the resource.Re-orientation involves a re-definition of the enterprise. It is introduced in anticipation of future opportunities or issues. The aim is to ensure that the firm will be aligned and successful in the future.Re-creation is a respondive change that leads to the transformation of the organisation or the restructuring through the fast and synchronal change of all its basic elements. The Authors state that it inevitably involves a break down and destruction of some elements of the system.2.5. Change process theoryThis theory as patternted by Lewin (1948) called force field analysis states that change can be divided into three stages namely unfreezing phase when people realize that the old ways of doing things is no longer an option due to crisis, threats or opportunities changing phase when people look for new way of doing things and select a burnished approach refreezing phase when people implement new approach as it becomes established.The problem for many organisations is not that they need to change, but that they do not see the need for change. This is especially true for organisations which have been successful in the past and cann ot see why they should change what they see as a winning formula that everyone has become safe and comfortable with.By looking at the position of leadership towards change, the theorist states that leader can achieve change by either of the chase two actions to approach it by increasing the driving forces towards change through increase in incentives, use of position power to force change or to approach a change by reducing the restraining forces that create resistance to change, e.g. reducing fear of failure or economic dismissal, co-opt or remove opponents. Or using dual approach, which is a combination of the two approaches.Considerable research in the process of change management has been conducted in the work of Lewin, his model focused on changing the behaviour of groups, involves actions beginning in phases over time.The unfreezing stage according to Schein (2004) is about improving motivation and getting ready for the change, the changing stage is when the change is imple mented, and the refreezing stage involves reinforcing and integrating the change. One of a popular model in the business literature about the change process has been developed by Kotters (1995, 1996) into an eight-step process for leading change management (1) the first step is about establishing a sense of urgency, (2) forming a guiding coalition, (3) creating a vision, (4) communication that vision, (5) empowering individuals to act and removing obstacles, (6) creating short-term wins, (7) consolidating improvements and creating more change, and lastly (8) institutionalizing new approaches.2.6. The impact of change on organisational membersThe theory of reaction to change process describes how people in organisations react to an imposed change, is founded upon the typical sequence of peoples reaction to sudden traumatic events like death of loved ones, marriage collapse or natural disaster. The four stages of reaction pattern, which also happen during organisational change are d enial- deny the change is necessary anger- get angry and look for someone to blame mourning- stop denying that change is inevitable, eff the loss and mourn it adaptation- accept the need to change and go on with ones life. There is a related opinion regarding the effect of experiencing a repeated traumatic change has on different people.One effect of such repeated change is to leave people less resilient and more vulnerable to indecorous effect from subsequent change.Another effect of repeated traumatic event can inoculate and leave them better prepared to change again without such an intense or prolonged period or adjustment.Repeated change can make some people more resilient and others less resilient.It is over thirty-five years since Toffer has published his book on Future Shock in which he discussed three aspects of change and assumed about the impact it will have on people. Toffer (1970) suggests that future shock is similar to culture shock, but with a crucial difference- th ere is no going back. If people find it hard to adapt to a new culture there is often an alternative to go back to the old culture, however this option is not possible with future shock. For example, if emigrants fail to settle in a new country it may be possible for them to return home.The management of change poses many challenges for managers. Burnes (2005) observes thatManaging and changing organisations appears to be getting more rather less difficult, and more rather than less important. Given the quickly changing environment in which firms operate, there is a small doubt that the capacity to manage change successfully needs to be a core competence for organisations.2.7. The benefits for changeAccording to Bradley (2006), changes must be well designed and managed in order to generate benefits which the author refers to benefits not generated, but removed from budgets.One realization can be make by a group effort achieving benefits and agreed targets needs team effort.The auth or defines benefit as something that can be related to a cost reduction or increase revenue. A better definition of a benefit is an outcome of change which is perceived as positive by stakeholder.Changes consume resources, cost money, and need managing. Benefits are the outcomes, which cannot be directly made to happen and have no direct cost.The benefits of change can be also well explained by elaborating the following characteristics of an effective change management team which has been developed by Kotter(1996) as followsThe team member must share a keen sense of botheration