Pupils Welfare And Academic Attainment Education Essay

Pastoral attention, or as it is known in an educational scene as Personal, Social, Health and Economic instruction or PSHE, has been under much argument and examination in the last decennary or so. The discourse environing this country of instruction is about how of import it is and if it has a topographic point within or alongside the National Curriculum. There are inquiries about the relevancy PSHE plays within schools and whether it is 2nd to the more academic based topics, and if it is in fact an country that needs to be included who is tasked with the occupation of presenting it? The chief publications I will be utilizing to discourse the inquiry are, Positions on Pastoral Care ; Pastoral Care and Personal Social Education: Entitlement and Provision ; Problems and Practice of Pastoral Care ; How to be a Successful Form Tutor ; The Pastoral and the Academic. Additionally to these I will be doing usage of articles, electronic stuff and an review study by Ofsted into PSHE. Pastoral attention and personal-social instruction can be found to arise before the Education Act was formed in 1944 and some grounds day of the months as far back as the last century. Although it was non until the 1970s, and shortly after critics, that publications about pastoral attention began to emerge in print, so it can safely be said that PSHE and pastoral attention has existed alongside instruction for a piece, ( Best et al, 1995 ) . A diffused construct from the general consensus for a sensible definition of PSHE is ; â€Å" Personal, societal, wellness and economic ( PSHE ) instruction is a planned programme of larning chances and experiences that help kids and immature people grow and develop as persons and as members of households and of societal and economic communities † .[ 1 ] ( PSHE Education, ND ) When it comes to pastoral attention a phrase which is going progressively used is ‘the concealed course of study ‘ , a phrase that defines a side consequence of larning which is non intentionally intended. The expostulation to this is that no portion of the course of study should be ‘hidden ‘ , for merely if it is openly defined can at that place be a plausible and incorporate structured programme of PSHE within schools, ( Marland & A ; Rogers, 2004, p.20 ) . An interesting point raised by Keith Blackburn that can associate to the ‘hidden course of study ‘ is that each member of the teaching staff, non merely the signifier coach, contributes in assorted ways to countries focused on the PSHE lessons, something I will turn to subsequently in this reappraisal ( Blackburn cited in Best et Al, 1980 p.58 ) . Overall, it is clear in some countries that there are values based on PSHE within schools and it is seen as an indispensable facet of ‘whole s chool ‘ ethos, furthering a safe and unafraid environment where kids are able to larn. So, from my initial readings it seems that the function of the signifier coach is to better the overall well-being of the student with the purpose of it holding a positive impact on the remainder of their instruction. With this general background in head we can get down to discourse how the place held by the pastoral carer/form coach is important to pupils ‘ public assistance and academic attainment. The signifier coach can hold many functions within a school, he/she are the first grownup students will run into in the forenoon and he/she have more contact clip with each student in comparing to their capable instructors. As a instructor he/she is at that place to supply support and counsel, every bit good as being a function theoretical account to whom their students can look up to. Dillon and Maguire acknowledge this in their book Becoming a Teacher, and so travel on to state â€Å" merely being there is an of import factor, supplying students with what might be the lone point of security in the instance of those with helter-skelter lives † , ( Dillon & A ; Maguire, 2011, p.371 ) . In turn toing the point made by Blackburn brought up earlier in this treatment, subjects teacher can lend to countries focused on by the chief pastoral carer. Then once more their chief aim is to learn their course of study topic, unlike the signifier coach, they would non follow with a structur ed programme that students will profit from within PSHE lessons. Furthermore, while it is the responsibility of the signifier coach to advance ‘personal development ‘ , Blackburn besides insists the signifier coach has to understand the manner each student sees himself in order to lend to his farther apprehension and penetration † , ( Blackburn, cited in Best et Al, 1980, p.58 ) . This support of a signifier coach can be a great aid during the adolescent phase of a student ‘s life as Watkins ( 1981 ) explains that one of the chief country of the signifier coach ‘s function will be to see is merely that ‘adolescence ‘ . A slippery clip for a student as they are trying to develop their ain individuality and where they fit within the larger community. Watkins puts it as â€Å" striplings are continuously involved in experimenting with their self-presentation and judging the reactions thereto † , ( Watkins, ND, cited in Hamblin, 1981, p.22 ) . During his calling Douglas Hamblin ( 1981 ) had become progressively cognizant of schools where the pastoral system was under-functioning and doing small direct part to the attainment of the ‘whole schools ‘ ethos. He seems to admit that instructors were non the 1s to fault, the job stemmed from uneffective pastoral attention caused by a hapless deficiency of structured programmes from which carers could present utile lessons, ( Hamblin, 1981, p.3 ) . Fortunately, varied lineations of learning standards in these PSHE lessons can be found in many publications, in add-on necessary qualities in being a successful signifier coach can be besides be found. One peculiar publication which discusses both would be How to be a successful Form Tutor, by Marland & A ; Rogers, ( 2004 ) in which they describe that â€Å" a signifier coach is a instructor whose topic is the student herself † , ( Marland & A ; Rogers, 2004, p.19 ) . The suggestion here is that each student ‘s ‘personal development ‘ , addressed by Blackburn before, is different and they should hold their ain single acquisition program to assist them come on. Marland and Rogers so travel on to compose about a theoretical account that focuses on seven countries of personal-social growing drawn upon by Richard Pring ; these include rational and moral virtuousnesss, character traits, societal competences, practical and theoretical cognition and personal values, ( Pring, 1984, cited in Marland & A ; Rogers, 2004 p.22-4 ) .These countries described here can help in the betterment of both the public assistance of students and their overall academic accomplishment ; or as Calvert expresses it, â€Å" issues of emotional intelligence were cardinal to larning and non merely concerned with go toing to the public assistance of the kid † , ( Calvert, 2009, p. 274 ) . In 1980 there was a ‘Great Debate ‘ of instruction looking into the constitution of a more purposeful course of study ; the topic of pastoral attention was mistily addressed but non much was done about the â€Å" luxuriant and frequently complicated systems † that were in topographic point, â€Å" in which academic personal businesss were separated from public assistance and counsel † , ( Best et al, 1980, p. ( xi ) ) . In the publication The Pastoral and the Academic, Powers ( 1996 ) writes that in its early phases pastoral attention had been used as a manner to depict any undertaking that would non suit into the academic side of instruction, ( Power, 1996, p.30 ) . As it was defined chiefly in negative footings, it lacked internal coherency and organizing rules, ( Power, 1996, p.30 ) . So at that place seems to be this great oversight between both pastoral and academic, but some authors feel there is a demand to unite the two in an interlacing relationship so they can feed off each other to better public presentation of students ‘ well-being and faculty members. Hamblin feels that â€Å" the relationship of pastoral attention to achievement can non be stressed excessively strongly ( Hamblin, 1981, p4 ) . There is a big sum of grounds that suggests PSHE has had a strong influence on students in both positive and negative ways. Such an illustration is the Ofsted review study into personal, societal, wellness and economic instruction in schools, which took topographic point between September 2006 and July 2009 in 165 kept up schools in England. In one school visited students responded positively towards PSHE instruction, â€Å" exhibiting first-class behavior within lessons and had developed lively and joint debating accomplishments and were besides willing to listen to the positions of others † , ( Ofsted, 2010 ) . The students besides showed their societal and personal accomplishments in practical ways by moving as function theoretical accounts and wise mans for younger students. The findings suggest that many of the schools with consistent and good quality learning were really much dependent on whether PSHE was taught by non-specialist instructors ( who were frequently coachs ) or by instructors who had had some preparation in PSHE instruction † , ( Ofsted, 2010 ) . This analysis suggests the benefits from holding a strongly structured programme for PSHE lessons can help any type of coach deliver a lesson. There is grounds of negative positions towards pastoral attention picked up by Powers ( 1996 ) , Calvert ( 2009 ) and Hamblin ( 1981 ) . As discussed earlier, Hamblin acknowledges the under operation of pastoral attention, while Calvert explains there are seven ages of pastoral attention which have developed over the last 50 old ages. These are pastoral attention as ‘control ‘ ; as ‘individual demand ‘ ; as ‘group demand ‘ ; the ‘pastoral course of study ‘ ; for ‘implementation of the National Curriculum ‘ ; for ‘learning ‘ and for ‘the wider work force and the Every Child Matters docket ‘ , something Power besides picks up on in less item, ( Calvert, 1996, p 270-274 ) . It seems apparent that the function of the signifier coach, no affair how many significant alterations it goes through, one portion which remains critical and is agreed upon is the development of the students ‘ wellbeing, ( Rees, 2010, cited in Dillon & A ; Maguire, 2011 ) . This sentiment of â€Å" personal development † dealt with by Marland and Rogers ( 2004 ) is something that is besides picked up on by Keith Blackburn in Perspectives on Pastoral Care, depicting â€Å" a new function created for instructors in secondary schools whose main accent was cognizing single students † , ( Blackburn, cited in Best et Al, p.56 ) . Associating many of the Hagiographas is this impression of the academic and the pastoral working together alternatively of against each other. Best and fellow authors indicate in Perspective on Pastoral Care, that as far back as 1980 there is clear deliberation over the thought of segregating the pastoral course of study from academic as a questionable act and something that the ‘great argument in instruction ‘ should hold picked up on but failed to so, ( Best et al, 1980, P ( xi ) ) . Chris Watkins suggests that â€Å" schoolmasters and instructors should guarantee that pastoral attention in schools embodies a healthy balance between challenge and support for students † , ( Best et al, 1995, p.304 ) The division of PSHE course of study devoted to either public assistance of students or their academic accomplishment is nonsensical, as the focal point on supplying for personal growing and accomplishment together is a better model for success, ( Standish et Al. 2006, cited in Dillon and Maguire 2011 ) something for which Watkins ( 1981 ) and Powers ( 1996 ) agree on. Mentioning back to the original inquiry posed, I feel it can be concluded that the signifier coach is genuinely cardinal to helping in the ‘personal development ‘ of students in both well-being and academic attainment, ( Blackburn, cited in Best et Al, 1980, p.58 ) . It seems a common understanding that the responsibility of the signifier coach is to cognize the students as persons and help them in their ‘personal development ‘ of these countries. It is besides apparent that the academic side of instruction is improved by such subjects taught in PSHE as discovered by Ofsted during their reviews, ( Ofsted, 2010 ) . However, it is good and works better if there is a structured programme in topographic point to work to. Unfortunately there is no easy reply to what constitutes an in agreement pastoral course of study. Everyone seems to hold similar thoughts about what should and should non be included ; nevertheless there are excessively many inconsistent thoughts to do a refined construction as yet, ( Calvert, 1996, p.268 ) .

