Kitchen Layout

After gaining enough experience and capital from my previous restaurant employment, I have decided to start my own restaurant offering Authentic Italian dishes. Stated below are the highlights of my idyllic Italian restaurant. My restaurant shall have six large tables complete with basic table amenities such as pepper, salt and a variety of well-picked sauces.   Tables will be large due to the prominence of Italian food and culture for entertaining families or large groups. Another four small tables however will be added for small companies or pairs. In compliment to this, the interior shall be well-ventilated and equally lighted for maximum space utilization. For my restaurant’s menu, I shall adapt the menu of the Via Carducci because they give special importance to pasta dishes, which are the marker s of Italian food.   Their menu, including wine choices are offered at very affordable yet reasonable prices, but not sacrificing the quality and the over-all effect of the products. Their specific cuisine is the Rustic Southern Italian which originated from the owner’s home town, Calabria. Their type of cuisine specializes in organic and fresh ingredients perfect for medium to heavy diets. My Kitchen shall adapt the open G-shaped layout. This consists of four walls, two pair of walls opposite each other; the, the sink, the refrigerator and the cooktop are located at one of the pairs such that creating an imaginary work triangle with the three as points.   This layout enhances the use of the three basic elements of the kitchen mentioned above. It also gives ample space for other cooking equipments to be located at the other pair of walls. The cleverness of the layout allows for even-trafficking in the work triangle. The said layout also makes room for one or two additional cooks for more efficient service.   The kitchen shall be open for the customers to view the brilliance of the cook(s). To add, a large over head mirror shall be ingeniously placed also for maximized viewing. I have only three specific kitchen equipments to mention (1) the World Cuisine’sLillo pasta machine: able to produce different kinds of pasta from any type of flour, with or without the use of eggs. The product comes with four durable pasta attachments for Spaghetti, Tagliatelle, Penne, and Macaroni. The item is ideal for fast-paced kitchens with just enough working space. The lillo pasta machine is also recommended for Italian kitchens serving quality pasta. (2) The Silex line of Knives. Qualities include; purity of metal achieved through the secondary melting process it underwent, unique hardness provided by the strength of the material used, the fineness and precision comparable to a surgical scalpel, special resistance to corrosion, easy to sharpen blades given by the hardness and purity, and the extraordinary length of time it remains sharp. Its handle is designed for comfort in working for long periods of time. It also has a polymer-based handle which is anti-bacterial. This line of cutlery provides proficiency in the work place due to its efficiency, durability and cleanliness in the workplace. This is ideal for busy restaurant kitchens which specialize in salads and fresh sauces. The next item (3) would be the World Cuisine’s Large oval cast-iron grill. This product is ideal for indoor-grilling. The heavy ridged cast iron surface preserves heat which equally and quickly grills. The item is suggested for class gourmet meals. Other kitchen equipments which were not mentioned will also be hand-picked with care. Costs shall also be given much attention. The above mentioned factors and elements were cautiously selected taking into consideration the availability, efficiency, monetary cost, and over-all quality. This, for me, is the ideal kitchen layout together with the visualization of the ideal Italian restaurant. References: Atlanta Home improvement, Kitchen Layouts, August 8 2007 From: http://www.homeimprovementmag.com/Articles/2004/04Dec_k&b_layouts.html         

High School and Lateness Essay

This paper is a review on lateness in public schools, which has posed a major problem to school administrators in Delta State, Nigeria; especially at the primary and secondary school levels. The author delimited his focus on students, staff and supporting staff in the school system. The salient point is that, lateness to schools plagues school administrators, bringing about inefficiencies at work by way of administration. Therefore, this paper highlights the meaning, causes and effects of lateness to schools as related to the school administrator in Delta State, Nigeria. The study also highlighted various remedies to the sordid situation. This review will therefore help school administrators alleviate lateness, a hydra-headed monster plaguing schools in Delta State, Nigeria, and as such bring about easy administration of schools in the region. Key words: Lateness, school administrators, discipline, environment, punctuality. INTRODUCTION Amongst other components of any organisation, human beings are the most difficult to manage. Folks pose the most problems to administrators anywhere in the world, not excluding school organisations as learning factories in Delta State, Nigeria. Many authors have posited as a matter of fact that, it is easier to manage the financial and material components of any organisation than to manage the human component. They insinuate that â€Å"it is easier to manage even animals than to manage human beings† (Nakpodia, 2006; Peretomode, 1991; Peretomode, 2001; Ubogu, 2004; Emore, 2005; Ukoshi, 2004). Thus, in the school system, the school head, which is usually the headmaster/headmistress or the principal, is confronted with numerous problems posed by staff and/or students. These problems include: sleeping on duty, negative attitude to tasks, lack of motivation to tasks, sexual harassment, theft, quarrelling, malice, jealousy, envy, absenteeism, lateness, etc. But Lauby (2009) stated clearly that: ‘As a Human Resource professional, I have dealt with a plethora of employee issues: sleeping on the job, theft, sexual harassment†¦ but I have found over the years, that there is one issue that plagues managers more than all these other issues combined†¦ attendance and punctuality. That is, people not showing up at all†¦ people not showing up on time. It could thus be deduced from the excerpt that in the school system, which is the focus of this paper, both staff’s and students’/pupils’ lateness to school pose the greatest problems to school administrators in Delta State. What then is lateness? DEFINITION OF LATENESS Literally, the term â€Å"lateness† implies a situation where an individual arrives after the proper, scheduled or usual th time (Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary, 5 ed. , 1995). Furthermore, Lauby (2009) puts it as a term used *Corresponding author. E-mail: kosdaf80@yahoo. com. Tel: +2347033941918. Nakpodia and Dafiaghor 59 to describe â€Å"people not showing up on time†. Breeze et al. (2010) contributed by saying that, lateness is synonymous with â€Å"tardiness†, which implies being slow to act or slow to respond, thus not meeting up with proper or usual timing. It is obvious therefore that, lateness could be seen as a system of network breakdown (Peretomode, 1991), a situation of not meeting up with programme†¦ a function of time†¦ time is the criteria and determinant of lateness. Having therefore known the meaning of lateness, the causes of lateness should be highlighted. CAUSES OF LATENESS There are numerous causes of lateness to school. Amongst others, the following are the major causes of lateness to school. Going late to bed This is one of the major causes of lateness to school. Going late to bed could result in waking up late, as could be deduced from the literal meaning of the saying â€Å"early to bed early to rise†. Watching films and late-night movies The individual involved in watching films and home videos may be so captivated and hypnotised by it that, he/she forgets that he/she has to be in school; and at sudden realisation, he/she hurries off and likely may not be punctual (Ukoshi, 2004). The habit of waking up late Some folks find more pleasure in early morning sleep than the overnight sleep. These kind of people always wake up late to hurry off to school but most times, situation may not really be in their favour, thus they are irresistibly late to school. Distance/Location of school The further the location of the school from the student/pupil or staff, the more distractions, obstacles, friends to say high to, hold-ups to beat, go-slows, etc are there that tend to hinder his/her punctuality to school. For instance, consider a situation where an individual working in DELSU Secondary School, Abraka, leaves Eku or Igun every day for work. This individual is likely not to be punctual when compared with some one of the same status living in Abraka, possibly even close to the school; he is more likely to be punctual because the level of distraction would be lesser. Keeping friends of different status Friends and acquaintances that are not of the same status with an individual tend not to understand the responsibilities of the individual, most especially those of lower status. For instance, a teacher spending most of the leisure time with a motorcyclist; the motorcyclist is likely not to motivate the teacher in the aspect of punctuality as compared with a fellow teacher. Engagement in untimely domestic chores/activities These activities are necessary but doing them at a wrong timing is what cause lateness to school. In some cases, most parents even oblige their wards to help carry their goods to the market and other such kind of chores before going to school. Activities like these inevitably cause lateness to school, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Furthermore, Oghuvwu (2008) concurred to this when he opined that â€Å"lateness is common as a result of students’ involvement by parents†. Innate anxiety level Most people always have that relax mind in anything they do; they do not even care if they are running late or not; they just do not beat that their relax temple or mood of doing things. Even when a little hurry could make them punctual, they prefer to be late than beat their innate temple; this is a glaring situation. Family background In some cases, the habit of lateness is being copied from family members. For instance, the child that sees the father always going late to work could also either voluntarily or involuntarily learn the habit, thus go to school late also. This is supported by Peretomode (2001) and Egbule (2004), when they elaborated the concept of NATURE-NURTURE as it affects an individual’s habits. Cultural background We live in a society where the culture does not frown at, or rather say anything about punctuality as ethics in a work environment, thus to most individuals, punctuality is not really a serious matter, compared with how punctuality is being perceived in Western cultures and developed countries (Breeze et al. , 2010). 60 Int. J. Sci. Technol. Educ. Res Religious background Every individual in this world is loyal or faithful to one religion or the other. Even the atheist is loyal to his own beliefs, thus he/she is his/her own religion. Individuals tend to swallow hook, line and sinker, whatever their religious leaders teach, and those which the religious teacher does not teach is considered less or not important by them. The salient point is that, if religions frown at lateness, it would reduce; and if they do not speak of it or speak encouraging it (they may say, no matter what happens, God will always favour you); the tendency is that lateness would be on the increase, most especially in Delta State, Nigeria, Africa, where religion is tenaciously adhered to because of the fear of witchcraft and wizardry (African Science). Lack of functional and effective punctuality policy Obviously, individuals could come late to school, if they perceive that there are no consequences to it. It is a consensus that â€Å"if black man no see strong thing, e no they hear†. This consensus is more pronounced in Delta State, Nigeria, where the probability of misdemeanour and stubbornness is high. Furthermore, school head’s fairness or equal treatment between different subjects, as perceived by individuals, could cause lateness. Individuals are likely to be more punctual, if they perceive obvious â€Å"rule of law† in terms of punctuality (Clackmannanshire Council Online, 2010). Too much body care and excessive facial/body makeup In some cases, individuals are obsessed by their appearance to the detriment of timely engagements in school. Oghuvwu (2008) agreed to this when he opined that â€Å"lateness is common among females more than males†. This could be as a result of the fact that, females require more time for their body and facial care and make up. EFFECTS OF LATENESS TO SCHOOL There are various effects of lateness to school. Many writers have pinpointed many of these effects. Amongst others, some are outlined and briefly discussed as follows. Lateness disorganises and causes distraction to the individual and the whole system The individual that came late to school is both a problem to him/herself, fellow students, teacher, and others in the school system†¦ he/she walks in when teaching is going on†¦ both teachers and students turn to look at him/her†¦ the system and flow is distracted and distorted†¦ he/she thinks where do I start from to catch up?.. asks a fellow student â€Å"is he just starting?.. how long has be been teaching?.. what has he/she taught?†¦ let me see your note. From this simple analogy, it is glaring that the late comer is both a problem him/herself and the entire school system. In addition, according to â€Å"Clackmannashire Council Online†, â€Å"lateness is disruptive to the individual and to the work of the class and may be an early warning of other difficulties†. Lateness inhibits the process of achieving the goals of the school The basic reason for the human component is to enable easy achievement of the goals and objectives of establishing the school. Thus, if the employers’ goal is to make money, and the individual’s contribution to the organisation could bring the school N20 per h. If he/she then comes 30 min late every day, thus N10 is lost every day as a result of lateness. The point is that as small as this, multiplied by the days of the years and a good number of employees with this habit†¦ this would be a very great loss to the school. Thus, Ali (2007) clearly posited that â€Å"†¦ showing up 10 min late could add up to lots of lost revenue for the company (school) and the individual. † Furthermore, ETC’s (2009) attendance and punctuality policy clearly states that â€Å"regular and punctual attendance is of paramount importance in ensuring that all students have full access to the curriculum†¦ valuable learning time is lost when students are absent or late†. Lateness leads to absenteeism and general failure in life Pupils/students and/or staff could sometimes feel the extent of their lateness and very often they just decide to be absent. This has a very great effect on the individual’s academic and other achievements. According to Ali (2007), this could lead to loss of confidence and engagement in premature sexual activity for students, leading to pregnancy, resulting in a phenomenon called storm and stress among adolescents. Also, Catt F found out that â€Å"it is always the same group of people showing up early and the same group of people showing up late†. REMEDIES TO LATENESS 1. Schools should operate strict functional punctuality policy. One of the major responsibilities of the school head is to implement policies and/or even possibly make some†¦ as whatever happens in the system would be credited or blamed upon him. Thus, the school head Nakpodia and Dafiaghor 61 needs to carry out the function of maintaining punctuality policy without favouritism. 2. Staff and students in the school system should be sensitised and made aware of the effects of lateness to them and the entire school system, and also the benefits of punctuality to them first and then to the entire school system. This should be carried out by both school heads, governmental and non-governmental agencies, religious bodies, and other such bodies and individuals. 3. The school administrator must teach punctuality by example†¦ he/she must act as a model for all to copy. 4. School administrators should impose compulsory beginning and closing of the day meeting of staff and students. In the meetings, there should be strict attendance register. 5. School administrators should build in staff and students, the virtue of â€Å"time-consciousness†. For instance, putting wall clocks in conspicuous locations for all to see could instil the time-consciousness attitude in individuals in the school. 6. As an individual, try to be 15 min early to school, as this could help you make friends and say hello to alreadymade friends; get one’s self prepared for the day’s activity; possibly even read a book, and most importantly could help make up for unforeseen causes of lateness, and still be punctual. 7. There should also be activities /acts to motivate and reinforce punctuality. For instance, awarding prizes for punctuality could go a long way in enhancing punctuality. 8. Parents and school administrators should join efforts in enhancing punctuality. UK Government (2010) stipulated that â€Å"on the first day absence, contact should be made with parents of the child to find out why the child is absent†. 9. Truancy patrol†¦ is a situation where members of the community are sensitised to seize or report students found outside the school environment after stipulated times. In this kind of situation, the pupil would likely be punctual since the only convenient environment would be that of the school†¦ if he/she comes late, would be punished†¦ he is then forced to come early. 10. Parents involving students in domestic activities should be mindful of punctuality. 11. Government on its part, should improve transportation and other economic activities in the country†¦ as some students walk/trek to school, as a result of fair†¦ even those that have the fair, sometimes no transport service or no good roads, causing hold-ups and go-slows. help identify and proffer solutions to this quality and disturbing problem that could lead to students’ drop-out from school, and also inefficiency and ineffectiveness on the part of the school administrators, by way of school administration and management; knowing fully well that lateness could be reduced by providing free education counselling and discipline among students, in addition to the use of electronic systems, truancy sweep by school heads. It should also be noted that, lateness is common among female students, and as such they should be of more concern to the school administrator in Delta State. Finally, the remedy to any situation is in the situation; thus, the school administrator, should study the peculiar situation and respond as the situation suggests. The fact is no two situations are the same, no matter how similar. REFERENCES Ali M (2007). Attendance and Punctuality cost companies big money. Retrieved 23rd September, 2010 from: http://bizconvering. com/business-law/attendance-andpunctuality. cost†¦ Breeze S, Woosh C, Batt C, Fine M (2010). â€Å"How to be punctual†. WikiHow: thehow to manual that you can edit. Retrieved 23rd September, 2010 from: http://www. wikihow. com/Be-Punctual. Catt F (2010). The lateness game: Coincidence or equilibrium? Retrieved 20th September, 2010 from: http://expertvoices. nsdl. org/cornell-info204/2010/02/27/the-game-ofpunctuality-coincidence-or-equilibrium/. Clackmannanshire Council Online (2010). Attendance and Punctuality (Secondary Schools). Retrieved 23rd September, 2010 from: http://www. clacksweb. org. uk/learning/attendanceandpunctualityss/ Egbule JF (2004). Readings in Educational Psychology. Owerri: Barlos Publishers, pp. 234-241. Emore C (2005). â€Å"Causes of students’ lateness to school in Uvwie L. G. A. of Delta State. † Unpublished Post Graduate Diploma in Education Project, Abraka, Delta State University. ETC (2009). Attendance and punctuality policy. Retrieved 23rd September, 2010 from: http://www. etc. org/attendanceandpunctuality/policy/†¦ Lauby S (2009). Attendance and Punctuality. Retrieved 23rd September, 2010 from: http://www. hrbartender. com/2009/comp/attendancepunctuality/. Nakpodia ED (2006). Educational Administration: A new approach. Warri: Jonokase, pp. 66-72. Oghuvwu PE (2008). â€Å"Absenteeism and lateness among secondary school students in Nigeria: Profiling causes and solutions. † Academic Leadership. Retrieved 23rd September, 2010 from: http://www. academicleadership. org/empirical_research/384. shtml. Online J. , 6: 3. Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary of Current English (1995). 5th ed. , Oxford: University Press. Peretomode VF (1991). Educational Administration: Applied concepts and theoretical perspectives for students and practitioners. Lagos: Joja Educational Research and Publishers, pp. 25-26. Peretomode VF (2001). Sociology of Education: An introductory text for Nigerian undergraduates, 2nd ed. Lagos: Obaroh and Ogbinaka. Ubogu RE (2004). â€Å"The causes of absenteeism and dropout among secondary school students in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State. Unpublished Ph. D. Thesis, Abraka: Delta State University. UK Government (2010). Fourteen approaches to improving attendance. Retrieved 23rd September, 2010 from: http://www. education. gov. uk. Ukoshi RE (2004). â€Å"Absenteeism in Nigeria work organisation: A comparative study of private and public organisation in Ondo State. † Unpublished M. B. A. Thesis, Benin: University of Benin.

