Financial Statement Analysis Of Kelloggs Company Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1451 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? JC Penney is one that we all are aware of when going to the mall. This company provides many different clothes from many retailers such as Levy, Gloria Vanderbilt, and other . Its competitors such as Kmart and Retailer will be use to producing the financial performance of explaining the income and balance sheet of two or three years of the horizontal analysis. Also it will provide the different types of ratio and liquidity of the companies within the same industry of its competitors and recommendation of the strengths and risk to investing within the company. In assessing the company financial performance of the company, investors are interested in the sustainable earning and comparison from period to period of the company. In showing the amount of cash with the current year of JC Penney from its prior year of an increase verse decrease, JC Penney cash ended year amount with its total assets shows the proportion of it total assets in the form of cash. In comparison with the other companies, JC Penney total sales for the year with its competitors of Kmart and Retailers total sales with industry average provides information about its relative position within it industry financial ratings . Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Financial Statement Analysis Of Kelloggs Company Finance Essay" essay for you Create order There are three basic tools that are used in financial statement analysis, but only two will be explain into the financial statement data such as Horizontal analysis and Ratio analysis. Horizontal analysis is a technique for evaluating a financial statement data over a period of time. Its purpose is to determine the increase or decrease that take place in the amount or percentage. (Walther, 2012) The horizontal analysis is illustrated of its most recent net sales are given of JC Penny Company: 2007 2006 2005 $18,781 $18,096 $17,513 Let assume that 2005 is the base year; it measure all percentage increases or decreases from this base-period amount. Base Period = Current Year Amount Base Year Amount Base Year Amount For example, let say that the net sales for JC Penny Company increased approximately about 1.0 % or 100% from 2005-2006; Example [($18,096 $17,513) / $17,513]. In dividing the current year amount by the base year, we can express current-year sales as a percentage by the base year. Current Period sales = Current year amount / base year amount The current period sales are expressed as a percentage of the base period. In assuming within the three years 2005 is the base period. 2007 2006 2005 18,781 18,096 17,513 7.2% 3.3% 100% Now looking at JC Penny Company financial statements to illustrate the horizontal analysis: The Horizontal analysis of the income statements shows the changes of percentages. Net sales increased $235 million, or .12.0% ($2,195 $1960). Cost of goods sold increased $141 million, or 12.2% ($1281 $1140). Selling and administrative expenses increased $41,500 million, or 19.6($235 $211,500). Gross profit increased by 17.1% and net income increased by 26.5. The increase in net income can increase in net sales and a decrease in Income tax expense. When using horizontal analysis, it item has no value in a base or preceding year but can have value in the next year, with no percentage change to be computed. Even if there a negative amount in the base or preceding period or a positive amount, it then exists in the following year, with no percentage change to be computed. Many ratios used for evaluating the financial health and performance of the company with a comparative balance sheet show a number of changes from 2007 to 2006 are an example: Current assets increased $1,020 million or 2.96 ($1,020/$344,500). Property assets (net) decreased $800 million, or 43.6% Other assets increased $15 million or 0.8%. Current liabilities increased $344,500 million or 18.8% while long-term liabilities decreased $487,500 million, or 26.5. Retained earnings increased $727 million, or 39.7%. JC Penney Department Store for 2006 to 2005 comparative income statement of a 2-year given in condensed format: JC Penney Department Store Income Statement for December 31, 19X2 Increase or (Decrease) During 2006 Net Sales 2007 2,195 2006 1,960 Amount 235 Percent 12.0 Cost of Goods Sld 2,097 1,837 260 14.2 Gross profits 816 697 119 17.1 Admin Expenses 104,000 108,500 4,500 4.1 Income operation 459 377 82 21.8 Interest expense Income taxes 36 168,200 40,500 139,000 4,500 29,200 24.3 21.0 Net income 263,800 208,500 55,300 26.5 Liquidity ratios measure the short-term ability to paying its maturing obligations and to meet unexpected needs for cash. The Short-term creditors, such as bankers and suppliers, are particularly interested in assessing liquidity. The measures used to determine the short-term debt-paying ability that are the current ratio, the current cash debt coverage ratio, the receivables turnover ratio, the average collection period, the inventory and the turnover ratio, inventory. (Walther,2012) The current ratio is widely used to measure the relationship of current assets to current liabilities, computed by dividing current assets by current liabilities. (Walther, 2012) The quick ratio, also known as the acid-test ratio, is a liquidity ratio that is more refined and more stringent than the current ratio. Instead of using current assets in the numerator, the quick ratio uses a figure that focuses on the most liquid assets. The main asset left out is inventory, which can be hard to liquidate at market value in a timely fashion. The quick ratio is more conservative than the current ratio and focuses on cash, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Quick Ratio = (Cash Equivalents + Short-Term Investments + Accounts Receivable) Current Liabilities Taking a look at the 2007 financial statements for JC Penney Department Store, we find that cash and equivalents are $100,000 accounts receivable are $230,000 and short-term investments are $0. Current liabilities are $1,999.2 for the year. Plugging these figures into our formula gives us a quick ratio of 318, rounded to 0 4, for fiscal-2010. For Example: Financial Statement Data for JC Penney 2010 Cash equivalents 8,600 Accounts receivable 2,700 Short-term investments 0 The cash ratio is the most conservative of the three liquidity ratios that is simply the ratio of cash and equivalents compared to current liabilities. This ratio looks only at assets that can easily used to pay off short-term debt, and it disregards receivables and short-term investments. The argument for using the cash ratio is that receivables and short-term investments often cannot be liquidated in a timely manner. Receivables can be sold, or monetized, but the firm will not be able to get the full value of the receivables sold. Keep in mind that, due to their high liquidity, short-term notes are considered cash equivalents, not short-term investments. The formula for the cash ratio is as follows: Cash Ratio = Cash Equivalents Current Liabilities For fiscal-2010, the calculation for cash ratio involves using $10,200,000 for the numerator of the equation and $9,100,000 for the denominator. After plugging in the numbers, we find that the cash ratio for fiscal-2010 is 0.90, rounded to 100. Calculating the ratios is typically the easy part. The difficulties lie in analyzing the ratios, interpreting their meaning and making an educated investment based on the findings. A competitive analysis and industry and sector analyses are good first steps. Comparing Liquidity Ratio JC Penney Department 2008 2007 2006 Kmart Department 2008 2007 2006 Current Ratio 0.8 1.3 1.5 Current Ratio (X) 0.6 0.7 0.8 Quick Ratio 0.7 1.2 1.4 Quick Ratio (X) 0.5 0.6 0.6 Cash Ratio 0.2 0.8 1.1 Cash Ratio (X) 0.1 0.1 0.3 The liquidity ratios for 2008 through 2010 are listed for JC Penney Department Store and one of its main competitors, General Mills. Note that the quick ratio we calculated for JC Penney Department Store for 2008 is slightly different. Instead of short-term investments, Stock Investor Pro uses marketable securities in the numerator of the equation, causing its quick ratio calculation to be slightly higher. Formula works as long as you remain consist in your analysis as stated, a company or businesses with higher liquidity ratios are better able to meet their short-term obligations. You can see that JC Penney Department Store has significantly higher liquidity ratios across the board compared to General Mills. For fiscal-2010 Quicker Oaks has a cash ratio of just 0.1, meaning that it only has enough cash on hand to cover 10% of its short-term obligations. Another major observation can be made using time-series analysis. Ratios for both organizations were the strongest at the end of 2006, bottomed out in late 2008, and rebounded in 2009 through the end of 2010. This can be easily explained by the recession we experienced in 2008. JC Penney and Kmart both are quality and retail store. In conclusion, although, competitors such as Kmart will be use to producing the financial performance of explaining the income and balance sheet of two or three years of the horizontal analysis. Also it will provide the different types of ratio and liquidity of the companies within the same industry of its competitors and recommendation of the strengths and risk to investing within the company. Looking at these ratios can lead you to believing that JC Penney is a strong company but may be better to invest in the early 2009. However, on the other hand Kmart is a large company but its liquidity ratios may be due its expansion policies. Not rely too heavily on single set ratios but it research organization as a whole. Overall, I would recommend investor, because it is a strong organization and always will be strong compare to industry of it high ratios and it show how well the company or organization handling there business financial liquidity for cash.

Islam and Christianity Two Figureheads in Two Influential...

Religion is growing worldwide. Two of the fastest growing faiths are Islam and Christianity. Each of these faiths has a book that expresses their beliefs and gives rules or commandments to live by. Islam has the Quran, and Christians have the Bible. Many people in today’s world would deny that there are any similarities between the two books; however, two figures appear in both texts, Abraham and Jesus. The stories of Abraham and Jesus are incredibly similar but, the theological interpretation of these stories creates differences between the Bible and the Quran. Abraham and Jesus were very important during their own lifetime as well as in today’s religious world. It is fitting that they connect the present with the past, Islam and†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them.† Matthew 5:17 In the Quran, prophets reference back to Abraham as the only way and best example. In the Bible, Jesus came to build on what Abraham had started then Moses expanded upon. This is an example of how the identity of Abraham differs in each text. Jesus and Abraham have remarkably similar stories in each text that are iconic in the identity of their characters. In the Quran, Allah speaks to Jesus saying, â€Å"by My leave you fashioned from clay the likeness of a bird and breathed into it so that, by My leave, it became a living bird; how, by My leave, you healed the blind man and the leper†¦ restored the dead to life.† Pp. 91-92 In the Bible, Jesus is known for healing the leper, restoring his friend Lazarus to life, and restoring sight to the blind man. These stories are almost identical to the ones in the Quran, and yet the Quran says Jesus is only a prophet, and the Bible views Jesus as the Son of God. The Quran also includes the story of the dead bird emphasizing that the miracles that Jesus experiences and performs stem from Allah instead of from his own power. In the Bible, the feeding of the five thousand and the wedding story are testaments to the power Jesus had from being the Son of God. In theShow MoreRelatedReligion Information Paper : Buddhism3761 Words   |  16 Pagesis a dynamic religious tradition that has continued to develop and evolve†. (Hindupieda.com) A well-known representative of Hinduism from the 8th century is Shankara Acharya. He is credited with commentating on some of the most values and sacred texts. In particular the Upanishads that went on to become the bhakti and meditational yoga practices. Also credited are the many Gurus who were held in high regard and devotedly worshipped by their adoring students. The Gurus knowledge was never doubted