Post-war inequalities in British health and education Essay

Poverty or low disposable income often results in an inadequate environment and not only for the obvious lack of resources such as books, pens and paper. Damp housing can have severe effects on health resulting in lower school attendance rates, or low concentration levels if child is often feeling unwell. Not having an allocated area to study is also an important factor. Kellet and Dar (2007) discovered that in low income areas where housing was cramped, children claimed that ‘Television was a distraction from homework because of the noise†¦ Other distractions in the home environment were smoking, swearing, banging and loud music. ‘ Also that homework clubs were vital to the success of children from disadvantaged families. This study was performed by children, with the guidance and research techniques of sociologists, there for it is perceived as having a deeper and more honest insight in to children’s issues. Other class factors resulting in underachievement may be less obvious. Values differ between class perspectives and affect a child’s motivation. Bowes et al (1990, p119) states that working class children are more likely to leave school as soon as they can, to find a steady job. ‘ Where as the middle class value differed gratification and ‘Socialise their children in to wanting to remain in education in the hope of a better job when they do leave. ‘ This was confirmed by the Child Development survey, which found middle class students staying on at school and achieving better examination results. The Home and The school study (1964) found that ‘the degree of parent’s interest in their children’s education was the single, most important factor affecting attainment. ‘ (Haralambos et al, 2004, p102). It found that ‘Middle class parents visited school more†¦ and were generally more interested in their child’s education. ‘ It also states that ‘an upper middle class child was five times more likely to get in to grammar school than a child from the lower working class. ‘ Further more ‘most of the working class pupils who were successful, came from homes where the mothers were â€Å"sunken middle class. † They wanted their children to do well and ‘expressed much parental interest,’ Bowes et al (1990, p119). This is because parental interest not only has a direct affect on the motivations and values of a child, but also on the school environment. Middle class parents, who often have more spare time and disposable income to invest in fundraising and extra curricular activities, can raise the standards of a school immeasurably. Making school a fun place to be, that is enjoyed by all the family, creates the positive learning environment that children thrive in. Quite understandably most working class parents are to busy â€Å"earning a crust† to find the time and energy to invest in such endeavors and as such adopt an â€Å"Education is the schools job† attitude. It is also understood that language has had a negative affect on the working class’s academic attainment. Professor Basil Bernstein has shown that the middle and lower classes use different patterns of speech. He called these patterns linguistic codes. According to Bernstein, most middle class children have been socialised in both restricted and elaborate codes, and are fluent in each. Whereas working class children are limited to the restricted code. Since teachers tend to be middle class and use the elaborate code, working class pupils are placed at a distinct disadvantage. There is also explanation for underachievement to be found in the â€Å"hidden curriculum† of a working class teacher, that is the subliminal messages he passes to children without intention. The cultural depravation theory states that children in the bottom classes are ‘deprived of important values, attitudes, experiences and skills which are essential to educational success,’ (Haralambos et al, 2004, p102). This has been strongly criticised and there is evidence that if class differences in culture exist, they are slight and of little significance.

King Lear Essay

Similar to real life, characters in books and plays have significant flaws. The way those flaws play a part in the character’s life is what sets them apart. The misguided actions and flaws of a character eventually lead to their demise. Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear is a detailed description of the consequences of one man’s poor decisions. The man is Lear, King of England, whose decision to divide his kingdom based on which of his children most love him greatly alter his life and the lives of those around him. Shakespeare shows us how one flaw in an otherwise normal person can lead to their ultimate demise. According to critic Northrop Frye, â€Å"Tragic heroes are so much the highest points in their human landscape that they seem the inevitable conductors of the power about them, great trees more likely to be struck by lightning that a clump of grass. Conductors may of course be instruments as well as victims of the divisive lightning. † Based on Frye’s criticism about tragic heroes, the character King Lear is the perfect example. In Frye’s words â€Å"Tragic heroes are so much the highest points in their human landscape,† refers to the tragic hero being the one that stands out amongst the other characters. The tragic hero doesn’t see the problem he creates or is given to him which makes him the tragic hero. In Shakespeare’s King Lear, Lear is the tragic hero because he doesn’t see the problems he created by dividing the kingdom amongst his daughters. Lear is a high point in the human landscape just because he is the king in the very beginning making him far more important than the other characters. From the very first act the readers can see blindness he has towards love and loyalty. He chooses to divide the kingdom based on love and when he is oblivious to the real love of Cordelia and Kent he banishes them. Throughout the play, and from act one, Lear is surrounded by, a compliment of people that love him dearly, people who would gladly sacrifice their lives for him. He turns on most, if not every single one of these people, and when he really starts to lose sanity, things only go from bad to worse. Therefore Lear’s status and tragic flaw set him apart from the rest of the characters making him the tragic hero that Frye describes. As stated by Frye â€Å"they seem the inevitable conductors of the power about them,† is criticizing the inevitability of events. The characters unknowingly put themselves in a situation where they have nowhere to go but down. Lear exemplifies this exact quality of unintentionally put himself in danger, when he wished to divide the kingdom based on love. Lear did not think before deciding to split the kingdom into three equal parts. Since he didn’t do he brought strife between the daughters. Also the fact that who he thought loved him the most turned out to be two daughters that just had greed for power and fortune, adds to the argument. Lear started out with good intentions, but when he chooses love as a way to divide the kingdom. He was inevitable set up to failure. Lear was a foolish old man, who thought the idea of dividing his kingdom up among his three daughters according to who said she loved him most would flatter his ego. However he did not know how events would play out in the end. Lear’s inevitability of failure is what causes him to be the perfect example of a tragic hero. Finally Frye comments on the way characters inadvertently cause the suffering of others and himself. His comments are â€Å"great trees [are] more likely to be struck by lightning than a clump of grass. Conductors may of course by instruments as well as victims of the divisive lightning. † The mistakes of Lear are not just the suffering of one man but the suffering of everyone down the chain. Lear’s decisions have caused Kent and Cordelia to say things Lear does not want to hear, getting them banished. Another person to be hurt by Lear is Gloucester, who loses his status and eyes. Lear is the instrument in that he causes other people suffering. However he is also a victim to his actions and the great tragedy that is the lightning. All of the pain that Lear suffered is traced back to the single most important error that he made; the choice to give up his throne. This one mistake has proven to have massive effects upon Lear and the lives of those around him eventually killing almost all of those who were involved. Since Lear is the cause of so much suffering, he fits Frys’e description of a tragic hero well. Lear’s extremely arrogant pride supplies him the strength and confidence to rule kingdom, but at the same time blinds him from recognizing true love and loyalty. That is the tragic â€Å"flaw† which eventually costs him both his ingdom and his beloved daughter, the only one of the three who loved him as a father, and the only daughter who cared about a jealous, foolish, and impulsive old man. According to Frye’s description of a tragic hero Lear fits the description perfectly. The tragic demeanor of the play and the tragic hero adds to the travesty at the end. Everyone ends up dying without salvation or redemption. The bitterness, sadness, and reality of the human psyche that is contained throughout this work demonstrate its tragic nature best, however. Shakespeare puts a mess across about thinking before you act because the people around you will be affected.

Use of Social Media in Consumer Events in Kazakhstan Dissertation

Use of Social Media in Consumer Events in Kazakhstan - Dissertation Example The different social platforms present different functions which aid the users in deciding to use the applications. the existing discrepancies commonly result in the users being selective of the social media platforms based on the capability of the user to meet personal requirements (Kwon & Wen 2010). The significance of the information available on a social network remains critical to the capability of individuals deciding to use such form of media over others. The popularity of the social media platforms has continued with the increased availability and capacity to access from different devices. Facebook is estimated to the social media platform with many active users globally, who are estimated at 1.35 billion in 2014. While these are the global statistics, within different regions, the usage of these social media platforms remains different. The levels might be higher or lower based on the applicability of the platform and regulations existing within a region. The application of social media remains governed by different personal and social issues. Despite the popularity of the social media, the reasons behind the utilisation of any given platform remain different among various users. This is mainly because of the objectives people seek to achieve through the social media (Heinonen 2011). The reasons are relatively wide and range from socialisation, business to communication and political and other social reasons. Social media has continuously gained popularity and has surpassed the traditional forms of media.

