Monday, September 30, 2019

International Business Environment Essay

Venturing into new business and market frontiers like Malaysia requires extensive understanding of the environment in terms of the political establishment, business potential, legal and regulatory framework, and availability of resources, socio-cultural aspects and to an extent geographical position and infrastructural development of the country. The research and analysis of these key and crucial factors are important in analysing the potential and business environment of Malaysia. Malaysia possesses unique features and characteristics which are different from any other nation and it’s therefore essential to scan and research the market. Geographically located in Eastern Asia, Malaysia has been one of Asia fastest developing markets in the last half century. Malaysia is among the â€Å"Asian Tigers† a terminology given to the Asian economies which transformed from third world nation status to middle income nations within a short span thanks to sound and effective economic policies. It has a sizeable population of around 28. 3 million with diverse ethnic composition largely comprising the Ethnic Malays, Indians and Chinese population (CIA fact book, 2010). Similarly Malaysia is a developing nation with growing high per capita income making it a potential market for introduction of any business. The nation has well established and developed financial markets and excellent world class infrastructure in transport air and sea and moreover it’s known worldwide for the technology superiority and advancements. It’s highly developed commercial and manufacture sectors makes it a target for many international business. Malaysia has enjoyed a relative stable political stability which has been instrumental in spurring its economy and attracting foreign firms. It’s also a competitive business environment with flexible legal and regulatory framework making it easy to operate business. Therefore it’s very important to explore and understand these aspects and others in detail to ensure conclusion and market analysis of Malaysia is obtained through in depth understanding of the market. This would enable the company to undertake its strategies and plans effectively and efficiently in Malaysia. The paper tries to look some of the aspects mentioned above in more detail. Conclusively, In order to expand business to other countries, many factors should be put into consideration so as to ensure there is professional development of the business. Critical analysis, exploring and report writing is therefore important considering these issue and thus should be undertaken respectively. Introduction In business, the understanding of a given culture in which business is to be done and be based is very critical and thus important. With connection to these some aspects have to be considered so as to know where and which country qualifies better for allocation of such business. These can be well achieved through exploring and analysing the business environment of a prospective country. For instance, Culture and cultural practices are very important and have to be understood in order to make sure all the selling strategies have been able to offer good fruits in the business (Sandra, 2001, p 58). This paper thus comes up with the choosing of Malaysia as an example of a country on which as the Business Development Manager of Australia have chosen with the aim of expanding business. Therefore this paper discusses the critical analysis and the report obtained from exploring and analysing business environment of Malaysia which in return helps in determining where the country fits in the complexity of international business environment. Many factors should be put into consideration so as to decide whether the business will effectively run smoothly (Dunning, 1998, p 98). Country Profile Situated in Eastern Asia Geographically Malaysia covers approximately area of 392,748 square Kms, this is lightly larger than New Mexico in United States and a population of 26 Million people (C.  I. A fact book, 2010) this is a sizeable population which can be viable for any target market and introduction of business ventures. In Malaysia Islam is the pre-dominant and largest religion practised by the ethnic Malays but the nation is a multi-ethnic society and has other religious beliefs like Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Taoism practised by the minority ethnic population of Indians, Chinese and a small proportion of immigrant labour force. Ethnic Composition of Malaysia has around 53. 3% ethnic Malays, Chinese 26%, Indigenous 11. 8%, Indians 7. 7% others 1. % and Islamic religion has 60. 4% followers, Buddhism 9. 2%, Christianity 9. 1%, Hinduism 6. 3% ( CIA fact book ,2010) Its essential to know the ethnic and religious composition in order to understand the fabric of the society properly. Bahasa Melayu is the official language along with Chinese , English and Tamil are the languages used pre-dominantly in Malaysia and it’s a plus to have English as one of the languages as it makes it easy for transactions and communication when the business and corporations aspiring to penetrate Malaysian market are from English speaking nations. The country is contained of two distinct parts which are separated by the South China Sea whereby, the parts, the east and west share similar landscape in that they have coastal plains which rise due to densely forested hill and mountains. Malaysia neighbours Indonesia and thus the two countries share some cultures (Carsrud & Brannback 2007, p, 54). This is due to the Indians ethnic community which is quite well represented in Malaysia and also it borders countries like Singapore and China. The nation is well endowed with natural resources, good infrastructural development in communications technology and transport and a good coast line with proximity to major sea routes. Economy Malaysia transformed from a third world economy to middle income economy within a duration of around three decades and the nation shifted from being a primarily agricultural economic based to an industrial and commercial economic hub. The country actively participates in international trade which has been enhanced by the shipping routes around its coastline and has well established manufacturing sector. Malaysia produces top exporter of manufactured goods, palm oil, rubber, petroleum and liquefied natural gas. Malaysia is considered as a newly industrialized country although not a developed one but on the way to become one and research shows its GPD per capita ( of around $14000) in the year 2008 was recorded high thus ranking the country 48th in the world and 2nd in Southeast Asia (Drucker, 2007, p , 23). The nation has a GDP of $313 billion and an average GDP annual growth rate of 5. 9 %( Ibp USA, 2008, p. 7 ) The GDP growth rate has been consistent over a long period of time and the economy has shown resiliency during the wake of economic crisis like the Asian economic crisis and recent global recession. It’s known for the developed commercial sector producing and exporting electronic products and other advanced technological goods. Export market is $158 billion and its currency Malaysian currency (ringgit) exchanges at $3 (Ibp US, 2008 p. 18) The exchange rate of ringgit against major currencies has been consistent and stable avoiding currency fluctuations. Malaysia has a floating exchange rate although it has pegged its currency to the dollar. Similarly the nation is a member of almost all major trading blocs around the region and Asia, from WTO to regional economic trade blocs making it an open and very competitive market. Political System  Since Malaysia gained independence its economic performance has been high in comparison with other Asian nations due to its stability and has avoided military coups ( Nayland,2001,p. 164) Another critical factor to consider is the political system of the country. Politics and economy are intertwined and interrelated and political stability determines the environment which economy and business operates. The political stability of the democratic nation like Malaysia makes it an attractive place for investment. Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy having a head of state is referred as the king of the nation who is elected to a five year term and a parliamentary system of government headed by prime minister and has a healthy democratic space with opposition parties Parliamentary elections are held after every five years and thus only registered voters of age 21 and above are allowed to vote for the members of the House of Representatives (Ahmad & Seymour, 2008, p, 76). Legal and Regulatory Framework MIDA (Malaysian Industrial Development Authority) is a body charged with promoting investments activities both local and foreign, and to helped and guided investments in the business environment (Cheang Lo, 1997, p. 57) This is one of the bodies created by the government to eliminate the bureaucracy in obtaining legal documentation in the country by simplifying the licensing and regulatory process of businesses which wish venture in that country. Although any business needs to go through the required government process in obtaining licences the government has created an environment where restrictions and licensing red tape has been reduced significantly. Socio- Cultural Environment The socio-cultural environment in Malaysia is well defined by its ethnic composition and religious diversity. Malaysia is pluralistic society with Malays being the majority and the other significant minority group like the Chinese, Indians and Tamils each with different religion. With such a rich cultural heritage, acquiring the relevant skills and cultural knowledge in order to conduct business in Malaysia is crucial to your success (Communicaid, n. d) the socio-cultural environment settings in Malaysia although comprising different ethnic groups and religious affiliations is a conservative society and thus it’s important for people to understand how to address the people. Each particular ethnic group has its own mode of communication and interaction and it’s critical to ensure you understand the culture and behaviour of each ethnic group in Malaysia. Generalizations of the all Malaysians while conducting business may be costly to the business as it may be viewed negatively by other ethnic groups. For instance â€Å"the Chinese for example expect punctuality, whereas both ethnic Malays and Indian business people have a more relaxed attitude towards time (Communicaid, n. ) In regard to the consumer attitudes towards products and goods there is a general tendencies among Malays of regarding goods produced locally to be somehow inferior to the goods made by the developed nations which are advanced more than them and hence produce quality products. Quality is sensitive to Malays consumers. â€Å" Malaysian local products are regarded with skepticism compared to south Korea products but are believed to be of high quality in comparison with goods fr om India ,china, Mexico and Thailand. (Ghazali et al,2008, p. 7) Resources  The country is well endowed with natural resources and enough raw materials which it has continued to exploit in its quest to develop its economy. During most of the 1970’s and 1980’s Malaysia was the largest producer and exporter of tin, tropical timber, palm oil and natural rubber (Vincent, 2005, p. 10) Although Currently, Malaysia is not a major producer of some of the raw materials like natural rubber it still has abundant supply of tin, timber palm oil and natural rubber which has been used effectively by the government in exploring and developing its economy. Malaysia has transformed itself from primarily agricultural based economy to an industrial, technological and commercial giant due to the availability of human resources in the country. Malaysia has been known to be open in attracting foreign labour in its economy to make it competitive and potent. However there have been slight problems in obtaining and retaining skilled labour from Malaysia. â€Å"In contrast to this 44% of Australians firms reported difficulty in maintaining skilled labour in Malaysia (Nayland, 2001, p. 0) Ethical and Social Responsibility â€Å"More than 60% of managers in Malaysia were supportive of the view that that to improve market share and public image their firms would have to show there are social responsible (Harrison, 2005, p. 208) Malaysian socio-cultural structure is based on conservative setting like Islamic religious dimension on the Malay population which actually sees the aspect of giving back to them community is a responsibility rather than f avour. Corporations and business doing business in Malaysia are therefore obligated to be active in supporting projects in communities to uplift their image of sharing with the community the profits obtained from them. Conclusion and Recommendations Having noted some of the major findings and factors affecting the level of entrepreneurial activities from research that has been done, it will be necessary to agree on the need of making Malaysia one of the key standards of venturing into any fast developing markets. Also, it is necessary to note that, some of the factors that affect the level of business and entrepreneurship in this country tend to have direct impacts on other economic activities and performances and they have been identified as positive and potent. Once all the factors have been keenly identified and outlined, it becomes quite easy to address them respectively so as to attain overall economic performance and development (Datamonitor, 2009, p, 31). From the analysis and research based on political stability, economic performance and availability or resources the general picture can be concluded that Malaysia is a potential and viable environment to conduct any business of any nature. Although it may have some challenges and obstacles, the business environment and its market potential makes it a conducive environment to establish business ventures and has a potential market for growth. The nation is also strategically placed to penetrate other markets in Asia.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Mini case solution Essay