The Monkey’s Paw: the Light Footprint of British History

The Monkey's Paw: The Light Footprint of British History by M. Lutfi / 1104391 Written in 1906, â€Å"The Monkey's Paw† is a story about Whites' family who received a dried â€Å"monkey's paw†, dubbed as a magical item which will grant their three wishes, from one of their friend, Sergeant-Major Morris. Taking it as a joke, they wished for two hundred pounds, which they later get in the expense of the death of their son, Herbert. Hopeless, they then wished for their son to come back into life, only to realize that those wish won't become true.This story is particularly interesting because the author chose to portray the life of an average English family life, and how they deal with issues such as death of a family member, while still talking about the larger issues in the Victorian age, such as Industrial Revolution, the belief to the spiritual or mythical deity, and cultural issues related to the imperialism. In the start of this story, the reader is presented with the visit of Sergeant-Major Morris to the Whites' family villa, with a â€Å"souvenir† which happened to be a â€Å"magic† monkey's paw from India.After this scene, readers can infer that there's a cultural exchange from the colonized country (as India is one of the country that was colonized by England). The â€Å"magic† monkey paw might be a souvenir or a charm given by locals – at that age, giving a charm to people going overseas was considered to be a symbol of tribute. By accepting the paw, Sergeant-Major Morris successfully brought a piece of Indian culture relic to the UK, and it also could be read as the writer's attempt to say that behind the colonialism, there's some hope of peace and understanding left.Then the story moves forward to the act in which they doubted the effect of the charm. The act could be read as an attempt to introduce how people tend to question the spiritual belief system. In the age where new ideas, founding in science, and inn ovations were praised a lot, people started to question everything – how things work, how the earth functions, and so on. Peoples tend to believe things when they see the â€Å"proof†, especially when the social situation also pledged uncertainty. After they wished to the monkey's paw, they had their wish come true, but in the expense of their son passed away.If the readers read critically to the story, they can find two issues being addressed here by the writer; how one's life revolves, and another bigger issue: the darker side of Industrial Revolution. From the aforementioned scene, the writer hides the message about how one's life revolve; we gain one thing in our life, then we also lose another. You can't be greedy and wish for everything in this life to be picture-perfect; it's a given. This way, the writer addressed, and criticized, eloquently the greediness of imperialists. Another thing to note from this scene is that the Industrial Revolution is not all that f riendly to the humanity.The movement, which starts in the middle of 19th century and ends before World War, is a movement which focused to change the manufacturing process from manual to automatic, using machines to achieve such goal. However, it caused significant damage to the society and labor issues is not an exception. Lots of people became victim; either became dead, lost their job, or got below-average wages. In this story, the cruelness of Industrial Revolution is depicted subtly, but it did leave an impression to the readers. The story reached its end by the couple wishing their son come back into life to the monkey's paw, but their wish was unfulfilled.In this scene, it can be concurred that the writer's trying to remind people to remain rational when times went rough – doing irrational things won't help the situation at all, as depicted in this scene. â€Å"The Monkey's Paw† is a good read for those interested in the British history. The story flows nicely, the character was depicted vividly, and the diction is not too hard to understand. The issues discussed here are also explained in a way that won't make anyone frown, even though the story talks about one of the darkest part of the world history.

