Dell 4p’s of the Marketing Mix Essay

Introduction of Dell Inc. Dell Inc. is a multinational technology corporation that develops, manufactures, sells, and supports personal computer and other computer related-products. Dell Inc. based in Round Rock, Texas. Dell Inc. employs more than 82,700 people worldwide. Dell Inc. grew during the 1980s and 1990s to become (for a time) the largest seller of PCs and servers. As of 2008 it held the second spot in computer sales within the industry behind HP. The company currently sells personal computers, servers, data storage devices, network switches, software and computer peripherals. Dell Inc. also sells HDTVs that are manufactured by other brands. In 2006, Fortune Magazine ranked Dell Inc. as the 25th-largest company in the Fortune 500 list, 8th on its annual â€Å"Top 20† list of the most admired companies in the United States, In 2007 Dell Inc. ranked 34th and 8th respectively on the equivalent lists for the year. A 2006 identified Dell Inc. as one of 38 high-performance companies in the S&P 500 w hich had consistently out-performed the market over the previous 15 years. History Background and Origins While a student at the University of Texas at Austin in 1984, Michael Dell founded the company as PC’s Limited with capital of $1000.[5] Operating from Michael Dell’s off-campus dorm-room at Dobie Center [1], the startup aimed to sell IBM PC-compatible computers built from stock components. Michael Dell started trading in the belief that by selling personal computer-systems directly to customers, PC’s Limited could better understand customers’ needs and provide the most effective computing solutions to meet those needs. Michael Dell dropped out of school in order to focus full-time on his fledgling business, after getting about $300,000 in expansion-capital from his family. Dell Inc.’s Marketing 4P From the successful selling of the range of products being offered by Dell Inc, especially the rapid increase of the sales of Dell Laptop, other than the established brand name and the reputation of Dell Inc. worldwide, part of the success factors can be attributed to the successful marketing effort by Dell Inc. In this assignment, we will be doing a research on the Marketing 4Ps Mix (product, promotion, price, place) being implemented by Dell Inc to market the range of home users’ laptops. [pic] PRODUCT As for the case study of Dell Inc, the point on product worth highlighting is that, the vision and mission of setting up the company itself, is to solve and fulfill IT consumers’ needs, want, and demands. The original idea of setting up the company by Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Inc, is â€Å"to eliminate the retailer and sell directly to the consumer†. To quote Michael Dell, he said this before, â€Å"as a customer, I was disappointed that when I  went to a computer store, the salespeople didn’t really know about computers†. This shows that Michael Dell has had the vision and commitment of satisfy the IT consumers’ needs, wants and demands, which is the essence of a product means to consumers. The above paragraphs summed up the commitment of Dell Inc.’s to solve IT consumers’ needs, wants and demands, which in and of itself is an excellent product marketing. Dell’s Laptops/ Notebooks From the above diagram, it shows the each category of Dell’s laptops for home users caters for different home users’ with different needs and wants. Guides and Assistance Provided by Dell Inc. In Purchasing its Laptops For the potential buyers of Dell’s laptops, they are provided with guide and assistance in the process of selecting and purchasing laptops. Below are the guides and assistance being provided by Dell Inc for its potential  laptop buyers: (1) â€Å"Customize Yours† feature Dell Inc offers the â€Å"Customize Yours† feature, this feature help with the laptop buyers to build their own laptops, yes, literally building their own laptops, they can choose on their own the notebook colour kit, processor, operating system, warranty and service, display size, memory, hard drive, optical drive, video card, audio solution, wireless network card, Bluetooth device, USB cable for printer, batteries, power option, keyboard, service, Datasafe Backup Service. The options for each feature and accessory come with a stated price, while the basic feature is imposed no extra charges, as they are already included in the quotes price. Only upgraded and added-value features and accessories come with extra charges. After the laptop buyers built the laptops that fit exactly what they are looking for, they can review the laptop, there will be a list shown on every specification of the laptops they have built before adding to the cart. Also, the price for every component, feature and specification being picked by the buyer are stated clearly when the buyers are reviewing the laptop they built. This â€Å"customize yours† feature in and of itself is an effective marketing, as the buyers can buy exactly what they are looking for, without buying something that â€Å"comes with the package† that they are actually not looking for, but they have to pay for it just to buy the package. This â€Å"customize yours† shows that the home users’ laptops Dell Inc offers provide solutions to consumers’ needs and wants, which is the essence of a marketing offering. (2) â€Å"Help Me Choose† feature The picture above shows the â€Å"Help Me Choose† feature being offered to assist with laptop buyers on the Dell Online Store. As we can see the this feature gives detailed information to buyers in order to guide them through the purchasing process by furnishing them the information regarding the products, the specifications of the products, the financing and payments options, the access to Dell stores and retailer, the term of laptops, the awards won by Dell laptops, the reviews by Dell laptops’ customers, and also the online buying guide. This feature ensures the potential buyers can buy  exactly the laptops that fit their needs, at the same time, this feature also makes the potential and actual buyers know more in-depth of the laptops Dell Inc offers, this in turn would make the buyers patronizing Dell Inc in future when they need another type of laptops, as they already have the information on the wide range of features and specification being offered by Dell Inc. (3) â€Å"Narrow Your Selection† feature This â€Å"Narrow Your Selection† feature helps with the buyers to be more specific with what they want. When comes to a broad array of selection, buyers are often being not able to make up their mind in choosing which model to purchase. This is when this â€Å"Narrow