Marketing Management and Strategy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing Management and Strategy - Case Study Example The five factors include: The Fulham Football Club has been a well known club since the last decade or so. The club came in the limelight when it was bought by an Egyptian businessman Mohammad Al-Fayed in 1997. The millionaire owner of the club gave Fulham FC a new identity in the world of football, following its acquisition the club went on to secure a place in the Premier League Division 1 (Fulhamfc.com). The club has been facing intense rivalry and competition since its promotion into the Division1 of the Premier League. Fulham FC’s microenvironment can be analyzed with the use of Porter’s Five Forces Analysis. The threat of having potential entrants in the football industry for Fulham FC seems to be minimal. The initial investment to launch a football club acts as a possible barrier for new entrant to enter into the football industry. The initial costs of launching a football club are very high and there is a very low chance that a football club may emerge and directly affect the business of Fulham FC. The other barrier of entry is the Premiership structure the division style. No new club can enter directly into the division 1 of the English Premier League. A new club entering into the football industry would have to start from scratch i.e. by playing well and getting promoted through the different divisions till its reaches the Division 1 of the Premier League to challenge the business of Fulham FC. The only threat of new entrant can be from low division clubs such as Brentford FC, QPR, etc. If any of these teams gets promoted into Division 1 of the Premier League, they can affect the bu siness of Fulham FC because of the intense rivalry between the clubs. This intense rivalry can lead to a shift of supporters from Fulham FC to any of the other newly promoted clubs if they were to play better football than Fulham FC. The customers of Fulham FC are

Children can lead successful lives enough though they experience birth Essay

Children can lead successful lives enough though they experience birth complicatins - Essay Example The complications can be due to preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction. Particularly the complications develop because of the environment that a mother faces before or after the birth. These can lead to physical or psychological impairments among the children. There are multiple factors that can lead to these complications like smoking, drinking, maternal depression, poverty, family quarrels, parent’s mental illness or lack of formal education. The child who encounters these types of problems at home develops serious learning and behavior problems, mental illness or has a stressful future life (Werner, 1989). Nonetheless, the children who have experienced birth complications can lead a successful live. It all depends on the type of environment in which they are brought up. A stable environment facilitates a child in dealing with the stress he faces, and develops skills equally like all other children. In a research conducted by Emmy Werner in 1989, one third out of the total number of impaired children grow into a competent adult. After further study and observation, Werner found the factors that assist these stressed children in dealing with their stress and other risks of life. The main factor that contributes to these children to bear stress was their strong bond with the caretaker, which could be any member of the family or any appointed baby sitter. Establishing this bond makes it easier for the children to share their thoughts and daily life problems with the caretaker, resulting in taking decisions on their own and making life easy for them. Grandparents can play a pivotal role in the upbringing of a child. The protective aspect in the families, whether out of family circle, or within the children themselves who face complications, enables them to resist stress. The other factor included is that these children have taken

Relationship Between Drug Use and Crime

Relationship Between Drug Use and Crime Reviewing empirical research examining the relationship between drug use and crime. Undeniably, there is a strong association between illicit drug use and criminal activity, which appears to be consistent across much of the empirical literature with regard to the relationship between drug use and crime. (Moore, T. et.al, 2007, p.369) However, the relationship between drug use and crime is complex and dynamic, often associated with entrenched social and health problems such as unemployment, socio economic inequality, and poor mental health. Furthermore, the complexity of the relationship further develops with the links being neither simple or linear, nor universal across offending. (Raskin White Gorman, 2002) Goode argues that drugs and crime are intimately related in the public mind and suggest currently, that drugs and crime are connected in a very specific way and whether their connection bears directly on a specific issue of whether or not property crime