Factors Influencing Customers

Question: Discss about the Factors Influencing Consumers to buying Qoo10 Online in Singapore. Answer: Factors influencing consumers to buying online in Singapore Qoo10 is a company which is formed by joint venture with eBay. It is the largest online market place. It provides online shopping facility. Online shopping behavior is a process in which products and services are offered with the help of internet (Qoo10, 2017). The factors which influence the customers of Singapore in shopping online are as follows: Price Outcome of comparison for infinite choice Price is one of the considerable factors of 4Ps of marketing mix. It is the net amount which needs to be paid by the customer for the benefits to be received from the goods and services (Shrestha, 2016). Price is one of the factors that need to be considered by the customers in case of online purchasing. Furthermore, price is the only factor that leads to generation of income to the company. Customers of Singapore usually prefer online purchasing because of ease in comparison of prices; it helps the consumer in selection of cheaper price. It has been observed that the Singapore customers usually purchases those products and services which are cost effective. However besides cost effectiveness, it is also observed that in Singapore women are more price sensitive as compare to men, while men focus on faster and convenient shopping. When prices are compared on online sites with competitors it affects the purchases of the particular goods and services (Bhasin, 2016). According to the giv en paper, a company must focus on creating customers value by making changes in prices. Singapore customers usually prefer low prices, but in case of low prices set by the company, it can made effect to its perceived value in the minds of the consumer. Low cost can lead to deterioration in quality for the business. Hence to make an effective price strategy the company must set its prices while considering the perceived image of the product or service in the minds of the consumer. It is perceived by the customer that online seller would have lesser cost in comparison to the retailers which are selling their products and services offline. This is due to involvement of warehousing facility, overhead cost, repair and maintenance charges, and rent of the building at offline marketing in traditional marketing. The involvement of these factors in traditional marketing makes the product and services costly. However there are many other charges too which makes changes in the prices of the pr oduct. This is the reason of the consumer opting for online shopping. The customer gets price advantage; besides this he can also compare the prices of the similar product or services at one place only (Charlon, 2015). According to survey conducted by Ernst and Young in 2000, it is the advantage of competitive pricing in case of online buying which influences the customer to shop online. The customer wish to purchase his/her desired product or services at cheaper price but at the same time it is also expected by the customer that the product or service must perceive the desired quality (Hinz, 2016). Convenience Due to evolvement of internet technology, vast changes have been done in online shopping. Internet technology has made possible for the customer to get the full information regarding the desired product or services at one place only, as he do not have to roam around, to find out the best price and quality. This has leaded an advantage to the customers in terms of convenience. It is analyzed that customer is influenced for online shopping because of ease of getting the desired information is a very less time (Freygang, 2016). This saves a lot of time of customers. This is the reason why traditional buying has been reduced in a drastic quantity. It is also analyzed that in case of online buying, price and convenience factor attached to product and services influences the most consumer behavior. In case of online buying, to create convenience for the customer, it is necessary to provide all the required information in the customer local language. If the information would be provided in other language than of customers it would be of no use for customers (Sevim, Hall, 2014). It is observed by the consumer behavior that the customer would find ease to buy online if he/she would get the desired product or services at desired prices, in a less time and with too availability of important information. The customer is highly influenced for shopping online due to convenience factor involved. This is highly suitable for the consumers, who do not have time to search around the various alternatives of his/her desired product or services. It is also analyzed that in comparison to shopping done by men and women, as women wants the desired product or services at lesser price, men wants their desired product or services at faster and convenient mode. Customer influences for buying online because of simplicity and convenience factors involved in it (Nielson, 2016). Furthermore, in online buying customers can buy the desired product or services at any time. Virtual market allows the customers to shop online from their home or office. Besides this, it also provides convenience as they do not need to unnecessary bargain for setting the price of the product at desired level. Online buying is convenient for both customers and business man. This is because customers can indulge into buying its desired products and services by sitting at a couch (Boswell, 2016). Trust In case of online buying, trust means the willingness of customers for the other party that the other