Analysis Of Ken Bain s What The Best College Students

While reading Ken Bain’s book â€Å"What the Best College Students Do† of the five different types of students he describes, I feel like I fall under the label of one having mediocre grades but achieving success. I make good grades, however I do not necessarily believe my grades always reflect my hard work, determination and effort put in, similar to his theory on false hope in standardized testing. Throughout my school career, I have consistently made A and B grades. I can remember only one C grade, which was a quarter grade, and very disappointing, but a lesson learned. At the same time though, and as Bain helped me realize through his text, grades are not everything and making a C is not something that is going to kill me; there is simply more to school than a letter grade. In fact he points out through most of the 1800s schools only used two grades, pass or fail. As seen nowadays, schools have since adopted the letter grade system. As a college freshman, I have a fear not being prepared for the level of classes, realizing that everyone is smart and pretty much on the same level. The pressure to maintain good grades is at times overwhelming but it helps to incorporate good organization and time management skills. Luckily my first semester schedule was one that worked and gave me an opportunity to adjust to college life. High school was so structured and time consuming with the day packed from early morning to late afternoon, with few downtime windows. For me, having extraShow MoreRelatedBenifits of Language5821 Words   |  24 Pagesadjustment of thought. Students talking together provide for input and listening. Students often have to assess the thoughts/ideas of peers, determine whether they â€Å"fit† their own, whether they disagree, or partially agree. Students have an opportunity to speak their ideas/thoughts for better formulation. Some often say, â€Å"I didn’t think of that† or â€Å"That’s a different slant.† 2. Promotes greater student-faculty and student-student interaction. Students assist each other in understandingRead MoreConsumer Perspective About Quality Service Provided by Pizza Hut and Dominos21258 Words   |  86 Pagessome of most rapid growth is occurring in the developing world; where it s radically changing the way people eat. People buy fast food because it s cheap, easy to prepare, and heavily promoted. This paper aims at providing information about fast food industry, its trend, reason for its emergence and several other factors that are responsible for its growth. This report provides extensive research and rational analysis on the Indian fast food industry and tracks the changing dynamics of the marketRead MoreStrategy Management18281 Words   |  74 Pages—Frank T. Rothaermel rot12737_fm_i-xlvi.indd v 17/11/11 7:37 PM Confirming Pages ABOUT THE AUTHOR FRANK T. ROTHAERMEL Georgia Institute of Technology Frank T. Rothaermel (PhD) is the Angel and Stephen M. Deedy Professor in the College of Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is an Alfred P. Sloan Industry Studies Fellow, and also holds a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, which â€Å"is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation’sRead MoreFeasibility Studies for Bookstore and Coffee Shop15507 Words   |  63 Pagesmaterials with prices fair enough for the youth and middle-class households. Our purpose is to give the best services a bookstore can have with a very relaxing ambience suitable for reading moods complemented by light meals and hot-and-cold drinks through our mini-cafà ©. Vision: Leaflets Bookstore endeavor to become the most innovative in providing wide variety of books; offering the best place for reading that will give satisfaction to our valued customers. And to be able to extend ourRead MoreRetailing Characteristics of Fast Food Stores and Their Impact on Customer Sales and Satisfaction29639 Words   |  119 PagesResearch Framework and Methodology 3.1 Research purpose†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3.2 Hypothesis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3.3 Data Collection†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3.4 Methodology†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3.5 Factor Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ï  ¶ Chap-4 Result and Interpretation 4.1 Interpretation of Result†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. ï  ¶ Chap-5 Suggestions and Managerial Implications ï  ¶ Chap-6 Limitations of the study References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Read MoreInnovators Dna84615 Words   |  339 PagesInnovator’s DNA, authors Je Dyer, Hal Gregersen, and bestselling author Clayton M. Christensen ( e Innovator’s Dilemma, e Innovator’s Solution) build on what we know about disruptive innovation to show how individuals can develop the skills necessary to move progressively from idea to impact. By identifying behaviors of the world’s best innovators—from leaders at Amazon and Apple to those at Google, Skype, and Virgin Group—the authors outline ve discovery skills that distinguish innovative Read MoreCrm in Supermarkets30832 Words   |  124 PagesEB 2003-02 February 2003 FOOD INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT CORNELL U N I V E R S I T Y Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) in the U.S. Supermarket Industry: Current Status and Prospects Gerard F. Hawkes Senior Extension Associate Food Industry Management Program Department of Applied Economics and Management College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-7801 Teaching †¢ Research †¢ Executive Education IT IS THE POLICY OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY actively to supportRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagesthat helps you actively study and prepare material for class. Chapter-by-chapter activities, including built-in pretests and posttests, focus on what you need to learn and to review in order to succeed. Visit www.mymanagementlab.com to learn more. DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT SKILLS EIGHTH EDITION David A. Whetten BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Kim S. Cameron UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Prentice Hall Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town DubaiRead MoreContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words   |  846 Pagesways of improving it. Although always appealing to his economic understandings, he has been open to a wide variety of other ideas, recognizing their intellectual strengths and capabilities rather than making artificial distinctions between what is acceptable and what is not. He also has contributed widely to the accounting literature, taking forward the British tradition of economic theorizing in financial accounting as well as being a constant source of creative thinking in the management accounting

Essay on Magnificent Minds of the Renaissance - 1120 Words

Magnificent Minds of the Renaissance The renaissance era of the 1500s was a time of artistic, philosophic, and scientific wonder and inspiration. Several new discoveries were made in the areas of science, and assumptions on the world and universe around them were expressed by philosophers. Many individuals had been gifted with artistic creativity and skill. The astonishing achievements of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael are considered momentous to the Renaissance period. In this paper, I will talk about the endeavors and achievements of these three amazing Renaissance men. Born April 15, 1452 in the small Tuscan town of Anchiano to Ser Piero, a wealthy Florentine and Caterina, a peasant woman, Leonardo enjoyed a very†¦show more content†¦(qtd. Encyclopedia Britannica n.pag.). Leonardo created six pieces during his stay in Milan. The most famous of all his paintings, The Last Supper, depicts Jesus with his 12 Apostles during Passover the moment that he reveals that one of them will betray him (Encyclopedia Britannica n.pag.). Unfortunately, by the beginning of the 16th century, the painting began to show deterioration due to the failed technique that Leonardo had developed called tempra. Several attempts were made over the centuries to restore the piece but were unsuccessful until modern restoration techniques were applied after World War II. Restoration of this piece was completed in 1999 but very little of the original painting remains (Encyclopedia Britannica n.pag.). Leonardo based his scientific theories on careful observation and precise documentation. Sadly, is treatises (writings) on several scientific subjects were never completed. The notebooks in which he kept his theories logged, were written in a mirror script. This made it difficult for his work to be deciphered during his lifetime. His scientific findings would have revolutionized science of the 16th century had his work been published (Encyclopedia Britannica n.pag.). Leonardo anticipated discoveries of the modern times. Leonardo spent his last years at the Chà ¢teau de Cloux, near Amboise, where he died and was buried in the palace churchShow MoreRelated Magnificent Minds Of The Renaissance in Europe Essay856 Words   |  4 Pages The high renaissance of the 1500s was a time of scientific, philosophic, and artistic awe and inspiration. Many new discoveries were being made in the field of science, and philosophers expressed their assumptions on the world and universe around them. In addition, many individuals were gifted with artistic dexterity and skill. The amazing achievements of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci are considered significant to the Renaissance period. In this paper, the endeavors and achievementsRead MoreEssay on The Renaissance Humanistic Concept of Man994 Words   |  4 PagesThe Renaissance Humanistic Concept of Man Each century brings something new into this world. Some ages thus become prominent, others don’t seem to contribute a lot to the humanity. The Renaissance became the symbol of awakening, the symbol of excellence and rebirth. It gave birth to the doctrines and principles that dominate the philosophy up until nowadays. Humanism developed as one of the principal philosophical concepts of Renaissance. What does this concept mean, why is it so crucialRead MoreHumanism : Renaissance And Renaissance Thought955 Words   |  4 PagesHumanism in Renaissance Thought The word ‘Renaissance’ is French for ‘Rebirth’. The Renaissance is a period in European history which signifies the rebirth of classical learning and rediscovery. The best possible way to get a grasp about what the Renaissance was all about is to compare it to a previous age. The middle ages for example, could be defined as a spiritual age. In contrast, the Renaissance was a secular age which was more man-centered rather than God-centered. The Renaissance is said toRead MoreHow Did the Period of Renaissance Alter Man’s View of Man? Essay1057 Words   |  5 PagesThe Renaissance period was a truly enlightening period in history that birthed many great advancements in all fields of science, and inventions. How did the period of time we know as, â€Å"The Renaissance†, change or alter man’s view of man? Well, we know that in the Middle Ages, the Church had authority over most people, and people had very few rights. In 1400’s, the M iddle Ages had ended and then began the Renaissance. The Renaissance was a monumental change in Europe which lasted for 300 years. HumanityRead MoreRenaissance Humanism : The Renaissance1209 Words   |  5 PagesRenaissance Humanism The renaissance is by its definition a rebirth of the classical methods of the ancients (Dictionary.) Through the study of the text and the artwork that defined this period we are able to see the transition from a dark, apocalyptic world, to a reinvigorated and bright new era which was dominated by titan of artistry such as Donatello. Because Italy was so well situated in a land that was formally the Roman Empire, and its economic links to lands of heavy Greek influence RenaissanceRead MoreStart of The Renaissance in Italy During the 15th Century Essay799 Words   |  4 PagesStart of The Renaissance in Italy During the 15th Century The word Renaissance means rebirth. It was a period when people rediscoverd learning and looking back to the classical civilizations of Rome and Greece for their inspiration. It was an exciting time of new inventions and amazing discoveries, magnificent buildings and beutiful art. My aim in this essay, is to explain why the Renaissance started in Italy during the 15 century. In this essay I will talk about; TheRead MoreShort Story Critique Essay917 Words   |  4 Pagesinfluenced story exemplifies how people thought of and interacted with those of a different race and those of a similar color. Hughes proves his credibility in writing the piece through his experiences that he endured in his lifetime during the Harlem Renaissance. The life he led was filled with daily racism and discrimination; he experienced much of his subject matter regarding racial and social tension first hand. Langston Hughes’ â€Å"Who‘s Passing for Who† clues the reader into the issues that were presentRead MoreTaking a Look at the Renaissance1027 Words   |  4 PagesRenaissance is a generally accepted name for the era of great change in culture, art, and architecture which took place in the fifteenth-and sixteenth-century Italy, and then left its mark on the culture of the whole of Europe. During the Renaissance there was a significant shift of universally recognized values. Th ey began to appreciate and recognize the creative possibilities of a human mind, which entailed a lot of consequences. One of them was the spectacular development of the architecture,Read MoreThe Harlem Renaissance Essay1086 Words   |  5 Pages The Harlem Renaissance was a time of great commotion spanning the 1920s, also known as the â€Å"New Negro Movement.† One of the more well-known movers and shakers of the Harlem Renaissance is Langston Hughes. He amongst other artist brought new forms of black cultural expressions into urban areas that had been affected by The Great Migration. Harlem was the largest area affected by said Great Migration. Though the Harlem Renaissance was centered in Harlem the power and strength contained in theRead MoreThe Harlem Renaissance and Slave Narratives1431 Words   |  6 PagesThe Harlem Renaissance began around the 1920’s and was the hub of African American artistic endeavors, with less discrimination, more freedom, and amazi ng strides in politics and economics which was very different from how the slaves lived and hoped, but there still were similarities like a will for a better life, and hope for the future which both embraced even though they were in a dreadful position. Of course there also are differences, in this case that Harlem writers and artist were more educated

