Information system of Hanjin shipping

Data arrangement of Hanjin delivering Presentation Delivery by its inclination is a serious and a mind boggling industry. (Martin Stopford, 1997) Shipping organizations need to work on a worldwide scale and oversee workplaces all around the globe and work with a various work power. Trader delivering is one of the most exceptionally managed enterprises on the planet. Consequently data frameworks assume a significant job in the administration of the delivery organization. In this paper we will break down a contextual investigation of how Hanjin transporting utilized data frameworks develop as a main delivery organization. Hanjin is a worldwide transportation and Logistics Company. (Hanjin delivery, 2010).The organization works around 200 boats, for the most part compartment vessels, gas big haulers and mass bearers. Hanjin ships are exchanging around the world. Hanjin transport payload to more than 100million tons a year to 6000 goals around the world. (Hanjin transportation, 2010) Companys deals organize incorporates 200 worldwide bra nch workplaces and 30 organizations. Over all the organization is extending quickly on a worldwide scale and is additionally wandering into new transportation related business. Business issues Hanjin was expanding its worldwide tasks by opening new compartment terminals, purchasing new huge boats, going in collusion with holder lines. Hanjin came up short on the coordinations required to be skilled in the compartment business. Its multi year old ERP frameworks needed usefulness and adaptability required to work such a mind boggling and large association (Oracle 2008). Hanjin comprehended that without start to finish coordinations arrangements they can't contend in compartment business. Hanjin likewise confronted issues controlling acquisition costs and to meet the worldwide administrative prerequisites (Oracle 2008). The information assortment framework was done physically and henceforth it was tedious and inclined to mistakes. Hanjin have a work power of around 4000 which are utilized all around the globe. It was expanding hard for Hanjin to oversee such an enormous and various work power. Answer for Hanjin issues As an answer for the issues Hanjin was looking because of its worldwide development it chose to dispatch Process advancement venture. The procedure development design was to build up cutting edge the board structure and reinforcing its hierarchical abilities. (Supportability report, 2006). The task applied to business procedure and association structure just as the corporate societies dependent on embracing the propelled IT framework. (Maintainability report, 2006, p.27). Hanjin chose to re-engineer their business procedure utilizing best practice models for their ERP frameworks to increase worldwide seriousness. This framework would have been a drawn out arrangement, it won't legitimately appear on monetary record yet it will be stage for propelling new business ventures (Business report 2006). Hanjin additionally chose to move to client based business by guaranteeing great assistance and expanded consumer loyalty. Procedure Innovation Project The procedure advancement venture group was collected in October 2004 and afterward they went through 5 months for mapping the new frameworks and the procedure. The task will be actualized steadily on a bit by bit premise. The procedure advancement venture was to be executed during a time of 3 years. The principle point of procedure development was to be client focused and a gainfulness arranged administration organization. The data framework used to re-in power the authoritative abilities and will set up the administration to be more clients centered. The data framework advancement contracts were given to organizations which were best in the business (Oracle, 2008). ERP was given to ORACLE while others were given to Siebel and Hyperion. During the procedure of undertaking Oracle procured Siebel and Hyperion which brought about consistent incorporation and client care. (Prophet, 2008). Data Systems (ERP) Enterprise Resource arranging: Enterprise framework incorporates the key business forms into single framework. In this framework the progression of data is consistent all through the association (laudon, 2007). Hanjins Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Hanjin coordinated business procedure, for example, money and bookkeeping, capital resource arranging, human asset, obtainment process. They utilized these for smooth progression of data in their inside framework. The companys senior administration was engaged with the activities execution. The Managing chief and CIO of Hanjin Shipping said that To improve our worldwide intensity, we required an IT arrangement that bolstered broad procedure reengineering (Oracle, 2008, pg.1). Hanjin chose to contribute about 57.7 million USD on this undertaking. They normalized the administration and information assortments techniques, rebuilt the progression of information between their business frameworks and arranged a word reference to make it simpler for the staff to follow new framework. As the framework was executed on a bit by bit premise, bit by bit the staff could see the advantages of the framework and they were not strong to changes, however they were will to share data in the middle of v arious divisions. Organization likewise received other best practice rules, for example, preparing and teaching the staff, utilization of programming backing and support. Advantages of Information framework The above graph is clarified utilizing the conventional model of 6Cs for clarifying business benefits. Lower Cost: The e-sourcing framework helped them to acquire items from a rundown of providers and they were profited by serious evaluating which brought about obtainment costs. Cost sparing per client was expanded because of expanded effectiveness (Oracle, 2008). Improved Communication: As the information was solidified into a solitary framework, henceforth staff increased a coordinated perspective on activities (Oracle, 2008). Improved Management Control: New ERP frameworks and re-designing procedure helped in improved business the executives. This gave the chiefs a total perspective on the companys activities and furthermore outfitted the staff with nitty gritty data they required to design, execute and assess complex activities. The directors were additionally ready to settle on choices and guarantee issues were tended to right away. Execution assessment was simpler and could be handily done on a worldwide premise and medium and long haul methodology arranging should be possible because of information accessibility. (Prophet, 2008) New Capability: HR stage helped in improving the productivity of the office. The new framework helped the administrators to see total history of the staff and furthermore dispose of utilizations. This brought about expanded effectiveness of HR staff which could concentrate more on drawing in and holding talented workers and furthermore train them. (Prophet, 2008) Improved Customer Service: Due to its administration organize it could react quicker to clients requests. Point by point deals and promoting plans could be created. (Prophet, 2008) Upper hand: Hanjin got the acknowledgment of a dependable coordinations accomplice. (Manageability report, 2008). In April 2008 Hanjin got the most noteworthy honors in coordinations in Korea. (Manageability report, 2008). Future marketable strategies The task improved the general execution of the organization procedure. In future organization expects to put more in their IT frameworks which plans to supplement their administration frameworks just as front office work. (Business report 2007). As the inside framework execution was finished the organization currently is prepared to create delivering/coordinations related business which will end up being the companys next main thrusts. Counts on their inner framework they are venturing nearer to turn into a Global coordinations organization. They are additionally intending to grow its 3PL (outsider coordinations) business by expanding its worldwide system (Hanjin Shipping, 2008). In accordance with their Process Innovation venture they have additionally propelled another undertaking Knowledge the board. (Maintainability report, 2008) End: The task taken by Hanjin to modify its business procedure by the utilization of data frameworks was deliberately significant. Hanjin is a worldwide association with various capacities, hierarchical levels and numerous business forms; thus ERP framework was the right decision of data framework. This task turned into the base to execute advance business process which supplement their data frameworks and furthermore increment the productivity of the organization. It helped the organization to be more clients centered which is a key procedure in current occasions. They could wander into new parts of business, for example, coordinations. The determination of Oracle and Siebel was additionally right since they were the best in the business. Hanjin settled on right choice by coordinating all frameworks together. The procurement of Siebel and Hyperion by Oracle guaranteed that the frameworks have consistent coordination and ceaseless help. The data frameworks which they utilized were in acco rdance with their business systems which brought about achievement of the undertaking. Reference List: Hanjin delivery, 2008. Hanjin Shipping Steps Closer to Becoming Global Total Logistics Company, [Online] Available at: http://www.hanjin.com/en/news/080513_02.jsp?srv_id=ENGid=080513_02.jspbackUrl=news.jspcurPage=5blockSize=10 [Accessed on fifteenth March 2010]. Hanjin transportation, 2008. 2008 Hanjin transporting business report, [Online] Available at: t http://www.hanjin.com/en/organization/contribute/join/Business_report_2008.pdf [Accessed on fifteenth March 2010]. Hanjin transportation, 2008. Hanjin manageability report 2008, [Online] Available at: http://www.hanjin.com/transfer/2008_gri_en.pdf [Accessed on fifteenth March 2010]. Hanjin transportation, 2006. Hanjin manageability report 2006, [Online] Available at: http://www.hanjin.com/transfer/2006_gri_en.pdf [Accessed on fifteenth March 2010]. Laudon., J, Laudon., K, 2007. The board Information frameworks: Managing the advanced firm. tenth ed. Pearson Education Inc. New Jersey. Stopford., M, 1997. Sea Economics second ed. Routledge: London Prophet, 2008. Hanjin Shipping Improves Business Intelligence, Competitiveness with Integrated Platform, [Online] Available at: http://

Sonnet free essay sample

William Shakespeare †an entertainer, essayist, and writer worked past his abilities and made his own language, composing style, and idyllic method. Shakespeare composed a wealth of pieces, and keeping in mind that thinking of them, he controlled the style, and reproduced his own. Shakespearean style concentrated on an abab cdcd efef gg, rhyme plot, and deferred the goals until the last two lines, with a twelve-two line division. Work 18, by William Shakespeare, communicates his strategy and offers Shakespeare’s on viewpoint with people and Nature. Piece 18 issue is built up in the initial four quatrains, wherein he depicted the excellence of a man to the magnificence of Nature’s summer day. Through the quatrains, Shakespeare summons the suspicion that the man dear to him has perished, but then his magnificence despite everything lives. Through utilization of reiteration and similar sounding word usage, Shakespeare accentuates such thoughts that â€Å"this† sonnet is the answer for the issue †that this bit of craftsmanship is the thing that keeps the man soul everlasting. We will compose a custom exposition test on Work or then again any comparative subject explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page Also, â€Å"And† recommended the sentiment of death; since that the lines show the chilliness of death gradually defeating is composition, and his decency started to decrease. The rhyme conspire empowers a stream in the sonnet for his crowd to effortlessly follow and grasp. It’s styled with the end goal that, as the peruser bit by bit advances through the sonnet, they are carried further into the â€Å"awe† in the peak. Shakespeare communicates his sentiments of death through Sonnet 18 †that it is a piece of Nature, and a characteristic event which one ought not lament over, yet recollects the magnificence of. He felt as though to live interminable is to live through craftsmanship, and to live through workmanship communicates life.

