Answer: Ohio Art Company’s Decision Essay

Most of you did well on questions 3 and 4, so here I post only sample answers to questions 1(a) & (b) and 2: 1(a) & 1(b): Question on whether moving production to China is ethical; Question on the economic and social costs and benefits of such a move. Sample Answer (A) Note: this student earned high grades for looking at the issue from multiple perspectives, for looking at the benefits and costs to all major stakeholders, and for acknowledging that moving productions overseas is a controversial topic. Excellent use of facts to support his/her claim. 1. Whether or not Ohio Art Company’s decision to shift production offshore was ethically wrong is a controversial topic. In strictly business terms, Ohio Art Company (OAC) did not break any laws or perform an illicit act; OAC’s decision to offshore was one that had few other options – if the company did not find ways to lower production costs, the company would have eventually gone bankrupt. If production had not been moved, OAC would have been unable to lower production costs, and would therefore be unable to generate enough profits to continue business. Either way, OAC employees would have suffered job losses. Furthermore, OAC’s decision benefited shareholders, which is one element of judging an ethical decision; there are no standards that prohibit off shoring. However, OAC’s obligations to its employees are something that must be considered as well. The company, which is perceived as a family, should not just abandon its employees; it this sense , the company holds moral obligations and employment practices which complicate the question of whether outsourcing is ethical. Sample Answer (B) Note: This student combined 1(a) and 1(b) but made it perfectly clear. Again, the student considered the question of ethics from multiple perspectives, and weighed the benefits and costs to various stakeholders and clearly defined what standards (s)he adopted. 1. The question asked is the one about social responsibilities of corporations. Nevertheless, before making an ethical judgement, one has to look at the decision from at least three perspectives: economic, social and macro-level. On the one hand, it is possible to enumerate a lot of economic benefits for both the US and China. American consumers gained lower prices (an increase in wealth) and poor Chinese villagers were able to move from the impoverished countryside and start a new life in cities[1]. Furthermore, Ohia Art did not go bankrupt, which means that the company and its owners are still a source of revenue for the federal and state government. As to social costs (here the social responsibility of an employer comes into discussion), the closing of a factory resulted in the collapse of the local community. Furthermore, 100 workers lost their jobs and this number is big if we take into account that Bryan has only 8,000 inhabitants. Such a conduct of a company can be considered a violation of ethical obligations springing from the position of the company. Nevertheless, the company did not make any abrupt changes. Moving out of Bryan was gradual and most workers were probably able to find new jobs[2]. Moreover, even though the company does have social obligations, the Friedman Doctrine is at least partly relevant: a company has to seek profits in order to survive. Summing up, in order for the decision to be ethical, the company should seek profits, but also minimise social and this is what Ohio Art surely did. Question 2: Whether it is ethical for Ohio Art to continue employing Kinki Answer A Note: This student acknowledges that there are many ethical standards, not all of which lead to the same conclusion. S(he) clearly shows how the same set of facts can lead to divergent conclusions. This issue can be analysed from multiple perspectives. From the cultural relativist point of view, the fact that the Chinese authorities turn a blind eye to such practices means that the company should do the same. According to the righteous moralist perspective, the company should desist cooperating because doing so would be applying double standards. The proponents of the naà ¯ve immoralist views would claim that since the Chinese businessmen have problems with property rights or keeping the RMB undervalued, western employers should not comply with ethical standards in China. Nevertheless, since the view that human rights are undeniable rights of every human being is now widespread (judging on the number of NGOs and governments supporting such a view), it seems to be reasonable to assume that human rights are a benchmark of what constitutes business ethics. From this follows that the Ohio Art should desist cooperating with Kin Ki, because the contractor violates basic rights of th e workers as enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (e.g. the right to just and favourable remuneration). Answer B Note: Very thoughtful analysis that considers the different economic situations in different countries. Assuming that the dismal working conditions of Kin Ki employees is true, it seems unethical for Ohio Art Company to continue manufacturing with Kin Ki. Again the clear line between what is ethical and acceptable is hazy. However, Ohio Art Company secured a contract on the grounds that employment practices were acceptable, and human rights were enforced. The living conditions of Kin Ki employees are far from decent living conditions – employees are exploited, work long hours, paid below standard requirement, and live in impoverished conditions. It also seems as if labor unions are implicitly forbidden (though not formally stated). The question of â€Å"how much divergence is acceptable† between living conditions between the U.S and China still exists, however, it seems that basic human living conditions are being denied at Kin Ki. ———————– [1] In general, outsourcing seems to be a general trend of globalisation. The division of labour is one of the greatest inventions of humanity and now it is rapidly spreading into the international area. As the Ricardian model of trade predicts, the division of labour will benefit all sides in the long term [2] The other question is whether the company should provide their employees with a training so that they can find new jobs, or whether training programmes should be financed by the state as in a Dutch-Danish flexicurity model. I would say that a company having financial problems (which is the reason for outsourcing) should not be forced to incur further costs.

The Strangest Existentialism

Patrick Jackson Advance English 2 Mr. E. Hardy December 9, 2012 The Strangest Existentialism To understand how existentialism is present in The Stranger, written by Albert Camus in 1946, we first need to understand what existentialism is, and originally being written in French, the book presents some troubles in understanding and comprehending the existentialism that is present. Existentialism is a philosophical approach to understanding human existence and experiences.It is based on the assumption that individuals are free and responsible for their own choices and actions. Acting on your own experiences is essential in arriving at the truth and â€Å"man is condemned to be free. † (Sartre). Existentialism is present in mainly two events that occur in the story, when Meursault is on the beach, and he shoots the Arabian. And when he is about to be killed at the end of the story. One part of the novel that displays existentialism is when Meursault shot the Arab on the beach and how he handled the situation afterwards.The Arab drew his weapon, and in this case it was a knife and held it up to Meursault, but that occurrence was not what bothered Meursault at all, it was the light from the sun that shot off the Arab’s knife, and along with the intense heat along with the salt from his sweat in his eyes that was bothering him before. Meursault shot the Arab mainly because he was uncomfortable with the heat and sunlight shining off the knife, not because he felt threatened.In the following pages, Meursault can't understand why he would need an attorney for his case because it's simple to him, he had murdered a man and was now ready to pay the consequences. It exemplifies existentialism because it shows the power of free choice, which is what existentialism solely is. Being able to choose one’s destiny as a way of free choice. The other part of the story that displays existentialism is at the end of the novel when Meursault is sentenced to death.In my personal opinion, I do not think Meursault was an existentialist, until he faced his death the way an existentialist might’ve. Taken from page 123, Meursault says, â€Å"I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. † For him, there was no difference between life and death, everything was the same to him. It could be argued that he felt no emotion for any such thing, such as when Marie asked if he would marry her and he said it didn't matter and that it was up to her.In this moment, for the first time in the book he realizes what his mother might’ve felt before she died, only to be put in the same situation. This point helps to understand existentialism because throughout the whole book his mother's death—which is the first event to occur in the story—had absolutely no meaning to him at all until he is placed in the same situation—facing death—he finally realizes what it must have been like for her and for the first tim e in the whole story thinks about her feelings.From the existentialist point of view you must accept the risk and responsibility of your choices and follow the commitment to wherever it leads, as Meursault displays at the end of the story. Someone that is put in a particular situation understands it far more than someone looking in on that same situation—could be shown when the man is talking Meursault just before his execution. The man doesn’t understand why Meursault won’t pray to Jesus for him to save the man.With Meursault constantly refusing, the man will never truly understand why he won’t because he is not in the situation himself—one commonly used situation that appears often in existentialist writing is that of death. Bibliography Ankrom, Sheryl. â€Å"Existentialism – What is Existentialism. † About. com Health. N. p. , 27 Jan. 2009. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. Camus, Albert. The Stranger. Trans. Matthew Ward. New York: Vintage Books, 1989. Print. Sarte, Jean Paul. Philip Mairet, trans. â€Å"Existentialism is a Humanism. † Lecture given in 1946. Web. 10 October 2012

WHAT CRITICS SAY ABOUT ROBERT MCKEES SCRIPT WRITING WORK Essay

WHAT CRITICS SAY ABOUT ROBERT MCKEES SCRIPT WRITING WORK - Essay Example Even movie directors seek advice from Mckee on very many issues. Statistics reveal that over 500,000 students have undertaken Mckee’s course in different cities of the world. Therefore, his movement and screenplay scripts have been well received by authors from various parts of the world. Notable actors have not been left behind in all these matters. This is because, they have also decided to undertake Mckee’s seminar so that they have noteworthy information about screen writing. In 2000, Mckee managed to win the International Moving Image Book Award for the book story, Regan Books/ Hypercollins. The book is currently a reading requirement for Harvard film and cinema schools. This further highlights the respect that has been accorded to the author and his words. Not many critics have come out and criticized his teaching on various aspects of screenwriting. All these factors show that no negative impact has been documented to criticize Mckee’s

Outbreak Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Outbreak - Essay Example The US has sufficient health structures in place and measles vaccine are usually given to people, so there have been lower measles cases as compared to cases in the rest of the world. From 1997, measles cases have ranged from 37 to 220. The cases have been reduced due to routine measles vaccine started in 1963 and MMR vaccine (1971). Before these intervention, measles cases were as high as 500, 000 with 500 deaths every year. Public health workers need to be competent enough to deal with measles cases. They need to be competent in measles vaccination. Public health workers should be well trained to be able to deal with emergencies and endemic diseases. They should be able to act with speed and professionalism in maintaining the situation, but most importantly, they should emphasize on preventive measures such as vaccination (Turncock, 2012). Competency frameworks are important because they offer guidelines on health training, especially as concerns dealing with communicable and chronic diseases. They provide standards for health practitioners to follow so that they are able to respond to health issues such as disease breakdowns and dealing with preventive and curative