Introduction to operations and supply chain MANAGEMENT Case Study

Introduction to operations and supply chain MANAGEMENT - Case Study Example As such, the type of forecast is demand and it is at market level since the numbers of sales seem to be increasing in the market in which the firm operates. This model has been chosen because it uses a series of demand observations over a period of time in a chronological order in order to develop forecasts. Therefore, the Last Period Model has been selected because it is assumed that the demand of each of the three drivers is constantly increasing with time. This model assumes that the level of demand for the current period is used as a forecast for the next period. For each period, it can be seen that the current demand of each driver seems to be increasing as illustrated in the table of data given. As such, this is a suitable model that can be used to forecast demand of the drivers offered by Top Slice Company. 2. According to the Last Period Model, Top Slice Company should have the expanded work cell up and running by the end of June 2012 as presented in the table given. For each month, it can be seen that the total number of the three drivers is increasing by an average of about 25. For instance, in January 2012, the number of drivers manufactured was 2559 and in February of the same year they increased to 2584 showing an increase of 25 drivers. In March 2012, a total of 2609 drivers were manufactured again showing an average increase of 25 drivers from the previous month. Therefore, the end of June is the ideal period to have the work cell up and running. As noted, the current work cell is capable of producing only 2700 drivers a month. Given the monthly average increase in the number of drivers manufactured, it can be seen that by the end of June, about 2675 drivers would be manufactured and by July, the maximum capacity of 2700 would be reached. Therefore, it is wise for Jacob to init iate the expansion of the work cell earlier in order to avoid inconveniences when the current work

Wolf Peak International Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Wolf Peak International - Assignment Example It led to the painful but liberating experience of installing SAP Business One, a very user-friendly program that is cheap and quick to install and one that runs in tandem with other useful programs such as Microsoft Excel. The article then goes on to list the functionality of the program, stating the ability to peruse orders by amount and date as an important factor. The problems that occurred when Wolf Peak upgraded from QuickBooks to the newer system were that no-one understood how to use the program in question and reports could not be generated from it. It was stated that accountants spent months trying to extract information from the program. It is also mentioned that the old reports from QuickBooks could not be uploaded onto the system and therefore there was no history on the system, a problem for a SME such as Wolf Peak. These problems could have been avoided by proper investigation into the types of accounting package available, and getting a demonstration from the company like that mentioned later with reference to SAP Business One. Education of the employees by the manufacturer of the new system could have been useful too, although a program that is not user-friendly may never catch on. There are several reasons why the SAP Business One was preferable. Firstly, SAP Business One took only seven weeks to install, and Wolf Peak was using it successfully from this period with no delays. SAP Business One also allowed the QuickBooks entries to be put into the system easily, meaning that all the accounting system was in one place. The compatibility with Microsoft Excel allows people from all areas of the company to see the accounts and make adjustments in a familiar program, as well as for easy printing and note-making. SAP Business One also allows Schwab to check the inventory and the price value for each item of stock, an invaluable tool for a SME.

Businesses value of information______Study case Assignment

Businesses value of information______Study case - Assignment Example Naturally, large companies such in the same caliber as Telstra have establishments around the world on various technologies i.e. cloud services, software development among other. The statutes and charters in these industries do not distinguish the variations in such technologies. This advocates for the frequent lawsuits between companies and transnational organizations. Moreover, the patent laws in the industry emphasis on flexibility due to the vast growth and development of new technologies (Lamb, 2012). Competition is always a significant element in all industries but in telecommunication and computer technology production, sharing ideas on areas such as graphic user interface and operating systems is not a major issue because novelty and innovation are the key determinants of success in such an industry. Relatively, the flexibility aspect of the patent laws and system in general only give protection on a neutral perspective hence making it easy for lawsuits in difficult situations. Relatively, Telstra should assume the role on the global platform coming up with a way to offer customers a hosted ERP system on cloud without abusing the different regulation s and legal patents. This will reduce the possibility of lawsuits, which might negatively affect Telstra’s trust by the consumers. Given Telstra is an already established company in telecommunications and media, the main significance relative to its current aim of provision of information technology services is a Geographic Information System (GIS). Geographical information systems have become predominant in many organizations in the course of improving their effectiveness, especially for companies thriving in different but related markets. GIS describes computer-based systems specially designed in order to assist in the capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, as well as management and presentation of different kinds of spatial

Critically discuss the developments in banking regulation that have Essay - 1

Critically discuss the developments in banking regulation that have been, and continue to be, put in place as a result of the ec - Essay Example A track record should be kept so that similar incidences are not replayed in a given economy. However, this has not always been the cases. Various financial crises have often been recurrent due to the poor response mechanisms by the local and at times the international regulatory agencies. Failures of various governments in managing trade liberalization. The governments in these cases have failed to properly introduce their national economy into the international capital market (Raghavan, 1998). An important point to note in the issue of the economic and financial crises is that they are similarly characterized in both the developed and the developing countries. The causal factors and the manifestation of the economic crises are more or less the same across all the economies in the world (Raghavan, 1998). There are also some lessons that can be learned from the global financial and economic crises and that can be used to provide an insight into the possible preventive and management mechanisms for future crises. One lesson is that it is not appropriate to make changes in the financial system of a given country when the country is already experiencing a crisis (Raghavan, 1998). It was also observed that ‘when currency turmoil is associated with financial difficulties, raising interest rates may simply worsen the situation by bringing about widespread corporate and bank insolvencies’ (Raghavan, 1998). Besides, it has also been noted that it is often a big loss to a given economy if the currency in the economy loses value in the international money market when it had international creditors (Raghavan, 1998). 2. Causes of an economic and financial crisis The proper management of financial crisis requires a thorough understanding of the possible causes of the crises and the features characteristic of such situations. A reduction in the average income caused by underemployment or unemployment increases the poverty level among a given population. This cou pled with an increase in the cost of living like food prices and other human needs provides a proper avenue for an economic crisis (Raghavan, 1998). The situation then worsens and can only be redeemed by addressing unemployment issues, lowering interest rates, expanding liquidity and increasing public expenditure by the governments (Raghavan, 1998). 3. Developments in banking regulations The banking regulatory measures are aimed at strengthening the global capital in order to have a flexible banking industry. The regulatory developments aim at improving the ability of the banking industry to absorb stress that follows a given financial stress so that the overall effect is not felt on the economy. The efforts also aim at ensuring proper governance and developing techniques for risk management by the banking institutions. The regulations ensure that transparency and accountability are manifested by the banking institutions. They outline the appropriate procedures for market disclosure s by the financial institutions to enable the investors build confidence in the banking institutions. The crises that have been witnessed gave out a picture of what the regulatory bodies have been in the recent past and that led to their failures in mitigating the crises. The characteristics of the crises showed that there were no proper techniques for prudential regulations by the regulatory bodies. Firstly, it was observed that the regulatory procedures were not sufficient enough in managing

A Rhetorical Analysis of The Video of The New iPhone 5's Keynotes Essay

A Rhetorical Analysis of The Video of The New iPhone 5's Keynotes - Essay Example I think that the keynote address on iPhone 5 by Phil Schiller attained its objective through proper use visual aids, figures of speech and the speaker’s confidence among other factors. Cooks message was related to Schiller’s which offered a perfect transition for the audience to interconnect the company progress with the new invention. The introduction of the speaker through stating his position was appropriate for the audience to realize that the information being given is first hand, tested and professional. Schiller’s keynote address is a breakdown of three parts namely; the introduction, iPhone demonstration and summary, and conclusion or fade-out. The speaker used various features of language such as rhetoric and comparative analysis to capture the attention of the audience. His prowess in public address is portrayed through the use of rhetoric language. The instances seem to be well organized by a qualified public speaker as indicated by the use of less colloquial language such as â€Å"uhs†. The introduction is dominated by the speaker’s emphasis on the uniqueness and quality of the product through the use of hyperbolic statement s such as;†...it is an absolute jewel.†(00:13:48) and† †¦simply amazing!† (0:14:55). Use of hyperbole is meant to exaggerate the quality of the product in relation to other competitors in the market. What an incredible achievement to the company following the invention (0:12:36). This portrays the magnificence of the new product in reference to its performance in the industry. During the introduction, Schiller uses interrogation, â€Å"†¦and boy, they were right!† (00:12:53), when emphasizing the popularity that the product has gained in the market. This is in reference to the news on the time magazine that indicated that the phone has changed the phones forever. A detailed presentation of the product is ensured through the use of various technological demonstrations with the

Regional integration for and against articles Essay

Regional integration for and against articles - Essay Example China is one such country that is doing great job in the context of regional integration. It has acted as a strong initiator of regional integration policies and development. China is struggling hard to establish cooperation within South East Asian countries by promoting their economic interests. Behind the attempts at enhancing economic development in Asian countries underlies a strong goal of a making Asia a peaceful and economically developed continent (Clarke, 2011). There are many benefits of establishing regional integration of China with other South East Asian countries. The most important benefit of regional integration is allowing those countries that have been disadvantaged from economic aspects due to some reasons a chance to make themselves economically sound. As economic regional integration implies removing barriers in trade and other economic aspects to allow free trade among nations, regional integration is a beneficial phase for the countries to become developed econ omically (Nicolas, 2007). In addition to the advantages of regional integration described above, there are other benefits as well. It helps to strengthen the integration of trade within a specific region. Besides, it provides enormous chance for private investors to start a business over there. It also allows the countries involved in regional integration to develop economically stable public sector organizations and institutions. Thus it promotes a peaceful environment within different countries based on mutual trust and cooperation with each other (Storey, 2011). Among the great benefits of regional integration lies economic development of many sectors in those countries that are involved in the process of regional integration. Firstly, it enables the tourism industry of one country to flourish by removing the borders between two countries and encouraging free trade among them. The decrease in cross-trade barrier gives tourists an opportunity to visit other countries without carin g for the hindrances regarding travel. Despite travelling and hospitality benefits, regional integration calls for a significant decrease in inflation rate by making cheaper products. Not only are the products become cheaper, they become diversified as well. It also allows the faster delivery of products and services in the integrated regions (Clarke, 2011). Due to these reasons, China has expanded the trade and economic development between ASEAN countries by making trade agreements between South East Asian countries. It has contributed a lot in making China and the other ASEAN countries to enjoy great benefits of regional integration. It is probably due to this fact that China has become a geographical region promoting diverse talent and skills. Hence, regional integration is the key to economic success of a country (Storey, 2011). China Regional Integration- Disadvantages China is a significant promoter of establishing mutually satisfying agreements of business or economic nature between nations. It has been a region that allows for the integration of political or economic nature between South East Asian regions. Regional integration can be defined as a process where mutual agreements are made to satisfy some great purpose that would be beneficial for the both regions. There are many benefits of regional integration for instance, economic development, integration of various industries and business at international level. In addition to the

Line Authority Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Line Authority - Essay Example To manage such a diversified range of teams of individuals, it requires these first line managers to possess certain varied skills for managing the staff as well as ensuring smooth flow of information through out the organization. There are certain set of responsibilities that the Line managers have towards the organizations they serve. The foremost, being able to manage the task and activities of the organization, they play a vital role in the determination and maintenance of standards of practise. They need to be very supportive towards their staff to ensure their continual involvement in knowledge based learning. The line managers have two major genres that they are looking into, daily contact with the staff ensuring direct practise, and in the wider picture contributing towards the strategic development of the organization.These line managers operate in a very sensitive environment as; they are also responsible for managing groups of staff with severe anxieties, career and personality depressions. The tasks further include; delegating to the staff as to what is expected of them and how their job and performance affects the bigger picture. The Line managers need to lead by setting examples and thus they need to provide their staff with honest yet constructive criticism and feedback on their performances and attitudes. They need to be honest with their staff. They need to plan the efficient and effective use of the organizations resources by the hands of the staff. They further need to support and train their staff to develop in them the competencies required to achieve the targets, both in the short term and the long term.The other major responsibility of line managers is to ensure that a working environment of... From this study it is clear that there are certain set of responsibilities that the Line managers have towards the organizations they serve. The foremost, being able to manage the task and activities of the organization, they play a vital role in the determination and maintenance of standards of practise. They need to be very supportive towards their staff to ensure their continual involvement in knowledge based learning. The line managers have two major genres that they are looking into, daily contact with the staff ensuring direct practise, and in the wider picture contributing towards the strategic development of the organization.This paper highlights that the line managers have the important task of managing the information provided to them by the management on workload distribution and balance, also on the effective deployment of resources. Specifying resources, budgeting, aiding staff in identifying other external resources. Along with, the specific supervision and development of strategies, monitoring performance.  The management of innovation and change, in skills and knowledge, development of service and re organization .These line managers need to work with other agencies and services to achieve organizational objectives, continuously observing the task and the staff performance. Seeking feedback from, staff, agencies, management, service users , and conveying back to them with the feedback in order to let them improve.

