The American System of Government Free Essays

Chapter 4 We – the People Dividing Power: The American System of Government The Basics †¢Americans have distrusted any concentration of political power ever since its founding †¢American form of government was written down in a Constitution o1787, after thirteen colonies gained independence from Great Britain †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Tyranny† of King George III – the Americans wanted to make sure no person was allowed to have too much power †¢Representative democracy Elected representatives who could be regularly shifted out oPower rested with the people †¢Federal system oIndividual states which give only certain specific powers to a central government oFederalism †¢The separation of powers oDivided the power into three oNo one is too powerful Federalism †¢The federal government can only do what it has specifically been given the power to do in the Constitution oDelegated powers by the states †¢Reserved powers are for the states and the peo ple oState rights The states gave the federal government power over the following areas oForeign affairs (treaties and relations with other countries) oDefense (defending the nation and declaring war) oMonetary policy oTrade (among states, between states and government, between the nation and other countries) Separation of powers †¢Breaking power into three oThe Executive (the President) oThe Legislative (Congress) oThe Judicial (Supreme Court) †¢Main idea – power could never be combined under one man oThreaten people and democracy The Founding Fathers created the system of checks and balances oEach of the branches can limit the power of two The Congress – legislative powers †¢Two â€Å"chambers† – the House of Representatives and the Senate †¢The smaller states were afraid of being controlled of the larger states †¢The number of representatives each state got in the House of Representatives was based on the population of the stat e †¢In the Senate, each state was given two representatives no matter how small or large †¢Congress has the power to: Pass laws (legislation) oLevy taxes oDecide how federal money is used †¢No one in the federal government gets paid nothing gets funded unless Congress has passed a â€Å"bill† approving the use of money †¢Members of the House of Representatives – Congressmen o435 members, all its members are elected every two years (democratic) †¢Members of the Senate – Senators o100 members, two from each state, elected for six years of the time (stable) †¢Checks on Congress oThe President can veto a bill by refusing to sign it The Supreme Court can declare laws â€Å"unconstitutional† The President – executive powers †¢The President is Head of State and represents the people of the US at home and abroad †¢The President is Chief Executive oHeads all federal organizations, has a â€Å"cabinet† with poli tical advisors †¢The President is Commander-in-Chief oHe is head of the armed forces of the only superpower in the world. Only Congress can declare war, but the President can ask Congress for the power to use â€Å"necessary force† †¢The President is Chief Diplomat Decides foreign and defense policy, appoints ambassadors, sets up embassies and negotiates treaties (only become law if two-thirds of the Senate approves) †¢The power of the President has increased since 1787, he leads three million people who work for this branch of the government †¢Checks on the President oThe Supreme Court can declare his actions unconstitutional oCongress can change or refuse to pass the legislation suggested by him oCongress can override a presidential veto with a two-third majority oCongress and Supreme Court can â€Å"impeach† the President (remove him) The Supreme Court – judicial powers Highest court in the land, all courts must accept its interpretation o f the law †¢States have their own laws and their own supreme courts, but if there is a conflict, the federal law overrides the state law (to make sure the law is applied the same way everywhere) †¢Decides what laws are in compliance and what laws are unconstitutional †¢A law that is unconstitutional is â€Å"null and void†, no longer valid †¢Nine members of the Supreme Court oNine to make sure it can’t split evenly oâ€Å"Justices† are appointed for life †¢Checks on the Supreme Court oCongress can change the Constitution Congress and the Supreme Court can â€Å"impeach† a Supreme Court Justice Checks and balances in action †¢Every year the President must submit a bill for federal budget to Congress †¢Congress never passes it as it is, both the House and the Senate make changes †¢If president gets a majority, he may then accept a compromise. He can refuse to sign the bill, and send it back to the Congress, both must a compromise Appointing a Supreme Court Justice †¢When a justice dies, the President nominates a judge to fill the seat †¢Since the President can choose someone he finds beneficial for the job, he Senate must first approve â€Å"ratify† the choice before the President can appoint a nominee †¢If it does not, the President must find someone else (checks and balances) Separation of powers – advantages and disadvantages †¢It has worked as intended †¢It has kept government under democratic control †¢When Richard Nixon broke the law (Watergate scandal) he was forced from office †¢On the other hand, when the President is a Democrat and Congress has a majority of Republicans (or vice versa), the division of powers can paralyze the political system †¢Some say it would’ve been better with a parliamentary democracy (the Congress chooses the President). We will write a custom essay sample on The American System of Government or any similar topic only for you Order Now In that way, the budget would always pass in congress †¢However, this would give the President a lot more power State government †¢American states are â€Å"real states† oThey make their own laws, collect their own taxes, have their own welfare systems, police forces, educational systems and so on †¢Most â€Å"governing† goes on at the state and local levels †¢Any American is bound to respect federal law, state law and local city and county law †¢Most states use the federal government as a model for their state government oAll have a written constitution All practice the separation of powers into three branches †¢The executive branch is headed by a Governor †¢The legislative branch is divided into two chambers (except Nebraska) †¢All states have a state supreme court and separate court systems †¢The 50 states are all different, and are looked at as 50 â€Å"laboratories of democracy†, which means that they come with ne w solutions to new and old problems †¢The US is proud to have an extremely large degree of local democracy and variation Advantages and disadvantages †¢Local democracy source of strength and innovation, but hard to govern †¢E. g. the school system. The President and Congress can have an opinion on what is best for the school systems, but they can’t order the states to adopt these measures, because education is a â€Å"state right† and not a federal responsibility †¢Variety inequality. Some states are rich, some are poor Political Parties in the United States The electoral system There are two basic things to keep in mind about the electoral system in America oAll federal and state elections are in single-seat election districts †¢Only one representative from each district will be elected oA candidate can win an election with either a majority of votes, or a plurality of votes †¢The winner is candidate C, because that candidate has a plurality of votes. â€Å"The winner takes it all†. The other votes are â€Å"wasted†. 