Are the commercial promises made about digital media just hype to Essay

Are the commercial promises made about digital media just hype to cloud our vision about the digital divide Explain in the context of your profession - Essay Example The global village feeling is not shared by everyone, and despite the convergence of digital media and falling costs, the divide remains. The question this blog considers is whether the commercial promises made about digital media are therefore just hype to cloud our vision about the digital divide. The reality is that while someone can have the latest technologies and access to the far corners of the world, the person living next door may still have no such concept of this form of ‘global community’ as envisaged by Daniel Boorstin (1978) in ‘The Republic of Technology’. The two will have very different concepts and experiences of community life and its boundaries, and this is what also characterises the digital divide. For example, the first person may conduct business in the comfort of his or her own home, internationally and without even seeing the customers in person, whereas the neighbour would have to physically travel to do the same although the customers may be met in person. This could equally be applied to personal, social, cultural, political, and other engagements but they still illustrate two very different sets of experiences for each neighbour. Between geographically apart societies, the digital divide would be even greater. Let alone ne w digital media, according to the UN, over half of the world still lives â€Å"more than two hours away from a telephone† (Flew, 2008). Thus, some people are in the slow and fast lanes of the information superhighway, but many are nowhere near any needed telecommunications infrastructure. Technological development has also always been taking place although the rapid pace and convergence phenomena are recent. They are all designed to make certain tasks easier for us and most do benefit us leading to the progress of society. But the extent to which the digital media revolution has penetrated into everyone’s homes and lives (or not) sustains the digital divide and

Designing a Formative Classroom Assessment Essay

Designing a Formative Classroom Assessment - Essay Example This paper provides a comprehensive formative classroom assessment for English language learners in grade 3. The English language learners targeted with this classroom assessment are students in grade 3. On most occasions, English language learners in this class have difficulty in comprehending lessons taught in English. It is because of this that the task chosen for the purposes of this assessment will be presented in very simple and easily understood English. In this assessment, the students will be required to read a short essay and make sense out of the text. However, before the students are given a text to read, they will be asked to guess the storyline of the story book after having seen the cover page of the book (Gottlieb, 2006). The assessment will also make use of VoiceThread that is a web-based assessment tool found in VoiceThread.com. There are countless reasons why this web-based assessment tool may be the most useful for English language learners. One of the reasons is that it allows it users to create conversations, documents, snapshots, videos and diagrams and share them with others; especially students. It is suitable for English language learners because the conversation voices and videos can be captured with utter clarity thereby helping these students note pronunciations in English and learn the difference of similar words when used in different contexts (Gottlieb, 2006). Another important aspect of this assessment tool is the inclusion of pictures and diagrams which can be helpful in illustrating written documents for English language learners. For this reason, the tool will be invaluable in making the students further understand the short essay chosen for the purposes of this

Supermarket Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Supermarket Industry - Essay Example With the increased competition, many people in the supermarket industry have realized the importance of offering a wide range of products from groceries, electronic items, and clothing among other items which will ensure that their shops have a competitive edge over the rest of their rival supermarkets. The supermarket industry has therefore played a significant role in the growth of the economy in terms of creating employment, provision of vital goods to customers among other roles and most of the supermarkets have undeniably adapted it. Nevertheless, most of the international supermarkets such as wal-mart have been able to survive and they have been able to reinvent themselves over a period of time so as they can be able to attract and maintain a wide base of loyal customer and increasing their sales volume (Robert, S. 2003). Most of them have come up with new concepts and innovation and hence they have been able to succeed in their endeavors. In this world where competition is thrive, it seems as everybody is following the same line where most of the supermarkets have become a one stop shopping p... On the other hand, the supermarket industry is currently faced with some challenges of trying to maintain a market share and profits while attempting some of the new concepts in order they would be able to differentiate themselves from other types of retailers (Carmen, M. 1994). It has been shown that there has been some major demographic and consumer lifestyles which have changed the shopping behavior of consumers and that are why consumers choose where to shop and the products they require (Robert, S. 2003). On the other hand, most of the traditional supermarkets have witnessed a decline in how much shoppers spend and how frequently they shop in a particular store and hence the importance of the changes that have been witnessed in most of these supermarkets (Narasimhan, S. 2006). While there have been some supermarket operators whom have attempted to reduce the operational cost and slashing the prices of the products they stock, they find this to be a tough approach when competing with low cost operators like Wal-Mart and Costco and hence there is a need of re-evaluating their strategies (Kahn, B. 1997). Literature review Majority of supermarkets are essentially devising various strategies of increasing their sales volume and maintaining customer loyalty over the years, and some of the strategies used is diversifying in their products and reducing the prices of their products. However, in our increasingly busy lives, consumers are relying on supermarkets for all their shopping needs due to the fact that it is a one shopping place (Kaufmann P.J. 1994). It has been shown in various instances that customers know what to expect and want and whenever they walk into

