Management development techniques Small businesses

Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Strategies used by Small Businesses Advantages of Management Development Disadvantages of Management Development Techniques Conclusion References Abstract Management development is a very essential aspect in today’s corporate world given the increase in competition and the need for quality products and services. The paper looks at various management development strategies that can be applied by small businesses in their quest to ensure that the highest productivity is attained.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Management development techniques: Small businesses specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, advantages and disadvantages of various strategies are outlined because these are very essential when choosing which strategy to use. The paper specifically focuses on small businesses, which are mostly faced with a lot of challenges when deciding on a pro per plan of action to be implemented. Besides explaining management development techniques available for small businesses, the paper provides factors that should be considered before agreeing which development strategy to adopt. Introduction Every organization aims at attaining the highest standards in the market. This involves continuously upgrading the processes used to run day-to-day activities of a firm. Systems have to be advanced to keep abreast of the constantly changing customer demand. Similarly, technology needs to be updated to ensure that most current innovations are in place at any given time. Moreover, employees need to be often trained in order to advance their skills and enrich their knowledge so that maximum output can be achieved from them. However, much as all this needs to be done, it should be noted that management is very vital in determining performance of a given firm. It is the role of management to ensure that everything is as it should be. Consequently, ma nagement development is crucial in ensuring that organization is able to advance. It is important to note that there are several management development techniques that can be applied, especially for small businesses. Strategies used by Small Businesses Need for training differs from one organization to another. As a result, strategies of training will be different. Moreover, different people will have different needs which will require different modes of training. Consequently, there are several approaches that are used by various business organizations. These strategies vary from simple and cheap ones to complex and somehow expensive methods (Pearn, 2003).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Among the most common training techniques used in small businesses is leadership training. This often involves introduction of lessons about management of employees. Members of the staff who are well conversant with management can be given the mandate of training other employees. However, it has been proved through research that the programs where a third party handles the process of training are more effective. Leadership training strategies can be divided into generic and focused strategies. On the one hand, generic leadership training strategies train on all managerial duties that one can handle without concentration on any specific area. On the other hand, focused training strategies refer to strategies where an individual is trained only on his or her sphere of duties (Gallucci, Lare, Yoon Boatright, 2010). This means that an individual trained to become a human resource manager will be taught only on the aspects of human resource management. It is important to note that focused training strategies are very effective as compared to generic strategies given the fact that focused strategies are exhaustive. Additionally, small businesses can choose some ma nagers to train the others in the given areas. The strategy known as a peer training is effective when the individuals chosen as trainers have enough experience in their area of specialization. The managers that are undergoing training are given the opportunity to learn while they are working and thus gain firsthand information. Additionally, the strategy gives learners the opportunity of asking questions and applying the answers they get immediately, which makes the points permanent (Norman, 2013). It should be noted that not every individual can become a trainer in an organization. Consequently, trainers should be only those people who have explicitly shown their interest and willingness of sharing their experience with the others. The training programs should be developed by the trainers in collaboration with the human resource department and departmental managers to ensure that time allocation does not interfere with the activities of the firm.Advertising We will write a cu stom research paper sample on Management development techniques: Small businesses specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Managers have the ability to influence employees to stay with a company or quit. If a manager handles his or her staff members in a bad way, employees will become dissatisfied with the firm and thus quit to search for employment elsewhere. In this regard, every business, irrespective of its size, will have to train its managers on how to handle their juniors. This includes the correct way of communication as well as the acceptable code of conduct. As a result, behavior training is very crucial for management development. Behavior training strategies may include enhancement of sensitivity of managers as well as creation of awareness on sexual harassment. To make the strategy more effective, Gray (2004) suggests that the program should include possible effects if the manager behaves otherwise. Arguably, financial constraint is the key factor that limits how far a small business can go in regard to the management development. While there are some very effective strategies that can highly increase output of a business, if implemented, they are mostly expensive and out of reach for many small businesses. Managers can, therefore, be encouraged to individually increase their knowledge by their own initiative (Haan, 2004). This can be achieved by coming up with a program where any kind of educational course is subsidized. This will encourage not only managers but also other employees to enhance their skills. On the other hand, a company can come up with a library which will contain the books addressing issues related to career development as well as personal development. Self-managed learning process is also very effective when it comes to management development in small businesses. There are several approaches used in self-managed learning. Firstly, people can use seminars and conferences where they share knowledge and ideas. In the process of exchanging ideas, people end up learning new things. Moreover, this approach increases confidence and public presentation skills. Another approach is the use of social networks. These platforms allow people to engage in exchanging ideas, which leads to knowledge sharing. As a matter of fact, this does not necessarily have to be done in accordance with any schedule and is thus enjoyable to all the parties.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, the internet has many resources that can be used to learn. Consequently, an individual can decide to read materials regarding the subject of interest (Haan, 2004). Consequently, people can gain a lot of crucial information that can be positively used in an organization. Furthermore, learners may decide to use different approaches of studying available. The first one is a deep approach where a learner tries to understand new ideas on his/her own and put them into practice in a real life work situation. This approach is very effective because it ensures maximum retention of ideas gained. Self-managed learning also applies the surface approach of learning. In this approach, the learners only concentrate on the required areas of learning. This is meant to ensure that learners are not overburdened with reading what will not be of use to them (Norman, 2013). SML also concentrates on required issues only because individuals aim at enhancing specific skills. This approach is r eferred to as a strategic approach. Human beings should work hard to increase their income by any percentage. Consequently, people will improve their performance if they know that by doing so they will gain material benefit. Small business can come up with a rewarding system where the best managers are rewarded. This will encourage managers to join training programs where they will improve their skills. While managers will be developing their skills aiming at material benefit that come with that, output of the firm in general will also be improving (Konczak, Stelly Trusty, 2000). It should however be noted that rewards given should meet the desires of managers aimed. Otherwise, the rewarding system will not be able to meet its intended goals. In order to achieve the desired behavior in an organization, role-playing strategy can be applied. Under this strategy, the trainer conducts him or herself in the required manner when in different situations. This is carried out in order to en sure that learners get the firsthand information of what is expected of them. This strategy involves setting up of different circumstances which a manager can come across and then displaying the expected code of conduct (Harrison, 2005). Besides providing a practical example of the situations that one can find him or herself in, this strategy provides trainers with the opportunity of assessing whether the trainees have understood. Notably, the most common mode of development is undertaking courses related to ones career. Therefore, management development can also be attained through attending various course both short and long term. In this regard, small businesses can choose to send some managers to training at given periods of time. Conversely, the business can come up with a program where managers are given study leaves so that they can take various courses that will improve their performance. These courses may be fulltime or part time depending on the intensity of the course and time available. This strategy is beneficial because it provides the managers with ample time to learn in a class environment thus making them more serious on what they learn. It should also be noted that since there is documented results regarding performance, it is possible to know which area one is best at. However, care should be taken to ensure that the courses taken are relevant to the job description of an individual (Resnick, 2010). Another beneficial strategy that can be applied by small businesses is executive education. This could be general courses touching on managerial roles or customized programs that take into consideration the special needs of the business. Executive education is offered by various academic institutions and is meant for business executives as well as business managers. It is important to note that executive education is very valuable because it takes into consideration current business environment and technological changes when coming up with the co urse outline. As a result, the strategy is highly influential in enhancing the ability of managers to attend to their duties (Konczak, Stelly Trusty, 2000). Lately, customized executive education has gained popularity given the fact that it is able to deal with problems that are unique to each business. Furthermore, executive education focuses on improving specific skills that are necessary for the proper functioning of any business. It should be noted here that courses offered by executive education range from simple courses to more complex ones. Advantages of Management Development Management development is very vital for any organization be it a small business or a multinational company. Each business entity needs to advance its operations in all the aspects, thus, management is a very crucial ingredient in successful firm’s operation. To begin with, management development helps a company to ensure that it integrates technological advancements at the right time. This invo lves equipping the managers with up-to-date skills and techniques which are very crucial in ensuring that the business remains relevant especially given the issue of globalization. Moreover, management development techniques enable a firm to come up with the most applicable methods of aligning people with processes for maximum output (Pearn, 2003). Similarly, management development is essential in ensuring that the most recent and highly efficient methods of production are applied in any business, thus increasing its output. Besides, management development is very crucial in enhancing ability of managers to execute their duties efficiently and increasing their awareness of the most effective leadership style. Arguably, the most important benefit of management development is that it increases sensitivity of managers. Consequently, it enables managers to timely know when something is going wrong in the business and implement necessary actions. Moreover, it enables managers to understa nd the need to give their juniors the opportunity to make their careers and improve their knowledge. Managers also learn techniques of managing different teams of people, as it is quite crucial in their job description. Disadvantages of Management Development Techniques It should, however, be noted that management training strategies have various drawbacks. Sometimes, some strategies are very expensive to maintain and can be out of scope for many small businesses. Moreover, other strategies are very comprehensive and require long period of time to be accomplished. Unfortunately, small businesses might not be able to keep managers out of work for that long. Furthermore, other strategies, for example, those that require individual initiative might not be effective since many people may not be willing to follow them. Peer training lacks innovativeness and leads to replication of ideas. In this regard, it is incapable of bringing on board new skills to meet changes and advancement in th e corporate world (Harrison, 2005). Conclusion Management development is a requirement that any business organization cannot do without. Given the dynamics in the business world, companies need to continuously train their staff so that they can be able to keep up with the change in demand. Small businesses need specifically not only to keep abreast of technological advancement, but also meet the demand. This can be achieved through proper management of people given that they form the core of any business. In this regard, businesses need to consider management development techniques that fit their needs and implement them. However, in choosing the strategy to use various factors including time, cost and specific needs of the business should be put into consideration. References Gallucci, C., Lare, M. D., Yoon, I. H. Boatright, B. (2010). Instructional Coaching: Building Theory about the Role and Organizational Support for Professional Learning. American Educational research Journal, 47(4), 919-963. Gray, C. (2004). Management Development In European Small and Medium Enterprises. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 6(4), 451-469. Haan, E. D. (2004). Learning with Colleagues: An Action Guide for Peer Consultation. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Harrison, R. (2005). Learning and Development. London: CIPD Publishing. Konczak, L. J., Stelly, D. J. Trusty, M. L. (2000). Defining and Measuring Empowering Leader Behaviors: Development of an Upward Feedback Instrument. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 60(2), 301-313. Norman, G. (2013). Learner Managed Learning: Practice, Theory and Policy. London: Routledge. Pearn, M. (2003). Individually Differences and Development in Organizations. Hoboken: John Willey Sons. Resnick, L. B. (2010). Nested Learning Systems for the Thinking Curriculum. Educational Researcher, 39(3), 183-197. This research paper on Management development techniques: Small businesses was written and submitted by user Carley Russo to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Learn How to Conjugate Monter (to Climb) in French

