Choosing Hotel Location

Several factors are put into consideration before any business enterprise or entity is established. Among them is the physical location. Hotel industry, like any other business activity has to put this factor ahead of all other factors if indeed any tangible gains are to be realized out of the business. The place where a hotel is located will determine several other things including sales volume, customers, profitability and long-term survival in the industry.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Choosing Hotel Location specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is evident that a convenient place to up a hotel should consider factors such as commercial areas, recreational grounds, airports among others .These factors can maintain good customer base as well as attracting more new customers. There has been always a controiversy on whether it’s more beneficial to put up a hotel where there are other similar hotels o r away from such businesses. One theory argues that by creating a business venture close to the competitors geographically, an entrepreneur can obtain posive externality from economic and institutional environments. In contrast, it is disputed that by locating business venture far away from its competitors, the firm will avoid localized competition and earns itself competitive advantage. Because the two theories seem to be o great importance, it’s good to consider the two in some aspects while putting up a hotel business. In most cases, it’s rare to establish a business without competitors, in other words almost all business entities operate under perfect competition characterized by product homogeneity, many sellers and buyers and above all buyers and sellers are price takers. Therefore it is important that while opening a new hotel location, one should bear in mind that there are other existing similar businesses and one should not make decisions that to some extend will affect the operations of other investors. One aspect which can clearly indicate he interruptions of other firms operations is the product priced in other competitors which include pricing of various goods and services including market’ local room rates offerd by the hoteliers. Therefore, one should come up with sound decisions which will not negatively influence the existing market’s room rates (Magnini Honeycutt, 2003). The world has become a global village and the survival for the fittest is the ultimate goal for every investor. Because of the competitive nature of the hotel industry, every one involved in the business strives very hard to get his/her own share in the market place. For this reason, it’s very easy for one to resort into unfair practices such as making the prices of your products lower than those of your competitors. The prices of commodities should directly proportional to the Quantity and the quality of goods and services offered, theref ore, once a new hotel is established it to avoid unfair competition, it should offer almost similar services at the same prices with the other competitors.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Alternatively an entrepreneur might opt to provide better and superior services than the existing competitor at the existing market rate. As a manager of a hotel, one should be able to determine critically the value and price of a hotel location in setting room rates (Bull, 1994). As pointed out later, the pricing of rooms in a hotel is dependent on several factors. For instance several studies have found out that hotels located in the3 cities or near some facilities like airports tend to be expensive than those located away from such prices. An entrepreneur might be operating two hotel facilities offering similar services under different geographical regions but the pricing of the roo ms is not the same. This is due to prevailing conditions and environments under which these two entities operate. It is therefore important to conform to the existing practices oaf the other hotel operators so as to avoid rivalry in the business. However in the process of ensuring that one does not influence the market’s local room rate, profit maximization goal should be fulfilled through ensuring that a firm does not underpriced its products otherwise losses would be incurred and even the firm will be kicked out of the business at its initial stages of operations(Cho, 2003). Most important is that quality rather than quantity is more valued in hotel industry, so when pricing the rooms they should be priced according to their quality and this will help maintain harmonious working environment among other different players in the industry. Any customer in need of a certain good or service would want to get it more conveniently and at a very convenient place. The two most impor tant goals to fulfill while running up a business are profit maximization and customer satisfaction. However, the former is dependent on the latter since no income generation without first satisfying the customers. So the most important issue to consider while putting up a new hotel is where the customers would find it more appropriate to enjoy their services. While putting up high-rise hotels in city areas, it is imperative to bear in mind the problems which come across with this decision to the local population and the tourist such as huge traffic congestion and escalating pollution. In most cases, the burden for improving and dealing with these problems is left in the hands of tax-payers. While pursuing the principle of self interest I business ventures, public interest should be taken care of so as not to make profits at the expense of harming the general public(Shoval Cohen-Hattab,2001).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Choosing Hotel Location specif ically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The other important feature to consider while selecting location for a hotel is the demographic characteristics of the target population. Different groups of people have different needs. For instance, there is no logic to open up a Chinese restaurant in a place where the people available don’t consume Chinese foods. Besides, there are some people with their own taboos and customs which prohibit them from consuming certain foods like in the case of Muslims who don’t consume pork, therefore you should not locate a hotel in a Muslim invaded community if at all you know your hotel businesses offer pork related products (Bull, 1994). Another important issue to put in consideration while selecting a new location for hotel development is the social and economic class of the surrounding population (Chou, Hsu Chen, 2008). A five-star hotel cannot be situated in a rural set up consisting of primitive dw ellers or small towns with low income earners and whose integrity and ability to spend in such hotels a re questionable. The services and facilities offered should match the social class of the people being targeted (Yoon, Chen Gursoy, 1999). Security is another critical issue that cannot be ignored while setting up a hotel. Public order issues including the possibility of fire outbreak, theft and robbery can influence the customer base in a given physical location. Hotels are not only national but international facilities which attract customers across the entire globe. It should be noted that provision of hotel services is one component of tourism for a given country and tourism income constitute a significant percentage of country’s Gross Domestic Product. All the major international hotel facilities should be located in safe and secure places so as to attract foreign tourists and customers. This area should be terror-free zones and that explains the reasons why the touri sm industry in peaceful countries keeps on growing at a very high rate. The reasons attributed to this are two, one so many investors are willing to venture their businesses in these nations and two too many foreigners are attracted to these nations (Cox Vieth, 2003). Running a successful hotel industry is a big challenge. That is why brilliant managers with high thinking and reasoning capacity coupled with critical thinking are recommended to run these businesses. And this is where the strategic management comes in. as a manager I my local area if I were to run a hotel, the first thing is to do through marketing research to establish very well the nature of the groups of people around the area(Liu Var,1986).Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More But before going into that, looking at glance, majority of the people are local community groups majority being low-income earners and afe medium income earners. There are no complex needs required to be formulated to satisfy these people therefore few things would only require to be implemented. In such an area like this, a huge percentage of the people do perform odd jobs, others are jobless and few have got formal jobs (Urtasun, 2006; Lindberg Johnson, 1997). As a result establishing expensive hotel facilities will be wastage of funds and misuse of resources. These people are mostly taxi drivers, traders, constructors etc. these people despite their low incomes are heavy consumers only that their expenditure is mainly on inferior and cheaper goods and services. Therefore providing better services than the ones being offered by the existing market players will be an important decision (Huang Stewart, 1996). The other characteristic feature of the people in the area is that it is inhabited by many drunkards and immoral groups of people. Carelessness and irresponsibility is the dominant feature of the people in the area. The results associated with these can easily be observed. After too much drinking, threes people need accommodation during the evenings and night. Besides these drunkards, there are so many commercial workers therefore making the demand for lodgings very high (Culligan, 1990). Therefore, setting up a hotel facility with so many lodgings to cater for these people will be more profitable. In addition a better pricing methodology will need to be adopted so as to make the accommodation more affordable. The nature of services provided will be very much determined by the kind of staffing and human resources available. Local people can be well pleased when served by the people they know better, therefore employing local people will retain huge customer base to some extend. In such situations there is no need for complex staffing as some customers m ight need to be approached using local language they can easily understand. An important thing to note about these groups people is that they are of different ethnic groups and you cannot identify a particular community of group to be your customer. Therefore the services should vary accordingly so as t accommodate each and everyone in the given area. This will vary in form of foods, drinks offered as well as the entertainment (Johnson Vanetti, 2005; Chen, 2001). Management of a hotel in an isolated area requires a different approach from managing a hotel in a place where other hotels are located. This is because such a facility will not enjoy the benefits of positive externalities enjoyed by the one located in the city or central business district of a given nation. High quality service delivery should be given the first priority since there are no other similar surrounding facilities (Brougham Butler, 1981). There has always been a principle of differentiation which emphasizes o n the concept of cluster concept which is as a result of behavior of consumers asking for quotations. In the process of minimizing the transportation costs incurred when the consumers are seeking market information, several hotels will always engage in cluster concept (Bachleitner Zins, 1999). A newly established hotel in an isolated area cannot enjoy all these benefits and therefore as a manager Ione should formulate and implement decisions on how to access the consumers and provide them with relevant information. The first strategies should be geared towards making the customers aware of the products available and win their confidence. This might involve massive expensive advertising which need to be an international one since the hotel is interested in both domestic and international customers. In the event that the hotel in isolation is in a place with limited support facilities such as banks supermarkets, a manager can make steps to liase with the concerned managers or directo rs of these facilities to initiate the bringing up of the same. This is because they play a very crucial role as far as attracting the customers is concerned (Andriotis, 2005). The efficient running, smooth control and coordination of operations in an hotel as well as maintaining experienced staff and human resource management team is a very crucial requirement to ensure the existence and also deal with challenges associated with increasing competition. The manager should apply the principle of professionalism and all the departments should be headed by the experienced professionals (Teye, Sonmez Sirakaya, 2002). The emergence of a new hotel into the market may lead to several outcomes such as new guests moving into the newly established property and leaving other properties and decline in rates offered by the other competitors as a result of new entrance into the market(Egan, Knowles, Bey,2000). Launching of training programmers for the employees both existing ones and the alread y existing work in hotel industry has been widely used in order to improve service delivery and help the new hotel compete fairly in the global market. This helps in bringing up competent staff hence ensuring superior services. Delegation of duties, right a correct channels of communications are some of the other principles that should be observed while managing the resources of an organization. Management decisions will determine the firm’s future and in the event that such decisions are not well made the firm might very easily be eliminated from the market. Also as a manager you should be able to predict what the proportion of foreign customers might be (Weaver Lawton, 2001). References Andriotis, K. (2005). Community groups’ perceptions of and preferences for tourism development: Evidence from Crete. Journal of Hospitality Tourism Research, 29(2).67-90. Bachleitner, R., Zins, A. H. (1999). Cultural tourism in rural communities: The residents’ perspective. Journal of Business Research, 44(3), 199-209. Brougham, J. E., Butler, R.W. (1981). A segmentation analysis of resident attitudes to social impact of tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 8(4), 569-590. Bull, A. (1994). Pricing a motel’s location. International journal of contemporary hospitality management, 6(6), 10-15. Chen, J. S. (2001). Assessing and visualizing tourism impacts from urban residents’ perspectives. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, 25(3), 235-250. Cho, M. (2003). Factors contributing to middle market hotel franchising in Korea: the franchisee perspective. Journal of Tourism Management, 25, 547-557. Chou, T., Hsu, C. Chen, M. (2008). A fuzzy multi-criteria decision model for international tourist hotels location selection. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 27,293-301. Cox, L. Vieth, G. (2003). Hotel investment in open area. Annals of Tourism Research, 30(2), 342-352. Culligan, P.E. (1990).Looking up: Lodging supply and dema nd. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 31(2), 32-35. Egan, D., Knowles, T. Bey, J. (2000).The location of licensed premises in the UK. International Journal of Wine Marketing, 12(1), 5-15. Huang, Y., Stewart, W. P. (1996). Rural tourism development: Shifting basis of community solidarity. Journal of Travel Research, 34(4), 26-31. Johnson, C. Vanetti, M. (2005). Locational strategies of International hotel chains Annals of Tourism Research, 32(4), 1077-1099. Lindberg, K., Johnson, R. L. (1997). Modelling resident attitudes toward tourism.  Annals of Tourism Research, 24(2), 402-424. Liu, J., Var, T. (1986). Resident attitudes toward tourism impacts in Hawaii. Annals of  Tourism Research, 13(2), 193-214. Magnini, V. P. Honeycutt, E. (2003). Learning orientation and the hotel expatriate manager experience. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 22,267-280. Shoval, N. Cohen-Hattab, K. (2001). Urban hotel development patterns in the face of politi cal shifts. Annals of Tourism Research, 28(4), 908-925. Urtasun, A. (2006). Hotel location in tourism cities Madrid 1936-1998. Annals of Tourism Research, 33(2), 382-402. Teye, V., Sonmez, S. F., Sirakaya, E. (2002). Residents’ attitudes toward tourism development. Annals of Tourism Research, 29(3), 668-688. Weaver, B. D., Lawton, L .J. (2001). Resident perceptions in the urban-rural fringe.  Annals of Tourism Research, 28(2), 439-458. Yoon, Y., Chen, J. S., Gursoy, D. (1999). An investigation of the relationship between tourism impacts and host communities’ characteristics. Anatolia: An International  Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, 10(1), 29-44. This assessment on Choosing Hotel Location was written and submitted by user Dangelo Ryan to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Ultimate Local Scholarships Guide How to Find and Win Them

