(can you come up with one) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

(can you come up with one) - Essay Example Professional experience in a for-profit organization is a strong advantage, as well as the ability to demonstrate successful teaching experience. The position to be filled is that of a highly intellectual individual with specialized skills, knowledge and experience. According to Haesli and Boxall (2005), such individuals seek facets of employment ordinary workers do not, and would look to find the following qualifications when selecting an employer: From the foregoing, Sincere College, in its desire to source the best possible applicant for the position and maintain such an individual for the long-term, must offer above all work that is continuously interesting to the individual, not routinary but challenging to the person’s specialized abilities (Douglas, 2010). Sincere College should furthermore offer the candidate a competitive salary worthy of his/her high qualifications, in the area of $X,XXX.XX per month. He/she shall also enjoy the following benefits: XXXX Finally, he or she should be informed that the position is in the tenure track, and may expect to be welcome as a part of the long and illustrious tradition of Sincere College. The College should be shown to have a dynamic strategic approach to academic pursuits, as strategic flexibility determines the organizational commitment to ensure the satisfaction and growth of its employees (Roca-Puig, et al., 2005). Internal recruitment should first be attempted prior to advertising outside of the college. It is possible that qualified teaching personnel already exist in the college, and such announcement, through posting in the school intranet or HR bulletin board for notice of vacancies or by circulating through memorandum. This allows interested individuals the chance to express their interest to be considered for the position, and the skills and abilities are already known to the college,

Chinese Immigration to Canada Essay Example for Free

Chinese Immigration to Canada Essay Canadian culture and the way Canadians live their lives is signi? cantly different from the Chinese. Chinese who are â€Å"fresh off the boat† often struggle with language barriers, cultural gaps and the new environments they are introduced to because they arrived in a strange country with no experience. In spite of the dif? culties many Chinese encounter, they are willing to acquire new knowledge about Canada. Many families who immigrate to Canada lose everything. They encounter ? nancial, employment, and language issues. Although interacting in a new language can be extremely stressful for immigrants and be detrimental to their self-esteem, learning English is inevitable for Chinese immigrants. Chinese immigrants would blend into Canadian society easier if they had previous knowledge of cultural and social differences or a greater language pro? ciency that would allow them to adapt more effectively in their new society as well as interact more comfortably. ! Immigrant children are usually shy when in a class with other Canadians. Most of the time, when Chinese students come to Canada, they usually associate with their friends who speak Chinese and they avoid interacting with other students who speak English. However, when students make friends, they are introduced to a new language and new social behaviours. These new friendships are bene? cial to both the native Canadian as well as the immigrant student because they learn from each other. This learning fosters tolerance instead of breeding ignorance and racism. It is crucial for immigrant students to meet native Canadians because that is the most convenient means of introducing them to their new society. ! Families that have no relatives or friends in Canada immediately experience signi? cant ? nancial and employment problems. These complications prevent new immigrants from feeling safe in their new country, and many seek comfort in church groups. These church groups help new immigrants to adjust to the Canadian lifestyle, and they also provide important resources for the new immigrant to explore in order to adjust to their new community with few problems. Yet, in the recent years, many wealthy Chinese have immigrated to Canada, so factors like ? nancial and employment problems do not apply to them. Many of these wealthy Chinese immigrants operate businesses in China from Canada; therefore, the need to ? nd employment is not problematic. ! Many Chinese immigrants come to Canada because of the numerous opportunities Canada provides. The student life within school and outside of school provides more freedom and the ability to think independently. In China, high school students are loaded with homework and spend most of their free time doing homework and going to tutors. The Canadian scenery provides opportunities of living in a new country with beautiful landscapes and wonders. Families are ? nally able to relax in a non-overpopulated country and enjoy the nice weather. Background History Before The first Chinese immigrants to settle in Canada were 50 artisans who accompanied Captain John Meares in 1788 to help build a trading post on the West Coast of Canada. In 1858, Chinese immigrants began arriving from San Francisco as gold prospectors in the Fraser River Valley, and Barkerville, BC, became the first Chinese community in Canada. By the 1860s, the Chinese population of Vancouver Island and BC was estimated to be around 7000. Many of the first Chinese migrants were young peasants from South China. They laboured under appalling conditions to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Between 1880 and 1885, 15 000 Chinese labourers completed the BC section of the CPR, but more than 600 workers died during the construction stage. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were more than 17000 settlers in Canada. From 1988 to 1993, more than 167 000 Hong Kong immigrants settled in Canada, By 2001, 82% of people of Chinese origin lived in one of these two provinces. By the start of the 21st century, the 2006 census showed that there were 1 346 510 people of Chinese ancestry living in Canada. The Chinese are the third largest ethnic group in Canada, after the English and French. The major periods of Chinese immigration (from 1858 to 1923 and since 1947) shows changes in the Canadian Government Immigration Policy. From 1885, Chinese immigrants were obligated to pay a $50 â€Å"entry fee† or head tax† before being admitted into Canada. The Chinese were the only ethnic group to pay a tax to enter Canada. By the 1900s, in response to agitation in BC, the Liberal government restricted Chinese immigration by raising the head tax to $100 per person. After the 1903 session of Parliament passed legislation raising the head tax to $500, the number of Chinese who paid the head tax dropped from 4719 to 8 people. Current Situation Chinese immigrants in the 21st century come to Canada for a better education, freedom and hopes to start a new life. The education system in China does not incorporate both physical activity and studying. However, some immigrants only come to Canada to leech money from the government by buying land. Statistics 72% born outside of Canada 45% born in Peoples Republic of China 30% born in Hong Kong 10% born in Taiwan 85% can either speak French or English Why did the Chinese decide to immigrate to Canada? ! The year 1858 marked the start of the Chinese immigration to Canada. None of the colonies at that time had immigration restrictions. The ? rst wave of Chinese immigrants to arrive in Canada were in? uenced by various push and pull factors. The push factors were ? oods, and wars in China which made it dif? cult for people to grow crops for food, live in safety and peace, and make a living. Pull factors for Canada were related to the slow growth of the young country. New settlements and industries often had a shortage of workers. British Columbia was very distant from Europe and eastern North America which meant that China was the largest source of low-cost labour. Other factors such as efforts of labour recruiters and in? uence of family and village networks also in? uenced the decision to migrate to Canada. ! Most Chinese immigrants in the last quarter of the 19th century came from a small area in the southern part of China. There were eight regions but only four regions had rich soil. Only ten percent of the land was usable for growing crops. All the districts were heavily populated and farmers often faced natural disasters such as ? oods and droughts. At the end of the 19th century, China was in a political disaster. Poor living conditions led to revolts and wars, including the Opium Wars against the British. Farmers were dragged into armies, crops were ruined and bandit gangs raided villages during these unstable years. The Chinese government could not maintain law and order in the region. ! Gold was discovered along the Fraser River in British Columbia during 1858. Thousands of workers, including the Chinese, who worked in the California Gold Rush, immediately came to Canada. Therefore, there was a tremendous need of workers in British Columbia to build roads, clear land and construct railways. They also worked in coal mines, ? sh canneries and on farms.

Use of Excessive Force by Police :: Police Law Legal Force Essays

Use of Excessive Force by Police Introduction: Police officers are given a significant amount of discretion simply due to the nature of the job. Officers are faced with many threatening situations forcing them to react quickly yet appropriately. They have the power to infringe upon any citizen's rights to freedom and therefore they must use this power effectively. One major concern with the amount of discretion officers have is their power to decide when to use force or when to use lethal force. Manning (1997:295) argues that it is generally accepted that police should be allowed to use force. He also explains that there is an uncertainty among people as to what constitutes excessive force. The line between what is necessary and what is extreme is very thin. Use of force is no doubt one important aspect in policing; however, force should also be used with great discretion. If officers do not use force on every suspect they encounter they may be creating a negative environment for the community. The community policing style is defined by David M. Allender as (2004:18-19), ?Community policing is a philosophy of full-service, personalized policing where the same officer patrols and works in the same area on a permanent basis, from a decentralized place, working in a proactive partnership with citizens to identify and solve problems.? The most important factors to community policing include personalization, partnership and problem-solving (Allender, 2004:19). The idea is to create a relationship with citizens that is trustworthy and honest. When officers begin to use force to control the community, citizens began to view officers as authority figures instead of service officers that are there to protect and serve. This results in a break down of the relationship between officers and the community. In community policing force should only be used if other efforts are deemed ineffective. The use of force can pertain many different actions a police officer participates in. Force can range from simply verbal commands to the dangerous use of lethal force. Police no doubt need to have discretion to use force to protect themselves as well as community. Guidelines need to be set so that officers continue to incorporate and maintain the concept of community policing. The purpose of this article is to inform readers that police discretion not only encompasses use of police profiling, responses to domestic violence, or choices in acceptance of gratuities but discretionary decision to use force.