Report about Greece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Report about Greece - Essay Example This has been the state of affairs affecting Greece. This paper looks at the turnaround experienced by Greece through analysis of the country’s GDP growth and its economic performance of the region. The GDP of Greece since 2008 has been on the rocks according to statistics provided by the World Bank (2014). The nation has experienced a mere 0.46 percent growth since this time with a low of -2.80 percent in 2010 (Tradingecomomics, 2014). Based on this, it is clear that the nation is facing an economic crisis. Despite this there is, the nation is forecasted to do better as it is now picking up from the low it experienced as shown in the graph below. From the above, one can see that the GDP of the state has been taking a downward trend, but has picked up in the last few years. This can be attributed to the reforms placed in the employment sector. According to BBC’s Mark Lowen (2014), through the job cuts and firm restructures, the rate of unemployment has reached an all time high of 28 percent and contrasts the turnaround experienced by the nation in terms of economic growth. Before, at least 50,000 jobs a year were made available to the citizens of the nation and the economy was growing at 5 percent annually. After the crash, the inverse was experienced with the rate of growth plummeting and the unemployment rate increasing rapidly. In accordance with Herbert Grubel (2013), the problem resulted from the instability of prices. That is to say inflation caused by those in government. The problem began when wages were reduced, resulting in the leaders increasing the nominal wages in the public sector. The higher wager resulted in the printing of more money, increasing the deficit experienced by the nation. All this resulted in inflation in the region and led to the collapse of the Greece economy and thus the increased rate of unemployment and the fall in the growth of the GDP. According to N. Roubini (As cited by George Alogoskoufis, 2012),

Marketing Communication Plan for Gap 360 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marketing Communication Plan for Gap 360 - Essay Example all also identify that have an influence within the external and the internal micro and macro environment in the gap travel period and the market within which they operate. The key strengths of the company are a strong management team and deep market knowledge. This is supported by a healthy knowledge of web and strong design contacts that help to build a stronger travel network. Good understanding of social networking and internet marketing supported by plenty of financials support the Gap 360’s plans. The key weaknesses for Gap 360 is the economic slowdown and the rise in the number of small competitors has contributed towards rising costs of marketing and raise the difficulty in gaining the desired speed of SEO. The key opportunities that face Gap 360 include significant opportunities to hire top talent at cheap costs because of the economic scenario. Additionally, the company also has the advantage of economies of large scale operations in competition to smaller firms that operate with high overhead costs. Quick corporate structure and strategic partnerships can speed up the growth process for the company. The few threats the Gap 360 needs t o be careful about encompass the weak economic condition that reduces the disposable income at the hands of the consumer who, in turn, reduces his spending on leisure travel. Investment shortfall and inefficiency in operations might also cause serious setbacks (Hill and Jones, 2012; Goodley, 2010). The political scenario of United Kingdom is quite stable while the company organizes travel trips to those countries which are safe for leisure and educational travel. On the economic front, the company is facing tough times due to the weakening UK economy and the financial crisis that caused it. UK spending on leisure activities has reduced and there is a huge unemployment problem. The social scenario looks favourable to support gap year travels. The trend is also emerging in other nations like Australia, which might help Gap

Customer satisfaction in the mobile telecommunication industry Dissertation

Customer satisfaction in the mobile telecommunication industry - Dissertation Example Basically, the purpose of research is the production of knowledge on how to best address the world’s problems, new ideas that lead to improvements and evidence carefully and meticulously gathered. Research on customer satisfaction involves finding out what a customer wants, how he wants it and providing it when he needs it. Several scholars in the business field recognize that substantial investments have been put in research on customer satisfaction. A successful company like Wall-mart knows more about its customers and uses this information to generate profits (Denove & Power, 2011).The only way to know whether customers are satisfied with a certain product is by doing research especially in a market like the mobile telecommunication industry in Nigeria. In cases of such an industry, even the employees of that company are customers, and their attitudes towards their employer affect their dealings with the customers. If satisfied with the services of their employer, such empl oyees will work hard not just in their dealings with a customer but also in evangelizing for the firm. Herein arises the fact that it is crucial when doing research a company should cater for both its internal and external customers.Customer satisfaction is an unclear and undefined field having personal bias affecting judgment and, therefore, any company should strive to know what satisfies their customers through intense research. Apparently, psychological aspects together with physical variables directly.... In cases of such an industry, even the employees of that company are customers, and their attitudes towards their employer affect their dealings with the customers. If satisfied with the services of their employer, such employees will work hard not just in their dealings with a customer but also in evangelizing for the firm. Herein arises the fact that it is crucial when doing research a company should cater for both its internal and external customers. Customer satisfaction is an unclear and undefined field having personal bias affecting judgment and, therefore, any company should strive to know what satisfies their customers through intense research. Apparently, psychological aspects together with physical variables directly affect utility of a product which in turn determines customer recommendation on such a product. Thus, this is a complex cycle and can only be unearthed by research done from time to time. Research philosophy My approach to research is one of searching for valua ble knowledge of issues affecting us in the everyday life. The world is complex and keeps emerging as such it is almost impossible to understand the world through principles (Lancaster, 2005). My research agenda can be divided into two; customer satisfaction and changing trends in the mobile telecommunication industry. In my research, I have found evidence that deep unanswered questions on customer satisfaction affect most businesses eating deep into their profit account. I hope to pursue this issue with an aim of helping businesses and I understand the customer’s satisfaction better to maximize profits. Research methodologies This section describes procedures that were followed in conducting research. The pertinent areas to be

No topic Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

No topic - Assignment Example t from the questions based only on ‘yes/no’ there would be questions asking for the personal view of employees in regard to a series of critical issues, such as the level of equality in the workplace, the fairness in compensation and so on (Macey et al. 2011); through such information, that could not be retrieved through other performance measurement tool, managers could have a clear view in regard to employee satisfaction and could suggest effective measures for improving retention. In order to be prepared for survey feedback meetings with managers OD practitioners should proceed to the following actions: a) they need to analyze the data gathered so that key findings are identified and appropriately evaluated; b) then, OD practitioners should search for plans for addressing existing organizational problems, as revealed through the survey feedback; c) OD practitioners should also decide on changes that would be required in regard to one or more organizational departments; the changes would be decided depending on the performance of each organizational department, the organizational objectives and the resources available (Sengupta et al. 2006). In Hallmark there is a series of seasonal components, as for example: a) Specific products are available for Holidays, such as: for Valentine’s Day, for the Passover, for Easter and so on, b) there are products related to Occasions, such as Wedding or Birthday; c) depending on the Recipient, products have been introduced for men, for women and for kids, d) there are products that reflect a specific psychological status/ feeling, such as Sympathy or Wishes for rapid recovery (Hallmark, Organizational

Wk5 Implementation, Strategic Controls, and Contingency Plans Essay

Wk5 Implementation, Strategic Controls, and Contingency Plans - Essay Example One of the noted weaknesses of Apple is its poor relationship with the market than Microsoft (Iftikhar, 2013). This means that for many years, Apple has the consensus of specifying its own standards, rather than the standards of customers. This could mean more of a production-centred management strategy of products, rather than market or customer-centred approach. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that Apple will take seriously the necessity of ensuring the voices of the customers are constantly heard in its production setting. On the other hand, Iftikhar noted that the products of Apple have very short life cycle, implying that constant maintenance of the research and development department has to be initiated. This prevailing management system has to be changed for good. Thus, the research and development department has to be dynamic, but on the other side, should also be one of the most expensive departments at Apple. Thus, it is necessary to ensure huge capital for this reason. The management therefore, in order to ensure a sustainable competitive advantage should further double its effort in research and development, primarily for the associated expenses of its actual operation. This is to suggest that point that Apple should primarily put the context of adjusting its budget for research and development much more than what is has tried so far from the past until recently. In addition, Apple according to Iftikhar has very low presence in the advertisement. The marketing department should therefore try to improve its strategic approach in communicating its product offerings. This means that in order to ensure a sustainable growth for its offerings and retention in the market, Apple should ensure constant communication and a wide coverage of its message to its market. Finally, Iftikhar also pointed out that Apple has very small market occupation. This issue is one pertaining to organizational

Conduct a SWOT Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Conduct a SWOT Analysis - Assignment Example The company has already positioned itself in the market as the best producer of personal computers. It has absolute control over the manufacturing of its products and its operating system. Apple Company is self-reliant and manages its own computer components internally. In addition, the company works under high quality standards in order to meet the demands of the customers (Barney, 1991). Together with that, it is devoted to research and development for developing new products, which makes its products more effective and practicable to use. Based on the company’s dedication to quality, most of the Apples products are simple to use, and has managed to maintain loyal customers who buy the products based on the quality and not the price. The company prides itself from the various brands in the computer business, which yields a good net income. From the financial reports, it is apparent that it leads with the highest stock price in the market. Apple Company rarely suffers from financial deficits, since most of its finances come from its equity. Most investors desire to invest in Apple Company based on its transparency, accountability and does not operate on amounts outstanding. The customer service is vast and highly esteemed by customers. It is the vision of Apple Company to maintain its status quo as long as it remains competent in the market (Barney, 1991). Emerging technology in terms of goods produced, especially, the electronic goods are a factor that challenges Apple Company since it has to ascertain that the goods and services offered are consistent with the technology. For example, Apple Company encountered many difficulties after producing the iPod. The gadget had numerous glitches and technological faults. Fortunately, Apple Company managed to deal with these faults. The organization faces stiff competition from other companies producing similar products, and

