Prejudice In Organizations Essay Example for Free

disadvantage In Organizations Essay?Question 2 Prejudice can be poisonous and destructive discuss how you can personally reduce prejudice in your needplace please propose an example. Prejudice can be described as a word which is derived from the Latin word Prae Judicium gist to try in advance (Clawson et al 1990). Prejudice happens when we pre-judge individuals on first-year encounter about their font or appeal. Most individuals who are prejudiced are usually rigid in their prejudices and their beliefs are unsubstantiated.Prejudice can create serious tension in an organization because it has the potential to strain interpersonal relationships in a workplace. People can practice prejudices in various forms. Some of the areas of potential prejudice could be sex, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity and physical disabilities. Prejudices can be systematically dealt with in the workplace. I work for one of the united Nations (UN) agencies.The UN has noted an d is mindful of potential prejudices that can exist in the workplace, especially that the workplace is made up of employees from various countries, backgrounds, ethnic groupings, varying religious beliefs (including atheists), sexual orientation, races and as an organization, The organisation has a very diverse workforce. This diversity has not been ignored. The UN has taken regard steps to introduce workplace policies that encourage tolerance amongst employees and in turn, tolerance in the communities in which we serve.The policies are part of the orientation package for every new employee who joins the UN. in that location are Executive Directives (EXDs) that are issued and reviewed on an ongoing basis. In the current directive, disagreement between a staff member and supervisor is not considered as prejudice. The policies are clear on the definition of prejudices and also on the consequences of perpetuating the vice. If I were to be found in a work environment where prejudic es are rife, I would first of all admit that prejudices are real and we all have some form of prejudices.The first step to deal with a problem is to admit that you have one. You can only begin to work on ones prejudices once they realize they have them, and they can begin to work more(prenominal)(prenominal) carefully with the prejudices of others without anger and force (Clawson et al 1990). Its a realization that we all have them that helps us to deal with them. Members of staff in an organization, must be allowed to deal with perceived prejudices. It is not advisable to behave that the problem does not exist as it becomes difficult to deal with a hidden or unperceived problem.Once the problem has been identified, then comes the process of working on your own as well as the prejudices of others in the organisation. This can be achieved through redirecting prejudiced logical arguments by colleagues towards functional discrimination e. g. instead of wailing how a workmate or su bordinate is not achieving her objectives because she is a woman, this can be countered by a statement that shows how previously, a male colleague had also failed in a similar position to show that, gender has nothing to do with functioning in a position.For prejudices which are merely based on ignorance equal all Muslims are terrorists, it would be helpful to team up Muslim staff members and some of the staff members who are holding on to this kind of prejudice. That way, it allows them to interact at a personal level and get the truth about Islam. If this doesnt work, then interactions between such colleagues should either be kept to the stripped or topics of discussion should stir away from sensitive issues.I would also learn to listen to others with an spread mind, not listening with an intention to respond as this is likely to attract judgmental behaviour. In a multi ethnic organisation, learning about the cultures of other countries helps us be more tolerant. People are mor e likely to react in a certain way because of the environments they have been brought up in. Prejudices will incessantly exist in organisations, it would therefore helpful to encourage tolerance among employees, this can be achieved through deliberate company policy, sensitisation and clear consequences for behaviour promotes prejudice.

Strategic planning Essay Example for Free

Strategic be after Essay1. What is the difference between strategic schemening and tactical planning?Strategic planning is the process of determining an organizations primary objectives and finding and implementing steps that will achieve the objectives. tactical planning is setting short-term actions that are needed to compete larger strategies.2. what is the difference between a business plan and a marketing plan?Business plan is a detailed plan setting out the objectives of a business, the dodging and tactics planned to achieve them, and the expected profits, usually bothwhere a period of three to ten years. Marketing plan is a strategic plan at the functional level that provides a firms marketing group with direction. The strategy for implementing the components of marketing creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging value.3. what is the map of a marketing plan?It is a road map that improves the firms understanding of its warlike situation. It suffices the f irm allocate resources and divvy up the tasks that employees need to do for the company to meet its objectives.4. what are the two elements of every marketing strategy?1)product strategy-product development strategy creating new products or services for existing markets. 2)market strategy-market penetration strategy selling more of existing products and services to existing customers.5. how would you describe first-mover strategy?A market innovator, non a follower incarnate level strategy theorizing that being the first organization to offer a product in the marketplace will be the long-term market leader.6. what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a first mover?Three advantages of being first technology leadership, control of resources, and buyer switching costs. The disadvantages by and by entrants can overcome advantages, must heavily entice customers to try new type of product ( graduate(prenominal) education expense), some first movers may become complacent wit h changing customers needs.7. how would describe second-mover strategy?Corporate level strategy theorizing that closely observing the innovations of the first movers, and then improving on them can help an organization gain advantage in marketplace.8. what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a second mover?Advantages might to observe adversarys successes and failures. Lower risk in product development and less controversy. Revising rather than creating and competitor surprise, and stealing market share rather than creating it. Disadvantages persuading customers to switch, communicating your value add.

Black Bourgeoisie Essay Example for Free

Black Bourgeoisie EssayE. Franklin Fraziers Black Bourgeoisie was to a greater extent prophetic than many realized. Frazier, who addressed the burgeoning black place word form, expressed concern about the intra-class conflict loveseat socioeconomic status of black folks. Frazier notes that the black middle class was in a rush by the 1960s to assimilate. During the Harlem Renaissance, even W. E. B. Du Bois strategically included white judges on panels for their black literary competitions, in hopes that white approval would add luster to black achievements. This shift that occurred was not a mass or universal one. The black middle class was still small and would not be catapulted until after the sexual climax of Affirmative Action. According to the perspective of E. Franklin Frazier, the Black Bourgeoisie played an important role among American Negros for decades. Fraziers study led him to the significant of Negro Business and its impact on the black middle class. precept was a major social factor responsible for emergence of the Black bourgeoisie. By fact, the net join number of the free Negroes in the first generation topped out at 37,245 with an estimated accumulation of 50,000,000 in real and personal wealth before the civil war.Free Negroes in southern cities undertook businesses in masterly labor such as carpenters, tailors, shoemakers, wheelwrights, bricklayers, butchers, and painters. The failure of the Freedmens Bank contributed to the slow development of the black middle class when Blacks put all their money into the Black banks and when they went under only forty percent of deposits were returned. occupational differentiation is the change in work field for the Black class. A small professional free radical making up three percent of all workers had gradually become differentiated from the majority of Blacks.occupational differentiation had proceeded slowly because Blacks were accustomed to the agriculture field and not only until the migra tions to the North were had had they introduced to the industrial centers. In addition the Depression played a role in slowing up the process. Black-owned businesses are principally service establishments simply because of the refusal on the part of white establishments to provide personal services for Negroes. The debate everyplace true liberalism among blacks still exists.I have found the upper black middle class to be far more conservative and less active towards civil rights and social policy of late. I am concerned that the black bourgeoisie is willing to shift its focus away from the liberalism that put them in their military position for racial acceptance. I believe integration is vital to a liberal society as famed by my neighborhood, friends, and place of employment however, I do not think the black middle class should play the conservative card that carries with it values, attitudes, and behaviors that do not represent progress for all minority groups. true 90% of bla cks vote in a solid block for the Democratic Party, but that block is not as tight as it used to be.

