Netflix distraction Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Netflix distraction - Research Paper Example There are differing view on the subject where a few argue that distractions are quite unhealthy for humans and must be avoided to pertain one`s focus, however, others argue that what makes the humans different from robots are these distractions which turn out to play the role of replenishing the humans out of their dull busy routines. In this context, Freud may be quoted, since he is considered to be the father of psychoanalysis. He was of the view that human happiness is concerned with avoiding pain and pursuing pleasures; and the best way to achieve that is through distractions. These distractions may be perceived as a vacation away from routine, some refreshing music, a movie, venting out with peers, talking a long walk or other activities which may take one`s mind off from the routine. Nowadays, with the incorporation of technology in almost every aspect of social life, especially with the advent of digital media, distraction is more often being considered as divulgence in the di gital life. For this reason, the paper will use Netflix as a positive distraction to expand upon the significance of Netflix as an aspect of life which isn`t just undeniable, rather proves to be quite healthy for the human body. In this context, it is crucial to understand distractions in general and their placement in the human behavioral patterns. Distraction can actually be quite a useful tool once an individual is off to the baseline. Especially when distressful situations are at play, one must converge towards distractions in an attempt to avoid permanent damage to the system. The tools which the psychologists recommend in such a scenario are related towards positive reflections, body sensations, bringing a change in one`s routine and divulging in constructively distracting behavior. However, distraction must not be confused with meaningless endeavors for long intervals. Rather, distraction by virtue of

Indigenous peoples in Australia Essay Example for Free

Indigenous peoples in Australia Essay Indigenous Peoples of Australia is categorized into two groups namely, the Aboriginal People and the Torres Strait Islanders (Sharp). Aboriginal peoples are said to be the group of IP’s, who became the first settlers in mainland Australia. The Torres Strait Islanders are the ones who are originally the inhabitants of the region between Australia and New Guinea. Indigenous Australians include a very diverse communities and societies across the whole Australia. Studies and researches show that there is an approximately 200 languages that are native to the Indigenous Australians and 20 of these languages are still being spoken up to now in Australia (Sharp). The majority of the Indigenous Australians resides in the south east near the Murray River. Indigenous Peoples in South Africa The African region has been termed as home for the majority of indigenous peoples (Clark). North and South Africa are comprised of indigenous communities which are also divided into several subgroups. Though hunting, gathering and pastoral means are the most basic means used by the indigenous peoples in Africa, some indigenous communities have already learned the agricultural system. As mentioned, the diverse indigenous communities in both North and South Africa are grouped not on the basis of their chronological subsistence but on the basis of their common characteristics in terms of cultural inclinations and lifestyle. Mining Operations in Australia and South Africa South Africa and Australia rank second and third respectively as the world’s top producers of gold (Indigenous Community Organisations and Miners, 2007). While gold is the second outstanding export product of Australia, it is the biggest export product of South Africa. It is undeniable that mining in both Australia and South Africa helps the two in advancing and maintaining good economic standings. However, other issues like human rights violations have been reportedly committed because of the mining operations in South Africa and Australia. On the other hand, South Africa and Australia have different cases in terms of the developments regarding the alleviation of human rights violations through mining operations. In Australia, the government devises a strategic approach which aims to reconcile the mining companies and the indigenous peoples (The Mining Ombudsman, 2007). As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the mining companies, they are obligated by the law to come up with humanitarian programs that which are directed towards the promotion of the welfare of the indigenous peoples in Australia. Mining companies conducted seminars, conferences and workshops that which enables the indigenous peoples know how mining projects operate and how could they help the indigenous peoples improve their everyday living. Through these programs and projects, the rights of the Indigenous Australians are being upheld in such a way that they are set towards progress and development together with the mining corporations. However, in the case of the mining operations in South Africa, there is a lack of consideration given to the indigenous peoples. The mining companies in South Africa have been reportedly accused of exploiting the natural resources within the habitats of the indigenous peoples in South Africa (Communities take shine off, 2006). Environmental degradation, displacement of the indigenous peoples from their residences, and health hazards brought about by the mining operations are among the issues raised by the indigenous communities (Communities take shine off, 2006). Their rights as people are being neglected in such way that the mining activities cause harm on their part. Many forests are deforested and the wild life is severely threatened. It is to be noted that most of the indigenous peoples in South Africa live on uplands as well as near forests. The destruction of these forests signals the destruction of their homes too. Thus, in order to safeguard their rights for these natural resources (as their homes and source of food and others), protection and preservation of the environment should also be considered by the government as well as the mining corporations. In addition, there is also a treat to the health of the indigenous peoples caused by the toxic and other wastes products that are being secreted during mining activities (Communities take shine off, 2006). Water contamination and lead poisoning are some of the health hazards that are caused by mining. Lastly, cultural degradation is also said to occur in indigenous communities because mining devastates certain sites which are sacred and ceremonial for the indigenous peoples. Conclusion Though, mining serves the economic growth of Australia and South Africa, it does not change the fact that it brings certain disadvantages towards the people particularly on the indigenous peoples. The main difference between the impact of the mining operations on the indigenous communities in Australia and South Africa is that in Australia the government and the mining companies are aware of the fact that they should consider the well-being of the indigenous peoples whereas in South Africa the government and the mining corporations lacks awareness and cooperation to resolve the conflict between the indigenous peoples and the mining operations. Works Cited Maybury-Lewis, David. Indigenous Peoples, Ethnic Groups, and the State. Second ed. Allyn and Bacon, 2001. Sharp, Anne. Indigenous Peoples of the World – Australia. First ed. Lucent Books, 2002. Clark, Domini. South Africa the People. Crabtree Publishing Company, 1999. â€Å"The Mining Ombudsman. † 2007. Oxfam Australia. 09 November 2007 http://www. oxfam. org. au/campaigns/mining/ombudsman/. â€Å"Indigenous Community Organisations and Miners: Partnering Sustainable Regional Development. † 14 February 2007. The Australian National University. 09 November 2007 http://www. anu. edu. au/caepr/mining. php. â€Å"Communities take shine off platinum players in South Africas Bushveld. † 19 May 2006. Mines and Communities. 09 November 2007 http://www. minesandcommunities. org/Action/press1099. htm.