World Religions Study Exam Study Guide Free Essays

string(65) " placed in Dakhmas where the bones are picked clean by vultures\." EXAM REVIEW HRF3O1 Unit 1 Approaches to Religion 1. Explain the meaning of the following terms; * Ascetic, Agnostic, Polytheistic, Monotheistic, Religious Impulse, Sacred, Secular, Animism and Humanist Ascetic: One who practices very strict devotions using sever of self-denial. Agnostic: A person who doubts that humans can know the existence of a possible God and the possible existence of anything beyond this life. We will write a custom essay sample on World Religions Study Exam Study Guide or any similar topic only for you Order Now Polytheism: Belief in more than one God. Monotheistic: Believing in only one God. Religious Impulse: The universal urge to believe in something beyond ourselves. Sacred: Connected with religion. Secular: Connected with or belonging to the material world. Animism: The attribution of a living soul to plants, animals, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena. Humanist: An adherent of humanism- an outlook or system of thought that views humankind, rather than spirituality or religion, as the source of all value or meaning. 2. Explain the connection (or lack of one) between religion and ethnicity. Religion is primarily concerned with beliefs, rituals and practices, while ethnicity refers to a person’s origins, race, culture but not necessarily his or her religion. . Define Pop Culture. Provide examples of the influence on traditional concepts of religion. Pop Culture: Commercial culture based on popular taste. A negative influence that pop culture has had, would be the negative image we have of Muslims, labeling them all as terrorists, based on a small minority. 4. Define Culture and describe how it is learned. Culture: The arts and other m anifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. Culture is learned through our family, our school, our friends, and our society. Things that limit what we learn culturally could be laws, or society’s expectations of us, our â€Å"class. † 5. Identify the world’s 3 â€Å"Great Religions†. Why are they considered â€Å"Great†? Islam, Christianity and Judaism. They are geographically spread, old, complex scriptures, many places of worship, involves the roles of people. 6. Identify 3 reasons people feel the need to practice religion. People feel the need to practice religion out of fear, out of wonder, to answer questions, to give them a guide in life, it helps them find themselves, etc. 7. All spiritual systems share some â€Å"universal† similarities. Identify and explain 3 of these. Organized institutions, Church, Synagogue, Mosque, places to practice their religions. Rules of conduct; the Five Pillars, the Ten Commandments, etc. , rules they must follow to guide them in life. Sacred writings or scriptures; the source of information for their practices and beliefs, or a sacred written history. Other examples would be a belief in the afterlife, salvation, ideas that parallel good evil, etc. 8. How does religion provide both social harmony and social control? It could provide social harmony because it brings people together, gives them something to do, something to believe in, most religions are based off of ideas of good and evil, so if someone practices this, they will be trying to stay good, therefore making social aspects better too. It could provide social control again, because there are rules to be followed in that religion, and through history there have been attempts to convert everyone into a certain religion, or places that have a state religion, makes the religion a way to control the people. . Explain the difference between Fact and Opinion. How could you tell if someone is bias? Fact: A thing that is indisputably the case. Opinion: A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. You could tell someone is biased if they have had a previous experience that makes them lean a certain way, or if they got incorrect information from somewhere. Someone is usually bias is they have an extreme op inion- either positive or negative. 10. Provide 2 examples each of a primary source and a secondary source. A Primary Source could be an auto biography, or an interview with the person whom you’re talking about. A Secondary Source could be the Bible, or a documentary based on something that happened in history. 11. Explain the difference between Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism. Ethnocentrism: Belief in the superiority of one’s own ethnic group. Cultural Relativism: Understanding the ways of other cultures and not judging these practices according to one’s own cultural ways. Aboriginal Spirituality 1. Define Residential schools. What was the purpose of these schools? Residential schools were schools that Aboriginal children were forced into, and were abused, while people tried to assimilate them into European culture, by separating them from their parents, their language and their culture. 2. Define Self Government. What did the Indian Acts of 1895 encourage? Self-Government: Government of a political unit by its own people. They encouraged Aboriginal peoples to give up their culture and adopt â€Å"white ways. † 3. What is Oral History? Describe the Native views of Creation vs. our own. Oral History is the communication of stories and lessons of history by speaking fluently, listening and understanding. Aboriginal Creation stories usually involve several spirits or animals, where our Creation stories usually come from a supreme Creator. Unit 2: Early Religions Zoroastrianism 12. Identify the founder of Zoroastrianism Zarathustra was the founder of Zoroastrianism. 13. Explain the 3 similarities Zoroastrianism has with one of the â€Å"Big 3† religions. (Great Religions) It is very old, it is monotheistic and believes in one supreme being/god (Ahura Mazda), a belief in an afterlife, i. e. , good people spend their afterlife with Ahura Mazda, and bad people spend it with Angra Mainyu. (Parallels good and evils tendencies. ) 14. What is the significance of fire for Zoroastrians? Fire signifies the divine. 15. Where is Zoroastrianism origins to be found geographically? It began in Azerbaijan, Iran around 1700 BCE. 16. What are the two main gods in Zoroastrianism? What happens to the â€Å"soul† after death in Zoroastrian beliefs? The two main gods are Ahura Mazda, the good god and supreme creator, and Angra Mainyu, the bad god and evil spirit of death and violence. 17. Explain the Zoroastrian death rituals. The bodies are placed in Dakhmas where the bones are picked clean by vultures. You read "World Religions Study Exam Study Guide" in category "Papers" 18. Explain the symbolism used in the Faravahar. What does each part represent? The Faravahar, is to remind one of the purpose of life on this earth, which is to live in such a way that the soul progresses spiritually and attains union with Ahura-Mazda. Center Circle: Represents the soul of the individual. Wings: Allow the soul to progress and evolve. Five layers of wings represent the five divine songs (Gathas) of Zarathustra, the five divisions of the day (Gehs), and the five senses. Long Curved Legs: Represents the opposing forces of good and evil. A conflict occurs between the two and a person must choose which path to follow. Tail: Helps the soul to balance itself between these forces (like a rudder). Three layers of the tail represent:1. Good thoughts2. Good deeds3. Good words Head: Every soul has free choice to either obey or disobey the divine natural laws. Ring in Hands: Symbolizes the cycles of rebirth on this earth and planes the soul can undergo. Jainism 1. In what ways does a Jain achieve salvation/liberation? They must be fully ascetic and monasticism. A path to liberation (Moksha) consists of: i. Right Perceptionii. Right Knowledgeiii) Right Conduct They must conquer material existence to release oneself from Samara (the cycle of births and re-births) 2. What is Sallekhana? Compare with anorexia. Sallekhana is the voluntary death by fasting. Anorexia is an eating disorder where a person refuses to eat for fear of gaining weight, or to lose weight. Mentally it gives the victim control when they feel they can’t control other aspects of their life. Compared to Sallekhana, anorexia is a mental disorder where the person doesn’t understand anymore that they can die from not eating, versus Sallekhana, where the person is wishing to achieve liberation through fasting, and is a spiritual decision to detach oneself from the material world by starving themselves to death. . Explain Karma, Moksha, and Samsara, and Atomism in the context of Jainism. Karma: The sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. Moksha: Release from the cycle of rebirth impelled by the law of karma. Samsara: The cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound. 4. Identify 3 Rules of Conduct for a Jain and explain them. a. Ahimsa (Non-Violence, through thought word or deed) b. Celibacy c. No stealing 5. Sketch the symbol for Jainism and explain each part of the figure. Taoism 1. What does â€Å"Tao† mean? How is this included in Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism? Tao means â€Å"The Way†. Confucianism one best maintains the Tao via alignment with existing social values, so defined by tradition and cultural morays. Taoism believes that by to follow the Tao you must ‘sit and do nothing’, ‘go with the flow’ as we can’t have control over the way. The Shinto tradition focuses on the worship of the pure to the exclusion of the impure, and focuses on nature, although there is no Tao. 2. Explain the significance of Huang Di, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu for Taoism. Huang Di: The first sort of founder for Taoism. Lao Tzu: Wrote the Lao Tzu and is one of the most ‘famous’ founders of Taoism. Chuang Tzu: He wrote the Tao Te Ching. 3. What is the major difference between Eastern Religions and Western Religions in your opinion? Western religions hold a distinction that humans are the most important, where Eastern religions tend to believe everything is alive, and has a soul. Western religions believe in a supreme creator, Eastern religions tend to believe that nature is divine, and that there is no one god. In Western religions the source of happiness and salvation are through a relationship with the supreme creator, or â€Å"God†, whereas Eastern religions believe that enlightenment and liberation is within oneself. 4. Sketch a Yin-Yang in your notes. Identify 3 points for each. The small circle in each side represents that there is a little bit of dark in light and vice versa. 5. What is Wu-Wei? Provide an example. Wu-Wei means do nothing, let nature take its course. If someone happens you don’t like, don’t try to fight it, it’s natural to happen and you’ll be messing with life’s natural cycle if you try to stop it. . Why is Taoism concerned with physical health? Provide ways that physical health is promoted Among Taoists. Taoism believes that to keep the body pure (the vessel of the spirit) that you are also being healthy spiritually. Being physically healthy helps your mind stay clear. Confucianism 1. What did Kung Fu Tzu (Confucius) experie nce that made him so revered? Confucius experienced heartache. His father died when he was a toddler, and his mother died later on. He was born out of wed-lock, and was â€Å"kicked out† of him family. Confucius was kind of a loner, being giant, and ‘ugly’ didn’t have many friends. Confucius experienced rejection from people of power but never stopped trying. People admire Confucius for his accomplishments even when he had such a hard life. 2. What is the â€Å"Golden Rule†? Was Confucius a founder? The Golden Rule is a code of moral and ethics. â€Å"What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others. † Confucius was a founder, since he believe that no matter what rank, people should be judged based on their quality (intellect, wisdom), instead of looks , power or wealth. 3. Identify and explain the 5 virtues. 1. Ren: The virtue of benevolence, charity, and humanity. . Yi: Honesty and uprightness. 3. Zhi: Knowledge 4. Xin: The virtue of faithfulness and integrity 5. Li: Correct behavior, or propriety, good manners, politeness, ceremony, worship. Shintoism 1. Why is comparing Shintoism to other religions difficult? There is no founder, no ritual use of scripture, and no organized teachings. It is seen more as folklore and mythology. 2. How is Shintoism adaptable and tolerant? 3. Identify the main deities in Shintoism. Who were their offspring? Who was most significant? Izanagi-no-Mikoto (brother/husband) and Izanami-no-Mikoto (sister/wife). Their offspring was Amaterasu, goddess of the Sun and Universe. Amaterasu was the most significant. 4. What is a torii gate? What is the purpose of the gate? A torii gate marks the transition from a profane place to a sacred place and is usually the entrance to a Shinto Shrine. 