The Influence of Technology in Human Resource Management

Information technology, also known as IT, has drastically changed the workplaces of the world in the past 50 years. The field of human resources has historically been limited to a clerical or administrative role in the business arena, dealing mainly with tasks like payroll or attendance. In the modern market, new core HR responsibilities include recruitment and training, oversight of legal and regulatory compliance, benefits administration and the safeguarding of confidential employee information, along with many more. These tasks cannot be carried out effectively without the use of high-tech tools. Advances in technology have not only made the handling of basic administrative tasks more efficient, they have expanded the role of HR and created new disciplines within the field. Database management systems are a prime example of how technology has facilitated the growth and expansion of the HR field. Using a DBMS streamlines the management of employee information. Data entry and tracking, analysis of employee information, benefits administration and applicant tracking are all made easier and less time consuming, with the information available and organized with the punch of a key (Laudon and Laudon, 165). Human resource outsourcing is a rapidly growing field all on its own. Many businesses, small and large alike, are turning to HR specialization firms such as Aon Human Capital Services, Hewitt Associates, and Affiliated Computer Services. The Braun Consulting Group reported that while saving money is the reason for outsourcing for about half of the companies surveyed, gaining outside expertise, improving service quality, and being able to focus on their core business were also cited as key motivators. These companies characteristically offer services in four principal areas of HR functionalities: payroll, time and labor management, benefits administration, and HR management. Some of the most widely used software applications are payroll and compensation management software. Payroll software is designed to automate payroll tasks, including managing payroll tax issues like federal and state calculations. Additionally, payroll software assists in creating paychecks, filing tax forms, and creating employee tax records. Compensation management oftware automates salary reviews, plans, and budgeting to name a few. This software may be hosted in-house by the operating organization, or may be web-based. Web based providers include Oasis Outsourcing, Intuit, and Amycheck. These service providers have assisted small businesses and large corporations alike in streamlining payroll and benefits management. Employee recruitment and training are widely considered to be two of the most important t asks in human resource management. Attracting and retaining competent, reliable employees is necessary for success in any business. The advent of the Internet has drastically altered the way organizations search for candidates, and vice versa. The Internet allows businesses to reach a much greater pool of candidates with a greater range of knowledge, skills, and abilities, which in turn increases the odds of finding a good match for the position(s). Larger organizations often employ their HRIS departments in developing in-depth company websites with detailed job descriptions and requirements, as well as the organization’s mission statement and corporate culture, in an effort to attract employees that fit with the attitude and values of the company. Smaller organizations cannot afford to create and maintain a large and often expensive website like this, but there are many options for outsourcing online recruitment. In addition to outsourced companies, large job posting websites such as Monster. com are popular sites for people searching for jobs to post resumes and search for a wide range of openings. Technology has also been implemented in training employees. E-learning is a widely used tool in employee training and development. The term â€Å"E-learning† includes any form of training done with electronic support. This includes online training and development, tele-class training, chat room training, and video training. The advantages of these forms of training include convenience and the ability to control the pace of the instruction. The use of this medium, however, should mainly be limited to teaching the basic concepts and skills needed for the job, with more in-depth classic training for more specific skills or needs (Smith and Mazin 69). â€Å"Communication is the key to any change† (Rudnick, 45). In any business, ffective communication between employees, managers, and customers is not just a nice perquisite, it is vital to the success (or failure) of the organization. The era of paper memos, faxes, and â€Å"regular† mail is on its way out the door. Email has rapidly become the most widely used form of communication in the business world. Instant messaging, internal databases, and bulletin boards are also well used to communicate with suppliers, employees, and customers al ike (Laudon and Laudon, 191). The explosion of cellular phone and smartphone usage has also transformed the way organizations do business. Many organizations are allowing employees to work more hours from home, conducting business over the internet and phone. Hours are more flexible, and it is no longer necessary for a physical presence in the office for a large portion of the work. Communications with customers are also altered. The Internet has opened a vast new market to many businesses. A webpage has the potential to introduce the company to millions of new customers, and also allows for easier payments, shopping, and ordering, all from home. Businesses also have an increased opportunity for improving customer relations, thanks to the Internet. Feedback is available almost instantly via email, online discussion forums, and social media. The speed of the feedback allows organizations more time to troubleshoot problems and build relationships with satisfied, returning customers. In HR, this growth in the means of communication has opened new paths to employee relations as well. Many times, employees have avoided complaining about valid concerns due to fear of retaliation. The ability to send emails provides a relative anonymity that allows for more freedom of communication between the human resources department and a company’s workers. This also allows more ready access to information such as disciplinary guidelines and employee handbooks; keeping employees informed helps to improve the overall attitude of the workplace. One of the newest trends is social networking sites. Millions of people are registered with such sites as Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn. A TUC briefing on social media and HR lists some of the larger issues surrounding the use of these sites. Usage of these sites by employees certainly could be trouble for human resource managers. There is the worry that accessing these sites during work hours, on work stations, will interfere with productivity. Also, the conduct of employee’s on these websites has become a potential concern. Posts dealing with breaches of commercial confidentiality or undermining a company’s reputation could potentially require disciplinary action. These issues are still controversial at this point. Many advances in technology pertain to assisting disabled people in performing everyday tasks that they would otherwise be unable to do. As Don Dalton says, these solutions â€Å"remove the â€Å"dis† from various disabilities† and make their transition into the workforce much easier. This allows companies to hire a more diverse staff and keeps them compliant with EEOC. For people with physical impairments, Dalton lists a wide variety of available technology that can assist in using a computer, for example. The most cost effective is voice recognition software, but there are also many different types of keyboards as well as a head-mounted mouse controller that can be obtained for use in the workplace. Blind people also have options available. Speech synthesizers, document readers, and screen review packages give the blind the ability to access computer documents as easily as those who can see. These technologies and more allow companies to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. With this explosion of connectivity and technology in the workplace, security is also a huge concern. Hacker, theft, fraud and vandalism have been a classic worry of a business’s databases (Laudon and Laudon, 232). With the growing computer literacy of the workforce, and the growing use of computers at work for personal reasons, organizations are becoming more worried about threats from online sources to their networks. Malware became the leading threat to business’s online security in 2007 (Dumitru, 2). While these problems may seem to be a problem for the IT department, the human resources department should also keep up to date on computer security as well. The information in employee files is sensitive, and every precaution should be taken to insure it stays private, including tough security policies as well as strong firewalls. â€Å"The greatest tragedy in America is not the destruction of our natural resources, though that tragedy is great. The truly great tragedy is the destruction of our human resources by our failure to fully utilize our abilities, which means that most men and women go to their graves with their music still in them. Oliver Wendell Holmes said it best. The abilities, knowledge, and talents of an organization’s workforce are the biggest assets. Without qualified, motivated workers, any business great or small is doomed to failure. The past fifty years have been a remarkable tale of technological advances, however it should always be remembered that th e technology is here to assist and uplift men in their endeavors, not replace them. These advances have transformed the field of human resource management from a minor departmental position to playing a key role in the development and growth of any organization.

Lyceum Officials

Administrative Officials BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lorna Perez Laurel Chairman Roberto P. Laurel Sarah L. Lopez Rufino A. Tan Carlos P. Laurel Peter P. Laurel Eusebio A. Abaquin Josefin P. Laurel Antonio Jose U. Periquet, Jr. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS Roberto P. Laurel President Sarah L Lopez Vice President-Finance Conrado E. Inigo, Jr. , PhD Vice President for Academic Affairs Pompeyo B. Adamos Executive Director for Administration/Director, Human Resouces Jennifer D. Tucpi Registrar, Student Records Management Dept. Lizandro O. Ferrer Dean, Student Affairs Ma. Christina G. Aquino Executive Officer for Planning and Development Victorina H. Zosa, PhD Executive Director, Research and Publications Center Marilyn L. Ngales, PhD Director, Community Outreach and Service Learning Corazon M. Nera Director, Academic Resource Center Director, Guidance and Testing Center Alma G. Facto, PhD Director, Center for Contemporary Professional Education and Development Alfredo P. Diamante Director, Center for Language Education and Proficiency Rosemarie Arhlene E. Ampil Director, Publications Office Sandra G. Recto Director, Communication and Public Affairs Dept. Felipe R. Lorenzo VI Director, Information Technology Dept. Robert Frederick P. Hayden Jr. Artistic Director, Arts and Cultural Affairs Dept. Renato R. Ricafort Manager, Building and Grounds Dept. Robert Joseph G. Villa Comptroller Rizalina R. Benico Chief Accountant Alberto T. Lacsina ACADEMIC OFFICIALS Victor B. Endriga, PhD Dean, Graduate School Jose Ma. Gonzales Vice Dean, Graduate School Atty. Ma. Soledad D. Mawis Dean, College of Law Angela Ylagan Vice Dean, College of Law Rizalina A. Cruz Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Ma. Victoria M. Ac-Ac, PhD Dean Business Administration Samuel S. Chua Dean, College of Computer studies Leonardo C. Medina Jr. , PhD Dean, College of Engineering Ma. Christina G. Aquino OIC Dean, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management Roberto Z. Zozobrado Deputy OIC Dean, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management Amb. Reynaldo O. Arcilla Dean, College of International Relations Leonora N. Reyes Dean, College of Nursing