Learn How to Conjugate Monter (to Climb) in French A very useful verb, the French  monter  means to climb or to go up. You can imagine how many times youll use it, which is why its important to study how to conjugate it so you can say I climbed or he is climbing in French. This lesson will show you how to do just that. Its also important that you do not confuse  monter with  montrer  (to  show). That one  r  can make a big difference in the meaning of your sentence. The Basic Conjugations of  Monter In French, the conjugations of verbs are more complicated than they are in English. While we can use -ing  for the present tense and -ed  for most past tense uses, French requires a different form of the verb for every subject pronoun within each tense. While that does give you five more words to learn for each of the present, future, and imperfect past tenses, they are easier if youve studied similar words. Thats because  monter  is  a  regular -er verb, meaning it uses the same infinitive ending as the majority of French verbs. With each new one you learn, it becomes a little easier to memorize those youre not familiar with. To study the conjugations of  monter, use the chart to match the subject pronoun with the tense of your sentence. This will indicate which ending is added to the verbs stem (or radical),  mont-. For example, I am climbing is  je monte  and we went up is  nous montions. While that seems simple enough, youll definitely want to practice these conjugations in context. Luckily, there are many common  expressions with  monter  for you to use. Present Future Imperfect je monte monterai montais tu montes monteras montais il monte montera montait nous montons monterons montions vous montez monterez montiez ils montent monteront montaient The Present Participle of Monter The  present participle  of  monter  is  montant. Youll notice that this was formed by adding -ant  to the verb stem, another rule that applies to almost every regular -er  verb. Monter  in the Compound Past Tense For the past tense, the  passà © composà ©Ã‚  is an alternative to the imperfect. This is a compound conjugation, so you will need the  auxiliary verb  Ãƒ ªtre  as well as the  past participle  montà ©. The phrase comes together quite easily. Begin by conjugating  Ãƒ ªtre  into the present tense appropriate to the subject, then allow the past participle to indicate that someone has already climbed. For example, I climbed is  je suis montà ©Ã‚  and we climbed is  nous sommes montà ©. More Simple Conjugations of Monter There will be times when you may need to question whether the act of climbing took place or not. For those occasions, you can use the subjunctive. Similarly, if someone will climb only  if  something else happens, the conditional can be used. Though you might not need either the passà © simple  or  imperfect subjunctive, these are good to know. However, theyre used only on occasion, so they do not need to be a priority. Subjunctive Conditional Pass Simple Imperfect Subjunctive je monte monterais montai montasse tu montes monterais montas montasses il monte monterait monta montt nous montions monterions montmes montassions vous montiez monteriez monttes montassiez ils montent monteraient montrent montassent For direct commands and other short sentences, you can skip the subject pronoun and use  the imperative  form  of  monter. Simplify it to  monte  rather than the more formal  tu monte. Imperative (tu) monte (nous) montons (vous) montez

Garza Surname Meaning and Origin

Garza Surname Meaning and Origin Garza is a surname with several possible origins: Meaning heron in Spanish, the Garza surname usually translates as dweller at the sign of the heron or dove. It may have been given as a descriptive nickname for someone with long legs like a heron. It could also be a habitational name for someone from one of several places named Garza.Garza is sometimes a variation of Garcia, the Spanish form of Gerald, meaning ruler of the spear. Garza is the 26th most common Hispanic surname. Surname Origin:  Spanish Alternate Surname Spellings:  DE GARZA, DE LA GARZA, GARZO, GARZON, GARCI, GARCEZ, GARCIA Famous People With the Surname Garza Alana de la Garza - an American actressTony Garza - Mexican American politician and former United States Ambassador to Mexico (2002-2009)Madison De La Garza - American child actress, best known for her role in the television hit Desperate Housewives. Where Do People With the Garza Surname Live? The surname distribution data at  Forebears  puts the Garza surname as most popular in Mexico, where it ranks as the 47th most common surname. Outside of Mexico, Garza is most common in the United States- found in large numbers in Texas, followed by California, Illinois, Washington, Arizona, Michigan, and Florida. WorldNames PublicProfiler also puts the largest number of individuals named Garza in Texas, by over six times as great as the next state, New Mexico. In Spain, Garza is most common in the  Aragà ³n region. Genealogy Resources for the Surname Garza 100 Common Hispanic Surnames Their MeaningsGarcia, Martinez, Rodriguez, Lopez, Hernandez... Are you one of the millions of people sporting one of these top 100 common Hispanic last names? How to Research Hispanic HeritageLearn how to get started researching  your Hispanic ancestors, including the basics of family tree research and country-specific organizations, genealogical records, and resources for Spain, Latin America, Mexico, Brazil, the Caribbean, and other Spanish speaking countries. Garza Family Crest - Its Not What You ThinkContrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Garza family crest or coat of arms for the Garza surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted.   Garza Family Genealogy ForumSearch this popular genealogy forum for the Garza surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Garza query. FamilySearch - Garza GenealogyAccess over 1.5 million free historical records and lineage-linked family trees posted for the Garza surname and its variations on this free genealogy website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. GeneaNet - Garza RecordsGeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Garza surname, with a concentration on records and families from France, Spain, and other European countries. Garza Surname Family Mailing ListsThis free mailing list for researchers of the Garza surname and its variations includes subscription details and searchable archives of past messages. DistantCousin.com - Garza Genealogy Family HistoryExplore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Garza. The Garza Genealogy and Family Tree PageBrowse family trees and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the last name Garza from the website of Genealogy Today. References Cottle, Basil.  Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Dorward, David.  Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998. Fucilla, Joseph.  Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges.  A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick.  Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Reaney, P.H.  A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997. Smith, Elsdon C.  American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997