The essay should apply economic analysis to a real world situation or

The should apply economic analysis to a real world situation or issue - Essay Example Nonetheless, irrespective of the diverse challenges facing the global economy presently, continental Europe poses the biggest threats to the growth of the world economy (Economist, 2014). Presently Germany is witnessing a fall in terms of growth. Based on the contribution that Germany makes to the Eurozone, this means that the euro area will head towards its third recession in a period of six years. Irrespective of the efforts that the leaders of the Eurozone have made to boost the growth of the region and save the dominant currency, they have ended up wasting two years without any progress (EurActiv, 2015). Italians and the French have for instance embarked on introducing structural reforms while Germans have supposed strictness of operations, and these efforts have not been effective in boosting growth in the region. In the European region, more than eight countries are witnessing falling prices. The overall rate of inflation has gone down considerably to about 0.3 percent, and will deteriorate further in the coming years. The Eurozone comprises of about one-fifth of the global output. Thus, with the rate at which the region is witnessing deflation and stagnation, it is likely that this effect will prevail in different parts of the world, leading to global stagnation in the coming years (Los Angeles Times, 2015). Despite the effect being felt in Europe, several optimists both outside and inside Europe refer to the example of Japan. During the late 1990s, Japan witnessed a major deflation, which has unpleasant effects. This deflation did not have the major influence on the country or the world. However, based on the events taking place in the Eurozone, it is apparent that more dangers will emerge. Unlike in the case of Japan, the case of the Eurozone is not secluded. From America to China, the rate of inflation is considerably low and falling. Unlike Japan’s case, whose society is

Transition in Adolescent Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Transition in Adolescent Development - Essay Example Many researchers have undoubtedly identified the decisive role of parents in moulding the character of their children during this transitional period. When a child is moving from primary to secondary, this is quite sure that he/she is subjected to various kinds of transitions that may affect him/her all through the life time. Therefore, regarding the parents and the teachers, they should be very vigilant and attentive in observing the transitions occurring to the children, and as such, the study of transition in adolescent development and schooling deserves greater significance. In order to examine adolescence in media, the paper seeks to gather material from Karen Thomas’ online article entitled: 12-14 Year-Olds: Transition in Adolescent Development & Schooling, published on Dec 1, 2010. The article selected for the study clearly evaluates certain aspects concerning the parental role in assuring healthy lifestyles to children. When analysing the article selected for the study , one can see that the writer was actually focusing on the transitions of the children aged in between 12-14; kids moving from primary to secondary school. Though the article was actually aimed at parents of this age group, anyone would get valuable details regarding this topic. The author has arranged this topic under various headings to help support his study.

Voting Rights Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Voting Rights Act - Essay Example Section 2 allows individuals, non-governmental organizations and the attorney general to file civil actions in order to seek injunctions, preventive, and permanent relief from the section’s violation. Having noted that, many will agree that the section was destined to achieve greater heights in voter right protection than it is currently. However due to its broad text, section 2 has failed to address comprehensively the problem of discrimination in the states which have a History of discrimination, leave alone providing a lasting solution. Section 2 of the Voter Rights Act is more reactive than being proactive in the essence that often the damage has already been done to a group of voters by a state that cannot be remedied after a voting –related deadline, or an election has passed. Moreover the cost and expediency of voter rights Act enforcement under section 2 has proved to be a nightmare for the plaintiffs’ who cannot afford the resources required to litigate fact-intensive cases. Though this has since been resolved through the partly involvement of the department of justice to essentially assume plaintiffs’ costs for section 2 suits by either initiating the action itself or intervening in support of the plaintiff, it’s still a course for concern for the cost effectiveness availed by the section. It’s well known that section 2 vote dilution standards are fairly well developed in the courts. In the section’s vote dilution cases, plaintiffs are usually required to first pass the Gingles test-from the case Thornburg v. Gingles- then an effect test. This is intended to prove that the plaintiff’s vote has been diluted based on the current voting district boundaries by proving that had the boundaries been drawn differently, the minority population would have the voting power to elect a candidate of its choice. However as earlier noted, this seems to be more of reactive than

People Resourcing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

People Resourcing - Essay Example The year 2008 saw the economic market hit a bump in a rather smooth road that it was enjoying over the last decade. The year saw the emergence of the global financial crisis that hit the job market all over the world and it has seemed difficult for the market to regain its stable shape. Banks have increased their lending rates over time making it rather difficult for entrepreneurs and other businesses to borrow money from them and consequently expansion of businesses has reduced drastically. This is important information for companies that may seek to continue with traditional trends of haphazard recruitment (McKenna & Beech, 2002, 234). With the minimal number of expansions made by companies, it has become rather difficult for more employment opportunities to pop up in these businesses, which has been a major factor to observe when considering people resourcing. This is from this that companies have faced challenges in that every business seeks to offer more employment opportunities in an effort to improve the quality of its brand or reach a greater market (Roberts, 2000, 164). However, the money required to pay the new employees has become hard to make and thus it is important for employers to reduce the recruitment rates for their companies in an effort to cope with the current market trends. Human Resourcing is very important to a company in different ways. One other manner through which it helps a company is in terms of assisting the organization in achieving both contemporary and future business needs. Human Resourcing incorporates the aspect of having employees carry out different activities in an effort to achieve the various goals that a company sets. One of the major needs that a company has both short term and long term is the attainment of a large profit margin. This is important for the company to bear the ability to maintain existing business assets and in an effort to obtain others for the eventual growth of the company. Businesses should underst and that this is attained by having personnel specialized in various fields that makes it easier for the management of the company to coordinate the activities of each person (Bloisi, 2007, 43). Human Resourcing is also important in that with a large number of personnel and the business products reaching out a great number of people, there are increased chances of investor opportunities in the business. In the contemporary environment and with the existing tough market, investors have started decreasing the amount of investments they make on companies that do not offer the required results. However, an increase in personnel and a larger network of workers ensures that not only the business provides quality products for the customers, but also that the products reach out to a larger community. A combination of both the quality and a large network of workers brings in new investors interested in the company and subsequently growth of the company is assured (Beardwell, Holden & Claydon , 2010, 127). Manufacturing jobs have had the greatest impact on the economy of many different countries. However, contemporary market trends have revealed that the service sector has began making more profits as

Turkish invasion of Cyprus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Turkish invasion of Cyprus - Essay Example Even before the conflict, the tension arose when the Cyprus Convention, on the basis of which Britain 'leased' the island, lost much of its relevance for some reasons, foremost of which was the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire. However there is a background of the conflict followed by the year 1878, when Cyprus was offered to the British, the Turkish sultans expected them to build a strong naval base on the island, which could be used as a deterrent against possible Russian attacks on the Asian parts of the Ottoman Empire (Borowiec: 24). This project was never realized thus never fulfilled. Despite high claims and loud voices in Britain that demanded an end to colonial rule in Cyprus, the Convention was never abrogated, resulting in the economic disaster in Cyprus. After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, it was felt that the time was not favourable for the Cyprus government as the Turkish government had just relaxed its negotiating position linking free access to Ayios Theodhoros with Artemis Road (Hart: 47). It had also, instructed its permanent representative to the United Nations to thank Secretary-General for his efforts in obtaining the release of Denkta, and to state Ankara's acceptance of the UNFICYP timetable for the phased resumption of police patrols to the village, provided UNFICYP returned the Kophinou police compound to Turkish Cypriot police and redoubled its efforts to settle the Artemis Road situation. The attitude of the Turkish Government was warlike because for months the Demirel administration had been focusing its attention on internal development projects, many involving U.S. economic assistance. However the advance deployment of heavy weaponry and Greek mainland troops were indicating something fishy not only, in battalion strength, around Skarinou, but throughout the island. When the Cyprus crises erupted in 1964, Turkey found itself deprived to get U.S. support, at that time Ankara thought of reapproaching Arabs with a hope that would pay off. However the Arabs instead supported Greece with arms and weapons against the Turkish Cypriot minority (Nachmani: 14). Turkey while depicting such attitude of Middle East as the Arab betrayal, tried to shake hands with the Western world. Conflicts and threats during and after Turkish invasion The political aspirations of the Cypriot leaders were to inspire Cypriots towards either Greece or Turkey instead of creating a mutual concern for the unity of their nation and for their own self-preservation as Cypriots. The dominant feeling that remained long after the invasion among Turkish Cypriots was that the internationally recognized government of Cyprus has not represented the interests of the island's Turkish community. Indeed, it was observed that except minor exceptions, particularly after the invasion, Greek Cypriots regarded Turkish Cypriots as enemies rather than as compatriots. Greeks never considered them as their equal partners due to which systematic economic blockade of the Turkish areas by the Greek side were theoretically intended to 'punish' Turkey (Borowiec: 8). Distances between Greeks and Turks remained wider and therefore alienated the minority that was supposed to share the island with the Greeks. However despite the elements that separated two Cypriot