Identify the Different Reasons People Communicate Essay

Effective and consistent communication within a setting, as indeed, within most realms of everyday life, is not merely desirable, yet vital. It ensures that the needs of all parties within the organisation may be catered for, according to their unique and individual sets of requirements. For instance, if we were to adopt a ‘catch-all’ philosophy within the setting, it is inevitable that many children would be sidelined and their particular set of needs not fully addressed. It is only through regular and thorough assessment and the effective communication of such, that we may arrive at a suitable evaluation and from there, put into motion the best possible course of action to meet the needs of children, their parents/ carers and staff most efficiently. Communication is key at every level within the setting. At it’s most basic, it is quite simply a tool to ‘ get the job done’ in the most efficient and timely manner. Recognising that communication is a varied and far reaching tool which can be done verbally but equally so, non verbally is key. Gestures, facial expressions, body language and tone of voice all convey a story to an other person. Remaining vigilant to the effect your actions may have on another is vitally important when considering the impact your ‘bad day’ could have on another. Simply acknowledging those around you in a positive manner, being affable and approachable, will all make for more pleasant and effective working environment for all involved. see more:reasons for communication The conveyance of information between staff members, parents and children alike within a setting, is central to the successful running of an establishment where the emotional, educational and physical needs of all involved are of paramount importance. Regular feedback to staff members ensures that any concerns can be addressed and the team can work together more effectively. From the very first beginnings when a child walks through the doors for the first time, a message is being communicated. It is vital then that a setting ensures that it is communicating the correct messages by establishing good first impressions with those who come into contact with the setting. A smile of acknowledgement is often all that is required to put new comers, both young and old, at ease. An open, friendly and professional demeanor will aid in the building of trust between the setting and parents/ carers and children as indeed, with any exterior organisations with which the setting may well need to work alongside, such as social services or perhaps occupational therapists. Regular contact with parents/ carers ensures that school is not a ‘closed book’ area of their child’s life with which they have no involvement. It is indeed crucial to a child’s scholastic career to have the support and input from their family members and settings benefit enormously from open and trusting relationships with parents/ carers where information can be shared and used to better suit the child’s needs. Regular and well delivered praise and reassurance can only serve to bolster and maintain a child’s sense of well being and esteem and establish boundaries without creating negative self image. Really getting to know each child and being able to pick up on what isn’t being said is also essential. A child’s need to express their emotions is critical to their development and they must be provided with a safe environment from which to do so.

Buyer behavior & integrated marketing Essay

Briefly summarize the marketing problem/issue you have researched, and provide a brief, but multi dimensional profile of the target market. The problems on which this assignment focuses on is how can an organization understand and influence the demands and needs of a consumer by using consumer decision making model and the a decision sequence model which helps an organization define a set sequence in order to plan for its marketing and promotional strategy. The company that has been researched upon in the research paper is Automobili Lamborghini S. p. A that has recently launched its new SUV in the market which also happens to be the first SUV car from the company. The car is known is Lamborghini SUV and there are a lot of things that need to be taken care of when introducing and marketing the car in automobile arena. A consumer decision model will help the company in order to see how a particular group of consumers decides for a particular commodity. What are their preferences, their expectations, how can they be attracted, what is their taste, how well do they memorize a certain product, their loyalties to a particular brand, their interpretation from a product or marketing strategy and the knowledge that they possess. A consumer consciously or unconsciously using all these factors when going to buy a product thus in the case of Lamborghini SUV the consumer will again question himself on the above mentioned grounds (MacKenzie 1986). As given in the research done on the company, the main problems that the company tends to identify from the consumer behavior are; 1. What is the product 2. What is the target market 3. What are the substitutes 4. How does the price and value for money are correlated 5. Is the product a luxury item 6. What sort of a decision sequence model can be used Here is a brief answer to all of the questions mentioned above. As we all know that the product is a luxury SUV that is being marketed for the first time by the company, the company has to target to a specific group with specific characteristics. These people are supposed to be well to do by having good executive level jobs or running businesses and having a family of 2 to 3 persons. This suggests that the targeted customer should be more then 35 years of age but not more than 45 because that goes beyond the sporty and speedy characteristics of the car. The sport and speedy characteristics of the car open two marketing and targeting corridors for the company, that are, 1. executives and managing directors, (as discussed above) and 2. The existing sports cars clients who will then be filtered for having or not having a taste for a sports SUV. The problem is that the product that is in question in the research is quite expensive and thus it is not at all like marketing coke. Customers need to be educated and informed about the value and worth of the product that should be other than the actual cost price of the car (Bettman 1975). With reference to Blackwell, Miniard and Engel analytical framework, analyze the likely buying behavior of your target market, in terms of degree of problem solving, and identify the probable influences on this decision process. You should also identify any issues related to the information processing aspect, as this will inform task 3 With reference to Blackwell, Miniard and Engel, the decision of any consumer is based upon and involves two or more products that are substitutes to each other. For example a consumer might choose between going out for a movie or staying at home, for this matter going to movie and staying at home will serve to be as substitutes to each other. Similarly, in this of Lamborghini, the consumers have a range of choices. These choices include other sporty SUV’s that already in the market by competitor brands like BMW, Mercedes, Chrysler and others. Thus Lamborghini should look into the matter that what do consumers want in an SUV, how and what characteristics they should highlight to attract their customers. Blackwell, Miniard and Engel advocate the fact that there are a number of cognitive processes going on in a consumer mind while he makes purchase decisions. These cognitive decisions can be identified as consumer knowledge about the market and the product, beliefs and memories about information that a consumer gathers from marketing and promotional activities going on around them, their cognitive process of comprehension and lastly their integration cognitive process in which a consumer evaluates two or more choices and short lists to one final choice. This choice is made on the basis of certain behavioral decisions, thus the decision making process of a consumer can also be regarded as their decision plan. A Cognitive Process Model of Consumer Decision Making Lamborghini should keep in mind that its consumers will gather most of the information from their surroundings. Apart from their own marketing campaign, the consumers consciously and unconsciously are gaining information about the sporty cars, their models, information about other brands, performance of other SUV’s that come I the same category of sporty cars and much more. Consumers are exposed to TV shows, magazines, discussions and even get to see these products live at show rooms that they already a lot about the car. However, a marketer should always keep in mind that in order to attract a customer and give him what he wants, the product should be marketed in such a way that the consumer directly notices what he wants in the product without him being analyzing and comparing with other brands(Roberts 2000). The marketing campaign should highlight the characteristics of the product itself in the marketing campaign rather than letting the customer gather the information on his own that can also lead to possibilities that the customer may not be able to find those characteristics on his own. Same goes for Lamborghini, the company must market the new SUV in such a way that it highlights both its sporty nature and its symbol of power of status in order to cater both the target markets that have already been identified in the previous section. Moreover a company must also see into how do different consumers tend to interpret the information and marketing material that is made available to the customers. This data must be designed in such a way that it is not contrary to any sort of a customer because every potential customer might interpret the information in line with his own preferences and tastes. For example, those customers who are business and corporate executives want the car to be a status symbol for them, thus a campaign should not only cater the racing and sport nature of the car because that will leave an informal image over the formal and status conscious customers. Thus the interpretation of customers should also be taken into account by Lamborghini when coming up with a marketing plan. Moreover Lamborghini should introduce the product in the market that it leaves a lasting impression in the memory of the potential consumers. This is because the consumers that Lamborghini is planning to target are the ones who will not think about whether to buy or not to buy a product. They will tend to go to buy only when they need to buy a product. For this they must have an image of Lamborghini in their minds that they can recall when they feel the need for a product. Moreover, as the product that Lamborghini is marketing is a product that the consumers do not buy very quickly due to its price, thus over this decision making plan and process of the consumers, Lamborghini should also provide the consumers with new information and characteristics of the car in order to renew the old information in the minds of consumers along with keeping them more informed and updated about the product. This can easily be done with a planned marketing campaign through which new information and strategies can be implemented as soon as the company feels the need to implement them(Moner 1973). The integration and evaluation process is stored in a consumer’s memory and thus most of the time it is seen that these evaluations then tend to turn into attitudes and beliefs of a consumer. These beliefs and attitude are of both the natures, they can be changed and at times they cannot be changed. Thus the marketer need to focus on these beliefs and attitudes because basically these are the factors that influence a customer’s intension in his decision making process. Thus Lamborghini can use this information of customer in many ways that is; they can analyze why brand loyal consumers go for a certain brand, why do they hate another brand and what are their beliefs and attitudes towards the product if they don’t go with it. For example, some customers might be loyal to Lamborghini sedan cars and they might not go for an SUV because they might think that they are not that fast s the sedan, hence, the Lamborghini can use this information by educating its customers and potential target market that the Lamborghini SUV is as fast as a normal sedan and can highlight extra advantages of the SUV then the normal sedan. The company can also market its muscular look and powerful attributes in order to attract those customers who are looking for sporty SUV’s due to status symbol both in an out of the office, that is in the corporate world and when traveling with a family(Woodside 1992).