Human smoke by nicholson baker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Human smoke by nicholson baker - Essay Example The book ends in 1941. The aim of this paper is to produce a summary of the book that records a timeline in the world history for about fifty years. Human Smoke talks about almost every country that was involved in wars of the early twentieth century in one way or the other. The book also talked about the stories of people that played active roles in the two world wars. From the likes of Winston Churchill, a well-known figure to the likes of Jeanette Rankin (Montana legislator), whose impact in the US declaration of war against Germany in the First World War seem to have been forgotten. Human Smoke explained that Jeannette Rankin was the only legislator in the United States House of Representative that voted against the participation of the US forces in the First World War and she was also the only legislator that voted against the Second World War. The book also discussed the roles played by people like Theodore Kaufman and Henry Emerson Fosdick during the war. Kaufman was a ticket seller at Brooklyn that wrote a tract on the purification of Germany, while Fosdick was an advocate for war that later turned to be an advocate for peace (pacifist) (Baker). Baker tried to work on the intellect of the readers by presenting readers with data, thus causing them to draw inferences from these data. Baker is not explicit in the presentation of his argument and the implication of this is that readers would have to draw conclusions from some of his implicit statements. Baker actually gave an outstanding account of the events of these world wars in a way that it has not been given before by any historian and this is actually what distinguishes the book from other works. The unique thing about the book is that it is more like a dedication to the British and American pacifists that stood against the war. Baker explains that these pacifists tried to restore peace to the world by resolving the differences between Japan and the United States of America. They also tried to

Economies Of The Middle East. Essay Example for Free

Economies Of The Middle East. Essay According to the CIA world Fact Book Bahrain is located in the Middle East on the eastern side of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain’s climate is arid though characterized by hot and humid summers while the winters are pleasant. (CIA,2008). According to the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, Bahrain is an archipelago which is comprised of 33 islands and is sandwiched between the east coast of Saudi Arabia and the Qatar peninsula. Bahrain has an advantage in as far as tourism is concerned given her richness in geographical features like the sandy beaches as well as the coral reefs. It also has various museums, archeological sites and traditional markets which are all a plus to her competitiveness. Bahrain is also well known for her liberalistic tendencies in the Middle East region. (Council for International Exchange of Scholars). Being an Arab country, Islam is the most practiced religion although other religions which form less than 25% of the total population are allowed to take place. They include Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism as well as Judaism. In such a set up, where 85% of the total population is Muslim it is only natural that Arabic is the official language. However, English is used in the learning institutions as well as when conducting business. This paper will give an in depth analysis of Bahrain. The US department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs pointed out that in 2007 the population of Bahrain was 708,535 out of which a tune of 32% comprised of non nationals. Statistics of the same year also indicated that annual population growth rate was at 1. 39%. In accessing the composition of the Bahrain population by ethnic background it was established that Bahrainis recorded the largest proportion at 63%, Asians were next with 19% while the Arabs and Iranians were 10% and 8% respectively. The US department of State estimated that Islam is the religion observed by approximately 98% of the total population. It also estimated that other languages used in addition to English and Arabic included Farsi and Urdu. A unique characteristic of the education system in Bahrain is the fact that although it is not compulsory, it is offered for free at all levels. Estimates taken in the period 1991 to 2001 indicated that there was a high rate of school attendance at 84%. In the year 2003 it was established that the overall adult literacy levels for those aged 15 years and above stood at 89. 1% while the rate differed across the genders. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Males had a higher rate at 91. 9% while females registered a lower rate at 85%. Bahrain finances her citizen’s educational needs from incomes attained from her generous investment in oil reserves. The importance of the year 1920 in as far as the education of Bahrain cannot be underscored as it was at this time that the first public school which served both sexes was introduced. There are 2 universities or high learning institutions where people are able to improve their credibility levels in the job market. To cater for the health needs of her population there is a health science college which offers specified skills in the various medical fields like nursing, pharmacy. According to the 2007 statistics the infant mortality rate was at 16. 18 deaths/1000 live births while the life expectancy for males was 5 years lower than that of the females which was 77 years. Statistics from 2006 estimated that approximately 352,000 people formed the Bahrain labor or work force out of which a tune of 44% was foreigners. The US department of State also estimates that Bahrain is among the highly dense populated states and most of her population settled in the capital city Manama. A considerable percentage of Bahrain’s workforce is comprised of foreigners due to the ‘foreigner – friendly’ policies by the government. Although the naturalization process evokes contrasting views among the Bahraini’s it has seen approximately 10% of the total populations attain Bahraini nationality. Critics argue that the procedures or rather criteria applied could jeopardize the country’s security especially when foreigners previously working with sensitive departments like security are naturalized. There are 2 types of Muslims in the Bahrain state. About 2/3 of the people from the indigenous group are shi’a Muslims while prominent people in the society like the ruling family, numerous members of the government and the military as well as leaders in the state form the Sunni Muslim. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). According to the CIA world fact book, the birth rate using 2008 estimates was 17. 26/1000 population while the death rate at the same year was at 4. 29deaths/1000 population. The rate of net migration was estimated to be 0. 4 migrants/1000 population. CIA also estimated that the sex ratios for the total population stood at 1. 25 males/females in 2008. 2008 estimates also had it that the total infant mortality rate was at 15. 64 deaths/1000 live births while that of females was at 12. 93 deaths/1000 live births. In 2006, the school life expectancy of both primary levels to tertiary education was 15 years though it varied across the genders with males recording a lower expectancy at 14 years while females lagged behind at 16 years. 2001 statistics indicated that approximately 86. 5% of the total population could read and write with males recording a higher rate at 88. 6% and females at 83. 6%. In 1991 the government spent approximately 3. 9% of the GDP to finance the education sector. (CIA,2008). The government in Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with 5 administrative divisions namely Asamah, Janilyah, Muharraq, shamliyah and wasat. She attained her independence on the 15th of August 1971from the UK. In 2002, on the 14th of February she adopted a constitution that was to be followed. The laws consist of the English law but blended with the Islam laws. The universal suffrage is at 20 years meaning any one above that age has the right to vote. There are three branches of government, the executive, legislative as well as the judiciary. The executive is comprised of the King Hamad bin Isa al- Khalifa who took over in March 1999. the king is the chief of the Bahrain state. The Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa is the head of government and he has held this position since 1971. The monarchy has the responsibility of appointing the cabinet and the prime minister too but the monarchy is hereditary. (CIA,2008). King Hamad Isa al- Khalifa succeeded his father who died in 1999 after being in power for approximately 38 years. King Hamad can be commended for various reforms in Bahrain especially his zest to introduce democracy by changing the current system that was purely a ‘hereditary emirate’ to a ‘constitutional monarchy’. (CIA,2008). His efforts precipitated to a referendum in 2001 for the National Action Charter which approximately 94. 8% of the Bahrain voters endorsed. Another significant act by King Hamad was setting free of most political detainees and prisoner most of whom had been exiled, detained or imprisoned from as early as in the 1970’s for posing ‘security threats’ to Bahrain. Kind Hamad did away with the state security law and court which made it possible to detain people for up to 3 years without trial. The constitutional reforms Hamad introduced saw to it that a bicameral parliament which had a representative from the lower house was operational. Another aspect different from what was initially the trend was the creation of an independent body which was to act as ‘watchdog’ over corruption allegations such as the embezzlement of public funds. This was a way of increasing accountability and transparency in the region. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Hamad’s efforts were however not without challenges as for instance there were protests against the provisions he enacted on the constitution from members of the Shi’a community. The 2002 election made a mark in the political history of Bahrain as it was at this time when the first woman was elected in parliament. The legislature branch comprises of the 40 member consultative council and the 40 member chamber of deputies. The election of the two councils is different in the sense that the former is elected by the kind while the latter is determined through a direct election. Elections are held after 4 years with the last one in 2006. The judicial system of Bahrain is comprised of a combination of courts adhering to the English laws as well as the Islamic laws or religious and tribal laws. Hamad also made significant reforms in the judiciary when he set a separate branch to over see it. The king’s son or crown prince is the head of the commander in chief of the state’s defense force and the king’s successor. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007). Democracy in Bahrain, however is limited to the fact that political parties are discouraged and this had been the case for many decades but with the rise of Hamad to power political societies were allowed to operate (CIA) According to the CIA world fact book Bahrain attracts foreign direct investment a factor that has made various multinational companies settle there and carry out business. This is to the country’s advantage economically. Similar to other gulf countries the role of petroleum in stirring economic growth and development cannot be underscored. It is estimated that petroleum products attribute to over 60% of her total exports which contribute to a tune of 70% of the total government revenues. The petroleum industries directly contribute to approximately 11% of the country’s GDP. Bahrain is also rich in aluminum which is the second largest export. (CIA, 2008). The US department of state noted that other natural resources in Bahrain included textiles, natural gas, fish and pearls. (Bureau of Public Affairs, 2007).

