Working Remotely The Pros and Cons of Remote Work

Working Remotely The Pros and Cons of Remote Work Working 9 to 5 When I worked in a “9 to 5” job as a legal services attorney, I used to stop at the gym on my way back from morning court dates. No one really knew at what time I was finished in court, and I always got my work done, staying late if necessary. So I never got in trouble for my liberties. And while I felt a little guilty about pushing the boundaries of my workday, overall I was happier. I could both keep my job and do other things that were important to me. What made me less happy was that I didn’t spend as much time as I wanted with my family, who lived in a different state. With just two or three weeks’ vacation, I did not have much flexibility. I would travel for short weekends, never feeling like I had enough time to spend with the people I loved. The Pleasures of Flex Time and Working Remotely Now that I am a business owner working from home, my flexible hours are a given. I make my own schedule (which includes  9:30am yoga classes). I can travel whenever I want, to anywhere I want, as long as there’s a phone and internet connection. Sure I work every day, but at least I get some changes of scenery. It would be hard for me to adjust now to a job that required me to be in an office for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. A remote job, however, I could handle. Especially if it came with flex time and “unlimited vacation,” perks which many companies are starting to offer. I’m not alone in my sentiments. It turns out remote workers are happier and more productive, and feel more valued than non-remote employees. And a Harvard Business Review article cited a survey conducted by Fractl which found that “after health insurance, employees place the highest value on benefits … such as flexible hours, more paid vacation time, and work-from-home options.  Not surprisingly, parents are the demographic most enthusiastic about flexible hours and work-life balance. They value these perks even more than health insurance when considering potential job offers! Remote Working Trends FlexJobs reports that 3.9 million U.S. employees work from home at least half of the time, more than double the number from 13 years ago. Interestingly, older workers (over 35) are more likely to telecommute than younger ones. Oh yes, I remember that up until age 35, I found it natural to go to an office and stay there all day! I must admit this data on rising remote work surprised me. I had recently heard about big companies like Yahoo, IBM, and Bank of America going in the opposite direction. They have called thousands of remote employees back into the office â€" resulting in widespread layoffs. The idea was that remote workers were not able to collaborate and participate in company culture to the extent these companies needed. There were also some situations where employees took inappropriate advantage of their right to work from home. Achieving Balance As with anything in life, balance â€" and communication â€" are key. Some companies, like Buffer and Basecamp, function well with fully remote teams. They have robust systems in place to ensure collaboration and communication. Other organizations do better having their employees in person, but allowing flexibility when, for instance, an employee’s child has a doctor’s appointment. And some positions at the same company can be better suited to remote work than others. I’m hearing from some clients that they have been working remotely in their current positions, but to advance to higher levels they need to be physically in the office. That makes sense to me. The benefits to employees of working remotely are clear, and so are the down-sides â€" like weaker relationships with colleagues, and the pull to procrastinate. Different personalities are suited to different levels of freedom. Benefits for Companies For companies, there are cost-saving benefits to leveraging remote workers. People who previously had to fly from across the globe for meetings, now can attend remotely with the same result. Software platforms (Zoom, Dropbox, GoogleDocs, Slack, etc.) make collaboration easy across continents, and new companies are springing up to take advantage of remote working trends. Remote workers’ productivity is also less affected by things like snow days (better for the company, perhaps, but maybe not as great for the worker who wants to go make snow people with the kids). One company, Kolabtree, predicts that by 2020, 50% of the U.S. workforce will be freelancing. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do think companies need to take care of their employees well and do whatever they can to keep workers happy. If given the right flexibility, even I would consider becoming an employee again! Are you considering working remotely and want help tailoring your resume or LinkedIn profile for the position? Contact us. Well be happy to help you focus your career documents for the job you want.

Eisners Destruction of Disney - 1266 Words

Since its humble beginnings in 1923, the transformation and transition of The Walt Disney Company has been staggering. The ability of the organization to integrate and excel in so many business areas is admirable and should be respected on many levels. Michael Eisner’s crucial role in the turnaround of the organization since his arrival in 1984 is valued on many levels, but over that last few years, he has taken many missteps in properly managing the organization. Although Eisner often vocalized his want for Disney to effectively â€Å"manage creativity,† the strategy he implemented while CEO did not reflect this want, and over time dismantled the creative core of Disney, and essentially depleted all the synergy that he had created in his early†¦show more content†¦Eisner first pushed this with the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and was wildly successful. Disney licensed computer games, jewelry, etc. along with pushing for heavy amounts of merchandise for the mo vie in their theme parks, and heavy amounts of advertising in their television productions. This established the beginning of Disney focusing on cross merchandising, â€Å"using each major movie release as its own miniature industry.