The Crumbling Taj Essay Example for Free

The Crumbling Taj Essay The reaction rate, however, should decrease as the experiment progresses because as the reaction time increases the number of hydrochloric acid molecules present will decrease as they have been reacted to form water calcium chloride and carbon dioxide. The additional water and calcium chloride present as the experiment progresses should decrease the rate of reaction because of decrease in concentration. This should make a graph of the reaction curved as the reaction rate slows down. Kinetic theory is based on the assumption that chemical reactions take place as a result of reacting particles colliding successfully. Successful collisions need a sufficient amount of energy. Particles that posses more kinetic energy than the activation energy are able to react more successfully. The reacting particles all have different kinetic energies due to collisions hanging their speeds. Maxwell and Boltzmann presented the distribution in kinetic energies for two temperatures (high and low) in graphs called distribution curves on which the areas under the curves past the points called energy barriers represent the number of kinetic energies. The bigger the area under the curve, the greater the number of particles with a certain energy that will promote a chemical reaction. Hotter particles have extra kinetic energy after surmounting the number of collisions in unit time. These collisions are more likely to be successful as there would be more than enough energy for them. Although I will not be looking at the factor of TEMPERATURE, I can extend my investigation and experiment the effects of temperature on the rate of reaction. HYPOTHESIS FOR EXPERIMENT 1 COUNTING BUBBLES Counting bubbles is an experiment which I personally think is not very fair. There may be many mistakes in counting the number of bubbles produced for five continuous minutes and so the experiment would not be accurate. Although this experiment isnt so accurate, I think that the results will still show a trend in the pattern of results. I predict that if the concentration of the HCl is doubled then the experiment will happen twice as fast. HYPOTHESIS FOR EXPERIMENT 2 COLLECTING GAS OVER WATER By putting more particles into the reaction, the chance of them colliding increases and so the rate increases. Concentration is a variable that is continuous and independent. I shall test this variable by observing the rate at which hydrogen gas collects over water against the concentration of hydrochloric acid used with CaCO3. I predict that by doubling the concentration of the acid, the rate of reaction will also double. The higher the concentration, the higher the rate of reaction. HYPOTHESIS FOR EXPERIMENT 3 COLLECTING GAS IN A SYRINGE This experiment is very similar to experiment 2 (collecting gas over water) but this experiment is the most accurate out of the three that I will be carrying out. I predict that I will have a very similar type of results and graphs as in experiment 2. I predict that the graph will have more better and accurate trend lines in the graphs showing a curved line of best fit. The higher you raise the concentration the more the particles will collide therefore corrosion of the marble will occur. Plan for the investigation. I will ensure that the goggles are worn throughout the experiments. Care will be taken not to spill any of the acid. Glass will be handled with care to prevent breakages and cuts. If any sort of accident occurs amends will be made with the help of trained technicians. Large volumes of acid will not be carried around to reduce the risk of a spillage. Containers will be kept well away from edges of the benches. Low molar concentration of hydrochloric acid will be used for safety. FAIR TEST To perform a fair test I will do as follows: In the experiment I will measure each substance accurately. I will carry out the experiment at the same room temperature of 20oc each time. I will wash the conical flask with distilled water after each experiment to make sure that there isnt any solution left over from the previous experiment. I will have to stay alert when counting bubbles and will have to concentrate hard. I will also repeat the test again and take the average of the two results to get an average set of results which will be more reliable. By following my fair testing the results will hopefully come out accurate. I will be alert and take the timings accurately for each of the experiments. METHOD FOR EXPERIMENT 1 COUNTING BUBBLES. This is how I will be carrying out my 1st experiment to find out the rate of reaction between marble and hydrochloric acid: When doing my experiments I will use the same procedure throughout. I will first get the necessary equipment that will be needed and will set it up as show below. I will then get 30ml of 0. 1M hydrochloric acid and will put it into the conical flask. To make sure the volumes of acid and water were right we will measure the volumes of each in a measuring cylinder to be accurate. To make sure the mass of marble chips are right we would measure them on the electronic balance to one decimal place. I will then get 2grams of marble chips (roughly the same size) and I will gently put the marble chips into the solution of hydrochloric acid and will spontaneously close the conical flask with the delivery tube that is attached to a bung at the end. As soon as I close the top of the flask, I will start the stopwatch and I will start counting the bubbles, which will be coming out from the test tube. I will record the number of bubbles produced each minute up to five minutes. The bubbles that will be produced will indicate how much CO2 is being given off by the reaction between CaCO3 and 2HCl. I will carry out this experiment again for Distilled water, 0. 5, 1. 0, 1. 5 and 2 molar to see how the concentration affect the rate of reaction. I will keep the amount of marble chips and hydrochloric acid the same for every test I carry out so it would be fair. At the end I will also carry out this experiment on distilled water so I can compare the two substances. In this experiment I will have to concentrate all the time as I will have to count the bubble for five minutes and will have to make sure that I dont miss out on counting a single bubble. After the experiment is over, I will carry out the experiment again to confirm my results and to make sure that I was counting the bubbles correctly. This picture shows how I am going to set-up my experiment and I am going to count the bubbles that come out of the test tube. METHOD FOR EXPERIMENT 2 COLLECTING MEASURING GAS This is how I will be carrying out my 2nd experiment to find out the rate of reaction between marble and hydrochloric acid: When doing my experiments I will use the same procedure throughout. I will first fill the tub with tap water about half way up and fill the measuring cylinder with water and then turn the measuring cylinder upside down into the tub of water so the cylinder would still be filled with water. By doing this, we will create a slight margin of error because some of the water will be displaced when doing this although it will be very little. Then we will clamp the measuring cylinder in place. We will change the size of the cylinders; however, this will not make the test unfair. We then will put the delivery tube under the cylinder so the air from the experiment could displace the water. To make sure the volumes of acid and water were right we will measure the volumes of each in a measuring cylinder to be accurate. I will then get 30ml of 0. 1M Hydrochloric acid and put it into the conical flask. To make sure the mass of marble chips are right we would measure them on the electronic balance to one decimal place. As soon as we put the Marble chips and the acid in the conical flask and close it with the bung which will be attached to a delivery tube; we will immediately start the stopwatch. We will see how long it takes (In seconds) for the measuring cylinder to fill up with 100cm3 of Carbon Dioxide gas. We will carry this experiment out on a range of different concentrations of Hydrochloric acid. I will be carrying out this experiment on 0. 5M, 1. 0M, 1. 5M and 2. 0M to see how the concentrations affect the rate of reaction. I will also use distilled water to compare it against the hydrochloric acid. After the experiment is over I shall carry out a retest to confirm my results and I will take the average out of the two results. Below it show exactly how the experiment was set up. METHOD FOR EXPERIMENT 3 SYRINGE TEST This is how I will be carrying out my 3rd experiment to find out the rate of reaction between marble and hydrochloric acid: When doing my experiments I will use the same procedure throughout. I will first get the necessary equipment that will be needed and will set it up as show below. In this experiment I will again experiment the time it will take for the syringe to fill up with 100cm3 of Carbon Dioxide gas. Although this experiment will be very similar to Experiment 2, this will be more accurate as the equipment used will be more appropriate. I would assume the results in this test to be very similar to Experiment 2 so I will change the amount of Marble chips and the volume of the Hydrochloric acid to experiment what different it makes. I will used 5 grams of marble chips and 50 cm3 of Hydrochloric acid in this test but will used the same range of concentrations which are, 0. 1M, 0. 5M, 1. 0M, 1. 5M, 2M and will also use distilled water. I will do the same, starting of with 0. 1M Hydrochloric acid and put it into the conical flask. As soon as we put the Marble chips and the acid in the conical flask and close it with the bung which will be attached to a delivery tube; we will immediately start the stopwatch. We will see how long it takes (In seconds) for the measuring cylinder to fill up with 100cm3 of Carbon Dioxide gas. After the experiment is over I shall carry out a retest to confirm my results and I will take the average out of the two results. Table of Results for the method of counting the bubbles. Mass of marble /g Concentration of HCl in 30cm3 / M Time In Mins Bubbles collected Expt. 1 Bubbles collected Expt. 2 Bubbles collected Average Initial temperature / oC 2g Distilled water 1 2 3 4 5u.