Your Selection† comes into help to the buyers. The buyers can have a look on the each range of product that are being categorized into a more specific that might interest them rather than being confused on which one to purchase. Conclusion From the above information regarding the commitment of Dell Inc in offering laptops that fit each and every user’s needs, the features and specifications of Dell’s home user laptops, and also the purchasing process guides and assistance. These all come to one conclusion: Dell Inc custom-builds a laptop that fits each and every customer’s needs, wants and demands. This effort in and of itself is a brilliant product marketing strategy. PROMOTION In terms of promotion, Dell Inc. not only launches and implements one-time event such as road-show or advertisement when new products come out, but Dell Inc commits to continuously promote and make-known its products to the market. Dell Inc. does not practice aggressive selling in order just to increase sales transactions, but focuses on long-term promotion effort through (1) supporting its customers continuously, (2) giving effective and efficient after-sales services, and (3) conducting a customer review and feedback mechanism. (4) Contributing in charities. (1)Dell Inc.’s Continuous and Long-Term Promotion Long-term customer support system and feedback mechanism in and of itself are  the best promotion tools. The followings are the customer support systems and feedback mechanism being run by Dell Inc in its long-term effort in giving its customers value and satisfaction. (a) Dell Connect In mid 2007, Dell Inc introduced a new tool and technology, named Dell Connect. Dell Connect is an online technology that enables the tech staff to connect to the customer’s computer and fix problems on the spot or show the customers how to do it. For IT products such as laptops, after-sales service would be one of the primary concerns to customers, as laptops need regular and frequent services, updates, and upgrades. Hence, Dell Connect would be an attractive feature in promoting its laptops to the market. (b) Idea Storm On February 16, 2007, the company rolled out IdeaStorm, which is a forum for users to brainstorm what works, what does not and what new features they would like to see introduced. Here to quote Michael Dell: â€Å"We take the customer’s input and design the products and services.† Rather than telling the customers and the market what new products and ideas that Dell Inc has come out with, Dell Inc gives the customers and the market to have a say on the input and design. When the customers and the market have some say, they will feel being considered and treasured, which in turn Dell Inc succeeds in delivering customer delight. This in and of itself is a promotion of Dell Inc. (c) Customer Product Reviews For each and every model of Dell’s laptops, there will be a forum for its existing customers who bought the particular laptop model to write their own product reviews, they can also rate the laptop model in terms of quality, features, and value. Other than that, they can comment on the pros and cons of the particular laptop model. The customers are also allowed to give any additional thoughts that they have regarding the laptop model. This â€Å"customer product review† in and of itself is similar to word-of-mouth marketing. This marketing approach is many times powerful than any marketing  plans. As what a customer says is has much more influence and carries more impact on the company’s reputation and image rather than what an advertisement says. How the previous and existing customers perceive a company and product can influence a company’s position in a marketplace to a large extent. As so, Dell Inc’s decision of allowing the customers to write the product reviews shows that Dell Inc is confident on its laptops and proves Dell Inc’s integrity and transparency, at the same time, hence, the customer product reviews written by the customers act as a marketing tool itself. (2) Dell’s effort on charity contribution (a) Dell participation in PRODUCT (RED) Scheme PRODUCT RED is a worldwide charity scheme that runs with the vision of eliminating AIDS in Africa Continent. This charity concept operates by getting the contribution from the sales of signature products of top brands in the world, like American Express, Apple, Converse, Emporio Armani, Gap, Hallmark, Starbucks, and etc. And Dell Inc. is one of the participants among them. Dell will be selling computers as part of the PRODUCT (RED) scheme. According to the press release, â€Å"one hundred percent of the funds contributed† from the purchase of a Dell (RED) computer under the scheme goes to the Global Fund, the charity supported by PRODUCT (RED). The amount of money contributed depends on the product purchased: $80 is donated for each desktop purchased, $50 for each notebook and $5 for each (relatively inexpensive) printer. Dell Inc.’s participation in the PRODUCT (RED) actually proves 2 things: (1) Dell Inc. is concern for the world and social’s well-being, Dell Inc.’s effort in its social marketing campaigns is a promotion of Dell Inc. itself. (3) Collaboration With Local Newspaper Press for Brochure Distribution Locally in Malaysia, Dell Inc distributes its brochures through the Tuesday Star In-Tech, which is a weekly issue on latest news and updates on technology that comes with every The Star newspaper bought. This approach of distributing the brochures to the public is an effective and efficient strategy for the following reasons: (1) The Star newspaper is the best-selling English Newspaper in Malaysia, (2) The brochure comes with the  Tuesday Star In-Tech, which is the favorite for regular IT consumers, is more specific in targeting markets with higher potential of purchasing its products, (3) The brochure distribution through the sales of newspaper is one of the most effective way of reaching the mass public, thus creating an product awareness in the market once a new product being introduced into the market. The above points show that Dell Inc.’s promotion effort in letting the mass public and the market in getting know about their products in an effective yet not a cost-consu ming approach as the brochures printing and distribution costs would be insignificant to a giant corporation like Dell Inc. Conclusion From the above observation and research on Dell Inc.’s overall promotion effort, it is shown that Dell Inc. has established promotion channels which connects with its existing customers, also, reaches out to the entire market. And those promotion channels are being implemented successfully. PRICE When comes to