with the inertiaThey should be in substantial agreement on a vision for the futureThe team should include people who represent diverse points of viewThey must have a good reputation in the firmThey must be willing to demonstrate public support for the changeThe team must commit to being involved for the long-haulEnough of the key players in the organisation must actively support the change to legitimize the process2.8. Theories of change2.8.1 Lewins three step model of changeLewin ( has worked on assessing the extent to which organisational change might be resisted by members of the organisation as we saw earlier when considering force field analysis in the change process. In addition, his work on group dynamics has resulted in what is known as Lewins three step model, which is usually used in change programmes.Introducing a programme of change into an organisation tends to arouse expectations in those involved thus a subsequent failure to come up with the goods can lead to a state worse than it was before the innovation, because of these hopes and expectations not being realized. Thus Lewin considered that attention should not simply be made on the change itself, but should address what happens both before and after.The process of change should be implemented into three steps according to Lewin (1951) which are Unfreezinf, changing and refreezing.The first step is unfreezing, where th e motivation for change in the workforce is created. It is important to move the organisation away from its current position.This step is often not fetching into consideration and is related with dividing old patterns of behaviour. People must be given reasons about the change and a good communication should be created before the implementation of change. To unfreeze the resistance to change, managers must increase the tension and dissatisfaction with the present, and improve the desirability and feasibility of the alternative. This stage takes more time because people have to change attitudes and behaviour. People do not like change because they are comfortable with old habits and it is important to consult them, let them know adopt the project as their own. To avoid resistance to change, we must encourage the staff, discuss and explain them the reasons for change. Once employees are aware, and have accepted the need for change, we can now move to the second stage. changing is the second step where we have to identify the new behaviour, process or procedure and also encouraging individuals to adopt the new behaviour. It involves the development of new responses by the personel, based on the new data being made available to them and moving towards the new culture as necessary to fit strategic requirements of the organisation.At this stage it is important to make sure that there is a successful implementation of change, we also monitor the change and find out how people are feeling about their team.Refreezing is the final stage and we need to reinforce the changes made and stabilize the new culture in order to avoid people to go back to their old habits. At this stage, motivating employees by incentives will occur in the form of praise or reward for adapting to the new culture. The process as a whole is achieved through leadership, communication, education and training.In the twenty-first century it will be difficult to implement the refreezing stage, the ter m refreezing need a scathing evaluation. The slush model was introduced by Nieto (2006), where he stated that changes in technology, employees, tasks and structure are more frequent. Organisations should have a flexible structure as having employee who is always been learning. The motivation of employees by using incentives will be a good idea. Refreezing is no longer an option because in this century, the change is moving faster than before, there is no need to refreeze otherwise you will be left behind by your competitors.Lewins model has been developed by edgar Schein through the integration of the latters perception of the response to change involving seven stages. This is known as the three conditions change model. See figurexxxx2.8.2 Interrelationship of changeThe interrelationship of change or Trist model was developed by Trist (1981), this model helps to understand the interconnection of activities that stoop change in organisations. It is important for the HR to understan d because the model can be applies to our attention on the influence that changes in a firms activities can have on employees. For example a change of technology would lead to training people, changing task and the structure of the organisation, all elements are interconnected that means one element affects the others.Reid and Barrington (2000), argues the sociotechnical model suggests that management should learn how to understand and cope to changing relationships between people, tasks, technology and structure. It is therefore helpful to review the kinds of internal changes which have occurred in the organisation and to what extent to appropriate HR initiatives have been put in place to prepare employees to cope with the new technology but neglected to invest sufficiently in staff training, it is likely to be as effective as planned.Deciding what to change is very important for the organisation, it means any change should be planned effectively. The managers change programme can aim to alter one of the four basic things the firms strategy, technology, structure and people/behaviour/culture. For example an organisation can change its strategy when the profit is declining. Technological change is a second basic approach and it means changing the way the firm innovates and markets its products or