Project Report On Brand HP Commerce Essay

Project Report On Brand HP Commerce Essay IT is forging ahead in the country and a wave of optimism continues to wash the industry current market scenarios present a perfect opportunity for IT industry. The Indian IT industry has been competing till now on its ability to reverse engineer the products, that are produced by international companies offer years of research to sale them at cheaper prices however the Indian IT companies have to develop their capacity in basic research to produce original molecules. Compton established in 1993, is a strong teaming of 45 IT professionals and prosperity for its customers. To make lives smoother with latest breakthrough in technology, enabling our customers to perform day to day jobs with speed and spending time saved on more important aspects of business or life. Compton is premium business partner for HP-Compaq and main focus as been to bring new technologies to Homes and Offices. HP Premium Business Partner is a rare status in HP. We have successfully finished several turnkey projects encompassing hardware, software and training on complete solutions Our main product line is PCs, Laptops, Palmtops, Projectors, Printers, Scanners, Laser Printer, Plotter, All in ones, TFT screens, Digital Solutions, PC Maintenance, Networking, Intranet Solutions. Compton specializes in bringing complete IT solutions to our customers. Let our customer be a mid-size corporate, or a SOHO user or a home user we try to go beyond customers expectations. Our service backup facility and well trained team is our main strength. Compton as a team thrives to reach out to our customers through our distribution channel. We wish to take our services globally with unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. We wish to move forward with strong base of values, values that keep interest of our internal and external customers first without compromise. CONTENT:- Topics Page no. INTRODUCTION 6 1.1 HISTORY 6 OBJECTIVE 7 2.1 PRIMARY OBJECTIVE 7 2.2 OTHER OBJECTIVES 7 2.3 FOCUS 7 2.4 CULTURE FOLLOWED 9 2.5 DIVERSITY 9 2.6 AD CAMPAIGNS 9 RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES 12 HP CORPORATE MARKETING 12 SIGNIFICANCE OF BRAND HP 12 MADE FOR INDIA MARKETING 13 PRODUCT LINE OF HP 14 CONCLUSION 15 RFERENCE 16 INTRODUCTION The Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE: HPQ) commonly known as HP is an American multinational computer hardware, software firm and is considered as one of the largest Information Technology corporation headquartered in Palo Alto, California, United States. It provides products, technologies, software, solutions and services to consumers, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises, including customers in the government, health and education sectors. HP is the worlds leading PC manufacturer. It specializes in developing and manufacturing computing, data storage, and networking hardware, designing software and delivering services. HP also has strong services and consulting business around its products and partner products. HISTORY:- HP was founded on January 1, 1939 as a manufacturer of test and measurement instruments by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard who graduated with degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1935. The company originated in a garage in nearby Palo Alto during a fellowship they had with a past professor, Frederick Terman at Stanford during the Great Depression. Terman was considered a mentor to them in forming Hewlett-Packard. In 1939, Packard and Hewlett established Hewlett-Packard (HP) in Packards garage with an initial capital investment of US$538. Hewlett and Packard tossed a coin to decide whether the company they founded would be called Hewlett-Packard or Packard-Hewlett, Packard won the coin toss but named their manufacturing enterprise the Hewlett-Packard Company. HP incorporated on August 18, 1947, and went public on November 6, 1957. Their first product was a precision audio oscillator, the Model HP200A. Their innovation was the use of a small night-light bulb as a temperature dependent resistor in a critical portion of the circuit. This allowed them to sell the Model 200A for $54.40 when competitors were selling less stable oscillators for over $200. The Model 200 series of generators continued until at least 1972 as the 200AB, still tube-based but improved in design through the years. At 33 years, it was perhaps the longest-selling basic electronic design of all time. One of the companys earliest customers was Walt Disney Productions, which bought eight Model 200B oscillators (at $71.50 each) for use in certifying the Fantasound surround sound systems installed in theaters for the movie Fantasia. OBJECTIVE Primary Objectives:- To find out the attributes that enhance the customer value by providing better service to them and know how to motivate the more people towards IT. The Project required carrying out the comparative study of prices across Brands and Models also to carry out another comparative study of Margins of Dealers and Wholesalers. This would be done by finding out the Market Operating Price at which they are making deals and the volume of discounts offered by them. Then apart from studying the dealers a study of consumer buying behaviors was also required for the specific brands. This was done by making comparative study of HP along with other brands, in terms of consumer preference. Also dealers perspectives about the brand are also to be considered along with this the effect of prices on brand preference of the models. In the research we also tried to study consumer behavior for all the brands and also the dealers perception about the market of Home PCs, Laptops, Printers, PSC, Scanner, and TFT. For this Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning of various brands on recall, believability, association, final purchase. Other Objectives:- à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To know the brand recall by customers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To know the reason why people prefer HP (Hewlett-Packard) brand. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To increase the sales volume. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To give the customer satisfaction and also get the references from them. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To know which factor is important for customer before buying any IT product. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To illicit suggestion for better positioning for HP product. Focus:- The company was originally rather unfocused, working on a wide range of electronic products for industry and even agriculture. Eventually they elected to focus on high-quality electronic test and measurement equipment. Throughout the 1940s to well into the 1990s the company focused on making signal generators, voltmeters, oscilloscopes, counters, and other test equipment. Their distinguishing feature was pushing the limits of measurement range and accuracy. For instance, almost every HP voltmeter or signal generator has one or more extra clicks of its knobs than its competitors. HP voltmeter or ammeters would measure down and up an extra 10 to 100 times the units of other meters. Although there were good reasons why competing meters stopped at 1 volt full scale, HP engineers figured out ways of extending the range of their equipment by a considerable amount. They also focused on extreme accuracy and stability, leading to a wide range of very accurate, precise, and stable frequency co unters, voltmeters, thermometers, and time standards. During the sixties and seventies:- HP is recognized as the symbolic founder of Silicon Valley, although it did not actively investigate semiconductor devices until a few years after the Traitorous Eight had abandoned William Shockley to create Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957. Hewlett-Packards HP Associates division, established around 1960, developed semiconductor devices primarily for internal use. Instruments and calculators were some of the products using these devices. HP is acknowledged by wired magazine as the producer of the worlds first personal computer, in 1968, the Hewlett-Packard 9100A. HP called it a desktop calculator because, as Bill Hewlett said, If we had called it a computer, it would have been rejected by our customers computer gurus because it didnt look like an IBM. We therefore decided to call it a calculator and all such nonsense disappeared. An engineering triumph at the time, the logic circuit was produced without any integrated circuits; the assembly of the CPU having been entirely executed in discrete components. With CRT readout, magnetic card storage, and printer the price was around $5000. The company earned global respect for a variety of products. They introduced the worlds first handheld scientific electronic calculator in 1972 (the HP-35), the first handheld programmable in 1974 (the HP-65), the first alphanumeric, programmable, expandable in 1979 (the HP-41C), and the first symbolic and graphing calculator HP-28C. Like their scientific and business calculators, their oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other measurement instruments have a reputation for sturdiness and usability (the latter products are now part of spin-off Agilents product line). The companys design philosophy in this period was summarized as design for the guy at the next bench. In the eighties and beyond:- In 1984, HP introduced both inkjet and laser printers for the desktop. Along with its scanner product line, these have later been developed into successful multifunction products, the most significant being single-unit printer/scanner/copier/fax machines. The print mechanisms in HPs tremendously popular LaserJet line of laser printers depend almost entirely on Canons components (print engines), which in turn use technology developed by Xerox. HP develops the hardware, firmware, and software that convert data into dots for the mechanism to print. In 1987, the Palo Alto garage where Hewlett and Packard started their business was designated as a California State historical landmark. In the 1990s, HP expanded their computer product line, which initially had been targeted at university, research, and business customers, to reach consumers. Later in the decade HP opened hpshopping.com as an independent subsidiary to sell online, direct to consumers; the store was rebranded HP Home Home Office Store in 2005. HP also grew through acquisitions, buying Apollo Computer in 1989, Convex Computer in 1995, and Compaq in 2002. Compaq itself had bought Tandem Computers in 1997 (which had been started by ex-HP employees), and Digital Equipment Corporation in 1998. Following this strategy HP became a major player in desktops, laptops, and servers for many different markets. Culture followed:- The founders, known to friends and employees alike as Bill and Dave, developed a unique management style that has come to be known as the HP Way. In Bills words, the HP Way is a core ideology . . . [that] includes a deep respect for the individual, a dedication to affordable quality and reliability, a commitment to community responsibility, and a view that the company exists to make technical contributions for the advancement and welfare of humanity. Diversity:- Hewlett-Packard received a 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index released by the Human Rights Campaign starting in 2003, the second year of the report. In addition, the company was named one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers in 2004 by Working Mothers magazine. Hewlett-Packard is also involved in the NEPAD e-school program to provide all schools in Africa with computers and internet access. Ad campaigns:- Hewlett-Packard has used a number of innovative commercials to sell its products. Like You + HP: digital photography. A television ad campaign for Hewlett-Packards digital photography (titled You + HP: digital photography) has been noted for its simple special effects and choice of music. It won Campaign of the Year from Adweek magazine in 2004. Songs used in You + HP Campaign: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Picture Book by The Kinks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Out of the Picture by The Robins à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Pictures of You by The Cure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The Rainbow by The Apples in Stereo à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Across the Universe by The Beatles Acquisitions:- Data Systems, Inc. A small 5-person company called Data Systems, Inc. Owned by a chemical manufacturer, Union Carbide, who failed in their diversification efforts, HP bought the group and this helped to launch the HP 2116A in 1966. A computer designed to automate the collection and processing of data from the companys test and measurement devices, it marked HPs entry into the growing computer industry. Apollo In 1989, HP Acquired Apollo computer for $476 million. HP was able to achieve a growth in market share after the merger; with the market at the time valued at $4.1 billion and the fastest-growing area of the market. VeriFone On April 23, 1997, HP announced plans to acquire VeriFone, the leading provider of card-swipe terminals on retail countertops to approve purchases, in a $1.18 billion stock swap. On May 10, 2001, Gores Technology Group acquired VeriFone from HP. Bluestone On January 18, 2001, HP acquired Bluestone Software, Inc., a leading provider of B2B, B2C, and wireless open platform solutions. Indigo On March 22, 2002, HP acquired Indigo N.V., a leader in digital offset color printing systems. Compaq On May 3, 2002, Hewlett-Packard merged with Compaq Computer Corporation, a controversial move intended to make the company the personal computing leader. The merger opposition was led by Walter Hewlett, son of HP founder William Hewlett. Snapfish On April 15, 2005, HP acquired Snapfish, a leading online photo service based in San Francisco, California, USA. AppIQ In October of 2005, Hewlett-Packard acquired the private company AppIQ (short for Application IQ). The company was founded in 2001 by Ash Ashutosh and David Chang, and offered several digital storage solutions. The company had employed up to 235 people by June 2005. OuterBay On February 7, 2006, HP agreed to acquire OuterBay, a leading provider of archiving software for enterprise applications and databases. OuterBay is headquartered in Cupertino, California, USA, with offices in the US, UK, and India. Silverwire On June 6, 2006, HP announced it was acquiring Silverwire Holding AG, a commercial digital photography solutions and software provider with a strong