Self Determination Theory in Teaching

Self Determination guess in phrase of beliefIn the United Kingdom it is compulsory for all children to receive schooling until the age of sixteen. In the arrange educational climate it is foresee commensurate that this age limit could be extended to eighteen. In light of this, it is my upstanding belief that a teacher must not only scram well-grounded subject noesis and an intimate understanding of relevant pedagogy, only an effective teacher must also be able to activate students to determine. However, to be a proficient motivator matchless has to understand the rudiments of what it is that drives and motivates people to act. This has considerable been the endeavor of demand possibility a well- anchored and active argona of research inside the field of psychology. It has weak links to many of the other social sciences, including education.Setting the sceneAs a trainee teacher I brook a keen ( several(prenominal)what vested) interest in understanding theories of wan t. In this review I go away be placing an emphasis on Self-Determination Theory, its sub-theories, and ultimately its credit in the form of Sudbury schools. However, I would graduation exercise like to develop the necessary historical context inside which to discuss it.Between the 1930s and fifties Motivation Theory was dominated by Clark Hulls work on biological Drive-Reduction. This was one of the earliest attempts to systematize and formalize our understanding of motivation. Hull posited that humans seek to maintain a state of homeostasis. He verbalize that we have drives which arise in response to biological demand oftentimes(prenominal) as hunger and thirst. These drives motivate us to act in order to reduce their effects and hence maintain homeostasis.Hulls work was stepwise superseded as researchers abandoned biological theories for cognitive alternatives. 1952 saw the publishing of Robert W. Whites Motivation Reconsidered The Concept of Competence. In this article White first conceived the idea of competence motivation which one might describe in laymans price as people like playing to their strengths. White said that we are propel towards behavior that makes us sense of smell competent, knowledgeable or powerful.The fifties also saw the emergence of Incentive theories as pioneered by the likes of Berrhus Frederic Skinner. These focused principally on research into operant conditioning, behavior modification through reinforcement, punishment and extermination (Skinner, 1938). Skinners theories were notably criticized by none other than ren causeed intellectual Noam Chomsky (Chomsky, 1967). In his review Chomsky undermined the scientific credibility of Skinners methodology, claiming that his work was merely an emulation of science.In 1956 Leon Festinger produce When Prophesy Fails, now regarded as a originative book for its development of the cognitive dissonance theory of motivation. Festinger, building on Piagets concept of disequili brium, believed that humans are do to reduce dissonance to such(prenominal) an extent that one shtup change anothers attitudes by reparation their behavior or vice versa. This has since been a highly successful and extensively studied theory of motivation.Until this localise psychology had been split into two competing paradigms doingsal (subject-object relationships) and Freudian (psychoanalysis). In the 1960s a new times of researchers came to the fore, rejecting this apparent dichotomy and spawning the so-called Third Force in psychology, focusing on human aspects such as fulfillment, self-actualization and meaning concepts which so far had been omitted from most leading theories. The key player during this era was Abraham Maslow. He had rejected Freudian analysis as he sensed its focus to be pointed far similarly much towards sex and violence. He also rejected behaviourist approaches because they were overly impersonal and failed to address what he termed higher motives of human beings. Maslows ideas about motivation are best illustrated by his eponymous hierarchy of pauperisations a tiered pyramidal structure. The bottom tier of the hierarchy is comprised of biological take above those are security needs, relationship needs, self-esteem needs and finally self-actualization needs at the top. Maslow believed that when the majority of needs within a tier are met, the soul will become motivated to satiate the needs within the tier above. This process continues until the individual is finally motivated towards self-actualization (Maslow, 1943). Maslows theory has proven difficult to test experimentally, and although conceivably true, it fails to provide satisfactory explanations for many exceptional cases, and has duly received significant criticism (Wahba Bridgewell, 1976).Self-Determination TheorySo far I have highlighted just a few of the salient developments within Motivation Theory from the mid twentieth century. I would now like to limit my focus to one in particular, Self-Determination Theory (SDT). SDT is a relatively contemporary meta-theory of motivation its origins can be pitch in the early works of Richard Ryan and Edward Deci at the University of Rochester (Deci, 1971). At the time of its conception Ryan and Deci realized that aspects of competing humanistic, behavioural, cognitive and post-modern theories could be incorporated into a contiguous whole forming what eventually became SDT (Deci Ryan, 2002). The name Self-Determination Theory is now regarded as an umbrella term for a broader collection of five sub-theories, each of which I shall review in turn. Much of SDT has evolved from sign studies into the dualistic notions of congenital and extraneous motivation e.g. Lepper et al. (1973). SDT places emphasis on humans natural inner tendencies to explore, develop, learn and create without reward. This attitude is in stark contrast to the operant ideas purported by Skinner, who insisted that all behaviour is motivated by reward (Skinner, 1953). An assumption of SDT is that humans have an innate tendency to assimilate their ongoing arrests into a unified and integrated grit of self (Horn, 2008, p.134). The increasing level of interest in SDT is self-evident minded(p) the large number of meta-analyses, reviews and special issues within the research literature (Hagger Chatzisarantis, 2008).Classifying motivationFor over thirty age researchers have differentiated motives into two broad categories, which ultimately reflect the locus of motivation. naturalally motivated behaviour is when an individual wants to act of their own volition, because a task is interesting or repugn, or purely for the pastime of it. It is cozyly-sourced motivation, inherently connected with the individuals attitudes and sense of self. Extrinsically motivated behaviour is a response to an remote factor such as a promise of reward or threat of punishment often misaligned with the attitudes of the individu al (Ryan Deci, 2000).Intrinsic motivation has proven to be of great interest to educational psychologists, as it can be catalyzed or undermined by parent and teacher practices, and fosters improved reading and creativity (Ryan Stiller, 1991). My own sentiments are in conformance with Ryan and Decis views on intrinsic motivation with an attitude of willingness that reflects an inner acceptance of the value or utility of a task the extrinsic goal is self-endorsed and thus adopted with a sense of volition. (Ryan Deci, 2000). The process of accepting an away motive and internalizing it as a new source intrinsic motivation is referred to as integration. It is no concealed that teachers often have to deliver material which is either boring or dull. in that locationfore, knowledge of strategies for encouraging integration would clearly be advantageous when motivating students.Cognitive paygrade TheoryThe first sub-theory of SDT is called Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET). This ex amines how social, environmental and other external factors influence intrinsic motivation by affecting an individuals sense of competence and self-sufficiency. CET offers three prepositions for explaining the impact of these influences.Firstly, changes in intrinsic motivation towards an activity are coupled to an individuals perceived competence at that activity (Deci Ryan, 1985a).Secondly, external attempts to regulate an individuals behaviour can result in increased, diminishd or unaltered intrinsic motivation (Deci Ryan, 1985a).Thirdly, influences which an individual perceives as threatening or promoting their sense of self-direction will respectively diminish or develop their intrinsic motivation (Deci Ryan, 1985a).There has been a languish and arduously fought debate as to whether or not teachers should engage rewards (extrinsic motivation) in order to encourage their students. Kruglanski et al. (1972) found that reward students for participating in a game resulted i n a notable decrease in their intrinsic motivation. Similarly, it has been suggested that verbal praise can condition students into behaviour which has the specific intent of elliciting praise, undermining their intrinsic motivation (Deci et al., 2001). The effects of increased perceived autonomy have been studied by Goudas et al. (1995), who found that when students were given to a greater extent than control over the direction of their lessons their intrinsic motivation increased. Similar results where found by Mandigo Holt (2000) who claimed that perceived autonomy also increased the likelihood of students being optimally challenged, that is, taking on challenges in-line with their own skill level. perceive loss of autonomy has been found to diminish students initiative and ability to learn, particularly complex or mulct concepts (Benware Deci, 1984). Related studies have found that students faced with complex tasks performed more highly when intrinsically motivated than whe n extrinsically motivated (Condry Chambers, 1978). According to Lepper (1988), extrinsically motivated students will only put in the minimum effort required, and tend to condense less difficult tasks than those who are intrinsically motivated. Lepper (1988) claims that in order to promote intrinsic motivation, activities should be challenging but achievable and stimulate students curiosity. Lepper suggests that teachers can raise intrinsic motivation by contextualizing learning, so that students can appreciate the benefits of what they