services.Structural change means changing one or more aspects of the companys organisation structure. Reorganizing is a familiar organisational change technique in todays fast-changing times. Dessler (2004)2.9. Resistance to changeChange can create uncertainty and therefore lead to personal insecurity. Therefore, we are not surprised to notice resistance to change within organisations.An organizational change, such as being promoted, is mostly accepted, simply because it is perceived to have obvious advantages. But not all changes fit into this category. Where changes create confusion and uncertainty, then resistance is likely to take place the resistance is not to ch ange as such- rather it is to the personal loss (or possibility of personal loss) that people believe will accompany the change (Burke, 1982).2.9.1 Reasons for resistance(1) Perceived negative outcomesEmployees are resisting to the change most of time because they perceive it as a negative outcome. According to Manfred (1995) change is creating a multitude of fears, of the unknown, of loss of freedom, of loss of status or position, of loss of authority and responsibility, and loss of good working conditions and money.This can be summarised as being in the comfort zone. People do not like change they like staying in the same position and keep on doing the same old things. Once any change is introduced it will automatically create a resistance because it does not allow them to be in a comfort zone.Before undertaking any change management exercise, managers must identify where the changes will occur in the organisation and also anticipate how the change will affect employees in their j ob. After an economic assessment of the proposed change, managers will highlight the nature of the changes that need to be made for the benefits to be realized. (Berry 2002)(2) Fear of more workBy introducing new changes it creates the fear of more work and less performance by employees, there is fear that redundant work will be required at the same level of compensation. Change mostly involves additional work, change of culture and responsibility. We can also face some changes on the working hours, possible relocation, working condition, technology and more.As people fear of additional work, we will notice that people always resist change Strebel (1996) argues that resistance to change is based on the disturbance of an employers implied pact with the company. This pack is formed of cultural values, job description and social dimensions.(3) Misunderstanding and neediness of trustThis is a situation when the people affected do not understand the real reasons and benefits of the chan ge and mistrust the management who are introducing the change. They often do not believe what the management says and believe that they have secret ulterior motives. This may be because the management can access too many information than the people affected.This situation is commun in any organisation which have been organised traditionally on antagonistic industrial relations lines and have developed an us and them culture. Nowadays, most organisations try to engender a harmonious spirit which sees everyone as having a common interest, but for organisations which have a long history of dispute this is not something which is easily changed. The lack of trust is due to imaginary hidden implications we can also list other elements that caused the resistance of change like stamp that change is not necessary or feasible, economic threat, relative high cost, fear of personal failure, loss of status and power and lastly threat to values and ideals. Kotter and Schlesinger (1979)(4) Lack of communicationCommunication is the exchange of information in an organisation. For organisations to work effectively, it is vital that information be communicated to those who need

Yoga As A Health Benefit

Yoga As A Health BenefitThe classical techniques of Yoga date back much than 5,000 years. piece Yoga has been apply in India for centuries to treat dis repose, simply recently has there been scientific evidence and development interest in the benefits of alterative yoga as a lastingness treatment which combines postures, ventilation exercises, mindfulness, and meditation. The cross-fertilization of westerly science with ideas from ancient Eastern wisdom systems has been adding scientific legitimacy to the discipline of yoga over the last few decades. medical examination professionals and scientists ar pursuing yoga-related research, focusing on its potential to prevent, heal, or alleviate specific conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, carpal cut into syndrome, asthma, diabetes, and symptoms of menopause, and its benefits as a technique for relieving stress and coping with chronic conditions or disabilities. Evidence-based publications report on clinical b enefits associated with yoga, including reaction time, respiratory endurance, proprioception, and other physiological and psychological effects.Mudras (yoga for the circulates) are defined as debate gestures that are historically grounded in the ancient Indian arts and sciences. Referring to gestures or attitude, the science of yoga describes mudras as a government agency to control or alter the mood by reorienting or focusing the flow of prana ( racy spiritual energy) in desired directions or concentrating it at specific places inside the organic structure. Modern yoga literature explains Mudras as seals or circuit bypasses for energy currents. Mudras cease be used to improve conk strength and flexibility after smirch because they are a simple, portable, enjoyable, and economic exercises and research shows that regular yoga practice can be used to improve