Baseball Culture

Baseball is a game played everywhere: in parks, playgrounds, in back alleys and farmers’ fields, by small children and old men, raw amateurs and millionaire professionals, and also all over the world. It is a leisurely game that demands blinding speed. It is the only game in which the defense has the ball. Americans have played baseball for more than 200 years, and is still one the most popular sports in the whole world. Baseball hasn’t always been the loving sport it is today before 1947 there were two separate leagues because there was a color barrier. The first person to break this barrier was Jackie Robinson an African American baseball player who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from April 15, 1947- October 10, 1956. This was the beginning of a new era and with this it created a whole new view on the game itself. Baseball is a game where people can come together as one unit but be complete strangers, where people can go to just hangout, and also where you can enjoy some of the best yet expensive food. At a baseball game it is considered good to yell out bad things at the away team, you usually do this with other fans which you most of the time do not know, you also scream with fellow fans when your team does a good thing, whether they score or someone just made a spectacular web gem. All of this is in good fun and the fact that you are able to share all this with random strangers is amazing, because a lot of times people do not like to step out of their comfort zone and talk to new people, but at a ball game you are able to do that no matter what kind of person you are. Through the game people are able to step out of their comfort zone and meet new people and interact with people they have never met before. Although if your team is the away team be careful because some fans really hate the other team and sometimes do crazy things. Since the beginning going to a ball game was always a way for people to get out and enjoy a thrilling game. It allows people to hang out with friends or ven go on a date, it lets people go out and see their favorite player and scream their name and try to get their autograph or if they are lucky even a picture. Going to a baseball stadium is just a great way for people to enjoy the sport they love and hangout. Going to a baseball game is probably one of the best times a person could ever have, because you never know whether or not the game could end up going into extra innings or it being a blowout victory for the home team. That is the fun in going to a game the excitement of anything can happen, imagine being a young boy or girl and catching a ball that catch would be with you for the rest of your life. Being at a game is a great experience and is one of the best events a person can go to because it allows you to be who you are just enjoy life because for those 3 hours you are at that game nothing else is on your mind except the game. While at a baseball game most people get hungry luckily baseball stadiums have some of the best food known to man. But that food comes at a price like a price of you are not paying for anything for less than $5. But although these prices are high it is just a must to at least get a hot dog at a baseball game. It’s just part of the baseball culture to eat something at a game. Although now it is not very unnatural for a person to only buy a drink because of how high the prices are at the stadiums now a days. Hopefully one day we can get to the days where a hot dog max only cost $1. 0 and a slice of pizza for the same price. Hopefully with less people buying, those prices will actually be seen and put into action. But the world may never know. All in all Baseball is a game, from when it first started to present day, where people from all around the world can come together and have one common love†¦ the love of the game baseball. Baseball is just one of those sports where no matter what kind of a person you are you will always be accepted by the people around you.

Environmental Problem: Buried Waste Disposal Sites

Buried waste disposal sites, especially those are near or the actual spots for residential houses, pose great threats to the health and wellbeing individuals who will be exposed more specifically to contaminated water systems. (â€Å"Background on Buried Waste at INL Site,† 2008) Aside from the contamination of the water system that might result to illnesses and diseases caused by water-borne bacteria and viruses, residential houses built on buried waste disposal sites might experience extreme termite or rodent problems which are unsanitary and harmful to the health of families who live in the area.Another issue is the impending threat of obtaining respiratory illnesses from air pollution caused by the excessive amount of chemicals and other compounds present in the area. (Krieger & Higgins, 2002) When it comes to the safety of living in an area built on a buried waste disposal site, there are little guarantees that the foundation of the houses is solid enough to last for the next decade. Chemical processes that take place due to the contact of chemicals underneath the soil might affect the quality of the land and its ability to be unyielding to deterioration and wreckage.(â€Å"Fact Sheet,† 2006) Learning that the house my family and I has been staying for in the past fifteen years was built over a buried waste disposal site would cause a sudden alarm. There is a need to report this issue to authorities, or institutions who are involved with the issue and will be able to help resolve the problems. Government agencies, real estate institutions, neighbors, and other private institutions that specialize in the area of environmental policies and implementation should be informed of such problem.Next, there is a need to recommend evacuation to safer areas for the meantime while studies will be conducted to determine the potential problems that have affected the topography of the area and the potential problems that might have long-term effects on indi viduals who have stayed in the area during the last decade. Also, undergoing medical examination and health-related assessments would be a great move to determine if the time spent living within the area has had an impact on our health and wellbeing.In terms of evaluating the land located over a buried waste disposal site, there are various techniques or approaches available to evaluate potential problems in the future. To determine the impact of the buried waste on the water system, there is a need to implement the processes of waste containment, area restrictions, and groundwater monitoring. Although water sampling would suffice in determining the level of contamination, if present, in the water system, there is a need to implement a thorough process of involving not only the groundwater but the buried wastes in the area.These processes will help authorities to determine whether the buried waste is affecting the water system, and if not, to establish ways to prevent it from happen ing. Moreover, this will also help in determining whether the people who have lived in the area have been exposed to dangerous bacteria or viruses from the contaminated water system. (â€Å"Fact Sheet,† 2006) Another method of approaching the buried waste disposal site problem is the implementation of the baseline risk assessment. This process helps environmental officers and professionals in determining the types of contaminants present in the area.Through the use of historical records and other information that pertain to how the waste disposal site was managed in the past, environment conscious institutions will be able to determine how to approach the problem. They will be able to determine what types of contaminants to look for based on the types of waste disposed in the area. (â€Å"Buried Waste Environmental Investigation,† 2006) Perhaps the most thorough process of evaluating the risks posed by the buried waste disposal site is the risk screening approach.This process follows the direction of the potential impacts that the waste might produce, from its source to its closing stages. The site will be screened in every aspect and dimensions, making sure that possible effect are identified. Once this is concluded, it is time to conduct prevention measures according to the level or priority – depending on the magnitude of damage or threat that the site may impose on the area and human life. (Environmental Protection Agency, 2007) References â€Å"Background on Buried Waste at INL Site. † (2008).Retrieved November 11, 2008, from Idaho Cleanup Project. Website: http://www. id. doe. gov/NEWS/PressReleases/PR080701-Announcement/HistoryofBuriedWaste. pdf â€Å"Buried Waste Environmental Investigation. † (2006). Retrieved November 11, 2008, from Idaho Cleanup Project. Website: https://idahocleanupproject. com/Portals/0/documents/BuriedWaste%20factsheet%20english%20FINAL. pdf Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). CODE OF PRACT ICE: Environmental Risk Assessment for Unregulated Waste Disposal Sites. Website: http://www. epa.ie/downloads/advice/waste/waste/epa_cop_waste_disposal_sites. pdf â€Å"Fact Sheet. † (2006). Retrieved November 11, 2008, from Environmental Protection Agency. Website: http://www. epa. gov/region7/factsheets/2006/fs_eeca_former_ne_plant_mead_ne1106. htm Krieger, J. & Higgins, D. L. (2002). Housing and Health: Time Again for Public Health Action. American Journal of Public Health, Volume 92, Issue 5. Retrieved November 11, 2008, from ProQuest. Website: http://proquest. umi. com/pqdweb? did=118106560&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=4538&RQT=309&VName=PQD

Can netflix recover from its strategic mistakes?