Islam and Pakistan Essay Example for Free

Islam and Pakistan Essay In the name of Allah the most beneficent the most merciful A beautiful scene of dusk depicts a sweet picture of the universe, when the sun sets, and calm and stillness engulfs the loud voices of the day, I often see the birds returning back to their nests. These tiny creatures, lacking the faculty of reasoning and speech, believe that the best place ever found in the world is home. No matter how far we are from our homes, its necessity never diminishes and   Mr. President, respectable teachers worthy parents and dear fellows this is the first reason Why I love Pakistan? Pakistan’s creation was no doubt the finest hour of our history our forefathers who had fought for it envisioned the promise of long cherished freedom, democracy and prosperity. It is the country which was created to work for an ideal democratic state based on social justice as an upholder of human freedom and world peace, in which all citizens were to enjoy equal rights and freedom from fear, want and ignorance. Dear fellows, Pakistan my homeland is in fact the land of blessings. Its creation speaks its dignity. History teaches us that how much cherished the dream of Pakistan was and how seriously our fathers fought for it . believe me or not, the most significant reason of loving Pakistan is independence movement itself. I know very well Mr. President that the shackles of slavery snatch all such all creative facilities and the beautiful world a heaven to breathe in, turns into hell without freedom. By the grace of Allah my country, my love, my homeland offers me to enjoy the open air of independence . Being a student I have surfaced the papers of history to know about the grand sacrifices of my forefathers   and as humble token I express my gratitude to them by proudly announcing in public that Pakistan I love u . ,And I have millions of reasons to prove that why I love Pakistan? I was wondering a few days ago what Pakistan has done for me and how we react when something happens down there. I am proud to say that Im Muslim, and after my religion I am most proud of the country to which I belong, Pakistan. Here are some facts: Pakistan is the only country to be founded on the basis of Islam Pakistan posseses the 6th largest army in the world today. Pakistan is the single most powerful Muslim country in the world today. Pakistani Air Force and Army personnel train all other Muslim countries, which include most Arab nations today. Pakistan is the only Muslim country that posseses Nuclear power.  I can see the bright future of Pakistan. as Quaid said. † There is no power on earth that can undo Pakistan†. In end I would pray all of you to love this country as a blessing of God, stand united, guard its identity and geographical boundaries, work day and night for its better and exalted image,. Live like Ghazis and Shaheens of Iqbal, die like martyrs. I want to salute to all national heroes and my teachers on this great day, when ever listen the best name Pakistan always respond Zindabad. Its high time to hold hands and say it out loud. pakistan zindabad. Salute Pakistan.