overall body strength and flexibility.Some of what is taught by yoga t individuallyers in classes, books and journals de fies modern understanding of anatomy and physiology or is grounded in metaphysics that is off-putting or virtually incomprehensible. But now, scientists are able to look at the body and brain with increasing precision, detecting subtle changes that practitioners of yoga and meditation undergo. The majority of scientific research on yoga takes place in India and is very difficult to access in the United States. Because few yoga studies were previously conducted in the West, close to American scientists dismissed Indian yoga research due to methodological problems, such as a pretermit of control groups in the studies. The methodology has improved significantly and it can be argued that currently, mevery Indian yoga studies are superior to many of those conducted in the West. Given the Western allopathic model, translating the information using the language and perspective of science as much as possible is recommended to demonstrate to doctors and other health care professionals how therapeutic yoga can benefit patients.As yoga moves deeper into the mainstream, and as research dollars for complementary and integrative health systems increase, the number of yoga practitioners and health professionals are increasing. The number of randomized clinical trials is growing as well. Improved study designs are being used twain in India and the United States. In just the last few years, research has put down the efficacy of yoga for such conditions as back pain, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, cancer, heart disease, and even tuberculosis. The 2008 Yoga in America study shows 15.8 million people currently practice and as well as revealed an upward trend in the therapeutic medical use of yoga. According to the study, nearly 14 million Americans reported a doctor or therapist recommending yoga to them. Nearly half of all adults agreed that yoga would be a beneficial treatment for a medical condition. Yoga as medicine represents the next great yoga wave, says Kaitlin Quist gaard, editor program in chief of Yoga journal. In the next few years, we will be seeing a lot more yoga in health care settings and more yoga recommended by the medical community as new research shows that yoga is a valuable therapeutic tool for many health conditions.There are 112 clinical trials utilizing yoga currently listed on the National grounds of Health web site. These involve numerous medical conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, chronic neck pain, chronic back pain, asthma, kyphosis, etc. The individual trials are being conducted at medical centers across the country and involve thousands of patients. Evidence regarding the medical benefit of yoga shows mixed results. There are several reasons for this, including funding obstacles. The biggest contest yoga studies face is that given the best intentions, it is difficult to properly ascertain the effectiveness of yoga as an exercise therapy. Yoga is not easily fit into the form of study that is most often used to prove effectiveness, the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. While it is possible to design a placebo form of study, it would be exceedingly difficult to conceal from participants and researchers the practice of real yoga versus an misbegot version. It is inevitable that some compromise with the research standards is required, and the compromise used in most studies is not ideal. Oftentimes, the practice of yoga is compared to no treatment. The problem with such studies is that a treatment, any treatment, frequently appears as better than no treatment due to multiple factors. A better trial design would be compare yoga practice to a generic form of exercise, such as daily walking. To date, this design has not been roughhewnly implemented.Hatha yoga has been studied in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. In one study, xlii individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either yoga instruction or a articulatio radiocarpea splint for a peri od of eight weeks. The results indicated that yoga was more effective than the wrist splint. The study results were soundly criticized due to a serious design flaw as participants in the control group were simply offered the wrist splint and given the choice of using it or not. Critics stated they would have preferred for subjects to have received options such as fake laser stylostixis or phony yoga postures rather than nothing. Experience from numerous studies shows that when people believe they are receiving an effective treatment, they report improvement regardless of the nature of the treatment.The School of medical specialty at the University of Pennsylvania used yoga to treat a group of patients with osteoarthritis of the hands. The treated group improved significantly more than the control group in pain during activity, tenderness, and finger range of motion. The randomized controlled clinical trial, published in the Journal of Rheumatology in 1994, concluded, This yoga-deri ved program was effective in providing relief in hand osteoarthritis. Further studies are needed to compare this with other treatments and to examine long-term effects.In another small study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology, it was found that a three-month program of gentle asana and breathing techniques resulted in improved grip strength in patients with rheumatic arthritis. As an interesting note, Robin Monro, PhD, of the capital of the United Kingdom Based Yoga Biomedical Trust found that that all patients wished to continue the practice after the study