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ACSCars, Inc.: Connected and Disconnected Environment

Refer to the ACSCars database from previous weeks and complete the following tasks and discussion.

•Using the connection created in the previous assignment, Discussion and the Data command, populate a DataGrid that connects to the Tcars table and shows all fields for the cars, including prices.

This is populated using addItem() method

import fl.controls.DataGrid;

var myDataGrid:DataGrid = new DataGrid();

myDataGrid.addColumn(“Tcars”);

myDataGrid.addColumn(“Tvendors”);

myDataGrid.addColumn(“Tdealers”);

myDataGrid.addColumn(“Transaction_master”);

myDataGrid.addItem({Tcars:”Car_id”, Tdealers:”dealer_id”, Tvendors:”vendor_id”, Transaction_master:”trans_id”});

myDataGrid.addItem({Tcars:”car_name”, Tdealers:”dealer_name”, Tvendors:”vendor_name”, Transaction_master:”dealer_id”});

myDataGrid.addItem({Tcars:”car_type”, Tdealers:”dealer_location”, Tvendors:”vendor_location”, Transaction_master:”car_id”});

myDataGrid.addItem({Tcars:”car_model”, Tdealers:”dealer_state”, Tvendors:”vendor_state”, Transaction_master:”car_amnt”});

myDataGrid.addItem({Tcars:”car_color”, Tdealers:”dealer_phno”, Tvendors:”vendor_phno”, Transaction_master:”car_discount”});

myDataGrid.addItem({Tcars:”car_price”, Tdealers:””, Tvendors:”vendor_items”, Transaction_master:”car_date”});

myDataGrid.width = 200; myDataGrid.move(10, 10);

addChild(myDataGrid);

Screen shot

•Bind the DataGrid to the DataReader in a connected environment.

SqlCommand cm = new SqlCommand(“Select * from ACSCars”, con);

SqlDataReader dr;

dr = cm.ExecuteReader();

DataTable dataTable = new DataTable();

dataTable.Load(dr);

•Answer the following questions with respect to a disconnected environment:

string ACSCarsConnectionString =

“Server=localhost;Database= ACSCars;” +

“Trusted_Connection=True;

MultipleActiveResultSets=True”;

◦How will the two DataAdapter objects be created?

The first step was creating a new Sqlconnection instance. This entailed including the System.Data.SqlClient namespace in the program.

After calling Open () on the sqlconnection created, we use another block for the sqldataAdapters

The third step entailed filling dataTable. The fill method was essential in populating the internal rows and columns on Datatable to match the SQL result

◦How will you retrieve data from these two DataAdapters?

Data is retrieved through “fill”. Fill is among the essential methods of retrieving data on the DataAdapter objects. Fill executes the query and fills the DatabAdapter objects with the results retrieved from the database.

◦What is the syntax for filling DataSet by using the Fill method?

The fill method allows users obtain the value of a column from the DataRow object and handles the casting DBNull. Basically, the fill method has six different prototypes.

When using the syntax, the table name that one passes is actually the source table name, so the actual table name as used in the Dataset may be different if table mapping is in use.

•In addition, define the steps involved in creating a database application by using DataAdapter Configuration Wizard.

The first step involves creating Windows Application template.

Step 2: Adding a Data Grid Control to the Form this stag einvolves adding Datagrid control to the form by dragging it from the Toolbox > Window forms category. Step 3: Adding a Data Adapter Componentthis is done by dragging sqlDataAdapter control from the Toolbox to the open form. When one drags the data adapter (Sql, OleDb, or ODBC), the DataAdapter configuration wizards open up.

The second page allows one crate a new connection or picking from the connection list. Note visual studio has default Puran SQL server.

Choosing a query type

This page is for selling command types. A command set entails SQL statement

Generate the SQL Statementthis page allows one build SQL statement.

Query Builder

This stage involves picking tables from the data source. This start by selecting ASCcars table to tead in the data. There are options of selecting as many tables as one may need.

Now, I’ll select three columns from the database table.

Step4: Setting and Reviewing Data Adapter properties once DataAdapter is on the form, one need to check the sqlDataAdapter component properties. This can be seen by right clicking on the adapter and selecting properties menu item.

Figure: Setting the SQL select command in the data adapter

Step 5: Filling the Data Grid Control with Datathis entails creating fillDbGrid, which fills a Dataset object. This is followed by reading data from a DataSet object and populating the DataGrid control.

Listing: FillDB Grid Methodprotected void FillDBGrid()        {            DataSet ds = new DataSet();            sqlDataAdapter1.Fill(ds);            dataGrid1.DataSource = ds.DefaultViewManager;        }Listing: Calling the Fill DB Grid from the Form1 constructorpublic Form1()        {            InitializeComponent();            FillDBGrid();        }

HYPERLINK “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdQsLwjG-to”

Casablanca Directed by Michael Curtis

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HYPERLINK “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdQsLwjG-to”

Casablanca Directed by Michael Curtis

In filmmaking, a variety of camera angles are utilized to improve the story, subject, and overall mood of the picture. Each scene is generally photographed in a certain way by the cinematographer. As a result, they want to express the entire meaning of their film through each frame, making the camera angle in each scene crucial. There are various camera angles available in filmmaking that can help an individual achieve their desired narrative objective for the film, ranging from basic to complex camera views. Examples of popular camera shots include high angle; A high-angle shot represents a cinematography strategy in which the camera looks down from above on the subject. This shot is designed to make the individual or item underneath appear weak, helpless, or defenceless. Low angle; this is When the camera is positioned low on the vertical axis, below the level of the eyeliner, and looks up at an object or subject above. The over the shoulder shot, which is usually framed as a medium or close-up, is used to define the eye line of where each character in the scene is looking.

In the movie Casablanca that Michael Curtis directed, the cinematographers used different camera angles to portray different emotions and scenes. Mostly, in the scene (Link to External Site), the camera angle utilized is over the shoulder camera angle. As the two characters (Female and male ) were conversing, we are presented a close shot at the shoulders’ range to capture the conversation (Labe, 2017) fully. Also, the female actor looked at the other actor in a suggestive manner which is why it was shot at close range as they needed the viewers to comprehend.

The lighting in the room also portrayed a sombre environment, with the shifting lights also bringing some sense of romance and love. The movies aspect ratio also portrayed the feeling of closeness and brought clarity for viewers.

References

Labbé, J. (2017, October 28). Casablanca, by Michael Curtiz (1942) – Play it, Sam. Play. [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from

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Situational Approach

Case 5.1: Marathon Runners at Different Levels

Part 1

The runners are new to this activity and have accumulated no experience at all. Because they are all novices to running, they are classified as (D1) under the development levels. Their excitement about the race and their effort to show up each day is an indication of high commitment. So under the development levels, they are D1, low competence, and high commitment. This group asks basic questions constantly and is worried about their abilities in the race. For this reason, David should adopt the qualities of a coach represented by (S3) leadership styles. The group needs direction on the technicalities of a marathon. David does not expect, however, to deal with these kinds of questions and is not prepared. He is rather prepared to use Directing (S2), in his mind, his work is to direct and not to encourage this group coming to him with childish insecurities.

Part 2

It is clear from their choice of words and their concerns that runners in group two are considerably experienced and know a thing or two about running, they possibly lie under the (D3) developmental level (Northouse). With this group, David is at his element being highly supportive and because of their experience, he does not need to apply a hands-on approach or exercise high direction.