85306 †¢If A and B goes t ogether and supports one candidate, that candidate could easily win with 60% of the votes †¢Problems: finding someone they both support The US only has two parties: The Democrats and the Republicans. Both are giant coalitions of wildly different political groups. Shooting for the center †¢Both parties are coalitions neither party presents a very clear political profile †¢A clear ideology would send away some interest groups, weakening the party †¢Both parties are vague about what they stand for †¢No one wants to come out with strong ideological statements that might scare away any voters, because to win you have to win the votes of the electorate, which basically is divided into two The Democratic Party (donkey) †¢Supports stronger federal authority, more liberal, willing to use government in the service of the people at the expense of â€Å"states’ rights† †¢Wants to involve the federal government in shaping American society (more than the Republicans), reducing the gap between rich/poor †¢Support welfare programs more strongly than Republicans †¢Taxes are a resource that can be wisely used †¢Have support in large cities and states on the coasts The Republican Party (GOP, the elephant) More conservative party, support state rights and resist a large role for the federal government †¢Wants to give a great deal of free play to market economy and are opposed to government regulations of the economy †¢Lower level of taxation †¢Every-man-for-himself tradition, are suspicious of welfare systems †¢Have support in the Midwest and the south and among businesspeople Democrats and Republicans †¢Some Democrats are more conservative than Republicans and some Republicans are more liberal than Democrats. †¢Different histories and tradition Serious political consequences the Republicans have grown more powerful because conservative southerners have left the democrats Advantages and disadvantages of a two-party system †¢Gives a stable foundation to build on †¢Forces the parties to look for voter support from the center of American politics, encouraging moderation, an agreement, a â€Å"consensus† †¢The two-party system helps create such broad agreement †¢Wastes votes of millions who vote for candidates who are not elected oUndermines democracy †¢No directions other than leading the country Blocks new ideas and movements (they are drawn into the coalitions) Interest Groups and Lobbyists †¢Joining or supporting a political party is not the only way to influence the political process in America †¢A more direct route INTEREST GROUPS oPolitical orga nizations which seek to influence government policy about one specific issue or related set of issues oCompromise without being part of one of the great party coalitions oCan be more straightforward, aggressive and ideological PACs †¢Political Action Committee Organized specifically to elect (or defeat) politicians or to promote legislation †¢Collects contributions and use them to support or oppose candidates oHard money goes directly to the candidates oSoft money pays for campaigns in various ways Lobbyists †¢Interest groups make use of lobbyists who try to persuade individual politicians to support the interests they represent. They have recently become more active (16 00034000) †¢Can be done in many ways: Taking them out for dinner, paying their way to conferences and seminars, finding jobs for their relatives and so on †¢Lobbyists are found near the centers of power. Spent 2. 4 billion in 2005 Advantages and disadvantages †¢Make the citizens politically active †¢They show that the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are being put to good use †¢Some worry about the increasing role of interest groups oWeakened political parties? oSplits the electorate up in warring groups? †¢Another reason for concern is the skyrocketing expense of getting elected †¢Senate campaigns costs minimum 3 million dollars, rising to 10 million in big states †¢House of Representatives: 1 million dollars every two years oA great deal of the money comes from lobbyists Electing a President †¢To major stages in the election process oDeciding nominees for candidates for President and Vice President oElecting President and Vice President †¢Primaries winner national convention nomination Vice President/platform campaign election (people) election (electoral college) President The nomination race †¢Exhausting process †¢January June: Primaries are held in most states oChoosing a party nominee †¢Earlier they were chosen by state party conventions Not good, because they ended up being controlled by a party elite †¢Decided to choose nominees by a special state-wide election †¢Protects the public from the leadership of its own political parties †¢Primaries are held at different times in different states and often with different rules †¢Each party emerges with a man or a woman as winner in each of the states holding a primary oWinner is the state’s delegates at the party’s national convention †¢As the primaries proceed, the number of persons running for the nomination is gradually reduced to two or three per party †¢Failure losing support †¢Succeed momentum and fresh funding Earlier the primary season was longer, and that gave relatively unknown candidates the chance to gain support oExample: Jimmy Carter †¢Recently, primaries are held earlier and earlier oNo point in holding a state primary after other primary elections have already determined which candidate has a majority of delegates at the national party convention †¢Held as early as possible, on the same day in several states †¢This favors well-known candidates with a lot of money who can campaign in several states †¢Ironically, the money comes from powerful special interests, forces primaries were created to avoid Tickets and platforms Late August/early September, a national convention is held in a major city †¢A party chooses its final candidate for President †¢Used to be an exciting event (unknown who would become candidate) †¢These days, the results are almost always already decided from the primaries †¢The nomination is â€Å"ritual†, with balloons and speeches and cheering crowds †¢However, a good deal of interest is still connected to the choosing of a party â€Å"ticket† and the creation of a party â€Å"platform†. †¢The party ticket is the team of candidates running for President and Vice President †¢The choice of Vice President is up to the President Often a secret until the presidential nomination is accepted †¢A BALANCED TICKET, to reach a broad section of the electorate oCandidate from South, other one from North/West oCandidate is woman, other one is a man oCandidate is conservative, other one is liberal oCandidate is inexperienced, other one is a seasoned politician or statesman †¢All interests can’t be balanced in two people, but an effort is made †¢Once the tick et is clear, the two sit down with the party leadership and write a party platform oThe team will run for election Party platform closest thing to an ideological statement †¢It consists of political statements or promises which together make the party’s political program †¢They differ from year to year and election to election, addresses the different issues of the day and incorporate with new political trends †¢They want to meet the expectations of as wide a group of voters as possible oFuzzy and broad, both parties promise the same things The election and the Electoral College †¢Finally there is the actual election †¢Serious campaigning starts in September and lasts until voting day, the first Tuesday in November †¢The candidates travel all over the country, speaks at meetings, takes part in official debates, appears on TV, gaining recommendations from important people, TV-ads, press releases, e-mails, books, pamphlets and etc †¢Expensive, in 1996 it amounted together 448. million dollars. In 2008 it doubled to over 1 billion dollars, 500 million dollars on each. †¢The President and Vice President are not elected directly by the popular vote †¢They are elected indirectly