† This link across business units from each release created a synergy between these business units, giving the members apart of the Disney organization an increase sense of identification. This implemented strategy proved incredibly successful for Eisner in his first four years, more than doubling the revenues and assets of Walt Disney Co. along with increasing net income fivefold, but unfortunately the quick expansion of the company eventually encumbered the growth of Disney in later yea In the late 1980’s Eisner began shifting the company to more and more unrelated businesses. At the time, expanding into new business area made sense from a fiscal standpoint, so that Disney could market in an even wider array of industries. Over time, Eisner pushed for product and geographic diversification unrelated to their core businesses. The acquisitions included opening retail stores, acquiring the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, producing Disney Broadway musicals, creating a cruise line business, and acquiring the television giant ABC, allShow MoreRelatedResources Capabilities20336 Words   |  82 Pagesprovides a basis for: 1 Selecting a strategy that exploits an organization’s key strengths. Mariah Carey’s disastrous 2001–2 was the result of her straying from her core competences (see Strategy Capsule 5.1). Walt Disney’s turnaround under Michael Eisner’s leadership was the result of exploiting its underlying resources more effectively (see St rategy Capsule 5.2). 2 Developing the ï ¬ rm’s resources and capabilities. Resource analysis is not just about deploying existing resources, it is also concernedRead MoreManagement Course: Mba−10 General Management215330 Words   |  862 PagesLeadership, Management, and the Disney Brothers Walt Disney is surely one of the most familiar names in the world. Roy Disney is not. Roy was Walt’s brother, and he played a vital but different role in the success of the Disney enterprises. In many ways you can think of the differences between them in terms of the distinctions we’ve been making between leadership and management. In many ways Walt was the creative leader, Roy the manager or â€Å"financial guy.† The success of the Disney enterprises was due to

Description Of A Network Database - 2169 Words

Contents Introduction 2 Types of database 2 Network Database 2 Object Database 2 Flat File Database 3 Relational Database 3 Database methodologies 4 Conceptual Model 5 Logical Model 5 Physical Model 6 Explanation of Logical Data Model 7 Entities and Attributes 7 Relationships 8 One to Many 8 One to One 9 Entity Relationship Diagrams 9 INTRODUCTION This report is about different types of database and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of network databases and object databases. TYPES OF DATABASE Databases store digital data, it also manages the data that is stored, because of this it also an information manager. Network Database A network database model allows many records to be linked to the same owner file. The multiple records and links allow this database type to be very flexible and accessible. It is a many to many relationship which means that there multiple relationships between each files which is what gives it great flexibility and easy access. On the other hand it is often difficult for first time users, if the database needs to be altered when it is finished the new information could change the entire database. The World Wide Web is an example of a network database as different pages are related to each other. Object Database Object databases don’t store data they store objects instead. An object is given an identity so it can be referenced. Objects consist of attributes and methods. Attributes are characteristics that define theShow MoreRelatedComponents Requirements For A Bank Operator1188 Words   |  5 Pagesfunctional requirements of bank customer are: 1. User Login 2. View balance 3. Withdraw cash 4. Perform deposit b) Bank operator The functional requirements for a bank operator are: 1. System startup 2. System shutdown c) Bank network system The functional requirement for bank network system is 1. Bank session_operation Non-functional requirements for the system are: 1. Reliability 2. Availability 3. Security and 4. Performance Task1b: Requirement specification template: 1 Introduction This is a SRSRead MoreOnline Classifieds ( Like Olx )1490 Words   |  6 Pagesshowing up the credentials or shouldn’t be passing on this information to the sellers from the buyers. Maintainer: The maintainer is responsible for adding new verified users to the online classifieds network and servicing existing services. A maintainer should be possible to add a new user to the network within 1 hour. 2.2 Product Features The Classified website should work 24 hrs. The website identifies a customer by user id and password, in case if he is into edit and add new items to the classifiedRead MoreDetermining Databases and Data Communication1148 Words   |  5 Pagescharacteristics. These are as below: 1. Booth components - Name of each component - Quantity of each type of component - Status of the components - Brief description about the components - Instructions for shipping - Items ID 2. Equipment - Name of each component - Quantity of each type of component - Status of the components - Brief description about the components - Instructions for shipping - Items ID 3. Shippers - Name of the shippers - Address - Contacts 4. Shipment - ModeRead MoreBusiness Information System Essay709 Words   |  3 PagesTable of Contents 1. General Description 2. External Description 3. External View 4. Internal Description 5. Internal View 6. Further Notes 7. References 1. General Description of the Information System Title Online Airplane Ticket Reservation Information System (OATRIS) General Description OATRIS is the system that help user to buy airplane ticket through Internet. It processes user’s preferred flight timeline and the payment. Then, transform it into e-ticketRead MoreTechnology Changes Role of Database Administrator1195 Words   |  5 PagesTechnology Changes Role of Database Administrator The database administrator (DBA) is responsible for managing and coordinating all database activities. The DBAs job description includes database design, user coordination, backup, recovery, overall performance, and database security. The database administrator plays a crucial role in managing data for the employer. In the past the DBA job has required sharp technical skills along with management ability. (Shelly, Cashman, Waggoner 1992)Read MoreImportance of the Study of Database Technology1488 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Study of Database Technology Introduction The importance of creating a database is the creation of a quality list containing the fields needed to sort and send relevant and timely messages to customers who desired to be contacted. Database creation requires that several questions are answered including: (1) who is the customer; (2) what would be the best thing I could do to assist the customer? (3) What information will aid in assisting the customer? (Nandagoaoli, nd) I. Database Defined TheRead MoreRequest For Proposal Rfp ( Rfp )1271 Words   |  6 PagesPURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION 3 4. PROJECT SCOPE 3 5. PROPOSAL AND PROJECT TIMELINE 4 6. BUDGET 5 7. PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA 6 1. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND Death Comm is currently accepting proposals to develop, design, launch, and host a new Wireless Network within their building. The existing Death Comm wireless network was developed and launched in 2001. In an effort to achieve more â€Å"efficiency† from existing network, Death Comm has determined that a new improve network is needed whichRead MoreNetwork Database Model : A Network Model1599 Words   |  7 PagesNetwork Database Model A Network Model is a type of database which will be structured so that we can see all the relationships between all the different records It basically allows you numerous of records to be linked to the original record. The relationship that you will see in this database will be many-to-many this is because the starter record will be linked to nearly all the other records in the database. 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SunTrust Bank should implement technical controls with respect to how information and data are being encrypted, what program is being utilized to identify any intrusion to their network and system and how customers/clients are being verified. Concerning nontechnical control, SunTrust administration should provide appropriate security controls for every resources and assets in the organization. 3.4.2 Control Categories NIST classified

Sample Financial Plan Description Free Essays

We have created a financial plan to help you retire at the age of 62 and afford to send your son, Sam, to college. After looking at the information you gave us regarding your income and expenses, we came up with the best solution for your financial future. We’ve picked out profitable mutual funds for your son’s college, as well as retirement investments. We will write a custom essay sample on Sample Financial Plan Description or any similar topic only for you Order Now We also have found different methods of saving money for your retirement and future education for your son. We believe that there will be a great benefit to having a financially stable future. We understand with Sam attending a four-year university, the cost will be great along with the need for saving money for this to work financially. Grand Valley State University will provide an excellent education for your son, along with benefiting him for his future. Overall, it will cost $189,750 to attend Grand Valley State University for four years. We do, however, understand that the cost to attend the university may concern you at first, but there are methods of assistance that are available, such as investments and savings plans. Investing in specific funds, with good performance history, will have a huge advantage in acquiring the money for your son to go to college. We strongly advise investing a portion of your discretionary income into mutual funds. Your discretionary income would be the amount of your income that is left over, after taxes and expenses have been paid. Investing in mutual funds, rather than other investment options, will eliminate the stress and difficultly of trying to time the market. We invested 46% of your discretionary income into four different types of mutual funds, which will provide diversification for your investments. Using a MET and/or a MESP savings plan will create many advantages that will benefit you in sending your son to college. Both, the MET and MESP savings plan, are 529 plans. These are tax-advantaged savings plans specifically designed to encourage saving for future college costs. You are not able to withdraw money that is invested into a 529 plan unless it is an eligible college expense. We feel as though it is a benefit for most because it allows the money to amass without disturbance. The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is a way to help pay tuition and mandatory fees at Michigan public colleges. The plan allows for years of college tuition to be purchased for the future use of a student at today’s price. For example, you could buy four years of tuition now at 2011 prices, which would be $189,750, for Sam to use when he enters college in 2028. Some advantages the MET offers are a state tax deduction and a tax-free growth. The only thing that we want to bring to your attention is that you only have fifteen years to use the tuition benefits, unlike the MESP, which has no expiration date. The Michigan Education Savings Plan (MESP) is an advantageous way to allow your family to save for the expenses that come along with college. The MESP is a 529 college savings plan which allows families to save for tuition, room board, mandatory fees, equipment, and required books for any qualified institution in the nation and some abroad. When the student is ready to use the funds in the MESP, whatever has been accumulated is what they have to work with. Some benefits of the MESP include: a state tax deduction, tax-free growth, and it allows for unused benefits to be transferred between members of the same family. We would recommend this plan over the MET to your family. The MET will cover tuition fees; although, it lacks the flexibility to pay for other related expenses, such as books, supplies, and other miscellaneous items. A mutual fund is an investment in which a company brings together money from many investors and invests it in stocks, bonds or other assets. Mutual funds are a good long-term investment, such as for your retirement. The risk level depends on the type of mutual fund it is. In your case, we chose the mutual fund with the best performance out of each different type. We recommend taking the remaining portion of your discretionary income, which would be 54%, and invest it just as we did for your son’s education. Mutual funds that are properly diversified will have investment dollars spread equally among four different classes of financial assets. We invested the remaining portion of your discretionary income into the same four mutual funds that were used for your college savings. We chose to invest in an international mutual fund, the New World Fund, which has a 9. 55% rate of return. We also chose an aggressive growth mutual fund, the SMALLCAP World Fund, which has a 9. 62% rate of return. Thirdly, we invested in a growth mutual fund with a 13. 63% rate of return, known as the Growth Fund of America. And lastly, we chose a Growth and Income mutual fund, the Capital World Growth and Income Fund, with has an 11. 17% rate of return. When diversifying the money in which you would like to invest, the smartest decision that you could make would be to invest in the four mutual funds that I just stated or funds that fit into each of the four different classes. This helps to reduce risk, such as if a couple securities in the mutual fund lose value and that loss could compensate for other securities that appreciate in value. When reaching the retirement age you can then transfer your gained revenue from all four of your mutual funds and place it into a bond fund. Bond mutual funds are designed mostly to provide investors with a steady stream of income versus capital gains. These funds are debt securities, or IOUs, which are issued with a promise of repayment on a certain date at a specified rate of interest. For your financial plan, all of your gained revenue was placed into a bond mutual fund as soon as you retired, therefore liquidating your riskier assets. Using this bond fund, you are earning a 5% interest every year. For example, the first year of retirement, after removing your yearly expenses, you will have $678,785 to place in your bond fund. At the end of the year, with the 5% interest rate of return on bond fund, you will have profited $1,139. 