Treat ADD Without Medication essays

Treat ADD Without Medication essays Attention Deficit Disorder is todays leading psychiatric disorder. ADD individuals tend to be hyperactive, fidgety, impulsive, have difficulties with waiting turns and being patient, inattentive, forgetful, and have problems focusing, paying attention, or concentrating on one thing. It seems as though today, physicians do not hesitate to prescribe medications to children. According to studies, only 3 to 5 percent of school age children have ADD or ADHD, yet 5 to 15 percent are on Ritalin, which is the most commonly used drug for the disorder. (Smith, 2003) Drugs are not the answer. They are only a temporary relief from the problem, as they mask the childs behaviors. Doctors today seem to just write out prescriptions for these instant, magical fixes, without even attempting to look deeper to find the root of the childs behavioral problems. These pills arent even safe, they come with serious side effects. Ritalin, which comes from the same family as cocaine, is said to cause appetite loss, anxiety, insomnia, tics, headaches, and stomach aches. It also only lasts 4 hours, for a temporary but quick fix. (Ullman, 1996, p. 42) There are so many better, longer lasting, safe, and cost efficient solutions to cope with ADD, other than medication. I know it can be done, because I for one, was a child with ADD. I have learned to cope with the disorder naturally all on my own. I was never diagnosed as a child, but I definitely had it because I could not concentrate, I never listened to directions, I never read any of the assigned books or readings because I could not sit still and concentrate. I used to get so frustrated that I would just walk away from my homework, and my parents would do it all for me, which is how I managed my way through elementary school. I never even knew what ADD was, and I was just recently diagnosed with it. I struggled all through high school because it took m...

Can you keep a secret Essays

Can you keep a secret Essays Can you keep a secret Paper Can you keep a secret Paper The two plays that I have chosen to compare are Road by Jim Cartwright and Can you keep a secret by Winsome Pinnock. Road had its theatrical debut in 1986, at the Royal Court Theatre in London, and was later adapted by the BBC to a film in 1987. Can you keep a secret was written in 1993 and was one of the many successful plays written by Winsome Pinnock. Road is a play that scopes into the lives of a number of people living down the same run-down, poverty stricken road. By use of a narrator, Scullery, we are introduced to all the main characters in the road and given a brief insight to their tragic and almost pathetic lives and pastimes, which mainly revolve around drink, drugs and sex. Can you keep a secret is a play about the after affects of a racist killing, particularly on a teenage girl who has to face up to a moral dilemma, whether to tell the truth or keep quiet for her boyfriend who is the murderer. The main theme that both plays have in common is the idea of loss of identity. In Road we see the loss of identity, people not knowing why they exist, not fighting for a better life or being who they want to be or once were. Long ago I gived up the idea of making a book, and instead, now I just give em out to people for the price of a pint or chips Here we have the Professor, (not a real one) whilst he introduces himself to the audience. We can see by his tone of voice and comment about his life that he is not the ambitious type, has given up on life and just takes what is given to him in terms of luck. A lot of the characters in Road have similar attitudes. Can you keep a secret talks about identity in a slightly different way. It demonstrates what many teenagers experience when growing up and learning what to do and what not to do. Teenagers are often faced with confusion about identity, particularly their own. This play demonstrates this, with many of the characters knowing inside them that something is wrong but not having the courage to face up to it. Letting others cloud their judgement. Were like Siamese twins. If one gets hurt the others feel it. Here one of the boys, Chunky, insisting on his loyalty to Sean after he just killed Derek. This sort of attitude, when concerning something as serious as a murder is very naive but is a common problem within teenage problems. The other themes in Road include depression, dis-satisfaction with ones life and existentialism. The idea of having a negative, and almost bitter view on life and being led to believe that life doesnt get any better or worse. Fucking long life init. This phrase is repeated throughout the play by different characters at the end of their scene directly to the audience, emphasising their attitude towards life. Can you keep a secret deals with other themes such as mateship and loyalty, racism and pier pressure. The ways in which the themes and story lines are put across in each play are very different. Road, rather then using a traditional beginning, middle and end structure it uses an episodic structure to demonstrate the themes of the play rather then a story line and subplot. Each character in Road has their own story to tell and they are briefly touched on throughout the whole play by use of lengthy, personal and emotive monologues and character to character dialogue. But all I did was go down. I lost my wife, me family, half me stomach, everything The professors monologue describes his life and struggles. Can you keep a secret however has a more conventional structure, and has more dialogue between characters to tell the story compared to Road. The whole script is interaction between characters to tell the story. You do not learn as much about the characters in Can you keep a secret as you do in Road as Road is based upon deeper analysis of characters and their lives by monologues and the characters talking directly to the audience and opening up to the audience. See how easy you can slip when youre a scientist in the slums. Professor, talking about his life, almost ashamed of his experiences. In Can you keep a secret there is no interaction with the audience and the audience are distanced from the characters and story. Whereas with Road the play breaks the 4th wall and the characters get fully involved with the audience on and off stage and talk direct to the audience in character. Which allows the audience to get a deeper understanding of each character.