Impact of 4D Modeling On Construction Planning

Question: Discuss about 4D simulation, clearly indicating estimated activity costs and duration as a text overlay. Also, highlight procedure for identifying and resolving clashes? Answer: Introduction The Chapter presents the background for the entire study to clarify and focus on the problem of the study and the possible description and the other research questions that are stated as the conclusion of the report. The construction report of the industries offers great deal to all the project teams. It also delivers all the construction projects that are the best and suited for the customers in all respects. These projects increase the number of the participants that makes the requirement much more effective with a better communication proceeds better and prominent results (Allen and Smallwood, 2008). According to the UK Industry all the performance management team that constructs the project effectively is completed by the number of projects that are being done on time. There are different gaps that are found on different construction areas along with different process that are without collaboration and knowledge (Bryman, 2004). The entire system usually maintains an inconsistency among the constructive phase and the process that involves planning and execution at the same time irrespective of the time and space that is allocated to the other devices that are quite visible in the entire research. The above report outlines all the concepts that are involved in this chapter. Literature Review Construction Planning plays an important role for the development of the construction industry to a huge extent. The process involves several tracing results that identify the sequences of the events that differs the results to a huge extent. The Job is quite challenging for the planner and figures out the construction outcome that are not possible to be observed and completed (Andersson and Christensen, 2007). The nature of the complexities and the uncertainties that are put together to intricate all the challenges that is required for the establishment of the planning process and at the same time points out all the important factors that are planned effectively for the early stages of the project to specify all the errors that are the best solutions to assign all the tasks that are for the correct people and to apply the same technique at the same time and further enhance all the success percentage of the project. The construction planning process helps the start of the constructio n phase and the other consideration that is taken into account during the project life cycle that requires the process of planning and the steps that are quite effective and has a proper limit for all the problems and their consequences that have risen. The aim of the planning process generates all the planning associates that identifies all the essential lead projects that have their final outcomes in all respects, The planners also have to go through all the implementations and sequences that impacts the other various activities and evaluation process from the other projects on can make all the decisions that that are quite beneficial and in other words these are the construction planning process that uses all the resources that are easily allocated to the participants as the ones that are interacted among them and at the same time identified effectively (Levitt et al. 2009). Methodology The two approaches that are involved in the above research relate all the practices that are both deductive and inductive at the same time. The method that is used in this research involves the reviews and the analyses that is taken from the existing theories from the entire research we have even used and derived the hypothesis along with the validation that uses the empirical formula and the other specifications that are used to analyze it effectively and at the same time helps them to validate the other methods and data that are used in this process to makes sure that all the constraints are effective in their position along with the positive vibrant that allows the user to makes sure that all the methods are kept at a specific place to undergo several function that are effectively mentioned in the above project for the specification requirements and the other important prospects (Heesom and Mahdjoubi, 2004). The other variants that are used in this project involves the prospects o f Topic selection and Focus, Design Study, Collect Data and the other sections that are Findings and the other interpretation and analysis that can be effectively found and analyzed in the methodology section. Analysis The most significant benefits of the modeling process is to provide all the variant visualization that are used in the construction working and the one that that is not possible for achieving all with the help of 2D documents and drawings like the liner scheduling and the Gantt chart for enabling the planners and at the same time to detect all the clashes and conflicts that are in the phase of construction and for the process that are used in planning (Hendrickson, 2000). As through the case studies that are mentioned above one can easily fiure out the zero conflicts by implementing the modeling process that ranges from around 100 to 200 with the use of traditional planning process and the other case studies that have around 400 clashes and errors in all respects and are also found before the start of the construction phase to adopt the 4D modeling and the other indicators that are quite effective for the adoption of the 4D modeling so that it can easily play the critical role that a re involved in the planning process. The other case studies also implement the 4D modeling and the other prospects that are implemented of 4D modeling that helps in better visualization of the construction work that enhances the planning process and also selects the clashes and conflicts of the visualization of the construction work that needs to be planned and incorporated into the safety concerns of the complex projects that are also mentioned in the above case study (Jongeling and Olofsson, 2007). The process of modeling also allows the team to generate the comprehensive and precise work that will be much more difficult to achieve the traditional planning process and the other project team that can easily achieve the accurate plan with the help of the modeling process that is utilized above. Conclusion The entire research revealed the 4D planning process that acts as the most promising tool that is used for construction planning and at the same time highlights all the modeling process that are discovered to achieve the traditional planning methods that are used in this case study. The most significant benefits that are found in 4D modeling are to get a better visualization of the construction work and the other better communication structures that are found in the project teams for increasing the efficiency of the planning process and the other aspects of 4D modeling that assists in achieving all the accurate and detailed work plans that includes the planning of temporary structures, managing site logistics and other quantity take offs that are important for the entire research. With the help of better communication and visualization the planner plans the team according to the client and achieves better understanding of the project along with its objectives that would eventually im prove the construction planning and the execution process that significantly leads the success of the project. Hence we can easily state that the project provides reliable and detailed plan that obtains and assists the project to be completed within the provided time and budget. References Allen, C., Smallwood, J. (2008). Improving construction planning through 4D planning.Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 6 (1), 7à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 20. Andersson, N., Christensen, K. (2007). Retrieved March 07, 2012, from Practical implications Bryman, A. (2004). Social Reseach Methods. Oxford University Press. BuildingSMART. (2010). Constructing the business case: Building information modelling.London: British Standards Institution. Chachere, J., Kunz, J., Levitt, R. (2009). The role of reduced latency in Integrated Concurrent Engineering. Stanford: CIFE. Dawood, N., Sikka, S. (2008). tool, Measuring the effectiveness of 4D planning as avaluable communication. ITcon , 13, 620à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 636. Dawood, N., Sikka, S. (2004). Visual 4D planning in the UK construction industry. RetrievedFebruary 13, 2012, from Digital library of construction informatics:https://itc.scix.net/data/works/att/bbb3.content.02753.pdf Heesom, D., Mahdjoubi, L. (2004). Trends of 4D CAD applications for constructionplanning. Construction Management and Economics , 22, 171182. Hendrickson, C. (2000). Project Management for Constructionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Fundamental Concepts forOwners, Engineers, Architects and Builders. Retrieved February 27, 2012, fromhttps://pmbook.ce.cmu.edu/09_Construction_Planning.html Jianping, Z., Yang, Z., Zhenzong, H., Ming, L. (2008). Construction Management Utilizing 4DCAD and Operations Simulation Methodologies. Tsinghua Science and Technology ,13 (S1), 241à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 247. Jongeling, R., Olofsson, T. (2007). A method for planning of workà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ flow by combined use oflocationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ based scheduling and 4D CAD. Automation in Construction , 16, 189198.