Obesity - Nutrition Essay Example for Free

Obesity Nutrition Essay Fast food is something that every American knows about. Most likely you, the person reading this has had fast food before, and probably enjoyed it. Whether it may be Mcdonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, KFC, etc. There is nothing as cheap, quick to get, and tasty as fast food. With the ever-growing population of obese Americans, people are looking for a reason and for most that reason is fast food. Now according to the CDC (centers for disease control) the definition of overweight is having a BMI (body mass index) of 25-29. 9 and the BMI for an obese person is 30 or higher. Could it be that fast food is causing 78 million Americans 20 years or older to be obese, or that 17% of all children and teens in the US are over weight because of it? I think not. Sure, fast food may not be the healthiest choice for you, but seriously, no one is forcing you to eat that cheeseburger and no one is forcing you to drink that soda. You see fast food is not the problem, the decision making of the obese American population is. Now just so we’re clear I have nothing against obese people and there is a big difference between a little chunky, which is okay and obese. Now just so your aware of the obesity problem here in America, here’s some cold hard facts about obesity. Here in the US more than 35% of adults are considered obese, that’s more than 78 million people across the country that are obese. Seventeen percent of children and young adults are obese, which is triple the rate of a generation ago. Studies have shown that obesity gives you a greater chance of getting type2 diabetes and even cancer. If you are wondering why there are so many obese people in America today just ask your self a few simple questions. Would you rather go for a nice evening jog or stay home and watch your favorite TV show? Would you rather eat a salad or something not as healthy like a burger or pizza? And finally would you rather go to the gym or hang out with friends? If I had to guess I’d say most of you would rather hang out with friends, eat junk food, and watch your favorite TV show. You see most people have the time to work out and eat right they just choose not to and just like every choice made in life it comes with it’s benefits and consequences. You don’t have to pay for a gym member ship just walk up some steps or play catch with your kids or take a walk at the park, anything is obviously better than nothing. Now researchers will argue against my claims, and that’s understandable. They’ll mention that 33 percent of children and adolescents in the U. S. consume fast food on a typical day; they’ll also state that on average adolescents will visit a fast food restaurant twice a week. Well all I have to say to that is whose fault is that? How are these kids buying the fast food? With their parent’s money of course. Why can’t the parents make them something healthy and control what there kids eat instead of giving them money to eat fast food? It’s the parent’s fault that the kids are eating fast food so often. Fast food isn’t going to make you obese unless you eat it most of the time. If you eat it occasionally but you also eat your fruits and vegetables you’ll be fine. It is crazy to know that in the U. S. 49% of money spent on food is spent away from home. Which means people are choosing to buy food from restaurants and other places rather than go to the grocery store and cook at home. That percentage is always increasing due to the fact that people now a days are looking for more convenient ways of getting there food. If your wondering just how much money is being spent on quick service restaurants, in 2011 quick service restaurants were expected to gain 168 billion dollars, 3% more than 2010. If people would just spend half the amount of money that they usually spend on fast food and cook a nice healthy meal instead there would be no problem with fast food. Once again the decisions of the American people are to blame. Hit the gym and help yourself get slim. Studies have shown that physical activity plays a big role in loosing weight but of course you knew that, its common sense. But what many people don’t know is that according to the CDC (center for disease control) fewer than 2 out of 10 Americans and less than 30 percent of adults get the recommended level of exercise. Also that more than 25% of U. S. adults do not devote any time to physical activity, the worst states being Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. It is very intriguing that correlations have shown that those states with the least amount of exercise have the most health problems. Type2 diabetes is mostly triggered by obesity, and in 1980 5. 5 million adults had it; now approximately 25. 6 million adults have type2 diabetes. The ever so increasing percentage of obesity and decreasing percentage in physical activity is definitely to blame. An interesting fact is that by loosing weight and getting from overweight to normal you can save on average $1400 a year on medication. If you don’t have time to hit the gym, there are a few tips that can help you get fit. First don’t drink soda; on average if you drink a soda can a day you’ll gain 15 pounds in a year, that is if you don’t work out of course. Take the stairs or walk around the block, a few extra steps could be the difference in burning some extra calories, and finally anything is better than nothing, curl some soup cans or do some crunches while watching TV. Any of those things can help you with your obesity, then you wont have to blame it on fast food. Fast food companies are now making a bigger push to serve healthier items in their stores, but it is up to the customers to get them otherwise it is all for nothing. McDonalds is taking the biggest step with there new items like the all fruit smoothies, apple slices, salads, and there brochures that show you there below 400,300,200, and 100 calorie items. Jack in the box is jumping on board as well with their 3 choices of salads, and serving grilled chicken instead of fried in there sandwiches. These fast food chains are realizing that healthy is the new way to go but yet the majority of people in America aren’t. We need to watch what we eat, eat healthier brown rice or bread instead of white, more fruits and veggies and less burgers, next time you go to mcdonalds get a salad instead of a Big Mac it might change your life. In conclusion the fast food industry is not to blame for Obesity in the United States of America. They’re taking steps in the right direction and the people of America should too. We need to start exercising more and getting active because that is the true reason for the increasing obesity. Make better decisions in your life style, choose a healthy one and like I said get a salad next time you go to McDonalds. http://www. getamericafit. org/statistics-obesity-in-america. html http://www. huffingtonpost. com/2012/08/14/obesity-rate-by-state_n_1774356. html.