Impact Of Quantitative Easing On The Uk Economy Economics Essay

Impact Of Quantitative Easing On The Uk Economy Economics Essay This research proposal focuses on the concept and practice of Quantitative easing in context of UKs economy. The literature consists of elaboration of the need of using Quantitative easing to save Britain economy from recent global economic crises. It further explains the impact as well and covers all major areas which can have its effect. Economic downturn leads to apply the Quantitative easing which can be done through asset purchasing, lowering the interest rate and most importantly injecting cash directly into the economy. Recently world has suffered global economic recession which forced almost every country to take appropriate measures such as supplying more money into the economy. The recession badly effected UKs economy among all. Monetary Policy Committee adopted Quantitative easing measures under the authority of Bank of England in order to stabilize the economy and save UKs economy from the economic crisis. It is the role of Bank of England to maintain the stability of UK financial system and its economy. In the recent economic recession the new banking act has increased the powers of Bank of England which have authority to bank financial services and the market to actually deal with this stress situation. Monetary Policy Committee decreases the bank rate to 0.5%. In January 2008 the bank rate was 5.50% which continue to fluctuate and finally in 2009 it started with 1.50% and ended up as a reduction to 0.5%. (Source: www.bankofengland.co.uk). They are also focusing to have a low and stable inflation in order to do that a target has been set to keep inflation at 2% by the UK Government. Lowering the bank rate will take time to keep inflation in control. So there is a need to look ahead and decide an appropriate monetary policy. This leads Bank of England to decide purchasing of assets such as Government and corporate bonds so that the money supply will increase or they will purchase assets from private sector such as insurance companies or non-financial companies by crediting their account. Money can be in two forms either cash or bank deposits so in other words the focus in this policy will be to increase reserves of banks and the spending which ultimately lead to more flow of money in wider economy. According to Monetary Policy Committee the asset purchase will decrease the issues about liquidity and it will give companies sort of confidence so that they can borrow directly from the capital market. The Committee also defined a measured criteria related to supply of money so that it cannot increase beyond a certain limit and if the inflation target set by the Government will rise then monetary policy will use strict measures such as increasing bank rate or selling back the assets purchased to the market. (Source: Monetary Policy: www.bankofengland.co.uk) Rational of the Research topic: The research on this proposed topic is selected because of my own personal interest in the financial and economic systems especially of UK. The recent recession has affected everyone directly or indirectly the people suffered because of unemployment and low incomes. This actually directed my interest to know about the crises and the measures taken by authorities. It also provoked me to explore and gain comprehensive understanding about Quantitative easing. My previous research proposal during study was related to economic system of Pakistan and the role of State Bank of Pakistan this also initiate my interest in topic . After coming to UK the crises of economy was selling like hot cakes so it forced me to read articles and journals about the crises. This actually gave me an insight about the measures taken by Bank of England. Research Questions: Most importantly this research proposes the examination of a basic question: how successful Quantitative easing is in the stability of UK economy? Apart from this question it actually raises other questions as well such as: How the decrease in bank rate will reduce inflation in UK? What will be the criteria to control supply of money if it increases more than desired target? How will we know if the asset purchases are working? Will the performance of the banks increase? Will it be easy for companies to borrow direct from the market? Research Objectives: The basic objective of this research is to critically evaluate the Quantitative easing and its impact on UK economy. By analyzing of this process the research will intend to gain broad knowledge and insight about different monetary policies implied by Bank of England. How Quantitative easing increase the spending for companies and the flow of money which ultimately leads to a stable economy. Literature Review: The literature provided here is not conclusive because there is more to observe and discover in order to collect and review the literature. The nature of the topic is contemporary and current therefore more literature can be achieved by the passage of time. Norma Cohen (2009) stated that although Monetary Policy Committee has confidence in their Quantitative easing strategy to boost nominal demand but total lending to businesses further decreases. The consumer credit continued to shrink and uncollectable consumer loans increased. The Bank of England reported that the growth of money is on its slowest rate since December 2004. The borrowing also showing seasonal decline the size of this decline is more than expected. So Monetary Policy Committee should put more focus on measuring and increasing growth of money. (Source: www.bankofengland.co.uk) Daniel Pimlott (2009) expressed a view in his article in Financial Times that household disposable income has increased 1.2% in end of December and it has pushed saving ratio to 8.6%. He provides the reason in this rise that Bank of England decided to avoid rise in value added tax which ultimately enable people to save more without affecting the power of spending. He presented a view that such quick rise in saving suggests that UK economy may be closer to stabilize. There are clear signs that economy is improving in Britain due the measures of quantitative easing. The labor market is performing well comparing to the previous quarter and industrial production is rising considering the growth in both manufacturing and services industry because the Bank of England Policy of creating flow of spending and increasing the banks borrowing. (The Economist, November 12th, 2009) Mervyn King (2009) the Governor of Bank of England said in a press conference in November while presenting quarterly inflation report that UK economy facing delays in balance sheet adjustment. In order to rebalance UK economy needs to get away from private and public sector towards exports. The reduction in exchange rates is helping to smooth this process and the substantial reduction in fiscal deficit is quite clear. The Quantitative easing strategy of purchasing assets is proved handy but it is much smaller. Andrew Oxlade (2009) a well-known financial analyst wrote an article Recession Watch. He analyzed the impact of quantitative easing on UK economy and said that although the policy of Spending and Borrowing by the committee is core to get out of the recession but the investment fell and unemployment increases. Inflation is getting a bit high due the increase in oil price. Dr. Ros Altmann (2009) suggested that buying the gilts is not a proper way to ease the recession. Bank of England should emphasis on buying corporate bonds. So operating quantitative easing through buying gilts is not working efficiently. She further presented a view that buying gilts will increase the leak of money into overseas bond markets. But if they put more emphasize on buying corporate bonds then they can get money directly to the companies. Edward Hadas (2009) in his article on Telegraph analyzed that although the loan losses are increased but the aid provided by the Bank of England is massive which include minimal interest rate and sufficient supply of money. This is actually helping the economy to get a way out of recession. The liquidity push has given confidence to the investors in the form of cash to put in the market. Although the GDP was falling but now it has fallen less in few recent months. Economy is declining in a moderate way that suggests that the growth is coming back slowly. This is all due to the measures taken by the authorities such as Bank of England. Richard Taylor (2009) argued that there has been a major increase in business accounts in the banks. The new businesses are being started very quickly and it has exceeded the figures in last year. Richard Blackden (2009) analyzed the Delloitte Warns review and said that figures shows that the economy shrinks than the previous quarter and fears that the economy could go back to the recession. Methodology: The analysis of Quantitative easing and its impact on UK economy is based on further research only through this we can analyze the impact and its nature. There is a need to look through the process in order to evaluate the affect. Thats why the nature of this research proposed exploratory rather explanatory. The theory actually examines the continuity of the process and measures the trends in the market and the economic system of UK. There is also important to adopt qualitative research approach in order to include some focus groups like general population and banks to know the progress and relief. Observation method can be done in order to know the content and statistics about the topic. In order to know the effects of quantitative easing in the economy causal research is also handy so that the effects of different policies implied by Bank of England can be analyzed. A combination of in-depth interviews by financial experts and analysts and method of observation can also be used in order to address the research proposal. Interviews of experts can have structured interview based on specific questions and should include predetermined questions. There is a need to have a clear idea about the topic and should analyze facts and figures published by different financial institutions of UK. Data Collection Methods: While collecting the data through observation method the researcher needs to address the right source for that. The researcher will need to consider and monitor the continuity of the process of quantitative easing and could gather data by different articles and newspapers. The researcher also has to look through the facts and figures on different short periods of times. This can be done by obtaining data from bank of England quarterly report which includes all the figures related to topic. The focus should be on banks performance and overall economy considering the unemployment and inflation and household income. In order to know that quantitative easing is really working there is a need to consider previous quarterly reports as well and then do a comparison. This will help to simply and precise the data collection and the data collected by this will be valid as well. Moreover in-depth interviews can be done through telephones or meeting directly to financial experts to gather their opinions. Telephones