would decline under decriminalisation of certain illicit substances. (1997). The issue that comes to the fore is that there is sometimes a tendency in the literature, and policy and public debate, to over simplify and over-draw the links between these two phenomena. This is supported in the work of Makkai (2002) whereby the argument that much of the Australian discussion on illicit drugs and crime is ill defined, simplistic, and lacking in evidence where an assumption that there is a causal relationship between drug use and crime is made without sufficient supporting evidence. (p. 113) Furthermore, Raskin White and Gorman also supports the view of Makkai stating, policy makers assume that an important connection between drugs and crime exist, however the precise nature of the connection remains elusive. There is clear evidence in literature suggesting and supporting that drug use and crime tend to be associated or co-existing in the same populations. Within Australian literature this evidence is contained within the studies of Kevin, 1999; Loxley, 2001; Makkai, 1999 and Makkai, 2001. Interestingly, when reviewing literature examining the drugs and crime nexus, the body of research pertaining to offending/drug use careers and initiation into drug use provide useful insight into the relationship. Pudney (2002); Best et al (2001a) argue that the onset of criminal behaviour generally precedes the onset of initial and/or regular drug use. This assertion is demonstrated empirically whereby 17 per cent of prisoners reported illicit drug use prior to offending, 29 per cent report that crime and drug use occurred at the same age, but offending before the commencement of illicit drug use was reported at 54 per cent. These results that generally the lifetime drug-using/ criminal career begins with the onset of offending, then illicit drug use, with continuing cycle of regular offending and regular drug use (Makkai Payne, 2003a, p10). Moreover, this bolsters the relationship between drug use and crime. The aim of this paper is to review the literature regarding the relationship between drug use and crime, particularly the theoretical models and the empirical evidence surrounding the three main theories in order to find gaps in the research and to identify future trends and research parameters regarding the relationship between drugs and crime. The three main theories to be examined is the assertion that substance use leads to crime, crime leads to substance use and that crime and drug use have common causes. As stated during the introduction the relationship between drugs and crime is dynamic and complex. There are a variety of ways into and out of the drug offending nexus which vary between individuals and according to a range of factors. For example, Scott et al 2001 state the links between drugs and crime can vary according to factors such as age (p.161), or sex as argued by Mazerolle (2008); Johnson (2004); Haas Peters (2000), or the order of introduction as to whether drug use or offending came first (Farabee et al, 2001). Furthermore, according to Scott et al 2001, that serious illicit drug use contributes to continuity in serious crime, and vice versa, concluding that crime affects drug use and drug use affects crime (p.270) This argument is supported by both Best et al, 2001a, p161 and Welte et al, 2001, p436 who suggest a two way relationship between drug use and offending. Theories concerning the relationship between drug use and crime Substance use leads to crime Goldstein, considered the first to originally develop the theory between the relationship of drugs and crime, suggested three separate explanations of how the link occurs. Goldstein asserts that psychopharmacological, economic motivation and a systemic theory explain the drugs and crime nexus. (1985) The first explanation and described as the psychopharmacological theory defines, that the short or long term use of certain drugs produces physical effects which lead to offending behaviour. This theory has been applied to both property and violent crime, but it is mainly associated with violent offending and attributes acute or chronic intoxication or the effects of drug withdrawal as contributing factors towards criminal behaviour. This psychopharmacological theory gains support in research conducted by Lo Stephens (2002) proposing that offenders were (or claimed to be) intoxicated with illicit drugs at the time of the offence (p 125). Further research within Australia also suggest within Drug Use Monitoring Australia (DUMA) data that 34 percent of police detainees claimed to be under the influence of an illicit drug when they committed the offence, furthermore 14 percent claimed to be under the influence of alcohol. Further support is provided to Goldsteins initial theory in Indermaurs (1995, p 156) Western Australian study of robbery that found 52.8 per cent of offenders reported being under the influence of illicit drugs at the time of offending and 5.7 per cent were experiencing the effects of withdrawal. The objective of the Drug Use Careers of Offenders (DUCO) project is to further