was finalized.Yoga poses called asanas work by safely stretching muscles. This releases lactic pane of glass that builds up with muscles use and causes stiffness, tension, pain, and fatigue. In addition, yoga increases the range of motion in joints. It may also increase cellular joint lubrication. The outcome is a sense of ease and fluidity throughout the body. Yoga stretches not only muscles, only the bodys sof t tissues as well, including ligaments, tendons, and the fascia sheath surrounding muscles. Vigorous exercises and precise alignment poses can tender strength and endurance benefits. Some yoga styles use specific meditation techniques to quiet the constant mind chatter that often underlies stress. Other yoga styles use deep breathing techniques to focus the mind on breath. Once focused, the mind settles down and becomes more calm and quiet. Yogas anti-stress benefits may include a reduction in catecholamines, the adrenal undergroundory organ stress hormone. Another benefit of yoga is its unique way of massaging the internal secretory organs and organs of the body in a thorough way, including those such as the prostate gland that are rarely pissd externally. Massage and stimulation of the organs can serve to prevent and also provide early forewarning of disease. A practicing physician for over twenty years, in his book Yoga as Medicine, David Coulter, MD, says that yoga is the m ost powerful system of overall health and well-being he has ever seen. He describes it as a single comprehensive system that, among other things, has been shown to increase strength, flexibility, and balance, enhance immune function, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, facilitate weight loss, uphold bones, prevent injuries as well as improve psychological well-being.As the major blockages of physical and energy flows are removed through the practice of yoga asanas, pranayama and bandhas, it is believed that go on practitioners utilize Mudras to effect extraordinary self-control of prana in the brain and the central nervous system. Swami Satyanand Saraswati observed that Mudras provide a means to access and influence the unconscious(p) reflexes and primal, instinctive habit patterns that originate in the primitive areas of the brain around the brain stem. They establish a subtle, non-intellectual connection with these areas. Each Mudra sets up a diametric link and has a cor respondingly unlike effect on the body, mind and prana. Echoing that concept is a recent study sponsored by the NIH National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), in collaboration with the Hofstra University School of Medicine and San Diego State University, which showed sign language being largely processed in the same brain portions as spoken language, including the inferior frontal gyrus in the front left side of the brain and the posterior temporal region toward the back left side of the brain. Dr. Braun believes that developing a better understanding of brain systems supporting gestures and words may also help in the treatment of some patients with aphasia.The palms and fingers of the hands contain an abundance of nerve endings, which continually emit bioelectric energy. Touching or pressing specific points on the fingers and the thumb folded in specific manner activates specific nerve or nerve bundles thus triggering specific signals. This is what m akes certain Mudras suitable for enhancing mental and physical effects. The importance of specific points and portions of hand (and other parts of the body) can also be seen in mend effects of acupressure on the physical body. The advanced effects of yoga and of Mudras in feature are associated with mental refinement, deep meditation and spiritual conditioning. Even for beginning practitioners, Mudras utilized as physical exercises can increase manual dexterity and can be effective for stretching and maintaining hand mobility.Exactly when and where systematized and stylized gestures originated remains a mystery, however almost all ancient cultures made use of hand signs in one way or another. Mudras, or hand gestures, were employed in early religion, rhetoric, art, social gatherings and by trade guilds. The Comacines, the builders of Europes finest cathedrals, and the trade guild cognise as the Dionysiac Artificers who were responsible for the construction of ancient buildings and structures, all made use of hand signs as a system of communication and protection of their conclaves or secret meetings against unauthorized entry. In Hinduism and Buddhism, hundreds of Mudras were used in yogic practice for ceremonies, drama, and dance. Most of these were symbolic in nature, but others had metaphysical virtues. There are literally hundreds of Mudra-gestures create by the ancient yogis and sages. They are all based on four basic hand positions the open palm, the hollowed palm, the closed fist, and the hand with fingertips together. Cheironomy is the term used to denote the study of ritualistic hand gestures and spontaneous movements in directing vocal music. This primarily refers to esoteric symbolism and certain forms or gestures and signs used in religious rites. The religious ceremonies of many ancient cultures considered gestures vital as they were believed to contain powers to call upon the gods, to unfold powers, and to affect surroundings. In occultism, e ach hand gesture embodies a particular significance and force. Ancient Egyptians regarded even the pictorial representations of their pharaohs as highly potent. Whether creating statutes or depicting pharaohs in murals, the artists were careful to represent Mudras accurately, fearing harsh consequences for misrepresentation.Mudras