interviews should be recorded on tape and while conducting direct interviews the important points should be noted down on paper. In such data collection method, interviewee is given the opportunity to talk freely about the topic. The interviews duration should not be more than half an hour for utilizing time a set of questions should be prepared prior to the interviews. Analysis of Data: The research consists of in-depth interviews as well as considering the observations and obtaining the facts and figure in the analysis. That is why the research purposes both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. Obtaining the facts and figures through observation will require managing the data and then statistical analysis. This can be done through using the Microsoft Excel spread sheet which can show graphical presentation of the data as well. In-depth interviews of experts will include qualitative approach based on the theory purposed by Miles and Huberman (1994) consists of components, procedures and outcomes. Components will include gathering data then its reduction and verification procedures include the coding, categorization, comparison and interpretation and outcomes gives explanation and description of the results. Resource Requirement: The most of the literature review will be obtained from newspaper articles and television news and press conferences. The fieldwork will include extensive use of internet facilities and also telephone. The interviews will include telephonic and direct meeting depending on interviewee convenience and preference. The topic of research is actually contemporary issue thats why newspaper reading is essential on regular basis. As there is need to conduct the interviews of financial experts so the researcher need to organize visit to some large banks such as Lloyds and Barclays. The visit can be to the head offices of these banks or to the main branches where the researcher can interview any senior correspondent of the bank. There is a need to get appointment prior to the visit. Gantt chart: (Week Commencing 18 January, 2010) Activity Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 w/k commencing 18 25 1 8 15 22 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 Read literature ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- Objective ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- Proposal ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- Strategy Method ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- Collection of Articles ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- Develop Questions for interview ÃÆ'- Taking appointment ÃÆ'- Interview to Lloyds, Barclays financial Analysts ÃÆ'- Comparison ÃÆ'- Gather data ÃÆ'- Analyze data ÃÆ'- Update literature ÃÆ'- ÃÆ'- Finalize data ÃÆ'- Draft to supervisor ÃÆ'- Revise draft ÃÆ'- Print Bind ÃÆ'- Submission ÃÆ'-

Cheating and Plagiarism - The Path to Self-destruction :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Plagiarism - The Path to Self-destruction Why do so many people use 123HelpMe.com simply to plagiarize other people's writing? Is it even possible that someone cannot write their own essay, or that someone cannot read a book of any length? If you plagiarize, aren't you sentencing yourself to failure? And if you cannot gather information, aren't you opening yourself to attacks from the System? I know many students who use sites such as 123HelpMe.com to "gather research" - steal other people's ideas and papers. Yet it still amazes me that people could be so naà ¯ve and lazy. Think about it: in high school, you are already expected to know whatever material you've been taught (hopefully). If you cannot get through high school without cheating, how well will you do in college? Professors check whether you have cheated, and you are required to write lengthy papers based on detailed research, which is not present on many Internet paper mills and notes sites. If you cannot read, write, and think on your own, you are doomed. Maybe not now, maybe not during your high school career, but eventually, you will flunk a class or get expelled for cheating. If your job requires you to write essays or gather information, and you "cheat" (gather information without citing it and getting permission) you will be sued and fired. During high school and college, you are more likely to hurt your grade than to get into serious trouble. (However, if your paper sounds too well written, or if a teacher finds that you stole information, you can still be expelled.) Let's face it: Cliffs Notes aren't the Holy Grail of research. If you read Cliffs Notes or Monarch Notes or 123HelpMe.com' essays, you are bound to miss important details. Any decent teacher will check whether you read a book, and to do so, he will ask you details and concepts from the work that you did not read. Cliffs Notes, shortchange you; there are few concepts and almost no details in those. Monarch Notes only have concepts. And most the free essays on 123HelpMe.com are filled typos and inaccuracies. Of course, one must pay a small fee to access the great and excellent essays on 123HelpMe.

The Reagen and Bush Presidencies Essay -- Comapre Contrast Comparison

INTRODUCTION It is widely accepted that George Bush Snr. was forced to play out his presidency in the mighty shadow of Ronald Reagan. Reagan's charm and personality was one of his greatest strengths and, even now, is widely revered for his time as President. Bush was reportedly always conscious of people's expectations of him in view of his predecessor and this burden seemed to weigh heavily. Reagan's achievements in Washington were considerable, if not in number then in impact. His political and strategic skills were impressive and Bush cannot be said to have equalled his achievements at home, and this is borne out by Bush's failure to win re-election. Nevertheless Bush made some staggeringly important contributions to the international arena and is deeply respected for his part in world events where there is every reason to suspect that Reagan would not have been. The huge differences between the two are even more interesting given that Bush was a dutiful Vice President to Reagan for eight years and sought on gaining office only to take over where he left off. Bush did not set out to ring the changes between Reagan and himself; quite the opposite. He purported to be the archetypal guardian president; consolidating Reagan's good work and continuing to steer America on the same path. So why then did they turn out to be such almost polar opposites? This essay explores the realms of domestic politics, vision and leadership and international issues with the focus on drawing comparison between the two men and their styles of leadership and analysing in each instance who may have been the more effective president. I will conclude that, regardless of actual achievements real success in presidential terms depends on successful handling of the media, an area Reagan understood and Bush never would. IMAGE, PERSONALITY, AND MEDIA RELATIONS It is almost universally agreed that Ronald Reagan's greatest strength, certainly early in his first term and arguably until he left office was his ability to communicate with the American people. He won the presidency not only on his package of radical reforms at a time when the current policy orthodoxies had failed the Americans (along with most of the rest of the western world), but on his winsome personality, his awesome eloquence and his considerable charisma. A direct comparison with Margaret Thatcher can ... ...symbolism than the vast disconnect between what people close to Bush perceive about the man and what much of the public ultimately believed" Reagan, on the other hand, is remembered not only for his reforms in policy, but overwhelmingly for the connection he managed to achieve with the American voting public. This not only secures him a place in fond memory but was ultimately what allowed him to achieve that which he did whilst in office; "In the modern era, the presidential image is tantamount to reality" . Where Bush might easily have been the better President given the requisite media talents and a little more political sophistication, in fact Reagan came out of his term of office the more successful of the two. BIBLIOGRAPHY Â · Kellerman, B., 'The Political Presidency', Ch. 11; (1984) Â · Light, P., 'The President's Agenda' Chs. 10, 11, 12; (1999) Â · Mervin, D., 'George Bush and the Guardianship Presidency', Chs. 2, 9; (1996) Â · Rose, R., 'The Post-Modern Presidency', Ch. 15; (1991) Â · Rozell, M. J., 'In Reagan's Shadow: Bush's Antirhetorical Presidency', Presidential Studies Quarterly; (Winter 1998) Â · Wildavsky, A., 'The Beleaguered Presidency', ch. 12; (1994)

Antigone :: essays research papers

Justice is a word we hear today all the time. Left and right we hear of judges and citizens demanding justice. Is justice always the right way? It seems that justice is not always the correct solution to a problem, but a solution that is the easiest to make. The classic play Antigone is a perfect example of this. Antigone is classic tragedy at its finest. A simple civilized and humane right of burying a loved one is turned into a great loss. Creon’s inapt decision to hold his power and sentence Antigone to death causes him to lose the people he loves most. The â€Å"justice† of the play is simply Creon’s punishment for his cruelty to Antigone.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Antigone learns that no one is to bury her brother, she immediately knows what she must do. She doesn’t even hesitate to her decision and she is fully willing to face the consequences to do what is right. She believes that what she is doing is just a humane right and she’s willing to die for what she believes in. She even tells Creon that what he’s doing is against what the gods wanted and that his laws were worthless. She states: â€Å"Not through dread of any human pride could I answer to the gods for breaking these.† It seems that gods are almost speaking to Creon through Antigone and warning him of his decision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Antigone is almost hailed to a god like status, as Oedipus was before her. She is extremely strong and unbelievably willing to sacrifice everything in the name of honor and pride. She so easily makes her decisions and chooses to die willingly without a second thought. The minute Creon questions her on breaking the law, she states: â€Å"Die I must, -I knew that well (how should I not?)-even without thy edicts.† What is even more is that Antigone was a woman, a woman in a time of extreme male domination. This makes her even stronger of a person in the play and shows the growing strength of the gender that we know of today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The blind sear once again plays the roll of an extremely reliable, but ignored person. He warns Creon of his terrible mistake but when Creon goes to change his wrongs, he finds out its too late. Creon is given more than enough warnings of his fate as Antigone states in the play: â€Å"And if my present deeds are foolish in thy sight, it may be that a foolish judge arraigns my folly.