The keys to the company’s future value and growth are profitability (ROE) and the reinvestment of retained earnings. Retained earnings are determined by dividend payout. The spreadsheet sets ROE at 15% for the five years from 2006 to 2010. If Reeby Sports will lose its competitive edge by 2011, then it cannot continue earning more than its 10% cost of capital. Therefore ROE is reduced to 10% starting in 2011. The payout ratio is set at .30 from 2006 onwards. Notice that the long-term growth rate, which settles in between 2011 and 2012, is ROE Ãâ€" ( 1 – dividend payout ratio ) = .10 Ãâ€" (1 – .30) = .07. The spreadsheet allows you can vary ROE and the dividend payout ratio separately for 2006-2010 and for 2011-2012. But let’s start with the initial input values. To calculate share value, we have to estimate a horizon value at 2010 and add its PV to the PV of dividends from 2005 to 2010. Using the constant-growth DCF formula, The PV of dividends from 2005 to 2010 is $3.43 in 2004, so share value in 2004 is: ​ The spreadsheet also calculates the PV of dividends through 2012 and the horizon value at 2012. Notice that the PV in 2004 remains at $16.82. This makes sense, since the value of a firm should not depend on the investment horizon chosen for valuation. ​We have reduced ROE to the 10% cost of capital after 2010, assuming that the company will have exhausted valuable growth opportunities by that date. With PVGO = 0, PV = EPS/r. So we could discard the constant-growth DCF formula and just divide EPS in 2011 by the cost of capital: ​The keys to the company’s future value and growth are profitability (ROE) and the reinvestment of retained earnings. Retained earnings are determined by dividend payout. The spreadsheet sets ROE at 15% for the five years from 2006 to 2010. If Reeby Sports will lose its competitive edge by 2011, then it cannot continue earning more than its 10% cost of capital. Therefore ROE is reduced to 10% starting in 2011. The payout ratio is set at .30 from 2006 onwards. Notice that the long-term growth rate, which settles in between 2011 and 2012, is ROE Ãâ€" ( 1 – dividend payout ratio ) = .10 Ãâ€" (1 – .30) = .07. The spreadsheet allows you can vary ROE and the dividend payout ratio separately for 2006-2010 and for 2011-2012. But let’s start with the initial input values. To calculate share value, we have to estimate a horizon value at 2010 and add its PV to the PV of dividends from 2005 to 2010. Using the constant-growth DCF formula, The PV of dividends from 2005 to 2010 is $3.43 in 2004, so share value in 2004 is: ​​The spreadsheet also calculats the PV of dividends through 2012 and the horizon value at 2012. Notice that the PV in 2004 remains at $16.82. This makes sense, since the value of a firm should not depend on the investment horizon chosen for valuation. ​We have reduced ROE to the 10% cost of capital after 2010, assuming that the company will have exhausted valuable growth opportunities by that date. With PVGO = 0, PV = EPS/r. So we could discard the constant-growth DCF formula and just divide EPS in 2011 by the cost of capital: ​The keys to the company’s future value and growth are profitability (ROE) and the reinvestment of retained earnings. Retained earnings are determined by dividend payout. The spreadsheet sets ROE at 15% for the five years from 2006 to 2010. If Reeby Sports will lose its competitive edge by 2011, then it cannot continue earning more than its 10% cost of capital. Therefore ROE is reduced to 10% starting in 2011. The payout ratio is set at .30 from 2006 onwards. Notice that the long-term growth rate, which settles in between 2011 and 2012, is ROE Ãâ€" ( 1 – dividend payout ratio ) = .10 Ãâ€" (1 – .30) = .07. The spreadsheet allows you can vary ROE and the dividend payout ratio separately for 2006-2010 and for 2011-2012. But let’s start with the initial input values. To calculate share value, we have to estimate a horizon value at 2010 and add its PV to the PV of dividends from 2005 to 2010. Using the constant-growth DCF formula, The PV of dividends from 2005 to 2010 is $3.43 in 2004, so share value in 2004 is: ​​The spreadsheet also calculates the PV of dividends through 2012 and the horizon value at 2012. Notice that the PV in 2004 remains at $16.82. This makes sense, since the value of a firm should not depend on the investment horizon chosen for valuation. ​We have reduced ROE to the 10% cost of capital after 2010, assuming that the company will have exhausted valuable growth opportunities by that date. With PVGO = 0, PV = EPS/r. So we could discard the constant-growth DCF formula and just divide EPS in 2011 by the cost of capital: The keys to the company’s future value and growth are profitability (ROE) and the reinvestment of retained earnings. Retained earnings are determined by dividend payout. The spreadsheet sets ROE at 15% for the five years from 2006 to 2010. If Reeby Sports will lose its competitive edge by 2011, then it cannot continue earning more than its 10% cost of capital. Therefore ROE is reduced to 10% starting in 2011. The payout ratio is set at .30 from 2006 onwards. Notice that the long-term growth rate, which settles in between 2011 and 2012, is ROE Ãâ€" ( 1 – dividend payout ratio ) = .10 Ãâ€" (1 – .30) = .07. The spreadsheet allows you can vary ROE and the dividend payout ratio separately for 2006-2010 and for 2011-2012. But let’s start with the initial input values. To calculate share value, we have to estimate a horizon value at 2010 and add its PV to the PV of dividends from 2005 to 2010. Using the constant-growth DCF formula, The PV of dividends from 2005 to 2010 is $3.43 in 2004, so share value in 2004 is: ​ ​The spreadsheet also calculates the PV of dividends through 2012 and the horizon value at 2012. Notice that the PV in 2004 remains at $16.82. This makes sense, since the value of a firm should not depend on the investment horizon chosen for valuation. ​We have reduced ROE to the 10% cost of capital after 2010, assuming that the company will have exhausted valuable growth opportunities by that date. With PVGO = 0, PV = EPS/r. So we could discard the constant-growth DCF formula and just divide EPS in 2011 by the cost of capital: ​ ​

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Buying behavior, TV advertisements, ethical and unethical.