understand the drug use and criminal histories of incarcerated offenders and to contribute to the empirical evidence on the link between drug use and crime. In the example of the DUCO study, questions regarding whether the offender was intoxicated and whether the offender committed the offence because they were intoxicated were asked. The study found that 24 per cent of prisoners reported they were intoxicated with illicit drugs, 17 per cent with both illicit substances and alcohol, and 21 per cent just with alcohol. However, these proportions more than halved when examining whether the crimes could be asserted to be causally attributed to intoxication, with 10 per cent for illicit drugs, 8 per cent for both and 9 per cent for alcohol only (Adams et al, 2008; Makkai Payne, 2003a, p16). Although research asserts that there is some significance of the psychopharmacological theory in explaining the link between drugs and crime, ambivalence surrounds the conclusion. For example, the Australasian Centre for Policing Research (ACPR, 2001, p15 16) conclude that it is probable that intoxication by either drugs and/or alcohol plays a role in the dynamics of the drugs and crime nexus, but that it should not be overestimated. Additionally, Raskin White Gorman (2000 p.185); MacCoun et.al (2001, p. 5) argue that the psychopharmacological theory explains little in terms of the relationship between drugs and crime. The second theory to explain the drugs and crime nexus is termed the economic compulsive and suggests that crime is commissioned in order to finance a drug habit. Makkai, 2002b argues that this theory primarily relates to property crimes, however may also relate to violent crime such as robbery where violence may be used during the commission of a property crime (p111 113). Support for this theory is derived by the research within Australia of Maher et al whereby high proportions of drug users report commit crime and in particular property offences to aid in paying for a drug habit (2002). These findings also concurs with Best et al, 2001a whose finding suggested that the most typical property crime was that of shoplifting (48 per cent of respondents), followed by burglary (28 per cent) then unarmed street robbery such as bag snatches and muggings (13 per cent). Furthermore, empirical studies examining the drugs and crime nexus such as Collins, 1999 and Nelson et al, 2002 asserts th e tendency that burglary is the offence associated most with financing drug use, however not as high as the income derived from offenders involved in drug selling. (Weatherburn et al, 2003, p193). Pritchard Payne cite that the main reasons for burglary are to support a drug habit (44 per cent of respondents), to obtain money or goods (42 per cent) and money was needed as a result of unemployment (41 per cent) 2005, p 46. In conclusion and although strong evidence has been provided in support of the theory, economic motivation cannot provide a complete explanation of the link between drugs and crime, however does contribute and explain why crime accelerates as addiction increases (ACPR, 2001, p.16). Furthermore, Bennett Holloway (2005); Raskin White Gorman (2001) identifies gaps in the research where there is a need to distinguish between different categories of drug users when examining the relationship between drugs and crime. Systemic theory as examined by Goldstein suggest the engagement within drug market activities results in offending, that is, drug related crime results from negative interactions in the illegal drug market, where it is argued that distribution and use of illicit drugs are inherently connected to the commission of crime, with particular reference to crimes of violence (Raskin White Gorman, 2000, p191) Reiss Roth argues that systemic crime is associated with drug distribution through organisational crime, transaction related crime and third party related crime. Although there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting a strong connection between drugs and crime, however as Bean (2002) asserts, research on organised crime outside the United States is limited and states that it does not directly discuss the relationship between organised crime and drugs and, furthermore the literature available could be classed as journalistic in nature rather than empirical research. On the other hand, Findlay states without drug trafficking, dealing and use being illegal, profit would not be assured (1999, p.26), which in turn suggest that drug related crime is an artefact of law and policy (McBride et al, 2001, p5). Crime leads to substance use The second proposed theory is that offenders are more likely to become illegal drug users. Thus, individuals who are deviant are more likely to be involved or choose social situations where drug use condoned or encouraged. Raskin White Gorman state that this theory may arise when deviant individuals use drugs to self medicate or to provide and excuse to commit deviant or criminal acts (2000, p174.) or that income from criminal acts providing additional income enables the offender to purchase drugs, contrasting