Importance Of Environmental Scanning Marketing Essay

Importance Of Environmental Scanning Marketing Essay This study is regarding the EMI Music Company, EMI group is a worldwide music library from one corner to another corner of the world. This study is only focusing on the UK music market to come up with the marketing planning and the marketing strategy of the company. In the start this information is generous a concise opening of the environmental scanning and its consequence in stipulations of EMI music library. Additionally this study take part in marketing analysis through acting the macro, micro and swot analysis. The end of this report is take part in analysis the Uk music industry and Additionally this study is performing the market analysis via performing the macro, micro and SWOT analysis. In the last part of this report is analysing the UK music market and reinforcement the business of music in esteem to EMI Music group. This study is illustrating the marketing mix 4Ps and PORTERS 5 forces. The report is ending with some recommendation for EMI Music Company to plan their business in terms of marketing planning on the basis of study that is done. Environmental Scanning Every organisation is responsible for the environment that it creates. The organisations operation and structure all directly affected by the environment. Organisations environment impacts on resources and opportunities that how they can be treated? It is primary objective of the organisation to take care of the companys operations that how they are affecting the environment. For the successful growth and development of business it is important to develop such a strategies those can be assist operate the business operations. [1] To understand the environmental scanning it is important to identify the business and how it can affect the environment business around. The definition of Environmental scanning is Environmental scanning is a process of gathering, analyzing, and dispensing information for tactical or strategic purposes. The environmental scanning process entails obtaining both factual and subjective information on the business environments in which a company is operating or c onsidering entering. The environmental scanning can be achieved by several ways but three important ways of scanning environment are given below: Ad-hoc Scanning: Very unpredicted and short-term, mostly used in emergencies or crisis. Regular Scanning: This scanning process being done after a certain period but regularly (e.g once in a quarter or once in a year) Continuous Scanning: This is an ongoing process and remains in continuous state, have broad range of spectrum. The work of researcher through many studies, surveys and researches shows, now a days most of the business likes to implement the continuous scanning. The continuous scanning allows businesses to take actions very quickly and effectively with keep tracking the work. Importance of Environmental Scanning Environmental scanning is important for the organisation to step out or find the exact solution for companys procedure. Environmental scanning helps organisations to improve or enhance the ability of working for changing environment in stable means. The following highlighted points are given below: It enables organisation to gain capitalise of the business in early stages of the business as compare to their competitor. Environmental scanning give alerts to the organisation well before time for the impending problems. These problems can be handled and solutions can be found well before time if they are noticed well before time. This process sensitises the companys exact time of changing in environment process to meet the wishes and desire of their potential customers. This scanning process helps to find out the qualitative information in regards to the environment to assist the strategist to find the best suitable strategies for the company. It helps to strategy making bodies in their decision making process by providing them the simulation of the resource and risks. Give more opportunities to increase the business and adds extra points in the good will of the company by adding the ability of environment scanning person. It provides opportunity to companys executive in continuing the broad based studies. Helps the strategy developers in finding the latest and up-to date strategies for the organisation. Macro Environment Environment scanning is most commonly done on the macro level. The macro level analysis may contain the definition of the market, analysing the market size, potential market, market segmentation, structuring the industry, group management, competition, finding the market trends. The Macro analysis in the industry of music is defined as: In music theory, macro analysis is a method of transcribing, or writing down chords that may be used along with or instead of conventional musical analysis. Rather than roman numerals and figured bass symbols often used, letter names are used to indicate the roots of chords and are followed by symbols which specify the chord quality Market segmentation Market segmentation is very common term to identify the group of people or organisations those have the some common characteristics and need a same or similar product for the cause. According to market analysts the market segmentation may have the criteria. The different segments have different needs but it is necessary that same segment have the same need and using the same product to fulfil their needs. These groups can be further more categorised by the consumption of products by according to their needs. The market segmentation can be concerned and can be viewed in more detail as positive or negative applications of the same idea. Variables Used for market segmentation: In general terminology the market can be segmented on Geographical locations, demographic attributes, psychographic, behaviour of people and technological segmentation. SWOT Analysis Strength Strong global presence EMI Group, PLC has a worldwide market in nearly 50 countries; among its major market are North America, Continental Europe, Latin America, UK Ireland, Australia, Japan and Asia. World largest independent music company In 2002, EMI worldwide market share is 12.6%. Its large size gives many benefits such as cost reduction through economic of scale. Vast resources and strong market share also give the benefit of being able to attract the best staff and artists to the company which have a strong position for the future. Financial Performance Although EMI Group sales in fiscal 2003 decline compared to 2002, the company operating profit show excellent increased about 33.1% in 2003 compare to 2002. The improvement in operating profit was due to a comprehensive reorganization of EMI Record Music Division. World class artist roster EMI releases more than 1000 albums every year and has a roster of over 1300 artists. Among them are David Bowie, The Beatles, Norah Jones, Queen, Robbie William and many more. Weaknesses Difficulties in the US Market EMI has consistently been towards the bottom of the five majors in the US market share, which is the world largest recorded music market in the world. In 2003 it only command 9.8 % of US market share. Dont have conglomerate backing-EMI is the only top five music company that solely independent which not being own by larger corporation. This mean EMI has to generate its own resources without any help from other larger company. Decreasing in worldwide market share EMI Group, PLC worldwide market share dipped from 13.4% in 2002 to 12.6% in 2003. The worldwide decreasing were resulted from the decreasing of EMI Group market share in several major region in 2003 compared from 2002 which included North America (-0.03%), UK Ireland (-0.01%), Continental Europe (-1.7%), Latin America (-2.6%) and Australia (-0.10%). Opportunities Joint Venture / collaboration With recent merger attempts being stopped, EMI consolidation within the industry is becoming more difficult. Internet sales Internet has become the fastest growing media for music distribution and many analysts expect that the downloading trends will continue to grow in a future. More Open MA regulatory More open or liberalization of MA in music industry may increase EMI Group opportunity to acquire or merge with other music company. This will give EMI added market share and resources to compete with other major music companies. Focus on market where it has a strong market share and growth Although North America especially US is the biggest market for recorded music, however it seem that EMI having trouble to keep competing to gain more market share. Maybe EMI has to give more focus or gaining more in the market that it has a strong share such as UK Ireland, Australasia and Continental Europe. EMI also has to focus more in growing market region such as Japan and Asia. Threats Limited growth potential for recorded music The worldwide recorded music industry posted sales of $32 billion in 2002. The figure represent a 7% decline in Dollar sales and an 8% decrease in unit volume from 2001. Compared to 2001, sales of CD albums fell globally by 6% and there more continued declines in the sales of CD singles (down 16%) and cassettes (down 36%). These show that is very difficult to find growth opportunities in the market. Poor economics condition and exchange rate fluctuation As a global company operating in many countries worldwide, EMI Group, LTC is easily be vulnerable to the deteriorating economic condition worldwide and fluctuation in exchange rates and interest rates. These can often adversely affect both revenues and profits for the company. Filling low In early September 2003, RIAA filed 261 separate lawsuits in US against individuals engaged in unauthorized file sharing. Industry analysts expected that litigation would have a short-run dampening effect on unauthorized CD downloading and burning. However it was viewed as having a minima long-run effect on this practice. Aggressive Competition The recorded music industry is very competitive which dominates by five larger companies which included Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, BMG Entertainment and EMI Group, PLC. EMI has to always consider any action from competitors which may effect the company competitive position. UK Music Market Before continuing to any marketing strategy it is important to understand the market of the geographical location and trends of the targeted market. For this analysis it is important to understand the concept of the music industrys content and structure. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) offers a description of the music industry as involving businesses and organisations that record, produce, publish, distribute and market recorded music. In addition to these, four main stakeholders characterize the music industry the artist, the consumers, the music agents and the distributors. However, in seeking to define the industry it is acknowledged that no one definition can capture its diverse nature in terms of (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) musical activity and commerce. In commercial terms the global music industry is a multibillion dollar segment of the media industries and has reached a stage of maturity in its lifecycle. However with the rise of the digital era, it is undergoing signific ant transformation. With a core business sector comprising the record companies and music publishers, the global music industry transcends national boundaries and pervades virtually every culture and every society. Marketing Mix 4 Ps Product: Once EMI has taken control to the UK music market for the marketing of their products, it is the responsibility of the management to make the desired strategies which will explore products in country which also can raise their market share price. EMI has to look for their strategies according to the need of music listener and their needs and should the product as accordingly. [8] Price: Price is very important factor to be notice before planning any marketing plans and it mostly depends upon the area and the population. Everyone buys product according to pocket and if any rivals in the same area where EMI operates unable to low their cost, EMI can get the competitive advantage by keeping themselves in the market. In UK at present EMI offers promotions on mostly of their products and all promo prices are still cheaper then the other rivals. [8] Place: For more expansion of the business EMI need to do big investments in the areas where lands are cheap which normally localities are in the district and village and in general the public lives in those areas are of similar minded which can give extra advantage for do marketing. Also opening stores in the disadvantaged areas enable EMI to win the trust of local communities by providing them job opportunities in their stores. [8] Promotion: Promotion has a very vital role in any business revenue as if the business is not attaining their targets the best way is to use promotions 1st and if no result could come up, change the strategy. EMI and all different companies in the world use promotion to sell out their product. Keeping the product for a long time puts an extra burden for the warehouses which could leads to company loss if any of them gets out of date. During recession EMI and other rivals have good offers on their products to win the loyalty of their customers. PORTER Five Forces 1. Competition from substitutes: Within the music industry the threat of substitutes is extremely high. The internet has created an emerging source of substitute competition in the form of digital music and digital delivery. The availability of substitutes allows consumers to make performance and price comparisons with the option of switching to download music. The growth of both illicit and subscription downloading is effectively leading to the direct substitution of recorded music for digital alternatives. With little cost or inconvenience consumers are switching, to digital and online music services attracted by the value- added benefits of greater convenience, diversity of choice and lower costs compared with traditional formats. 2. Threat of entry: The threat from new entrants has increased with the growth of the internet. Lower capital investment and operational costs for online distribution has lowered the entry barriers for new independent record companies. As a direct consequence, new entrants compete on a more level playing field, where size is no longer a determinant of success or failure within the online market. With diversity of demands, new entrants have the opportunity to achieve success through niche target marketing. Furthermore with these evolutionary changes, traditional distribution channels are less relied upon and new entrants can compete through online distribution and marketing. However starting up in the music industry still involves risks, where investing in a new- artist may involve unrecoverable sunk costs. Representing a new artist requires financial resources, experience and substantial contact networks and with limited resources independents might find it hard to break in to the industry. The major pl ayers have already achieved a substantial competitive advantage with well established contact networks, global reputations and long- term relationships with artists. Their financial muscle and repertoire of artists enables them to spread risk over their range of portfolio projects. 3. Rivalry between established players: Internal rivalry and competition within the industry is high and remains tightly concentrated between Sony BMG, Universal, Warner and EMI. With the increase of independent labels entering the industry competition has increased. Large and small companies are now directly competing to attract artists and improve market share in both the physical and online markets. Due to the intense nature of this competition, decisions made by one company can influence others. For the main companies this intense rivalry means that their market share fluctuates through competition and can no longer be guaranteed. With parallelism pricing decisions CDs are priced at similar levels and as such companies are looking to their artists as a means of differentiation whilst attempting to offer the most creative channels of music distribution. 4. Bargaining power of buyers: The emergence of the digital music market has increased the strength of buyers bargaining power. Through online network communities, consumers bargaining power is strengthened by the abundance of online information. Consumers are now much more price sensitive and are becoming an empowered force, directly influencing how music is delivered and in what format. With the growing perception that they offer nothing more than capital, record companies are forced to react, reinventing their business models accordingly. 5. Bargaining power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers within the industry has lowered .The artists can now choose to circumvent the suppliers by either setting up their own label or promoting their music via the internet. This has substantially increased artists control over earnings and marketing. Recommendations The following recommendations are provided in light of the key issues facing the company. EMI Group revenue has gone down 15.79% in the 2007 fiscal year and led it to low gross profit, net profit and ROCE ratios, as well as undesirable EPS figures. It is vital for EMI to offset the decline in CD sales and adapt to the changes in the environment to remain being attractive to investors and artists. With the growing power of the internet and technologies, the top management may consider to put weight into effective e-commerce marketing instead of continuing with traditional expensive marketing methods. It is also essential to understand that gaining market share in the digital music area should be highly prioritized as the trend of the music industry is clearly moving towards the technological side. Piracy has nonetheless become a serious issue in the industry with the rapid development of technology. It is highly advisable for EMI to cooperate with its competitors to target piracy. The possibility of achieving a satisfactory result against piracy is high with their dominant power in the industry. By bringing in game theory logic, it would be more sensible to work with the rivals in this scenario to protect revenues in the future. In addition to sales of record music, there are many other income generating activities such as concerts, merchandise and sponsorship. It is, of course, important that EMI continue developing its key strengths whiles adjusting its strategy to the changing environment. The quality of music produced is the core of the business; EMI should definitely try to keep successful artist as well as continuing to identify new artists with potential to growth.

Analysis of Employee Motivation in Ilanco Inc. Essay -- Manufacturing

Analysis of Employee Motivation in Ilanco Inc. Introduction The purpose of this report is to analyse the problems of employee motivation at Ilanco Inc., a relatively small manufacturing company located in Montreal. For many years, this company operates in sweater production, and belongs to the section of clothing manufacturing industry. Currently, approximately 70 employees are working for the company. As many manufacturing organizations, Ilanco has been experiencing a lot of problems with effectively motivating its employees. Such problems have been reflected both in the Motivating Potential Score Survey that we have conducted among the employees and in our interviews with some senior workers at the company. First, this report gives a brief overall description of the manufacturing industry and the company, Ilanco. The major parts of the report outline and analyses the main motivation problems that Ilanco is experiencing. According to these specific problems, several very useful and practical recommendations have been made to help improve the employee motivation at Ilance. Also, in order to make this paper more insightful, some relevant motivation theories have been applied to both the analysis and recommendation sections to help analyse the problems more deeply. Industry Description Manufacturing is a key activity in any economy because of its far-reaching effects. Manufacturing firms represent 20% of Canadian GDP. There are around 40 000 manufacturing firms in Canada, employing almost 2 million people. Production value comes to $135 419 millions. Manufacturing firms with less than 200 employees represent 96% of total number of manufacturing firms in Canada, employing 47% of Canadian labor force involved in processing industry. In Quebec, the manufacturing sector generates over 20% of province’s GDP. Close to 11000 firms are operating, employing some 548 400 people. In Quebec, firms employing fewer than 200 people represent also 96% of the total number of manufacturing establishments. That is, employing 49% of province’s men-power. In Montreal, experienced labor force (1996 Census) represents 1 609 820 in all industries including manufacturing sector that employs 283 370 people. Despite the importance of manufacturing industry, employment has been decreasing in recent years. Description of Company As an example of manufacturing fi... ...nagement. In addition, an appraisal system in every 6 months should be implemented at every level of the company, i.e. team level, department level, company level. There would be different levels of staff performance, e.g. company warning, improvement required, average, competent and outstanding, to name a few. The result of the appraisal is connected to wage increase, bonus and promotion. In summary, Ilanco has a lot of serious problems in terms of staff motivation. If the above recommendations are not taken into consideration by the management, then there is a high possibility for the company to be just a start-up training school. There will still be high turnover rate, low productivity, unmotivated staff, and uncompetitive working environment. There is really no â€Å"bright† future for the company. It probably can still be profitable, but it’s just short-term focused. Once there is a down turn in market demand, Ilanco can hardly survive because of its extremely narrow product line. The management should realize that it is the staff that makes the profit for the company. Without reasonably motivated staff, the company could never focus in long term survive in the business.