Vodafone developing a total communications strategy in the UK market

Introduction In the face of competition, this report presents Vodafone’s strategy aimed at having a competitive advantage over its current and future competitors by adopting several measures aimed at giving consumers greater value for their money.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Vodafone: developing a total communications strategy in the UK market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Michael Porter (2004) put forward two fundamental forms of competitive advantage: cost advantage and product differentiation advantage. In cost differentiation, a company lowers its product costs than the prevailing market costs for similar or related products. However, in product differentiation, based on a market analysis, the company chooses a strategy that will give it a unique position among competitors and enable it to have an advantage over competitors. Differentiation frequently entails delivering benefits that surpas s those of the competitors, and enables it to create superior value for its customers and establish itself in the market. In this case study, Vodafone seeks to adopt strategies for enabling a competitive advantage over its competitors but contemplates whether it should build its own network to provide the required services or provide them through partnerships and/or acquisitions. Summary This case study on Vodafone, the world’s largest mobile telephone operator by revenue, presents the company’s strategy in its attempts to emerge out of competition from companies offering similar products in the UK home market in 2009. During the said year, Vodafone faced competition from a number of companies in the rapidly expanding market for high-speed internet services in the home market.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The increasing demand for these products had att racted not only Vodafone’s traditional competitors such as British Telecom (BT), O2, and Orange, but had also drawn attention from other communication firms such as Virgin Mobile and Sky Broadcasting. New competition also arose from arose from Carphone Warehouse and suppliers such as Nokia and Apple. Other firms were also contemplating moving into the high-speed internet services market. Besides changes in competition, Vodafone and other providers faced challenges from rapid changes in technology and regulatory changes in the UK communications sector. Consequently, many operators adopted their own strategies around the consumer’s need for ‘converged services’, meaning that companies could provide two or more services making up the ‘quad play ’ offered by Virgin Media (fixed line telephony, mobile telephony, television, and broadband internet). While most of the competitors offered a combination of the services, Vodafone focused mainly on mobil e services and this caused concern to both shareholders and the management. The challenge was to decide if they should provide any of the other services, and if so, should they build their own networks or through partnerships or acquisitions. Analysis of the Major Facts PESTEL Analysis In order to determine the best strategy that should be adopted it is imperative that we determine the roots of the intense competition in the high-speed internet services. A PESTEL analysis shows that the source of competition in the communications sector originated from a number of macro-environmental factors. Political factors had been due the regulatory changes undertaken by the government, specifically the Office of Communication (Ofcom).Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Vodafone: developing a total communications strategy in the UK market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These changes included the privatization of the nat ional telephone company, BT, forcing it to allow access to its services at competitive rates, licensing more mobile-operators and allowing virtual operators (MVNOs), and supporting competition in television and internet sector to improve service delivery. Economic factors arose from the global financial crisis that had heavily impacted the UK economy, just like all developed nations. The UK was expected to recover more slowly than other countries due to the important role of financial services to its economy. Economic factors also affected sociocultural factors as it affected income distribution and spending patterns. Technological factors arose from the changes in technology with the development of internet protocol (IP) technology, emergence of new broadcasting technology, and the ongoing upgrading of speeds over fixed and mobile networks. Environmental and Legal factors did not seem to have a significant role of the competition. In adopting a strategy to emerge out of the competi tion, Vodafone had to address each of these issues (Johnson et al, 2010). Competitor Analysis A number of competitors were already providing at least three of the four services in the high-speed internet market, however, Vodafone mainly focused on mobile telephony. Therefore, to gain an edge over its competitors, Vodafone had to adopt either the ‘triple play’ of the ‘quad play’. In order to do this, the company has to analyze its competitors and determine the methods they used to roll out their service to come up with the most cost effective method. The fixed line telephone network had been developed by the government through BT, which had subsequently been privatized, hence BT was the initial sole operator of the fixed line telephone, however, Ofcom introduced a process referred to as local loop unbundling (LLU) which required BT to allow other operators to install their own equipment in the existing BT network to provide voice and broadband internet servi ces to their own surrounding customers.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This meant that operators such as Vodafone could provide these services without building their own network. Mobile telephone was Vodafone’s core competency, being the world’s largest mobile telephone operator by revenue, therefore, it did not require any acquisitions or partnerships to create an advantage over its competitors. However, the failure to create a ‘total communications’ strategy could lead to user migrating to other operators, especially with the introduction of number portability in 2007 and competitive approached adopted by operators. The television segment is dominated by five ‘public service broadcast’ channels: BBC1, BBC 2, ITV 1, Channel 4 and Five. These channels are supported by annual license fees and advertising. The rest of the market is taken by ‘multichannel operators’ led by BskyB, UKTV, Viacom and Virgin which are mainly supported by a mix subscription and advertisements. Ofcom reports that there were 49 5 channels by the end of 2008. BBC (all channels) had a dominant share of the market with 31.8%, up 0.8% the previous year and up 1.2% in 2006, ITV and Channel 4 followed with 22.6 % and 11.7% respectively, both companies had registered growth in the past two years. Going by this trend, the three companies, with a total share of 66.1%, will continue to dominate the market for the foreseeable future (Johnson et al, 2010). The fourth and final section of the ‘quad play’ services is broadband. Fixed broadband was available in 65% of UK homes in 2009, most of which were served by their existing phone lines using DSL technology, the rest are supplied with cable broadband. Analysts have predicted that this figure is likely to rise with DSL technology occupying a chunk of the market. wireless broadband is also provided by all major operators through 3G cards for laptops, however, most of the users have a DSL connection and see the mobile connection as a supplement. In addition , there are more than 12,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in early 2008, the largest operator being The Cloud (58.3%), BT Openzone (19.3%) and T-Mobile (10%) (Johnson et al, 2010). Together, the three Wi-Fi operators have a market share of 88.2%. The growth of the broadband sector has been encouraged by local loop unbundling, consequently, the five largest providers had 91% of all connections in 2009, with BT (26%), TalkTalk (25%) and Virgin Media (23%) leading the pack. Alternatives Owing to its dominance of mobile telephone, Vodafone is left with the other three options (fixed line telephone, television, and broadband). The local loop unbundling process allows companies to install their own equipment in the existing BT network to provide voice and broadband internet services to their own customers, therefore, Vodafone would only have to purchase the necessary hardware and have their fixed line telephone and broadband running, rather than build their own network, which would be very costly (Yip, 1995). However, it could acquire Wi-Fi operators or build its own network and increase coverage in other parts of the country. The only segment that would require a major partnership or acquisition would be in television as it is dominated by three major companies. Recommendations After a detailed analysis of the competitors, it is observed that the most effective measure for Vodafone would be to provide a ‘triple play’ strategy in which it would provide mobile telephone services, fixed line telephone, and broadband (Yip, 1995). The company already has well-established mobile telephone network while the installation of fixed line telephone and broadband would require less capital outlay because, by using the local loop unbundling as provided by the Office of Communication, it will rely on the existing BT network. Works Cited Johnson, Gerry, Whittington, Richard, and Scholes, Kevan. Exploring Corporate  Strategy. NJ: Pearson Education, 2010. Print. Porter, Michael E. Competitive Strategy: techniques for analyzing industries and  competitors. New York: Free Press, 2004. Print. Yip, George. Total Global Strategy : managing for worldwide competitive advantage.  NY: Prentice Hall, 1995. Print. This term paper on Vodafone: developing a total communications strategy in the UK market was written and submitted by user Morgan Stark to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Vodafone Developing a Total Communications Strategy in the UK Market Comparison of the Four Industries in terms of Industry Attractiveness Using Porter’s Five Forces, a comparison of the four industries (fixed-line, mobile, television and broadband) can be undertaken to demonstrate their attractiveness. UK customers have more discretion to choose which company to use in the provision of fixed-line, mobile and television services, hence these industries are continually registering fewer profits due to customers’ power.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Vodafone: Developing a Total Communications Strategy in the UK Market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, the broadband industry is increasingly growing as there are fewer companies offering the services due to huge capital costs involved, hence customers have less power in this industry. The suppliers’ power, reflected by the services and infrastructure offered by British Telecom (BT) to various compani es within the sector, is minimal in all the four industries owing to the many regulatory frameworks that have been developed and implemented by Ofcom (Office of Communications). Owing to low suppliers’ power, companies such as Vodafone can leverage on the profit potential by using BT’s networks and infrastructure to expand services. From the case, it is clear that the high rivalry between competitors has negatively affected the profit and customer subscription margins in the fixed-line, mobile and television industries. However, the broadband industry is still attractive to investors due to minimal rivalry among competitors. However, as the fixed-line industry faces a minimal threat of new entrants owing to the fact that customers are increasingly using newer technologies, the other three industries – mobile, television and broadband – face real threats of new entrants not only because of their potential for continued growth and profitability but also due to the ongoing acquisitions and partnerships affecting these industries. Lastly, in analyzing threat of substitute products, it can be argued that both the mobile and television industries face this threat as mobile providers bring into the market new mobile devices with enhanced capacity to roll out all the services in one single gadget, and as TV service providers look for innovative products that may enhance customers’ experiences. These opportunities provide adequate space for the proliferation of substitute products within the communications sector. However, the broadband industry may not attract such a threat due to the high capital costs involved in rolling out its services. Similarly, the fixed-line industry may not attract substitutes due to the nature of infrastructure and networks used.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Key Drivers of Change in the Comm unication Industry From the case scenario, the key drivers of change in the communication industry include technological advancements, acquisitions, products and services diversification, willingness to collaborate, speed, flexibility and competition. In technological changes, it is clear that the digital revolution has forced most companies in the UK’s communication industry to reassess not only how to effectively and efficiently provide traditional voice services to their existing customers, but emerging high-band data, television and video services as well. Additionally, a number of significant players in the industry are increasingly acquiring smaller firms to expand their customer base, reach and profitability. Surprisingly, a few major players are willing to partner or even merge to sustain leadership and competitiveness, while benefiting immensely form the economies of scale as well as shared infrastructure. Products and services diversification, in my view, is acting as a critical driver to change for allowing the expansion of customer base with tailor-made products and services that satisfy specific needs and expectations of the customers. Moving on, it is clear that most companies operating in the industry are currently expending huge financial resources to develop fast and flexible networks, or to acquire other firms with such networks, with the view to enhancing customer value propositions and satisfaction. Vodafone, for example, has initiated a project to upgrade its Internet network from 3G to 4G to achieve faster speeds and flexibility. Lastly, there is intense competition within the industry for customers and market share, implying that companies must continually shift their strategies to remain competitive. The impact of these drivers will reflect in terms of a more streamlined sector, with companies attempting to buddle their services together and market them to customers in one package. Change in the UK’s Communication Industry From the case scenario, it is clear that the UK’s communication industry is increasingly changing from the provision of traditional voice services using the fixed-line industry to the adoption and expansion of digitised functions with capacity to provide data and video to customers. Consequently, as customer figures and profit margins for voice services drop over the years, it is expected that technology will play a major role in developing a framework that will enable industry players to expand into the mobile, television and broadband industries.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Vodafone: Developing a Total Communications Strategy in the UK Market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More More importantly, it is envisaged that more operators will make huge investments in the broadband industry due to its attractiveness (see Porter’s analysis), and also due to the fact that it has the capacity for con tinued growth. Consequently, by 2015, more companies operating in the UK’s communication industry will have developed capacities to roll out broadband Internet services in large scale as all evidence points to the fact that the broadband industry can also be used to provide mobile and digital television services. It is expected that services such as cable television and radio may become obsolete by 2015 as technological advancements, stiff competition from new service providers, proliferation of IP-based networks and mounting penetration of broadband Internet services drive companies operating in the UK’s communication industry to converge their services. However, it is highly unlikely that the fixed-line industry will become obsolete by 2015, though profit margins in this industry are likely to continue plummeting into the future. Overall, the industry is expected to be more attractive as services are converged not only due to opening up of many new opportunities for existing service providers and entrepreneurs (e.g., a mobile phone operator will have the capacity to sell digital music and movies using broadband Internet), but also due to improvements in customer satisfaction and retention (e.g., customers will be more satisfied for purchasing various services in a low-cost package). Vodafone’s Strategy Going into the future, Vodafone should change its strategies to reflect the realities on the ground, especially with regard to convergence of services in the UK’s communication’s sector. To achieve its objective of being a ‘communications leader in an increasingly connected world’, the company must not only invest heavily in new and emerging communication technologies but must be ready to partner with other like-minded companies in the pursuit of more customers and opportunities for continued growth, competitiveness and sustainability. The concept of partnering with other companies or even acquiring small firms w ithin the industry, in my view, is a ripe one for Vodafone if it expects to rise into the leadership position. Additionally, partnering and acquisitions will ensure the company expands its networks and customer base without having to make substantial capital investments in network infrastructure. Additionally, Vodafone stands at a better position to become the communications leader if its drives its operational performance through customer value enhancement to satisfy and retain existing customers while looking out for new ones, pursue growth and expansion opportunities in total communications (mobile, television and broadband) focussed on service delivery to customers instead, pursue emerging markets particularly in developing countries to increase customer base and revenue streams, and strengthen its capital discipline to ensure that more money is freed up for meaningful investments.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This case study on Vodafone: Developing a Total Communications Strategy in the UK Market was written and submitted by user Emiliano Gould to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sending Children by Parcel Post