presence in the retail photo market. Silverwire is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. Mercury Interactive On July 25, 2006, HP announced plans to acquire Mercury Interactive (MERQ.PK), a company that provides Business Technology Optimization software (i.e. software that helps a company govern, develop and maintain its technology stack). This acquisition is expected to occur in Q4 2006 and will result in an HP software business of around $2 billion. VoodooPC On September 28, 2006, HP announced it will expand its presence in the gaming market by acquiring VoodooPC, a maker of high-performance gaming, luxury, and entertainment PCs based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This acquisition is expected to close by November 2006. Competitors:- Major competitors of HP in the computer business include Apple Computer, Dell, Gateway, Lenovo (Purchased IBMs Non-server Personal Computer Business), Sony and Toshiba. Major competitors of HP in the server business include Sun Microsystems, IBM and Dell. Major competitors of HP in the printer business include Brother, Canon, Epson, Lexmark and Dell (who rebrands and repackages Lexmark products) Outsourcing:- In 1994, HP decided to outsource its manufacturing to third-party vendors and oversea countries to lower costs and raise profits. Today, desktop computers are assembled in Guadalajara, Mexico where HP employs approximately 1,500 workers. Notebook computers are assembled in China from third-party vendors. Servers and workstations are still assembled in the United States. In 2003, HP had 140,000 employees worldwide. Under HPs current restructuring program, HP began reducing its workforce to lower its costs. By 2006, HP experienced a record profit of $1.5 billion in just one quarter. RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES MARKETING STRATEGY HP Corporate Marketing:- HP is a company unlike any other. They serve everyone from consumers to small and mid-sized businesses to enterprises to public sector customers with an extensive portfolio of market leading solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of each customer segment. They focus on helping people apply technology in meaningful ways to their businesses, personal lives and communities. Their annual RD investment of nearly $4 billion fuels the invention of products, solutions and new technologies, to serve customers better and enter new markets. They produce an average of 11 patents a day worldwide. In addition to the RD and innovation in their product and services groups, HP labs provides a central research function for the company focused on inventing new technologies to improve the customers lives, change markets and create business opportunities. Source: Technology Business Research, Inc., Oct. 26, 2004 Millions of people around the world use HP technology every day. They are largest consumer IT company, the worlds largest SMB IT company and leading enterprise IT company. For more than 100 million cell phone subscribers, it is HP software that identifies them when they turn on their own phones and allows them to place calls. HP powers 100 of the worlds stock and commodity exchanges, including the NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE and 14 of the worlds largest trading markets. In response to customer needs and the changing market conditions, they have built a portfolio unequaled in the industry. HP technology now ranges from consumer handled devices all the way to some of the worlds largest and most powerful supercomputer installations. Their strategy is to offer products, services and solutions that are high tech, low cost and deliver the best customer experience. They have dynamic, powerful team of 150,000 employees for the fiscal year that ended Oct 31, 2005 HP has corporate headquarters in Palo Alto, California. HP has a significant in all market they serve:- Consumer Our consumer business has leadership in handhelds, notebooks, printers and cameras focused on delivering simple, rewarding experience to millions of customers. Small and Medium Business Working with local reseller partners, HP serves business customers worldwide to provide specialized expertise, a complete portfolio of products, solutions and services. They have market- leading positions in datacenter and office computing, and the imaging and printing market. Enterprise The enterprise segment draws from Hips full portfolio of products, services and solutions. We collaborate with large customers to build an Adaptive Enterprise helping them achieve more simplicity, agility and value across their organization. We are No. 1 or No. 2 in all three server based operating environments, and we hold top positions in enterprise storage and IT services management. Public sector, health education With more than 60 years of experience serving the technology needs of the public sector, HP brings the full breadth of its portfolio and alliances to help governments, educators, healthcare providers and others working in the public interest to lower their costs, increase efficiencies and serve their citizens, businesses and government agencies better. Their Key Words Doing well by doing good As proud as they are of their capabilities, they are equally proud of their people, standards and values, and deep commitment to global citizenship. Since our first year in business in 1939, HP has given back to communities through philanthropic donations of money, equipment and time. While the scale and reach of business have changed in 66 years. The challenge is to continue to shape the impact of corporations as a constructive force, using our heritage and our actions as tool for doing so. Made for India Marketing:- Brands and Marketing were traditionally dominated by the US, Germany and Japan. In Interbrands global brand scorecard, 14 of the top 20 global brands are US brands (HP is 12 by the way). Consulting firms, advertising agencies and market intelligence companies were primarily based in these countries. Product marketers worked in those three countries; they catered to the local customer needs and created products for those markets that would be then exported with little differentiation to the rest of the world. I was in Bangalore, India recently and I was struck by how much this could become the model of the past. I recommend reading Goldman Sachs excellent economic paper -Dreaming with BRICs: The Path to 2050. The report predicted in 2003 that in less than 40 years, the BRICs economies (Brazil, India, China, Russia) together could be larger than the G6 (top 6 economies in the world) in US dollar terms. By 2025, they could account for over half the size of the G6. Of the current G6, only the US and Japan may be among the six largest economies in US dollar terms in 2050. The recent trends and stats from the BRIC countries indicate that this prediction is accelerating and things may happen sooner. Products will need to be developed specifically for the customer needs in those countries, campaigns will be tailored to local tastes and Marketing will happen increasingly first in those markets and then get exported to the rest of the world, even for US brands. Nokia, which is the only company in the top 20 brands that is not based in any of the three countries, is a great example of this trend (Nokia is based in Finland). Nokia started operations in India in 1995. In 2005, India