Marketing techniques Essay

Introduction The businesses and products I chose happened to be, Nike and their Mercurial football boots, and Sony and their PS3 gaming console. I chose these products because I think they are both reasonably diverse, and in their time, both these products have experienced a range of sections within the product life cycle. For example, due to Nike’s football boots having to be constantly refreshed and renewed due to high competition, they have experienced, each sector, a number of times. In contrast, the Sony and their PS3 have also experienced similar experiences. For example, due to this specific console being one of the most successful and exclusive gaming consoles of all time, the overall competition has been reasonably low, and due to this, this certain product has seen the product life cycle at a very different perspective by experiencing each sector at a much slower rate. Product The diagram presented above dictates the process in which businesses go through, when marketing. Every business will follow this strategy when they advertise and market a product in order to gain the most sales, and to generate a substantial amount of profit. For example, the first stage of this Product Life Cycle is the Development. This stage entitles a business to conjure up a selected idea, in which they will later hope to produce as a product and then sell. The development stage is where the business will discover the blue prints of their product and how they will later market it. In other words, the development stage provides a foundation for the selected product as it will be built as a prototype to be later sold to the public in order to increase sales and profits. This certain stage is very secretive within any organisation. Other businesses do not want to let their competitors have knowledge of what they’re producing, in case they steal and release the idea before, a nd generate a mass of publicity, sales and profits. The next stage is referred to as the introduction stage; this is  where the business launches its completed product for the first time. This certain sector is vital as it will later determine how successful the product is, and whether it should be develop further. Within the Introduction stage, sales begin to grow slowly if the product begins to generate publicity, this is usually due to the lack of knowledge people have about your product, and it is also due to the lack of advertising. However, a business may not want to advertise straight away, as they may waste money on advertising a product that their piers may not essentially want or need. Therefore, business tend to use the certain advertising scheme, known as informative advertising, this includes small processes in which a business can build their products reputation or publicity. If this section of the product life cycle is successful, businesses can later develop on their products, thus enabling them to create further marketing schemes, beneficial to them, in regards to their sales, profits and annual turnover. The next stage within the Product life cycle is, Growth. This is where a business’s product begins to increase in sales, rapidly. This is due to increased demands, and the fact that all the business’s persuasive marketing schemes are working, thus increasing sales and profits. The growth sector within this product life cycle basically classifies how successful a business is, by being within the growth sector; this indicates that the business’s product is successful and popular. The fourth and pen ultimate stage is known as the Maturity stage. This is where a selected product, created by a business begins to sustain profits, and generate sales slowly. This stage takes place after the growth stage, due to many factors such as an increase in product competition due to the publicity of your product, as well as an increase in advertising due to businesses trying to sustain the success of their product. After this stage, comes the final stage, or otherwise known as the Decline. This stage entails a business’s product to begin to drop in sales, reduce in publicity and popularity, it begins to lose its appeal and competition becomes stiffer and bigger, therefore fewer units are sold. At this stage, advertising is either halted or completely stopped, and possibly the production of the item may decrease in activity in order to retain money and boost the production on other marketing schemes/ideas. Brand: Nike, Inc. Nike, Inc or Nike is a very popular and successful business that originated  in the early 70s. This business firstly began, known as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964, however, 7 years later saw them changing their name into what we know them today as; Nike Inc. This organisation specialises in sports apparel and accessories. This sport based business sells items within sports such as Football, Rugby, Golf, Basketball, Cricket, tennis, athletics and pretty much every other sport. However, I feel they are extremely notorious for their very professional and popular football boots. For example, Nike have earned international success and have worked with the likes of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Mario Balotelli, Wesley Sneijder, Wayne Rooney and Landon Donovan in regards to promoting their Football related range of goods. However, in regards to my product, Nike has formed many advertising schemes with players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovià „‡ (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right). Product: Nike Mercurial Vapor This certain product is a very popular and renowned piece of sports apparel. This certain product is linked with football, as they are, a selected type of football boot. This variation of football boot comes in many shapes and sizes, this enables the product to appeal to all different, acquired tastes, and overall this will help the brand Nike Inc, reach out and attract customers. However, my reasoning for choosing this brand would be its placement within the product life cycle, due to increased and increasing competition, businesses such as Nike Inc have to constantly refresh and renew their produce, in order to maintain customers and as a business become more appealing and modern/stylish. Therefore, I believe these products fluctuate between growth and Maturity, for example, due to the competition, new boots are brought out every couple of months or year, this causes older boots, and their predecessors to be regarded as â€Å"old†, â€Å"boring† or â€Å"out of fashion†. Therefore, each boot only has a selected amount of time, until the next big style or football boot gets released. Like I mentioned before, I believe this product is mainly situated within the growth sector, as each boot only obtains a selected amount of time to succeed and become appealing, until the next brand gets released; therefore, it’s time to mature and become a cemented item is limited. Brand: Sony Corporation Sony Corporation, or Sony, is a very successful and popular Japanese multinational corporation that specialises in electronics, game systems and game entertainment. Sony is one of the leading providers of game entertainment in today’s society; they have produced some iconic titles/products like the PS1, the PS2, the PS3 and its most recent addition, the next generation of console, known as the PS4. These gaming, entertainment systems have altered and revolutionised the way we play virtual games, and they have truly made their mark on gadget history. Sony is a Japanese business that began in 1946, its name, at the time stood as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo, however, since 1958, this iconic brand has been referred to as Sony. Product: Sony, Play station 3 The product I will be using during this task will be Sony’s, award winning creation/product, known as the PS3. I believe this product has been very, very successful, and I think I it will be an ideal product to evaluate and analyse. For example, seeing as this certain console is one of few gaming entertainment systems to be released in the modern era, the competition is reasonably low, therefore, its time during the product life cycle has sustained and gradually evolved into being a product within the Maturity sector. However, due to recent events, a new range of console appeared, formed by the same brand; Sony. This new range of gaming console is referred to as, the next generation of gaming entertainment, and this specific console is known as the Sony PS4. This PS4 was released into stores and gaming retailers on such dates as the 15th of November 2013 (for North American Citizens), the 29th of November 2013 (for European Citizens) and 22nd February 2014 (for Asian Citizens); and as of March 2nd 2014, this product has already sold as many units as 6 million worldwide. Because of this, the Sony PS3 will eventually fall into the declining sector within the product life cycle, due to decreasing demand, decreasing popularity and a decrease in advertising and production. This certain factor is one prominent reason why I have chosen this product to feature within my coursework. Promotion The promotional process within a business is where an organisation would advertise a selected product to either inform existing customers of new modifications to their products, or to advertise a new product they have just created and finished. The methods and messages business use when displaying their products are very important, as it can overall determine the outcome/success of the product. For example, businesses want to sustain and attract new and existing customers by using persuasive and informative promotional materials, and if their promotional schemes do not achieve this substantial amount of money can be lost, thus negatively affecting the business and potentially damaging the business. There are many forms and ways in which business can promote their products for example: Advertising – Through TV, radio, magazines, newspapers, internet Direct selling – directly approaching and â€Å"targeting† customers, e.g. public speakers, telesales, door salesmen Direct Marketing – Leaflets, mailshots, emails Point-of-sale – selling point stands, free samples, vouchers, offers Incentives – loyalty cards, bonus points or point systems i.e. these exist on many crisp and cereal selling brands Public Relations – Ensuring the organisations name is well known and grown or growing publicity. Catchy slogans, and brand names or e.g. sponsorships like Nike’s Cristiano Ronaldo sponsorship deals Sales Promotion – special offers, deals, sales to attract customers All these ways are commonly used by business in order to boost the publicity and overall speculation on their product, as every business needs to achieve a certain amount of customers, in order to generate profit. As well as these promotional ideas/methods, businesses also use certain features like AIDA. This stands for (A) Attraction, (I) Interest, (D) Desire, (A) Action. This diagram is used to represent a customer’s approach to reviewing a product. For example, when seeing a advert that appeals to them, these (potential) future customers will have a mental review of the product, and over a period of time, this AIDA process should unravel