Part 3

This group’s experience and the ability of several of them to finish in the top ten put them at the D4 developmental category. It might not be David’s fault that he appears ineffective as a coach for this team. Their ego and an idea in their minds that they need a certain level of practice and tactics mean they do not appreciate David. They feel bigger than the New York marathon and look to focus on marathons beyond this one.

Part 4

David’s experience as a marathon runner himself is important for his coaching; his idea of the sport makes him suitable to speak to other people as a coach. The way he deals with group 1 may suggest a little bias, which is not a strong point for a leader. He needs to exercise patience if he is to succeed in this position. He also needs to exert a little more authority and demand respect from Group 3 runners.

Case 5.3: Getting the Message Across

Part 1

The current problem may be that training and leadership may be absent. It is good that Ms. Calder is interacting with students and relating with them, however, not having standards to run the station is major problem. She should focus some of her time training the students and holding them accountable than being friendly.

Part 2

Ann’s hands off approach means she is mainly doing things the S4 quadrant way and has no idea why the students are not following the rules. It is important for her apply the S1 or apply more of the S2 approach where she exerts more direction and becomes more involved. The nature of students and their ages mean their excitement for working for WCBA and learning the radio does not teach them right from wrong. They should be coached with an experienced individual and moderate during shifts.

Part 3

Ann can spend several shifts with the students and coach them on an individual basis. This will help her know how directive she needs to be with each of them. She will also be more informed on their level of skill. This is because situational leadership is based on the evaluation of employees’ skills and decides the level of need to amend in accordance.

Works Cited

Northouse, Peter G. Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications, 2018.

ACOUSTIC TESTING

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Type 2 testing

Type 2 testing is carried out once the design has been approved and is the initial qualification of the system. This test is where satellite equipment and subsystems undergo functional and environmental tests, which is done when preproduction prototype equipment software formal procedure is available. The system is defined as qualified if it passes the Critical Design Review where the Flight model that will go into space is built. This is done after completion of performance tests, environmental qualification tests, reliability qualification, maintenance demonstration, and system compatibility testing [3].

Performance test

This test is done before and after the environmental test to verify individual performance characteristic this is according to “Surviving Orbit the DIY Way: Testing the Limits Your Satellite Can and Must Match Book 2 of DIY satellites. Its main aim is to ascertain that satellites and subsystems can provide necessary output, fluid pressure capabilities and airplane success mission [1:15-49]. This ensures that equipment’s or sub equipment levels are not subjected to degraded performances. The necessary output should understand whether a river crossing bridge can handle expected traffic flow or a production process will provide an effective widget per given period or health care facility can process a number of patients in a given time.

Environmental qualification [1] understands that solar vacuum tests can be used as it simulates the orbital environment for maintenance, transportation and handling functions which include factors such as temperature cycling, shock vibration humidity, wind, salt, spray dust, pollution emission, explosion proofing and electromagnetic interference. The use of thermal vacuum test helps simulate satellite flight model of conditions such as extreme temperature and pressure.

Structural test

The acoustic vibration test and sinusoidal vibration test are done to verify the vibration noise by launcher generated and to check whether the material characteristics can withstand, strain, fatigue, bending, torsion and general decomposition during launch.

Reliability qualification test

Functional test can be carried out to ensure satellite is operating as it should be. Validation of procedure is also carried to ensure equipment safety and evaluate degradation and determine the modes of failure.

Maintainability demonstration

They are conducted in one or more systems to access Mean correlative maintenance time, mean preventative maintenance time, maintenance labor hour per operating hour and mean active maintenance time.

Support equipment compatibility tests

This may include the electrical compatibility test that ensures compatibility between the equipment’s and subsystems are operating efficiently. This helps verify the compatibility between the prime equipment’s test support equipment’s and handling equipment’s.

Personal test and valuation

This test evaluates the personnel’s individual qualities and skills mandated for the flight. It tests the relationship between people and equipment through various simulation modes to gauge performance under different situations. It also verifies the relationship between the people and the equipment as well as the software. This helps determine the amount of training needed for the personnel to operate the satellite.

Technical data verification

This can be assisted through electrical system checks signal transmit ion from one part of a system is understood and received by another. This assists in the operational and maintenance procedures being effectively communicates to the ground systems.

Software verification

Software tests uses programs that communicate between themselves and the ground segment through a central flight software. They Software Units such as Computer System Configuration Items, hardware and software compatibility to verify information is transmitted as it should be. The Software is linked to ground segment commands and monitors the satellite and ensures verification and maintenance software is accomplished.

Supply chain element compatibility test

This is used to verify whether packaging, handling methods, transportation, distribution modes, warehousing, storage methods and procurement approaches are done efficiently.

Compatibility test

Antunes considered the RF compatibility test that checks the equipment’s and subsystems assumes the role of checking the operating efficiently with active use of the RF transmitters [1:19-35]. He also argues that) the electromagnetic compatibility test is used to measure interference levels and identifies whether equipment and subsystems require additional design when slightly subjected to increased level of interference.

Acoustic Testing

Acoustic testing is generally a means of carrying out noise and vibration studies for satellites or spacecraft’s by subjecting them to tough testing conditions replicating the expected conditions during launch. The reason is to mimic the extreme conditions of outer space and extreme launch conditions to reduce damage of the system components. This can be done by the use of Structural and thermal model and engineering models units that will be subjected replicated conditions during launch as argued by Torino [2].

Acoustic test is mainly done in large volume reverberation chambers where the noise generated by the launch is simulated and checks whether the satellite can withstand the stress levels. This is done by creating conditions that are a quarter more severe than lift off and it’s done by multi-shaker tests. This depends on size and payload of the satellite, to ensure vibration data is acquired from all locations of the satellite. Qualification tests and stress testing are carried out to ensure satellite survival and capture of vibration and noise data.

tests are run on a degree of freedom simulations which are run on large payloads. The channels used however might be subjected to unlimited channel count and the use of swept sine is a critical test in applying limited channels [2]. The use of Microphones as a measuring device are required to be calibrated at high sound pressure levels. The test ensures that the system is properly tested and due to the test can face high electromagnetic radiation and dramatic temperature changes before launching a satellite.

Reference

[1] S. Antunes, surviving orbit the DIY way. Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media, 2012.

[2] W. Ley, K. Wittmann and W. Hallmann, Handbook of space technology. Chichester, U.K.: Wiley, 2009.

[3] B. Elbert, The satellite communication applications handbook. Norwood, MA: Artech House, 2004

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Introduction

Every investor is encouraged to pursue an investment in a certain venture by the performance of that business enterprise as reflected in the prices of its shares in the market. Before an individual or a corporate decides to invest in a certain stock, the investor is always guided by the rate of return the investment will receive annually (Brigham & Houston, 2007). When an investor buys stock of a certain company, he will receive two kinds of cash flows notably dividends during the period of investment as well as expected price after the holding period (Thomsett, 2009). Companies have therefore embarked on strategies meant to induce the investors in buying their stock in the market. To achieve this, they need to stipulate the required rate of return on the stock an individual or a corporate is buying. The investors are always paid residual interests after all the company liabilities are settled (Thomsett, 2009). In order to estimate the required rate of return on the stock bought and held by investors, a variety of models are utilized. These models may include dividend growth model, capital asset pricing model (CAPM), as well as Arbitrage pricing theory (APT). This paper therefore discusses the aforementioned theories as well as identifying the most suitable model for Dell Company in evaluating the required rate of return on investments (Brigham & Houston, 2007).