Leaving a Conversation When You Have Social Anxiety

Leaving a Conversation When You Have Social Anxiety Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Therapy Social Skills Print How to Leave a Conversation When You Have Social Anxiety By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder and 7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Learn about our editorial policy Arlin Cuncic Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 08, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on September 11, 2018 Social Anxiety Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images People with social anxiety sometimes have trouble leaving conversations. Some of the problems you might experience include: Abruptly leaving due to high anxiety  Staying much longer than you want to because you dont know how to excuse yourself  Generally feeling anxious about the etiquette involved in leaving a conversation Knowing how to leave a conversation can sometimes be just as important as knowing how to join one. Some of the reasons you might want to leave a conversation could include Wanting to excuse yourself to talk with someone elseWanting to  get away from someone who is rudeNeeding to use the bathroom or move on to some other taskWanting to gracefully end a conversation that is winding down anyway There are also numerous settings in which you could find yourself in conversation including: Work or school settingsPartiesCasual gatheringsChance meetings with acquaintancesTelephone conversations Below are steps to successfully leave a conversation. How to Leave a Conversation First, distance yourself physically from the  group or individual. Turn yourself partially away and begin to pull back while still listening to what is being said. Stand up if you have been sitting down and start to use shorter responses to what is being said.Wait for a break in the conversation  and then give your reason for leaving. A trip to the bathroom or to get another drink are good excuses if you dont have another reason to leave.To more easily transition into leaving, you could first summarize what has just been said before you mention that you are leaving. For example, you could say Sounds like you had an amazing trip! Id like to see the photos soon. Unfortunately, Ive got a deadline looming and need to get back to work.Turn and leave. Do not wait for anyone to give you permission and do not look back after you leave. What to Say Perhaps youve got a handle on the steps to end a conversation but still arent sure what exactly to say. Below are some examples of what you might say to end a conversation. Ive got to get going, but its been nice talking. Well, Ill let you get back to your shopping. Take care! Great chatting with you! Im going to try and catch Dave before he heads home. Thanks for the chat. Talk soon (on the phone) I am just going to excuse myself to use the restroom. Maybe we can chat later? Tips Do not feel bad about leaving a conversation. Someone has to do it eventually, and when done right there will be no hurt feelings.In a business setting, make concrete plans about when you will be in contact if appropriate  and shake hands before you leave.If you want to leave because of what the other person is saying, consider taking charge. Ask questions that lead to other areas of conversation. If you are in a group, others may be relieved that someone has changed the topic.In general, it helps to have an idea of how long conversations usually last. While talking with a good friend could go on for hours, most conversations with people you dont know will last less than 10 minutes. Dont feel bad about moving on.If you are really stuck in a one-on-one conversation, consider introducing that person to someone else in the hopes that they will hit it off.Sometimes it is okay to ghost or just leave a conversation quietly without saying anything. This works in a group setting with a large number of people. Research on Social Anxiety and Conversation In a 2015 study of the conversations of individuals with social anxiety, it was shown that deficits in joint action led to being less well-liked. What does this mean? In essence, people with social anxiety tend to contribute less to conversations, specifically by not sharing in the conversation when another person is telling a story. Although you may find yourself itching to walk away from a social encounter, try to slow yourself down before making an exit. Be genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. Ask questions, tell related stories about yourself, and find common ground with the other person.

The Effects Of Rape On Women And Society - 1608 Words

HHoward Olivia Howard ENC1101 (155691) 11/13/15 Impacts of Rape Rape is when a person is forced into sex and does not agree to it. Almost, two-thirds of America’s rape victims know their attacker. According to rccmsc.org, the closer the relationship is, between the victim and the attacker; the greater the likelihood that the incident will not be reported.Rape happens every 107 seconds in The United States of America. Rape has a major impact on women, society and the community, some things that women suffer from are: physical and emotional damage, short and long term stress. Rape can affect the community and society with the costs, the community would have to spend money on crisis and mental health services fees, criminal justice expenses and medical services. It also affects society with the victims losing their jobs because of some physical or mental damage. A woman goes through physical and emotional damage after they have been raped. The immediate physical effects a person can experience after being raped can include bruising, bleeding (vaginal,anal) soreness, difficulty walking and broken or dislocated bones. As an example, an unknown source has severe back pains since her assault in 1994 she stated that;â€Å" To this day I will never know if my back problems were actually caused by the force of the rape or me trying to push him off, I have permanent damage to my back.† Other examples of physical damage that victims have suffered through are damage to theShow MoreRelatedRape Culture And Rape Myths1634 Words   |  7 Pagesgetting raped. In this paper, I will discuss how living in a rape culture affects women and men, how does rape myths affect society and how we can change the negative effects of living in a rape culture and rape myths. In order to understand this, we must first define what rape is. Rape is unwanted sexual attentions or actions that are directed to a person. Rape can happen to anyone but it is most common to happen women. Rape happens to women around the ages of 16-24 and it is â€Å"considered to be at theRead MoreEssay about Rape Culture: Are Women Asking for It?1698 Words   |  7 PagesMerril Smith’s Encycolpedia of Rape defines the term â€Å"rape culture† as â€Å"one in which rape and other sexual violence against women . . . [is] both prevalent and considered the norm† (174). Rape is not a new subject in today’s society, its origins reaching far back into history. What causes rape, though? Is it the primal drive of men to exhibit dominance over all women, or do the women share the blame because of the way they dress, act, or do their makeup? Modern American culture would place the blameRead MoreThe Effects Of Violence Against Women On North American Society1663 Words   |  7 PagesQuestion: How do social norms contribute to the persistence of violence against women in North American society? Inter-disciplinary approach There are many factors that contribute to violence against women. There are obvious factors such as substance abuse by both the abused or the abuser that lead to violence. Cycles of poverty and the stresses that come with economic struggle are known factors in violence as well. Economic struggles inside and outside of the home are stresses and not only doesRead MoreAmerica s Thriving Rape Culture1492 Words   |  6 PagesAmerica’s Thriving Rape Culture America has a proud history of being a country that has many different ethnicities and cultures living within its borders. But one of the most prevalent cultures is one that transcends race or country of origin, rape culture. The term used by modern day feminist and gender activist defines a culture which normalizes rape and sexual assaults because of the deeply rooted societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality. In a rape culture the instances of rape are acceptedRead MoreThe Rape Of Sexual Violence1642 Words   |  7 Pagesto have sex with me again,† â€Å"It’s not a rape if it happens after drinking or taking drugs†: these quotes about rape are few to the numerous myths that circulate society today. 1 out of every 6 American women has been sexually assaulted, yet this statistic is only from victims who come forward (Victims of Sexual Violence: Statistics†). The problem in America today is the â€Å"Rape Culture† in which we live. A Rape Culture is defined as a â€Å"rape prevalent society in which sexual violence is normalized andRead MoreAnalysis Of The Best Selling Book, Asking For It, By Louise O Neill 1291704 Words   |  7 Pagesaccusations that women so commonly get when they have been sexually abused. According to a study done by government officials in the U.K.: â€Å"Focus on Violent Crime and Sexual Offenses: 2013/14†, more than a quarter of the public believe drunk victims of rape or sexual assault are at least partly responsible for what has happened to them. The idea that women contribute in any way to the violation of their bodies is a concept that is so commonly believed by society in this day and age. Young women and men areRead MoreThe Physical and Psychological Effects of Rape on Women Essay976 Words   |  4 Pages The Physical and Psychological Effects of Rape on Women Most people think that rape is about sex but it is not. If rape was about getting sex the person would just go and have sex with someone who wants to give it to them. Paying for sex is better than going out and raping someone. Rape is also called sexual assault. Rape is about having power and control over someone. Rape is defined as one person forcing another person, without his or her consent and using violence or threatening violence, toRead MoreThe Negative Impact of Pornography on Society Essay924 Words   |  4 Pages Pornography is tearing apart the very fabric of our society. Yet Christians are often ignorant of its impact and apathetic about the need to control this menace. Pornography is an $8 billion a year business with close ties to organized crime.The wages of sin are enormous when pornography is involved. Purveyors of pornography reap enormous profits through sales in so-called adult bookstores and viewing of films and live acts at theaters. Pornography involves books, magazines,Read MoreIn The Movies Happens In Real Life Analysis907 Words   |  4 PagesLife Think about the lives of men and women; think about who they are because of their past experiences. Experiences, whether positive or negative, shape every individual, making their lives and personalities unique. Marie Howe writes â€Å"In the Movies† to convey that sexual traumatic experiences permanently, and negatively, impact psychological well-being and security which leads to conflict in other areas of life such as relationships with friends and family. Society plays a huge role in how women’s identitiesRead MoreRape Culture Essay1417 Words   |  6 PagesThe topic that I have chosen to discuss in this paper is the â€Å"rape culture† that occurs on college campuses throughout the United States; and the rationale society uses to normalize this egregious act. Rape culture refers to society’s existing idea that rape or sexual assault is inconsequential and only happens to individuals who behave a certain way. 1 in 5 women have experienced some kind of sexual assault throughout their college career, and most of them know who their assailants are; however

The Battle Over Example Research Paper and How to Win It

The Battle Over Example Research Paper and How to Win It These guidelines will help you in planning how to compose a reaction paper to a documentary. At least in the start, the training is extremely slow. You may easily depend on us to find essay help as we have a tendency to assist and guide the students with the aid of our professional experts. History writing assignments may vary widely--and you must always follow your professor's specific instructions--but the next steps are intended to help no matter what type of history paper you're writing. There's a drawing or sketch. No matter the character of your research if you're writing a paper an outline can help you to not just organize your thoughts but in addition function as the template for your whole paper. Always remember to talk to your instructor if you're writing a paper for a class. Top Example Research Paper Choices If you stop you won't lose any positive aspects. There are various types of care, based on individual needs. In case the service for instance, persons of unsound mind isn't round-the-clock, then it's a shared or single outpatient living, called Assisted Living. The digestive system is crucial to the health and wellness of individuals since it's the most important element that gives natural energy required to for thinking and movement. The cost of an essay is dependent upon the quantity of effort the writer has to exert. A safer and more strategic approach was shown to be more effective in the span of time. You may also do some studying to disco ver more about the points to discuss to be able to present a logical and compelling review. While mobile phone batteries are swapped every couple of decades, your analytics users are going to need changes every single day or sometimes every hour. Example Research Paper at a Glance Ensure you distinguish the important questions from the sub-questions. So, the one thing you must do is simply to organize information you've found and texts you have written for your research. Now there's a list of resources. Our research proves that simply presenting the numbers is insufficient. The Secret to Example Research Paper If you don't know or cannot locate the solution to something, at least be in accord with the solution you use. Successful papers aren't completed in one moment of genius or inspiration, but are developed over a string of steps. You may either opt to support the arguments or ideas in the movie, or concentrate on disputing them. Finding be subjects and the supporting evidence needed to produce your argument is the simple part. Any hypothesis will require proof. Developing your statement in the primary body, you will require some literature sources to refer to. As soon as you own a thesis, you can find that you want to do more research targeted to your particular argument. If you're writing a background synthesis, in some instances it could be appropriate that you offer you an interpretation of the material or have a position (thesis). Based on the approach which you may desire to pursue, there are specific considerations about how to compose a reaction paper to a documentary you ought to make. Some of the greatest research paper introduction samples incorporate primary resources supporting the argument or research of the issue. Our product isn't a virus, the truth is that it's quite the opposite. Regarding, from which angle you have a look at your topic, it is going to reflect unique facets. Example Research Paper Can Be Fun for Everyone Your paper ought to have a title that doesn't just announce the subject of the paper, but gives some indication of your argument. The outline is a brief paragraph, which is made up of three or four sentences and represents your plan of the whole paper. Therefore, it's far better to start with outlining your topic. The function of the outline is to supply you with a blueprint' of the paper and straightforward reference when writing. Although all the referenced information of the Chicago style research paper could be found in the footnotes, there's frequently a demand for students to create their bibliography list too. All you need to do is follow the directions in countless guides on the best way to format an MLA paper. Most professors do not demand a title page, so it's unnecessary unless they specify otherwise. Whether there are any main limitations of your work, you're able to also mention this in brief within the introduction. Besides such, advocating the correct foundations of succeeding can be an essential tool toward such fulfillment. The absolute most important problem faced by student is the shortage of wisdom and skill to research on a specific topic. In the recent decades, the issue of police brutality and excessive use of force has been increasing particularly in the usa.