and take its formation. This is a process in which many businesses follow, in regards to promoting and releasing their product/ideas so they can identify what techniques to use, when advertising and promoting their products. For example, firstly comes the Attraction of the product, businesses want to represent their newly formed product as a new revolutionary item that will  benefit someone in every way, where it’s needed. Therefore, business will present their item as â€Å"cool†, â€Å"modern† and highly â€Å"anticipated† despite it’s not even released yet. This is in order to obtain the focus of customers and to gain their attention to their product. The success rate in which businesses do this will determine how many people will feel encouraged to buy your product, an increase of this will overall benefit the business and generate them with increase/grown profits. Secondly comes Interest, this is where business aim to achieve the focus and publicity of their product . Because of this, businesses want people/customers to gain an interest to their product, they want people to feel they need and have to purchase it. If a business successes within this stage, this could impact the business in a number of positive ways. For example, an increased amount of people interested within your product could mean, an increase in profits, and this will most certainly benefit a business. Businesses do this by containing people within their adverts or promotional materials looking happy with the product, or featuring famous figures in order to promote how stylish a product can be. Like I briefly mentioned, businesses want customers to feel the need to have their product, this stage is referred to as the Desire stage, this is where business feature many promotional materials in order to obtain the attention of customers and make them feel the need to want to buy and purchase their product. Again businesses can do this through featuring famous figures like Cristiano Ronaldo in order to promote their new product. By doing this, many fans of these famous figures may feel desired into purchasing the product as they deem it as stylish or maybe they just feel loyal to the role model/celebrity who promoted it. Finally features the stage/section known as Action. This the physical side to this AIDA cycle, for example Action is where the customer/reviewer will eventually purchase the good and use it/consume it for its purpose. Within this cycle, businesses don’t really have to do anything more at this stage, the customer has bought their product, all the business can do now is wait and assume the certain client has grown fond of their product, thus potentially forming them into an existing customer/loyal consumer. What are the promotional techniques used by your businesses? Within the two businesses I have chosen, there are multiple promotional techniques. Within the paragraphs displayed below, I will present this and eventually outline their strengths,  weaknesses, and comparison with compe titors and their differences. Nike Inc, Mercurial Vapor: For this selected product, I found many promotional schemes, however, I commonly found promotional processes within the advertising side of promotion, and these TV advertisements included famous footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović in order to boost the attraction of their product as well as the desirability. For example, some screen shots/links of the adverts collected: Advertisements: Cristiano Ronaldo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWVYwppLPdE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mdgTR5ZyDs Zlatan Ibrahimović: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqVk1FHYeFY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SBnk3lKzzg Strengths: Within this set of Nike commercials, I thought the real strengths and positive aspects had to be the way in which they want people to perceive their products. For example, within each advert/promotional technique, they indicate how their style of football boot could change the way in which you perform, and how it can alter your abilities. For example, within the Cristiano Ronaldo adverts, it depicts Ronaldo, running through a whole team, easily with such pace, the advert then finished with the simple statement of: Be fast. Be Mercurial. This would indicate to customers that their special brand of football boot could enhance their abilities and the way they perform on the football pitch. For many football fans, and aspiring football players, these factors may be very important and this may encourage them to buy the item as they desire the certain traits these products supposedly provide. This is also a good way of advertising, because when people purchase this variation of football bo ot, it’s another way of advertising, however it’s free. For example, potential customers may see other people wearing the advertised boots, and this may cause them to feel jealous due to them knowing what the boots supposedly provide trait wise, as well as the fact, their favourite footballer may be the cover of that  certain brand, therefore they could feel further experiences of jealousy. This factor is very important because, in modern day football, the competitiveness between aspiring players may be extremely high, therefore each player wants/needs a certain factor such as new boots that may pose them with an â€Å"advantage† over everybody else/their opponents. Overall this will encourage more people to purchase Nike’s product as the certain products may feel increasingly desired, thus potentially increasing their profits and reputation. I also feel strength of these advertisements is the involvement/featuring of worldwide known sports figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Many young people interested within sports and football idolize over certain role models like these players, therefore, when these people see the Nike adverts featuring them, they feel obliged to purchase the certain piece of sports apparel in a way of supporting their role model. Therefore, Nike can use this to their advantage by exploiting how these players â€Å"benefit† from their products, and how it will reflect on their customers. For example, many fans and expiring footballers may feel, that wearing the same football boot as Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimović will grant them with their abilities and skill. Because of this, Nike’s advertisements can easily attract more customers by featuring these great athletes, thus potentially boosting their profits due to increased attraction and desirability. Weaknesses: Within these adverts, I felt it was very hard to find a significant weakness; however, I came to the conclusion of their adverts potentially degrading people. For example, due to the adverts representing how football players could be boosted/enhanced by the certain football boot, certain people who may desire the item, however can’t afford it may feel, when they play football, they do not have enough skill or power when on the pitch in comparison to people wearing these advertised boots. Because of this, many people may feel degraded, and they may also feel potentially weaker as a footballer, and this could potentially have a negative effect on Nike due to some people possibly feeling depressed about their abilities when being reminded of their products and their brand faces like Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Therefore, Nike may suffer some reductions in customers,  therefore a decrease in overall profits. Comparisons with competitors: When comparing to competitors, I believe Nike is probably at the best stage, I believe Nike is at the top of their game. For example, I think the way in which these commercials are conducted, represent these products with style, professionalism, power, speed, agility, and skill, precision. Because of this, I believe Nike’s target audience has been expanded for example, due to the professionalism and smart appearance of these products and their commercials, elder customers may also be enticed to purchase the products, as well as young, aspiring players. I also feel Nike made the correct choice when choosing players like Cristiano Ronaldo when advertising their products. For example, over the past couple of years, Ronaldo has accomplished many individual and joint awards and has successfully earned his place as the one of the best, if not the Best player in the world. Because of this, more people may have been enticed to buy Nike’s products, thus potentially booting their profits and overall reputation. Sony, Play Station 3: Again, with this certain product, I found Sony Corporation used many promotional techniques in order to advertise their product, especially within television, posters and billboards. For example: Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyTlxHwuPZY – Long Live Play Michael https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqkNPcUMffU – PS3 Baby Commercial Strengths: Within these Sony, PS3 commercials/promotional material, I found that theses commercials had many aspects about them that were positive. One of these was the engagement to the audience a special individuals that are avid console gamers. For example, within the Long Live Play commercial, a group of gaming characters formed in order to celebrate the background character known as Michael who controlled their stories, as he PLAYED their games. I believe this is a positive effect as certain people may recognise these gaming characters, therefore they already obtain some variation of emotional  attachment to them, because of this, more people may be attracted to Sony’s products. For example, by seeing characters from certain games they have played may trigger many good memories of these people playing these games when they were younger. Because of this, they may feel encouraged to buy the console in order to recap on old memories, because of this, and increased amount of people buying Sony’s products will mean, and increased amount of profits, thus benefitting Sony in a number of ways. Another strength could be the suspense during the commercial. For example, the Long Live Play commercial depicts a group of characters speaking and celebrating about this person called Michael, however, customers watching the commercial don’t’ actually get told who this Michael is and why he’s important until the very end. I believe this is a very good promotional technique as this may cause customers having to watch the entire commercial as they are curious to whom Michael is, and by that time, they are drawn in and notified of the brand â€Å"Sony – PS3†. This suspense could ideally cause more people to remember the commercial, and overall these factors could increase the amount of people wh o will buy Sony’s products, thus increasing their profits further. Weakness: In comparison to the Nike commercials, I felt there were more negatives within these certain promotional methods, especially within the first commercial I watch, the PS3 baby commercial. I feel there were certain negative, such as how vague the promotional method was, for example, I don’t feel and can’t seem to analyse any form of message or purpose into why Sony depicted a baby doll, glancing at their