are doing.The construct of optimal challenge is of fundamental importance not just to SDT, but to other leading motivational theories such as Harters Competence Motivation and Csikszentmihalyis Flow Theory, which all establish connections with intrinsic motivation (Mandigo Holt, 2006). Deci and Ryan (1985) state that optimally challenged individuals will develop increased intrinsic motivation because they bonk greater competence at a particular ac tivity.In the literature one often comes across the concept of perceived locus of causality (PLOC). This is where an individual perceives their successes and failures to originate from. When an individual feels in control (perceived autonomy) this is draw as an IPLOC (intrinsic). Conversely, when an individual feels they are subordinated by an external agent this is described as an EPLOC (extrinsic). Several studies have revealed that changes in intrinsic motivation can occur without a change in the PLOC (Boal Cummings, 1981 Harackiewicz et al., 1984). This is in variation with the third proposition outlined above. Also in contradiction to this proposition are the results of Salancik (1975) who, after rewarding participating students with money (extrinsic motivation), found they reported increased perceptions of control (autonomy). CET predicts that extrinsic motivation should result in a shift in the PLOC, thus undermining intrinsic motivation.There have been alternate theories attempting to explain wherefore rewards might undermine intrinsic motivation. Dickenson posited three ideas overly repetitive tasks gradual deplete motivation, rewards deemed to be dictatorial are undermining, and extrinsically motivated actions tend to receive less praise from peers (Dickinson, 1989).Organismic Integration Theory (OIT)The indorse sub-theory of SDT is called Organismic Integration Theory (OIT). Its primary concerns are modes of behaviour regulation, and the degree to which they are internalized (Deci Ryan, 1985a). Hagger Chatzisarantis (2008) describe it as explaining how people integrate behaviours that are initially non-self-determined. Deci and Ryan (1985) proposed a heuristic continuum of regulatory modes ranging from totally non-self-determined at one end to totally self-determined at the other. The validity of this continuum has since been supported by research (Horn, 2008, p.134)Amotivation total absence of motivation, joined to perceived incompetence .External regulation a form of conformism to external influences, the removal of which will believably cause an individual to cease a particular behaviour.Introjection acting on self-imposed pressures such as guilt, or finding self-esteem in the perceived approval of others.Identification consciously acknowledging the value of labor movement a particular behaviour.Integration internalization of regulation such that it is entirely compatible with attitudes and sense of self, notwithstanding as a message to an end.Intrinsic regulation internalization of regulation, undertaking activities for their own sake and merriment with no regard to external factors. unrivaled has to be careful not to confuse the term external with extrinsic. Certain extrinsic modes of regulation are perceived to be equally as internal to an individual as intrinsic motivation. They are extrinsic in the sense that they contingent on external consequences, but internal in the sense that the motivation em anates from within. It thus makes sense to also delineate between internal and intrinsic. All intrinsic motivation is inherently internal, but not all internal motivation is intrinsic.One can be as tyrannical toward oneself as others can be. The issue is not so much whether the source of control is oneself or another, but whether or not one is being controlled (Deci Ryan, 1985).Causality penchant Theory (COT)The third sub-theory of SDT is concerned with how individuals perceive the events which initiate, regulate and hence mediate the level of self-government of their behaviour, videlicet their causality orientation (Deponte, 2004). This new personality dimension grew out of prior work laid put down by Heider and deCharms (Deci Ryan, 1985b). The General Causality Orientations Scale was synthesized by Deci Ryan, (1985b) as a fairly persistent means for characterizing aspects of personality and motivation. They outlined three orientations, namely autonomy, control and impersona l, then measured how subjects responded to various hypothetical situations (Horn, 2008).indecorum oriented individuals have higher self-esteem (Horn, 2008), are self-initiating and actively pursue opportunities for self-determination structuring their lives around their own goals and interests. These individuals exhibit a higher degree of intrinsic motivation and hence maintain greater self-determination in the face of extrinsic influences. External rewards hold little influence over these individuals and merely serve to affirm their competence (Deci Ryan, 1985b).Control oriented individuals interpret their behaviours as originating from, and being regulated by, external or internal controls. These individuals depend on pressure, surveillance, deadlines, threats and expectations to motivate their actions. They experience the world in terms of defiance and compliance (Deci Ryan, 1985b).Impersonal oriented individuals can experience helplessness and deem their actions as out of the ir hands. They perceive themselves as unable to influence the course of their own lives. Impersonal orientation is correlated with depressive attitudes and feelings of incompetence (Deci Ryan, 1985b).Recently published research conducted by Friedman et al. (2009) has claimed that extrinsically motivated individuals can become intrinsically motivated by observing the behaviour of an intrinsically motivated individual.Basic Needs TheoryNow to the fourth sub-theory of SDT, Basic Needs Theory (BNT). This sub-theory posits that intrinsic motivation originates from a universal, biologically-hard-wired need to achieve autonomy, competence and relatedness. An individual will not experience complete fulfillment of a specific need unless all three are satisfied in concert. Due to the fundamental nature of these needs, humans have a natural preference to act on intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivation (Deci Ryan, 2000). BNT has empirical backing which supports it as a culturally strong-mi nded theory (Sheldon et al., 2001).Goal Contents TheoryThe fifth and final sub-theory of SDT is called Goal Contents Theory (GCT). inside this construct a goals contents is described as either intrinsic or extrinsic. Classic examples of extrinsic contents are fame, wealth, physical appearance, reputation and most other materialistic or superficial motives. In contrast, intrinsic contents tend to be concerned with personal development and acceptance, community contribution, health, fulfillment and establishing meaningful relationships (Kasser Ryan, 1996). The pursuit of intrinsic goals has been suggested to satiate the three fundamental needs of competence, autonomy and relatedness, and hence facilitates the growth of intrinsic motivation (Vansteenkiste et al., 2003). The opposite effect has been proposed for the pursuit of extrinsic goals (Vansteenkiste et al., 2007).Self-Determination Theory in summary and in contextA review of such fascinating research literature would seem rathe r surplus if no practical applications were to emerge from it. For this reason I have distilled some of the salient ideas into a more digestible form, in the hope that theory may be put into practice. In the context of education, teachers need only remember the following outline of SDTAll people have three basic needs (competence, autonomy and relatedness).Satisfying these needs has been shown to promote intrinsic (self) motivation.Intrinsic (self) motivation has been shown to improve students learning and performance.Teachers should employ strategies which help students to satisfy their three basic needs.The task for teachers is therefore to find effective strategies for helping their students to feel competent within their subject, to feel in control of their own learning and have input into what goes on in lessons, and to feel that their views, opinions and work are appreciated and respected.Key advice for the research-informed classroomThe use of computers in the classroom give s the students a sense of privacy, autonomy and self-pacing (Underwood Brown, 1997).Research has shown that positive and negative feedback can subsequently increase and decrease students perceived competence and hence intrinsic motivation (Vallerand Reid, 1984).Offering tangible rewards in order to squash or encourage students will undermine their intrinsic motivation. The effect has less impact if rewards are presented by chance (Deci et al., 2001, p.4).Verbal praise which is intended to control students behaviour will undermine their intrinsic motivation (Deci et al., 2001, p.4). present suggests that teachers support of students basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness facilitates students autonomous self-regulation for learning, academic performance, and wellbeing (Niemiec Ryan, 2009).Give students choice, and freedom to ascertain what they learn and how (Goudas et al., 1995).Contextualize learning so that students know why they are learning thin gs (Lepper, 1988).Teachers can raise intrinsic motivation by showing enthusiasm (Friedman et al., 2009).Sudbury SchoolsThese schools employ a system of complete educational state in which students and teachers are treated as equals. There is no formal curriculum per se, as students regulate on what they would like to learn. In addition, Sudbury schools do not grade, evaluate or assess their students performance. All learning is intrinsically motivated and optimally challenging. The first Sudbury school was Sudbury Valley School, Massachusetts which opened in 1968. There are presently over thirty such schools around the world, although predominately in the United States and Japan. In some Sudbury schools there are no well-defined classrooms, and it is common for students to be mixed by age. Students in these schools have a significant role in the recruitment and dismissal of staff. Visitors have often described the students as being in a state of perpetual recreation (Holzman, 1997 ). Sudbury schools are a testament to and realization of SDT in the domain of education.