Introduction and company overview Netflix is the world’s leading provider of online streaming media and movie rentals with more than 50 million of online subscribers.[1] It is the most prominent provider of online streaming media in the world with operations in the US, Canada and in 42 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. In fact, Netflix is the single largest source of internet traffic in the US, consuming 29.7% of the peak downstream traffic.[2] Since its inception, this giant provider of online streaming media has gained increasing popularity. The company was first founded by Reed Hastings in 1997.[3] Netflix began its operations with the selling of DVDs and offering of rental services by mail. The demand for DVD by rental services quickly outweighed the demand for buying DVDs which led to the company focusing their business model on dvd rentals.[4] Over the years, the company’s growth quickly gained momentum to the point that it passed its 500,000 subscriber mark.[5] The company continued to experience a rapid growth and by 2003, the subscriber base had already tripled to 1.5 million.[6] In 2007, Netflix launched the online-streaming services and positioned itself for the imminent transition to digital media by partnering with companies such as Microsoft, LG Electronics, Samsung and Roku and negotiating agreements with the biggest entertainment companies such as CBS, Starz Entertainment, and Disney for streaming of media content.[7] Throughout 2010 and the first half of 2011, the company experienced an unprecedented growth. The number of online subscriptions in the US alone doubled from 12.3 million to 24.6 million.[8] The quarterly revenue rapidly increased from $445 million to $770 million and the stock price increased reach an all-time high of $304.79.[9] However, a series of strategy changes implemented in mid July 2011 tarnished the company’s image and led to a steep decline in profitability and stock price. In mid-July 2011, Netflix implemented a new pricing plan which raised the monthly subscription by 60%. Customers reacted negatively to these price changes with more than 600,000 Netflix subscribers cancelling their subscription.[10] Towards the end of 2011, the company implemented another strategic change by creating Qwister and splitting the DVDs-by-mail business from internet streaming business. This sparked a second furore leading to a further decline in its stock prices. Netflix’s decl ine in the industry can be attributed to such kind of strategic mistakes. With these in mind, can Netflix can recover from its strategic mistakes? External analysis Netflix’s performance in the industry is affected by a number of external factors. An external audit of the industry reveals some of these political, economic, social and technological factors.PESTLE ANALYSISPolitical and Legal factorsAmong the various factors affecting the performance of Netflix in the industry are the political and legal factors, particularly legal battles, trademark, copyright and patent issues. Netflix faces ongoing legal battles with several companies including Comcast and Time Warner Cable.[11] This began with complaints from Comcast customers that the connection speed for Netflix streams had dropped significantly. Netflix’s own data showed a massive decline in connection speed as shown in the figure below. Fig. 1 Netflix’s own data showing a massive decline in Comcast’s connection speed.[12] More recently, Netflix filed a petition with the US Federal Communications Commission challenging the proposed merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable.[13] Netflix argues that the merger should not be allowed under the FCC’s public interest standard as it would stifle the competitive internet market and could potentially cause public harm by making the already expensive high definition (HD) even more expensive for video companies and consumers.[14] However, the petition to deny the proposed merger may not succeed as the commission has already determined that Comcast has the right to discriminate against online video distributors. The commission also determined that the public harm claim that Netflix raised was merely speculative and highly unlikely. The approval of the proposed merger points to the difficulty that Netflix may face in future. Comcast has already shown its willingness to discriminate against online video distributors by manipulating internet traffic at inte rconnection points with the aim of harming Netflix.[15] Social factorsFrom the social perspective, Netflix relies on the popularity of its media content among consumers. Even though Netflix has raced to become ubiquitous having pioneered online streaming, its main weakness has been the inability to feature the latest releases. It should be remembered that consumers want the most recent content. This is a particular area where Netflix has always been lagging behind. According to a recent consumer report, 81% of the respondents were found to stream media from Netflix, making it the most popular.[16] However, these respondents expressed their dissatisfaction with the service citing Netflix’s movie line up as the biggest issue of concern. Respondents were displeased with the limited selection of movies especially the latest releases.[17]EconomicIn terms of economic factors, Netflix operates in an industry characterized by large entry costs, low prices and a very competitive envir onment. To maintain an edge in the market, firms have to price competitively against rivals.The industry is still at its infancy and many companies appear to be experimenting their business models. For example, YouTube recently reached an agreement with Lions Gate Entertainment which secured it rights to mainstream movies from the entertainment company.[18] Apple recently unveiled its plans to develop an upgraded Apple TV that allow consumers to stream video from TV Sets. Hulu recently begun a new subscription plan that allows customers to watch some TV shows that are not available for free at the cost of $10 per month.[19] With streaming becoming more competitive, Netflix will have to improvise in order to continue to thrive in the industry.TechnologicalTechnology is rapidly changing and for Netflix to continue to thrive, it must contend with the constantly evolving and competing technology. Even though Netflix gained its initial competitive advantage from its business model which capitalized on the weakness of the tradition brick and mortar businesses, it continues to face the challenge of adjusting to new technological pressures.[20] Already some of Netflix’s competitors are offering additional innovative services to its customers. For example, Amazon Prime provides users with services such as free two-day shipping and free kindle book in addition to instant video streaming. HBO has made its online content available for purchase without the need of cable subscription. Vudu is releasing many titles the same day they out on DVD compared to Netflix which releases them 28 days later.[21]Five forces frameworkRivalry among firmsThere is no doubt that competition is becoming more intense in the industry. Netflix faces many rival competitors in the industry from Blockbuster to Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Comcast, Google TV, Apple TV and many others (Indiviglio, 2010). The intense rivalry is due to the large consumer market in the movie rental industry. Th e rivalry is also increased by the different methods that consumers can obtain a movie from in-store rental to mail delivery to online streaming and video on demand. The switching costs remain relatively low which perhaps contribute to the fierce rivalry in the industry. A large number of the rival competitors have large levels of capital and greater economies of scale which makes competition in the industry very fierce.Threat of new entrantsWhile Netflix faces intense rivalry from competitor firms, the threat of potential new entrants is relatively low due to the large entry costs in the market. Most of the existing firms have already established a well-known brand such as Hulu plus, Red box and Amazon instant video.[22] This makes it increasingly difficult for new players to thrive in the market. A potential new entrant would have to incur a lot costs in marketing and advertising to establish its brand and become competitive. Threat of substitution Similarly, the threat of substation is relatively low as many consumers prefer online streaming to physical DVD rentals. While there is no much of a threat to Netflix online streaming model, there is an existing threat from illegal pirating. Some websites provide customers with free access to most media content. However, most of these websites are illegal. Further, these websites are somewhat complicated and are not nearly intuitive as Netflix’s service.[23] While it remains government’s responsibility to enforce anti-pirating laws, it may be in Netflix’s best interest to lobby for tighter enforcements of these laws.[24]Bargaining power of consumersIn terms of the bargaining power, consumers seem to have a higher ground. Consumers have a higher bargaining power since there are many options in the industry with little or no switching costs. Netflix currently charges its customers an affordable monthly fee of $7.99 but since customers are not locked into contracts, they can easily switch from one online streaming company to another with minimal or low switching costs.[25] High consumer bargaining power implies that the company must be very careful in implementing its strategies. This can be seen with the price changes that Netflix imposed on its subscribers in 2011. A new pricing plan announced by the company in mid-July 2011 which increased the subscription price by 60% sent the company’s stock price in a tailspin.[26]Bargaining power of suppliersContent remains a key input in Netflix’s business strategy. Since there are very few media content providers that offer high quality content, the bargaining power of suppliers remain relatively high. Suppliers can impose a price increase or offer low quality content and this could have an adverse impact on the company’s profitability.[27] Recognizing the relatively high supplier’s bargaining power, Netflix recently begun developing its own content, some of which have rece ived acclaim in the industry such as the â€Å"House of cards† and â€Å"Hemlock Grove†.[28] However, despite these efforts, Netflix’s survival is largely dependent upon the variety of its content. Netflix still has to rely on its content providers to meet the needs of its large consumer base. II Internal analysis An analysis of the internal environment of Netflix is also important as it identifies the competencies that currently exist for the company to compete effectively. The VRIO framework and value chain model is going to be very useful in the analysis of the internal environment.Distinctive competencies: the VRIO frameworkQuestion of value: are the company’s resources and capabilities enabling it to capitalize on opportunities and neutralize external threats?In terms of distribution, Netflix has a sustainable advantage. It has several distribution channels from the physical distribution of titles through physical stores to distribution by mail.[29] However, this is a temporary advantage as blockbuster is posing a huge threat to the physical distribution of titles. Perhaps the biggest sustainable advantage lies with their online streaming capabilities. Being the first company with the capability to offer online video streaming service, it undoubtedly ranks at the top of video comp anies with the most widely streamed content. However, Apple is posing a huge threat having established presence in online streaming through iTunes.[30]Question of rarityAre there only a few numbers of firms with these capabilities?In some certain capabilities, Netflix have a sustainable advantage over competitor firms whereas in other capabilities, the company has only a temporary advantage. For example, in DVD rental and Blue Ray rental; Netflix only has a temporary advantage since many firms have the capabilities to produce these items.[31] However, with regard to online streaming, title variety, and convenience to consumers; Netflix has a sustainable advantage. This is because many other firms in the industry do not have the internal capabilities to innovate in these particular areas. Question of inimitability?The industry is characterized by large entry costs. Many firms lack the necessary resources and internal capabilities to offer similar content. It is quite expensive and ex tremely difficult to form agreements with content providers. Netflix has a temporary and sustainable advantage in this particular area having engineered the online streaming business model and formed agreements with several content providers including warner Bros and CBS among many others. Netflix’s possess key resources and capabilities that provide it with advantages that are not easy to imitate.[32]Question of organization?An important part of the internal analysis is examining how the policies and procedures are organized and whether this organization supports the company’s use of its valuable resources. Netflix has a functional centralized organizational structure in which the CEO has direct control over its six departments.[33] Netflix’s embraces a culture of freedom and innovation. Employees have the freedom to remain innovative and productive. This shows how the company’s organization policies are organized to support its valuable resources. Part III: Issues and challenges However, even with these resources and competencies, Netflix faces some challenges/impediments in its drive to remain competitive. One major challenge is its reliance on content providers. The company still has to depend on other content providers such as CBS and Time warner in order to continue to maintain the breadth and variety of their products. Such form of dependence can have dire consequences on the company especially where there are disagreements. For example, in mid July 2011, Netflix was forced to implement a new pricing plan that raised the monthly subscription by 60% after Starz, one of its content providers, demanded $300 million for renewal of its license with Netflix.[34] Initially, Netflix had been paying this premium movie channel $30 million annually. This was a huge step back and led to a steep decline in its stock price. Recently, Netflix was forced to remove some of its content after losing its contract with Viacom International, a leading provider of children sh ows.[35] While the huge subscriber base may give Netflix some sought of leverage in negotiating terms, much of its survival is still at the mercy of its content providers. Another challenge facing Netflix lies with the stiff competition in the movie industry. Even though the threat for potential new entrants is relatively low, there is an intense rivalry in the industry among key players such as Blockbuster, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Comcast, Google TV, and Apple TV.