HR Linkage Model - Part II Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

HR Linkage Model - Part II - Assignment Example organization can be said to be dependent on the factors stated above, the human resource function of the organization should always be given priority attention when it comes to the demonstration of strategic value. The basis for this assertion is that all the other components of organizational growth are not run automatically but by employees who are expected to have the right form of training and competence (Schneider, 2006). I have always believed in using lean thinking in achieving organizational growth, and even though you do not make specific reference to this concept, I find that that is what your input is trying to arrive at. This is because according to Lawler, Jamrog & Boudreau (2011), it is when lean thinking is applied by organizations that the cost of production can be reduced without losing efficiency and productivity. Having said this, I support your position very strongly that there ought to be a form of cost balancing within your organization in order to improve productivity. Even though you make reference to the use of HR scorecard, I would like to ask if you have really considered the factors that can help employees develop their skills and talent in order to score highly on the scorecard. I would agree with Becker, Huselid & Ulrich (2001) that continuous training and development is necessary in ensuring that employees are well placed to ensure that they deliver

Fast food Research Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Fast food Research Report - Essay Example Approximately 22 percent of the interviewed respondents stated that they took fast food four days in a week and more than one-fifth of the population had the meal on daily basis. Although 90 percent were aware of the adverse effects of fast foods, they were still addicted to it. Health education programs, public awareness campaigns as well as dietary guidelines could be initiated so as to address the unhealthy lifestyles of the students and help them improve on their health. Good tastes of the foods, low costs were some of the main reasons given by the students for consuming fast foods occasionally. Others said that the foods are quick, easy to get and cheap. Other students said that they are very busy to cook and that they don’t like the experience of cooking. On the other hand, high costs and preference for other restaurants were the major reasons not to consume such foods (Fraser, Edwards, Cade, Clarke 2012, 82). The average monthly frequency of consumption of fast foods by the students was 4.05 (4.25 for men and 3.83 for ladies). As anticipated, the consumption of fast foods was considered to be a special event instead of being a part of ever day diet, closely connected with meeting close friends and celebrating on special occasions. Attitude towards the consumption of fast foods was not notably associated with the behavioral intention. Therefore, effective and efficient nutrition education programs on consumption of fast foods should include components to alter the subjective norms of fast food consumption, more so among peers as well as perceived behavioral control. Further studies should be conducted to examine effective ways of altering subjective norms and possible choices to fast food consumption for students in colleges and universities to alter perceived behavioral control (Brevard & Ricketts 1996, 35) Consumption of take

Two-Factor Theory of Emotion Essay Example for Free

Two-Factor Theory of Emotion Essay One day my sister was running for her class she was late for and had a quiz in. She bumped into one of her colleagues. Her heart started pumping very fast, her body trembling and she was stuttering while talking to him.She thought she felt that way because she liked him as no one has ever made her adrenaline rush to that extent. This behavior is related to the two-factor theory of emotion, which is the idea that a person first experiences physiological arousal and then seeks an appropriate explanation for it, this two-step self-perception process results in an emotional experience. Sometimes, the most reasonable explanation is not the right one, and people end up making mistaken conclusions about what caused them to feel the way they did and this is called misattribution of arousal. Schachter’s theory states that because our physical states are difficult to label on their own,we use information in the situation to help us make an attribution about why we feel aroused. My sister thought that she had a big crush on the guy as an explanation for the physiological arousal she experienced. According to the theory, her interpretation to the emotional experience she went through was wrong; she was actually running to a class she’s late for and afraid of missing the quiz. She was already nervous due to these reasons and therefore she experienced this physiological arousal. However, when she felt that way, she mistakenly related it to the guy she met, which is considered a misattribution of arousal situation. Maybe if she met him in a normal situation, she can judge clearly whether her conclusion was right or not.

Pearl Harbor not a surprise Essay -- essays research papers

Introduction – Pearl Harbor was vulnerable to attack because of the obstruction of defense and warning. I. Signs of Japan’s intent to attack II. Politics involvement A. War support B. Eight-step plan III. Neglected warning signs near Pearl Harbor soon before the attack A. Midget subs B. Radar detecting The attack on Pearl Harbor has been known to be a complete surprise. Whenever one thinks about it, they consider that it was. They may think that it was a total surprise except for a few small warning signs that our government seems to have ignored. Children are taught that Pearl Harbor is the "Surprise Attack on Pearl Harbor" in school. It has gone into history as this. Even the president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, said in a speech soon after the attacks it was, but he was lying. Franklin D. Roosevelt, in fact, and a few select top armed forces advisors working closely with him are directly responsible for the â€Å"surprise† of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Many opportunities to prevent and defend the attacks upon Pearl Harbor were never taken. The United States government knew well of Japan’s intent to attack Pearl Harbor well before the occurred. The attack may have been a surprise to Pearl Harbor, but it sure wasn’t to Franklin D. Roosevelt and few select top armed forces advisors of his. An investigation after the attack revealed that the intercepting station received at least forty-three different decoded messages that had clues to the attack. The president had at least four intelligence officers under direct orders from Roosevelt. They had decoded the Japanese code and had been monitoring their communications before the attack. They knew all about news of the planned attack. In 48 hours before the attack, LTC Clifford M. Andrew, was told to burn forty file cabinets of top secret information on Pearl Harbor so no investigation could seek out the truth which was labeled top secret and destroyed. Why did Franklin D. Roosevelt hinder any warnings to go though to Pearl Harbor? He knew that most of American society before the Pearl Harbor bombing believed in the idea of isolationism. The only wa... ...he attack started, many soldiers thought it was a drill and nobody took action right away. There may have been a positive side to the attack. Overall, Roosevelt did many things considered wrong and abusive to his right of presidency. However, had he not, the United States may never have entered the war. And certainly we would not have been as united in our stand against evil, for the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor made Americans sympathetic for our striped men and women, causing more help from the mass majority of Americans, eventually leading to victory in World War II. Had Nazi Germany won, no one knows the extent of evil that would have been caused. Even though Franklin Delano Roosevelt did many wrong things, his reasoning was good, and we were victorious. Yes, in its self, December 7th 1941 was known mostly to be a day that will â€Å"live in infamy,† for the destruction of part of America’s military power, many lives lost, and the start of the war for the U.S. To sum this report up, December 7, 1941 should be better known for the day that will â€Å"live in infamy† because of the obstruction of warning or basic defense that would have certainly saved many lives and military property.