Ultimate Local Scholarships Guide How to Find and Win Them SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You may already know a lot about some of the big, popular, national scholarships - programs like the Gates Millennium Scholarship, the Coca-Cola Scholarship, McDonald’s Scholarships, and so on. If you’re interested in applying for scholarship money, it’s definitely easiest to start with awards that you already know about. But if you only focus on these big awards, you could be missing out on a lot of cash. Local scholarship awards may be smaller than the most famous scholarship programs, but there are so many awards out there that it would be silly not to look into local options. Here, I’ll talk a bit about how these local awards differ from the national ones and why it’s important that you consider these smaller scholarships. Then, I’ll talk about how you can find scholarships in your community. I’ll end with tips and strategies for submitting the best possible applications for local scholarship awards. Keep reading if you want to win the most local scholarship money possible! How Are Local Awards Different From National Ones? The scholarships you may already have heard about offer some seriously large monetary awards: The Gates Scholarship covers all unmet need through college; the average annual award through 2014 came to about $12,500. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship gives winners $20,000. The McDonald’s HACER Scholarship gives $100,000 over four years. With big payouts like these + name-brand recognition, you’re going to come up against a lot of competition for these awards. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for them - it just means you should also look into local awards. What Makes Local Awards So Great? Local scholarships, by definition, are going to be targeted towards a smaller pool of potential applicants. The award amount may be smaller - they’re probably not funded by international private organizations - but they also will be less competitive.That means you often have a much better chance of receiving an award! There are some other serious advantages that come with focusing on local scholarships: First, it'll probably be easier for you to seek out personalized information and feedback about available scholarships. This is because you have resources available to you in the form of guidance counselors, teachers, or community leaderswho may know about local programs.This means you're more likely to find awards that are a good fit for you. Second, becauselocal scholarshipsare relatively small (on average), you may find that their application processes are less intensive than thoseof the huge, national awards. This means it may be easier for you to apply for the awards you're interested in. Are you convinced yet that you should check out some small, local scholarships? If so, keep reading! How to Find Local Scholarships in Your Community There's no one way to go about looking for local scholarships, but there are a lot of different resources for you to take advantage of. The following tips and strategies will help you find as many appropriate local awards as possible. Talk to Your Guidance or College Counselor Your guidance and college counselors are awesome resources. They tend to be very plugged into info on local awards and scholarship programs, and because they also (presumably) know you, they may be able to point you to awards that arethe best fit for you. You'll make a good impression on your counselor if you’re proactive andspeak to herabout awards.This will help you learn about local awards, of course, but it'll also be helpful when it comes time to find references forcertain scholarship applications. Guidance and college counselors often write great letters of recommendation. Focus on Local Community and Cultural Centers Community and cultural centers are hubs of local activity. If there are any popular local scholarship programs available, these centers may have information on them. They may even offer scholarships themselves! Take Advantage of Online Resources The College Board's scholarship databaseis a great place to start looking, even when it comes to local awards. The databasemay not have info on extremely limitedorvery small scholarships, but it does include state-based awards. Another thing to keep in mind is this resource doesn’t just list scholarships based ongeography - itconsiders allsorts of relevant group affiliations that may affect scholarship eligibility. In addition to looking atthe College Board's website, you'll want to do your own experimenting with looking for scholarships online. Start with some trial and error with Google - for example, search for "scholarship [your town]," "scholarship [your county]," "scholarship [your state]," or "scholarship [group affiliation]." Independent online research is key tofinding local awards. Submitting the Best Applications for Local Awards If you already have some local scholarship programs in mind (or even if you’re still looking), it’s important to submit the best scholarship applications possible to maximize your chances of winning money. Each local program is likely to have its own application, criteria, submission deadline, and administrative protocols. Keeping track of all of this information and actually completing the applications will be a pretty significant commitment on your end. As such, you want to make sure each application is appropriately submitted - you don’t want to put in a ton of work and not have anything pan out because you didn't follow instructions! The following tips will help you optimize your success rate in applying for local awards. Step #1: Make Sure You Meet All Eligibility Criteria This is a big one - small awards are likely to have smaller, more specific target audiences, so you don’t want to waste your time applying for a scholarship that you have no chance of winning. Chances are you'll be automatically disqualified if you don't meet all criteria, regardless of your other accomplishments. If you have any questions about eligibility criteria, or if they’re unclear, contact the scholarship program ASAP so that they can clear things up. Step #2: Ask Yourself If You're a Good Fit This is related to the previous tip - because smaller local awards might be targeting smaller groups of students with specific interests, strengths, or backgrounds, you’ll want to assess whether you’re a good fit for the award before applying. For example, let's say you find an award for scholar-athletes. If you'revery strong academically but the last sport you played was JV lacrosse freshman year (and you sat on the bench for most games), you probably won’t be a competitive applicant. It might be prudent to skip an application like this even if you technically meet all eligibility requirements. Ultimately, you'll want to look for scholarships that fit best with your strengths. You may not be an ideal scholar-athlete, but maybe your time spent volunteering with local nonprofits would make you a competitive applicant for a community service award, for example. Your "fit" for a specific program is perhaps more important than your raw accomplishments. Step #3: Emphasize Your Ties to the Scholarship and the Community Local scholarship programs are typicallycreatedand run by local people who are invested in students in their community. Boost your chances of winning local scholarships by emphasizing your connection to this community. You'll want to start by thinking abouthow you conceptualize this "community." What is the group that the scholarship program is targeting, and how are you a part of it? If you're looking at a state-wide scholarship, it’s likely to be state-funded. You don't necessarily have to get too gung-ho about how much you love your state of residence. If you're looking at a scholarship based on some other geographical area (e.g. your city, town, or county), spend some time brainstorming about what this community means to you, how you’ve participated in it, why you value it, etc. You don’t have to gush about it in your application, but if you have an opportunity to write an essay make sure to emphasize these connections. If you're looking at a scholarship based on a non-geographical community (e.g. a local organization, religious or interest group, etc.), you’d take the same sort of strategy as above. Do your research on the group’s mission and values if applicable. You’ll want your application to be congruent with these values. For example,if you’re applying for a community service award, talk about how the scholarship would help you further serve your community in the future. If you’re applying for a scholarship that’s awarded in memory of another individual, learn about that person! Chances are that family friends of that person are the ones going over applications. Do you sharecommon interests and values? Step #4: Complete All Parts of the Application Before you even start a scholarship application, read through all the paperwork tomake sure you'reable to provide everythingthat's required. For example,if the scholarship is due tomorrow and the app asks for a letter of recommendation, it’s probably not going to happen. Plan on submitting the application exactly as itsrules state,even if the program is old school and asks you to fax the application or something silly like that. Common application componentsinclude: The application itself, including demographic information Application essays Financial information (for need-based scholarships) Academic information, like transcripts and test scores(for merit-based scholarships) Letters of recommendation Other supporting documentation (e.g. records of volunteer hours) Step #5: Make Sure to Meet the Deadline Submitting a scholarship application late doesn’t make a good impression, and it’s likely to disqualify you. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit a scholarship either - you don’t know if you’ll have technical issuesor missing paperwork that might delay the process. Give yourself time to fix your application if you come across any issues. If you have to ask for letters of recommendation, give people 3-4weeks advance notice. You might want to account for even more time if you are asking for recs during the â€Å"busy season† (around late fall). Final Tips for Success Hopefully, you're now all set to start looking for those awesome local scholarships.In order to optimize your chances of success, it's better to start sooner rather than later - a big chunk of awardsare meant for high school seniors, so it's ideal to start your research early on in your junior year. This gives you plenty of time to organize everything you need to submit successful applications. If you're already a senior, don't despair! There still may be scholarships out there for you. Just make sure to be especially mindful of deadlines, as they may come up pretty quickly. Finally, make it your mission to apply to several scholarship programs (and not just local ones, either). Don't put all your proverbial eggs in one basket by just applying for a single award, no matter how great of an applicant you are. Good luck, and go get 'em! What's Next? There are so many different types of scholarship programs out there. If you're just starting your research, it's smart to familiarize yourself with your options before submitting any applications. Start by checking out our guides to the top scholarships for high school juniors and seniors. You'll also want to read our article about the easiest scholarships to apply for - these applications can be completed in no time! Finally - tying into my comment earlier in the article about different kinds of communities - you might also want to look at our guide to the best scholarships for minority students. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Emotion regulation techniques and preventing the occurence of Research Paper

Emotion regulation techniques and preventing the occurence of self-harming behaviors - Research Paper Example Response modulation is another technique used to control emotions. This paper analyses different emotion regulation techniques and preventing the occurrence of self-harming behaviors. Emotion regulation techniques and preventing the occurrence of self-harming behaviors â€Å"Emotions can hurt us as well as help us. They do so when they are of wrong type, when they come at the wrong time or when they occur at the wrong intensity level† (Lewis et al, 2010, p.498). For example, crying will help us to relieve our emotions. Many people use the weeping mechanism to relive their emotions when they lose some of their beloved ones. In other words, in, crying helped us to relive our emotions. At the same time, there are many cases, in which people appears to be calm when they lose their beloved ones. Such people are suppressing their sorrow or emotions. Suppression of emotions often cause psychological problems and it may come out in different forms. In some cases, such people may try t o cause self injuries. In short, emotions can help us and hurt us. The outcome depends on how well we manage our emotions. According to Gratz (2007), â€Å"deliberate self-injury is a serious clinical concern. Although this behavior is distinguished from suicidal behaviors, individuals who engage in self-injury are at heightened risk for suicide attempts, sometimes due to demoralization over an inability to control acts of self-injury† (Gratz, 2007, p.1091Ã'„). Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a highly debated topic among psychologists and sociologists. The reasons why people cause self injury even without an intention of suicide is still an unanswered question even though many hypothesizes are there. Emotional regulation is necessary for a person to act wisely. Over emotions may bring more harm than good; not only to the person, but also to the surroundings. By nature, all the living things have emotions. The influence of emotions on human being is more than that on other living things. At the same time, it is not necessary that two people are similar emotionally. In other words, different people have different mental abilities and they respond differently to a particular stimulus. For example, over emotions may force a person to cause self injury when they meet some distracting realities like the death of some of their beloved ones. On the other hand, emotionally sound personalities manage such situations more quietly without causing any self damages or damages to others. In short, emotion deregulation often leads towards unwanted activities which should be prevented using suitable techniques. Emotion regulation techniques for preventing self-harming behaviors In order to prevent self harming behavior, or Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), the reasons which motivate the individual for NSSI should be controlled or avoided. There are many reasons cited for the self harming behavior. Hilt et al, (2008) have pointed out that ‘increases in rates of i nternal distresses (e.g., feeling bad about oneself, experiencing negative emotions), specifically depressive symptoms, occur during early adolescence in girls should be prevented in order to avoid self harming behavior in future (Hilt et al, 2008, p.64). Girls are more beauty

LEGAL QUESTIONS MUST BE GRAMMER CORRECT AND ON TIME Essay

LEGAL QUESTIONS MUST BE GRAMMER CORRECT AND ON TIME - Essay Example Kathy's participation would be considered in terms of the fact that other messages. Other than the email # 6 can be deemed as Kathy's message and not Bill's. But for this Bill would have to be coward enough to turn his back on Kathy and say that she accessed his Email account without permission. So in this case Bill is responsible for correspondence #6 in evidence. By law, now, they held Walt. But the case description does not specify any warrants being shown to Waltz. One thing being clear. Walt was hacking Jim's system for his personal and Bill's personal advantage and their firm's advantage. Answer) Walt can plead for the motion of cause, only in the following cases: if Walt is able to prove that has committed a minor crime or a crime that has not caused sever damage or loss to the concerned party. Legally, if he has caused damage and loss to the concerned party, he cannot be granted the Motion of Cause. Because as the motion of cause suggests that the evidence found during the search, it would not be allowed to be presented as evidence in court. 3) The CPIF stands for Cost plus incentive fee contract. Megacorp and Mesoco. in other words John and Jim and both their firms had a contract , as this contract was a CPIF contract , by law , Mesoco will have to pay the Amount as ruled by the court because of the implication that CPIF had on their contract . Legally it was not John or his firms' responsibility to know how Jim will complete the project. It was Jims Responsibility. As the CPIF indicates the cost of the project plus some bonus if all is successful. 4) Barbara was at fault initially, she did decide in hastiness, or what one might presume is that, now that she knew she had settled for a lesser amount, she thought this was a good way out. Other than that if we observe the other facts. Which are that she was not qualified enough to handle the project wholly. So she was honest enough to let Bill and Kathy know that she would not continue, if she would she would need an extension on the deadline as well as the assistance of two other people who would be able to do the job for her. For some extra cost. That extra cost was also specified in the mail correspondence. Furthermore, other than this if that wouldn't or couldn't be the case she herself volunteered to back out, and just be paid for the work she had done up till then. The contract she made with Microdev was true and very much there. They can hold her in court against making them suffer when they were half way through the project. Just because she was not careful enough to read all the specifications clearly does not let her buy herself out of the situation. Legally, also Bill and his firm can take her to court and possibly win, if they can prove their point. 5) Nanotechnocrats owe money to Microdev. It is quite sensible. But legally,