product and making a series of different noises. If anything I believed this certain commercial was quite weird, and if I were to watch this commercial, my initial reaction would probably deter me from buying this product,, as I found little about the product itself, and the way I think the commercial was conducted was very strange and dysfunctional. I believe this would overall be a negative effect in regards to Sony. For example, if people are deterred from buying you product, due to your commercial, this could result in reduced sales and ultimately a decrease in your a nnual turnover. I also find, within the Long Live Play commercial, if you were new to gaming and unaware of some of the figures within the production, the advert wouldn’t really appeal to you,  therefore the way Sony aimed to increased sales through this promotional method may not work as well as hoped. For example, how do you expect to connect with some of the characters when you’re un aware of their story/history? Ultimately this could affect the turnover and sales created through this product and it could mean less people may purchase Sony’s products, thus potentially affecting their profits. However, in relevance to my last point, it could also be perceived as a positive, for example, if some people are unaware of certain characters, this may leave them questioning their purpose, and why they’re there. Because of this, people unaware of this information may feel the need to purchase a games console and some related game titles in order to find understand why certain characters were within the commercial. Due to this, businesses like Sony who sell gaming systems may receive increased sales due to people new to games, and are searching for a correct platform to play on. Overall this would positively affect Sony as sales may increase, as well as profits, thus benefiting the company economically. In comparison to their competitors I feel Sony don’t feel the need to input as much effort into their advertisements. They seem to focus on sales promotions within shop windows like Game or Game Station. I also feel Sony withdraw from increased advertising as it costs money, and they seem to find leaving their customers without that many details, It might give them an increased chance in regards to buying the console as the negative effects of the product may be unknown until purchased, this is beneficial to Sony as again, more sales mare be generated, thus a potential increase in profits. Pricing Strategies Used Pricing strategies is another word for the structure, and how businesses decide to sell their goods, and depending on these products, the type of pricing may change. Nike, Mercurial Vapor: The first pricing strategy I think Nike use in regards to this specific product happens to be the strategy known as Promotional Pricing. This is where businesses provide offers, and sales on their certain products. And in Nike’s case I believe this is exactly what they do, for example, considering the competition for this variation of product is very high, businesses like Nike have to constantly circulate new products and new Mercurial Football  boots, otherwise, their competitors will receive the upper hand and potentially an increase in customers due to less competition and other competitors not releasing new, updated stock. So, businesses like Nike release new stock/products like Mercurial Football boots in order to maintain their customers interest, therefore a majority of their older stock falls into the category of sales, deals and special offers. For Example: For example, Nike cut down this special type of Mercurial Football boot down from  £55.00 to  £43.00, a  £12.00 price decrease. Nike also follows the pricing strategy of Price Skimming. For example, when Nike first releases a new rendition of the Nike Mercurial Football boot, the price is initially, extremely high. I believe they do this because they know people would pay so much, just to stay up to date and modern in regards to the latest range, I also believe they do this because they know they are going to later decrease the price, therefore they initially sell their products at an extremely high price, just to take advantage of the limited time it’s going to be that price for to ensure they may generate a major profit per unit, thus potentially increasing their sales and overall increasing their profits. For example: The screen shot displayed above represents how much Nike initially release their Mercurial Vapor range at, later this price will decrease as new boot ranges will circulate, and this certain style will eventually go decrease in fashion/popularity. Sony, Play Station 3: The Sony PS3 has been around for around for around 7 – 8 years now, therefore the pricing strategies Sony used may or may not have changed during the products long lasting existence. Over that period of time, the Sony PS3 has been altered, re-mastered and perfected, therefore the pricing has obviously had to be changed, and considering the release of the new PS4, the Sony PS3 price has probably fluctuated at an even greater scale. One of the price  strategies the Sony PS3 withheld was, Price Skimming. Sony needed and has used this strategy due to the products huge market life. In order to generate and receive the most sales/turnover, Sony needed to keep the price as high as they could until something like the PS4 appeared. For example, since its release, the Sony PS3 has maintained a price between  £400 –  £150, therefore within that 8 year product life bracket, Sony has only cut the pricing down from around  £250, and like I mentioned before, Sony did this in o rder to generate the highest amount of sales/turnover in order to sustain a substantial amount of profit. Sony have also used the pricing strategy known as promotional pricing, for example, since Sony and their consoles involve features such as buyable accessories and games, Sony seem to release the occasional deal which involves a mix of a variety of games, certain gaming related accessories and obviously, the console itself. These deals appeal to many people as they receive the highly anticipated console as well as many other beneficial features. However, businesses like Sony use these added features in order to boost people’s encouragements as they believe the deal is better than it actually is. This is beneficial to the business as it overall could result into increased sales/profits due to deal prices and bundles potentially being sold for more than the individual console. This then leads me on to my next and final pricing technique, for example, business use the pricing strategy known as Psychological pricing. This is where businesses sell products at a price to deceive customers and trick them into thinking it’s cheaper than what it really amounts to. For example, many businesses sell items ending in 00.99, this is due to it seeming like it’s much cheaper than the price following it, for example, people feel they’ve received a great deal off an item for  £19.99 instead of it being  £20.00, despite it’s one penny less, your eyes deceive you and it seems to look like a much smaller number/price. For example, in regards to Sony, their PS3 has been usually sold at a price ending within 00.99 in order to trick and deceive people, thus causing Sony, to generate an increased amount of money, thus boosting sales and potentially enlarging the business’s profit. For example: As you can see, this certain retailer has applied this strategy on order to generate a increase within each unit sold. This will overall benefit Sony as  more money will be generated within their company, causing them to receive a positive cash flow. Place Nike: Nike is business that specialises within sports apparel and sports related accessories, therefore you will find most Nike goods within common Sports retailers. For example, popular European stores like Sports Direct, JD sports and the Nike shop will supply these related goods as they are all featured within the same business sector – Sporting and Leisure activities. These products produced by Nike are supplied within these stores as Nike is a multinational brand, and it’s becoming increasingly popular, therefore, over the past couple of years, the demand for Nike produce, such as Mercurial Football boots has increased. Because of this, businesses like Sports Direct and JD sports want to sell their goods as Nike will cause them to generate increased profits due to increase popularity of Nike products and increasing demand for the certain stock, supplied by Nike. This is beneficial to both stores, for example, Nike will receive money through the selected stores Nike stock sales as a percentage of this money will be generated and transacted to them, as long as Nike provide these businesses with suitable and updated stock. The only negative I can picture could be the certain percentage of the money Nike might receive, for example, this percentage may be quite low, and therefore it might actually negatively affect Nike as they may spend more money manufacturing and transporting the goods than what they receive in return. Sony, Play station 3: Since Sony and their PS3 is categorized as a gaming entertainment system, the stores that usually sell this product are gaming retailers like, Game, HMV, Game station, and CEX, however, since PS3 became a worldwide product, they have gradually been sold within basic superstores like Tesco, Wall mart, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, ASDA and Waitrose. Again, due to the products speculation and overall success, these businesses decided to get in touch with Sony and sell their produce (PS3) as they were certain its success will provide them with increased sales, and overall profits. Many businesses like  Tesco also bought the stock in order for more people to enter their stores, fro example, by increased amounts of people entering a Tesco in search for a PS3, they may buy a certain drink or product provided by Tesco, and because of this Tesco and other superstores selling the PS3 may have also generated increased product/stock sales and well as potential increased profits. Much like the positive effect presented above this will also overall benefit Sony, as an increased amount of businesses wanting to sell their produce, will mean an increase in funding and overall boost in the finances within the organisation as more money will be externally inserted within the company. The only negative again could possibly be an insufficient amount of money to compensate for the immense amount of demands from businesses wanting to sell Sony’s products, however their funding/money should cover it, thus evading this problem and providing Sony with no real negative issue in regards to this problem. Evaluate the marketing techniques used by a selected business Nike: After evaluating and analysing Nike and their Mercurial Vapor football boots, I have resulted in a conclusion, and have formatted my final opinion, on their way of marketing. I personally believe Nike used very smart and successful marketing strategies, as the popularity of their business represents how they have globally attracted people to their brands, and sports apparel. For example, in regards to their Product, I believe the way