Sending Children by Parcel Post Its never easy traveling with children and often it can be expensive. In the early 1900s, some people decided cut costs by mailing their children via parcel post. Sending packages via the U.S. Parcel Post Service began on January 1, 1913. Regulations stated that packages could not weigh more than 50 pounds but did not necessarily preclude the sending of children. On February 19, 1914, the parents of four-year-old May Pierstorff mailed her from Grangeville, Idaho to her grandparents in Lewiston, Idaho. Mailing May apparently was cheaper than buying her a train ticket. The little girl wore her 53-cents worth of postal stamps on her jacket as she traveled in the trains mail compartment. After hearing of examples such as May, the Postmaster General issued a regulation against sending children by mail. This picture was meant as a humorous image to the end of such practice. (Picture courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute.)

Cool Science Fair Project Ideas List

Cool Science Fair Project Ideas List Some science fair projects are just more cool than others. Heres a look at some cool science fair project ideas as well as a collection of reader-submitted cool project ideas. Can What You Eat Change Your Eye Color? Some claims have been made that what you eat can ​​change your eye color. You can test this hypothesis yourself. Is ESP Real? Some people claim they can tell who is calling on the telephone before they pick up the phone (and without consulting caller ID). Can they really do it? State a hypothesis and conduct an experiment to test whether your subjects have this form of ESP. Sparking Vegetables Some frozen vegetables have been shown to produce sparks when cooked in the microwave. What types of vegetables produce these sparks? Is spark production dependent on the initial temperature of the vegetables? Does the cooking container play a role in sparking? There is a lot of exploration possible here. Can You Decompose a Disposable Diaper? It is estimated that it will take hundreds or possibly thousands of years for disposable diapers in landfills to decompose. Can you find a way to decompose them? How long does it take a cloth diaper to decompose? Could Your Home Use Wind or Solar Energy? How much wind or sun does it take to use a wind or solar power generation system? How does that compare with the average number of windy or sunny days where you live? Investigate what it would take to start generating and using your own power.

Service facilities - service and process analysis Assignment

Service facilities - service and process analysis - Assignment Example The clinic uses the first come first serve basis to transform incoming patients to into served customers. The clinic is likely to be using the pull systems in its production process to transform incoming patients into served customers. In a typical clinical production process, tasks and operations are linked together into a series of production flow-charts without the patients having to waste time or delay while waiting to receive attention from caregivers. In the value stream indicated above, the clinic seems to be using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method that links the processes into a pull system. When the patient arrives at the clinic, s/he is given a form to fill personal information and describe the ailment, the form is then time stamped and placed on a tray. After completing the form, the clerk attaches it to the patient file and arranged in a stack of files based on the stamped time. Subsequently, when a nurse finishes with the current patient, the next patient is selected from the stack of files in the order of arrangement. The goal of the FIFO pull system is to ensure that the patients waiting in the queue for services remain in the system and are served in the order in which they arrived the FIFO system. The FIFO system limits the number of patients who use the service based on the time and resources available. In an ideal situation, once the FIFO system is full, the first process of admission is stopped in order to avoid overwhelming the nurse practitioner in the diagnosis and treatment of the patients. However, this is difficult in this scenario, given that the patients walk into the clinics without appointments and reservations. The main factors that patients view as critical-to-quality (CTQ) when they visit the clinic include satisfaction with the treatment they receive from the hospital, high nursing response rate in serving the patient and time spend in the queues while waiting to receive treatment from practicing nurse or on duty MD. These

St. Bernard's Catholic Church Bazaar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

St. Bernard's Catholic Church Bazaar - Essay Example We have an outreach program there that works with the local missionaries." The health and well-being of the people of Haiti has become one of the Catholic Church's principle concerns in recent years. The annual bazaar's main event is the chicken dinner that is catered by JoJo's Bar-B-Que of nearby Linden. The menu offered both fried and baked chicken, side dishes, and deserts that were donated by the Women of St. Bernard's, a Catholic auxiliary group. Because of the record numbers that attended this year's event, there was a fear of running out of desert. However, Ms. Kiefer quickly organized a group that headed back home to put together some of the best homemade pies and cakes available anywhere. In keeping with its focus on children, the fair offered several unique activities to get the attention of the younger set. John Parker, a church member and Wabash College professor, put on several regular displays of the 'Wonders of Science'. The children were awed by his demonstrations that involved dry ice, liquid nitrogen, and static electricity. Though the shows were designed for children, the adults were equally impressed with the professor's shows. In addition to the science display, there were activities such as an art gallery, cake walk, musical chairs, and games where children could win prizes such as stuffed animals, books, and toys.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer Essay Example for Free

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer Essay Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer are the best of friends with remarkably different personalities. Each brings their unique characteristics into this comical friendship giving the novel numerous amusing passages. Throughout the tale, Tom is often the leader while Huck is the reluctant follower. It doesnt matter that Toms ideas are ridiculous and extravagant, and Hucks are simple and practical, together they always proceed with Toms imaginative plans. In contrast to Toms great imagination and creativity, Huck is humorless and literal minded. Toms imaginativeness comes only from knowledge he has gained through books. Huck, on the other hand, actually lives out the fantasies Tom can only imagine. Tom Sawyer, already civilized, follows the values and beliefs of society. Due to these convictions, Tom always abides by the laws. For these reasons, Tom would never have helped free Jim unless he knew that Jim had already been freed. Conversely, Huck Finn rejects the philosophy of political beliefs for the fear of becoming civilized. He usually runs away at the first notion of him becoming sivilized. Huck is able to function in any society with the help of his adaptability and survival skills. He is able to go from the freedom of the raft, to the perceived harshness of civilization, and back again with ease. Although Tom has been able to slip past Deaths grip so far, his chances of escaping may not always work out to his liking. Of the two, Huck will always be the survivor in life. Together this pair achieves their goals because of their intelligence and witty personalities. They have the ability to put the knowledge they obtain into their every day lives. They are two adventurous souls in search of fresh and exhilarating escapades. Their ages united with their exceptional education keeps them on their toes. Hucks humorless personality and Toms extravagance has made The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, a popular adventure for all ages. The American people have forever enjoyed this novel and have made it the American literary classic that it is today. So there aint nothing more to write about an we is rottin glad of it, because if wed a knowed what a trouble it was to make this essay, and, we wouldnt a tackled it, and aint a-going to no more. -Mark Twain pg. 283