Marketing research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing research - Essay Example Australian population statistics report indicated that population density was 2.9 people per square kilometer, in June 2010, compared to 2.6 people per square kilometer in 2005 (Anderson, 2011). Reports also indicated that Australian Capital cities had the highest population density of 150 people per square kilometer, in June 2010. The city of Canberra had the largest population followed by Victoria with 24 people per square kilometer (Anderson, 2011). The Northern region had the lowest population density of 0.2 people per square kilometer. Low population density in the Northern Territory is as a result of its large arid and semiarid areas, distance from earlier settlements, and more recent settlements. Australia’s Capital cities and their population include Sydney (3,502,301), Melbourne (3,160,171), Brisbane (1,508,161), Perth (1,176,542), Gold Coast (376,533), Canberra (309,799), Newcastle (279,975), Central Coast (255,429), Wollongong (228,846), Geelong (130,194), Hobart (1 26,048), and Townsville (119,504) among other cities (Anderson, 2011). Australia’s economy is one of the world’s fastest growing economies. According to nominal GDP, it is ranked a 13th largest economy and the 17th according to GDP (PPP) (Anderson, 2011). Australia is rich in natural resources, therefore; most of the imports are usually manufactured products such as computer accessories, telecommunication equipment, aircrafts, vehicle parts and accessories, and medicinal and pharmaceutical equipment. China is Australia’s leading source of imports. Major imports from China include computers, communication equipment, clothing, games and sporting gadgets, televisions and furniture (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012). Other sources of import include New Zealand, United States, Japan, European Union and Singapore. Import of commodities usually require the involvement of Customs authorities in both Australia and the source of import, and these goods are subject to trade agreements, import quotas and tariffs (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012). Rich in mineral resources and fertile land, Australia is the world’s leading exporter of mineral ores such as gold and iron-ore, agricultural products such as wool and wheat, and energy in the form of coal and natural liquefiable natural gas (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011). Other exports include gold, beef, meat, alumina, live sheep, diamonds, mineral sands, lead, uranium, refined zinc ores, bauxite, and transport and machinery equipment. The mining and agricultural sectors account for 57 percent of Australia’s exports. Its exports were valued at AUD 24166 million, in September 2012 and averaged AUD 8217.4 million per every financial year. China became Australia’s largest export market, in 2009. Australia exported about 266.2 million tons of gold and iron-ore to China, in 2009 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011). This represented a 45.2 percent increase in export ov er the same period. Other leading export markets include European Union, Japan, United States, and South Korea. Economists have established that, over the past two decades, Australia has enjoyed continuous economic growth. In 2010, Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at US$882.344 billion. This represented a 3.94 percent increase from 2009. According to the World Bank reports, in 2011, Australian GPD was worth US$1371.76 billion (Australian

Marketing Strategies Of Tomato Farmers

Marketing Strategies Of Tomato Farmers He got the Teachers Certificate at Mount Mary Training College; Somanya in 1998. He successfully earned a Diploma in French Studies Diplome Universitaire dEtudes Franà §aises DUEF at, University of Abomey; Calavi, Bà ©nin in 2007. He further studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi and attained B.A. (Honours), French and Sociology and Social Work in 2008. He enrolled again in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Business School and studied Master of Business Administration (MBA) Marketing 2011. He has taught in many schools including Botokrom D/C JSS, Grace D/C JSS both in the Brong Ahafo Region, Infant Jesus at Ayeduase, Kumasi. He served as a Research and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Modern Languages of KNUST. He is currently teaching French and English at Jachie Pramso SHS. Keywords: Marketing strategies, Tomato farmers, Liberalized economy. Abstract This study was conducted in connection with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) dissertation at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Kumasi, Ghana. Purpose: In the mist of intense trade liberalization and globalization when localization and protectionist policies are discouraged, this study sought to find out the role of formal marketing strategies and technology in sustaining increased profitability of tomato farmers in Ghana. Methodology/Approach: Empirical research was conducted by collecting both primary and secondary information from a sample of 450 tomato farmers, traders and tomato factory personnel. The data from tomato farmers, traders and the tomato factory were accessed through questionnaires and an in-depth interview. Findings: Formal marketing strategies and technology are complementary factors in the determination of the profitability level of tomato farmers. Farmers who well combine formal marketing strategies with technology are successful. Technology without formal marketing strategies or the vice versa negatively affect tomato farmers profitability. Tomato farmers should adopt formal marketing strategies and apply the latest technology. Introduction There is a plethora of literature on marketing strategies that accentuates the imperativeness of marketing functions in organizations. As a result, marketing practices of Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs), Large and Multinational Companies as well as Not-for-profit Organizations have interested researchers in our recent era. In recent years there have been signs of substantial research interest in marketing practices of SMEs (Sengupta, 2006). Most of these studies have indicated the role of marketing to be critical in the sustainability of the small firms (Sengupta, 2006). Marketing strategies are extremely vital to organisations corporate goals of achieving high revenue. Given that a firms survival depends on its capacity to create value, and value is defined by customers (Day, 1990), marketing makes a fundamental contribution to long-term business success. However, businesses that concern themselves with rigorous evaluation of marketing results are in the minority (Ambler, 2000). Researchers widely agree that marketing in small firms differ from that of their larger counterparts (Fillis, 2002; Gilmore et al., 2001; Hill, 2001a; Coviello et al., 2000). Small firm marketing has been characterised as haphazard, informal, loose, unstructured, spontaneous, reactive, as well as conforming to industry norms (Gilmore et al., 2001). Stokes (2000) adds that in small firms, marketing is used for the needs of the moment and only little attention is paid to plans, strategies and analysis. However, this is in contrast of marketing in large firms, which is seen as formal, planned and well structured. One reason for this difference is that small firms have certain limitations. Compared to their larger counterparts, small enterprises have limited resources related to finance, time and marketing knowledge (Gilmore et al., 2001). Consequently, complex theories and sophisticated processes seem to be inappropriate in small enterprises (Hogarth-Scott et al., 1996). Despite the differences, it has been noted that the basic marketing concepts, such as segmentation, customer orientation, targeting, positioning and seeking for competitive advantage apply to small as well as to large enterprises (Hogarth-Scott et al., 1996). According to Rolle (2006), in the light of the incidence of huge post harvest losses in Africa and new challenges faced under trade liberalization and globalization, serious efforts are needed to reduce post harvest losses, especially of fruits and vegetables. This would include linking operations and actors involved more closely and systematically, modernizing marketing infrastructure and technologies, capacity building of individual actors, and strengthening the policy or institutional settings for better marketing. Obviously, post harvest management determines food quality and safety, competitiveness in the market, and the profits earned by producers. The post harvest management of fruits and vegetables in most developing countries in the sub-region is however, far from satisfactory. The major constraints include inefficient handling and transportation; poor technologies for storage, processing, and packaging; involvement of too many diverse actors; and poor infrastructure (Rolle, 2006). Definition Most scholars on the theme of marketing strategy attempt defining it with broad encompassing concepts and statements. Baker (1978) considers it as being a broad means of achieving given aims. While Luck and Ferrell (1979) simply define it as being fundamental means and schemes. Kotler (1976) thinks it is the grand design to achieve objectives. Some of the definitions of marketing strategy by some scholars are based on marketing concepts such as the marketing mix, the product life cycle, market share and competition and positioning. Foxall (1981) defines marketing strategy as being an indication of how each element of the marketing mix will be used to achieve the marketing objectives. Chang and Campo-Flores (1980) proposed product strategy, the distribution strategy, sales promotion strategy and pricing strategy. While Jain (1981) agrees with them, Udell (1968) simplifies marketing strategy as price and non-price strategies. Kotler (1965) and Baker (1978) outline that; the marketing s trategy for a particular product needs should be modified as the product moves through the various stages of its PLC. Bloom and Kotler (1975) explain the issues involved in marketing strategy to be linked to the market share base. They suggest that a company can identify its optimal market share given a particular set of conditions. Once identified, it needs a strategy to achieve the optimum. In line with Buzzell, Gale and Sultan (1979), they agree that a company can choose to build, maintain