is among the top 5 markets for Nokia worldwide. Nokia has developed major efforts in adapting its products and advertising to the specificities and tastes of the Indian market: 1998- Indian ringtone 2000- First Hindi User Interface 2002 -First Hindi text input -2003- First Made for India phone (Nokia 1100) 2004 -Hindi SMS campaign 2005 -Local User interface in additional local languages If you consider the forecasts of the Goldman Sachs report, India and China will represent soon 2 of the top 3 markets for most technology products. This will have significant consequences on marketing resource strategies as these markets evolve from low cost offshoring tactics to local strategic marketing talent hiring. This clearly highlights the imperative to re-think the core competencies of US-based Marketing and evolve marketers skills accordingly. Product line of HP:- HP has ventured into various products in different categories. Some of them are as follows 1 Printer:- 5 Desktop computers:- 1.1 LaserJet printers (color and monochrome) 5.1 Compaq Presario Desktop 1.2 ColorJet printers 5.2 HP Pavilion 1.3 Officejet All-in-one printers 1.8 Designjet Printers 6 Plotters 1.9 Deskjet printers 7 Pocket calculators 2 Digital Cameras:- 2.1 Original line 8 Blade Systems 2.2 HP E-series 2.3 HP M-series 9 Personal notebooks 2.4 HP R-series 9.1 Pavilion notebooks 9.2 Compaq Presario 3 Scanners:- 9.3 HP Mini 3.1 Scanjet series 3.2 Film scanners 10 Workstations 4 Mobile phones 11 Servers CONCLUSION The Indian I.T. market currently appears to be at a crossroads, where I.T.marketers are attempting to change the customer perceptions of their brands in the specific buying motivations appear to be replacing generalities. This meanwhile is quite unlike the west where buyers consider, aesthetics, comfort and safety, not necessarily in that order. Before finalizing a purchase. Its smarter to think about emotions and attitudes if marketers are to do a better job of marrying what are HP offers to the consumers image of the offerings. The mindset of the Indian Consumer is such that he is delighted if he buys the pen, a little cheaper than his neighbour. Things are, however, a slowly changing and customers at the upper end of market are now ready pay more for more. I hope that this approach will soon enter the new era, may be not with the same intensity. Success will largely determine to the extent a company can differentiate itself in terms of intangibles that grow with the product. In 1973 HP becomes the first US company to institute the flexible working hours or flex time. Under the program, HP employees can begin work at any time during a two hour period and leave after completing an 8 hrs. workday. The purpose, as explained by Bill, is to gain more time for family leisure, conduct personal business, and avoid traffic jams or to satisfy other individual needs. HP introduces the first electronic calculator to print Japanese characters. The model 9810 desktop calculators are marketed in Japan by Yokogawa Hewlett-Packard.

Religion :: essays research papers

â€Å"If God did not exist, would it be necessary to invent him?† This question deals with the necessity of God himself. It asks us to imagine that there is no knowledge about any superhuman being, such as God. It makes me think about weather or not we would be inclined to want something like God. I am forced to think of how important God is in my own life, and how important God is in the rest of the world. There is no doubt in my mind, that if God did not exist, people all around the world would at some point or another wonder why they were put on earth. Therefore, a being beyond human abilities would have created the world. After reflecting on this, minds would automatically assume the existence of some superhuman being.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I think it would be necessary to invent God, if he did not already exist. We try to control our lives, by material means, but when we find that we cannot control everything by ourselves and by our own material means, we search for something that can control these things. We look for an answer to questions that we cannot answer ourselves. For example, when someone who believes in God has a series of bad situations, such as a divorce, a death in the family, and a loss of their job, they would automatically pray for a brighter future as they feel that God is the only way in which they can be saved. If God did not exist, then humans would feel they were in the dark, not knowing how to deal with certain situations. Inventing a God in this situation would allow light to be shed on these situations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  God is something that many people live for and center their lives around. When someone believes in God they receive a sense of inner peace from God and allow themselves to use this peace to interact with others. In reality, I see God in everyone and everything, but I also see unnecessary hatred. Looking at the way in which we interact with each other now, with the belief of God present, I notice that our relations are nowhere near perfect. I figure that without God the world would be unimaginably, even worse. Though people learn to respect others through experience, the basis of this concept comes from God. Weather it is Buddha, Alla or Jesus Christ, the love for one another is a major theme with such gods.

Human Trafficking in Africa Essay

Human trafficking is not a new phenomenon. It has historically taken different forms but always new dimensions. Human trafficking is a complex phenomenon that is multi-faceted and which involves several stakeholders both at the institutional as well as commercial level. Research reveals that up to 900 000 people are trafficked every year around the globe (Adepoju 2005). Human trafficking is rated as third in terms of the biggest profit earners (at about $7 billion) after drugs and armaments for international organised crime. It is described as a global business that is demand driven because of the huge market for commercial sex and cheap labour that are tackled by policy frameworks that are either insufficient or unexercised. The number of trained people to prevent this vice is also insufficient. Traffickers understand that while they can make profit only once on drugs, the same person can be sold overt and over again earning them infinite profit. Studies also show that the primary victims of human trafficking are women and children (Adepoju et al. , 2008). According to Hagen (2004), these victims are primarily sold into forced marriage, sexual slavery or various forms of debt bondage and forced labour. Adepoju (2005) explains that poverty is the key driving force for the supply of humans for trafficking. Other forces include poor education standards as well as lack of employment that make people vulnerable to traffickers (Adepoju 2005). The human trafficking industry which is responding to the escalating demands for cheap and malleable labour as well as an increasingly expanding sex industry that has been globalised assures a ready supply to meet that demand (Altman 2003). According to statistics, developing and third world countries such as those in Asia and Africa are more prone to human trafficking and in fact report highest incidences of this vice (Coday 2003). The rate of human trafficking is said to be escalating in Africa