Solar Energy May Save the Earth Essays -- Power Environment Global War

Solar Energy May Save the Earth Abstract: The current energy situation with fossil fuels as the main source of the world’s energy has two main flaws: fossil fuels contribute to global warming via the greenhouse effect and they are limited in the quantity that remains. Solar power solves both of these problems and can be captured by utilizing photovoltaic cells. However, photovoltaic cells have their own drawbacks due to their high costs of installation and maintenance. The world currently functions through the use of fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels possess two significant disadvantages. Fossil fuels harm the global environment because they enhance the greenhouse effect by releasing carbon dioxide, and they release other harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.1 Also, fossil fuels are limited and will run out in the near future if current rates of consumption are maintained. Photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy to electrical energy solve both of these problems. Although the production of photovoltaic cells causes some pollution, photovoltaic cells do not emit harmful gases nor do they pollute the environment. Solar energy is virtually unlimited since the Sun will continue its fusion reaction and provide light energy to the Earth. Solar energy cannot be absorbed on dark or cloudy days, but if it can be stored, solar energy gathered from luminous periods can be used during those dim days. Photovoltaic cells have an estimated lifetime of approximately 20 years and if 100-watt photovoltaic cells are used, they will produce an equivalent amount of energy as fossil fuels that will create two tons of carbon dioxide as a byproduct.2 At a superficial glance, solar power seems very promising since the sun p... ...gy. â€Å"Solar Energy Technologies Program.† 22 May 2008. 4. Union of Concerned Scientists. â€Å"Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies.† 19 June 2008. 5. â€Å"New solar cells could expand sun power.† Copyright 2007 by United Press International. Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40 (accessed July 29, 20 08). 6. Aldous, Scott. â€Å"How Solar Cells Work.† 01 April 2000. HowStuf http: 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. I bid. 10. Ibid. Tien 8 der to provide all of the electricity that 11. â€Å"How many solar cells would I need in or my h ouse needs?.† 07 July 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. 29 July 2008. Solar Energy May Save the Earth Essays -- Power Environment Global War Solar Energy May Save the Earth Abstract: The current energy situation with fossil fuels as the main source of the world’s energy has two main flaws: fossil fuels contribute to global warming via the greenhouse effect and they are limited in the quantity that remains. Solar power solves both of these problems and can be captured by utilizing photovoltaic cells. However, photovoltaic cells have their own drawbacks due to their high costs of installation and maintenance. The world currently functions through the use of fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels possess two significant disadvantages. Fossil fuels harm the global environment because they enhance the greenhouse effect by releasing carbon dioxide, and they release other harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.1 Also, fossil fuels are limited and will run out in the near future if current rates of consumption are maintained. Photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy to electrical energy solve both of these problems. Although the production of photovoltaic cells causes some pollution, photovoltaic cells do not emit harmful gases nor do they pollute the environment. Solar energy is virtually unlimited since the Sun will continue its fusion reaction and provide light energy to the Earth. Solar energy cannot be absorbed on dark or cloudy days, but if it can be stored, solar energy gathered from luminous periods can be used during those dim days. Photovoltaic cells have an estimated lifetime of approximately 20 years and if 100-watt photovoltaic cells are used, they will produce an equivalent amount of energy as fossil fuels that will create two tons of carbon dioxide as a byproduct.2 At a superficial glance, solar power seems very promising since the sun p... ...gy. â€Å"Solar Energy Technologies Program.† 22 May 2008. 4. Union of Concerned Scientists. â€Å"Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies.† 19 June 2008. 5. â€Å"New solar cells could expand sun power.† Copyright 2007 by United Press International. Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40 (accessed July 29, 20 08). 6. Aldous, Scott. â€Å"How Solar Cells Work.† 01 April 2000. HowStuf http: 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. I bid. 10. Ibid. Tien 8 der to provide all of the electricity that 11. â€Å"How many solar cells would I need in or my h ouse needs?.† 07 July 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. 29 July 2008.

Racism and Discrimination in Sports Essay -- Race Racism Athletics Ess

Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dealing with the issue of sport and ethnology, three major factors come to mind; prejudice, racism, and discrimination. These factors span across gender, ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural groups. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss how these factors have played a part in the evolution of sport in our society. The first issue tackled in this paper will be racism in sports, followed by prejudice and discrimination. Racism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ?A definition of race might rely on an outward manifestation such as color or some other physiological sign. Race and ethnicity (and to some degree nationality) also imply a shared socio-cultural heritage and belief system. Finally, race and ethnicity harbor a physiological self-identification. Indeed, this factor is perhaps the most important in defining the identity of an ?ethnic? or ?racial? individual. It implies a conscious desire on the part of a person to belong to an aggregate of people, which possesses unique cultural characteristics, rituals and manners and a unique value system.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  North America is, and always has been, an ethnically diverse society. Yet this cultural diversity along religious, ethnic and national lines had been tolerated only in a limited degree, end even only on the dominant Anglo-Saxon elite?s terms.? (Eisen and Wiggins, 1994, p. xii). History books repeatedly show this in their pages. A person can not pick up a history book and read through the pages with out finding something on how a particular athlete or group of athletes were persecuted because of their race. Part of the American dream that is taught to our youth of is freedom, equality and the ability to move ahead in life if a person is motivated to do so. It is unfortunate that this isn?t the case; that is unless the person fits into the right sociological group.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For instance, ?The American Dream of unlimited possibilities was shattered for black athletes. By 1900 most of them had successfully been excluded from American sport and were forced to establish their own separate sporting organizations. The most famous of these were the black baseball leagues, a loose aggregate of teams that did not achieve much organizational structure until Rube Foster founded the National Negro Baseball League in 1920. Late nineteenth-century black athletes were often disturbed by their inability to be classified by an... ...ng treated equal. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The concept of a perfect world where race, color, religion, political stance, and gender are all equal is a good goal to strive for. Singling out individuals or groups based on any of those characteristics is wrong. We all have room to grow, and can make a better effort to be open-minded. Sports would be a perfect place to let down the barriers. There is bias in sport today. There is racism and discrimination. Only by a conscious effort can anything be done to help move past our present state. Racism and discrimination should not be in sports, because all humans are of the same species regardless of color or origin. We all bleed and we can all die, therefore, we should all be equal. References Eisen, George, and Wiggins, David K. (1994). Ethnicity and Sport in North American History and Culture. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Du Bois, W.E.B, (1961). The Souls of Black Folk. New York: Fawcett. MacClancy, Jeremy, (1996). Sports, Identity and Ethnicity. United Kingdom: Oxford International Publishers. Hoffman, Frank W., PHD, and Bailey, William G., MA, (1991). Sports & Recreation Fads. New York: The Haworth Press.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Education In The Working Class Essay

Gradually, there was a rise in the total number of sports that were available to women (although they were still based on the idea of gentle exercise for ‘weak women’) such as skittles and gentle forms of tennis and badminton. Croquet in particular was very popular. There were several indoor versions such as ‘parlour croquet’ ‘table croquet’ and ‘carpet croquet’. Its rise in popularity was due to the fact that it was a social game that could be played by both sexes. The reality however, was that women played an ornamental role, as in-active players who wore stiff corset-like dresses. Although the middle-classes were beginning to be more social, women were still required at all times to remain ‘lady-like’ in their actions and mannerisms. They were often only spectators of men’s sport such as cricket. Tennis started to become more accessible to women, although more of a status symbol rather than for sporting reasons. It started off as a game of pat-ball and began to grow among the middle and upper classes as a more enjoyable way for middle & upper class women to show off their talents. The acquisition of private courts symbolised the affluence of a particular family. Middle-class women also saw it as a way of displaying their ‘cultured mannerisms’ to prospective husbands. Needless to say the traditional stereotype of weak women did not disappear. If men and women played together then the man would always give the woman every advantage possible such as allowing her to stand as close to the net as she would like when serving, and gentle rally’s and shots. The playing of games became an important aspect of middle-class women (although it was rather out of fashion than the thought of it being a necessity for health). The vast majority of middle-class girls were educated in private schools or by private tutors. Exercise was encouraged so that girls could gain a ‘ladylike disposition’. It eventually became a part of the curriculum on par with other skills such as playing the piano, singing and needlework. Typical examples of exercise include crocodile walks, callisthenics, croquet and dancing. To be strong and healthy was deemed to be ‘vulgar’ instead frailty and paleness was encouraged. Late 19th Century – The Beginning Of A Change?  The major changes in women sport occurred through the education of young girls. The encouragement of girls’ sport in schools set a precedent for women. Equal education rights for women were increasingly being lobbied for. In 1848 Queens College and Bedford College in 1849 were landmarks opened for the development of higher education. Other elite schools for middle-class girls were opened such as the Girls’ Public Day School Company (1872) and the Church Schools Company (1883). Specialist colleges of physical education were also established such as the Dartford College (1885) and Anstey College (1897), which were responsible for the training of teachers for physical education of girls and women. The elite schools immediately established a set curriculum for p.e for girls, which included a wider range of activities. This was a substantial change and was quite radical for the time. In light of the changing curriculum for girls there was a gradual shift in medical opinions about girls exercise. Many doctors were in support of more energetic forms of exercise for girls, whilst some were even campaigning for it to be made a compulsory part of the curriculum. They argued that â€Å"prolonged exercise of brain, deficient exercise of limbs† would produce sickness in girls, and that allowing energetic exercise for girls was good preparation for when women needed strength e.g. during pregnancy. Female physical education and sports were influenced by a number of factors towards the end of the 19th century, such as the changing position of women I society, the growing debate about exercise for girls and women, and the opinions of numerous doctors, educational specialists and liberal reformers. Despite new and more varied sports being made available, this differed from school to school and generally there was no overall programme of sports meaning that the standard of sports that were available to girls was a ‘lottery’. Gradually more sports were being included on the physical education syllabus for girls, such as hockey, tennis and cricket. Team games were very much promoted and were beginning to become a serious aspect of daily school life. Inter-house and inter-school competitions became popular with many girls teams beginning to train in the gym in preparations for girls matches. In this way, games playing in girls started to take on the traditional characteristics of boys playing. For this reason, girls’ games playing had to be strongly and regularly justified. It was never argued that girls were equally as strong or stronger than boys, but that girls needed regular exercise to promote a ‘healthy mind’.  Although physical education for girls was improving for the middle and upper classes, it was yet to be mirrored in the education of the working class. The London School Board started to show keenness for some form of exercise for girls in London elementary schools, which was previously non – existent. In 1879 Miss Concordia Lring was appointed as the ‘Lady Superintendent Of Physical Education’ in girls and infant schools. She was trained in Per Henrik Ling’s system of gymnastics and effectively started the training of teachers in gymnastics which then went on to teach in state schools. Her successor, Martina Bergman (who worked for the London School Board from 1882 – 1887) trained 1312 women teachers in Swedish gymnastics who then went on to introduce the system in to 300 schools. By 1888, every girls and infants department were being taught Swedish gymnastics.