The 20 Best Graphic Design Schools in the US

The 20 Best Graphic Design Schools in the US SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Graphic designers are involved in nearly everything we look at, watch, or read, from the designs on books, to the way websites navigate, to halftime commercials, to logos on business cards. Graphic designers are the visual wizards who make sure every concert poster and app user interface has an impact and communicates a desired message. If this sounds appealing to you, you might wonder how you can become a graphic designer. Well, you go to school! In this article, I’ll discuss what a graphic design program is, how I created this list, the best graphic design schools, and how to choose the right program for you. What Is a Graphic Design School? Graphic design, or communication design, is the use of image, text, and media to convey information or ideas. Graphic designers are strategic communicators who design advertisements, book jackets, posters, websites, app interfaces, publishing layouts, album art, logos, and so on and so forth. If you’re creative and innovative, particularly if you’re also interested in technology, graphic design may be a good option for you. To become a professional graphic designer, you’ll need a strong portfolio of work to show potential employers, which you could theoretically do on your own or by getting an associate degree. But if you want a fully fleshed-out college experience, a guaranteed strong portfolio, and ready-made industry connections, consider getting a BA or BFA in graphic design or communications design (the name and specific degree type depends on the school). Graphic design programs can be found both at art schools and as departments within larger universities. They're even found at some technical schools! This list includes graphic design programs of all types, but all are great places to get a graphic design education and to learn the skills you need to launch a design career. Ranking Methodology for Graphic Design Schools How did I compile these graphic design school rankings? First, I found as many lists of the best graphic design schools that I could possibly find. I eliminated ones that seemed to come from less reliable or less reputable sources (like personal blogs) or that were already aggregated lists from other sources (since they would be redundant). This left me with rankings from all kinds of sources with all kinds of data- trade magazines, alumni rankings, student satisfaction, and so on. US News and World Report does not rank undergraduate graphic design programs but does have data on freshman retention rates, which I also factored in. All of the rankings were preliminarily averaged. Schools were then ranked based on average score, how many lists they appeared in (so a school that appeared in spots 5 and 6 on two lists but appeared on no others didn’t necessarily beat a school that appeared in spots 7, 8, 7, and 8 on four lists). Freshman retention rates were used to break ties in close calls. Overall, the rankings reflect a fairly holistic measure of prestige/name recognition, student satisfaction, alumni valuation of the program, and return-on-investment. Was this layout designed by a master graphic design student? You decide. The Best Graphic Design Schools Here are the 20 top graphic design programs. Included with each entry is the school's location, information about the school, its acceptance rate, and the degrees offered. All acceptance rates are for fall 2019 unless otherwise noted. I’ve linked to our admissions requirements pages for all of these schools, but these pages are mostly focused on GPA and test scores. Keep in mind that when applying to a graphic design program, a strong portfolio of your past creative work will likely be more important than grades or GPA. Best Overall Programs These are programs with high name recognition, consistently high rankings, and notable faculty and alumni. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) - Providence, Rhode Island RISD is essentially the Harvard of art schools in terms of name recognition and famous alumni (including, but not limited to, the founders of Airbnb, animator/comedian Seth MacFarlane, actor James Franco, and fashion designers Nicole Miller and Jill Stuart). Alumni have also received a number of MacArthur â€Å"genius† grants. If you attend RISD, you can expect well-funded programs and faculty in the very top of their disciplines. It’s unsurprising, then, that RISD was consistently at the top of school rankings for graphic design. It’s one of the most competitive schools on this list and has a strongly established, well-known graphic design program. Students apply to RISD overall and do not select a major until midway through their first year of study. Graphic Design is one of the largest undergraduate departments at RISD, with about 165 students. Students graduate with a BFA degree. See here for our expert admissions requirements for RISD. Acceptance Rate: 29% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Parsons School of Design (The New School) - Manhattan, New York Parsons is another school with a lot of name recognition and top-notch faculty, and they consistently appear at the top of best-program rankings. In 2019 the school was named the best design school in the United States by QS World University Rankings, and the third-best in the world, largely in recognition of its interdisciplinary focus on the nuts-and-bolts technical and the design-functional. The school's four-year BFA program in Communication Design (a graphic design equivalent) has placed alumni at Google, Facebook, and New York Magazine, and has also produced a healthy crop of entrepreneurs and freelancers. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Parsons. Acceptance Rate: 35% (The New School) Degree Offered: BFA in Communication Design The Pratt Institute - Brooklyn, New York The Pratt Institute is another prestigious program located on a historic campus in Brooklyn, NY. They are invested in a philosophy of â€Å"poetic pragmatism,† in which artistic vision is married with practical skills. Many faculty are working professionals in their fields who teach part-time. The Pratt Institute offers a BFA in Communications Design- an interdisciplinary program focusing on advertising, illustration, and graphic design (you choose to focus on one of the three areas). Alumni praise the program for preparing them for careers in their fields and for its innovative and boundary-pushing focus. See here for our expert admissions requirements for the Pratt Institute. Acceptance Rate: 57% Degree Offered: BFA in Communication Design Hey, maybe you'll cross this bridge to get to Pratt! Highly Regarded Programs These programs are well-resourced and well-known in the industry. Many offer their own unique spin on graphic design or have a special focus not found at many other institutions. ArtCenter College of Design - Pasadena, California The ArtCenter’s undergraduate program in graphic design gives extensive training in both old and new media, creating well-rounded practitioners with skills spanning all areas of graphic design as a discipline. The ArtCenter encourages an experimental and socially conscious approach. The school also offers a great return-on-investment, with alumni making higher salaries than graduates from peer institutions. Graduates end up in a variety of industries and fields; alumni currently work for many diverse companies, such as Nike and NASA. See here for our expert admissions requirements for the ArtCenter College of Design. Acceptance Rate: 70% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) - Baltimore, Maryland MICA has a modern, urban campus in Baltimore and offers a craft-focused BFA in Graphic Design that aims to develop both your creativity and your skill with technology. MICA also offers liberal arts minors like Gender Studies and Critical Theory. Additionally, it has a unique interdisciplinary BFA program in humanistic studies, allowing you to combine your graphic design education with an interdisciplinary focus on the liberal arts and humanities. See our expert admissions requirements for MICA here. Acceptance Rate: 64% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) - Valencia, Santa Clarita, California If you dream of attending an art school founded by Walt Disney, CalArts is for you. Disney envisioned CalArts as a place where students from all artistic disciplines could develop in a collaborative, workshop-centered environment. The BFA Graphic Design program is fairly small, with only about 12-20 new students each year. Many alumni go on to work for film, television, and major tech companies. If Hollywood’s calling you, CalArts could be a great choice! See here for our expert admissions requirements for California Institute of the Arts. Acceptance Rate: 33% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Carnegie Mellon School of Design - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania You might be surprised to see a big research university known for its engineering program on a graphic design list. But don’t be! Carnegie Mellon has an innovative approach to the study and craft of graphic design; alumni praise the program’s integration of the artistic points of design with advanced technologies. Instead of a BFA, the Carnegie Mellon school of design offers a BDes, or Bachelor of Design. It also offers an interdisciplinary degree in design combined with another course of study of a student’s choice, which should be very appealing to students with multiple interests. Finally, it's a great choice if you want an art-school education but a big research university experience. Overall, Carnegie Mellon provides a cutting-edge, strong foundation for design careers. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Carnegie Mellon (note that this is for Carnegie Mellon overall, and the different subschools may have slightly different requirements). Acceptance Rate: 17% Degree Offered: Bachelor of Design (BDes) School of Visual Arts- Manhattan, New York The School of Visual Arts offers a BFA in Graphic Design, with the option to specialize in graphic design in fields like package design, website design, book jacket design, and so on. Alumni have praised the school’s amazing networking opportunities- SVA has a robust internship program, holds professional-level exhibitions of student work, and sends compilations of graduating student work to industry giants every year in the Senior Library. SVA is a good choice if your primary concern is being commercially marketable and networking; it might not be the school for you if you're interested in the practice of design on an artistic and/or theoretical level. See here for our expert admissions requirements for the School of Visual Arts. Acceptance Rate: 72% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Savannah, Georgia Savannah College of Art and Design is unusually large for an art school, with over 11,000 students enrolled. You can get a BA in Visual Communication (with a focus on graphic design) or a BFA in Graphic Design, so your options are flexible. Professors have significant industry experience, and you’ll have a chance to study abroad at SCAD’s global campuses in Hong Kong or Lacoste, France. Overall, SCAD is a solid design school that offers lots of opportunities for motivated students. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Savannah College of Art and Design. Acceptance Rate: 72% Degrees Offered: BA in Visual Communication, BFA in Graphic Design At SCAD, you could have access to these trees all the time! Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, Virginia This is another great choice if you want the art-school chops with the big university experience: VCU is a large public university with more than 30,000 students. VCU offers a BFA in Graphic Design- but you have to complete the â€Å"Art Foundation† sequence before you can apply into the major. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Virginia Commonwealth University. Acceptance Rate: 81% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Is Hollywood beckoning? Well-Regarded Programs This section includes some big-name art schools whose graphic design programs aren’t quite as well established as their other programs as well as some up-and-coming graphic design programs that are just now gaining steam. Otis College of Art and Design - Los Angeles, CA The BFA program in graphic design at Otis is located in the Communication Design department, which also houses programs in illustration and advertising design. Otis primarily prepares its graduates to work in the professional sphere; past graphic design graduates have worked for Apple, Anthropologie, Conde Nast, Disney, Interscope Records, Mattel, Sony, and Target. It’s a good choice for students who’d like to do design work for major companies and are interested in some of the more commercial aspects of graphic design. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Otis College of Art and Design. Acceptance Rate: 94% Degree Offered: BFA in Communication Design, graphic design focus University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning - Cincinnati, Ohio If you’re looking to combine the experience of attending a large NCAA division-1 school with a high-quality design program and want to have a chance to take courses in many different disciplines, the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning might be a good fit for you! Unlike many other programs, which offer a BFA, the University of Cincinnati offers a BS in Communication Design as their graphic design degree. Many students go on to work in the healthcare industry, for governments, or for NGOs. So if you’re interested in design in those fields, this school is an excellent choice. See here for our expert admissions requirements for University of Cincinnati (note that this applies to the school as a whole and not specifically to the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning). Acceptance Rate: 73% (whole university) Degree Offered: BS in Communication Design California College of the Arts (CCA) - Oakland, CA CCA offers a BFA in Graphic Design that prepares students to work in multiple design disciplines. It also has a robust internship program for fourth-year students that guarantees you’ll graduate with hands-on, real-world professional experience. Additionally, CCA has a focus on social justice-oriented and socially conscious design practice. Essentially, students get a little bit of everything: a wide skill set, professional experience, and social consciousness. See here for our expert admissions requirements for California College of the Arts. Acceptance Rate: 81% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Yale University School of Art- New Haven, Connecticut If you want an Ivy League education as well as excellent preparation to work as a graphic designer, Yale is the dream school for you! Students major in art with a specialization in graphic design and receive a BA degree. Interested students should be aware that they will need to apply for admission to the major in their sophomore year. As with many other programs at Yale, the graphic design program is very focused on the craft and theory of design as opposed to its more practical and commercial applications. Therefore, this program is best for students whose interests are academic and artistic as opposed to technical and/or commercial. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Yale University. Acceptance Rate: 7% (whole university) Degree Offered: BA in Art specializing in graphic design Plus, Yale also has snowy New England winters. College for Creative Studies - Detroit, Michigan The College for Creative Studies offers a BFA in Graphic Design. They have a unique focus on â€Å"experience design,† or immersive, multimedia design experiences. If this interests you, CCS is the place to go, as programs focused on experience design are few and far between. CCS also has an institution-wide focus on community engagement. Graphic design alumni have worked for Dreamworks, Google, Nike, Disney, Fox, Microsoft, and universities and libraries. Many have founded their own design firms, too. See here for our expert admissions requirements for the College for Creative Studies. Acceptance Rate: 39% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)- Chicago, IL School of the Art Institute is the school associated with Chicago’s notable Art Institute museum. SAIC offers a BFA in Visual Communication Design, with a focus on both physical and virtual design mediums. The department facilitates student freelance work and internships to ensure that students graduate with real professional experience. The department also hosts an annual lecture series of visiting designers doing innovative work in the field. And, of course, the campus is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, a city home to many cultural and art institutions. See here for our expert admissions requirements for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Acceptance Rate: 71% Degree Offered: BFA in Visual Communication Design Also, Chicago has the bean- I mean, Cloud Gate. Solid Programs At these schools, name recognition is on the lower side, but you’ll get a solid educational foundation from which to launch your graphic design career. Ringling College of Art and Design - Sarasota, FL Ringling doesn’t have quite the name recognition of many schools further up on this list, but it does have a solid, well-rounded program. The school offers a BFA in Graphic Design that aims to turn students into â€Å"visual storytellers.† Students have the opportunity to study abroad in Europe during their time at Ringling. In addition, alumni have won prestigious industry awards and work for Instagram, LinkedIn, Yahoo, Birchbox, Trader Joe’s, and leading design firms. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Ringling College of Art and Design. Acceptance Rate: 78% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design University of the Arts (UArts) - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The BFA program in Graphic Design at UArts trains students in both old and new media. Students have the chance to work on real-world, practical projects based in the wider Philadelphia area as part of their coursework. The department also hosts an annual Spring Workshop with renowned guest faculty on design topics. This is another program whose focus is more on the practical and commercial than the artistic and theoretical. See here for our expert admissions requirements for University of the Arts. Acceptance Rate: 74% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Academy of Art University- San Francisco, CA Academy of Art University’s BFA in Graphic Design is focused on the â€Å"intersection between art and commerce.† There’s also a focus on professional preparedness and creative and marketing competencies. Overall, this school is more about giving you actionable workforce skills and connections than developing your refined artistic sensibilities as a designer. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Academy of Art University. Acceptance Rate: 100% (open admissions) Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) - Rochester, NY The Graphic Design BFA at RIT is broad in skills education and interdisciplinary in scope. Students have unique opportunities to collaborate with other departments and disciplines on projects, particularly in technical and engineering departments. Students are also encouraged to consider â€Å"the social, ethical, and environmental impact of design.† RIT is a good option for students who are interested in the intersection between tech and design. See here for our expert admissions requirements for Rochester Institute of Technology. Acceptance Rate: 57% Degree Offered: BFA in Graphic Design Admire this very important and cutting-edge piece of graphic design. How to Choose the Right Graphic Design School for You With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to try to narrow down the field to a few programs you're really interested in. I highly recommend visiting schools, taking advantage of information sessions near you, and talking to current students and recent alumni. If you don’t know any alumni personally, try the Reddit graphic design forum! Additionally, here are some key questions to consider as you assemble your list of graphic design programs to apply to. #1: How Strong Is My Portfolio? Can I Get Into a Competitive Program? To get admitted to more competitive programs, you'll often need a strong art and design portfolio. Have you been taking art classes since you could hold a pencil, or is graphic design a relatively new interest for you? To get feedback on your portfolio, I advise taking it to any portfolio review sessions you can find. Sometimes art schools send representatives around the country to review student portfolios at portfolio review fairs, where you can get feedback from many schools in one day on how your portfolio stacks up and what you can do to strengthen it. Otherwise, try contacting your local art and design school to try to get portfolio feedback and a clearer sense of how competitive your portfolio might be. #2: Am I More Interested in the Artistic or Commercial Side of Design? Some programs, like the one at Yale, are much more concerned with the lofty and artistic side of graphic design and its theoretical applications, whereas other programs, like the School for the Visual Arts, are more focused on transforming you into a commercially prepared practitioner. One isn’t necessarily better or more useful than the other- but one might align better with your goals. Do you dream about doing experimental installations in an art museum, or of designing ads for Target? Do you want to learn how to draw contour line art or would you rather learn the seven principles of design? If the former, a more artistically oriented program might be for you. If the later, a more commercially focused option is a safer bet. Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. #3: Do I Want to Attend an Art School? Graphic design programs tend to fall into two categories: those housed within specialized art schools, like RISD, and those housed within larger universities, like Carnegie Mellon. If you have your heart set on a more â€Å"traditional† college experience, you might be better off going to a larger university that offers a graphic design program. If, however, you’re interested in a smaller institution with other arts-and-design-minded folks, you might want to attend a dedicated art school instead. Additionally, if you don’t necessarily need a typical university experience but don’t want to attend a super-small institution either, consider a larger art school like SCAD. This seems like a very real and official art-school lecture. #4: Am I Interested in Interdisciplinary Studies? How About Cutting-Edge Technology? Some programs offer a lot of flexibility to explore other interests. Carnegie Mellon, MICA, and RIT, for example, all offer more flexibility in investigating other interests (particularly technological ones at Carnegie and RIT) than other, more rigid programs do. You should also consider if you want a program that’s explicitly focused on training students in new media and the most cutting-edge graphic design technologies, like the College for Creative Studies is. #5: Are There Particular Faculty I Want to Work With? Check out the faculty bios of the professors and lecturers at all of the programs you're interested in. Who’s doing the work that interests you most? Be sure to mention any faculty you’re impressed by and want to work with in your application, too! #6: Do I Want to Study Abroad? If you have your heart set on studying abroad, your options are somewhat limited. Both SCAD and Ringling have established study abroad options, but you'll likely need to do some investigation to find out whether going abroad is possible at other schools as well. #7: Do I Have Geographic Preferences? Last, but certainly not least, where do you want to live while you attend college? There are a myriad of options in California and on the east coast (NYC in particular), but you’re not necessarily limited to those locations. Many programs on this list are as far reaching as Sarasota, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and Savannah, Georgia. If you want to go to the Big Apple, you have a lot of options. Key Takeaways: The Best Graphic Design Schools Graphic designers are involved in pretty much all of the ways we consume information: they design publishing layouts, book jackets, album art, websites, app interfaces, advertisements, event posters, company logos, and so on. Being a graphic designer involves creativity, tech-savviness, and professional acumen. If this sounds like a career you’re interested in, go to graphic design school! There are many great graphic design programs housed in art schools, large public universities, tech schools, and even the Ivy League. With this handy list, you’ll be sure to find the program that’s right for you! What's Next? Not sure about college yet? Or still picking out schools? See our guides on whether you should go to college and the best way to do college research. Need more help narrowing down your final list of schools? Learn how to choose colleges to apply to, and get tips on how many schools to apply to as well! Considering what to study and worried about your future income? Check out our list of the highest-paying college majors to help you decide whether you should study one of them. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Critical response Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critical response - Assignment Example Each of these decisions has both inherent good and harm in it. Therefore, the second step is for Sam to evaluate what good or harm will be obtained from each action and who will be affected. If he keeps silent, then the wellbeing of a large number of people will be placed at risk and the company will keep on expanding and earning massive profits. If he breaks the confidentiality agreement and exposes the company then the public will be informed and harm will be prevented, but the company will suffer serious losses, he will lose his job and throw his family into financial instability once more. Hence, Sam, being a utilitarian and believing that the ‘end justifies the means’ will choose to keep silent, saving the company, as well as himself and his family. For Sam, the greatest good is the one that will benefit his family and, indirectly, the company. He will not sacrifice his job and his family for things that are out of his control, such as the people choosing to buy cigarettes from Greyarea. They have their own choice, and Sam has his own. If Sam is a Deontologist, then he will definitely break the confidentiality agreement and expose the unethical actions of Greyarea, regardless of the consequences to him, to his family, to the company, and to other stakeholders. Deontology is duty-based ethics and it claims that individuals are morally obliged to make decisions or act based on a specific set of rules and ideals irrespective of outcome (Alavudeen et al. 40). Thus, Sam, being a deontologist, knows that what the company is doing is immoral, for it deceives and cheats the public. And so, based on such knowledge alone, of such discovery that the company is unethical, Sam will carry out his moral duty, and that is to inform the public about the company’s unethical behavior. Sam will do something about the situation out of respect for the moral or ethical codes and out of