Qualitative versus Quantitative Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Qualitative versus Quantitative Research - Essay Example Participant viewpoints. A desire to explore and present the various subjective perspectives of participants is associated with qualitative research. Its privileging of subjectivity is also seen in the way that the interpretation of the data is influenced by the researcher’s own biography together with their involvement with people in the study. Small-scale studies. Qualitative researchers are interested in deep exploration in order to provide rich, detailed, holistic description as well as explanation. Therefore, small samples are the norm. Holistic focus. â€Å"Rather than directing their attention to one or two isolated variables, qualitative researchers tend to be oriented to a wide range of interconnected activities, experiences, beliefs and values of people in terms of the context in which they are situated. This provokes qualitative researchers to account for a multiplicity of dimensions and relationships in the context†. (Daymon, 2002, p. 23) Flexible. Although researchers have a topic and an agenda which fuel their research progress, they are usually committed to exploring new and often surprising avenues that emerge as informants reveal their understandings and interests. Research procedures may be unstructured, adaptable and sometimes spontaneous. At times the research process may even be described as rather ‘messy’ as researchers attempt to unpack the complexities of the social world of public relations and marketing communications. Natural settings. On the whole, qualitative investigations are carried out in people's natural environments such as in their offices or where they shop. This enables researchers to observe how they go about their routine activities and

The Industrial Revolution in Late 19th Century Essay

The Industrial Revolution in Late 19th Century - Essay Example National Labour Unions were formed to respond to the manner in which people were being evacuated from their farms and an increase in industries led to a misunderstanding between labor and capital.Conversely, there was a rise of numerous challenges that led the state to implement some policies. Social Darwinism took center stage and it was survival of the fittest. The authority of wealthy business firms such as Rockefellers had a great influence on how the government made its policies. The rich had influence in the running of the government because their argument was that they contributed a lot to state revenue as compared to the poor. At first, markets were free, but soon it got complicated because well-established companies stamped authority on markets to the extent that small ones were being phased out. After an extensive investigation on the â€Å"robber barons,† the Sherman antitrust act was passed which focused on implementation of free trade. Though the act was poorly do cumented, it regulated the activities of worker's unions instead of countering monopolies practiced by the well-established firms. The act faced serious criticism and civil unrest until it was later amended to serve its intended purpose (Barney, 2007).The current economic prosperity and agricultural stability are as a result of a long journey the country has undergone to reach such heights. Much credit has been given to Abraham Lincoln who created the basis of the current democratic stability of the nation.

Evaluate the role of theory in explaining corporate risk management Essay

Evaluate the role of theory in explaining corporate risk management practice - Essay Example There has been a vivid changes occur in the functions of risk management in corporations. In the past risk management was known as the activities connected with the purchase of insurance. Treasurers also carried out the duty of risk management, but their focus was on prevarication interest rate and foreign exchange risks. With the passage of time, corporations have taken into account other types of risk. On the other hand, corporations started to pay more attention to operational risk and reputation risk. Presently, strategic risks have been added to the categories of risks. The duties of the board in examining risk measures and setting restrictions for these measures are greater than before at many corporations. With the help of hedging, organizations can get rid of their experience to many risks at low cost. For example, a foreign exchange hedging program that makes use of forward contracts has usually very low transaction costs. If the hedging is inexpensive, then there is no good economic explanation for an organization not to hedge economic risks if it faces the risk of cash flow deficits that could force it to give up important projects. Many corporations face risks that they cannot beneficially arrange in the capital markets or other urbanized risk transfer markets. We can better explain it with the help of an example, an organization that discovers a mode to develop its business beneficially cannot hedge economically many of the risks from doing so. The organization recognizes the risks from the development superior than anybody else. If it finds a technique to hedge these risks, its hedging costs will be increased because possible counterparties will want to be compensated for trading with an improved knowledgeable party and for building models to judge the risks they would hedge. Agency theory is one of the most instructive, practical, and

Do we need to believe in a God or does God need us to exist Essay

Do we need to believe in a God or does God need us to exist - Essay Example What is the origin of life and mankind Not only are a lot of these questions being answered by scientists, but even miracles and other such occurrences attributed to divine intervention are being explained away by physics. "From its origin with Galileo, Copernicus and Newton, through Darwin and Einstein, to the age of computers and high-technology, modern science has cast a cold and somewhat threatening light on many deep-rooted religious beliefs. () scientists have demolished a lot of cherished religious beliefs and have come to be regarded by many as faith-wreckers." (Davies, 5). And yet intelligent, articulate people the world over believe in the one true God, a super power or a cosmic force that guides our existence. So, why do people want to believe this curiously elusive and unsubstantiated God It could simply be to give some kind of meaning to, or put into some kind of order, the chaos that surrounds us. After all, the existence of a God fulfils the need to credit someone with the creation of the world around us, with its sheer inexplicability and its irrational apportioning of happiness and sorrow. Digging deeper, the yearning that overtakes a human being for an exploration of the spiritual dimension of life stems from a desire for oneness of mind and body, and ultimately, an aspiration towards perfection. "Human beings, knowing they are not perfect, desire perfection and search for a better life" says T'ai Chi Master Waysun Liao (5). He points out that in spite of the tremendous advances made by us in the fields of technology the motivation that drives a human being remains mysterious. Whizzing along as we are in the space age, yet even our theories of evolution are in doubt. We still look up at the immense sky and wonder how it all started. So, how much have we actually progressed over the centuries As far as necessities go, we still need the same basic food, shelter, clothing, and though we might be eons ahead of the caveman, how much have we actually evolved spiritually It is in pursuance of this desire to evolve spiritually that God has been invented (or perhaps, He exists!). Artistic and creative people, those who march to a different beat from the rest of us, instinctively pursue this 'ultimate' through their work, the nature of their work being such that needs no rationalization to anyone other than themselves. In the work of these outstanding painters and poets, musicians and mystics intellect takes the back seat. In their art one sees their real experiences distilled, and more, one catches a glimpse of something indefinable. Whether it is the element of wonder in Alice Walker's The Color Purple when she exclaims that it is God who is trying to please us, not us who are expected to live up to His rules, or the naked truth in Borges Afterglow, or even the fatalistic note in Yeats' poetry. Because, in spite of advances made in science and technology, we still gaze up at the Milky Way, and wonder at its magnitude and glory. We still respond to the beauty of a piece of music or a painting without rationalizing it. We even watch the flight of a jet, fascinated, forgetting that the aerodynamic principles underlying the technology are as old as the birds. Poets like Yeats, Octavio Paz, Luis Borges and Rilke move us because they bring us closer to the eternal. They are more obviously attracted to the

Starbucks Wide Acceptance By The Public Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Starbucks Wide Acceptance By The Public - Essay Example According to the Corporate Social Responsibility Report of 2005, Starbucks because of its wide acceptance by the public is giving back to communities and the environment. It also treats people with respect and dignity. The company is dedicated to serving the world's best coffee to everyone everywhere and anytime. The company demonstrates its beliefs in the guiding principles of their mission statement in the way they do business. The company stated that "In fact, corporate social responsibility at Starbucks runs deeply throughout our company. Here are some of the commitments we've made to do business in a socially responsible manner.2" The August 15, 2002 issue of Eurofood stated that Starbucks coffee of the United Kingdom has loudly announced that it will introduce the Starbucks Organic Shade Grown Mexico coffee in Starbucks stores in the United Kingdom. This coffee food group is certified to be 100% organic by the Soil Association. The introduction of Starbucks Organic Shade Grown Mexico coffee was the understanding between Starbucks and Conservation International. This partnership will give the farmers economic benefits if they will use environmentally friendly sound agricultural methods to preserve tropical biodiversity. Starbucks of the United... We are delighted that Starbucks is taking the initiative in launching Organic Shade Grown Mexico and that they have opted to team up with the Soil Association for organic certification consumers really trust." Conservation International is a nonprofit organization that the current natural heritage of our planet should be preserved in order for our children and our children's children to enjoy in terms of spiritually, culturally and economically.

Computer versus Paper charting for nurses Essay

Computer versus Paper charting for nurses - Essay Example With so many responsibilities and so much information to assimilate, it becomes even more essential to take care of the documentation of information as this is the only method to reduce errors. Charting information regarding medication, observations, patients' history, etc. has been an age old practice and is the responsibility of nurses. The purpose of the medical chart is to serve as both a medical and legal record of patient clinical status, care, history, and caregiver involvement. The detailed information contained in the chart is intended to provide the patient's clinical condition by detailing diagnoses, treatments, tests and response to treatment, as well as any other factors that may affect the clinical state of the patient. Hence, it is beyond doubt that documentation is one of the most important activities that needs to be accurate. This essay compares computer and paper charting methods and also discusses in detail the history of charting technology; reveal medication errors in computerized and non-computerized charting, illegibility of orders and double charting, and accuracy. In the 21st century, nursing informatics has become a part of the professional activities. Informatics has advanced the field of nursing by bridging the gap from nursing as an art to nursing as a science. The term medical chart is a general description of a set of information on a patient. It is important that the information in the chart be clear and to the point, so that those utilizing the record can easily access accurate information. In some cases, the medical chart can also assist in clinical problem solving by tracking the past history of the patient. For instance, the baseline information or status on admission, orders and treatments provided in response to specific problems, and patient responses can be easily retrieved from the medical chart. Another reason for the standard of clear documentation is the possibility of the legal use of the record. For example, these records are frequently investigated for insurance clams and when medical care is being referred to or questioned by the legal system, the chart contents are frequently cited in court. In the earlier days, all the documentation was prepared on paper. But today, most of these are fed into the computers directly and is stored in it. The disadvantages with the paper charting are as follows: it is a tedious process to write and store the records and it takes away a lot of space. Since nurses work in shifts, different nurses handle each record as a result different handwritings appear in single report. A single nurse handles several patients as a result there are high chances of medication errors with serious consequences. These factors are even more of a problem for those nurses who are working in intensive care units (ICU). With the increase in stress due to shortage of nurses, the working staff will be handling more patients and many times it is possible that errors occur in medication. Nursing Informatics is a broad ranging field that combines nursing skills with computer expertise. Nursing informatics is the modern technology that