party would perform the actions and services in the desired manner as customer wants. Trust and security are considered as most considerable factors in buying online. There is a positive relationship between trust in the online site and intention to purchase. This can be understand as, if the customers of Singapore would have trust in their online site like Qoo10, they would be more likely to purchase the goods and services offered by them (Ipood, 2013). Here trust indicates the level of involvement of perceived risk in the online buying. Hence the online website must find out the measures and try to change them so to increase the level of trust of the consumer and increase sales (Live mint, 2017). Though the customer get the desired price and availability of vast information regarding its uses, special features, comparison with other products, but it does not lays any trust factor i n the minds of the consumer. If the information is provided at local site it would be considered as less important as in comparison to information provided at authorized site like Qoo10. Besides this, the rating and reviews are not to be considered as good source of information. The online buying not influences the customer, because the customer has a fear of trust and security. Customer trust can be increased for the site by providing superior quality at justified price. It has been observed that if the people have trust in the online website, then only they would like to purchase the product. Hence trust in the online sites can be said as barrier in shopping online. In case of customers of Singapore, they would like to purchase from the recognized online site such as Qoo10, as it is a joint venture done by E-bay, which is also a reputed company (Shopping trends). Trust can be considered as risk taking behavior of the customer in the functioning of online website. The more the risk , lesser would be intentions to purchase of the products and services from that site. Trust of the consumers in case of the website can be increased by reputation, size, quality offering, reviews and perceived quality of the products and services in the minds of customer (Lim, Osman, Salahuddin, Romle, Abdullah, 2016). Consumer reviews or experiences affecting buying decision In todays era, mouth publicity has been replaced by reviews which are provided on online websites. While doing online shopping, the consumers usually expects similar prices as of other online shops. Besides form trust in the respective site, the website must have more positive reviews with it. In this, whenever consumer wants to purchase the desired product or services, he/she firstly check out the reviews and recommendations (if provided) on the website (Oritsematosan Ediwn, 2014). If there are some positive reviews then only customer would feel motivated to purchase the goods or services from the respective site. Consumers do not compare the prices between retail outlets and online shops. However consumers usually expect the prices at online shops as lower in comparison of traditional shops. This is so, because of lack of overhead cost to be incurred in case of retail outlets. It has been estimated that, in today era in Singapore, 90% of the consumers analyses the feedback and rev iew of the product and services before purchasing it. Customer gives preference to online recommendations and reviews because they perceive this as the personal recommendation from other customers which have already used the product or services (Nazir, Tayyab, Sajid, Rashid Javed, 2012). Besides this, approximately 31% of the consumers rely on the company which has excellent reviews about its product and services. According to the consumers who prefer online shopping, positive reviews work like a promotion for the company. This means that if a company has positive reviews then there are more chances of the customers to buy its product and services. Approximately 72% of the consumers make decision for purchases just after analyzing the positive reviews about the company. Consumers do not like to take the risk of purchasing the product or services of the company, which has negative reviews. It has been observed that increase in one star of a company can lead to increase in revenue by 5 to 9%, whereas a negative review regarding the company product can lead to loss of 30% of the customers. The reviews and ratings provided by the customer are not being considered as a good source of provider of information. This is because, of biasness involved in the customer ratings and reviews. There are positive relationship between the reviews and experiences of the customer and intention to purchase the product. The more positive reviews would be held by the company, more customers would be contained by the website. Rating done by the consumer regarding the online website will increase the brand image in the minds of consumer and would more influence the buying decision. Ratings can be done in two ways i.e. positive and negative. Is there is a positive rating the website should promote this on social sites, but if the customer has provided negative referencing, it should be taken as a opportunity for the consumers and the management of the respective website should make som e changes to reduce further negative reviews from the customers (Rudolph, 2015). Measurement of online shopping consumer reviews and feedback Measuring the reviews and feedback of the customer in case of online shopping is a qualitative concept. It is a very complex process as it totally depends upon the customer. It might possible that the customer is highly satisfied by the company product, but does not provide rating or provide