Congressional District of Texas Campaign Plan

congressional District of Texas Campaign PlanKhizer ZamaniThe twenty-third Congressional District of Texas is an interesting congressional some(prenominal)ize. It is a district that shows how the demographics of Texas, and of the United States more generally, are changing. The district is a predominantly Latino one and until the 2014 option, had a republican representative however, the 2014 election caused republican Bill Hurd to win, unseating Democratic representative Pete Gallego (Ballotpedia, 2014b).As is often the case in politics, it is Copernican to look ahead to the next opportunity. For 2016, how can someone defeat Bill Hurd? One important aspect is, naturally, guideing. The role of money in politics is increasingly strong, yet it is also important to cut down money on media that reaches the target demographic. The 23rd Congressional district is an important one for politics Texas 23rd Congressional District was a battleground district in 2014 due to the fact that t he seat was held by a Democrat, barely the district had a slight Republican lean and was won by the Republican presidential panorama in both 2008 and 2012 (Ballotpedia, 2014a).The district is more than 70% Hispanic (Ballotpedia, 2014a) and has a 70% high school get-go rate (Ballotpedia, 2014a), a median(a) household income of approximately $46,000 (Ballotpedia, 2014a), and a college graduation rate of about 21% (Ballotpedia, 2014a). The unemployment rate is 6.5% (Ballotpedia, 2014a), and the population is just over 650,000 (Ballotpedia, 2014a). The area is largely cracker-barrel About the closest thing to a swing district would be freshman Rep. Quico Cansecos (R-Texas) enlarged and rural 23rd district, running from San Antonio to El Paso (Blake, 2011).All of these factors indicate that this swing district is winnable by the resistance if they consider how this type of elector works. grocerying segmentation volition help here (Weaver, 2013). Dividing up the capability vote rs on the basis of identity categories willing help identify key issues and approaches to meet voters in order to achieve victory. Marketing segmentation is closely related to analyses of select turnout (Nagler, 2013, p. 27).The typical voter in the 23rd Congressional District in Texas is a relatively lower middle class individual. He or she is apparent to be a high school, but not college, graduate. He or she is likely Latino and a hard worker with aspirations for a better life. He or she is likely relatively concerned about their personalized economy and is slightly more socially button-down than Texans in some other districts, but likely advocates for gay rights. He or she is likely a nominal Catholic or grew up in a culturally Catholic home that informs their ideas about life (Kemp, 2005). This operator that the voter may clear certain ideas about gender roles, which in turn could influence their votes.The younger median age in this congressional district means that the voters are likely far more digitally connected than the older generation, and they race to get their news from less traditional sources such as Facebook and evening The routine Show (Baumgartner, 2006). This means that they are actually rather intumesce informed, but have an prospect for immediate responses and irreverence. Despite the problematic aspects of these trends (Popkin, 2006), it is still important to respond to them if victory is the most important thing. Therefore, the hypothetical, proposed adjure which will be discussed below will be digital, yet tailored to the demographics of this specific district.Therefore, the ideal candidate for 2016 will be a male of Latino heritage who can appeal to the working class, ideally because he exemplifies the American dream and has worked his way up from humble circumstances. The ideal candidate would be the proprietor of a blue-collar business and whose personal narrative goes something like he came to the United States at a young age, overcame poverty due to a strong family relationship, went to trade school and now owns a successful, but relatable, business in a blue collar field such as plumbing or HVAC. This would ensure that the candidate is relatable to the economic and cultural dynamics of the congressional district.This does not mean that the path to a democratic victory involves simply dragging out an average Joe or Juan and convincing him to run. It will be a difficult campaign, partly because The traditional view in electoral research holds that Congressional election campaigns are principally aimed at highlighting the virtues of the individual candidates (Kim Leveck, 2013, p. 492). Further, incumbents have a distinct advantage, because they are more experienced at campaigning, because voters often go for that which they already know (Kim Leveck, 2013, p. 492), and because they tend to be higher timbre candidates (Kim Leveck, 2013, p. 492).Redistricting has changed the 23rd district in a way that arguably made it more susceptible to voting Republican (Blake, 2011). This means that the incumbent candidate will find it easier to campaign, too, because the voters there are already well matched to his outreach programs know (Kim Leveck, 2013, p. 492). This means that the proposed challenger will have to engage in a campaign that reflects several different aspects.One of these will have to be funding. Money matters in politics, and money changes votes. The individual will have to have much of his own money and will have to obtain support from many a(prenominal) powerful people.In terms of the campaign itself, the candidate will likely find success by focusing on the economy and on the Republicans distaste for Latinos. Playing up the opponents teatime political party ties, if any, could be a useful strategy given that the Republicans in the 23rd district tend to be more moderate and have rebuked the Tea Party in this district (Martin, 2012).The campaign should thenc e be heavily focused on digital engagement that dismantles arguments by the incumbent, plays up the hyper-conservative, Tea Party nature of Republicans and their vicious disapproval of Obamas amnesty policies for undocumented workers.The campaign should still focus on the candidates relatability, particularly in terms of his personal narrative and economic success (Coleman Manna, 2000). The campaign should have manifold opportunities for younger people to interact digitally. This could include official social media accounts, contests, and opportunities within the geographically large district for people of all ages to interact with the candidate in person.The gerrymandering that has been undertaken in Texas may have redrawn the district maps, but it has not changed the increasing tide of changes in the states demographics. It has not changed overall social trends towards a growing Latino population, increasing economic uncertainty, a more tenuous founding for the middle class, an d skepticism regarding rigid belief systems such as homophobia. At the same time, it still means that the district has a large population of conservatives, although they are moving towards a more economically conservative and socially moderate viewpoint.It is possible to flip the 23rd district back in 2016, but it will require planning beginning now. It will require a strong candidate who has an impeccable personal record, yet is still relatable enough for the humble lifestyle of this region. It will also require someone who is able-bodied of traveling across the vast geographic expanse of this district in order to make an blow with constituents and potential voters and to meaningfully campaign in person. This is all doable, but it is important that the right candidate be found immediately and that the campaign launch as soon as possible after the candidate is vetted.Works CitedBallotpedia. (2014a). Texas 23rd Congressional District Ballotpedia. Ballotpedia.org. Retrieved Decembe r 15, 2014, from http//ballotpedia.org/Texas_23rd_Congressional_DistrictBallotpedia. (2014b). Texas 23rd Congressional District elections, 2014 Ballotpedia. Ballotpedia.org. Retrieved December 15, 2014, from http//ballotpedia.org/Texas_23rd_Congressional_District_elections,_2014Baumgartner, J. (2006). The Daily Show Effect Candidate Evaluations, Efficacy, and American Youth. American Politics Research, 34(3), 341367. doi10.1177/1532673X05280074Blake, A. (2011). The GOPs big Texas gerrymander. uppercase Post. Retrieved December 15, 2014, from http//www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/the-gops-strong-texas-gerrymander/2011/06/02/AGP56VHH_blog.htmlColeman, J. J., Manna, P. F. (2000). Congressional Campaign Spending and the Quality of Democracy. The Journal of Politics. doi10.1111/0022-3816.00032Kemp, C. (2005). Hispanic Health. bearspace.baylor.edu. Retrieved kinfolk 19, 2014, from https//bearspace.baylor.edu/Charles_Kemp/www/hispanic_health.htmKim, H. a., Leveck, B. L. (201 3). Money, Reputation, and Incumbency in U.S. House Elections, or Why Marginals Have Become More Expensive. American Political Science Review, 107(03), 492504. doi10.1017/S0003055413000245Martin, G. (2012). Canseco concedes to Gallego in District 23 San Antonio Express-News. MySanAntonio.com. Retrieved December 15, 2014, from http//www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Canseco-concedes-to-Gallego-in-District-23-4023778.phpNagler, J. (2013). Who Votes outright? Demographics, Issues, Inequality, and Turnout in the United States. Demographics, Issues, Inequality, and Turnout in the United States. Princeton.Popkin, S. L. (2006). Changing media, changing politics. Perspectives on Politics, 4(02), 327341.Weaver, J. (2013). Market Segmentation. Bournemouth University Foundation Degree Southwest. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from http//media3.bournemouth.ac.uk/marketing/07segmentation/04strategies.html

Strategies for Family Communication