the price of Dell’s marketing offering, it is worth once again touch on the founder of Dell Inc, Michael Dell’s authentic vision. At the time that he founded PC’s Limited (now Dell Inc), IBM personal computers sold in stores for about $3000, after Michael Dell taking them apart and rebuilding them, he realized that the components could be purchased for one-fourth the price. Even with added memory, bigger monitors and faster modems, the PCs could still be sold at a handsome profit. The philosophy of Dell Inc on pricing decision is simple yet powerful: give more benefits with lower prices than others. Means purchasing Dell’s laptops is a value-for-money and added-value experience. Dell’s Home Users Laptops Pricing In the research of Dell Inc’s pricing decisions on its home users laptops, the following points worth highlighting: (1) Online Price (discounted)   For all the laptops, buyers get a discount if they were to purchase the laptops online. This is a win-win situation for both the customers and Dell Inc. As online selling saves up the retailing costs for Dell Inc, as for the  customers, other than getting discounted price for their laptops, online purchase is hassle free to them, the customers need not to visit the physical Dell Stores to check out the models available, by visiting the Dell Online Store, the customers can check out all the models available at one glance, only a-click-away. (2) Buy and Pay for only what you want ( â€Å"Customize Yours† feature) The â€Å"Customize Yours† feature that allows the buyers to decide on the almost every specification of the laptops they are going to buy is also a good pricing decision by Dell Inc. A case study has been done to prove the pricing decision of Dell Inc that commits to accommodate consumers’ needs and wants. Case Study 1: The rationale of conducting this case study is to prove Dell Inc makes its effort to offer more different models for even a same price. From the comparison between Dell Inspiron 14 and Dell Inspiron 1525, the price are the same for these two models. Both of the models are more or less the same in terms of performance, the difference is that the size of the screen. As  for Dell Inspiron 14, the monitor is 14.1† WXGA Display with AntiGlare. As for Dell Inspiron 1525, the monitor is 15.4† widescreen WXGA TFT Display. That means these two models accommodate different customers’ needs, for those customers that are particular with laptop memory and hard drive space would forgo a bigger screen size and go for Dell Inspiron 14, on the other hand, for customers that looking for a laptop with bigger screen size would not mind buying smaller hard drive space. Hence, both segments of customers can purchase what they want at the price they are willing to pay. This solve one of the biggest marketplace and market offerings problem, some companies offer only one model for one price range, assuming that â€Å"one size fits all† strategy would work, in the end, causing the customers paying for what they are not willing to purchase for the sake of purchasing something that â€Å"comes with the package†, for Dell’s laptops buyers, this situation would not happen. Hence, the price being paid by customers to buy Dell’s laptops match with the benefits that the customers demand. This pricing strategy saves up customers’ money at the same time delivering customer satisfactions and expectations. (3) 0% Installment Scheme Buyers that purchasing Dell’s laptops can choose not to make one-off payment but an installment scheme. The good thing about Dell’s laptop installment scheme is that is a 0% interest scheme. This scheme is consider an assistance to the consumers and contribution to the society as well, as the scheme availability allows those customers that are not able to make full payment upon purchasing to own a laptop by paying through an installment scheme. Conclusion Viewing Dell Inc from the perspective of marketing 4Ps in terms of price, one conclusion can be drawn, buying Dell’s laptops is a value-for-money experience, as Dell Inc offers more benefits for less price, also, customers pay for only what they want exactly. In a nutshell, Dell’s pricing strategies and decisions make a good marketing plan in terms of price marketing. PLACE Dell Inc.’s Online Store Among the giant IT companies and manufacturers, Dell Inc. is the company that  is the most successful with online selling, facts and figures show that its online sales make up a significant number from its total sales, meaning that Dell Inc sells more through the internet than the traditional retailing method. The online selling and purchasing concept is popular with the young generations and also the tech-savvy. The concept of online store, online selling and purchasing not only penetrates virtually the every corner of the world, so long as there is internet-access, there is access to Dell Inc.’s Online Stores. Plus the fact that the purchasing enquiry, the models and specifications selection, and payment methods can be done online, in brief, the A-Z of the purchasing process can be done without the customer physically present at a physical Dell Store, makes Dell Inc reaching out to a worldwide market, and relating with its customers and potential customers directly. According to a survey, alone in the United States, some 65% of American online users now use the internet to shop, and the growth of online shoppers is rapid. Since the rapid development of the digital age and the invention of internet, direct marketing is being highly valued, as some marketers have hailed direct marketing as the â€Å"marketing model of the next century†. They envision a day when all buying and selling will involve direct connections between companies and their customers. And what should be highlighted here is that Dell Inc is already on the right track, and being established on the right track. This online store concept give Dell Inc. advantages over other laptops and PCs manufacturers which still operating a traditional retailing or agent distribution. The main advantages include (a) Operating an online store costs much less compared to traditional retailing and agent distribution. (b) The access to online store is always available at anytime and anywhere, so long as there is internet-access. Dell Kiosks Although the concept of online buying and selling is popular and being used by the wide market, it may still be unappealing to some customers. Some customers are still prefer the idea of visiting a physical retailer store, talk to the salesperson, seeing and touching the products physically, â€Å"get the feel† of the products, in short, a traditional purchasing process rather than purchasing the products directly online and have it sent to the door.  