the previous theory of drugs compelling the offender to commit a crime. In short, both overarching theories receive support and even reinforce each other in the sense that crime may lead to drug use and drug use may lead to more crime. Crime and drug use have common causes The third theory suggests that crime and drug use are not directly causally related to each other, however are related due to sharing other common causes in terms of individual level, interpersonal level, environmental and situational factors. Pudney states that social, economic and family circumstances appear to be influences on young peoples risk of becoming involved in both crime and drug use (2002, p28) A range of risk factors (which may increase the likelihood of an offence occurring) and protective factors (which reduce the impact of an unavoidable negative event) are described within this theory where Weatherburn et al simply state that were risk factors outweigh protective factors, the greater the likelihood of becoming in drugs and/or crime (2000 p 49 -53) and there is considerable overlap and relationship between illicit drug use and criminality (ACPR, 2001, p28). After describing the drugs and crime association within this literature review it is possible to conclude and identify recommendations for further research. No one individual theory can adequately explain the drugs and crime nexus in every instance, furthermore the relationship between drugs and crime is very complex, whereby the conclusions researched on this topic vary and depend on which area the researcher examines and interprets the data. Furthermore, consideration to all theories is prudent in order to develop a true assessment of this relationship. Illicit drug use and crime are mutually reinforcing where both can precede the other, and be interrelated with a broad range of other variables, however there is no required criteria or necessary causal links between the relationship. That is, most drug users do not engage in criminality and there is an absence of evidence suggesting that drug use in and of itself causes criminality, and that criminality in and of itself forces people into drug use. With this said, drugs are important within the context of violence and property crime (MacCoun et al, 2001, p2), where the drug using offending population commit a disproportionate amount of crime. Although it can be said that the drugs and crime nexus is intimate, further research is necessary to assist in further defining and understanding the links, where the methods of disaggregation or examining specific areas may prove beneficial and give greater clarity such as, the relationship between crime and particular kinds of drugs, connecting empirical findings to drugs and crime theories, and researching the casual connection between drugs and crime. Finally, an area of interest to the writer to identify gaps in the research pertaining to the drugs and crime nexus is drug use in prison. This paper reviewed a number of studies in reference to the relationship between drugs and crime in an effort to illustrate the complexity of the connection. After examining the link the paper discussed three theoretical models which endeavour to explain the relationship; the psychopharmacological link; the economic-compulsive link; and the systemic link. Drug users dependency on expensive drugs where affordability is lacking demonstrates the closest link between drugs and crime; however even with this example the relationship is not automatic due to crime not being an inevitable consequence of drug use. Finally, involvement in crime is also dependent on economic, social and cultural contexts, not simply drug use.

Best Buy Essay -- essays research papers

Best Buy was founded in 1966 by the current CEO Richard M. "Dick" Schulze. Based out of Eden Prairie, Minnesota the corporation currently has 446 stores and earned over 83 million in total revenue last year. Best Buy carries a wide variety of products consisting of Major Appliances, video and audio equipment, computers, software, music, and wireless technology. When analyzing this corporation it is important to pay close attention to its current and future services and products, any problems with the corporation, the future direction Best Buy is headed, what can be done for the corporation, and what it can do for you as a consumer or employee. Best Buy is currently the number one computer retailer throughout the U.S. and offers multiple promotions. In December of 1999, Best Buy signed an agreement with Microsoft to offer yearly and monthly contracts through MSN, Microsoft’s internet service provider. This pact was an advantage for both companies. Microsoft helped Best Buy develop their website and promote eCommerce. They also bought 200 million in Best Buy stocks raising the price from $1.49 a share to $49.95. Best Buy in return is offering MSN to the 200 million customers that pass through its doors on a yearly basis. One of the largest money makers for Best Buy is its three year product service plan (PSP). The PSP is almost pure profit, and has formed into something ver...