Org Behaviou

Table of Contents 1. 0 Introduction2 2. 0 Initial Situation – Case Analysis2 2. 1 The History of Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS)2 2. 2 Peter R. Dolan3 2. 3 What is Plavix? 3 2. 4 Plavix Generic Drug Agreements4 2. 5 Dolan’s Fate5 3. 0 Questions and Answers6 3. 1 Q1) What principles of distributive Negotiation did Sherman use to gain his advantage? 6 3. 2 Q2 ) Do you think Sherman behaved ethically? Why or why not? 7 3. 3 Q3) What does this incident tell you about the role of deception in negotiation? 9 4. 0 Conclusion10 1. 0 Introduction All organisations form an integral part of the global village. Therefore organisations have become open systems due to deregulation, ever changing technology, lifestyle and demographics. In order to be triumphant in today’s dynamic environment organisations need to focus on the environment it operates in and have to react swiftly to the changes that occur by developing negotiation strategies to stay ahead of competition. Strategy is embedded in any organisations planning process and without strategy the organisation will become a candidate for acquisitions or would become extinct. In this report we have analysed the case of â€Å"DAVID OUT-NEGOTIATIONG GOLIATH: APOTEX AND BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB†, which is based on a real world scenario about the survival of two giants of the pharmaceutical industry at stake. Our main objective is to analyse the main conflicts and negotiation issues which have arisen during the negotiation process between the two giants and also to look at how their internal objectives have driven them to the final result. Therefore, we present some more external information about the elevant case to get a better background knowledge, and also we have analysed the main issues by answering the questions which have been brought up in the case. 2. 0 Initial Situation – Case Analysis 2. 1 The History of Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) In early 1887, William McLaren Bristol and John Ripley Myers invested $5,000 into a failing drug manufacturing firm located in Clinton, New York. The company was officially incorporated on December 13, 1887, an d in May 1898 changed its name to the Bristol, Myers Company. According to the records Bristol-Myers merged with Squibb in 1989 and created a global leader in the health care industry as â€Å"Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS)†. By this merger it created the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical enterprise. (http://www. awpagesociety. com/images/uploads/Case_FINAL3. pdf – Accessed on 21, March 2011) Today, Bristol-Myers Squibb has become one of the leading worldwide provider of anti-cancer therapies as well as a leader in the discovery and development of innovative treatments to fight heart disease, stroke, and infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS. (http://www. awpagesociety. om/images/uploads/Case_FINAL3. pdf – Accessed on 21, March 2011) 2. 2 Peter R. Dolan Peter R. Dolan has received his BA from Tufts University in 1978, and his MBA from Dartmouth College in 1980. He began his career at General Foods from 1983–1987, but by 1988 had transferred to BMS as Vice-President of Marketing. Dolan was named CEO in Februar y 2001 and made Chairman of the Board in 2002. He was infamous within the company for setting â€Å"Big Hairy Audacious Goals†, such as his 2001 promise to double BMS revenues within five years. He regretted about that particular statement, as 2002 sales totalled came down from $18. billion, which was 1% of a decrease from 2000. (http://www. awpagesociety. com/images/uploads/Case_FINAL3. pdf – Accessed on 21, March 2011) 2. 3 What is Plavix? Plavix was a FDA-approved anti-platelet daily medication that reduces the risk of heart attack. Plavix was brought to market through a partnership between Bristol-Myers Squibb and French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis, the world’s third largest pharmaceutical company and the largest in Europe. Plavix 2005 global sales were $5. 9-billion, up more than 15% from 2004. According to Pharmaceutical Business Revenue and Data Monitor, sales were expected to peak at $6-billion in 2011. http://www. awpagesociety. com/images/uploads/Case_FI NAL3. pdf – Accessed on 21, March 2011) 2. 4 Plavix Generic Drug Agreements In July 2006, BMS announced that the U. S. Justice Department was investigating the company’s March 2006 agreement with Canadian generic drug manufacturer Apotex. The agreement was intended to delay the Apotex’s release of an inexpensive generic version of Plavix. Under the terms of Bristol-Myers’ ill-conceived agreement with Apotex, BMS offered Apotex $40 million to halt production of the generic Plavix until June 1, 2011. This date was five months before the Plavix patent was set to expire. Bristol-Myers also agreed not to release its own non-branded Plavix until six months after Apotex began to sell its generic version of the blood thinner. When asked to approve the agreement, the U. S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state Attorneys General objected to these provisions. They labelled the Bristol-Myers concession anti-competitive because it assured that Apotex would be the sole market vendor of cheap, generic Plavix for at least six months. So, Bristol-Myers Squibb agreed to remove the anti-competitive provision from the contract. Nevertheless, the FTC began questioning Apotex regarding the revised agreement. During these questioning sessions, Apotex told the federal regulators that Bristol-Myers had given Apotex private assurance that it would not release a general version of Plavix to the market. (http://www. awpagesociety. com/images/uploads/Case_FINAL3. pdf – Accessed on 21, March 2011) When the agreement did not receive approval, Apotex quickly introduced its generic version of Plavix (which had obtained FDA approval earlier that year), and the drug became universally available in August 2006. Apotex priced the generic version at an estimated 10 to 20 percent discount. Apotex’s generic Plavix quickly gained 75% market share of new prescriptions. Within the month, Bristol-Myers Squibb was able to get a United States District Judge to order a temporary injunction halting further sales of the generic Plavix. However, the judge did not order a recall of generic Plavix. The District Court ruled that Apotex had the legal right to sell its generic version of Plavix. (http://www. awpagesociety. com/images/uploads/Case_FINAL3. pdf – Accessed on 21, March 2011) After only one month of generic Plavix competition, BMS was forced to reduce its 2006 earnings forecast by 25%. Bristol-Myers’s reduced per share earnings estimate was below the company dividend, meaning that Bristol would be paying more to shareholders than it actually earned. In sum, over the five years of Dolan’s tenure, the stock price of Bristol-Myers Squibb had declined by over 60%. (http://www. awpagesociety. com/images/uploads/Case_FINAL3. pdf – Accessed on 21, March 2011) 2. 5 Dolan’s Fate On September 12, 2006, CEO Peter Dolan and General Counsel Richard K. Willard were dismissed by the Bristol-Myers board. Dolan was replaced on an interim basis by James M. Cornelius, a Bristol-Myers director and former executive at Guiding Corporation. (http://www. awpagesociety. com/images/uploads/Case_FINAL3. pdf – Accessed on 21, March 2011) 3. 0 Questions and Answers 3. 1 Q1) What principles of distributive Negotiation did Sherman use to gain his advantage? Negotiation occurs whenever two or more conflicting parties attempt to resolve their divergent goals by redefining the terms of their interdependence. In, Other Words, People negotiate when they think that iscussion can produce a more satisfactory arrangement (at least for them) in their exchange of goods or services. ( McShane and Travaglione , 2003) A distributive negotiation is a type or process that normally entails a single issue to be negotiated. The single issue often involves price and frequently relates to the bargaining process. Also referred to as ‘Win – Loseâ€⠄¢, or ‘Fixed – Pie’ negotiation because one party generally gains at the expense of another party. (http://www. negotiations. com/definition/distributive-negotiation/) – Accessed on 27, March 2011) Despite the fact that BMS and Apotex entered the negotiation process, with the primary goal of achieving a ‘Win-Win’ situation which will lead to an integrative negotiation. However according to our analysis we feel that the negotiation ended on a ‘Win- Lose’ note, resulting in a distributive negotiation. Dr. Barry Sherman (Apotex) when negotiating with BMS, has used following distributive negotiation principles in order to achieve his Goals. Goal – In this case scenario, Dr. Sherman wanted to direct the negotiation in a way that would maximise his benefits as much as possible. As an example, Dr. Sherman inserted a clause in the deal that would require the BMS to pay Apotex $60 Million â€Å"IF† FTC rejected the deal. Motivation and Focus – When engaged in distributive bargaining one’s tactics are to focus on getting one’s opponent to agree to one’s specific target point or to get as closer as possible. (Robbins, 2005) â€Å"I Win, You lose†- where Apotex’s win is at the expense of BMS. Further it could be noted that the outcome of the negotiation falls outside the BMS’s resistance point indicating a total victory for Dr. Barry Sherman and Apotex . The two Company’s being opposed to each other is another distributive negotiation characteristic seen throughout the situation where BMS’s goal in this negotiation is to delay the launch of Apotex’s generic competitor, where as Apotex’s / Dr Sherman’s motive being its opposite. Information Sharing – In this negotiation process information sharing was low. This was evident through the clause inserted in the deal, and also by Dr. Sherman not disclosing the preparation of launching the generic product before the agreed date. Duration of Relationship – It is visible that the focus of the relationship between BMS and Apotex was â€Å"Short Term† mainly due to fact that Dr Sherman was aware of FTC’s decision and the impact that would have on the negation process. 