Creating a Budget Free Essays

Creating a budget is also known as creating a spending plan. It may not be the most entertaining use of your time, but from personal experience it is a must do for anyone who has an income. Have you ever cashed your paycheck and a few weeks later wondering where all the money went? Budgeting and tracking all of your expenditures will graphically illustrate exactly what you are spending your wealth on. We will write a custom essay sample on Creating a Budget or any similar topic only for you Order Now One of my adult children was always coming up short for one thing or another, and would Invariably ask â€Å"Mom can I borrow some money until next pay day? The third time this occurred I agreed to loan the funds on the condition that she sit down with me and create a budget, and further, that she save the receipts for all of her expenditures for one month. It was really an eye opener for her. (She was spending around $200. 00 a month on soda pop alone. ) She started her budget about three years ago and has not had to borrow since†¦ If you are Interested In creating a budget there are some excellent web sites available to assist In the endeavor. How to cite Creating a Budget, Papers

International Marketing Strategies of Hyundai in India free essay sample

The automobile sector of India is no exception and has seen drastic change in the last decade. Some of the largest and successful automobile companies in India are Maruti Suzuki Udyog, Hyundai India ltd, Honda India ltd, Fiat India ltd, etc. the completion in this market is sky high. Therefore to survive in such a competitive market every company needs to provide better services than the competitor with almost of the same price as of the competitor, which is not an easy job to do. The development of this sector is developing the economy of India as a whole, which is why government of India is allowing the foreign automobile companies to enter into Indian market with not many formalities. Competing in the Indian automotive industry is not an easy job as the largest portion of the population is middle class which cannot afford the luxurious vehicles. So, a company needs to analyse the Indian automotive market and should consider the segment strategies carefully. We will write a custom essay sample on International Marketing Strategies of Hyundai in India or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Relying just on one segment of vehicles is very risky in Indian automotive sector. Hyundai Motor India ltd is one of the successful automotive companies in India. It has been successful in winning the hearts of Indian customers and maintains its goodwill in the country. There are many internal and external environment factors which influence the performance of an automotive company. An automobile company should put more focus on the internal factors such as policies, plans or strategies of the company as they can be controlled, on the other hand external factors like government policies, competition, etc cannot be controlled. Hyundai has been able to strengthen its roots in the Indian automobile industry. However it still needs to modify some of its strategies to compete with other big players. 3 | P a g e PREFACE This paper is focussed on the Hyundai Motor India ltd which is one the leading automotive companies in India. This research discusses the growth of Hyundai Motor India in last few years. Also in this research Hyundai Motor India has been compared with the other players in the Indian automobile market to see where it stands. This paper shows which areas Hyundai Motor India needs to put more efforts in order to beat its competitors. They adopted new marketing Strategies to advertise their product in overseas markets such as from the year of 2002, Hyundai became one of the worldwide sponsors of FIFA World Cup and in united states they start giving 10 years or 100000 miles warranty for their manufactured cars. And at present Hyundai motor company is a sixth largest automobile manufacturer of the world and one of the top 100 most valuable brands worldwide. (Wikipedia, 2008) Hyundai philosophy- From the global point of view, Hyundai motor company? s philosophy is to give wealthy nd comfortable lifestyle to people of the world and contributing the harmony and co- 18 | P a g e prosperity with its shareholders, customers, employees and other stakeholders of the automotive industry. As the sprit of creative challenge was visited in the company from beginning, which helps to drive people lifestyle toward modernization and had also solved various challenges for company in business environment. Based on this strength Hyund ai motor company is playing its part to provide wealthy, comfortable, and stylish life style to people. In 2005, Hyundai launched its new corporate vision, which was based on „innovation for humanity? and due to this vision Hyundai motor company had created five core strategies †¢Global orientation- the strategy is to lead in the field of automobile makers, to build trust of people, and become first choice of everyone. †¢New culture creation-to create such an automobile culture among people so that they feel stylish with in there budget and needs. †¢Technical innovation- they had provided new advance technology in their vehicles while keep in mind the needs and mentality of people. Customers moving-they had given importance to customers to create good business culture which attracts more customers towards them. †¢Human respect-by providing environment friendly technology Hyundai had shown great interest in human co-prosperity. (Hyundai Company Website, 2008) 2. 2Research and development facilities As there is lots of competition in automobile industry due to i ts fastest growth and highly competitiveness, manufacturers always tries to provide best and new thing in market and this shorten the product lifecycle of the product. To provide competitive advantage to other competitors and to meet the desires of customers Hyundai motor company had invested in research and development centres in Europe, North America, and Japan. Hyundai motor company? s engineers and researchers always trying to provide stylish, good and quality cars within reasonable prices . they always tries to attract their customers by providing style, comfort and new technologies in their cars which add values in the people lives. Hyundai motor has their research centre named HATCI 19 | P a g e Hyundai America technical centre) was established in 1986 and wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai motor co. Hyundai had also opened design and technical centre in Irvine and California. Hyundai motor has spent US$ 1. 92 billion on RD for one year in order to introduce four or five new models. (Hyundai motor world) 2. 3Manufacturing facilities and capacity Hyundai has their manufacturing plants all over the world and they are selling their vehicles in 193 countries by around 5000 dealers and showrooms. Hyundai has their manufacturing plant in United States, china, India, and turkey and KIA is also upgrading its plants in china and completed an in Slovakia. In 2006, Hyundai had produce 964,842 units in their overseas plants and in 2005, Hyundai had sold 3715096 units and got the position of sixth largest automaker of the world(Hyundai Company Website, 2008) 2. 4Hyundai motor in India Hyundai motor India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Korea based Hyundai motor company and in India it is second largest and fastest growing car manufacturer presently serving market with 30 variants of passenger cars in 6 segments. Hyundai came to India in 1996 and opened their wholly owned manufacturing plant in Chennai and in 2008 Hyundai had opened second manufacturing plant in India. Company manufacture cars in their plants for both domestic and overseas markets. HMIL is distributing their motor vehicles and providing services to their customers in all over India by their strong network. At present Hyundai motor India is having 230 dealers and 138 service centres in 181 cities of India and planning to increase dealers up to 300 this year. With the opening of new manufacturing plant Hyundai motor? anufacturing capacity increased up to 600,000 units per year. In India Hyundai is having six different models in different segments which includes santro, getz, accent, Verna, elantra, sonata, and Tucson . At present Hyundai only produce passenger cars in India but now Hyundai is going to set commercial vehicles manufacturers plant in India. In 1998 Hyundai motor came in the market with Santro that became India? s largest selling car of India in 2005. ((Hyundai Company Website, 2008) 20 | P a g e 3 LITERATURE REVIEW 21 | P a g e 3. 1â€Å"The factors influences in development of a marketing strategy† . 1. 1Development of a marketing strategy To succeed in market it? s very necessary for an organisation to develop a proper marketing strategy and appropriate planning while introducing a new product. Strategy itself long term planning which is decided by the top management of the company and to develop an effective marketing strategy, organization needs to do a lot of research about market environment which includes targeting profitable customers and to create marketing mix plan and more importantly satisfy the needs of customers as well as make profits for corporation. It is next to impossible for an organisation to stick on same strategies. With the change of environment, organisations need to change their marketing strategies. Marketing strategies of the corporation are different from place to place and country to country. It can also be different by the thinking or mentality of customers. For example some people drink coffee because it keeps them alert and wakeup. But some drink it to relax and view it as a way to socialize (coffee breaks). Sometimes Company could not change their internal strategy but something are not in the hands of company they require changes to meet customers? atisfaction and to get desired output. There is an important issue to be considered by the companies? weather they will standardize its marketing mix strategies or will adopt or customize according to the local environmental structure. Then the question arise that how to build a proper marketing strategy and what are the key element which requires keeping in mind whi le developing marketing strategy. 3. 1. 2Standardization versus localization of international marketing strategy As we see from last four decades most of the companies have started their business in multination and became globalized. So the biggest problem that the companies are facing is standardization versus adaptation. There are lots of researches done on this topic but fails to get an appropriate conclusion. There are lots of factors in decision making when companies get confused that either they go for standardized or adopt the present situation. Whenever a firm decided to approach international markets, they basically got for alternatives to introduce their products (Carter, 1997) No change in product, sell the same product in international markets 22 | P a g e ? Upgrade or modify the product for international markets as per the countries or egion? s need. ? Produce new product for foreign countries. ? Or to fit in all the differences, they can design and introduce one global product. 3. 1. 3Factors encouraging standardization ? Saving of scale in production ? Cost-cutting measure in product R D ? Reduction of cost in marketing ? Make the whole world as one big market ? Global competition 3. 1. 4Factors e ncouraging adaptation ? Incompatible use conditions ? Influence of government and regulatory policies ? Different customer behaviour ? Local competition ? True general market concept ? History 3. 1. 5Standardisation potential of marketing programme These days most of the companies using standardisation tool to build their brand image. The core benefit of standardisation is to sell the same product worldwide which saves large cost in production and marketing. By standardizing marketing mix globally, marketers can make everything very simple but in terms of sales and profit it is consider as a false step of managing the complexities. If we conclude this in general companies are more customers oriented and they are always ready to adapt their mix according to the desire market to meet customer? s needs and to give as best they can to customers. If we look at automobile industry cars may be different by their body colour, shapes or sizes as per local demands but engine could be same in every county. The factors which cause an organisation to adapt according to the local awareness of the country are as follows 23 | P a g e MACRO-ENVIRONMENT Legal regulationsPolitical sensitivityTechnical and social Norms Geographical similarity Stage of life cycle Degree of urbanization Structure ofM A distribution R TechnologyK orientationE T Price sensitivity STANDARDIZATION OF MARKETING PROGRAME Nature of the product PProduct Runiquen Oess D U C TCultural specifici ty International Attitude of INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT Goals of Cost of R D experience corporate mgmt internationalizati Figure 2 Standardization of marketing program source: (CIBS, 1999) 24 | P a g e 3. 1. 6Factors influencing the standardization potential of marketing program Organisation needs to consider all the above factor if they want to design successful marketing mix strategy for global markets, but these factors always different from place to place and to get better result organisations needs to change their strategies as per the local needs, then the adaptation comes in front of standardisation. Companies always consider three sets of factors while deciding which product have to market abroad- targeted market, product and its characteristics and companies resources and policies. Organisations always consider that, is the adaptation of local market is cost worth or beneficial for the company but more or less most of the companies always adapt local responsiveness. These adaptation may includes change in packaging of a product or modify the company? s whole international strategy. While planning and deciding a marketing mix of a company, organisation needs to consider on lots of factors. The first step towards development of a strategy is to scan external and internal environment of the company. These influences include technology, economical, social and political factors on any company. Not only this, organisation? s human and physical resources, reputation, market served and related market share of an organisation are also consider while constructing international strategy of a company. Therefore when a company decide to trade in international markets they have to consider all these issues very carefully to get a desired and better output from their business. It depends upon the organisation that they are going to stick on the standardisation or they find to adapt local responsiveness is more beneficial for their business. 3. 1. 7Interplay of three Cs while developing marketing strategy Due to globalization, the whole world looks like a one local big market. Most of the companies are doing their business in multi nations but every time while doing business in different countries, companies need to design market strategies while considering lots of factors. While designing a market strategy a company have to consider three factors- 25 | P a g e  ¬ Customer – It includes targeted market, customers desires and countries laws and policies  ¬ Competition – it includes completion with local and international brands  ¬ Corporation – it includes company? s own polices, funds and resources These three C plays an important role while developing a fine market strategy and to get better and profitable results. 3. 1. 8Characteristics of good marketing strategy  ¬ Satisfied market definition  ¬ Good combination of corporate strength and market needs Better performance among competitors 3. 1. 9Key elements of marketing strategy development In the development of marketing strategy, customer, corporation, and competitor are interrelated with each other. The best relation and satisfaction from all the factors result to good business output. While developing marketing strategy there are three decisions should have to fallow to get better result:  ¬ Where to compete- it need the description of market where you have to compete either you have to compete whole market or you only have to compete one or more segment. How to compete- it needs the meaning of competing, how to compete either by introducing new product in market or to set up new positions to existing product.  ¬ When to compete-it needs the proper timing for market entry, when you have to enter into the market either being 1st in the market or have to wait for the development of primary demand. 26 | P a g e 3. 1. 10 Key elements of marketing strategy formulation CUSTOMER MARKETING STRATEGY CORPORATIONCOMPETATION Figure 3 Key elements of marketing strategy formulation (Jobber and Fahy, 2006) It is necessary for an organisation to keep in mind the above factors while designing an international marketing strategy. All these factors may differ by countries, regions or by the laws and policies of the nation but without considering all these factors it? s not easy to design good marketing mix strategies. In nut shell to develop a good international marketing strategy, organisation needs to scan all the internal and external environments, they have to consider local responsiveness and the company? s human and physical resources, company? market values, policies and brand reputation while keeping these 3c in mind . Therefore while developing market strategy all the thing should follow and consider for getting the positive response from market. 3. 2Environmental analysis Without scanning and understanding environment, a company cannot intelligently plan for future. Environmental analysis of company is a first and very important step in the development marketing mix of a company. Thus most of the organisation creates a team of specialists to analyse environment before making marketing mix for any market. 27 | P a g e Environment analysis is consist of two parts: 1) external market audit 2) internal marketing audit 3. 2. 1External market audit External market audit means analysing the external factors of the company. To control these factor are not in the hands of company although the marketers can modify marketing mix according to these factors. In contrast managers can modify or reshape marketing mix to influence target market, such an environment is called as macro environment. On the other hand the elements which are totally in control of an organisation come under micro environment. Market environmental analysis helps to develop competitive market strategy and helps to identify future market opportunities and their 28 | P a g e [pic] Figure 4 External market Audit Source : (Wheelen and Hunger, Edition 1) 3. 2. 