Vygotskys Social Development Theory Education Essay

The following attack examined was category administration, as students were grouped by ability. The ‘Red ‘ group reflected higher ability, this included Child X, ‘Yellow ‘ , in-between ability and ‘Green ‘ , lower ability. All were taught stuff with similar academic content but at a gait and deepness that reflected the varying abilities. This distinction allowed to react to the cognitive difference of where the pupil was, to where the pupil needed to be, a construct which chiefly derived from Vygotsky ‘s Social Development Theory ( Vygotsky 1962, citied in Daniels, 2005 p127 ) . To put this theory in school context, the instructor would try to embrace the spread between the kid ‘s current degree of accomplishment and comparison against the developmental result when supported by an grownup. For illustration, during a phonics session, the green group were given a undertaking related to the ‘ch ‘ sound, whereas Child X and the ruddy group were given this, in add-on to the ‘ture ‘ sound. This undertaking alteration model accommodated and extended the higher ability degrees, leting this to be an effectual pedagogical method in maximizing the acquisition procedure. This process has been found to assist pupils go focussed as independent scholars, as the course of study has been tailored to single rational demands, instead than a one-size tantrums all attack ( Carolan and Guinn p44, 2007 ) . On the other manus, the school ‘s assorted ability process can besides impede run intoing the kid ‘s rational demands. For illustration, in a maths session, the figure bond work sheets provided to the green and xanthous groups concentrated on basic accomplishments and repeat which meant cognitive demands were low and did non stretch middle-ability students. The above activities allowed few chances for treatment and did non advance analysis or creativeness. An article by Jessica Shepard, ( The Guardian online, 2012 ) even suggested that this signifier of grouping â€Å" exacerbates unfairnesss † with Kate Aspin from the TES Online Magazine ( 2010 ) besides adding that efficaciously seting distinction into pattern may be one of the greatest challenges in the NQT twelvemonth. Despite the latter remark, which is of personal relevancy as a possible Newly Qualified Teacher, this school ‘s method did inform that to force all kids to command of content, they need to be pushed at different rates, based on single strengths. However, for those who did happen the activities disputing, peer support was offered. For illustration, with the phonics undertaking, Child X had completed her activity, she sat with the EAL kid and explained the undertaking utilizing her personal methods. She made certain her spouse was remaining on-task, enjoyed more duties and the EAL kid was bettering academically. This pattern is supported through Rose ( 2010, p257 ) , who suggested it was good to redistribute accomplishments and abilities and partner offing high-performing students with those fighting in category. Associating back to Maslow ‘s Hierarchy of Needs ( 1970 ) , every bit good as physiological, safety and self-esteem demands, societal demands had to be met. This method allowed kids to do friends and improved societal accomplishments, which are imperative before self-actualization can be achieved. Evidence besides suggests that vulnerable kids and benefit most from engagement ( Farrell, 2000 ) . Hence in this co ntext, the chance to be a equal protagonist besides allowed to advance inclusion. For future mention, it appears peer support methods would be an effectual educational technique to turn to holistic demands through instruction, mediation and hearing. The school besides offered many extracurricular commissariats such as art, ICT accomplishments, football and badminton. Child X was portion of the badminton squad and there were presently treatments sing coaction with partnership schools through the community Successful Holistic Innovative Nurturing Education ( SHINE ) Scheme. This scheme gave School A the inducements needed to work in partnership with other schools, to enable every student ‘s endowments to be developed within the local community. Child X was excited to non merely vie against other schools, but besides had friends within them. This strategy initiated several characteristics that are straight linked to positive kid development. These included, regular engagement agendas, accent on accomplishment development, and engagement in meaningful interaction. Eccles and Gootman ( 2002 ) besides found that through local school community enterprises, kids learn how to research and act upon in the universe environing them. This suggested that School A ‘s after school plans ‘ possessed the power to advance general wellness and health of kids by maintaining them active, therefore supplying distinguishable chances for growing and development. These enterprises besides encouraged parental engagement and continually invited parents to go to. When questioning with Child X as to whether her parents of all time visited, she articulated that her parents and many other parents ne'er got involved as they tended to be ‘busy ‘ . One set of barriers to rear engagement related to logistical restraints of clip, money, conveyance or kid attention. But it has besides been found that because parents in lower-socioeconomic households frequently have fewer old ages of instruction themselves and potentially harbour more negative experiences with schools ( Lareau and Horvat, 1999 ) . An component that School A should so hold considered, was that research has systematically shown that parental engagement in kids ‘s instruction makes a positive difference to pupils ‘ accomplishment. Parental engagement with kids from an early age has been found to compare with better results in footings of cognitive development and societal development more than parental business, instruction or income ( Sylva et al 2004 ) . Therefore, peculiarly for School A, plans and policies designed to advance parental school engagement in deprived communities in the hereafter may turn out effectual in supplying a sense of coaction for the kid. However, being sensitive to each community ‘s alone barriers and resources is besides of import for set uping and keeping effectual coactions between the single kid, their households and schools. In drumhead, the finest developmental surroundings for a kid consists of academic sweetening, infused with chances for physical, cognitive, societal, and emotional growing. The attacks of School A showed that through contemplation of a diverse context, pupils developed a greater understanding into their ain values and beliefs about teaching method. The school helped toward an apprehension that holistic demands of a kid can be met if schools create an ethos and conditions that support positive behavior for acquisition and for successful relationships. In add-on, they must supply an emotionally secure and safe environment and where appropriate, promote parental and community engagement. Traveling frontward, more attending demands to be paid to these non-cognitive results, such as kids ‘s wellbeing. For best pattern as a trainee instructor, the most important facets acquired for my personal development would be to try to promote regard, aid pupils find strengths in each other, dev elop consistence and support pupils to work for their personal best. After all, Every Child Matters.