Corporate Social Responsibility At British Petroleum Commerce Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility At British Petroleum Commerce Essay According to Mohr (1996), corporate responsibility is supported by the concepts of multidimensional definitions and social marketing. In the multidimensional definitions concept, the focus is on the major responsibilities expected from companies. These major responsibilities include economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic dimensions (Carroll, 1991). These responsibilities must be performed in order to benefit not only the company operators but also their employees, customers, the community and the general public. Kotler (1991) notes that the social marketing concept of corporate responsibility stresses that companies should operate in a way that maintains or enhances the well-being of its customers as well as its society. Petkus and Woodruff (1992) supported this concept further by stating that CSR is the avoidance of harm and the provision of good services. The definition given by the authors on corporate social responsibility may vary to a certain degree. However, the meanings of these definitions emphasize on one matter, and that is, a socially responsible organization must have priorities other that short-term profitability (Mohr, 1996). A study has been conducted with regards to the significance of corporate social responsibility to profitability (Mohr Webb, 2001). Although, further studies are still necessary in order to analyze the correlation of these factors, the findings of Mohr and Webb showed that social responsibility plays a significant role in consumer appeal. The perceptions of consumers however, tends to vary with regards to this aspect. Nonetheless, this stresses the importance of corporate responsibility not only on benefiting the stakeholders but also in achieving the goals of the companies towards growth and profitability. Primarily, the main goal of this report is to analyse the corporate social responsibility of British petroleum. Herein, the analysis will discuss how the company has been able to adhere to their responsibilities in the society which they operate. In addition, this paper will also discuss the comparison on the CSR approach of BP and The CO-OP. Overview of the Company British Petroleum known today as BP Amoco is a petroleum industry based in London. It is recognized as one of the top four oil and petroleum companies throughout the world. The company started in 1901when William Knox DArcy was given the permission by the Shah of Persia to explore the land for oil and founded one in May 1908. Because of this discovery, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company was established so as to expose these findings. The company has grown gradually because of this as World War I is happening; the British Government shows intense interest to the company which became the source of fuel oil of Royal Navy during WWI. In 1917, the war gives permission to the British Government to have full control of the company and named it British Petroleum. The company has continued to become one of the largest oil companies in Europe and because the company wanted to expand its market, BP merged wit the American Oil Company (AMOCO). Today, the company operated in more than 100 states in 6 continents including China. The main goal of this company is to drill and find oil. The major activities of BP Amoco is exploration and production of natural gas and crude oil; refining or decontamination, marketing, supply and transportation and production and marketing or petrochemicals. In addition, the company also engaged itself in solar power. The strategic use technology and strategic management can be considered as a factor for this achievement. The company also acquires Burmah Castrol and Atlantic Richfield Corporation (Arco) and has been able to launch a combined global branding. The company offers products and services which are divided into three categories; on the roads which include fuels and stations, fuel cards, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), lubricants, roadside assistance and route planners, for the home which consists of products like LPG, online store and solar and renewable; and for business which include a ir BP, Bitumen, BP Marine, BP open books, BP shipping, petrochemicals, power, natural gas, lubricants liquified natural gas (LNG) and LPG, fuels, fuel cards and solar and renewable. In order to easily reach their customers, BP also uses the internet through its website. Corporate Social Responsibility of BP A facet of corporate social responsibility is the companys responsibility in the preservation and care of the environment. Oil companies, particularly the British Petroleum have battled issues coming out against them in relation to environmental issues. In fact, some environmental organisations have expressed dismay over the indiscriminate company performance of BP that resulted to harm in the environment. In August 1991, based on its analysis of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) toxic release inventory data for 1990 (the most recent available), the Washington, D.C.- based public interest group Citizen Action named BP among the top 10 polluters in the United States (BP: A Legacy of Apartheid, Pollution and Exploitation 2006). The findings brought out by environmental agencies and concerned environmentalist groups have caused the firm to take measures regarding the issue. Two years after Lord John Browne took over the BP administration, the firm rolled out a new marketing strategy that involved emphasis on environmental responsibility. In 1997, the British Petroleum supported the Kyoto Protocol, a worldwide agreement that seeks to prevent global warming by reducing greenhouse emissions. Subsequent efforts to minimise their business impact to the natural environment (providing cleaner burning fuels, reducing emissions, ending all facilitation payments (bribes) and political contributions) were also much publicised by the company, not only in observance of their corporate social responsibility, but also as a way of maintaining their stakeholders trust. These attempts on the part of the firm were questioned for their real intention, particularly the question will it lead the world in a sustainable energy revolution, truly moving beyond petroleum, or will it be content to profit from the exploitation of an increasingly taxed planet while draping itself in green? (Assadourian, 2004). Having been able to realize their corporate social responsibilities, the British petroleum has been able to solve the issue and attempt to have an enormous reinvention in 2000. The main goal of this reinvention is to alter the perception the people regarding BP in terms of its business operation and its role in the society. This reinvention is also a part of the adherence of the company to their social responsibilities and which costs $200 million. British petroleum was the first oil industry which started to address the issue of global climate change. It can be said that the corporate social responsibility challenge for the British petroleum has been threefold. The first one is to the challenge of translating the social responsibility commitment into an efficient and consistent approach in the global market. The next is to be able to meld the BP its subsidiaries like Arco and Amoco to social investments and the last is to satisfy and meet the external expectations from the society. These CSR commitment has been strengthened through the changes or reinvention mentioned above which include their advertisement of the Beyond Petroleum. In doing and meeting their organisational goal of being committed to social responsibilities, the company had been able to conduct rigorous planning with more than 130 fully functions Business Units. In this regard, each of the each of the Business Units has largely autonomous business operations with its own identity, history, imperatives and relationships. The Corporate social responsibility strategy of BP has also been able to give importance to three performance measures which include the social, environmental and financial which are known as the triple bottom line. The commitment of the BP with their social responsibility ensures that wherever they operation, their activities should be able to establish economic benefits and opportunities by enhancing the quality of life of individually, specifically those who are directly influenced by the company. The CSR commitment of the British Petroleum focuses on five aspects which include the employee relationships, ethical conducts, health safety and environmental performance, financial aspect and control (British Petroleum, 2008). In order to ensure that they are able to get affiliated with different international and global organisations for Human rights such as the United Nations, US-UK Voluntary Principles and others, for the labour relationships they follow the standards of the ILO Tri partite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and for environmental accountabilities they are linked with the GHG emissions reduction, ISO14000 and Clean Fuels Programs. Just like British Petroleum, other organisations are also able to adhere to the concept of being socially responsible and THE CO-OP is never an exemption. The corporate social responsibility of this company works in various stakeholders such as individual members, employees, customers, corporate members, suppliers, the wider community, and the cooperative members. In doing so, the company has provide community investment of  £7.3m, which is equal to 3.2% pre-tax profit, up from 2.5% in year 2003.