Dividend growth model

Different companies employ different model in estimating the required rate of return shareholders expect to receive on their investments. These models are varied in applications. To begin with, the dividend growth model is a theory employed by the companies whose annual growth is constant and not expected to change in the future (Siegel, 2007). The model assumes that the dividends payable by an organization to the investors will be constant in growth rate annually (Ogilvie, 2008). According to Ogilvie (2008) segmentation of the organization’s lifespan during which variability apply is inevitable incases where the growth rate changes. This is then followed by the valuation of each period separately (Ogilvie, 20208). These assumptions seem quite unrealistic to achieve given the changes of business environments all over the world. For instance, any economic downturn such as that witnessed in 2008 may likely to affect a business negatively thereby altering its growth rate. It is therefore useful only to the organizations whose growth rates are stable and moderately low (Siegel, 2007). Since investors venture into shares whose dividends grow with expectations that they would sell the shares at higher prices, the model would not be useful to them in any way. However, this model has its strengths as well. Dividend growth model can be very important in the estimation of marginal shareholdings (Olgive, 2008).

Capital asset pricing model (CAPM)

Capital asset pricing model (CAPM) on the other hand is a very important asset pricing theory that gives the business community their perception about the relations between risks and the expected returns as well as the pricing of the market risks (Constantinides et al, 2003). According to the model asking investors to accept supplementary risks would elicit their demand for an increase in the expected returns. They reiterate that the investors will not pursue the investments in cases where expected returns do not exceed or meet the required returns. According to Constantinides et al (2003) the aforementioned model has the limitation of explaining how the risk and the expected returns are related. Moreover, the assumptions made by the model are unrealistic as well. For instance, the assumption on a single period time theory based on the fact that investors are only interested in the wealth their portfolio is generating at the end of the current period is not true (Constantinides et al, 2003). According to Kürschner (2008) investors are always securing their consumption in a lifetime by long-term investments unlike the notion held by the model. Moreover, the model is based on the forward-looking information such as expected returns which can not be valuated with accuracy and would therefore be determined by hysterical data. The exclusion of operation costs and taxes as well as lack of free and readily available information are some of the unrealistic assumptions of the model. Further it is not expected that all investors would be logical about their expected returns in addition to having uniform expectations (Kurschner, 2008). Finally, Kurschner (2008) notes that risk-free assets are non-existent in the business world contrary to the assumption of the CAPM model.

Arbitrage pricing theory (APT)

Unlike CAPM, Arbitrage pricing theory (APT) is an evaluation model that is harder to use even though it has fewer assumptions than the former model (Giovanis, 2010). According to the model, the security prices are determined by a variety of factors including company factors as well as macro factors. Giovanis (2010) reiterates that the theory does not depend on the market performance measurements and therefore links the security prices to the factors that directly affect the prices. However, the model does not specify the factors calling for empirical determination. Another profound difference between this theory and the Capital asset pricing model is that the former has a single beta as well as non-company factor whereas APT has numerous non-company factors each requiring a separate beta. The sensitivity of the security price of a factor is determined by its beta. The model provides no guarantee in determination of the factors in addition to complexities in calculations of beta especially when the factors are numerous. Generally, the use of this model is a bit complicated.

Of the three above discussed models, I would propose adoption of Arbitrage pricing theory (APT) in the evaluation of stock in the Dell Company. To begin with, the model has fewer assumptions compared to the other two models whose assumptions are quite unrealistic. Its flexibility in the assumptions makes the model be considered as an alternative to ACPM. The model provides a deep understanding of the relationship between the origin of risks in the financial realm and nature by providing a sound description of the risks and return (Giovanis, 2010). It also provides an understanding on how investors bearing risks are rewarded by the capital market. Even though the model does not indicate the factors, the macro-factors are plausible. Additionally, there is no need to correctly measure the market performance since the model directly links the security prices to the factors that affect the prices (Mei, 1994). The ATP model is used by the Arbitrageurs to profit by utilizing mispriced securities. In most cases, mispriced securities always costs differently from the model’s predicted price. Finally, the arbitrageur a profit that is theoretically risk-free by going long the portfolio which the calculations were derived while at the same time going short an over-priced security (Mei, 1994).

Conclusion

Investors always pursue an investment activity with a main aim of reaping returns. The companies in which such investments are undertaken are therefore bound to offer dividends on the shares held by an investor. This is highly dependent on the performance of the firm in regard to its share prices. Investors usually buy the shares with an aim of holding them and later selling the shares when their prices heighten in order to make profits. The firm has a mandate to device strategies of estimating the rate of returns ion such investments. Attractive rate of returns always encourage investors to buy shares of a certain company. The management teams of such investment companies have to adopt one of the existing models on the valuation of stock or estimation of rate on returns. These models include dividend growth model, capital asset pricing model (CAPM), as well as Arbitrage pricing theory (APT). The above mentioned models assume different applications and have varied weaknesses and strengths as well. For instance, dividend growth model is applicable to companies that demonstrate constant and moderately low growth rate. Dell Company is a multi-national company with a large capital base and in whose shares the investors have ventured. Just like other for profit organizations, Dell Company has to device strategy meant to induce investors in buying its shares. To achieve this I have proposed that the company consider utilizing the Arbitrage pricing theory in estimating rate of return. The models has commendable strengths including fewer assumptions, elaborate description on the relationship between risks and returns and does not depend on the measures of the performance of the market.

Reference List:

Brigham, E. & Houston, J. (2007). Fundamentals of financial management. 11TH Ed. Florence:

Cengage Learning, 2007

Constantinides et al (2003). Handbook of the economics of finance. Maryland: Elsevier.

Giovanis, E. (2010). Application of Capital Asset Pricing (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing Theory

(APT) Models in Athens Exchange Stock Market. Munich: GRIN Verlag.

Kurschner, M. (2008). Limitations of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM): Criticism and

New Developments. Munich: GRIN Verlag,

Mei, J. (1994). New methods for the arbitrage pricing theory and the present value model.

Hackensack: World Scientific.

Ogilvie, J. (2008). CIMA Official Learning System Management Accounting Financial Strategy.

5th Ed. Maryland: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Siegel, J. (2007). Stocks for the long run: the definitive guide to financial market returns and

long-term investment strategies. 4th Ed. London: McGraw-Hill Professional

Thomsett, M. (2009). Getting Started in Options. 8th Ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Monograph – Nat Turner and John Brown

By Bernadette Kalala

Texas Southern University

November 01, 2020.

Nat Turner was an American slave who later became a preacher. He made history as one of the bloodiest slave revolts in 1831. Turner claimed to have voices from God telling him that he should prepare to slay his enemies with their own weapons. He took the solar eclipse as a signal that the time had come for him and the rest of the slaves to raise up. He organized several slaves to continue the violent spree throughout the country. He intended to reach the county seat of Jerusalem and take the armory but were overpowered by armed white men. Turner escaped and went into hiding. Following the insurrection, Turner went into hiding for six weeks, but he was eventually caught and hanged on November 11, 1831. His death led to the end of the emancipation movement in the region and also saw the enactment of harsher laws against the slaves. Based on this, Turner was significant in the United States slavery since he led a violent rebellion aimed at setting the black people free.