Dell Inc. is aware of this too, although the company is making huge revenues from it online selling. This means that Dell Inc. is a customer-oriented company, which strives to cater for every customer needs and wants, also, accommodates the exchange experiences which are comfortable to each customer. Dell Inc.’s effort in setting up the Dell Kiosks, employing the required staffing, and maintaining the operations of the Dell Kiosks show that Dell Inc. is committed to make its customers feel at home and their preferences a re being valued and not taken lightly. Conclusion In a nutshell, from the operations of both Dell Online Store and the physical Dell Kiosks, they are successful in terms of customers’ access, enquiry availability, and customers’ convenience. These show Dell Inc.’s success in its place marketing strategy. CONCLUSION Dell Inc.’s strategies on it marketing mix 4Ps are in good alignment and working cross-functionally, all the areas are synergizing and supporting one another in term of product, promotion, price and place. Product A good product is a marketing offering that comes it ways to solve consumers’ problems and satisfy consumers’ needs. Dell Inc. not only makes quality products, but the products are also being designed to fit each and every customer’s needs and want. Promotion Dell Inc.’s effort on promotion is not only profit-oriented or with the sole aim of boosting sales transactions, but also to make Dell a name that equals to quality product. Thus, Dell Inc.’s promotion not only very successful in generating revenues, but also created a lasting impact and an established name in the IT market. Price Dell Inc.’s price marketing and pricing decision has fulfilled the premise of a successful pricing strategy, which â€Å"giving customers the most by charging them the least†, this is one of the most important factors that attributes to Dell Inc. success. Place Dell Inc.’s place marketing gives its customers the most convenient and  comfortable ways to shop with Dell’s products. Dell Inc. caters for all kinds of shopping experiences that its customers demand for. In overall, Dell Inc.’s marketing 4Ps has been very successful, and that there is a point that worth mentioning, its marketing 4Ps is a continuous effort and it continues to make a lasting impact for its company success.

Stefan’s Diaries: Origins Chapter 25

Excitement coursed through my veins as I stole out of the house, across the dew-dropped lawn, and toward the carriage house. I slid past Emily, who held the door open for me, and bounded up the stairs. I no longer needed the candle to find my way to Katherine. There, in the bedroom, she was wearing her simple cotton nightdress and absentmindedly swinging a crystal necklace that sparkled in the moonlight. â€Å"I think Father may be persuaded to call off the siege. At least he's willing to talk. I know I'll be able to change his mind,† I exclaimed, twirling her around the room. I expected her to clap with glee, for her smile to mirror my own. But instead Katherine disengaged herself from my grip and placed the crystal on her nightstand. â€Å"I knew you were the man for the job,† she said, not looking at me. â€Å"Better than Damon?† I asked, unable to resist. Finally Katherine smiled. â€Å"Y need to stop ou comparing yourself to Damon.† She stepped closer to me and grazed my cheek with her lips. I shivered with pleasure as Katherine pulled my body toward hers. I held her tightly, feeling her back through the thin cotton of her nightdress. She kissed my lips, then my jaw, running her lips, feather light, down the curve of my neck. I moaned and pulled her even closer, needing to feel all of her against all of me. Then she plunged her teeth into my neck. I let out a strangled gasp of pain and ecstasy as I felt her teeth inside my skin, felt her draw blood from me. It felt as though a thousand knives were piercing my neck. Still I held her more tightly, wanting to feel her mouth on my skin, wanting to fully submit myself to the pain that fed her. Just as suddenly as she bit me, Katherine broke away, her dark eyes on fire, agony etched on her face. A small stream of blood trickled from the corner of her lip, and her mouth twisted in excruciating pain. â€Å"Vervain,† she gasped, stepping backward until she collapsed on the bed in pain. â€Å"What have you done?† â€Å"Katherine!† I put my hands to her chest, my lips to her mouth, trying desperately to heal her the way she had healed me back in the forest. But she pushed me away, writhing on the bed, clutching her hands to her mouth. It was as if she were being tortured by an unseen hand. Tears of agony spilled from her eyes. â€Å"Why did you do this?† Katherine clutched her throat and closed her eyes, her breath slowing into guttural gasps. Every anguished cry from Katherine felt like a small stake in my own heart. â€Å"I didn't! Father!† I shouted as the dizzying events of that evening occurred to me. My brandy. Father. He knew . There was a clatter from downstairs, and then Father burst in. â€Å"Vampire!† he roared, holding up a crudely made stake. Katherine writhed on the floor in pain, shrieking in a high-pitched tone I'd never heard before. â€Å"Father!† I shouted, holding my hands up as he used his boot to prod Katherine. She moaned, her arms and legs kicking in opposite directions. â€Å"Katherine!† I fell to my knees and held Katherine's body close in my arms. She shrieked, her eyes rolling back so all I could see was white. Foam appeared at the corner of her blood-caked lips, as though she were a rabid animal. I gaped in horror and let go, her body falling to the floor with a sickening thud. I inched back, sitting on my heels and gazing at the ceiling as if in prayer. I couldn't face Katherine, and I couldn't face Father. Katherine let out another high-pitched wail as Father prodded her with his stake. She reared up –foaming at the mouth, her fangs bared, her eyes wild and unseeing–before falling back in a writhing pile. Bile rose in my throat. Who was this monster? â€Å"Get up.† Father dragged me to my feet. â€Å"Don't you see, Stefan? Don't you see her true nature?† I gazed down at Katherine. Her dark curls were matted to her forehead by sweat, her dark eyes were wide and bloodshot, her teeth were covered with foam, and her entire body was shaking. I didn't recognize any part of her. â€Å"Go get Sheriff Forbes. Tell him we have a vampire.† I stood transfixed in horror, unable to take a step in any direction. My head pounded, my thoughts whirled in a confused tangle. I loved Katherine. Loved her. Right? So why now did this †¦ creature disgust me? â€Å"I did not raise my sons to be weak,† Father roared, shoving a bundle of vervain in my shirt pocket. â€Å"Now go!† My breath came in deep rasps. The heat was suddenly stifling, unbearable. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think, couldn't do anything. All I knew was that I couldn't stand being in that room for one second longer. Without a backward glance at my father or at the vampire writhing on the floor, I rushed out of the house, taking the steps three at a time, and raced for the road.