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 33. Forever

â€Å"Charlie, we've still got that strictly need-to-know company situation going. I know it's been more than a week since you saw Renesmee, but a visit is just not a good idea right now. How about I bring Renesmee over to see you?† Charlie was quiet for so long that I wondered if he heard the strain beneath my fagade. But then he muttered, â€Å"Need to know, ugh† and I realized it was just his wariness of the supernatural that made him slow to respond. â€Å"Okay, kid,† Charlie said. â€Å"Can you bring her over this morning? Sue's bringing me lunch. She's just as horrified by my cooking as you were when you first showed up.† Charlie laughed and then sighed for the old days. â€Å"This morning will be perfect.† The sooner the better. I'd already put this off too long. â€Å"Is Jake coming with you guys?† Though Charlie didn't know anything about werewolf imprinting, no one could be oblivious to the attachment between Jacob and Renesmee. â€Å"Probably.† There was no way Jacob would voluntarily miss an afternoon with Renesmee sans bloodsuckers. â€Å"Maybe I should invite Billy, too,† Charlie mused. â€Å"But†¦ hmm. Maybe another time.† I was only half paying attention to Charlie – enough to notice the strange reluctance in his voice when he spoke of Billy, but not enough to worry what that was about. Charlie and Billy were grown-ups; if there was something going on between them, they could figure it out for themselves. I had too many more important things to obsess over. â€Å"See you in a few,† I told him, and hung up. This trip was about more than protecting my father from the twenty-seven oddly matched vampires – who all had sworn not to kill anyone in a three-hundred-mile radius, but still†¦ Obviously, no human being should get anywhere near this group. This was the excuse I'd given Edward: I was taking Renesmee to Charlie so that he wouldn't decide to come here. It was a good reason for leaving the house, but not my real reason at all. â€Å"Why can't we take your Ferrari?† Jacob complained when he met me in the garage. I was already in Edward's Volvo with Renesmee. Edward had gotten around to revealing my after car; as he'd suspected, I had not been capable of showing the appropriate enthusiasm. Sure, it was pretty and fast, but I liked to run. â€Å"Too conspicuous,† I answered. â€Å"We could go on foot, but that would freak Charlie out.† Jacob grumbled but got into the front seat. Renesmee climbed from my lap to his. â€Å"How are you?† I asked him as I pulled out of the garage. â€Å"How do you think?† Jacob asked bitingly. â€Å"I'm sick of all these reeking bloodsuckers.† He saw my expression and spoke before I could answer. â€Å"Yeah, I know, I know. They're the good guys, they're here to help, they're going to save us all. Etcetera, etcetera. Say what you want, I still think Dracula One and Dracula Two are creep-tacular.† I had to smile. The Romanians weren't my favorite guests, either. â€Å"I don't disagree with you there.† Renesmee shook her head but said nothing; unlike the rest of us, she found the Romanians strangely fascinating. She'd made the effort to speak to them aloud since they would not let her touch them. Her question was about their unusual skin and, though I was afraid they might be offended, I was kind of glad she'd asked. I was curious, too. They hadn't seemed upset by her interest. Maybe a little rueful. â€Å"We sat still for a very long time, child,† Vladimir had answered, with Stefan nodding along but not continuing Vladimir's sentences as he often did. â€Å"Contemplating our own divinity. It was a sign of our power that everything came to us. Prey, diplomats, those seeking our favor. We sat on our thrones and thought ourselves gods. We didn't notice for a long time that we were changing – almost petrifying. I suppose the Volturi did us one favor when they burned our castles. Stefan and I, at least, did not continue to petrify. Now the Volturi's eyes are filmed with dusty scum, but ours are bright. I imagine that will give us an advantage when we gouge theirs from their sockets.† I tried to keep Renesmee away from them after that. â€Å"How long do we get to hang out with Charlie?† Jacob asked, interrupting my thoughts. He was visibly relaxing as we pulled away from the house and all its new inmates. It made me happy that I didn't really count as a vampire to him. I was still just Bella. â€Å"For quite a while, actually.† The tone of my voice caught his attention. â€Å"Is something going on here besides visiting your dad?† â€Å"Jake, you know how you're pretty good at controlling your thoughts around Edward?† He raised one thick black brow. â€Å"Yeah?† I just nodded, cutting my eyes to Renesmee. She was looking out the window, and I couldn't tell how interested she was in our conversation, but I decided not to risk going any further. Jacob waited for me to add something else, and then his lower lip pushed out while he thought about what little I'd said. As we drove in silence, I squinted through the annoying contacts into the cold rain; it wasn't quite cold enough for snow. My eyes were not as ghoulish as they had been in the beginning – definitely closer to a dull reddish orange than to bright crimson. Soon they'd be amber enough for me to quit the contacts, i hoped the change wouldn't upset Charlie too much. Jacob was still chewing over our truncated conversation when we got to Charlie's. We didn't talk as we walked at a quick human pace through the falling rain. My dad was waiting for us; he had the door open before I could knock. â€Å"Hey, guys! It seems like it's been years! Look at you, Nessie! Come to Grampa! I swear you've grown half a foot. And you look skinny, Ness.† He glared at me. â€Å"Aren't they feeding you up there?† â€Å"It's just the growth spurt,† I muttered. â€Å"Hey, Sue,† I called over his shoulder. The smell of chicken, tomato, garlic, and cheese issued from the kitchen; it probably smelled good to everyone else. I could also smell fresh pine and packing dust. Renesmee flashed her dimples. She never spoke in front of Charlie. â€Å"Well, come on in out of the cold, kids. Where's my son-in-law?† â€Å"Entertaining friends,† Jacob said, and then snorted. â€Å"You're so lucky you're out of the loop, Charlie. That's all I'm going to say.† I punched Jacob lightly in the kidney while Charlie cringed. â€Å"Ow,† Jacob complained under his breath; well, I'd thought I'd punched lightly. â€Å"Actually, Charlie, I have some errands to run.† Jacob shot a glance at me but said nothing. â€Å"Behind on your Christmas shopping, Bells? You only have a few days, you know.† â€Å"Yeah, Christmas shopping,† I said lamely. That explained the packing dust. Charlie must have put the old decorations up. â€Å"Don't worry, Nessie,† he whispered in her ear. â€Å"I got you covered if your mom drops the ball.† I rolled my eyes at him, but in truth, I hadn't thought about the holidays at all. â€Å"Lunch's on the table,† Sue called from the kitchen. â€Å"C'mon, guys.† â€Å"See you later, Dad,† I said, and exchanged a quick look with Jacob. Even if he couldn't help but think about this near Edward, at least there wasn't much for him to share. He had no idea what I was up to. Of course, I thought to myself as I got into the car, it wasn't like I had much idea, either. The roads were slick and dark, but driving didn't intimidate me anymore. My reflexes were well up to the job, and I barely paid attention to the road. The problem was keeping my speed from attracting attention when I had company. I wanted to be done with today's mission, to have the mystery sorted out so that I could get back to the vital task of learning. Learning to protect some, learning to kill others. I was getting better and better with my shield. Kate didn't feel the need to motivate me anymore – it wasn't hard to find reasons to feel angry, now that I knew that was the key – and so I mostly worked with Zafrina. She was pleased with my extension; I was able to cover almost a ten-foot area for more than a minute, though it exhausted me. This morning she'd been trying to find out if I could push the shield away from my mind altogether. I didn't see what the use of that would be, but Zafrina thought it would help strengthen me, like exercising muscles in the stomach and back rather than just the arms. Eventually, you could lift more weight when all the muscles were stronger. I wasn't very good at it. I had only gotten one glimpse of the jungle river she was trying to show me. But there were different ways to prepare for what was coming, and with only two weeks left, I worried that I might be neglecting the most important. Today I would rectify that oversight. I'd memorized the appropriate maps, and I had no problem finding my way to the address that didn't exist online, the one for J. Jenks. My next step would be Jason Jenks at the other address, the one Alice had not given me. To say that it wasn't a nice neighborhood would be an understatement. The most nondescript of all the Cullens' cars was still outrageous on this street. My old Chevy would have looked healthy here. During my human years, I would have locked the doors and driven away as fast as I dared. As it was, I was a little fascinated. I tried to imagine Alice in this place for any reason, and failed. The buildings – all three stories, all narrow, all leaning slightly as if bowed by the pounding rain – were mostly old houses divided up into multiple apartments. It was hard to tell what color the peeling paint was supposed to be. Everything had faded to shades of gray. A few of the buildings had businesses on the first floor: a dirty bar with the windows painted black, a psychic's supply store with neon hands and tarot cards glowing fitfully on the door, a tattoo parlor, and a daycare with duct tape holding the broken front window together. There were no lamps on inside any of the rooms, though it was grim enough outside that the humans should have needed the light. I could hear the low mumbling of voices in the distance; it sounded like TV. There were a few people about, two shuffling through the rain in opposite directions and one sitting on the shallow porch of a boarded-up cut-rate law office, reading a wet newspaper and whistling. The sound was much too cheerful for the setting. I was so bemused by the carefree whistler, I didn't realize at first that the abandoned building was right where the address I was looking for should exist. There were no numbers on the dilapidated place, but the tattoo parlor beside it was just two numbers off. I pulled up to the curb and idled for a second. I was getting into that dump one way or another, but how to do so without the whistler noticing me? I could park the next street over and come through the back†¦. There might be more witnesses on that side. Maybe the rooftops? Was it dark enough for that kind of thing? â€Å"Hey, lady,† the whistler called to me. I rolled the passenger window down as if I couldn't hear him. The man laid his paper aside, and his clothes surprised me, now that I could see them. Under his long ragged duster, he was a little too well dressed. There was no breeze to give me the scent, but the sheen on his dark red shirt looked like silk. His crinkly black hair was tangled and wild, but his dark skin was smooth and perfect, his teeth white and straight. A contradiction. â€Å"Maybe you shouldn't park that car there, lady,† he said. â€Å"It might not be here when you get back.† â€Å"Thanks for the warning,† I said. I shut off the engine and got out. Perhaps my whistling friend could give me the answers I needed faster than breaking and entering. I opened my big gray umbrella – not that I cared, really, about protecting the long cashmere sweater-dress I wore. It was what a human would do. The man squinted through the rain at my face, and then his eyes widened. He swallowed, and I heard his heart accelerate as I approached. Tm looking for someone,† I began. â€Å"I'm someone,† he offered with a smile. â€Å"What can I do for you, beautiful?† â€Å"Are you J. Jenks?† I asked. â€Å"Oh,† he said, and his expression changed from anticipation to understanding. He got to his feet and examined me with narrowed eyes. â€Å"Why're you looking for J?† â€Å"That's my business.† Besides, I didn't have a clue. â€Å"Are you J?† â€Å"No.† We faced each other for a long moment while his sharp eyes ran up and down the fitted pearl gray sheath I wore. His gaze finally made it to my face. â€Å"You don't look like the usual customer.† â€Å"I'm probably not the usual,† I admitted. â€Å"But I do need to see him as soon as possible.† â€Å"I'm not sure what to do,† he admitted. â€Å"Why don't you tell me your name?† He grinned. â€Å"Max.† â€Å"Nice to meet you, Max. Now, why don't you tell me what you do for the usual?† His grin became a frown. â€Å"Well, J's usual clients don't look a thing like you. Your kind doesn't bother with the downtown office. You just go straight up to his fancy office in the skyscraper.† I repeated the other address I had, making the list of numbers a question. â€Å"Yeah, that's the place,† he said, suspicious again. â€Å"How come you didn't go there?† â€Å"This was the address I was given – by a very dependable source.† â€Å"If you were up to any good, you wouldn't be here.† I pursed my lips. I'd never been much good at bluffing, but Alice hadn't left me a lot of alternatives. â€Å"Maybe I'm not up to any good.† Max's face turned apologetic. â€Å"Look, lady – â€Å" â€Å"Bella.† â€Å"Right. Bella. See, I need this job. J pays me pretty good to mostly just hang out here all day. I want to help you, I do, but – and of course Tm speaking hypothetically, right? Or off the record, or whatever works for you – but if I pass somebody through that could get him in trouble, I'm out of work. Do you see my problem?