as years pass by. South, west and Central Africa report the highest incidences of human trafficking. War torn areas in other regions such as eastern Africa are also reported to experience higher rates of child trafficking (Sita 2003). Factors that Contribute to Human Trafficking in Africa Poverty has been cited as the primary cause of human trafficking in the world. In Africa, it is worse as most people live in poverty. Poverty as a result of unemployment, poor education and war increases the vulnerability of population to the deceptions of human traffickers. According to (Fitzgibbon (2003), human traffickers target poor people with promises of better job opportunities and employment in the places they bare going to. Destitute families who are not able to provide support to their children are in fact most vulnerable to traffickers’ persuasion to sell them or hire them out (Mooney, Knox & Schacht 2008). Girls, who are perceived to be the weaker gender in Africa are the most susceptible to commercial exploitation. Because of the desperation and desire to end their situations, poor people are easily convinced by traffickers either through deception of better jobs or convincing of families to sell out their children for a certain amount of money (Fitzgibbon 2003). Poverty contributes largest to multinational trafficking as vulnerable persons are promised of greater things in European and Asian (particularly the Middle East) countries. Gender discrimination is also widespread in Africa and is one of the factors contributing to the high rates of human trafficking in the region. It denies women of their rights making them defenceless against such vices (Truong 2006). Gender discrimination is also characterised by attitudes that perceive women and girls to be inferior and weak encouraging their objectification (Masika 2002). This objectification and tolerance of violence against women as a result of gender discrimination support the existence and continued trafficking practices that deliver women and girls into in atrocious working conditions (Truong 2006) Africa also happens to be one of the most affected regions by the effects of HIV AIDS and in particular orphanage. AIDS has been identified as one of the factors that contribute to the escalating human trafficking in Africa mainly because of family disintegration it causes through death (Kristof 2000). Millions of African children have been orphaned by AIDS and left to live in poverty, fending for themselves with no one to look after them. Such children are very vulnerable to traffickers who deceive them with promises of better lives. In their innocence and desperation, orphaned children end up being victims of human trafficking trade (Beeks & Amir 2006). Child prostitution and normal prostitution as a result of poverty and orphanage is also prevalent in Africa (O’Connell & Sanchez 1996) Such women are more prone to emotional intimidation which makes them vulnerable and easily moved into the hands of traffickers (Kristof 2000). Such individuals are often trafficked for sexual exploitation abroad. Armed conflicts are also very common in most African countries. In addition to destroying livelihoods, armed conflicts destroy national economies and bring about mass population movements. The heightened insecurity during wars makes women and children more vulnerable and promotes dramatic survival tactics including prostitution (Martens et al. , 2003). During these tomes, women and children are often abducted into armed factions where children are used as armed soldiers and the women are sexually exploited (usually raped) (DeStefano 2007). These conflicts increase the number of orphans and widows. One of the endemic characteristics of armed conflicts is intensified poverty for survivors, particularly orphans, widows and those families that are headed by females. This increases the vulnerability of these groups to traffickers. Migration of people as a response to insecurity and armed conflict results creation of large refugee populations which expose the most vulnerable groups (Hollenbach 2008). African countries have also remained indifferent and lack domestic commitment to protection of those vulnerable to trafficking through awareness, legislation, information and training of the responsible authorities to provide the protection (Sita 2003). Most laws on human trafficking are lenient. Penalties for those found guilty of trafficking humans are not severe. In some countries such as Kenya, the maximum sentence one gets if found guilty of child trafficking is 15 years and sometimes these offenders are set free because of corruption that manifests itself in the region. It should be noted that human trafficking is a very lucrative business with estimated annual profits of up to $ 10 billion (Adepoju 2005). Such individuals get away freely in countries with corrupt systems which most in Africa unfortunately are. Most African countries have weak state structures which are as a result of the turmoil of transitional economies (Hart, 2009). Such structures encourage an environment that favours predatory criminal groups/organisations. Such economies are usually dominated by parallel structures that thrive through intimidation and fear which replace state security (Ciment & Shanty 2008). The fact that these networks are widespread and the perception that they have the ability to get even with victims and their families strengthens their underground nature making investigation difficult because of lack of evidence. Purpose of Human Trafficking People are trafficking for various purposes. Sexual exploitation is one of the main reasons as to why women and female children are trafficked. Other purposes include underpaid and exploitative forced labour in the manufacturing, agricultural, construction and mining industries (Adepoju 2005). Exploitative domestic labour is another reason. It has also been established that children and particularly infants are trafficked for organ harvesting. Strategies used Though the profiles of victims and traffickers vary, the tactics used to deceive, recruit, transport and later exploit the trafficked persons are similar. Victims are more often than not tempted (promised) plausible promises of income, employment and educational opportunities, and sometimes shelter or care within adoptive families in the countries they are being transported to (Marta 2008). Traffickers exploit income and opportunity disparities, poverty and effects of armed conflicts within the region. Case Studies South Africa has been identified as one of the African countries where human trafficking particularly of women and children is most common (Sita 2003). The country is argued to have a large market for the services of trafficked people both from regional as well as extra-regional locations (Cross & Gelderblom 2006). Armed conflict and related dislocation, food insecurity, political and economic turmoil, poor education and lack of employment opportunities, as well as the plight of affliction of the AIDS pestilence make the country a magnet that attracts human migration from all over the continent. Organised crime groups, refugee populations and local traffickers exploit this vulnerable population for agricultural and industrial labour, organ harvesting and sex industry (UNEP 2007). South Africa acts as a transit as well as source country for international market