70 throughout the year, even after your expenses. We recommend that you invest in at least one retirement savings plan, such as a 401k or a Roth IRA, to securely save for retirement. It is a good idea to look into different savings plans, rather than make a hasty decision, because everyone benefits from a different savings plan, depending on their situation. In your case, the Roth IRA or 401k will be the most beneficial. With both of these retirement savings plans there are tax breaks that will benefit you. These savings plans are greatly used in America to help save for retirement nowadays. Each savings plan offers different advantages for couples saving for retirement. A 401k is a retirement savings plan for employees in which a desired amount of your check is taken out before tax deductions and placed into your 401k account. We understand that you have a pension plan through work, but your wife does not. This type of savings plan would be a great way to save for retirement. 401k is the favorite plan for corporate America today, due to its many advantages. Many employers will match, up to a certain percentage, the amount in which you place into your 401k. Invisible savings is one of the biggest advantages to the 401k savings plan. The money saved is taken directly out of you check weekly, even before the income tax is withdrawn. In doing so, this makes the money seem invisible to your eyes, and to your financial pocket book. There are other beneficial savings plans available, which can be used along with the 401k. Roth IRA’s are after- tax IRA’s. They grow tax free and offer many more choices than the normal IRA. Roth IRA’s are a good choice when it comes to saving for retirement. Even though you contribute after-tax dollars into a Roth IRA, all withdraws are completely tax free if you are over the age of 59 ? and have had the account for 5 years. With Roth IRA’s, unlike a tradition IRA or a 401k plan, there are no required minimum distributions. Direct contributions can be withdrawn at any time as well. Roth IRA’s can be set up on top of already existing retirement plans; as well the assets can be passed onto beneficiaries after death, therefore leaving an inheritance for your family. We are sure that we have supplied you with a detailed overview in helping you to be financially secure now and in the future. In taking the advice that we have given you with these many different investment ideas, you will find yourself more than content financially. We can guarantee that down the road, you will not have to worry about your financial status. Although in actuality, it is important to remember that building wealth takes time. However, the acquisition of your financial contentment will be well worth your time. We hope, here at LN Financial Planning, that providing you with this letter will give you the financial peace of mind that you and your family deserve. How to cite Sample Financial Plan Description, Papers

Strategic Brand Management Creating and Sustaining

Question: Discuss about the Strategic Brand Management for Creating and Sustaining. Answer: Introduction The intense of competition and marketing decision in today's world turns out to be an important factor that leads to the success of the company. The management decisions and the marketing mix strategies are taken by the company do reflect in the four Ps of marketing mixes such as product, price, promotion and place. Significantly, these parameters can be controlled by a marketing manager that emerges in a different manner for overcoming the hindrances and threats of the company. The internal and external environment are over control at a stagnant point when these parameters are subsequently been revised, and steps are taken to take comparative measures. The gap is filled with strategic management tools and techniques that can enhance the overall companys success and market position (Kottler Kevin, 2012). It is reported that Qantas Airlines is one of the largest airlines in Australia and it enjoys the dominance in its local market (www.qantas.com, 2017). The airline carries passenger s to and fro from its country and within its country. But, the recent reports have witnessed the slow growth of the company in Australia which was met after the financial meltdown felt globally by the rival companies also. It has affected Qantas market position in the market share. This is a matter of concern which is sharply recognised in the market. This study mainly analysis the marketing mix strategies and the critics regarding the marketing mix (Kottler Amstrong, 2012). The main aim of the exercise is to analyse the target market, current market and even the marketing mix elements. So, the marketing mix of the company, that helps to consolidate the position of Qantas, is being evaluated. The Queensland and North Territory Aerial Services is now known as Qantas. The airlines is the oldest aviation company operating in Australia and second oldest among worlds airlines. Quan. The company operates more than 5000 weekly flights across Africa, America, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. It flies to more than 50 destinations globally. The company is even nicknamed by the customers and the clients as the flying kangaroo. It operates in the domestic area with the name of QantasLink that carries more than 1500 flights with a crisscross structure in the Australian continent (www.qantas.com, 2017). The low-fare airline and achieving customer satisfaction is the benefit that Qantas group has a name in the global market. The marketing strategies that are applied here may be a real advantage for the company in its success and development phase. The overall company employees more than 35,000 employees from worldwide and has the total revenue which is close enough to 15 Dollars Billion. T he year 2013 had less profit while compared to the last year (www.qantas.com, 2017). Now, the company is subsequently trying to achieve its market position with the marketing mix components by regaining its image and recognition in financial context. Marketplace and target audience The main markets that consist for Qantas are domestic and international passengers who are carried in many parts of Australia and even in the world. The airlines have an oligopolistic market with relative small clients and huge passengers in the market. The company serves around 30 million passengers annually in and out of the country (www.qantas.com, 2017).There is a cut-throat competition in the market, and this seems to be characterised with the huge market that Qantas operate with the market share. The