Walter Murch Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Walter Murch - Research Paper Example Walter Murch attracted the Academy Award nomination for sound mixing for Francis Coppola’s movie The Conversation, in 1974. Not to say, Walter Murch succeeded in collecting his well deserved first Academy Award in 1979 for his work in Apocalypse Now. Walter Murch is credited to be the only person who has ever won an Academy Award for both sound mixing and film editing (Last B08). Walter Murch also directed a movie Return to Oz in 1985. It goes without saying that in the contemporary cinema, Walter Murch is vouched to be an authority in the realm of film editing and sound mixing. Murch is justly credited to be the father of the discipline that is today known as ‘Sound Designing’ (Last B08). He is also ascribed with the honor of developing the much adhered to 5.1 channel arrays, the standard film sound format, which raised the art of sound designing to new heights (Last B08). Murch happens to be the single most important person and technician who have made stupendou s contributions to the discipline of film editing and sound processing. As per his views evinced in an interview with Michael Jarrett, Murch delineates his approach to sound in relation to images by declaring that when it comes to sound, a sound designer always tends to have more freedom as compared to images (Online).

Thomas the Apostle in India Essay Example for Free

Thomas the Apostle in India Essay The essay will discuss the debate concerning the arrival of Thomas Apostle to India. Based on the information available to researchers, the paper will argue that St. Thomas had actually lived in India. Two different theories that present opposing views concerning this topic will be presented in this paper. One theory argues that Thomas the Apostle had stayed in South India, while another theory argues that Thomas the Apostle did not come to India. There is also controversy regarding the place that was visited by the great saint. One group argues that he had stayed in North India while another group of scholars argue that in actuality he had stayed in the south. The essay will cover various facts, issues, and debates concerning Thomas the Apostles’ arrival to India. Malabar, the land where the apostle is said to have arrived, maintained trade and cultural contact with the western world. This was the center of the Jewish and Christian settlements, the remains of which can be seen even today. Many Christians decided to stay in Cranganore, a Malabar port, in order to avoid their harassment by the Roman Empire in Jerusalem. This shows that from historical times, Christians showed their liking for South Indian regions. (Coipuram, 2002)   Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus Christ ordered St. Thomas to go the East particularly to India and China in order to spread the message of Christianity. St. Thomas arrived in South India in the year 52 AD. (Coipuram, 2002)   St. Thomas worked with the Christians as well as the local community. He was able to impress the people and the kings through his miracles. At the same time, his acts inspired the orthodox Brahmins of South India to kill him in 72 AD in Mylapore in the present Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state. (Coipuram, 2002)     The remains of the saint were taken to Turkey in 8th century and later they were sent to Rome. (Coipuram, 2002) It is stated that St. Thomas had constructed seven churches in different parts of Malabar. Christians of the region celebrate several festivals that are connected with the activities of St. Thomas. Many Christian communities came to India from Turkey. In the year 345 AD, some Christians settled in Cranganore. The Christians of the regions are known as the St. Thomas Christians. (Coipuram, 2002) Information regarding the activities of St. Thomas in India is found in the book â€Å"Acta Thomae† or Acts of Judas Thomas, which is dated to the end of 1st century AD. (Ninnan, n.d) The book is available in various languages including Syrian, Greek, Latin, Armenian, and Ethiopic. According to this book, St. Thomas and other apostles shared the whole world among themselves for the purpose of propagating Christianity. Jesus Christ sold Thomas to Habban of India who was looking for a carpenter. (Ninnan, n.d)   This forced Thomas to accompany Habban to India. Thomas reached the kingdom of Gondaphorus where Thomas was asked to build a palace.   St. Thomas performed various miracles winning the hearts of many people in India. Consequently, he was able to convert a few Indians. St. Thomas converted the Gondaphorus king, king of Mazdai, a noble lady named Mygdonia, and Tertia, the queen of Mazdai. (Ninnan, n.d)   The book â€Å"Acta Thomae† also states that the apostle became an apostle outside the city of the kingdom as he was killed by four soldiers. (Ninnan, n.d)   The book reveals that St. Thomas had arrived and stayed in India. (Ninnan, n.d)   There are many local traditions that claim that St. Thomas had arrived and stayed in South India. Such traditions are found in the works such as Songs of Nazranis, Thomma Parvam (1601 AD), and Veeradian Pattu. (Ninnan, n.d.) The local traditions claim that St. Thomas had stayed in Cranganore and converted the local people into Christianity. It is said that during the initial years of the stay of St. Thomas in Cranganore, he converted the Jewish settlers in the region. (Ninnan, n.d)   In the next phase, he converted 75 Brahmin families and 3000 others, who were obviously impressed by his miracles. (Ninnan, n.d.) The South Indian connection of St. Thomas is proved by the theory that due to the discovery of Hippalus wind in 45 AD, many westerners used to sail from Yemen directly to the Malabar Coast. (Ninnan, n.d.) Therefore, it is suggested that Thomas had stayed in the Malabar region. Apart from this theory and local traditions, there are no other strong evidences to state that St.Thomas had actually stayed in South India.    St. Thomas’s stay and death in North India is mentioned in the ancient Syrian texts. There are archaeological and literary evidences to state that the king of Gondaphorus had maintained contact with Christian saints and that he was finally converted to Christianity. (Ninnan, n.d.)   Nevertheless, it is not important whether St. Thomas had stayed in North India or South India. The Gospel of Thomas, an apocryphal book, gives information pertaining to the work of St. Thomas in India. This book was not given much importance by the church authorities as it was believed that the book had undermined the teachings of Jesus, but researchers do not accept such allegations as this book does not contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ. (Gjorgjievski, 2001, p. 1) The book the Gospel of Thomas mentions that since St. Thomas refused to go to India, he was compelled by Jesus Christ to go to the East by selling Thomas to Abban, an envoy of the king Gundaphor. (Gjorgjievski, 2001, p. 1) It is stated that after coming to India, the apostle, instead of constructing a palace as he was asked by the king, distributed the money among the poor, which enraged the king who imprisoned the saint. (Gjorgjievski, 2001, p. 1)   Eventually, the king realized the divine power of the saint and accepted Christianity. The evidence of this book also shows that St. Thomas had come to North India although South Indians claim that he had stayed in South India.   (Gjorgjievski, 2001, p. 1) There are two phases of Thomas’s activities in India. In the first phase, he taught the Parthians ruled by the famous king Gondaphares who lived during 1st century AD. (Medlycott n.d.) In the earliest ecclesiastical writings, one gets the information pertaining to the first phase of the stay of Thomas in India. During the second phase, he seems to have visited South India. (Medlycott n.d.) This is because it is widely believed that St. Thomas died in Mylapore and his tomb could be found in this city although later his body remains were taken to Turkey. (Medlycott n.d.) This is proved by the evidences provided by various scholars who visited this region from the early years of Christian era to the Portuguese period. The Portuguese scholars have mentioned the existence of Christian traditions in Mylapore. (Medlycott n.d.) Therefore, this study has presented an eclectic view concerning the place where St. Thomas lived. The study shows that St. Thomas lived both in western India as well as in South India. (Medlycott,   n.d.) Evidences regarding St. Thomas are available in the works of Syrian writers, liturgical books and calendars of the Syrian Church, works of the fathers belonging to western church, works of fathers belonging to Greek and Abyssinian churches. (Medlycott, n.d.) The study of Prof. Carl Schmidt regarding the â€Å"Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles† has proved the authenticity of apocryphal works that describe the activities of St. Thomas in India. (Medlycott n.d.) Therefore, without any doubt one may accept the ancient Syrian and Latin works that describe the stay of St. Thomas in India. (Medlycott, n.d.) In ancient but revised Syriac work, â€Å"The Teaching of the Apostles†, it is mentioned that St. Thomas the apostle had actually lived in India. St. Thomas, who was also called Didymus was invited by Jesus to become his apostle and spread the message of Christianity in the east. (Jesuvera, 2006)     The St. Thomas feast day is celebrated in the Malabar on July 3rd every year. (Jesuvera, 2006) The Christians theologians believe that St. Thomas had preached to the people such as Parthians, Medes, Persians, Bactrians, Margians, and South Indians. (Jesuvera, 2006)   In the work, â€Å"Assumption of Mary†, a work belonging to 400 AD, there is reference to St. Thomas of India staying near the body of Virgin Mary on the day of her â€Å"body assumption†. (Jesuvera, 2006)  Ã‚     Evidences concerning Thomas apostle’s life in India are found in Syrian Christian literature and traditions found in India. (Jesuvera, 2006) With the arrival of the European missionaries to India after 16th century, many Europeans were informed that in India there existed a Christian community called â€Å"St. Thomas Christians†. Based on this, it was suggested that St. Thomas had really stayed in India and convinced a few Indians to accept Christianity. (Sharan, n.d.)   Contrary to this belief, it is argued that the Christian communities of Kerala were given the name only after 14th Century with the arrival of the European missionaries to Malabar. (Sharan, n.d.)   It is argued that this Christian community was actually called Syrian Christians and not St. Thomas Christians. (Sharan, n.d.) It is argued that Europeans propagated the myth of St. Thomas in order to achieve the political and religious agendas of converting India as a part of European or British imperialism and to convert large numbers of Indians into Christianity. (Sharan, n.d.)   To support this argument, correspondence of Fr. A. Mathias Mundadan who was satisfied with the fact that evidence existed to prove that St. Thomas had stayed in India. (Sharan, n.d.) It is argued that based on inaccurate evidences or hagiographies one cannot suggest that St. Thomas had lived and died in India. (Sharan, n.d.) It has been argued that St. Thomas never came to India. In reality, Christianity was established in India for the time in 345 AD by a merchant called Thomas Cananeus. (Sharan, n.d.)   Based on similarity of names, it has been suggested that St. Thomas had come to India and established Christianity in South India. (Sharan, n.d.) Traditions related to Thomas are found not only in India but also other countries of the orient such as Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Brazil, and Mexico. (Merrilat, 1977) This shows that many oriental countries have constructed their own myths concerning the arrival of St. Thomas to their land and introducing Christianity. Therefore, there is need for strong evidences to accept the belief that St. Thomas actually lived and died in India. Recently, a controversy has been created when the pope Benedict XVI suggested that St. Thomas had come to Western India. Implicitly, this statement has negated the assumption that the apostle had come to South India. (Pope denies, n.d.)   This statement also shows that the pope accepts the fact that St. Thomas had stayed in India although this statement has hurt the sentiments of the Christians of Kerala who strongly believe that St. Thomas had come to the Malabar region in the 1st century AD. (Pope denies, n.d.) The statement of the pope also shows that the apostle had actually come to North India and not to South India. This statement has been used by the scholars to suggest that St. Thomas had never stayed in India. The scholars, who refused to accept that St. Thomas had visited the present India, argue that he had actually visited the regions of Pakistan. (Pope denies, n.d.) This statement cannot be accepted because as already mentioned, there are many evidences showing that St. Thomas had actually lived in some parts of India. Most of the predecessors of the present pope had accepted that St. Thomas was an apostle of India. (Pope denies, n.d.) The church sources do not deny that St. Thomas had lived in India. The debate is regarding whether the apostle had stayed in North India or in South India. Already it has been mentioned that works such as Gospel of St. Thomas and Act of Thomas refer to the work of St. Thomas in India. The statement made by the pope has created controversy among the Christians of Kerala as a few churches in the region are dedicated to the memory of St. Thomas. (Pope denies, n.d.) In conclusion, there are sufficient evidences ancient, medieval, and modern to suggest that St. Thomas had actually lived and died in India. During the first phase of his stay in India he worked in Western India with the king Gondaphares. During the second phase, he visited South India and spread Christianity in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The saint’s tomb can be found in Mylapore although later his remains were taken to Turkey and eventually to Rome. Thus, he lived both in North India as well as South India. The books such Gospel of St. Thomas and Act of Thomas describe the various events related to the life of St. Thomas when he stayed in India. Therefore, there are solid evidences to assert that St. Thomas lived and died in India. References Gjorgjievski, B.T. (2001). On the Gospel of Thomas. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://darktreasures.com/Strangelore/Stuff/on-thomas.pdf Jesuvera. (2006). Feast of St. Thomas – Apostle to India. Konkani Catholics Blog. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://www.konkanicatholics.com/ Medlycott, A.E. (n.d.). India and the Apostle Thomas. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://www.indianchristianity.com/html/chap4/chapter4b.htm Merrilat, H.C. (1997). The Gnostic Apostle Thomas. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://members.aol.com/didymus5/intro.html Ninnan, M.M. (n.d.). Story of St. Thomas Apostle and St. Thomas Churches of India A Short History. Retrieved April 12, 2007, from the web site: http://www.acns.com/~mm9n/marthoma/marthoma.htm Pope denies St. Thomas came to South India. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://www.hamsa.org/index.htm Sharan, I. (n.d.). The myth of St. Thomas and the Mylapore Shiva temple. Retrieved April 10, 2007, from the web site: http://www.hamsa.org/01.htm