On the other hand, John Brown was a key figure in the abolitionist movement before the Civil War in the United States. Brown was not like many of the abolitionists, as he was not a pacifist. He believed in aggressive action against slaveholders as well as any government officials who played a crucial role in slave ownership. Previous to joining the anti-slavery campaign, Brown was an entrepreneur who ran tannery and cattle trading businesses. He got the inspiration to join the anti-slavery movement following the brutal murder of Presbyterian minister and anti-slavery activist Elijah p. Lovejoy in 1837. It is at this point that he consecrated his life to the destruction of slavery. Therefore, John Brown played a significant role in leading a violent revolt as a white man to abolish slavery. In 1859, he was executed on charges of murder, treason, and insurrection.

Turner and Brown had a lot of similarities as well as differences in their fight against slavery in the United States. One of the similarities is that they both used violence against white people, especially the slave owners. None of them was happy about the way black people were treated by the white people, and this is the reason why they took action. Another similarity between the two is that they were executed for treason and murder. Besides, both were sentenced to death by hanging. Regarding the differences, Nat Turner was different in that he obtained his motivation to join anti-slavery from the call of God. He claimed to see visions and hear voices from God who told him what to do and when to attack. On the other hand, John Brown was an entrepreneur before he became an abolitionist, unlike Turner, who was a preacher. Brown received motivation after witnessing a brutal murder of Elijah Lovejoy, an anti-slavery activist. Based on this, it is evident that both Turner and Brown were similar and different, despite coming from different races. Turner was a slave from the south, and Brown was a white man from the North.

Turner and Brown’s actions were argued as being equally inhuman as the institution of slavery, especially Turner, who had been enslaved at birth. However, Turner and Brown’s actions were justified as they were retaliating to the wrath of the white slave owners who used violence to brutally undermine the people of color. Both used the concept of retributive justice in which a crime had to be punished with an equal magnitude, and since the white slave owners were responsible for most of the violence in the country, they were targeted first. Slave owners killed and maimed slaves without empathy and also did the same to any person who went against them. For example, Elijah Lovejoy was brutally murdered simply because he was an abolitionist. Based on this, it was justified to turn ‘an eye for an eye’ type of revenge to help stop the brutality against the slaves and the black people in general. In the case of Turner, he had been enslaved from birth, and this means that he grew to witness the brutality and other inhuman acts performed by the slave masters. Based on this, he developed a hatred for white people, and when he, as the oppressed had the chance of revenge, he had to do it in the best way possible, killing more whites who had made his life miserable. Based on this, both Turner and Brown’s actions can be termed as justified.

Race played a substantial role in the legacy of Turner vs. Brown in that Turner was a black slave, and Brown was a white abolitionist. For blacks, it was justified to come up with strategies to help them out of oppression, and this is precisely what Turner did, becoming a preacher and receiving directions on what to do from God. However, it was uncommon for the whites to rise against other whites in defense of an inferior race, and this is what makes the case of Brown unique. Brown was empathetic and felt that the brutality imposed on the black people wasn’t justified. Since there were no other means to negotiate the abolition of slavery, he had to turn to violence. The race issue is remembered more favorably than other in that both white and blacks set up their differences and fought for the same course, and it is as a result of this that more people from the North began to oppose the Southern acts on slavery.

Although telling the story of a slave insurrectionist is not the history that most people care to talk about, Nat Turner should be remembered as a courageous person who organized his fellow slaves, enlightening them that what was being done to them was wrong, and the only way that they could overcome was by demonstrating that they are not a weak race. It is by this that he had to fight the white man and defeat him to show the rest of the slaves that it was possible to live without oppression. He was a hero to the African Americans as he initiated a revolution that caused alarm to the white people and government at large, compelling them to amend the laws and make them tighter for the slaves. The memory of Turner and Brown should be kept alive since they played a crucial role in the abolition course. It is by their brave actions that future abolitionists-such as Malcolm X followed. They are the pioneers of militarized abolitionists. Their rightful place in history should be the same as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. since they all played a crucial role towards a similar course, abolition of slavery and setting free of the black people.

Bibliography

Bisson, Terry, and John Davenport. Nat Turner: Slave Revolt Leader. Infobase Publishing, 2009.

Britt, Brian. “Prophetic Perfectionism: The Afterlives of Nat Turner and John Brown.” Political Theology 21, no. 1-2 (2020): 89-104.

Easter, Chelsea E. “RACE AND THE REVOLUTIONARIES: HOW RACIAL IDENTITY HAS DETERMINED THE LEGACY OF NAT TURNER AND JOHN BROWN.” SU PPORTING CU LTURAL DI FFERENCES (2011): 706.

Reynolds, David S. John Brown, abolitionist: the man who killed slavery, sparked the Civil War, and seeded civil rights. Vintage, 2009.

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Monomyth Greek Mythology

Introduction

A Monomyth or the hero’s journey as explained by Joseph Campell is a pattern that represents various stages of a hero’s life journey. Different myths from various times and regions share fundamental structures and stages. Monomyth has five stages namely: call for adventure; the conflict; the journey; helpers and guides and transformation. The following is a narrative of Greek mythology hero and his relationship to the monomyth patterns.

The Greek monomyth model has a real life relationship between the ancient and modern literature.

The Greek Mothology hero

One of the most prominent Greek heroes was Heracles. He was famous for the twelve labors he performed for Eurytheus, the King of Tiryns.

“The mind knows only what lies near the heart.” (Hamilton and Christopher 77)

Heracles fulfilled the five stages of monomyth in the followimg ways:

Call for adventure: Heracles was sent to murder his own children as the only way to clear him from his crimes. In addition, he was to perform ten tasks for Eurystheus.

The conflict: Heracles was confused because the King wanted him to kill his only three children. In addition, he was given ten tasks to prove himself a hero but the king refused to credit him with two tasks claiming he was helped.

The Journey: Heracles encountered many challenges that made him a brave man. He was told to kill the most dangerous animals and creatures such as the lion, the hydra, and boar. In addition, he was exposed to many dangerous tasks that involved walking through thick forests and capturing deadly animals.

“The power of good is shown not by triumphantly conquering evil, but by continuing to resist evil while facing certain defeat.” (Hamilton and Christopher 81). 

Helpers and guides: Throughout his challenges, Heracles met good Samaritans who assisted him in some tasks. His nephew Iolaus to kill the hydra accompanied him.

The treasure: the king set Heracles free after accomplishing all the ten tasks. In addition, Hera withdrew her murder case.

Transformation: Heracles returned home and spent the rest of his time trying to accomplish other heroic tasks and adventures including killing anything dangerous he finds on his way.

Character from book

Heracles mythical story relates to Star Wars who was given a hard task but emerged a conqueror.

Conclusion

The study of monomyth assists in relating the current events with the traditional heroes who placed great roles in shaping lives of others. Heracles was one of the Greek heroes who showed courage and love for his people by sacrificing his life to perform various tasks.

Work cited

Hamilton, Edith, and Christopher Wormell. Mythology. , 2013. Print.