Issues in Social Work and Mental Health Quality Issues

Issues in Social Work and Mental Health Quality Issues An Analysis of a Range of Issues in Quality Frameworks, Processes and Methods of Measurement in Mental Health Work and Social Work Practice Introduction In equating the various range of issues with respect to quality frameworks, processes as well as methods of measurement in mental health work and social work practice it is important to understand the meaning of these terms as well as their respective applications in the United Kingdom, which represents the subject focus for the aforementioned. Mental health is defined as (Houghton Mifflin, 2006): â€Å" A state of emotional and psychological well-being †¦Ã¢â‚¬  whereby individuals are able to utilize their respective â€Å"†¦ cognitive and emotional capabilities †¦Ã¢â‚¬  to function as members of society as well as to â€Å"†¦ meet the ordinary demands †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which are a process of daily living† In the context of mental health services it relates to â€Å"A branch of medicine that deals with †¦ achievement and maintenance †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Houghton Mifflin, 2006) of the psychological well-being of individuals. The International Federation of Social Workers (Bouldertherapist.com, 2006) defines social work as a profession that â€Å"†¦ promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as well as giving individuals the empowerment and liberation â€Å"†¦ to enhance their well-being†. The profession, as maintained by the International Federation of Social Workers utilizes â€Å"†¦ theories of human behavior and social systems †¦Ã¢â‚¬  in a context whereby the profession intervenes and interacts with individuals at the areas where they â€Å"†¦ interact with their environments† and whereby the principles of both human rights as well as social justice are underpinnings in the field of social work (Boulderthe rapist.com, 2006). These two fields have a denominator in common, which is that they exist to serve people and help them to improve, as well as cope with their aliments and to ultimately return to a healthful state. The process of serving individuals in this capacity represents some of the most challenging professions in that the analysis of effectiveness, quality, processes and the methodologies utilized in measuring the aforementioned with respect to the varied issues arising from the active practice can be subjective in most instances. This examination shall look at the mental health and social work professions from the context of a range of issues representing quality frameworks, processes and methods of measurement to determine the progress made in providing better service and quality to patients and carers. Total Quality Management Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 138, 248), Crosby (1980, pp. 212-223) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) are all proponents of ‘Total Quality Management’ which is a strategy dedicated to building into an organization the awareness of thinking in terms of embedding quality in all phases of an organization’s processes. The International Organization for Standardization (2006) defines ‘Total Quality Management’ as being â€Å"†¦ a management approach †¦ centered on quality †¦ which is †¦ based upon the participation of all its members †¦ that aims at long-term success †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wikipedia, 2006) achieving the foregoing through customer and or client satisfaction that generates â€Å"†¦ benefits to all members †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wikipedia, 2006). The preceding includes the organization itself as well as society. In equating quality, the usual context in which one thinks of this word is in products, rather than services such a those prod ucts which are made with a minimum of problems, of good materials and which work properly and achieve this through consistent operation. However, quality as an end result is an organizational mind set, and as referred to in the International Organization for Standardization (2006) definition as a process â€Å"†¦ that aims at long-term success †¦Ã¢â‚¬  achieving the foregoing through customer and or client satisfaction that generates â€Å"†¦ benefits to all members †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wikipedia, 2006). Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 6-10) is an American consultant who exposes the importance of implementing a quality oriented organization that permeates every facet of an organization’s structure and culture, regardless of department or function. Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 8) states that organizations must produce â€Å"†¦ products and services that help people to live better† and that the preceding â€Å"†¦ is the raison d’etre †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 8) of the organization. His philosophy is that through the adoption of quality products and services, which is a function of management inculcating its staff in quality and innovation measures, the end product and or service improves as does its relationship with its customers and or clients. Crosby (1980, p. 1-5) indicates that mistakes or poor organizational habits and or policies are costly in terms of corrections and the damage to reputation and morale and that all members of an organization have the responsibility to perform their jobs which enhances the performance of other functions thus becoming a synergistic effect. Crosby (1980, p. 4-8), as does Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 6-10) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) all emphasize the importance of quality in increasing an organization’s ability to provide services that meet and exceed client expectations through the effect that quality orientation has on internal interpersonal relationships and openness to ideas. The heart of the work level philosophies held by Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 138, 248), Crosby (1980, pp. 212-223) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) is the contribution of ‘quality’ to the equation of improved services and innovation in heightening organizational standards. The term ‘quality’ can thus mean in this context (Wikipedia, 2006): the excellence and or achievement of an object or service, meaning that it is not inferior or sub-standard, a meaning of excellence in its own right ‘Quality’ is a term in this context that is synonymous with good, which represents the criteria utilized as the standard being applied. Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 138, 248), Crosby (1980, pp. 212-223) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) equate this word in the following manner: Deming (Deming, 1988) states that improved quality helps to reduce operating costs through less error and correction measures. He indicates that to attain the preceding a consistency of purpose needs to be inculcated throughout the organization with an overall plan that is maintained. Deming (Deming, 1988) stresses the need for improved consistency on an ongoing basis and to remove the barriers between various departments to increase and improve communication, feedback and intra-company working processes. Deming’s (Deming, 1988) thirteen point program stresses that it is management that leads and sets the example as well as supports ongoing quality through active participation that involves everyone within the organization as well as suggestions and contributions from working partners and clients. Juran (1992, pp. 154-198) states that quality application in organizations is defined by crafting them to be utilized in context with the organizations purpose to improve performance. Crosby (1980, pp. 189-216) also trumpets the application of quality throughout the organization as a management down function that must be maintained, taught as well as communicated to bring the staff not only on board, but committed to the adoption of quality and improvements as an organizational way of thinking. Moullin (2002, pp. 2-7) advises us that quality in health and social care fits within these fields as it is important to: patients as well as service users, staff, and the application of quality can aid in the reduction of costs as well as provide better service in the context of budgetary and cost constraints. It is interesting to note that Moullin’s (2002, pp. 2-7) points are the same as those emphasized by Deming (Aquayo, 1991, pp. 138, 248), Crosby (1980, pp. 212-223) and Juran (1992, pp. 171) in the general context of total quality management, and that the application in the health and social care fields is the same as for manufacturing, banking, or any other industrial sector. Moullin (2002, pp. 2-7) points out that quality in the health and social care fields is important in that not only do patients as well as service users benefit in that their differing requirements are met in a better, more comprehensive and complete fashion, the benefit of quality also affects both these groups each time they come into contact with the organization(s) and thus their individual confidence levels rise with the expectation that they will receive good service and be well treated. Moullin (2002, pp. 5) advises that patients in need of health and social services are usually stressed, worried, v ulnerable as well as frightened with respect to the outcome of their need(s) and that long waits on the telephone, in lines, for responses, little or insufficient information, poor facilities and insensitivity exacerbate the preceding. He (Moullin, 2002, pp. 6-8) indicates that quality in these fields, health and social care, is important in that: The staff benefits as the vast majority elected for a career in these fields out of a desire to help others, rather than for monetary gains and that poorly organized staffing functions contribute to frustrations for employees reducing their morale as well as effectiveness. Moullin (2002, p. 6) adds that quality is important in the reduction of costs as he advises that the correlation between resources and quality represents a strong relationship. And while the amount and number of staffing is important, quality can be improved irrespective through the application of new innovative techniques, technology, work flow planning, scheduling and other means. Moullin (2002, p 6) indicates that reduction in costs sometimes means increasing services and or staffing in one area whereby the work load flow will thus lessen the impacts on another thus either balancing out or reducing costs through flow adjustment. While it is difficult to place an exact date or year on when quality became an active force in the health and social care sectors, the concern over spiraling health care costs, inefficiencies and deteriorating services began to surface in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s in the United States, as well as a result of the increasing costs burdening the governments in Europe’s socialized medicine schemes (Bennett et al, 1999). The era of unlimited access and treatment as the foundation of quality oriented services in the health and social care fields began to give way to the spiraling costs of advancements in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic modalities, with the rising costs of health and social care exceeding the rise in the costs of living in the United States as well as Europe and the expenditures for socialized medicine threatened the economies of many nations in Europe (Lighter, 1999, p. 265). In addition to the foregoing, the aging of the world’s po pulation as better medical care has increased life spans, and this combined with the fertility transition has increased the proportion of older adults and has contributed to the concern for quality in health and social care (Demeny et al, 2003). Health care spending in most OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, such as (OECD, 2006): Australia Austria Belgium Canada Czech republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Korea Luxembourg Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Slovak Republic Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom United States, amounts to in excess of eight percent (8%) of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with health related spending in the United States projected at fourteen percent (14%) (World Trade Organization, 1998). The public’s concerns over increased costs for health and social care services prompted the privatization wave on the mid 1980’s in the expectation that the measure would increase efficiency as well as reduce costs, but those expectations from this initiative have been elusive (Bach, 1989). The preceding created a climate whereby governments in Europe under socialized medicine, as well as the private health care structure and governmental social care system in the United States began to look for measures to control and reduce costs while increasing quality. In 1998 the Department of Health in the United Kingdom issued a ‘White Paper’ titled â€Å"Modernising Social Services† (Department of Health, 1998) which represented the United Kingdom governmental response to public opinion as well as mounting social care costs to introduce quality frameworks into the system. The White Paper set forth a framework at the national level that called for (Department of Health, 1998): the establishment of â€Å"†¦ clear objectives for social services†¦Ã¢â‚¬ that created a â€Å"†¦ clear expectation of outcomes †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which social services would be â€Å"†¦ required to deliver.