Qantas airlines had enjoyed a huge profit in the market with 65% of market share. It had the monopoly in the market previously, but now due to severe competition, the airlines has to strive for success shortly. The major competitors of the company are Virgin Australia, Regional Express Airlines and Skywest Airlines (www.qantas.com, 2017). The target audience consists of the market segmentation that Qantas determine which is a complex structure although and based on these segments, it has varied needs that can be fulfilled by the company. The segment adopts the behavioural segmentation for target market selection, and the company provides services to its customers that are comfortable and have topmost world class in quality and service (www.qantas.com, 2017). There comes another approach that has ranked towards the top airlines which are safety and stylish airlines. Passengers are likely getting attracted towards the stylish look and as such safety approach which tends to formulate the target audience. The business travellers are the target audience who are travelling in Australia or outside the country. Again, there is a segment that is broken down with another field such as conference travellers, routine travellers or even emergency business travellers (Chen, Su Lin, 2011). The leisure travellers are mainly targeted by the company. The target audience of the company does not hesitate to pay for the services and the luxuries that are provided by the airline (Mooradian, 2012). It has even a customer loyalty program which is carried by the company known as Qantas Frequent Flier. The program helps to know about the effective ways in travelling which are drawn for the business travellers. Marketing Mix The elements of marketing mix include the Product, Price, Place and Promotion carried out by Qantas help to make marketing decisions (Zeithaml, et, al., 2009). Following are the elements of marketing in detail while determining the importance of marketing in the global market. An immense importance is given by Qantas to the product planning in an increasingly competitive market. The products are mainly crafted for the new customers, and this holds the market position of the company (www.qantas.com, 2017). In context to the profitability index, it is important to look over to the high priority of the products and services that the company offers in the market to the customers. The product of the Qantas Airlines does include the passenger travelling service and accommodation and freight containers. There are premium arrangements that are provided by the airlines. The services provided are first class, business international class, international economy and even premium economy (Roosta, 2009). As such the seating arrangements are different with the services provided by the company. In flight services, amenities and meals are provided by the company in each class. With this, the domestic flights have some separate economy and business class which operates with the flight passenger and entertainment services. The product features are provided by the company which would help customers to describe the importance and value of product or services. Qantas thus tries to augment with the better services and product to the passengers (OSullivan, et, al., 2011). There are other amenities that help for the business class to augment its products. Moreover, the airlines even provide the online services whether it is booking or finding some information regarding the flights and the services that it provides to the general public. The company now tries to add the benefits of more travelling aircraft to operate easily with the better services for regular intervals. The entertainment services and other amenities by the company may help to boost the customer's interest and attract them with the extra features of the services and products of the company (Kapferer, 2008). The connecting flights are provided by the company, and this helps to make up customers mind to not shift the other airlines while travel ling for the business and conference purpose. Varied time is saved by the customers, and this would help in providing the frequent advantage to the company. The frequent flyer program is conducted by Qantas, and this is most popularly started by the Qantas airlines for better information to the passengers (McCharty, et, al., 2011). Brand loyalty is again achieved when the products of the company are satisfactory, and the company earns a huge profit while maintaining the brand with the services it provides to the customers. As such brand loyalty has been achieved when the value satisfaction is achieved, and the customer's goals are satisfied by Qantas. At this moment, there are products that the company has given which are varied and the services that help to engage the customers to opt for Qantas airlines. Brand awareness is necessary as such the company creates an interest in advertising its products in the market (Iranzadeh et al. 2012). The company has one of the most brand names in the airline industry that attracts the millions of passengers who have travelled by the airlines and have made a cognitive difference while comparing the Qantas airlines with other airlines. There are again some features such as the company history, slogan and company logo that fits in with the competitive advantage that is felt by the passengers (Cravens Nigel, 2009). Qantas uses the cost plus margin when determining the pricing system for its airlines (www.qantas.com, 2017). The more the demand for the product, the higher are the prices for the product. This again is a simple rule, but many rival companies try to achieve the market with simple pricing method and maintaining the price as per the competitors pricing. There are even competitive pricing methods that are used by the companies to compete with the price strategy in the competitive market while achieving competitive advantage. While penetrative pricing method is evenly used at times by the company for low-cost advantage. There are price discounts that are portrayed and the offers which help to maintain the customer. Customer retention is the main goal, and this is achieved by the company while lowering the price and providing the facility to the customers (www.qantas.com, 2017). The new destinations have different prices which have low pricing structures. The frequent flyer program has o ffered the company with some offer of getting the customer benefit. The prices include the cost and the other services that the company has to add to the main product or service expense (Chattopadhyay et al. 2010). All the given overheads can be calculated, and if possible, the pricing system is applied in recession with low cost and high customer satisfaction and customer benefit. There are some ways when the company wants to promote the products or services in the market. It comes with the media agency or the social media activity. The advertisements are meant when it comes to