[36] With the battlefront shifting online, Netflix is going to be in direct competition with some of the well-financed and innovative companies such as Apple, Google and Amazon.[37] Netflix will have to be savvier than ever by negotiating better agreements for online streaming in order to take on these giant companies.[38] Part IV: Generation of strategic growth option Netflix’s overall situation is fairly attractive and somewhat sustainable. However, there are a number of Strategic Options that the company could pursue in its efforts to continue to grow and develop. The Ansoff matrix tool below will be used to describe these options. Ansoff matrix tool[39]Ansoff MatrixMarket developmentInternational expansion is one of the strategic growth option. Netflix has already entered into regional license agreements to stream media content from 42 countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean.[40] However, this international expansion need to be implemented very cautiously. While this has allowed Netflix to expand its subscriber base, the company is spending so much that it doesn’t actually profit from this international expansion. For example, in the last quarter of 2012, international losses hit $105 million despite the gain of 6 million new subscribers.[41]Product developmentThe company could also benefit from developing its own original content and focusing on the online streaming business. Developing its own original content will reduce their dependence on content providers. There is also an imperative need to phase out the â€Å"DVD mailing option† from Netflix’s business model. The movie industry is quickly shifting online, yet Netflix continues to develop millions of DVDs which have high operating costs. Despite its huge revenue, Netflix’s margins are eaten up by its huge production costs.[42] With the movie industry shifting online, Netflix may lose out on major profits if they take too long to phase out the DVD mailing option.Market penetrationIn terms of market penetration, Netflix need to increase its domestic market. Growth in online streaming has resulted due to the increasing broadband penetration, growth in connected devices, faster download speed and the broader trends of media consumption.[43] A large part of the purchasing and usage of Netflix’s content come from existing customers in the US. However, there is still a larger market in the US that Netflix can benefit from. Netflix can leverage its first mover advantage to expand more rapidly in the US.DiversificationNetflix is currently in competition with rivals in the market in t wo main product lines: dvd rentals and online streaming. With virtual rivals such as Amazon, Hulu and cable TV companies among many others, competition in online streaming is going to be intense. In the product line of DVD rental, competitors such as Blockbuster and Red-box pose a huge threat.[44] To maintain an edge in the market, Netflix need to diversify its product line to include video and computer games. Part V Evaluation of strategic growth options With these strategic options identified, it is important to evaluate each option in terms of suitability, accessibility and feasibility. SAF framework will be very useful in this evaluation.SAFe frameworkSuitability criteriaSuitability criteria will evaluate whether these strategic options support Netflix’s mission and values, whether they are suitable for industry life cycle stage and whether they strengthen Netflix’s competitive position. Netflix’s mission statement is to grow the streaming subscription business both domestically and globally and to improve customer experience while staying within the parameter of their consolidated income and operating profit.[45] Strategy optionsSupports Netflix’s mission and valuesSuitable for industry life cycle stageStrengthens Netflix’s competitive position Expanding subscriber base internationally – market developmentyesYes – it is important to expand internationally currently in the industry.Yes. In the long term, this will consolidate their position in the industry Expanding rapidly in domestic market – market penetrationYesYes – market penetration is also important.Yes, in the long run. Focusing squarely on online streaming business and producing some its content – product developmentYesYes – the shifting market environment makes this strategy very effective.Yes – the industry is moving online and this strategy will significantly improve Netflix’s competitive position Diversifying product line to include video and computer games.yesYes – suitable for industry life cycle stageYes – this strategy will distinguish Netfl ix from competitorsAccessibility criteriaThe accessibility criteria is assessed based on customer reactions, risks of losses and returns on investments. Strategy optionsReaction of customersRisk of lossesReturns on investments Expanding subscriber base internationally – market developmentNo effect on customer reactionHigh – margins from international segment so far remain very low compared to domestic levels. Already the company has incurred huge losses from this expansion.Low – Broadband infrastructure is very poor in many international countries and pricing strategy may be seen as high in developing economies. Expanding rapidly in domestic market – market penetrationNo discernible effectLow – margins from domestic segments are very highHigh – the current low pricing policy is very attractive for new customers and entertainment consumption remains high Focusing squarely on online streaming business and producing some its content – product developmentPositive impact – provides customers with the convenience they need.Low – the industry is shifting online and customer su bscription for online streaming is increasing.Very high – market shifting online and broadband infrastructure allows for streaming of high quality hence improving customer experience. Producing its content will reduce its dependence on content providers. Diversifying product line to include video and computer games.Positive – it will enhance customer experienceRelatively low due to lack of differentiation between competitorsHigh – the added feature will increase customer experience among consumers who like video games. Feasibility criteriaFeasibility criteria involves examining whether Netflix has the internal capabilities and resources to support implementation of these strategic options Strategy optionsDo existing technological assets support this strategy?Does Netflix have enough financial resources to support implementation of this strategy?Is there enough information available for implementation of this strategy? Expanding subscriber base internationally – market developmentTechnically, Netflix’s content delivery network is able to support this strategy.Netflix still has enough financial resources to expand internationally, however, huge losses have been incurred in implementation of this strategyYes, there is enough information to implement this strategy, however, the losses incurred so far raises the question of whether it is a feasible option? Expanding rapidly in domestic market – market penetrationYes, Netflix’s content delivery network is able to support this strategyYes, the company still has enough funds for market penetration.Yes, Netflix has enough information to ensure success of this strategy. Focusing squarely on online streaming business and producing some its content – product developmentYes, Netflix has exceptional tools with intelligent analysis that enable it to detect faults in systems, improve on customer experience and handle increasing data traffic.There are enough financial resources to implement this strategy.Yes, Netflix has enough information. For example, when it created its original TV series â€Å"House of Cards†, Netflix knew that it would be a hit based on examining consumers viewing habits. Diversifying product line to include video and computer games.No, Netflix may not have the technical capabilities to produce computer games.However, there are enough financial resources to implement this strategy.Also, there might not be enough information to implement this strategy. Netflix may not have enough history data to base on since most consumers subscribed to watch movies and not play computer games. PART VI Description of Selected Strategy Netflix need to focus squarely on the streaming business and phase out the DVD mailing option from its product portfolio. It should be noted that movie industry is quickly moving online and the DVD business is bound to declines. This can be seen with the decline in Netflix’s domestic subscribers. Declining number of DVD subscribers while domestic streaming subscribers increase.[46] This is also very much consistent with Netflix’s generic business strategy of differentiation, cost leadership and providing customers with convenience. While the DVD business has in the past been very profitable compared to the online streaming business; there is a slow but inevitable decline in the DVD business as the industry moves towards online streaming.[47] The huge costs associated with production of physical discs, packaging costs and the high costs of running the DVD distribution centers will adversely affect the DVD business. Netflix contributing profit, DVD vs domestic streaming.[48] Focusing exclusively on online streaming will without doubt enhance these generic strategies by differentiating Netflix from brick and mortar stores such as Blockbuster and Redbox, and providing customers with the convenience that they need. Netflix has the internal capabilities and resources to carry out this strategy successful. For the company to successfully carry out this strategy, it has to be vigilant in supporting millions of connected devices used by consumers in online streaming.[49] From the operational perspective, Netflix has large, complex and highly distributed systems environments. The company has exceptional tools with intelligent analysis that enable it to detect faults in systems and improve on customer experience and handle increasing data traffic.[50] Also, Netflix need to pay more attention on creating its own original content. This will decrease its dependence on content providers. Netflix is guaranteed success in content creation since they have enough information about the content that customers are desperately in need of. This can be seen with its original TV series the â€Å"House of cards† and â€Å"Hemlock Grove†, both of which have received acclaim in the industry.[51] Netflix is able to determine if a particular TV series or movie is going to be a hit based on consumers viewing habits. This provides them with a huge advantage in content creation. However, this does not mean that Netflix should abandon its providers as its survival is largely dependent upon the variety of its content. Netflix still has to rely on its content providers to meet the needs of its large consumer base. Conclusion In conclusion, while Netflix is the most prominent provider of online streaming with operations in the US, Canada and in 42 countries in Latin America and Caribbean, it faces a number of political, economic, social and technological factors in the industry. From legal battles emerging form trademark, copyright and patent issues to social and economic factors such as the inability to feature the latest releases and stiff competition in the industry. The main issues and challenges that Netflix faces are the high bargaining power of suppliers and stiff competition from well-financed and innovative companies such as Apple, Google and Amazon. However, the company could pursue various strategic growth options to further consolidate its position in the industry such international expansion, domestic market penetration, product development and diversification. Based on the SAF framework, Netflix is better positioned to focus exclusively on online streaming business and developing its own ori ginal content. This will provide the company with the sustainable advantage that it needs in terms of reducing the suppliers bargaining power, consolidating its competitive position in the industry and increasing customer experience. Netflix’s overall situation is fairly attractive and somewhat sustainable. It remains the single largest source of internet traffic in the US, consuming 29.7% of peak downstream traffic. However, given the inevitable decline of the DVD business, the company should consider focusing their business model on online streaming and creation of original content. With the growing capabilities of broadband communication, which allow for faster downloads and streaming of content, the industry is quickly moving online. This does not mean abandoning its content providers. It should be remembered that Netflix’s survival is dependent on the variety of its content. Netflix should be savvier than ever by negotiating better agreements for online streaming, increasing the selection of titles and making it possible to stream more content including the latest releases. 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Behavior Intervention Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Behavior Intervention Plan - Essay Example The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice (CEC). Other than using communication techniques, educators should involved the students’ parents to help the barriers so that the child can learn effectively and comfortably. Knowing that they have their parents support, they learn with confidence from effective teaching due to the fact they feel like they have a comfort zone when family is around. When parents are involved, children feel that they have their acceptance to learn. It is apparent that some of the communication techniques can be used on children within educational intervention to break down some of the barriers. For example, prompting children for good behavior and using computers as a way to communicate with minority children can be extremely helpful until a proper way of communicating between the educator and student becomes establish, which they will feel comfortable with. Once a communication technique is established, it will become easier to understand one’s another way of thinking. Furthermore, educationa l intervention would be more accepting of diversity, which means no child will be left behind despite their differences. The PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is a statewide nonprofit parent center that for nearly twenty years has served parents of children with disabilities from birth through secondary school. Through Families and Schools Together (FAST) Forward, PACER is expanding its operations to include all parents. FAST Forward provides the following six