by a majority of the electoral votes cast by the nation’s fifty states system †¢The 41 days comes from the old days (1787), when it was a lot harder to travel around. Most people didn’t know who the candidates were, but they trusted someone in town. Votes were cast for these men as electors from each state. They assembled, discussed the candidates, and sent their decision to Washington D. C. †¢The candidate who had won a majority of the popular vote in a state got all the electoral votes in the state (Winner takes it all) The Electoral College †¢Each state is given a number of electors equal to its presentation in Congress oTwo Senators + a varied number of Congress man †¢D. C. , which belongs to no state has three electors The number of electoral votes is equal to: o435 congressmen o100 senators o3 from the District of Columbia †¢538 electoral votes †¢To win the Presidential election a candidate must have a majority of these votes, that is 269+1 = 270 votes. †¢It is possible for a President to be elected with a majority of the votes in the Electoral College while having a minority of the popular vote nationwide. oSmall states are over-represented in the Electoral College How to cite The American System of Government, Essay examples

Importance of Perception in Healthcare-Free-Samples for Students

Questions:. 1.Define perception and why it is important in regard Healthcare? 2.Explain how attitudes influence behavior in Health Operations. Answers: 1.Perception and why it is important in regard Healthcare Perception is the method of organizing, identifying and interpreting the sensory information for representing and understanding the presented information. Perception is necessary in health care for the health care professionals. The perspective of the patient in a particular healthcare organization is equal to the reputation of the brand (Darlow et al., 2012). If patients have had good experience they can rely further in to the organization and return for the care again. The perspective of the staff or the health care professionals on the other hand is proportional to the service delivery. A health care professional should have perceptions in turns of ethics, service care delivery. Perceptions among the clinicians help them to choose the best treatment regimen. 2.Attitudes influence behavior in Health Organization? Attitude can be defined as the mental state of readiness that can be obtained through experience that has a dynamic influence on the response of the individual to all situations. Health care professionals should always develop a positive attitude that will actually impact on the health of the client as well as individual's job performance (Al-Arifi, 2012). A positive demeanor can be beneficial to terminally ill patients or elderly patients suffering from cognitive problems. Positive attitude always helps to develop courage in the patient to fight with his or her ailment. It will make a difference in how the patient feels. It will help them to believe that they are being cared for. It also helps to deal with the various stressors of the job, manage the interpersonal relationships and also to create solutions for complex problems. Maintaining a positive attitude also helps to reduce unintentional events and accidents as it helps the caregivers to remain focused and maintain a healthy l ife style (Darlow et al., 2012). It also helps to earn a good reputation and helps in the advancement of the career. References Al-Arifi, M. N. (2012). Patients perception, views and satisfaction with pharmacists role as health care provider in community pharmacy setting at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 20(4), 323-330. Darlow, B., Fullen, B. M., Dean, S., Hurley, D. A., Baxter, G. D., Dowell, A. (2012). The association between health care professional attitudes and beliefs and the attitudes and beliefs, clinical management, and outcomes of patients with low back pain: a systematic review. European Journal of Pain, 16(1), 3-17.

Marketing Audit Essay Example

Marketing Audit Essay Walt Disney Corporation Marketing Audit Max McKay Sabrina Coady Henrik Oiseth Principles of Marketing 308 Professor Simpson November 14, 2006 Walt Disney Corporation Founded in 1923, the Walt Disney Company has predicated itself as the world’s best in the family entertainment business. After 80 years in the business, who could argue with that statement? Today, Walt Disney Corporation dominates the market of family entertainment. An unparalleled experience is the direct affect of superior quality, innovative content, and brilliant storytelling. To capture such a highly diverse market, Walt Disney has divided itself into four main business segments: Studio Entertainment, Parks and Resorts, Consumer Products, and Media Networks. The purpose of these different segments is to integrate, and effectively operate in performance to maximize exposure and growth (Disney Online, 2006). This paper will analyze Disney’s marketing strategies directed at promoting its theme parks and resorts, as well as the firm’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Business Mission Walt Disney pioneered the world of entertainment into what we know today. In 1940, the Burbank Studio was constructed in California with a staff of more than 1,000 artists, animators, story men, and technicians (â€Å"Walt, Biography† n. d. ). Due to World War II, 94% of the Disney work was associated with special government work. This included the production of training and propaganda films for the armed services, as well as health films that are still shown throughout the world by the U. S. State Department of Health (â€Å"Walt, Biography† n. d). We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Audit specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Audit specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Marketing Audit specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Walt Disney’s dream came to life in 1955 when the first Disneyland amusement park was built in California, priced around $17 million (â€Å"Walt, Biography† n. d). Through all of this, Walt’s original purpose was to stimulate the idea of education in children through entertainment in his movies, shows, and theme parks. The company’s mission statement states Walt’s aspiration to â€Å"nurture the imaginations of children around the world a well as to celebrate American values† (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). Walt Disney and company has successfully upheld this mission in the business for over 80 years now. Objectives It was Walt’s objective to provide a service in which every person would desire now, as well as in the future. More than this, Walt Disney inspired to reach and touch as many people as possible, providing an unsurpassed experience in the world of entertainment. The firm’s stated objective is to be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information (â€Å"Disney Online,†2006). Walt Disney Corporation focuses on using its assortment of brands to differentiate its content, services and consumer products. Disney online states that the company’s financial goals are to â€Å"maximize earnings and cash flow, and to allocate capital profitability toward growth initiatives that will drive long-term shareholder value† (2006). These goals of being the world’s leader in producing and providing entertainment are entirely realistic, considering the current financial position of Disney. The financial goals are also measurable in terms of revenue expected. Walt Disney Corporation is specifying goals by stating that they intend to differentiate content, services and consumer products, to run a superior business. The time period in which this firm plans to accomplish this objective is alluded to in its financial goals, stating that the firm aims to sustain long-term shareholder value. Internal Strengths The Walt Disney Corporation brand name has powerfully distinguished itself nationwide as one of the best in the entertainment business. Operating at a multinational level, Walt Disney has over 58,000 employees worldwide, accompanied by more than 189,000 shareholders. Since 1995, Walt Disney has nearly doubled its sales to over $33 billion dollars. In the same time frame, net income of this organization has more than doubled, from $1. 