Ema Essay

The main reason for this is the radical changes put in place so rapidly with immediate effect. This resulted in lack of structure and consistency throughout the whole chain stores, as you gave each store manager to much autonomy to change the store i. e. decor, food menu etc. , the business culture values as a whole was lost and that was what made the business a success before. I understand some changes had to be made but not so drastically. The loss of business culture and lack of dimension of structure had a lot negative effect in the business especially demographic and sociology factor wise as regular customers dislike the changes and constant change in staff router, the reason for this was staff/managers never has any incentive target to work towards so they would leave after short while which causes extra expenditure cost. Some good ideas drawn from the case study but presented in a quite unstructured way Part b) In Study session 1 we introduced a series a metaphors to describe a business one of them was business as a culture which is a pattern of belief and expectation shared by the organisational members. These beliefs and expectation produces norms that powerfully shape the behaviour of individual and groups within the organisation. As you recruited new staff with no experience and gave managers freedom to change each branch to their liking it took away the business identity and culture. The cause of this is inadequate training giving to new staff and lack of knowing the root/history of the business. A good example is how Disney world recruit and trains their staff, after passing the first phase the second is enrolling at university of Disney land where they undergo forty-hour apprenticeship programme, employee learn about the history and philosophy of Disneyland, and the regulation and procedures that govern work. The way Disney recruits is essential to keep hold of the business ethics and culture. OK but make sure the TMA maintains focus on the set question. Another example by Drennan (1992), who proposed 12 key factor that shape the culture of the business some of these are: The influence of a dominant leader-the vision, management style and personality of the founder or leader in a business often has a significant influence on the value that the business tries to promote The history of the business – how things has always been done The customers of the business who are they and what they expect The reward system and the measurement of performance c) These factor (above) could be useful to you to address your business problems vague and general in the future if put in place other suggestions are: Practices: These are the rites, ritual and ceremonies of the business. These can take many forms, and would include the annual office party, employees and inner site completion (what does this mean? ). (as mentioned before) Physical form: these include location, open plan or individual plan or individual office. Not relevant in a restaurant. Communication: Stories of notable events in the past tend to become part of the culture of the business and can influence behaviour explain how this relates to the case. A common language: jargon is common to many business. It is a convenient short hand form of communication, but is also effect behaviour. Disney employees are â€Å"cast crew† while McDonalds employee are â€Å"crew Members†. You have to be careful to hold on to the facts of the case, and not to go off at a tangent. Part 2 One of topics I found interesting through reading and taking part in discussion (book1 TMA01 Activity 1. 3) through TGF, which was the concept of business culture & whether a business culture can be changed. At first I thought how a culture integrates in a business metaphorically and the more I read and researched the more I understood the big role it plays in a successful business. Many cultural element of a business is not obvious, but there has been attempts in the academic literature to develop definition and identify influencing factors. It is possible to see, or feel, that one business is different from another, and that this involves more than just how it present itself to the outside world.. During our discussion on whether a business culture can be changed, I felt that as human we have to adapt to new cultures to understand each other so for a business is imperative for changes to be put in place to modernise the business culture where needed to evolve the business. Some key factors influencing culture are: Which industry or sector he business is in, and how much and what type of competition it faces The procedures and policies within the business – ever-evolving, but often a good indicator of underlying values. The reward system and the measurement of performance Good summary Where is your references list? Where is your word count? MARKING GRID Part I Maximum Marks Your Marks Question 1 (a) Identify the problems faced by Lodge Bistro that relate to the study session chosen Explicit identification of the study session chosen20 List of problems106 Why these are problems and how these affect Lodge Bistro1814 Total marks Q1(a)30 20