Mourid Barghouti's I Saw Ramallah Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mourid Barghouti's I Saw Ramallah - Essay Example The aim of this paper is to answer the following questions: what key personal and public events shaped Barghouti's account To what extent in Barghouti's personal life affect his memory of public events Can historians use memoirs like Barghouti's to understand the past In addition to that, my personal opinion about possible chances of resolving the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians will be reflected. 2. The book begins from the scene when Barghouti returns to his homeland crossing the Jordan River bridge and reminding his first crossing it thirty years ago when he had to leave for Amman: "Here I am crossing the Jordan River I walk westward in a normal manner - or rather, a manner that appears normal. Behind me the world, ahead of me my world (Barghouti, p.1)". Such historical event as Israel victory in Six-Day War influenced the author's life very much: he had to leave his native country and go abroad. He lived in exile for thirty years, so his book I Saw Ramallah is very self-reflective and shows Barghouti's pain and despair from his inability to return to Ramallah again. By 1967 he had graduated the Cairo University - it shaped his account as a famous poet and writer. In addition to that, he married Radwa Ashour and got back to Cairo again to teach English to law students. His return to Cairo played a significant role in Barghouti's life - he began working at the Palestine Rad io Station as an anchor man and political commentator. But Sadat's presidency influenced his career: the station had been closed, and Barghouti worked at the radio station in Beirut during the civil war - this war became another event which affected the life of the author. Then, the political situation changed, and after Sadat's visit to Israel Barghouti was departed from Cairo, as well as other Palestinians. So, foreign policy events influenced personal and professional life of Mourid Barghouti, and such troubles, misfortunes and disadvantages are clearly reflected in his book I Saw Ramallah. Barghouti's personal and professional life affected his memory of public events. He was not fond of politics, but political events of that time influenced and affected him, and this affection is reflected in his book. He perceived the world political events through wide scale of his own experience. Israeli-Palestinian conflict deprived him of his native country; political regime of Egyptian president Sadat affected his professional activity. He had lost himself - after he left Palestine in 1967 he had no place to feel comfortable, he felt as an exile. Barghouti was arrested in 1977 in Egypt, and he was deported to Hungary where he lived for 17 years separated from his family: his wife and son who was five months old when Barghouti was deported. These and other difficult circumstances of his personal life affected his memory of public events - he described these events from the point of view of his personal experience, that's why the world events seem to be so naturalistic and full of sadness and sincerity: "Israel allows in hundreds of elderly people and