2 billion to $2. 8 billion. Disney stock prices have also increased steadily throughout its existence. Current stock prices are hovering around $30 per share (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). Walt Disney Corporation can contribute much of its success to a large number of resources, superior experience, and its low-cost strategy. The company has developed a well -known brand name that has lead to high brand loyalty. This has given the organization the ability to adapt when product line sales decrease. At the same time, financial stability has allowed Walt Disney Corporation to extend its product line and services into home video, film, merchandise, radio broadcasting, network television, and theme parks (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). As product line sales declined in the US, Disney has effectively expanded its operations to Japan and Europe. Overall, financial stability is one of Walt Disney’s primary internal strengths, giving the firm flexibility to submerge into a variety of different markets and expand operations globally. Innovative thinking by Disney employees has been critical to the company’s success. Employees have highly contributed to several box office hits in Disney productions. Creative and unique ideas this firm continually produces has overshadowed much of the competition. In an industry where extreme amounts of capital investments are required for new market entrants, Walt Disney has intimidated many new market entrants by dominating the market of entertainment. Much of this success is contributed to the organization’s internal assets in human resources. Another internal strength of Walt Disney is its ability to control costs. Disney benefits from implementing a low-cost-corporate-strategy while delivering superior goods and services at the same time (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). The low-cost strategy has subsequently minimized financial risks within the organization. Once again, this is possible because of limited competition. Internal Weaknesses Although Walt Disney is a very successful organization, every company fights one or several weaknesses within the organization. A case study on Walt Disney Corporation points out three primary internal weaknesses. The first is an affect from the firm’s large work force. Communication is critical to any organization’s success and problems will inevitably exist with ideas and information circulating across 58,000 employees. The large work force inadvertently creates a high bureaucracy level within the corporation, which promotes stages of inequality between employees. By diversifying into more niches, Disney must be able to support the expansion of the company’s work force through efficient and effective means of communication (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). With Disney’s persistent growth, supporting such a large number of employees and constant changes in top-management positions can become dangerous. The firm’s intentions are to bring in fresh ideas and different perspectives by changing executives, but employees may not always understand the reasoning behind this tactic, thus leading to inefficiency and possible moral dilemmas within the company. Although there are several positives that supplement structural changes, resistance and heavy expenses are often associated along with these changes (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). The third and final internal weakness noted in the case study of Walt Disney Corporation is the firm’s high overhead expenses. The case study notes that, â€Å"Large overhead costs are usually direct effects of a large work-force and a large number of fixed assets† (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). As Disney products and services expand globally, a vast amount of employees and fixed assets tied into the company is impossible to avoid. External Opportunities For an organization to be successful, recognizing external opportunities is crucial. After recognizing an opportunity, the company must research and continue to analyze the research to respond quickly and effectively to the market. Walt Disney Corporation has taken full advantage of external opportunities presented throughout its livelihood in the entertainment business. One opportunity Disney recognized and responded to at an early stage was the deficient movie market for young children. The newly animated movies produced by Disney have specifically targeted a young audience and has done so effectively, resulting in high profit margins. Although their target audience is generally the younger generation, many teens and adults have found themselves enjoying Disney productions. Competition has found it difficult to penetrate the company’s highly diversified product/service mix in such a highly specialized industry (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). Diversification of products and services is a strategy that the Disney Corporation clearly focuses on in order to establish a competitive advantage in the entertainment market. In addition, extraordinary initial capital investments are essential to enter the business. The entertainment industry itself has presented itself to be a high opportunity market. People will relentlessly seek amusement and entertainment in until the end of times. Movies, cartoon shows, toys, and Disney theme parks all have a value that consumers will actively pursue as we have seen on a daily basis. With such a high market share, Disney obtains considerable leverage in pricing. If the demand for Disney products and/or services is high, the organization can increase prices. If the demand is low, Disney can afford to lower prices. This is another direct affect of the firm’s financial stability they have established through 80 years of successful operations. Another external opportunity is seen in positive government attitudes towards the organizations operations. Although government is generally recognized as being more of a negative factor in large corporations, government forces nationwide have contributed to Walt Disney’s product/service mix. For example, the French government invested over USD 1. 