† I thought for a minute, chewing on my lip. â€Å"You've never seen anyone like me here before? Well, sort of like me. My sister is a lot shorter than me, and she has dark spiky black hair.† â€Å"J knows your sister?† â€Å"I think so.† Max pondered this fora moment.I smiled at him, and his breathing stuttered.†Tell you what I'll do.HI give Ja call and describe you to him. Let him make the decision.† What did J. Jenks know? Would my description mean something to him? That was a troubling thought. â€Å"My last name is Cullen,† I told Max, wondering if that was too much information. I was starting to get irritated with Alice. Did I really have to be quite this blind? She could have given me one or two more words†¦. â€Å"Cullen, got it.† I watched as he dialed, easily picking out the number. Well, I could call J. Jenks myself if this didn't work. â€Å"HeyJ, it's Max. I know I'm never supposed tocall you at this number except in an emergency___† Is there an emergency?1 heard faintly from the other end. â€Å"Well, notexactly. It's this girl who wants to see you___† fail to see the emergency in that Why didn't you follow normal procedure? â€Å"I didn't follow normal procedure 'cause she don't look like any kind of normal – â€Å" Is she a badge?! â€Å"No – â€Å" You can't be sure about that. Does she look like one ofKubarev's – ? â€Å"No – let me talk, okay? She says you know her sister or something.† Not likely. What does she look like? â€Å"She looks like . . .† His eyes ran from my face to my shoes appreciatively. â€Å"Well, she looks like a freaking supermodel, that's what she looks like.† I smiled and he winked at me, then went on. â€Å"Rocking body, pale as a sheet, dark brown hair almost to her waist, needs a good night's sleep – any of this soundingfamiliar?† No, it doesn't I'm not happy that you let your weakness for pretty women interrupt – â€Å"Yeah,so I'ma sucker for the pretty ones, what's wrong with that? I'm sorry I bothered you, man. Just forget it.† â€Å"Name,† I whispered. â€Å"Oh right. Wait,† Max said. â€Å"She says her name is Bella Cullen. That help?† There was a beat of dead silence, and then the voice on the other end was abruptly screaming, using a lot of words you didn't often hear outside of truck stops. Max's whole expression changed; all the joking vanished and his lips went pale. â€Å"Because you didn't ask!† Max yelled back, panicked. There was another pause while J collected himself. Beautiful and pale?J asked, a tiny bit calmer. â€Å"I said that, didn't I?† Beautiful and pale? What did this man know about vampires? Was he one of us himself? I wasn't prepared for that kind of confrontation. I gritted my teeth. What had Alice gotten me into? Max waited for a minute through another volley of shouted insults and instructions and then glanced at me with eyes that were almost frightened. â€Å"But you only meet downtown clients on Thursdays – okay, okay! On it.'7He slid his phone shut. â€Å"He wants to see me?† I asked brightly. Max glowered. â€Å"You could have told me you were a priority client;7 â€Å"I didn't know I was.† â€Å"I thought you might be a cop,† he admitted. â€Å"I mean, you don't look like a cop. But you act kind of weird, beautiful.† I shrugged. â€Å"Drug cartel?† he guessed. â€Å"Who, me?† I asked. â€Å"Yeah. Or your boyfriend or whatever.† â€Å"Nope, sorry. I'm not really a fan of drugs, and neither is my husband. Just say no and all that.† Max cussed under his breath. â€Å"Married. Can't catch a break.† I smiled. â€Å"Mafia?† â€Å"Nope.† â€Å"Diamondsmuggling?† â€Å"Please! Is that the kind of people you usually deal with, Max? Maybe you need a new job.† I had to admit, I was enjoying myself a little. I hadn't interacted with humans much besides Charlie and Sue. It was entertaining to watch him flounder. I was also pleased at how easy it was not to kill him. â€Å"You've got to be involved in something big. And bad,† he mused. â€Å"It's not really like that.† â€Å"That's what they all say. But who else needs papers? Or can afford to pay J's prices for them, I should say. None of my business, anyway,† he said, and then muttered the word married again. He gave me an entirely new address with basic directions, and then watched me drive away with suspicious, regretful eyes. At this point, I was ready for almost anything – some kind of James Bond villain's high-tech lair seemed appropriate. So I thought Max must have given me the wrong address as a test. Or maybe the lair was subterranean, underneath this very commonplace strip mall nestled up against a wooded hill in a nice family neighborhood. I pulled into an open spot and looked up at a tastefully subtle sign that read JASON SCOTT, ATTORNEY AT LAW. The office inside was beige with celery green accents, inoffensive and unremarkable. There was no scent of vampire here, and that helped me relax. Nothing but unfamiliar human. A fish tank was set into the wall, and a blandly pretty blond receptionist sat behind the desk. â€Å"Hello,† she greeted me. â€Å"How can I help you?† â€Å"I'm here to see Mr. Scott.† â€Å"Do you have an appointment?† â€Å"Not exactly.† She smirked a little. â€Å"It could be a while, then. Why don't you have a seat while I – â€Å" April!a man's demanding voice squawked from the phone on her desk. I'm expecting a Ms. Cullen shortly. I smiled and pointed to myself. Send her in immediately. Do you understand? I don't care what it's interrupting. I could hear something else in his voice besides impatience. Stress. Nerves. â€Å"She's just arrived,† April said as soon as she could speak. What? Send her in! What are you waiting for? â€Å"Right away, Mr. Scott!† She got to her feet, fluttering her hands as she led the way down a short hallway, offering me coffee or tea or anything else I might have wanted. â€Å"Here you are,† she said as she ushered me through the door into a power office, complete with heavy wooden desk and vanity wall. â€Å"Close the door behind you,† a raspy tenor voice ordered. I examined the man behind the desk while April made a hasty retreat. He was short and balding, probably around fifty-five, with a paunch. He wore a red silk tie with a blue-and-white-striped shirt, and his navy blazer hung over the back of his chair. He was also trembling, blanched to a sickly paste color, with sweat beading on his forehead; I imagined an ulcer churning away under the spare tire. J recovered himself and rose unsteadily from his chair. He reached his hand across the desk. â€Å"Ms. Cullen. What an absolute delight.† I crossed to him and shook his hand quickly once. He cringed slightly at my cold skin but did not seem particularly surprised by it. â€Å"Mr. Jenks. Or do you prefer Scott?† He winced again. â€Å"Whatever you wish, of course.† â€Å"How about you call me Bella, and HI call you J?† â€Å"Like old friends,† he agreed, mopping a silk handkerchief across his forehead. He gestured for me to have a seat and took his own. â€Å"I must ask, am I finally meeting Mr. Jasper's lovely wife?† I weighed that for a second. So this man knew Jasper, not Alice. Knew him, and seemed afraid of him, too. â€Å"His sister-in-law, actually.† He pursed his lips, as if he were grasping for meanings just as desperately as I was. â€Å"I trust Mr. Jasper is in good health?† he asked carefully. â€Å"I'm sure he is in excellent health. He's on an extended vacation at the moment.† This seemed to clear up some of J's confusion. He nodded to himself and templed his fingers. â€Å"Just so. You should have come to the main office. My assistants there would have put you straight through to me – no need to go through less hospitable channels.† I just nodded. I wasn't sure why Alice had given me the ghetto address. â€Å"Ah, well, you're here now. What can I do for you?† Tapers,† I said, trying to make my voice sound like I knew what I was talking about. â€Å"Certainly,† J agreed at once. â€Å"Are we talking birth certificates, death certificates, drivers' licenses, passports, social security cards†¦ ?† I took a deep breath and smiled. I owed Max big time. And then my smile faded. Alice had sent me here for a reason, and I was sure it was to protect Renesmee. Her last gift to me. The one thing she would know I needed. The only reason Renesmee would need a forger was if she was running. And the only reason Renesmee would be running was if we had lost. If Edward and I were running with her, she wouldn't need these documents right away. I was sure IDs were something Edward knew how to get his hands on or make himself, and I was sure he knew ways to escape without them. We could run with her for thousands of miles. We could swim with her across an ocean. If we were around to save her. And all the secrecy to keep this out of Edward's head. Because there was a good chance that everything he knew, Aro would know. If we lost, Aro would certainly get the information he craved before he destroyed Edward. It was as I had suspected. We couldn't win. But we must have a good shot at killing Demetri before we lost, giving Renesmee the chance to run. My still heart felt like a boulder in my chest – a crushing weight. All my hope faded like fog in the sunshine. My eyes pricked. Who would I put this on? Charlie? But he was so defenselessly human. And how would I get Renesmee to him? He was not going to be anywhere close to that fight. So that left one person. There really had never been anyone else. I'd thought this through so quickly that J didn't notice my pause. â€Å"Two birth certificates, two passports, one driver's license,† I said in a low, strained tone. If he noticed the change in my expression, he pretended otherwise. â€Å"The names?† â€Å"Jacob†¦ Wolfe. And†¦ Vanessa Wolfe.† Nessie seemed like an okay nickname for Vanessa. Jacob would get a kick out of the Wolfe thing. His pen scratched swiftly across a legal pad. â€Å"Middle names?† â€Å"Just put something generic in.† â€Å"If you prefer. Ages?† â€Å"Twenty-seven for the man, five for the girl.† Jacob could pull it off. He was a beast. And at the rate Renesmee was growing, I'd better estimate high. He could be her stepfather†¦. â€Å"I'll need pictures if you prefer finished documents,† J said, interrupting my thoughts. â€Å"Mr. Jasper usually liked to finish them himself.† Well, that explained why J didn't know what Alice looked like. â€Å"Hold on,† I said. This was luck. I had several family pictures shoved in my wallet, and the perfect one – Jacob holding Renesmee on the front porch steps – was only a month old. Alice had given it to me just a few days before†¦ Oh. Maybe there wasn't that much luck involved after all. Alice knew I had this picture. Maybe she'd even had some dim flash that I would need it before she gave it to me. â€Å"Here you go.† J examined the picture for a moment. â€Å"Your daughter is very like you.† I tensed. â€Å"She's more like her father.† â€Å"Who is not this man.† He touched Jacob's face. My eyes narrowed, and new sweat beads popped out on J's shiny head. â€Å"No. That is a very close friend of the family.† â€Å"Forgive me,† he mumbled, and the pen began scratching again. â€Å"How soon will you need the documents?† â€Å"Can I get them in a week?† â€Å"That's a rush order. It will cost twice as – but forgive me. I forgot with whom I was speaking.† Clearly, he knew Jasper. â€Å"Just give me a number.† He seemed hesitant to say it aloud, though I was sure, having dealt with Jasper, he must have known that price wasn't really an object. Not even taking into consideration the bloated accounts that existed all over the world with the Cullens' various names on them, there was enough cash stashed all over the house to keep a small country afloat for a decade; it reminded me of the way there were always a hundred fishhooks in the back of any drawer at Charlie's house. I doubted anyone would even notice the small stack I'd removed in preparation for today. J wrote the price down on the bottom of the legal pad. I nodded calmly. I had more than that with me. I unclasped my bag again and counted out the right amount – I had it all paper-clipped into five-thousand-dollar increments, so it took no time at all. â€Å"There.† â€Å"Ah, Bella, you don't really have to give me the entire sum now. It's customary for you to save half to ensure delivery.† I smiled wanly at the nervous man. â€Å"But I trust you, J. Besides, I'll give you a bonus – the same again when I get the documents.† â€Å"That's not necessary, I assure you.† â€Å"Don't worry about it.† It wasn't like I could take it with me. â€Å"So HI meet you here next week at the same time?† He gave me a pained look. â€Å"Actually, I prefer to make such transactions in places unrelated to my various businesses.† â€Å"Of course. I'm sure I'm not doing this the way you expect.† â€Å"I'm used to having no expectations when it comes to the Cullen family.† He grimaced and then quickly composed his face again. â€Å"Shall we meet at eight o'clock a week from tonight at The Pacifico? It's on Union Lake, and the food is exquisite.† â€Å"Perfect.† Not that I would be joining him for dinner. He actually wouldn't like it much if I did. I rose and shook his hand again. This time he didn't flinch. But he did seem to have some new worry on his mind. His mouth was pinched up, his back tense. â€Å"Will you have trouble with that deadline?† I asked. â€Å"What?† He looked up, taken off guard by my question. â€Å"The deadline? Oh, no. No worries at all. I will certainly have your documents done on time.† It would have been nice to have Edward here, so that I would know what J's real worries were. I sighed. Keeping secrets from Edward was bad enough; having to be away from him was almost too much. â€Å"Then HI see you in one week.†