Public School Essay Example for Free

Public School Essay The Perfect Public School will be established with the vision to provide the quality education to the students of the Fateh Muhammad Jatoi and to enable them to compete at the national and international level. To achieve this vision the school will have the very well experienced and well groomed faculty that will provide the education on modern lines that will inculcate the students as well as their parents for the betterment of their children career development. The quality education that provide in our school is at low price as compared to our major competitors Beacon house, Frobels, roots and City school etc. The Perfect school is developed in order to facilitate the Pakistanis to get education as good and excellent as the students in Perfect school Pakistan. The Perfect school is located in Pakistan and is well renowned in all over the world for its Excellency in education field. Students from far flung countries go there with the aim to study and to get benefit from their quality education system. The Perfect school of Pakistan is also ranked among the top ten schools of the world. Moreover the Sindhi students also go abroad to study in this school and they score quite well as compared to other fellow students. The only difficulty that the Pakistani students face while going abroad is that they have to pay a huge sum of money for visa and passport requirements. The Perfect public school is going to be established to provide quality education as did other schools of Pakistan. The Perfect public school will be affiliated with the B. I. S. E Sukkur. The educational industry that provide these types of services includes the competitors like beacon house, Frobels, Roots and City school. These institutions are established with the purpose of providing the quality education but initially they have done their job quite well in providing excellent education, and with the passage of time they start diverting from their core mission of providing quality education. Now their focus shifts to provide the luxurious environments to the students and not to provide the quality education. The students living in the luxurious environments are used to enjoy the beauties or luxuries of life and are not willing to hard work, normally student involves in other activities which lead them to depression and illegal works. The Perfect staff is well trained to guide the student about their career development. The Perfect school is one of the prestigious students and established in the capital of Pakistan in F-10 Islamabad. The reason behind choosing this location that is capital of Pakistan is that we can get attention to the people. Secondly the people living in that part are very well aware of the educational needs and they fully know the importance of good education. Thirdly there are a reasonable number of foreigners living and they want to get their children to get a quality education. Fourthly there are mostly living the elite class of people in Islamabad and our business is mostly targeted to the elite class. The Perfect public school comprises of an elegant building, three grounds for outdoor sports activities of the students and one sports complex for indoor activities like table tennis, badminton, squash etc. The school will consist of almost 5-7 class rooms, 1 staff room and one principal office. The class rooms will be very well decorated and well furnished. The male and female staff will be hired for better education. As principal, I will regularly visit the classes, our progress towards implementing the strategies within the Business Plan, as well as the achievement of milestones and targets. Our values Success for every student. Diversity Ideal Customer The ideal customer for the Perfect Public Schools foreign language programs falls into one of two categories. The first is a middle class working person who feels the need to learn a foreign language either for a pressing work-related need, a desire to have more options in career, or a wish to travel to a foreign country and enjoy the experience more. These individuals, however, feel they cannot afford one-on-one tutoring, but are too social to be able to be content with a book, online program, or software to learn the language. They desire a classroom experience both as a structured approach to force them to make a commitment to the language learning and as a means to have extensive social interaction through the process. Market Description Perfect Public School targets customers with the following characteristics: 05 to 15 years of age Locals Male and Female Situation Analysis The Perfect Public School will be in the first year of business as a start-up operation. The School believes that the market demand for their services will be great and are convinced that a cohesive marketing strategy is required for The School. Market Summary The Perfect Public School possesses good information regarding their market and the target segments that they wish to serve. The School will leverage this information to better understand who is served, their specific needs, and how The School can better serve them. Market Needs The Perfect Public School will provide the education with a source of knowledge. This market need is important as many parents’ are faced with the dilemma of using their limited income on education. Pricing: The Perfect Public Schools fees will be noticeably better than local schools. Market Trends The market trend for schools reinforces consolidation. Market Growth In 2012, the global educational system/industry as a whole was 897 Million industry. The education system is forecasted to continue its record growth. Pakistani society in particular has become increasingly reliant on education. This conclusion seems to be fairly intuitive as many individuals have a vested interest in living longer and more educated. SWOT Analysis The following SWOT analysis captures the key strength and weaknesses within  the area, and describes the opportunities and threats facing The Perfect Public School. Strengths †¢A unique, current business-environment-appropriate business model. †¢Excellent staff who are highly trained and very competent. †¢Games. Weaknesses †¢The lack of visibility and brand equity of a start-up business. †¢Lack of true experience. †¢Government intervention/regulation into education is possible. Opportunities †¢Outside pressure on students. †¢The constant growth of the number of students taking education. †¢Newly formed alliances of school systems. Threats. †¢The entry into the market by an established school. †¢Some event that cripples education. Competition Competition takes many different forms in the education industry. †¢Chain of schools: These are private national chains such as City School. Keys to Success The keys to success are: Male and female students. Low overhead and operating costs. Normal prices and services. Financial Objectives A double digit growth rate for the first three years. Reduce the variable costs associated with servicing each student order by 4% a year. Profitability by the end of year. Sales Forecast. Sales Forecast 2013 2014 2015 Sales Walk-in customers (students) 83,056 243,778 343,540 New Old customers 76,994 976,543 1,234,654 Total Sales 360,050 1,720,321 2,078,194 Direct Cost of Sales 2001 2002 2003 Walk-in customers 111,664 453,705 514,559 New Old customers 79,647 439,444 555,594 Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales 191,311 893,149 1,070,154 Expense Forecast Marketing expenses are to be budgeted so they ramp up quarterly. These intervals are chosen because they are the common intervals that students who are getting several types of courses in same school. Controls. The purpose of the marketing plan is to serve as a guide to the organization. The following areas will be monitored to gauge performance: Revenue: monthly and annual. Expenses: monthly and annual. Repeat business. Students’ satisfaction. Contingency Planning Difficulties and risks: Problems generating visibility. Difficulty developing sufficient talent. An entry into the education market from an already established, larger schools like City and Grammar School. Worst case risks include: Determining that the business cannot support itself. Having to lab equipment to cover liabilities. Competition.

Peer Editing Assignment Essay Example for Free

Peer Editing Assignment Essay The world we live in today is troubled one. The contradiction people face is that while some people sit in the lap of luxury and drive hundred thousand dollar cars there are others who are forced to take the bus to work. There are individuals who cannot afford healthcare who are generally those getting sick on a continual basis. There are definitely some aspects of our daily living that simply can’t be changed, but there is always room for change and it is apparent that this change is in demand. There are large populations of people in the world who die every year from health related problems, than those involved in violent deaths. Diseases like cancer and heart attacks are the number one global killers. A cure for genetic diseases through genetic research are quite possibly the answers to a world of questions. It is important to realize that genetics is one of the broadest subjects as it covers a plethora of areas such as disease, disability, geographical relations, ethic ramifications and ancestry to name a few. The answers to the variety of genetic malfunctions and other questions lie in the group of scientists and genetic engineers who explore the symptoms, as well as the cures, for so many ailments in the final goal of living in a disease free world where fear of death by an invisible killer is vastly unknown as â€Å"bioengineering is a field with such staggering potential for good† (Parker 68). The purpose of this essay is to shed light on some of the more unknown aspects of this area of research through the exploration of the history of genetics, what our current needs are and work that is currently being done, along with where genetics focuses toward the future of genetic technology in an attempt to prove that genetic research is essential to our society. Genetics is not a new area of research but has been around long before research into DNA ever began. When the creation of the first cells through the adaptation of cell mutation, genetic mixing can be traced back to the time of the dinosaur. One of the most obvious animals to win the fight in genetics is the giraffe. When you look at a giraffe and its long neck, it is important to realize that at one time, the giraffe was thought to have looked more like a horse. Both animals have similar bone structure even down to the hooves. But, as time went on and trees first sprouted along the landscape it was easy for the giraffe to get fed as the food source, at the time, was at eye level and close to the ground; then, as trees got taller over the centuries the giraffe needed to adapt in order to survive. Giraffes would therefore spend much of their energy stretching their necks toward the sky in order to reach the branches of the trees thus forcing a genetic mutation. As their bones and muscles stretched so did the size of their offspring thus leading to the birth of giraffes that were born with longer necks. Over the centuries these animals have grown to have the longest neck relative to their size. The brontosaurus may have evolved in a similar fashion but all life was brought to a screeching halt when the dinosaurs were extinct. As we have become a more civilized society and exploring science we have discovered the existence of genetics. Modern genetics has always known for a long time that was some blueprint that all animals of similar species have in common. The first documentation of genetics was centuries ago when a scientist experimenting with plants desired certain effects which were documented through the affects of different plants with others by mixing the seeds. This is also the first known documentation of gene splicing. Scientists interested in genetics as well as an amateur botanist, had developed ways of predicting the offspring given the dominant and recessive traits of the donor parents in a system called a Punnett Square. Since that time we have come a great distance, but the science was still primitive until some scientists discovered and laid the foundation of entire science. With discovery of the Double Helix, the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick the world was changed forever. James D. Watson was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and was accepted to the University of Chicago at the age of 15 where he completed his Bachelor’s in Zoology, then continued on to the University of Indiana and received his PhD in 1950 in Zoology. Shortly after starting at Cambridge, Watson met Crick who shared his passion for the DNA structure mystery. In March, 1953 with a higher appreciation of the nucleic acid literature, his work resulted in the proposal and discovery of the double-helical configuration and publishing several papers on the topic. Watson and Crick worked on discovering the construction of DNA after several failed trial and error attempts, they succeeded and on February 28, 1953. Looking ahead, in 1992, Watson left to work for the Cold Springs Harbor Research Facility where he is currently sitting as President. The momentous discovery of DNA has created entire industries which has impacted mankind tremendously. Rewarded for their hard work in 1962 Watson, Crick, and Wilkins shared the Noble Prize in Medicine. The human body is an amazing structure with many cells all containing DNA strands with literally millions of strands of DNA making up the human body. More than fifty years after its initial discovery, the entire code has still not been deciphered; if you were to print the code in books and try to read it you would not be able to finish it in your lifetime. In the last several years research and development of genetic engineering has evolved ten times over. It is only recently that we have been able to prove some of Einstein’s theories this long after his death and I fear it will be many more before genetics and its possibilities is truly understood. Genetics in the last several years has gone into dangerous territories with studies in gene splicing and stem cell testing. Stem Cells are the most basic form of human life. Cells taken from ertilized embryos are cells that have not been assigned a specific task yet and whether they are to be heart cells, skin cells, or even hair cells. It is the hope of scientists that with stem cells can improve the quality of life through curing cancer and many other life ending and life changing diseases. Through the engineering of stem cells it is hoped that they can replace dead and damaged cells, for example, in someone’s legs thus helping them to walk again. Last year the boldest operation to date took place which saw stem cells help create and repair the diseased heart of a man. The stem cells replaced cells ravaged by disease removed by the doctors. This procedure, however, did come at a cost. The current government feels that using stem cells is unethical as they are life and harvesting the cells from embryos thus in turn killing them is not right. This all really needs to be taken into context and look at the balance scale; in one hand a father, husband, friend, coworker who never asked for a thing in his life except for the love of his family, and in the other, a cell that nobody knows and may not even make it to birth. The logical choice would be to look at the man as the gauging factor in saving his life. With the current policy and laws in place by our current conservative government would see the man who would choose to have a hospital in France perform a heart transplant harvested through stem cell growth instead of on his native soil and now that he has an illegally grown heart he can never set foot in America again or face the possibility of prosecution. When most people are faced with this type of choice, most wouldn’t want to live in a country that denies this possibility. Besides, our constitution states that â€Å"all men [women and child] are guaranteed life liberty and the pursuit of happiness†; (United States Constitution) but perhaps only when it is convenient. With regulation governing research it has been difficult to do studies in America thus forcing companies and scientists to seek refuge in other nations. This causes a major problem as US based companies are worried it is too high a risk to invest in and fund research of this kind. These scientists live on systematic research grants to continue their work. After these new laws were put in place only several years ago many companies went out of business because they lost funding (Technology Review 47). It is troubling that a nation founded on new ideas would ban such research but it all has to do with where the votes in congress are. Stem cell research is not all encompassing of what genetics is as the work in genetics is helping people born with disabilities. Through better understanding our bodies can better cures be found. People born with certain disabilities can usually trace these back to other members of their family. In a recent study more than 30% of mentally Ill patients in psychiatric care have heredity connections and other member of their family suffer from similar symptoms. Genetics, at its roots, is the study of possibilities: who we are and how we got here. Scientists don’t believe we just appeared like this centuries ago; we evolved, adapted and grew from a lesser species. Take a look at yourself in the mirror and you will see some of your family features; not just your parents, but your grandparents as well. For instance, I have my father’s hair and my mother’s eyes, but my grandfather’s nose as ‘we are our father’s sons’, as they say, and look as well as act like them. The use of genetics is not limited to the medical field as in recent years genetics and DNA have played a major part in law enforcement and has led to the apprehension of many criminals. While fingerprints can be smudged and unclear DNA is definitive, no two people in the world have the same DNA not even twins. Using DNA is essential to putting suspects behind bars: a hair, skin epithelials and bodily fluids all contain DNA and all can be used as evidence. Even old cases gone unsolved have been reopened using new technology to get a conviction. Some research organizations are government funded through doing research for defense and government funded programs paid for by our tax dollars. Then there is the private sector, which is the most driven. It would be of great importance to have systematic research grants and giving more of them to our scientists who are working on genetics and stem cell research. In a world where more money is spent researching breast augmentation surgery then life saving genetics, once again, he who has the gold makes the rules. More importantly, if there was as much money in curing cancer as there is spent in creating cosmetic surgery procedures and Viagra, we would have cured this disease a decade ago. Only the future will tell what is to be discovered. It is essential that we keep working to provide resources in funding, legal and administrative areas to keep the discoveries coming. Maybe soon we will not be at risk for any disease or ailments and maybe one day we’ll find a cure for the common cold but probably not in my lifetime.