2 billion in a Euro Disneyworld development. Benefits of this investment went towards tax reliefs in cost of goods sold accounts and communication facilities (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). The French government’s financial support in this situation would make it difficult for Walt Disney Corporation to lose large amounts of capital in a new theme park. Consistent funding from government entities is an advantage every corporation dreams about. External Threats Despite the number of external opportunities presented to the Disney organization, there still lies a few external threats. Although Disney has been very successful in the movie line, the business itself is extremely risky. Marketing research is important in the case of the movie and network-television industry. Understanding when and why the market shifts suddenly and frequently is critical to every organizations success. Disney must understand the external environment in this case and sustain sales through market orientation. Despite the overall market barrier in this industry, competition is always a factor in the network-television industry. The Disney channel has many rivals as new cartoons have surfaced in television both domestically and internationally from Sponge Bob Square Pants to Scooby-Doo. Disney has created a niche in targeting a specific age group of young children in its movies and cartoon shows, resulting in much of the firm’s success. One factor that has limited the firm’s external threats is the expansion of its business. The Walt Disney Company case study writes that, â€Å"†¦ the company has hedged itself to the macroeconomics factor, as it has diversified its business worldwide† (1996). If there happen to be an economic depression in one area of the world, operations in another site would support in covering losses by increasing revenues. Although most businesses would be affected by a recession, Disney has taken full advantage of the opportunity to expand globally. The primary rationale for not pursing high revenue on a consistent basis is because the corporate policy is to grow slowly and not try to impress anyone. With economic depression seldom spreading across the world instantaneously, this firm can rest easier than most organizations in the entertainment business. Strengths tied to Opportunities Opportunities that have been recognized and taken advantage of by Walt Disney Corporation can be contributed to the organizations internal strength of human resources. Disney executives take on a decentralized management approach by encouraging ideas from employees within the organization. The most creative and artistic employees usually meet every Sunday in what is called a â€Å"Gong-Show† (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). Here, employees brainstorm in order to come up with innovative ideas and new business concepts/strategies (â€Å"The Walt Disney Company,†1996). Top employees benefit from special perk-packages, higher bonuses and an increase in salary. Although this expense is heavy, Walt Disney Corporation has dedicated itself to employee satisfaction, knowing much of the organization’s top achievements have come by way of its own workers. Porter’s Five-Forces Model is alluded to in any marketing case. Throughout the SWOT analysis, several relationships were brought up that tied this model to the Walt Disney organization. Examples aforementioned, integrated in Porter’s Five-Forces Model, include new entrants, customers, and competitors. Below is a diagram of the model: Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model Walt Disney Marketing Strategy Good enough to get by is not good enough for Disney. Unlike other organizations that claim to be the best at what they do, Disney has the numbers to back up this statement. Disney’s Parks and Resorts attract over 50 million people annually. This number is unmatched by any competitor in the industry. The very reason behind their success lies in the firm’s marketing strategy. The marketing strategy of a business will undoubtedly make or break an organization. Such work is the daily commerce of Walt Disney’s imaginers, a core group of creative and highly skilled professional wizards (Eisner, 22). These employees combine imagination with engineering to create the reality of dreams that is Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland, the world’s most popular vacation kingdoms. The desire to take his passion for storytelling far beyond the confines of two-dimensions, Walt Disney inspired to construct an adventure park that emulated the sensation of stepping inside a theatre for the first time. Walt wanted every inch of the place to be part of a story, as in a movie or television show. Walt and his first team of imaginers invented the theme park business by inventing the process of â€Å"Imagineering. † Imagineering is the process of learning and succeeding by dreaming and acting (Eisner, 11). Walt Disney Parks and Resorts initiated the slogan, â€Å"Where Dreams Come True. To make this more possible, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts have grown to encompass the Disney Cruise Line, seven Disney Vacations Club resorts, Adventures by Disney, and five resort locations (encompassing 11 theme parks) on three continents. Disney’s drawing board concepts are designed to bring Disney experiences to new markets. Within new markets, Disney remains dedicated to the promise that its cast members turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Making dreams come true every day is a central theme to Disney’s global growth strategy. Walt Disney’s Five Marketing Strategies A successful marketing strategy defines the future for a company. Walt Disney Corporation has five marketing success strategies. First, Walt Disney sells more to existing customers. At Walt Disney theme parks, customers are continuously offered other products and services to purchase. For example, upon exiting an attraction, customers enter a store themed to that attraction with gifts. In addition, while traveling on trams, monorails, trains and boats, there are continuous marketing announcements. These recordings inform customers of ways to upgrade their tickets, persuade them to stay longer, dine at Disney’s restaurants, or go to other attractions that Disney and company offers. Recognizing that current customers are the easiest to sell to, Disney targets them by taking every opportunity to sell them more. The next marketing strategy Walt Disney follows is expanding its marketplace. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, attracts visitors from all over the world. With extensive environmental scanning and research, Disney realized they could expand its business if the firm offered its products to other marketplaces outside of the USA. As a result, Disney developed country specific theme parks and delivered its products to these marketplaces, constructing its global vision. Disney has increased its marketplace and created worldwide brand recognition by building these country specific theme parks. Now that the firm’s market has increased, its resorts and parks are easier to visit and ultimately more available to Disney’s target market, families. The exclusiveness of Disney’s theme parks has not affected tourists from traveling across the world to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World. The value of service and experience presented by Disney is unsurpassed in the world of entertainment. Most Disney Theme Parks are mostly open seven days a week for 10-12 hours a day to satisfy customers as much as possible (Orlando Sentinel, 2006). Walt Disney Theme Parks cover a very big area and an individual can not go through an entire park in one day. For this reason, it is more than just a one day visit to the park, it is a destination. Since 1971, Disney has been the top family-vacation destination in the world because visitors can spend several days experiencing everything Disney has to offer (Orlando Sentinel, 2006). Add many fine restaurants and shopping venues on top of thrilling roller coaster rides, and customers see that there is plenty to keep them busy while wondering inside Walt Disney Parks. Disney offers many different hotel options for travellers looking to stay on-site. For an example, Grand Floridian Resort Spa and Animal Kingdom Lodge are some of the few hotels that place guests in the finest surroundings, alongside exceptional service and luxurious on-site dining. Disneys All-Star Resorts provide high-quality accommodations at reasonable prices. Walt Disney provides transportation between on-site hotels and its theme parks. Even if an individual or family does not stay on-site, it is easy to take Disneys transportation services between the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios and other Disney destinations (Orlando Sentinel, 2006). The service aspect of the Disney Company illustrates their ability to entertain and satisfy visitors, young and old. Walt Disney