 Most historians agree to the fact that Buddhism has originated in the 5th century BCE in the Northern India. Its founder was Siddhartha or ‘Gautam Buddha’, whom we also refer to as Lord Buddha. The word Buddha literally means the awakened or the enlightened one or the one who has attained true ‘Gyana’. Prince Siddhartha observed that there was only pain and suffering in this world and he set out to find its resolution. He attained a state of enlightenment which was the result of continuous meditation for years. He meditated for years and pondered upon the fact that what was the ultimate truth and what could end the sufferings in this world. He also pondered over what was the cause of all the suffering in this world. He attained true Gyan under the Bodhi tree at Gaya in northern India which marked an end from the worldly attachments. According to his teachings, attachment is the source of all evils and every pain.

Buddhism as a religious or spiritual tradition focuses upon the personal spiritual development of the individual. It is said that there are around 376 million followers worldwide of Buddhism and Lord Buddha. Buddha went on his quest for enlightenment around 6th century BC. Buddhists also seek to reach Nirvana following the path of Lord Buddha and as prescribed by his teachings. Buddhists believe that nothing is permanent in this life and that even life itself is not permanent therefore one should instead of wasting his time behind worldly attachments should try to attain true Gyan and instead of getting caught in the cycle of life and death should try to attain Nirvana or liberation of the soul.

People are caught in the cycle of life and death and the only way to be liberated from it is through meditation and self-analysis. Life and existence are endless. They are endless in the sense that living beings die and reincarnate or are born again. Thus again and again a cycle of life and death follows. But life, according to Lord Buddha’s teachings is also impermanent and it is so because no state in life whether good or bad lasts forever. Lord Buddha was born around 2500 years ago in Nepal to a royal family. His name was Siddhartha and he led a life of luxury and privilege until one day he came against an old man, a sick man and a corpse. These scenes changed his view of life. He was stunned to see pain, death and sorrow and started thinking if there could be a way out of it.

He was so disturbed by these scenes that he abandoned the royal life, full of privileges and adopted a monk’s lifestyle. He shunned all the luxuries and became an ascetic who followed the path of asceticism. After attaining enlightenment he was known as Lord Buddha. Today, in its history of 2500 years Buddhism has undergone multiple modifications and there are multiple different sects or schools of Buddhism. The two main and most followed sect6s are the Theravada and the Mahayana. Theravada has its followers in many countries of the world which include Srilanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Burma. Mahayana Buddhism has a very high number of followers in countries including Taiwan, Japan, Tibet, China, Korea and Mangolia.

After attaining enlightenment the first sermon which Lord Buddha delivered is based on the four noble truths. These four noble truths also form the essence of his teachings. He came to understand them while meditating under the Bodhi tree. These four noble truths include:

The truth of suffering

The truth of the origin of all the sufferings

The truth of the cessation of the worldly sufferings

The truth of the path to the cessation of pain, misery and suffering.

Today Buddhism has developed into many different forms and along with there are also diverse customs and traditions being followed by the different sects. There main customs include veneration of Lord Buddha and meditating on his qualities and teachings. The Buddhist monks the Mantra of ‘Buddham Sharnam Gachhami’ which in Sanskrit means I willingly devote myself to the path of Gyan under the aegis of Lord Buddha.

Lord Buddha like many other great religious preachers also preached love, sympathy, brotherhood and non-violence. His teachings mainly emanate from the idea of kindness and sympathy to all human beings. Toady Buddhism has spread to nearly every part of the world from India which is its place of origin. It has taken various forms and everywhere it has also adopted the local customs and traditions.

It is said that Buddha taught to people for around 45 years extensively, but yet, by the time of his death, His words had never been recorded. His preachings were transmitted orally and the earliest Buddhist texts that are available describe a gathering of 500 Buddhist followers after his death to record and standardize his teachings. The earliest texts also serve as religious recitations. Recitation of these texts is considered an essential practice among the Buddhist monks. These texts are divided into three collections also known as Tripitaka. These collections contain Lord Buddha’s understanding of his path of enlightenment.

Karma is one of the fundamental Buddhist principles. Until one is enlightened and liberated from the cycles of life and death his actions will determine his rebirths in future. Apart from the four noble truths Buddha also prescribed the eightfold path. This eightfold path is also regarded as the guideline for correct behavior and the correct pattern of life. Today, Buddhism has spread to nearly every part of the world with millions of followers around the globe.

References:

Buddhism at a glance (n.d.). In BBC Religion. Retrieved September 5, 2013, from HYPERLINK “http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml”http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml

Hardy, J. (n.d.). Principles of Moral Thought and Action. In Religion Library: Buddhism. Retrieved September 5, 2013, from HYPERLINK “http://www.patheos.com/Library/Buddhism/Ethics-Morality-Community/Principles-of-Moral-Thought-and-Action.html” http://www.patheos.com/Library/Buddhism/Ethics-Morality-Community/Principles-of-Moral-Thought-and-Action.html

Career Development Plan Summary

HRM 531

University Of Phoenix

As a mid-level manager at Kudler Fine Foods, I have been tasked with the restructuring of my team. This team will take on new responsibilities that require the hiring of additional personnel and will require training for new and current employees. We will also consider better methods for appraising the team’s performance. Below is my composed proposal to be delivered to upper management regarding how this restructure will be designed and implemented.

The job descriptions and qualifications for five new positions

The first step is to develop a job description that clearly defines the duties, responsibilities and tasks for the new and old position stores. The tasks clarity is key elements to the organization success and the staff success.

Manager:

Manage the overall operation of all staff at the Del Mar branch of Kudler Fine Foods store. The manager will focus on the inventory and make sure to have the optimum stock to minimize expiration of products. He or she must develop a weekly inventory list and will be responsible to order all products. On the long run, the manager will be responsible to launch a new automated inventory program. The store manager must be present at least 70% of the time at the store to meet customers and attend to their needs. He or she must also attend to the store staff needs and focus on their productivity and morale and do their evaluation.

Accountant:

The accountant should be able to review and reconcile all invoices submitted by the suppliers and ensure payments are made promptly. She or he should be able to Prepare the profit and loss accounts, and also the monthly closing and cost accounting reports. Coordinates the monthly closes and ensures accurate and timely reporting of all finance issues to Kathy. He or she will also perform standard and special analyses that provide insightful views into the operations and financial performance of Kudler Fine Foods organization. The accountant should also evaluate, analyze and report savings initiatives that will increase revenue for the company.

Marketing coordinator:

A market coordinator should be able to update the company’s website to recommend ideas for possible initiatives. Conduct market research to determine market requirements for existing and future products. He or she should also be able develop and implement marketing plans and projects for new and existing products. Deliver marketing activity within agreed budget and should also be able to develop an accurate pricing strategy that will help eliminate unnecessary cost.

Cashier:

A Cashier at KFF should always maintained outstanding customer service according to KFF standards. She or he should be able to process sales quickly, accurately and efficiently. The cashier should make sure that all customers receive outstanding service by providing a friendly environment. Maintain an awareness of all promotions and advertisements that will create more revenue for the business. Must be vast knowledge with cash registers and maintain all cash and media at the registers.