â€Å"Advertising perception has a significant impact on consumers’ intention to reject the products and the brand† (Chan et al, 2007). The marketers around the world use different kinds of promotion techniques as a tool of conveying the message about their products or services to the target consumers. Marketers tend to believe that all consumers around the world have similar needs as well as desires and that the global market is growing increasingly homogeneous (Chan et al, 2007). Therefore they try to capture the market through advertising without considering what customers expect from the firms. Due to the rapid growth in the media, all most all firms use TV as their media of promotion to grasp the target market. The Sri Lankan structure of advertising industry is also affected by globalization. At present, there are number of private and government advertising companies inSri Lanka. The advertising companies are also affected by the local FMCG companies. Due to the arising completion, companies should involve in vast promotions in order to capture the market before their competitors. It is believed that there is a relationship between TV promotions and buying behavior of consumers. In order to identify what the customer expects from marketers, it’s vital to carry out a research on how ethical and unethical TV advertisements affect on consumer buying behavior in FMCG industry inSri Lanka? 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT How ethical and unethical TV advertisements affect on consumer buying behavior in FMCG industry in Sri Lanka 1.3 PROBLEM JUSTIFICATION The companies that are operating in the FMCG industry inSri Lankashould focus on increasing their sales through identifying their customer expectations. Today almost all the organization around the world, use TV advertisements as a way of conveying the message about their product to the target market. Therefore it is important for marketers to identify the consumer perception about ethical and unethical TV advertisements and its impact on the company sales. Most of the companies do not analyze their customer expectations before they telecast their advertisements on TV. This has created a contradictory situation in the society which may result in negative perceptions about the product which is promoted through the advertisement. R.C. Earnest (2007), who conducted a research on ethnically targeted advertising, has found that â€Å"there were negative attitudinal, emotional, and behavioral reactions by those who are not targeted, which may result in a drop of sales.† With the arising competition, it’s important for organizations to find out the ways and means of satisfying customers in order to make the existing customer retain with the company and attract new customers through vast promotions. The level of understanding of what local customer expect from the marketers when they are doing their promotions through television is, questionable. It is important for organizations to understand and examine the impact of TV advertisements on consumer buying behavior in order to be successful in the future. 1.4 OBJECTIVES To identify how consumers react to unethical and ethical TV advertisements done by FMCG industry inSri Lanka. To find out the impact on buying behavior of the consumers depending on the ethicality and unethicality of the TV advertisements. To find out the relationship between different types of advertisements and buying behavior To find out what type of advertisements attracts more customers towards the product. To recommend alterations to enhance the quality of suitable TV advertisements inSri Lanka. 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Companies The buying behavior of the consumers would be analyzed with regard to the TV advertisements done by companies who are operating in the FMCG industry inSri Lanka. This study will enable the companies to understand their consumers and plan their future promotions in a way in which it will increase customers’ satisfaction. The study also emphasis on possible consequences that may arise in the long run if the company target only one ethnic or religious group in their advertisements. It will also enable the companies to get an idea about the effectiveness of using Indian and other foreign TV advertisements in Sri Lankan context. As this study enables to indentify customer’s perception of the ethical and unethical advertisements, the companies would be able to fulfill customer expectations by providing what customers perceive as ethical. It will create positive attitudes towards the product and the company, ensuring their sales would not drop as a result of an unethical advertisement. Consumers As the study focuses on customer perception regarding ethical and unethical advertisements, the customers will be able to watch TV advertisements without feeling uneasy and embarrassed and they wouldn’t become offended regarding controversial advertisements Further as the production of unethical advertisements diminishes due to the awareness created among the advertising firms through the study and the consumer would be able to grasp the exact message which the company wishes to deliver to the customers when the advertisement is devoid of unethical content. The study will provide an opportunity for the customers to express their views on ethical and unethical TV advertisements. Advertising firms As the study provides details regarding the factors that should be considered when producing TV advertisements for Sri Lankan audience, the advertisement firms will be benefited in terms of understanding the target audience and to be more responsible about the content of the advertisements. The study will specify on what is ethical and what is unethical in terms of customer perspective, which should be the main concern of the advertising firms. Through the provided recommendations the firms can improve the quality of their advertisements, meeting customer expectations which will enable them to serve the society better. 1.6 SCOPE AND THE LIMITATIONS OF THE STDY. Limitation associated with this study begins with the nature of sample, which are the working women in selected areas whose minimum educational level would be the completion of GCE (A/L) and the advertisements done by companies who are operating in the FMCG sector inSri Lankawithin the time period of 2007-2008. The above mentioned sample is selected based on following assumptions: As the society acceptance is more towards the working females, the data gathered through them would be more reliable. Minimum educational level is specified considering the fact that they are knowledgeable enough to distinguish what is ethical and unethical. Further the selected area would beColombomunicipal council and the time period is specified due to time limitation and ease of data gathering. The study is carried out considering only a group of customers which might cause biasness in the findings. Selection of TV as media of advertising and FMCG industry are limiting the study to one particular sector. CHAPTER 2 2.1LITERATURE â€Å"Ethics of advertising intends to ensure that advertisers and consumers co-exist without being harmed by the messages of advertisements.† Ethical advertising provides information regarding the product without harming any parties involved as well as people who watch.â€Å"Unethical advertising, by contrast, deceives consumers by concealing significant facts about a product or service.† Unethical do not satisfy the interests and expectations of the consumers (AcaDemon, 2008) 2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW Numbers of researches around the world have carried out research to find out if there exists a relationship between TV advertisements and the buying behavior. Implications for the Western World It is interesting to observe that TV advertisements have an impact on the Buying behaviors of the New Zealandcustomers. A group of researchers who carried out a research â€Å"to examine what influences perceptions of infomercial advertising effectiveness among a sample of actual infomercial buyers† (Martin et al, 2002), have found that the consumers included in the sample which was 2,670 customers who had bought one of six different products advertised within two weeks, has admitted that the infomercial advertisements (Appendix 1) had been effective in getting them to buy the product (Martin et al, 2002). Unlike most researchers, this group has identified a relationship between a demographic factor which is age and the buying behavior of the consumers. According to the findings of Martine et al, (2002) age impacted how consumers view infomercials, as did the product type purchased. Hypotheses Ho1 and Ha1 were developed according to the findings of this study. Barrio-Garcia Luque- Martinez (2003) who conducted a research inSpainhad focused on a different aspect of advertising. In contrast to the above mentioned group, this group has selected the comparative advertising in order to find out the relationship between TV advertisements and buying behavior of the consumers. The study was carried out on the objective of â€Å"to provide marketing professionals with a theoretical outline that will allow them to understand the persuasive mechanism that underlies comparative advertising effectiveness, helping them in their marketing decision-making processes† (Barrio-Garcia Luque- Martinez, 2003). Comparing to the above group, this group had identified a negative relationship between advertisements and buying behavior of the consumers. The findings of the study states that, â€Å"increase in comparative advertising intensity negatively affect towards the brands advertised and also purchase intensions† (Barrio-Garcia Luque- Martinez , 2003). In order to gather data, they have used relatively a small sample which consisted of 720 consumers selected from four geographical areas ofSpain. The finding of this study was utilized in order to develop Hypotheses Ho2 and Ha2. Petrovici Marinov (2007), two British researchers have also concentrated on how TV advertisements affect on buying behavior of the consumers. They have used a different approach to attempt the research objective which is â€Å"to explore the relationship between determinants and primary antecedents of advertising and attitudes to advertising in the context of European Union accession countries† (Petrovici Marinov, 2007). Even though the sample selected was small (797 respondents) comparing to New Zealand researches (sample of 2,670 respondents), this group has selected their sample from two different countries (Romania and Bulgaria) which helps to broaden their study further and their findings are more reliable as they have conducted face-to-face interviews with the respondents. It is proved that brand recognition and acquisition can be achieved through realistic, truthful and fair advertising (Petrovici Marinov, 2007). Hypotheses Ho3, Ha3 and Ho4, Ha4 were developed in rel ation to the findings of this study. Romani (2006) who conducted the research inItalyhas used different types of variables compared to other western researches to test the relationship between TV advertisements and buying behavior. The variables used in this study were, willingness to buy the advertised product, trustworthiness towards the source of information and completeness or clarity of price information contained in the advertisement. The researcher has used qualitative and experimental studies in order to identify the misleading price communication strategies and consumer response to those advertisements. The respondents sample were very small (480) compared to above mentioned studies which is a drawback of the study. The conclusions drawn from the study show that there is a negative relationship between price misleading advertisements and the customer’s willingness to buy and there is a positive relationship between trustworthiness towards the source of information. The objective of the study was to †Å"investigate consumers’ reactions to advertisements containing misleading information on price† (Romani, 2006). Development of hypotheses Ho5, Ha5 and Ho6, Ha6 were based on the findings of this study. Implications for Asian countries According to R.C. Earnest (2007), â€Å"Unintended audiences often view advertisements targeted at other groups and make decisions regarding the advertisement, brand and company behind the advertising which affect future consumer behavior†. The objective of the study was â€Å"to extend current knowledge on advertising effects on those not targeted by noting unintended consequences on attitudinal, emotional and behavioral reactions† R.C. Earnest (2007). A similar type of sample which Petrovici Marinov (2007), used in their study was utilized in order to gather data. Instead of selecting the sample from two countries, R.C. Earnest (2007) has selected the sample from two distinct ethnic groups (Malay and Chinese) inKuala Lumpur,Malaysia. A fair number of respondents (200 Chinese and 199 Malays) were selected from each group and data were gathered by means of a questionnaire which was based on fiction advertisements targeted at dominant and non- dominant ethnic groups inM alaysia. Hypotheses Ho7 and Ha7 were developed on the basis of findings of this study. Chan McNeal (2003) have concentrated on an atypical aspect of how TV advertisements influence on buying behavior of the consumers. They have emphasized on parent- child communications about consumption and advertising which distinguish their study from the others. Comparatively a large sample (1,665) of parents with children aged 6 to 14 were selected from 3 cities inChinaand a questionnaire is being distributed in order to gather data. Out of all the findings of their study most relevant finding to the current study is that, pluralistic and consensual parents take their children’s opinions about advertisements in to consideration when consuming certain products. Implications for neighbor country A study conducted by Fam Grosh (2007) has derived an interesting finding from the data they gathered using 1,000 urban young adults. Even the sample selected was relatively low compared to theMartin et al’s, (2002) study, the sample was drawn from five Asian countries includingIndia. The method that they have used to gather data was telephone interviews which distinguish this study from the above mentioned studies. The respondents were questioned on their thoughts about the TV advertisements that they liked, product that was being advertised and purchase intensions. The objective of the study was â€Å"to examine likeable executional techniques in advertising across five Asian countries and their impact on purchase intension† (Fam Grosh, 2007). The researchers found that unlike in the all other four countries India is the only country where the respondents’ react for the likeable executional tools and likeable attributes such as soft sell and relevant to me, ha s positively affected the respondents’ decision to buy more of a product/ brand after they exposure to the advertisement (Fam Grosh, 2007). Further most interesting finding of the study is that unlike in other countries Indian customers have responded negatively to advertisements in which children misbehave. Hypotheses Ho8 and 8were constructed with relevant to the findings of this study. Above discussed literature illustrates that advertisements have a significant impact on consumer buying behavior. CHAPTER 3 3.