radio, TV, billboards, internet advertisements, magazines and brochures. The main purpose is to provide the product and service awareness to the general public with the purpose of product promotion and branding as the main criteria. There are even direct marketing techniques that can be used directly to send some messages to the general public (www.qantas.com, 2017). Qantas applies this in general, and the public is aware of the products and the services that are meant to give a subsequent advantage. There are sales promotions that are mainly used for the low seasons and other direct selling that can be used for the passengers of the corporate class (www.qantas.com, 2017). Social networking blogs, mail marketing, etc. do get a closer impact to the customers with some offers and discount s. There are some PR activities, event, art, entertainment programs and sports that involve the customers to engage into the Qantas airlines and try to use the products (Lovelock Wirtz, 2011). There are direct sales that are conducted by the Qantas airlines, and these are countered at the specific airports. With this, there are some retail outlets that engage in the ticket sales. More and more used is the internet services through which online booking is possible as easily as saving the time and money at the comparative level. The company website plays an integral role because online ticketing is an easy go for passengers rather than meeting the personnel and confirming the tickets. So direct market is less used for this purpose (Frosen, et, al., 2013). The market now is online, and this is the advantages that other airlines do give to its customers and passengers while feeling free with the concerned promotional measures at the same time. Even mobile phones and telephones are used to book tickets on an easy go. Travel agents are another options that are used by business class passengers. The travel agents are like intermediaries between the company and the customers, so t he broking charges are applied at this end, rather the benefits are higher than what it looks like (Grey, et, al., 2002). In the year 2012, Qantas and Emirates have got into a joint venture alliance for the future growth. In the circumstance of the similar statement, Chattopadhyay, Dutta Sivani (2010) asserted that the partnership was formed with a contract of next 10 years. It has been inferred that the Qantas international operations has lost $450 million in 2011, due to intense competitions, high fuel prices, economic downturn in the European and US markets and restructuring costs. Various analysts believe that the partnership with Emirates could generate an annual earnings uplift of A$80m-A$90m for Qantas. Moreover, the partnership will assist Emirates to tap the corporate market in Australia, which is a target of rival brands including Abu Dhabi-based Etihad In the framework of the present statement, OSullivan, et, al. (2011) asserted that Qantas might have attained a profitable position and managed to retain its staffs with effective efforts. In the year 2015, the management of the specific company has included its shareholders and employees in its annual general meeting after its dramatic turnaround from huge corporate losses. On the contrary, Dutta Sivani (2010) stated that over 40 % of staffs working part time on wages have claimed to leave many below the poverty line. Moreover, 70% of staffs reported that pay is not sufficient to meet the costs while over three-quarters, which prohibits retiring even at the age of 65. Quantas has considerably improved its service quality. The body languages of the staffs and even the cabin crews have become firm and polite. The brand is offering exceptional loyalty building service by using the customer data. The airline has a dedicated team to manage the social media channels and respond to the customers queries and post in real-time. The team monitors on the customers behaviors and online comments, based on which real-time responses are provided to build one-to-one relationship with the customers. Customers always prefer a neat and clean environment, especially in the aviation sector. Therefore, it is very important for the brands operating in the specific sector to maintain a clean and hygiene measures to maintain good customers experiences. Qantas Airline has considerably worked on the above aspect and managed to maintain a clean and environment friendly environment. Moreover, in 2013, the brand has introduced a new uniform to create a pleasing impact on its customers. Dacko (2008) mentioned that customers require witnessing some visual changes to rely on the services quality. Therefore, the changes in uniform pattern have been a physical evidence for the brand to ensure the customers about its service improvements. Market mix strategies While considering and comparing the time of inception of Qantas, which is around hundred years ago the airlines has been among the leading airlines in the world because of the products and services it provides to its passengers. It has previously been ranked among the world class flights that provides world class service. The Qantas has now faced a severe issue while it has its roots sinking due to some or the other reason. The route that the airline industry provides has some destinations all over the world. So the best use of marketing mix strategies is implemented by the company. The connecting routes are now available and it is an easy going way for the passengers to travel to a distinct place within Australia (www.qantas.com, 2017). Customer relationship marketing is a consistent tool that helps the company to achieve its position in the market and helps to intelligently craft the airlines. Transparency and company messages are again the steps that adopt in the airlines. So the recent turmoil has subsequently harmed the company, and the best strategies are used by the airlines to compete in the world. The marketing mix technique would eventually be a success when a customer relationship is maintained, and services are provided in a distinct manner to the customers. The products and services must have a differentiation feature and can attract the customers while this can be a distinct feature to increase the sales volume of the company (Michael Grewal, 2008). High demand can be achieved by the company, and brand loyalty can be maintained by the customers if there are discounts, offers and other promotional measures that the company tries to add as an advantage to the product specification (Dacko, 2008). Consistency and customization are very important. Flight delays should subsequently be reduced to zero; this will help to achieve the benefit in an increase in sales volume and profitability (Farahani, 2013). Recommendations Brands have the tendency of tracking customers responses while the transition of improving the service standards. After receiving positive results, the customer care units get reluctant and fail to carry out the method. Thus, brands again