or even reduce market share alternatively labelled as building, holding and harvesting. Another approach from the literature in the explanation of marketing strategy is the utilisation of the concept of positioning. Wind and Claycamp (1976) explain a products position as its overall situation in the market relative to its sales, market share and profitability. Positioning is the selection of a marketing from a range of alternatives (Cravens, 1975 ). Segmentation as a Marketing Strategy Some researchers consider skilful segmentation as marketing strategies and as such convince marketers to apply them. The goal is to find several homogeneous groups that differ maximally across one another. They suggest segmentation options and techniques. Dickson and Ginter (1987) convincingly argue that the demand functions should be the theoretical basis for segment definition. They add that other bases for identifying or defining segments will be useful only to the extent that they correspond empirically to these demand functions and lead to identification of the true market segments. Thus, the choice of segmentation variables and the relationship of these variables to the differences in demand functions determine how successfully distinct segments are found. Relationship Marketing as a Marketing Strategy Grà ¶nroos (1983 and 1980) develops the customer relationship life-cycle model, originally called the marketing circle, to cover the long-term nature of the establishment and evolution of the relationship between a firm and its customers. According to Grà ¶nroos (1989 and1990), to establish, maintain, and enhance relationships with customers and other partners at a profit, so that the objectives of the parties involved are met is relationship marketing. This is achieved by a mutual exchange and fulfilment of promises. Such relationships are usually but not necessarily always long-term. Establishing a relationship, for example with a customer, can be divided into two parts: to attract the customer and to build the relationship with that customer so that the economic goals of that relationship are achieved. Berry and Parasuraman (1991) propose that: Relationship marketing concerns attracting, developing, and retaining customer relationships. Gummesson (1994) proposes that: Relationship marketing (RM) is marketing seen as relationships, networks, and interaction. Sheth (1994) defines relationship marketing as: The understanding, explanation, and management of the ongoing collaborative business relationship between suppliers and customers. Sheth and Parvatiyar (1995) view relationship marketing as: Attempts to involve and integrate customers, suppliers, and other infrastructural partners into a firms developmental and marketing activities. An integral element of the relationship marketing approach is the promise concept which has been strongly emphasized by Calonius (1988). According to him, the responsibilities of marketing do not only, or predominantly, include giving promises and thus persuading customers as passive counterparts in the marketplace to act in a given way. A firm that is preoccupied with giving promises may attract new customers and initially build relationships. However, if promises are not kept, the evolving relationship cannot be maintained and enhanced. Fulfilling promises that have been given is equally important as a means of achieving customer satisfaction, retention of the customer base, and long-term profitability. However, some of the scholars have a different perspective of marketing strategy extending its boundaries to affect departments and units of the business. For instance, marketing strategy is viewed as a mechanism that not only guides the SBU in its relationships with its environment, but also influences and shapes its internal structures, processes, and operations (Hambrick, 1980; Miles and Snow, 1978). The Business Dictionary defines marketing strategy as a written plan (usually a part of the overall corporate plan) which combines product development, promotion, distribution, and pricing approach, identifies the firms marketing goals, and explains how they will be achieved within a stated timeframe. Various articles analyze marketing strategies of organisations (e.g. Shaw and Wong 1996; McBurnie and Clutterbuck 1987; Hooley and Lynch 1985; Lai et al. 1992; Siu 2000; and Siu and Liu 2005). Nonetheless, the majority of research concentrates on large firms and few on farmers especially tomato farmers. There are some pertinent questions that need further research. Our investigation sets out to analyze the marketing strategies of tomato farmers in the liberalized economy of Ghana. The specific objectives of study of our study are to: assess the marketing strategies of tomato farmers; establish the viability of the tomato farming; evaluate the impact of technology on profitability in tomato farming. The research also attempts to seek answers to the following questions. What marketing strategies are pursued by tomato farmers? How viable and is tomato farming? What is the impact of technology on profitability in tomato farming? The article is grouped into four main parts. The first part contains introduction including background of the study, the problem statement, objectives of the study and research questions. The relevant literature review and hypotheses are shown in the next section. Method adopted for the study, data and hypotheses testing are found in the third portion of the article. The last segment of the article covers findings, conclusions, and implications for business marketing practice. Literature and hypothesis Least successful Most successful Formal Marketing strategies without technology Formal Marketing strategies with technology Informal marketing strategies and lack of Technology Technology without formal marketing strategies Least successful Figure 1 Conceptual framework marketing strategy and technology diamond Figure 1 above describes a model of marketing skills with technology being complementary variables for the success of marketing tomatoes. Thus, H1 Formal Marketing strategies with technology will positively affect tomato farmers profitability. H2 Technology without formal marketing strategies will negatively affect tomato farmers profitability. H3 Informal marketing strategies (head vending, open market display vocal announcement etc.) and lack of Technology will negatively affect tomato farmers profitability. H4 Formal Marketing strategies without technology will negatively affect tomato farmers profitability. In part as a consequence of structural adjustment, import quotas in Ghana were abolished in 1992 and tariffs for imported agricultural produce have been reduced to 20 percent. As a result, tomato paste imports into Ghana amounted to over 78,000 tons of paste per year of which 12,000 tons were exported after they were repackaged. This suggests domestic tomato paste consumption in Ghana of around 66,000 tons in 2007. Available figures indicate that from 1991 to 2002 the quantity of imported tomato paste rose from 3,600 tonnes to 24,077 tonnes. In addition the value of tomato paste imports also rose from US$5.3 million to US$17.5 million over the same period (Meenakshi, 2006). (Trusty Foods Limited) TFL has alleged that importers use under-invoicing to compete in the Ghanaian tomato paste market and this enables them to command a larger market share. Available evidence suggests that so dramatic has this rise been that Ghana currently ranks second as a destination for imported tomato pas te (Meenakshi, 2006). The import surge has been such that trigger volumes were breached in 2000 and 2002. Major exporters of tomato paste to Ghana from 1999 to 2003 have been Italy (36%), China (16%), USA (8%), Spain (7%), Turkey (7%), Greece (6%), Portugal (5%) and Chile (5%). The quantity of imported tomato paste rose from 3,209 tonnes in 1998 to 24,077 tonnes in 2002. As a result, the potential growth of the domestic tomato sector has been hampered. Elizabeth and Shashi (2010) however think the local industry cannot satisfy the demand for tomatoes. At current market prices for tomato, domestically produced paste typically will not be competitive with imported paste from the EU and China (Elizabeth and Shashi 2010). They find out that Ghana has neither sufficient supply of fresh tomatoes, nor sufficient processing capacity even if production of fresh tomato increased, to supply the market at current demand. Ghana has a total processing capacity of 1200 tons of fresh tomato per day (500 tons at Trusty Foods and Northern Star, and 200 tons at Afrique Link Ltd in Wenchi). They conclude that Ghana would not be able to produce locally all the tomato paste that is currently imported for domestic consumption, using the three existing large processors. Boateng (2011) finds that Ghanas tomato industry has expressed concern about developments in the import of tomatoes and tomato paste. The National Tomato Traders Association (NTTA) has alleged tomato imports from neighbouring Burkina Faso in particular pose a threat to their livelihoods. Morris and Brady (2004) found that many small farmers, increasing profitability may result from the development of non-traditional