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK The following variables are derived from the literature provided in chapter 2. Independent Variables Dependent Variables 3.2 HYPOTHESES Ho1: There is no relationship between infomercial advertisements and buying behavior. Ha1: There is a relationship between infomercial advertisements and buying behavior. Ho2: There is no relationship between Comparative Advertisements and buying behavior. Ha2: There is a relationship between Comparative Advertisements and buying behavior. Ho3: There is no relationship between Realistic Advertisements and buying behavior. Ha3: There is a relationship between Realistic Advertisements and buying behavior. Ho4: There is a negative relationship between Truthfulness of the information provided and thebuying behavior. Ha4: There is a positive relationship between Truthfulness of the information provided and thebuying behavior. H05: There is no relationship between Trustworthiness of the source and buying behavior. Ha5: There is a relationship between Trustworthiness of the source and buying behavior. Ho6: There is no relationship between Price misleading advertisements and buying behavior. Ha6: There is a relationship between Price misleading advertisements and buying behavior Ho7: There is a negative relationship between ethnically targeted advertisements and buying behavior. Ha7: There is a positive relationship between ethnically targeted advertisements and buying behavior. Ho8: There is a negative relationship between Children misbehaved advertisements and buying behavior. Ha8: There is a positive relationship between Children misbehaved advertisements and buying behavior. 3.3 METHODOLOGY Population, sampling and statistical approach will be discussed under this topic. 3.4 POPULATION AND SAMPLE. Selected population for in order to gather data is working women inColombodistrict with a minimum education level of G.C.E (A/L). Below diagram elaborates the selection of sample. The sampling method adapted is a proportionate probability area sampling technique. Where the selected sample of individuals was chosen based on their geographical location (Colombo District) and were further chosen based on if they were employed and had completed the G.C.E (A/L). Since the sample is larger than 35, hence, this can be categorized as a parametric test. Note: – 16.7% is the whole Female, employed and above G.C.E (A/L) rate 19,886,000 is the whole Sri Lankan population 2,421,000 is the wholeColombodistrict population 647,100 is the whole population ofColombomunicipal council 210,546 is the whole population of Dehiwala municipal council 117,563 is the whole population of Moratuwa municipal council 116366 is the whole population of Sri Jayewardenepura municipal council 3.5 STATISTICAL APPROCH According to the table provided in the Appendix 1, multiple regression analysis should be used to analyze data. Further Martine et al. (2002) also have used the multiple regression method to analyze data in their study. In order to gather data five point Likert scale would be adapted as previous researches, Chan McNeal (2003) and Martin et al (2002) have also used the same scale to gather data. CHAPTER 4 4.1 CONCLUSION The proposed study analyzes the impact of ethical and unethical TV advertisements on buying behavior of the consumers in FMCG industry inSri Lanka. Further the study analyses the relationship of how different types of TV advertisements affect on the buying behavior of the consumers using a sample of 104 working women inColombodistrict who have completed A/L examination. Literature review of the current study provides sufficient evidence of past researches which have discussed the similar relationships between the variables selected. Further the study enables the marketers to understand the customer well and as a result they will be able to fulfill consumer expectations through their advertisements. References Chan et al. 2007, ‘Consumers response to offensive advertising: a cross cultural study’, International Marketing Review, vol.24, no.5, pp.606-628. R.C. Earnest 2007, ‘Ethnically targeted advertising views of those not targeted’, Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing, vol.19, no.3, pp.265-285. Martin et al. 2002, ‘Infomercials and advertising effectiveness: an empirical study’, Journal of consumer marketing, vol.19, no.6, pp.468-480. Barrio-Garcia Luque- Martinez 2003, ‘Modeling consumer response to differing levels of comparative advertising’, European Journal of Marketing, vol.37, no.1/2, pp.256-274. Petrovici Marinov 2007, ‘Determinants and antecedents of general attitudes towards advertising’, European Journal of Marketing, vol.41, no.3/4, pp.307-326. Romani 2006, ‘Price misleading advertising: effects on trustworthiness toward the source of information and willingness to buy’, Journal of product and brand management, vol.15, no.2, pp.130-138. Chan McNeal 2003, ‘Parent-child communications about consumption and advertising in China’, Journal of consumer marketing, vol.20, no.4, pp.317-334. Fam Grosh 2007, ‘Cultural values and effective executional techniques in advertising’, International Marketing Review, vol.24, no.5, pp.519-638. City population 2008, Sri Lanka , [Online], Available: http://www.citypopulation.de/SriLanka.html [Accessed 3rd December 2008] Department of Census statistics 2006, Bulletin of Labor Force Statistics, [Online], Available: http://www.statistics.gov.lk/samplesurvey/labourforce/mainpage.pdf [Accessed 3rd December 2008] AcaDemon 2008, ‘Papers on Ethical Advertising and similar term paper topics’, [Online], Available: http://www.academon.com/lib/paper/31480.html [Accessed 10th December 2008] Appendix (Statistical Approach) INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DATA TYPEDEPENDENT VARIABLE DATA TYPE:Buying behaviorSELECTED STATISTICAL METHOD INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 1:Infomercial advertisementsIntervalInterval Multiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE2:Comparative advertisementsInterval IntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE3:Realistic advertisements IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE4:Truthfulness of the information providedIntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 5:Trustworthiness of the source IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 6:Price misleading advertisements. IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 7: Ethnically targeted advertisements IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 8: Children’s misbehave advertisements IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression Appendix 2 (Operationalisation) Types of variables Measurement Questions/ Description Type of Data Independent Variables Infomercial advertisementsLikert ScaleI feel that infomercial advertisements make me buy the product compared to other advertisements.Interval Comparative advertisementsLikert ScaleComparative advertisements annoy meInterval Realistic AdvertisementsLikert ScaleI feel that realistic advertisements convince me more to buy the advertised product.Interval Truthfulness of the information provided in the advertisementsLikert ScaleI tend to purchase the product if the advertised information is trustworthy.Interval Trustworthiness of the sourceLikert ScaleI believe that TV advertisements are more reliable than other sources.Interval Price misleading advertisementsLikert ScalePrice misleading advertisements makes me reconsider when buying the relevant product.Interval Ethnically target advertisementsLikert ScaleAdvertisements targeting an ethnic group discourage me to purchase the product.Interval Children misbehave in advertisementsLikert ScaleI reject buying products that are advertised using children’s misbehaviour.Interval Dependant Variable Buying BehaviourLikert ScaleTelevision advertisements encourage me to buy the relevant products.Interval Buying behavior, TV advertisements, ethical and unethical. â€Å"Advertising perception has a significant impact on consumers’ intention to reject the products and the brand† (Chan et al, 2007). The marketers around the world use different kinds of promotion techniques as a tool of conveying the message about their products or services to the target consumers. Marketers tend to believe that all consumers around the world have similar needs as well as desires and that the global market is growing increasingly homogeneous (Chan et al, 2007). Therefore they try to capture the market through advertising without considering what customers expect from the firms. Due to the rapid growth in the media, all most all firms use TV as their media of promotion to grasp the target market. The Sri Lankan structure of advertising industry is also affected by globalization. At present, there are number of private and government advertising companies inSri Lanka. The advertising companies are also affected by the local FMCG companies. Due to the arising completion, companies should involve in vast promotions in order to capture the market before their competitors. It is believed that there is a relationship between TV promotions and buying behavior of consumers. In order to identify what the customer expects from marketers, it’s vital to carry out a research on how ethical and unethical TV advertisements affect on consumer buying behavior in FMCG industry inSri Lanka? 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT How ethical and unethical TV advertisements affect on consumer buying behavior in FMCG industry in Sri Lanka 1.3 PROBLEM JUSTIFICATION The companies that are operating in the FMCG industry inSri Lankashould focus on increasing their sales through identifying their customer expectations. Today almost all the organization around the world, use TV advertisements as a way of conveying the message about their product to the target market. Therefore it is important for marketers to identify the consumer perception about ethical and unethical TV advertisements and its impact on the company sales. Most of the companies do not analyze their customer expectations before they telecast their advertisements on TV. This has created a contradictory situation in the society which may result in negative perceptions about the product which is promoted through the advertisement. R.C. Earnest (2007), who conducted a research on ethnically targeted advertising, has found that â€Å"there were negative attitudinal, emotional, and behavioral reactions by those who are not targeted, which may result in a drop of sales.† With the arising competition, it’s important for organizations to find out the ways and means of satisfying customers in order to make the existing customer retain with the company and attract new customers through vast promotions. The level of understanding of what local customer expect from the marketers when they are doing their promotions through television is, questionable. It is important for organizations to understand and examine the impact of TV advertisements on consumer buying behavior in order to be successful in the future. 1.4 OBJECTIVES To identify how consumers react to unethical and ethical TV advertisements done by FMCG industry inSri Lanka. To find out the impact on buying behavior of the consumers depending on the ethicality and unethicality of the TV advertisements. To find out the relationship between different types of advertisements and buying behavior To find out what type of advertisements attracts more customers towards the product. To recommend alterations to enhance the quality of suitable TV advertisements inSri Lanka. 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Companies The buying behavior of the consumers would be analyzed with regard to the TV advertisements done by companies who are operating in the FMCG industry inSri Lanka. This study will enable the companies to understand their consumers and plan their future promotions in a way in which it will increase customers’ satisfaction. The study also emphasis on possible consequences that may arise in the long run if the company target only one ethnic or religious group in their advertisements. It will also enable the companies to get an idea about the effectiveness of using Indian and other foreign TV advertisements in Sri Lankan context. As this study enables to indentify customer’s perception of the ethical and unethical advertisements, the companies would be able to fulfill customer expectations by providing what customers perceive as ethical. It will create positive attitudes towards the product and the company, ensuring their sales would not drop as a result of an unethical advertisement. Consumers As the study focuses on customer perception regarding ethical and unethical advertisements, the customers will be able to watch TV advertisements without feeling uneasy and embarrassed and they wouldn’t become offended regarding controversial advertisements Further as the production of unethical advertisements diminishes due to the awareness created among the advertising firms through the study and the consumer would be able to grasp the exact message which the company wishes to deliver to the customers when the advertisement is devoid of unethical content. The study will provide an opportunity for the customers to express their views on ethical and unethical TV advertisements. Advertising firms As the study provides details regarding the factors that should be considered when producing TV advertisements for Sri Lankan audience, the advertisement firms will be benefited in terms of understanding the target audience and to be more responsible about the content of the advertisements. The study will specify on what is ethical and what is unethical in terms of customer perspective, which should be the main concern of the advertising firms. Through the provided recommendations the firms can improve the quality of their advertisements, meeting customer expectations which will enable them to serve the society better. 1.6 SCOPE AND THE LIMITATIONS OF THE STDY. Limitation associated with this study begins with the nature of sample, which are the working women in selected areas whose minimum educational level would be the completion of GCE (A/L) and the advertisements done by companies who are operating in the FMCG sector inSri Lankawithin the time period of 2007-2008. The above mentioned sample is selected based on following assumptions: As the society acceptance is more towards the working females, the data gathered through them would be more reliable. Minimum educational level is specified considering the fact that they are knowledgeable enough to distinguish what is ethical and unethical. Further the selected area would beColombomunicipal council and the time period is specified due to time limitation and ease of data gathering. The study is carried out considering only a group of customers which might cause biasness in the findings. Selection of TV as media of advertising and FMCG industry are limiting the study to one particular sector. CHAPTER 2 2.1LITERATURE â€Å"Ethics of advertising intends to ensure that advertisers and consumers co-exist without being harmed by the messages of advertisements.† Ethical advertising provides information regarding the product without harming any parties involved as well as people who watch.â€Å"Unethical advertising, by contrast, deceives consumers by concealing significant facts about a product or service.