also play an serious division in the Indian Classical Dance. There are single hand gestures, called Asamyukta Hastah, which can be performed by either the right hand only or the left hand only or by both hands simultaneously without combining the two hands. The gestures formed by uniting both hands are called Samyukta Hastah. According to the ancient scripture Abhinaya Darpana (Nandikeshwara) there are twenty-eight single hand gestures and twenty-four united hand gestures. These hand gestures or Mudras are frequently used in the Indian Classical Dance known as Bharatanatyam. There are Mudras which represent all the Gods and Goddesses (Brahma, Vishnu, Sh iva, Saraswati, Lakshmi, etc.), the four different castes (Brahmana, Kshatriya, etc.), different relations (Mother, daughter, etc.), the nine the nine planets (Sun, moon, etc.), rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, etc.), animals (Lion, deer, etc.) and many others.There are numerous publications that identify the clinical benefit of yoga practice for various medical conditions, including oncology, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, these publications do not specifically report on the upper extremity sensorimotor, musculoskeletal, or neurophysiological results for hand therapy patients. As hand therapists are becoming more aware of the importance and value of respiration, core body strength, and posture to upper extremity function, the incorporation of hand Mudras could provide an integrated approach that broadens the treatment repertoire. On a tissue-specific level, differential tendon gliding, nerve gliding, and proprioception could be facilitated within a calming and holistic co ntext using Mudras. It is well known that movement distributes lubricating synovial fluid, continually secreted into the joint by its synovial lining, over the surface of the cartilage that caps the bones. When the cartilage is well lubricated, the joint surfaces glide more easily across each other, reducing wear and tear. Joint movement also helps bring nutrients into cartilage, which lacks its own blood supply. Cartilage acts as a sponge that gets squeezed by movement. Stale synovial fluid, depleted of nutrients, is expressed thus allowing a fresh supply to soak in from the joint when the compression is released. Areas of the joint surface that are rarely used because they are outside the normal grooves of movement fail to get the nutrients they need and over time tend to degenerate. The practice of Mudras can be used to stimulate these little-used surfaces, a prime example of the use it or lose it theory. Mudra exercises can be individually tailored following injury to target spe cific muscles for the answer of reducing stress, increasing range of motion, reducing pain, and increasing flexibility and strength. And experts in therapeutic yoga point out that individualizing a treatment approach is oftentimes vital in achieving a success outcome.In addition to working directly with specific injuries or medical conditions, yoga therapists also emphasize the role in healing that mindfulness and awareness the body plays. It can be been argued that tension held in the body often originates in the mind and must be dealt with there first. It is common knowledge that stress contributes to the development and prolongation of many medical conditions, which in turn can delay healing. Experts have noted that while a unsoundness may show up, for example, as a wrist disorder, effective treatment requires consideration of the upper extremity and torso as well as the role the mind plays in the condition.As part of medical treatment, Yogic philosophy would take into consider ation posture, alignment, communication, and the effects of stress on the disorder.There will likely never be scientific validation for each style of yoga or Mudra practice, much less all the possible combinations. As B.K.S. Iyengar says Words fail to capture the total value of yoga. It has to be experienced. Some of yogas aims, like equanimity and compassion, are difficult if not impossible to quantify. And while the current scientific evidence is not robust by Western standards, the growing body of evidence that does exist should not be ignored. We must take some of what we know about yoga on faith-not a faith based on blind acceptance of doctrine, but one grounded in everyday experience. Much more research is needed, with studies being knowing to take advantage of potentially beneficial interventions. Strategies that maximize compliance among subjects at great risk for low adherence will be important for rising trials, especially complementary treatments requiring greater ef fort than simple pill-taking. Carefully exploring the vast universe of yogic healing can provide affordable access to obligate new models of balance and wholeness. Taking a new approach, the middle ground between uncontrolled observations and reductionist philosophy may provide overall greater value to patients. In this age of health care reform it becomes imperative to add to the body of knowledge through not only randomized controlled trials, but through studies of screening and diagnostic tools based on Eastern systems of medicine and allied health sciences, outcome studies, cost effectiveness analyses, case-control series, and surveys with high response rate.As a therapeutic modality, yoga continues to show great potential for widespread use. The boundaries are still fluid, however provided that scientists, yoga therapists and physicians continue to communicate and learn from each other, the use of yoga practice and Mudras can expand as an noninvasive and effective means to imp rove strength and flexibility following injury.