in human trafficking. As a transit hub, South Africa happens to offer direct flights to Asia and Europe. The escalating growth of human trafficking from Africa to the Middle East and Europe implies that South Africa along with other several African countries are already feeding multinational business. It has also been established that internal trafficking also does exist within the continent and the country (Pommerin 2009). According to a study conducted by IOM report (2003), nine distinct patterns of human trafficking have been identified in South Africa. They include trafficking of; women from countries that produce refugees to South Africa (SA), children from Lesotho to Eastern Free State of SA, women and girls from Mozambique to brothels in Kwa Zulu Natal and Gauteng, women from Malawi to SA itself overland and through it to Northern Europe, children (both girls and boys) from Malawi through SA to Northern Europe, women from China, Thailand and Eastern Europe to SA. There are certain factors that contribute to human trafficking in South Africa. According to reports, about 245, 000 children are being exploited for labour including commercial sex (prostitution) making them exposed and vulnerable to exploitation and deception of human traffickers. It is approximated that South Africa has at least 30, 000 children working as prostitutes. Once involved in such an environment, children are easily emotionally intimidated and physically pushed and trapped into trafficking. South Africa also happens to be the regional powerhouse, with a GDP that is almost four times greater than most its neighbours and representing approximately 25% of the entire continent’s GDP. The country is aenjoying a relatively constant economic growth making it an attractive destination for those seeking greener pastures in the region. Traditional migration patterns of labour from the neighbouring countries, the habit of children being sent to their relatives who are better situated in the country by their relatives to be raised and unregulated cross border regulations due to casual border procedures enhance human trafficking (Richards 2004). The capacity of South Africa’s security forces is also challenged by the expensive sea state borders (Pommerin 2009). Unemployment has also increased in the country as a result of retrenchment of migrant labourers from South Africa’s farms and mines in the recent past. This has increased poverty and desperation making the populations vulnerable to traffickers’ deception. Despite the country’s overall economic growth, poverty still is high in both rural and urban areas particularly amongst women and children and is the primary cause of trafficking of these groups. Influx of refugees is one of the practical effects of armed conflict in South Africa’s neighbouring states and extra-regional states. According to studies, refugees are another group that is vulnerable to trafficking because of their desperate situations. In spite of South Africa having a progressive constitution assures gender equality and protection of human rights, gender discrimination has not stopped making women susceptible to traffickers. For South Africa, the apartheid regime legacy is playing a great part in encouraging human trafficking and has to be deconstructed for this trade to stop. Just like most countries, South Africa is yet put in place legislation and policy that will ensure a continued established of a system that will comply with international norms and standards and reinforce responses that are locally and culturally appropriate. The country is however making efforts to curb this internationally prohibited trade. South Africa continues to participate in congresses and campaigns against human and child trafficking such as the First World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Stockholm in 1996. The country has also participated in the Terres des Hommes International Campaign against Child Trafficking which was launched in the year 2001 under Graca Machel and Desmond Tutu’s patronage. Subsequent to these events, several programmes such as social reintegration, protection, rehabilitation and awareness-building have been established. In spite of the government’s participation and efforts, human trafficking still remains a crucial problem in the country. According to Skinner (2010), prevention of this vice requires an integrated and multi-sectoral strategy that deals with migration and trafficking from an overall national as well as development policy perspective (Morehouse 2009). This author suggests exploration of an integrated approach to fighting trafficking through rights-based and gender-sensitive approaches to give livelihoods for women needs. According to him, it is poverty that drives the manifestation of human trafficking and elimination of poverty will help combat the vice. Other countries also report their share of human trafficking. In Eastern Africa, armed conflict between the government and the rebels of the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) has resulted to abduction of thousands of women and children by the rebels. Uganda is argued to be the supplier of trafficked children in the children. These children end up being recruited into rebel ranks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan (other areas experiencing armed conflicts). In West and Central Africa, six forms of child trafficking have been identified. They include abduction, giving poor parents money with the promise that their children will be well taken care of, bonded placement of children as repayment for debt, payment for a token sum for a certain duration, or as gift items, enrolment of the child by the parents for a fee by an agent for some work, usually domestic and deception of parents that they are enrolling their children for school, training or trade (Coluccello & Massey 2007).. Ghana, Burkinafaso, Benin, Togo and Mauritania are the main sources of child labour in the region. These are taken to Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Congo and Equatorial Guinea as domestic workers. Togolese girls are often trafficked into domestic markets while the boys are trafficked into agricultural work. In this region, poverty and ignorance played the greatest role as parents are either deceived that they are enrolling their children to school or paid some amount to hire their children out (. A considerable amount of Ghanaian women and children are often trafficked in the neighbouring countries for prostitution (Anarfi 1998). Most women in this region are trafficked to Europe where they are forced into prostitution. Italy, Spain, France, Germany, The UK, Sweden, UAE and Saudi Arabia are particularly known as destinations for trafficking women for prostitution and pornography (Anarfi 1998). Senegal is reported to be both a source as well as transit country for trafficking of women to South Africa, the Gulf States and Europe for prostitution. It is also a reported to be a destination country for children trafficked from Guinea Conakry and Mali. Women from Liberia, a war-torn country are forced to work as prostitutes in Mali while others are trafficked to Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and France. Mali is also reported to be a transit country for trafficking women from African Anglophone countries to Europe. Most of these women end up working in brothels abroad.