a negative rating. While in case, when the customer is not satisfied by the company product and services, but still he provides a five star rating. Hence it can be said that providing feedback and ratings for the company offering are biased from the customer. This makes the measurement of reviews and feedback complex for the company. Besides this one of the major point need to be considered while measuring the feedback and reviews is that, majorly rating providing sites are not organized and sometimes they are not true also. Apart from this, there are a large number of reviews, and sometimes are very informative in nature. Hence it is said while measuring the reviews and feedback, the reviewer mi ght face a difficulty in reviewing all the reviews and feedback. There are no specific measures to quantify the online shopping reviews and feedback (Sam Sharma, 2015). There are not any key tools or method from which the reviews and feedback given by the customer can be measured. However it can be measured by applying some electronic meters such as scanners that would measure the purchases made by the customer. Besides this, by measuring the activities and engagement of each and every consumer from the TV, Smartphone, or any other gadget the reviews and feedback can be measured. Consumer buying decision Consumer buying decision is a complex process. This is due to invention of internet technology and availability of huge information. This involves stages starting from problem recognition to after purchase activities. Consumer makes purchasing decision on the basis of personal, situational, social and psychological factors. The consumer buying depends upon a lot of factors besides above stated factors such as: reviews of the product, comparing the product or the services with other companies. Besides this consumer do a lot of analyses over the product and services of the company by its online rating, recommendations. Hence the customer feels difficulty in analyzing the texture, unable to touch the product. It makes the consumer decision making very complex. Furthermore, in case of online shopping, the consumer has a lot of choices. Consumer makes purchasing decision on the basis of analysis over the quality of website design of the company, perceived trust, perceived convenience, and advertising and promotion strategies adopted by the company. In case of tradition shopping the buying decision starts from need or problem recognitions and ends with after purchase services. But in case of online shopping the consumer, he motivates from internal and external simulations (Babar, Rasheed Sajjad, 2014). Here website design plays a considerable role in influencing the customer to purchase the product or service. Perceived trust is when a customer expects that the companys product and services will fulfill the needs of the customer. It is the confidence of the customer in company offerings. In context to convenience, the consumer will prefer the site which is available 24/7.Besides this, some of the products in online marketing can be delivered very easily like books or software, while some of the product cannot be delivered so easily like electrical equipments. In case of online shopping, when the consumer comes across banner ads or online promotion, it attracts the consumer attention towards the company product or services. In online shopping the consumer come across a lot of choices, hence to differentiate the particular product or service from the other companys similar product or services, advertising, and sales promotion programs plays a considerable role (Bauboniene Guleviciut e, 2015). Conclusion By analyzing the given assignment it can be said that one of the factors of influencing the customer for adopting for online shopping is the availability of product and services at all the time. However besides prices, convenience and trust there are many other factors also which influences like cultural factors, gender sector of employment, demographic and psychographic factors and many more. References Babar, A,. Rasheed, A Sajjad, M. (2014) Factors influencing online shopping behavior of consumers, Journal of basic and applied scientific research 4(4) pp (314-320) Bauboniene, Z Guleviciute, G,. (2015) E-commerce factors influencing consumers online shopping decision, Socialines technologies social technologies, 5(1) pp (74-81) Bhasin, H,. (2016) Why customer reviews and recommendations are most important nowadays? Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://www.marketing91.com/customer-reviews-and-recommendations/ Boswell, W,. (2016) Shopping online: what are the pros and cons?. Retrieved on 2nd March 2017 from https://www.lifewire.com/shopping-online-pros-and-cons-3482632 Charlon, G,. (2015) Ecommerce consumer reviews: why you need them and how to use them. Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://econsultancy.com/blog/9366-ecommerce-consumer-reviews-why-you-need-them-and-how-to-use-them/ Davis, R,. (2017) [New research] Measuring consumer trust in eCommerce: Consumers value customer reviews over secure browsing. Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://lab.getapp.com/consumer-trust-in-ecommerce-lies-in-customer-reviews/ Freygang, E,. (2016) Why shop online: from price to convenience, and back again. Retrieved on 2nd March 2017 from https://www.lsretail.com/blog/shop-online-price-convenience-back/ Hinz, J,. (2016) How trust can help convert online shoppers to buyers. Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://marketingland.com/trust-can-help-convert-online-holiday-shopping-sales-154349 Ipood,. (2013) Topyaps, Top 15 reasons to trust online shopping sites. Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://topyaps.com/top-10-reasons-to-trust-online-shopping-sites Lim, Y, J,. Osman, A,. Salahuddin, S, N,. Romle, A, R Abdullah, S. (2016) Procedia economics and Finance, 7th International economics business management conference (IEBMC) 35(0) pp. (401-410) Live mint,. (2017) Convenience overtaking discounts in online shopping: BCG report. Retreived on 2nd March 2017 from https://www.livemint.com/Industry/rh4znikPRnrNHZs7baQyiP/Convenience-overtaking-discounts-in-online-shopping-BCG-rep.html Nazir, S,. Tayyab, A,. Sajid, A,. Rashid, H Javed, I. (2012) How online shopping is affecting consumers buying behavior in Pakistan?, IJCSI International Journal of computer science issues 9(1) pp. (486-495) Nielson,. (2016) Convenience stores and online shopping become major consumption options. Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://www.nielsen.com/cn/en/insights/news/2016/Nielsen-convenience-stores-and-online-shopping-become-major-consumption-ways.html Oritsematosan, D F Ediwn A M,. (2014) A review of the effect of pricing strategies on the purchase of consumer goods, International journal of research in management, science technology 2(2) Qoo10,. (2017) About Qoo10 Giosis. Retrieved on 28th February 2017 from https://www.qoo10.sg/gmkt.inc/Company/AboutCompany.aspx Rudolph, S,. (2015) Business 2 community. The impact of online reviews in customers buying decisions (Infrographic). Retrieved on 28th February, 2017 from https://www.business2community.com/infographics/impact-online-reviews-customers-buying-decisions-infographic-01280945#btju4liCSGUKGClm.97 Sam, C, Y Sharma, C,. (2015) An exploration into the factors driving consumers in Singapore towards or away from the adaptation of online shopping, Global business and management research: An international Journal 7(1) pp (60-73) Sevim, N Hall, E, E,. (2014) consumer trust impact on online shopping intent. Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://www.journalagent.com/iuyd/pdfs/IUYD-41636-RESEARCH_ARTICLE-EROGLU_HALL.pdf Shopping trends,. (n.d.) Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://recursostic.educacion.es/secundaria/edad/3esoingles/3quincena9/impresos/shopping_trends.pdf Shrestha, K,. (2016) Vendasta, [infographic] 50 stats you need to know about online reviews. Retrieved on 2nd March, 2017 from https://www.vendasta.com/blog/50-stats-you-need-to-know-about-online-reviews

Washington Square Essay Example For Students

Washington Square Essay I’m depressed. Well, how could I not be? I just finished reading Washington Square. I’m happy it’s over, but I’m not happy I finished it. No, that doesn’t make sense does it? Lets just say, I had a feeling how it was going to end up; I just hoped that I would be wrong. Unfortunately the one time I didn’t want to be right I was. Isn’t that the way it always works? I guess so. Catherine, dear plain old, Catherine. Poor girl, father thinks she’s plain, she thinks she’s plain, her aunt thinks she’s plain, even the man who she thinks loves her thinks she’s plain. Although James erases this thought in the beginning of the book I still believe it, â€Å"plain† equals â€Å"ugly†. I feel so bad for her but I guess you had to have what happened to her happen, or else we wouldn’t have such a depressing story. I tell you though, I’m glad my daddy isn’t rich or I would swear off guys a s well. I felt so horrible when I knew before her what Morris was like. We will write a custom essay on Washington Square specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Which brings me to Morris Townsend. He’s a rat, I smelt a rat from the beginning but I figured it was just because for me guys for the most part are always rats. But of course he was after her money, she was â€Å"plain† and her father was â€Å"rich† no her father wasn’t â€Å"rich†. By god he was rich. So Catherine’s got a big dowry, lots of money, but she’s â€Å"plain†. Oh, well the money will compensate. This shows you the kind of man he is. Well at least it erases the theory that women are gold diggers. James makes the reader dislike Catherine’s father. He makes him seem like an insensitive uncaring prick, but I really don’t think he is. Yes I know parents are supposed to think that their child is the most beautiful thing in the world but hey, that theory’s over rated. It’s not that he didn’t love his daughter; he just knew the truth. He was realistic about the entire idea of this strikingly handsome man falling head over heals in love with his daughter who isn’t the greatest looking chick in the world. Something doesn’t quite fit. But it’s a known fact that children never believe what their parents say. Who trusts the person who’s had more experience in life? Where would the sense be in that? Although he had a funny way of showing it, Catherine’s father truly cared for her. Well we’ve already established that she’s not going to listen to his better judgment, but still, it didn’t help that she had an aunt who believed in Cinderella and Prince Charming fairy tales. Her aunt is a quack. James doesn’t go so far as to say this much but that’s what she is. She believes that everyone will find love. All she’s trying to do is live vicariously through her niece. Her father says, â€Å"All he wants is your money† she says, â€Å"no he wants your heart† and all that other mushy stuff. Her father really is a smart man. He knew from the start that his sister was going to cause this kind of trouble. He was right. It’s hard enough that she’s in love with a scumbag, but she’s got one saying he’s rotten and the other saying he’s perfect. Instead of ending up alone at the end she should’ve ended in