Discrimination Concerning African Americans Essay

Differences in race lead to divergent levels of economic development within the United States. Analysts often try to explain this phenomenon by observing a specific ethnic group’s tradition and cultural ideology. Economists expand their analysis on the economic behaviors of African Americans by taking into consideration personal histories and value systems of the group under study. American families measure economic status in terms of income, and factors associated with material security as a whole. These factors may consist of health care, college funds, and retirement plans. However, African American families lag well behind when conceptualizing economic development under these terms. The reason is due to numerous instances of discrimination that occur in the U. S. Many of America’s public policies aid in the underdevelopment of non-white families. Increased economic development within America is the key to upward political and social mobility. If minorities are denied inevitable rights to equality, access to economic development becomes a highly difficult process. Despite America’s idealized view on equal opportunity, it is valid to assume that economic security has been limited on the basis of race. Therefore, it is important to investigate why white American families are economically better-off than non-white American families. One must take into account aspects of political participation, education, and the number of children a family has in the home in order to understand this research question. Contemporary Viewpoints: The lack of political participation of minority groups is a prevalent issue within the United States, explaining why non-white American families are less economically developed when compared to white American families. According to Douglas S. Massey (1995), minority families increasingly speak languages and bear cultures quite different than the established norms within the U. S. regime. He has found that ethnic groups carry their customs into new generations, leading many non-white families to become displaced and impoverished. Brinck Kerr and Will Miller (1997) believe that it is necessary for non-white American families to participate in elections in order to obtain equal representation that they are now lacking. They go on to say that political representation is the key to higher employment levels, and is a significant determinant to the minority share of professional positions. William H. Frey (1996) finds that immigrants usually encounter highly stratified society characterized by high income inequality leaving little room for upward mobility. In addition, Paula D. Mcklain (1990) assumes that non-white American families will continue to reside in low economic subcultures that are institutionally incomplete if they are represented at much lower ratios relative to the population portions of whites. Susan Welch (1990) has found that minority groups have not even achieved half their population proportions in political elections. These numbers are even lower than what they were a decade ago. She states that other factors that lead to low political participation within minority groups is that a substantial number of non-white American families are not citizens, and therefore are not eligible to vote. Also, Massey has found that America enacts policies that hinder the socioeconomic status of immigrants for they are underrepresented at virtually all levels and institutions in United States government. Moreover, Friedberg and Hunt (1995) have found that non-white American families receive less benefits than white families because of geographic segregation within the community. The various dispersion of minority families in different low-income areas within the U. S. makes it difficult for these families to be represented proportionally. Consequently, Rodney E. Hero and Caroline J. Tolbert (1995) believe minority families can now be easily manipulated by government because they are not equally accounted for. Therefore, non-white American families are not able to take advantage of economically developed determinants such as health care and retirement funds. The inscription of the Statue of liberty expresses to the world to â€Å"give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free†¦. † America continuously contradicts itself on the validity of this concept due to the increasingly economic tension between Caucasian and non-white families. Friedberg and Hunt (1995) give the example of Proposition 187, which makes many non-white American families ineligible for certain services such as public health. Non-white American families are not given the opportunity to take advantage of benefactors the U. S. offers to white American families. Therefore, Non-white American families lack of political participation, and unequal representation in governmental institutions and legislative bodies, leads them to be less economically developed than white American families. Education is another obstacle to economic development that non-white families face. Education is a vital tool to economic security. However, Melissa Marschall (1997) has found that current policies demonstrate minorities have been denied equal access to education. She has found that assignment systems based on assessments of language deficiencies or other individual needs are used to separate non-whites from whites. According to Jeffrey J. Mondack and Diana C. Mutz (1997), inequitable school financing is equally detrimental to non-white students. Funding for public schools comes from property taxes. They go along to say that predomintly non-white schools tend to be in central inner city school districts which have a smaller property tax base. In addition, the Office of Civil Rights has identified practices that are termed â€Å"second generation school discrimination†. Practices such as ability grouping, suspensions, and tracking may appear on the surface to be normal educational practices. When examining these components closer, Brick Kerr and Will Miller (1997) have