Social Media And The Small Business

Social Media And The Small Business Social media has gained significant momentum as a business tool in the past five years. In the following study will analyze how selected small businesses currently use social media, how the businesses may expand the use of the social media medium and precautions small businesses should consider when utilizing social media. The business owners interviewed for the research study vary in their product and service offerings: personal training, music, systems consulting and a karaoke machine retailer. The conclusion of the research will include recommendations for how small businesses may consider the utilization of social media as a strategy to gain or maintain competitive advantage. Social Media and the Small Business Purpose of the Report Social media outlets such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and Twitter have widespread, worldwide popularity. According to Facebooks Press Room statistics, there are over 300 million Facebook active users worldwide, and more than six billion minutes are spent each day, by users, online (Facebook, 2009). The allure of social networking is tremendous, making it possible for people to connect globally, with ease and free of charge. Many small businesses utilize social media as a marketing tool because it costs nothing and it reaches a large audience. The purpose of this study is to reveal the strategic implications social media and networking provide for small businesses seeking competitive advantage. The research team will first analyze how social media advertising differs from traditional marketing and advertising. Interviews conducted with four small businesses, currently using social media sites, will identify how they currently use social media in terms of marketing. The conclusion o f the report will include recommendations for how small businesses should utilize social media for competitive advantage. Background of the Topic In order to conduct a study on social media and networking, the concept of social media and social networking must first be defined. S. Boyd, of Socialmedia.biz states, Social Media are those forms of publishing that are based on a dynamic interaction, a conversation, between the author and active readers, in contrast with traditional broadcast media where the audience is a passive consumer of content' (Boyd, 2009). Through the social media platforms, such as Facebook.com, MySpace.com, LinkedIn.com, and Twitter.com, users create connections, or networks, as further explained by Laudon, Social networking is the practice of expanding the number of ones business or social contacts by making connections through individuals. Social networking sites link people through their mutual business or personal connections, enabling then to mine the friends (and their friends friends) for sales leads, job-hunting tips, or new friends. MySpace.com. Facebook.com, and Friendster.com are for people who are primarily interested in extending their friendships, while LinkedIn.com focuses on job networking (Laudon, 2009, p. 417). Social networking stems from a persons desire to connect and interact with others who may be related or share similar interests. Private and public forums were the first form of social networking on the Internet (Borders, 2009). Created in the 1990s, they quickly grew in popularity, spurring millions of community sites where people logged in and conducted discussions, typically around specific topics of a special interest website. Around the same time, real-time chat applications came into play, like ICQ and AOL instant messenger. The real-time chat option required users to log onto a website or download an application to talk to other people who were online at the same time. Blogging gained popularity as well, and these online diaries were put on sites like LiveJournal.com and WordPress.com. In the late 1990s, SixDegrees introduced the first social networking website that allowed the user to create a profile and trace friendships through people (Borders, 2009). SixDegrees premise was that individuals are all connected to each other somehow though direct and indirect relationships. By connecting with friends and family, then connecting with friends of friends and family members, the platform enabled users to meet new friends and potential love interests through a network. It had short-lived popularity, followed closely by Friendster in 2002, an online community that connects people through networks of friends for dating or making new friends. (Borders, 2009). Since its conception, Friendster has become well known in the Asian communities, and in the United States newer social media forms have replaced it, such as MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and, more recently, Twitter. The popularity of a given social media site and the abandonment of another appears to be connected to a sites functionality. Six Degrees gave way to Friendster, which was then replaced by MySpace because the earlier social media platforms had slow server speeds, and once the initial novelty of connecting with friends and family wore off, there was little else to do on the sites. With both Six Degrees and Friendster, users lost interest. MySpace and, later, Facebook offered more, not only to individuals, but functions that businesses could utilize for little to no cost. MySpace.com launched in January 2004, and now has over 65 million users in the U.S. alone. According to the creators of MySpace.com, it is a technology company connecting people through personal expression, content, and culture. MySpace empowers its global community to experience the Internet through a social lens by integrating personal profiles, photos, videos, mobile, messaging, games and the worlds largest music community. MySpace was the first site to allow users to explore public profiles, and users could utilize it as a virtual bulletin board to post information, pictures, music and video. Like Friendster, MySpace offers its users the ability to customize their personal pages, making the site very popular among teenagers and those in their twenties. As a business platform, bands and filmmakers use the site because of its ability to post material and get instantaneous feedback from known and unknown MySpace users. In less than three years, it became one of the most popular webs ites on the World Wide Web (Random History, No Author, 2008). TheFacebook.com also started in 2004 at Harvard University, as a personal network between students. It quickly extended to other universities and then in 2005, it became Facebook.com, garnering worldwide recognition. Facebook appeals to a different audience than MySpace, focusing on navigation capabilities and a uniform appearance in contrast to the high degree of variability displayed on MySpace. Users have access to free games, videos, links, and fan pages that continue to grow daily. The companys overview states, Facebooks mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. Millions of people use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet. Fan pages are becoming increasingly popular on the Facebook site. This is a page made by a business, cause, or individual that users may connect to as a fan. The fan page is then displayed through an indivi duals profile to his connections, and that individual may encourage his connections to also connect to the fan page. A fan page allows for an individual to post information about her business separately from her personal page. For users in search of a business networking platform, LinkedIn.com is a professional social media website. First launched in 2003, users may add business contacts, provide recommendations and create a strong business network. The LinkedIn mission states, Relationships Matter and that Your professional network of trusted contacts gives you an advantage in your career, and is one of your most valuable assets (LinkedIn, 2009). LinkedIn provides value to the small business because it allows for an individual to share professional information with people he does business with, and make contacts with an associates network through introductions or an InMail function. Twitter.com is a combination of previous networking sites. It is a mini blog that has the ability of active updating to Facebook, which also has SMS or instant-messaging capabilities. The original concept of Twitter was initially inspired by the concept of an away-message merged with the freedom and mobility of [Short Messaging Service] SMS. Twitter began as an experiment in 2006. When value as an instant communication network during shared events like earthquakes, conferences, and festivals emerged, Twitter began to grow (Milstein, 2009). The goal of a tweet is to get a point across in 140 characters. Twitter allows individuals and businesses to broadcast an announcement or status in real time. It enables users to pick whos information they want to follow, who they want to allow to follow them, and if they want to be a part of any groups that they might find interesting. MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are just a sample of social media formats available to todays Internet users. Through social media, individuals and businesses find a way to connect on a virtual platform. People spend hours surfing pages, checking out other members, and exchanging messages and they reveal a great deal of information about themselves. Businesses harvest this information to create carefully targeted promotions that far surpass the typical text and display ads found on the web. They also use the sites to interact with potential customers. The ability to deliver digital goods and digital content over the Web has created a new alternative to traditional print publications and broadcast media (Laudon, 2009, p. 417). For the analysis of how small businesses may use social networking, MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are the focus in this study. Discussion of Current Issues Social media is a popular marketing medium for small businesses because it costs little to nothing. A. Gooding, owner of Inspire Fitness, states that she chooses her advertising media based on anything that is free. I use Facebook, word of mouth, and I write a column for our local paper. I have handed out fliers at schools, and I have had a booth at a local health fair. Im also a contestant for Best of Western Washington, personal trainers, and even if I dont win, its great publicity (Appendix A). When asked about how he advertises, Rex James Bands co-founder, D. Powell replied, Were doing [Facebook], Hotmail, [MySpace], newsletter, website, Sonic Bids for bands, help you get bids, help you update your calendar. Artist Direct just recently currently in BETA currently free, they have a lot of cool tools to format calendar and they update [Facebook] and [MySpace] for you one stop shop. (Appendix D). For R. Mickler of Mickler and Associates, I chose Twitter because of its phenom-qua lity and its growth its fairly popular and has the greatest sticking power out of all of them, I think. I chose LinkedIn because its a more professional site than Facebook, and conveys the professional information in a way that I can control (Appendix C). Small businesses have limited advertising budgets, and social media provides a free venue for marketing. In addition to being free, social media provides an interactive forum for the small business to meet its customers. In traditional advertising, the advertiser broadcasts to an audience, but does not get immediate feedback. Social media facilitates a conversation between the small business and its customers. It is through these conversations that social media provides a business to consumer electronic commerce (B2C). B2C involves retailing products and services to individual shoppers (Laudon 2009, p. 420). Social media provides a forum where businesses may start a conversation with potential clients, creating a relationship that allows for both the business and customer to decide if and when they will do business together. Unlike large businesses, a small business may not have the capacity to serve a large customer base. When asked about his business growth, Mickler responded, Ill start from 2004 I acquire about 7-10 additional customers a year (roughly a 15-20% growth rate) and thats been fairly consistent. Growth rate is tricky for a company my size: too much growth and Id have to hire a staff, and thats not in my business plan; too little growth and I cant keep up with attrition and my competitors. Generally, 20-percent of my customer base are cornerstone assets that I spend my most time with. The other eighty-percent are potentially new cornerstones (Appendix C). A business like Mickler and Associates must be able to be selective about who it sends its marketing message to, because the businesss size limits the number of clients who may be helped at any given time. In traditional advertising, a marketing message is broadcast through radio, television or print. In the past, to prevent an overwhelmi ng response to advertising, a small business may have selected a direct marketing