5. How is purification apparent in Shinto ritual and prayer? Cleanliness is an important part of Shinto and before entering any sacred place on must be clean. Cleaning represents purification, and before entering some shrines, you must rinse your mouth out at a special station. 6. What exactly do Shintoists worship? Shintoists believe in worshipping the natural world to establish communion, harmony and peace with its spirits and deities through prayer and ritual. In their view, moral and physical purity is a basic law. Shintoists worship Kami, divine beings, gods/goddesses who inhabit the water, the ground, the air, all parts of nature. 7. What are the major Shinto varieties? Folk Shinto: A looser form of Shinto, not so involved, and revolved more around the basic gods and myths of Shinto. State (Shrine) Shinto: There was emphasis that the emperor was a divine being, being a descendant of Amaterasu herself, making him a sort of God. Sect Shinto: Practices the worship of Kami, through shrines dedicated to particular Kami. Unit 3 : Eastern Religions : Hinduism and Buddhism 1. What did the Aryans have to do with the origins of Hinduism? The Aryan settlers created poems and later texts on rituals and philosophy. Aryan religious thought flourished between 1500 to 500 BCE and was embodied in a collection of works called Vedas, which are considered Hinduism’s earliest sacred writing. To this day, Hindus consider the Vedas to be the authoritive scripture. 2. What does â€Å"you are that† mean? What is a Puja? You are that† refers to the Hindu idea that everything and everyone is Brahma. That by worshipping other gods, you are still worshipping Brahma because he is everything. That you are also Brahma (in a way) because Brahma is everything. Puja is a common thanksgiving ritual that involves offerings of flowers, food and other articles to deities 3. Who was Mahatma Ghandi and how did Jainism influenc e him? Ghandi was a peaceful leader who believed that things can be achieved or settled in a peaceful way. He believed that you could be against something, or protest something, without being violent, following along with Ahimsa in Jainism. . What are Bindi and Tilak? What can they mean for Hindus? The Bindi is the represent the third eye, and to strengthen the 6th Chakra, is worn by married women to show they are married and should be respected as such. Tilak is a sandalwood paste, in which there are different colours, and when worn in different colours, or fashions on the face, it shows people what God you worship. 5. Identify the 3 main Hindu Gods. Brahma; the Creator, Vishnu; the Preserver, Shiva; the Destroyer. 6. What are the laws of Manu? What did this mean for Women? It is a law book that affirms the Hindu concepts of dharma, caste, and the four arms of life. It deals with religious practice, law, and politics. Brahmins accept this, but it is rejected by other castes. For women this means they are expected to follow the rules of the Manu, which means bearing sons, never being without a man’s presence, having to do traditional cooking and cleaning, etc. Sort of repressed. 7. Identify and describe the main Hindu Goddesses and their consorts. Saraswati: Goddess of learning and the arts, which is why she is depicted holding a book and a musical instrument called a veena. She rides a swan or peacock, her consort is Brahma. Parvati: Mother Goddess, worshiped as Shakti, or female energy. Changes into Durga or Kali according to different levels of anger, representing the different levels of Shakti. She is Shiva’s consort. Lakshmi: Goddess of wealth, happiness, and good fortune. 8. What is the Ramayana and what is the significance? An Epic which contains 240 000 verses. It is the story of Prince Rama, who is worshipped throughout the Hindu world as the 7th avatar of God Vishnu. The epic represents the constant struggle between good and evil forces, where good eventually prevails. Intro. To Buddhism: 1. Why is Buddhism becoming more popular in the West? Buddhism is becoming more popular in the West because it fills a spiritual void that â€Å"Western† religions can’t fill. It is more of a philosophy and can appeal to anyone. It allows the idea that anyone can achieve liberation through the practice, again not ceremonies like Western religions tend to revolve around, i. e. meditation instead of church, peaceful behaviour instead of preaching beliefs, etc. 2. What does Buddhism emphasize? Buddhism emphasizes practicing the teachings rather than to engage in ceremony in ritual. There is also a large emphasis on meditation. . What does Buddhism believe about people in search of truth? 4. What is Buddhism’s ultimate goal? The ultimate goal is to end human suffering Origins: 1. When and where was Buddhism founded? It was founded in India, 6th Century BCE. 2. Who was Siddhartha Guatama? What does his name mean? Siddhartha Guatama was the founder of Buddhism. Siddhartha means â€Å"the one who has achieved his goal. † 3. Describe Siddhartha’s miraculous birth. What did the Brahmins say about Queen Maya’s dream/the baby? What did King Suddhodana hop for his son and how did he protect him from the â€Å"real† world? Siddhartha was conceived as a baby white elephant, and his mother could see him in the womb. After 10 months of carrying the baby, his mother gave birth leaning against a tree, which lowered its branch to help her during labour. After he was born, water poured from the sky the wash him and his mother, though he was hardly dirty. After his birth, he took 7 steps and said, â€Å"This is my last birth. † The Brahmins told Queen Maya that she would give birth to a son, and that if he accepted the world, he would become King of all India, but if he rejected the world, he would become a redeemer of mankind. The King Suddhodana was more interested in his son becoming a king, so he made sure Siddhartha had everything he could possibly want, and shielded him from suffering, so that he accepted the world. 4. What changed Siddhartha at the age of 29? Describe what he saw. Siddhartha discovered suffering. The first day he went outside the palace he saw an old man. The next day, he saw a man riddled with disease. The third day, he saw someone pushing a cart with a corpse on it, followed by a grieving mother and her children. The last day he saw a monk, who seemed like he had been through the hardships of life, but accepted them with peace and serenity. He realized that he too needed to solve this riddle to life. So he left his wife and son in the middle of the night. 5. What steps did Siddhartha take to find an answer on lifestyle choices? What was his conclusion? What did he learn about deeds? What state did he achieve? First he studied under Hindu hermits until he had learned all that they could teach. He then became an ascetic, giving up worldly pleasures and eating only a bean a day to survive. Siddhartha was close to death from fasting before his friends came and fed him. He realized that too much deprivation was as harmful as too much luxury, and the idea of â€Å"the Middle Way† was born. . What does Buddha mean? What did he believe about one’s personal salvation? Buddha means â€Å"the enlightened one† or â€Å"the awakened one. † He believed that everyone has to find their own liberation-which is within us all. 7. What Hindu aspects did Buddha accept and reject? The Buddha rejected the caste sys tem, Hindu rituals and offerings to gods, theories, language of Sanskrit (he used Pali), nirvana being only possible for Brahmins, the authority of the Vedas and the Upanishads. Concepts that he accepted are those in the idea of reincarnation. 8. Describe the First Sermon. Define dharma, bhikkus, sangha and bhikku sangha. The First Sermon was when Siddhartha went back to the 5 ascetics and told them about this â€Å"Middle Way†, telling them how neither extreme was good- but that the path to liberation was one of moderation. This was his first teaching, so it is known as the First Sermon. Bhikku: A fully ordained monk who has left his home and renounced all his possessions in order to follow the way of the Buddha. Sangha: The community of Buddhist monks and nuns. Bhikku Sangha: The community of fully ordained monks and nuns. 9. Describe Buddha’s death. What did he say to his followers? What state did he achieve? When he was over 80 years old the Buddha took a poisoned meal and ate- even though he knew it was poisoned, just to be courteous. He lie on his deathbed, surrounded by his followers, and he spoke : â€Å"In all my lifetime, two meals stand out supreme: one was the meal that I ate before I sat under the Bo tree, after which I received enlightenment; the other, tonight at the home of my dear friend, Cunda, after which I shall receive NiNana. † And he died. Buddhist Beliefs: 1. How is Buddhism an introspective religion? What do Buddhist teachings express? Buddhism is an introspective religion because it is subjective, not objective. It is based off one’s perception, and experiences, not â€Å"good† or â€Å"evil. † It focuses on bettering oneself, rather than changing the things around them. Buddhist teachings express that nothing is permanent, so why fret, over something when everything is always changing and we can’t stop it. 2. Describe women in Buddhism? Who is Buddha Tara? Women in Buddhism are as equal as men. They are allowed to become nuns, and are allowed to practice in general. It is believed that women are also able to achieve nirvana, just as much as men are. The Buddha Tara is a figure in Buddhist teachings- who vowed to take rebirth as a woman until she became a Buddha. 3. Anicca, Dukkha, and Anatta are the characteristics of what doctrine? What do they mean? Anicca(Impermanence): represents the idea that the world is in a constant flux and that nothing stays the same for long. Impermanence is a fundamental feature of everything. Dukkha(Dissatisfaction): represents the idea that all humans and animals experience suffering. Physical and mental pain, are good examples. Feelings of continuous happiness or pleasure do not exist since these feelings only last for a limited amount of time. Dukkha touches everything in life. Anatta(no-self): is the notion that we cannot point to any one thing in ourselves and say it is our self. No single part of the body, is a human, only the parts put together makes the whole person. That is the same in that our mind, body, and spirit make up our â€Å"self†. These three things are the â€Å"Three Characteristics of Existence. † They make up everything outside nirvana. 4. Buddha wanted to find the cause of unhappiness and its treatments. What did he come up with? What are the central themes? The Buddha found that suffering is cause by craving and aversion. It is caused by our perception. . The 5 Precepts are the â€Å"rules† that Buddhists follow. What are these rules? List the additional precepts monks/nuns observe. The Noble Eightfold path is comparable to what according to the film Religions of the World? 1. Abstain from killing or harming living beings 2. Abstain from stealing 3. Abstain from improper sexual c onduct 4. Abstain from false speech 5. Abstain from taking alcohol and drugs (Additional precepts) 6. Abstain from eating after noon 7. Abstain from looking at dancing, singing or drama 8. Abstain from the use of perfumes and things that tend to beautify and adorn a person 9. Abstain from using comfortable beds 10. Abstain from accepting gold or silver 5. Who/what are the Three Refuges? What does each represent? The Three Refuges AKA the Triple Jewel, are the Buddha (the guide), the dharma (the path) and the Sangha (companions and teachers. ) 6. Who practices the Six Perfections? List the Six Perfections. A Bodhisattva practices the Six Perfections which include: giving, morality, patience, vigour, meditation, and wisdom. Symbols and Icons: 1. What does the Wheel of Life represent? What is found in each circle? Who has control over the circle? The Wheel of Life represents the endless cycle of births and uncontrolled rebirths (samsara. )The inner circle holds a bird, a pig, and a snake. These represent the human vices that keep the wheel turning- greed, ignorance, and hatred. The goal is to conquer these vices. The second ring shows the forms we take when we are reborn. The white half shows Heaven, the black shows Hell. The third ring shows the many regions into which one can be reborn. They represent real places and are not metaphors for states of mind. This ring includes experiences we may have as humans, i. e. suffering/pleasure. The images in the outer circle represent the twelve causes of endless rebirths: the old, bind person is ignorance, the potter creating a pot means actions, the monkey climbing the tree of samsara represents consciousness, the man rowing a boat means name and form(body), a house with six doors and windows means the senses, a man and woman embracing means contact, the arrow in the eye means feeling, the man drinking alcohol depicts craving, the monkey grabbing fruit illustrates grasping, a women in labour depicts existence, a baby being born indicates birth, and finally a man carrying a corpse represents aging and death. The Wheel of Life is held in the teeth of Yama; the Lord of Death, and there is no single being inside the wheel who is outside the control of death. Only the Buddha is outside the wheel, pointing at the moon symbolizing nirvana. 