found they have a negative impact on minority students. Ability grouping is a form of segregation that separates minority students from whites. They have found that before even attempting to teach non-white students, they are diagnosed with having linguistic or intellectual problems. The students are therefore required to take special and bilingual classes, making it difficult for them to succeed. According to Robert E. England (1986), non-white students are many times pulled out of regular classes and placed into bilingual classes only on the basis of ethnicity rather than their understanding of English. Brick and Miller go on to explain that suspensions are a second tactic used to encourage the failure of minority students in school. Non-white students are given more harsh disciplinary sentences than white students. Moreover, studies show that the ratio of minority students kicked out of school is disproportionately higher than whites, making the students more likely to drop out. Marschall has found that schools also advocate differences in ability grouping and discipline, leading to distinctions in tracking between non-whites and whites. The majority white students in high ability groups are often counseled to choose college preparatory tracks. However, minorities in low ability groups are counseled into vocational or general tracks, making them less likely to attend post-secondary education. Mondack and Mutz believe that the overall pattern of racial inequality the school system has created makes non-whites less likely to receive a quality education than whites. This truth makes it difficult for economic development to occur within non-white American families. The number of children in a family lead to increased poverty levels and low economic development within non-white American families. M. Klitsch (1990) has found that minority women have children at an extensively higher rate than that of white women. Also, he states that non-white women represent a small percentage of the population, however they account for a greater number of births. Alejandro Portes and Cynthia Truelove (1987) go on to say that non-white families are generally poorer than white families because of the higher number of children in the home. This leads them to be more likely to live below the poverty line. In addition, Genevieve M. Kenney and Nancy E. Reichman (1998) have found the population of non-whites increases faster than whites every year due to high fertility rates. Similarly, the two have found that fertility rates of non-whites families living in impoverished communities is almost double compared to white families. Klitsch has found that non-white families have an estimated 5. 5 people to a household, while white families only 3. 8. Therefore, these high rates lead to low socioeconomic status, and limited opportunities to increase economic security. According to Kenney and Reichman, the high fertility rates are due to low percentages of minorities who use contraceptives. They have also found that non-white women are less likely to have an abortion than white women. One might view this as a positive aspect. However, Portes and Truelove believe that one must take into account the over a quarter of minority families who have an income below the federal poverty line, which is almost one half greater than those of white families. Therefore, the high number of children within non-white American families make them more likely to experience economic deprivation than white American families. There has been an abundance of scholarly research previously conducted on the economic differences between white and non-white American families. They usually consist of data sources such as the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the U. S. bureau of the Census. The Foreign Born Population of the United States and Statistical Reports are used with the previously listed sources to compare ethnic groups (Friedberg and Hunt, pg. 5). These databases yield cross-sectional designs that develop into time series reports in order to make assumptions on variables dealing with GNP and income, proving distinct differences in the races under study. For instance, researchers assume that white families are more economically developed than non-whites. This is because the average white American family makes $44,000 a year, and the average non-white American family does not make half this amount (6-7). These figures are valid in drawing conclusions about correlative relationships, satisfying important ideological factors necessary to study when dealing with the dependent variable of race. A more effective method of analysis was a study derived from interviews in a low income Los Angeles county. The participants were white and non-white females. The study was conducted between January 1984 and May 1985 (M. Kitsch, 136-137). In addition, the sample consisted of a three-stage cluster of census tracks, blocks, and household addresses. This cross-sectional design embodied research dealing with fertility rates of different races. The minority women proved to have higher fertility rates in low income sectors, leading Klitsch to question the different ways non-white American families conceptualize economic development. Non-white American families have to deal with numerous accounts of racial discrimination. It is difficult for a non-white American family to become economically stable in terms of income and security plans. The reason is due to being a minority in a predominately white America. Therefore, non-white American families are less economically developed than white American families because: H1 non-white American families are less likely to participate in elections than white American families. H2 non-white Americans are more likely to be discriminated against in school than white Americans. H3 the more children in a household, the more likely a family will be economically deprived. Implications and Conclusion: Education, political participation, and the number of children a family has all affect the levels of economic development within the household for white American families. Even though education levels has a stronger affect toward higher levels of income, when the three variables are measured together, they are all highly statistically significant. In non-white American homes, education levels appears to be the key determinant of their economic status. Further test need to be measured in reference to how the number of children a family has and political participation affect the economic security of non-white American families. With this, the above hypotheses will prove to have more