loose out its potential customers once again. Qantas has managed to improve its customer experience with better service offerings, thus, the brands requires being persistent in its effort. Technical maintenance It is very important for the airlines brands to ensure that its IT (Information Technology) unit is on the right track. Presently, with the several online facilities, the customers are getting highly inclined towards online operations. Majority of the brands seem to lose out customer base due to inefficient IT support. The customers prefer booking s tickets through the dedicated corporate and online portals of the airlines. Hence, in case of technical and server slow down issues, the customers would feel irritated and look for a better flight option. Hence, it is very important for the IT department to maintain its performance in terms of technicalities and also to be aware of the technical upgradations. Different software are implemented by the airlines brands to simplify customers efforts, thus, it is very important to stay updated to sustain in the volatile market. Conclusion The marketing mix strategies are applied by Qantas airlines while providing best products and services to its customers. The four marketing mix elements such as Product, Price, Place and Promotional measures are analysed and rendered by the company to make the current position of the company stronger as before. These can be revised by measuring the success and the failure criteria. The internal and external environment are examined to get an idea about the strengths and weakness of the company. References Chattopadhyay, T., Dutta, R. N., Sivani, S. (2010). Media mix elements affecting brand equity: A study of the Indian passenger car market, IIMB Management Review, 22(4), 173-185. Cravens, W. David.and Piercy, F. Nigel. (2009). Strategic Marketing, 9th Edition. Singapore: McGraw Hill/ Irwin. Chen, Y.M., Su,Y.F., Lin, F.J.(2011). Country-of-origin effects and antecedents of industrial brand equity, Journal of Business Research, 1-5. doi:10.1016 j.jbusres.2011.06.029. Dacko, S. G. (2008). The advanced dictionary of marketing: Putting theory to use, New York: Oxford University Press Farahani, M. J. (2013). The impact of marketing mix elements on brand equity in sports services. The Applied Research in Sports Management. 2 (6): 11-20. Frosen, J.,Tikkanen, H., Jaakkola, M.., andVassinen, A.. (2013). Marketing Performance Assessment Systems and The Business Context. European Journal of Marketing, Vol.47, Issue.5/6, p. 715-737 Grey. L. Brendan., Matear, Sheelagh., Matheson, K. Philip. (2002). Improving service firm performance. Journal of Services Marketing, Vol. 16 Iss 3 pp. 186 200 Iranzadeh, S, Ranjbar, A, Poorsadegh, N. (2012). Examining the effect of the marketing mix on brand equity. Scientific-Research Journal of New Marketing. 3 (6): 155-172. Kapferer, J. N. (2008). The New Strategic Brand Management: Creating and Sustaining Brand Equity Long Term, London, England: Kogan Page Kottler, P. andAmstrong, G. (2012).Principles of Marketing, 14th Edition. New York: Pearson Educated, Limited. Kottler, Philip. and Keller, L. Kevin. (2012). Marketing Management, 14th Edition. New York: Pearson Educated Limited. Levy, M. andGrewal, D. (2008). Marketing, 1st Edition. New York: McGraw Hill/ Irwin. Lovelock, C. andWirtz, J. (2011). Services Marketing: People, Technology, Strategy, 7th Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. McCharty, E. Jerome. Perreault, D. William.and Cannon, P. Joseph. (2011). Basic Marketing: A GlobalManagerial Approach, 18th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill/ Irwin. Mooradian, A. Todd. Matzler, Kurt. Ring, J. Lawrence. (2012) Strategic Marketing, 1st Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. OSullivan, Don.,Abela, V. Andrew., Hutchinson, Mark. (2009). Marketing Performance Measurement and FirmPerformance. European Journal of Marketing, Vol.43, Issue.5/6, p. 843-862 Quantas (2017)Fly with one of the worlds most experienced airlines. Available at: https://www.qantas.com/in/en.html (Accessed: 30 January 2017). Roosta, V, Ebrahimi, A. (2009). Marketing management. 13th Edition. SAMT Pub. Tehran. Zeithaml, A. Valarie. Bitner, J. Mary.andGremler, D. Dwayne. (2009). Services Marketing: Integrating Customer Focus Across the Firm, 5th Edition. Singapore: McGraw Hill/ Irwin.

An Interpretation of the Money Tree Essays

An Interpretation of the Money Tree Essays An Interpretation of the Money Tree Paper An Interpretation of the Money Tree Paper Visually, the money tree was unique and distinct, compared to other Han Dynasty art pieces clay models of mythical and real animals, lead-glazed earthenware canteens, reamer vessels, tile and brick decorations found in tombs, and various models of houses, stoves, mills, and farmyards. Its elaborate detail and delicacy was unlike not only the Han pieces in Gallery 15, but any art I had seen in Chinese history. However, the money tree was not love at first sight. As I researched and learned more about the tree, I became increasingly drawn to the piece. The money tree represents the synergy of Taoism and Buddhism during the Eastern Han Dynasty- a guide to heaven, and the hope for good fortune In the afterlife. Money trees were placed In tombs found mostly In the Chuan province of China during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD). The money tree Is made of bronze and can be delved Into two sections: the base and the branches of the tree. The ceramic and bronze base is covered with an amber lead glaze and contains three levels, which portray lively scenes rarely found in Chinese art, such as hunting (Rigger 11 . 10. 05). Whole surviving money trees are rare, since the solid base of the tree endure longer than its delicate branches. The branches of the tree are thin, wintertime bronze pieces that are divided by six levels. Each level has four branches facing opposite directions that are divided by ninety degrees. The branches thrive with magical creatures (such as winged immortals called Asian), disk shapes, birds, and coins that literally hang from the bottom of the branches (museum description). Each coin Is similar to those used during the Han Dynasty (a square cut out off circle) and Is Interconnected, forming what looks Like a chain. At the top of the tree the Queen Mother of the West (Aqualung), an Important Taoist deity, Is dated on her throne supported by a dragon and tiger. Between the topmost branch and the Queen Mother of the West is a small figure of a seated Buddha surrounded by coins. The Han Dynasty lasted from 206 BCC to 220 AD and followed the short-lived Sin Dynasty from 221 to 206 BCC. China flourished domestically during the Han dynasty and expanded geographically, politically, and culturally to neighboring lands. Han art made frequent references to spirits, portents, myths, the strange and powerful, the death-defying and the dazzling (Byre 71). Art pieces like the money tree show the attempt