Shelf-Stock staff:

The shelf-stock staff should check the expiry dates, labels, tags and quality of the goods shelved in the store. Should Ensure that the goods stacked on the shelves comply with the standards of the store and that they are not damaged. Coordinate the work processes with the sales teams and other store departments. Efficiently following all the tasks delegated by the supervising authority. She or he should be able to complete all assigned targets within the specified deadline. This employee should be able maintained a clean store and stockroom environment and also be able to follow all standard operating procedures of the store.

Training Program

Research shows that the more time and money invested in an employee in the form of continuing education and skills development will make that employee a beneficial asset to the company. With that been said, we have to implement a welled structured training program that will enhance the skills and qualifications of the new and current employees at Kudler Fine Foods. The objectives for the training programs will first explain an overview of what is expected from trainees. Once training is complete, trainees will be given a test on the new knowledge gained.

The depth and scope of the training program will be determined through accurate feedback received through surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and job evaluations. To know the areas that needs fixing, improving, or removed from the training program. The system must rely heavily upon inputs from supervisors, trainees and others that are directly affected by the training.

The way training is delivered goes a long way in determining the effectiveness of the team. Some distinctive variables are taken into consideration before training delivery method is chosen. Management and trainers must take into consideration the number of employees to be trained; the level of understanding of trainees, the diction in management training might be different from the entry level employees. Trainers must also be ready to demonstrate to employees so that they can see how it is being done. There are some employees that learn by practice, when they do it, they understand it better.

The training program should run for two weeks for new employees, whilst current employees should do a four hours in house training to bring them update of new procedures. The training must also prepare the team for direct involvement with customers, suppliers, managers in the industry.

Method for Evaluating Employee and Team Performance

Evaluating each employee and team performance should be done by feedback and performance appraisals. A positive and constructive feedback is the key when supporting an employee desire to perform well. Feedback is given in regard to client transaction experiences to provide a measurement of employees’ performances against standards set through the job analysis and organizational goals. By creating an appraisal form for each employee allows me to “observe the player’s performance, make an appraisal of it, and then provide real –time feedback to build sound habits and eliminate unsound ones.”(Cascio, 2005)

For the employees to reach a higher level of performance a timeframe should be specified and goals should be observable and measurable. Some employees may not meet the standards of the job requirements; therefore, these individuals will need to be part of a discipline process. A development action plan through skill improvement will be created. The plan requires solid coaching and communication from a mentor who is a leader and able to assist the employee in his or her development. The mentor program will be mandatory if the employee is on an action plan.

Challenges of Team Performance Evaluation

Differences between the two appraisal systems:

The difference between the two appraisal systems is trying to effectively monitor the success of the individual and the team at the same time. It is sometimes difficult to view the individual and team performances separate of one another and truly assess a person’s talent. Trying to measure an individual’s success by the team performance can result in inaccurate assessments. On the other hand measuring the team’s success is dependent on the interaction and roles the individuals take on within the group. One needs to properly assess the individual personalities and the team dynamics to properly qualitative the reasons for their outcomes.

Difficulties of evaluating team performance:

When evaluating a team’s performance, the biggest challenge for a manager is that he or she is reviewing a team as opposed to an individual. If using a graphic rating scale as a team evaluation tool, the problems a manager may face will develop from having to generalize the teams’ performance, knowledge, or ability to fit one of the performance levels. The problem is being able to select the appropriate ranking based on several employees’ performances.

Unique needs of a team appraisal system:

A team appraisal is unique because management has to take into consideration more than one person input into the project. The team appraisal can be an enhancement of the individual appraisal. Individual performance must be assessed and appraised to avoid under performance of team members. This behavior could also result in the decreased performance of high performing team members. The team appraisal system is unique because of the difficulty of the project.

Strategies to discourage social loafing:

Kudler Fine Foods management must ensure that there will be no social loafing at the stores. To discourage this from happening is to understand the skill sets of your team so that you can assign the right task to the right member and create a system for measuring individual performance and rewarding those who excelled above and beyond team goal.

Incentives and benefits packages

To ensure retention of our competent staff and attract out of company talent, a well structured, systematic incentive and benefits packages must be developed. Attractive compensation and rewards are vital to maintain morale, job satisfaction, encourage peak performance and will also reduce turnover at Kudler Fine Foods.

Benefits

By providing benefits for the employees, KFF will benefit through increase revenues, and the employees will benefit through the total rewards package.

The company’s Benefits objectives are to:

Instill sense of ownership in KFF and its customers

Motivate the employees to improve customer satisfaction levels

Build teamwork and improve the relations between the team, the company and customers

Each employee salary will be based on years of experience, title they hold with the company, educational level and the complexity of the position they hold. Incentives will be given to employees in form of commissions, bonuses, gifts, profit sharing and awards. Commissions will be based on sales or gross profit based on the performance of an employee or how well the company excels in a particular year. Also benefits will be a big part of the compensation package. Kudler Fine Foods also provides the following benefits for all its employees.

Retirement plans 401 (K)

Medical and Life insurance for all employees.

Dental insurance for all employees.

Flex time. The sales person will have the option choose the set of hours he or she wants to work in a given day (coming late and leaving late for example)

On-site child care facility.

Strategy for Managing Employees’ Career Development

The challenges associated with the changing nature of work and the workplace environment is real. Rapid change requires a skilled, knowledgeable workforce with employees who are adaptive, flexible, and focused on the future. As a manager, one of your key responsibilities is to develop your staff. Encourage growth and career development of employees by coaching, and by helping employees achieve their personal goals, providing adequate training, encouragement of staff development, and opportunities for growth.

A fair and appropriate compensation plan

It is important that we consider also restructuring the compensation plan that we are currently using. This plan will encourage and reward performance that will increase returns on all fronts. “An organizational reward system includes anything an employee values and desires that an employer is able and willing to offer in exchange for employee contributions more specifically such compensation includes both financial and non financial rewards.” (Cascio, 2005) Motivating employees to work hard is a much easier challenge when the benefits of doing so are appealing. Designing an effective pay plan requires a mix of financial rewards and nonfinancial rewards that link company objectives with employee expectations. The individual needs of each employee should be considered to guarantee a sufficient level of rewards is being offered. Therefore, I am proposing a compensation plan that includes consideration for each of the above-mentioned objectives in which I know will prove to be effective. Designing and implementing an effective compensation program is a critical activity. It may be not be easy to predict the effect of such a program and the influence it will have at InterClean, but it is essential. This new compensation plan for the sales team will include both financial and non financial benefits. Financial rewards include direct payments to salary as well as indirect payments to salary such as employee bonuses. Non financial rewards include day to day work environment appearances that will enhance an employee sense of self respect; an example of this is, training opportunities and involvement in decision making. The new compensation plan will be a market – based pay structure for the employees. When an employee understands their specific detail of their job description it is a key tool in the destination of their pay system. We have already identified the important characteristics of each job; next step is to determine how much InterClean is willing to pay for such a skill

In conclusion, I believe that Career Development Plan I created for Kudler Fine Foods Company will motivate employees to reach performance peak and advance their careers. It will also create benefits for all employees, give the company competitive edge over it rivals, and boost sales margins upward.

Reference:

Managing human resources: Cascio, W. (2006).

University of Phoenix, Web link: Business/Kudler/Internet/Kudler

Mcdonalds Marketing Plan

Student’s name

University affiliation

Date

Mcdonalds Marketing Plan

Executive Summary

This is a consulting company which mainly specializes with the marketing of product with high technology in the international markets. The company is an expert in market research and personal computers in the entire national market.