Utilisation - Elecrical engineering Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Utilisation - Elecrical engineering - Assignment Example In this type of lamp, there is glass tube which is filled with a mixture of mercury vapour at low pressure and argon. The inner side of the tube has a phosphorous coating which is used to illuminate the light. As current flows through the electrodes in the tube, it goes through the gas which is contained between. Consequently, there is emission of ultraviolet light from the mercury arc which is converted to visible light by the fluorescent coating found on the inside of the tube. To facilitate proper lighting in this scenario, a high mercury pressure lamp is necessary to facilitate this lighting system. This is due to the fact that this type of lamp produces less heat and uses less energy and thus it conserves energy while at the same time producing enough lighting. In the design of this type of lamp, an outer glass envelop is filled with nitrogen gas which acts as a coolant that keeps the arc tube at correct temperatures. This type of lamp contains a quartz discharge tube which is filled with argon gas and small amount of mercury which is in liquid form. Two electrodes are located at the ends of the tube which begins the discharge. A 10 – 30 â„ ¦ resistor is connected in series with the secondary electrode. On switching on the light, at first there is no current flow. Then the power supply voltage appears across the main electrode and between one of the mains electrodes and the secondary electrode through the series resistor (B & B training Associates Limited). Consequently, there is production of an arc between the secondary and the main electrode resulting in occurrence of ionisation. The pressure and the heat build-up resulting in the formation of more high pressure and vaporised and high pressure arc between the electrodes. It is made of a sintered aluminium oxide tube that is being supported by two rods. The inside of the glass is coated with white material that facilitates spreading of the light. There is a combination of sodium and

3 key differences between managers and leaders Essay

3 key differences between managers and leaders - Essay Example Kotter asserts that when an individual is playing the role of a leader he comes up with new ideas and plans and persuades his/her followers into thinking about a future that is both positive and beneficial in nature (KOTTERMAN, 2006, p.15). A leader always has to keep his eyes open for opportunities and develop new techniques and strategies in accordance to these opportunities. On the contrary, a manager has the responsibility of maintaining how the organization is currently running and the culture that has been adopted by the organization. His main aim is to secure the organization’s bottom line and maintain discipline through his controlling role. According to Nicholaides’ research that the role of a leader is to inspire his/her followers to make them perform at their best and he is well aware of how follower’s pace of work can be increased (Nicolaides, 2010, p.32). He asserts that success in leadership is not dependent on what the individual leader does; it is rather dependant on what the followers do in response to a leader. On the other hand a manager is an individual who uses his control over the employees and subordinates by assisting them in developing their personal asserts and helping them in using their best talents. Any individual within the organization can become a leader, a leader’s power are not dependant on the position he is assigned to within the organization. For example: a leader can be an executive working in the information technology department. This is because he has expertise and information that nobody else within the organization has and in order to obtain his/her expertise, followers accept him/her as a leader. Stanley suggests that a manager obtains his power due to his/her management level position within the hierarchy of an organization (STANLEY, 2006, p.33). Grint asserts that even managers are followers of a leader as a leader creates the

Final refluction Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Final refluction - Assignment Example Secondly, it is vital to have a deeper understanding and connection between customers, suppliers, and distributors. Moreover, to gain customer confidence and loyalty, marketers should be strategic in that they produce customized goods for their clients and providing specialized services. Thirdly, to have an effective distribution channel means goods get to the customer at the right place and time. Marketers need to have strategic procedures that help select the right intermediaries (Dent, 2011). I liked the course as a whole; the lecturer had sufficient knowledge about the course and was well equipped with the right materials for the course. I also liked the style of teaching where all students were involved and participated. I would like to do more presentations as this helps me gain more confidence. In addition, I would also like the lecturer to organize a trip to one of the organizations that best practice what we learn in class. Finally, I would like to see the behavior of some students changed. Submitting late assignments should be discouraged. Nevertheless, the semester was great and I look forward to having another course with the same