campaign to communicate with past and potential clients. Social media allows businesses to decide whom they want to advertise to, essentially picking out their niche market. On Facebook through a profile they can provide information to friends family, with the creation of a fan page they can push it a bit further as friends of friends view profiles. Twitter allows a business to be selective on who gets messages, or a business can join groups to help get their name out there. LinkedIn allows businesses to connect through their colleagues, so that they are only offering their services to those already a part of their network. Growth is not the only element a small business may want to control. If an individual starts a home-based business, the business owner wants to know her clients. Social media provides a means to communicate directly with friends and friends friends, rather than casting a wide net. According to A. Gooding, Because I have a gym studio in my house, I am very careful with whom I hire as clients. Therefore, I would much rather market to those who I know, in hopes they know someone who needs a personal trainer (Appendix A). Gooding created a fan page on Facebook and invited her friends and family members to connect to the page. As friends of friends also connected to the page, she could learn more about the potential clients by looking at their profile information or asking friends and family about the person. For a small business that wants more exposure, search engine optimization (SEO) is a benefit of social media presence. Search engines started on the Internet as simple keyword indexes of all the pages they visited (Laudon 2009, p. 293). In 1998, the launch of Google introduced a new facet to the index, This search engine was different; Not only did it index each Web pages words but it also ranked search results based on the relevance of each page (Laudon 2009, p. 293). As search engines continue to evolve, small businesses benefit from appearing in unsponsored search links (links that were not paid for), because the more presence a small business has on the Internet, the more likely it will appear in a keyword search. The Rex James Band recognizes the benefit of more exposure, The more places your music and keywords are on the Internet, the better chance people will find you on the Internet and search engines can correctly categorize your website with the keywords when people do sear ches, this is all part of a technique that large companies spend millions on each year to increase their search engine ratings (Appendix D). We see this in Russell Micklers experience as well, Its very useful. Content pushes more search engine results my way, making me look like a good authority, and that improves people finding me on the web (Appendix C). The small business owners interviewed for this study largely described the benefits of social networking, but there are negative aspects in the utilization of social media. L. Nguyen of VitekUSA explains why he will not use MySpace, There are just too many ads on that people dont pay attention to any type of advertisement. I believe people are programmed to filter out any type of ads on MySpace (Appendix B). The sites, while free for users, need to make money to support growth and development. One key way the online social media sites make money is through paid advertising. On MySpace, animated banner ads run along the top and side of a users profile. As a result, the user is bombarded with advertisements, and eventually learns to ignore them. Nguyens concern raises the question regarding how long it will be before Facebook users ignore business fan pages, because the person feels bombarded with marketing messages. Nguyen states that he feels multi-level networking is the best busine ss model, but when asked if he would expand his use of social media, he replies, My long term advertising strategy is to push more advertisement on forums and blogs that has to do with karaoke, less of social media (Appendix B). Another negative aspect of social media is the potential loss of an individuals privacy because much of the information placed on a social media web site is publically available through search engines. R. Siciliano, an internet security analyst, writes, Privacy issues and identity theft in social media are a growing concern. Most people who post their personal information about themselves do not recognize the potential consequences of their actions, or maybe they simply dont care if their entire life is an open book (Siciliano, Huffington Post, 2009). Gooding mentioned that her use of advertising on Facebook is strictly targeted towards friends and friends friends, because she conducts business from a home-based gym. However, friends of friends friends also have the ability to view some content she posts, diminishing the security of her page, should she use her personal page to promote her business. To limit the information available to those interested in her business, Gooding creat ed an Inspire Fitness fan page. Fan pages allow anyone who is interested to link to a companys profile, but not access an individuals personal information. Finally, there is the risk of misleading or controversial information on social media sites that may present risks to a business. Social media is largely unregulated. Users of Twitter, for example, may face lost business or legal troubles if a disgruntled client voices an opinion that is defamatory. Entertainer, Courtney Love, is being sued by a clothing designer for posting 140 character rants about the designer, including name calling such as liar and thief. The designer alleges her business has suffered due to Loves posts (Reuters, March 2009). And, while Facebook and MySpace creators encourage users to report abuse of the sites, it does not prevent the presence of controversial content. [MySpace has] many teenage subscribers [who] post suggestive photos of themselves and lie about their age. About one-fourth of all MySpace users are registered as minors under 18 years of age, but that number could be larger. Parents, politicians, and police worry that sexual predators use MySpace to stalk potential victims (Laudon, 2009, 418). Recommendations The interactive relationships developed between customers and businesses through social media provide businesses with a competitive advantage. When used wisely, social media enables the small business to gather information about and respond to customer needs faster than through traditional marketing. The key to obtaining and maintaining competitive advantage through social media is to find a medium that is manageable and positively reflects the product or service offered. When a business does not select the correct venue, the advertising may lose value or tarnish a companys image. For the Rex James Band, MySpace provides a platform for sharing music and allows the band to interact with its fans. It appeals to a twenty-something audience, as well as other bands and entertainers. But, because of the ability to post messages on a connections page, businesses that use MySpace and Facebook must monitor their pages frequently, and remove posts that may offend or dissuade potential customer s. A high-traffic, highly interactive platform like MySpace or Facebook would not work for a professional service, like Mickler and Associates, who may desire testimonials, but not a steady stream wall posts that require frequent attention. Mickler wisely selected LinkedIn to reflect his business image of professionalism and uses Twitter as a real-time interactive tool to engage current and potential customers. Once a small business selects an appropriate social media platform, it should make initial connections with people already familiar with the company or product. If a small business asks current customers to add the fan page to their social media, not only will other customers see it, but their friends and other contacts will see it as well. This phenomenon of obtaining business through social networking is called word-by-mouse rather then word-of-mouth advertising. D. Scott, author of Viral Marketing Success explains Word-of-mouse is the single most empowering tool available to marketers today (Scott 2008, p. 8). He provides an example of how the process worked for the opening of the new Harry Potter theme park for Universal Orlando. C. Gordon, the Vice President of New Media and Marketing Partnerships, did not broadcast the event in a traditional manner through television or print. Gordon and her counterpart at Warner Bros. chose to launch The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by firs t telling the exciting news to a very small group of rabid fanThese seven [fans] were invited to participate in a top-secret Webcast held at midnight on May 31, 2007. (Scott, 2008, p. 6 7). By relaying the announcement through seven die-hard fans, then family and friends, previous customers and bloggers, Gordon reached an audience 350 million through social media. Powell describes how word of mouse benefits Rex James on MySpace, You can get new contacts without spending any effort, people will find you if you are participating in the same circles, and with a little bit of effort you can build your friend lists greatly in a short time (Appendix D). A business owner must make the decision on how much or how little online exposure he desires to obtain. On Facebook, business owners may elect to steer current and potential customers to a fan page. The fan page gains a following through word-of-mouse networking, and a dedicated business page will keep the focus on the business, rather than the business owners personal information. Social media users must also remember that once they publicize their pages, it is open to anyone that performs a web search. For example, when performing a search for Inspire Fitness on Facebook, both the Inspire Fitness fan page and Goodings personal page appear in the search results. If Gooding prefers to be excluded from the search results, she would need to remove all references to Inspire Fitness on her personal page. Business owners should perform frequent searches on Google and Yahoo search engines to observe what content are in the public forums. A business owner may also elect to receive email or mobile text alerts when their name or their business name makes a new appearance in a search engine. For a new business trying to create a presence on social media site, like Twitter, online resources can help. Geekpreneurs Geeks Guide to Promoting Yourself with Twitter, provides several tips for obtaining followers, and driving followers to the business web page. When asked if he would explore social media options beyond Facebook, L. Nguyen responded, My long term advertising strategy is to push more advertisement on forums and blogs that has to do with karaoke, less of social media (Appendix B). Rather than abandoning social media, Nguyen should consider establishing a website and utilize Twitter to drive business to him. A savvy business owner understands that the social networking mediums are ever-evolving. According to d. boyd, Online communities are more like nation-states than technological tools. There is a master behind the architecture, a master who controls the walls of the system and can wage war on her/his people at any point. People know this. They have to trust that the creators have their best intentions in mind. They invest a lot of time and energy into creating an identity in the system they want to believe that it is worth it (boyd, 2006). If a social media site fails to meet the changing expectations of its users, people will move on to another medium that serves their needs. For the small business, depending on social media to obtain and retain customers, it is important to watch the interaction between the creators of the media sites and the users. A small business should not count on any one platform to carry its marketing message because social media sites will come and go. Conclusion The initial intent of this study was to find ways social media could help small businesses compete with larger businesses. As the research progressed, the project team realized small businesses do not typically want to compete with larger businesses, but social media gives them key advantages in their target markets. Some of the businesses interviewed had already found appropriate social media platforms, experiencing success in reaching their intended customers. For businesses not connecting with their target audiences to the degree desired, the recommendations resulting from the project teams research may provide social media solutions not previously explored. Regardless of the solution selection, small businesses must be flexible, as new technology and online platforms evolve rapidly. While social medias advertising benefits small businesses through low or no-cost marketing, it should still only be a small part of what makes up a larger marketing plan. Through the project teams res earch, the study concludes that the best business practice is to find multiple ways to connect to customers and always deliver on the companys promise.