World Theme Parks strive to improve and add to their offerings. Disney is constantly expanding, building, and looking to improve. With its existing theme parks, Disney is always introducing innovations to its parks. Buzz Light-year Astro Blasters was recently unveiled at Disneyland. This ride entails riders to turn circles in their cars while shooting laser cannons to defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. Riders compete for points, but the interactivity does not end there. People at home can download a free video game on his or her computer and play along with the riders in real time. These regular improvements draw back repeat visitors. In addition to improving its existing theme parks and building new theme parks, Disney is persistently inventing new products to sell. Walt Disney movies are the most well known of its products. Disney’s studios are always working to create new motion pictures and releasing them into the marketplace to produce consistent profits. The company further leverages its movies by incorporating its products into theme park attractions. The synergy Disney has developed between its theme parks and movies helps drive the organization’s movie sales, creating a well-defined marketing mix. One thing that makes Disney parks unique is that they pioneer some of the most innovative and one-of-a-kind attractions. A couple examples are Indiana Jones and Test Track, which is the first of Disney’s true thrill rides (Cabico, 2006). These are just a few of the Disney Theme Park rides that have put Disney ahead in the theme park industry. Disney Theme Parks also have the reputation of being the most clean and professionally run parks in the world (Cabico, 2006). A primary reason for this is that cast members working these parks make it a priority to make each and every guest feel special (Cabico, 2006). Promotion Marketing activities are a critical part of a companys strategic plan. An organization may have an outstanding product, but if they are unable to communicate that to the market, the product is not likely to be successful. While the common interpretation of marketing is advertising, additional components, including the product itself, promotion, sales promotion, public relations, and pricing strategy are also critical components of the marketing mix. When developing a marketing plan, companies must take into account their target market. Disney Theme Parks’ target market is family. One of the best ways to reach families and appeal to the market is through promotional activities. Walt Disney Theme Parks practice continuous promotion. They have a marketing budget and a plan that’s designed to keep their message in front of their audience. People regularly see Disney’s ads on TV, in print publications and on the Internet. Disney also sends direct mail pieces to past customers with varying offers. Disney’s promotions are designed to continuously remind its customers that they are waiting for them. The Year of a Million Dreams is Disneys latest promotional marketing campaign. The yearlong celebration began on October 1, 2006 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California. It has been called the Disney Dreams Giveaway promotion. During this campaign, Disney Park employees will present gifts, or â€Å"dreams,† to visitors. One recipient was awarded the fast-pass allowing them to skip the park’s lines. Guests were also given the opportunity for overnight stays in the new Cinderella Castle Suite at Magic Kingdom Park (Disney Online 2006). Advertising Disney has created a strong advertising appeal for families to visit Disney theme parks. â€Å"Where dreams come true† is Disney’s unique selling proposition. On May 5, 2005, Disney Theme Parks began to celebrate their 50th year of the 1955 opening of the first Disneyland. The 50th year anniversary was an opportunity for Disney to practice institutional advertising, building their image and educating the public about Disney Theme Parks. To educate the public about Disney Theme Parks and the 18-month anniversary celebration, Disney used different media to reach their target markets. Disneyland’s 50th anniversary necessitated that marketers within Disney’s resorts search for creative ways to spread news across the entertainment company’s various media outlets. This required observation of the marketing environment to determine a new way of reaching out to consumers. Walt Disney’s idea for the 18-month international anniversary celebration was taking passive entertainment and making it immersive in an attempt to educate the public about Disneyland. Disneyland is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an estimated $150 million in marketing support (Cabico, 2006). Television presents creative opportunities that allow Disney to advertise through targeted channels and reach their target market. The Disney Channel is targeted to the tween-to-teen viewer, aged roughly 8 to 15. This targeted channel allows Disney to reach children, an audience within their target market. ABC also did a segment on videos filmed on Walt Disney. To advertise this campaign, the program starred three actors on ABCs most popular shows to obtain people’s interest. Playing off the hype of a star to promote Disney represents the halo effect. The stars involved were: Kim Yun-Jin from Lost, James Denton from Desperate Housewives, and Isaiah Washington from Greys Anatomy. These actors gave testimonials about their hopes and dreams. Country singer Sara Evans, a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, also appeared on ABC (People’s Daily Online, 2006). The ads were shot in a reflective, documentary style. The message, advertising Disneyland, explored the dreams of each individual and what it took to accomplish them. Even new SOAP net got involved in advertising the Disney parks for the 50th anniversary. On January 1, 2005, during the anniversary celebration, Disney kicked off its global branding campaign. SOAP net’s telecast of the Tournament of Roses parade adopted the theme, â€Å"Celebrating Family. † Targeting families in its parade theme can be traced back to Disney’s mission statement, â€Å"nurturing the imaginations of children and celebrating American qualities. † The anniversary exceeded expectations. Disney Chief Financial Officer Thomas O. Staggs told investors and analysts during a conference call in May of 2005 that overall profit increased 12% in the second quarter (People’s Daily Online, 2006). An estimated 63. 1 million people visited Disneys parks in Anaheim, California and Orlando, Florida last year (People’s Daily Online, 2006). â€Å"Attendance at Disneyland was up 8. 5% last year over 2004,† said John Robinett, senior vice president of Los Angeles-based Economics Research Associates (People’s Daily Online, 2006). Effective advertising attracted the increased attendance at Disney Theme Parks. Pubic Relations After Disneyland hit the half-century mark, the Walt Disney Co. faced some critical challenges. One of these challenges is geographic. The company is set to open its 11th park in Hong Kong in September and could soon announce plans for another in mainland China. The question is how many more places in the world can support a massive new multi-day theme park? From a public relations perspective, Mickey and Minnie were just two of several characters to use at the opening of the Hong Kong Disneyland to carry their message. The PR excitement for the mid-sized amusement park is stemming from two contentious parts of society, big business and government (Cabico, 2006). The promises that Disney made for Hong Kong Disneyland aised public relations pressures, issues that may elicit public concern. The first promise is Disneyland’s fundamental appeal that kids and families will have fun together at the park. The second promise is that Disneyland will help drive the next generation of Hong Kong tourism and possibly help to stimulate the country’s economy. The third promise is that similar to Disneyland, Hong Kong will enhance its position as an international capital, attracting world-class culture, investment, brands, and talent (People’s Daily Online, 2006). These promises that Disney is making are placing positive information in the news media to attract attention to their services. However, it is risky for any company to make a promise, as the result may enhance or detriment Disney’s image. Disney’s biggest challenge, however, may be keeping the attention and dollars of a generation raised on video games. The demand for games is extremely high and has slowly gained leverage over Disney’s entertainment than most Disney attractions provide. Almost everything Disney does today is passive, while kids today expect everything to be interactive,† said Martin Lindstrom, a brand expert and author who has previously consulted for Disney (People’s Daily Online, 2006). As mentioned above, Disney has already begun to offer interactive entertainment such as, the new Buzz Light-year Astro Blazers ride. Riders compete for points, but the interactivity does not end there. People at home can download a free video game o n his or her computer and play along with the riders in real time. Disney is also counting on the Internet, cell phones, digital projectors and other technology to make its parks more appealing to Generation Y, while maintaining the nostalgia that appeals to baby boomers at the same time. In an effort to enhance their image and promote health in kids, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts declared on October 16 of 2006, that well-balanced meals for children will now become the standard offering at Disney-operated restaurants and kiosks in its U. S. , as part of the firm’s new food guidelines to promote health in kids (Disney Online, 2006). The guidelines will be adapted internationally over the next several years. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced a plan to eliminate all added Trans fats and enhance the taste of most of its food offerings for kids and adults by the end of 2007. Disney’s new food guidelines are aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Disney Consumer Products has already begun to offer many licensed products that comply with the guidelines. There are now kid sized apples and bananas. Consumers can also purchase organic food and pasta shaped as Mickey, or one of the other well-known characters. The chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts said: â€Å"This is a terrific initiative because it makes it easier for parents, even while on vacation, to offer their children well balanced meals with kid appeal† (Disney Online, 2006). Disney is generally synonymous with fun and can play a very important role in getting kids to eat a more balanced diet. Price The price for certain attractions varies dependent on the theme park location and which ticket that customer purchases. Disney’s slogan that accompanies their ticket prices reads: â€Å"The Longer You Play, The More You Save Per Day. Disney accepts many different payment options and purchase options to lessen the hassle for customers. Disney also offers several different packages to satisfy consumers. One of these packages is called Magic Your Way Package. Magic Your Way Ticket, costs $67 and will give each member of the party entry to one theme park a day for each day of the ticket (Disney Online, 2006). There ar e four parks within Disney Theme Parks, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and MGM. If an individual purchases the Magic Your Way Package they can only attend one of these four parks. Some of the benefits people get by buying a Magic Your Way Package are three hours of extra time after regular park closing and transportation to different places throughout the park (Disney Online, 2006). Another significant benefit is that cast members provide a 24-hour service to ensure that the vacation is as worry-free as possible (Disney Online, 2006). A ticket called, Park Hopper, allows a person to visit more than one of the four theme parks each day of the pass (Disney Online, 2006). The Park Hopper

Somatoform Disorder Essays

Somatoform Disorder Essays Somatoform Disorder Paper Somatoform Disorder Paper This disorder encompasses several health disorders. The disease affects the daily activities of the patient. The patients do have a strong believe that they are sick and in turn might not be faking the illness. The disease is hard to be tested from many tests and it makes the patient more worried. Their treatment requires a lot of attention and the best treatment would be the family relationship. Nevertheless, many forms of treatment have worked on the disorder, which need a lot of care on the patient. SOMATOFORM DISORDER There is no physical identifiable cause of the disease though there may be physical symptoms such as nauseas, depression, pain, and dizziness. Somatoform disorder is also known as briquet’s syndrome, Pain disorder, or Body dysmorphic disorder. This disorder has a variety of mental health disorders in which the main cause is not a specific physical symptom but it manifests itself as a physical disorder. The symptoms that the patients do have are many and they last for a long time preferably years due to them not being able to be narrowed to a specific physical cause. Types of the Somatoform Disorder Pain disorder – appears largely to come from the patients psychological factors, it is more commonly in the older age and the ration is nearly equal 2:1, Conversion disorder – is where the patient’s senses of mobility are impaired with no cause only stress being the main factor. Hypochondriasis – is mostly related to the stresses that one faces in life, it is marked by fear and lack of assurance. It is now in all age groups it is no long a disorder for the grown adults nut also the adolescents and children, Body dysmorphic disorder – is a disorder that affects the features on the face or head that are exaggerated. However, these disorders do have their age group, many of the young and adolescents are affected by conversion disorders although there might be cases that involve dysmorphic disorders too. Parents are being accused on the conversion disorder, as they are more attentive on the child’s symptoms. Causes and symptoms The disorder is mainly due to the family stresses, parental modeling, cultural influences, and biological factors. These causes bring about the state where many of the patients do have chronic headaches, pain in the back, nausea, muscle cramps, and arthritis. Treatment The patient needs the greatest care in the administration of the treatment and it should be monitored at all times. The treatment has to be either medications, a firm relationship with a single practitioner, psychotherapy, and alternative medicine. Prognosis It needs to be determined whether the patient is young or old and the nature of the disorder and the longevity of the same. Nevertheless, if the patient’s overall health is improved then the treatment of the disease will be easy. Prevention Taking care of the various growing of the children so as to be able to control the onset of the disorder. References Eisendrath S. J. , (1998). Psychiatric Disorders. In Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 37th ed. Edited by Stephen McPhee, et al. , Stamford: Appleton amp; Lange. healthatoz. com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform. jsp? requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/somatoform_disorders. jsp retrieved on 04/05/2008. http://familydoctor. org/online/famdocen/home/common/pain/disorders/162. html retrieved on 04/05/2008. http://psyweb. com/Mdisord/jsp/somatd. jsp retrieved on 04/05/2008.

Media Ethics Essay Sample

Media Ethics Essay Sample Media Ethics Essay There are different kinds of media the press, entertainment and social media. Thus, there are different ethics for each one but almost similar to each other. In the past decades, journalists adhere to media ethics and have high standards but these days it appears that the press is overpowered by whoever has the bigger money or whoever is closest to the owners of the media company. Media these days are used to cover up other political or economic issues. They are used to inculcating certain ideas to the viewers. A person popular for something good can easily and quickly turn into an infamous one with how the media constantly show him to be. Sometimes real events about war and other crises are being diverted and covered up with other stories. That is how media are these days. Despite the lack of strict adherence to media ethics, here are the general ethics that they should have been following. In journalism, they follow the ethics of accurate and factual reporting, slander and libel considerations, and they have a harm limitation principle. The first one is of course expected. Media are expected to inform everyone else about something true. They need to give the actual facts and not make false truths or make assumptions. However these days, with a large number of media, some are not sticking this kind of morality. Many give false facts to people for the reasons to intrigue, grab attention, and sell. They should be publishing corrections to errors as soon as these mistakes are discovered. However today, when media commits mistakes, some even have the guts to deny their mishap and continue to stick on it. The second one is in line with the sensitivity of the first. Reporting facts is in a thin line with slandering someone especially if the event is leaning towards negativity. That is why it is very crucial for media to report as accurately as possible, so as to avoid libel a nd slander. The third one is to show right judgment and compassion to those that are affected by the event being reported. For example, the news is about a family man murdering a girl, then reporters should also be keen on the children and wife of the guy, and all others related to those involved. Just because they are reporting about them does not mean that they own them. Another form of media is entertainment. The ethics being upheld in this industry are the use of violence, sex, and use of strong language that is why there is always a categorization or rating of the films so to keep audiences aware whether they would be comfortable with it or not. Another one is product placement. Films should not be mainly just about promoting products, therefore they should accordingly use products in their productions, so it does not mainly become a commercial of it. There is also a discretion in presenting stereotypes and taboos in films, so not to encourage the wrong mindset to viewers. So, there is ethics that the media industry has to follow but with the freedom and rights being practiced by practically everyone these days, it has become challenging to keep both the journalists and the entertainers strictly adhering to the rules without modifying it too much to their own advantage.

How Does Tesco Meet The Macro-Environment Challenges Essay

How Does Tesco Meet The Macro-Environment Challenges - Essay Example It now operates in 11 markets outside the UK, in Europe and Asia. Over 100,000 employees work in their international operations, serving over  15 million customers and generating over  £11 billion sales and over  £560 million profit. Over half of group space is now outside the UK. (Tesco International)  Tesco has many branches all throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, China, Japan, and in many parts of the world, and is expanding to other parts of Asia and Hong Kong. It is an international retailer serving over 13 countries. Tesco is making headway in the difficult times and for the development of international business. It has done major acquisitions in the Czech Republic and in Poland where they bought the Leader Price stores and in Malaysia where they bought the Makro stores. (Tesco website) Stiff competition enables Tesco to apply various strategies to stay on top. Tesco is aware that consumers have an easy way of switching between stores, i.e., they choose to shop in a different store from one month to the next. They have a wide range of retailers to choose from including Wall Mart/Asda, Sainsbury, Morrison, Waitrose, M&S, Somerfield, Aldi, Lidl and Netto, other smaller supermarkets, Costco and Makro, the Co-Ops, Symbol groups, and thousands of independent retailers. (Talking Tesco) As regards competition on products, Tesco has 1,866 products cheaper than Asda which has 1,120 products cheaper than Tesco. Sainsbury’s has 451 products cheaper than Tesco which has 4,450 products cheaper than the former. Morrisons has only 417 products cheaper, while Tesco has 3,054 products cheaper than Morrisons. (Sir Terry Leahy interview) Tesco listens to communities – Tesco aims to improve the way they consult local communities before building new stores so that they can be sure that they have understood local issues and concerns. (Tesco website)  Tesco’s share data sometimes showed that there was a sharp increase in the sales of flowers.

Innovation in health issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Innovation in health issues - Essay Example This research uses internal locus embedded with Precede Proceed Model to make children believe that obesity can be controlled through internal efforts rather blaming external factors like cultural and social issues. As discussed in the literature review, childhood obesity in the 5th grade of Latino community from 1-12 years of age in the Long Beach area is on a rise mainly because of the socio-economic and cultural factors. Precede Proceed Model will be used to deal with the obesity problem. The Precede Proceed Model consists of eight phases where four are planning phases, one is implementation phase, and the remaining 3 are evaluation phases. The first phase of the model will talk about the social diagnosis by assessing the quality of life of children through personal interaction and assessment of weight and diet. The second phase will assess the health problem by assessing other health issues through medical tests. The third phase, behavioural and environmental diagnosis will inves tigate the food choices of children and their daily activities along with identifying the impact of the environment by investigating the access to healthy food, family influence, and proximity of food joints. The fourth phase, educational and organsiational diagnosis will deal with predisposing factors like perceived risk by communicating the same to children’s parents along with using reinforcing factors like arranging for healthcare providers and using their advice and suggestions to deal with the obesity issue.