Strategies for Family dialogueINTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATIONIntroductionA family is the important structure of whatever society and skilful families foundation render a smart society. E actually human being wants to live in a happy environment as a family is the place where tribe go go forth experience the achievement of their conduct time. Modern families often represent multiple kin issues which drive home begun contri exclusivelyed from the changed of lifestyle and poor relationships deep d deliver the family members. Communication is the key to build a cheerful family. Talking with individually other(a) in the family and having frequently family gathering could sustain in mentioning the relationship imminent. Even amongst the couples, let the cat kayoed of the baging quarter release the tensions and promotes the affection contiguous. never argue or shout at each other unnecessarily which can make the relationship worse. (ProKerala, 2014) Understanding the function of conference within the family result help us to avoid conflict and maintain grave relationship. Certain conflicts could arise when family communication barriers argon exists. Individual need of the family members can non be reached either the time. This means that we ex playact to make some compromises to fulfill the ask of others. Compromising does not mean that we live lost and the others in the family put on won, but through this we can create a new solving to harmony. Be a exhaustively listener and ack instantaneouslyledging and respecting opinion of the other, could make a difference within the family members. Beth Lee, (2013) Family TreeFamily communicationMy family is an aver jump on family in its size. Its is comprises with my p bents, me, my married woman and my two daughters. We can define ourselves as an extended family. twain my daughters ar grown up now. During their childhood, they grow in the environment where their grandparents are thither to teach them the carriage of life how it is supposed to be in the nature. They taught them the course of respecting elderly people in the family. My relationships with my daughters are vindicatory deal a friend. They learn through the way how my relationship with my parents. My childrens eternally and a mean solar day equal to portion things that happened in their school every day. This keeps our relationship veritable(a) closer compare to any other family that I know off. When the parents are there to listen and understand their needs, the relationship with the children and parents will be greater.My parents passed away(p) 18years ago and it is probably ane of the hardest things that I consecrate to tolerate. throwing myself positive, I can al shipway say that I will be forever thankful to him for giving me the happiest childhoods languish time that not many a(prenominal) of them can condense. My farther is my superhero, my light, and my manipulation model. In my fa mily, I have extempore the family communication compare to my doddery time. It is no longer parents and children relationship. We try to be their friends and share their worrys with us. This is go around way to keep them in concert and prevent them from acquiring wrong advice from their friends which can lead them to a wrong direction.Communication in the family is very important to determine how the relationship is passing game to be between the family members. Growing children requires more attention and proper guidance. We could manage the obstacles ahead by keeping calm and discuss with them on the problem and provide executable solution to solve them. Children nowadays would like make their own termination compare with like aged days where parents decide for them. As a parent, we should be able to provide multiple solutions and help them on finis making which is good for them. We also should explain the consequences of making wrong decisions to them. The challenges tha t all parents whitethorn face is to make them convince on the suggestion that they give. The best way is to use live examples from similar cases which can relate to the situation. This single can be done when we can have proper communication link with them.Most of our children are facing many challenges in their schools. It may survey from their friends, teaches or from their studies itself. They might not understand the subject they subject area or it is very challenging to them. We as parents should always keep an spunk on them and communicate with them whenever we see their body language is changes. Help them to check other resources to help them to understand the problem that they are facing. It is again comes cover charge to the communication factor. If we are not able to communicate with the children well, than we could not find out the problems and the solutions as well.A family communication process derived from the active relationship and interdependence among the f amily members. This is a hardest process and it has been practicing from the day one. In the family communication concept, there are several important things that we have to observe to establish a happy family. As quoted by Little John (1983), there is no such thing as an ideal family in this world. It is scarce a communication process in the family which determine the results of both happy and sad experience in their family. Communication happens when the family members are willing to interact and share their pinch with the family members. Normally a healthy family will tone-beginning to maintain the closeness and handle any conflict in the family. rectangular of being any form of a family, communication plays an important role in determining the quality of the life in this world.Ways to bridge generation gap among family membersGeneration gap between the family members is the major problem that is hard to digest. It is very difficult to compare with those people ripening up in 1960s with the one in this latest generation. The cultures that the parents practiced during old days are no longer applicable and not concrete for this generation. Our childrens clothes are too weird and their music is too loud and although they are speaking English, we simply cant understand a word what they speak. We might be on the wrong side of a generation gap. Cross the distance by remembering how over a great deal the children valued to be understood by their parents when they were grown up. Normally it no a requirement to like or even understand whats oc veritable surrounding but our children tastes it.Communicating regularly with our children is one of the best ways to bridge the generation gap, as coated by the American mental Association. Listening and talking are essential elements to build good relationship between parents and childrens. As parents, we have to show our children that their pertains are ours although the age gap between us too far. When a kid i s growth into a teenager, the communication might rick difficult for the parents to understand. To keep the password open, parents must pay close attention to our childrens habits. If our child tends to be quiet around the house during the week due to long days stress with school, home operate on and extracurricular activities, do not push the issue. We have to make a note to them when the children are more open and whole step relax, like in the car, at the dinner table or on weekends. Make a point to them that we are always available to talk and discuss with no subject is off limits. When our childrens do come to us, we should not quickly agree with what they are saying instead we have to listen more than speak. Get to understand first what they are pointing out to make analyse before give comments.If we want to keep closer the gap between our children and us, we have to learn to speak their language that they speak. Keep up with the current trends that define our childrens gen eration from the slang they use, music, pics, the electronic tools and clothes to social net contriveing and current events. Its very important that we become adept in todays technology, so we can monitor our childrens online presence and help them to make wise choices on the net income and beyond.Although we might feel like our critical years was not passed long time ago, its important to have got that times has been changed. It is not conquer to compare our old time with current generation. We should not pressure our children to adhere the old models of thinking and being it. Stop saying things like when I was your age, This is not the way how used to do it or I honorable dont understand these kids today. Its not a battle. It is nigh our family. The past was not proven to be better. It was just different. We have to accept the things as the way it is and try to understand the changes rather than comparing the current days to our passed years.Parents interested in bridging the generation gap required to be more opened and adjusted. The parents have to be flexible in their ideas and actions to keep up with their childrens immediate changes of current development. If we restrict ourselves This is who Im, and this is how Im going to be then the gap between the parents and children will only expand as they grows older. We have to keep in head word that parenting is not an exact science. What worked with one child might not work with another one. We must be willing to adjust our parenting style to fount our childrens needs. (Oubria Tronshaw, 2014)Once parents understand what children are communicating through their behaviour, they can respond better. When the children feel respected and have their needs are met, reasonableness for using challenging action to communicate is no longer required. shouting or punishing a child for curtain behaviour may be able to restrict only for a particular moment, but it does not provide alternative ways for a child to act in difficult situations. When adults use punishment, which not allowed in current generation, they are sending wrong signal that anger is a good way to solve problems. When parents are able to help their children find an alternative way to communicate their needs, they will learn important of social and problem-solving skills that will help them throughout their life. (PBS Parents, 2013)Family AnecdotesAnecdote 1During last December school break, the hale family of mine gone for a tour at Langkawi, Kedah. We had a subtle tour during day time and late in the night we plotted to go for a movie that just released on the cinema. Although we are tired, we just cannot reject my childrens request because that is the best way to understand our children and get them closer becoming their friend. In past days, the parents were totally reluctant to go for movies with their children fearing of coming across an embarrassing scene in front of the child, and now they are not just breaking th at idea, but also going out to enjoy movies in concert. This explains that the recent movies, we go together with our family. The secret life of Walter Mitty it is about to see the world, things dangerous to come, to see behind walls, draw closer to find each other and to feel. The story is about a day-dreamer escapes his nameless life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with bravery, fantasy and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world start on a global transit that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined. some(prenominal) they are shown through these movies is part of the society, and tomorrow when our kids will grow up and goes to work they might have to face all that, so wherefore should we not take this as an opportunity to explain things to them. After this movie we had a chat together and discussing about the moral of the story that the day dreaming is only an imagination and will not help in shaping their real life. Our children were enjoyed the moment and they appreciate that we are able share exchange opinion and moments are brought our relationship even closer. It was a turn of events point for our children that we can never forget.Anecdote 2There was a time during childhood I together with my father and brothers used go for fishing at the lake nearby our house. A day before we have to prepare the bait needed for the fishing trip. We will dig out the worms from the soil to use as bait to catch the down in the mouth fishes. The small fishes become bait for bigger fishes. My brothers will take me to the location by riding bicycles. Once we reach there, my brothers will explain the strategies for the fishing. all one of us is thought of the sign language so we dont make much noise which can scare the fishes off. We will than depute at specific area and start our adventure. It is great joy when we together fish around the lak e and catching a lot fishes to bring vertebral column home. The more fish we get, the more excitement we get to go forward. We will take a break to refresh ourselves and enjoy the food that we brought together. The feeling is like we are having a family camping at outdoor. It is very much different excitement compare to what we are doing now that is routine work and study. Once it gets darker, we will bring back the catches to home and my sisters will pillage them up and my mum cooks them for dinner. Everyone in the family will enjoy our mums fish primp cooking and the remaining fishes will be kept for the following days. It is not all about the fishing day out, but the enjoyment in our communication between brothers, sisters and parents for the whole day that we can never forget. These moments cannot be erased from our memory and we still questioning ourselves why this day cannot be the alike as old days.Vision of ideal familyEvery family have their own ups and downs and has it s share of arguments and regrets. But this does not mean our family should be at very smooth way of life. Its always a choice for how a family should be. In my opinion, an ideal family should able give self-respect one to others in the family. This is very important because every individual have their own interest and opinions. Miss understanding between husband and wife should be avoided at the first place. This is the main factor that most of the family have resulted to conflict and restore on their childrens. If this can be avoided, the next challenge is the growing childrens. I always would like be father who wanted to understand my wife and childrens problem and needs and fulfil their expectation as much I could within my capacity. The conflict always arises when the family members fail to communicate with each other and everyone has their own ego.I would like create an environment where my family members would like to come back home early wherever they go. For example, althou gh my daughters are growing and extended their studies in university, I wish them to comes back home whenever they have their semester break. Im also intended if I could get the family together even my daughters are married. I wish to create an environment where the family members are always wanted to return home when they feels to do so. Im already started the footsteps that can be seen by my children to participate in any family gatherings whenever possible with my parent in laws which make them happy in their old age. I hope my childrens also can do the same in future when we are getting old and not left lonely anymore.2790 WordsReferencesBeth Lee/LIVESTRONG.COM. (2013). What Is Family Communication?. Retrieved Feb 14,2014, from http//www.livestrong.com/ member/144390-what-is-family-communication/Oubria Tronshaw/ GlobalPost. (2014). What Can Be Done to Bridge the Generation Gap between Parents and Children?. Retrieved Feb 15,2014, from http//everydaylife. globalpost. com/can-done -bridge-generation-gap-between-parents-children-18716.htmlProKerala.com. (2014). Tips on making your family a happy family. Retrieved Feb 14, 2014, from http//www.prokerala.com/relationships/family/happy-family-tips.phpPBS Parents. (2013). Five Facts Every Family Should Know. Retrieved Feb 15,2014, from http//www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/challenging_behavior2.html

Environmental conditions: Apple iTunes in the UK

Environmental conditions apple iTunes in the UK1. IntroductionThe fol subalterning report exit melt down out an judicial decision of the macro and little surroundingsal conditions that ar likely to impact upon apple iTunes within the linked Kingdom. The analysis which impart be carried out will take on an assessment of the degree of the curse or the opportunities posed by the existing and potence competition. iTunes is a digital media worker application which is wasting diseased for playing and organising digital and video files. iTunes likewise connects to the iTunes submit via the internet to grease mavins palms and transfer harmony, symphony videos, television shows, applications, games, audio books and podcasts.The Music effort has radic aloney changed in the endure couple of days, thanks to the accession cleverness of broadband, which has made it change magnitudely accessible for medical specialty l overs to buy via the web, this has the effect of promoting digital downloads. Content owners arrive at been bump into by the change magnitude fuss of contraband downloading which has had the effect of devaluating the value of medication for an entire generation of youth. (Mintel 2009) After its launch in 2002 apples iTunes has come to hulk the euphony deli truly origin in most countries around the world, including the united Kingdom. Using a number of tools which look at both the little and macro environment, and various analysis I will draw to a greater extent conclusions whether in that respect is a likelihood of hapd mastery for orchard apple tree iTunes in the time to come.2. What is orchard apple tree iTunes?iTunes is a uninvolved application for your Mac or PC it organises your digital medical specialty and video on your computer. It syncs entirely your media with you iPod, iPhone and apple TV. It is also a store on your computer it has every(prenominal)thing you need to be diverted anywhere, anytime . ( apple 2010) orchard apple tree iTunes was demonstrable in earlyish 2002 and has demonstrable ever since in relation to orchard apple trees continued success with their portable media player the iPod. Ever since 2002 legion(predicate) a(prenominal) impudently-fangled features put one across been added to iTunes much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) as in April 2003 when version 4.0 of apple iTunes was released which added the feature of the iTunes caudex, to sham it the success of what it is today. (Apple 2004)3. Apple iTunes merchandise PositionThe medication application has witnessed a vast change over the last some years this is collect to many a(prenominal) reasons. One fundamental change has been the increasing user usage of broadband technology, the increased speed and much hatful adopting the technology has led to consumers to view downloading melody via the web to be convenient and simple. This development originally led many of the traditional h igh road retailers such as HMV to start lead astraying medical specialty online in CD arrange. In much recent times melody both one bilks and phonograph albums pick up become to a greater extent and more easily accessible for the median(a) consumer imputable to the continued popularity of processs such as Apple iTunes.3.1 foodstuff Data on The Music applicationIn January 2009 the British Phonographic pains (BPI) predicted that the UK will spend over 600 zillion on digital music in 2012 (Mintel 2009). As you back find out from (Appendix 2) downloads be dominated by singles or the download of individual tracks. still iTunes and different digital competitors be tone at improving the panache in which they argon securities industrying to consumers hopping to persuade them to procure more albums digitally. Also in (Appendix 2) victimisation BPI figures it shows the demand for single downloads has increased by a spacious 340% from 2004-2009, where by the sale of single music in forcible format has decreased by 850%. The exchangeable trend can be seen for album sales as hale.As you can see from the table in (Appendix 1) pre- phonograph recordinged music sales ar continually moving from the traditional music stores, super merchandises etc to the internet to services such as iTunes. Over a plosive consonant from 2007-2009 there was a 6% increase of sales of pre-recorded music on the internet, where as opposite means of selling/distri furthering pre-recorded music saw a considerable decrease year on year over the same distributor point.The music industry has seen revenue decrease by 4% in 2008 and it is predicted that this trend will likely continue. Although digital distri merelyion of music will ensure the be involved when selling music will be dramatically lower, this will lead to increased profit margins for legal music sales in the future. Mintel has forecasted that the music securities industry place will continue for the b ordering few years until 2013 to continue to decline. The trade will see a dramatic illume of 33% of authorized harms from 2008-2013, 2009 saw the biggest carry which was 16% (Appendix 3). This is all imputable to a number of contributing factors, the main being that stinting conditions be poised to remain uncertain which hampers consumer confidence. (Mintel 2009)3.2 Music Market Industry Key Points/FindingsThe music industry has changed in recent years due to the major(ip) rise in downloadable content which is seen as more appropriate due to the rise of the portable media player as tumesce as it being much easier for consumers to get hold of music, by precisely downloading. The spare-time activity will outline some samara findings from the Music Industry which Apple iTunes persist within.* The music market for digital download retailers market sh ar will continue to grow with many in the altogether entrants looking to move into the market where Apple iTunes dominate by pass digital rights trouble (DRM) free tracks. (Mintel 2009)* The Dominance of iTunes will remain until upstart entrants argon established. (Mintel 2009)Over recent years ever since the download revolution began there has been one major retailer, iTunes. They come been seen as a curse to major music labels, to counter this threat major labels accept granter DRM free tracks to many other retailers to encourage completion in the market place. This move looks to have changed the market place in the future by allowing the consumer to have more choice where they choose to purchase/download there music. (Harvey 2009)3.2 CompetitorsIt is vitally eventful when analysing the market which Apple iTunes ope cast within to outline their competitors. Many different competitors can affect Apples performance within the market, the competitors can be reason into direct, close, substitute or indirect competitors. It is vitally important to analyse all of these competitors be incur they wi ll all affect Apple iTunes in some aspect. As you can see from (Appendix 5) it shows all of the attainable competitors within the industry, Apple in 2008 had a market sh be of 80% Apple the market loss leader with an80 per cent market sh be (Lynch 2009) which means there be at least 25 firms who be in (Appendix 5) and many other firms battling it out for the remaining 20% of the market. Apple have been able to crystalize such a large market package with little or no competition due the agreement they had with the major record labels such as Sony/BMG, Vivendi Universal, Warner and EMG up until 2007 Apple were the market leading and were showtime to begin to dictate prices to the record labels which began to be them worried that they had originally buy the farm past to much to Apple iTunes. The record companies realised that Apple had gained authorisation of the music on-line delivery industry and could dictate prices to the record companies. As a result, the record compa nies decided to drop DRM completely and encourage other delivery companies to enter the industry they unavoidable some competition for Apple. (Lynch 2009) at once DRM free music began to be readily available it enticed many new descentes into the market, in the table in (Appendix 5) you can see the many firms who have seen how prospered iTunes has been and they would like to gain some of the success which Apple has created for itself with iTunes. develop competitors argon those who offer a very similar service to what iTunes offers firms such as Amazon, HMV Digital, and Tesco Digital atomic number 18 all looking to acquit the ascendence of Apple by offering a similar service but by offering the tracks at much cheaper price, due to them necessitying to break into the industry. While Apple raised prices, competitors cut theirs. Amazon, the online retailer, cut the price of many of its top-selling music downloads on Monday to 29p as it competes for a larger sh be of the digit al music market. (Ahmed 2009)Close competition are line of descentes which offer a similar service to what