3. 2 Q2 ) Do you think Sherman behaved ethically? Why or why not? The answer to this question depends on a person’s values, culture, and the situation. What might be acceptable in poker would probably not be acceptable in most business situations. What might be acceptable in New York might not be acceptable in Ottawa. Different cultures and different situations contain inherent â€Å"rules† about the degree to which bluffing or misrepresentation is deemed acceptable. (**** I have attached another PDF – this part is from that article) According to what we see, it’s not ethical to lie in a negotiation, but according to research 28% of negotiators lie about a common interest issue during negotiations, while another study found that 100% of negotiations either failed to reveal a problem or actively lied about it during negotiations if they were not directly asked about the issue. Therefore we have an issue to recognize, when is a lie a lie? Some argue, when exaggerating, downplaying negatives, ignoring flaws, or saying â€Å"I don’t know† we are lying, but today most businessmen look at this, not as unethical practices, but rather as indicators that a negotiator is Strong, Smart, or Savvy. (Robbins, 2005) When we look at this scenario, we can’t agree that Dr. Sherman’s behaviour is ethical; during the negotiation process he was indicating a trustworthy long term relationship towards BMS and indirectly influencing BMS to take certain actions emotionally (for example : carrying out the negotiation at certain times without attorneys ). However in the meanwhile he gets ready to launch the product, which clearly explains the unethical behaviour and his attempt to misguide BMS. Further, another factor to be noted at the same time is if we want to survive in this highly competitive world, we have to be SMART enough to be professional and BMS being the initiator to the negotiation, should have known exactly what they signed. BMS being a large organisation, having the capacity, should have done their ground work prior going for the negotiations. Further, they could have appointed a negotiation panel rather than a one person, which would have increased the chances of winning. The question arisen is why BMS’s industry knowledge and experience didn’t warn them about the FTC decision. This clearly explains poor preparation and their underestimation of Dr Sherman’s negotiation tactics. We believe, Dr Sherman was being technically correct, that does not justify his behaviour as ethical. The question to argue is the acceptability of the tactics used by Dr Sherman in improving his chances of winning. We believe that winning a business negotiation is important, but winning by deceiving the other party is unethical. 3. 3 Q3) What does this incident tell you about the role of deception in negotiation? ‘Deception' is the use of false arguments that leads the other person to an incorrect conclusion. We can see these types of scenarios every day in business world, because when doing these types of important negotiations, we have to make sure, that we have our goals in the sight and work towards achieving it with a well planned process, without getting carried over with emotional bonds or friendships. The BMS vs Apotex negotiation shows misrepresentation occurring in a negotiation, where a person deliberately takes a position on something which is not true in some way. Dr. Sherman deliberately misleads BMS showing them that, he is carrying out negotiations in order to come to a conclusive decision of delaying the launch of the generic product. However, while negotiations are being carried out, Dr Sherman plans to market and launch the generic product deceptively. By use of false arguments and providing not rue information, Dr Sherman misguides the other party in negotiation for a settlement offer. While showing an objective of achieving a â€Å"Win – Win† solution, indicating a trustworthy relationship (which leads the executive of BMS, Bodnar keeping their attorneys out of the discussion in many instances during the negotiation process). Further Dr Sherman including a clause in the deal that would require BMS to pay Apotex $60 Million if FTC rejects the deal, believ ing that FTC would, further explains the deception in this negotiation process. A point to be noted is certain practices carried out by BMS was not professional (example Bodnar keeping the attorneys out of the negotiation) which might lead to further deception. BMS objective was to create a favorable position for themselves by trying to make Dr. Sherman agree to their conditions. Deception plays a major role in this negotiation process. Even though BMS and Apotex entered into negotiation with an objective of coming into a conclusive decision of delaying the launch and the settlement offer. However, the outcome of the negotiation was totally dependant on the deception played by the people involved in the negotiation and the negotiation process had a less impact on the final outcome. 4. 0 Conclusion In today’s context, negotiation plays a vital role in any business organization and its challenges are growing. Every organization has their own goals to achieve, therefore it's important to discuss and resolve conflicts arising by divergent goals. Negotiations are often complex, hence always demand preparation. Lack of preparation and not following a proper process will result in adverse and unexpected results. We can clearly see in the above analyzed Apotax vs BMS case, how important is to pay attention and how well we have to know the rules to play well in the field of negotiation, because even a small mistake can change the end result to a greater extend. We can see lot of similarities between this case and the story David vs. Goliath. As we know David was just a lad, representing the Israeli army and was confronted by a giant Goliath, representing the Philistine army. David managed to strategically defeat and destroy the giant Goliath. When relating the case and the story, Apotex (David) was approached by a corporate giant – BMS (Goliath) to delay the launch of a competitive substitute. Goliath attempted to negotiate an agreement to hold back competition in the market. To be successful, David had to not only get their product into the market, but also to outnumber the giant. This deal brought a huge win for David, because he was able to examine the issues and identify the opportunities he could gain from this negotiation and also he always had a clear goal and a vision to reach it. So in the end, David successfully launched Plavix generic product and capitalized on the downfall of Goliath to build Apotex's market share. In the above case, Goliath (BMS) forgot that they were involved in a business negation, and got carried away with emotions and wanted to have a long term business relationship with David (Apotex), which David used to his advantage. As professional business people we should always predict the worst possible outcome as well, before getting into this type of an immense business deal which involves lot of money, market share and specially reputation. Which affects the business bottom line and in turn risking stake holder funds or returns) MBS was over confident in going to the negotiations, because they thought they are a large company, as we see size does not matter, it’s what strategies you use to negotiate and you attentions to details and how well you prepare, that matters. BMS had the resources to win the negotiation, but was not prepare d to use them effectively and efficiently, that’s where they lost. Before getting in to a negotiation, we have to look at all of the implications of a deal, both for the one’s self and the related party. To be successful, a deal has to make a ‘Win – Win’ situation to the both the parties. But here, Goliath never considered about the economic reality, planning or preparing a negotiation agenda and also entered to the negotiation processes even without carrying out a proper background research. Today, we all go through negotiation in day-to-day life, because it has become a technicality which we use in a daily basis. So, when it comes to these types of immense deals, we have to make sure we follow a proper negotiation process which involves major steps of negotiation such as, preparation and planning, definition of ground rules, clarification and justification, bargaining and problem solving, closure and implementation. And also at the same time we should ensure that we make no mistake on our way forward achieving our objective. Further a factor which needs to be kept in our mind throughout our negotiation process is to achieve our goal in an ethical manner making sure we keep no space for others to deceive us. — END OF REPORT – –