an asylum. Hell, I know that would drive me crazy. Hmm lets see . . .who’s got the problem. Catherine maybe? Yes I think I’ll go with Catherine. Catherine is torn between the cultural forces that would have her marry into â€Å"elite† society, when she’s in love with someone she can never have-in this case a handsome young man who wants her only for her money. Of course she doesn’t know this yet but she will. The poor girl. Her father forbids her to marry Morris. Having a father disapprove of the man you love is a hard thing. Still loving the man your father disapproves of is even harder. Then later finding out that the man you’d been fighting for wouldn’t have done the same for you is devastating. Catherine knows she’s right, that Morris loves her. She knows this all the way up until the point where she finds out he doesn’t. (Well, that would be logical wouldn’t it?) But to solve the problem of being forbidden to marry, she merely stays unwed until her father’s death. When Morris shows up ten years later and then decides to try to wed her for her money, she’s got a new problem. She’s realized who he really is. So she rejects him and condemns herself to live alone rather than co mpromise to the crooked social order of both men and women that has limited her whole life. Now it’s just a hunch, but I honestly think she dies a virgin and without knowing the feeling of being loved. Now can you see why this book is just depressing? I’m so glad it’s over and I’m so glad this reports over too. So I don’t have to talk about this depressing story any longer. I have a feeling her aunt wouldn’t liked this story very much. I mean where’s the glass slipper?Book Reports Washington Square Essay Example For Students Washington Square Essay I’m depressed. Well, how could I not be? I just finished reading Washington Square. I’m happy it’s over, but I’m not happy I finished it. No, that doesn’t make sense does it? Lets just say, I had a feeling how it was going to end up; I just hoped that I would be wrong. Unfortunately the one time I didn’t want to be right I was. Isn’t that the way it always works? I guess so. Catherine, dear plain old, Catherine. Poor girl, father thinks she’s plain, she thinks she’s plain, her aunt thinks she’s plain, even the man who she thinks loves her thinks she’s plain. Although James erases this thought in the beginning of the book I still believe it, â€Å"plain† equals â€Å"ugly†. I feel so bad for her but I guess you had to have what happened to her happen, or else we wouldn’t have such a depressing story. I tell you though, I’m glad my daddy isn’t rich or I would swear off guys a s well. I felt so horrible when I knew before her what Morris was like. We will write a custom essay on Washington Square specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Which brings me to Morris Townsend. He’s a rat, I smelt a rat from the beginning but I figured it was just because for me guys for the most part are always rats. But of course he was after her money, she was â€Å"plain† and her father was â€Å"rich† no her father wasn’t â€Å"rich†. By god he was rich. So Catherine’s got a big dowry, lots of money, but she’s â€Å"plain†. Oh, well the money will compensate. This shows you the kind of man he is. Well at least it erases the theory that women are gold diggers. James makes the reader dislike Catherine’s father. He makes him seem like an insensitive uncaring prick, but I really don’t think he is. Yes I know parents are supposed to think that their child is the most beautiful thing in the world but hey, that theory’s over rated. It’s not that he didn’t love his daughter; he just knew the truth. He was realistic about the entire idea of this strikingly handsome man falling head over heals in love with his daughter who isn’t the greatest looking chick in the world. Something doesn’t quite fit. But it’s a known fact that children never believe what their parents say. Who trusts the person who’s had more experience in life? Where would the sense be in that? Although he had a funny way of showing it, Catherine’s father truly cared for her. Well we’ve already established that she’s not going to listen to his better judgment, but still, it didn’t help that she had an aunt who believed in Cinderella and Prince Charming fairy Her aunt is a quack. James doesn’t go so far as to say this much but that’s what she is. She believes that everyone will find love. All she’s trying to do is live vicariously through her niece. Her father says, â€Å"All he wants is your money† she says, â€Å"no he wants your heart† and all that other mushy stuff. Her father really is a smart man. He knew from the start that his sister was going to cause this kind of trouble. He was right. It’s hard enough that she’s in love with a scumbag, but she’s got one saying he’s rotten and the other saying he’s perfect. Instead of ending up alone at the end she should’ve ended in an asylum. Hell, I know that would drive me crazy. Hmm lets see . . .who’s got the problem. Catherine maybe? Yes I think I’ll go with Catherine. Catherine is torn between the cultural forces that would have her marry into â€Å"elite† society, when she’s in love with someone she can never have-in this case a handsome young man who wants her only for her money. Of course she doesn’t know this yet but she will. The poor girl. Her father forbids her to marry Morris. Having a father disapprove of the man you love is a hard thing. Still loving the man your father disapproves of is even harder. Then later finding out that the man you’d been fighting for wouldn’t have done the same for you is devastating.Catherine knows she’s right, that Morris loves her. She knows this all the