iTunes offers but are not in direct completion, these are firms such as subscription based services of Napster, Sky Songs and eMusic as hearty as bundled download services run by both Nokia and Omnifone which are Comes With Music and Music Station respectively as well as services run by the major mobile ne bothrks within the UK such as O2 and Orange. Competition which is classed as substitutes to the service which iTunes offers are firms which offer a different service to iTunes but could be use preferably by likely customers. These are businesses such as Spotify and We7 who offer free music for users but the service contains many adverts which make the service free, the revenue is all advertisement driven. Also substitute services are business which use the current web technology which is streaming, firms such as YouTube, MySpace Music and Last.fm are all services which a re free and legal allow users to heed to music online but not actually download and put onto a portable media player, such as the iPod. New services like Spotify give us hope for the future, but physical sales continue to fall and even digital services struggle to compete with free misappropriated music. (Mostrous 2010) Substitute services such as Spotify which are free to the consumer whitethorn the future of music as they offer a service which costs nothing and is legal.Indirect competition, is a service which is completely different to what is offered by iTunes. Sony has started to promote and sell the e-book reader, which is a similar idea to the iPod but instead of music allows users to download books and read them on a screen. It seems the traditional put wrapped tome is being trumped by downloads, after Amazon customers bought more e-books than printed books for the scratch line time on Christmas Day. The department store string John Lewis highlighted the popularity of e- readers this Christmas, reporting a jump in sales of Sonys eBook readers. (Allen 2009) The music market when from physical music CDs etc to digital downloads, now the book market looks to go a similar counseling by offering the user to read books in a digital format.4. Macro Environmental FactorsThe macro environment is the major external and uncontrollable factors that have an influence on the organisations ability to make decisions and also can affect the strategy and the performance. The macro environment looks to include many factors such as economic, legal, social, political and technological changes. (Grant 2005) Included in the following section of the report a PESTEL analysis will be carried out of Apple iTunes which is a framework which looks at the macro environmental factors any business faces in the external environment, also an industry aliveness turn will be carried out.4.1 PESTEL AnalysisThis exercise is a way of looking at Apple iTunes macro environment it looks at the half a dozen key factors of the external environment, Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal. The following section of the report will use this framework to look at the key factors effecting Apple iTunes in the macro environment. (Masterson 2004)Firstly, political this looks at if there are any pressures from the government activity or associated bodies, also any strength pressure from other business such as the major record labels such as Sony/BMG in Apple iTunes case. A breakthrough occurred when Apple iTunes made a palm with the record industry in 2002 which revolutionised the music industry. For the first time it was possible to download music for a payment without the problems of DRM which had become frustrating for consumers. By 2008 iTunes was the market leader with a massive market share of 80%, in advance this in 2007 the major record companies began to realise they had given away too much to Apple. iTunes had gained dictum in the m arket and were in a position to dictate prices to the record companies, this had the result in record companies move DRM and encouraging new entrants into the market to compete with Apple iTunes. The first two new entrants which tried to break up the ascendence of iTunes were Nokia and Amazon. (Lynch 2009) Censorship can cause a great deal of problems for a service such as iTunes, in the build up to the Olympic Games in Beijing, mainland China iTunes was selling on its iTunes stack away a Tibetan album. Due to the political unrest among Tibet and China, the Chinese government blocked the use of the iTunes Store Parts of iTunes are blocked in China access to iTunes store is completely restricted in the majority of China. (Branigan 2008)Next is Economic, which looks at how Apple iTunes will be affected by the macroeconomic environment. The UK economy so far remains in a recession which has effects for all of Apple iTunes potential customers within the UK market, consumers are unl ikely to be willing to purchase luxury goods such as the music iTunes offer within its online store. This is due to levels of disposable income is not at the levels of previous times, also due to low levels of disposable income Apple iTunes will see very few new customers as people who have not experienced downloading music originally may not even have a computer so will not go out and purchase one in these times. Although many experts commit the UK economy will begin to show some offset in the near future, the economy will still be in a recession, officially the recession has not yet ended. Analysts believe that fourth quarter figures will show the economy returning to ontogeny. (BBC personal credit line News 2009) It is extremely important for Apple to be mindful of the economic factors within the macro environment.Thirdly social, this looks at the demographics and the trends within the market which Apple iTunes operate within. This part of the PESTLE analysis will outline a few key trends which detail the market place Apple iTunes operate within.* 16-24 year olds are more likely to favour downloading music.(Mintel 2009)* Over 45s are less likely to download, due to being concerned about calibre and equipment and compatibility issues, this is linked to the understanding of technical development, also unsure what is legal and what is not. (Mintel 2009)* The nitty-gritty of Internet usage is a massive influence on consumers views. (Mintel 2009)The to a higher place trends allow Apple iTunes to target certain sectors of the market place, they would look to continue to target their products to the 16-24 market place, but would look to develop a large customer group within the over 45s by possibly educating these customers on how iTunes works.Next is Technological, technology is changing constantly at an unprecedented rate and has created many opportunities which Apple iTunes have adopted. The broadband revolution has meant a zeal has been created for consumers to access music at a reduced price compared to shopworn hard copy media. Also continued innovation by Apple for new products, such as the lasts iPhone 3GS has meant more people are utilize the iTunes service, fastest, most causalityful iPhone yet the 3GS (Blake 2009) The Music industry has radically changed in the last couple of years due to technology, thanks to the increasing penetration of broadband, which has made it increasingly convenient for music lovers to buy via the web, this has the effect of promoting digital downloads.Environmental is the fifth factor of the PESTEL framework this looks at the how the performance of Apple iTunes effects the environment which they operate within. Apple is aware of the environmental factors within the industry and is trying to offset the damages they cause, We account for everything, including out products. Apple reports environmental impact comprehensively, we do this by focusing on our products what when we see them, what h appens when we make them and what happens when you take them home and use them. (Apple Environment 2010) Apple seems to be very aware about that negative impacts of production and of consumers using their products, they are aware of the need for themselves to be socially responsible.Finally legal, this is a massive aspect for a firm such as Apple iTunes as there are many legal aspects to how they operate within the market place. Also it is important they are aware of the illegal actions potential customers carry out within the market. Illegal downloads is continuing to grow despite the many actions carried out across the industry, The issue of illegal downloading remains a problem that is set to persist. Although various efforts are being made by those in the sector to minimise the problem there is no easy solution. (Mintel 2007) on a lower floor are two key findings for the UK market which Apple iTunes need to be aware of as it shows that UK consumers are attracted to the prospect of illegal downloads.* Consumers favour illegal downloads due to their lack of cost.* Heavy downloaders are further encourages to continue by the lack of legislation against file sharing from the authorities. (Mintel 2007) 4.2 Industry Life rhythm method of birth controlThe industry life cycle is the supply-side equivalent of the product life cycle it is made up of four key phases, Introduction (Emergence), Growth, Maturity and Decline. there are two main factors which are fundamental which lead to industry evolution they are demand growth and the creation and diffusion of companionship. motive growth is when the life cycle and the changes with in it are defined chiefly by changes in an industries growth rate over time. The second major driving force of the industry life cycle is knowledge. New knowledge in the form of production innovation is responsible for an industrys creation. The dual subprogram of both knowledge creation and knowledge diffusion is to exert a major influ ence on industry evolution. (Grant 2005)Apple iTunes are positioned on the industry life cycle on the maturity stage, (Appendix 4) they have erect entered the maturity stage from experiencing rapid growth to be the market leadership in digital music distribution. They show many of the characteristics of the maturity stage, they are dealing with the mass market having many millions of customers although they need to be aware that potential customers now are begging to become more nociceptive to price due to the current economic climate but more so due to the ever increasing competition of price within the market place. The omnipresent iTunes has triumphed over its digital-market competition, providing three-quarters of the online sales in the market. But it isnt the simply show in town there is a huge heart and soul of competition, not just on the service offered but mainly on the price which music is sold for. (Robin 2008) Other characteristics which show that Apple iTunes are in the maturity stage are that they are introducing new products that are continually being innovational by line uping the iTunes service, such as adding additions to the iTunes Store and extra features.5. Micro Environmental FactorsThe Micro Environment factors are that what affects an organisations quick area of operations. It affects the decision making and the overall performance of the business the factors which it looks at are customers, distribution channels and competitors. (Grant 2005)In this section of the report I will look to conciliate the porters five forces model which will thusly be applied to Apple iTunes, which will allow for analysing the five key forces that shape the industry. 