Situation Analysis

Acme consulting provides expertise of high level to the international development of high technology business, distribution strategies, channel development as well as marketing the products of high tech. It mainly aims at offering two types of international triangles. One is to provide the clients in the United States with the Latin American and European development markets and two, offering the clients in European with development for the Latin American and United States Markets.

The main aim of the company is to continue taking the consulting work to markets which are related and to be specific, the Latin America together with the other places such as far East. The company on the other hand will look into additional leverage through having representation positions and brokerage positions with an aim of creating percentage holdings on the result products.

2.1. Market Summary

The company aims at manufacturers of computers with high technology software and hardware, networking and services who require to sell in the Europe, Latin America and United States markets. These are the main large companies or the medium sized ones.

The very main customers comprise of large corporation executives who are sales managers, general managers as well as marketing managers who have the responsibility of focusing on specific channel, market and international focus. These executives would not want a situation they are risking losing money or wasting time searching for questionable expertise or bargaining information. The executives are very much sensitive on risking the reputation and company’s name as they get into the market to search for new opportunities (Ruef, 2002, p74-95)

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2.1.1. Market analysis

Demographics

The very important segments in the market comprise of the high technology large manufacturers of products like Hewlett- Packard, Apple, Siemens, Olivetti and Microsoft. The companies will always call Acme for the development functions which are essential spun off as compared to the managed in house for market forums and market research (Palo alto.com. 2006).

Companies with growth of medium size: Especially the multimedia, software and other related growth fields, Acme always will provide very attractive developments alternative to the management constrained companies or those that are not in a position to address new market opportunities and segments in new market (Poulfelt, 1997, 65-70).

The table below shows market analysis for the company

Potential customer Growth 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 CAGR

US High Tech 10% 5,000 5,500 6,050 6,655 7,321 10.00%

European High Tech 15% 1,000 1,150 1,323 1,521 1,749 15.00%

Latin America 35% 250 338 456 616 832 35.07

Other 2% 10,000 10,200 10,404 10,612 10,824 2.00%

Total 6.27% 16,250 17,188 18,233 19,404 20,726 6.27%

2.1.2. Market Trends

The company benefits from some of the market trends;

There is a trend on internationalization. The coming up of internet has led to direct communication in the large world with manufacturers. Europe for instance, has been able to create a unified major market for real. On the other hand, the Latin America is growing and healthy while Asia, even though it had setbacks recently, it is a very good market. The potential client base, as well as manufacturers requires moving into the new market and expanding.

Communication technology has been an explosion in the new industry. Due to internet, the communication technology growth of items has been explosive. The network cards, connectors, modems, cables, routers and communication software are growing with a rate of 35% in every year. The margins however are not very much great in the standard categories of hardware though there is enormous growth (Mintzberg et al, 2005, p1).

There is a trend in consulting, contracting and management of ad hoc. Even big companies and businesses are very frequently turning to the temporary expertise other than fixed and permanent cost employees. There are the new applications which are latest for the ‘scalable’ buzzword. Acme consulting is therefore an attractive alternative when it comes to the clients as we offer variable economic advantage vs. the fixed costs as well as overhead and growing liability for taking on employees for longtime period.

2.1.4. Market Growth

The association of US in market consultants has reported a growth of 30% in the average revenue in the consultants which focus on the high tech marketing of products. Acme consultants is a subset of the said market mainly due for the higher growth ever as compared to the mainstream(Mills et al, 1995, p 17-49). The industry dealing with local electronics in California has reported a trend on solutions of additional consulting just like the manufacturers convert onto the solutions of variable cost.

The industry associations in Europe and Japan show that the overall growth in the interest while moving to the new markets is seen to be very phenomenal. The growth of projects in the new market internationally is more that 100% in every year (Palo alto.com. 2006).

2.2. SWOT Analysis

This covers the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and also threats. The weaknesses and strengths are internal attributed and may be addressed through changing the business. The threats and opportunities are mainly external.

2.2.1. Strengths

All the principles in this area have true expertise. The experience as well as expertise is better as compared to any other person known in this area.

The communication technologies dominance from the user’s view. Acme consultants have the best website, a file Transfer Protocol which is secure and also facilities comprising of password protection which are involved in receiving and sending documents from customers, automatic links and major bandwidth to train the allies in assisting clients get the required speed on the offered facilities(Sterne, 2002, p1). It is also possible to have meetings held via the internet with shared visuals and interface.

Acme consultants has a manageable size. There is no need for very large overheads. The clients however know the fact that we are in a position to provide whatever we have promised. The bigger consulting houses as well as competition, may build on the major partner structure concerned with young associates and selling, with much less experience and consulting delivery (Business Plan Pro.2001).

Contacts are well kept. The experience of many years means there is a lot of contacts, networking and marketing through word of mouth.

2.2.2. Weaknesses

Resources for marketing are a major challenge. Now that we are a group, we tend to be very good in making sales directly. However, the required resources in doing the general marketing sometimes are inadequate. We therefore rely on word of mouth as the main way to generate leads (Sodhi &Tang, 2001, p 40-48).

Without having staff, it is not possible to leverage people in developing presentations and documents, detailed research as well as complete the blank spaces. We have inadequate support staff to handle the email, fax and telephones from our clients.

Our brands. In most cases, McKinsey or Booz Allen is a better purchase for executives in that there is no single person who was fired because of hiring the IBM. We are very new in the market and we may be seen as very innovative hence a risky choice.

2.2.3. Opportunities

Growth of internet. Most of the companies nowadays are being forced into the marketing worldwide without an option. The rates of growth are much higher and also obvious opportunities.

Market growth internationally. The Latin America and Europe are very much booming. Asia is recovering though it was suffering. The manufacturers are therefore very much anxious waiting to take their very new technologies to the new markets across borders (Soriano, 2003, 409-416).

The red tape which is growing is involved with employing full time workers mainly internationally at the level of executives.

2.2.4. Threats

Internet is an opportunity and also a threat. Our very expertise involves managing several markets, crossing borders and therefore the solved problems are reduced when it comes to their importance through the information growing availability(Soriano, 2001,p40-48). For instance, software companies in the recent past charged very huge premiums for available software in smaller markets though the customers currently are very likely to observe the prices available elsewhere and make a decision to purchase through the net.

The branded and large competition is slowly recognizing our area. Nowadays they have started competition in our area and therefore we are not left alone as they have recognized the niche (Alio & Fahey, 2012)

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New competitors are coming up in the new market especially now that the European market has grown; the major competitors in the area are very much significant.

2.3. Competitor analysis

The main element in the decision of purchase made at the level of Acme client is trust in the reputation of profession and the consulting firm reliability. Competition is in various forms.

One, the very much significant competition involves no consultation. The companies which choose to start development of business, make in house market research and channel the development (Fletcher,Crawford, 2010, p25). Their managers are involved in this privately which is part of their business functions. The key advantage which we hold onto in the in house development is the fact that managers are very much full of responsibilities. The managers lack time to undertake new market responsibilities and also the development of new channels. The Acme may approach the channels, vendors and alliances on the confidential basis to make the initial contacts and gather information in ways (Palo alto.com. 2006).