validity. However, in both cases it was important to measure education, the number of children a family has, and political participation together in order to understand the affect these variables have on each other, and how this affect leads to higher or lower levels of economic development within the family. These multivariate studies are also important in predicting the affect the independent variables will have on total family income in the future. It can be assumed that the highest year of school completed will continue to have a strong affect toward economic development in the future for both white and non-white American families. In addition, the number of children in a white American family and their political participation are significant variables to measure when determining their economic standpoint in future years to come. There are alternative approaches to identifying explanations to why non-white American families are less economically developed than white American families. One example is the difference in income between non-white and white American families who have single parents and ones that have two parents. Another alternative approach is identifying education as only an antecedent variable, and observing how it relates to occupation, the true independent variable under study. From here, one can observe how economic development is related to a person’s occupation within the home. As anyone who walks the streets of America’s largest cities knows, there has been a profound transformation of different ethnic cultures within the United States. The rapidity of the change has led to growing competition of economic development between white and non-white American families. This competition has lead to ethnic prejudice and discrimination as the United States continues to assimilate into the melting pot for the American dream. Political participation, education, and the number of children within the home are variables that allow the transition to become a less arduous process for white American families. However, if non-white American families continue to do poorly in terms of economic development because of these variables, non-whites will continue to lag behind the income scale in comparison to whites. Research along these lines will lead to the study of relative differences between ethnic cultures. An example is the discovery of why almost half the number of minorities return to their country of origin after experiences of economic injustice. Previous research may also benefit other analysis in the field of economics by itemizing fertility rates in terms of the higher number of non-white American families who lack the finances to properly nourish their children. These new variables along with my research can in time become valid determinants in explaining why white American families are economically better off that non-white American families.

Nixon's Counterterrorism Policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nixon's Counterterrorism Policies - Essay Example It also looked into the implementation of these activities effectively. It consisted of the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Treasury, the Ambassador of the United Nations, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Assistant to the President for National Security affairs (Crenshaw n.p.). Two incidents which triggered the formation of this committee took place in the early 1970’s which led to the development of the modern counterterrorism policies. One occurred at the Munich Olympics in September 1972 by the Black September Organization, killing approximately 11 Israeli athletes. Another case of terrorism conducted by the same organization occurred in the form of kidnapping which took place in Khartoum and the immediate assassination of US Ambassador and his Deputy Chief Commission along with a Belgian diplomat (Naftali 33). This was the ultimate c ase which convinced President Nixon to take strong action against terrorism. The tangible threats to the US national security were the main focus of Nixon’s policy. ... By the time it got down to Clinton, he ensured his policies stood out from his predecessors. Another aim was to reduce the tension in the Middle East between the Israeli and Arab world. Nixon had assigned the responsibilities of counterterrorism to his old friend William Roger (Alexander xix). Arabs were in a natural conflict with the United States for its support for the Israel cause. Ever since the Six Day War of 1967, the Palestinians’ resentment grew stronger and they took wild measures in the form of terrorist acts. The case of Jordan in 1970 was one of great concern for the Western world. The defeat of the Fatah-led Palestinians gave rise to the emergence of the organization of Black September which split away from PLO by its own choice and continued to involve in radical acts across the globe. The main concern while fighting against these terrorists forces for the US was the elaborate network which could capture their Embassy in Jordan. The US paratroopers were brought to alert positions and seize the International Airport if necessary. This was the first lesson they got in dealing with the terrorists (Naftali 54). The presidents were pressurized to maintain their complete attention on the issue of terrorism. Although they did their best, their resolutions and initiatives were never entirely implemented by the concerned bureaucracies. In 1981 the call to establish a clearinghouse of intelligence by Vice President George H.W. Bush went unheard. The National Security Decision Directive 138 was issued by Reagan’s administration in 1984 strongly condemning any act of terrorism stating that such activities would not be tolerated by the United States (Crenshaw 2005). Nixon employed several steps as a move towards counterterrorism which