2. What is the Mandala used for? What monks are required to make Mandalas? What happens to the Mandala after it is used? While the Mandala is being made it is used for prayer and meditation. When it is finished, monks recite chants and prayers before it is swept away, which symbolizes impermanence. 3. What influences the portrayal of Buddha images? When did these images start to pop up? There are images of Buddha to help followers remember their path, and to remember the meaning of his teachings, and honour his memory as a person, and the fact that he fact that he escaped Samsara. The images are to remind Buddhists, remember, and to honour. 4. Practice the 9 different Mudras and know what they represent. 5. What is found in the Stupas? Relics of the Buddha and other holy figures are found in the Stupas. 6. Describe how Lotus flowers symbolically represent humans. The vision is that some of the flowers are bogged down in the mud, and some about to bloom. The comparison is that all people have the ability to develop their potential and rise from an undesirable life. 7. What are Buddhapadas? Name 2 symbols found on them? Buddhapadas are the representations of Buddha’s footprints, and are revered in all Buddhist countries, believed to be places where Buddha stood. Symbols could be the Buddha, or sacred wheels on the â€Å"soles† of these footprints . Practices, Rituals and Festivals: 1. What is karma? How did the film Religions of the World define it? Karma: â€Å"Action† or law of cause and effect; the totality of one’s thoughts and actions, which determines one’s fate in the next life. 2. What are the common offerings and what do they represent? Flowers- because as they fade and wilt, they emphasize the notion of impermanence. Incense Sticks- burn in the home and the temple to symbolize the Buddha’s â€Å"odour of sanctity. † Light of a candle- representing Buddha’s enlightenment. 3. Compare Buddha, Dhamma, and Sanhga Day. Buddha Day: Celebrated on the full-moon day of May, surrounding the belief that the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha happened on this day. People assemble on the grounds of the monasteries, bringing flowers, lit candles and incense sticks. They walk around the main hall three times while reciting the Three Refuges. Dhamma Day: Celebrated on the full-moon day of July, being the day of the First Sermon, people gather and offer food to monks, nuns and novices in Deer Park. At night, people give food to the poor, observe the Five Precepts, and practice meditation. Sanhga Day: Celebrated on the full-moon day of March, commemorates two important events in the Buddha’s life. The first was the proclamation of the basic principles of Buddhist teachings, and the second was a sermon called the Basis of Success. Food is offered to monks, and people engage in good karma accumulating activities. Followers observe the Five Precepts and attend a sermon at the monastery. Groups and Institutions: 1. Compare the 3 main schools: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Theravada: Practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Considered the original and more conservative school of Buddhism. Only recognizes Tripitaka, as scripture. Focuses on the teachings of Buddha, not Buddha himself. They rely on meditation and insight to attain nirvana. They believe that humans are individuals, the key virtue is wisdom, religions is for monks, the ideal being is the Arhat, that Buddha is a saint, and prayer through meditation. Mahayana: Practiced in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. A more liberal school, and see Buddha as a divine being. Emphasis on Bodhisattvas. They believe that humans are involved with others, that the key virtue is compassion, religion is also for lay people, the ideal being is Bodhisattva, Buddha is saviour, and prayer for request. Vajrayana: Practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. Focuses on rituals, such as mantras, and material creations attached to Buddhism such as mandalas. Focuses on the Dalai Lama, who is their spiritual leader. 2 . Where is Zen practiced? What does it emphasize? What are koans? Zen in practiced in the Rinzai School, and the Soto school. Koans are riddles used to test students on their enlightenment. Unit 4: Western Religions: Judaism and Christianity Judaism 1. Define: Tanakh, Torah, and Talmud. What is the difference between these? Tanakh: The Jewish Bible consisting of the Torah, the Prophets, and the writings. Torah: Refers to the Law of Moses as well as the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures and the entire belief system of the Jewish faith. The word Torah is often translated as meaning â€Å"law†, but a more accurate translation is â€Å"teaching† or â€Å"instruction†. Talmud: Rabbinic teachings derived from the Mishnah. It is the main source of Jewish teaching from the medieval period to the present. The Torah is the first five books of the Tanakh, the Hebrew bible. Know to Christians as the old testament. The Talmud is a collection of rabbinical commentaries on the Hebrew bible, Jewish history, and other such things. You can consider the Talmud to be an encyclopedia of commentary. 2. In a few points differentiate between the 4 main Jewish denominations. 1. Orthodox Judaism: Orthodox Jews believe that God gave Moses the whole Torah (Written and Oral) at Mount Sinai. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah contains 613 mitzvot (commandments) that are binding upon Jews. Modern Orthodox Jews strictly observe halakhah (Jewish Law), but still integrate into modern society. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, which includes Chasidic Jews, strictly observe Jewish laws and do not integrate into modern society by dressing distinctively and living separately. 2. Conservative Judaism: Conservative Judaism maintains that the ideas in the Torah come from God, but were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), but believes that the Law should adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism’s values. 3. Reform Judaism: Reform Judaism believes that the Torah was written by different human sources, rather than by God, and then later combined. While Reform Judaism does not accept the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), the movement does retain much of the values and ethics of Judaism as well as some of the practices and culture. Reconstructionist Judaism: Reconstructionist believe that Judaism is an â€Å"evolving religious civilization. † In one way it is more liberal than Reform Judaism – the movement does not believe in a personified deity that is active in history and does not believe that God chose the Jewish people. In another way Reconstructionist Judaism is less liberal than Reform Judaism – Reconstructionist may observe Jewish Law, not because it is a binding Law from God, but because it is a valuable cultural remnant. 3. Explain the significance of the following people in the historical development of Judaism; Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, the Rabbis. Abraham was instructed by God to move to a special land to raise a nation. God chose Abraham and promised to bless him and make him a â€Å"great nation†. The idea of God’s Covenant. During the time of Moses, God’s Covenant took on a new meaning. The Mosaic ties would have God provide His people with the Ten Commandments that would allow him to keep his Covenant. Moses came to Mount Horeb, called the mountain of God in the Book of Exodus. He encountered God through a burning bush. God revealed that the cries of the Israelites had been heard and that they would be set free through Moses. (Passover). David scored a number of military victories over his enemies and eventually established Jerusalem as his capital city. Solomon built a temple that would serve as a centre of worship for the Jewish faith for the next millennium. Rabbi: A Jewish scholar or teacher, especially of the Law, a person appointed as a Jewish religious leader. 4. What are Kashrut and Terafah? Kashrut: The Jewish dietary Laws; the active adherence to the rules of being Kosher. Terafah: nonkosher: not conforming to dietary laws. 5. Describe the Jewish rituals. What are some of the â€Å"items† used in Jewish rituals? Synagogue, Kiddush, minyan, yarmulke, tallis, tefillin, Shabbat, Rosh Hashannah, Yom kippur, Hanukkah, Pesach, Seder, chametz, Haggadah, circumcision. 6. Explain how both God and those of the Jewish faith uphold the Covenant. The idea of the Covenant is that the Jewish people are God’s people and part of His Covenant. In turn they must do His will to be in His Covenant. 7. Explain Mitzvah, Barakhah, and Halakah. Mitzvah: A commandment from God; the act of performing a good deed. The most well-known mitzvoth are the Ten Commandments. Barakhah: A blessing. Halakah: The legal part of Talmudic literature, an interpretation of the laws of the Scriptures. 8. Explain Bar Mitzvah and what it means for a young Jewish boy. Bar Mitzvah: The religious initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy who has reached the age of thirteen. This means they can now be a part of the Minyan. Christianity 1. Identify the importance of the following on the life of Jesus Christ and Christianity: Augustus Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Pax Romana, The Sanhedrin, Roman Tolerance, Constantine. Augustus Caesar was the Emperor when Jesus was born. Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor who ordered that Jesus be crucified. Pax Romana was a time when Rome was very powerful and relatively peaceful, during which Christianity multiplied rapidly. The Sanhedrin: The highest court of justice and the supreme council in ancient Jerusalem. The Roman empire had a tolerance for Christianity allowing it to spread during the times of the Pax Romana. Constantine was a Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity. 2. Summarize the following: Lent, Easter, Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension and Pentecost. Lent is a 40 day period of time, in which Christians give up something, symbolically representing how Jesus went into the desert for 40 days. Easter is the holiest Christian holiday, celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection. Christmas is the day celebrating Jesus birth. Epiphany, twelve days after Christmas, used to commemorate the revelation of Jesus as God’s son at the time of his baptism in the Jordan River. When the Holy spirit granted the apostles with spiritual gifts and abilities fifty days after Easter allowing them to go into Jerusalem and proclaim their faith enthusiastically. 3. Outline the fundamental beliefs of Christians as outline in the Nicene Creed of 325 CE. They believe in one God, and that Jesus Christ is His son. That Jesus shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, the belief in the Holy Spirit, the catholic and apostolic church, and the acknowledgement of baptism for the forgiveness of sins. 4. Who wrote the Gospels of the New Testament? Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 5. In what ways is the Catholic belief â€Å"outwardly† expressed? Through the Pope, one of the most well-known religious leaders in the current world. It is not just based on one’s own belief and faith, but also through one’s actions and how they speak, proclaiming their faith, making it known through thought, word and action. . Identify the Sacraments of Christianity (i. e. Confirmation). Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. 7. What was the Great Schism? What caused it? What was the result? The Great Schism was a split between the Eastern and Western Church, caused by mainly the accepted or rejection of the Pop and his authority, and the filioque cause, using â€Å" and the Son† at the end of the Nicene Creed, where as other groups believed that the Holy Spirit proceeds solely from the Holy Father, and not from the Son. This resulted in the two groups to separate and become their own denominations. 8. What was the Protestant reformation? Explain the difference between Catholicism and Protestanism. The Protestant Reformation was the reform of the western church in protest to its practices. Orthodox and Roman Churches had always focused on the importance of both faith and works, Protestantism is the belief of salvation through faith alone, which turned the belief inward, rather than focusing on outward sings. How to cite World Religions Study Exam Study Guide, Papers