agricultural enterprises, non-traditional crops, markets, and/or adding value to products may be the key in todays agriculture. Thus the production of different crops, and/or improving some foods, from simply marketing them raw to preparing them in different forms, and therefore adding value to them, appears to be a promising alternative for many growers. In the agricultural sector adding value can contribute to farmers maximisation of their produce, both in quantitative as well as in qualitative terms, while at the same time they benefit commercially. Not agreeing entirely with earlier researchers, Born and Bachmann (2006), realise that adding value to farm produce, while not a panacea to cure existing food-related challenges, can provide some relief, either directly or indirectly to many farmers. In commercial terms, adding value can take place at farmers markets, where farm operators can avoid middlemen and maximise their sales (Kirwan, 2004 and Abel et al., 1999). In this regard, Brunori and Rossi (2000,) found that in some communities, selling directly to consumers allows farmers to employ more family labour and increase the value-added on the farm. Along these lines, Born and Bachmann (2006) indicate that there has been a tremendous growth in adding value to raw agricultural products, and that value-added products can make a positive contribution to the community (Born and Bachmann, 2006). The process of adding-value to foods can be as simple as packaging lettuce or other foods, however, many other forms exist: food processing and marketing (Falk, 2002), distributing, cooking, combining, churning, culturing, grinding, or labelling (Born and Bachmann, 2006). Adding value to foods can increase food variety, as well as food availability, particularly when fruit, vegetables and other food leftovers that otherwise would be discarded are further processed into conserves, pickles, sauces and many other varieties of food products. Fulton (2003) explains that increasingly, farmers are creating producer alliances with other growers and investing in value-added business activities as a marketing strategy. In the study of Hee and Jae-Eun (2011) they found that organic food retailers develop effective marketing strategies emphasizing ecological beauty or product safety to satisfy the values of potential consumers. The study also suggests that these retailers try to change consumers perceptions of higher prices to affordable prices using marketing strategies (e.g. discount, advertisement, new product development), which make consumers believe that they are capable to buy organic personal care products. Organic personal care product retailers attract potential consumers by displaying their products near the organic food sections at a grocery store. Organic personal care product retailers develop combine management activities called co-marketing with organic food product retailers. In addition, food networks is another strategy. Renting et al (2003), realise that some UK supermarkets buy and add value to fresh produce bought from farmers, including in the preparations of fresh salads and pies (Fearne and Hughes, 1999). In this process, consumers are introduced to local produce and presented with the products transformation into meals for their convenience and delight. Despite these proactive efforts by some supermarkets, such as in improving quality and safety standards, or in purchase integration and consolidation (Reardon et al., 2003; Weatherspoon and Reardon, 2003), large supermarkets have also contributed to major negative impacts among small, independent food growers. For example, in some cases supermarkets presence has resulted in the exclusion of small farms (Reardon et al., 2003; Weatherspoon and Reardon, 2003), squeezing and threatening the very existence of this group of food producers. With regard to promotion, print media like teen magazines as well as magazines dealing with sports or animals, represent an appropriate communication channel for directly addressing juveniles (Angelika and Ulrich, 2011). In comparison to the communication channel; television, print media mainly have the advantage of being more affordable (Dammler et al., 2000) for producers of organic products as many of these are small- or medium-sized companies. In general, print media only reach smaller groups of people and their stimulus is less intensive. However, it can be applied efficiently to systematically address target groups with high involvement for particular topics (Dammler et al., 2000). In order to enhance a positive image of organic products furthermore, testimonials, such as celebrities from music, movies, television or sports represent relevant persons of identification were utilized in ads (Blackwell et al., 2006). Communication measures should increasingly encompass those channels that attract customers: chat rooms, weblogs and podcasts. Communication with juveniles is seen as one of the most promising and challenging marketing measures of the future in order to increase their involvement in organic food (Niessen, 2010). In countries with successful domestic tomato processing, the fresh and processed markets may be fully integrated or fully or partially separate. In the US, the fresh and processed markets are completely separate and so tomatoes for each can be considered as separate commodities (Allen 2008). Tomatoes for processing typically have a higher percentage of soluble solids and are grown under contract between growers and processors. This market can be characterised by extremely high yields and low prices. In contrast, fresh tomatoes are sold on the open market and prices are higher (USDA 2009). For example, in 2007, farmers in California were paid as little as 3 cents per pound of processing tomatoes, while nearby heirloom tomatoes were selling for $2.50 per pound at the farm gate (Allen 2008). However, in most developed tomato sectors, tomatoes for processing and the fresh market are somewhat integrated (USDA 2009). For example, in Turkey, tomatoes for processing tend to be grown on small farms with 80% involving contracts between the farmer and the processor prior to planting. In Mexico, most of the countrys processing tomato production is in Sinaloa and so is spatially separated. However, product moves between fresh and processed markets according to relative prices (Cook and Calvin 2005). Pricing Strategies According to Pitt et al. (1997) price management includes a large number of decisions. Firms make decisions regarding price objectives, overall price strategy, structural questions regarding product line and market segment price differentials, the employment of various types of price promotions and discounts, and the establishment of specific price levels for individual products and services. An observation of pricing decisions in many companies in markets and countries around the world suggests that a firms pricing actions have at least four key underlying dimensions. The first of these is the extent to which pricing decisions are cost-based versus market-based. Cost-based pricing finds management placing far more emphasis on covering its own costs than on other determinants of price (e.g. demand conditions, competitive market structures, company marketing strategy, etc.). It typically involves a reliance on some sort of cost-plus, keystone, or target return formula. Market-based pricing is more customer-centred; wherein the principal purpose of price is to reflect the amount of value the customer is getting from the firms total product and/or service offering (Pitt et al, 1997). The second component is concerned with whether pricing is more risk-averse or risk-assumptive. Risk-averse pricing represents a conservative approach. Prices are modified only when absolutely necessary, price levels are kept in close proximity to those of competitors, and the price structure is kept as simple as possible. The main characteristic of the pricing strategy is a reluctance to rock the boat. Risk-assumptive pricing finds managers employing pricing schemes that are more novel, untested, and that have the potential of producing losses in revenue to the firm. However, there is a calculable probability of greater payoff should they succeed (Pitt et al, 1997). Again according to Pitt et al. (1997) the third component emphasizes whether a firms pricing is done in a more reactive or proactive manner. Reactive pricing involves mimicking the price moves of competitors, adjusting prices only after a change in regulations or a new technological breakthrough that radically affects costs, and so forth. Proactive pricing describes the firm that takes a leadership role not only in changing price, but in being the first to introduce new pricing structures and payment schemes. It also reflects more aggressiveness in pricing, as well as speed or quickness in adjusting prices to reflect new opportunities. The fourth underlying component is the extent to which management emphasizes standardization versus flexibility in pricing. Standardization is reflected in a tendency to charge a universal price for ones product or service regardless of the user, the buying situation, or environmental (including