Buyers Behaviour Virgin Atlantic

Applied Buyer Behavior in Global Context Module Code: MGT 5A1 Applied Buyer Behavior in Global Context Module Code: MGT 5A1 Analysis of Virgin Atlantic Commercial 2010. Available link at: http://youtu. be/lGyp1I39eho Module tutor: Jenny Bratherton Word Count: 2606 Analysis of Virgin Atlantic Commercial 2010. Available link at: http://youtu. be/lGyp1I39eho Module tutor: Jenny Bratherton Word Count: 2606 By Maria Timchenko By Maria Timchenko Table of Contents: 1.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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. page 3 2. Target Market†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. page 3 3. Service offered†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦page 4 4. Seasonality†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. page 4 5. Positioning of the commercial†¦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‚¬ ¦.. †¦page 5 6. Reason for the commercial†¦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‚¬ ¦. page 5 7. Perception†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦page 5 8.Persuasive 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¢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‚¬ ¦ †¦page 7 9. Buying process†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. page 10 10. Involvment levels and risk perception†¦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‚¬ ¦page 10 11. Conclusion†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦page 11 12. References†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. page 12 1) Introduction. This essay will analyze the advertising campaign of Virgin Atlantic 2010. Richard Branson founded Virgin Atlantic in the early 1980s.Originally it was called British Atlantic Airways, later changed to Virgin Atlantic Airways. The first flight was from Gatwick to Netwark on the 22nd of June 1984 (Virgin Atlantic, 2012). The company launched a ? 6 m advertising campaign in 2010, which was James Bond themed (Guardian, 2010). The new advertisement helped the company recover from the recession. Now I will examine how exactly it was achieved and what methods were used to obtain the best performance of the advertisement. 2) Target Market.Market segmentation is a way of separating the consumers into different sections by their shared needs and personalities (Le on. G, 2010, p. 28). The needs and values depend from person to person according to his culture (Leon. G, 2010, p. 366). The VALS (values and lifestyles) segmentation system clearly shows the type of audience this commercial is aiming at (Leon. G, pp. 84). This system divides consumers into eight distinctive subcategories, which consist of: thinkers, achievers, experiencers, believers, strivers and makers.The subcategories this advertisement will appeal to are: innovators because they are receptive to new technologies and who can experience the innovated technologies at a Virgin Atlantic flight; achievers because they are goal oriented consumers who like to display success to their piers, which they can display by flying Virgin Atlantic as it is high class airlines; experiencers because they like to spend their income on fashion, socializing and entertainment which Virgin Atlantic offers through great service, food, entertainment and their flights are considered as ‘trendyâ₠¬â„¢.The social comparison theory states that the consumer with higher purchase ability tends to have a higher status; this is a proof why achievers like to spend on luxurious products and services (Leon. G, 2010, p. 338). This commercial appeals to all the five effective target-marketing segments (Leon. G, 2010, p. 73). It is identifiable as it clearly distinguishes the shared needs, age and gender of the consumer. The consumer is a businessman or career orientated workingwoman who prefers high-class service. The age would appeal to Generation Y that is born from 1980 and on wards (Leon.G, 2010, p. 410). The Generation Y spends 150 billion annually and is into innovation and luxury while Generation X is considered as ‘sophisticated’ group. Virgin Atlantic Airways allows children ages 5 and above to travel or should be accompanied by an adult (16+). Pets are accepted if they accompany a disabled person (Virgin Atlantic, 2012). 3) Service offered. The marketing mix shows what kind of service/product is offered by dividing the elements to: product, price, place and promotion (Leon. G, 2010, p. 58).The service being offered is not just a flight from one destination to another; it is an experience at a high-class level of the Virgin Atlantic flight where the costumer will be served at a high class, with security, entertainment and with maximum comfort. It is a high-involvement purchase, which requires considerate thought and cognitive process, as the price is high (Leon. G, 2010, p. 231). The flight can be purchased online or at a flight ticket office. The company offers promotion such as: flying club card, ticket sales and discount codes/vouchers (Virgin Atlantic, 2012).The price and quality relationship the company has is low- price tickets in comparison with their competitors and with a high-class service. 4) Seasonality. The time of placing the advertisement is very important, as there are competing companies to take into consideration. The order effect research has shown that the advertisements presented first (primacy effect) and last (regency effect) has a greater effect on the consumer (Leon. G, 2010, p. 302). The release date was 26 October 2010, which was a great push to recovery from recession. British Airways and American Airlines are the biggest competitors.American Airlines released their commercial in May 2010, which had a primacy effect where as Virgin Atlantic Airlines gained a regency effect. The James Bond 007 Blood Stone video game was released on 5th of November 2010(IMDB, 2010). This shows that the commercial was released 10 days before the release date of the game. This strategy used by Virgin Atlantic is a very clever marketing move, as their advertisement is James Bond themed and during that period of time all sorts of media (TV, newspapers, online, word of mouth and billboards) had James Bond game advertisements.Virgin Airlines got increased attention to their advertisement by publishing their advertise ment at time coinciding with Blood Stone’s release. 5) Positioning the commercial. The advertisement is transmitting through mass media as well as through new (non traditional) media (Leon. G, 2010, pp. 294-296). The commercial is played on TV where it addresses wide range of consumers (i. e. via mass media) and through YouTube where it is addressable and interactive, while response – measurable.It was also played during the flights on the Virgin Atlantic TV channel where it exclusively targets its audience (i. e. via target media). 6) Reason for the commercial. The consumer behavior consists of searching for, purchasing, using, evaluating, disposing of products and services that in their belief will fulfill their wants (Leon. G, 2010, p. 23). The commercial was created in order to persuade and make aware the audience of the fact that the service being offered by the airlines is luxurious, entertaining and high-class, to convince that this kind of service will satisfy there needs. ) Perception. â€Å"Perception is defined as the process by which an individual selects, organizes, and interprets stimuli into a meaningful and coherent picture of the world. †(Leon. G, 2010, p. 175) This advertisement appeals to emotional motives, which are affection, status and pride in this case (Leon. G, 2010, p. 110). The advertisements mood is sexually charged and is putting the buyer into a state of excitement by: James Bond themed music and graphics, illustrations of high-class adventure and good-looking actors in the commercial.Abraham Maslow created the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which identifies the five basic levels of human needs (Maslow, 1987). The advert is aiming to satisfy all the five needs of the potential consumer. Egoistic needs will be satisfied during the flight on these airlines, as it is illustrated as a prestigious flight. Egoistic needs include the need of good reputation, status and recognition from others, which advert convi nces that the consumer will have, if he/she chooses Virgin Atlantic Airways.Need of Self-Actualization will be satisfies as shown in the advert, by flying on this flight the customer will feel self-actualized by getting high-class service which he/she deserved or earned themselves. Social Needs are to be satisfied by communication with good-looking staff. The Virgin Atlantic cabin crew was voted as the most attractive staff in the whole world by the surveys of travelers (Daily mail, 2011). Richard Branson has always stated that the appearance of the flight crew must be important in order make the customers enjoy a memorable flight.Cabin staff of Virgin Atlantic Airlines are told that: ‘You'll be the face of the airline. As such, your grooming should always be immaculate – even after a long, tiring flight’ (Daily mail, 2011). As flying on an airplane has a small risk of security, the advert is aiming to convince that their flight is safe and is a pleasant experien ce where there is nothing to worry about. Physiological needs will be satisfied by