way up until the point where she finds out he doesn’t. (Well, that would be logical wouldn’t it?) But to solve the problem of being forbidden to marry, she merely stays unwed until her father’s death. When Morris shows up ten years later and then decides to try to wed her for her money, she’s got a new problem. She’s realized who he really is. So she rejects him and condemns herself to live alone rather than compromise to the crooked social order of both men and women Now it’s just a hunch, but I honestly think she dies a virgin and without knowing the feeling of being loved. Now can you see why this book is just depressing? I’m so glad it’s over and I’m so glad this reports over too. So I don’t have to talk about this depressing story any longer. I have a feeling her aunt wouldn’t liked this story very much. I mean where’s the glass slipper?Bibliography:

XML and EDI essays

XML and EDI essays The internet is analogous to a very large library where all the books are scattered on the floor. This is because it contains so much information, but there is no organizational system for sorting through the information. "Many people have expended a lot of time and effort over the years to try to put some order into this chaos but with varying degrees of success." (Wiseman 113). The eXtensible Markup Language, or XML, aims to take on the electronic clutter and organize it in a way that everyone can use. Although XML promises to bring drastic organizational changes to the internet, it is not a new concept. In fact, businesses have been using "a collection of standard message formats and element dictionaries to exchange data" for the past twenty-five years (Wiseman 114). This type of formatting for electronic commerce is called Electronic Data InterchangeEDIand has allows businesses to trade information necessary to their functioning. It is for this reason that XML has sometimes been called "the poor man's EDI" or "EDI for everyone," XML brings organization to the common man's electronic world, while EDI has structured corporate commerce since the dawn of the information age. EDI's foundations can be traced back to 1948 "during the Berlin airlift when Ed Guilbert of the Department of Defense spearheaded the Transportation Data Coordinating Committee." (Rifkin 29). This group needed to get various modes of transportation to share data like schedules and coordinate with each other to effectively deliver supplies. The establishment of this group eventually led to the formation of the X12 committee, which was accredited by the American National Standards institute in 1979. "Large petroleum, banking, transportation, and retailing companies and the federal government soon began using X12 EDI to provide electronic forms and messages for shipping...

The Meanings and Variations of Mother

The Meanings and Variations of Mother The Meanings and Variations of Mother The Meanings and Variations of Mother By Mark Nichol Mother derives from the Old English term modor, which is cognate with the Latin word mater and the Greek word meter. (From the Latin term such words as maternal and maternity are derived.) The term refers not only to a female parent but also to a woman in authority, such as the head of a women’s religious community; it was also long employed as a respectful term of address for an elderly woman (as in â€Å"Mother Goose†), though this use is almost obsolete. It may also apply to an origin, precursor, or source, as in the expression â€Å"Necessity is the mother of invention.† A stepmother is a woman who marries one of one’s parents, and a mother-in-law is the mother of one’s spouse. Motherly describes maternal behavior, and motherlike alludes to a resemblance to the qualities of a mother. Motherhood describes the quality or state of being a mother. The verb mother pertains to the act of producing biological or figurative offspring. Motherland describes one’s home country, although the term is most prevalent in Russia and adjacent nations as well as some in the Near East and seldom used elsewhere. Mother Nature is the maternal personification of nature as the source of all that exists in the natural world. Mother also appears in a compound word ending with an obscene term; in this form and by itself it can be, depending on context, a mild epithet or an extreme insult. Open compounds that include the term mother include â€Å"earth mother† (meaning â€Å"a maternal figure†) â€Å"mother cell† (â€Å"a cell in an organism that produces usually different types of cells†), â€Å"mother hen† (â€Å"an overly protective person†), â€Å"mother lode† (â€Å"a primary mineral lode or vein† or â€Å"a primary source or supply†), â€Å"mother wit† (â€Å"natural intelligence or wit†), and â€Å"mother ship† (â€Å"a ship that serves smaller vessels†). â€Å"Refrigerator mother,† a label once applied to cold, distant, unmaternal mothers, was coined as part of a since-rejected theory for the cause of autism. A stage mother, meanwhile, is one who pressures a child to participate in the performing arts and demands special treatment for him or her; the term is derogatory, with the implication that a she is living vicariously through the child. Compounds employing the informal variant mom include â€Å"helicopter mom,† which describes an overly protective mother, as well as â€Å"soccer mom,† a sometimes pejorative term for a specific demographic- a suburban mother who pushes her children to participate in extracurricular activities such as youth soccer leagues- and the related phrase â€Å"hockey mom,† which pertains to inhabitants of geographic regions where ice hockey is prevalent. Expressions that use the term mother follow: a face only a mother could love: said of an unattractive person at (one’s) mother’s knee: alluding to learning something as a child every mother’s son: an evocative way of saying â€Å"everyone† everybody/everyone and (one’s) mother: a hyperbolic expression referring to a crowd the mother of all (blank): a hyperbolic reference to the best or greatest of a type of thing swear/swore on (one’s) mother’s grave: a hyperbolic reference to a solemn confirmation that one is telling the truth because of the association with the sanctity of a parent’s gravesite tied to (one’s) mother’s apron strings: said of a man who has not asserted his independence from his mother Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Bare or Bear With Me?5 Brainstorming Strategies for Writers20 Classic Novels You Can Read in One Sitting