The Keys to Entrepreneurship Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursewo

The Keys to EntrepreneurshipWhat makes a masteryful entrepreneur? What can iodine do to put oneself in a position to succeed on their own? Jay Goltz, for example, is an extremely self-made entrepreneur who started his business from the ground up. In the summer of 1978, Jay Goltz founded the Artists purge Service. His business started by using his fathers basement as his office, but eventually moved to an old factory district in Chicago. Today, Goltzs business in the largest retail, custom picture framing facility in the United States, with over 120 employees and more than $9 million in sales. This success has led Goltz to earn several awards, including being inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. What did Goltz do or possess to make his business venture so successful? Perhaps if one asks the right questions the answers will reveal themselves. Why do entrepreneurs alike(p) Jay Goltz succeed when so many others fail? Can a person develop the disposition traits to become a successful entrepreneur, and how would one attempt to do that? How important is a business plan when getting started in a business like Goltzs Artists Frame Service? By examining Jay Goltz, and how he started his business, one should be able to identify the attributes that are required to be successful in entrepreneurship.Jay Goltz succeeded in business, I believe, because he was much more prepared than the average person was. Along with possessing key personality traits, Mr. Golt...

Essays --

IntroductionTeaching is a crucial profession beca lend oneself it is designed to empower students to defecate them more freedom, more power and more prestige. Teachers hold in their hands the success of our country and the wellbeing of its citizens they are the key to service every psyche to realise his/her full potential.In teaching process, teachers use the target language to promote their communication with learners. They use this language so that they could encourage the communication surrounded by learners and themselves. This language is called teacher talk. Teacher talk is the exact words that teachers say to their students (Dickson, 2005 Crawford, 1999). In the other word, it is the content of lesson each teacher taught during each period of the class. Although teachers use same textbook as their teaching materials, each teacher has his/her own methods and words for their teaching process. Teacher talk is used in class when teachers are conducting instructions, cultivati ng their intellectual ability and managing classroom activities (Qican, 1999, p.23). In the other word, teacher talk is a kind of communication-based talk. Teacher talk is considered as an important element in language teaching (Cook, 2000). Researchers (Cook, 2000 Chaudron, 1988 Xiaohong, 1998) believed that teacher talk makes up around seventy percentage of classroom language. In the teaching process, teachers organize their teaching activities and consequently help students practice through their teacher talk. In English classroom, teachers language is not the only objective of the course, but also the medium to get to the teaching objectives. Teacher talk has some features. One feature refers to the teacher talks form such as speed, pause, repetition and modific... ...s such as positive reinforcement, encouragement, trusting, sympathize with and accepting, toward students in the classroom.Communication Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics defines co mmunication as the exchange of ideas, information, etc., between two or more persons. In an act of communication there is usually at least one speaker or sender, a means which is transmitted, and a person or persons for whom this message is intended (the receiver). Communication is studied from many disciplinary perspectives, is often viewed as a discipline in its own right, and is central to sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and information theory. acquire Attitude It is expressions of positive or negative feelings towards learning which may cause ease or difficulty of learning a language. Language attitudes effect on second/foreign language learning.