the high-class food and beverage service that would be offered during the flight by good-looking staff.Air and shelter will also be present, as the designed with up to date technology. This commercial is aimed at visual consumers that prefer and take information better through visual images or messages as sources of information (Leon. G, 2010, p. 147). While watching the Virgin Atlantic advertisement repetitively on TV or Online passive learning is occurring and it changes the consumer’s attitude regarding the product (Leon. G, 2010, p. 232). The theme message delivered through this advert is: ‘Your airline's either got it or it hasn't'.There is a message resonance in the wording, which adds a bit of humor to it and will make the viewer remember the commercial (Leon. G, 2010, p. 301). The theme message has comparative advertising technique to it where Virgin makes the viewer compare their airlines to Virgin Atlantic (Leon. G, 2010, p. 303). The sexiness in advertising is present in order to grab the attention of the viewer (Leon. G, 2010, p. 308). The hostesses are wearing short dresses in red color and the man who is passing the security check hasn’t got underwear on. Virgin is trying to show that their flights are ‘sexy’. ) Persuasive analysis. | Chromatic scale is red and black, which is eye catching. The flight attendances are tall, stylish and beautiful. | | Shot of men wearing suits doing a pole dance around the fork with a shrimp. This is demonstrating that the food they are offering is high-class and ‘sexy’. | | Very few cuts in the filmmaking, instead has transitions that are much more flowing and make it much more difficult to look away. This is a shot of a transaction, which is made through a disco ball. | | The transition from the airplane saloon to the red lips. | The shot of the crewmember falling in and disappearing in the carpet after she gives an ice cream to the customer. This could be symbolizing submission as well as it is a large eye catch that keeps the viewers attention. | | Shot of flying destinations. | | Shot of flying destinations. | | Shot of flying destinations and the smooth transaction appearing in the background. | | Shot of the flight crew standing on the wing of the Virgin airplane, which is a really good imagery. On the top there is the headline: â€Å"Your airline’s either got it or it hasn’t†.The headline tries to indicate that the Virgin Airlines truly has all the qualities, which will satisfy your needs, and that other competitors may not. | | This shot demonstrates the high-level service done by a good-looking crewmember in a very fashionable saloon. | | The shot of people going through the body scanners. The men going through the body scan are good-looking businessmen, which represent the targeted consumers. The person in the middle coming through th e scanner hasn’t got underwear, by which he shows that the body scanning isn’t just safe but it is also sexy. | Transaction from the sunglasses of the crewmember into the next scene, which is airplanes and female flight crewmember flying in the air. There is no cutting in the transactions. | | This is the shot of the flight attendances showing the airline safety check in a very stylish and sexy manner. | | A man being tucked in by a beautiful giant woman into a cloud, which is dreamlike, and it suggests that the customers are going to be truly taken care of. | | The shot has focus towards the center of the pilot’s head. Behind his head there is a ray of light, this light looks as an angel like aura.This technique tries to show the security the airlines provide (angel like). The flight team is very good looking and is walking with self-assurance, which adds confidence to the image of the company. The runway lines and the red carpet represents the luxurious servic e. | | Transition from the safety demonstration to the airplane saloon is done without editing cuts, which is very eye-catching. | | The shot of people sitting around of a pool of martini and playing with the olive, which represents entertainment, beverage and luxury the airlines offer to their customers. 9) Buying process. â€Å"The consumer decision making can be viewed as three distinct but interlocking stages: the input stage, the process stage and the output stage†(Leon. G, 2010, p. 36). This advertisement is designed in order to influence the input and process stage in order to make the consumer come to the output stage. This advert influences and increases the consumer’s recognition of the service need. The information is delivered to the consumers through the marketing efforts of the commercial, which will influence not only media but also word of mouth marketing.The Psychoanalytical Theory of Personality created by Sigmund Freud explains the drivers of the out put stage (Leon. G, 2010, pp. 137-139). According to Freud’s theory this commercial will affect superego and id to make the purchase. The superego will be gratified when purchasing this service because he/she will become socially and fashionably acceptable, as Virgin Atlantic flight is ‘trendy’. Id will be gratified if the consumer will make the purchase because the airlines offer the basic requirements such as food, shelter and security. The consumer will make a trial or a repeat purchase when buying this service (Leon.G, 2010, p. 497). The consumer might be new to the company or be a frequent loyal customer. 10) Involvement levels and risk perception. Involvement is a very important factor in how much attention is paid to the message sent to the viewer and how it is understood. There are different ways to measure the involvement of the viewer. There are two ways of involvement, high-risk and low-risk purchases. The higher the risk, the higher the involvement an d research will be. The flight purchase is a low-involvement product and consumers prefer congruent context of the message delivered (Leon.G, 2010, p. 293). The mood of the consumer is very important, if he/she is in a bad mood, the content of the commercial might cause a bad reaction of the viewer. Psychological noise may be distracting the viewer from the commercial and the advertisement has contrast in the imagery in order to keep the viewers attention. 11) Conclusion. The advertisement created by the Virgin Atlantic airlines in my opinion was successful . The James Bond theme imageries and soundtrack had a great impact on the effectiveness of the commercial.Every time the consumer will watch James Bond movie or play a James Bond game, the commercial will subconsciously come to their mind and the other way around. The time it was released was perfect, as they needed a push to get out from the recession. The commercial had a bit too much sex advertisement in it, which may led to w orse effect tan could have achieved and made the competitors (American Airlines) stand out more, as they had a touching TV commercial that gave gratitude to the men in uniform, veterans and their families. Sexual advertising may distract the consumer’s attention from the message content being sent.This technique may have a little influence on the buyers purchasing intentions and a risk of spoiling the image of the company. This advert is targeting businessman, but there is the family audience with children and generation X, which they are risking of loosing. The commercial is based mostly on emotions and only in one short scene the viewer can see the seats with the monitors. The saloons, seats and the exact food of Virgin Atlantic Airlines are not shown, but they are very important to be shown, as the consumer wants to see the comfort he/she will have during the flight.The fact that the advertisement shows a man being tucked into a cloud and not airplane seat could make an im pression that the airlines are hiding something and their seats are not good enough to be shown in the advertisement. This advertisement could have been improved by focusing the viewer’s attention much more on the design of the saloon, comfortable seats and delicious food. Nonetheless, overall this was a very well executed and effective advertisement with successfully reached hearts and minds of customer 12) References. 1. Leon G. Schiffman, Leslie L.Kanuk and Joseph Wisenblit, 2010, Consumer Behavior. 10th ed. Pearson Press. 2. Virgin Atlantic Airlines (2012) History [Online] Available full link at: http://www. virgin-atlantic. com/en/gb/allaboutus/ourstory/history. jsp [Accessed 30 November 2012] 3. Mark Sweney (2010) Virgin Atlantic takes off with ? 6m James Bond-style ad push. The Guardian Online, [Online] Available full link at: http://www. guardian. co. uk/media/2010/oct/01/virgin-atlantic-ad-muse-feeling-good [Accessed 25 November 2012] 4. Virgin Atlantic Airlines (201 2) Travel information [Online] Available full link at: http://www. irgin-atlantic. com/gb/en/travel-information. html [Accessed 27 November 2012] 5. IMDB (2010) James Bond 007: Blood Stone [Online] Available full link at: http://www. imdb. com/title/tt1692489/? ref_=fn_al_tt_1 [Accessed 2 December 2012] 6. American Airlines, 2010. American Airlines Commercial ‘Putting them first’ [Video online] Available full link at: http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=x6iAMiJUu5g [Accessed 27 November 2012] 7. Maslow, A. H. , 1987. Motivation and Personality. Third edition. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc.