† Unethical do not satisfy the interests and expectations of the consumers (AcaDemon, 2008) 2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW Numbers of researches around the world have carried out research to find out if there exists a relationship between TV advertisements and the buying behavior. Implications for the Western World It is interesting to observe that TV advertisements have an impact on the Buying behaviors of the New Zealandcustomers. A group of researchers who carried out a research â€Å"to examine what influences perceptions of infomercial advertising effectiveness among a sample of actual infomercial buyers† (Martin et al, 2002), have found that the consumers included in the sample which was 2,670 customers who had bought one of six different products advertised within two weeks, has admitted that the infomercial advertisements (Appendix 1) had been effective in getting them to buy the product (Martin et al, 2002). Unlike most researchers, this group has identified a relationship between a demographic factor which is age and the buying behavior of the consumers. According to the findings of Martine et al, (2002) age impacted how consumers view infomercials, as did the product type purchased. Hypotheses Ho1 and Ha1 were developed according to the findings of this study. Barrio-Garcia Luque- Martinez (2003) who conducted a research inSpainhad focused on a different aspect of advertising. In contrast to the above mentioned group, this group has selected the comparative advertising in order to find out the relationship between TV advertisements and buying behavior of the consumers. The study was carried out on the objective of â€Å"to provide marketing professionals with a theoretical outline that will allow them to understand the persuasive mechanism that underlies comparative advertising effectiveness, helping them in their marketing decision-making processes† (Barrio-Garcia Luque- Martinez, 2003). Comparing to the above group, this group had identified a negative relationship between advertisements and buying behavior of the consumers. The findings of the study states that, â€Å"increase in comparative advertising intensity negatively affect towards the brands advertised and also purchase intensions† (Barrio-Garcia Luque- Martinez , 2003). In order to gather data, they have used relatively a small sample which consisted of 720 consumers selected from four geographical areas ofSpain. The finding of this study was utilized in order to develop Hypotheses Ho2 and Ha2. Petrovici Marinov (2007), two British researchers have also concentrated on how TV advertisements affect on buying behavior of the consumers. They have used a different approach to attempt the research objective which is â€Å"to explore the relationship between determinants and primary antecedents of advertising and attitudes to advertising in the context of European Union accession countries† (Petrovici Marinov, 2007). Even though the sample selected was small (797 respondents) comparing to New Zealand researches (sample of 2,670 respondents), this group has selected their sample from two different countries (Romania and Bulgaria) which helps to broaden their study further and their findings are more reliable as they have conducted face-to-face interviews with the respondents. It is proved that brand recognition and acquisition can be achieved through realistic, truthful and fair advertising (Petrovici Marinov, 2007). Hypotheses Ho3, Ha3 and Ho4, Ha4 were developed in rel ation to the findings of this study. Romani (2006) who conducted the research inItalyhas used different types of variables compared to other western researches to test the relationship between TV advertisements and buying behavior. The variables used in this study were, willingness to buy the advertised product, trustworthiness towards the source of information and completeness or clarity of price information contained in the advertisement. The researcher has used qualitative and experimental studies in order to identify the misleading price communication strategies and consumer response to those advertisements. The respondents sample were very small (480) compared to above mentioned studies which is a drawback of the study. The conclusions drawn from the study show that there is a negative relationship between price misleading advertisements and the customer’s willingness to buy and there is a positive relationship between trustworthiness towards the source of information. The objective of the study was to †Å"investigate consumers’ reactions to advertisements containing misleading information on price† (Romani, 2006). Development of hypotheses Ho5, Ha5 and Ho6, Ha6 were based on the findings of this study. Implications for Asian countries According to R.C. Earnest (2007), â€Å"Unintended audiences often view advertisements targeted at other groups and make decisions regarding the advertisement, brand and company behind the advertising which affect future consumer behavior†. The objective of the study was â€Å"to extend current knowledge on advertising effects on those not targeted by noting unintended consequences on attitudinal, emotional and behavioral reactions† R.C. Earnest (2007). A similar type of sample which Petrovici Marinov (2007), used in their study was utilized in order to gather data. Instead of selecting the sample from two countries, R.C. Earnest (2007) has selected the sample from two distinct ethnic groups (Malay and Chinese) inKuala Lumpur,Malaysia. A fair number of respondents (200 Chinese and 199 Malays) were selected from each group and data were gathered by means of a questionnaire which was based on fiction advertisements targeted at dominant and non- dominant ethnic groups inM alaysia. Hypotheses Ho7 and Ha7 were developed on the basis of findings of this study. Chan McNeal (2003) have concentrated on an atypical aspect of how TV advertisements influence on buying behavior of the consumers. They have emphasized on parent- child communications about consumption and advertising which distinguish their study from the others. Comparatively a large sample (1,665) of parents with children aged 6 to 14 were selected from 3 cities inChinaand a questionnaire is being distributed in order to gather data. Out of all the findings of their study most relevant finding to the current study is that, pluralistic and consensual parents take their children’s opinions about advertisements in to consideration when consuming certain products. Implications for neighbor country A study conducted by Fam Grosh (2007) has derived an interesting finding from the data they gathered using 1,000 urban young adults. Even the sample selected was relatively low compared to theMartin et al’s, (2002) study, the sample was drawn from five Asian countries includingIndia. The method that they have used to gather data was telephone interviews which distinguish this study from the above mentioned studies. The respondents were questioned on their thoughts about the TV advertisements that they liked, product that was being advertised and purchase intensions. The objective of the study was â€Å"to examine likeable executional techniques in advertising across five Asian countries and their impact on purchase intension† (Fam Grosh, 2007). The researchers found that unlike in the all other four countries India is the only country where the respondents’ react for the likeable executional tools and likeable attributes such as soft sell and relevant to me, ha s positively affected the respondents’ decision to buy more of a product/ brand after they exposure to the advertisement (Fam Grosh, 2007). Further most interesting finding of the study is that unlike in other countries Indian customers have responded negatively to advertisements in which children misbehave. Hypotheses Ho8 and 8were constructed with relevant to the findings of this study. Above discussed literature illustrates that advertisements have a significant impact on consumer buying behavior. CHAPTER 3 3.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK The following variables are derived from the literature provided in chapter 2. Independent Variables Dependent Variables 3.2 HYPOTHESES Ho1: There is no relationship between infomercial advertisements and buying behavior. Ha1: There is a relationship between infomercial advertisements and buying behavior. Ho2: There is no relationship between Comparative Advertisements and buying behavior. Ha2: There is a relationship between Comparative Advertisements and buying behavior. Ho3: There is no relationship between Realistic Advertisements and buying behavior. Ha3: There is a relationship between Realistic Advertisements and buying behavior. Ho4: There is a negative relationship between Truthfulness of the information provided and thebuying behavior. Ha4: There is a positive relationship between Truthfulness of the information provided and thebuying behavior. H05: There is no relationship between Trustworthiness of the source and buying behavior. Ha5: There is a relationship between Trustworthiness of the source and buying behavior. Ho6: There is no relationship between Price misleading advertisements and buying behavior. Ha6: There is a relationship between Price misleading advertisements and buying behavior Ho7: There is a negative relationship between ethnically targeted advertisements and buying behavior. Ha7: There is a positive relationship between ethnically targeted advertisements and buying behavior. Ho8: There is a negative relationship between Children misbehaved advertisements and buying behavior. Ha8: There is a positive relationship between Children misbehaved advertisements and buying behavior. 3.3 METHODOLOGY Population, sampling and statistical approach will be discussed under this topic. 3.4 POPULATION AND SAMPLE. Selected population for in order to gather data is working women inColombodistrict with a minimum education level of G.C.E (A/L). Below diagram elaborates the selection of sample. The sampling method adapted is a proportionate probability area sampling technique. Where the selected sample of individuals was chosen based on their geographical location (Colombo District) and were further chosen based on if they were employed and had completed the G.C.E (A/L). Since the sample is larger than 35, hence, this can be categorized as a parametric test. Note: – 16.7% is the whole Female, employed and above G.C.E (A/L) rate 19,886,000 is the whole Sri Lankan population 2,421,000 is the wholeColombodistrict population 647,100 is the whole population ofColombomunicipal council 210,546 is the whole population of Dehiwala municipal council 117,563 is the whole population of Moratuwa municipal council 116366 is the whole population of Sri Jayewardenepura municipal council 3.5 STATISTICAL APPROCH According to the table provided in the Appendix 1, multiple regression analysis should be used to analyze data. Further Martine et al. (2002) also have used the multiple regression method to analyze data in their study. In order to gather data five point Likert scale would be adapted as previous researches, Chan McNeal (2003) and Martin et al (2002) have also used the same scale to gather data. CHAPTER 4 4.1 CONCLUSION The proposed study analyzes the impact of ethical and unethical TV advertisements on buying behavior of the consumers in FMCG industry inSri Lanka. Further the study analyses the relationship of how different types of TV advertisements affect on the buying behavior of the consumers using a sample of 104 working women inColombodistrict who have completed A/L examination. Literature review of the current study provides sufficient evidence of past researches which have discussed the similar relationships between the variables selected. Further the study enables the marketers to understand the customer well and as a result they will be able to fulfill consumer expectations through their advertisements. References Chan et al. 2007, ‘Consumers response to offensive advertising: a cross cultural study’, International Marketing Review, vol.24, no.5, pp.606-628. R.C. Earnest 2007, ‘Ethnically targeted advertising views of those not targeted’, Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing, vol.19, no.3, pp.265-285. Martin et al. 2002, ‘Infomercials and advertising effectiveness: an empirical study’, Journal of consumer marketing, vol.19, no.6, pp.468-480. Barrio-Garcia Luque- Martinez 2003, ‘Modeling consumer response to differing levels of comparative advertising’, European Journal of Marketing, vol.37, no.1/2, pp.256-274. Petrovici Marinov 2007, ‘Determinants and antecedents of general attitudes towards advertising’, European Journal of Marketing, vol.41, no.3/4, pp.307-326. Romani 2006, ‘Price misleading advertising: effects on trustworthiness toward the source of information and willingness to buy’, Journal of product and brand management, vol.15, no.2, pp.130-138. Chan McNeal 2003, ‘Parent-child communications about consumption and advertising in China’, Journal of consumer marketing, vol.20, no.4, pp.317-334. Fam Grosh 2007, ‘Cultural values and effective executional techniques in advertising’, International Marketing Review, vol.24, no.5, pp.519-638. City population 2008, Sri Lanka , [Online], Available: http://www.citypopulation.de/SriLanka.html [Accessed 3rd December 2008] Department of Census statistics 2006, Bulletin of Labor Force Statistics, [Online], Available: http://www.statistics.gov.lk/samplesurvey/labourforce/mainpage.pdf [Accessed 3rd December 2008] AcaDemon 2008, ‘Papers on Ethical Advertising and similar term paper topics’, [Online], Available: http://www.academon.com/lib/paper/31480.html [Accessed 10th December 2008] Appendix (Statistical Approach) INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DATA TYPEDEPENDENT VARIABLE DATA TYPE:Buying behaviorSELECTED STATISTICAL METHOD INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 1:Infomercial advertisementsIntervalInterval Multiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE2:Comparative advertisementsInterval IntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE3:Realistic advertisements IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE4:Truthfulness of the information providedIntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 5:Trustworthiness of the source IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 6:Price misleading advertisements. IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 7: Ethnically targeted advertisements IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 8: Children’s misbehave advertisements IntervalIntervalMultiple Regression Appendix 2 (Operationalisation) Types of variables Measurement Questions/ Description Type of Data Independent Variables Infomercial advertisementsLikert ScaleI feel that infomercial advertisements make me buy the product compared to other advertisements.Interval Comparative advertisementsLikert ScaleComparative advertisements annoy meInterval Realistic AdvertisementsLikert ScaleI feel that realistic advertisements convince me more to buy the advertised product.Interval Truthfulness of the information provided in the advertisementsLikert ScaleI tend to purchase the product if the advertised information is trustworthy.Interval Trustworthiness of the sourceLikert ScaleI believe that TV advertisements are more reliable than other sources.Interval Price misleading advertisementsLikert ScalePrice misleading advertisements makes me reconsider when buying the relevant product.Interval Ethnically target advertisementsLikert ScaleAdvertisements targeting an ethnic group discourage me to purchase the product.Interval Children misbehave in advertisementsLikert ScaleI reject buying products that are advertised using children’s misbehaviour.Interval Dependant Variable Buying BehaviourLikert ScaleTelevision advertisements encourage me to buy the relevant products.Interval