War vietnam-Iraq Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

War vietnam-Iraq - Essay Example These two conflicts while located in different regions of the world have a lot in common as well as a lot different. For the Vietnamese however the conflict had been continuous since 1945 when the Viet Minh began a campaign against French troops based in Haiphong. It was not until the Viet Minh attacked Dien Bien Phu and decimated the French forces that the United States started to send political convoys over.1 In 1961 President John F. Kennedy orders support for the South Vietnamese and begins to send military advisors and support personnel. The first official combat mission conducted by the United States against the Vietcong was 12 January 1962 where United States Helicopters were used to fly South Vietnamese to Saigon in an attack. This also marked the beginning of a ten year conflict that resulted in more than 3 million American serving in the war, 58,000 American dead, and over 2000 missing in action.2 The war while officially over in March of 1973, actively carried on until 30 April 1975 and for many veterans is still raging internally. Similar Iraq has been in conflict both internally and with external powers since 1920 and the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The United States did not become directly involved until Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990. On 9 August 1990 United States troops land in Saudi Arabia and in January 1991 the Persian Gulf conflict began. Between 1991 and 2002 when the United States launched their next full campaign against Iraq, the United States attempted to peacefully end the hostilities but the President Saddam Hussein continues to disobey the regulations and puts Iraq on President Bush’s axis of evil list. On 11 October 2002 the United States congress authorized an attack on Iraq. That next spring on 19 March 2003 President Bush declares war. While as of December 2011 the United States is not actively engaged at war in Iraq, there are still military and political advisors to aid the Iraqi military and government. To date more than 4,400 soldiers have been killed. The Vietnam conflict enlisted those soldiers straight out of high school who thought that their government was right and the war was just.3 It was not until the soldiers hit ground that they realized that corruption, lies, and manipulation were more important than the mission. The mission was to liberate the South Vietnamese against the communist North. The truth was that women, children, and other civilians were being killed in the process. This was the first war that a large number of civilians were killed on a daily basis. Rather the reasons were greed, hatred, or accident, soldiers started to realize that this was not their father’s war. The media while censored was still able to get many of these images back to the United States were the civilian attitude of the war changed. The Iraqi conflict was similar in that many people believed both military and civilian that this was a righteous conflict. Protecting an ethnic group of people from a warlord seemed worthy. As the conflict continued, especially with George W. Bush as President it became clear that this war was not just about cleaning out a bad government but there also ulterior motives. Gas, national resources, and money were all involved in this seemingly straight forward conflict. Soldiers coming home from this conflict are having the same