Principles of Scientific Management Essays

Principles of Scientific Management Essays Principles of Scientific Management Paper Principles of Scientific Management Paper Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856 1915), is said to be the father of scientific management. Taylors theories on efficient management emerged in a late 19th century/early 20th Century context when industries were experiencing rapid growth in both size and complexity. His concepts form the basis of modern management as we know it today. This essay will examine fundamental aspects of the Scientific Management movement, and will look at how these key ideas are implemented in the modern day context of a 21st Century organisation. The company I have chosen is Vodafone, a global firm with an operation in NZ. More specifically, I will be looking at the Vodafone Call Centre and its management practices. Key aspects I will cover include Taylors scientific research, designed to discover the most efficient one best way of working, and how this aligns with Vodafones means of establishing the best practice benchmark. I will discuss Taylors scientific selection and training method and Vodafones application of this approach. Other aspects such as the role of the manager, employee motivation and employee satisfaction within Vodafone will be covered, with close reference to the ideas of Taylorism. The conclusion will summarize my observations. Scientific research is the starting block of Taylors Scientific Management theory. In order to achieve Taylors principle objective of maximising prosperity for both the employer and employee (Allen, et al. 2002), extensive research must be carried out to discover the best method and most reasonable time the task should be allocated, the one best way. The most efficient worker in the company was selected, and then examined on task. All of his unnecessary movements were eliminated until the fastest rate of task completion was achieved. This technique is called time/motion study and was developed by both Taylor and Gilbreth (Wren, 1998). Through this scientific research, the First Class Man standard was established, to which all other workers were expected to meet on a daily basis (Allen, et al. 2003). At Vodafone, similar research is conducted by management to establish Best Practice. Information is sourced from Vodafone international and also from external companies with comparative roles. Hired consultants also provide research services to Vodafones call centre. From this information, customer statistics are derived, call cycles planned, and best practice (the Customer Service Representative [CSR] benchmark) is established. For example, multiple phone calls are timed and listened in on, and conclusions are then drawn by management as to which approaches and methods are most effective for the CSRs to use, relevant to different customer needs and personalities. One conclusion that has been drawn from this scientific research is that the time allowance of phone calls should be on average 4 min 10 sec. Best practice in the call centre is defined by four Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). First call resolution means resolving a customers issue in the first phone call, avoiding passing them around or having to call them back. The second KPI is Quality. CSRs phone calls are randomly listened in on by the manager who assesses performance. Next Best Activity refers to value adding. CSRs need to look up the customers profile and sell to them depending on their cellphone habits (for example, whether the customer texts or makes calls). The last KPI is retention, where managers analyse how well a CSR managers to retain a disgruntled customer. Taking into account Taylors research, the next step was to scientifically select, train and develop the most suitable workers for the respective task, rather than leaving the employee to autonomously adapt to their role (Melman, 2001). According to Taylor, everyone had the potential to perform at the first class standard for some job. It is the task of management to identify the most suitable job for each individual, and train them in that position (Allen, et al. 2002). At Vodafone, there is an entire management team solely devoted to training CSRs for call centre work. Their role includes running a 6 week induction training period of employees, including teaching the technology, sales plans, how to deal with difficult customers, how to engage customers and so on. They are trained to meet the benchmark established through Taylors research process. Part of the managers role is also to up skill existing employees based on their performance reviews. A 5-point rating scheme is used to assess performance, with one being a poor performer and five being outstanding. Taylors Scientific Management method requires managers to work closely with workers, developing and encouraging, as well as to evaluate their potential within their role. The manager must maximise a workers proficiency in their job, or failing this, must find the worker a better suited role within the company (Allen, et al. 2003). The managers role involves instruction cards, rosters, timekeeping and reporting. Workers productivity can then be analysed and compared, with high and low performers subsequently rewarded or punished (Melman, 2001). Vodafone call centre managers implement this method through daily, weekly and monthly reports. The Daily Dashboard includes and snapshot of the previous days KPI results, while weekly and monthly employee reports are more comprehensive, analysing performance, sick and annual leave figures, employee turnover and total quality results. If an employee is falling below 3 points in performance rating, the call centre manager will adopt Taylors approach, identifying the problems and fixing them in a process called performance managing. If the employee possesses good skills but is in the wrong job, secondments are offered, meaning the employee can be placed in another role for a fixed time to see how he/she operates in that role (for example, a telemarketer can work for three months in the faults service section). The Taylorist approach involves a distinct separation between the organisational structure, routine-technical planning, inspections and all other clerical work, and the labour itself. There is an equal share of work and responsibility given to manager and the labourer. While managers strategise and plan, workers actually perform the tasks (Allen, et al. 2002). Vodafone adopts this principle, and have numerous management teams who deal to different aspects of the company while the CSRs work on the phones. For example, management teams for training, forecasting customer activity, for statistics and research, development and employee satisfaction. Taylors primary method of motivation was monetary incentives. He claims that Scientific Management cannot work unless there are benefits for the worker. Tasks should be arranged in such a way that if a worker produces more, he can get paid more (Gabor, 2000). Additionally, rewards must be issued without delay, so the worker receives instant gratification and can tangibly measure the personal benefits of his labour (Taylor, 1967). Vodafone works on a pay-by-performance scheme, and salaries are increased or decreased at an annual review, depending on the individual workers quality performance record. Scholarships and international placements are among some of the rewards offered. However, in contrast to Taylors theory, Vodafone believes job satisfaction and alignment with the companys values are also important factors in achieving hard-working employees. Taylor proposed the concept of functional foremen, managers who defied the traditional military-style supervision of firms in his day. These managers did not have disciplinary power, so that their role meant supervision over some aspect of work, not the person. Disciplinary issues were left to a disciplinary committee, and managers were freed to focus on production and quality control (Clegg, S. Kornberger, M. Pitsus, T. , 2005). The Vodafone call center has a straightforward process of dealing with discipline. Minor incidents are dealt with by a call center manager, while more serious problems may be brought before the cue management team. A call centre manager has a span of control of eight CSRs, and as a values-based organisation, good will and equality is encouraged between worker and manager, so the nee d for discipline is ideally avoided altogether. Taylor incentivized suggestion schemes to encourage employees to give input on improvements they felt needed to be made. Employees should be given the full credit for the improvement and should be paid a cash premium as a reward for his ingenuity (Allen, et al. 2003, pg 107). Vodafones intranet has a staff Blog, where employees can keep up to date with what is happening in the managerial level of the company, and they are invited to give feedback or suggestions. Employees are praised for innovative suggestions and displays of initiative, and are rewarded with anything from free phones to an all expenses paid trip in the Asia/Pacific region, depending on their KPIs and annual performance reviews. The operation of the Vodafone call centre adopts many fundamental aspects of Scientific Management. Evidence of Taylors methods can be found throughout the organisation, in researching, selection and distribution of employees, call centre induction training programs and performance management programs. Management teams are put in place to scientifically monitor individual employees quality performance rates, customer service skills and job suitability. Taylors methods of motivating workers are evident in Vodafones incentive schemes and reward packages. Vodafone have implemented modern management styles into their operation to include a more humanistic approach, but as this essay has outlined, the basic principles of Taylors Scientific Management are still clearly evident in the framework of their organisation.