Business description and market analysis for cadbury

Business description and market analysis for cadbury Cadbury is a global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded confectionery. The companys confectionery business operates chocolate, gum and sugar categories. The company along with its subsidiaries primarily operates in the Eurozone, the US, Central and Southern America, Australia and other parts of Asia Pacific. Chocolate business represents the biggest business segment of the company with around 46% of the overall revenues FY2008. The companys chocolate business is carried out on a regional basis according the tastes of the consumers in each market. The company operates its business through four business segments namely: Britain, Ireland, Middle East and Africa (BIMA), Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Britain and Ireland (BI) is the largest business unit in the Group. The company has strong market position in the UK (30% market share in FY2008), and Ireland (42%). The companys main markets in Middle East and Africa include South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Kenya, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, and Ghana. The company American business comprises the US, Canada and Mexico, three of the largest confectionery markets in the world, and extends through Central America and the Caribbean. The company also has its operations in South American countries including Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru. The company is the leading player in South America with a market share of nearly 20%, with core strengths in gum and candy. In Europe, the company has significant gum and candy businesses, with strong gum market shares in the majority of Western Europe, Scandinavia, Turkey and Russia. The companys chocolate business is concentrated in Poland, Russia and France.The companys biggest European operating unit is in France. The companys Asian businesses are concentrated in India, Malaysia, Thailand and China. The companys key brands in these regions include Cadbury Dairy Milk, Bournvita, Halls, Eclairs/Choclairs, Clorets, and Dentyne. In the Pacific regions the companys operations are primarily located in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Cadbury has a leading position in Australia with an overall 30% market share. While in New Zealand, the company holds a market share of around 41% in FY2008. 3.2 HISTORY Cadbury Schweppes (which was split into: Cadbury plc; and Dr pepper Snapple Group in May 2008) was actually formed in 1969 by the merger of Schweppes and Cadbury Group. Over the years, Cadbury Schweppes expanded its business through organic growth and acquisitions. In 1982, it acquired Motts, which was engaged in the production of apple juice and sauce. The company further strengthened its portfolio of key brands through the purchase of Canada Dry (1986), Trebor (1989), and Bassett (1989). In the 1990s, Cadbury Schweppes acquired 14 more companies, including the US soda giant Dr Pepper/7 UP (1995). Cadbury acquired Snapple Beverage Group in 2000. In the same year, the company also made acquisitions of Hollywood, and Kraft Foods in France, and Wuxi Leaf Confectionery in China to strengthen its chewing gum portfolio. Other acquisitions in the year included Spring Valley Juice and Wave flavored milk in Australia; and Mauna LaI tropical juice drink in the US. In the following year, Cadbury Schweppes acquired Pernod Ricards soft drinks brands and businesses in Europe, North America and Australia. Also in 2001, Cadbury Schweppes acquired the Slush Puppie, a frozen, non-carbonated beverages firm; and Carteret, a contract packer mainly of Snapple. The company also purchased La Casera, Spains third largest soft drinks manufacturer. In 2002, Snapple Beverages, a subsidiary of Cadbury Schweppes, purchased Nantucket Nectars, a producer of premium high juice content drinks. In the same year, the company acquired Brau und Brunnens 72% interest in the Apollinaris Schweppes joint venture in Germany. In 2003, Cadbury completed the acquisition of Adams Confectionery from Pfizer with its brands included Halls, Trident, Dentyne and the Bubbas bubblegum range. In the same year, Cadbury Schweppes main UK operating arm, the Cadbury Trebor Bassett division, announced the closure of two of its factories located in Greater Manchester and Chesterfield. In 2005, the company invested  £40 million (approximately $74.2 million) at its Bournville factory in Birmingham, UK to meet the growing demand for Cadbury Dairy Milk. In the following year, Cadbury sold its business division of Europe Beverages. The company fully acquired the Dr Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group in the same year. In 2007, Cadbury Schweppes acquired the Southeast-Atlantic Beverage, the second largest independent bottler in the US, by Americas Beverages. In the same year, Cadbury Schweppes acquired Intergum, the leading Turkish gum business. In the same year, Cadbury Schweppes announced its plan to split itself into two separate businesses focusing on chocolate and confectionery on the one hand and the US soft drinks on the other. In February 2008, Cadbury Schweppes sold its Monkhill business, a manufacturer of sugar confectionery and popcorn for the UK market. In May 2008, Cadbury Schweppes completed its demerger and was split into: Cadbury plc, the new holding company of the worldwide confectionery operations and the Australian beverages business; and Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS), the new holding company of the Americas beverages business. Further in December 2008, Cadbury plc sold its Schweppes Beverages business in Australia to Asahi Breweries for a total consideration of approximately  £550 million ($1,020 million). In May 2009, Cadbury Schweppes Overseas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cadbury purchased 4% of the share capital of Kent Gida Maddeleri, a Turkey base supplier of confectionary products, from Tahincioglu Holding. In September 2009, Cadbury rejected a  £10,200 billion (approximately $18,922 million) offer from Kraft Foods to combine the two businesses and create a global manufacturer of snacks, confectionery and quick meals. 3.3 MAJOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Cadbury is an international manufacturing and marketing company of branded confectionery products. The companys key products and brands include the following: Products: Chocolates Candy Candy bars Chewing gum The key chocolate brands of the company include Caramilk, Cherry Ripe, Crunchie, Five Star, Freddo, Mieszanka Wedlowska, Milk Tray, Moro, Mr. Big, Old Gold, and Perk. The company also offers a cocoa based food drink beverage under Bournvita brand name. Gum business offers chewing gum with a number of flavors including strawberry splash, strong mint, peppermint and watermelon wave. The business contributed around 33% of the companys overall sales in FY2008. The key gum brands of the company include Bubblicious, Falim, First, Stride, and V6. The company offers a number of functional candies including cough drops, indulgent candy such as premium toffees. The company offers its candy products in a number of flavors including American hard gums, mints, sherbet lemons, pear drops, everton mints, imperials, mint creams, and fruit, lemon, and strawberry. The key brands of the company under this category include Bassetts, Kent, Maynards, Pascall, Sour Patch, and Swedish Fish. 3.4 CADBURY, INDIA 3.4.1 COMPANY BACKGROUND à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cadbury India is a subsidiary of Cadbury Plc, with Cadbury Schweppes holding a 97.61% stake in its local subsidiary. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company operates in the hot drinks and packaged food industries. In packaged food it is present in confectionery, biscuits and dairy products. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The companys strategy is to cater to all price segments and consumer groups have a strong presence across the major impulse and indulgence categories in India. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It has national coverage with manufacturing and distribution facilities in all four regions. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In March 2009 the company re-launched Cadburys Perk with a new image, and employed up and coming bollywood actress as its new brand ambassador. The Perk brand portfolio was also extended with the launch of Cadburys Perk Poppers a selfline positioned as direct competition to Nestlà ©s Munch Pop Chocs. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company launched Cadbury Bournville Fine Dark Chocolate from its parent companys international brand portfolio in India in October 2008. The company also launched Cadburys Dairy Milk Shots in late à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In a bid to cater to all consumer groups, the company launched Cadbury Lite in February 2008. This is a smooth milk chocolate with no added sugar, which is suitable for diabetics. 3.4.2 PRODUCTION à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company supplies the local market through its local production units. Cadbury India has five factories, located in Thane, Pune, Induri and Malanpur in West India, and Baddi in North India. Cocoa is one of the major raw materials used by the company, and is procured mainly from plantations in South India, in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company exports its products to Sri Lanka, Dubai, the US and the Maldives. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cadbury India is not known to be involved in third party manufacturing. 3.4.3 COMPETITIVE POSITIONING à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company ranked seventh in packaged food in India in 2008 with a 3% value share. The company is the leading player in confectionery, with its Cadburys Dairy Milk brand accounting for over 13% of total confectionery value at the end of the review period. The companys other brands, such as 5 Star and Cadburys Gems, have been favourites across several generations, and the company is highly visible in the mass media channels with its tagline of kuch meetha ho jaye (lets have something sweet). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company is also very active with media and consumer promotions, as well as flavour innovations for its malt-based hot drinks brand Bournvita. While its presence in biscuits is very low it has represented the sole driver of sales in filled biscuits with Bytes. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company is a key innovator in packaged food in India as it has pioneered several new product concepts, including Chocki and Bytes, and has been active in flavour innovation with products such as Fruity Gems and Bournvita 5 Star Magic. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company strives to maintain its leadership in confectionery in India and expanded its presence in Confectionery in 2007 with the launch of Bubbaloo its first gum product in India. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The companys presence in packaged food in India is mainly concentrated in confectionery, where it is present across almost all categories. Its product portfolio outside confectionery is limited to flavoured powder milk drinks and filled biscuits. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company is mainly present in well-established and mature categories in India. However, several of the categories in which it is present, including malt-based drinks, filled biscuits and chocolate confectionery, are fast growing with double digit constant value forecast CAGRs. Moreover, the company heavily leverages new product launches and brand re-launches to boost growth rates in the categories in which it is already well established. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company has a very large product portfolio within confectionery. However, its brand portfolio is very limited in biscuits and flavoured powder milk drinks. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The company is positioned in the standard and premium price segments in confectionery and in the premium price segment in biscuits and flavoured powder milk drinks. 3.4.4 SWOT ANALYSIS Cadbury is a global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded confectionery products. The company has a strong market presence across all its operating regions. It is the market leader in the global confectionery sector with a market share of 10.5%. Strong global market position would boost the revenues and profitability of the company. However, the rising raw material prices and intense competition would affect the companys market share in certain geographies. A very peculiar characteristic of the chocolate consumers is that there is an overwhelming awareness among the users about different brands that exist in the market. There is however very little brand loyalty in users. People always are ready to try out new brands and keep on switching from one brand to another. This behaviour poses lot of challenge, as the job of designing of marketing strategies becomes two fold. Firstly non-users need to be converted to users and more importantly the existing customers should be retained. Organisational analysis of Cadburys Organizational analysis identifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities that employees will need in the future as the organization and their jobs change. Organizational analysis is a holistic approach which involves looking at the entire organization; the overall structure, the departments, functions, processes, jobs, the interplay between groups, system dynamics, human energy alignment, and other issues. It explores what is as compared to what should be and the gaps between the two. Strength Cadbury is a company, which is reputed internationally as the topmost chocolate provider in the world. The brand is well known to people they can easily identify it from others. Users have a positive perception about the qualities of the brand. Cadbury main strength is Dairy milk. Dairy milk is the most consumed chocolate in India. By using popular models like Cyrus Brocha, Preety Zinta and others Cadburys has managed to portray a young and sporty image, which has resulted in converting buyers of other brands to become its staunch loyalists. By roping in Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador, Cadbury has succeeded in portraying itself as an evergreen, credible, trustworthy and eternal product. Cadbury has well adjusted itself to Indian custom. With the brilliant marketing campaign of Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye on every small or big family or social occasion, Cadbury has been able to create the notion that any occasion has to go along with a Cadbury. It has also catered to all the age groups across various demographics. It has properly repositioned itself in India whenever required i.e. from children to adults, togetherness bar to energizing bar for young ones etc. Weaknesses There is lack of penetration in the rural market where people tend to dismiss it as a high end product. It is mainly found in urban and semi-urban areas. It has been relatively high priced brand, which is turning the price conscious customer away. People avoid having their chocolate thinking about the egg ingredients. Cadbury offers a limited variety of products as opposed to other leading competitive brands, e.g. Amul and Nestle that offer an array of products like biscuits, dairy products, etc. One of the major raw materials i.e. cocoa has to be imported, leading to bunched imports and higher inventory. Majority of the markets in India are not air conditioned, hence cannot store chocolates, at least during hot summers, which limits market access. Environmental Analysis of Cadburys Opportunities The chocolate market has seen one of the greatest increases in the recent times (almost @ 30%). There is a lot of potential for growth and a huge population who do not eat chocolates even today that can be converted as new users. Infrastructure and potential to expand (other countries and markets) Narrowing down on their most popular and highest selling items (dairy milk) to increase sales (including brand ambassadors) Venture into new segments individually or jointly (food and beverages) Introduce their foreign products in India Targeting urban areas and developing sectors- by working on availability and affordability Using information and technology to bring efficiency in logistics and distribution. Though small now, fast growing modern trade with A/c and good ambience suitable for Cadbury products offers huge growth opportunity. Increase related category offerings like snacks (Cadbury bytes) Introduce Schweppes non carbonic drinks in India. Increase the chewing gum market. Threat There exists no brand loyalty in the chocolate market and consumers frequently shift their brands. New brands are coming and existing brands are introducing new variants to add up to an already overcrowded market. Competitors could use scandals in the past and company problems against the company (worm scandal). This could put the reputation of the company at stake. Stiff competition in the confectionery segment. (Amul, Nestle, etc.) New competition including global majors like mars Hersheys expected to enter the fray due to opening up of the Indian economy. The company has large exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, mainly on account of imported cocoa beans and cocoa butter in US dollars and Pound Sterling. Significant increase in the food snacks segment offerings which means high indirect competition with low cost local players as well as high brand recognition global players. As Cadbury produces chocolates and a few related products, effective management of all the areas proves to be difficult at times. Trends of purchase may change with the ever-changing taste preference of consumers. Changing restrictions and rules from Government quality control boards may result in pressure on the production of the company cost increase Cadbury is exposed to rise in the cost of cocoa beans, dairy products and other vital ingredients. Increase in modern trade will increase competition especially from global players will also increase cost pressure thru malls negotiating higher discounts from suppliers. 3.4.5 PEST ANALYSIS Demographic factor 1. Population growth:-chocolates have wide impact on population growth. 2. Educational groups:-target population is all age groups but the education group will have more influence on it. As this is used as 2 celebrate events such as birthday, days. 3. Population age mix:-both men and women would like 2 prefer dairy milk. 4. Household patterns:-consumption and need is according to the household patterns. 5. Population age group: Preschools:-5% School-age: 15% Teens:-40% 25-65:-38% 65+:- 2% Political factor Increase in the tax rate by the government on chocolates will force a customer to pay more for it An increase/decrease in inflation rate can affect the FMCG sector and thereby also increase/decrease the price of Cadbury products Economic In festival seasons the demand of chocolates increases. Willingness to buy Demand of chocolates depends on the persons willingness to buy, which in turn is affected by the persons needs and requirements. Taste and preference Cadbury has wide variety of products and a particular product like lets say Dairy milk is also differentiated in many ways such as fruit and nut, raisins, almond. So the demand will be according to the taste and preferences of the variety. Income Variation in income will affect positively or negatively on Cadbury products. Sale is directly proportional to the income of an individual keeping other factors constant. Social Social factors includes such as norms, beliefs, values of the company. Cadbury has created a positive impact on customers in terms of belief and values. Advertisement Dairy milk, a brand of Cadbury renews its advertisement in every 6 months. The advertisements convey that it can be consumed by people of all ages. The type of advertisement also affects the buying interest on customers. They get known about new products and variety. Technological Milk quality can be improved much by technology. Refrigeration power can be improved by new technology so that cold storage product such as dairy milk and other milk products can be stored well and for a longer duration. 3.4.6 COMPANY FACTFILE Corporate Summary Cadbury India Ltd is a subsidiary of Cadbury Schweppes Plc, with Cadbury Schweppes holding a stake in excess of 90% in its local subsidiary. The company was incorporated in 1948 and formerly called Hindustan Cocoa Products. It has four factories located in Thane, Induri and Malanpur in West India and Baddi in North India. The production facilities in India are not only used for domestic production but also for the export of finished products to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Ghana and the Maldives. 3.5 CADBURY AFTER KRAFT Wider geographic reach but still developed markets bias à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢The acquisition of Cadbury provided Krafts confectionery operations with a better balanced geographic mix between developed and developing markets, although the share of combined North American and Western European retail value sales remained at 55%. However, its exposure has increased in North America and decreased in Western Europe. Competition in both developed regions is fierce from well-established, domestic confectionery conglomerates, such as Mars/Wrigley and Hershey in North America, and Nestlà © and Ferrero in Western Europe. Market gaps to fill in emerging regions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Krafts Asia-Pacific confectionery revenues in 2008 were just above US$100 million, and with the integration of Cadbury it is expected to exceed US$1.4 billion. However, over 50% of this retail value is generated in just two national markets: Japan and India. China, the regions most attractive confectionery market accounts, for around 8% of the joint entitys confectionery revenues. Although China is forecast to grow by a more modest rate than India, at a CAGR of 4% over 2009-2014, in absolute value terms it makes up over 50% of the Asia-Pacific confectionery market growth over the period. The next step in Krafts strategy should be to focus on strengthening its position in the Chinese market, potentially with further acquisitions/partnerships to gain a larger slice of this dynamic market.