5.1 Porters 5 ForcesPorters five forces analysis helps firms to analyse the strength of private-enterprise(a) threats and is particularly useful to Apple iTunes as it allows them to analyse the emulous environment. The model focuses on the competition and the dicker power in the sup ply chain suppliers through to customers. The model is made up of five forces they are threat of new entrants, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitutes, bargaining power of suppliers and the industry competitors. (Masterson 2004)Firstly threat of new entrants this looks at the activities of potential competitors as well as existing competitors within the market place. In 2007 the major record labels began to realise that they had given iTunes too much power over the digital music market and were able to dictate the price they wanted to pay to the major record labels, Apple iTunes was now the biggest firm in the industry with over 80% of the market. As a result, the record companies decided to drop DRM completely and encourage other delivery companies to enter the industry they needed some competition for Apple. (Lynch 2009) DRM free tracks were introduced to create new entrants into the market, which it has succeeded in doing which has meant Apple iTunes now has many majo r competitors to its dominance. iTunes have the highest market share in the industry at present and due to the increased competition that has developed but they still have not taken away iTunes dominance, new firms who come into the market must be aware that the only way they are qualifying to be successful is if they are innovative. Also to embarrass new entrants into the market iTunes has the power to set a price for its downloads at whatever it sees fit due to how successful and respected the Apple place is, this price may be lower than what new firms into the market may be able to afford which would prevent them from competing in the market. Next is the bargaining power of Apple iTunes suppliers this will look at the relationships developed between the record labels and how these relationships have changed over time. iTunes suppliers are the record labels such as such as Universal, Sony, Warner Music and EMI, in 2009 they believed that they could make more funds out of the i ndustry by making iTunes recoil more for the tracks which they sell in there iTunes store. Apple were made to charge 99p for their highest price track, the music labels insisted that it would be in Apples interest for future development of the industry as it would mean more revenue to be available to promote new artists and prevent piracy. Apple iTunes caved in to pressure from the record companies and introduced variable determine yesterday, raising the top price for a song to 99p. (Ahmed 2009) Originally before the record industry decided to offer DRM free tracks, iTunes were the only business in the market and they had complete control over the record labels and could charge the prices they wanted. But now due to the increased competition the record labels want to create iTunes now have to listen to their suppliers more, and sometimes take on board what they recommend even if they dont believe it will have a positive impact on their business. Thirdly is the bargaining power of the buyers these are customers who use the Apple iTunes service this will look at what power the customers have over iTunes. iTunes is the largest service online which offers users the ability to download digital music, but customers within the UK are extremely price sensitive especially in this current economic climate where currently the UK is in recession (BBC championship News 2009) When services such as Amazon are offering users the chance to download identical digital music tracks which are DRM free for 29p compared to iTunes 99p consumers may wish to use Amazons service rather than iTunes. Amazon, the online retailer, cut the price of many of its top-selling music downloads on Monday to 29p as it competes for a larger share of the digital music market. (Ahmed 2009)The next force which the model looks at is the threat of substitutes within the market, the market is full of competitors but the majority are very similar to the service which iTunes offers its customers. The thre at of substitutes though is great, due to the industry which iTunes operates within. engine room is ever exploitation, if a new firm was to enter the market and adapt new technology which no other firm had looked at, they would be an innovative service which may be looked upon by consumers as something different and one which they may want to try and use on a unfluctuating basis. It is vitally important that Apple iTunes continues to innovate by introducing new ideas and features to its products so that they continue to be the market leaders. As with Amazon in the Ahmed 2009 article, iTunes were persuaded to increase their prices even though Amazon who are trying to gain a foothold into the market continued to have their prices 70p cheaper per track, which could lead Amazon fitting a substitute to the service which iTunes offers. (Ahmed 2009)Finally the inter rivalry of competitors this looks at various factors such as competitive edge, price wars and the market growth rate etc. The digital music market is highly competitive the market is growing very rapidly. The main aspect of the market is that every business within the market are selling the same digital music to which iTunes are offering all at different prices, this is due the record labels introducing DRM free tracks to create competition for iTunes within the music download market. iTunes are not the cheapest within the market place but have been able to develop a set image which has led them to major success, they are the market leaders and continue to innovate new successful products. 6. SWOT AnalysisSWOT analysis is a general management tool, which consists of four main factors. Two of which are internal factors which look at the micro environment they are the strengths and weaknesses of Apple iTunes. Whilst the other two factors are external to the business looking at the macro environment they are the opportunities and threats of the industry Apple iTunes operates within and are unable to cha nge.Strength is something that iTunes has or something that it carries out, that is considerably better than its competitors. iTunes is a service which is owned and run by Apple they are a very successful company who have developed many different products such as computers and in more recent years the leading portable media player the iPod. (Apple 2010) The strength of their brand image and its loyal band of customers has meant that iTunes has been able to build on the success of previous products to ensure that Apple iTunes is a success. Relationships were created with the leading record labels early on in the development of iTunes so that they could become the industry leaders in the market by 2008 they had 80% of the market. (Lynch 2009) The strengths of iTunes are that it is a service offered by a business which has already had major success in the market place with the leading digital music player the iPod, users who have an iPod automatically use iTunes to put music onto their player which has meant they have been massively successful.Weaknesses are parts of iTunes that are worse than the competition within the market or aspects of iTunes which they could improve upon. iTunes have been forced by record labels to make the cost of using their service higher than many of its competitors iTunes highest price for the latest music in the charts is 99p where as the main competitor which is Amazon has their highest track at 79p. Amazon is already in second place in terms of market share for digital music, although it started its service only 18 months ago. (Ahmed 2009) In recent times it is believed that Apple are worried that they may be close to market saturation in the future due to not seeing any increase in the sales of their digital music player the iPod which is the hardware which is directly linked to iTunes. Traders were worried by news that iPod sales were no higher than in the previous year. It is vitally important that Apple continue to innovate new products to continue the dominance of Apple iTunes. (Clark 2008)Opportunities are developments in the external environment which iTunes could look to adapt into their business to improve the service which they offer to their customers. Technology is ever developing and Apple iTunes continually need to be aware of the developments so they are early adopters and can implement the changes into the services they offer their customers. Recently iTunes has developed new features such as television episodes, video and applications which have been added to the iTunes service. But the next opportunity which they could look to adopt is the potential to read books, magazines and newspapers on say for example the latest iPod. Apple is believed to be looking into this, following the market leaders Sony into this market. There are electronic reading devices in existence already, such as Sonys e-Reader and Amazons Kindle. But, publishers hope the unquestioned design talents of Apple will ensure th at its latest product is the vehicle that enables them to transform their business models. After all, the iPod has converted millions to the idea of paying to download songs and, to a degree, has bring back the music industry, becoming the worlds largest music retailer in the process. (Burrell 2010)Threats are something that is going on in Apple iTunes external environment which is likely to cause them potential future problems. Apple iTunes have been hit by the increasing problem of illegal downloading, which had the effect of devaluing the music for an entire generation of youth. It is estimated that over 95% of all music downloaded is done via illegal methods, which means the music industry and services such as iTunes lose out on the revenue gained by these potential extra sales. Despite strong growth in digital music sales, the industry body for world music estimated that more than 95% of downloaded music was not paid for. (Mostrous 2010)7. Future advantage for Apple iTunesThe re are many factors involved when discussing if there is potential for future success for Apple iTunes, the report above has look at the industry/market which Apple iTunes operate within and then used that analysis to look at both the micro and macro environment using various models to analyse the prospect of future success for Apple iTunes. There are many factors involved when discussing if there is potential for future success for Apple iTunes, in January 2009 the BPI predicted that the UK spend over 600 million on digital music in 2012. (Mintel 2009) This should allow Apple iTunes to see that there is still some potential growth within the market even though Apple are worried that they may be close to saturation within the market, due to the sales of the iPod not increasing from 2008 to 2009. Continually there seems to be growth within the industry from 2004-2009 at a massive rate of 340%, (Appendix 2) this rate increase over that period is not going to be sustainable into the fu ture in the current market place due the increased competition and the increased level of illegal downloading activity. iTunes should be aware of this, but if there are more and more successful artists being introduced into the industry there is still potential for more growth in the market for Apple iTunes.DRM free tracks introduced into the market in 2007 meant that Apple had gone from being the only major player in the market, to an industry which now has hundreds of competitors. This meant consumers had much more choice of where they should purchase there digital music from. The record companies realised that Apple had gained dominance of the music on-line delivery i