they’ve dealt with the growing/fast competition really functions well within their business. For example, Nike has adapted and became accustom to bringing out and releasing new products, like football boots every couple of months/year in order to sustain the interest of their customers and target audience. For example, they need to sustain each of their products like the Mercurial Football boots within the growing sector in regards to the product life cycle, until the next brand or style of boot gets released. Without these certain functions, and Nike standardized approach, I doubt the business would be as successful as it has been over the past few years, this certain function has certainly helped Nike achieve success, sales and profits; and these are all very beneficial features within an organisation. Due to these factors, I also believe Nike has breached its customers’ expectations; they have released consistent and fashionable products, much  like the rapid production and competition of football boots, and they are definitely one of the best within their selected sector of Sports and Leisure apparel/equipment. This is why I believe Nike could be regarded as one of the best, if not the best football boot producers/retailers within the world, and I believe they are definitely one of the feared businesses, in regards to their competitors like Adidas, Puma, Umbro, Sondico and Warrior. Secondly, I believe Nike’s Promotional sector is also very effective, for example, as I mentioned previously, I believe the way Nike advertise and present their products is very professional, stylish and smart in regards to their appearance. And because if this, I believe Nike’s target audience is expanded, for example, by appealing to an increased amount of people, Nike’s football boot sales may increase, therefore Nike may even result in an increase within profits; thus benefiting the business further. I also believe Nike conducted their sponsors very professionally and successfully as well. For example, Nike and their range of football boots obtain sponsorship deals with players like Zlatan Ibrahimović and the two time Ballon d’Or winner; Cristiano Ronaldo. I believe these deals have secured Nike’s success, for example, due to players like Ronaldo promoting their produce, an increase amount of people have been encouraged to buy their products , like the Mercurial football boots; thus boosting their sales, revenue and overall, profits. Again, in comparison to their competitors, I believe Nike are the best in their business sector. For example, the way they’ve conducted each commercial, poster or other promotional source, they do it with certain features that I feel provides them with an edge in regards to attracting and generated desiring customers.  Within Nike, I feel their pricing strategies were extremely good / beneficial to the organisation, and I believe, there isn’t any other form of strategy that I would follow, in terms of generating sales, and ultimately profits. For example, I believe the strategies they used were very good, in regards to their products, and how it will function with their target audience/customers. For example, one of the pricing strategies they used was, promotional pricing, this is where business sell their goods by offering certain deals and sales and cutting down the price in order to attract and generate an increased amount of customers. I believe it was  convenient for a business like Nike to use this certain strategy, as the football boot market is very competitive, and new boots will have to be released every couple of months/ year. Because of this, it’s only right if they cut down the price on their other goods by introducing sales, offers and other forms of promotional pricing, in order to attract more customers, and potentially increase sales/profits. Another form of Promotional pricing that Nike conduct is the strategy known as Price skimming. This is where businesses initially release their item at a very high price; however, as it progresses through the product life cycle, this price tends to decrease in order to benefit the business and customers by producing potentially more sales, thus more profits, as well as a cheaper price, therefore increasingly affordable. Again in Nike’s case, this is mainly due to the strong, competitive market. For example, new products like Mercurial football boot s will have to be released, therefore the stock referred to as the old stock will slowly come down in price as new products and goods get released. This will benefit Nike as the cheaper prices could attract more customers, because of this, Nike could face an overall sales increase, and this sales increase could eventually lead to the increase in Nike’s profits. Nike could improve the sales of this by promoting these reductions in such things as Television Adverts or posters, combined with popular retail stores such as Sports Direct. By promoting these reduced offers, more people within their target audience may feel interested to purchase their products, due to this Nike’s sales and overall profit may lead to an increase. Within these advertisements further deals with popular sports personalities such as Cristiano Ronaldo could take place; further promoting these reduced products, ultimately leading to more people having a desire or wanting for these items, resulting in an increase in Nike’s sales and profits. I believe the way Nike sells their produce, like their Mercurial Vapors is very convenient and bene ficial to the organisation. Therefore I believe these certain pricing strategies are very effective and this specific range of marketing techniques are very successful in terms of generating the business with increased sales and overall increased profits. Nike has overcome their competitors by formulating certain schemes to override their opponents and receive increased customers, sales and profits. Like I mentioned previously, to strengthen this, Nike could promote their discounted and reduced prices  even more. For example, since a new style or variation of their products such as Football boots are renewed monthly in order to maintain a controlling position within the Market, a vast amount of their old products are slightly forgotten about in regards to customers and their target audience. Therefore I think it would be highly beneficial to Nike if they compensated more for the promotion of their older products with reduced prices as it could overall increase the sales of their business, and ultimately lead to increase publicity. More people would be interested to purchase these promoted items with reduced prices, creating a larger attraction to the Company (Nike) and its products, either new or old. Further promotional materials with sports personalities would also help solidify their position, as certain sporting figures may attract a larger audience to their business, increasing the publicity and knowledge of their products; this would be highly beneficial to Nike as it may result in increased sales, ultimately leading to an increase within profits, further benefiting the organisation. However, if I had to make one improvement I would say the pace at which the company skims the prices off its products. For example, many times I have been looking at popular football boots and noticed how the prices are extraordinarily high. For example, popular football boots promoted by famous athletes sometimes cost over  £200. For children, and sometimes adults, this type of money to compensate is nearly impossible, or considered a â€Å"waste†. This high price may result in push factors for people in search for the adequate balance I regards to sporting goods such as football boots, people will look for price, fitting and appearance; and if the price is high, it may deter people from purchasing it, ultimately reducing Nike’s sales, potentially leading to a decrease in profits. By increasing the rate at which these products are reduced, and shortening the period they are sold at a very high price for, more people may be attracted to buying and using the product, thus promoting the business’s content furthermore, and ultimately leading to an increase in profits due to increased customers and sales. Lastly, within the marketing sector, comes the section known as Place. This basically refers to where the products are actually sold. For example, for Nike this is the common sports retailers like Sports Direct, JD sports and  more. This encourages greater sales as the product is widely available. For example, it would be common to provide businesses who have generated success, prior to you letting them sell your specific items. Therefore, it was only beneficial for businesses like Nike to sell their good to businesses like Sports Direct who are very successful and have generated an array of customers in search for products like Nike’s Mercurial football boots. This will benefit them as the business’s success could potentially mean, more people might purchase Nike’s products, like their Mercurial Vapors, therefore Nike would benefit as they could potentially result in an increase within profits, and sales. Another way Nike may be able to improve the promotion and success of their sporting related goods could be the increase in personal customization, for example, many people buy and purchase products such as football boots to stand out within their selected sport, by allowing your customers to personalize a product, catered to their wants and desires will enable an increased level of individuality. For example, this customisation technique may allow people to feature their own personal initials and colour combinations on their selected Nike products. Also, this certain function should not only be introduced via the internet, but also via located outlets. This would enable people and customers to receive a visual on how their selected product would appear. Certain physical features such as a wider Nike product customisation would potentially lead an increased amount of customers, for example, like I mentioned previously, within their selected sports, people want to stand out, in order t o attract attention or an increased chance of remembrance. Therefore, by allowing people to customize their personal products whether it is tops, shoes, boots, shorts or even tennis rackets, a wider audience may be attracted. Ultimately this may increase Nike’s sales, leading to an increase in their overall profits. The only recommendation for Nike, in my opinion would be if they were to provide more promotional pricing methods in order to prevent certain items falling into a decline, for example, due to the high competition within the market in regards to football boots, they have to release new boots, every couple of months, therefore the â€Å"older† boots decline in price and popularity quickly. In order to prevent this, I think Nike should increase the amounts of offers within their football boot range; this will potentially increase sales and even boost profits as an  increased amount of people would be encouraged to purchase Nike’s products due to the falling/cheaper prices. Again this will benefit the business as more money could be generated, and this could possibly mean Nike may sell more, thus increasing their overall sales.