Internet Censorship Essay -- Short Stories Technology Papers

Internet Censorship Max walks into the classroom five minutes late, his shirt untucked and hardly buttoned. He sits down a few desks away from Ben who had arrived five minutes early and was waiting patiently for class to start. Although the boys seemed completely opposite, Ben the more conservative and shy one, while Max, a little more rebellious and mischievous, they were best friends and did most everything together. A few weeks into their fifth grade year, the teacher announced that they would begin doing reports on their favorite animal. They knew that this was the first year they were able to use the computer lab in the library and the idea of being able to use the internet excited them. Mrs. Howard sent the class to the library for the next period so they could start researching information about their animals. Some of the kids wandered around the second floor looking for books pertaining to their projects and some chose to start their search on the internet. Max and Ben went to the computer lab, found an open computer and began to browse different search engines looking for information about their animals. Max became bored with this idea and began searching sites of his own interest. Finally he found one that appealed most to him. â€Å"Hey Ben come look at this!† Max said. â€Å"What is it?† Ben rolled his chair over to Max’s computer screen and looked at what Max had pulled up. â€Å"Max, you’re going to get in trouble, you better get that off there.† â€Å"No way man, this is awesome†¦let’s look at some more.† The site that Max had clicked on was a pornographic web page containing many obscene pictures Aof naked women and other adult content. Although Ben felt unco... ...e room they see their 7 year old daughter Katie playing around on the computer. They noticed that the screen had a big caption in the middle stating that the site wasn’t able to be accessed. Curious to know what the blocked site was, Mr. Miller clicked the â€Å"Back† button and saw â€Å"Take a Wild Ride in Barbie Land† in big purple letters. Right away he knew that Barbie wasn’t referring to the actual doll and was relieved to know his daughter would never get to see the contents of that site. He looked at his wife and sighed, â€Å"Thank God we decided to install NetNanny onto our computer. You never know what these kids could have gotten into if we weren’t around.† â€Å"I agree honey. Now all we have to do is convince all those other parents and teachers to feel the same way about installing them at school. Hopefully we can get our plan to work.†

The Bipolar Brain and the Creative Mind Essay example -- Biology Essay

The Bipolar Brain and the Creative Mind "Our hospital was famous and had housed many great poets and singers. Did the hospital specialize in poets and singers, or was it that poets and singers specialized in madness? ... What is it about meter and cadence and rhythm that makes their makers mad?" (1) The link between madness and creativity is one that has been hotly debated in both medical and literary circles for a long time. The two most common types of mental illness theorized to be an influence on creative people such as writers, artists, and poets were schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (2). However, various studies comparing the characteristics of schizophrenics, bipolars, and writers have concluded that schizophrenics do not share a common thought process with writers (2). In comparison, a study conducted at the University of Iowa declared that while both bipolar patients and writers tended to "sort in large groups... arbitrarily change starting points, or use vague distantly related concepts as categorizing principles" (p 107), the two differed in their abilities to control their thoughts (2). Where the exactly this line of control is located – or indeed if there is a line at all – is the debate in question. Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a complex and often cruel illness that takes sufferers on a rollercoaster ride of emotional highs and deep depressions. During the mania period, either euphoria or irritability manifest themselves, and sometimes a combination of the two, called "mixed mania"(3). A person in a manic phase can also exhibit symptoms known to physicians as the DIGFAST symptoms: distractibility is heightened; insomnia is present due to increased energy; grandiosity occurs in delus... ..., 1993. 3)Medscape article, facts on bipolar disorder http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/151096 4)An article on the Pendulum website, about the possible links between bipolar disorder and creative personalities http://www.pendulum.org/articles/creativity_troubled.htm 5)A website to support those with bipolar illness, with a list of famous manic-depressives http://users.frii.com/parrot/dead.html 6)The Serendip webpage, an article entitled "Creativity and Psychopathology" http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/serendipia/Serendipia-Preti.html 7)A website to support those with bipolar disorder, with an essay by a teenage girl about her bipolar illness http://www.pendulum.org/writings/label_maker.htm 8)An article posted from the Science News, about the relationship between creativity and bipolar illness http://users.lycaeum.org/~martins/M2/creativ2.html

Why People Choose to Work Essay -- Labor Careers Economics Economy Ess

Why People Choose to Work Work is an application of mental or physical effort to a purpose, which usually earns a wage or salary or provides other rewards, though some work, like housework remains unpaid. Work is an important element in occupying and directing the individual's time. The demand of working life involves a high degree of discipline if jobs are to be kept. In this assignment I will be considering and explaining the importance of motivation in the work force and also be interviewing a few people and then giving details of wages and other rewards for working; working conditions and other factors that influence their motivation. I will also review a variety of theories, which categorise workers. In business, motivation shows how satisfied or dissatisfied people are at work. Nowadays in the work force motivation is needed to increase employee output. If employees are motivated, they will be more likely to achieve business goals. Many people believe that they are motivated by earning money, but this is not entirely true, because other factors like variety of workplace and the need to be appreciated for the work they do. The need to be appreciated for the work they do may be reflected in the prestige attached to their job, and while the need for a variety in the workplace may be satisfied by an interesting job. A factor, which effects motivation, is that every individual has different needs. For example an employee may prefer to work on his or her own than in a friendly team. In order to have good motivation employees needs have to be found. This is shown in how lack of motivation equals reduced effort and lack of commitment. An example of how employee's needs could be satisfied is through ... ... individual effort with organizational objectives. If people feel committed, they will exercise self-direction and self-control in the service of the firm's objectives. 3. Their objectives will complement the firm's and commitment is a function of the "intrinsic" rewards associated with their achievement i.e. not just extrinsic rewards/punishments. 4. The Theory Y manager recognizes the influence of learning. He/she believes that if the right conditions are created the average person learns not to accept and seek responsibility. 5. The capacity to exercise imagination, ingenuity and creativity in the solution of organizational problems is widely not narrowly distributed in the work force 6. In modern organizations, the intellectual potential of the average person are only partially utilized. People are capable of handling more complex problems.

Tangled and Repunzel

One would believe that a movie based on a storybook would have the same plot. In comparing and contrasting the movie Tangled to the short story â€Å"Rapunzel†, one can find many differences and very few similarities. Tangled was developed by Disney and has grossed 590 million dollars in the first year; however, â€Å"Rapunzel† is only a folk tale handed down through the years until it was finally written down in the 1800s. This is only the beginning of the differences. Looking closely at the plots, one can definitely see there is a difference in the two. In the following paragraph, the expositions of the movie Tangled and the short story â€Å"Rapunzel† will be compared and contrasted. In Tangled the parents were rich and lived in a kingdom. On the other hand, in â€Å"Rapunzel†, the parents were very poor and lived in a small house. In Tangled, Mother Gothel kidnapped Rapunzel for her magic gift, and kept her locked up in a tower and wouldn't let her leave. Every year on Rapunzel’s birthday, her parents, the king and queen, would light lanterns in the sky. They were hoping that one day, their lost princess would once again return. In â€Å"Rapunzel†, her parents practically traded her to Mother Gothel for stealing from her magic garden. Also in Tangled, Rapunzel’s hair is magic. Her hair glows and can turn a very old lady, to the youngest, and prettiest woman. In â€Å"Rapunzel†, her hair isn't magic or anything like that, it’s just very, very long. Now, we will be discussing the rising actions of the two stories. We will basically be stating their differences and similarities. In the movie Tangled, the guy that took her on her amazing journey was a poor thief. He was being chased, when he saw a mysterious tower. He then climbed that tower and that’s how he met Rapunzel. In contrast, in the short story â€Å"Rapunzel†, he was a prince who heard her singing. He went searching for her, because her beautiful singing softened his heart. In Tangled, Mother Gothel is evil and selfish. She could care less about Rapunzel, basically all she cared about was staying young forever. On the other hand, in â€Å"Rapunzel†, she was actually trying to help Rapunzel by getting her away from her unstable family. As you can see, the rising actions of these two stories are very different. Next, we are going to be comparing and contrasting the climax of these two stories. In Tangled, in the beginning of the climax, Rapunzel realizes that she is the lost princess. Rapunzel is furious with Mother Gothel, and she states that she will never ever let Mother Gothel use her hair again. Mother Gothel is determined to never let Rapunzel leave the tower, even if Rapunzel can’t stand her. Flynn Rider, the thief that Rapunzel met, was about to get hung for his crimes. He actually escapes, with the help of friends he met on his journey with Rapunzel. He gets to the tower, and climbs up it. He gets up there, and he then sees that Rapunzel is all chained up. Mother Gothel then stabs him, attempting to kill him. Rapunzel then promises to Mother Gothel, that if she lets her heal him, she will stay with her forever. When Rapunzel is just about to heal Flynn, he cuts all of her hair off. Rapunzel’s magic then fades, making Mother Gothel turn old and crusty. Mother Gothel falls out the window to her death at the end of the Climax. In the short story â€Å"Rapunzel†, Mother Gothel sees that Rapunzel has deceived her. Mother Gothel then cuts all of Rapunzel’s hair off, leaving her hair on the ground. Mother Gothel tricks the prince, leading him up the tower. When he finally goes in, Mother Gothel reveals that he will never see Rapunzel again. At the end of the climax, the prince is left heartbroken in tears. Now, the falling actions of the two stories will be compared and contrasted. In Tangled, Rapunzel returns to her family. The kingdom rejoices, because they now know that their lost princess has returned. In â€Å"Rapunzel†, the prince kind of lost himself. He wandered around the forest, and ate nothing but roots and berries, and only weeped over the loss of Rapunzel. He roamed around in misery for years, and then he finally came to the desert, where Rapunzel and her two twins she had given birth to, lived in wretchedness. He heard a voice, it sounded familiar to him. He went towards it, and when Rapunzel saw him she fell on his neck and cried. This ends the falling actions of the two stories. Next, the resolutions of the two stories will be compared and contrasted. In Tangled, Rapunzel and Flynn end up living happily ever after in the kingdom. In â€Å"Rapunzel†, the prince led Rapunzel to his kingdom where he was joyfully received, and they lived for a long time afterwards, happy and contented. There’s not much to the resolutions to these two stories. As you can see, the resolutions are a little similar, but mainly different. To end this essay, the movie Tangled and the short story â€Å"Rapunzel†, have two totally different plots. There were lots of differences and very, very few similarities. They both have some of the same characters, but totally different stories behind them.