Creation or Evolution? :: social issues

Creation or Evolution? How was the earth created? This is a question that has puzzled humans for ages. There are two main theories that explain how the earth was formed. These are the theories of evolution and creation. The creation theory is divided into various groups. The most accepted creation theory is the one of the biblical creationists. Biblical creation and evolution are very different, and both have indicators as to their authenticity. In evolution life is seen as having resulted by natural processes only. The theory suggests that in the past there were extended intervals of stability which ended with a mass extinction and the sudden appearance of a new species. This process occured without the intervention of supernatural forces or dieties. Nearly all modern scientists who are not Evangelical Christians believe in evolution. Biblical creationists are also called literal creationists, because they interpret the two Genesis accounts of creation in the Bible literally and believe that the Bible is without error. They believe that the "day" mentioned in Genesis 1 signifies a normal 24 hour day. According to this creation the universe was established in six days. Biblical creationists interpret most sedimentary rocks as products of Noah's flood. The majority believes that the earth is under 10,000 years of age. Some believe 4004 BC was the year of creation. The person who proposed the methods by which natural processes cause the evolution of the species was Charles Darwin. He used natural selection to explain how evolution worked. Darwin's old teacher said evolution would "brutalize" us as human beings and sink us "into a lower grade of degradation" than any time in recorded history. He was partially correct. The fact that many people think they evolved from monkeys has made morale in the world lower. However, to say that it has been the cause for the decline of society is ridiculous. Yes, war and crime has been higher in this century than in any other, but it is ceartainly not because of the theory of evolution. A theory can not start a war or commit a crime. People can. How can you prove creation or evolution? You can not prove them scientifically. The only one you could prove is creation, because of the Bible. If you believe that the Bible is without error, then you must believe that God created everything. Creation is much harder to support scientifically.

John Keats Fear That He Might Cease to Be Essay -- John Keats, poetry

During his last years, Keats ponders about what it would mean to die. He translates this into fears of what he hasn’t yet accomplished and would like to have time to do. This aspect of time is emphasised with the use of the word â€Å"when† at the start of the first three quatrains which is also used in Shakespearean Sonnets. The heading, â€Å"When I have fears that I may cease to be† demonstrates Keats’ belief, or rather, lack of belief in the idea of an afterlife. In the first quatrain of the poem Keats describes his fertile imagination, yearning to have â€Å"glean’d my teeming brain† before it is too late, the image of abundance is instilled with the words â€Å"high- piled† and â€Å"rich.† The paradox of a field of grain is used to depict Keats’ brain being ‘harvested’ of the knowledge into poems of his own creation. In this stanza, Keats reveals his want for fame through his works and his fears of be ing unable to fulfil this in his time. In the second stanza Keats demonstrates his use of nature in poetry. He describes the â€Å"night’s starr’d face† which could refer to Keats contemplating the beauty...

Devotion in Eudora Weltys A Worn Path :: Worn Path essays

Devotion in A Worn Path In "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty an elderly African American woman named Phoenix Jackson picks a cold December day to make yet another perilous journey to a city to get medicine for her ailing grandson. On the way this ninety-year-old woman faces many obstacles, both natural and man-made. Phoenix draws upon her perseverance and willingness to sacrifice herself to help her throughout her journey, but it is the undying love for her grandson that truly guides and drives her to her final goal. Phoenix Jackson has a seemingly inexhaustible amount of determination. From the moment that she sets out on her trek, she must fight all the challenges that nature has made for her. From the very beginning there is the threat of attack by wild animals and Phoenix shouts "out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons and wild animals!" undauntingly challenging them. Phoenix is a very old woman whose aged, fragile body isn't suited to make such a long journey. At one point when she is climbing up a hill, she states that it seems like "there is chains about my feet, time I get this far." And yet she still trudges onward, stopping only once for a short break. On the way down the hill she gets caught in a bush, its thorns tearing at her finest dress. "I in a thorny bush," she exclaims. But she doesn't give up; she stands there untangling herself from the bush, "her fingers busy and intent." After she has overcome this obstacle she faces yet another trial. Across Phoenix's path lies a creek and across the creek lies a log, which substitutes as a bridge. It is hard enough for Phoenix to walk on flat and stable ground, so walking across the log is a dangerous challenge for her. Even though there is a large threat of her falling and badly hurting herself, "she mounted the log and shut her eyes" and crosses to the other side. Next she comes across a barb wire fence, and once again without showing any signs of fear she fords ahea! d crossing that too. Phoenix travels a good portion of the day facing many physical challenges that test her stamina, but the real trials are the physiological ones that she faces as she encounters people along her journey. Devotion in Eudora Welty's A Worn Path :: Worn Path essays Devotion in A Worn Path In "A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty an elderly African American woman named Phoenix Jackson picks a cold December day to make yet another perilous journey to a city to get medicine for her ailing grandson. On the way this ninety-year-old woman faces many obstacles, both natural and man-made. Phoenix draws upon her perseverance and willingness to sacrifice herself to help her throughout her journey, but it is the undying love for her grandson that truly guides and drives her to her final goal. Phoenix Jackson has a seemingly inexhaustible amount of determination. From the moment that she sets out on her trek, she must fight all the challenges that nature has made for her. From the very beginning there is the threat of attack by wild animals and Phoenix shouts "out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits, coons and wild animals!" undauntingly challenging them. Phoenix is a very old woman whose aged, fragile body isn't suited to make such a long journey. At one point when she is climbing up a hill, she states that it seems like "there is chains about my feet, time I get this far." And yet she still trudges onward, stopping only once for a short break. On the way down the hill she gets caught in a bush, its thorns tearing at her finest dress. "I in a thorny bush," she exclaims. But she doesn't give up; she stands there untangling herself from the bush, "her fingers busy and intent." After she has overcome this obstacle she faces yet another trial. Across Phoenix's path lies a creek and across the creek lies a log, which substitutes as a bridge. It is hard enough for Phoenix to walk on flat and stable ground, so walking across the log is a dangerous challenge for her. Even though there is a large threat of her falling and badly hurting herself, "she mounted the log and shut her eyes" and crosses to the other side. Next she comes across a barb wire fence, and once again without showing any signs of fear she fords ahea! d crossing that too. Phoenix travels a good portion of the day facing many physical challenges that test her stamina, but the real trials are the physiological ones that she faces as she encounters people along her journey.