2Macro environment A market orientated firm looks outer to the environment in which it operates, adapt to gather advantages of rising opportunities and to minimize possible threats. Macro environment consist of number of factors which not only affect company but the other actor of microenvironment. While developing competitive market strategies there are so many factors should eep in mind which may affect performance of an organisation in its market. These factors differ according to markets, customers, laws, countries, and so 29 | P a g e many things but according to management terms PEST is a best model to assist external environment of an organisation. PEST stands for political, economical, social and technological factors. There is another model also f or the assessment of external environment it includes same factors but just two new factors added in that these are environmental and legal factors and it is called as PESTEL. PESTLE analysis is a best business measurement tool for analysing external factors of the organisation and we are using this one in our research. PESTLE ANALYSIS Political factor -Government polices -leadership style -international relations -taxation policies -political groups -inter-country relationships -international or national pressure group countries political issues -trade union powers -foreign trade laws -trade union laws -wars ,conflicts, terrorism Economical factors -inflation rates -specific industry factors -international trade and monetary policies -cash flow within country -unemployment and job growth exchange rates -finance within the country -production level -energy cost 30 | P a g e | | | |Social/culture factor |Technological factor | | | | | | | |-people? lifestyles |-technological development and research funding | | | | |-technology access, licensing , patents | |-education | | | | | | |-advance information technology | |-media views | | | | | | |- product life cycle | |-consumer attitudes, opinion, trends and buying access | | | | | |-diversification, fads, and lifestyle changes |-joint ventures | | | | |-demographic | | | |-e-learning, m-learning, emails, and software changes | | | | |-staff attitude and management style | | |Legal factors |Environmental factor | | | | | | | |-current company laws at home country market |-environmental issues-international, national, local | | | |-future legislations |-environmental laws | | | | | | | |-employment laws |-staff attitude, management style, organisational culture ,etc | | | | | |-market and stakeholders/investors values | |-trade union laws | | | | | | |-EU based factors | |-international business laws | | | | | | | | |-competitive regulations | | Table 1 PESTEL analysis for environmental scanning- (Wilson and Gilligan, 1998) 31 | P a g e 3. 2. 3Micro environment Microenvironment acts as an environment that affects the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively and efficiently in i ts selected market. Modification of these elements of environment is totally in the hands organisation. Microenvironment is the set of factors and forces which influence on marketing opportunities of particular enterprise, its customer, competitors, suppliers, intermediaries, and other contact audience. It includes the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, there physical and human resources, buyers, sellers, competitors and distribution channels of the company. The nature of microenvironment is considered as very important function of the microenvironment. It is very important for marketers to deal with all these situations to develop an efficient market strategy. 32 | P a g e 3. 2. 4Porter’s approach The competitive strategy is the firm? relative positions within the industry. Buying power of buyers and suppliers their bargaining power and the threats of new entrants and substitutes in the market. These all may be more less all depend upon the nature of industry you are dealing with. The state of competition in an industry is the effect of five forces as shown below. It is very difficult for a company to operate business activities in perfectly competitive industry with a no difficulty of entry, as weaker the effect of five forces on the market more opportunities for industry will come out. Threat of New entrants Industry competitor Bargaining power of suppliers Intensity of rivalry Bargaining power of customers Threat of substitute product or services Figure 5- Porter? s five force model source- (Jobber and Fahy, 2006) 33 | P a g e 3. 2. 5Internal market audit Internal marketing audit is all about analysing the issues inside the company and to find the way to cover up from them. So if we talk product standardization of the company, internal marketing environment also plays a major role in the process of decision making of company? s strategies. There are some factors below in internal market environment which effect decision making policy of a company: -Company? s own reputation in market -Company? international goals -Cost and R D -Company? s physical and human resources -Companies own policies and ethics When a company decide to go globalized, company have to decide their brand image. How they want to appear in international market, do they have enough recourse to maintain brand image, how do company design price and promotion strategies and where company wa nt to be after few years company? s aim mission and vision. 3. 2. 6Market Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning After analysing internal and external environment, company needs to analyse market segmentation so that the company can position themselves to serve targeted market. Market segmentation refers to the process of dividing a market into meaningful, relatively, similar, and identifiable segments or groups and Targeting is selecting one or more market segments for which an organisation designs, implements, and maintains distinctive marketing manner (Lamb, Hair et al. , 2005). In today? s epoch, the concept of STP is a tool to get desire result in the business in very efficient manner but there are still so many companies who do not show such believe in this concept. If we consider past researches on this concepts it shows that the organisation segmentation of market always play a major role in the success story of any company. Figure below show the eight stages of STP process in a very efficient manner. (Wilson and Gilligan, 1998) 34 | P a g e Situation analysis: Identify the organisation’s current position, capabilities, objectives and constraints. Market segmentation: †¢Identify the segmentation of variables and segment of the markets. à ¢â‚¬ ¢Develop profiles of each segment. Market targeting: †¢Evaluate the potential and attractiveness of each segment. †¢Select the target segment(s). Product positioning: †¢Identify the positioning concept within each target segment. †¢Select and develop the appropriate positioning concepts. The marketing mix: †¢Develop the marketing mix strategy. Table 2 stages of the segmentation, targeting and positioning process source- (Wilson and Gilligan, 1998) 35 | P a g e Market segmentation Market segment is a subgroup of people or organization sharing one or more characteristics that cause them to have similar product†(Lamb, Hair, McDaniel, 4th edition). Everyone in this world, it may be individual or organisation all comes under a market segment because they are only one of their kinds. As every human or organization have some similar characteristics among them, so the market segmentation helps marketers to identify and divide segments or groups in a very meaningful and respectable manner. It is the process of dividing a diverse market into a number of small sub-markets of common characteristics, so that they make marketing mix plan according to the nature of market and serve them efficiently. All the steps in segmenting a market is discuss in figure below: Select a market or product category for study. Choose basis or bases for segmenti ng the market. Select segment ation descripto rs. Profile and analyze segme nts Select target marke ts. Design, implemen t, and maintain appropria te marketing Steps in segmenting a market and subsequent activities (Lamb, Hair et al. , 2005) The core benefit of market segmentation drives a company to get hold and strengthen its position in market so that company can work more effectively and become a threat for their competitor. Beside these entire things this also provides a great knowledge about market and customer? s choice. There are three major approaches to marketing strategies which are: -Undifferentiated Marketing -Differentiated marketing -Focused marketing 36 | P a g e -Customized marketing 3. 2. 6. 1Undifferentiated marketing In this approach firms view whole market as one big market without any individual segments. These companies have a vision that the cost of developing separate marketing mix for different segments is much more useful then the gain occurs by meeting customer needs more closely. Mainly company with no completion adopt this kind of approach and develop same marketing mix for all the segments. Microsoft and coca-cola are the best example of this approach. 3. 2. 6. Differentiated marketing Differentiated marketing approach is very well- known market targeting strategy in cars, cosmetics, and fashion retailing industries. In this kind of approach company develops specific marketing mixes to meet with all or some of the market segments mainly when marketing segmentation expose sev eral potential targets. A cost economy is the one on of the potential drawback of this approach. 3. 2. 6. 3Focused marketing When a company identify lots of segments in market, it? s not necessary for the company to serve them all, depending on the company and nature of business that to which segment they want to target. Instead of targeting unattractive or non- profitable segment company target only one market and develop marketing mix for that. 3. 2. 6. Customized marketing In this type of approach the individual requirement of the customer is very rare but their purchasing power is more than sufficient that company can create different marketing mix for each customer. For example advertising and marketing research agencies, architects, solicitors. 37 | P a g e Undifferentiated marketing MARKETING MIXWHOLE MARKET Differentiated marketing MARKETING MIX 1Segment 1 MARKETING MIX 2Segment 2 MARKETING MIX MARKETING MIX 3 Segment 3 Customized marketing MARKETING MIX 1Customer 1 MARKET ING MIX 2Customer 2 MARKETING MIX 3Customer 3 Figure 6 Target marketing strategies source (Lamb, Hair et al. , 2005) 38 | P a g e 3. 2. 7Market segmentation approach Different markets are segmented in different ways; market segmentation is all depend upon the nature of business and strategy builders of the company. Marketers have to decide where they can find potential of company? s growth. After studying and analysing market, organisations have made the best segments to take the customers in to concern. If we talk about car industry, this market has a variety of segments. Whole market is split into different segments by their sizes, technical, or class to satisfy customers. When a company wants to launch its product in market the first thing they consider is segmented market and in car industry it is normally categorized with the following descriptions. CATEGORY |DESCRIPTIONS | |A |MINI CARS | |B |SMALL CARS | |C |LOWER MEDIUM CARS | |D |UPPER MEDIUM CARS | |E |EXECUTIVE CARS | |F |LUXURY CARS | |G |CABRIOLETS | |J |SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLES | |M |MINI VANS | |S |SPORT COUPES | | | | Table 3 Categorization of cars source- (Rawel, 2005) 39 | P a g e 3. 2. 7. 1Criteria for successful segmentation After segmenting a market, if a company want to determine whether company has properly segmented its market, five criteria are mainly consider: -Effective -Measurable -Accessible -Actionable -Profitable 3. 2. Target marketing Once the identification and selection of best market segmentation is done by marketer, the next step is to target market. By targeting a market company decide choice of particular market segment to serve customers efficiently so that they can meet the criteria of that particular segment. Before targeting any market a company need to consider some issues like organization? s objective and there physical and human resources ,structural attractiveness , size and growth potential of each segment. Organisation needs to evaluate their segments while considering all the criteria of successful segmentation. By evaluating segments, company gets the choice to enter into one or more segments and target market is the decision making moment for company to decide what and how many market segment in which to compete. 3. 2. 9Positioning After marketing segmentation and target market we come to 3rd important aspect of marketing management process. It is one of the most important and challenging aspect of marketing called as positioning. â€Å"The act of designing the company? s offering so that it occupies a meaningful and distinct position in the target customer? s mind. † (Jobber and Fahy, 2006) Positioning is all about holding a position in customer? s mind, so if customer thinks about such need the first image comes in his mind is your brand name. Positioning is a process of designing an image and value in customer? mind so that they can seek and ensure solution only from your brand rather then your competitor. For example if we talk about car industry, Volvo got a prestige image of s afest car in the world, Porsche 40 | P a g e got image of fastest car in the word so if we think about these needs these are the product which are going to come in mind first. Once the positioning strategy is decided then the next challenge is to develop successful positioning and the keys for successful positioning is described in figure below: [pic] Figure 7Keys to successful positioning (Jobber and Fahy, 2006) 41 | P a g e 3. 3MARKETING MIX STRATEGIES 3. 3. 1Marketing mix Marketing mix is defined as a tool used to reach company? objectives and goals in the target market. After analysing internal and external market, segmenting the market, targeting market, the next big and important step in formulation of marketing strategy is marketing mix. The marketing mix is a term used to describe the combination of tactics used by a business to achieve its objectives by marketing its products or services effectively to a particular target customer group. (Charted Institute of Marketing, 200 1) After knowing the target market, next task is then to describe what the target buys. The target buys a product at a place for a price after promotion brings it to the attention of the target market. Your marketing effort will not be centred around advertising alone because all components of marketing programs are essential, these components are generally known as the marketing mix, which are product, price, place, promotion. An effective marketing mix create effective product image in the minds of customers and also led company to be in the position to meet the needs and desires of the target market. Without having a good balance between the components of marketing mix, it? s very tough for any company to serve target market efficiently (Compucanada, 2008). Marketing mix is a mixture of marketing tools that are used to satisfy customers and company objectives. It is a framework for tactical management of the customer relationship, including product, place, price, promotion (the 4-Ps); but in the case of service three more elements are included in this model these are process, people, and physical evidence. (Jobber and Fahy, 2006) 3. 3. 2Components of marketing mix After a long time it is still the matter of debate that is marketing mix is consist of four, seven or ten elements. In general we consider there are only four Ps in marketing mix but if we talk about service sectors there are seven and ten in corporate marketing mix. 42 | P a g e Marketing mix is a framework which guides marketers to implement their marketing concept successfully. In general there is four component product, place, price and promotion that play a major role in decision making areas of company to at least satisfy customer? s need. According to (Kotler, 1998) The mix is a set of controllable tactical marketing tools that the firm blends to produce the response it wants in the target market. So by the effective mixture of element of marketing mix will led company to successfully achieve their marketing objectives. 3. 3. 3The 4-Ps of marketing The traditional marketing mix is consisting of four major elements, the â€Å"4-Ps of marketing†. These are defined below: 1. Product: â€Å"Anything that can be offered to a market for attention, acquisition, use or consumption that might satisfy a want or need. It includes physical objects, services, places, organizations and ideas†. (Kotler, 1999) 2. Price: whatever values customers exchange while using any product or services is called as price. Usually it is the amount of money but it may be in different forms as well. 3. Promotion: Any activities that communicate advantages of the product or services to the target market and make insist customers to buy that product. 4. Place: where ever company offer their product or services to targeted customers. It represents the location where customers can buys product or services. (Centre, 2008a) As this dissertation is focused on automobile sector, so in this sector there is the need for marketing mix of product and services as well. They sell cars to customers as a product and processing the product till it reaches the customer, after sale services as the services to customers. These days almost every company is stressing on providing excellent service to customers and making service marketing mix because it helps company to compete in the fast competitive environment and build long term contact/relation with customers by providing best value to satisfy their needs better than competition. So in service marketing mix we consider three more elements and these elements are: The 7-Ps of services marketing 43 | P a g e 1. People: anyone who is directly or indirectly related to the consumption of service comes under people, e. g. employees or other consumers. 2. Process: â€Å"this is the procedure mechanisms and flow of activities by which a service is acquired. (Jobber and Fahy, 2006)Process decisions totally influence on how a service is provided to customers. 3. Physical evidence: the environment in which service is delivered which includes tangible goods and they help them to communicate and perform the service. The seven Ps are the factors that marketing can control, for better than as in internal and external marketing environment. The main aim of these factors is to make marketing mix strategies while keeping all these elements so that the company will get positive response. So these some elements of seven Ps which can be consider while decision making process as below: Product decisions: -Brand name and Functionality -Styling, quality and safety -Packaging -Repairs and support -Warranty Accessories and services Price decisions: -Pricing strategy (skim, penetration, etc) -Suggested retail price -Volume discounts and wholesale pricing -Cash and early payment discount -Seasonal pricing and Bundling -Price flexibility and discrimination Place decisions: -Distribution channel and market coverage -Specific channel members 44 | P a g e -Inventory and warehousing management -Distribution centres -Order processing and transportation -Reverse logistics Promotional decisions: -Promotional and advertising strategy -Personal selling, sales pr omotions and sales force -Public relations and publicity -Marketing communications budget (centre, 2008b) People decisions: -Employee selection -Employee training -Employee motivation Physical evidence: †¢Layout, decor and ease of access †¢Forms of presentation Process management: How customers are handled and managed the point of very first contact with the organization though to the point of very last contact. Product: The term Product doest only refer to physical goods but it includes intangible stuff as well that could be services or good? s packaging, warranty, after-sale services, brand name, company image, value and many more factors. It depend upon business to business that what they are offering to their customers, e. g. oca cola sells their cold drink as a physical good and Barclays bank sells financial services which are purely 45 | P a g e intangible but if u recognize they both are selling their brand name, company image, values and many more factors. Basically there are three levels of product: †¢Core product †¢Actual product †¢Augmented product(Mar keting Teacher, 2008) Core product: core product is intangible, not a physical product. No one can touch it, because core product is the benefit of the product. It is the benefit that makes that product valuable to customers. In case of car, convenience of transportation, speed of the car is the core benefit of car.