Marketing campaigns of pepsi versus coca cola internationally Dissertation

Marketing campaigns of pepsi versus coca cola internationally - Dissertation Example However the weakened buying power of the consumer has also affected the consumer goods and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FRMCGs). This is because in general due to reduced jobs and lack of earning opportunities the consumers have reduced their spending on luxury items. This is even more evident in weaker economies and badly hit markets. As can be expected with an economic downturn, the reduced demand leads to more vigorous sales tactics. The companies try to increase sales or keep the sales levels on pre recession levels by introducing newer products. Many industries even face their worst nightmare of price wars. In order to increase sales the competitors try to reduce their gross profit margins. This strategy however mostly leads to suffering of the entire industry. The cola industry has evolved much over the last few decades. There was a time when the cola wars were in their full might. The competition between Coca Cola and Pepsi is an old rivalry. The battle for international domina nce is now not being fought in United States or Europe. This was the case during the cola wars. The new turf for this battle is none other than the emerging markets with their large populations and booming economies. The two giants have deployed interesting and diversified marketing strategies to dominate global markets. The term diversified here describes the unique strategies adopted for each different region. A very interesting example is the diversified portfolio of Pepsi China which will be studied and analyzed in detail. Literature Review Pepsi and Coca Cola (Coke) have always been at war with each other and this war has made their numerous encounters known as The Cola Wars. Today, both brands are well recognized all over the world where everyone has heard of the both brands at least once in their life. Whether its intense penetration strategy by flooding the market with their drinks or branding the logo on events and even celebrities, these two cola drinks have made sure peop le never get tired of them. It’s interesting to see how the two launched themselves initially and later transformed themselves into global warriors. Both used different strategies for this purpose and even though both of them have had their ups and downs, they have remained persistent which has left the brand impression on the minds of the masses. The very first marketing campaign in 1969 that Pepsi launched was based on the idea to attract youth and the young generation so that the drink would have something â€Å"cool† to associate themselves with (Bachmeier, 2009). The slogan â€Å"You’re in the Pepsi Generation† led the brand itself later on as well when the company continued to associate itself with the media and the popular entertainment figures so that it can maintain its hip image. Pepsi’s association with Michael Jackson and his famous Billie Jean song was one of the best decisions that the brand made which led the drink to be propelled to unlimited heights. The slogans of 1984 till 1997 which played on the notions of being young and hip made the brand launch itself with the same theme outside its physical borders as well geographically. With the logo of the â€Å"

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Kroger Co Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Kroger Co - Term Paper Example There are 2,461 multidepartment stores and supermarkets owned by Kroger, and 954 of them have fuel centers. Apart from the supermarkets, Kroger operates 375 fine jewelry stores and 784 convenience stores (GlobalData, 2012). All the jewelry stores of Kroger are located in malls, which are situated in leased locations. Eighty-three convenience stores are operated under franchise agreements. Close to 51 percent of the convenience stores managed by subsidiaries were initially operated by company-owned facilities. The convenience stores provide a limited variety of general merchandise and an assortment of staple food, and, in general cases, sell gasoline. Kroger’s supermarkets stock an average of 11,000 private label items. The company also operates 39 manufacturing plants. The plants consist of 10 bakery or deli plants, 17 dairies, 3 beverage plants, two cheese plants, two meat plants, and 5 grocery product plants. The supermarkets are usually operated under format, which entail c ombination drug and food stores (combo stores), price impact warehouses, marketplace stores, and multi-department stores (Thomson Reuters, 2012). SWOT Analysis Description SWOT analysis is described as a strategic planning tool utilized in the assessment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) involved in a business venture or in a project. It entails specifying the aim of the project or the business venture and recognizing the external and internal factors that are unfavorable and favorable to accomplishing that objective. The purpose of any SWOT analysis is to recognize the main external and internal factors that are crucial to accomplishing the objective. SWOT analysis categorizes main pieces of information into two major classes, internal and external factors. Internal factors include the weaknesses and strengths internal to the company or the organization. External factors entail the threats and opportunities presented by the outside environment (Research an d Markets, 2012). The internal factors can be seen as weaknesses or strengths depending on their effect on the objectives of the organization. It is important to note that what may look, as strength to one objective can be a weakness for another objective. The factors may entail all the 4P’s (product, place, price, and promotion), finance, personnel, and manufacturing capabilities. The external factors may include technological change, socio-cultural changes, legislation, competitive position, changes in the marketplace, and macroeconomic matters. A matrix is used to represent the results of the SWOT analysis. However, SWOT analysis has its weaknesses. For instance, it may tend to influence companies or organizations to gather lists rather than reflect on what is crucial in accomplishing objectives. The resulting lists presented are not critical and lack clear prioritization. For instance, weak opportunities can appear to balance the strong threats (Research and Markets, 2012 ). SWOT Analysis of Kroger Co. Strengths Kroger Co. has passed through the economic recession with little success because of its strong market position. Kroger held the first and second market share position in 39 out of the 42 major markets in the year 2009. The company’s brand equity offers a strong competitive advantage over the other companies. In 2009, it was listed 82nd in Global 500 Brand Raking. This strength will continue serving the

International Security in the Global Era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International Security in the Global Era - Essay Example The more popular of these theories, the realist and the neoliberal, however, have failed to provide a comprehensive understanding, or interpretive guideline, for state behaviour or, in fact, articulate a workable methodology for the enhancement of global security. Given the fact that both schools provide partial answers to the question at hand, one may argue that a more comprehensive understanding of the componential elements of global security is predicted upon the amalgamation of their arguments and interpretations. Neoliberals/liberals and realists/neorealists are locked in a perennial debate over the manner in which states define global/national security and the motivators for state behaviour within the international context. As Jervis (1999) notes, the primary area of contention between realists and liberals pertains to the source of inter-state conflict and whether it is engendered by relative or absolute gains. Identifying the state as a sovereign actor and the most important unit within the global context, realists maintain that states act towards the fulfilment of absolute gains. Within the parameters of the articulated understanding, realism assumes that conflict, rather than cooperation, is the distinguishing feature of inter-state relationships (Jervis, 1999). Concurring with Jervis' (1999) assessment of the neorealist/realist school's perception of the motivators for state behaviour, Wendt (1992) adds that the explicated perception is fundamentally predicated on the realist conceptualisation of both the international order as anarchic and of human nature as predatory. The realist tradition quite simply maintains that within the absence of a supra-state global institution as would govern state behaviour, states act towards the fulfilment of their self-defined interests, often operating in a predatory fashion, because they can (Wendt, 1992). Accordingly, and as Wendt (1992) states, realists primarily define the global order as a "self-help" system (p. 392) insofar as state actors therein are largely free to fulfil, or at least attempt to fulfil, their ambitions, often to the detriment of other states. The liberal/neoliberal tradition is, seemingly, sharply distinguished from the above insofar as it tends towards the assumption that global system is institutionalised and that state behaviour therein is not only governable but is naturally inclined towards cooperation. Both Jervis (1999) and Wendt (1992) highlight this particular neoliberal assumption and, to a degree, are supportive of it. Wendt (1992), for example, notes that the neoliberal school is fundamentally realist and rational insofar as it recognises the existence of anarchy, contrary to the neorealist assumption that neoliberals dispute this particular characteristic of the global order but, maintains that this does not function as an obstacle towards cooperation. In fact, those realists who concede to the anarchic nature of the global order contend that this functions as a motivator for cooperation and the creation of global institutions, insofar as rationality dictates that the former and the latter combine to enhance

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Kroger Co Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Kroger Co - Term Paper Example There are 2,461 multidepartment stores and supermarkets owned by Kroger, and 954 of them have fuel centers. Apart from the supermarkets, Kroger operates 375 fine jewelry stores and 784 convenience stores (GlobalData, 2012). All the jewelry stores of Kroger are located in malls, which are situated in leased locations. Eighty-three convenience stores are operated under franchise agreements. Close to 51 percent of the convenience stores managed by subsidiaries were initially operated by company-owned facilities. The convenience stores provide a limited variety of general merchandise and an assortment of staple food, and, in general cases, sell gasoline. Kroger’s supermarkets stock an average of 11,000 private label items. The company also operates 39 manufacturing plants. The plants consist of 10 bakery or deli plants, 17 dairies, 3 beverage plants, two cheese plants, two meat plants, and 5 grocery product plants. The supermarkets are usually operated under format, which entail c ombination drug and food stores (combo stores), price impact warehouses, marketplace stores, and multi-department stores (Thomson Reuters, 2012). SWOT Analysis Description SWOT analysis is described as a strategic planning tool utilized in the assessment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) involved in a business venture or in a project. It entails specifying the aim of the project or the business venture and recognizing the external and internal factors that are unfavorable and favorable to accomplishing that objective. The purpose of any SWOT analysis is to recognize the main external and internal factors that are crucial to accomplishing the objective. SWOT analysis categorizes main pieces of information into two major classes, internal and external factors. Internal factors include the weaknesses and strengths internal to the company or the organization. External factors entail the threats and opportunities presented by the outside environment (Research an d Markets, 2012). The internal factors can be seen as weaknesses or strengths depending on their effect on the objectives of the organization. It is important to note that what may look, as strength to one objective can be a weakness for another objective. The factors may entail all the 4P’s (product, place, price, and promotion), finance, personnel, and manufacturing capabilities. The external factors may include technological change, socio-cultural changes, legislation, competitive position, changes in the marketplace, and macroeconomic matters. A matrix is used to represent the results of the SWOT analysis. However, SWOT analysis has its weaknesses. For instance, it may tend to influence companies or organizations to gather lists rather than reflect on what is crucial in accomplishing objectives. The resulting lists presented are not critical and lack clear prioritization. For instance, weak opportunities can appear to balance the strong threats (Research and Markets, 2012 ). SWOT Analysis of Kroger Co. Strengths Kroger Co. has passed through the economic recession with little success because of its strong market position. Kroger held the first and second market share position in 39 out of the 42 major markets in the year 2009. The company’s brand equity offers a strong competitive advantage over the other companies. In 2009, it was listed 82nd in Global 500 Brand Raking. This strength will continue serving the