Every Person Is an Architect of His Own Future

Every person is an architect of his future. Discuss. First draft Batyrkhan Saniya, ID 20122886 Academic Reading and Writing Course GEN 1120 Turgan Zhanadilov 12 February 2013 Outline I. Introduction. Thesis statement: Although some people believe that it is quite hard to manage the future because of inevitable fate, there seem to be no doubt that the person and only person is a creator of the future. II. Body. A. First, the future depends on person’s attitude to life. 1. Inspiring yourself 2. Doing everything with love B.Second, person and only person can create favorable conditions in his or her life. 1. Experience of successful people D. However, some people argue that no one can manage the future. 1. The destiny 2. Life circumstances III. Conclusion. Meaning of the â€Å"Every man is an architect of his future† make the public understand the phrase in different ways. Some people become rich and successful by a chance, while others reach their goals after a long strug gle. According to Dahl & Ransom (1999), wealthy people may help to poor people, but they will not make poor people become as rich as they are.Why they will not make them rich? Someone may say that wealthy man cannot make poor man rich because being poor and being wealthy is the fate. Others may say that living in wealth depends on person: if poor person do not want to be rich, he will not be rich; but he can be wealthy if he really want it. Some people believe in nature’s laws that everything in this world is related and nothing can happen just like you want; while others know that everything in their hands, that they are masters of their life, they are making their destiny by themselves.Although some people believe that it is quite hard to manage the future because of inevitable fate, there seem to be no doubt that the person and only person is a creator of the future. One of the main reasons for saying that everyone is an architect of his future is the person’s attit ude to life. Our future is what we are thinking and doing now. We creating next day by thoughts, wishes, behavior, etc. That is true! There is not only one possible course of events in your life. Every person has several variants of a destiny, and everyone choose the way which he or she wants to follow.The problem is how people feel about a situation that forces them to make this choice. Almost everyone meet with some obstacles on their life road, and many people see them as something irresistible, irreparable. Others see these obstacles as a challenge. They see them as not a dead end, but the opportunity. In all the events that happen around us, for someone there are opportunities and for others may be â€Å"dead end†. For example, Steil (2007) in his article mentioned about a girl, who almost lost the ability to see and move because of accident, weird accident.Doctors said that the situation is very bad, and many people may give up in her place. However, this girl believed herself and in her strength, she was positively-oriented to everything. It was reflected in her attitude to herself and other people. No matter how the situation was bad, she could struggle with this obstacle and move straight to her goals. Another reason is that the person and only person can create favorable conditions in his or her life. The one of good examples for that are the successful people.Not getting that promotion can make person feel like the end of the world, but people who are the idols for whole world show that devastating failures are just another stop on the road to success. For example, Marilyn Monroe's first contract with Columbia Pictures expired because they told her she wasn't pretty or talented enough to be an actress. Monroe  kept plugging away and now she is one of the most iconic actresses and sex symbols of all time (http://marilynmonroe. com/history/).Oprah Winfrey was fired from her television reporting job because they told her she wasn't fit to be o n screen. But  Winfrey rebounded  and became the undisputed queen of television talk shows. She's also a billionaire (http://www. oprah. com/index. html). These are the one of the world's greatest success stories of people, who just happen to have experience of massive failure that could have easily made them give-up. But they didn't and now they're the monuments of success that they are remembered for, a good source of encouragement when it feels like you will never make it to the top.However, some people argue that no one can manage the future because of the destiny and life circumstances. As Conchalovsky says (2005), â€Å"For every person, there is a destiny. Nothing happens accidentally, everything happens because of some law or other things. † There is a nature’s law that everything comes from something, all subjects and objects are related to each other. Another example is inevitable life situations occurring frequently nowadays that can ruin plans of human at anytime. But, as it was written, the attitude to life helps to fight with these situations.To conclude, our life is complex and unpredictable. Often people think that no one can hide from the fate, that we were born and live on a particular scenario, and that everything what destined above will happen. But few of us have thought about the fact that person creates the future, person’s actions, thoughts, desires and feelings. Always remember that people are the creators of the future, so they must create it with enthusiasm, reveal the creative potential. Reference list: Ransom, M. R. , ; Dahl, G. B. (1999).Does Where You Stand Depend on Where You Sit? Tithing Donations and Self-Serving Beliefs. American Economic Review  (pp. 703–727). American Economic Association. Retrieved February 9, 2013 from www. jstor. org Steil, M. (2007). Chto takoe pozitivnoe otnoshenie k zhizni? Retrieved February 8, 2013 from www. shkolazhizni. ru Baraban, E. (2007). â€Å"The Fate of a Man† by Sergei Bondarchuk and the Soviet Cinema of Trauma. The Slavic and East European Journal,  51(3), 514–534. Retrieved February 10, 2013 from: http://www. jstor. org/stable/20459525 .