The eNotes Blog FOR SALE DraculasBirthplace

FOR SALE DraculasBirthplace Heres something you wont find in Craigslists classifieds The writing desk at which Bram Stoker created the bloodcurdling modern myth of Dracula will soon be up for auction. Looking at the ornate desk today, which seems so fitting as the gothic setting for the creation of perhaps the most chilling book in English literature, its hard to believe it was salvaged from near ruin not very long ago. Yes, this artifact, like all good curiosities, has its very own story After Stoker completed Dracula in 1897, he gifted the writing table to his good friend JSR Phillips, editor of the Yorkshire Post. According to an article in that same newspaper, the desk was later passed down at Phillips death to his son ER Phillips. Unfortunately, the younger Phillips wife so disliked the relic that she banished it from the house to rot in the garden for years. It was the Phillips son Guy, grandson of JSR, who saved the desk from complete ruin by taking it with him to London. But though he knew the history of the Dracula desk, Guy then left it behind in that London apartment when he moved away. Its next owners, the Brodericks, had no knowledge of its famous origins until they received a note from Guy Phillips later, explaining its history and hinting at its dark powers. I loathed the Dracula desk. But it is a fact that after leaving it behind, I and my family suffered misfortune after misfortune. I had two coronaries and my wife died suddenly of a stroke. Even after receiving the note, the Brodericks almost relegated the desk to destruction, casting it off to their neighbors the Yulls. At this point, the desk was in such bad shape that Mrs. Yull very nearly cast it off to a bonfire. It was only saved by her husband, who insisted it be put in his study and used as his computer desk. Interestingly, it was at the Dracula desk that Yull wrote his first book, a novel about Nazi fascination with the occult. Eventually, the antique made its way into caring hands. As of today the desk has been restored to more than its original glory by master furniture artist Mark Brazier-Jones, whose restorations can be found at none other than The Louvre and The Victoria Albert Museum. He explains his reimagining of the Dracula desk below. Even as a new desk, in its day, this was a modest item of furniture, a place for a man to work, and yet possessing a noble honesty.  I wanted to keep the desk complete and intact, to save all its scars and broken varnish, this history alive with its gnarled texturesI decided to attach, via callipers and clasps the necessaries to regain functionality.   To this I have also embroidered imagery appropriate to the great mans inspirations and imaginings.   I visualize Stoker sat pen to paper contemplating a moonlit rose garden, breathless milk white cleavage and blood soaked lace.   All the fixtures and fittings I have created are in bronze and burnished steel. He has also leather lined two secret compartments I have devised (the position of which will only be revealed to the final owner of the desk) The face panel of each drawer is acid etched through to copper and nickel layers.   The effect is to subtly represent a misty tableau of Whitby Abbey by moonlight, surrounded by gravestones and bats.   Over these drawer fronts are five bronze handles, each one different.   On the lower left, a bat, to the lower right, a savage hound (in Stokers book Dracula arrived in Whitby as a giant dog).   The three upper drawers consist of scrolling rose thorns and buds. The interiors are lined in deep buttoned blood red velvet.   The baroque rose motif is used again where they seem to crawl up and across the table top frame giving the feeling time has stopped like an overgrown grave. So, gone is the humble and battered desk of Stokers time, replaced by an ornate piece of art that certainly lives up to the gothic nature of its history. Hopefully some of the desks mysterious powers remain intact beneath all those coats of varnish, least of which is its uncanny ability to escape bonfires and garbage heaps. The Dracula desk can be yours, courtesy of the Profiles in History Hollywood Auction for a mere $60,000 to $80,000. Look for it on sale between December 15th-16th. Happy Halloween eNoters!

Molodova I - Paleolithic Mammoth Bone Hut in Ukraine

Molodova I - Paleolithic Mammoth Bone Hut in Ukraine The Middle and Upper Paleolithic site of Molodova (sometimes spelled Molodovo) is located on the Dniester River in the Chernovtsy (or Chernivtsi) province of Ukraine, between the Dniester river and the Carpathian mountains. Molodova I has five Middle Paleolithic Mousterian occupations (called Molodova 1-5), three Upper Paleolithic occupations and one Mesolithic occupation. The Mousterian components are dated to 44,000 RCYBP, based on charcoal radiocarbon from a hearth. Microfauna and palynological data connect the layer 4 occupations with Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 (ca 60,000-24,000 years ago). Archaeologists believe that the stone tool strategies appear to be either Levallois or transitional to Levallois, including points, simple side scrapers and retouched blades, all of which argues that Molodova I was occupied by Neanderthals using a Mousterian tradition tool kit. Artifacts and Features at Molodova I Artifacts from the Mousterian levels at Molodova include 40,000 flint artifacts, including over 7,000 stone tools. The tools are characteristic of typical Mousterian, but lack bifacial forms. They are blades with marginal retouch, retouched side-scrapers and retouched Levallois flakes. Most of the flint is local, from the Dniester river terrace. Twenty-six hearths were identified at Molodova I, varying in diameter from 40x30 centimeters (16x12 inches) to 100x40 cm (40x16 in), with ashy lenses varying from 1-2 cm thick. Stone tools and burned bone fragments were recovered from these hearths. Approximately 2,500 mammoth bones and bone fragments have been recovered from Molodova I layer 4 alone. Living at Molodova The Middle Paleolithic level 4 covers 1,200 square meters (about 13,000 square feet) and includes five areas, including a pit filled with bones, an area with engraved bones, two concentrations of bones and tools, and a circular accumulation of bones with tools in its center. Recent studies (Demay in press) have focused on this last feature which was originally characterized as a mammoth bone hut. However, recent re-investigations of mammoth bone settlements in central Europe have confined the use dates to between 14,000-15,000 years ago: if this was a mammoth bone settlement (MBS), it is older by some 30,000 years than the majority of the others: Molodova currently represents the only Middle Paleolithic MBS discovered to date. Because of the discrepancy in dates, scholars have interpreted the ring of bones as either a hunting blind, a natural accumulation, a circular symbolic ring bound to Neanderthal beliefs, a wind break for a long term occupation, or the result of humans returning to the area and pushing away the bones from the living surface. Demay and colleagues argue that the structure was purposefully built as protection from cold climate in an open environment and, along with the pit features, that makes Molodova an MBS. The ring of bones measured 5x8 meters (16x26 feet) inside and 7x10 m (23x33 ft) externally. The structure included 116 complete mammoth bones, including 12 skulls, five mandibles, 14 tusks, 34 pelves and 51 long bones. The bones represent at least 15 individual mammoths, and included both male and female, both adults and juveniles. Most of the bones appear to have been intentionally selected and assembled by Neanderthals to build a circular structure. A large pit located 9 m (30 ft) from the circular structure contained the majority of non-mammoth bones from the site. But, most importantly, mammoth bones from the pit and dwelling structure have been linked as coming from the same individuals. The bones in the pit show cut marks from butchering activities. Molodova and Archaeology Molodova I was discovered in 1928, and first excavated by I.G. Botez and N. N. Morosan between 1931 and 1932. A.P. Chernysch continued excavations between 1950 and 1961, and again in the 1980s. Detailed site information in English has only recently become available. Sources This glossary entry is a part of the About.com guide to Middle Paleolithic, and the Dictionary of Archaeology. Demay L, PÃ ©an S, and Patou-Mathis M. in press. Mammoths used as food and building resources by Neanderthals: Zooarchaeological study applied to layer 4, Molodova I (Ukraine). Quaternary International(0). Meignen, L., J.-M. Genest, L. Koulakovsaia, and A. Sytnik. 2004. Koulichivka and its place in the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition in eastern Europe. Chapter 4 in The Early Upper Paleolithic Beyond Western Europe, P.J. Brantingham, S.L. Kuhn, and K. W. Kerry, eds. University of California Press, Berkeley. Vishnyatsky, L.B. and P.E. Nehoroshev. 2004. The beginning of the Upper Paleolithic on the Russian Plain. Chapter 6 in The Early Upper Paleolithic Beyond Western Europe, P.J. Brantingham, S.L. Kuhn, and K. W. Kerry, eds. University of California Press, Berkeley.

The Election Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Election - Essay Example According to The New York Times, for republicans, the surefire pickups are Montana and West Virginia, and to some extent Dakota too. Kentucky and Arkansas are also likely to be republican giving the republicans 47 sure seats. States like Iowa, Colorado and Iowa, seem to be leaning towards republicans giving them 50 sure seats. Therefore, my guess is that republicans will secure at least 50 senate seats. If my guess is to be based on the statistics going round on the internet, then it is clear that the GOP candidate Terri Lynn Land is going to loose. According to an article found on Detroit news, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is considering thinning its funding support for her campaign race, additionally, most polls conducted show that she is well behind her competitor Democratic Congressman Gary Peters. According to a poll conducted for The Detroit News and WDIV (Channel 4), Gary Peter leads Terry Lynn 44 percent to 35 percent (Livengood). A more recent poll shows that the gap has further widened with the democratic congressman building a commanding 15 percent point lead over republican Terri Lynn (Spangler). Based on this information I would guess that Terry Lynn Land will receive around 30 percent of the votes and average of the probable polls taking into consideration factors such as margins of error and voter’s tendency to side with the winning team James Robert Redford, because of his impressive resume that encompasses the time he served with The Navy Judge Advocate General Corps, as well as his current position as a Navy Reserve. He is also widely considered efficient in the courtroom and is admired widely for his integrity, collegiality and judicial temperament. He is also a strong advocate for fairness in the courtroom. David Viviano, this is for the reason that he has on numerous occasions proven to be a capable judge, and also insightful. He is also a strong