Free Essays on Roman Empire

Julius Caesar The Romans had a practical attitude to religion, as to most things, which perhaps explains why they themselves had difficulty in taking to the idea of a single, all-seeing, all-powerful god. As the Romans had a religion of their own, it was not based on any central belief, but on a mixture of fragmented rituals, taboos, superstitions, and traditions which they collected over the years from a number of sources. To the Romans, religion was less a spiritual experience than a contractual relationship between mankind and the forces that were believed to control people's existence and well being. The result of such religious attitudes were two things: a state cult, the significant influence on political and military events of which outlasted the republic, and a private concern, in which the head of the family oversaw the domestic rituals and prayers in the same way as the representatives of the people performed the public ceremonials. However, as circumstances and people's view of the world changed, individuals whose personal religious needs remained unsatisfied turned increasingly during the first century AD to the mysteries, which were of Greek origin, and to the cults of the east. Most of the Roman gods and goddesses were a blend of several religious influences. Many were introduced via the Greek colonies of southern Italy. Many also had their roots in old religions of the Etruscans or Latin tribes. Most form of religious activity required some kind of sacrifice. And prayer could be a confusing matter due to some gods having multiple names or their sex even being unknown. The practice of Roman religion was a confusing thing. If the Roman State entertained temples and rituals for the benefit of the greater gods, then the Romans in the privacy of their own homes also worshipped their domestic deities. After the Augustan Age, people started to believe in different god(s). Jesus of Nazareth was a charismatic Jewish le... Free Essays on Roman Empire Free Essays on Roman Empire The Greeks, after their country had been reduced into a province, imputed the triumphs of Rome, not to the merit, but to the FORTUNE, of the republic. The inconstant goddess, who so blindly distributes and resumes her favours, had now consented (such was the language of envious flattery) to resign her wings, to descend from her globe, and to fix her firm and immutable throne on the banks of the Tiber.[1] A wiser Greek, who has composed, with a philosophic spirit, the memorable history of his own times, deprived his countrymen of this vain and delusive comfort by opening to their view the deep foundations of the greatness of Rome.[2] The fidelity of the citizens to each other, and to the state, was confirmed by the habits of education and the prejudices of religion. Honour, as well as virtue, was the principle of the republic; the ambitious citizens laboured to deserve the solemn glories of a triumph; and the ardour of the Roman youth was kindled into active emulation, as often as the y beheld the domestic images of their ancestors.[3] The temperate struggles of the patricians and plebeians had finally established the firm and equal balance of the constitution; which united the freedom of popular assemblies with the authority and wisdom of a senate-and the executive powers of a regal magistrate. When the consul displayed the standard of the republic, each citizen bound himself, by the obligation of an oath, to draw his sword in the cause of his country, till he had discharged the sacred duty by a military service of ten years. This wise institution continually poured into the field the rising generations of freemen and soldiers; and their numbers were reinforced by the warlike and populous states of Italy, who, after a brave resistance, had yielded to the valour, and embraced the alliance, of the Romans. The sage historian, who excited the virtue of the younger Scipio and beheld the ruin of Carthage,[4] has accurately described their mili... Free Essays on Roman Empire Julius Caesar The Romans had a practical attitude to religion, as to most things, which perhaps explains why they themselves had difficulty in taking to the idea of a single, all-seeing, all-powerful god. As the Romans had a religion of their own, it was not based on any central belief, but on a mixture of fragmented rituals, taboos, superstitions, and traditions which they collected over the years from a number of sources. To the Romans, religion was less a spiritual experience than a contractual relationship between mankind and the forces that were believed to control people's existence and well being. The result of such religious attitudes were two things: a state cult, the significant influence on political and military events of which outlasted the republic, and a private concern, in which the head of the family oversaw the domestic rituals and prayers in the same way as the representatives of the people performed the public ceremonials. However, as circumstances and people's view of the world changed, individuals whose personal religious needs remained unsatisfied turned increasingly during the first century AD to the mysteries, which were of Greek origin, and to the cults of the east. Most of the Roman gods and goddesses were a blend of several religious influences. Many were introduced via the Greek colonies of southern Italy. Many also had their roots in old religions of the Etruscans or Latin tribes. Most form of religious activity required some kind of sacrifice. And prayer could be a confusing matter due to some gods having multiple names or their sex even being unknown. The practice of Roman religion was a confusing thing. If the Roman State entertained temples and rituals for the benefit of the greater gods, then the Romans in the privacy of their own homes also worshipped their domestic deities. After the Augustan Age, people started to believe in different god(s). Jesus of Nazareth was a charismatic Jewish le... Free Essays on Roman Empire The Roman Empire stood in great power for many decades. Rome for a period of time was considered the center of civilization for years. The empire was beautiful and even though attracted many invaders, was very well protected by the walls surrounding the empire and of course the powerful army. Some people believed that the Roman Empire would last forever. Political Causes Under the rule of Diocletian and later Constantine the empire was split into Western and Eastern parts of Rome. The emperors said that the reason for that was to make it easier to govern. The emperor chose to govern and build the capital in the Eastern part and gave the Western part to a co-emperor. The reason for that might have been that the eastern part was much richer in resources and had better lands for farming. There may have been other reasons for that such as the Eastern part did not produce enough food for both parts of the empire and by separating them they’d have to produce their own food and depend upon themselves. This was the beginning, to a long struggle of the Western part that was now basically left alone. Many reforms came in to law to keep the empire together, such as toleration of Christianity to avoid their rebellion since there were a lot of them. In 313 a.d. the Church started taking part in government which slowly took power away from the empero r. More reforms like fixing prices and giving more freedom of worship kept the empire together but definitely would not last long. This is so because these reforms were made to fit people today taking away from the emperor but they never thought of what’s going to happen after the emperor does not have anything left to give. Which would occur very soon if things were going down as fast they were? There was no one to take matters into their hands so the empire was left to the people themselves to govern. Social Causes The people of the Western empi... Free Essays on Roman Empire Mediterranean World Julius Caesar The Romans had a practical attitude to religion, as to most things, which perhaps explains why they themselves had difficulty in taking to the idea of a single, all-seeing, all-powerful god. As the Romans had a religion of their own, it was not based on any central belief, but on a mixture of fragmented rituals, taboos, superstitions, and traditions which they collected over the years from a number of sources. To the Romans, religion was less a spiritual experience than a contractual relationship between mankind and the forces that were believed to control people's existence and well being. The result of such religious attitudes were two things: a state cult, the significant influence on political and military events of which outlasted the republic, and a private concern, in which the head of the family oversaw the domestic rituals and prayers in the same way as the representatives of the people performed the public ceremonials. However, as circumstances and people's view of the world changed, individuals whose personal religious needs remained unsatisfied turned increasingly during the first century AD to the mysteries, which were of Greek origin, and to the cults of the east. Most of the Roman gods and goddesses were a blend of several religious influences. Many were introduced via the Greek colonies of southern Italy. Many also had their roots in old religions of the Etruscans or Latin tribes. Most form of religious activity required some kind of sacrifice. And prayer could be a confusing matter due to some gods having multiple names or their sex even being unknown. The practice of Roman religion was a confusing thing. If the Roman State entertained temples and rituals for the benefit of the greater gods, then the Romans in the privacy of their own homes also worshipped their domestic deities. After the Augustan Age, people started to believe in different god(s). Jesus of Nazareth was a ... Free Essays on Roman Empire Throughout history there have been many eras that both share similarities as well as differences in the areas of art and civilization. Two eras that illustrate this are the Roman Empire and the Byzantium Empire. In Rome there were three major art forms. The first was civil engineering, which involved building cities in an orderly fashion, in order to accommodate the needs of all citizens. The Romans also used portrait sculptures, which reflected the roman ideals about their people being stern as well as individual. They were used to illustrate the love of patriarchy, love of family, and were usually portraits of actual people. The third art form was commemorative monuments. These were used for propaganda. The monuments helped to instill fear in possible threats, or potential invaders. Also the arch and vault were essential part of Roman monumental architecture. The Romans were a militaristic Empire. They used their architecture to emphasize their power. For example the column of Trajen was used to show the wonder of civil engineering, and the emphasis on military might and their superiority over everyone. The Gladiator Games also say something about Roman civilization. The audience’s at the games were watching the government in action, and witnessing law and order being maintained. By participating in these games the citizens were participating in society, and therefore participating in the government to a certain degree. In the Byzantium Empire the major theme was the idea of God and government. The emperor did not rule by the word of God, but he was the word of God. He was God’s instrument of divine providence personified. This may have been the most total form of Government in the world, in that there was no participatory government. The use of icons was prevalent in the art of Byzantium. The paintings of Christ, saints, and other holy figures illustrated their orthodox beliefs. In Byzantium there was a ...