Marketing Analysis for Acer Hi-Fi System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Analysis for Acer Hi-Fi System - Essay Example Acer has been known for a long time as electronic producing company especially computer products. Recently, the company has entered the music product industry where its asserting is presence in the market by introducing unique and superior products in the market, hi-fi clear system being one of such products. To assert its presence in the music industry, Acer has embarked on market analysis mission for its hi-fi music system for business growth and increase in its market share. 2.0 Situational Analysis/ Opportunity Identification Situational analysis and opportunity analysis involves a clear definition of opportunities available to an organization’s operating environment both internally and externally and the challenges thereof (Stevens, Sherwood and Dunn, 1993, 7). This helps the managers to make appropriate strategic decisions to tap into the opportunities and overcome the challenges present. 2.1 Market Analysis Given that Acer group of companies has a global presence, it ha s a market potential to market its Acer hi-fi system to over 300 million middle and upper income class who forms its target market. This market segment has a higher purchasing power and superior tastes for high quality products. In addition, this market segment comprises technology literate individuals who are quick to adopt and use the product. Buyer behaviour shows a strong peer influence and appeal for quality features. Acer’s market intelligence shows that majority of the target customers have had experience with other Acer products in the past a factor the company seeks to utilize to capture a sizeable market share. Initial sales figures show that the company has the potential to grow its market share in this market segment given the unique and superior quality of its product. 2.2 SWOT Analysis The analysis process involves a critical review of the strengths and weaknesses focusing on internal factors on one hand and opportunities and threats addressing the external fact ors (Cheverton, 2004, 84). Detailed SWOT analysis is presented in the table below; Internal Factors Strengths Weaknesses Product offerings Capable of connecting to all of the devices on your home network and devices Unique sound quality and affordable Largely unknown compared to competitor brands Somehow sophisticated to some customers Acer brand Known for its quality Producer of affordable goods Not ranked among the top electronic companies Positioning problem Management Experienced in new product development and marketing strategies Understands the target market’s purchase behaviour patterns Slow to react to changes in customer demand Organizational structural challenges Market Huge global market of over 300 mn customers Better product adoption among target customers Strong tastes and preferences Rapid changes in demand Low adoption rates in some markets Human Resources Skilled manpower with strong product development, financial and marketing skills High turnover Financial considerations Revenue estimates are good given the margin/product Low cost of production ROI very promising Rising cost of raw materials and energy R&D Competent R&D teams Rapid dynamism in the music industry Capital and time intensive External Factors Opportunities Threats Consumer market High purchasing power Technologically savvy Rapid changes in tastes and

Discipline in the Public Schools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Discipline in the Public Schools - Essay Example Tinker vs Des Moines Independent School District (1969): It was in 1965 when John tinker his sister Mary Tinker and a friend Chris Eckhardt wore black armbands on their sleeve in protest of the Vietnam War. The school faculty told them to remove those armbands, but they refused. As a consequence, John, Mary Tinker and Chris Eckhardt were suspended. (TINKER vs DES MOINES DISTRICT SCHOOL) The Tinker family protested and the sued the school district saying that they had violated the students right of Freedom of speech (Jacobs). The case was tried at Supreme Court, and the Tinker family won the case. The Supreme Court gave the ruling that the school official do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate" (TINKER vs DES MOINES DISTRICT SCHOOL). However, the court further added that the right of freedom of choice must be maintained within the limits. It should not in any way disturb class activity or invade rights of others. The impact of this case had been huge for the next years and many times the Tinker reference was used in courts. One such instance was when Mathew Fraser of Bethel High School was suspended by the school for giving a speech containing sexual innuendos. The court, however, favored the school and the suspension was upheld a speech containing