How a Cellular Phone System Works Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How a Cellular Phone System Works - Assignment Example The cells can either take a hexagonal or circular shape. One cell can operate multiple radio towers. People can simultaneously use their cell phones due to the widespread frequency reuse within a city. The cells enable cellular phones to have incredible range as they can automatically switch as people move around. A cellular network’s range is not limited as compared to that of a walkie-talkie (1.1 miles) and a CB radio (4.9 miles). Frequencies also shift between cells when an individual is on a call while in motion. As a cellular phone moves away from its cell, change in signal strength is detected by the cell’s base station. The next base station being approached detects the increasing signal strength. The two base stations in the two cells coordinate, through a Mobile-Telephone Switching Office, and the user is ‘handed over’ to the next cell automatically. The shift makes it possible for someone to drive across a city while using a cell phone, and keep up a conversation for the entire period (Wisniewski, 36). A cell phone differs from both CB radios and walkie-talkies, which are both half-duplex devices. It is able to use multiple frequencies, hence a full-duplex device. An individual can use one frequency for listening and a second frequency for talking. The multi-tasking capability of a cellular phone is that, two people on a call can talk simultaneously. The towers in these cells transmit a two-way frequency maximizing the capabilities of cellular phones as full-duplex devices. Nonadjacent cells can use the same frequencies severally since base stations and cell phones employ low-power transmitters, which ensure that transmissions do not go very far from a cell and the cell phones around it. Low-power transmitters have a stake at the shape of cellular phones since they ensure that the power consumption of the phone is relatively low hence a small battery. Similar frequencies must

Romeo and Juliet Essay Example for Free

Romeo and Juliet Essay The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet The deaths of Romeo and Juliet in William Shakespeare’s play are both friar and Sr. Capulet. This takes place in Italy. Although much could have been done to prevent their suicides, these â€Å"star-crossed lovers† ultimately are not able to avoid their destiny. A series of unfortunate circumstances result in disaster, and even though many people could be to blame for their deaths, the friar plays a particularly integral role. While some believe that sr. Capulet is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death, this is not the case. Upon further investigation the friar should receive the blame. Admittedly, Sr. Capulet has a large influence on Romeo and Juliet’s death because he forced Juliet to marrying Paris. But, the friar married Juliet and Romeo without anyone finding out and if he wouldn’t have married them then Juliet would have never killed herself because she wouldn’t have a reason to. For example the first reason why Friar Lawrence is responsible for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is when he married them he knew what he was getting into and what the consequences were but he didn’t care. Also the second reason is in act 4 scene 5 the Friar Lawrence quotes â€Å"Your part in her you could not keep from death, but heaven keeps his part in eternal life† he means that he approved her death even though it wasn’t real. So the friar is a bad planner and liar. He didn’t plan Juliet’s â€Å"death† on time to let Romeo know it was not real so he believed it and suicide himself so he could be with her. If the friar planned her death without rushing Romeo would have found out her death wasn’t realistic and that the friar planned it so Juliet wouldn’t have to marry Paris and they could live happily in Verona, Italy. A third reason is because he sends Romeo a letter about Juliet’s death and where Romeo is suppose to meet Juliet and take her to verona

The Problem With Sweatshops Economics Essay

The Problem With Sweatshops Economics Essay Sweat shops can be included by harmful materials, hazardous situations, extreme temperatures, or abuse from employers. The sweatshop workers often work long hours but just for a little pay, regardless of any laws mandating overtime pay or a minimum wage. A minimum wage means the lowest hourly, daily or monthly wage which employers pay to employees or workers legally . It is the lowest wage at which workers sell their labour without consider anything of their rights. The Sweatshops may not only exist in developing countries but also in developed countries. This kind of factory have existed in several different countries and cultures, including in the United States and European countries. And sweatshops usually ask for low levels of technology, but can produce many different kinds of goods, for example like toys, shoes, clothing, and furniture etc. Currently, the existence of sweat shops came out lots of arguments, problem like wether there have enough sweat shops for the humans who are in poor situations are more and more put forward to. In my point of view, the sweat shops can not be build up more, enterprise should treat their workers in human nature and government should give the factory a supervisory control. Discussion of the problem-There are not enough sweat shops of them There is no right or wrong for people judging to sweat shops. Like one proverbs said that every coin have two sides. Setting more sweat shops absolutly can increase the power of productions and also can reduce the rate of unemployment. But if we take a look at the situation of how workers work in the sweat shops and the way of how the tsarists treat their workers, issues which relate to human naturals and moral arguments will come out and make people deeply thinks. Sweat shops What is a sweat shop? When people think of sweat shop always image women and childern work in that place. They may working long hours in hot, dusty factories, under conditions that are bad for their health, and usually get very low wages paid. The location of this sort of sweatshop is often in a developing country. Actually, the description is not far from the reality, besides there are many kinds of sweatshops and they are found all over the world. A sweatshop is any factory which does not treat its workers in a fair way. And the condition of the sweat shops is terrible out of peopleà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s imaging. If any one of the above labour standards is not followed, life at a factory can be very umcomfortable and unpleasant. Workers may have more demanded of them than is humanly possible, and may lose their jobs if they do not comply. Sweatshops are notorious for having unsafe conditions. Buildings that have been built quickly and without obeying with building regulations can collapse on workers, and machinery can be faulty to cause other hazards, including dangerous chemicals or electrical products, the serious of accidents can all cause terrible injuries. Excessive overtime is common in sweatshops. Working 12-hour days, six days a week is not uncommon in garment factories. Short-term contracts that favour the employer are also a very common issue. Origenally, the poor people or the migrants who desperate to find work, will accept a position on the very loosest of contractual agreements and as a result, when the employer fails to pay people or simply fires them without good reason, they have few legal rights to fall back on to gain compensation. The division of labour in sweatshops is gendered because of the vast majority of workers are young women. The problems faced by many workers are also gendered as a result of gender-based notions of what is acceptable inform working conditions. Thus medical or maternity leave, employer and employee relations and the right to organize can all become gender biased. So the negative aspects of sweatshops have a disproportionate impact on women. And because of this, some people argue that efforts to fight with the poor working conditions in sweatshops should focus more on empowering women. Things like mistreatment of workers can come in various forms too. It is not useful to compare the actual hourly wage of workers across different countries because the standard of living varies from country to country is different. So a better way of comparing how a person is being well paid is whether or not they can support the basic needs of a family by their wage alone. This benchmark is often used rather than a countryà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s minimum wage, if the minimum wage is quite low, people cannot realistically survive on it. In any case, the pressure from Apple company soon will be to the Foxconn, because it can not afford any further damage to its brand, which can improve the working environment of workers. Years, Nikeà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s sweatshops in Vietnam events, so that severely damaged the Nike brand, after Nike to promote the implementation of a strict foundry policy. Economic globalization and Labour Protections Economic globalization, promoting worldwide economic development and wealth growth, but also led some labor issues worldwide. Reflected in the labor problem is not inadequate social-economic underdevelopment or wealth, but wealth and the inequitable distribution of social rights. This situation is due to the nature of economic globalization decision. The so-called economic globalization refers to a new world economic landscape. In this situation, the world has become a common market, economic and trade activities break the national and regional boundaries, not only commodities, but also capital flows which have also been broken the boundaries of national and regional capital Without Borders. The rules and practices of a market economy has become the worlds economic and trade activities within the framework of common values. WTO aims to free trade under capitalism and the market can not be non-discriminatory treatment of intervention. In promoting a global scale market economy, free trade can be realized with the undeniable positive significance. However, this promotion is based on the expansion of capital for the purpose and means, while capital requirements are for the expansion of the direct repression of labor. With economic globalization and trade liberalization, rapid development, social issues and labor-management conflict s have also become increasingly prominent problems. This is mainly as follows: the wealthy beneficiaries of globalization, the serious polarization of wealth distribution, a significant increase in unemployed workers, inadequate social security, working conditions deteriorate, a considerable number of workers trapped in poverty. The problems are not just widespread in developing countries, but also starting to spread to developed countries. With the economic globalization, the labor issue has already became a global issue. Thus, in order to make labor as the main body of the anti-globalization movement, and with the process of globalization go hand in hand, especially in December 1999, the WTO meeting was held in Seattle simultaneous large-scale public protests against globalization protesters in order to Protection of the rights of workers and against unfair competition as the call to dissolve the WTO. Then from the Quebec Summit of the Organization of American States, to the European Union summit in Gothenburg and Genoa Group of Eight summit, accompanied by labor as the main body of the public anti-globalization protests. As intensified anti-globalization movement around the world, showing that labor-management conflicts brought about by globalization has reached a very intense level. However, economic globalization has become an irreversible trend of development. And the WTO status and role are also can not be replaced and shaked. But if we do not face up and coordination of the growing international labor dispute, the aims and objectives of WTO will be fulfilled. Solving labor problem is not only an important condition for economic development, but also is important content of the economic and social development. Because globalization has brought wealth, but also brings inequality, while the greatest threat we face will be widening inequalities instability. A realistic option is that in the process of economic globalization, labor rights must be protected at the same time as a global goal. To achieve this goal, the basic purpose of the implementation of WTO and trade rules must be accompanied by implementation of the provisions of international labor conventions and of the international labor standards. Wether an enterprises should contract outside of the social responsibility is based on economic responsibility system and also depends on factors in enterprises. Under different social systems have different performance. The changes in Chinas corporate responsibility are decided by the change of government. If in the economic system, China is still a planned economy, then the corporate social responsibility is both infinite and limited. If the Chinese society is still a big government, small society model, then the business does not entail the number of do nothing outside social responsibility. If the change of government toward small government, big society, the direction of change, then the enterprise undertaken by the social responsibility of non-rigid bound must be increased. Therefore, the number of Chinese enterprises to take social responsibility in the future depends largely on the Chinese government in the direction of reform. On the current situation in China, Chinas compan ies rests primarily due to stay in the envy of things, some companies even within the responsibility of also failed to meet, such as payment of social insurance fund. The enterprises come from the society, and also will restore the society. This is a new situation for the relationship between social enterprises. Whatever the corporate life or death, grow or stay, it will finally taken by a community to accept its price of failure. More importantly, the society is the living environment of enterprises. Without a good environment, the enterprises hard to survive. Therefore, enterprises have a common prosperity and social relations, the market economy, enterprises and society even have a closer relationship, rather than become relatively distant relationship. The famouse strategic master Michael Porter (Michael E. Porter) said that there is no one company will have sufficient capacity and resources to solve all social problems, they must select and cross-cutting business of their own social problems to resolve. In one hand, the sweat shops engage market share to the enterpreneur, in the other hand, the sweat shops deprive the rights of the worker. It is the issue crossed by business and social ethics. We need to find an appropriate way to give the sweat shops and world economy a balance. Conclusion Although the argument of the existence of the sweat shops still continued. And what matter the effect it will take. The workers who are working in the sweat shops are still suffering with terribel accidents that anytime can happened. They still just can get lowest paid and still have their poor family on their more and more heavier shoulders. They are unhappy and that is againest the human naturals. We can hang up a slogn said that we want to fairness but we can not see the workers in the sweat shops are treated in equality. The Chinaà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s chairman Mao Zedong taught us that: the people, only the people, is the real motive force of historical development. A corporation can not stay in a long time without the people, the man power. Doing business in ethical way, considering problem with moral principle and treat human beings in human natural are the keys for corporations to be successful and evergreen.