Relationship between technology and progress (or 2 other topics), Essay

Relationship between technology and progress (or 2 other topics), based on documents from book Thomas Edison and Modern America - Essay Example Therefore it has become necessary to ask this age old question once again. What exactly is the relationship between technology and progress? Is the change that is brought about by technology always positive? Is it at some point inevitable that once we accept the positive developments of technology we have at the same time have to accept its negative accompaniments? These are some of the questions that this paper shall seek to answer. There shall be a special focus on the book Thomas Edison and Modern America by Collins, Lisa and Gregory. There are three areas that I have identified in which the relationship between technology and progress is evident and straightforward. These areas are; an improvement in the quality of life, wealth creation, unemployment, the environment and transport and communication. I shall seek to discuss how technological inventions have brought about changes in the five named areas. This shall of course be done within the context of this book. Because it is ob vious that the perspective to be gained here is mostly from Edison’s day, I shall also include a few sentences to provide the modern context. This shall make up for an all rounded understanding of this relationship (Changing Times, p2). The first area to be looked at is the area of quality of life. This is also the most controversial area as far as the relationship between technology and progress is concerned. The reason that there is a controversy at the centre of this area is because there are varying views on what quality of life means. What constitutes an improvement in the quality of one person might be an unnecessary vexation to another (Not Just An Idea, p 28).. There are several inventions made during Edison’s time that improved the quality of life of the people then. The light bulb for instance comes to mind. Before Edison invented the light bulb, many people used other rudimentary forms of lighting like oil lamps. These were known for the chocking fumes they produced and also obviously because there were not bright enough. It can’t also be ignored that oil came at a cost (Edison's Sparks of Interest noted in the New York Sun). The other lighting that was used in the day was gas lighting. It was however seen a dangerous. Edison used his skills to homes located in a square mile around Pearl Street, Manhattan. It is important at this point to however state that Edison did not invent the light bulb. The light had been scientifically and technologically available half a century earlier. He merely made it commercially available. He also built an electrical system around which it could operate (pg 60). There are many technologies in the present day that have affected the lives of people as much as the light bulb and the electrical system did the. The most important thing about the light bulb is that it allowed people to have the access to lighting and energy in general. The electrical system on the other hand, was the basis for several other inventions. It provided inventors with a source of light and energy from which other inventions were made (Notice from the Edison Company for Isolated Lighting, November 1885). Today, there is one technology that I can think of that has made as much impact. It is the computer. The computer by itself has been an amazing invention. We can use it for typing documents e.t.c. However, that is not where the main significance of the computer is to be found. The

Medical Malpractice Insurance and Law in Florida Essay

Medical Malpractice Insurance and Law in Florida - Essay Example Florida is just one of these states. In 2003, Florida passed a comprehensive reform of its medical malpractice laws. (Dobrinsky 2009). For instance, Florida Statute  § 766.118(2)(a) limits medical malpractice â€Å"non-economic† damages to $500,000 per claimant. Fl. St.  § 766.118(2)(a). Non-economic damages include such damages as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, inconvenience, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium. Fl. St.  § 766.202(8). Moreover, attorney’s fees are capped at 30% for the first $250,000 of any medical malpractice award, and only 10% of all damages in excess of $250,000. The amount that an attorney can collect is over and above the â€Å"reasonable and customary costs† that the attorney incurs. Fl. R. Pro. Conduct 4-1.5(f)(4)(B)(iii)(a). Those in favor of such reforms state that these reforms are necessary because the costs of medical malpractice judgments drive up the cost of health care, which in turn threatens economic growth. (Johnson 3). Liability judgments drive up health care because malpractice insurers bear the brunt of the burden, and they pass their costs onto the doctors in the form of increased premiums. Doctors, in turn, pass their costs of the higher premiums onto the public. (Johnson 3). Physicians also might leave a state that has high malpractice insurance rates, which reduces the availability of health care. (Johnson 3). Before the 2003 legislation passed, Florida was declared a â€Å"disaster area† by the American Medical Association, due to doctors leaving the state or closing their practices due to high malpractice insurance and insurance companies willing to underwrite dwindling from a high of sixty-six to twelve. (Johnson 3). Those against tort reform insist that it is a tempest in a teapot. In other words, the costs of medical malpractice claims

''Why We Crave Horror Movies'' by Stephen King Essay

''Why We Crave Horror Movies'' by Stephen King - Essay Example However, the guidelines of social morality and socially acceptable behavior, perpetually prevent us from unleashing these urges. Thus, we constantly strive to find, alternative and somewhat more acceptable ways of venting out our feelings of hostility and aggression; and in this quest of ours, we are magnetically drawn towards horror movies. Our Id -and the primitive lust for violence cherished by it - as the Freudians would remark, is able to achieve instant gratification through viewing the harrowing scenes depicted on the screen. Thus, it can be asserted that our craving for horror movies is in a way, a manifestation of the: anger, frustration and aggression that we experience in relation to the society around us. The following discussion will suffice to substantiate this point. It is a commonly observed fact that there is a disparity between our public and private selves. This dichotomy leads to a monstrously twofold existence. Our public self is governed by inhibitions whereas o ur private self constantly yearns to sever itself from the restraints of the more socially poised self. As opposed to the seemingly placid public self, the private self craves for anarchy and social rebellion. It is note-worthy that within each of us resides a spy or an imposter- forever struggling to remain hidden from the outside world. While viewing a grotesque scene or a horror movie, this imposter overshadows the much civil public self and assumes a dominant role.

Research design and methodology Essay Example for Free

Research design and methodology Essay Despite the fact that the complete genome of the organism was already sequenced, the specific genes coding for the needed enzymes to form pores in the host cell were still unidentified. With this lack of information, this study is formulated and designed. Culturing of B. bacteriovorus HD100 on prey dependent and prey independent set-ups: Predatory (HD) cultures of B. bacteriovorus HD100 will be grown on E. coli in Ca2_-HEPES buffer at 30Â °C, with shaking at 200 rpm (8). Escherichia coli ML35 and E. coli W7-M5 (10) will be used as the prey throughout the experiments. Escherichia coli ML35 will be cultured in nutrient broth (Difco Laboratories), and E. coli W7-M5, a lysine and DAP auxotroph, will be cultured in nutrient broth supplemented with 0. 2 mM lysine and 0. 1 mM DAP at 37Â °C with shaking at 200 rpm. Prey-independent HI strains will be plated on rich peptone-yeast extract (PY) medium (8). Synchronous cultures: Synchronous cultures will be used for performing various experiments as described below. Briefly, fresh bdellovibrios will be added to prey cells in HM buffer (3 mM N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES)-1 mM CaCl. LQ. One mM of MgCl2 will be adjusted to pH 7. 6 using NaOH (10). The organisms will be grown until a final concentration of 1010 bdellovibrios per ml and 5 x 109 E. coli per ml is reached. For proper aeration, volumes will be kept to ? 20% of the flask’s volume and incubated at 30Â °C with shaking at 400 rpm. Synchronous cultures will be examined at intervals for attachment and penetration with a Nikon model L-Ke microscope (Nippon Kogaku Inc. ) equipped with phase-contrast optics and a Nikon model AF camera. Time course Microarray analysis. Time course Microarray analysis will be performed to identify the genes to be expressed during the entry phase, specifically during pore formation on the host cell membrane of B. bacterovorus H100. Microarray slides of B. bacteriovorus H100 will be ordered from Advanced Throughput, Inc Services. Total cellular RNA will be extracted from B. bacteriovorus H100 cells at entry phase using the RNeasy mid kit (Qiagen). The RNA of the organism will also be extracted during the other stages of infection. This will serve as a reference for comparison of the genes expressed and not expressed at the desired stage. Complementary DNA synthesis, fragmentation, labeling, hybridization, staining and washing will be performed according to the Affymetrix B. bacteriovorus H100 GeneChip array expression analysis protocol (Affymetrix). Briefly, cDNA will be synthesized from RNA using Superscript II (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. RNA will be removed by alkaline treatment and subsequent neutralization. Complementary DNA will be purified with QIAquick PCR purification columns (Qiagen). Purified cDNA will be fragmented by DNase I (Amersham) at 37Â °C for 10 min followed by end labeling with biotinddUTP, using an Enzo BioArray terminal labeling kit (Affymetrix), at 37Â °C for 60 min. Hybridization will be performed in an Affymetrix GeneChip hybridization Oven 640. Washing and staining will be performed using an Affymetrix Fluidics Station 400. Arrays will be scanned with an Agilent GeneArray Scanner G2500A. GeneChip scans will be initially analyzed using the Affymetrix Microarray Suite 5. 1 software, from which PivotData tables will be exported. Raw data from the PivotData Tables will be analyzed in GeneSpring software version 6 (Silicon Genetics), using the parameters suggested by Silicon Genetics for analysis of Affymetrix Microarrays. Real-time PCR: Real-time PCR using the Applied Biosystems 7500 Real-time PCR system will be performed to confirm microarray results. RNA will be extracted from B. bacteriovorus H100 at initial phases of predatory life cycle up to entry phase as described above. RNA will be reverse transcribed into cDNA and simultaneously labelled using the iScript One-step RT-PCR kit with SYBR Green (Biorad). RT-PCR reactions will also be performed to amplify cDNA of housekeeping genes (identified from micro array studies) for normalization of fluorescence values. Identifying the specific hydrolytic enzymes of B. bacteriovorus which are involved in pore formation on host cell membrane. Many experiments showed that B. bacteriovorus H100 releases hydrolytic enzymes during predatory life cycle. According to Thomashow and Ritterberg, glycanases and lipopolysaccharideases are required for pore formation in the prey’s peptidoglycan and LPS layers respectively. The glycanase and/or peptidase could be responsible for weakening the peptidoglycan layer of the prey and thereby responsible for permitting conversion of the substrate cell to a spherical shape (10). Tudor et al. proposed another model for penetration. According to them peptidase is responsible for pore formation but not glycanase (11). Specific enzymes involved in pore formation are not known. The genes identified from the time course micro array technique will be mutated as described previously using suicide vector pSSK10. Resulting mutants will be complemented by using vector pMMB206 (8). Mutants will be analysed for the specific enzymes (using 2D-gel electrophoresis) and their actions on host cell i. e, as a glycanase, LPSase or peptidase will be observed by radio labelling experiments (10). Wild-type B. bacteriovorus H100 and complemented strains will be used as controls. Radio labeling experiments: Escherichia. coli W7-M5, auxotroph for lysine and DAP and cannot metabolize glucosamine, will be radiolabelled as described previously (9,10). Peptide portion of E.coli W7-M5 peptidoglycan will be labelled with [3H] DAP and the lipopolysaccharides and glycan portions of the peptidoglycan will be labeled with [3H]glucosamine. Various mutants and wild-type strains will be tested for predation using this radiolabelled strain. Solubilisation of glucosamine and DAP from labelled prey peptidoglycan will be measured as described previously (11). Briefly, samples taken at intervals will be precipitated with an equal volume of cold 10% trichloroacetic acid for 30 min followed by centrifugation. Resulting supernatants will be assayed for soluble radioactivity in a scintillation counter (Rackbeta II). Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis: The hydrolytic enzymes released by B. bacteriovorus H100 during its predatory life cycle will be analyzed by performing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Sample preparation for 2D-gel electrophoresis: Escherichia coli ML35 cells will be challenged with B. bacteriovorus H100 wild-type as well as the mutant strain. Culture fluid will be drawn from synchronous cultures during attachment and entry phases of B. bacteriovorus H100. Culture fluid will be centrifuged to discard any cell debris. Proteins in the supernatant will be precipitated using cold acetone. The precipitated proteins will be separated by centrifugation. The precipitated pellet will be air dried and will be dissolved in rehydration solution (8M urea, 2% CHAPS {3-[3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate}, 18 mM DTT, 0. 5% IPG buffer pH range 4-7; Amersham Biosciences), plus a trace of bromophenol blue. Sample protein concentrations will be determined using the BCA protein assay (Pierce). Resulting protein pellet will be subjected to 2D-gel electrophoresis.