Cognitive Theory Detailed Outline

* Cognitive Theory Outline I. Theory: Cognitive Theory (CT) a. Key Concepts: i. The way a person’s mind collects and categorizes information is built into schemas. Those schemas help build associations with future thoughts, emotions and behaviors, as they determine how we categorize an experience. Schemas influence our recall of an experience (good or bad), our emotion (positive or negative), and our behavior (acceptance or avoidance), and how we relate it mentally to similar new situations that we encounter.If the schemas that are built within are faulty, they can cause a domino effect of inappropriate thoughts, emotions and behaviors until the faulty view is challenged and the old schema is replaced with a new one. ii. The most primitive schema houses our automatic thoughts. iii. Automatic thought can be visual or verbal. Other characteristics of the three types of automatic thought show that it; (1)is distorted, yet occurs although no evidence exists to support the distorte d thought (ex.Telling yourself you are the worst person in the world and believing it); (2) is a correct automatic thought, but the conclusion the patient draws isn’t (ex: I failed the test, so that means I’m stupid); or (3) is an accurate thought, but still dysfunctional (It will take me all night to finish his project! The behaviors associated with this thought becoming overwhelming and cause anxiety, which lessens the concentration and work output) (Murdock, 2009, p. 318). iv.Automatic thoughts are coexistent with our deeper thinking thoughts, as they are quick snapshots of thought that come about spontaneously without any reflective thought (Murdock, 2009, p. 318). v. CT Theory doesn’t believe that humans are innately good or bad, but rather neutral, whereby humans are seen as â€Å"organisms adapting to the environment† (Murdock, 2009, p. 319). vi. â€Å"CT assumes both an external, objective reality and a personal, subjective, phenomenological oneà ¢â‚¬  (Murdock, 2009, p. 319). vii. CT is most a â€Å"theory of psychological dysfunction† (Murdock, 2009, p. 319). viii.Murdock (2009) provides that Clark and Beck concluded that â€Å"cognitive processes evolved to enhance adaptation to the environment, and hence, survival (p. 319). ix. In CT, the â€Å"basic needs of humans are thought to be preservation, reproduction, dominance, and sociability’ (Murdock, 2009, p. 320). x. The cognitive model says that perception determines emotions and behavior. xi. Three types of cognitive processes that individuals have are; automatic (can be innate- suited to preservation and survival); conscious (the actual act of thinking), and metacognitive (an examination of how we think). ii. â€Å"Two kinds of cognitions are important in CT: core beliefs and assumptions, roles and attitudes† (Murdock, 2009, p. 323). xiii. CT theory asserts that human functioning is a product of what you learn and genetics. xiv. Recently, two ty pes of temperaments have been presented within the theory- autonomy and sociotrophy. Autonomous people strive towards mastery and control and rated self-worth and achievement without regard to others, while sociotrophic people rank themselves against others in terms of worth.These types approach thinking, and life differently based on their perspectives, therefore they feel and react differently. xv. CT recognizes that people can be illogically functional, meaning that you can function even if you have illogical beliefs, i. e. , someone who is functionally depressed. xvi. Issues are born in how an individual constructs his or her reality, which is based on â€Å"innate, biological, developmental, and environmental† factors (Murdock, 2009, p. 327). b. Key Theorists: xvii. Aaron Beck is the key theorist for Cognitive Theory.He also recognizes other cognitive theorists as influences, including Magna Arnold, George Kelly, and Albert Bandana. c. Appropriate Populations for the The ory: xviii. Appropriate populations for this theory may be those that need anger management, are suffering from depression, bipolar disease, manic depressives, substance abuse disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenics, personality disorders, and social phobias; Western populations, Chinese and other Asian populations . Inappropriate Populations for the Theory (Explain why. ) xix. Possibly some non-Western cultures, Latinos, Asians, American Indians, those that are highly spiritual, Indian populations, and those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered may experience challenges with regard to this therapeutic approach. e. Therapist’s Role: xx.The therapist is to assess the client’s thoughts, get a full psychological evaluation, examine client cognition to bring awareness to client as a means for improving cognitive thinking (by asking questions that lead the client to arrive at a counselor predetermined destination, thus giving them ownership and responsibility), help the client make specific goals, analyze those goals from a CT prospective, develop a cognitive plan for clients, and teach the CT model. f.Client’s Role: xxi. The client is to establish goals for therapy, remain independent throughout the process, learn and implement the CT model and remain active and engaged in the therapeutic services. xxii. The client is a student who collaborates with the therapist, and eventually, leads therapy as sessions show proof of the client’s growth. g. Theory Strengths: xxiii. This theory’s roots â€Å"lie in both behavioral and psychoanalytic approaches† (Murdock, 2009, p. 319). xiv. CT is â€Å"structured active, collaborative, and psychoeducational† and â€Å"emphasizes a scientific approach† (Murdock, 2009, p. 332). xxv. â€Å"The goals of CT are to identify and change faulty information processing and to modify beliefs that support psychological dysfunction to ones that are more adaptive† (Murdock, 2009, p. 333). Rebuilding or rewiring thought processes as they relate to primal schemas should allow the individual to present with more adaptive behavior. xvi. Cognitive and behavioral techniques are used in CT. Some of those techniques include; questioning (socratic, or leading questions), downward arrow (diagram of thoughts, starting with those close to the surface and moving down to the core), thought recording (journal worksheet), behavioral environments (choosing behaviors that challenge faulty beliefs- ex: if you say I never have fun, choose to start oing things that you think would be fun), activity scheduling (build a calendar that keeps client engaged in life), graded tasks (breaking bigger tasks into smaller ones as to not be overwhelmed), problem solving, imagery (replacing negative images, or turning them off by interrupting the associated thought), role-playing (or behavior reversal). h. Theory Limitations: xxvii. The length of time can be considered a limitation of CT, as it is typically a short term intervention (Murdock, 2009, p. 332). xxviii.Change in schemas may need more time to occur than suggested in CT, specifically if the dysfunction resides in a core schema structure. xxix. The theory is difficult to use, as it may be harder to locate the root issues built within the deeper schemas. xxx. CT ignores the client’s emotion and history in favor of his thinking (Murdock, 2009, p. 343). i. Key Terms (Write a short definition for each. ): xxxi. Cognitive Therapy describes systems that highlight awareness and understanding of dysfunctions to bring about interventions and changes in the way people think, react, feel and behave. xxii. â€Å"Schemas are cognitive structures that organize the barrage of information with which we are constantly confronted† (Murdock, 2009, p. 320) xxxiii. Stereotype threat is â€Å"the anxiety aroused by the prospective risk of believing and confirming a negativ e stereotype about yourself because you belong to a group that has been negatively stereotyped â€Å"(ex: poor people are uneducated) (Murdock, 2009, p. 322). xxxiv. Core beliefs are stored within our schemas, and contain our most basic, fundamental beliefs, and are therefore the hardest to modify. xxv. Immediate beliefs are â€Å"assumptions, rules and attitudes† about what â€Å"should† and â€Å"must† be (Murdock, 2009, p. 323). xxxvi. Simple schemas involve â€Å"physical objects or very distinct, simple, ideas, such as dogs, books, computers and so forth† (Murdock, 2009, p. 323). xxxvii. Automatic thoughts are spontaneous assessments or pictures that exist along with our more conscious, deeper thoughts (Murdock, 2009, p. 323). xxxviii. The mode is defined as â€Å"networks of cognitive, affective, motivational, and ehavioral schemas that compose personality and interpret ongoing situations† (Murdock, 2009, p. 324). xxxix. The conscious contro l system is responsible for metacognition and intentional behavior, such as that based on personal goals and values (Murdock, 2009, p. 324). xl. Primal modes promote preservation, survival, reproduction, and sociability. (Murdock, 2009, p. 324). 1. There are four types are primal modes; threat, loss, victim (evolved to protect and preserve survival) and self-enhancement (helps the person adapt) (Murdock, 2009, p. 24). xli. Primary modes that are dysfunctional are caused by changes in environmental factors. Those changes caused a reaction in the individual which may present as a person with dysfunctional thinking. xlii. Constructive modes help you build through the experiences you encounter as you live. â€Å"They are associated with positive emotions and adaptive characteristics and include (a) the capacity for intimacy, (b) personal mastery, (c) creativity, and (d) independence† (Murdock, 2009, p. 25). xliii. Minor modes are conscious and narrowly â€Å"focused on everyday life situations, such as reading, writing, social interaction, athletic activities† (Murdock, 2009, p. 325). xliv. Photoschemas are â€Å"inmate patterns that interact with experience to develop the modes†, as the modal theory explains (Murdock, 2009, p. 326). xlv. Health is â€Å"information processing that allows the individual to meet his goals of survival, reproduction, and sociability† (Murdock, 2009, p. 327). xlvi.Cognitive triad is the â€Å"depressive’s negative views towards the self, the world, and the future† (ex: I’m a bad person, the world caused me to be this way, and we’re all going to hell. ) (Murdock, 2009, p. 328). j. Is this theory research based? Evidenced based? (Justify your rationale. ) xlvii. This theory is research based, as Murdock shares that â€Å"Cognitive Therapy is perhaps that most well-researched counseling approach in existence, with an overwhelming amount of empirical support for its effectiveness wi th a variety of client problems. She also notes that the â€Å"evidence for the theoretical assumptions and structure is less impressive† (Murdock, 2009, p. 344). k. Special training requirements: xlviii. This therapy requires the therapist to be culturally aware and sensitive the client’s needs. Reference Murdock, N. L. (2009). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: a case approach (2nd Ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.