Second is the prestige on high level management consulting. These can be said to be generalists who obtain a management consulting name brand on specialty areas. Their weakness which is very much important is structure management which has the partners being involved in selling jobs. The inexperienced associates are also involved in work delivery. We therefore compete against these individuals as experts in the certain fields with a guarantee that the clients will have atop level people performing the actual work.

Third is the research company in the international market. The companies are said to be formidable competitors in the market research published as well as market forums though they do not offer high level consulting as Acme could be able to offer(Poulfelt, 1994, 421-436).

Other types include smaller house market specific like Japan’s Nomura research and the brokering, deal catalysts and sales representation which are an ad hoc business.

2.4. Organizational capabilities

Acme provides services of expertise in channel development, market development channel distribution, packaged and sold in several ways which give way for the clients to select the relationship preferred. These include the consulting of retainer relationships, project based alliance brokering and relationships, market representation and sale representation, market research which is project based, information forum events and also the market research which is published (Groß, & Kieser, 2006, p 69-100).

3.0. Market strategy

This is also known as focus. The Acme consulting strategy aims at focusing on a certain expertise area where we are a group which is strong just like other groups in the world. The company comprise of true experts in coming up with new products in technology, mainly in the distribution channels (McKenna, 2012, p 153).

Acme therefore intends to focus on 3 geographical markets which are Latin America, Europe and United States. We aim at reduced product segments like software, personal computers, telecommunications, technology integration, personal organizers among other products. The customers targeted are mainly the larger corporation managers and sometimes the owners of the corporations which are medium sized in a period of high growth.

3.1. Target Markets

We should focus on thousands of potential customers who are well chosen international markets (Lesson notes) such as in Europe, Latin America and United States. The high tech companies involved in manufacturing are the major customers for the Acme consulting.

3.2. Strategy Pyramids

The company’s strategy is to focus on the expertise area. We have much competition emanating from international market as well as expertise in the product introduction. However, nobody is in a position to match our status if only we remain focused in the introduction of products of high tech on channels of international markets.

Some of the tactics we use in making it real include the best work quality, marketing based expertise and the fact that we are mainly using the very new technology on international communication

3.3. Marketing Mix

The marketing mix is usually placed together

3.3.1 Product

The very important aspect is when menu items are being offered to the potential customers, there is a large choice for the potential customers to select from in relation to the way they intend to make use of their money and where. Mcdonalds therefore place much emphasies on having a menu which the customers would want. The requirements by customers however change with time. Whatever seems nice today could be discarded later on. Marketing monitors the preference of the customer continuously. So as to meet the changes, Mc Donalds has come up with products which are new and also phased out the old ones. This will continue to happen. However, care must be taken not to affect the existing sales by coming up with an option that will canibalise the sales.

5. Company Objectives

1. We want to make ourselves experts. This is to mean that we be quoted in the trade press, gain recognition and speak in the industry events.

2. We should have a brand name to reference our clients. We need three brand names to always cite to the clients to be in a position to reference using a name and phone number for contacts.

3. We require having at least a client in each region. In United States, Asia or Latin America and also In Europe.4. We should have a net sale 10% and above by the end of three years.

6.0. Economic evaluation

Our plans is to have sales close to $600,000 by the end of the year which should grow to $1.8 million in 2015, on the expenses on marketing which is more than $200,000 an approximate value of 35% sales. Our marketing expenses of about $500,000 will be 25% of the sales made (Proctor, 2013, p1).

The plan assumes two trends which are very essential. One is the steady decline in the sales cost and growth in the percentage gross margin as we tend to build several resources to be fixed costs and full time personnel other than outside consultants and contractors.

Second is the reduction in marketing expense like the sales percentage. The projected figure of 35% is quite high such that we are coming up with a reputation as well as marketing even without leverage of initial marketing, where we start from 0 (Palo alto.com. 2006).

7. 0. Marketing Implementation and control

On the action plan, we project the marketing expenses and sales to increase times two from $215,000in the first year to about $480,000 in the fifth year (Acme Insurance,2010, p1). This is in relation to the sales increasing over the same period three field. We therefore hold a believe that an effective marketing needs a higher percentage of marketing and sales expenses to the sales in the first years together with the time at which we may be in a position to reduce the percentages to a lower level which is acceptable. The graph below shows the marketing expenses for the year 2005.

(Acme Insurance,2010)

8.0. Control Mechanisms

This plan is for changing the business, implementing and making it best. It is not worth anything if in any way not implemented. Some of the implementation programs include contingency planning involved in increasing the traffic of internet website as well as the need for website marketing. Marketing organization is a department that maintains the professional integrity beyond and above specific partners while looking into the goals of marketing and implementing the programs of marketing as it fits the strategy.

References

Acme Insurance,2010. Financials, Budgets and Forecasts. Insurance agency Marketing Plan.

Allio, R. J., & Fahey, L. (2012). Joan Magretta: what executives can learn from revisiting Michael Porter. Strategy & Leadership, 40(2), 5-10.

Business Plan Pro.2001. Business Plan; Acme Consulting. Palo Alto software. Fletcher, R. Crawford, H. 2010. International Marketing. An Asian Pacific Perspective, 5th edition. Pearson, French’s Forest

Groß, C., & Kieser, A. 2006. Are consultants moving towards professionalization?. Research in the Sociology of Organizations, 24, 69-100.

Lilien, G. L., & Rangaswamy, A. 2004. Marketing engineering: Computer-assisted marketing analysis and planning. DecisionPro.Lesson notes. Technology and Contemporary environments researching international; markets

McKenna, C. 2012. Strategy followed structure: Management consulting and the creation of a market for “strategy,” 1950–2000. Advances in strategic management, 29, 153-186.

Mills, J., Platts, K., & Gregory, M. (1995). A framework for the design of manufacturing strategy processes: a contingency approach. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 15(4), 17-49.

Mintzberg, H., Ahlstrand, B., & Lampel, J. 2005. Strategy Safari: A Guided Tour Through The Wilds of Strategic Mangament. Simon and Schuster.

Palo alto.com. 2006. Acme Consulting sample plan. Palo Alto software.Proctor, T. 2013. Strategic marketing: an introduction. Routledge.Poulfelt, F. 1997. Ethics for management consultants. Business Ethics: A European Review, 6(2), 65-70.

Poulfelt, F., & Paynee, A. 1994. Management consultants: Client and consultant perspectives. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 10(4), 421-436.

Ruef, M. 2002. At the interstices of organizations: The expansion of the management consulting profession, 1933-1997 (pp. 74-95). Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.

Rust, R. T., Zeithaml, V. A., & Lemon, K. N. 2001. Driving customer equity: How customer lifetime value is reshaping corporate strategy. Simon and Schuster.

Soriano, D. R. 2003. The impact of consulting service on Spanish firms.Journal of Small Business Management, 41(4), 409-416. (Soriano, 2003, 409-416)

Soriano, D. R. 2001. Quality in the consulting service–evaluation and impact: a survey in Spanish firms. Managing Service Quality, 11(1), 40-48.

Sodhi, M. S., & Tang, C. S. (2012). Application—Scenario Planning for Mitigating Supply Chain Restructuring Risk at a PVC Manufacturer. In Managing Supply Chain Risk (pp. 135-145). Springer US.Sterne, J. 2002. World Wide Web marketing: Integrating the web into your marketing strategy. John Wiley & Sons.