The Principle Of Triple Appeal Media Essay

The Principle Of Triple Appeal Media Essay In the yesteryears, the area of advertising has rarely been studied within the psychological context of psychodynamics. The principle of Triple Appeal has never been researched as a complete factor influencing the effectiveness of advertisement. The Triple Appeal Principle evoked from the Freudian Theory or Psychoanalytic Theory which states that the behavior of Homo sapiens is influenced by their Psyche (ID, Ego and Superego) which is present in the preconscious and unconscious state of mind. The human psyche is also known as the Triple Appeal. The Psychoanalytic Theory states that the preconscious and unconscious needs or drives are at the heart of human motivation and personality. Triple appeal appeals to the Id, but also include a disguised appeal to the superego, which comes out in a condition the ego can resolve. Advertising effectiveness relates to how well a brands advertising achieves the intended. Companies use many different statistics to measure their advertising effectiveness. These measurements can be used for all types of advertising, including television, radio, print, direct mail, Internet and outdoor advertising. An advertisement of a brand is considered effective when the consumers are influenced to buy the product after getting exposed to the advertisement. A companys advertising effectiveness usually increases over time with many messages or exposures. 1.2. Problem statement: This research studies the impact of triple appeal (Id, Ego, and Superego) on advertising effectiveness. The research will focus on advertisements which have triple appeal content in them and relate their effect on consumer behavior. 1.3. Hypotheses: There is a relationship between triple appeal and advertising effectiveness. 1.4. Outline of the study: The paper is organized in five sections. The first section is the introduction of the research. It provides the overview of the study and the hypotheses which are to be tested for the research. The second section presents the literature review. The third section tells about the research methods used in the study. The fourth section provides the results and outcomes of the research. And finally, the fifth section provides discussions, implications and conclusion of the research. The purpose of the research was to analyze whether Freuds psychoanalytic theory (Triple Appeal) applied in advertisements, leave an impact on consumers or not. 1.5. Definitions: The independent variable studied in this research is Triple Appeal. Triple Appeal consists of three interacting forces: Id, Ego and Superego. These forces are explicated below. 1.5.1. Triple Appeal (Freudian Theory) Triple Appeal is a theory of motivation and personality that postulates that unconscious needs and drives (particularly sexual and other biological drives) are the basis of human motivation and personality. Sigmund Freuds psychoanalytic theory of personality is the cornerstone of modern psychology. This theory was built on the ground that unconscious needs, especially sexual and other biological drives, are at the core of human motivation and personality. Freud constructed this theory on the basis of patients recollections of early childhood experiences, analysis of their dreams, and the specific nature of their mental and physical adjustment problems. 1.5.2. Triple Appeal Advertisements: Triple Appeal advertisements contain contents which stimulate the drives of sex, hunger and thirst which is Id. Such advertisements also contain superego which is disguised. The conflict of Id and Superego is shown to be balanced by the Ego. Usually a sensual and sexy model is used in the advertisement to trigger the Id appeal. Tempting food shots and eating demeanors are portrayed to stimulate the three appeals. 1.5.3. Id, Ego Superego: Based on his analysis, Freud proposed that the human personality consists of three interacting systems: the id, the superego and the ego. The id was conceptualized as a warehouse of primitive and impulsive drives basic physiological needs such as thirst, hunger and sex for which the individual seeks immediate satisfaction without concern for the specific means of satisfaction. In contrast to the id, the superego is conceptualized as the individuals internal expression of societys moral and ethical codes of conduct. The superegos role is to see that the individual satisfies needs in a socially acceptable fashion. Thus, the superego is a kind of brake that restrains or inhibits the impulsive forces of the Id. Finally, the ego is the individuals conscious control. It functions as an internal monitor that attempts to balance the impulsive demands of the Id and the sociocultural constraints of the superego. 1.5.4 ID It is the initial state of mind in a humans personality. The other states are developed later. The unconscious mind (ID) contains two biological instincts: Eros and Thanatos. Eros means life instinct, sex drive and libido (primitive urges for sex) and Thanatos is the aggressive drive and death instinct (Ehrenzwei, 1965; Mcleod, 2009).Our unconscious mind has all the repressed information and desires which are either disturbing or unethical. This information is so significant and powerful that it is kept suppressed in the unconscious mind. This information exerts a significant influence. According to Freud, the impulses of the subconscious and unconscious reveal themselves in several ways (such as in dreams). ID has been a source of considerable frustration because it has been tested alone by researchers, and it defied objective description as it is extremely difficult to objectively test or measure the influence of unconscious mind (Mcleod, 2009). The ID seeks immediate gratification, which happens when we experience pleasure. ID is also called the Pleasure Principle which demands instant satisfaction, nevertheless of the consequences. (Grey, 1980; Mcleod, 2008).In 1993, Chaudhri researched to see whether or not pleasure principle is the primary source of motivation in choosing product and brand. Two dimensions (Hedonic and Analytic) of products were compared to gauge the impact of pleasure principle. 1.5.5. Ego According to Freud, ID is the horse and Ego is its rider. Ego controls the unrealistic demands of ID and acts in accordance with the appropriateness of the external world (Mcleod, 2008). Ego operates on the Reality Principle. Ego and Superego are parts of the Conscious, Preconscious, and unconscious states of the mind. Ego operates rationally and devises realistic stratagems to obtain pleasure. ID shows Ego the right direction to seek satisfaction which is not harmful to itself or the ID (Mcleod, 2008; Rook, 1987). Rook (1987) stated that if high impulsions of ID are not repressed, then it leads to severe psychosocial problems. Anticipated pleasurable experiences are difficult to resist, because they are brought about by the impulses of ID. The Ego pursues long-term and goal-oriented gratification, which encourages ID to control its impulses. 1.5.6. Superego Superego is the conscience which is the part of the unconscious mind. Superego is a force that defends people from uncontrolled behaviour by giving them an internalization of all environmental inhibitions, particularly those of the parents. It fills a person with guilt when they deviate from the moral standards and values of the society. Its a kind of parent, formed of response developments to unconscious sexual wishes; obeying it results in the secondary egotism of pride, a belief of being loved by a parent figure, and violating it creates guilt. 1.5.7. Advertising Effectiveness CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ID In 1992, Moore stated that subliminal stimulation triggers the unconscious mind and activates the instincts of ID. Penn (2008) researched in neuroscience and stated that unconscious and conscious thoughts are influenced by our emotions and physical responses. He also argued that we cannot measure engagement in brands and ads unless we get to know the unconscious response because it occurs below the conscious level. Many techniques and procedures have been delved to find out the rationale behind the factors that influence the operations of ID (Penn, 2008). TamaÃ…Å ¸ and DumitraÃ…Å ¸cu (2009) explored the Eros aspect in advertisements, which uses sexual arousal in order to access the unconscious mind of humans to convey their messages. This sexual influence changes the attitude of a person. The information buried in the ID surfaces transfers to the conscious mind, which acts upon the decision taken by the ID. During thirst, the ID instantly decides the drink the person should take, depending on the messages imbued earlier from the advertisements. No logic is used, as the ID is incapable of this. All this helps to shape up the attitudes of consumers as well as their thoughts and actions (TamaÃ…Å ¸ DumitraÃ…Å ¸cu, 2009). According to Freud, ID is the horse and Ego is its rider. Ego controls the unrealistic demands of ID and acts in accordance with the appropriateness of the external world (Mcleod, 2008). Ego operates on the Reality Principle. Ego and Superego are parts of the Conscious, Preconscious, and unconscious states of the mind. Ego operates rationally and devises realistic stratagems to obtain pleasure. ID shows Ego the right direction to seek satisfaction which is not harmful to itself or the ID (Mcleod, 2008; Rook, 1987). Rook (1987) stated that if high impulsions of ID are not repressed, then it leads to severe psychosocial problems. Anticipated pleasurable experiences are difficult to resist, because they are brought about by the impulses of ID. The Ego pursues long-term and goal-oriented gratification, which encourages ID to control its impulses. Freud stated that ego, super-ego, and id contribute to the perception of vivid imagery. This activity relates to a weakened ego. He stated that, if a person has a weak ego, he/she is likely to represses a particular behavior which in turn results in vivid imagery (Bergan, 1965). By contrast, the experiential view emphasizes the importance of primary process thinking in accord with the pleasure principle. Primary process thinking involves a task definition oriented toward hedonic response and is primary in the sense that it hearkens back to the way a baby pursues immediate pleasure or gratification. This type of consumption seeks fun, amusement, fantasy, arousal, sensory stimulation, and enjoyment. Indeed, the evidence suggests that consumers typically spend the majority of their lives eating, sleeping, chatting with friends, making love and watching television. Surely, any meaningful attempt to model such relatively pleasure-oriented consumption must pay attention to its hedonic components. Few consumer researchers have followed this lead, although the study of product usage and related activities is clearly a requisite cornerstone to the development of the experiential model. The importance of such study is reinforced by the emphasis on entertainment arts, and leisure-related offerings, which often depend more on the allocation of time than money. Given the operation of the pleasure principle in multisensory gratification, exciting fantasies, and cathected emotions, ones purchase decision is obviously only a small component in the constellation of events involved in the overall consumption experience. Holbrook Hirschman, 1982 Chaudhuri (1993) made a case for ID the pleasure principle as the prime source of inspiration in the choice of product and brand. The study attempted to reproduce the findings of the FCB grid by categorizing seventy six products using diverse dimensions hedonic and analytic value, which were operationalized as the degree of pleasure and the amount of apparent differences between brands. In the speculation of psycho-analysis there is no hesitation in assuming that the course taken by mental is invariably set in motion by an unpleasurable stress, and that it takes a direction coincides with a lowering of that tension that is, with a prevention of unpleasure or a creation of pleasure (Chaudhuri, 1993). Moore (1992) stated that the Psychodynamic theorists use the term unconscious as a noun with a capital U, to refer to, for lack of a better term, the id-a cauldron full of seething excitations, as Freud expressed it. Because semantic activation without conscious awareness can be demonstrated, some observers have jumped to the conclusion that subliminal stimulation provides relatively direct access to the ID. This paper proposes that elements of the tobacco industry, having long recognised the power of sexuality in advertising, have now tapped into the lure of Freuds counterpoint to Eros the death instinct, or Thanatos. Whether this happens consciously or unconsciously is of little consequence since the culture from which such advertising derives may be impaired in its capacity to be life-affirming and thus finds violation to be a source of entertainment. The issue therefore opens into questions of wider cultural psychopathology ranging from tobacco addiction to consumer addiction and the world ecological crisis. Psychological and spiritual mechanisms by which violative advertising might trigger deep necrophilic and sexually abusive motivations are discussed, as are the implications for therapeutic work at both individual and cultural levels, in political leadership and for health education. These include the need to sensitise people to the significance of violative imagery in advertisin g and its role in psychospiritual exploitation. (McIntosh, 1996) EGO Venger (2008) compared cigarette advertising across several cultures by using the technique of text analysis. His study examined the message stratagems and the ideological viewpoints in cigarette advertising in American and Ukrainian magazines within the framework of their different authoritarian environments. Venger (2008) wanted to gauge whether or not the two nations differed in their use of creativity in terms of ID, Ego and Superego. He also gauged their level of obedience to regulations. His objective was to show how cigarette advertisements attempt to bond with consumers by portraying culturally appropriate messages that strengthen the ideology, all within a greatly examined regulatory environment. The messages across the two nations differed in their use of creativity appeals to ego, social needs, and sensory pleasure and also their obedience to regulation. He first compared the two nations from economic, cultural, and regulatory viewpoints and then analyzed the strategies of cigarette advertising in Ukraine and the United States. According to Epstein (1994), Freuds psychodynamic theory stated that we are not in control of our own minds. A person can only think rationally when the unconscious turns to conscious level done through psychoanalysis. He regarded Ego (conscious thinking) as the tip of an iceberg. All our mental activity is operated by the Ego. Thus, several advertising agencies pay millions of dollars for cigarette advertisements which appeal to the Ego of a person. Epstein (1994) stated that in cigarette ads the visual appeal of the messages will overcome the verbal message of the surgeon who says smoking can endanger ones life an appeal aimed at the rational system. Epstein (1994) tested whether or not a surgeons message in a pictorial graphic form would leave an impact on consumers. Sigmund Freud (1954) made a great contribution to Psychoanalysis with his concept of the super ego which was referenced as primitive and unconscious aggregate of values and psychoanalysis in form by contemporary authors. Still, he is often credited with having revealed the irrational content of consumer psychology and thus undermined traditional ideas of human rationality as it relates to ethnic groups. Therefore, psychoanalysis