Friday, September 27, 2019

The Effects of Social Media in Today's Society Research Paper

The Effects of Social Media in Today's Society - Research Paper Example Anyone with an internet connection can access social networking sites. Since 1975, when the first type of social networking was introduced in the form of Hotmail, social media has come a long way. It has been observed that social networking sites like Facebook and Orkut lead to time wastage, but their benefits cannot be completely ignored. This research paper aims to measure the positive and negative effects of social media on society. Who do social media reach and how can it influence people’s lives? Social media is accessible to anyone who has a simple internet connection at home, office or anywhere in his or her environment. It is reachable to people from all walks of life, from students to business professionals. Websites like MySpace and Bebo help connect friends and family by bringing them under a single platform. Similarly, social networking sites like eBay bring buyers and sellers to exchange commodities between them. In short, social media helps B2B (business to busin ess), B2C (business to consumers) and C2C (consumers to consumers) interact, share information or files, and trade all under a single platform (Hendricks, 2012). Social media influences our life and daily routine in a great many ways depending how we utilize these networking tools. Time is of essence, and this is what it helps save. People find it much easier to go online and read articles and electronic books rather than newspapers or books that are physical in nature. In this fast moving world, people have adapted to the technological development made especially in the last decade. There has been a huge decline in book reading as people have turned to social media to meet their reading needs. Social media is changing the social habit of people. Though eBooks save time, they cause massive exertion and fatigue (Coupland, 2012, p. 103). People find it much easier to shop online than to physically go to shops and malls to make purchases. Social media is changing the way people shop no wadays. Products can be ordered with just a single click and can be delivered right at the doorsteps. Such facilities have made life very convenient for people. However, there are major drawbacks of shopping online. People have become more careful when making purchases. Buyers often complain that the products delivered to them do not match the seller’s description. In some cases, they were charged twice as much as the initial cost. Cybercrimes are on the increase, and many people have reported crimes against identity and credit card thefts (Close, 2012). How social media can change the global climate Social media can change the global climate by making people aware of the rise in global pollution and the damage it is inflicting to the ozone layer. Altogether, about 300 million people use various types of social media and upload around 220,000 videos on YouTube on a diurnal basis. Such is the power of social media, and if these people can be reached with an effective message, then the results could be very successful. Efforts are being made with a simple plan in mind. Most charitable and non-governmental organizations have joined hands for a peaceful revolution against massive pollution. The main idea is to create a community on social networking websites and blogs and try to get as many likes as possible. Frequently posting articles helps educate the readers about the dire consequences of pollution and how the planet can be saved. These articles are read and then shared by readers with their friends and

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Llighting strikes Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Llighting strikes - Assignment Example Lightning strikes do not burn the flesh since the contact with charge is too brief to cause such heating. Instead, lightning strikes affect the human body by electropolation – a process in which cells in the human body produce holes in their cell membranes. Consequently, human muscles and nerves are vastly disrupted by lightning strikes (Ritenour, Morton and McManus). In addition, lightning strikes tend to induce electrical surges within the human body particularly in the nervous system leading to cardiac arrest. Moreover, human hearing is directly affected by the thunder shock wave produced by lightning strikes (Ritenour, Morton and McManus). Lightning strikes produce diverse cardiac effects ranging from changes in the electrocardiograph (ECG) patterns to cardiac seizures. The victim of a lightning strike may be suffering from cardiac contusion, myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmia among other problems (McIntyre, Simpson and Redfearn). Lightning strikes tend to depolarise the myocardium leading to thoracic muscle spasm and respiratory failure as well as asystole (American Heart Association). In case of a lightning strike, the paramedic should take to resuscitation as soon as possible since most lightning strike patients develop respiratory problems. If back injuries are present, it is best to stabilise the victim’s head before proceeding to artificial resuscitation. In addition, it is possible that the victim will have altered levels of consciousness that may lead to ventilator impairment. Often the fundamental cause of ventilator impairment is a blocked pharynx due to a relaxed tongue. The paramedic must check for such blockages immediately after which resuscitation should be continued (Medscape). The first aid team on the scene must initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the earliest since most lightning strike victims die as a result of cardiopulmonary failures. When providing help to a

Router and IP Addresses Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Router and IP Addresses - Assignment Example (Ramasamy 2007). An interface is a physical connector on the router (usually connected to multiple networks) used for receiving and forwarding packets (Ramasamy 2007). Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Token Ring to Serial and ISDN ports are some examples of interfaces in a router. Each interface has its own IP address different from the other interfaces in the same router. Summation of the number of all the IP addresses of the interfaces connected to the router gives the number of IP addresses a router has. Link-state and distance-vector routing algorithms Routing algorithms, also known as routing protocols are formulas used by routers in order to determine the best and appropriate path onto which packet are to be forwarded. Besides determining the appropriate path, routing protocols also specifies how changes in the network are reported by the router to other routers in the network in addition to information sharing among the routers. Generally routing protocols are used to dynamically communicate information about all the network paths travelled in order to reach a destination. It then uses the information to select the best path to reach a destination in the network. ... It requires minimal configuration and low memory overhead. On the other hand, the link state algorithm determines best routing path by calculating the state of each link in a path and selects the path that has the lowest total metric to reach destination. It requires a higher memory footprint. Link state algorithm knows whether a link is up or down, besides the speed of the link. This enables it to accurately calculate the cost to reach a specified destination within a network. It uses speed of the links in the path as the first priority over distance as compared to distance vector algorithm. Link state algorithm would choose to travel a path with more hops but of high speed than a few hops of low speed in order to reach its destination over a network unlike the distance vector algorithm which chooses the shortest possible distance to reach a destination irrespective of the speed of the links in the paths chosen. For this reason, a link state routing algorithm is much faster than the distance vector algorithm if all the links in the network have the same speed. Distance vector algorithm would be preferable in a case where the links in the network has different speed since it employs a more direct route with fewer hops unlike the link state algorithm. Ping Command Type in the command prompt window â€Å"ping www.google.com† My IP address 192.168.0.103 Google IP address 74.125.236.178 Approximate round trip time in milliseconds Minimum=446ms Maximum=664 ms Average=536ms Trace route (tracert) Command The average round trip delay= 461.0 ms. Maximum=429 ms. Minimum=418ms .It is different from that of ping (536ms) Hops=22, Routers= 22-2(source

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Digital Marketing Report( Gwynne's) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Digital Marketing Report( Gwynne's) - Case Study Example The key market that is served by the business is America. The business specifically targets Americans who live in NY, Colorado etc. There are several other online tutorials who teach Latin to students in the USA. Almost all of them are online based coaching classes who teach Latin based on teaching through SKYPE. The future direction for the business would be to advertise through online platforms such as face book and twitter and also contact the universities for conducting classes for the students of the universities. The current stakeholder’s in the organization’s marketing activities are the website of the company; you tube through which the company hosts the videos of classroom teaching to attract further students as customers. Other current stakeholders in the marketing activities of the organization are websites like Amazon through which the business markets textbooks written by the authors. In future the company intends to promote the business through social media websites and use them as marketing channels. Among the social media channels that the company wants to use in order to promote the business are Face book and Twitter. In future if the business goes big the company should hire more teachers, create a company promote online. The business may also provide free classes to the students so that they are attracted to undertake the full time courses. Amongst the existing channel mix for the business are the medium such as website of the company, and you tube. Most of the customers of the company connect with the company through the websites of the company. The website of the business also provides links about the videos dealing with classroom coaching by Mr. Gwynne. Other elements of the promotional mix that are used by the company to promote it are the newspaper in which the company advertises about itself. Amongst all the different marketing and channel mix that are used by the business to promote itself, the website