The Role of Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello :: Othello Essays

The Role of Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello In Othello’s society only men made decisions. Thus, in Othello, the title character and other male characters drive the plot, leaving the women to deal with the consequences. Desdemona’s role in the play shows the way the male-dominated society treats women. Desdemona and Othello have just eloped at the beginning of the play. The first run-in with Desdemona is with her father, Brabantio. He asks her about her duties as a daughter, and she responds saying her duty as a wife now supercedes her former place. Society in the 1600s expected women to be subservient and obedient, as Brabantio’s outrage at Desdemona’s elopement shows. Women were required to remain loyal to men. Additionally, as a daughter, Desedmona was required to ask permission to be married, and because she did not she turned away from society’s expectations. However, by saying that she is now loyal to her husband more than to her father, Desdemona sticks with society’s expectations. But the shock of her marrying without permission was enough to anger and sadden Brabantio, the symbol for society in the beginning of the play. Once Iago has poisoned Othello’s mind with lies about an affair between Cassio and Desdemona, Othello becomes suspicious and distrusting of Desdemona. He is convinced that his wife is a whore, but never speaks to her about his suspicions. Othello refuses to confront Desdemona because, just as their society mandates, to him women are untrustworthy and decietful. Othello (and society) truly believes that if he asks her about Cassio, she will deny sleeping with him. Because Desdemona is a woman, she is not given a chance to speak on her own behalf. It is this same societal issue that played a part in her death. Othello the man and thus obviously stronger and more logical, suffocates Desdemona without hearing her side of the story first. The society in which they live gave Othello permission to kill Desdemona without her even really knowing why. The Role of Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello :: Othello Essays The Role of Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello In Othello’s society only men made decisions. Thus, in Othello, the title character and other male characters drive the plot, leaving the women to deal with the consequences. Desdemona’s role in the play shows the way the male-dominated society treats women. Desdemona and Othello have just eloped at the beginning of the play. The first run-in with Desdemona is with her father, Brabantio. He asks her about her duties as a daughter, and she responds saying her duty as a wife now supercedes her former place. Society in the 1600s expected women to be subservient and obedient, as Brabantio’s outrage at Desdemona’s elopement shows. Women were required to remain loyal to men. Additionally, as a daughter, Desedmona was required to ask permission to be married, and because she did not she turned away from society’s expectations. However, by saying that she is now loyal to her husband more than to her father, Desdemona sticks with society’s expectations. But the shock of her marrying without permission was enough to anger and sadden Brabantio, the symbol for society in the beginning of the play. Once Iago has poisoned Othello’s mind with lies about an affair between Cassio and Desdemona, Othello becomes suspicious and distrusting of Desdemona. He is convinced that his wife is a whore, but never speaks to her about his suspicions. Othello refuses to confront Desdemona because, just as their society mandates, to him women are untrustworthy and decietful. Othello (and society) truly believes that if he asks her about Cassio, she will deny sleeping with him. Because Desdemona is a woman, she is not given a chance to speak on her own behalf. It is this same societal issue that played a part in her death. Othello the man and thus obviously stronger and more logical, suffocates Desdemona without hearing her side of the story first. The society in which they live gave Othello permission to kill Desdemona without her even really knowing why.

Indigo Airlines

While the other airlines in the industry purchased rivals, flew different models of planes and tried to offer costly services, Indigo stuck to single model planes with a reputation of being a no frills airline. Indigo has stuck to operating the world’s largest selling single-aisle aircraft, the Airbus A320. This has helped the airlines to not just survive the economic slump in the industry but infact to post profits year-on-year end. Capacity utilization of IndiGo airlines fleet The utilization rate of IndiGo is around 16hours a day which is infact one of the highest in the industry. Thus even without using too many airplanes, the airlines can provide its ferrying service to a larger number of people. On an average its passenger loads have been around 90%. High seating Capacity of aircrafts Indigo operates a fleet of 62 aircraft and has been expanding its fleet rapidly. Even though the number of aircrafts are lesser than some other airlines, it offers higher seating capacity as most of its aircrafts are 180 seaters rather than the standard 60 – 70 seater aircrafts of most airlines. Indigo’s fleet is approximately 6. 5% of India’s combined fleet but it serves a market share 27%. Young fleet of aircrafts One of the strengths of Indigo Airlines is its fuel efficient young fleet of aircrafts as compared to other airlines. A young fleet of aircrafts has ensured increased service levels, high operational efficiency and low maintenance costs. Indigo recently bought 100 new A-320 jets from Airbus. Such volume purchases have helped Indigo in cutting its cost by availing volume discounts. Superior technology The consistent use of superior technology has helped Indigo achieve its USP of on-time performance. By making use of technologies such as ACARS Aircraft Communications Addressing And Reporting System), an automatic message is triggered from the aircraft to control centre and the departure time recorded immediately. Similarly during landing, this technology sends of an automatic message to the control centre which immediately records its arrival time. This has helped the airlines monitor and maintain strict on-time schedules. Excellence in operations Indigo has be en able to sign favorable contracts with engine, airframe and other critical component manufacturers securing warranty claims against defects. This has enabled indigo to minimize technical snags and enjoy superior operational efficiency. Owing to this Indigo has also been able to bring down its maintenance costs. Superior customer service One of the greatest strengths of Indigo airlines is the superior service it offers to its customers. The airline has the highest 95. 3 per cent on-time performance record and the lowest number of complaints per passenger. It offers unique services such as step-less stairs (walking ramp), web check-in, booking capability on handheld devices and automated real-time flight status on handheld devices. Human resources Another strength that Indigo airlines enjoys is its excellent management of human resources. It has a single central training program which gives training to its employees on functional skills, soft skills as well as leadership qualities. With a very robust system of internal promotions and flexibility in horizontal movement across the company, the airlines has seen zero or almost negligible attrition rate over the past server years. Tie-up with hotels Major hotels like Sarovar hotels etc have tied up with Indigo Airlines in order to provide a packaged service to customers. This type of bundling of services has created a value addition to customers who wish to sync their travel times and accommodation timings in order to receive the best deals at reasonable costs. This has in-turn increased the customer base for both the airline as well as the hotels. Superior brand image Good advertising and marketing strategies have increased Indigo’s brand recall and have helped in creating a superior brand image. With very high operational excellence, cost control, great experience, lowest cancellations Indigo enjoys a superior reputation amongst its customers, difficult for the competitors to replicate. Its unique advertising and marketing efforts have also helped in this regard. Weaknesses Easily Imitable Since Indigo has not concentrated too much on providing a differentiated experience with no-frills and on-time being their central theme, this is imitable by other players in the industry and thus a possible threat to its position as a cost leader. Limited number of International Routes Indigo Airlines operates on a limited number of international routes. This restricts the options and choices for international travelers. Only about 14% of its total fleet flies international. This is very low compared to its rivals and the general industry standard for airlines. International routes is an untapped segment where Indigo has not ventured too much into yet. Restricted Services In an attempt to operate as a low-cost airline, Indigo does not operate in many routes where the profit margins are below their set standard. This in turn in-conveniences many passengers. Also, the no-frills element of their services leads to other passenger inconveniences such as cramped seats, lower comfort during travel, non-refundable flights and higher charges of excess baggage.