Should you accept a counteroffer or leave your job

Should you accept a counteroffer or leave your job So, you’re about to hand in your resignation letter to your (soon-to-be-ex) boss. You’ve done all the thinking you need to do about your exit, right? Not exactly. When you give notice, one of two things will likely happen: your boss will accept your resignation and wish you well; or your boss will take your resignation and then come back with a counteroffer to convince you to stay. When should you consider taking the counteroffer, and when should you stand firm on your resignation? You should consider accepting the counteroffer if†¦It addresses the reasons you wanted to leave in the first place.  If your boss comes back with a higher salary or a re-aligned job description, think about whether this satisfies your desire to move on. Some people explore other jobs or companies because they don’t think their current job will meet the next pay level or align with their next-step career goals. If you get the counteroffer and find that they are willing to work wi th you on these things, then consider staying.You were recruited rather than seeking a new gig.  If you got your shiny new job offer as the result of someone approaching you (rather than you trying to jump ship from your current job), a counteroffer can be a way to secure a raise outside of the annual review process or get other concessions. If you weren’t feeling strongly driven to leave in the first place, it’s worth considering whether this â€Å"keep me† package will make things even better than a new job would.You’re leaving mostly because you think you should.  If you’ve been at your current job for a few years and feel like you should be applying to shake things up and advance your career, a counteroffer may achieve the same results as leaving- it’s a chance to do a little negotiation outside of the normal timelines. Does the counteroffer give you a clearer promotion path if you stay where you are? Does it bump up your pay in line with the job offer you’re holding, or even improve upon it? If you can trade up without leaving, it’s worth considering the counteroffer.You feel validated by the counteroffer.  Counteroffers are not a given. When you get one, it’s because you provide a value to the company that they don’t want to lose without a fight (so to speak). If you were looking elsewhere because you felt under-appreciated, then this could be the validation you need. If you decide to take your new job offer and move on, you’ll be starting the process of proving yourself all over.Your gut says â€Å"stay.†Ã‚  Don’t underestimate your own instincts here. If that little voice in your head is saying, â€Å"take it,† don’t tune it out.You should consider rejecting the counteroffer if†¦It feels like too little, too late.  If you tried in vain to get a pay raise six months ago and suddenly your boss is willing to make concessions, think about w hat that means- they weren’t willing to compensate you until it got to the breaking point.The counteroffer doesn’t really change anything you’re trying to escape.  A counteroffer may throw more money your way, but if your job responsibilities, boss, chances for advancement, etc., stay the same, is that acceptable to you? If a little more money in your paycheck doesn’t feel worthwhile compared to everything else you’d be committing to if you stay, then consider rejecting.Your company’s culture or your boss makes you miserable.  These are larger issues that can’t necessarily be resolved with more money or a bump in job title. If you have larger issues with your workplace that made you start to feel around elsewhere, then the new job offer is likely to be the best solution, regardless of the counteroffer.Your gut says â€Å"get out.†Ã‚  Again, listen to your instincts. A counteroffer may be tempting in the face of having to ch ange jobs, get to know a new workplace, and start over. However, if there’s something preventing you from taking the counteroffer right away, listen to that voice.When you’re getting ready to resign, it may seem like your decision is already made- after all, you went through the whole process to get hired somewhere else, right? But don’t be so quick to assume that you should reject a counteroffer out of hand. Take the time to think about what it would mean to stay, and what you’ll be leaving if you go.

Explain the Federal Government's success in the Civil War Essay

Explain the Federal Government's success in the Civil War - Essay Example A great deal of the South’s population was black and the number of men to call up for military service was far less than what the North possessed which was aided by a draft that was imposed by the federal government or the United States government at the beginning of the war. This did a great deal to ensure the success of the North as well, though there was strong opposition in many places against the act of war upon the southern part of the United States. People in New York knew that if the North won the war that there would be thousands of freed blacks that could possibly move north and take over the jobs of regular layman for fewer wages. â€Å"Such rhetoric inflamed smoldering tensions. Draft dodgers and mobs killed several enrollment officers during the spring and summer. AntiNegro violence erupted in a number of cities. Nowhere was the tinder more flammable than in New York City, with its large Irish population and powerful Democratic machine. Crowded into noisome tenements in a city with the worst disease mortality and highest crime rate in the Western world, working in low-skill jobs for marginal wages, fearful of competition from black workers, hostile toward the Protestant middle and upper classes who often disdained or exploited them, the Irish were ripe for revolt against this war waged by Yankee Protestants for black freedom. (McPherson 609)† This, however, did not stop the North’s cause to bring about black freedom and they enacted some financial matters to insure that their Union soldiers would be paid and have proper supplies as in the following quote. â€Å"Unlike the Confederacy, which relied on loans for less than two-fifths of its war finances, the Union raised two-thirds of its revenues by this means. And while the South ultimately obtained only 5 or 6 percent of its funds by actual taxation, the northern government raised 21 percent in this manner.

Working with Federal Reserve's Publications Assignment

Working with Federal Reserve's Publications - Assignment Example Federal Reserve’s Assessment of the Current Economic Activity and Financial Markets and their View on Inflation The financial crisis is on the rise worldwide. Prices of commodities in the markets are shooting up and the consumers are finding it difficult to survive in these harsh financial situations. The financial organization, firms and industries are finding it unbearable to hold on to the competition. In the United States for instance, Fannie Mac and Freddie Mac which are government parastatals were put under receivership. Lehman brothers’ holdings and other large business institutions were either at the verge of collapsing or they actually did collapse. Others were acquired by their competitors under unavoidable circumstances of bankruptcy. Large withdrawals of money were made by stakeholders and investors which affected the money market mutual funds. This undermined the stability of short term funding markets and the bank wholesale funding markets. The strain on f inancial markets has also caused economic activities to decrease. The GDP was reported to have gone down at an annual rate of 6.2 percent in the last quarter of the previous year though recent indicators show some slight improvements. The rate of unemployment moved 7.6 percent .Reacting to deterioration of job markets, loss of equity, housing wealth and tightening of credit conditions, families cut on their spending habits. Buying of homes and construction of new ones are not doing well at all despite the fact that mortgage rates have gone extremely down. This reflects how our economy is uncertain and home prices are likely to fall even lower. Manufacturing sectors have also deteriorated in their output bringing its rate of capacity utilization very low. The weak economy has led to many premises cutting their capital expenditures. Businesses have done their best to reduce the number of investors. Sales will remain poor for some time and the cut down on production is to be evident in the coming months. This was a threat to international economic stability. This projected a devastating financial collapse globally. The treasury saved the situation by injecting 250 billion dollars in to the U.S.A. financial organization. Monetary Policy Tools The Federal Reserve Uses To Stabilize The Economy And Maintain Price Stability.   Late last year, Federal Reserve responded aggressively to the deterioration of financial markets. This was evident in the way they continued to ease monetary policy. The Federal Open Market Committee brought its fund rates at a very low rate of 1/4 percent where it has remained to date. Making the federal funds rates almost zero, the Federal Reserve is focused on other ways in which it can ease tough conditions at the credit markets. They have new facilities and have expanded existing facilities to facilitate the flow of credit services to its customers. (Monetary Policy And The Economy),notes that lower interest rates in the United States wil l lead to decline in the exchange value of the dollar and prompt an increase in price of imports and decline in the price of exports. Auction facility was also increased so that banks could obtain the funds they needed to serve their credit customers better. The FOMC also expanded its network swapping lines with foreign central banks to help in solving the global financial crisis which was now getting into the funding markets of the U.S.A.