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The economics of End Stage Renal Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The economics of End Stage Renal Disease - Essay Example as enabled the government to control the costs they incur by revision of the delay of treatment services to patients who are not covered by the medical scheme (Kovner, Knickman and Weisfield, 2011). An organization providing ESRD treatment is likely to increase their earnings before deducting the interest they attract on borrowed finances, taxation, depreciations and amortization. With the control of the CMS, it intends to exert on achieving a breakdown of the costs, the organizations will tend to suffer losses. The eventual close down of the service providers will come as a result along with a decline of the quality they dispense. The financial burdens of the disease are also given to commercial and private dispensers to reduce the authorities cost (McKenzie, Pinger and Kotecki, 2011). The major purpose of having the legislation is to ensure that the rates of reimbursement equal the costs incurred in the provision of these services. The patients of the chronic disease are required to join government-sponsored schemes such as Medicare and Medicaid services for them to attain cheaper and subsidized treatment. They can also go for treatment in authorized institutions that dispense the treatment. By joining these schemes, they will be able to acquire the necessary treatment easily, and increase the costs they will incur due to the profits the organization requires. This is because of the governments regulation and subsidies that affect the provision of treatment. Joining of insurance schemes is also another way that patients can be assisted to acquire affordable, high quality and accessible treatment (Milstead, 2004). This is because the companies direct the patients to the best facilities and assist in covering the costs they incur. The provision of the medical facilities by the government ensures that all the patients in their population requiring treatment for the disease get it cheaply and easily. However, patients who are over sixty-five years of age will not

Monday, September 23, 2019

Recent Development in the Thoery of Rules versus Dicretions Essay

Recent Development in the Thoery of Rules versus Dicretions - Essay Example In this respect, this essay will assess the rationale in the Barro-Gordon Model of rules versus discretion to illustrate the relationship between monetary policies and inflation in achieving economic outcomes. Monetary policies play a crucial role in achieving certain outcomes – low unemployment, high money supply, or low inflation – in the economy. Achieving these outcomes, however, depends on the existing conditions surrounding the economic environment, which is also affected both by an individual’s expectations on future policies and economic conditions and the manner that these expectations are formed (Barro 1984: 1-2). The weight given to individual expectations, in this regard, highlights the monetary rules versus discretion debate under monetary economics such that as illustrated by the Barro-Gordon Model, an individuals’ expectations regarding future policies can either offset the effects of inflation under discretionary policies or achieve the zero inflation outcome through rules (Barro and Gordon 1983). Contrary to the traditional debate between rules and discretion focused on a policymaker’s capabilities and objectives; the Barro-Gordon Model is based on Kydland and Prescott’s work that identifies rules as a form of commitment similar to public policies and business dealings (Barro 1984: 1). In this respect, a monetary policy will only be as effective as the government’s reputation and its credibility in making a commitment to a policy because assuming that individuals are rational, they will always act in manner that predicts government behaviour and compensate for any losses that they believe will come from it. Hence, under monetary policies, where the output is always a consequent rise or fall in inflation, assuming that inflation is high and individuals are rational, these individuals will always expect a higher inflation rate and immediately adjust to these high rates, eliminating the

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Planning and Measuring Performance Essay Example for Free

Planning and Measuring Performance Essay Planning and Measuring Performance Planning and Measuring Performance This paper will discuss Hospital Corporation of America’s (HCA) goals of achieving industry-leading performance in clinical and satisfaction measures and recruiting and employing physicians to meet the need for high quality health services (University of Oregon Investment Group, 2011). This paper will also discuss which tools would be most effective in measuring the organization’s performance against the determined standards. The actual standards that HCA would use to measure the first goal of achieving industry-leading performance in clinical and satisfaction measures are set by The Joint Commission. According to Kicab Casta eda-Mendez (1999), achieving improved clinical performance and satisfaction measures requires performance measures in three areas: * To lead the entire organization in a particular direction. * To manage the resources needed to travel in this direction. * To operate the processes that make the organization work. According to Kicab Casta eda-Mendez (1999), these measures are: * Strategicto drive strategies into action and change the organizational culture. * Diagnosticto evaluate the effectiveness of these actions and the extent of change. * Operationalto improve continuously. The most effective tool to measure these improvements is benchmarking. Benchmarking against the top healthcare companies will determine if HCA is achieving industry-leading performance in clinical and satisfaction measures. Without benchmarking HCA could not determine if the company was leading the industry or if they were at the bottom of organizational ladder. HCA’s goal of hiring physicians to meet the need for high quality health services can be measured by determining the number of physicians need to accommodate the number of patients, determining the specialties/ sub-specialties the physicians are needed in, as well as measuring the retention rate of the physicians. The Balanced Scorecard would best fit this goal. The Balanced Scorecard allows the company to see the projected percentages and the actual percentages of the measurements. It also helps the company see what needs to be changed and gives direction for those changes. HCA can use benchmarking and the Balanced Scorecard to measure the different aspects of their goals. HCA will also be able to see the areas that need improvement and have some guidance into making these changes. With these tools HCA will be able to make an effective go at achieving their goals. References University of Oregon Investment Group (May 6, 2011). Hospital Corporation of America. Retrieved from http://uoinvestmentgroup. org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/HCA. pdf Casta eda-Mendez (1999). Performance Measurement in Healthcare. Retrieved from http://www. qualitydigest. com/may99/html/body_health. html

Friday, September 20, 2019

Newborn Bloodspot Screening Test

Newborn Bloodspot Screening Test This reflection is on the use of the Newborn Bloodspot Screening Test (NBSST), which is undertaken when the newborn is between five and eight days old. I will discuss how the use of this screening test supports the assessment and well being of the newborn. The model of reflection implemented within my assignment will be the Gibbs reflective cycle (1988). I have selected this model due to the simplicity, as it guides you through the six stages of the reflective process by asking a series of questions, allowing the experience to be transformed into knowledge. Throughout this assignment I will be maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards (2004). I will therefore use pseudonyms to ensure the identity of my mentor and clients, remain anonymous. For the purpose of this assignment my mentor will be known as Michelle, the newborn will be known as Theo and his mother as Hannah. Using the Gibbs reflective cycle (1988), the first stage is to describe the event. The event upon which I am reflecting is the NBSST which I performed under the supervision of my mentor Michelle, when Theo was five days old at his home. This was undertaken with the consent of his mother Hannah who was present and observed the test being carried out. The second stage of the Gibbs cycle (1988), is to explore the feelings regarding the event. The view proposed by Bulman (2004, p.141) is that when we least expect it feelings can often affect our learning. Therefore to mention a range of feelings encountered, and the situation in which they occurred, can be useful to the learning experience. I felt in such a privileged position to be undertaking the screening test on Theo as a student midwife under the supervision of my mentor. The NMC Standards (2004), state that, every woman has the right to refuse a student to be involved in their care. Therefore Hannah had the right to refuse consent for me to perform the test, however as I had been involved in her antenatal care and built a rapport with her she was confident for me to proceed. I felt that I had gained both Hannah and Michelles trust this gave me increased confidence in my ability and practice. My mentor held Theo securely in an upright position while I warmed the heel by gently rubbing it, as recommended by Michelle. After washing my hands I cleaned the area on the heel I was going to use to perform the test. Then using the automated lancet I made a small incision in the skin, Theo let out a high pitched cry and Hannah became a little distressed. Following the instructions on the test strip I wiped away the first drop of blood to avoid contamination and subsequently dropped four good samples of blood onto the filter paper of the test strip. As soon as I had finished the test I placed a plaster on the heel and gave Theo immediately to Hannah for a comfort feed. I then filled out the information that was required on the test strip and documented the procedure in the maternity record and the Baby notes. I then notified Hannah she would receive the results in approximately six weeks time and this would be by her health visitor or general practitioner, if there was any cause fo r concern she would be notified sooner rather than later. The testing strip was then posted the same day as per the instructions. Although the procedure went well I did however feel slightly anxious when performing the test, as I was concerned about the number of times I would need to puncture the skin and how distressed Theo would become throughout the procedure. I felt comfortable after successfully obtaining enough blood samples for the test using the technique my mentor had provided me with and relieved that I had caused minimal distress to Theo and reassured as he was easily comforted following the distress of the test. Evaluation is the next stage in the Gibbs (1988), reflective cycle. As suggested by Taylor (2006) evaluation is the element of the process in which the situation is reviewed in light of all the feelings gained. Upon evaluating the experience I believe I had successfully performed the technique, and in doing so had enabled me to collect satisfactory samples for the test. I had excellent communication with Hannah and the continuity of care from the antenatal to postnatal period had enabled her to trust me and my confidence had grown immensely. I had been out on community placement, before so my knowledge base had increased so I was therefore able to use this and the skills I had learnt from my mentor to inform my practice. The negative aspect of the experience was the concern for Theo regarding the pain he would feel when attempting the test, and the high pitched cry that he released upon puncturing the skin was quite distressing for me and his mother Hannah. Following the evaluation of the experience, the Gibbss reflective cycle (1988), states that analysis of the situation is undertaken exploring the experience in greater detail. The NBSST is undertaken on a national scale, the UK Newborn Screening Committee (NSC) (2005), test the samples for metabolic disorders which can be treated, such as Phenylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Sickle Cell Disorders, Cystic Fibrosis and Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency. The disorders screened for are subject to regional variations, however in my local placement area, all of these conditions are currently tested for as recommended by the NSC (2005). The purpose for conducting this screening test, is to detect the disorder at a stage early enough to introduce effective treatment to prevent the disease or condition from affecting the newborns development (Johnston, Flood Spinks 2003). The NBSST is not a compulsory test, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2006), state that for the well being of the newborn, the test must be offered to all parents when their newborn is five to eight days old. They also suggest that the parents should be encouraged to be present when the test is undertaken. This was performed on Theo the fifth day after delivery and Hannah was present for the procedure. The UK Newborn Screening Programme Centre (UKNSPC) Guidelines for Newborn Blood Spot Sampling (2008) (Appendix 3), state that women should be provided with the relevant screening leaflet in the third trimester and no later than 24 hours prior to conducting the test. This has been developed to enable parents to make informed decisions about the screening and well being of their newborn. However a study undertaken by Cavanagh, Coppinger Franck (2005), found that all midwives involved in the study gave information to parents prior to the test, although there were large variations in the timing and frequency in both the antenatal and postnatal period. The UKNSPC (2008) also state that the test should ideally be performed on day five and verbal consent from the parents is required and must be documented in the maternity record and the baby notes. The NMC (2004) also states that midwives must provide the woman and her family with the information to allow them to make informed choices about the care of their newborn in a form that they can understand, and maintain accurate record keeping. McCullough Chervenak (2008), state that informed consent requires the physician to firstly disclose information to the client and must then obtain the clients acceptance or refusal. They must disclose material information, this being what the client needs to know regarding the procedure and what a person of average sophistication should not be expected to know (McCullough Chervenak 2008). This was carried out with Hannah on the visit prior to performing the test, I had asked Hannah to read the leaflet she had been given on discharge from the hospital prior to giving her permission for the test. On the day of the test before I proceeded on Theo I asked Hannah if she had read and understood the leaflet and if she had any questions, she confirmed this and had no questions, Hannah then gave verbal consent for me to continue. Upon completion of the procedure I fully documented the information in Hannahs maternity record and Theos baby notes. Cavanagh, Coppinger Franck (2005), stated in their study that prior to performing the test, the warming of the newborns foot was undertaken in most instances. However Janes et al. (2002), found in a controlled trial that there showed no differences in the time taken to collect blood, the number of repeat procedures required or the behavioural responses of the newborn, between warmed or un-warmed heels. The study performed by Cavanagh, Coppinger Franck (2005), showed that the positioning of the newborn for the test also varied, despite strong evidence to suggest that the newborn should be in a secure position and cuddled when undertaking the test. The UKNSPC (2008) state in their multi professional guideline an automated lancet should be used on the heel and that the heel should be warm and in most cases additional pre-warming should not be required. They also state that the newborn should be cuddled in a secure position for the taking of the sample. Upon performing the test on Theo I rubbed the heel to warm it as recommended by my mentor and Theo was held by my mentor whilst the test was carried out. The NMC (2004), state that other health professionals should be involved in the care of the woman or baby, when a situation deviates from the midwives normal responsibilities. I therefore advised Hannah that she would be notified of the results in approximately six weeks time by her health visitor, and if there were any concerns then both the health visitor and General Practitioner would be notified and she would be informed as soon as possible. Shepherd, Glenesk, Niven Mackenzie (2005) suggests that the procedure of the screening test is easy to complete however the pain experienced by the newborn and the anxiety of the parents is of concern. When performing the test on Theo I was successful in obtaining a satisfactory sample with only one incision however it was evident that this had caused pain due to the immediate cry upon commencement. In conclusion the neonatal screening test is an important element of the care and well being of the newborn, if these conditions are identified, early treatment can improve health and prevent severe disability or even death (NSC 2005). The new guidelines published by the UKNSPC (2008) reflect the findings from studies I have researched and are based on the recommendations concluding the studies. My action plan for the future is use to evidence based practice when performing the NBSST taking into account the factors highlighted in this assignment with regards to warming of the heel and positioning of the newborn. I am confident in my skills with regards to the incision using the lancet and my communication with the parents.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Importance of Budgeting to Avoid Defaulting on Student Loans Essay