Apple: Competitive Strategies and Government Policies Essay

Abstracts For every profit oriented industry to survive in the globalize market; they must employed competition strategies that suit their operations and also keep in mind their competitors and target set to be achieved. This makes every company feel the pressure to be successful and to maintain leading the industry. This pressure plays significant role in the survival of industry in the competitive market. The effect of pressure faced by industries can either positive for the leading industry or negative when overpowered by rivals. Apple has gone into the technological mobile devices industry with a blast and imparted apprehension into contenders inside the same business. In spite of the fact that Apple costs their items/products at a higher offering value, their products are regularly alluded to as first class and worth the additional expense. The expense of Apple’s stock, which was seen as a shortcoming to competitors, has demonstrated to help support in their prosperity Introduction Competition and Mergers As market become globalizes and new companies enter the competitive market, there is always a desire to be one of the leading manufacturers in the field of production for both the entrants and the existing companies. Apple is one of the companies that strive to be excellent in the field of its manufacture products. Being a multi-billion dollar industry in technology that has over 30 years of experience that can teach any new business how to be successful. Moreover, Apple has gained from past missteps like valuing an item too high furthermore constraining the color of a product to one color. Case in point, when the IPod first turned out in the mid 2000’s it was valued at $999.99 one penny shy of one thousand dollars. The IPod was valued as of right now on the grounds that they needed to appear like a select product. The ruin to their new product was that it  just adjusted with Apple PCs confining the adaptability of the select product Apple can show another new entrants organization about globalization, in light of the fact that they are a worldwide business that has made billions of dollars and will keep on making billions. Apple conceives brand new ideas by making their products quicker and with more limit than contenders. Likewise, Apple has a tendency to be the first to make an item before contenders. The IPad was a unique making of Apple that was in front of contenders. After the arrival of the IPad contenders took after with their own particular structure called the tablet. Apple has yet to converge with another organization and ought to never need to do as such. Apple makes the greater part of their items themselves and has ended up being a standout amongst the best organizations in the innovation business. However Apple has purchased a rate of Beats which is organization that creates e arphones for music gadgets. One accepts that Apple purchased a rate of Beats in light of the fact that they needed to differentiate their portfolio Government Policies and Regulations The business electronic gadget industry is convoluted. Concerning matter of laws, regulations, duties, and government regulations, various variables apply. With such a significant industry, different relationship at the neighborhood, state, and even government level collaborate to administer the business. Additionally, impressively more affiliations exist that are secretly run help to control the business. As a rule, when referencing systems and regulations, the Commercial Electronic gadget Industry is subject to different sorts of administrative laws and regulations. These laws may fuse the laws that relate to security. You moreover have a couple of governments that deal with the neighborhood substance, charges and tolls; they may constrain duties or other exchange obstructions too. At the point when there are new institutions or any sorts of changes to existing authorizations it can bring about those in the business electronic gadgets industry needing to take care of an additional expense. Reliably administrators are getting the chance to be stricter with the laws and regulations administering the business electronic gadgets industry. The present and expected government policies and regulations fusing expenses and regulations set up to convey issues related to externalities. By and  large the administration arrangements towards the environment and expenses, has control measures for regulation and enactment. Through your organization, the plans are planned to accomplish more profitable use of the advantages that are made open to the clients. To propel a substitution between the advantages that is present and gives a spark from the organization procedure. While the assembly decreases to present natural evaluations so the present costs are regarding natures with the understanding of the essential issue in setting obligations for the state. â€Å"Our commitment to customer privacy doesn’t stop because of a government information request†(Apple, 2015). Government information requesting is a result of cooperating in the advanced age. Apple has trust in being as clear and straightforward as the law allows about what information is requested from the affiliation. Moreover, Apple has never worked with any governing body office from any country to make a â€Å"roundabout access† in any of their products. Apple has similarly never allowed any administration access to their servers, and communicates that they never will. Global Competition and Management Decisions Apple, Inc.’s change from the organization it was grinding a way’s initiation to the organization it is in the present day is an aftereffect of numerous vital administration choices. These choices help them focus on shopper needs while expanding piece of the pie. As showed by showcasing magazine (2010), â€Å"Apple has built up itself as a family unit name in a business sector where innovation is continually advancing, and customers energetically anticipate the following huge thing† (p. 18). Notwithstanding the expanded rivalry in the versatile correspondence and individualized computing industry, Apple has kept up its position as the business leaders. While Apple keeps on endeavoring to give inventive items to customers, contenders compass to surpass Apple’s achievement in the business. Carare (2013) expressed that mobile phone makers get generally high benefits. Indeed, even under these circumstances, a few business visionaries make utilization of out of line exercises to draw in clients, which brings about benefit. Apple picks to use reasonable exchange practices even while contenders have the capacity to duplicate their items accordingly  lessening Apple’s preference over competition. Apple products are outlined in California, however keeping in mind the end goal to keep up their competitive edge; they lessen generation costs by having their items collected in production lines the world over. While this could open them up to liabilities in regards to uncalled for work rehearses, Apple lives up to expectations nearly with its suppliers to guarantee moral strategies as to remote specialists. Around the world Apple workers are united in bringing correspondence, human rights, and admiration for the earth to the most profound layers of our inventory network†. Preparing projects mean to instruct and engage laborers while trying to energize security of our common assets Jeff Williams, Senior Vice President of Operations at Apple, (2015). Local Competition Apple has a wide range of difficulties in the distinctive competitive markets particularly with their local competition. A major test is the Research and Development which they generally need to remain focused of to appear as something else all through their operation. There will dependably be bugs that they will need to alter yet they must keep focused of it. Another test for Apple is that with a specific end goal to remain focused of their position with Windows Operating System around the globe and being even more extensive spread contrasted with the mackintosh operating system. Windows operating system is on MacBook’s and I-Mac(Desktops) of Apple, they need to move in the direction of across the board accessibility of Macintosh, it is free from infection not at all like Windows where consistently some or alternate infection is found making issues in equipment and programming. Advancements in the Windows platform, incorporating those included in Windows 98 and Windows NT, or those normal to be incorporated in new forms of Windows to be presented later on, have added elements to the Windows stage/platform that make the contrasts between the Mac OS and Microsoft’s Windows operating systems less significant. Mac has and is at present taking and will keep on making moves to react to the focused weights being set on its PC deals as an aftereffect of the late advancements in the Windows operating system. Apple’s future combined working results and monetary condition are all that much reliant on the capacity to continue to create changes to the Macintosh stage to keep up saw utilitarian  preferences over competing stages. As clients become globalized, they constrain companies to consider globalizing their plan of action. A contender like Apple who globalizes promptly can have an extraordinary chance to make financial aspects of scale and scoop and the upper point of preference. The game changers picked up by an early participant into a business sector. With regards to developing markets, Apple does and will represent a danger now and later on inside of the group of their rivals. Conclusion Apple has demonstrated during the time to surpass with meeting all commitments through legitimate maters, exceeding expectations inside their industry, opposing mergers, and emerging to local competition. Macintosh is an effective organization that has stood out with the arrival of items like the IPad, IPod, and IPhones. Apple is by all account not the only organization that exists inside of the versatile innovation industry, yet Apple has made a point to be one of the top contenders inside the business. The fate of Apple is hinting at no easing off in their triumphs References Apple. (2011, Aug 10). Marketing 18. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/887273428?accountid=458 Apple, Inc. (2015). The 2015 Progress Report. Retrieved from: https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/progress-report/ Carare, P. M. (2013). Unfair competition: Samsung versus apple. International Journal of Innovations in Business, 2(3), 293-297. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1438426517?accountid=458

Decrease in Supply of Dalda Ghee

OLPER`S MILK EXPIRES BEFORE EXPIRY DATE PREPARED FOR THE REGIONAL MANAGER,ENGRO FOODS, COL. AKHTAR KHALILI PREPARED BY ASST. QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER DECEMBER 29, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 03 INTRODUCTION†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 04 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 04 FACTS AND FINDINGS†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 05 1. Testing Expired Milk Before Expiry Date†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 05 2. Survey Of Plant In Sukkur†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦O6 3.Chain Of Distributors†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦07 DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦08 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:- This report comprises of the cause of decline in the sale of Olper`s Milk as many complaints were received quoting that milk was expired before the expiry date. This report analyses the causes and recommend certain solutions that Engro Foods should take to correct this situation. The report also clarifies that Olper`s Milk is 100% full of nutrition and have no harmful chemicals or bacteria which could cause diseases. INTRODUCTION:-Engro foods launched its most famous product Olper`s milk in the year 2006. Since then this product is highly demanded all over Pakistan. Recently many complaints have been made from our most valuable customers that milk was expired before the expiry date. This report comprises of facts and findings about this cause of failure of Olper`s milk due to which our bar of good will is decreasing. After study of this report you will be able to answer the following questions: * Who was responsible was this failure of Olper`s milk? * What are the reasons behind this problem? What initiative should be taken to solve this problem? CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:- After completing all my research work and findings on this problem I came to a conclusion that the distributors of Olper`s milk were at fault, they played with our trust and good will. They removed the original expiry date form the tetra pack container of Olpers milk and printed a new expiry date just to avoid the consequences of over stocking of inventory. Olper`s milk is full of nutrition than any other tetra pack milk. It consists of some good nutritional fats that give it a rich flavor and taste.According to my survey of plant and dairy farm no harmful chemical of bleaching agent is added in our milk it’s pure and healthy. Following are the recommendations I conclude on the basis of my finding: * Engro foods should immediately break it s contract with JAVED BROS. chain of distributors as they misused our product for their benefit and directly blamed our brand for providing expired milk. * Promotional deals should be launched for Olper`s milk for increasing its demand. * New advertisements should be on aired to promoting Olper`s milk and for gaining back the trust of our customers * JAVED BROS. hould be sued and compensation should be demanded. FACTS AND FINDINGS:- For finding the real causes behind our customers complains I made certain surveys and researches to come to a conclusion. The research findings presented here falls in to four categories: 1. Testing Expired Milk Before Expiry Date 2. Survey Of Plant In Sukkur 3. Chain Of Distributors 1) TESTING OF EXPIRED MILK BEFORE EXPIRY DATE:- I started my work by testing the expired milk before expiry date to know about the actual damage of the milk. The results showed that milk was actually expired and had been curdled and a bit smelly.The expired milk contained a few percentage of urea in it which revealed that it was harmful and expired. Due to this reason our sales declined by a heavy margin in last month as compared to our competitors: Size (ml)|   |   | PERCENTAGE OF SALES IN NOVEMBER 2012|   |   |   | OLPER`S| HALEEB| MILKPACK | MILLAC| NIDO| 1000| 46| 45| 70| 45| 39| 500| 50| 65| 85| 57| 49| 250| 13| 12| 19| 10| 20| This rapid decrease of sales came with no of complaints as well and I compared the complaints of last three months and found out that that in November complaints were increased by 90%. ) SURVEY OF SUKKUR PLANT:- After testing the expired milk I visited our milk processing plant in Sukkur and there I came to know that Olper`s milk is being processed in the correct way and no harmful chemicals are being added in it to make the expiry process earlier. The nutritional values of our milk are in accordance with those suggest by World`s Health Organization Here we can also see that expired milk did not contain any amount of iron in it as it was turned in to urea after expiring. 3) CHAIN OF DISTRIBUTORS:- My final survey was of the chain of distributors we use to distribute our roduct in market we recently changed our distributors an 2012 and had signed a deal with JAVED BROS. chain of distributors. I disguised myself as a new trainee over there and spend a week analyzing the situation over there. I came to know that from past few months they are having a problem of overstocking of Olper`s Milk and as it’s a perishable good it has to be used otherwise the distributor will face loss | | | | (Packets )| | S. No| Month| Order| Demand| 1| September| 30000| 28000| 2| October| 31000| 22810| 2| November| 37000| 29000|The above chat is the ending inventory chart of distributors of Olper`s Milk. This shows that the Distributors are at fault and for their own profit are selling the expired milk by changing its expiry date. 3) DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:- Olper`s Milk is the sign of good taste. Never in past s ix years such problem has occurred as Engro Foods works with honesty and show complete dedication towards their work. They have even created employment for women in their Sukkur plant and also give employment to women in Punjab to collect milk form dairy farms and deposit in Olper containers.The Facts and Findings of my research also mention the fact that Engro Foods were not at fault. Distributors played a deadly game with us and tried to destroy our good will just off the sake of their own profit. * UHT OLPERS MILK:- Olper`s Milk can never get expired before its expiry date as Engro foods uses UHT(ultra heat treatment)method to pasteurize the milk for 3-4 seconds under 275?. It uses a special new technology LACTOSTAR from China to make sure milk is 100% suitable for health.