Critical Debate On Nuclear Family Sociology Essay

Critical Debate On Nuclear Family Sociology Essay There is a great deal of work within many disciplines, such as history, psychology and anthropology, on family studies, available to researchers. This undoubtedly serves to inform our awareness of the interdisciplinary, varied, and at times controversial, nature and lack of stability around the idea of family. Much of this research highlights a number of major perceived problematics: the related characteristic political discourses, social policies and cultural narratives, which differ dramatically from contemporary family relationships and formations of the 21st century. In view of this, this essay critically explores the concept of the nuclear family. It discusses the political contexts and social discourse in which understanding of family has been set. It explores how and why understandings of what make family have changed, paying attention to how it is lived within contemporary society. It reflects on the practices that equate to family. Section 1 Critical debate on nuclear family Many early functionalist sociologists perspectives on the family (Murdock, 1949; Talcott Parsons, 1960) focus heavily on the idea of the nuclear family, which consists of a married couple (male and female) and their biological offspring. There are many issues with the functionalist nuclear family model. For example, it assumes the family to be composed of a heterosexual couple, and that specific structures and practices exist which define this type of family (Widner Jallinoja, 2008). Further to this, the nuclear family model makes assumptions about gender roles within these specific structures (OINONEN, 2008). It is heterosexist (Stacey Davenport, 2002; Pothan, 1992), based on traditional historic ideas of what family should be (Richardson, 2001). For example, the man is the provider and the woman is the nurturer. It promotes hierarchies within the family, with the man situated at the top in relation to the woman, but also as adults in relation to the children (Taylor, 1998). This model can also be seen as western, and assumes a universal model rather than thinking through the historical and cultural specificity of family formations. As a functionalist construct, some researchers (Weeks, Heaphy Donovan, 2001) highlight the heterosexual functions and practices that families have assumed, such as the socialisation of children, where children and young people learn social roles and morals, what is right or wrong: the norms. Donavan (2013) notes this as the heterosexual assumption; similarly, Rich (2007) discusses this in terms of compulsory heterosexuality, assuming this is how gendered roles are transmitted and important for the development of sexualities. The functionalist nuclear family model makes the assumption that specific family formation is not neutral, often with a privileging of heterosexuality (Donavan. 2013). This, however, is a certain form of heterosexuality, as not all heterosexuals are privileged in the same way, for example, if they live outside of the normative ways of living associated with the nuclear family model, such as single or gay parents. Therefore, it could be argued that the nuclear family model is heterosexualised, classed and racialised against these none-normative ways of living (single and gay parents) and their forms of inappropriate heterosexuality. It could be claimed that the functionalist nuclear family model suggests that there is a particular form of living within a heterosexual way that becomes the pinnacle of how we should live, look up to and aspire to do or be. That is not just in terms of how we live with our families, but also the practices within and outside of society: the public and private, for example how we believe authentic love happens. To conclude, many early functionalist sociologists perspectives on the nuclear family (Murdock, 1949; Talcott Parsons, 1960) are now heavily criticised and outdated. However, what we do have are cultural, political and ideological discourses that equate the family to being a specific shape, structure and set of roles. Section 2 Political and social contexts Before discussing and evaluating the new terms and theories within and around family, it is important to reflect on the political contexts and social discourse in which understandings of family and specifically the nuclear family have been set. The late 80s and early 90s were noted as the start of a neo-liberalist society, yet ideologically this era also promoted a particular way of living: a neo-conservative family life. After reading up on some of the literature around government policy and practices from this period, I can see a real contradiction as to whether the state had any involvement in personal / private family lives or not. It tended to step away, detach and disengage in one sense, yet normalise, regulate and control in another. For example, Thatchers views on family and what family was were simple: traditional Victorian family values and the nuclear family. Thatcher and the Conservative government argued that the 60s had started to tear apart this ideal of the family and promote inappropriate promiscuity and sexual freedom. Thatchers also disliked the fact that there were many social movements developing, such as the Hippy Movement, Civil Rights Movement and Peace Movement, and in the late 70s and early 80s, the conservative government felt like their ideal of the family was under attack (Holborn Steel, 2012). Thatcher argued that this was potentially the end of society and the nuclear family and that she will fight hard to regain the traditional family values. It could be claimed that her neo-conservative intentions were to reinforce traditional Victorian family values in society, and re-establish the importance of the traditional heterosexual nuclear family. There was a great deal of legislation created on the basis of Thatcherism, a new hegemonic politics in which the Left was increasingly marginalized. For example, Section 28 (also known as Claus 28) of the local government act 1988 was a controversial amendment to the UKs local government act 1986. Enacted on the 24th May 1998, the amendment stated that local education authorities shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality or promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship. After Section 28 was passed, there was a lot of debate as to whether it actually applied in schools or whether it applied only to local education authorities. Most teachers acted extra cautious due to not knowing what they were actually permitted to do. Some sociologists (Weeks, 2007) believed that Section 28 enlisted teachers to stigmatise part of our society; and this then caused schools to fail to engage in basic social justices. In relation to these concerns; and a call for further explanation by numerous professionals working in the pedagogic environment, the National Union of Teachers published a statement, remarking that: whilst section 28 applies to local authorities and not to schools, many teachers believe, albeit wrongly, that it imposes constraints in respect of the advice and counselling they give to pupils. Professional judgement is therefore influenced by the perceived prospect of prosecution. Similarly, the Department for Education and Science (1988) made the following statement regarding Section 28: Section 28 does not affect the activities of the school governors, nor the teachers. It will not prevent the objective discussion of homosexuality in the classroom, nor the counselling of pupils concerned about their sexuality Many Conservative backbenchers disagreed with the above statements, and supporters such as Baroness Knight of Collingtree (then Conservative MP Jill Knight) who introduced Section 28, and wanted to back up her initial justification for the act, discussed the history behind initially setting up Section 28. She was the chairman of her local Child and Family Protection Group, and was contacted by numerous concerned parents who strongly objected to the fact that their children were being taught about homosexuality through specific literature that was being used to teach their 5 and 6 year olds. For example, a book called The Playbook for Kids about Sex, in which brightly coloured stick men showed all about homosexuality, and how it was done. Another book called The Milkmans on his Way explicitly described homosexual intercourse. In retrospect, the above statements seem to suggest something of an internal problem: a problem with the literature that was being produced for the pedagogic environments. This was also brought to light in 1983, when the Daily Mail reported that a copy of a book entitled Jenny lives with Eric and Martin, portraying a little girl who lives with her father and his gay partner, was provided in a school library run by a London Education Authority. There was a large political response towards Clause 28; and this served to galvanise the disparate British gay rights movement into action; and the resulting protests saw the rise of now famous groups like Stonewall, started by, amongst other people, Ian McKellen and OutRage!, subsequently led by Peter Tatchell, who is still now an iconic gay activist (Tatchell, 1993; LGF, 2008). Although Section 28 has been repealed on the 18th November 2003 by section (122) of the local government act 2003, there are still a number of complex issues to be tackled with regards to the teaching of homosexuality, gay marriage and contemporary family life. Faith school are a major problem (LGF, 2008), and as Waller (2009) suggests religious views need to be addressed more. More debate is needed on love, respect and diversity within and outside of contemporary family life for faith schools, as this would then avoid the so called promotion of homosexuality and pretend family relationships, and focus more on the diversity of sexuality and family life. Gay rights activists, such as Tatchel (2001), discuss their concern for the lack of progress within this area, and mentioned that there is going to be more of a battle to beat the last acceptable prejudice within our education system (LGF, 2008). In contrast, Waller (2009) suggested that as sex education in England and Wales has been regulated solely by the Secretary of State for Education since the Learning and Skills Act (2000) and the Education Act (1996), it could be argued that Section 28, before its repeal, was already largely redundant. Local education authorities, such as Manchester, continued to deliver training to their staff on how to deliver their services without discrimination against lesbians and gay men; and these pioneering works were never once challenged by the act (Waller, 2009). There is, however, one case of Section 28 being used to bring a case to the courts against a council. In May, 2000, the Christian Institute unsuccessfully took Glasgow City Council to court for funding an AIDS support charity which the Institute alleged promoted homosexuality and disrespectful family relationships. It could be suggested that in order to create change, we must consider the psychology (Hanley, 1993): mapping the information against the general certificate of secondary education (GCSE) curriculum, and making it accessible to the children. Training the teachers so that they are confident in delivering it correctly, as at present, many teachers are not equipped to discuss the complexities of the human sexuality and contemporary family life. Cookson et al, (2009) suggests that this personal and professional development should be a priority for any local education authority. Schools should be encouraged to expressively forbid discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation within their codes of conduct, whether the school has a religious character or not (Cookson et al, 2009). Then, at an appropriate stage of the national curriculum, students should be encouraged to examine the variety of views on human sexuality and family life, and as Waller (2009) suggests, this will then allow them to develop their own position within their understanding of and within these complex areas. However, despite the controversy around Section 28, it should be noted that Thatcher supported legalising homosexuality in the 1960s, and in the face of severe opposition from Tory traditionalists, in 1967, she voted in favour of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales. The Conservative government still however caused much uproar, as although the hegemonic legislation was in force, to ostracise; to an extent it did the opposite. It made people fight. Fight for their right to have equality, to be a family, or at least have that choice. Although many gay communities had been decimated by the AIDS epidemic, something extraordinary happened. People joined together, from within and outside of their communities, as a family, setting up support groups, lobbying parliament, fighting for their right as a community, and as a family. Not blood-related though, but as families of choice (Donavan, 2012; Weeks, 2001). They had connectedness, cared for each other, and were loyal: and not the drug-taking, promiscuous loons as described by one Tory MP at the time (Briggs, 1987). Over the following years, many of the HIV positive men died, and during this period further inequalities became stark. Partners, who had supported, cared for and loved their partner for many years were not recognised legally, for example, during the sale of a house. Blood family members of the deceased or dying would deny same sex partners access to their dying partners bedside or attendance at the funeral. These harsh inequalities highlighted through these challenging times, but also politicised a generation (Donavan, 2013). Weeks (2007: 2) support this notion of politicisation, and suggests that the longer term perspective tells us something different as despite the setbacks, pain and loss of the 1980s and early 1990s we can now see that under the surface of events, dramatic changes in sexual and intimate life were taking place, a sort of grass roots revolution, that have transformed the possibilities of LGBTQ lives In view of Weeks (2007) quote, it should therefore be argued that the battle for legislative reform is about a formalisation of a right to exist in the public sphere, and a public declaration of, for example, love, marriage, equal opportunities and family. Weeks (2007) supports this critique and proposes that this shake up also started to deconstruct the idea of a family unit, and so destabilise specific social norms and boundaries, which existed between the public and the private. This political and social shift is important, as when public and private start to collide, the old school family unit that is ideologically engrained within society and culture is challenged (Richardson, 2000). This is a powerful, and much needed shake up, which has had considerable consequences further down the line, and has attacked many discriminative social forces and factors underpinned within many forms of discrimination. It is also important to acknowledge the processes and changes underpinned within the wider political, economic and cultural realities, and how these may have been challenged. In de constructing the idea of the family, we can then start to challenge the tradition behind it, which takes away its power, its right to dominance, govern and lead. This idea of tradition is still however problematic, as Weeks (2007) notes, due to the fact that the evidence is limited when looking at tradition beyond specific recent time frames and histories, and that due to this lack of empiricability, can we be certain people always follow tradition, and by tradition I mean as how we see it. It could be argued that this was not the case, and tradition, as we see it, has shifted over time, context and reality. What we see now