The Importance of Budgeting to Avoid Defaulting on Student Loans Students defaulting on their loans will always be a problem for the government as long as there are students taking out loans. There will always be a few that don’t pay off their loans. There are many reasons why students default on their student loans. According Ms. Farrell, the author of â€Å"Reducing Student Loan Defaults: A Plan for Action,† in the Office of Planning, Budget, and Evaluation Survey, said â€Å"The main reason that students default on their loans is that they cannot budget their finances† (Farrell 24). Even though a number of students are working while going to school, they don’t understand the financial burden that loans will place in their lives. In order for students to pay back their student loans, they need to calculate their in school and out of school budgets. If too many students neglect to pay their loans, it can create a serious problem for students that are currently in school receiving financial aid. A school can be dropped out of the student aid program. Under a current law, colleges and universities can lose access to student loan programs if they have default rate of 25% or above for 3 consecutive years. Institutions can also lose access to all programs, including grants, if the most recent default rate exceeds 40%. The Department of Education just released a list of more than 300 institutions that could lose eligibility for some or all student aid programs, and 144 schools are no longer eligible to participate in student loan programs because of high default rates (Dervarics 6). So we can see how important it is for students to pay their student loans back; so that their school will not be dropped from the student... ...in. It helps students to compare and match expenses with income to balance out their finances on a weekly, and/or monthly basis. So give budgeting a try, and see your life become less complicated. Works Cited Brownstone, David M. â€Å"Planning your future.† Personal Financial Survival Wiley Interscience Publication. 1981: 5 Deravics, Charles. â€Å"Student Loan Default Rates Fall Dramatically† Black Isues in Higher Education 6 February 1997: 17 Farrell, Mary. â€Å"Reducing Student Loan Defaults A Plan for Action† Dept. of Education Washington D.C. Office of Planning, Budgeting, and Evaluation, 1990 : 7, 24, 27 Finney, Robert. â€Å"Every Manager Guide to Business Finance† American Management Association, 1994: 175 Gray, Ginger. Phone Interview. 23 February 1997. Groza, Maris. â€Å"Where to Live.† Every Womans Guide to Financial Independence. Les Femmes. 1997: 13

Zelda Fitzgerald and the French Aviator Essay -- Fitzgerald Biography

Zelda Fitzgerald and the French Aviator In an attempt to improve their deteriorating marriage, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald made the decision in 1924 to relocate to Europe. Soon after their arrival in the French Riviera, Scott began working feverishly on what would be The Great Gatsby, leaving him little time for family bonding. Servants tended to their only daughter, Scottie, and Zelda, with few other responsibilities, spent her days sunbathing, swimming, and playing tennis. At least this was the case up until she became acquainted with a young French aviator. A local casino owner introduced the couple to a group of French naval officers that were stationed in nearby Frà ©jus. This was the first contact the Fitzgeralds had with foreigners of their own age and Scott finally felt as if he belonged in France. The officer both Scott and Zelda, more importantly, liked most was Edouard Jozan, a lieutenant and son of a middle-class family in Nimes. Nancy Milford describes Jozan by saying, There was an air of assurance about him, a quality of natural leadership that Zelda respected and responded to. Leadership, athletic prowess, a smart military air were precisely those qualities Scott Fitzgerald lacked. It was as if Jozan and Fitzgerald were opposite sides of a coin, each admiring each other’s abilities, gifts, talents, but the difference in the equipment they brought to bear in life was clear.[1] Soon after their introduction, Zelda and Edouard began spending more and more time together and it is most likely the allure of Edouard’s foreign characteristics which attracted her most, seeing that he was clearly the complete opposite of Scott. At the beginning, Scott did not appear threatened by, what he... ...r be repaired.†[7] Works Cited Graham, Sheilah. The Real F. Scott Fitzgerald; New York: Grosset and Dunlap, Inc, 1976 Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography; New York: Harper and Row, 1970. Stavola, Thomas J. Scott Fitzgerald: Crisis in an American Identity; New York: Harper and Row, 1979. http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp http://www.pbs.org/kteh/amstorytellers/bios.html [1] Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography; New York: Harper and Row, 1970. p 109 [2] Graham, Sheilah. The Real F. Scott Fitzgerald; New York: Grosset and Dunlap, Inc, 1976. p 61 [3] ibid, p 61 [4] http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp [5] Stavola, Thomas J. Scott Fitzgerald: Crisis in an American Identity; New York: Harper and Row, 1979. p 57 [6] Stavola, p 57 [7] http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp Zelda Fitzgerald and the French Aviator Essay -- Fitzgerald Biography Zelda Fitzgerald and the French Aviator In an attempt to improve their deteriorating marriage, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald made the decision in 1924 to relocate to Europe. Soon after their arrival in the French Riviera, Scott began working feverishly on what would be The Great Gatsby, leaving him little time for family bonding. Servants tended to their only daughter, Scottie, and Zelda, with few other responsibilities, spent her days sunbathing, swimming, and playing tennis. At least this was the case up until she became acquainted with a young French aviator. A local casino owner introduced the couple to a group of French naval officers that were stationed in nearby Frà ©jus. This was the first contact the Fitzgeralds had with foreigners of their own age and Scott finally felt as if he belonged in France. The officer both Scott and Zelda, more importantly, liked most was Edouard Jozan, a lieutenant and son of a middle-class family in Nimes. Nancy Milford describes Jozan by saying, There was an air of assurance about him, a quality of natural leadership that Zelda respected and responded to. Leadership, athletic prowess, a smart military air were precisely those qualities Scott Fitzgerald lacked. It was as if Jozan and Fitzgerald were opposite sides of a coin, each admiring each other’s abilities, gifts, talents, but the difference in the equipment they brought to bear in life was clear.[1] Soon after their introduction, Zelda and Edouard began spending more and more time together and it is most likely the allure of Edouard’s foreign characteristics which attracted her most, seeing that he was clearly the complete opposite of Scott. At the beginning, Scott did not appear threatened by, what he... ...r be repaired.†[7] Works Cited Graham, Sheilah. The Real F. Scott Fitzgerald; New York: Grosset and Dunlap, Inc, 1976 Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography; New York: Harper and Row, 1970. Stavola, Thomas J. Scott Fitzgerald: Crisis in an American Identity; New York: Harper and Row, 1979. http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp http://www.pbs.org/kteh/amstorytellers/bios.html [1] Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography; New York: Harper and Row, 1970. p 109 [2] Graham, Sheilah. The Real F. Scott Fitzgerald; New York: Grosset and Dunlap, Inc, 1976. p 61 [3] ibid, p 61 [4] http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp [5] Stavola, Thomas J. Scott Fitzgerald: Crisis in an American Identity; New York: Harper and Row, 1979. p 57 [6] Stavola, p 57 [7] http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp