Health care market Free Essays

Medicinal services is a complex of various types of administrations, supplies and cares which can be identified with wellbeing of an individual. It additionally incorporates restorative, demonstrative, preventive, support (palliative consideration), just as advising. It likewise incorporates administering of recommended prescriptions and their deal. We will compose a custom article test on Social insurance advertise or on the other hand any comparative theme just for you Request Now (Glossary of Common Terms p.1) Old style idea of market, which guesses nearness of the client and the dealer, who have positive qualities and are prepared to go into commonly useful trade, permits to look at circle of medicinal services as social insurance market of clinical administrations (The human services commercial center p.1), which can be separated into three sub-markets, which are commonly associated. â€Å"Throughout the wellbeing area †from administration conveyance, counseling, financing and pharmaceuticals to biotech and hereditary qualities †the matter of human services has become progressively complex† (Health division the executives p.1) [Table 1] 1. The legislative social insurance advertise. Legislative segment isn't enormous. Clinical help here is analyzed as social great, from utilizing of which have focal points all residents. Efficient relations among government and clinical establishments are portrayed as relations for the outsider: clinical organization is a maker of clinical administrations, and the legislature is the purchaser, though populace of nation utilizes those administrations (on the off chance that the residents are safeguarded, they can utilize clinical assistance). Comparable to this reality, the legislature can't totally assess quality and amount of administrations, which are required by the purchaser. Populace, as genuine purchaser, can't impact the degree of installment for administrations and clinical foundations, since interest for administrations from his side isn't dissolvable. The administration likewise â€Å"pays for about a large portion of the medicinal services bought in this nation, through the national health care coverage for poor people and older known as Medicaid and Medicare.† (Sheldon Richman, p.1) 2. Protection showcase Venders of clinical administrations in the protection showcase are clinical organizations, and the purchasers are residents which have formal protection. In any case, getting administrations doesn’t joined by trade of esteems between clinical foundations and residents who have protection, †accepting of clinical assistance is ensured in correspondence with agreement of protection, closed among safety net provider and customer. Considering these conditions, beneficiary of clinical assistance is an individual, who has protection, however he isn’t a payer for the dealer for clinical establishment, and he doesn’t have advertise esteem, since he doesn’t pay for administration himself. The immediate payer †the back up plan †isn't a member of market relations, since he doesn’t take an interest in procedures of trade at the human services showcase. Other than division of product and cash streams, medical coverage advertise really has no rivals in costs, in light of the fact that really the procedure of installment and states of administrations gave is executed inside the restrictions of regional program by immovably settled rates. Another point that there is no contenders is that the patient from the first run through of entering clinical foundation picks this clinical organization and is restricted in accepting clinical administrations inside the constraints of that positive program of that distinct clinical foundation, since he has a rundown of clinical foundations, which offer support as needs be to his protection. We can't not to see one significant bit of leeway: social insurance protection advertise varies from that of wellbeing market, which requests installment for clinical administrations, in light of the fact that the individual, who has protection of such clear clinical foundation doesn’t need any extra cash to pay for clinical assistance, in the event that the sickness or mishap is demonstrated in his protection. Another point is that later on, in the event that the patient is completely happy with administration given, he can turn into a consistent patient, which utilizes extra administrations of that distinct clinical establishment, which are excluded from his protection. In such a manner social insurance protection advertise makes a great job for clinical establishments, on the grounds that as per insights, costs for drawing in of new customer are multiple times a greater amount of those, which you spent for saving the purchaser you as of now have and who is as of now utilizing your clinical assistance. Among the biggest medical coverage programs in USA is Medicare programâ (Medicare Program, p.1) 3. The human services market of payable administrations. The patients here are the customers and they are prepared and can pay for clinical top notch administration, and specialists or clinical establishments are the dealers, and their inclinations are associated with repayment of costs and getting benefit. Due to steady increment of rivalry at this market, they make conditions for consistent improving of administration quality, search of new items and advances just as severe single-out of ineffectual procedures and members of the market. Level of recommendation relies upon capacity of clinical foundation to respond deftly on the continually expanding request: so as to increment or to diminish amount of essential administrations. Sadly, such adaptability isn't generally conceivable, on the grounds that these days this specialty of social insurance showcase involve clinical establishments, which have various types of property, distinctive subjection and channels of financing, so even in economic situations volume of proposed administrations not generally relies upon their genuine producer. In any case, precisely on producer depends decision of that mix of coordinated boundaries, which are called complex of showcasing (administration or complex of administrations, cost, offering a support to the buyer, method of recommendation and advancement of administration, work force of clinical foundation, and so forth), controlling with which association attempts to fulfill requests of patients in the most ideal manner and to transform salary into genuine increment of administration quality. Instructions to refer to Health care showcase, Papers

Exploratory essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Exploratory - Essay Example I have taken data from other essential and optional assets to show that utilization of natural food has more preferences to human wellbeing, the earth and the economy than utilization of GM food; however before I had amassed this information, I was at that point of the feeling that expending natural food is better that devouring GM food. This view was framed by my very own understanding; I had bought some GM strawberries and in spite of the fact that they were huge and glanced immaculate in appearance when contrasted with the littler and strangely formed natural strawberries, they were boring contrasted with the better natural strawberries. I had additionally realized that natural food doesn't utilize synthetics, for example, pesticides or alter the qualities of food similar to the case with GM food, so I expected that eating natural food would be a lot more secure. In spite of the fact that this appears to be a one-sided see, I conducted the exploration and analyzed numerous article s on both GM and natural food to see whether my assumptions about the advantages of natural food were valid. The data I found did really prove my suspicions about natural and GM food, thus, my examination question remains that devouring natural food is more worthwhile on the grounds that it tastes better than, is more ecologically cordial than, is more secure to human wellbeing than, and greater at advancing nearby economy than, utilization of GM food. 1. Section 2: What I have adapted so far about my subject (the hunt). 2. Chait, n.p Chait, Jennifer. 8 Reasons Why Consumers Should Buy Organic Food.Http://organic.about.com/. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 July 2013. . 3. Natural food is better than GM food since eating it is delectable, safe and doesn't contain any synthetic concoctions. Additionally, its creation limits hazard to the earth, since it doesn't dirty water bodies like creation of GM food does, and neither does its cultivating procedures bring about soil disintegration and harm to the land. 4. (a) Chait exhibits that not exclusively is utilization of natural food

Developing a Strong Speaking Voice With Social Anxiety

Developing a Strong Speaking Voice With Social Anxiety Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Therapy Social Skills Print Developing a Strong Speaking Voice With Social Anxiety By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder and 7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Learn about our editorial policy Arlin Cuncic Updated on September 18, 2019 Social Anxiety Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Alan Graf / Getty Images Individuals who are dealing with social anxiety disorder (SAD) often struggle with voice issues. People with SAD tend to use a quiet and weak-sounding voice and may mumble. Tension resulting from social anxiety is usually the culprit, as this can interfere with showcasing your best voice. More often than not, those with social anxiety disorder?? give the impression through their voice that they want to be left alone. Whether or not it is fair, having a weak voice affects how other people view you. Your voice establishes the type of relationship that you want to have with someoneâ€"whether it is one of friendliness and acceptance or being standoffish. Set a Goal to Improve Your Speaking Voice While your voice is partly influenced by the size of your vocal cords, it is possible to improve various aspects of your voice to create a positive impression when you speak. In short, your goal should be to develop the best possible version of your own voice, one that is: PleasantWarmTrue to your personalityExudes strengthEasily heard by othersRich and variedClear and articulated. If your self-esteem is so low that you dont think you even deserve to have that big, full, rich voice, think of it this way. Developing your best voice is actually helpful to others as it makes it easier for them to converse with you. Analyze Your Voice The first step in improving your voice is to analyze where it might be deficient because of your social anxiety. You can complete this step either by enlisting the help of another person, or creating an audio or video recording of yourself when in conversation. To analyze your voice, use the voice profile found at the end of the manual?? by Toastmasters International (or separately online as an evaluation resource). Go through each item and rate your voice on the scale from ineffective to effective for each of the characteristics identified by Toastmasters, from loudness/volume, pitch, voice quality, articulation (including word choice), to timing or rate, and vocal variety. 7 Problematic Speech Characteristics Once youve completed your voice profile you will know the areas in which you need to devote your attention. Below are some of the potential problems you may have identified that can be associated with social anxiety disorder.?? Monotone: You speak in a very narrow range of pitch, which can make what you say sound uninteresting.Too Quiet:  You speak too quietly, to the point that others have trouble hearing you.Mumbling:  You move your lips very little when you talk and dont pronounce words clearly.Too Slow:  You speak at an overly slow rate (less than 120 words per minute), which can cause listeners to lose interest.Too Fast:  You speak at an overly high rate (more than 160 words per minute), which can make you sound nervous and frustrate listeners.Too Low:  An overly low-pitched voice can be hard for others to hear.Too High:  An overly high-pitched or nasal voice can make you sound nervous or whiny. Tips to Improve Your Voice 1. Posture When you are standing, pretend there is an imaginary string pulling upward on the top of your head. When you are sitting, be sure not to slouch over. Good posture allows your lungs to fill up properly, which can improve the quality of your voice. 2. Rate of Speech The ideal rate of speech is between 120 and 160 words per minute. You can determine your rate of speech using the following simple steps: Choose a few paragraphs from a book or magazine.Using a stopwatch, read the selected article or book for one minute at your normal speaking rate (most people speak at the same rate at which they read).  Mark the point at which you hit the one-minute mark. Then, count the number of words up until that point. If you find that you are a fast talker (rate over 160 words/minute),  practice the same section again taking 2 seconds to say each word.  If you find that you are a slow talker (rate less than 120 words/minute), practice the section again reading it as fast as you can. Do these practice exercises regularly and you should find that your rate of speech gradually improves. 3. Get Your Voice Out of Your Throat People with social anxiety disorder may have tense throat and jaw muscles. Learning how to relax these muscles will make it easier to speak with a pleasant-sounding voice, rather than one that sounds constricted. It is easier to project your voice when you move it forward out of your throat. Practice the following exercises recommended by Toastmasters??  several times a day for a few minutes each time: Yawn and drop your jaw as far as it will go. Hum with your lips closed and your jaw loose.With a relaxed throat, repeat words such as hang, harm, lane, main, lone, loom.Massage your throat muscles to get rid of tightness.Repeat sounds such as nah, nay, nee, no, noo. Again, drop your jaw and relax your throat. As you practice these exercises, note how tense your throat and jaw feel at the beginning and how they gradually relax. You can also practice throat relaxation by counting while keeping your throat and jaw relaxed. Do this while lying on the floor, then while sitting, and finally while standing. Your goal should be to eventually count to 100 with all muscles relaxed and taking a new breath after every 5 minutes. 4. Breathe From the Diaphragm When you speak, it should feel as though your breath is entering from your belly, rather than being pulled down your throat. Proper breathing means letting your belly rise when you inhale and fall when you exhale. A voice that originates in the diaphragm commands attention and sounds more attractive. The following are examples of exercises for you to get better at using your diaphragm when you breathe: Complete exhalation:  Exhale until you have let out every last breath. This will force you to do a full deep inhalation.Holding your breath:  Hold your breath for counts of 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 seconds (gradually working your way up) to strengthen your diaphragm.Closed lips laugh:  Close your lips and laugh silently through your nose. This will naturally engage your diaphragm.Yoga bends:  Bend over at your waist and hang limp to naturally expel air.Counted exhales:  Exhale to a count of 5 and then 10. 5. Vary Your Pitch Your voice should express emotion and conviction rather than come across as a monotone. People with social anxiety disorder tend to use a narrow range of pitches when they speak because they feel restricted and uncomfortable. Practice varying your pitch by reading aloud from a book or magazine and varying the pitch of different words and sentences, making them rise or fall. You can also expand the range of your voice. First, determine your range by singing along with notes on a piano (real, or even an online one?? will work). Find the lowest and highest notes you can sing. Then work on trying to expand your pitch by practicing lower and higher notes each day. 6. Articulation Individuals with SAD may mumble as a way to avoid being in the spotlight. Mumbling is akin to talking with something in front of your mouth - its distracting and frustrating for listeners. Articulating your words starts with making a decision to be careful when you speak. When you talk, make a point of opening your mouth and using the full range of motion of your lips. You can also do some exercises with your lips, such as puckering and widening your lips, 10 times slow and then 10 times fast. 7. Volume People with social anxiety disorder tend to speak too quietly, which can make them seem invisible or cause them to be overlooked during a conversation. Ironically, as you begin to speak louder, you might even find that your confidence grows and anxiety is reduced. Practice increasing the volume of your voice by singing the sound ah, and gradually increasing until you hit your maximum volume. Do this regularly to practice your ability to speak more loudly.Practice speaking more loudly by talking to someone who is on the other side of the room. This works especially well if there are others present and you have to speak louder in order to be heard. In addition to speaking loudly enough to be heard, it is important to also vary the volume of your voice for emphasis. Practice by reading a section of text and varying the volume of your voice to emphasize important words. 8. Focus on Delivery When you are making small talk, focus more on your delivery and worry less about the content of what you are talking about. It is more important that you speak in a loud and clear voice than have amazing things to sayâ€"because after all, small talk is about building relationships. 9. Get Professional Help If youve tried and failed to improve the delivery of your voice, it might be worth enlisting the help of a professional. You could sign up for singing or acting lessons, or even work with a private voice coach. It could only take an hour to develop your best voiceâ€"plus lots of practice to make sure it becomes internalized. Research on Voice and SAD A 2014 study?? found that in an experimental condition that made people with SAD feel excluded, they subsequently showed decreased vocal confidence, in contrast to those without SAD. Therefore, if you have a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder, be sensitive to your own reactions to rejection.  Do you drop to a low mumble if you feel rejected? If so, you will need to be extra vigilant to be aware of that tendency and to draw on the new skills you have learned when your anxiety is triggered. 10 Ways to Have More Confident Body Language

Thomas Paine Crisis Number 1 - 913 Words

Steven Oshiro Ms. Neumann Language Arts 3 November 24, 2014 Thomas Paine: Crisis Number 1 Being an American means to represent the justice, natural rights, and freedom for an individual. Many citizens indulge in these terms and make their own personal lifestyles out of them. Throughout history Americans have constantly fought for their rights. Some battles lasting longer than others, for example, the fight with Great Britain lasted over 7 years. At that time, due to the length of the fight, many had begun to rebel and form organizations that went against Great Britain. Most of these groups all had a similar goal; helping the American colonies and the nation fight back against Britain. All those who were part of an organization felt that the relationship with Britain had been more harm than help. They had viewed it as more of a contract, since the colony’s voices and opinions were not heard, or at least not taken into consideration. As the American’s power drastically fell along with their moral, Thomas Paine, an English American activist and revolutionary, h ad delivered multiple speeches, together known as â€Å"Crisis No.1†, which gave the colonies the encouragement needed to continue their fight for rights. Part of America’s independence and freedom was a result of Thomas Paine’s literature, since most of his work had focused on the importance of supporting the fight for independence. For example, â€Å"Crisis No.1†, a series of pamphlets that had continually spoke of the coloniesShow MoreRelatedThomas Paine, an American Philosopher1267 Words   |  6 PagesAn American born philosopher, Thomas Paine, was a strong adherent for independence and was agnostic in the government. Born on January 29, 1737, Paine lived what we would now call a tough life (http://www.britannica.com). At a young age, Paine had to withdraw from school to help his father with work. He attempted many jobs such as a hunting smuggler and a collector of tobacco and liquor taxes (http://www.britannica.com). Paine failed at those other jobs he tried and in 1774, moved to PhiladelphiaRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence Is The Founding Document Of American History1362 Words   |  6 Pagesrhetor ic to drive their point home. Thomas Paine’s article â€Å"The American Crisis: Number 1† states that the best thing for American people to do is to fight for their independence from Great Britain. His aim for writing this article was to convince everyone that their best option is to become an independent country. Thomas Paine was able to accomplish his goal through the use of figurative language, his tone and the use of rhetorical devices. Paine uses figurative language in abundanceRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of Patrick Henry s Speech At The Virginia Convention1915 Words   |  8 Pages Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson all made arguments in favor of separation of the American colonies from Great Britain; many of these appeals were persuasive for different reasons, whether that be logical, emotional, or pertaining to credibility and trust, which is to say logos, pathos, and ethos. First of all, we will examine Henry’s arguments during his speech at the Virginia Convention. Then, we will identify Paine’s appeals in a part of his essay, The Crisis n1. Lastly, we willRead More Thomas Paine: Patriot and Writer Essay2053 Words   |  9 PagesThoreau were not the first to utilize these ideas. Thomas Paine, a well known Revolutionary hero, is an origin of transcendentalist ideals. While his views were not exactly those of the modern transcendentalists, Thomas Paine generated very similar idea s in order to advance his revolutionary ideas. This new style of writing was an integral part of the reason for his writings popularity and success, reserving him a place in American history. Thomas Paine utilized early elements of transcendentalism inRead MoreThomas Paine And John Paine Essay1835 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction Thomas Paine was born to Joseph Paine and Francis Cocke Paine in January, 1737. Paine’s father was Quaker, and his mother was Anglican. The religious controversies haunted Paine throughout his life. His personal life ended in divorce and destitution. After barely avoiding debtor’s prison in 1774, a mutual friend introduced Paine to Benjamin. This introduction would change the course of Paine’s life. Franklin was immediately impressed with Paine and wrote a letter of introduction forRead MorePrivilege And Oppression By Thomas Paine Essay1165 Words   |  5 Pageswholeness and community, which one would expect upon reading Thomas Paine s passage. It instead is littered with videos of protests and fights, church shootings, riots, racist graffiti, and other hate crimes. Paine has an idealistic view of America, and while Americans have the capacity to join together (as shown following the 9/11 terrorist attacks) we also have struggled throughout history with racism, and continue to today. At the time Thomas Paine wrote his passage, America was hard set in its racistRead MoreThe Death Of The British War1884 Words   |  8 PagesCatherine King Am Lit 1 October 2014 Before America had separated from the British, the colonies suffered under a long despotic rule under the British crown. But, as many realize, it is difficult to stray from what one knows. People were reluctant to separate from the British. They were scared that their small section of land in North America wouldn’t flourish without help from the British, and for this reason, they did nothing when the British inflicted upon them a number of injustices, despiteRead MorePuritan Verse Twenty Century Deist Thinking2525 Words   |  11 Pagesmeetings. Effects of the Great Awakening remain a part of our society today. Religious toleration and diversity became an important outcome of the revivals. Deism gained momentum, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Paine reflected their Deist beliefs in the writings. In The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson constantly reflects the Deist ideas of human reason and a Creator God. For example, Jefferson states, â€Å"all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator withRead MoreThe Traditional Global Environment Evolved Into The Modern Global System1233 Words   |  5 PagesQuestion 1: Starting in 1900, the traditional global environment evolved into the modern global system. As international relations scholars have attempted to examine and explain this change, six worldviews have emerged. These are Realism, Liberalism, Idealism, Neo-Marxism, Constructivism, and Feminism. In an essay format answer, you are to discuss the main characteristics of each worldview. One of the peculiarities of research of international relations is the variety of conceptual constructionsRead MoreThe Autobiography By Benjamin Franklin1952 Words   |  8 Pageswith them make his audience, Americans, question their ties to Britain and find camaraderie in the knowledge that Americans had become a new Society separate of the British. The Crisis Thomas Paine, an American Colonial writer during the American Revolution, wrote a persuasive essay â€Å"The Crisis, Number 1†(17760 in which he implores that the colonists â€Å"lay [their] shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake.† in regards to the freedom

The Birth Of The Renaissance Era - 1093 Words

During the birth of the Renaissance era there were many prominent people to have come out of Florence. Some of the greatest poets, artists, orators, and statesmen to live were alive and flourishing during this time period and they all seem to share one common set of ideals that set them apart and distinguish them from others of this era. This set of common set of principles would come to be know as the â€Å"universal man†. A man that was truly from the time and was all about patriotism and love for his birthplace. They all seem to have a general set of common attributes about them and Buonaccorso Pitti is no different. There are three features of Pitt’s diary that demonstrate that he was in a fact a Renaissance man: The first being, his love for adventure and his financial ability to be successful, the next being his ability to converse with anyone of any social status, and the final, perhaps most important is his love and devotion for the Republic of Florence. So, the question at hand is, does Buonaccorso Pitti live up to the ideals and characteristics of the â€Å"ideal† Renaissance man? The answer is yes, and it can thoroughly be seen throughout his family diary. Starting with the very beginning of this record, Pitti strikes you as a very audacious individual, who likes nothing more than to travel around enjoying the company of the upper echelon in society and taking his chances by gambling with his money. Even when he appears to run out of currency of his own, he still somehowShow MoreRelatedThe Renaissance Era Was A Prosperous Time For Art From1359 Words   |  6 Pages The Renaissance era was a prosperous time for art from the 15th century to 17th century. Europe had reached the end of the middle ages. The middle age is often defined by characteristics such as martial order and absolute hierarchy. European countries did not thrive in terms of technology nor have any advancements in terms of the economy either. The Renaissance period which came after the middle age completely contrasts its preceding era. A new philosophy that later on came to be known as ‘humanism’Read MoreAdoration Of The Magi And Bruegi Analysis1044 Words   |  5 Pages The two paintings Adoration of the Magi, by Botticelli, and Peasant wedding, by Pieter Bruegel the Elder are both Renaissance art works made in the 14th and 15th centuries. Botticelli completed the Adoration of the Magi during the Italian Renaissance. The piece was commissioned by Cosimo de’ Medici and encaptures the Medici family witnessing the birth of Jesus Christ. Likewise, Pieter Bruegel the Elder completed the painting Pheasant Wedding in 1567, which is a depiction of the local pheasant’sRead MoreBirth of Sain John the Baptist Painting1044 Words   |  4 PagesOne of the common myths on understanding the difference in middle age and Renaissance period is that Christian elements disappeared in people’s life and that the community totally flipped from ‘religious’ to ‘secular’ society. However, with the change in the society through the extensive amount of trades and cultural contact with the vanished civilization of classica l era, people of Renaissance realized how to be ‘human’. Previously, medieval people only express themselves through God and churchRead MoreThe Impact Of Renaissance On Italy And The Renaissance969 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Renaissance was a series of revolutions and changes that originated in Italy and had wide spread impact very rapidly in the entire Europe. All the developments and changes were done to keep in mind and keep pace with the local environments and situations. The developments were frequently connected to encourage cultural developments without affecting the basic idea and conventional heritage of the country. Many artists and military personnel also took part in the revolution where theRead MoreChildbirth And The Italian Renaissance1741 Words   |  7 PagesChildbirth and Childbearing in Renaissance Italy for upper status woman, was far different than what childbearing is compared to today’s standards. In renaissance Italy it was said that woman only had one purpose and that purpose was to have many legitimate babies, especially for the nobility and upper status couples. From having these babies, the family could inherit a lot of wealth (King, M. L., 2003). This differs greatly i n todays society, as now woman’s primary function is not only to produceRead MoreRenaissance Art Analysis1097 Words   |  5 PagesThe Renaissance was a period in history known as celebration of knowledge, through various forms of art including sculpture, painting, etc.,. In relation to previous periods, artists during the Renaissance use their art to serve as a representation of both their beliefs, and social trends. Using this means of portraying information, art became a subjective tool to educate the population. In using art to represent the artist’s beliefs, opinions, and social trends; artists also transformed into poetsRead MoreHistorical And Philosophical Movement Of The Renaissance1596 Words   |  7 PagesThe renaissance became a historical movement that marked the beginning of individualism and modernity through the unification of philosophers, artists, writers, and poets. Although it has no fixed beginning, most theories placed the beginning era in the ea rly 14th century. The renaissance profoundly affected European Intellectual life through the introduction of different perspectives, ideas, innovations, literature, art, science, religion among many other aspects that continue to shape modern philosophyRead MoreEssay on Renaissance vs Neoclassicism1295 Words   |  6 PagesTrefren, D Renaissance VS Neoclassicism How could two periods such as the Neoclassicism and the Renaissance be so successful and be focused on very different things? Neoclassicism and the Renaissance are two major periods in the history of art during which different forms of art including architecture, painting, music and visual arts, significantly advanced. It was during these periods, different artists became very famous as a result of the masterpieces reflecting how the ideologies and artisticRead MoreEssay on Renaisssance versus Baroque Periods967 Words   |  4 Pagesbaroque and renaissance periods are two different periods. The renaissance period rolled into the baroque era. There were changes made over the years from the baroque to the renaissance period. Differences in style accumulated along with views of art and music. Baroque era covers the period between 1600 and 1750 beginning with Monte Verdi (birth of opera) and ended with deaths of Bach and Handel. The term baroque music is borrowed from the art history. It follows the Renaissance era (1400-1600)Read MoreComparison/Contrast Renaisssance and Baroque Essay967 Words   |  4 Pagesbaroque and renaissance periods are two different periods. The renaissance period rolled into the baroque era. There were changes made over the years from the baroque to the renaissance period. Differences in style accumulated along with views of art and music. Baroque era covers the period between 1600 and 1750 beginning with Monte Verdi (birth of opera) and ended with deaths of Bach and Handel. The term baroque music is borrowed from the art history. It follows the Renaissance era (1400-1600)

Canadian Blood Services Free Essays

Company Environment The company Customers Competitors Regulatory Situation Global Environment Major developments and general industry Trends Opportunities and threats Marketing Strategies Mission and Corporate Values Objectives Strategies Marketing Functions Product Price Promotion Place Analysis and Suggestions M analysis G analysis Conclusion Bibliography Appendix Global Environment Major Developments General Industry Trends According to a survey conducted by the Pet Products Manufacturer Association, more than 71. 1 million or 63% of U. S. We will write a custom essay sample on Canadian Blood Services or any similar topic only for you Order Now ouseholds have a pet. (Gundersen, 2008) The pet food market has proven to be a very attractive market, according to the 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association, it is estimated that US$47. 7 billion was spent on pets in the US in 2010, with US$18. 28 billion being spent on pet food alone. The strong spending comes amid price increases in nearly every pet food category, the result of rising costs of fuel, ingredients and transportation for manufacturers. (Taylor, 2010) Opportunities: One of the biggest advantages NPP has is that it is a subsidiary of Nestle. What this means is that NPP can rely on the substantial and large funds of its parent company in order to expand its line of products, do some more aggressive marketing and pricing and have a cushion to fall back on in case of having sales decrease. The second great opportunity for NPP is the fact that pet owners are seeking for more luxurious products for their pets and they’re getting greater interest in what they feed their pets with. What this means is that the pet food market is expanding rapidly, especially in North America. According to a survey conducted by the Pet Products Manufacturer Association showed that in the U. S. more than half of the households have at least one pet in their houselod. (Gundersen, 2008) Threats: As in any business, one of the biggest threats is having numerous competitors; this is a big concern to NPP considering that they are not the leading company in the pet food industry. Not only NPP has to compete against the already established big pet care companies but there is a trend that all major pet care retailers are starting their own line of products. Having all these product lines and competitors only mean lower sales as more consumers decide to switch brands. Although North America is a well-established and growing market for pet care products, there are some other markets where customers are not well educated about the products and this may be an obstacle. An example provided by the Datamonitor report about NPP gives an example of owners believing home meals are more nutritious for their pets than commercially prepared food for pets. This is a common misbelief in emerging markets. Company environment The Company: The company we decided to research is Nestle. Nestle is currently the largest food and beverage company in the world. This company has a wide range of products such as milk based products, ice creams, prepared dishes and pharmaceutical products as of beverages. Its top brands or the ones that contribute the most to the company are Nestle, Nespresso, Maggi, KitKat, Purina and Friskies among others. Nestle is a Switzerland based company that was surged back in 1866, when the first European condensed milk factory was opened in Cham, Switzerland, by the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. One year later, Henri Nestle, a trained pharmacist, launched one of the world’s first prepared infant cereals ‘Farine lactee’ in Vevey, Switzerland. The two companies merged in 1905 to become the Nestle  you know today, with  headquarters  still  based in the  Swiss town of Vevey. The company is currently employing over 328 000 employees worldwide and has factories or operations in almost every country in the world. For the purpose of the marketing review, we decided to talk specifically of one of the many brands that Nestle owns, being this â€Å"Nestle Purina PetCare Company† or NPP. This subsidiary is one of the most influential brands of Nestle and its main focus and line of products rely on the manufacturing of pet food products. The headquarters for this branch of Nestle are located in St. Louis, Missouri in the United States of America. Customers: Nestle Purina PetCare Company operates in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Central America and South Africa, what this means is that NPP is able to reach several different markets around the world and a great deal of possible consumers. Competitors: Considering Nestle Purina PetCare operates on a global market, it also has several competitors. Some of its strongest competitors are Mars Inc, Colgate-Palmolive Co. and Procter Gamble Co. Their main competitor is Mars Inc. hich is the only company that has been able to surpass Nestle in pet food sales; having sold approximately US$13. 3 Billion compared Nestle’s US$12. 9 Billion. Regulatory Situation: The pet food industry is heavily regulated by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AA FCO) in the case of the United States. However, all Purina’s North America facilities have on-site quality assurance laboratories and staff. One of the means by which Purina try to maintain its quality standards is by having 99% of the roducts sold in North America manufactured at Purina-owned U. S. manufacturing facilities. Also, Purina ingredient sourcing and processing meets or exceeds all the regulations implemented by the agencies mentioned above. Distribution/Sales Channels Nestle Purina Petcare uses a multichannel distribution approach in order to make it easier for consumers to get their product. One example and, for some the most convenient, is purchasing their products through Purina’s website. Customers avoid any sort of middleman and they get the product delivered directly to their front door. This is an example of direct distribution, which is having the manufacturer dealing directly with the consumer. On the other hand, NPP also uses an indirect distribution approach which consists in having one or more intermediaries work with manufacturers to provide goods and services to consumers. This is the most common way by which people purchase products as it is the case when consumers go to retailers to buy a product that the retailer bought from the manufacturer. In other words, when a consumer goes to their local grocery shop and they buy Purina products, they are purchasing through indirect distribution. Grewal, 2012) General Strategy Business Mission: Nestle’s mission is to satisfy each customer needs by offering and selling high quality food, worrying about nutrition and health of their customers to provide good food for good life. â€Å"At Nestle, we believe that research can help us make better food so that people live a better life. Good Food is the primary sour ce of Good Health throughout life. † (Nestle, 2012) â€Å"Nestle’s objectives are to be recognized as the world leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness, trusted by all its stakeholders, and to be the reference for financial performance in its industry. † (Nestle, 2012) Corporate value Nestle is focused on certain values within the company that make them unique in the global market. They are focused on health, wellness and nutrition of each customer through every product but it is also important the security and safety of each product has high quality. Moreover, it is also important to note that in Nestle is always looking to have open communication with clients and they respect the privacy of them. (Nestle, 2012) In organization is important to respect human rights within and outside the organization but Nestle is not only worry to respect human rights but also the environment in which employees are in this company. It also is important to prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses within the company, which Nestle has a document that explains each of the regulations of health and safety policies. (Nestle, 2012) The relationships between the company and suppliers are very important which is why Nestle has a code of suppliers which explain how have to the relationships, always demonstrating honesty and respect between them. (Nestle, 2012) Nestle will help rural communities and farmers to obtain a production system that cares about the environment. It is also important use products that are friendly to the environment, as well as the conscious use of water that is necessary and vital to every human being. (Nestle, 2012) Objectives (short and long term) * â€Å"Be recognised as the world leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness, trusted by all its stakeholders, and to be the reference for financial performance in its industry†. (Nestle, 2012) * Provide a safe environment and social responsibility. * Understand local and global need. â€Å"Achieve leadership and earn that trust by satisfying the expectations of consumers† (Nestle, 2012) and create close and long relationship between their brand and customer. * â€Å"We are investing for the future to ensure the financial and environmental sustainability of our actions and operations: in capacity, in technologies, in capabilities, in people, in brands, in R;D. † (Nestle, 2012) * Make sure that they can satisfy future generation and ensure that they will have à ¢â‚¬Å"profitable growth year after year†. (Nestle, 2012) Marketing strategies * Competitive advantages: In order to gain a competitive advantage is important to have product or brands that can differentiate from others, also be in everywhere so that people feel identified with the product. For Nestle, culture, values and attitudes of individuals are important to determining what their needs are; they try to offer unique products in each geographic point where customer are. (Netle, 2012) * Growth drivers: Today people are more conscious about having good food and nutrition, plus a healthy life. Nestle is focused on these areas which make them to have a large market. [Everything] we do is driven by our Nutrition, Health and Wellness agenda, Good Food, Good Life, which seeks to offer consumers products with the best nutritional profile in their categories† (Nestle, 2012) * Operational pillars: Innovation is always important in any business; people are always looking for change and find better products. Nestle is always looking to innovate and renew each of their products in order t o engage their customers and stay in the market; offering products that are unique and makes them different than the competition. It is also important make the process most efficient from the product development to delivery of the consumer (Nestle, 2012) Marketing functions: Product and services Nestle Purina Petcare has a wide line of different pet food products. They have specialized food and treats for both dogs and for cats. Among the products designed for dogs they have a wide variety of products, which classified as of Purnia’s website are: Adult Dogs, Puppy Food, Senior Food, Targeted Dog Nutrition, Dog Treat and Dog Litter and Training Pads. Among all these categories they offer 28 different products that are sold under different labels. On the other hand, their cat oriented products are classified as: Adult Cat Food, Kitten Food, Senior Cat Food, Targeted Cat Nutrition, Cat Treats and Cat Litter. On their cat food line of products, they offer 24 different products and all of these are sold under different labels. Purina offers over 50 different products for both dogs and cats and these are sold under 20 different labels. This is one of the reasons why Purina has been able to dominate in this market, as it has been able to give an option for almost every single kind of need that customers may have due to their wide variety of products. Pricing Considering the pet food industry is a very competitive market, NPP has been forced to change its pricing strategies to adapt to the market. Currently, NPP uses a competitor based pricing method that an approach that attempts to reflect how the firm wants consumers to interpret its products relative to the competitors’ offerings. text book citation) The biggest problem with keeping up with competitive prices is that it prevents companies to increase prices and its revenue is also decreased as they have to make greater investments in advertising which increase costs and therefore decrease revenue as well. Distribution activities Nestle Purina Petcare uses a multichannel distribution approach in order to make it easier for consumers to get their product. On e example and, for some the most convenient, is purchasing their products through Purina’s website. Customers avoid any sort of middleman and they get the product delivered directly to their front door. This is an example of direct distribution, which is having the manufacturer dealing directly with the consumer. On the other hand, NPP also uses an indirect distribution approach which consists in having one or more intermediaries work with manufacturers to provide goods and services to consumers. This is the most common way by which people purchase products as it is the case when consumers go to retailers to buy a product that the retailer bought from the manufacturer. In other words, when a consumer goes to their local grocery shop and they buy Purina products, they are purchasing through indirect distribution. (Grewal, 2012) Promotion activities Coupons are largely used by NPP and its competitors in order to increase sales. Coupons provide a stated discount to consumers on the final selling price of a specific item; the retailer handles the discounts. (Grewal, 2012) Your Analysis and Suggestions Appendix: Example of the company’s promotion Research Material References: http://www. petfoodindustry. com/6371. html Taylor 2010 http://www. estlepurina. com/History. aspx PURINA HISTORY http://www. purina. com/coupons-and-offers/couponsandoffers. aspx COUPONS AND ETC http://www. purina. com/commitment-to-quality/commitmenttoquality. aspx REGULATIONS http://www. linkedin. com/company/nestle-purina LINKEDIN PROFILE Gundersen, R. (2008). A Growing Trend: Pet Owners Who Include Animals in Their Estate Planning. Journal Of Financial Service Professio nals, 62(4), 70-76. http://saveonfoods. gsnrecipes. com/Shop/WeeklyAd. aspx promotion Nestle. (2012). Nestle good food, good life. Retrieved from http://www. nestle. com/AboutUs How to cite Canadian Blood Services, Papers

The Importance of Positioning Essay Example

The Importance of Positioning Essay The role of Positioning for a business organization Nowdays, in the business world it is important to know of every aspect that an organization is going to be into. Market positioning is one of the important roles for advertising and promotion and so do in marketing. It is where an organization needs to be aware of, whether they should position themselves in other related perhaps a more challenging market. According to Belch Belch (2009, p. 56), positioning is defined as â€Å"the art and science of fitting the product or service to one or more segments of the broad market in such way as to set it meaningfully apart from competition†. In positioning, it is always thought by a decision makers on why, for whom, against whom and when to consume. In marketing, positioning has come to mean the process by which marketers try to create an image or identity in the minds of their target market for its product, brand, or organization. Re-positioning involves changing the identity of a product, relative to the identity of competing products, in the collective minds of the target market. De-positioning involves attempting to change the identity of competing products, relative to the identity of your own product, in the collective minds of the target market. We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Positioning specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Positioning specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Positioning specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The original work on Positioning was consumer marketing oriented, and was not as much focused on the question relative to competitive products as much as it was focused on cutting through the ambient noise and establishing a moment of real contact with the intended recipient. The growth of high-tech marketing may have had much to do with the shift in definition towards competitive positioning. An important component of hi-tech marketing in the age of the World Wide Web is positioning in major search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing, which can be accomplished through Search Engine Optimization, also known as SEO. This is an especially important component when attempting to improve competitive positioning among a younger demographic, which tends to be web oriented in their shopping and purchasing habits as a result of being highly connected and involved in social media in general. Although there are different definitions of Positioning, probably the most common is: identifying a market niche for a brand, product or service utilizing traditional marketing placement strategies (i. e. price, promotion, distribution, packaging, and competition). Positioning is a concept in arketing which was first popularized by Al Ries and Jack Trout in their bestseller book Positioning The Battle for Your Mind. This differs slightly from the context in which the term was first published in 1969 by Jack Trout in the paper Positioning is a game people play in today’s me-too market place in the publication Industrial Marketing, in which the case is made that the typical consumer is overwhelmed with unwante d advertising, and has a natural tendency to discard all information that does not immediately find a comfortable (and empty) slot in the consumers mind. It was then expanded into their ground-breaking first book, Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind, in which they define Positioning as an organized system for finding a window in the mind. It is based on the concept that communication can only take place at the right time and under the right circumstances (p. 19 of 2001 paperback edition). What most will agree on is that Positioning is something (perception) that happens in the minds of the target market. It is the aggregate perception the market has of a particular company, product or service in relation to their perceptions of the competitors in the same category. It will happen whether or not a companys management is proactive, reactive or passive about the on- going process of evolving a position. But a company can positively influence the perceptions through enlightened strategic actions. Generally, the product positioning process involves defining the market in which the product or brand will compete (who the relevant buyers are), identifying the attributes (also called dimensions) that define the product space, collecting information from a sample of customers about their perceptions of each product on the relevant attributes, determine each products share of mind, determine each products current location in the product space, determine the target markets preferred combination of attributes (referred to as an ideal vector), examine the fit between (The position of your product and the position of the ideal vector), and lastly after all is applied it is to position the product or brand in the selected market. references: Belch/Belch,2009, Advertising and Promotion,8th edition,MCGraw-Hill,New York Kotler, Armstrong, Swee, Chin, Oliver,2009, Principles of Marketing, Pearson Hall, Singapore Trout, J. , (1969) Positioning is a game people play in today ¶s me-too market place, Industrial Marketing, Vol. 54, No. 6, (June 1969), pp. 51 ±55. y Ries, A. and Trout,J. (1981) Positioning, The battle for your mind, Warner Books McGraw-Hill Inc. , New York, 1981, ISBN 0-446-34794-9 y Trout, J. and Rivkin, S. (1996) The New Positioning : The latest on the worlds #1 business strategy, McGraw Hill, New York, 1996, ISBN 0-07-065291-

Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) Essay Essays

Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) Essay Essays Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) Essay Essay Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) Essay Essay Vertigo is a 1958 movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock that has stood the trial of clip in the horror genre. It is considered to be one of the seminal movies in the genre non merely because it set the tone for the movies to follow but besides because it exhibited legion characteristics and techniques that would function to revolutionize the manner in which films were made. The camera angles. usage of infinite. filming. particular effects and sound all contribute to the overall consequence achieved. As such. this essay will analyze each of the above with a position to reasoning that Hitchcock rejuvenated the horror genre with Vertigo and provided a maestro category in utilizing cinematic techniques for consequence. The first technique of note is the manner in which camera angles are used in order to make an ambiance of fright. giving the feeling that the characters are traveling in one barbarous circle. The usage of the camera â€Å"†¦ simulates panicked feelings of acrophobia ( fright of highs ) felt by Scottie Ferguson ( James Stewart ) . † ( Pramaggiore A ; Wallis. 2004. p. 127 ) . For illustration. at one point in the movie. a stairway is filmed from the really top. This non merely alludes to the cyclical nature of the narrative because the bell tower stairway is so round but besides narrows the shooting. The semblance of falling from a great tallness is fostered in this shooting and so in others. like that in which Stewart appears to be standing on the shelf. Furthermore. the camera angles besides link straight to the semblance of infinite: â€Å"†¦ serves as a templet for cardinal subjects: the topography of a metropolis and its environing countryside matched by quandary of sexual pick. guilt and compulsion. † ( Orr. 2005. p. 137 ) . The position from the bell tower ever appears to be black. therefore mirroring the overtones of the secret plan. The sound used besides highlights the cyclical nature of the narrative. In an interview in Sight and Sound. Scorsese pointed out that â€Å"†¦ the music is besides built around spirals and circles. fulfillment and desperation. Herrmann truly understood what Hitchcock was traveling for – he wanted to perforate to the bosom of compulsion. † ( 2004 ) . Scorsese’s appraisal is right and this is typified by the scenes in which Madeline and Judy fall to their deceases. The sound is similar in both cases and actively signifies the sarcasm that the get downing point of the film is besides the terminal. However. it is non merely the usage of music that has a important impact of the tone of the film but besides the silence. Hitchcock uses silence improbably good and merely provides duologue as and when he has to. For illustration. even the confession scene at the denouement of the film is non as full of vocabulary as it may be in other movies. Wordss are used meagerly and to do a point. Particular effects and cinematographic techniques are non used every bit meagerly as the duologue in an effort to convey the tenseness desired. Hitchcock doubtless used rear projection in Vertigo: â€Å"Foreground and background tend to look starkly offprint. partially because of the absence of dramatis personae shadows from foreground to play down. partially because all background planes tend to look every bit diffuse. † ( Bordwell A ; Thompson. 1996. p. 244 ) . This is an illustration of both of these characteristics and there are legion illustrations of this in the movie. such as the point at which Novak and Stewart snog against the background of the ocean. The histrions were filmed and so imposed on a natural background. therefore waiving the usage of shadow. As such. there is something innately unnatural about it. which follows the secret plan. The movie stock is besides color and this besides helps to extinguish the usage of visible radiation and dark. therefore enhances this peculiar consequence. In decision. there can be small uncertainty that Hitchcock rejuvenated the horror genre with Vertigo and provided a maestro category in utilizing cinematic techniques for consequence. There are legion techniques used within the film to assist lend to the cyclical and slightly claustrophobic atmosphere. Again. this serves to rise the tenseness. The saving usage of duologue and first-class usage of sound effects. when paired with the movie stock and clever camera angles. surely enhance the narrative and finally allowed Hitchcock to make one of the best cinematic illustrations of horror in history. Bibliography Bordwell. David A ; Thompson. Kristin. 1996. Film Art: An Introduction. 5th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill. Orr. John. 2005. Hitchcock and Twentieth Century Cinema. London: Wallflower Press. Pramaggiore. Maria A ; Wallis. Tom. 2005. Movie: A Critical Introduction. London: Laurence King Publishing. Scorsese. Martin. 2004. The Best Music in Film. Sight and Sound ( September 2004 ) . [ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www. bfi. org. uk/sightandsound/filmmusic/detail. php? t=d A ; q=42 [ Accessed 10 May 2010 ] . Vertigo. 1958. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. USA: Paramount Pictures.

Taking The SAT In 7th Grade Should You Do It

Taking The SAT In 7th Grade Should You Do It SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Imagine: you’re in Social Studies. You hear a fellow 7th-grader sitting next to you say â€Å"Ugh, I have to take the SAT this weekend.† What is this person talking about? Why would you take the SAT in middle school? Is there even such a thing as a 7th grade SAT score? If you're a parent, you may have heard of various advanced programs for gifted and talented children that require taking the SAT. But is it worth it to have your child take the SAT so early? Why start the stress around college applications earlier than high school? In this article, I’ll go over the pros and cons of taking the SAT in 7th grade and the programs you can get into with high 7th grade SAT scores.

Age Effect on M-Commerce Retail Customers Dissertation

Age Effect on M-Commerce Retail Customers - Dissertation Example The consumers are divided into two age groups: 18-35 and 36 and older. Using contingency theory and simple regression analysis the results are analysed for statistical significance of age. The results and implications for further research are discussed. Table of Contents Abstract 4 List of Abbreviations 6 Definition of Terms 7 Chapter One: Introduction to the Study 8 1.1.Background 8 1.2.Statement of the Problem 10 1.3.Purpose of the Study 13 1.4.Aim and Objectives 14 1.4.1 Aim 14 1.4.2. Objectives 14 1.5.Research Questions 15 1.6.Hypotheses 15 1.7.Research Methodology 16 1.7.1.Research Instruments 17 1.7.2.Limitations and Delimitations 18 1.7.3.Assumptions 19 1.9.Organization of the Study 21 1.10.Chapter Summary 22 Chapter Two: Literature Review 23 2.1. Introduction 23 2.2. M-Commerce: Mobile Networks, Services and Applications 23 2.3. M-Commerce and the Retail Sector 29 2.3.1. The Retail Sector 29 2.3.2. The Retail Sector and M-Commerce 31 2.4. M-Commerce and Consumer Trends Worldw ide 37 2.5. Consumer Adaptability, Acceptance and Attitudes Toward M-Commerce 42 2.5.1. Adaptability 42 2.5.2. Acceptance 50 2.5.3. Attitudes 59 2.6. Themes in the Literature 62 2.6.1. History, Development and Trends in M-Commerce Use Globally 62 2.6.1.1. Retail 62 2.6.1.2. Consumer Trends 65 2.6.2. M-Commerce and Consumer Adaptability, Acceptance and Attitudes: Previous Studies 66 2.6.2.1. Adaptability 66 2.6.2.2. Acceptance 69 2.6.2.3. Attitudes 71 2.7. Summary 71 Chapter Three: Research Methodology 73 3.1. Introduction 73 3.2. Contingency Theory 73 3.3. Research Philosophy 75 3.4. Research Methods 77 3.4.1. Data Collection 79 3.4.2. Data Analysis 85 3.5. Trustworthiness 88 3.6. Ethical Considerations 90 3.7. Summary 92 Chapter Four: Results and Analysis 93 4.1. Introduction 93 4.2. Results 93 4.3. Analysis 104 1.11.Aim and Objectives 133 1.4.1 Aim 133 1.4.2. Objectives 133 1.12.Research Questions 134 1.13.Hypotheses 135 1.14.Statement of the Problem 138 1.15.Purpose of the Study 141 1.16.Aim and Objectives 141 1.4.1 Aim 141 1.4.2. Objectives 142 List of Abbreviations B2C: Business to Consumer IT: Information Technologies LAN: Local Area Network PB: Perceived Benefits PU: Perceived Usefulness PEOU: Perceived Ease of Use TAM: Technology Acceptance Model TPB: Theory of Planned Behavior TRA: Theory of Reasoned Action WAP: Wireless Application Protocol Definition of Terms E-commerce: Selling and purchasing goods and services via electronic platforms. Interoperability: Diverse systems working together for one common goal. M-Commerce: Wireless of mobile transaction involving transfers of funds. M-Payments: Method for making payments via mobile or wireless devices. Chapter One: Introduction to the Study 1.1. Background A number of different mobile wireless devices and services are now available and range from mobile telephone networks to wireless local area networks (LANs). These kinds of devices and services are encapsulated by mobile commerce, more broadly known as m-commerce (Liu & Chen, 2009). M-commerce is a branch of e-commerce and as such is defined as any monetary or economic transaction performed by use of a mobile wireless device or by â€Å"wireless technology†, by at least one of the parties to the transaction (Mohpatra, 2013, p. 81). Bidgoli (2011) simplifies the definition of m-commerce by defining it as a â€Å"new market are created by web-enabled mobile phone services†

World Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

World Cinema - Essay Example The Iranian cinema is an example of how the social and cultural perspectives and challenges are represented in the cinema. Questions of politics and religion in Iranian cinema can’t be separate from any of the films that are produced in the region. These are intertwined with the representation of culture, society’s identity and the belief systems that are continuously challenged within the region. Each era has specific approaches to religion and politics with the cinema, all which are a reflection of society at the time. Silent Era The first era of cinema that noted the religious and political views in Iranian cinema was with the silent era. The silent era was attributed to the years of 1900 - 1930 with a combination of documentaries and fictional settings that were used. The footage that was used for these specific films consisted of footage news, events and spectacles that were related specifically to royalty. These different clips were combined together to show histo rical accounts of what were occurring during a specific time and how this linked to the identity that was a part of the Iranian culture. The concept was combined with the ability to shoot rituals, religious events and to show the diversity of culture in the area, such as with investigations of Christianity and by looking at ethic and religious minorities. This approach was able to provide insight into the time frame while allowing a new type of history and sense of identity to take place through the political and religious concepts (Smith, 2006). Sound Era The foundation of film in the silent era led to new technical innovations that were approached in the sound era. However, this point also focused on the same ideals of religion and politics, specifically because it was a representation of the identity of those that were spectators to the film. The silent era had established this with the different approaches which were taken to showing the non – fiction elements of the film . From the 1930s and until the 1970s, there was a focus on providing insight into the different topics which were associated with the film. The main ideology was to present the socially engaged film, specifically which was highlighted in the 1960s. This was based on showing the realities of the Iranian culture, such as through minority groups and those which were suffering because of the current political regime and religious laws. The ideas were combined with the religious morality that was based on the Islamic practices, specifically with the belief that bringing the information to the public would also lead to a day of judgment for those who had turned away from the social issues which were at hand (Ridgeon, 2003). The concept of the â€Å"day of judgment† and the approach to religion and politics from this perspective led to the growing ideology of the third world of cinema as well as the Muslim ideologies that were engrained in the culture. The themes which were used in each of the films helped to bring light to the current issues which had been raised as well as created a sense of justice that was a part of the religion and politics. However, this was combined with the deeply embedded belief systems in the culture. The concept of religion, belief in the Quran and the continuous teachings were known and praised throughout society. The Iranian culture was expected to live under these religious beliefs, which is what created the differences and changes that were a part of society. The concept of building a Muslim ideology from the movies, while showing the concept of justice, then became intertwined with the films that were a part of the sound era (Ahmad, 2010). Modern Era The new wave, or modern era of cinema, began in the 1960s and led into 1978 with new challenges that were

COPs and their Disadvantages

COPs and their Disadvantages Manage the mutual relationship by fostering institutional cooperation and coordination. Such cooperation could take place simply through information exchanges between treaty bodies, or in a more ambitious form comprising joint planning of programmes or even the coordination of substantive decision-making or implementation activities. It argues that this soft alternative also has its limitations, which can be explained by incongruent memberships and limited legal mandates. It appears that while the treaty bodies of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol have been rather passive on the issue of the relationship with the biodiversity convention, the CBD COP has actively sought to manage the interactions between the regimes. Since the adoption of this decision, however, there have been no major efforts to manage interactions between the two treaties. The CBD parties, in contrast, have adopted various decisions on biodiversity and climate change. These decisions have been instrumental in highlighting biodiversity concerns in UNFCCC decisions but have not led to strong references to biodiversity in the climate regimes decisions on forests. Although the institutional cooperation efforts to address the interactions between the climate and biodiversity regime are clearly intensifying, their effects are as of yet uncertain: at best, they can be seen as creating mutual awareness and building capacity at various levels; at worst, they can be viewed as an exercise in rhetoric. First, any effort by actors in one reg ime to influence rule development in another will be limited by the extent to which memberships are congruent. In this case, an important barrier is that the United States is a party to the UNFCCC, but not to the CBD. A broad mandate for the climate regimes treaty or administrative bodies to cooperate with the CBD could lead to the perception that state sovereignty is eroded by importing concepts or rules from the CBD.304 A submission by the United States to the UNFCCC seems to confirm this fear. Commenting on the paper concerning options for enhanced cooperation prepared by the Joint Liaison Group in 2004, the United States notes that the Rio Conventions have a distinct legal character, mandate and membership.305 Although this limitation may not have to hold for the Kyoto Protocol-to which the United States is not a party after all-the secretariats mandate for cooperation is determined by the UNFCCC COP rather than the Kyoto Protocols COP/MOP. More generally, it shows that parties in the climate regime may not be ready to give biodiversity conservation a more prominent place at the expense of achieving cost-effective emission reductions. Legal solutions The notion of conflict resolution leads to the second explanation of why legal techniques are not necessarily the most appropriate means to manage regime interactions: it is not always desirable that one norm prevails over another. Yet such a view ignores the notion that different treaties may pursue similar or overlapping objectives. This is particularly pertinent in the field of international environmental law. In the context of the interactions between the climate and biodiversity regimes, this would mean that any satisfactory resolution needs to result in further greenhouse gas emission reductions, while simultaneously ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. My main point is that the focus on normative conflict has overshadowed the idea that norms may also reinforce each other. There is, for instance, a strong argument for using the concept of sustainable development as an overarching objective for international environmental law, and perhaps even internati onal law more generally. The ILC Study Group report has not completely ignored this critique. In its discussion of conflict clauses, the report acknowledges that in some cases it is necessary to put in place a clause that avoids a straightforward priority and instead seeks to coordinate the simultaneous application of the two treaties as far as possible. This is in line with Chambers, who suggests that [t]here is a need to create a positive rule of cooperation . . . which promotes treaty negotiators and treaty interpreters to maintain consistency between treaties. too narrowly focused on conflicts. Conflict resolution rules resulting in a hierarchical relationship of norms may still be useful in conflicts between legal regimes with incompatible objectives, but management of interactions between environmental treaties more generally may be better achieved through conflict avoidance techniques, as well as institutional cooperation and coordination. http://www.glogov.org/images/doc/WP30.pdf It concludes that neither legal nor political approaches are a panacea for interplay management. However, there is potential for the one approach to address the gaps in the other. Whereas international law does not address synergies between environmental treaties, strengthened political coordination and cooperation between them could. It is worth investigating further how international law and politics can work together in reaping synergies and addressing conflicts between multilateral regimes on climate change. In short, the very nature of climate change as an issue of sustainable development makes it almost impossible to capture all relevant aspects under a single legal regime, necessitating the consideration of interactions with other regimes. Similarly, it is not always necessary for two treaties to state their mutual supportiveness in order for States to implement them in a synergetic fashion. The main questions for international lawyers are: 1) can a conflict be established?; and 2) if so, which treaty prevails? CONFLICT CLAUSES The starting point in addressing conflicts is examining whether States have sought to regulate these through so-called conflict clauses (Pauwelyn 2003). The purpose of these clauses is to clarify the relation between treaties, thus preventing contradictions. This can be achieved, for example, by providing that existing treaties prevail or that a new agreement prevails over existing ones (Wolfrum and Matz 2003). It would not be advisable for the Paris agreement to rely on the adoption of conflict clauses due to their prioritising nature which doesnt conform to scientific management. In contrast, the climate agreements contain several clauses that regulate their relation with other multilateral treaties. With regard to the Montreal Protocol, the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol delimit their scope by only covering greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol. Thereby, the climate agreements express awareness of the substantive interlinkages between the problems of climate change and ozone layer depletion, as some ozone-depleting substances are also greenhouse gases. However, it does not in itself prevent or resolve conflicts.ÂÂ   Another clause is relevant for an issue that has garnered much attention, namely the use of carbon sinks in the Kyoto Protocols Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Forestry projects are to a limited extent eligible for emission reduction credits under the CDM rules. However, it is feared that these rules do not ensure the protection of biodiversity and the prevention of land degradation, and could hence conflict with objectives and obligations of other environmental treaties Although this provision does not state which agreements need to be taken into account, it is reasonable to assume that given the role of forests and wetlands as sinks, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands are relevant. Additionally, the membership of these agreements should be taken into account: it is difficult to see how an agreement can be relevant for a Party that has not signed or ratified it. However, it is unclear what precisely is meant with taking into account, leaving open the question which treaty would prevail in case of a conflict. TREATY INTERPRETATION Treaty interpretation is an important method that can be applied by diplomats and dispute settlement bodies to harmonise two norms that seem to be in conflict. Art 31 VCLT provides gives basic interpretation rules, stipulating that a treatys ordinary meaning, its context, and its object and purpose should be taken into consideration. It also gives more dynamic interpretation rules, which determine that interpretation should take into account a) any subsequent agreement between the Parties on interpretation of the treaty, b) any subseque nt practice in the application of the treaty, and c) any relevant rules of international law applicable in the relations between the parties. CONFLICT RESOLUTION RULES Article 30 VCLT provides rules on the resolution of conflicts. An apparent limitation of this provision is that it only applies to treaties relating to the same subject matter (Article 30.1 VCLT). Of course, application then depends on how one defines subject matter. On the one hand, if this is seen as broad as protection of the environment, Article 30 could theoretically apply to conflicts between the UNFCCC and CBD. The previous section has shown that international law does not particularly aim at enhancing synergies between treaties. Stokke (2001) points to the relevance of institutional coordination and cooperation in dealing with interactions. This could take place simply through information exchange between treaty bodies, or in a more ambitious form of comprising joint planning of programmes or even the coordina tion of substantive decision-making or implementation activities The climate regime has become increasingly involved in this form of interplay management.

Six Flags

Confidential For Internal Use Only Team __ TEAM __ – Marketing Plan (Sample) MKTG 649, Fall 2009 Prepared for: Professor Mahmood Hussain Prepared By: Your Name Your Name Your Name Your Name Your Name 1 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 Executive Summary Six Flags has had great success over a number of years through providing a one-stop entertainment destination complete with thrilling roller coaster rides and an exciting atmosphere. In recent years, however, Six Flags has been struggling and is now in dire need of a boost to help regain its success in the Theme park industry.We focused our secondary research on past and current articles on Six Flags as well as the theme park industry as a whole. Databases and websites were utilized in gathering this information. In addition, we delved into previously conducted research regarding the theme park industry and Six Flags. This further allowed us to gather exactly how Six Flags arrived at its success, and ultimately to its f ailure over the past few years. This is information that could have been obtained through interviewing Six Flags employees; however, we chose to proceed with the more efficient choice of secondary research.The biggest issue Six Flags faces is its huge debt of over $2 billion dollars. The firm is on the verge of bankruptcy and has been pulled from the NYSE due to their shares falling below the $1 requirement. The firm needs to pay $300 million dollars to preferred stockholders, and lacks the capital to do so. Another key issue they face is their narrow target market. Six Flags has decreased their focus down to the youth, or teen market with less emphasis placed on appealing to families. This represents a huge loss of potential customers for Six Flags.Furthermore, there is a demand for thrill rides and rollercoaster’s that Six Flags can continue to benefit from. In order to meet both of these issues head on, Six Flags must not only expand their demographic target, but also thei r product offerings. Revenue must be generated as quickly as possible through increased traffic to the parks and product diversification. The marketing objectives we aim to address, execute and accomplish are to increase revenue through diversification and pricing methodologies, and to increase the target market to include families, teens, and young adults.Increased guest spending is a major component of what target markets we are trying to reach. We want to move away from the teen market, which does not spend much if any money in the park beyond admission. The two new target markets Six Flags is going to cater to are families and 21+ young adults. Six Flags will differentiate itself by providing both of these sources of entertainment in one location. We want Six Flags to be a place like no other in the country. In order for Six Flags to stay competitive, we need to diversify our means of revenue.That will be done with the introduction to two new ventures, Motion Simulators and Boul evard Six. Six Flags’ current pricing strategy for their online daily tickets is proving to be successful in terms of attracting more visitor attendance. Extended hours for special events can also deliver an extra added value to 21 and over patrons who are willing to pay a 25 percent increase on top of regular one-day admission. Being open until 12 midnight for such events would grant exclusivity to a smaller crowd with less falling in line.Another feature would be to have hard liquor and beer priced at a premium to further maximize profits. The first sales promotion will be a yearly engagement, every Fourth of July where all guests get in for free. We will call this promotion â€Å"FREEdom Day†. Another frequent promotion will be called Fun in the Sun. We anticipate an increase in Six Flags performance through the execution of our Marketing Plan. 2 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team __ Table of Contents Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Research Methodology†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 1 Situation Analysis SWOT Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 2 Competitor Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 Customer Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 Company Analysis†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 Marketing Problems and Opportunities†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â ‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 Managerial Recommendations Market Focus Marketing Objectives†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 Target Market†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 Differentiation†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 8 Positioning†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦9 Marketing Programs Product Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 9 Pricing Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 0 Promotion Strategy†¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 10 Distribution Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 11 Implementation and Control Financial Data†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 11 Financial Projection†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦11 Financial Control†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 12 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 12 Appendix†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â ‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 14 3 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team __ Introduction Six Flags has had great success over a number of years through providing a one-stop entertainment destination complete with thrilling roller coaster rides and an exciting atmosphere.In recent years, however, Six Flags has been struggling and is now in dire need of a boost to help regain its success in the Theme park industry. The amusement park industry offers a variety of attractions to a very large and diverse market. With everything from high-flying roller coasters to cartoon and movie character based offerings, theme parks have created a very successful market that has been on the rise for many years. However, like everything else, companies have seen their good times as well as their bad. It seems as though Six Flags may be on the decline in an exhausted market.Notwithstanding increased attendance on an annual basis, inclu ding the sharp decline of their teen market, the amusement park industry has been affected greatly by harsh economic times. Six Flags, Inc. specifically has become the epitome of this trying industry. Despite an increasing attendance rate over the years, Six Flags has seemed to dig itself into a hole that it cannot seem to get out of. Their debt-load has handcuffed them to the verge of bankruptcy. Their inability to increase attendance to the point of improved profitability and debt-reduction has helped lead this company toward potential failure.The significance of an increased attendance rate in 2008, (up to 25. 3 million from 24. 9 in 2007) yet still reporting a net loss of $207 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 is very big. 1 This signifies the tremendous amount of trouble Six Flags is currently in as their biggest point of profitability, attendance, has not been enough to dig this company out. This indicates that a drastic change of direction is in need for Six Flags, Inc. Although the numbers are bad for Six Flags, a marketing initiative may help bring this dying company back to life. Research MethodologyDue to lack of resources and low participant count, we have decided to focus our research on secondary research only. While we do believe it may be beneficial to gather information and suggestions through primary research, there are many resources available through secondary research that will sufficient. As the theme park industry is large, a vast amount of literature and information is available. Through researching readily available information, we are able to gather both positive and negative options and research from very credible sources. Although the utilization and execution f primary research is ideal and extremely beneficial, particularly for marketing initiatives, its overall implementation is not a simple task. The type of primary research required to make sound marketing decisions, especially for a depressed company like Six Flags, would need to be on a much larger scale than we are capable of handling in such a short period of time. We focused our secondary research on past and current articles on Six Flags as well as the theme park industry as a whole. Databases and websites were utilized in gathering this information.In addition, we delved into previously conducted research regarding the theme park industry and Six Flags. This further allowed us to gather exactly how Six Flags arrived at its success, and ultimately to its failure over the past few years. This is information that could have been obtained through interviewing Six Flags employees; however, we chose to proceed with the more efficient choice of secondary research. 1 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team __ Situation Analysis SWOT Analysis Strengths Six Flags’ main strength in the present state of the U. S. economy seems to be its â€Å"free falling† prices.For instance, everyone who buys a daily ticket online for Six Flags Discovery K ingdom (Vallejo, CA) pays the kids’ price of $29. 99. This has directly increased attendance. Next to its attractive prices is Six Flags’ internationally recognized brand name. The name, along with its wide array of entertainment products and experiences, has built enduring equity for 48 years. To refocus and re-energize its brand, Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro and his marketing and entertainment teams have worked to make the theme park more family-friendly while still maintaining its ignature reputation for record-breaking thrill rides. The parks are cleaner, there is more broad-based entertainment, an enforced code of conduct for guests, and better trained employees who can deliver more quality service. As a result, key satisfaction scores were at or above all time highs for the company. Six Flags advocates special causes by holding annual walk-a-thons in the park, joining the fight to help cure childrens cancer. They further support the â€Å"green movement† by using biodegradable commercial trash bags throughout the company’s 20 locations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.Location is another strength of Six Flags. The theme park is located in major metropolitan areas making it a probable, convenient drive away from home. Weaknesses Although Six Flags is now showing an increase in visitor attendance due to advertisements showcasing low ticket prices and an increased value offering, its number one weakness seems to be leveraging their massive debt load of over $2 billion dollars. It must also pay $300 million dollars to preferred stockholders in which it has no way of paying.The creation of new thrill rides can cost up to $20 million dollars each while consumer spending remains low. This debt will continue to stifle Six Flags’ growth and may lead them to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Since admission is up, the lines for each major attraction will also increase. This may make impatient patrons waiting in the hot summer sun to go elsewhere for entertainment. Another weakness is the retention rate of teenagers and young adults has continued to lessen because they claim â€Å"there’s nothing new for us. Disappointingly, a major weakness that the theme park is also trying to control is its fatal freak accidents. In June 2008, a 17-year-old was decapitated by the Batman roller coaster when he scaled two six-foot fences and entered a restricted area at Six Flags Over Georgia. The year before, a girl’s feet were cut off when a freefall thrill ride malfunctioned at the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. A cable had snapped and wrapped around the 16-year-old’s feet, severing them at her ankles. Opportunities Six Flags is limited in opportunities as they have no cash on hand and an overwhelming debt load.However, to attract back the decreasing retention rate of its young adult market which as a result can leverage the debt, perhaps Six Flags can open a 21 and over nightclub. The club can hav e different elaborate themes each night, such as a â€Å"Batman† or â€Å"Terminator† party. A sports bar and restaurant can attract a new demographic of sports fanatics. Guest appearances by sports icons in these restaurants can also drive traffic through the park. Ride simulators in malls, introducing new and upcoming thrill rides, may also convince prospects to try the â€Å"real thing† at a 2 Confidential For Internal Use OnlyTeam 8 theme park. Six Flags can also try to sell some of its land that it owns surrounding its parks to help lessen their debt. It can even hold more events ranging from special causes to entertainment and extend its operational hours to the 21 and over crowd so as to increase ticket sales. Joining more strategic alliances internationally such as Dubai Holding to build a Six Flags in Dubailand can also prove to be profitable. Most importantly, Six Flags needs to get to the root of the problem and come up with a restructuring agreement that will satisfy both its stockholders and the company.Filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy may inadvertently decrease attendance as visitors may perceive that operations, including safety on rides and the cleanliness of the premises could be affected (although Six Flags confirms that these will not be affected if they do file). Thus, bankruptcy could ruin Six Flags’ image and limit more of their opportunities to expand. Threats Threats mainly include other major theme park competitors such as Disneyland and Universal Studios and indirect competition with more affordable fun activities such as miniature golfing or watching a movie.Other threats include the current swine flu that has spread rapidly throughout several states in the U. S. from its origin in Mexico. Some families may think twice before going to a theme park with hundreds or thousands of other persons in which any may be infected with the deadly virus. Severe weather conditions can even temporarily close down the par k. In 2005, it was necessary for Six Flags New Orleans to close down in preparation for Hurricane Katrina. Katrina’s heavy winds and floods left an estimated $32. 5 million worth of damages. The park has since been closed. Competitor AnalysisThe major competitor of Six Flags Inc. is the Walt Disney Company. In comparison, the Disney Company focuses on attracting visitors from across the world to visit its parks while Six Flags targets its local demographic and does not seek to advertise internationally. Although Disneyland offers the magical experience that families have grown up to know and love through its flagship characters and movies, Six Flags is seeking to be the alternative getaway in a downward economy. First off, Six Flags is just a drive away for those who live in close radius to metropolitan areas.At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA), as mentioned earlier, everyone can pay the online daily kid’s price of $29. 99. Disneyland and Disney World mainly r equire a whole vacation package, including airplane flights and a hotel stay. To visit Disneyland’s entire theme park in one day, a patron will have to shell out as much as $94 per day. In 2008, Six Flags even reported a 5 percent increase in revenue with reduced costs from the previous year while Disneyland recently reported an 8. 2 percent drop in revenue and increased costs for this year’s first quarter.Universal Studios movie-theme park, known for simulating their top rated movies into rides and other experiences, is another competitor that also requires a vacation package. Its general admission is $67. 99 a day. Last year, the park underwent attendance downturns due to construction and visitors holding off on vacations until the new rides were complete. However, even in a troubling economy families are willing to pay a premium to visit such parks as Disneyland and Universal Studios to go to a place â€Å"where dreams come true† and to get the ultimate Holly wood experience as seen through television and movies respectively.These are deemed to be more affordable when comparing it to a family trip to Europe or Asia. Six Flags’ other competition includes the experience of shopping at a mall, going out to the movies, or even staying home and obtaining thrills through Sony Playstation or Nintendo’s Wii. Consumers feel like â€Å"getting away† once in a while and if they are restricted to a budget, they may consider the cheaper activity that they can repeat more than once during closer periods of time. 3 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 Customer Analysis Approximately 25 million guests attend Six Flags annually.The park appeals to a broad demographic in which seventy-five percent of its customers live within 100 miles. Its main customer focus is its family unit. Most of its parks are limited to being open during the spring and summer seasons and only on weekends during off-seasons (due to weather factors). In th is case, generating revenue from the family unit is crucial while still trying to retain its core audience of teens and young adults who are drawn to extreme rides. Thus, Six Flags is providing a wider product offering to increase its overall visitor attendance.It is also remaking its image into a wholesome, highly-branded, family-friendly place similar to that of Disney. There are more rides and attractions not only for a young demographic, but also for families. Six Flags has also given these customers more to do and spend money on by bringing in brands such as Johnny Rockets, Papa John’s, Cold Stone Creamery, and Kodak. The park’s attendance has gradually declined in recent years but started to pick up again in 2008 and is showing great promise this spring season. For instance, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom had its largest attendance since 2003 during their two-week spring break period.The family unit is price sensitive; therefore with daily ticket prices being fairly low along with current low gas prices, Six Flags seems like an affordable trip. The company is projecting 55 percent of its total revenues to come during the months of July and August. More families and higher disposable income families are expected to contribute to these revenues. Also, seventy-five percent of Six Flags consumers claim that their primary reason for attending the park is to spend time with friends and family. Company Analysis Six Flags, Inc. is the largest regional theme park company in the world providing a national brand with regional focus.The firm has 20 parks total, 18 of which are in the United States, with the other 2 located in Mexico and Canada. The entertainment destinations in the U. S. comprise theme, water and zoological parks with over 900 rides, including 130 rollercoaster’s. Six Flags, Inc. is headed by CEO Mark Shapiro and is a publicly-traded corporation headquartered in New York City. The first Six Flags theme park, Six Flags Over Texas, w as opened in 1961 by Angus Wynn. The parks name came from the six themed sections, modeled after the culture of the six countries whose flags flew over Texas during the state's colorful history. Today’s parks offer a complete one-stop diversified entertainment destination for all ages. 3 Thrill rides, restaurants, games, themed areas, children’s areas, parades, concerts, shows and much more are available for the customers’ enjoyment. Business Model Six Flags operates as a seasonal business – over 85% of park attendance and revenues are generated between the second and third quarters of the calendar year. 4 Its business model is comprised primarily of making money through ticket sales, in-park food and merchandise sales, and sponsorship revenue. 5 4 ConfidentialTicket Pricing For Internal Use Only Team 8 Ticket pricing covers a broad range, with tickets available for a single day park visit to season passes. There are 3 types of tickets available: †¢ †¢ †¢ Single day 1 park (general and children admission) Single day 2 park pass (general and children admission) Season Pass Single day 2 park passes are for locations that have both a Six Flags theme park and water park located next to each other. Please note that some theme parks have a water park inside of them, but do not require a 2 park pass. General admission prices range from $29. 9 – $69. 99. Children admission prices range from $20. 99 – $29. 99. These ranges cover Single Day 1 and 2 park passes for theme, water, and animal parks. Season Pass prices range from $39. 99 – $125. Season Passes may be purchased for single park admission or dual park admission. Season Passes include: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Unlimited visits Free tickets for guests Over $300 in park savings Access to Rise and Scream early openings and private Season Passholder Day Accepted at 15 Six Flags locations including La Ronde, Montreal Season passes are Six F lags core value offering.Passes cost little more than a day’s regular admission ticket price, and provide Six Flags visitors with added benefits and savings. Six Flags also offers a premium pass – the FLASH Pass – that serves as a ride reservation system. A limited number of FLASH Passes are available each day of operation and are valid the day of purchase only. There are 2 tiers for the FLASH Pass, Regular and Gold, with different stipulations for each. Regular FLASH Pass †¢ Avoid lines by making a reservation †¢ Wait as long as everyone else is waiting, but not in line †¢ Prices: $27. 9 for 1 person to $117. 99 for 6 people Gold FLASH Pass †¢ Enjoy discounted wait time of up to 75% †¢ Prices: $37. 99 for 1 person to $177. 99 for 6 people In-park Merchandise and Food Six Flags has various licensing and partnership agreements with other firms. Six Flags has held a licensing agreement with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Consumer Products enab ling Six Flags to utilize the rights to the cartoon characters. Six Flags has used the licensing agreement to create character programs including meet and greets, meals, photograph and autograph opportunities. 6 5 ConfidentialFor Internal Use Only Team 8 Six Flags has further utilized the characters’ likeness for merchandise sales including toys, souvenir items, apparel, and more. In addition, cartoon themed rides have been constructed after both DC Comic and Warner Bros characters. Six Flags employs in-park and out-park alliances with restaurants and food manufacturers. Past and current out-of-park alliances have included promotions with Coca Cola, Kraft’s Lunchables product line, and Papa Johns Pizza. 7 In-park alliances have included the implementation of restaurant chains within Six Flags parks.Johnny Rockets, Papa Johns Pizza, and Cold Stone Creamery can be found within the parks, and Tyson chicken has become the official chicken supplier to all parks. 8 Additiona l Partnerships Other promotional alliances have been implemented as well. One such example is the sale and availability of Kodak products in Six Flags paks. Moreover, Six Flags and Nintendo have collaborated by offering free Wii game plays to the Six Flags visitors standing in-line, thus allowing them the opportunity to sample the Nintendo DS games.Six Flags also promotes its brand through American Express, Chase, Blue Green, Panda Express, and The United States Army. 9 American Express and Six Flags have a promotional offering for park visitors in the form of a VIP tours. Patrons may book their Six Flags VIP Tour Presented by American Express for participating theme parks. Please note that the VIP Tour is for theme parks only and does not include water slides and other waterpark attractions. Tours are given to groups or families by an experienced tour guide and can be customized.Tours are priced at $299 and include: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ â € ¢ †¢ Private guided tour for your family or group Front-of-the-line ride privileges Preferred parking Theme park admission Reserved show seating Private autograph session with select LOONEY TUNES or The Justice League characters Lunch and dinner with reserved seating at restaurants Unlimited snacks Souvenir ride or character photo Expedited access to most rides in the park American Express cardholders gain an additional offer by receiving 20% off each VIP tour booked when they pay with any American Express card. Six Flag ParksCalifornia Six Flags Magic Mountain, Los Angeles – theme park Six Flags Hurrican Harbor, Los Angeles – water park Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo – theme and animal park 6 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 Georgia Six Flags Over Georgia, Atlanta – theme park Six Flags White Water, Atlanta – water park Illinois Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor, Chicago – theme and water park Kentucky Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Lousiville – theme and water park Maryland Six Flags America, Baltimore/Washington DC – theme and water park Massachusetts Six Flags New England, Springfield – theme and water park Missouri Six Flags St.Louis – theme and water park New Jersey Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson – theme park Six Flags Hurrican Harbor, Jackson – water park Six Flags Wild Safari, Jackson – animal park New York The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, Lake George – theme and water park Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and IndoorWaterpark, Lake George – lodge and water park Texas Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington – theme park Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio – theme and water park Canada La Ronde, Montreal – theme park Mexico Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City – theme park Six Flags will be opening a third international location in the United Arab Emirates, Dubailand, which will open its doors to c ustomers in 2011. Marketing Problems and Opportunities The biggest issue Six Flags faces is its huge debt of over $2 billion dollars. The firm is on the verge of bankruptcy and has been pulled from the NYSE due to their shares falling below the $1 requirement.The firm needs to pay $300 million dollars to preferred stockholders, and lacks the capital to do so. Another key issue they face is their narrow target market. Six Flags has decreased their focus down to the youth, or teen market with less emphasis placed on appealing to families. This represents a huge loss of potential customers for Six Flags. Furthermore, there is a demand for thrill rides and rollercoaster’s that Six Flags can continue to benefit from. In order to meet both of 7 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 these issues head on, Six Flags must not only expand their demographic target, but also their product offerings.Revenue must be generated as quickly as possible through increased traffic to the parks and product diversification. Managerial Recommendations Market Focus Marketing Objectives The marketing objectives we aim to address, execute and accomplish are to increase revenue through diversification and pricing methodologies, and to increase the target market to include families, teens, and young adults. We seek to create promotional offers that affect price and new product offerings, and to re-position Six Flags theme parks as an entertainment destination that appeals to all ages, and more importantly families.Value communication is extremely important in the current economic situation we are experiencing. Six Flags is a one-stop entertainment destination that offers very low admission prices along with numerous attractions and activities. It is a park that price-sensitive consumers can enjoy and afford. Six Flags needs to increase its revenue to become viable. These additional revenue streams are to include diversification and promotions. The largest project to create more revenue is the creation of Boulevard Six.It will create the opportunity to have in review stream all year long, rather than just the summer months. It will have a diverse collection of food and entertainment to please the target markets of families and young adults. This will include well known restaurants and entertainment companies, as well as new and excited ventures. Next would be the introduction of Motion Simulator rides located in malls around the nation. These would bring in additional revenue as well as bring awareness of Six Flags. At these locations, the rides would be of the most popular attractions from across all the Six Flags.Promotions could also increase traffic to the parks and increase the revenue during these times. Boulevard Bash is a Saturday night event for those 21 years and older with live entertainment. Six Dollar Sundays would increase visitors to the parks and would bring in more repeat customers. Too Hot to Resist Days would entice people to come to park s on days when it is warm out. They could partake in the water rides to stay cool during these times. And â€Å"Free†dom Day would increase traffic to the park, however there would be revenue from ticket sales there would be from parking, food, and Boulevard Six.Target Market Increased guest spending is a major component of what target markets we are trying to reach. We want to move away from the teen market, which does not spend much if any money in the park beyond admission. The two new target markets Six Flags is going to cater to are families and 21+ young adults. Six Flags current target market is â€Å"mass-market blue-collar, with average income $50,000 per year, and probably split between teens and young adults on the one hand, and families on the 8 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 ther. â€Å"10 These families are not the type that are/were taking international family vacations. These families are â€Å"trading from a three-day, four-figure trip to Disney to a one-day, three-figure trip to Six Flags. †11 A trip to Six Flags is not cheap, but it is cheaper than. â€Å"A typical Six Flags visitor in 2007 spent $36 for the day, including parking, the price of a ticket, and meals. So, the company says, a day at Six Flags for a family of four costs less than $175. †12 Young adults are another target market Six Flags is looking into.They are a segment that had more disposable income than teens do, possible even more than families. â€Å"Young adults in the U. S. spend 52% of their money on clothing, 22% on food, and 13% on music. †13 With the addition of Boulevard Six, there is the opportunity to bring in more of the young adults, who would normally go to the local mall. Differentiation Six Flags has a lot going for it right now and with our marketing strategy, it may have the ability to differentiate itself from all the competitors. We aim to focus our differentiation based on the style of entertainment it offers.Six Flags will be a place people can go to have a day of excitement like no other theme park can offer. Without having to spend lots of money, people can have a great deal of fun during the day at an exciting theme park, and at night can cruise the Boulevard (Discussed below). There are obviously many places where one can go and enjoy a day at a theme park, however, they may have to travel a great distance if they desire to cap off the day with a night on the town. Six Flags will differentiate itself by providing both of these sources of entertainment in one location.Positioning We want Six Flags to be a place like no other in the country. In order to do this, we seek to position Six Flags in two ways. Due to the different offerings from Six Flags we don’t want to position ourselves in just one way. First, we aim to position ourselves as safe, family-friendly, lowcost form of entertainment. This position will be targeted to families and younger guests. We will advertise through d ay-time television and kid’s programming. Second, we will position ourselves as cool, fun, energetic and young-hearted.This position will be targeted to teens and younger adults (over 21) who would be interested in the Night of Fun as described below. We will hope to utilize different types of social media to target this demographic and project this type of positioning for Six Flags. Marketing Programs Product Strategy Six Flags has been providing their visitors products through their main channel, theme parks, during their existence. In order for Six Flags to stay competitive, we need to diversify our means of revenue. That will be done with the introduction to two new ventures, Motion Simulators and Boulevard Six.The motion simulators will be distributed throughout all major metropolitan malls that will be in close proximity to a Six Flags park. Malls are a choice location as they allow us to reach the broad demographics we target – families, teens, and young adults. The rides will have a selection of popular rides from Six Flags 19 parks. After the ride is over, it will â€Å"spit out† a 50% off admission coupon good for any Six Flags park, and must be redeemed within one month. This tactic is expected to drive sales up dramatically. 9 Confidential For Internal Use OnlyTeam 8 Boulevard Six will be an outdoor shopping district located outside of Six Flags larger parks. Its intention is to help produce revenue all year long, even while the parks are closed for the season. Boulevard Six will have a mix of food, shopping and entertainment for all ages. Restaurants will include California Pizza Kitchen, P. F. Changs, Johnny Rockets and more. Shopping will include Fossil, Gap, Abercrombie and more. Entertainment will come from the Comcast Sports Bar, nightclubs, live concert stages, Lucky Strike Bowling and movie theaters.Boulevard Six will also be the location of Boulevard Bash. Pricing Strategy Six Flags’ current pricing strategy for their online daily tickets is proving to be successful in terms of attracting more visitor attendance. A great example is Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA). As a price bundle, the theme park can also offer online daily tickets with one-day discounted parking at 20 percent to further raise attendance. For its Discovery Kingdom park, visitors will pay $29. 99 plus $12 for one-day parking totaling $41. 99.If paid separately, parking would cost $15. For its season pass holders, Six Flags can give an automatic 10 percent on all meals and merchandise simply by presenting their season passes at point-of-sale. Vouchers and coupons do not need to be redeemed for the sake of customers’ convenience. In addition to perks such as free tickets for your friends on select days, and free special events, season pass holders who are 21 and over will also pay a discounted price of $15 to get into Six Flags’ exclusive nightclub in Boulevard Six (mentioned under â€Å"Promotionâ⠂¬ ).Season parking passes also purchased online can be reduced by 20 percent and bundled with their appropriate season passes to increase the affordability and convenience of visiting Six Flags respectively. The V. I. P. tour requires a 4-person minimum and can cost up to $299 per person. This may seem like an extravagant and an unnecessary option. However, American Express cardholders with more discretionary income can enjoy this option at a 20 percent discount. To appeal towards more price-sensitive families who still want to get the ultimate V.I. P. experience, online specials should include a 20 percent discount on select days regardless of what credit card is being used. Extended hours for special events can also deliver an extra added value to 21 and over patrons who are willing to pay a 25 percent increase on top of regular one-day admission. Being open until 12 midnight for such events would grant exclusivity to a smaller crowd with less falling in line. Another feature wo uld be to have hard liquor and beer priced at a premium to further maximize profits.Ride simulators (mentioned in opportunities under â€Å"SWOT analysis†) will cost the consumer $9 for a four-minute edge-of-your-seat excursion! (These will be located in all major metropolitan malls that will be in close proximity to a Six Flags park. ) After the ride is over, it will â€Å"spit out† a 50% off admission coupon good for any Six Flags park, and must be redeemed within one month. This tactic is expected to drive sales up dramatically. Promotion In order for our marketing efforts to be successful, we need to attract customers to the previously discussed new park and activities.This is where the use of promotions will come into play. With exciting new attractions offered by Six Flags, we will need to engage more people through various type of promotions. We suggest by starting with sales promotions. The first sales promotion will be a yearly engagement, every Fourth of July where all guests get in for free. We will call this promotion â€Å"FREEdom Day†. By incorporating the Independence Day 10 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 theme, every Six Flags park will be the most enjoyable place to be on the Fourth of July.This will be a day where families can come to experience the rides and attractions, all themed accordingly, and can end the day with a 45 minute long firework display coordinated to a serious of popular current music hits. We want this promotion to help Six Flags become the leading place to be during the Fourth of July. Due to capacity constraints in each of the parks, attendance will be limited to the maximum capacity the park can handle. We will let more people in as other leave, and while everyone waits, we will have activities and entertainment out in the waiting area.Even though the guests are not in the park yet, they should still be able to have an enjoyable time while they wait. Since one of our main goals is to impro ve loyalty among our guests, we also want to have promotions on a more frequent level. One of these frequent promotions will be Six Dollar Sundays. We will offer admission to all Six-Flags for only $6 every Sunday. Another frequent promotion will be called Fun in the Sun. Anytime the temperature hits above a certain temperature (depending on the location of the park) admission will be half-price.This will help entice the people that are reluctant to come to the park if it is too hot outside. This next promotion will give free admission to people on their Birthday. We will call this our Birthday Club and promote keep records of every person’s Birthday so every year we can send them reminders to entice them to come back. Our final promotion will be called Boulevard Bash. This will be for the 21 and older crowd and will be priced at $25 per person. We will block off our Boulevard Six (described below) and admit only persons of age.We will provide alcohol and bring in musical tal ent to perform every Saturday night. Distribution The main channel of distribution will continue to be Six Flags parks. The majority of our marketing plan is focused around promotional and pricing methodologies, with the promos taking place in Six Flags. Through the price promos we execute, we anticipate an increase in sales of in-park merchandise as consumers will have more disposable income due to their savings on park admission. There will be one other channel of distribution, however, for the thrill Motion Ride simulators.The ride simulators will be distributed throughout all major metropolitan malls that will be in close proximity to a Six Flags park. Malls are a choice location as they allow us to reach the broad demographics we target – families, teens, and young adults. Implementation and Control Financial Data Six Flags is in financial distress, which might lead Six Flags to file chapter-eleven for bankruptcy. Furthermore, in October of 2008, the New York Stock Excha nge penalized Six Flags since its stockholder equity had fallen below $75-million, and the stock price had fallen below one-dollar violating the New York Stock Exchange standards. 4 If Six Flags does not increase its stock price 11 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 and market capitalization, it risks being removed from the NYSE. 15 Six Flags will not be able to continue operating without finding a plan to restructure the debt. Six Flags lost $113 million in 2008, which is compared to $253 million in 2007. However, the most recent forth quarter its reported loss is $201 million, which is compared to 2007 forth quarter $127 million. 16 The projections for Six Flags are concerning. First, by August 15th of 2009, Six Flags must pay $287. million in Preferred Income Equity Redeemable Shares to the shareholders. However, if Six Flags failed, the amount would reach in excess of $318 million. 17 Second, the financial situation is very critical further complicating Six Flags ability to continue operating. Due to major banks being in financial trouble, there is no access to adequate capital resources and lending procedures are more stringent. In order to obtain capital, our group is projecting the possibility of Busch Entertainment Corporation, a competing theme park operator in the United States, to acquire Six Flags.Busch Entertainment Corporation is a subsidiary of Anheuser- Busch. Busch Entertainment Corporation operates nine-theme parks across the nation including the Sea World and Busch Garden Parks. The company’s financial performance has been generating revenue of $1. 3 Billion and a positive earned income on the revenue. 18 Therefore, by reaching such a deal, Six Flags can have access to capital to meet the financial obligations and payoff the creditors. On the other hand, it will diversify its risk portfolio, and the advantages to share assets of both Six Flags and Busch Entertainment Corporation.Financial Projection Financial Control Six Flags CEO has been proactive in restructuring the Six Flags itself, and not only the debt. For instance, by making some major changes, Six Flags can survive these crucial economic circumstances. Therefore, CEO Mark Shapiro has used his private equity firm, Red Zone Capital, for purchasing the restaurant chain Johnny Rockets in order to integrate the chain into all parks. In addition, Red Zone Capital bought Dick Clark Productions, television home of the Golden Globe Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Awards.This was done with the intention of featuring celebrity and music events in the parks to generate revenue and stimulate and increase foot traffic. 19 Financial control over the Six Flags situation is still valid, by both restructuring the debt, and the theme parks. In addition, to potential of gaining access to some financial resources from a possible merger or consolidation with the Busch Entertainment Corporation is valid as the firms have similar revenue models and Busch has e xperienced more successful financial performance than Six Flags. ConclusionSix Flags financial situation is extremely dire and the firm is currently floundering to stay afloat. We believe that with our Marketing Plan, we may enable them to greatly increase foot traffic and sales revenue. The pricing promotions will bring people to the park and cause them to spend the money they save on ticket sales, on in-park food or merchandise. The promotions for young adults featuring 21+ nights will provide a great source of income through food and alcoholic beverage sales. The Boulevard will further create a diversified source of revenue.The re-positioning of Six Flags as a fun, low-cost entertainment destination for the family will further increase their target market and communicate value to price-sensitive consumers. Six Flags is an enjoyable theme park where all of your family entertaining needs may be met. We anticipate an increase in Six Flags performance through the execution of our Mar keting Plan. 12 Confidential For Internal Use Only Team 8 McCann, Kyle. â€Å"Rough Year Recorded at Six Flags. † ABC2News. com. 12 March 2009. 7 May 2009 . 2 â€Å"Six Flags – Investor Relations. † Six Flags. 10 May 2009