sexual innuendos. The court remarked that it was fair of the school to suspend the student for using vulgar language within school boundaries. (Jacobs) The Tinker case edges on the boundary of what is right and what is not. It depends on the situation and the way people use their rights given to them by the constitution. The Tinker family wore black armbands in dispute of the war against Vietnam, but it was not invasion of school guidelines that are handed to students. War is means of destruction, no matter for whatever reasons it is fought. It takes lives of innocent people. It has been seen today that even football players wear black armbands to condemn racism. In 2002, people went out on the streets to condemn attacks on Afghanistan, but it was only a movement in which people took part (Pinto). Nothing violent took place. Same was the case with Tinker family they just wore armbands in protest of the war and possibly to side more students with them and show the State that the youth is not supporting the cause. It was not any act of violence. There was huge unrest among the American public in response to the Vietnam War, in genera l. (Hodbod'ova'). So, the Tinker family stood right in the case. If the case was tried in 2012, the decision would have stayed the same. In the twenty first century, people have much more freedom of choice and speech. We have seen many times people coming out on the street and not supporting the cause, such as the War against Terror in Afghanistan (Pinto). Goss vs Lopez: Administrators of Colombus, Ohio, Public School System-CPSS, appealed against the ruling of three-judge federal court that was in favor of high school temporarily suspended students of CPSS, on the grounds that Fourteen Amendment was violated for a chance of hearing was not afforded to them. The ruling directed that reference to suspensions to be removed from the record of the students. (GOSS ET AL. v. LOPEZ ET AL.) The judgment had evoked Section 3313.66 of Ohio State (that provides free education to children of 5-21) which states that the Principal of a public school can, either suspend a pupil for up to 10 days o r expel him/her. In case of

Chinese history Essay Example for Free

Chinese history Essay 250 Word Essay One of the most important aspects of ancient Chinese history is the formation of the Silk Road, a trade route which spanned two continents and put China on the map as one of the most important import/export countries in the ancient world. It’s beginnings were smaller in scale as it only encompassed the Chinese Empire itself but it became apparent, after Zhang Qian made contact with Central Asian tribes, that the expansion the trade route would benefit both China and other Asian nations. It continued to expand under the Han dynasty and into Roman times (Beauty).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most important reasons for its formation as a major trade route was fear of marauding gangs that were eager to obtain the many goods that Chinese merchants filled their caravans with: silk, gemstones, incense, spices, and blue and white porcelain were just some fo the cargo traveled along the Silk Road. The Chinese army was even beefed up in order to protect this special route that helped to keep China’s economy booming. It’s reach expanded throughout China and Asia and eventually commerce was developed between the Roman Empire and China (Newton).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The long-term impact of the Silk Road on Chinese culture and history were that it literally brought a strong economy to China, and brought the goods and customs of other cultures into its borders. The traders, including Zhang Qian in 138 B.C.E., were able to learn economic, military, and geographical information that would help in the roads expansion and with Chinese military success. The Silk Road was so important to the culture of both the Eastern and Western world because during Roman times, even the lower socioeconomic classes depended upon the goods that were imported from China on the Silk Road, and even the religion of Buddhism was spread by way of the Silk Road. Its impact on the world was huge and its impact on Chinese culture even more prominent (Newton). Works Cited The Silk Road. Beauty, the Land of China. ThinkQuest. 19 Jan. 2007 http://library.thinkquest.org/20443/silkroad.html. The Silk Road. Newton Public Schools. 19 Jan. 2007 http://www.newton.mec.edu/Angier/DimSum/Silk%20Road%20Info.html.    100 Word Assignment  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most surprising aspects of my research about the Silk Road was the vast expanse of space which is encompassed. It’s amazing how far the caravans had to travel and how large they were. From all accounts the Silk Road was dangerous to those traveling it because of the terrain and yet it was such an integral part of Chinese history and lasted for many years, even expanding. The images of the Silk Road that I could find reminded me the regal images of Chinese royalty, for some reason. It’s as if everyone is perceived as being clothed in silk from head to toe, even the camels! I definitely see how difficult the trip must have been because of the limited means of transportation that the merchants had access to, and how they could easily become victims of a raid for their goods. I also thought that it was interesting that Buddhism itself was virtually spread by way of the Silk Road. I was surprised to see that the Silk Road is being revitalized for tourism purposes and that there are many tour groups that specialize in trips just along the route that used to be traveled by Chinese merchants in ancient times.