† (Department of Health, 1998), the publication of a â€Å"†¦ National Priorities Guidance†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998) that set up key targets that social services would achieve in the intermediate term, and putting into place â€Å"†¦ effective systems †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998) via which to monitor as well as to manage performance. The Department of Health’s White Paper in 1998 clearly set forth that the government of the United Kingdom was putting into place â€Å"†¦ new resources to support †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998) the programme, and in return for these added resources, pegged at  £1.3 billion over 1999/2000 – 2001/2002, and the United Kingdom government made it clear that it expected â€Å"†¦ to see improvements in quality and efficiency †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998). The Best Value framework represented another name for Total Quality Management in the context of health and social services care in the United Kingdom. Under the â€Å"Best Value† framework indicated under this White Paper, the government set forth that (Department of Health, 1998): Local authorities were mandated to establish â€Å"†¦ authority wide objectives for performance measures† (Department of Health, 1998) in consort with the national objectives as well as government set standards and or targets. Local authorities were also provided with the responsibility to conduct and â€Å"†¦ carry out fundamental performance reviews †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998) concerning all their services in a five year framework utilizing these reviews for assessment and the establishment of â€Å"†¦ local performance plans†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998). That the local planning process will be underpinned and supported via data obtained â€Å"†¦ from a new statistical performance assessment framework† (Department of Health, 1998). â€Å"†¦ Local Performance Plans †¦Ã¢â‚¬  will be utilized to identify the targets for improvement compared against performance indicators on a local level and â€Å"†¦. The National Best Value Performance Indicators †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998). Annual reviews of the aforementioned local performance plans will be conducted by the Department of Health utilizing Social care Regional Offices to assess progress and identify problem areas (Department of Health, 1998). The White Paper put into place an independent inspection system utilizing data from the performance assessment framework (Department of Health, 1998). And lastly, the ‘Modernisation’ programme set forth a system of Joint Reviews reducing the time table to five years from seven (Department of Health, 1998). The new programme set forth a performance assessment framework that specified performance areas defined by (Department of Health, 1998): cost and efficiency, effectiveness of service delivery and outcomes, quality of services for users and carers, and fair access. Analytical Methods of Quality Measurement and Standards Balanced scorecards represent a top-down hierarchical set of management tools that link long-term financial goals with performance targets (Kaplan et al, 1996, pp. 75-84). The United Kingdom’s National Health Service utilizes what is termed a ‘Star Rating’ system which is an example of the balanced scorecard (British Library, 2002). Kaplan et al (2001) advise that this methodology, specifically designed for the public as well as voluntary sectors has a link between performance measures and strategy, and thus the method should represent one of benefit in these regards. The caveat is that there are varied difficulties arising from its use by organizations as the financial perspective measurement is not the defining factors of organizational purpose in the public sector (Dickson et al, 2001, pp. 1057-1066). Kaplan et al (2001, pp. 135) agree with the foregoing and add that in utilizing the balanced scorecard governmental agencies should consider the utilization of an overarching objective at the head of their respective scorecards which is reflective of the long-term objectives (Kaplan et al, 2001, pp. 135). The difference in the utilization of the balanced scorecard in a not for profit and governmental agency mode as opposed to business is the way stakeholders are considered. In a business atmosphere stakeholders are involved as it represents the best means to conduct business, however in a not for profit and governmental agency sense, these organizations usually exist for the benefit of the users of the service as well as other stakeholders thus changing the emphasis whereby stakeholder contribution is more fundamental (Moullin, 2002, p. 167). Moullin (2002) adds that user involvement takes place at two levels, one represents helping to develop the service to meet their needs and the second entails the involvement of users and carers in the decisions concerning their health as well as the care given and received. Benchmarking, as a term, has numerous definitions, however at its core it represents a process of â€Å"†¦sharing information, learning and adopting best practices †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (PSBS, 2006). The European Benchmarking Code of Conduct states that it is a process of making comparisons against other organizations and thus learning from the lessons these comparisons reveal (The European Benchmarking Code of Conduct, 1998). In the context of social care, benchmarking entails the understanding or and utilization of knowledge gained across a range of services and compilations to utilize in formulating standards of measurement as a guide to rating and understanding the performance of services in individual local authorities. The weakness of benchmarking is that it can not stand as a total measurement without revision and modification as newer and more effective techniques and methods prove themselves. Thus as a standard in a state of flux, benchmarking represents a system that is base d upon existing methodologies, that are changing, being modified and or amended. Thus benchmarking represents a useful, yet temporary methodology whereby the practitioners must be mindful that existing standards are subject to change, which in conjunction with other measurement methodologies has contributed to improving quality and performance in the health and social care sectors. Quality Approach The utilization of balanced scorecards, and benchmarking fall under the concept of Total Quality Management which is termed Best Value under the Department of Health’s Modernization Programme and is illustrated by an example provided by Gillian Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8), the Director of the Centre for Policy on Ageing. She indicates that the problem in the social services arena, is wrongly based in concentrating on the solving of their problems as well as users of services rather than as their being active contributors to society. Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8) indicates that the NHS views social care as well as society’s older individuals as a â€Å"problem† which in what Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8) terms a â€Å"†¦ very narrow approach †¦Ã¢â‚¬  thus creating a focus on delivering intensive services which thus â€Å"†¦ excludes †¦ older people and their careers†. She further states that in the aspect of quality as it relates to social services the s ystems of initiatives, pilots, and projects that have been created and put into place to audit, evaluate, monitor and investigate service development and provisions have been in place for years. Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8) maintains that the problem is the â€Å"†¦ sustaining and maintaining †¦Ã¢â‚¬  these areas and â€Å"†¦ building them into effective †¦Ã¢â‚¬  provisions through utilizing these collective findings and synthesizing that information. Crosby (2004, pp. 7-8) indicates that this void causes good ideas to stagnate rather than permitting them to be explored and utilized where warranted and she cites that quality thus suffers as a result of duplication and what she terms as â€Å"†¦ pilot fatigue †¦Ã¢â‚¬ , indicating that the system needs to implement as well as create and find more innovative ways in which to service elder citizens in a manner whereby these initiatives are â€Å"†¦ developed and maintained.† Crosby (2004, pp. 7- 8) that there are numerous examples of individual cases whereby instances of good practice have been demonstrated through partnerships that have improved service provisions for elder citizens, citing the â€Å"London Older People’s Service Development Programme† as an example. The preceding utilized a collaborative model that promoted optimized care and independence and grew into a tool implemented by the National Service Framework for Older People in London with the hallmark being its â€Å"†¦ single assessment process† (Crosby, 2004, p. 8). The foregoing example is an instance whereby the practice of Best Value and allied tools need improvement to respond to the specialized needs of a segment of social care services, but this example does not indicate that system wide the measurement has not produced results. The system has shown â€Å"mixed progress† as reported by the BBC (2005) as the quality of care has improved since the adoption of the Modernization Programme, but as the BBC (2005) reports, â€Å"†¦ there are still worrying gaps †¦Ã¢â‚¬  with regard to service as reported by inspectors. The BBC (2005) report indicated that three quarters of the council departments received ratings â€Å"†¦ in the top two categories †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as opposed to slightly â€Å"†¦ over two thirds in 2004†. Thus progress has been made as a result, yet there is still sufficient room for further improvement. The NHS Mental Health sectors foundation for improvement in its quality of services was set forth under the National Service Framework in 1999 which established a blueprint for care throughout the United Kingdom †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Department of Health, 1998). The initiatives established for a modern NHS resound with the word ‘quality’ as its foundation (Appleby, 2000, pp. 177-291). The process filters down into every job description utilizing the word â€Å"quality agenda† (Appleby, 2000, pp. 177-291) which is composed of six elements: treating patients as well as service users with the dignity they deserve, the creation of the proper environments via which patients can recover and utilizing their views to accomplish how services should be developed, recognition of the skills of families in the roles of carers, linking service activities to needs so acutely ill individuals receive urgent care access through a comprehensive range of services, making the best as well as most effective treatments available, and emphasize patient safety The success of the system is contained in the regional rating system which measures the number of ‘Local Implementation Plans’ in red, amber and green (Appleby, 2000, pp. 177-291). The National Service Frameworks set measurable goals as follows (Department of Health, 2006): the setting of national standards and the identification of key interventions with respect to defined service and or care groups, placement of strategies that support implementation, establishment of means via which to ensure progress in defined time frames, introduction of the new NHS and A First Class service that re-emphasized the position of NSF’s as the key drivers in the deliverance of the modernized agenda. The success of the NSF is assessed by what are termed interface indicators which are a part of the performance assessment frameworks which has seen demonstrated improvement throughout the system as a result of the Department of Health Modernization Programme and as contained in the Mental health NSF Performance Report of July 2005 rated all ongoing programs as meeting the prescribed targets of achievement (Mental health NSF, 2005). In 2005 26 councils received the three star top rating, which represented an increase of six councils over the prior year (BBC, 2005). The total results indicated (BBC, 2005): 83 councils received two starts as opposed to 78 in the year 2004, 31 received one star, which represented a decrease from 36 the year before, 3 received zero stars, which decreased from eight in 2004. The foregoing indicates that the Modernization Programme has demonstrated progress and as a result of the varied programmes and measurement systems there is in place a means to equate progress. Clinical Governance is a term and process which grew from the commercial arena under standards for financial management for companies in the private sector (Palmer, 2002, pp. 470-476). In the framework of the NHS it represents a methodology and framework whereby organizations are accountable for the continuous improvement in the quality of their services as well as high standards of care through the creation of a climate and environment whereby excellence with regard to clinical care grows (Department of Health, 1998, p. 33). Since the implementation of the Department of Health’s modernization programme NHS community and acute trusts have been charged with the creation of established structures as well as processes for clinical governance which is monitored by the CHI. It represents a comprehensive approach comprised of four areas (Palmer, 2002, pp. 470-476): definitive and clear lines of responsibility for overall clinical care quality, programme of quality improvement regarding activities that includes a clinical audit, development and utilization of clear policies that manage risks, procedural methodologies for all groups to identify as well as correct poor performance areas The heart of the system is the clinical audit which places accountability on the managers and utilizes performance management as the process of delivering the objectives throughout organizations to filter down to each individual and job description thus providing management with clear roles and set priorities. The programme has been rated as successful in terms of it providing a clear set of measurement data to gauge and compare progress through point in time comparisons under its clinical audit segment which represents a new system that did not exist (Palmer, 2002, pp. 470-476). As such it has aided in the achievement of measurable improvements in the field of patient care, making such an established routine. The Commission for Social Care Inspection utilizes a framework of fifty performance indicators that when assessed as a whole provide an overview of the manner in which local councils are serving the needs of their residents concerning social care service delivery (East Sussex County Council, 2006). Inspections are carried out a minimum of once in a three year period and can be conducted at any time and is comprised of three types of inspections (Commission for Social Care Inspection, 2006): Key Inspections: These are comprehensive and through inspections that are unannounced and are conducted at least once for all adult social care services during a year period. It represents on sire as well as documentation reviews and inspections of all areas of service categories without any prior notice. Random Inspections This type represents targeted specific issue inspections conducted in addition to key inspections in the follow up of complaints and or progress from an earlier inspection calling for specific areas of concern. Thematic Inspections These inspections represent follow up to regional and or national issues concerning medication, nutrition or similar areas and are also in addition to key and random inspections which can be conducted at any time. The preceding inspections provide the formulation for ratings and represent a gauge on progress, standards and adherence to established policies. The performance indicators represent fifty differ areas ranging from (National Statistics, 2005): Children’s Pls placement stability employment, education and care leavers education unit cost of residential care unit cost of foster care children reviews core assessments long term stability children in need Adult Pls emergency admissions drug treatment program participation unit costs of residential and nursing care adults at home services for carers client reviews carer assessments waiting times The methodology has been successful in terms of providing a measuring device via which the CSCI can assess progress and improvements as well as backward movements in services. The audit commission’s role promotes the utilization of performance data to fuel improvements in services provided to the public (Audit Commission, 2006). The Audit Commission works with varied governmental departments, agencies and local authorities to define a broad array of performance indicators applicable to their circumstances. As a department the Audit Commission’s success is represented by the performance indicators it assists in the development of for the aforementioned and is a success as these varied programs have improved the ability of these agencies, departments and local councils in assessment of the services under their charge. Conclusion The NHS Modernization framework has been devised to oversee and create improvement in the world’s largest government public sector health and social care programme which stands in excess of  £9 billion and is responsible for delivering a huge variety of services to every corner of the United Kingdom (Department of Health, 2006). Serving individuals in these sectors represents a demanding subjective function whereby the standards of quality and service delivery are defined by consistently improving services and new methodologies which change the standards as innovation introduces newer and improved techniques. Total Quality Management represents a technique that under the NHS Best value programme and Modernization plan of 1999 offers a means via which the system can monitor itself as well as agencies and local authorities with the foregoing fluctuating basis and improve its quality of service delivery in keeping with changes and improvements in care. The preceding is important as a result of the lessons learned in spiraling health and social care costs that surfaced in the late 19