also questions traditional ideas of irrationality. It shows that human tastes, preferences and other apparently irrational psychological consumers marketing decisions have a meaning and it is rational. Even though, most theorists argue that there is continuity between rationality and irrationality. Freud (1954) portrays the human being as a creature dominated by unconscious instincts, by infantile desires and primitive drives. He shows how consciousness and rationality is only one, relatively minor, facet of our psychology. He demonstrates how even the most apparently rational and conscious activities and experiences are influenced by unconscious wishes and fantasies, which operate in ways which do not apply to the principles of reason and logic. The reasons that we believe we have for our thoughts and actions are revealed as mere rationalizations, which cloak and deny their real, unconscious motives. As a result of existing controversy between Freudian theories and other recent theorists in the field of Psychoanalytic theories, we might not be able to reach satisfactory marketing applications to effective consumption. At best, we will have a fulfillment and understanding of rational buying behavior and similarity of consumption among ethnic groups (U. Elimimian, 2007). Psychoanalytic psychology also depicts impulse control as socially necessary. Freud (1911/1956) claims that human civilization is based on individuals development of internalized impulse controls. He interprets impulses as products of two competing forces: The pleasure principle and the reality principle. The pleasure principle encourages immediate gratification but is compromised insofar as a person responds to the reality principles tendency toward rational deliberation. These two forces often compete, because impulses encourage action without careful consideration about the objective environment, and with little or no regard for potential realistic consequences. If an individual lacks sufficient impulse control, it represents a defect of repression that may lead to severe psychosocial problems. Impulses may be difficult to resist because they often involve anticipated pleasurable experiences. The reality principle ultimately pursues personal gratification; the crucial difference i s that the reality principles orientation is more long-term and goal-oriented, which tends to encourage delayed over immediate gratification. In human development, the transition in dominance from the pleasure principle to reality principle is one of the most important advances in the development of the ego (Freud 1920/1949). (Rook, 1987) In his book, The Interpretation of Dreams (1), Freud suggests that vivid imagery arises as a result of regression. He considered imagistic thought to be part of the primitive aggregation of behaviors characteristic of the preverbal life of the child. As one aspect of the lack of rationality found in the childs thought, Freud postulated an inability to distinguish between internally and externally originated perceptions. Stated in terms of his three part system, ego, super-ego, and id, the perception of vivid imagery is an activity related to the processes of a weakened ego. It was Freuds view that whenever regression occurred it was disruptive and damaging in its influence on the efficient operation of the ego. Topographically ego regression (primitivization of ego functions) occurs not only when the ego is weak-in sleep, in falling asleep, in fantasy, in intoxication, and in the psychoses-but also during many types of creative processes. This suggested to me years ago that the ego may use the primary process, and not be only overwhelmed by it. The general assumption is that under certain conditions the ego regulates regression, and that the integrative functions of the ego include voluntary and temporary withdrawal of cathex is from one area or another to regain improved control. (Bergan, 1965) SUPEREGO Sigmund Freud (1954) made a great contribution to Psychoanalysis with his concept of the super ego which was referenced as primitive and unconscious aggregate of values and psychoanalysis in form by contemporary authors. Still, he is often credited with having revealed the irrational content of consumer psychology and thus undermined traditional ideas of human rationality as it relates to ethnic groups. Therefore, psychoanalysis also questions traditional ideas of irrationality. It shows that human tastes, preferences and other apparently irrational psychological consumers marketing decisions have a meaning and it is rational. Even though, most theorists argue that there is continuity between rationality and irrationality. Freud (1954) portrays the human being as a creature dominated by unconscious instincts, by infantile desires and primitive drives. He shows how consciousness and rationality is only one, relatively minor, facet of our psychology. He demonstrates how even the most apparently rational and conscious activities and experiences are influenced by unconscious wishes and fantasies, which operate in ways which do not apply to the principles of reason and logic. The reasons that we believe we have for our thoughts and actions are revealed as mere rationalizations, which cloak and deny their real, unconscious motives. As a result of existing controversy between Freudian theories and other recent theorists in the field of Psychoanalytic theories, we might not be able to reach satisfactory marketing applications to effective consumption. At best, we will have a fulfillment and understanding of rational buying behavior and similarity of consumption among ethnic groups. (U. Elimimian, 2007) The superego incorporates the values and morals of society which are learnt from ones parents and others. It develops around the age of 4 5 during the phallic stage of psychosexual development. The superegos function is to control the ids impulses, especially those which society forbids, such as sex and aggression. It also has the function of persuading the ego to turn to moralistic goals rather than simply realistic ones and to strive for perfection. The superego consists of two systems: The conscience and the ideal self. The conscience can punish the ego through causing feelings of guilt. For example, if the ego gives in to id demands, the superego may make the person feel bad though guilt. The ideal self (or ego-ideal) is an imaginary picture of how you ought to be, and represents career aspirations, how to treat other people, and how to behaviour as a member of society. Behaviour which falls short of the ideal self may be punished by the superego through guilt. The super-ego can also reward us through the ideal self when we behave properly by making us feel proud. If a persons ideal self is too high a standard, then whatever the person does will represent failure. The ideal self and conscience are largely determined in childhood from parental values and you were brought up. (Mcleod, 2008) Dr. Dichter claims that practically all of it is hit-or-miss stuff, and that he is the first to apply to advertising really scientific psychology. That includes psychoanalysis-probing into the subconscious. Dr. Dichter scoffs at advertising which tries to reason with potential customers, to scare them or lecture them on their shortcomings. He believes in tapping hidden desires and urges. This examination explores advertisings effects on the individual through the critical lenses of ideology and psychoanalysis, concluding that although ideology is a relevant methodology, it remains incomplete. Psychoanalytic theory, on the other hand, provides multiple avenues of interpreting how advertising addresses both the conscious and the unconscious mind, and offers a potential methodology for personal resistance and social change. To this point, I have demonstrated only that dream-theory can offer an interpretation of an advertising text. Now I must come to the crux of my exploration: Is there any meaningful association between this dream-informed reading and the way the advertisement appeals to its audience or even its effectiveness at inducing purchase? Remember that Freud in Interpretation of Dreams stated .Every dream reveals itself as a psychical structure which has a meaning and which can be inserted at an assignable point in the mental activities of waking life. Can fantasy-based advertising operate like dream, and be inserted at an assignable point in the mental activities of waking life? (Bellinson, 2006) The relations of superego and ego ideal to id and ego, so crucial in this context for the development of our sense of justice and of its emanations in moral (justness) judgments and law, are highly complex and, though probably holding the clue to final answers, still controversial in the detail of the history of the individual. We may begin with the pleasure principle which, ruling the subconscious Id, makes us aim for pleasure in a shifting and still obscure response to both Eros, the Life Instinct, and Thanatos, the Death Drive. (EHRENZWEI, 1965) TRIPLE APPEAL Penn (2008) stated that Cognitive scientists acknowledged the significance of unconscious mechanisms, particularly in the area of recall, but the role of sentiment was never seen as particularly significant. Thus, in much 20th century advertising theory, emotion was something of an afterthought; a means of facilitating consideration to communication (because we will probably pay more attention to advertising that we like). He suggested that thinking and feeling are not separate from the brain, but neutrally personified in it. Our feelings, reasoning, conscious and unconscious thoughts are surrounded by our emotions and bodily reactions. TamaÃ…Å ¸ and DumitraÃ…Å ¸cu (2009) studied the different characteristics that differentiate conscious from unconscious perception which influence our reactions to stimuli. The messages in advertisements constantly tell us that one product is better than the rest. Our minds capture the message and goes with it. Another technique used by the advertisers is sexual arousal. Advertisers know that sexual desire is the most influential of human desires. They embed sexual appeals in their advertising messages, by means of pictures, sounds and terms. These messages are not obvious. These embedded messages are hidden, so they appear ordinary. It is only our unconscious mind that is proficient of identifying and accumulating these messages where they lie hidden, un-criticized, not judged and unknown to the individual until the time of purchase, when decision is made. The hidden and buried information then floats up and is moved to the conscious mind, which operates upon it. For example , if one is thirsty, the unconscious mind straight away chooses the type of drink the person has to take, depending on the messages implanted previously from the advertisements. No reasoning or logic is used, because the ID (unconscious mind) is not capable of this. All this helps in moulding the attitudes of people, then their thoughts, and lastly their actions. This study underscores the complementary roles of the cognitive (perceptive) and psychodynamic (projective) approaches to the study of responses to advertisements. Effectiveness reflected influences of ads on subjective responses such as liking and fantasy, as well as on judgments of an ads quality and intention to buy the product. This study compared cognitive and psychodynamic perspectives on responses to simple and complex advertisements for perfume and liquor products. (Cupchik, Leonard and Irvine-Kopteski, 1998) This dissertation examines the representations of youth identity in print advertisements found in Y Magazine and SL Magazine. The researcher uses Critical Discourse Analysis to analyse the identities that are constructed in four fashion brands. The print advertisements are also interpreted by young people from Grade 11 classes in two Johannesburg high schools. Learners completed survey questionnaires and participated in focus group discussions. My interpretation of the advertisements reveals three over sexualized identities in the Soviet, Guess and Diesel advertisements. The learners responses are varied; some identify with the brands and accept the subject positions that are offered by the advertisements and others critique the sexuality that pervades the majority of the advertisements. Learners interpretations also reflect different reading positions, as well as unclear gendered target audiences. I conclude that media representations provide a range of powerful resources, which you ng people draw on in constructing their identities. (Clifford, 2006) One of the now-conventional accounts for why we exclude sex from the public sphere is attributable to Sigmund Freud, who maintained that repression of the libido is essential to civiliza-tion.182 In Freudian theory, everyones first love object is his or her opposite-sex parent, and both development of the personality and maintenance of the family require repression of these incestu-ous desires.183 From a societal standpoint, Freud thought the repression of sexual drives necessary to redirect human energy into more socially productive endeavors. Absent repression, the theory goes, we would be even more obsessed with sex than we already are, and no one would bother making the trains run on time.84 Freud also considered sexual repression essential to social bonding. But one need only open ones eyes to see the extent to which a pornographic conception of sex, obsessed with the erotics of transgressing taboos, dominates our culture. Pornographic maga-zines and videos do a thriving busines s. Even in more mainstream culture, sexual taboos and their transgression sell everything from movies to magazines to records to clothes to television shows to perfume. We are obsessed with those who dare to approach, play with, and transgress the rules: Calvin Klein advertisements, Madonna videos, Prince songs, NYPD Blue, Cosmopolitan advice columns on adding spice to your sexual life, and daytime talk shows featuring those who have broken the rules and lived to tell their story on national television. (Cole, 1994) The unconscious mind contains our biologically based instincts (eros and thanatos) for the primitive urges for sex and aggression. While we are fully aware of what is going on in the conscious mind, we have no idea of what information is stored in the unconscious mind. The unconscious contains all sorts of significant and disturbing material which we need to keep out of awareness because they are too threatening to acknowledge fully. So, the unconscious is not like a dustbin containing unimportant or irrelevant thoughts. Rather, it is precisely because they are so powerful that they are kept buried. Nevertheless, they exert a significant influence (Mcleod, 2009). The subconscious contains thoughts and feelings that a person is not currently aware of, but which can easily be brought to consciousness. It exists just below the level of consciousness before the unconscious mind. This is what we mean in our everyday usage of the word available memory. For example, you are presently not thinking about your mobile telephone number, but now it is mentioned you can recall it with ease. Mild emotional experiences may be in the subconscious but sometimes traumatic and powerful negative emotions are repressed and hence not available in the subconscious. Our feelings, motives and decisions are actually powerfully influenced by our past experiences, stored in the subconscious and instincts from the unconscious. Freud applied these three systems to his structure of the personality, or psyche the id, ego and superego. Here the id is regarded as entirely unconscious whilst the ego and superego have conscious, preconscious, and unconscious aspect. Freud also regarded the mind to be like an iceberg, where the greates