Zoe’s Tale PART I Chapter Five

There was a tap on my door, a rat-a-tat that I gave Hickory to use when I was nine, when I made it a secret member of my secret club. I made Dickory a secret member of an entirely different secret club. Same with Mom, Dad and Babar. I was all about the secret clubs when I was nine, apparently. I couldn't even tell you what the name of that secret club was now. But Hickory still used the knock whenever my bedroom door was closed. â€Å"Come in,† I said. I was standing by my bedroom window. Hickory came in. â€Å"It's dark in here,† it said. â€Å"That's what happens when it's late and the lights are out,† I said. â€Å"I heard you walking about,† Hickory said. â€Å"I came to see if you needed anything.† â€Å"Like a warm glass of milk?† I said. â€Å"I'm fine, Hickory. Thank you.† â€Å"Then I'll leave you,† Hickory said, backing out. â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"Come here a minute. Look.† Hickory walked over to stand next to me at the window. He looked where I pointed, to two figures in the road in front of our house. Mom and Dad. â€Å"She has been out there for some time,† Hickory said. â€Å"Major Perry joined her a few minutes ago.† â€Å"I know,† I said. â€Å"I saw him walk out.† I heard her walk out, too, about an hour earlier; the squeaking of the springs on the screen door had gotten me out of bed. I hadn't been sleeping, anyway. Thinking about leaving Huckleberry and colonizing somewhere new was keeping my brain up, and then made me pace around. The idea of leaving was sinking in. It was making me twitchier than I thought it would. â€Å"You know about the new colony?† I asked Hickory. â€Å"We do,† Hickory said. â€Å"Lieutenant Sagan informed us earlier this evening. Dickory also filed a request to our government for more information.† â€Å"Why do you call them by their rank?† I asked Hickory. My brain was looking for tangents at the moment, it seemed, and this was a good one. â€Å"Mom and Dad. Why don't you call them ‘Jane' and ‘John' like everyone else?† â€Å"It's not appropriate,† Hickory said. â€Å"It's too familiar.† â€Å"You've lived with us for seven years,† I said. â€Å"You might be able to risk a little familiarity.† â€Å"If you wish us to call them ‘John' and ‘Jane,' then we will do so,† Hickory said. â€Å"Call them what you want,† I said. â€Å"I'm just saying that if you want to call them by their first names, you could.† â€Å"We will remember that,† Hickory said. I doubted there would be a change in protocol anytime soon. â€Å"You'll be coming with us, right?† I asked, changing the subject. â€Å"To the new colony.† I hadn't assumed that Hickory and Dickory would not be joining us, which when I thought about it might not have been a smart assumption. â€Å"Our treaty allows it,† Hickory said. â€Å"It will be up to you to decide.† â€Å"Well, of course I want you to come,† I said. â€Å"We'd just as soon leave Babar behind than not take you two.† â€Å"I am happy to be in the same category as your dog,† Hickory said. â€Å"I think that came out wrong,† I said. Hickory held up a hand. â€Å"No,† it said. â€Å"I know you did not mean to imply Dickory and I are like pets. You meant to imply Babar is part of your household. You would not leave without him.† â€Å"He's not just part of the household,† I said. â€Å"He's family. Slobbery, sort of dim family. But family. You're family, too. Weird, alien, occasionally obtrusive family. But family.† â€Å"Thank you, Zoe,† Hickory said. â€Å"You're welcome,† I said, and suddenly felt shy. Conversations with Hickory were going weird places today. â€Å"That's why I asked about you calling my parents by rank, you know. It's not a usual family thing.† â€Å"If we are truly part of your family, then it is safe to say it's not a usual family,† Hickory said. â€Å"So it would be hard to say what would be usual for us.† This got a snort from me. â€Å"Well, that's true,† I said. I thought for a moment. â€Å"What is your name, Hickory?† I asked. â€Å"Hickory,† it said. â€Å"No, I mean, what was your name before you came to live with us,† I said. â€Å"You had to have been named something before I named you Hickory. And Dickory, too, before I named it that.† â€Å"No,† it said. â€Å"You forget. Before your biological father, Obin did not have consciousness. We did not have a sense of self, or the need to describe ourselves to ourselves or to others.† â€Å"That would make it hard to do anything with more than two of you,† I said. â€Å"Saying ‘hey, you' only goes so far.† â€Å"We had descriptors, to help us in our work,† Hickory said. â€Å"They were not the same as names. When you named Dickory and me, you gave us our true names. We became the first Obin to have names at all.† â€Å"I wish I had known that at the time,† I said, after I took this in. â€Å"I would have given you names that weren't from a nursery rhyme.† â€Å"I like my name,† Hickory said. â€Å"It's popular among other Obin as well. ‘Hickory' and ‘Dickory' both.† â€Å"There are other Obin Hickorys,† I said. â€Å"Oh, yes,† Hickory said. â€Å"Several million, now.† I had no possible intelligible response to that. I turned my attention back to my parents, who were still standing in the road, entwined. â€Å"They love each other,† Hickory said, following my gaze. I glanced back at it. â€Å"Not really where I was expecting the conversation to go, but okay,† I said. â€Å"It makes a difference,† Hickory said. â€Å"In how they speak to each other. How they communicate with each other.† â€Å"I suppose it does,† I said. Hickory's observation was an understatement, actually. John and Jane didn't just love each other. The two of them were nuts for each other, in exactly the sort of way that's both touching and embarrassing to a teenage daughter. Touching because who doesn't want their parents to love each other, right down to their toes? Embarrassing because, well. Parents. Not supposed to act like goofs about each other. They showed it in different ways. Dad was the most obvious about it, but I think Mom felt it more intensely than he did. Dad was married before; his first wife died back on Earth. Some part of his heart was still with her. No one else had any claim on Jane's heart, though. John had all of it, or all of it that was supposed to belong to your spouse. No matter how you sliced it, though, there's nothing either of them wouldn't do for each other. â€Å"That's why they're out here,† I said to Hickory. â€Å"In the road right now, I mean. Because they love each other.† â€Å"How so?† Hickory asked. â€Å"You said it yourself,† I said. â€Å"It makes a difference in how they communicate.† I pointed again to the two of them. â€Å"Dad wants to go and lead this colony,† I said. â€Å"If he didn't, he would have just said no. It's how he works. He's been moody and out of sorts all day because he wants it and he knows there are complications. Because Jane loves it here.† â€Å"More than you or Major Perry,† Hickory said. â€Å"Oh, yeah,† I said. â€Å"It's where she's been married. It's where she's had a family. Huckleberry is her homeworld. He'd say no if she doesn't give him permission to say yes. So that's what she's doing, out there.† Hickory peered out again at the silhouettes of my parents. â€Å"She could have said so in the house,† it said. I shook my head. â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"Look how she's looking up. Before Dad came out, she was doing the same thing. Standing there and looking up at the stars. Looking for the star our new planet orbits, maybe. But what she's really doing is saying good-bye to Huckleberry. Dad needs to see her do it. Mom knows that. It's part of the reason she's out there. To let him know she's ready to let this planet go. She's ready to let it go because he's ready to let it go.† â€Å"You said it was part of the reason she's out there,† Hickory said. â€Å"What's the other part?† â€Å"The other part?† I asked. Hickory nodded. â€Å"Oh. Well. She needs to say good-bye for herself, too. She's not just doing it for Dad.† I watched Jane. â€Å"A lot of who she is, she became here. And we may never get back here. It's hard to leave your home. Hard for her. I think she's trying to find a way to let it go. And that starts by saying good-bye to it.† â€Å"And you?† Hickory said. â€Å"Do you need to say good-bye?† I thought about it for a minute. â€Å"I don't know,† I admitted. â€Å"It's funny. I've already lived on four planets. Well, three planets and a space station. I've been here longest, so I guess it's my home more than any of the rest of them. I know I'll miss some of the things about it. I know I'll miss some of my friends. But more than any of that†¦ I'm excited. I want to do this. Colonize a new world. I want to go. I'm excited and nervous and a little scared. You know?† Hickory didn't say anything to this. Outside the window, Mom had walked away a little from Dad, and he was turning to head back into the house. Then he stopped and turned back to Mom. She held out her hand to him. He came to her, took it. They began to walk down the road together. â€Å"Good-bye, Huckleberry,† I said, whispering the words. I turned away from the window and let my parents have their walk.