competitive) contingencies. Flexibility, alternatively, finds the company varying prices based on segment or user elasticity, time and place of purchase, as well as in response to opportunities for product or service unbundling or bundling, and anticipated or actual moves by competitors, among other factors (Pitt et al, 1997). There may well be other underlying dimensions which characterize a firms pricing behaviour, (e.g. an ethical dimension, although ethics in pricing are not all that well-defined). These dimensions above clearly interact with each other. Thus, being more proactive with ones pricing actions may entail greater risk. The success of firms in virtually all industries is increasingly dependent on their ability to engage in pricing that is market-based, risk-assumptive, proactive, and flexible. We refer to this combination of elements as entrepreneurial pricing (Pitt et al, 1997). Methods The descriptive study was adopted for the purpose of this research. Empirical data in the form of both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. Tomato farmers whether large scale or subsistence farmers were the target because they produce the tomatoes for consumers and supply the industry with the chief raw material, (tomatoes). Their marketing tactics and level of technology were assessed through questionnaires. Wholesale buyers and sellers (the market queens) form part of the tomato industry because they purchase from the farmers (production unit) and sell to retailers who are in contact with individual consumers. Data from them made the study complete. The Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC) has a stake in the industry because it also buys tomatoes from the farmers to process them into paste. Information from them also made the findings of the study complete and unbiased. Though very difficult to estimate as the 2010 population and housing census were inaccessible at the time of this research, according to the 2000 census, the region had a population of 920, 089 making it the ninth most populous region in Ghana (Ghana Statistical Service 2000). The major occupations in the region were; agriculture and related workers (66.4%), production and transport equipment workers (14.7%), sales workers, (9.6%), service workers (4.0%) and professional, technical and related workers (3.8%). In all the districts, agriculture and related workers are the single largest occupation. Approximately 611,000 people were farmers. It was difficult to determine the number of tomato farmers from this population. The researchers sampled 260 tomato farmers, 60 tomato traders and 10 workers at the Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC). Convenience sampling was appropriate for the tomato farmers, wholesale buyers and sellers (the market queens) and the retailers while both convenience and purposive sampling was adopted for the top management of Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC). Purposive sampling provided us with in-dept information sought after. Thus the top management of the Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC) was targeted with purposive sampling while the workers sampled conveniently. Research Instruments Apart from questionnaires that gathered data from the tomato farmers, wholesale buyers and seller (the market queens) and retailers, semi-structured in-depth interview was suitable for the workers of Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC). Literature review also deeply explored into the marketing strategies of the tomato industry in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Both open and closed ended questions form the questionnaires. There were two different sets of questionnaires for the farmers, the wholesale buyers and sellers. The first part of the questions generally boarded on demographics of tomato farmers and traders. The last two sections sought to measure the marketing skills and level of technology of the farmers. These were interviewer administered because many of the respondents were illiterates. Questions were even interpreted in to the language understood by the respondents. On the other hand, those who were able to read and answer the questions were self-administered. Likert scale was adapted to measure opinions on Marketing strategies and level of technology of tomato farmers. Thus opinions were measured with 5-point scales ranging from 1 (total disagreement) to 5 (total agreement). For the management of the Northern Star Tomato Company Limited (NSTC), an in-depth interview was appropriate as this enabled the researchers to probe deep for rich data. With an interview guide and the 5-point scales ranging from 1 (total disagreement) to 5 (total agreement), data collected with this tool was effective and successful. The target population was served with introductory letters from the Department marketing and Corporate Strategy Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This and the professional approach by the researchers, assured respondents of their confidentiality. Averagely, detail data was willingly given for the success of the study. Marketing strategies- market research, segmentation, targeting, positioning, relationship marketing IMC tools: advertising, promotion, public relations, internet marketing etc. Technology- modern farming implements and practices (fertilizers, weed killers irrigation facilities etc), haulage, processing and storage. Explanation of Measurement Item Marketing strategies: MS1: Conducting marketing research periodically increases profitability. MS2: Segmentation, targeting and positioning are successful marketing strategies. MS3: Relationship marketing everlasting business relationship with customers. MS4: International marketing strategies increase market share. The four Ps in marketing: 4Ps 1: Enhanced product quality has preferential advantage. 4Ps 2: Pricing policies determine the purch

Rise And Fall Of The Kkk Essay -- essays research papers

The Rise and Fall of the Ku Klux Klan "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" - Thomas Jefferson (Cultural Racism 1) This excerpt from the Declaration of independence specifically stated that all men are created equal, but that is contradiction to the governments decisions. The Ku Klux Klan founded in 1865 by William Nathan Bedford a former confederate general, began a campaign of terror against free blacks and their white supporters. The KKK had a wide array of uneducated people because their main incentive was to recruit young, homeless, and mindless children to follow in their footsteps and become a member of the KKK. In many instances Klan members were taught the KKK did not believe that blacks were capable of the necessary decision making in life, they thought that Blacks were sub-human(Student Handbook 316). The KKK had many wrong beliefs, like that Blacks were not capable of decision making, recruiting young children who did not know better to become members of the KKK, that they were above the law in many instances. On the other hand very few Klan members were educated to know what they were in the Klan for, like David Duke. I believe in white supremacy until blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don't believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgement to irresponsible people. John Wayne Interview in Playboy Magazine, May 1971 (Cuturla Racism 2) White supremacy served as the basis for the organization of the Ku Klux Klan, despite slaves and white abolitionists. The KKK blames the abundance of ethnic groups for their misfortunes. The Supreme Court ruled many times that no slave had any rights as a free man. Either their plantation owners or high-ranking officials determined the exploitation and way of life. Whenever a slave escaped it was the right of the owner to reclaim its property (Hamm 27). The whites in the KKK then wanted to become the ultimate race and would do almost anything to do that, an example would be that their main incentive was to go out and recruit young, homeless, ... ...he received his BA in history in 1974, he became an enthusiastic admirer of Adolph Hitler, and by 1975, he had risen to Grand Wizard of the Louisiana Ku Klux Klan (Student Handbook 490).† The United States is known as the melting pot. Since its beginnings as small settlements, this country has always been known as a haven to those who love to cherish it. When people think of America they think of the land of opportunity and that is why so many people are immigrating or emigrating to or in this Country. The Ku Klux Klan is everything the American Dream is not. They are a sign of bigotry and hatred. They have tried for over a hundred years to shatter the dreams of so many people. Many people think that since the civil rights movement the KKK is no longer a danger but in fact it is still a great danger. There are still people like David Duke in office and there is no way to persuade someone to change their views, so we have to live with the bigotry and hatred for a very long time. The Klan of 1865 differs from the Klan of 1999 and it will always be changing. The Klan will never revolve around the main theme of 1865 again but they will always have the same people involved