Toyota Etios Consumers behavior

More for less positioning strategy has been used. Toyota is offering more benefits at a less price. It is the most trustworthy brand name. The very limited numbers in which it will be sold, which means that if a person have one of these then he/she will be only one of 900 people In a country of over a billion to own It. B) Is the new product evolved because of changing consumer behavior? Toyota has been known forIts commitment towards the changing customer requirements so the new Egos Exclusive has been introduced to bring in freshness and exclusivity to the existing product. Toyota has also launched its car in both petrol and diesel. Consumers who are looking for aspects such as reliability and fuel efficiency are now also giving great preference to technology when buying and driving an automobile so Toyota has designed this car keeping In mind the preference of the buyers. Previous Otiose faced lots of criticism for Its unlearning design and below par quality of the Interiors butOt iose Exclusive have all the essential elements that were previously missing and it is now more impressive to look at and provide a great driving experience. C) Resulted modification in the consumer behavior. Otiose with its latest model and new alluring features is getting great attention from the customers. The exclusive limited offer of providing only 900 cars In a country of population over a billion Is also helping Toyota In gaining customers Interest. Tells headlamp and ROVE. The Otiose Exclusive also has a new Bluetooth Audio system and s based on the G grade of the current lineup.Otiose Exclusive being launched in both petrol and diesel is also attracting people interested in either of two. Toyota has also kept in mind the preference of the customers for fuel efficient car and has accordingly designed the product, thus making it a fuel efficient car. This along with various features of Otiose Exclusive has managed to attract lots of customers and has resulted in booking of ca rs in advance. D) Customization of marketing mix Elements of marketing mix PRICE List Price: RSI. Sacs to 7. 1 lacksCredit Terms- Toyota Financial Services is offering Otiose Exclusive customers an exclusive opportunity to avail a 100% on road funding for seven years on a zero down payment scheme. Discount- Otiose Exclusive owners will also be offered a free Smile Service Package which will get them a 50% discount on service related to value added services. PRODUCT- Otiose exclusive new front full-chrome grille, new chrome garnish on the titillate, headlamp and ROVE. The Otiose Exclusive also has a new Bluetooth Audio system and is based on the G grade of the current lineup.Toyota is offering this car n two existing colors – Classic Grey and Symphony Silver. Service- Toyota Financial Services is offering Otiose Exclusive customers an exclusive opportunity to avail a 100% on road funding for seven years on a zero down payment scheme. Toyota has also worked on reducing the time taken to service a vehicle through Toyota Express Maintenance Service which has brought down the servicing time to Just 60 minutes. Quality- Toyota Otiose Exclusive is offering superior ride and handling quality.