Racism and Sexism in Toni Morrisons Sula Essay -- Toni Morrison Sula

Racism and Sexism in Toni Morrison's Sula Racism and sexism are both themes that are developed throughout the novel Sula, by Toni Morrison. The book is based around the black community of "The Bottom," which itself was established on a racist act. Later the characters in this town become racist as well. This internalized racism that develops may well be a survival tactic developed by the people over years, which still exists even at the end of the novel. The two main characters of this novel are Nel Wright and Sula Peace. They are both female characters and are often disadvantaged due to their gender. Nel and Sula are depicted as complete opposites that come together to almost complete one another through their once balanced friendship. Nel is shown to be a good character because she plays a socially acceptable role as a woman, submissive wife and mother, while Sula conforms to no social stereotypes and lets almost nothing hold her back, thus she is viewed as evil by the people in her community. Both women are judged b y how well they fit into the preconceived social conventions and stereotypes that exist in "the Bottom." The social conventions that are set up in this book play out in a small black community in Ohio called "the Bottom." The community itself formed when a white slave owner tricked his naà ¯ve black slave into accepting hilly mountainous land that would be hard to farm and very troublesome instead of the actual bottom (fertile valley) land that he was promised. The slave was told "when God looks down, it's the bottom. That's why we call it so. It's the bottom of heaven-best land there is" (4), and on the basis of this lie a community was formed. Its almost as if the towns misfortune is passed down ... ... what happened as a turn in life and does not feel like she is the cause of Chicken Little's death. She mourns his death and then moves on. Sula has a feminist spirit and refuses to melt into the typical mold of a woman. She "discovered years before that [she was] neither white nor male, and that all freedom and triumph was forbidden to [her]" (52). Because of this she decides to lead her life on her own terms. Sula encounters both racism and sexism and is placed in a situation in which she has no release for her wild spirit. She cannot live out in the world with the freedoms of a man, but doesn't want to live as a stereotypically sheltered woman either. In attempting to break these boundaries she is hated by the town and viewed as an "evil" person by the community in which she lives. Works Cited: Morrison, Toni. Sula. Plume. New York: 1973.

Customer Value

Godard Appliances has diverse product portfolio of Refrigerators, washing machine, Air conditioners and Microwave ovens. But, gradually it lost 50% of its market share when liberalizing opened the Indian markets to foreign players like LEG, Samsung and Panasonic. The earlier complacent Godard is now focusing to regain its past glory and is paving no stone unturned in this regard.But, with established foreign players and a customer keen on not only on functionality but also on aesthetics, durability and brand value, can Godard recreate its old magic? Objectives: 1. To analyses the evolution of market strategy followed by Godard Appliances since its early stages 2. To study and understand the reactive strategies of Godard Appliances to its competitors and the reasons why Godard failed to sustain its market share 3. To evaluate and analyze the pros and cons of the current marketing strategy 4.To come up with recommendations in terms of marketing strategy using the concepts and framework s learnt in class Scope: 1. Godard group is a huge conglomerate but we limit our discussion to Godard Appliances, which include Refrigerator, Washing machine, AC & Microwave oven 2. The marketing strategies followed