How Food is Viewed in the American Culture Essay examples -- nutrition

Most people wouldn’t deny that food is vital to everyday life, but perhaps it has more importance than just simply nourishing our bodies. According to Carole M. Counihan, a doctor of anthropology, food is so important that society has constructed rules regarding its consumption. Counihan emphasizes in her 1992 Anthropology Quarterly article, â€Å"Food Rules in the United States: Individualism, Control and Hierarchy,† that these rules serve as the â€Å"means through which human beings construct reality† (Counihan, 1992, p. 55). Counihan advocates for the importance of studying food rules by explaining that knowledge about how food is viewed in our culture can do three things: improve understanding of other culture’s food rules, allow nutrition education programs to mesh with these rules, and reveal an aspect of society that helps maintain our current stratification system, which has not been thoroughly examined yet (Counihan, 1992). Through her study of f ood journals kept by American college students, Counihan argues that their adherence to food rules suggests that students strongly believe in self-control and individualism. Consequently, these beliefs reinforce our current social hierarchies, specifically classism, racism, and sexism. Counihan’s argument that our rules about food allow for the perpetuation of sexism is a compelling one that I very much agree with. I have personally seen my best friend plan her entire diet and exercise regimen based on what her boyfriend thinks. Although this article was written in 1992, I believe the message it conveys will still be applicable in years to come. Counihan’s argument is multifaceted: she explores a school of thought that college students follow certain rules about food that have been int... ... is important. But now that we have done so, it is even more important that we take steps to change what is happening. That’s why the recent focus on being healthy rather than thin and campaigns like the Dove Beauty Campaign where women are encouraged to see the beauty in how they currently are so monumental to changing what Americans value. Even though Counihan wrote this article eighteen years ago, it still has applications today. I do question her study methods. Using a small sample of food journals from students being taught to think anthropologically could skew results. I would be very interested to see a larger study done today, especially with some progress being made in the adaptation of America’s values. Works Cited Counihan, C. M. (1992). Food Rules in the United States: Individualism, Control, and Hierarchy. Anthropology Quarterly, 65(2), 55-66.

The implementation of balanced scorecard in a Chinese car insurance company

It was decided that the best tool to gather data about stakeholders’ thoughts with regard to the Balanced Score Card system in Tian-an Car Insurance Company would be through interviews. A detailed questionnaire and data on the findings is found in the Appendix. 4. 3. Findings. The researcher found out that the implementation of the Balanced Score Card system did not succeed in this company. The reason for failure was not due to the technical nature of the BSC as a system but rather due to how it was implemented.Of great interest were the comments from four of the Tian-an Car Insurance Company branch managers interviewed. Three of the managers interviewed work with the Shanghai branch and one manager with the We Zhou branch. From the managers’ responses it became apparent that there were serious inadequacies in the way the BSC system was implemented. The findings below are arranged in three parts. First, the question that was posed by the researcher, second the answers t hat the managers gave and finally an interpretation of the findings.The findings follow a certain sequence that is intended to reveal the order in which the change agent should have implemented the BSC system so as to attain success. It has been found that implementation should have started with a consideration of the company’s strategy, followed by acceptance by every player, training, motivation and communication. 4. 3. 1. The current status in the company with regard to the BSC: The researcher posed the following question: â€Å"Is the company currently using balanced scorecard as a performance measurement system†?A manager answered that Tian-an Car Insurance Company â€Å"started to use it in June 2008†, but somewhere along the way they started experiencing â€Å"some problems† which forced them to stop to using it. Reasons given for stopping were that; â€Å"we found it is not really suitable for us†, and that â€Å"the duration for implement ation was 8 months. † This finding reveals a lack of appreciation of the BSC system. The BSC as research has shown; is superior to ‘traditional financial performance measures that worked well for the industrial era.’ This is a holistic system that complements the financial measures with operational measures on customer satisfaction, internal processes, and improvement activities –operational measures that are the drivers of future financial performance. (Kaplan and Norton 1992) If the Japanese can successfully transplant their auto plants to America using processes that are superior to the ‘American’ way of doing things then there is no way that the BSC can be faulted in the Chinese business set-up. (Franchesco & Gold 2005) 4. 3. 2. How the BSC was introduced to the company:The response to the interview question: â€Å"Why would you choose it (BSC) as the performance measurement system at the beginning? † reveals a fundamental flaw that led to the failure of the BSC system in this company. The Car insurance sales manager (S) replied that one of their old customers who was employed in an agency that was applying the BSC successfully recommended it to Tian-an Car Insurance Company. S somehow convinced the other branch managers F and H most likely because the company did not have any performance measurement system.Management had a rosy idea of the BSC; that it was â€Å"successful and famous in the world. † They did not take time to figure out how to implement the system but rushed to poach the change agent who apparently lacked the professional ability to implement such a system in a brand new environment. A successful BSC system implementation requires that the spirit of the system be tuned with the business strategy. Before any action is taken top management must fall in love with the idea, and it has to be in sync with the mission and vision of the company.From the strategic level the change agent has to co nvince all stakeholders and through actively involving them in the formulation of divisional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) make every one to like and own the system. The managers do not even talk about how the employees fare with the system. This shows that information was not being shared from all sides in the company. 4. 3. 3. The BSC as a solution: Despite the management’s failure to implement the BSC system, when the question: â€Å"Why not to use it?† was posed, the We Zhou branch sales manager (O) opined that â€Å"we believed the balanced scorecard would increase our profit† though, he had â€Å"heard about some negative opinions about balanced scorecard. † This positive perception shows that there is hope that the BSC system can be properly implemented in the company. The fact that he associates the BSC system with â€Å"increase [in] our profit† shows that they are yet to grasp the basic BSC truth that; improved financial performance i s a product of a company that has worked on the following key BSC perspectives: innovation and learning, internal business processes, and customer care.(Kaplan and Norton 1992) 4. 3. 4. Training is core to a successful implementation of the BSC system: The training aspect of BSC is two pronged. A thorough knowledge and understanding of the how the system works is a must. Stake holders have to be trained on how to develop individual KPIs, how and individual employee’s efforts ultimately contributes towards the company’s bottom line and how the individual stake holder can benefit from adhering the BSC requirements. Secondly a key perspective of the BSC is innovation and learning.Employees have to be trained on the production processes, about new products and customer care. As some one put it ‘a knowledgeable employee is more productive because he has the tools and know-how, he deals better with clients, and he is more likely to come up with new product development ideas which are key to sustaining the profitability of the company. The honest answers three managers give in response to the interview question: â€Å"At the time you started using it did you have any training on this program? † shows that lack of training greatly contributed to the failure of the BSC system to take off.The Car insurance sales manager (S) admitted that management â€Å"did not set a particular training program† to educate all players about the BSC system. The â€Å"once-a-month-meetings and â€Å"booklets† are insufficient. The responses of the Human resources manager (H) show a common thread. That he has heard some negative tales about the BSC. This manager has ‘just seen’ the BSC booklet; and ‘thinks’ it’s a bright idea. This is not the right attitude! And coming from management for that! It just shows how the initial introduction was flawed. That ‘employee’ did not do a proper job as ‘chan ge agent’ in changing the mindset of the workers.That is why this manager feels that the company does not â€Å"have enough time to train [their] ours employee about the tool. † 4. 3. 5. A reward system must be embedded in the balanced scorecard system: When asked: â€Å"Do you have any reward system related to the balanced scorecard? † The Car insurance financial manager (F): replied that â€Å"Maybe, he thought the reward is about the target to set about each department. † The Human resources manager (H): candidly said â€Å"No, there is no directly reward system about balanced scorecard. † Absence of a reward system is yet another serious flaw revealed in this interview.As a best practices rule for BSC, the reward system should be embedded in the BSC. Every player in the system should know the rewards associated with achieving the goals outlined as well as the penalties for underperformance. When brainstorming on performance indicators consensus should be sought for rewards such as bonus, leave days, vacations, promotions, and so on for good performance on one side, and penalties such as warnings, fines and termination for poor performance. Added responsibilies and promotions and career paths are good rewards for good performers.4. 3. 6. As a performance measurement system, the BSC is rated as better than most others: Despite implementation problems, the managers gave very encouraging views when asked to rate the BSC in the following question: â€Å"In your experience, how do you feel about the balanced scorecard as a performance measurement system? † Advantages of the BSC system were outlines as follows: The Car insurance sales manager (S) correctly responded that: â€Å"it clearly gives detailed information of the company’s performance in both financial and non-financial areas.† â€Å"It shows the detailed strength and weakness of the overall company. The Car insurance financial manager (F): seconde d that with the BSC it is easy to pinpoint â€Å"what areas we need to focus on. † Because of its robustness; F also revealed that â€Å"our shareholders decided to use balanced scorecard to measure the performance instead of only looking at the financial figures. † Human resources manager (H) affirmed that he knew that the BSC â€Å"is a good tool to measure the performance† while O the We Zhou branch manager knows that this too has â€Å"a lot of advantages.† On the flip side the managers made the following comments against the BSC system: S said that â€Å"the target part makes our employees very dissatisfied. They feel it is not fair. † F did not see any â€Å"short-term benefits† accruing from application of the BSC system. H observed that â€Å"a lot of complaints had been raised by employees regularly. † O â€Å"thought† that he wouldn’t â€Å"recommend [the] company to apply BSC because the tools concept â€Å" is not mature in china. † The negativity stems from poor implementation.The reason why employees see the targets as too high to achieve and hence due to frustration â€Å"feel that it is unfair† is because their targets were apparently developed by management. Management wrongly uses the BSC as a ‘control’ tool instead of applying it as a performance measurement tool. If the users of the system are not allowed to choose the targets they can reasonably achieve BSC can change from a friendly system that urges employees to higher levels of achievement to a demanding beast that stresses and drains employees’ power.With so many multinationals relocating production plants to China and advancement in information technology turning the world into a global village, the opinion that the BSC concept is not mature in China doe not wash. 4. 3. 7. Company specific problems that lead to the failure of the implementation: Internal constraints that lead failure in im plementing the BSC system in Tian-an Car Insurance Company were brought out when the following research question was posed: â€Å"Why did you stop to use it, is there any disadvantages you can find?† Following is a raft of company specific difficulties that the company faced during implementation as per the responses of managers S, H, F and O. †¢ An excess of indicators: poor design of the BSC resulted to so many â€Å"indicators† that others were left unaccounted for. †¢ Due to inability to synchronize available resources with demand the company could not sufficiently satisfy the requirements of all the four perspectives. That is why one manager said:† We can not spend too much time on customers and employees’ investigation. †Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ The fear that questionnaire data collected by company employees from clients would be biased and not the true picture of the BSC perspective â€Å"how our Customers view us. † †¢ A completed balanc ed scorecard model for the business took too long. †¢ Expectation of Instant results: â€Å"The agent told us that it need spend some time to see the effect, I think BSC can not help in short-run decision making. † A manager said. The BSC is a performance measurement system that directs decision makers toward long-term value creating activities. It is not meant be a measure of dealing with emergencies.†¢ The problem of size: â€Å"our branch is not large enough, so the advantages were not clearly identified† Said F. â€Å"Comparing benefits against costs (to the agent fee), there was no â€Å"good value for money. † A unified approach would have given better results. The company has eight branches! †¢ Resistance: â€Å"I found that there were many complaints from our employees. Someone felt it waste their time to response each indicator† said H. A change management process would have sufficed. †¢ SBC used as a control tool: management ’s lack of knowledge on how to use the BSC led to strictly following â€Å"targets†, and decreasing staff bonuses.This made â€Å"others to doubt their ability† and increased complaints. This was a case of managing staff instead of managing processes. †¢ After applying the BSC manager O could not fins any noticeable â€Å"good performance in the period† 4. 3. 8. Communication is the life blood of a successful BSC system: That poor communication contributed to the failure to implement the BSC system in Tian-an Car Insurance Company is revealed by responses obtained from the question: â€Å"Do the managers and employees communicate regularly?† The Car insurance sales manager (S) said: â€Å"Not really, because our employees are really busy. But we have employees’ meeting in each Wednesday, we could communicate at that time. † The Car insurance financial manager (F) said: No, unless at employees’ meeting, but I just report so me targets and requires. Comments will not be reflected to me. † While the Human resources manager (H) said: â€Å"Yes, I communicate with employees regularly and they will have some complaints and suggestions. † This finding suggests that the communications structure in this company is flawed.It could just be that the company has a top-bottom but no bottom up, horizontal and diagonal communication. Additionally it is evident that complaints are only directed towards the human resource manager. 4. 3. 9. Tian-an Car Insurance Company management have no regrets and would consider implementing the system if given a second chance: The whole rounded nature of the BSC serves as an eye opener to any one who gets a chance to experience it. When a manager was asked: â€Å"After you quitted using the BSC, have you tried other performance measurement systems?† He answered: â€Å"No, I think BSC [introduced us to the world of] performance measurement systems. Our employees have increased their knowledge about management performance and when our company becomes large enough, we will consider using it again. † 4. 3. 10. Lessons Learnt: To appreciate the impact of implementing the BSC, Tian-an Car Insurance Company managers gave a raft of lessons learnt that shows the true extend of their new understanding of performance measurement. This was in response to the following question: â€Å"Any possible suggestions for using the balanced scorecard in your branch?† †¢ The Car insurance sales manager (S) said that: â€Å"I think each level of a company should understand their Key Performance Indicators and Targets. The training of balanced scorecard should not be neglected. †¢ Company Car insurance financial manager (F) responded: â€Å"Key Performance Indicators and Targets should be set properly† †¢ The Human resources manager (H) advised: â€Å"I think [a good] training on the balanced scorecard is more important than th e other [aspects of the system]. Companies should let their employees understand the whole [BSC] process first.They should [establish] a feedback [feature to facilitate communication from all directions] so that management and employees can discuss and adjust the targets immediately. † A proper appraisal mechanism should also be in place. † The above lessons learnt are excellent and are important ingredients for best practices in the implementation of the BSC system in any company. 4. 4. Conclusion What you measure is what you get. (Kaplan and Norton 1992) Effective managers understand that performance measurement systems that focus on only one aspect like finance and production are not good enough.They realize that no single measure can provide a clear performance target or focus attention on the critical areas of the business. The balanced score card allows managers to look at the business from four important perspectives: the customer, internal, innovation and learnin g and financial perspectives. This checks the company from having too many or too few measures. It is a superior system. It is recommended that the Tian-an car insurance company adopts the balanced Score Card system.