Sources Of Influence On The Consumer Marketing Essay

Sources Of Influence On The Consumer Marketing Essay If you request a garment buyer during shopping at supermarket about their respective reason behind of their purchasing, most likely shopper will have problems to elucidate all his purchasing decisions. Researchers described this shopping decision based on the customer subconsciously decision which is made by almost 85% of the shoppers (Solomon et al, 2009). As a consequence of this consumer behaviour has been defined as the method which individual or groups of customer go throughout to choose, acquire, use and borrow the goods, selective services, purchasing ideas or increase the customer experiences to persuade their respective their needs (Solomon, 2009). Additionally, consumer decision for the low involvement goods, customer consumption choices are somewhat made by a customer uncomplicated purchase decision making process; however the shot involvement can also be made which is influenced by environment, marketing, promotion (Alvarez, B R. V. 2005). Kwok Keung Tam (2007) explained clothing is now become a fashion items rather than just a necessity good which used for keeping bodies warm and hiding the internal things. Todays garments become social status and most of the people go for the different garment purchase to showcase their respective personal image (OCass, 2000). This research paper makes an attempt to study how Garment becomes the personal image reflectors and the motive behind customer decision making behind the different garment brands. This paper will examines the different factors which influence the Irish customer behaviour with respect of Brand, Family influence, Bargain power, Store ambience etc . for the garment brand. In this research, we examine the consumer behaviour towards the clothing brand in Ireland as Tam (2007) highlighted in his research that Shopping for garments is one of the well-liked pastimes by Irish people from the different age and class group. This research intended to understand customer behaviour in fashion clothing als o this depends on the four major factors which push the female and male customer to purchase different set of garment for their respective uses, major factor which will analyse in this study i.e. Personal Identify , Physical factors , fashion lifestyle and the store ambience (Holmberg ÃÆ'-hnfeldt, 2010). Different shopping places in Ireland which has different formats of garment stores such as North face etc were selected for the filed study. Outcome of this result will be showcase how the different branding and marketing factor impact the customer behaviour during their purchase of clothing brand. Some of these factors would be Brand, Price, Quality, social status, promotion strategy and it will be directly correlated with the customer behaviour. Subsequently this study will help international clothing brand to understand the Irish customer much better manner which will be ultimate aim for this study to achieve. The research is taking place due we experienced that garment demand has been declined significantly in the Ireland which may be cause of the Economic condition and the change in customer behaviour. This research will analyse those top attributes which influence the customer decision making process for the garment brand. The main aim of this research is to evaluate the various factors which influence the customer buying behaviour. This would also help in understanding the elements needs for designing an effective marketing strategy for influencing customers buying decision. Such as the right pricing decision, branding decision , trend which further helps in influencing consumer behaviour and creating brand preference but the major question is what makes it a successful garment brand. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter will contain all the research work that has already been conducted. This will help to understand how to carry on with the research work and also what studies can be further conducted. 2.1 Garment Industry Since 1995, the Ireland garment industry has been grown by 59% over today it is around 5 billion EURO because of the increasing import contribution and the growing fashion status of society (Dunford, Mick 2009). Irish fashion has influenced by the European and international fashion therefore it has become progressively more complicated to define an Irish garment look, apart from the MNC clothing organisation such as North Face and the Colombia wear, also as per the IFD GFK (2013) the Irish market segment is as follows Site: http://www.retailexcellence.ie/images/uploads/downloads/REI_Retail_Industry_Productivity_Review_Q3_Template_FINAL.pdf However ambiguity is perhaps the major roadblock facing by the Ireland apparel industry in after the economic recession. The monetary situation in Europe is influenced by the rising manufacture costs and flat garment prices, and less product innovation are the causes of the decline in this industry. 2.1 Consumer behaviour Donal Rogan (2007) explains the relationship between consumer behaviour and marketing strategy. He states that strategy is about increasing the probability and frequency of buyer behaviour. Requirements for succeeding in doing this are to know the customer and understand the consumers needs and wants. Chisnall (1995) points out that human needs and motives are inextricably linked and that the relationship between them is so very close that it becomes difficult to identify the precise difference which may characterize them. People may buy new coats because it protects them against the weather, but their real underlying dominant need may be to follow the latest fashion trend. Buyers characteristics are important theories from Kotler and Armstrong (2007) and it explains the way that the consumer interprets and receives stimuli from advertisements. The decisions of consumers are influenced by a number of individual characteristics that are linked to the consumers specific needs (Kotler Armstrong, 2007). 2.2 Consumer characteristics Consumer characteristics are explained by: Cultural characteristics, Social characteristics, Personal characteristics, and Psychological Characteristics. The marketer, in order to identify the consumer and to be able to decide on the strategy to what kind of consumer to target, identifies these characteristics. Hence, these characteristics are used in order to segment the market and target specific consumer groups. 2.3 Cultural Characteristics The Cultural Characteristics are recognized as the main influencer of consumer behavior. Three features underpinning consumer behavior develop these characteristics: Culture, Subculture, and Social Class. The psychological processes are heavily involved in consumers behavior. They affect through recognizing needs, finding ways to understanding these needs, making purchase decisions of buying a product or not, if so, which brand and where, construe information, make strategies and implementing them by engaging in comparison shopping or in fact purchasing a product (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). Sources of Influence on the Consumer: The cultural influences are often been taken for granted as they are always important. An American will generally not bargain with a store owner but on the other hand this is a common carry out in much of the world (Graves, 2010). Our behavior also gets persuaded by physical factors. We are much expected to buy a soft drink when we are thirsty, for example, and food manufacturers have found that it is more useful to advertise their product when people are getting hungry i.e at the late afternoon. A persons  self-image  will also be likely to influence what he or she will buy as to project an image of success an upwardly manager may buy a ostentatious car (Albanese, 2003). Social factors often lie behind the consumers buying preferences, and buyers look up to strong psychological signs to relate their choice with. It makes a huge impact if their choice is backed by a strong famous personality. The difference in cultures plays an important role. The habitants of western countries s uch as American prefer to have ham, egg, toast, coffee etc. in their breakfast unlike some Asian countries where they have homemade bread with tea or rice with curry as breakfast. The differences in subculture follow with difference in choices of music, movies etc (Albanese, 2003). The marketing experts work as the preferences of the target area consumers. Consumer Preference The Choice and Decision Making: There are numerous factors involved in consumer decision making Problem identification The realization of the need of something makes us think of looking at the options. If the old cloths has been troubling lately, automatically the thought of replacement comes into mind Information Search we may look for the alternatives to solve the problem. It may be resolved through buying of a new vehicle e.g. car, motorbike or may be a used car. We might also think of public transport as alternative. A skateboard may be rode to the work every day. Evaluation of alternatives Public transport cannot be relied upon in case of strike etc. Skateboard will be of no use on a rainy day. Purchase The purchase ends a consumer cycle with finally making up the mind and completing the transaction. It may be subdivided into two more stages of post-purchase and testing before the final decision is made depending on satisfaction and trial check. (Mazzocchi, 1999). Understanding the vital motivational factors is very important to understand the logic of the buying behavior. The customer gives a certain level of importance to everything he needs in life. A car or home is the type of substantial objects in the category of most expensive and most desired and planned purchases. But similarly an acme medication can have, logically, a very substantial level of importance attached to it as well. Such important purchases play a very significant part in establishing a persons self esteem (Mazzocchi, 1999). The advertisements are designed to satisfy this self esteem of a buyer and give it a boom. The adverts need to show the positive and psychologically desired end result which a product is expected to fulfill. Searching options and Making Decisions: The subconscious plays a very important part in searching the stored information i.e. in the mind of the buyer. He may consult a directory or decide from any of the experienced products from his memory. E.g. while making decision about dining out, the customer might not search the yellow pages but just decide on one from his memory, either recommended by a friend or a previous experience (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). Similar case will happen in case he wants to buy a car. He will consult every one, he thinks, has a valued opinion about the options. The reviews will be analyzed, dealerships will be visited, familys choice will be considered and then finally the purchase will happen. Firms may invest keeping in mind the consumers selection process. The objects which are highly likely to be selected through external search will be promoted through related means such as brochures, news coverage, websites etc. (Parsons and Maclaran, 2009). Some of the decisions are made with the help of compensatory and non-compensatorystrategy of buying. This involves trading off of some attributes of the product with the others. (Cohen, 1981). E.g. A car may boast of having a very low mileage and attractive price but slow acceleration. The decision will be made on the basis of use of the car. In a metropolitan city, slow acceleration might be ignored as the speed limits do not slow to accelerate above a specific limit. Similarly a cloth item may be rejected on the basis of its composition of materials no matter how best it fits and falls completely within budget. Some no-compromise situations might change consumer buying behavior abruptly (Parsons and Maclaran, 2009). Reasons behind Consumer Decision Making Process: In order to search a information and make a decision for the consumers to buy a product it depend on no of factors such as the (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006) Market: It involves the competition within an industry. It deals with the competing products from different brand labels, their characteristics such as packaging, price etc. Product uniqueness: How much the consumer is interested in analyzing the attributes of any particular product before making the purchase? Some other interesting factors affecting the buying decisions are hunt for variety and impulse buyers. The variety seekers are customers who are always ready to try a new version of the old product. These form an interesting group and smart marketing tactics can pursue them to buy slightly modified version of the old product even if it is not needed (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). The impulse buyers are very unpredictable group. They might leave home to buy vegetable but only decide to buy which one when they reach the store. A sub category of these will buy any product available, for future use, which they think will not become available for a long time (Parsons and Maclaran, 2009). Some purchases are made only when customers reach inside the store and remember buying any product they had forgotten to put on the list (Parsons and Maclaran, 2009). Consumers choice: Consumes sometimes feel motivated. While buying a gift for a friend or relative might motivate them to have one of the products for themselves. A significant percentage of consumers believe in price comparisons and visit various shops finding for the best priced products. The other type is the convenience lovers who do not mind paying a little extra for getting it closer to their house or where they want it from. The impact of personality shall also be considered as some of the customers prefer variety over repetition and some prefer excitement and simulation in visiting new stores (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). Another influential factor is perception. Discussions, reviews and experiences of people around the buyer tend to develop a certain perception about some products. When he goes to buy for himself, the perception factor certainly counts. The products perceived as good will automatically be considered first before the ones thought as not up to the mark (Susan Baker, 2003). The learning and experience plays a vital role in changing perceptions. The values hel by people also count. E.g. some people only buy recyclable products, some prefer vegetarian stuff. Some ask for products from specific countries only etc. (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). Familys life cycle: Every individual and family goes through a life-cycle.   Ã‚  http://www.consumerpsychologist.com/images/cb/Simple_FLC.png [Source: http://www.consumerpsychologist.com/] Just to discuss, a couple may be living together as husband and wife or just lovers. (Jobber , 2006 ). In the real life, the situation might evolve into further developments such as divorces etc. resulting in singlehood. In this case more scenarios come forwards. http://www.consumerpsychologist.com/images/cb/FLC_Changes.png [Source: http://www.consumerpsychologist.com/] Single parenthood may be a result of a divorce or a death of one parent. These situations further evolve into big contributors of financial situation of a family. The custodian or guardian might come under extra financial pressure.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.consumerpsychologist.com/images/cb/FLC_Changes2.png Family decision making: Above discussed factors are just a few of numerous scenarios which the families might face during the course of life. Apart from other affected elements of ones life, from marketing point of view, the decision making of a family is the one which affected as well. While making the buying decisions of the family, the entire family members point of view is taken in consideration. These individuals hold the power of decision which forms the buying behavior of the family. (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). Whether to buy; Which product to buy (pick-up or passenger car?); Which brand to buy; Where to buy it; and When to buy. Note, however, that the job of the decision maker is separate from that of the  purchaser. The marketers may find it difficult to impress both at the same time. The promotional tactics for targeting the purchaser at the point-of-purchase (POP) are easier to achieve results then influencing the decision maker (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). Family set-up: One important factor in decision making difficulties attached with different kind of family setup. The family unit having enough cash flow might not find it difficult to meet the diverse requirements and choices of different family members but familys with financial pressures and budgeted shopping routines find it very difficult, especially families with children (Parsons and Maclaran, 2009). There is no realistic way to resolve issues related to differences. One family member might consider it worthwhile spending on a family vacation and the other might find it productive to buy computers for children (Mazzocchi, 1999). In this kind of situation, no one is wrong; it is jut conflict of opinion. These kinds of situations become even more complicated by the involvement of either children or relatives. Bargaining and convincing: Family members tend to opt for different tactics when trying to get their way at the time of purchase. Some of them go for the bargaining option. They try to bargain getting something on condition of someone else getting something for him. E.g. a wife may say that she will buy a new pick-up truck if her husband is ready to complete a gourmet cooking course. Similarly a child will make an unrealistic promise of walking it daily if he is provided with a pet hippopotamus. The elements of human psychology are important to know here. All these tactics might be used for no ill will with others. Family members try to persuade others by talking convincingly and reasoning and wear down the oppositions point. There are many faces of manipulative strategies used (Albanese, 2003). Impression management is one of them. A husband might try to argue that bringing in a new TV home will help educate and help children learn but the real motive behind the contention might be watching sports programs. T he second way of getting things done may be use of authority. One member of the family might be the assertive one and his use of authority may be the final decision making point. Another way of convincing someone is use of emotion, involving crying, being angry etc. (Graves, 2010). The Means-End Chain:   The buyers often buy product not because their actual attributes but because what benefits these attributes provide and it eventually leads to the satisfaction or the decisive values. The purchase of plastic roses might be the result of factors as illustrated below: http://www.consumerpsychologist.com/images/intro/Means-End_Chain.png [Source: http://www.consumerpsychologist.com/] The most important factor which works in a means end chain is the strongest factor working in favor of the product is its most strong attribute. The decision then gradually goes forward toward the related series of attributes and the consequences attached with it. In the end, the required values are being satisfied and decision is made (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). Similarly each means end chain has all these steps accumulated in it. The advertisers focus on the end result i.e. the use of flowers to pursue the customer to make the purchase. For example the act of giving the significant half a present of flowers, as portrayed in the advert, will convince the buyer more than just showing the flowers alone. 2.14 Approach and attitude:   Consumers attitudes have a very important role to play in the game of marketing. They are a combination of different factors playing their part such as beliefs, feelings and the behavioral intentions of a person towards the item. In the marketing context the item may be a product, brand, a store etc. These components are all interlinked, although independent, but their combined influence is the final impression a consumer responds to and makes the decision about making the purchase (Solomon and Bamossy, 2006). Belief in values:   One of the very important components for the means end chain is belief in the values. A buyer may hold some positive beliefs about any product, say tea tastes good, and similarly some negative beliefs as well such as tea stains when spills. Some beliefs have a neutral opinion about them such as teas color etc. Some of the beliefs depend on the circumstances such as tea is considered as good in cold weather and cold and flu (Susan Baker, 2003). Some beliefs that consumers hold might not be true in fact. E.g. people think that pork contain less fat than other form of meat which is not true. Influences and feelings:   Consumers tend hold certain established feelings towards products and brands. These feelings tend to change with the passage of time on the basis of their experiences. E.g. a person can feel revolted by thinking about a very greasy and extra fat hamburger he might have had somewhere. Some feelings, however, are independent of the influences. For example an environmentalist might be against cutting off of trees for saving the world campaign but at the same time he might not object to cutting off of Christmas trees as she might unconsciously attach the feeling with the childhood Christmases he had spent decorating the trees (Susan Baker, 2003). CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Any research involves a number of options which needs to be visualized for achievement of the scope and focus of study. It is also needed for achieving the desired and relevant results. There are various options available to a researcher for selection of the research approach. The author has selected the following research model for availing the options and chooses the most reasonable option for the research approach. The model is known as Research Onion which is shown below in Figure 1.1. Sampling Secondary Data Observation Questionnaires Longitudinal Cross sectional Literature review Grounded theory Survey Inductive Deductive Realism Research philosophy Research Approaches Research strategies Time horizons Data collection methods Positivism Interpretivism Figure 1.1 The Research Process Onion Source: Saunders, et. al., (2003) The research would look into providing a brief on the layers of the research process so as to provide a better understanding for choosing the rational in a particular research. As per Saunders, et. al., (2003), research is a mix of positivism, interpretive and realism research philosophy. According to Remenyi et. al. (1998), if one prefers working with an observable social reality and that the end product of such research can be law-like generalisations similar to those produced by the physical or natural scientists, than positivism research philosophy should be the right one to follow. According to Chisnall, 2003 the above philosophy may not be entirely applicable to all business circle due to the complexity involved and due to the reason that everything cannot be placed under one umbrella. So this advocated towards interpretive research philosophy, who believes that rich insights into the complex world of business and management are lost if its complexity is reduced entirely to a s eries of law-like generalisations. (Saunders, et. al., 2003) According to Saunders, et. al., 2003, realism research philosophy should be also mentioned, due to the fact that it is based on the belief that a reality exists that is independent of human thoughts and believes (Saunders, et. al., 2003). For this research the discussion involves the customer perception so the researcher would select the realism research philosophy during the course of research (Chisnall, P., 2003; Saunders, et. al., 2003). So from the above reflections upon the philosophies of research, the researcher concluded on research to be mainly based on interpretivism research philosophy along with some further respect to be paid to the realism research philosophy. The framed questionnaire helps to identify customer different behaviour towards the purchasing decision of the Garment Brand in the Ireland. The major areas to explore consumer behaviour are following below. Brand: As the clothing not only now the necessities goods and become the fashion statement therefore brand is very important to measure the consumer behaviour for the garment shoppers. Family: As per the research most of the IRISH customer tends to take the advice from the family or close group people before they tend to purchase any cloth therefore it is important to mention these factors. Product uniqueness: Unique attributes which push the customer to choose the different clothing brand. Bargaining and convincing: Customer tries to bargain getting something on condition of someone else getting something Belief in values/ Influences and feelings: How brand try to influence the purchasing behavior of the customer (*through advertisement, promotion, store ambience etc) Research Question Prime objective of this paper to establish relationship amongst the customer behaviour and the attributes which influence the behaviour most for the IRISH customer such as the family, brand, uniqueness etc; therefore it is important to set the hypothesis to judge the outcome of the primary research. Brand influence the customer decision making most Family is the most important factor to influence the consumer purchasing decision Customer tends to bargain with the brand. Customer behaviour can be influenced by the advertisement, store ambience, etc. Null HYPOTHESIS Brand influence will not influence the customer decision for the garment purchase. Family is not the only important factor which influence the customer behaviour. Research approach Survey design has been widely used and adopted by many academicians in the research field of Garment (Gardberg and Fombrun, 2002; Sabate and Puente, 2003; Lee, 2004 cited in Yeo and Youssef, 2010). Through the literature review, a theoretical framework from the works of Berry and Kimpakorn and Tocquer were analyzed. Administering written questionnaires have been widely used mainly due to fact that anonymity is permitted, thus resulting in more honest responses. Additionally, well designed questionnaires are also able to reduce biasness due to the creativity that may arise from phrasing these questions. Surveys are also common as they are adaptable, easily implemented and provide the researcher with an opportunity to gain insight because of the large amount of feedback collected. Notwithstanding, limitations to this form of research arise from low rate of response primarily due to the fact that questions could be misunderstood. Procedures for data collection and analysis Data Collection: As the research study consist both the qualitative and quantitative research hence both the primary as well secondary data will be collected in this study in order to make the research comprehensive and exploratory. The data collection methodology for each type of data is given below: Primary Data: The primary for this study will be collected in the second phase of the study where the Questionnaires will be conducted with the consumers of garment industry in Ireland, of all age group and income group to gain the in-depth view and study about the consumer behaviour towards the garment purchase. The primary data will be collected through research survey instrument. The survey instrument as the questionnaire will be structured as it will consist of both closed as well as open ended questions. The survey will target at least 100 respondents across the city. The data collection would require field work where the research would get the questionnaire filled from customers visiting the two garment store selected for this research which are North face and the Columbia sports in the areas in Dublin, Ireland Secondary Data: The secondary for this study will be collected for the accomplishment of the first phase of the study where the detailed analysis of several factors influences the consumer buying decisions in fast food Industry. The secondary data for this study will be procured from the various news articles, marketing journals, reports, web, and the various literatures available in the context of the research topic. Sample Size: Minimum 50 people from each outlet would be targeted so the sample population for this research would be 100 respondents. As per Bryman.A and Bell.E (2007) research sample is defined as choice of small group from a large population for running the primary research. The small group selected from the large population is known as sample. As per Bryman.A and Bell.E (2007), no research can cover the total population as it would be time consuming and some part of population may not be relevant for research. The sample selected for this research is 100 respondents and the age group of these people would be 12-55 years. Evaluation of approach and analysis Data analysis would be analyzed through the statistical system i.e. SPSS. Using correlation analysis, customers in this Irish garment in industry would be analyzed to determine whether a customer behaviour and factor such as brand, family from the different garment brand correlated to each other. Ethics In this research all the first hand information only used for academic purpose. And I will focus on the authentic research where proper refreshing can been done. Limitation First limitation of study is to cover only Dublin as city for the study also it has only cover the sample size of 100 people out of the entire universe. Assumption Biggest assumption for this study is to have self believe on the response that we collect from the customer which always hold true without any further validation. CONCLUSION So to conclude this research would be based on quantitative method. A mix of primary and secondary data will be used for collecting data. Questionnaire method would be the tool of collecting data along with secondary data like journals, past research, books and internet. Chapter 4: Research Plan TIME FRAME Months Mar Apr May Weeks 2nd Week 4th Week 1st week 3rd week 4th week 1st week 2nd week 3rd week Problems defining Review of Literature Research Designing Method Defining Data Sources Collection of Data Data Analysis Framing the Conclusion of the research Writing Draft Editing Final Printing and Binding BIBLIOGRAPHY Alvarez, B. A Casielles, R. V. (2005). Consumer e valuations of