as tradition may have at specific points in history been its opposite, with the normal of our tradition shifting to the abnormal of our non-traditional realities. Therefore, it could be argued that tradition and its underpinnings are by no means monochrome, in any historical, political and / or cultural reality. Williams (2004) conceptualises this well and terms this re-traditionalisation, yet Weeks (2007) still argues for more of a de-traditionalisation. Whatever the term used, it could be argued that either or suggest that back in the 80s during the birth of Stonewall and other political and social equality movements, and also now, as we were (and still are) searching for an individualism, or a framework that supports this. It could be maintained that if people were allowed to manage their own lives, their own way of living, without fear or discrimination, different forms of community and / or individual arrangements would develop, assisting life in its creative, problem-solving, innovatory way. This process of social restructuring (or as Williams (2004) terms re-traditionalisation and Weeks (2007) terms de-tradionalisation) is important to consider with my research when thinking about my research, and the participants (also my own) political, cultural and social histories and contexts, and how these have been changed, adapted and developed within and outside of tradition as we see it now in this specific context and reality, during their specific coming-out process. Section 3 Why / how family has changed and how it is now lived + reflections on family practices. These previously discussed political and social developments highlight the fact that ways of living have changed, causing major variations in the compositions and practices of families and intimate relationships. At the core of the debate sociologists such as Finch (2007), Smart (2007), Donavan (2013) and Stacey (2004) emphasise that the old concepts no longer capture the realities of contemporary family living and that new definitions, concepts, ideas, ideologies, terms and legislation are needed. Smart (2007: 84), a feminist sociologist and academic, defines the family as: a set of personal relationships that are forged together to create dynamic and multidimensional connections held together through shared histories and memories. Smarts (2007) quote suggests that individuals live in a diverse array of living conditions and relationship formations, within and throughout a major social institution and a locus of much of an individuals social activity. It also highlights the importance of shared histories and memories, not just blood ties or relations. Smarts (2007) definition recognises that this new conceptualisation of family highlights the significance of dependencies, interdependencies, connectedness and relationalism as central features within social grouping identified as family. All the above suggests there are many factors that shape the experience of family life, for example, social class, race, sexuality (lesbian or heterosexual couples) and family structure, for example, nuclear family, extended family and single-parent families. This adds a new dimension to the study of family as it links family experiences to other influences in society, signifying that the family is not an isolated entity but rather an integral part of the wider social system with society. Calvin (2011), on the other hand, disagrees with much of Smart (2007) observations and defines the family as: a social unit created by blood, marriage, or adoption, which can be described as nuclear (parents and children) or extended (encompassing other relatives). There remains many obvious problematics within the Calvin (2011) definition. For example, extended family may not be relatives, but could be friends, neighbours, work colleagues, and / or ex or current partners. The nuclear family concept has also been critiqued by many (Finch, 2007, Smart, 2007 and Donavan, 2013) (also see section 1) and holds many perceived problematics: westernised, heterosexist, gendered, and assuming a universal model which alludes to the historical and cultural specificity of contemporary family formations. It could be argued that in contemporary society, many individuals now live in households that are single-parent, gay, lesbian, interfaith, international, interracial, intergenerational, and increasingly single-person, not to mention families of long-term companions, adopted children, or half-siblings. Calvins (2011) definition does not seem to take this specificity and multidimensionality into consideration. Fields, Jason and Casper (2001:67) support my critique of Calvins (2011) definition, and suggest that it is generally assumed today that the modern family has undergone significant transformations in its structure, and that societal changes have contributed to a harsh reduction in the percentage of classical typical families, predominantly nuclear families. Replacing these are childless families, one parent families, other family formations, and quasi-family units based on non-marital cohabitation (Fields, Jason and Casper, 2001:69), which includes (and will include more so after the recent legalisation of gay marriage in the UK) gay parents and families. Sociologists such as Finch (2007) and Smart (2007) have clearly highlighted the many diverse arrays of living as a family, and how this must be recognised within the literature. However, there are also many terms that underpin these theories, for example, families of choice (Weeks, Donavan, and Heaphy), postmodern families, and families of origin (Morgan (2007). There has been much debate as to whether these sit alongside the idea of the nuclear family or in opposition. There has also been much debate around a shifting postmodern nuclear family. This section of this essay will therefore discuss and evaluate some of these terms, critiquing the literature. Donavan et al (2001) incorporated the term families of choice (also known as families we choose coined by Kath Western, 1998) which means literally asking the participants for names of people they see as family. For example, if I decided to use this term within my research and one of my participants stated that 2 of his friends, his step brother and his second aunt were the people he recognised as family this would be fine. Similarly, if another participant involved no blood relatives this would also be fine. Families of choice literally mean people choose their families. Donavan (2001) does however express some concerns with this method and notes that within her 2001 study with Weeks and Heaply, two well-known social constructionists, as many of the heterosexual participants named blood family when ask to discuss family; whereas many of the non-heterosexual participants named mainly friends and (ex) lovers as family. Although this does not suggest an obvious issue, it does suggest a lack of closeness, or connectness with the LGBT participants and their blood family compared to that of their heterosexual counterparts. Although this term sits well for my research, the same issue could occur. A way around this could be to break the question down further. For example, ask the participants to name 5 people who they feel are most important to them in their life. And once a list has been put together, ask them to decide who they see as family. This 2 staged question may be a way of getting around this issue around participants misunderstanding the term family. Not including the term family would be helpful until I understood who they classed as family. On the other hand, by using the term families of choice, I am giving the participants a choice to choose whoever as their family members, and this open-ended approach is enabling them to decide. Therefore, would it really be an issue if they did not include any blood relatives, or included all blood relative? Modern policy (Children and Adoption Act, 2006; Equal Marriage Bill, 2013; Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, 2008) has noted a shift to two parents of any gender (but still a demonization of single parent families due to an underlying stigmatization mainly but not exclusively enhanced by stereotypical negative Media perceptions). The question is could we call the 2 parent family of the same gender a nuclear family and would we want too? Donavan (2013) suggests it is not, although structurally it looks the same, i.e. two parents, 2 children, a household, but if you look at the social roles within it, it is very different. For example, there may be no men or no women involved, and usually there is at least one parent who has no biological relation to the child. It could therefore be argued that the term postmodern family sits better here (and also potentially within my research). This term suggests it can be what it is, in this specific moment in time, through the specific structures and practices it has/uses. This concept also recognises that what you describe as your family now may not be family in 5 years time for example. Although it could be argued that the term postmodern family is doing nothing apart from saying meaning of family can change historically. On the other hand, terms that help to destabilise gendered and heterosexist terms like that nuclear family model are a welcome addition. There are many different ways of theorizing family and the practices within it, but in reality, when it comes to gay youth and my intended area of study, many of these individuals will come from heterosexual family set ups and have been exposed unconditionally to heterosexual family practices. Therefore, using the a term like families of origin (Morgan, 2007) could be beneficial as it describes the setup of your life at that point in time, whether it be step families, friends, blood mother or adopted father. This again gives the participant flexibility in their choices. The term origin however may be confusing as origin suggests where you have come from, which then suggests blood or adopted family, with the exclusion of friends, (ex) partners, and work colleagues. It could also be beneficial to ask my participants about their understanding of families i.e. where they see their families being, or who is classed as their family, as during Weeks, Heaply and Donavans (2001) study, many of their LGBT participants failed to recognise blood family as family members. This would suggest that they may have disconnected from their families of origin and that it did not occur to them to speak or include them into their LGBT sphere, or private world. However, this study is now 12 years old, and many changes have occurred since then, potentially highlighting a shift in generational understandings and acceptance of how, who and why we consider certain people to be classed as our family. In view of the above, Finch (2007: 71) notes that the way in which we consider our family is qualitatively orientated. By this she means decided by a number of internal and external factors including, location, relationships, love, employment, religion, sexuality and friendship. In view of Finchs (2007) consideration, it could be argued that this process of qualitative orientation demands considerable creativity when initiating the design, composition and practices of the family, and how these intimate networks are constructed, perceived and maintained (Stacey, 2004: 359). It could also be argued that as Stacey (2004) has identified this as a process, this then suggests a considerable shift from the previous definition of family and the nuclear family, through the household or through kinship: set and defined, to a more holistic way of thinking, friendly and accepting to the diversity and variation of modern family formations. Gabb (2008: 22), who is an interdisciplinary sociologist, terms this the extended family. Her research consists of a combination of autobiographical, anecdotal and empirical methods and methodologies, which re-situate emotions at the centre of family studies. She suggests that the process of family selection mentioned by Stacy (2004) requires an extended approach; a wide angle research lens that can record the evolving matrix of intimacy (Gabb, 2008:17). I agree with Gabbs (2008) comments on the matrix or intimacy and argue that this idea places much emphasis on relationship formation, which in turn constitutes and creates family life. Contemporary psycho-sociologists Mcload and Thomson (2009) support this critique, and suggest that Gabbs (2008) idea of the extended family places increasing importance on the way in which relationships are built, with ideas of social change at the forefront of this process. The contemporary research above highlights the importance of recognises fluidity within the composition of the family unit and also highlights briefly how we select family; however, it is also important to discuss how contemporary family life is defined more by doing family things rather than being a family. For example, Morgan (1996) is one of the most influential sociologist who initially highlighted the importance to shift sociological analysis away from family as a structure to which individuals in some sense belong, towards understanding families as sets of activities which take on a particular meaning, associated with family, at any a given point in time (Finch, 2007:66). Morgan (1996) defines these family practices as: a set of practices which deal in some way with ideas of parenting, kinship and marriage and the expectedness and obligation which are associated with these practices. The key features of the practices approach in general are as follows: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ An attempt to link the perspectives of the observers and the social actors; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ An emphasis on the active or doing; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A sense of the everyday; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A sense of the regular; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A sense of fluidity or fuzziness; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A linking of history and biography. Morgan (2011) uses the term family practices as an illustration of wider currents of thought in sociology engaged with understanding how social relations are enacted and represented as symbols, combining a number of key concepts that other scholars have used to analyse contemporary families. These include fluidity, diversity, and multi-facetedness, by rooting our understanding of doing family in the everyday and the routine. These everyday routines are where individuals constitute certain actions and activities as family practices, as family (defined by Morgan and Finch) is a facet of social life, not a social institution; it represents a quality not a thing. A good example of this routine that constitutes family practices was in Finch (2007) where she discusses 2 examples of her own family practices: the weekly phone call which she makes to her sister; and her care in assuring that a step child gets Christmas presents as valuable as those she gives to her own children. These are actions that allow her to regard these people as part of her family. Finch (2007:55) also quotes from my perspective these are family practices. When discussing these practices, Morgan (1996: 190) recognises that these practices are often little fragments of daily life which are part of the normal taken for granted existence of practitioners. Their significance derives from their location in a wider system of meaning. Finch (2007:66) supports Morgan (1996) quote and suggest that the emphasis is on social actors creatively constituting their own social world. It could therefore be argued that an individuals understanding of family is subject to change over time and locations, deeply rooted in individual biographies and realities. This is something I need to