of Han emperors to contact the Immortal world of gods and the Importance of the fate of the dead (Byre 71). This desire for life after death and Immortality during the Han Dynasty Is portrayed through the Taoist deity the Queen Mother of the West. Her paradise Is filled with deathless trees, lucky charms, and auspicious animals such as the dancing toad, the three-foot crow, the nine-tailed fox, the hare Tanat produces ten laxer AT Immortality, Ana magical Dallas, wanly are placate In ten upper edge of the branches (Byre 71, Bagley 54). People of all social classes reshipped her and believed in her power to provide immortality. The History of the Han from 3 BCC explains, People were running about in a state of alarm, holding stalks of hemp that they passed from one to another, saying they were delivering the wand the edict of the Queen Mother of the West They also passed around texts reading The Mother tells the people that those who wear this talisman will not die (Byre 73). Taoism emphasizes themes similar to those of the Queen Mother of the West, such as immortality, longevity, and wealth. Towards the end of the Han Dynasty, otherwise known as the Eastern Han, specialists of immorality, called famishing and their beneficiaries Asian (Rigger 11 . 7. 05). Other Taoist features are also apparent on the decorations on the base of the money tree, figures with elongated heads called the Taoist Immortals (Chipper 6). The Immortals refer to the cult of immortals or transcendent (in Chinese, Asian) in which believers practiced the arts of physical cultivation to make themselves into spiritual beings (Rigger 1 1 . 14. 05). Another important figure present in the money tree is a seated Buddha placed low the Queen Mother of the West. Mahayana Buddhism originated in India where Shamanic, the historical Buddha lived, and spread to China through the Silk Road (Byre 95). The hierarchical position of the Buddha on the money tree, below the Queen Mother of the West, but above the Queens attendants and earth, portrays the emergence of Buddhism, specifically Mahayana Buddhism, at a time when Taoism was considered the dominant religion. In fact, many Chinese first viewed Buddhism as a variation of Taoism, since early translators used Taoist terms to express Buddhist ideas. For example, the Mahayana concept of the fundamental emptiness of phenomena was identified with the Taoist notion of non-being (Byre 96). Therefore the synergy of Buddhism and Taoism is represented by important religious figures, the seated Buddha and Gaming. Not only does the money tree symbolize a religious orgy, but also a guide to heaven from earth for the dead. The base of the tree represents the divine mountainous realm of the Queen Mother of the West, called Mount Kuhn. Geographically, Mount Kuhn is associated with the West, specifically in Chuan Bagley 318). Meanwhile, the peak of the tree represents Coxswains paradise or heaven. Therefore the stem of the money tree represents a world-axis that links heaven and earth. The Buddha, positioned Just below the Queen Mother of the West, symbolizes a guide to the Queens paradise. Money trees were placed in tombs, so that the deceased within would enter the Queens paradise directly and easily in the afterlife. Once the deceased reaches the afterlife by following the path laid out through the money tree, the Chinese hoped that happiness and prosperity, attributes f the Queen Mother of the West, will continue in the afterlife. In addition to the money tree representing the union between earth and heaven, it also represents the hope for the entombed to have good fortune in the afterlife. During the Han Dynasty, the money tree was called a shush or coin pillar, hence the interlaced coins on the lower edge of the branches (Bagley 54). The thin plates of filigree openwork of the branches suggests that the coins on the money tree were cast in flat two-piece molds similar to the technique once used to cast Han coins. During ten Han Dynasty, cools were producer a cozen at a time In a moll winner each coin was Joined to each other by the pouring channels (Bagley 274). The interconnected chain of coins on the branches of the money tree symbolizes eternal and continuous wealth. Furthermore, as the entombed ascended from earth to heaven by following the path laid out on the money tree, the entombed would collect the coins on their way to heaven. Therefore, the path to the paradise of the Queen Mother of the West is filled with riches. Through the study of the money tree we can conclude that it symbolically presents a map that directs the entombed to heaven. The Buddha acts as a guide to lead the deceased to the Queen Mother of the West, while the abundance of coins shows that the path to her paradise is littered with wealth. Furthermore, the appearance of both the Queen Mother of the West and the seated Buddha shows the intermingling of Taoism and Buddhism. As these interpretations of the money tree unfolded in my mind, I became increasingly passionate about the money tree.

The Necessity of Web Pages essays

The Necessity of Web Pages essays In todays modern world, in order to reach the most amount of people, using the least amount of time and money, one must have a web page. A web page is your universal, non-misplacable, chockfull of information, business card. It can display everything that the consumer needs to know, everything from prices to products, from times to locations. In order to succeed, you need a web page. Now, in order to display all this great content that one has brewing in their brain, one MUST get a domain. A domain is the physical local where the information for the web page is stored. Some domains offer vast amounts of space but slow download speeds; whereas others offer phenomenal download speed, but no for graphics, movies or other things to spruce up a page. When choosing a domain one must consider the name that the customer must type in to get to the web page. If one registers a web page with geocities, their url, or Universal Resource Locator, which indicates the page internet location would be something like, geocities.com/joeshmoe/index.html; not exactly easy to remember is it? But if one were to have, or register, their own url then the address could be, joeshmoe.com; which is much more personal and professional. To make the site surfer-friendly one should plan out the content of the web page and make sure that it is easy to navigate. When trying to make the web page look professional and user friendly frames versus flash is always a big controversy. Some people believe that because of the higher quality of images and interaction and motion that flash provides that it is the best when considering how to improve a page. I happen to believe, however, that because frames offers the same style of navigation, but also has a much smaller download time that it is the superior option. If one now knows what format they want, one should now plan out what the content should be. ...