Sports Econimic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sports Econimic - Essay Example Examples of these policies include securing women through the league and free agency. All of these have been discussed in detail. Other factors like labor, salaries and coaching involved in the league have also been mentioned since they are the key contributors towards the league. Keywords: Australian Football League (AFL), Salary, Competition, Competition Balance, Season, Team, Free Agency, Percentage Distribution, Scores, Point, Clubs, Discrimination, Assault, Harassment, Couch, Policy, Rules Football is no doubt an embraced game all over the world. It has intensively attracted a great number of people from different continents. For a long time, men had dominated this game while the women were left out. Today, it is a game for all regardless of the gender and age factors. If you are not a player, then you are definitely an audience. Sports are perhaps what many deny the attention but the Australian football League! You cannot afford to miss it. It consists of both games played usin g hands, like rugby and football termed as soccer in the U.S. Since the beginning in 1897, there has been progress in the game which a keen audience cannot fail to note. However, there are various issues surrounding the progress of this union, and needs to be reviewed from often to avoid loosing track. Competition existence: Competition in itself is a strong foundation for the growth and the interest of the football league. Every club has to prepare their team well enough to win the match. It is absolutely arguable too, to say that competition is also a disaster as much as it is the propeller for this league. Comparing them with the African league, they are definitely ahead. Very many components contribute to competition; every clubs player within the team has to work to his best as is expected for each team. It is through this that they market their clubs and draw more funs on their side. Booth suggests that â€Å"Most measures of within-season competitive balance focus on the dis tribution of team’s season winning percentages,† (p. 9), which applies in the case of 2012 AFL 25th season. Using the AFL ladder, you will note that several teams strived to acquire higher points to move up. Hawthorn and Adelaide teams have 68 points each, while Sydney (P) and Collingwood hold 64 points each. Their percentage distribution appears as follows respectively; 154.59%, 132.46%, 140.58%, 116.46%. (Coach – AFL, n.d.). This is appealing, and having two teams ranging with the same points but quite some distributed percentage, proves no club leaves behind a loose-end to be the Premier. Today, each club is striving to get the best player in the team for which he or she gets hired at a high price. Nothing good comes out of nothing and it is the reason you will find them striking deals every now and then. Everyone wants a high pay, so why not support the free agency timeline? So be it that, â€Å"Under the new system, if an offer is made for a restricted free agent, the club of that player has to match or better the offer if they wish to retain the player's services.† (â€Å"AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou Defends Free Agency†, 2012). Though some may refute the idea, this will be a step to improving the poor clubs’ performances in the game resulting to more desired contest. Competition balance between the teams: All variables put together, there will exist a miss and come a plus. To measure the balance, then consideration of external factors counts within a given

Nude Descending a Staircase versus Mystery and Melancholy of the Assignment

Nude Descending a Staircase versus Mystery and Melancholy of the Street - Assignment Example The paper "Nude Descending a Staircase versus Mystery and Melancholy of the Street" focuses on the contrast of two paintings by Marcel Duchamp and Giorgio De Chirico. The painting has dark outlines, which serve as motion lines and provide limitations of the body contours. The motion lines in the painting are significant because they provide emphasis on the moving figure. The painting also has dotted lines of accented arcs. The lines are effective in showing motion because of the ease to detect from the painting that the movement rotated in an anticlockwise direction, which is from the upper left to the lower right corner. Similarly, Melancholy and Mystery of a Street painting focus on contours because of the great color use. The artist did the work with great preciseness to set a seemingly void atmosphere. The painting shows, at the bottom corner, a peaceful girl in the play mood with her bicycle rim and a stick, which balances her perfectly with the entire painting. In the painting, De Chirico uses lines and contours to portray elongated shadows, empty arcades, mannequins, and towers. He excels in his arrangements to create the images of emptiness, as well as forlornness. Consequently, the painting succeeds in conveying the mood and feeling of freedom and power in a paradoxical manner. The contours color and lines help to explain shows a distinction between shadows and the clear sunshine that suggests a clear sky. Consequently, the shadows and sunlight create an apparent mental illusion.

Choose an environmental problem that the world is facing and prepare a Essay - 1

Choose an environmental problem that the world is facing and prepare a REPORT - Essay Example In the year 1931 as many as 22 nations signed the Geneva Convention to bring Whaling under control but this has not been done even to date. This treaty was modified with new protocols in the year 1938 and 1945 and the same served as a platform for International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling signed in the US in the year 1946. An International Whaling commission was established in order to safeguard the Whales. The dwindling of Whales could not have been solved with a better way than establishing a separate entity to safeguard the population of Whales. This Whaling commission took many steps to safeguard the population of Whales, they forbid the illegal capture of Whales, set a particular no and size for the Whales that could be taken and did many other things to ensure that the population of Whales does not dwindle. The IWC conducts annual meetings to reflect upon the progress and any country can become a member of the IWC provided it adheres to the rules of IWC. This committee has been very successful in safeguarding the Whales, significant changes have been noticed since this committee has been established. The members of this committee work really hard to ensure that the population of Whales remains stable. Wales are the primary symbols of Marine life but off late the strength of the Wales have constantly dwindled because of the poachers and this has drawn intense criticism from all across the globe. One of the biggest concerns that have affected the marine life and the Wales primarily is the use of Sonar by the US navy and the US is in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. The US navy uses sonar to protect its vessels and to detect enemy submarines. The sonar used is affecting the marine life and especially the Whales. The US has invested a lot of money in developing their sonar operation because they face a constant threat from countries like Iran and North Korea. This is the only reason why the US has increased the use of sonar