Martell Home BuildersSocial Media On Business Communication

Question: Discuss about theMartell Home Buildersfor Social Media On Business Communication. Answer: Introduction Social media is a strategy tool used in the communication and marketing for business. In the 21st century, social media has changed the way of communication among people as well as businesses (EVANS 2010). It creates new approaches for companies in selling their brand and improving the intimate performances. For example, when Martell Home Builders, a company based in Canada, adopted the social media tools, it realized various changes in its business activities. Social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest and Tumblr (SHELDON 2017). Social media when used well leads to positive results and can as well cause adverse effects if misused. Every business should implement the use of social media platforms in its communication due to the various benefits it reaps for the organization. Martell Home Builders is a home builder company in Moncton, Canada. It is one of the companies which have adopted the online business through social media and has realized massive benefits from it. In the past, this organization was known to use realtors to get customers to buy their custom homes. However, today, this company has adopted the social media strategy thus it has realized massive profits as well as massive savings (FERRARA, 2013). Social media creates opportunities for the business in every post made. These are opportunities for social media users to convert to brand customers. By building a followers page in social media platforms, a business tends to get new clients who create a chance for the increase in the market for its products or services (GRAY, 2013). Opportunity is one of the most important actions born from social media. There is always a significant increase in conversion of customers in social media significantly. Communication in businesses has gone through various changes today. Technology has made the business communication to take a different direction from the past. In the past 20 years, business was done through face to face, but today, that has been replaced by virtual communication (BISEN, 2009). Many companies are adopting the use of phone calls, emails, and social media tools in their communication. So many virtual relationships in business are formed, and globally, this has been enacted. This new technology has increased more efficiency business performance. Verbal communication in business has decreased primarily due to the evolving and changing technology and social media platforms. Most companies are taking on to Twitter, Facebook and emailing in communicating to their customers and creating a brand loyalty for their products (GUFFEY, 2010). Thus marketing has become more advanced with the introduction of technology. Emailing is regarded more professional in business, and it is u sed in creating the Twitter and Facebook accounts. With emailing, information reaches a large number of clients in a very short while. These are the various ways in which Communication has changed for the last 20 years; the first substantial shift in communication is social media. Within the past 20 years, there has been an emergence of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram among many other social media platforms. These platforms have become crucial in reaching out to the public and creating business awareness. According to MARTIN (2010), today, about 60% of people all over the world visit social media channels for updates in the current world of operations and other news. Secondly, blogging is another change in communication that has made various improvement in business. Blogging has changed the form of interactions with customers and other brands. Unlike before, where businesses depended on reporters to reach out the public, blogs have changed that notion. It has enabled more engagements with customers and public. Thirdly, measurement is another change that has been enhanced in the last 20 years. In the past, business was not able to measure, for example, how many people have read their reports or bought their articles but with the recent communication technology, one can follow up on the figures. For example in Martell Home Builders, they can know the number of people interested in their Facebook Page, by the number of individuals who have liked the page. Fourthly, this technology has enabled advanced sharing. Today in business, public relations officers can send publications and press releases to reporters through Direct Messages (DMs) in Twitter instantly unlike 20 years before, where they had to mail them directly, consuming the time taken to reach the targeted market. This action has enhanced communication sharing in a big aspect. Lastly but not least, technology has enabled affordability. Organizations can now post publications in social media at no cost unlike in the past 20 years where firms paid massive amounts to advertise in print and mass media (RADU 2014). They way business is undertaken in companies is impacted by these changes. Organizations have taken different paths in doing business since this communication changes evolved. One of the implications of this conversation changes is that it creates a new medium for making sales. In the past, sales were made mainly through stores, but with the social media platforms, organizational products can reach a wider market locally and globally when sold online (FLEISHER, 2007). Secondly, these communication changes have enabled the increase in customer satisfaction since customers can shop online and have their products delivered without going to the stores. With these changes, it allows customers an opportunity to give feedback on a companys products through the online platform as well as post their suggestions on any improvements they need in the business. This strategy enhances the relationship between the firm and its customers. The company thus can manage the connection in a better way. Thirdly, this technological communication changes has largely impacted the working methods in the organization. Such methods where employees can work from their homes as long as they have an internet connection without having to go to the physical location of the company. For example, in this case, Martell Home Builders have completely gone online in their business activities, and its workforce now works from anywhere. This change increases the convenience of employees in the organization and increases work morale (BOHLANDER, 2009). Fourthly, changes in communication lead to reduced costs in marketing. Cost reduction occur because, through social media platforms, marketing is done freely by posting publications and advertising messages to a large number of people with no cost unlike the other past methods of using print and mass media to promote the business products. This approach would incur the extensive company costs. For example, in this case, Martell Home Builders, used realtor s before to get customers who were costly but now since it adopted the social media strategy it has saved on the costs. The fifth impact of communication changes to business is that it has increased the market share for organizational products. Social media platforms are global, and marketing in this channels enhances the market of business outputs (PRIDE, 2011). This is achieved through the creation of brand awareness through social media platforms. For example, when Martell Home Builders posts the photos of their built homes on their Facebook page, they get likes from many people. Once someone likes their page, they do not leave the website but keeps getting their latest updates. This strategy helps in increasing the market for this company since through social media; it reaches a broad audience. When posting photos of products, visibility is improved, and more readers seem to take interest thus creating a wider market. The sixth impact of technological changes in communication is a production of high-quality communication. The internet contains a pool of knowledge, which helps in determining the quality of communication. For instance, one can translate a text from one language to another thus business can be done through different cultures via online without difficulty. This technology has enabled the retrieval of stored verbal communication in case clarifications are needed somewhere unlike in the past where that was not possible. Lastly, changes in communication have created accessibility globally. Unlike before, currently, people can stream any current news from any country in the world in the comfort of their homes (HEALEY, 2011). Anyone in Asia, for instance, can be able to access all the information pertaining the Martell Home Builders in Canada through the internet, blogs and their social media pages. It is also possible to communicate to them from Asia instead of traveling all the way to their offices. This communication technology has made it possible for this company to overcome competition from other real estate companies, regarding its accessibility. Despite the evolution of the internet and the technological changes that have made communication efficient, some obstacles hinder communication in businesses in the 21st century (ROHM, 2014); Numerous Channels In the 21st century, a lot of pathways for communication have evolved, and business faces the challenge of determining what channel to use to reach a certain market as well as creating the right message for each channel. The main difficulty is that of choosing the right channel for a business strategy. For example, Martell Home Builders decided to use blogging to fulfill their customers needs. This approach enhanced the creation of the blog content and in turn attracted more customers. Evaluation of Social Media Significance. Despite being an easy tool to reach the audience, some social media platforms do not deliver. For example, most Facebook users tend to ignore business promotional messages and do not even consider reading them. Depending on the type of business activities of a company, social media platform deemed to be used is crucial. Twitter and LinkedIn platforms are the best when dealing with advertising business. Business should also be able to design their messages in a way that audiences do not ignore them. Credible Audience Relationship Creating a relationship with customers is another primary challenge faced by businesses. Relationship through social media is accredited if a marketer of a company, gives feedback to the comments of every individual (SMITH 2011). However, due to the overwhelming number of comments and likes in a business post, many companies fail to respond to their audiences. This feedback is through responding to comments, liking their comments or even tweeting them back. Feedback is crucial in every business communication. Content Creation Communication in business faces challenges of creating original and appealing content. Some companies seem to copy other brands content and reusing them. However in the market, quality content should be generated, and originality should be maintained (MADEJ 2010). This material creates uniqueness in business content and attracts audiences and investors. This social media content should be done consistently as well. This is an area where many companies have failed. There needs to be witty in crafting the messages, especially those that are likely to fit the audience. Lacks Branding Personnel When branding on social media, wallpapers in Twitter, banners in Google + and covers photos in Facebook all require different designs. Some businesses need the personnel to do this, implement and create these graphics thus that limits the content of social media. Using a person who is poor in graphics to do it, may lead to the creation of the wrong business logos and brand names sending the wrong message (LEVNAJIC 2014). In diving into social media, this has been a major setback. Conclusion There are many sectors in which social media affects business, but the most crucial of all is the use of social media in the marketing industry. This area is the most important of all because it sells business motives. Social media has both positive and negative impacts on business communication as seen above. Although it has rendered some few obstacles to business communication, the various benefits outweigh the negative consequences. In this 21st century, every business should focus on adopting the social media strategy, as one of the strategies in its business. References BISEN, VP 2009, Business communication. 18th ed. New Delhi: New Age International Ltd. BOHLANDER, G. S. S., 2009. Managing Human Resource Management. 18th ed. s.l.: Cengage Learning. EVANS, L. 2010, Social media marketing: strategies for engaging in Facebook, Twitter other social media. 18th ed. Indianapolis: Ind, Que. FERRARA, M 2013, Gale business insights handbook of social media marketing .. 18th ed. Detroit: Gale/. FLEISHER, CB 2007, Business and Competitive Analysis: Effective Application of New and Classic Methods". 18th ed. s.l.: FT Press. GRAY, A 2013, Brilliant social media: how to start, refine and improve your social media business strategy.. 18th ed. s.l.:s.n. GUFFEY, ML 2010, Essential of business communication .. 18th ed. Mason, OH, South-Western: Cengage Learning. HEALEY, J 2011, Social impacts of digital media. 18th ed. Thirroul, N.S.W., Spinney Press. LEVNAJIC, Z 2014, Facing ICT challenges in the era of social media.. 18th ed. Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang Academic Research. MADEJ, K 2010, Interactivity, Collaboration, and Authoring in Social Media.. 18th ed. s.l.:s.n. MARTIN, G 2010, 30 days to social media success: the 30-day results guide to making the most of Twitter, blogging, LinkedIn, and Facebook. 18th ed. Franklin Lakes, NJ, Career Press. PRIDE, WF 2011, Marketing. 2012 ed. s.l.: Cengage Learning. RADU, RMH, 2014. The evolution of global Internet governance: principles and policies in the making .. 18th ed. s.l.:s.n. ROHM, A 2014, Herding cats: a strategic approach to social media marketing.. 18th ed. New York: Business Expert Press. SHELDON, P 2017. Social Media. 18th ed. [S.I.]: LEXINGTON BOOKS. SMITH, PZ. 2011, Marketing Communications: Integrating Offline and online with social media.. 8th ed. London: Kogan Page.

The Eyes Of The Dragon (2124 words) Essay Example For Students

The Eyes Of The Dragon (2124 words) Essay The Eyes Of The DragonThe theme of the book, The Eyes of the Dragon, by Stephen King, is to stick to ones beliefs no matter what happens and always do what one knows is right. Dont give up on oneself; anything is possible. King Roland was the noble king of Delain. He was known as Roland the Good. He was, by far, not a bad king, though he was really not a great king. He meant no harm and was successful, but whenever he meant to do great things, he seemed to be unsuccessful. Roland, king of Delain, had two sons and had done his best to raise them without a wife. Peter, the oldest, was much like his father. He was successful at avoiding harm of the kingdom. In addition, he seemed to be more successful at the great things he attempted. Even as a little boy, Peter was loved by the kingdom, and many were looking forward to his reign as king. When Peter was merely a boy, he stood up against grown men for what he believed in. This was why the kingdom loved and appreciated him. In one instance, Peter was passing through the stableyard when he saw a lame horse about to be killed. Peter commanded Yosef, the palace fixture, to stop. After arguing, Peter managed to convince Yosef to give Peter one hour to find a veterinarian. Peter was to prove to Yosef that this horse would not die if taken care of. Just short of an hour later, Peter and the veterinarian returned. The veterinarian listened closely and agreed with Peter. The horse would never be a working horse aga in, but it would certainly make a great pet for Peter. This was only the beginning of Peters wisdom and only a hint of the respect he would soon earn. We will write a custom essay on The Eyes Of The Dragon (2124 words) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Thomas was a little different. He was very quiet, so no one was really sure of him. He did mysterious things. The citizens of Delain were glad Thomas was the younger son, for no one wanted Thomas as king. Anyone who attempted to, could befriend Thomas and earn his complete reliance. This great weakness caused the downfall of Delain. Roland had become dependent on his magician, Flagg. Roland was a good man, but he wasnt clever. It was not known, but Flagg had come and gone many times through out the years. He had come and gone with one uncompleted goal. It was fortunate for Delain that Flagg tended to be unsuccessful with his plans. Roland the Good was getting old, and it was widely known that he would soon be leaving the crown to Peter. Disappointing news as it was, many strongly believed Peter was going to do great things throughout his reign. Peter soon grew up, and though he knew what was coming to him upon his fathers death, Peter still wished his father many years to come. It had become tradition for Peter to take two glasses of wince to his fathers room before retiring. Each man, glass in hand, sat together simply enjoying the company. This, among other things, made Thomas unhappy and extremely jealous. Thomas believed that he had no family to love. He had taken the blame for his mothers death and believed his father and brother had also placed the blame on him. It was probably because of this that Thomas had no friends, no confidence, and barely a will to live. Flagg, the brilliant magician that he was, used Thomas weakness to his advantage. Flagg had attempted many times to destroy Delain. He waited year after year and finally his chance arose. He hadnt completely worked out the details, but he knew things would work out for him. Thomas and Flagg became quite close. Flagg knew he would finally complete his lifes work, and Thomas would put his entire soul into getting what he had always wanted, a friend. Thomas confided his every though with Flagg, and Flagg showed great sincerity. Flagg knew all the secrets of the castle because of his coming and going throughout the centuries. Through the eyes of Niner, a dragon Roland had killed, there were peeping holes. Through a back hallway, one could find the hidden passage way that led to the peep holes. Flagg told Thomas of this, and it had meant a lot to Thomas. This was to become Flaggs big mistake. .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 , .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .postImageUrl , .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 , .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9:hover , .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9:visited , .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9:active { border:0!important; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9:active , .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9 .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc257f021b5bd8501f22e5c09814c1fe9:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Summary of Behavioral Genetics EssayOne day, an ingenious plan came to Flagg. The magician used a special poison he had saved for centuries just for the occasion. This poison was no ordinary poison. It would burn a person from the inside out after simply inhaling it. While working with the poison, Flagg wore gloves and used tweezers. After going to the window to take a breath, Flagg would work for a few minutes, and take careful measures not to breathe in the fumes. In a glass, he took a small amount of poison and mixed it with Rolands favorite wine. Taking a bit more, Flagg opened up a cage and fed it to a mouse to observe the suffering. The remaining poison was placed in a little wooden box stolen from Peter years ago. The box had been a present from Peters mother with his name engraved in the top. Flagg, knowing of Peters nightly tradition, went to Rolands bed chamber with the glass of wine to do away with his king. Flagg waited until he was sure Peter had left and no one would see him enter. Since visitors were becoming few and far between in his old age, Roland was glad to see him. After drinking their wine, both men agreed to retire for the night. Though he knew it was for the better, Flagg wished he hadnt had to leave what was to become a night remember. Flagg left that night thinking he would be the last to see Roland alive. He was wrong because someone else would see the suffering Flagg had inflicted. Someone else would be the last pers on to see Roland alive. Flaggs big mistake had caught up with him; Thomas had witnessed everything. Thomas had seen it all through the eyes of Niner. The next day, servants reported Rolands death. It was also a servant who found Peters long wooden box. If circumstances had been different, Peter wouldve been overjoyed to see the memorable gift. Unfortunately, Peter was devastated to hear that the poison used to kill his father had been found in that box. Peter was arrested, tried, and sent to the Needle for life. Since Peter was royalty, he wouldnt be sentenced to death but instead sentenced to live the rest of his life atop the tower through cold, heat, and loneliness. If Peter had been Thomas or any other man, he wouldve given up and died soon enough. Peter always had hope, and searched constantly for a way to escape. It didnt take Peter long to earn the respect of the disgusting gentlemen in charge of him. Eventually, they would bring him almost anything he desired, for a price. Peter had no money; therefore, he tried his luck with an old friend. He had a letter delivered to Penya, and he agreed to help in any way possible. Peny a, after receiving Peters letter, chose to believe in Peters innocence. He vowed to do everything in his power to free Peter. To keep Peters newly earned privilege, he used it sparingly. He asked for his mothers dollhouse and a napkin with each meal. As no one wouldve guess, Peter had a plan already in effect. From each napkin, Peter pulled five strands of fabric. This may seem like very little, but it began to add up. Using the working loom in his mothers dollhouse, he began making a rope. Things in Delain had become awful for the villagers. With Flagg ruling through Thomas, taxes had been raised, bankers had to become more strict with mortgages, and a great fear fell over the land. Because of this, many people began to leave their homes, farms, and lifes work to hide in the forest. Penya was included in the move. The forest provided a safe place of refuge and the grounds to plan for a revolt. In this newly formed community, the majority had decided that Peter was to be somehow rescued. This would be their next move. Upon his escape, they were to make their own decision concerning his guilt. (Though many already believed firmly in his innocence, there would still be a vote.)The trip was already a difficult one, but to make matters worse, it was midwinter. Means of travel were simply by foot, unless one was fortunate enough to have a team of dogs and a sled. Penya had sent two people, Ben and Naomi, to go to try to rescue Peter. The two travelers were fortunate enough t o have Naomis sled team. This cut the long trip down to a day and a half. Once inside the village, there was no plan, but the two were determined. It was difficult to sneak into the kingdom and even trickier to get into the village square where the Needle was located. .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e , .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .postImageUrl , .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e , .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e:hover , .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e:visited , .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e:active { border:0!important; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e:active , .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3d6c4c5d57861941682ad124f7fd449e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Gerald Croft Essay ThesisPeter must have had the same type of feeling flowing that night as the rescue team did because he was preparing for his escape just as Naomi and Ben arrived. It wouldve worked out perfectly if Flagg hadnt been watching from his crystal ball. Flagg had gone to the Needle to stop Peters escape. Peter began preparing his rope as Flagg began climbing the three hundred stairs to the top. Peter was half way down the rope when Flagg reached the top, but Flagg watched the rope break. When Peter was about one hundred feet above the ground, his hands froze and he couldnt move. He had lost feeling in his hands and moving would risk a fall. The rope was only m ade of napkin cotton and broke, just as Flagg had imagined. Peter fell and thought he had less of a second to live, but his friends were truly great. Not only did they risk their lives through the cold to get there, risk their heads for helping a criminal escape, and wait for Peter at the bottom of the needle, but they had also made him a huge bed of napkins in case of his fall. Each gave a different estimate at the size of the pile, but it was said to be twenty feet high. Peter landed squarely in the middle of the napkin and wasnt quite sure if he was alive. His friends ecstatically rushed to him, knowing they had little time to make an escape. There were tired guards just now arriving. This would be a big problem to most, but not Peter. With almost all the courage he had left, he simply told the guards that he was king, and he didnt kill his father. The let him pass. After spending all that time in the Needle, Peter had uncovered the truth about Flagg. On the way to the castle, Peter explained to his friends how Flagg had been trying to destroy Delain for centuries and he explained his plan. Peter had to reach his fathers bow and arrow used to kill Niner, because it was the only idea he had to destroy Flagg. The heroic trio reached Rolands chambers and the bow and arrow were gone. Flagg, who had been fresh on their trail the entire way, reached the chamber almost immediately after them and was pounding on the door. Ben and Naomi had their weapons drawn and ready, though Peter knew these wouldnt stand a chance against the wizard. Flagg was never one to rush into things and make hasty decisions, so once inside the door, they all talked. Flagg expressed his guilt for the murder of Roland, vowing to kill all he had just confessed to. Peter told Flagg he would never get away with it, and Flaggs reply was simply a smile. After a few moments of silence, Flagg told them that no one had seen him enter Rolands room that night, only Peter was seen entering the room. At this, Thomas, who had been hiding in the shadows, spoke up. Thomas told everyone that he had been watching that night through the eyes of Niner and with his father bow, show Flagg in the left eye. After being hit, Flagg disappeared. This was quite an ending to quite a book. Most of the villagers had believed strongly in Peter, but gave up on him too quickly when accused. Three characters persuade the truth and did what they knew was right. It was because of them, this book had a happy ending. Book Reports

What Is Academic Priority †Creative Writing Short Essay

What Is Academic Priority – Creative Writing Short Essay Free Online Research Papers What Is Academic Priority Creative Writing Short Essay I believe that education is the most important factor in anybody’s success. Plato believed that a lifelong education was needed to run an ideal society. Although we do not yet have this utopian society of unchanged, we do have an ever increasing demand for people capable of running the systems that power our less than ideal society. This technology is evolving at a pace far beyond that of any in the past. Formal education and certification is an important function for anyone who desires to use the technologies to the full capacity. I am requesting admission to Massachusetts Institute of Technology so that I may obtain the education needed to have a successful future working with computer technology. Although I lack the desire to be directly competitive with others I have found that I can motivate myself to be better individually. In the process of bettering myself I have continuously taken difficult classes including honors math courses and advanced science classes in addition to specific independent studies that have focused on computer support and online environment marketing. These independent studies gave me a chance to design my own curriculum while implementing my own goals. These goals have ranged from article deadlines to personal trait growth. My studies have trained me in the art of expanding my knowledge of a topic in the direction I want to follow in addition to opening up new opportunities to me such as a job with the school district working as a technician for the technology department and the development of MarketGuerilla.com to showcase my research and study of online marketing techniques in article format. In addition to being a fulltime high school student I have also taken courses at a local community college every semester since my sophomore year of high school. These classes have taught me how to become better organized and to use my time more effectively. The second problem I have always had to cope with is my lack of time. Because I am involved in so many activities and events in and out of school I often lose sleep trying to compact everything into the time I have available in each day. I have always tried to be active in sports and extra curricular activities such as football, ABF boxing, and band. Each of these activities has played an essential role in developing my personal growth as a student. I believe that the most important school activity I am involved in is the instrumental arts. I am a performer in marching band, concert band, jazz band, pep band, show band, and individual/ensemble competition. The instruments I play regularly include the bari sax, tenor sax, and sousaphone. My work with instrumental music has built my appreciation of many types of music while creating a performance discipline. My abilities as a musician have greatly increased my overall confidence making it easier to performer or address larger g roups. Musical arts have also caused my creativity to flourish as I continue to increase my improvisational skills allowing me to construct elegant rhythms and musical expressions instantly. Although I take classes that are advanced and difficult I still manage to maintain a GPA of about 3.8. My GPA puts me easily within the top 10% of the class. I have always been an A and B student and have a near perfect attendance. These are all traits that I will need to progress into the next phase of my education at your institution. My goal is to always improve myself. I believe that a lifelong education will assist me in understanding the current computer systems of today and those that will come in the future. A strong knowledge of these systems that our society depends on during everyday operation will guarantee a successful life in the future. Research Papers on What Is Academic Priority - Creative Writing Short EssayStandardized TestingBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfHip-Hop is ArtPETSTEL analysis of IndiaOpen Architechture a white paperIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenResearch Process Part OneThe Project Managment Office System

Taking A stand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Taking A stand - Essay Example Undoubtedly drinking water is available in the world in plenty but due to extensive use of water by high class people the lower classes gets affected and they lack to access to safe water. Availability of drinking water is becoming a matter of concern at present circumstances due to these issues. Most importantly, it can become a threat for the future generations. It has been observed by scientists that volume of safe drinking water is decreasing across the globe. In the United States of America, the Colorado River was one of the main sources of water. The water of Colorado River is still supplied in Las Vegas. Due to intense pollution and wastage the flow of water has drastically reduced in Colorado River. The pollution of Ohio River is another challenge in front of the world. According to Charles McMahon, â€Å"Improvising waste water treatment through increased regulation is a possible way to decrease the effects of enormous consumption and wastage of water† (McMahon 34). This phenomenon is very common in many countries regarding water recycling in order to overcome shortage of water. In the nineteenth century, water was wasted at a very large scale due to lack of advanced technological processes’ presence. Due to lack of knowledge people used large amount of water and at the same time polluted water at a large scale. When dams were built for production of electricity and controlled flow it was highly appreciated. However the consequences were in front of people very soon. For example the fact of Colorado River was not a very common phenomenon. Colorado River was one of the most important sources of fresh water in the United States. The Grand Canyon was the resident of some early civilizations however because of huge pollution and construction of dam the flow of the water reduced tremendously. This became one of the most important concerns before the country. This example shows the

Learning Game Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Learning Game - Article Example At first all we did was throw the tennis ball to one another and we spent around thirty minutes doing so. It seemed like a simple enough idea but it didn't merit any innovation on our part. We all wanted to do better and beat our own record. Also it did take awfully long to just get the ball from one person to another and we ended up spending too much time on that. The second time we played the game we all managed to pass the ball between us in only half our previous time and that was 15 minutes. We did this by standing in a new kind of circle, a much smaller one, where all of us were standing much closer to each other than before. We had achieved our goal twice and actually managed to cut down our time by a significant amount in our second try. Unfortunately, we could not carry on our winning streak to our third try because at that point a conflict arose which disrupted everything. When we started thinking about taking a third shot at our little project I had a great idea. I had been thinking of ways in which I could cut down the time even further by exchanging the ball even more quickly. While I was thinking about it I came up with a great solution and all of my classmates even liked my idea. Everyone was willing to give it a try and see if it works out or not; everyone except one person. This was where things started to get a little ou

Current School Finance Issues Paper [w5d7-i] Essay

Current School Finance Issues Paper [w5d7-i] - Essay Example If the State acknowledges the bid, then a private school can start receiving funds for their transport costs. Bidding renewals are to be done annually. However, to every rule, there is an exception. If a school happens to have vehicles owned by their District, then there is no need to renew their bid. Additionally, some schools may have opted to enter into a joint agreement with another. This implies that one school may apply on behalf of another. Similarly, some schools may be part of a coordinated transportation agency as asserted by Say student (2008). The Board of education is also given the mandate to reject applications for transport financing in the event that applications are made poorly. On the other hand, there is a maximum student number that can be covered by and district board. This implies that when the optimum number has been reached then all other applications will be rejected. Additionally, in the event that a private school is applying for transport funding yet it only deals with special children, then the board of education is mandated to reject their application. Similarly, if a school provides only vocational training or it provides only technical skills, then they are not eligible for state funding. When student's residential areas are over twenty miles away from the school, then they may not necessarily get access to State funds. Federal States also require that children meet certain age criterion in order to enroll for the program. For instance, in the State of New Jersey, children who are between kindergartens and age twelve are eligible for transportation services provided by the District in elementary schools. It should be noted that it is not mandatory for private schools to receive funding from their respective District school boards. But they have the option of utilizing other options available for them. For instances, it is not mandatory for a private school to receive funding in the event that their residents are located beyond two and a half miles and two miles for high schools and elementary schools respectively. There are also cases in which a school is located out of State but may wish to get funding from a school district Board. This is only permissible in the event that the school is located in a county with a third class rating. Additionally, funding may also be granted to those individuals who are found in counties that have a population greater than eighty thousand. However, this population may not exceed one hundred and twenty thousand people as put forward by the Toronto Catholic District School Board (2007). . Some private schools may be not for profit organizations. Such schools are also not mandated to receive transport funding, but may gain access given the fact that most of them are have tax exemption status. However not for profit institutions are usually required to display solid evidence bout their status. This is done by bringing an affidavit that will act as a form of evidence. There area also cases in which some schools have met all other criteria enlisted above but happen to be located twenty miles away from their schools. The legislature normally examines such schools on an annul basis. Once they find that these people meet the right criterion then they may

Overview Of The Sampath Bank Management Essay

Overview Of The Sampath Bank Management Essay Objective of this chapter is to present a general idea about the research. Hence, Chapter one is divided into eight areas such as background of the study, Objectives of the research, research problem, conceptual framework, research hypotheses, research questions, significance of the research and organization of the study. 1.1 Overview of the Sampath bank and Background of the study The dynamic nature of the new marketplace today has created a competitive incentive among many companies to consolidate and reconcile their knowledge assets as a means of creating value that is sustainable over time. Knowledge transferring is believed to be able to improve performance and productivity of the organization and knowledge transferring has been illustrated as a significant discipline in leading to positive performance in the organization (Kasim, 2008). To achieve competitive sustainability, many companies are launching extensive knowledge transferring efforts. More recently, knowledge transfer has emerged as powerful determinants of value creation in organizations. Organizations specific knowledge becomes as a necessary factor of competitive advantage (Gold, Malhotra, and Segars, 2001). The Sampath Bank has commenced its operations as a License commercial bank in 1987 with 47 employees. At present 3rd largest PCB in the contry Its vision statement, The Growing Force in Sri Lankan Financial services and values mentioned in below enhancing professional standards of internal and external customers (Sampath bank, 2012). Create a learning culture that promotes individual and organizational development as well as promoting innovation and value for customers. Treat all internal and external customers the way we would like to be treated. Encourage and promote teamwork in all aspects of behavior. Open to feedback and demonstrate an eagerness for personal development. Monitor and demonstrate an impressive commitment to results. Uncompromising ethical and professional standards of behavior The bank believes that its greatest treasure in what is truly a service industry is its investment in human capital, the high quality of management staff, motivation, dedication, and team spirit. The bank does not employ clerks and peons and ubiquitous features in most other institutions. Its staff is composed of executives assisted by secretaries, all of whom have been handpicked and adequately remunerated at levels well above prevailing market rates. Team of Sampath Bank is young and energetic, adaptable to change and are blessed with a gungkok bo attitude which in all circumstances allows us to pursue the vision and mission of the bank stridently. They are committed to constant improvement, new ideas and remain unafraid of challenges. They seek new opportunities within the knowledge based culture we permeate across the bank and this has resulted in winning accolades from all spheres of competencies. Moreover, among the corporate objectives of the bank was employ, develop and retai n a self-motivated group of employees who themselves enforce high standards of performance (Sampath bank, 2012). According to General Manager of Sampath bank the relative youth, together with the enthusiasm and the pioneering spirit of all members of the staff had laid the foundation for the development of an innovative culture which was so essential in a field as competitive as banking. Intensive training, recreation and welfare facilities transform and guided the development and skills attitudes of the team necessary to deliver superior customer satisfaction (Sampath bank, 2012). The numbers of employees and branches have been increased to 3230 and 206 respectively in 2011. It has recruited new employees parallel to the vision of accelerating the branch network with the aim of gaining competitive advantage. The Sampath Bank had to fill the new vacancies from strategic level to function level in the newly opened 35 branches. The rapid expansion did not give a room to in-house built the skilled team members to allocate for newly opened branches. Most of team members were promoted to higher potential grades than their real potential grades. Number of employees who have been worked in different department in Sampath bank utilized the opportunity to work in branches. Transferred team members were required enhancing professional standards of internal and external customers with moving from their functions to branch banking.nb Several issues can be explored with reference to knowledge transferring in Sampath Bank. This research intends to identify whether the transferred employees have been shared or gain their knowledge within the subordinate employees. The main objectives of this study to explore links between employee transfer and knowledge transfer. This study is monitoring these issues and identified ways in which they may be overcome by introducing changes to the effective knowledge transferring. Objectives of the research The purpose of this research is to examine the links between employee transfer and knowledge transfer. The following objectives will be fulfilled above aim of this study. To explore management concepts to review links between employee transfer and knowledge transfer To identify individual and organizational factors for affecting effectiveness of knowledge transfer Research problem Top corporate entities in the world are beginning to realize the significance and importance of transferring knowledge and are beginning to appreciate knowledge as the most important and valued assets that leads to organizational performance. The Sampath Bank will compete for business only on the basis of quality, price and superior service to its customers. Considering values in Sampath bank, The Bank develops a highly motivated and competent team of individuals who independently ensure that the highest standards are maintained throughout the Bank. The bank Create a learning culture that promotes individual and organizational development as well as promoting innovation and value for customers are highly focused. Promoting open to feedback and monitor commitment to results are aimed to enhance its ethical and professional standards of behavior. The Sampath bank makes every effort to train and develop team members to acquire the professional skills and knowledge they would need to use in the Bank and the bank do hope that both team members professional and personal goals will be realized in a satisfying and rewarding career at the Sampath bank. The bank encourages team members to find new and better ways of doing their job or improving their Banks systems and processes. Innovation creates value not only for customers but for team members. It would add to the quality of work life and ensure that quality work of team members. The Sampath bank considers training and development as one of the most valuable investment in realizing their enduring goals and aspirations. Work towards developing their own talents and creating a culture where team members strive to acquire and share new knowledge critical to achieve mission of the bank. The Sampath bank deploys systematic and modern learning methods to enhance knowledge and productivity. As a matter of policy, the bank provides minimum of sixty hours of training per year for every team member. The type of training will be determined by an analysis of what skills and knowledge are required by each. The analysis will consider not only what is necessary in their current job but also what they would require in successive positions in the future. Team members are generally expected to serve in a particular workstation for a minimum period of four years. However, request for a transfer from team members assigned to Branches in remote areas may be considered after completion of three years. In the event of transfer of a team member, subsequent to his/her promotion, the minimum period of three years will not apply. Except for team members identified for specialization. The Bank encourages team members to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to do their job and the future positions they will hold and to disseminate those skills and knowledge within the Bank, So that, the Banks organizational capabilities and effectiveness are always improved. Career at the bank will depend on how well team members perform in the jobs they hold and the attitudes they exhibit. The work performance will be the sole criteria for any promotion. Considering rapid expansion in Sampath bank, it has emerged more vacancies in Branch banking. In presenting issue in promoting team members who has fewer competencies in branch banking to team members in branches. Required knowledge transferring through the transferred employees is questionable. Relationship between knowledge transferring and employee transferring in the Sampath bank is vital for academic performances. Considering these events and factors less publication in banking industry have addressed the effectiveness of knowledge transferring. As such, this study effort to identify the effectiveness of knowledge transferring from transferred employees at the Sampath bank. Conceptual framework A conceptual framework represents the relationships and the type of relationships among the concepts. The conceptual framework portrayed in figure.1 explains the relevant concepts in this study, and the form of relationship between the perceptions. Figure 1.1 Conceptual framework of the study Characteristics of the Transferred Employees Employee Transfers Effectiveness of Knowledge Transferring Source: Researchers orginal constraction. Moreover, figure 1 describes an analytical model in a graphical model based on some theoretical foundations. Accordingly, the conceptual framework is developed based on theories. The model assumes transferred employees as independent and knowledge transferring as dependent. Research hypotheses Bhatti, Zaheer and Rehman (2010) studied the effect of knowledge management practices on organizational performance. Specially, the study explored the effectiveness of knowledge transferring depend on learning capability, leadership skills and experience of employees. H1: Effectiveness of knowledge transfer is influenced by characteristics of the transferred team members at the Sampath bank. Research questions How individual and organizational factors influence for the effectiveness of knowledge transfer? What are the individual characteristics affect to knowledge transfer? How transfer knowledge via transferred employees? Significance of the research The main significance of this study is to help management of The Sampath Bank identify the effectiveness of knowledge transferring from transferred employees. Effectiveness of knowledge transferring relates to Banks current business performance named as customer orientation, competent people, long term profitability and growth, image building, effectiveness leadership among major customer segments. This knowledge will enable management implement the appropriate strategies that help improve the effectiveness of knowledge transfer. On the other hand, knowledge transferring plays significance role in building up sustainable competitive advantage in Banking industry. Limitation of the study The aim of this section is to define the boundaries of the study or to enumerate how the researcher has narrowed down its focus. The survey was conducted over a period of three months. Organization of the Report The main body of this report comprises seven sections. Its structural organization is presented in Figure 1.2 given below. Chapter 03 Research methodology and framework Chapter 04 Thematic organization, presentation and Analysis of data Chapter 05 Statistics outcome. Chapter 06 Concluding remarks Chapter 01 Introduction Chapter 02 Literature review Source: Researchers orginal constraction. The introduction that comprises a glimpse of the study, focusing on the context, the objectives of the study, an overview of the Sampath bank in Sri Lanka, the research issue and empirical setting of the research. it also provides an account of limitations that the researcher has set for defining the boundaries of the study. Chapter two contains a review of past research on the topics covered in this study. In this section, some important findings of past studies are outlined, while attention is paid to their methodological concerns. A special feature of thhhis literature review is the emphasis placed on bringing to the fore findings of knowledge transferring and characteristics of employees. The research methodology and framework of the study are presented in chapter three. Key areas addressed therein include the case study research strategy employed, units of analysis, the method of sampling, methods of data collection, the quality of research strategy and the research framework. The foundation for this study as developed in the preceding two sections leads to the development of a conceptual framework as a piece of original work of the researcher, which has strengthened the researchers endeavor to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the subject. Chapter four and five which are based on Knowledge transferring and transferred employees. Chapter Four explains the methodology, adopted in this study in order to empirically test the research hypotheses. Moreover, the chapter presents findings, statistics outcomes and facts. Chapter Five comprises of a review of data collection, followed by a detailed review of the factor analysis.in addition, objectives of the study, evaluate hypotheses and limitations are presented. And, it presents the similarities and differences between knowledge transfers and employee transfers with special reference to the organization of knowledge transferring function and job transfer. Chapter six presents findings and concluding remarks of the study. Latter part of this section documents presents limitations of the study, inviting the attention of academics, researchers, scholars and practitioners to understand how they could plan future research taking cognizance of these limitations. Potential research would essentially contribute to broadening the horizons of the body of knowledge and wisdom on knowledge transferring as an academic and professional discipline. Literature Review 2.0 Introduction to the chapter The purpose of this chapter is to present the literature review related to the concepts incorporated in the study. This chapter consists of sections such as definition of knowledge, definition of knowledge management, types of knowledge, importance of knowledge, knowledge and organizational performance, knowledge transferring, knowledge transferring and competitive advantage, factors affecting for knowledge transferring, effectiveness of knowledge transferring and knowledge transferring in financial institutions and Individual characteristics and knowledge transferring. Meanwhile 2.1 Knowledge and Knowledge transferring Knowledge is fluid mixes of framed experience, values, contextual information and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incur pirating new experiences and information or Knowledge is about people, relationship. Communities and new ways of working Tan (2010) reviewed that knowledge are the two types of knowledge such as explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge. Information systems which achieved by organization named as explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge refers to informal knowledge which gain through work experiences. Most scholars divide knowledge into two types such as explicit knowledge or information, and tacit knowledge or know-how (Hussain. Lucas. and Ali., 2004). The key to knowledge is capturing intellectual assets for the tangible benefits for the organization. As such, imperatives of knowledge is to transform knowledge to add value to the processes and operations of the business, leverage knowledge strategic to business to accelerate growth and innovation and use knowledge to provide a competitive advantage for the business. (Hussain. Lucas. and Ali., 2004). Knowledge management is an organizational discipline bridging information demand and supply in support of learning processes within organizations (Curado.n.d.). Knowledge management enables the communication of knowledge from one person to another so that it can be used by the other person. (Hussain. Lucas. and Ali. , 2004). Knowledge transfer (KT), knowledge retention (KR), and knowledge utilization (KU) are identified as components of knowledge management systems.( Gayton, 2009). Knowledge transfer revealed by Makino (1990) typically has been used to describe the movement of knowledge between different units, divisions, or organizations rather than individuals. This is described Tan,(2010) and Disterer (2001) by stating Knowledge transferring can be defined as a social interaction culture involving the exchange of employee knowledge, experiences and knowledge through the whole department or organizations. However, Gayton (2009) concluded knowledge transferring is not only between departments. The process of knowledge can be transferred through one channel to another channel such as group, department and branch. Therefore, Knowledge transfer means knowledge sharing within an organization between individual and groups (Trautman,2011). 2.2 Significance of Knowledge transferring Most knowledge organizations, uses multiple knowledge management tools to transfer knowledge. With the result of knowledge transfer any organization that competes with other organizations in the marketplace on quality, price, or customer loyalty. (Schlomer, Anderson and Shaw,1997). Due to the, emergence of personal networks and applications, knowledge transferring and capturing are becoming more on-demand. And, Organizations must continuously update their knowledge resource to stay in the competition (Bhatti, Zaheer and Rehman, 2010). Knowledge transferring is necessary for companies because what worked yesterday may or may not work tomorrow because, market needs are changing rapidly. Knowledge is a vital factor for financial institutions. Use the knowledge management system enhances continuous improvement and innovation to gain competitive advantage. Demands from customers and Human resources require transfer knowledge within the organization (Rasoulinezhad,n.d.). 2.3 Factors that Influence Knowledge Sharing There is a scarcity of research specifically in the area of knowledge sharing between individuals in organizations, and empirical evidence has just begun to uncover some of the complex dynamics that exist in processes related to knowledge sharing. Based on a review of theory and research related to knowledge sharing, the following have been identified as the major factors that influence knowledge sharing between individuals in organizations: the nature of knowledge, motivation to share, opportunities to share, and the culture of the work environment. 2.3.1 Nature of Knowledge Knowledge by its very nature exists in both tacit and explicit forms. However, with the increasing recognition of the importance of knowledge in organizations, different types of knowledge have also begun to be valued differently within organizations. These two characteristics of the nature of knowledge, tackiness and explicitness of knowledge, and the value attributed to knowledge have a significant influence on the way knowledge is shared within organizations. 2.3.2 Tacit and explicit knowledge. The dominant classification of knowledge in organizations divides it into two types, tacit and explicit. The critical differences between these two types are found in three major areas codifiability and mechanisms for transfer, methods for acquisition and accumulation, and the potential to be collected and distributed (Lam, 2000). The concept of tacit knowledge was first presented by Polanyi (1966), who argued that a large part of human knowledge cannot be articulated and made explicit easily. Tacit knowledge can be thought of as the know-how that is acquired through personal experience (Nonaka, 1994). It is therefore not easily codifiable and cannot be communicated or used without the individual who is the knower. Tacit knowledge also tends to be sticky in nature. Lam (2000) defined stickiness as the incremental expenditure involved in moving knowledge in a form that is useable and easily understood by the information seeker. According to Lam, stickiness for the knowledge supplier c omes from the tackiness of the knowledge that has to be shared, whereas absorptive capacity creates stickiness for the knowledge user. Therefore, tackiness of knowledge is a natural impediment to the successful sharing of knowledge between individuals in organizations. Explicit knowledge, on the other hand, can be easily codified, stored at a single location, and transferred across time and space independent of individuals (Lam, 2000). It is easier to disseminate and communicate (Schulz, 2001). Explicit knowledge therefore has a natural advantage over tacit knowledge in terms of its ability to be shared relatively easily among individuals. However, just because explicit knowledge is easily transferred across individuals and settings, it should not be assumed that it is easily shared in organizations. Weiss (1999) argued that the ability to articulate knowledge should not be equated with its availability for use by others in the organization. To support this point, he made a distinct ion between explicit knowledge that is easily shared with that which is not by introducing the notion of rationalized knowledge and embedded knowledge within the context of professional services organizations. Rationalized knowledge is general, context independent, standardized, and public. Weiss suggested that because this knowledge has been separated from its original source and is independent of specific individuals, this knowledge is readily shared and available to all those who seek it. Embedded knowledge, on the other hand, is context dependent, narrowly applicable, personalized, and may be personally or professionally sensitive. Therefore, explicit knowledge that is embedded in nature is not likely to be easily shared among individuals. However, knowledge must be seen as more than just explicit and tacit in nature. Regardless of whether knowledge is tacit or explicit, the value attributed to it also has a significant impact on whether and how individuals share it. 2.3.3 Value of knowledge Knowledge is increasingly perceived as being commercially valuable, and its ownership is being recognized by both individuals and the organizations they work in (Brown Woodland, 1999). When individuals perceive the knowledge they possess as a valuable commodity, knowledge sharing becomes a process mediated by decisions about what knowledge to share, when to share, and who to share it with (Andrews and Delahaye, 2000). In situations in which it is valued highly, individuals may tend to claim emotional ownership of knowledge (Jones and Jordan, 1998). This sense of ownership comes from the fact that in several settings, individual knowledge is linked to status, career prospects, and individual reputations (Andrews and Delahaye, 2000). The sharing of such knowledge is a complex process, and Jones and Jordan (1998) found that it involved, among other things, the extent to which individuals perceived themselves to be valued by their organization. Certain types of knowledge are valued highly by both individuals and organizations. For example, knowledge related to research and development is valued highly because of its commercial and scientific value. Research suggests that in research and development organizations, creative power resides in a relatively small number of individuals (Armbrecht et al., 2001), creating issues of ownership particularly because it is linked to tangible outcomes such as creation of new products, patents, research grants, and individual incomes. Therefore, in highly competitive environments or those in which knowledge has high commercial value, there exists a dilemma resulting from contradictory incentives to share knowledge and to withhold it. In organizations in which an individuals knowledge becomes his or her primary source of value to the firm, sharing this knowledge might potentially result in diminishing the value of the individual, creating a reluctance to engage in knowledge-sharing activities. Professionals, in particular, tend to guard their knowledge as they perceive that their own value to the firm is a product of the knowledge they possess (Weiss, 1999). Any reluctance to share knowledge is further heightened in situations characterized by uncertainties and insecurities, such as mergers and acquisitions (Armbrecht et al., 2001). 2.3.4 Motivation to Share Knowledge is intimately and inextricably bound with peoples egos and occupations and does not flow easily across the organization. According to Stenmark (2001), People are not likely to share knowledge without strong personal motivation. Motivational factors that influence knowledge sharing between individuals can be divided into internal and external factors. Internal factors include the perceived power attached to the knowledge and the reciprocity that results from sharing. External factors include relationship with the recipient and rewards for sharing. Knowledge as power, the increasing importance given to knowledge in organizations, and the increasing value attributed to individuals who possess the right kind of knowledge are conducive to creating the notion of power around knowledge. If individuals perceive that power comes from the knowledge they possess, it is likely to lead to knowledge hoarding instead of knowledge sharing. According to Brown and Woodland, individuals use knowledge for both control and defense (Armbrecht et al., 2001).In a competitive environment, withholding knowledge from those considered competitors is often regarded as being useful to attaining ones goals. Power politics is therefore an important aspect of knowledge sharing in organizations (Weiss, 1999). Blackler, Crump, and McDonald (1998) concurred with the notion that knowledge can be perceived as a source of power in organizations. They suggested that because knowledge is always situated within a particular context, it is natural that culture and power dynamics within the context affect the way knowledge is perceived and used. Reciprocity or the mutual give-and-take of knowledge can facilitate knowledge sharing if individuals see that the value-add to them depends on the extent to which they share their own knowledge with others. Reciprocal acts as those in which individuals help others and share information without negotiation of terms and without knowledge of whether or when the other will reciprocate. Reciprocity as a motivator of knowledge sharing implies that individuals must be able to anticipate that sharing knowledge will prove worthwhile (Weiss, 1999). It is the expectation that those involved in sharing knowledge will be able to acquire or benefit from some of the value created by their involvement. Empirical evidence for the relationship between reciprocity and knowledge sharing indicates that receiving knowledge from others stimulates a reciprocal flow of knowledge in the direction of the sender both horizontally and vertically in organizations (Schulz, 2001). Support for the relationship between reciprocity and knowledge sharing was also found by Hall (2001). Reciprocity is also thought to be a motivator of knowledge sharing in communities of practice where knowledge sharing results in enhancing participants expertise and providing opportunities for recognition. 2.3.5 Opportunities to Share Opportunities to share knowledge in organizations can be both formal and informal in nature. Formal opportunities include training programs, structured work teams, and technology-based systems that facilitate the sharing of knowledge. Stenmark (2001) referred to these asformal interactions, and Hall (2001) called them purposive learning channelsthose that are designed to explicitly acquire and disseminate knowledge. Informal opportunities include personal relationships and social networks that facilitate learning and the sharing of knowledge Weiss (1999) referred to these informal opportunities as relational learning channels. Purposive learning channels provide individuals with a structured environment in which to share knowledge. Armbrecht et al (2001) identified some formal interventions that facilitate knowledge sharing in organizations, from basic instructions to share knowledge, to more complex interventions such as Nominal Group Technique and the Delphi Technique. However, knowledge shared through formal channels tends to be mainly explicit in nature (Yang ,2007) The advantages of purposive learning channels are that they are able to connect a large number of individuals and they allow for the speedy dissemination of shared knowledge, especially through electronic networks and other technology-based systems. Empirical evidence for successful knowledge sharing through formal channels was found by Chini (2004) and Tan (2010) Although purposive learning channels play an important role in facilitating knowledge sharing, research indicates that the most amount of knowledge is shared in informal settings through the relational learning. Relational channels facilitate face-to-face communication, which allows for the building of trust, which in turn is critical to sharing knowledge. These informal opportunities to interact with other people help individuals develop respect and friendship, which influences their behavior Lim (2005) called this relation al embeddedness the kind of personal relationships that people develop when they interact with each other over a period of time. 2.3.6 Culture of the Work Environment The factors described above are important to understanding the manner in which knowledge is shared between individuals. However, all of these factors are influenced by the culture of the work environment the culture of the subunit and/or the culture of the organization at large. Organizational culture is increasingly being recognized as a major barrier to effective knowledge creation, sharing, and use (Weiss,1999). Organizations are essentially cultural entities Lim (2005) and therefore, regardless of what organizations do to manage knowledge, the influences of the organizations culture are much stronger. Dyer (1998) defined culture as a pattern of basic assumptions that is developed by a group as they grapple with and develop solutions to everyday problems. When these assumptions work well enough to be considered valid, they are taught to new members as the appropriate way to approach these problems. Schein further added that a key part of every culture is a set of assumptions about how to determine or discover what is real and how members of a group take an action, how they determine what is relevant information, and when they have enough of it, to determine whether to act and what to do. Culture is therefore reflected in the values, norms, and practices of the organization, where values are manifested in norms that in turn shape specific practices (Kasim, 2008). Weiss (1999) identified certain aspects of organizational culture that influence knowledge sharing culture shapes assumptions about which knowledge is important, it control