A Study of Aesthetics in the Call of Duty Franchise

Different but the Same: An Analysis of Aesthetics in the Call of Duty Franchise First Person Shooters (FPS) is one of the most famous genres within the gaming industry. It started with titles like Doom, Counter Strike, and now Call of Duty. Nowadays, console and PC gaming is a billion dollar industry. Multiple corporate and independent developers are working day in and day out to supply the market with better, bigger games. However, there are some titles which stand out from the rest, titles that always seem to be churning out one more instalment.One of these stand-out titles is the Call of Duty Franchise. Call of Duty is a series of games that at present, have nine main instalments, and another nine â€Å"lesser† titles to which the only difference is the console on which they are played. By â€Å"main† instalment, this means that the game was released on multiple platforms, which primarily includes PC, Playstation and the Xbox. It all started in October 29, 2003 with the release of Call of Duty. Since then, there has been a Call of Duty release every year, with Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 being the most recent adaptation, which came out November 12, 2012.The researcher will limit the discussion to the Call of Duty franchise, on the PC platform. To be specific, the four most recent games which include: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. The researcher aims to answer the question: Is Call of Duty overrated as a franchise? To answer the question, the researcher will analyze each game on eight components of aesthetics which include: Sensation, Fantasy, Narrative, Challenge, Fellowship, Discovery, Expression and Submission (Hunicke, LeBlanc and Zubek).In answering the question: â€Å"Is Call of Duty overrated as a franchise†, the researcher aims to educate both himself and his reader(s) on the importance of proper video game analysis. Nowadays, it is common to s ee a game receive a large amount of hype, such that gamers, who expected so much from a game, get disappointed and end up feeling like they wasted their money. It happened to Diablo III, where a sequel was created for the highly successful Diablo II, twelve years after it was released. Many gamers ended up disappointed with Diablo III, where changes to the core aesthetics of the game changed the way the game was going to be layed. These kinds of mistakes by the game industry, although excusable, could have been avoided. Likewise, the researcher will use Call of Duty as an example for this method for proper video game analysis. Hopefully, this will shed light on the matter, allowing both gamers and game developers to better understand the manner by which games should be measured. By analyzing on the different components of aesthetics, it would be plausible to define the franchise as â€Å"overrated† if they do not significantly improve in any one aspect and at the same time, d eliver the same kind of performance in each instalment.Before going into the full â€Å"meat† of the analysis, the researcher would like to delve a little into the components of Aesthetics that will be used in the analysis later on. The researcher wishes to stress that most of the analysis on each aesthetic is based on his opinions, based on the fact that he is a dedicated gamer himself. The nature of the analysis of game design using the MDA format is that it considers both the perspectives of the game developer and the player. A key concept of MDA is that the developer and player perceive the game through opposite ends of the spectrum (Portnow).The player would first experience the aesthetics of the game, the general reason that they are playing it. The developer on the other hand, due to the nature of his work, sees the mechanics of the game, and how they influence the dynamics, and eventually the aesthetics. In understanding the definition of these mechanics, dynamics, an d aesthetics, it could be said that a game is overrated when it may be different in mechanics but deliver the same performance in aesthetics. The First Aesthetic: Game as Sense PleasureThe first aesthetic is defined as the game’s ability to stimulate the senses (Portnow). Be it sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell, as long as the game is able to stimulate the senses of the player, this could be considered an aesthetic. For Call of Duty, the senses that are (if at all) stimulated are sight and sound. As a breakdown of sight, the most important parts is the gun itself, the enemies and the â€Å"set† or location. A breakdown of sound would be the general tone, and sound effects. For all four instalments of the game included in the research, the graphics were generally the same.Advances in technology, greater processing power of consoles as well as computers allowed game developers to create richer, more detailed and crisp visuals for the game. However with this in mind, t he modelling and texture of Black Ops 2 with respect to Modern Warfare 2 is significant. However, visuals are much more than the quality of the image, and have more to do with content. Content wise, there is no difference. The gun itself and other equipment are the same. Why? Because they use guns that actually exist in real life, which means that there is no deviation in model and texture.Since all four instalments are set in around the same time frame, the guns present inside are the same. The enemies inside do not differ as well. Generally speaking, enemies are dressed up to characterize them. This is obvious, but this also means that most enemies will be the same. For example, there are multiple instances resent in all four games that require the player to kill people from the middle-east. Scarves, light clothing and the trademark AK47 have become the definition of the terrorist. Sound, also does not differ since it is highly unlikely for the â€Å"sound† of a certain gun to change, because they are based on real-life guns.In multiplayer, the element of music is not as present as in the single player option. In the single player, key plot points and tense moments are always supported by a musical score, and this helps to set the mood. Be it the sad death of an ally or the intense run-and-gun moments, there is the right music for the right time. This would be a reason for a gamer to enjoy the game, but it is hardly different from one instalment to another. Therefore, Call of Duty does not change in this aesthetic. This is in fact due to the basis on real-life elements which actually help the game perform in the next aesthetic.The Second Aesthetic: Game as Make-Believe The paper on MDA defines the second aesthetic as fantasy. That is, the ability of the game to immerse the player in a role that normally he/she would not be able to partake in (Portnow). Call of Duty excels in their performance under this aesthetic. The paper on MDA explains that good g ames would be able to deliver on maybe one or two â€Å"core aesthetics† while great games deliver on three or four. These â€Å"core aesthetics† can also be defined as the primary emotive reasons that a player would want to play a certain game. Fantasy, is one of those core aesthetics when it comes to Call of Duty.Whether it’s being a marine, being a stone-cold killer or a patriot, there is a role that the player is immersed in, and the experience is fed to them in pieces during the experience of play. How this changes from game to game, is another matter altogether. Call of Duty excels in the immersive aspect of play, because of the authenticity of the places, and items inside the â€Å"Call of Duty Universe† and because that the first person point-of-view. Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 in itself is already very good at this immersive aspect, and the experience does not really change from one instalment to another.The game itself, and the developers of the game, seem to have found the magic formula for the immersive aspect. Some would argue that better graphics are part of the immersive aspect. Things that break the immersive aspect are things like bugs, or errors in shading. These break the player away from the experience, and remind him/her that they are only playing a game. In the opinion of the researcher, this is not true. Games predating Call of Duty prove that good graphics does not equal a complete immersive experience. They may help, but it is not the most important thing.Games like Counter Strike, Half Life, Halo, and even some Doom games manage to immerse the player in another role without â€Å"life-like† graphics. In terms of the second aesthetic, Call of Duty shines. Even in the multiplayer where the immersive aspect is not as great (due to the lack of context), the game play alone is enough to make the player feel like a soldier surrounded by enemies, armed only with his gun, and his skill. All in all, the ex perience remains the same. But since it has been said that graphics help marginally to improve it, each game could still be said to have been better than the last, even if it is just by millimetres.The Third Aesthetic: Game as Drama The third aesthetic is narrative. This means that the player is playing the game for the story. In the terms of Call of Duty this means one thing: the single player. Plot wise, the stories of all four instalments covered in this research are practically the same. A soldier is taken out of the â€Å"regular army† to join an elite, top secret team to undergo a save-the-world mission, against an extremist, usually Russian, or Middle-Eastern. That being said, narrative is not one of the core aesthetics of the Call of Duty franchise.However, it is interesting to say that narrative may be one of the reasons for the game developers to create another instalment. Just like movies, the story where the previous game left of, is picked up by the next game. Th e plot in itself is not great, however anyone who played the previous game could be interested in knowing how the story progresses. The narrative in the first three games, Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3, and Black Ops are player driven. In the game itself, the story will not progress until the player decides to move forward. Also, the game is linear and lacks depth.The player is given the â€Å"illusion of choice† through the tactical action of moment-to-moment decision, however in the end he/she has to kill their enemy to progress. Therefore, the player’s role as the main character is not to â€Å"make decisions† but to â€Å"stay alive†. This in my opinion can get old fast. A person who played Modern Warfare 2 and will play Modern Warfare 3 will know all they need to know, and have seen almost some variation of every part of the campaign. This however, changes in Black Ops 2. The campaign in Black Ops 2 is different from the first three games, and i s significantly better for doing so.Although still not having the â€Å"freedom of total choice† there are still moments in the game, subtle and otherwise, where the player is given the chance to change the plot. To go above ground or below, whether to spare a life or not, these are some of the examples of choice that the player will experience, and will feel a greater depth than ever found in the first three games. Having made an actual choice, a contribution to the plot, the player is excited to play on, anxious to see how his actions impacted the greater scheme of things. When it comes to narrative, the last game is improved significantly.The possibility of choice for the player is no small thing. With choice, came the aspect of â€Å"multiple endings†. In each ending, the player sees how he/she affected the world, and is given an overview of everything that has happened during the campaign. For this aesthetic, Black Ops 2 showed greater depth, and was better for do ing so. The Fourth Aesthetic: Game as Obstacle Course The fourth aesthetic is challenge. From the nature of the genre, First-Person Shooter, to the setting of the game, which are the Cold War and a fictional World War 3, it is obvious that the fourth aesthetic is a core aesthetic of the game.For the analysis of the fourth aesthetic, the researcher will divide the game into two categories: Single player and Multiplayer. This is because that the â€Å"enemy† of both is different, and highly changes the dynamic of play. First, the Single Player, where there is a focus on the one against many. The computer does not use tactically superior moves, but focuses on overwhelming the player with numbers. The â€Å"bad guys† hide in obviously tactical positions: behind the counter, around the corner, against the wall, always facing the player.This creates an obstacle course that the player has to go through, and although is a challenge, can get monotonous and repetitive. In the mu ltiplayer, there is more depth. Since other players online differ from one another, use different weapons and different tactics, this creates a dynamic that the player will require more skill to follow. The multiplayer in Call of Duty did not change much from game to game, if only in mechanics. In this way, it could be said that although challenge is a core aesthetic to the franchise, Call of Duty has already found its niche and no longer needs to change a large aspect of it.However it is still no progress, on the part of the developer. Insight would say that the challenge comes from the other players, and it would be logical to buy the new game if everyone is going to be playing it too. That being said, this is a special aesthetic where the game developer is not the one responsible for challenge, the player is. The Fifth Aesthetic: Game as Social Framework The fifth aesthetic, fellowship, is any game that allows the player to work cooperatively with others (Portnow). In the Call of Duty franchise, this is present in both the single and multiplayer.In the single player, the player is in a sense, part of the team. He/she may even form a connection toward other members, especially when the main character they are playing as holds them in high regard. The pair of Alex Mason and Frank Woods from the Black Ops series is comparable to a Han Solo and Chewbacca, and the player will cherish that bond. It is worth mentioning that the voice acting in Call of Duty is some of the best voice acting in the gaming industry, and this helps the player humanize the fictional characters in-game.In the multiplayer, as a flip side of the aesthetic challenge, bonds are formed in between team mates. Team work is always required for objective-based play, and for people with a good enough gaming set, people in game can talk to each other over the net. The players who experience this aesthetic most are people who enter the game as a group, and have friends with them to share the experie nce in. In this aspect, the game developer does not control much of it, and the players are responsible. For example, why would a person play Modern Warfare 3 when all of his/her friends are playing Black Ops 2?His/her friends are reason enough to but the new game. The Sixth Aesthetic: Game as Uncharted Territory The sixth aesthetic is discovery. Any player who plays the game to see what was previously unknown is a player who plays for discovery (Portnow). Again, this can be divided into the single and multiplayer, as the aspect of discovery is different for both. For the single player, discovery is not a large role to play. There aren’t many things to â€Å"unearth† and most things about the narrative are given to the player as a reward for beating the previous mission. This is true for the first three games, until Black Ops 2.With multiple endings, as well as the option to reset the story to a particular mission, the player was left with some sort of replay value: th e option to discover the alternate endings. This forced the player to do things differently to achieve them, and offered more depth. In the multiplayer, discovery comes through the form of a levelling system. Higher level players can use more things, and has access to more powerful guns and equipment. This made it so that the multiplayer experience was more of a journey than an arena, and kept the players interested longer.In a way, the multiplayer did not change from game to game. However, there is a significant improvement on the part of the single player in Black Ops 2. The Seventh Aesthetic: Game as Self-Discovery The seventh aesthetic is defined as expression, or the ability of the players to express themselves through the game. In Call of Duty, this is limited to the multiplayer. In the single player, the player is thrust into the shoes of a fictional character and therefore does not express himself. Expression in the multiplayer however, comes from the â€Å"Create your own Class† system. In other words, load out.The player gets to choose the primary weapon, secondary, as well as buffs to their character by way of â€Å"perks†. Whether the player is the run-and-gun type, or the silent sniper, these are all forms of expression. In terms of expression as an aesthetic, the game itself does not improve. Expression is something that is player driven, and can only be helped by more options for customization. As this game does not offer more customization from game to game, it could be said that it did not improve. The Eighth Aesthetic: Game as Past-time The eight aesthetic is called submission.This means that the player plays the game as a way to tune-out; much like reading a book or watching TV does (Portnow). It is difficult for the researcher to judge games on this aesthetic, seeing as the developers have no way to control this. People playing Black Ops 2 now, played Modern Warfare 2 before, and played Counter Strike even before that. Older g amers would be able to relate more games to their experience, and the researcher is speaking out of his own experience from playing first person shooters. Interestingly enough, the eighth aesthetic is aided not by the difference in games, but the similarity of them.People who have been playing the FPS as a genre for a long time would be able to enjoy this aesthetic more when the new games holds more similarities to old ones. In this way, developers are aiding their players by keeping the game relatively standard. In this, the game could be said to be the same for all four instalments, and does not improve. Of the eight aesthetics discussed, six are actually controlled by the developer. Of those six, the franchise as a whole has been seen to improve in three. That is half of those supposedly developer-induced aesthetics. Because of this, the game is judged to be not over rated.Small or big, there have been changes to the franchise with respect to the last four instalments with regard to the aesthetics. Whether these changes actually merit the game being â€Å"worthy† of being purchased, is in the opinion of the buyer. But as said before, there are another two aesthetics which are not developer-controlled. Which are the fourth and fifth. The players aid each other in these aesthetics by playing the game itself, and people seeking competition must go where competition lies. However, as said before, these games at most times changed marginally, and whether this deserves a $60 price tag is the player’s choice.As a researcher, the game is sound, and it is apparent that a lot of work went into the creation of these games. As a gamer, the researcher must implore other gamers to demand quality from their games. We as a culture, a society who enjoys this form of media have to be specific with what we want from the game developers. Do some small, arbitrary changes to the system deserve our money? If the next game is really the previous one with better graph ics, we should think about where we put our money and whether these games are worth buying. To conclude, Black Ops 2 picks up the slack of where the first three left off.Individually, these games deserve their standing, since all of them perform excellently in at least 4, maybe 5 aesthetics. As a whole, the franchise has found its niche. People are inherently intelligent, and will only buy when the price is right. It is the responsibility of the developers to improve, however their greatest responsibility will always be to satisfy the needs of the customers. Bibliography Ahearn, Nate. â€Å"Call of Duty: Black Ops Review. † 9 November 2010. IGN. 10 January 2013. Bozon, Mark. â€Å"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Review. † 10 November 2009. IGN. 0 January 2013. Gallegos, Anthony. â€Å"CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 2 REVIEW. † 13 November 2012. IGN. 10 January 2013. —. â€Å"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Review. † 8 November 2011. IGN. 10 January 2013. Hu nicke, Robin, Marc LeBlanc and Robert Zubek. â€Å"MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research. † 2004. 3 January 2013. . Portnow, James. â€Å"Extra Credits: Aesthetics of Play. † 17 October 2012. Extra Credits. 3 January 2013. Ryckert, Dan. â€Å"Call of Duty: Black Ops II. † 13 November 2012. gameinformer. 10 January 2013. Sicart, Miguel. â€Å"Defining Game Mechanics. † December

Under the Blood Red Sun Character Journal Essays

Under the Blood Red Sun Character Journal Essays Under the Blood Red Sun Character Journal Paper Under the Blood Red Sun Character Journal Paper Character Journal Billy’s mom I believe if you teach your children well, they will be good as well. At the same time let them know what the bad is, and why they shouldn’t follow it. I can see the Wilsons dislike the Japanese that live here, just like all the fellow Americans. I guess with me working at the hospital I have been able to speak and assist all types of people in need. A particular individual is not bad because of their race, but if they it is who they are of themselves not their country or color. I have never gotten mad at the types of friends my children have made. If my children do bring their friends over to this house, I make sure I treat them as a guest, and make them feel at home. How I treat them is how I would like my son as well to be treated as a guest in their homes. Keet I hate how the majority of the Japanese just come here and try to take over our land, they think they can do whatever they want. Tomi especially, thinks just because we allow him to live in our property they can live the way they do in their home in Japan the same way here. Don’t these people understand if you go to another country, you’re suppose to follow their rules. But instead they still fly their Japan flag with pride as if they need to show off that Japan can come here. Why do they always have to bow when they say hi? That’s not our custom.

Is the Banana Republic Credit Card Right For You Full Review

Is the Banana Republic Credit Card Right For You Full Review SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The Banana Republic credit card is a solid option for frequent shoppers looking to earn points, but like many store brand cards, it’s not without it’s pitfalls. You may be wondering: what are the pros and cons of the Banana Republic credit card? Do I have to be a frequent shopper at Banana Republic to reap any benefits? What do users say about this card, and how does it stack up against similar cards? Is this card right for me? In this post, we’ll answer all these questions and more, doing an in-depth review of the Banana Republic credit card so you can make a fully informed decision about whether or not to apply. What Is the Banana Republic Credit Card? First, let’s discuss the basics. Banana Republic is one of the brands under the Gap, Inc. umbrella, which also includes The Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta. There are technically two Banana Republic cards: the Bananacard and the Banana Republic Visa Card. When you sign up, depending on your credit, you'll be given one of them. If you have poor to limited credit, you’ll be given the Bananacard. The Bananacard is a basic store card. A store card works like a credit card except it can only be used at the brand or umbrella brands that issues it. It won’t work if you try to use it to purchase anything anywhere else. So the Bananacard can only be used in-store or at any of the other Gap Inc. brands. If you have good credit, you’ll be given the the Banana Republic card. The Banana Republic card is an actual Visa credit card, so it can be used at any of those stores but also be anywhere else Visa is accepted. It’s a chip card with standard fraud protection services, and the primary cardholder can add an authorized user. Regardless of the card you get, you will receive 20% off your first purchase at any Gap, Inc. store by signing up. In this post, we will focus on the Banana Republic Visa card and its upgrade, the Banana Republic Luxe card. If you love to shop at BR, this could be a great card for you- but there are a few caveats! What Are the Banana Republic Credit Card Features and Rewards? As stated above, when you open a Banana Republic Visa credit card, you will receive a 20% discount off the first purchase made with that card at a Gap-branded store. Beyond that, each purchase made by the credit card earns points. Cardholders receive: 3,000 bonus points (worth $30) when you make your first purchase outside the Gap, Inc. brands five points for every $1 spent at any Gap, Inc. brand, and one point for every $1 spent elsewhere. no annual fee for the card These points can be used on purchases made both online and in person. If you don’t use the points during the billing cycle you earn them in, they are rolled over into the next cycle for up to two years before they expire. In addition to points, cardholders also receive: access to exclusive sales and events throughout the year at Banana Republic and their factory stores birthday coupons every Tuesday, 10% off at every affiliated store except Banana Republic Signing up for email account updates will get you 500 bonus points, and opting in for paperless statements gets you another 500, for a fairly easy $10 back. One big benefit of the Banana Republic Visa card is the lack of an annual fee. The Banana Republic Luxe Upgrade If the cardholder meets certain criteria, they can upgrade to the Banana Republic Luxe card. These criteria are that the cardholder: must earn 5,000 reward points annually, ie, spend $1,000 or more with it per year, must keep the account in good standing, and must make the minimum payments due. Luxe Upgrade Benefits The Luxe card offers some additional benefits that the regular visa doesn’t, including: a quarterly bonus of 20% of the points earned that quarter (a three-month period, so four times a year), once per quarter, a choose-your-own-sale day in which triple the regular points (15 points per dollar spent or 15% back) are awarded, free three-to-five-day shipping of online purchases at any of the Gap, Inc. brands, and unlimited alterations of Banana Republic merchandise. You have to use your Banana Republic Luxe card at least once per year at a Gap, Inc. store to maintain Luxe status. There is no annual fee on the Luxe card either. Free shipping is a great perk of the Luxe card for online shoppers! What are the Downsides of the Banana Republic Visa Card? The Banana Republic Visa card does have several drawbacks. The biggest downside is that, like most store credit cards, there is a very high interest rate charged on Banana Republic Visa cards, and there’s no reduced rates initially. They have a 25.24% APR, which is actually even higher than the 23.88% average for store credit cards. This means that you absolutely shouldn’t hold a balance from month to month: you should pay off your balance in full each month to avoid very high fees. Secondly, it should be noted that the points do expire after twenty-four months. You also can’t redeem more than 25,000 points (up to $250) in a single billing period or more than three rewards earnings on any one purchase. Together, these limitations make it necessary to redeem your points very regularly in the small amounts allowed in order to maximize your benefits. They do this because this encourages more frequent shopping on your part! Moreover, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee, so this card would not be a good choice to use abroad. Another thing to consider is that some of the promotions and coupons that cardholders receive get â€Å"leaked† online, so you can search for, find, and use the codes pretty easily via sites like Retailmenot. Finally, the card is issued by Synchrony Financial, and customer reviews for Synchrony aren’t that great. Many cardholders report confusing contract terms, slow response times when fixing statement inaccuracies, and bad customer service. However, it’s hard to find good reviews of any consumer financial services company, so take this with a grain of salt. Lots of people open store cards around the holidays to try and save money on gifts! The Bottom Line: Is the Banana Republic Card For Me? If you are a frequent or even a semi-frequent shopper at Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, Athleta, or any of the Gap, Inc. brands, this card has a very competitive rewards structure and would be a good choice for you. The 5% cash-back on all of their many brands combined with the lack of annual fee make it good for shoppers looking to save money. Plus, the free shipping and alterations for Luxe cardholders are an excellent perk. Families with children and parents who frequently the many Gap, Inc. brands will find this card especially helpful. However, you need to be able to pay the full balance on the statement every month. Otherwise, with its extremely high APR, it will become more expensive than it’s worth. If you rarely shop at Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, Athleta, or any of the Gap, Inc. brands, this card isn’t for you. The 1% points deal on all other purchases is only about average for a credit card, and you should be able to get better deals depending on where your money does go. Note that most retailer cards also have a high interest rate and no annual fee, so these perks won’t help you decide between store cards. But if you don’t shop at Gap, Inc. brands or any other one store or company that often, it’s a better idea to go for a more general credit card anyway, which often offer better financing options for those who need to carry a balance- especially considering that the "point" reward system will not be useful to you, since it's different from cash back. If you're thinking about getting the Gap visa card instead, note that the two cards are almost identical in terms of costs and benefits (very literally- the Gap card has the exact same rewards structure and it also applies to all Gap, Inc. brands). The only exception being on the first Tuesday of every month, Gap cardholders get 10% off at Gap.com and in Gap stores.