Importance Of Marketing In Todays World Marketing Essay

Importance Of Marketing In Todays World Marketing Essay Introduction: According to the American Marketing Association marketing is defined as activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large'(American Marketing Assocation, 2007). Drucker states the aim of marketing is to make selling superfluous (American Marketing Association, 2007). By keeping the above definitions in view we can say that to identify customers needs and act accordingly to satisfy their needs is called marketing. The aim of this report is to develop an understanding of marketing concepts, use and apply it to Marks Spencer (MS) in order to understand the role and significance of marketing. Importance of Marketing in todays World: Due to Economic downturn marketing has gained importance in past few years in order to gain the attention of the consumers.In 21st century marketing has become one of the key strategies used by organisations world wide. Companies can not use one simple marketing strategy which meets the need of both markets and consumers because they are so versatile to be dealt collectively this is because of continues change in modern society. Cultural changes and advancements in technology divided a market into so many segments.In order for MS to capture large market share it has to set up successful market strategies and make the most of technology. MS Marketing Process: In the past and the present MS proved to be successful to meet its consumers continuously changing needs by effectively implementing marketing processes. Following are the four stages which helped MS to understand fulfil its customers requirements. Situational Analysis: In this stage of marketing process companies like MS keep both internal and external environment in view to carry out the market place analysis and try to spot gaps in the market. In addition to identifying the customer needs, must understand its own capabilities and the environment in which it is operating (NetMBA, 2007). This stage is very vital as the rival companies such as Tesco and Waitrose are always coming up with new ideas and new products etc so that they can stay ahead in the competition. In SWOT analysis this rapidly changing marketing environment comes under the heading of threat. Marketing Strategy: By keeping the core purpose of this report in view, the major change in approach which has been seen in the companies is the shift from mass marketing approach to target marketing. In target marketing approach companies try to identify trends in the segmented market as its the one of the most important factor in STP. Segmentation There are two main types of segmentation i.e. geographic and demographic segmentation. The later one is used by MS to target market for its products and it recognizes its consumers by social class , income and age which is very crucial for success in todays world e.g. clothing line is divided into three segments i.e. premium price, medium priced, and low price. MS customer segmentation is also divided in following 4 groups (Carbon commentary, 2007): Green zealots: people who will actively seek out the most ethically and environmentally responsible products. Climate change is particularly important issue to these people. Those interested and concerned, but often uncertain how to shop to achieve their ethical objectives. Aware of the problem, not certain that their actions can have much effect or that they need to shop differently. Struggling, dont give priority to issues. Targeting: DAMP (distinct, accessible, measurable and profitable) process is used by MS to understand, identify and target the required segments of the market. According to the marketing director , Steven Sharp , although we sell to everybody big, small, young, black, white our absolute target market is a bit older and is comfortable with traditional media (Telegraph, 2006). It means that MS targets, offers (products and services) and sells to a large market but mainly to a mature age group. Positioning: The From this it can be seen that MS targets a very large audience, but the key here is to target the mature age group way that an audience of consumers or buyers perceive a product or service (Baines, P. Fill, C. Page, K., 2008, pg.251). This definition of positioning means that perception has a great deal of importance in terms of both physical attributes and the deliverance of a product. MSs market research information provides a key analytical tool in identifying a consumers preference. MS and the Consumer Society: A consumer society is a culture in which consumption of material goods is encouraged, and the economic health of the society is dependent on the spending of the population (Xaxx, 2010). Basically in consumer society companies make the consumers feel that they need specific product in their life so here marketing plays an important role in terms of attracting consumers to buy a specific product.MS should be very careful in terms of fulfilling consumers expectations regarding price, convenience and experience as a whole because consumers behaviour is seen to be rapidly changing. MS is advertising its products quite cleverly to its target market and persuading consumers as MS itself is a symbol of quality so whatever they sell is of high quality which has a psychological effect on the target market, persuading them to buy particular products/services they offer. Marketing is undoubtfully fashionable (Baudrillard, 1988, p.30) it means marketing is a bridge of communication in terms of both introducing products for sale in the market and letting people know how eco friendly they are, which is practiced by MS. MS is also part of fashion industry of which marketing environment is rapidly changing, by the help of PESTLE analyses we can look into that and the importance for MS to adapt these changes. PESTLE Analysis: Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Legal and Environment analysis are used to explore external environment. Political: Political factors like government policies, taxation, subsidies and grants can effect MS operations e.g. if government increases taxes then, MS have to cut their costs, which can include MS reducing expenditure on marketing. Economic: Economic factors include inflation, taxation, interest and consumer buying power etc basically it includes and affects everyone in the economy. It affects MS marketing strategy and their operation in the market. Consumer buying power means MS shift focus on their pricing strategy carefully, to attract consumers and hence boost sales. Sociological: Consumer buying behaviour and demographic are the factors involved in sociological analyses. Consumer behaviour is the main aspect of marketing, as it focuses to understand consumers preferences, habits and attitudes and then act accordingly in order to attract customers. MS being quality conscious not only try to keep up with their quality standard but also tries to improve it in their stores which they also show in their advertisements. This will have good psychological impact on consumers mind as well as they will always relate MS to quality. Technological: Advancement in technology eased out marketing for companies in 21st century. Internet proved to be one of the biggest revolutions in the field of marketing as it made communication and transfer of information effortless. Internet played a vital role in communication and transfer of information worldwide. MS is marketing its brands and products through its website which is easily accessible by the consumers basically they are one click away from buying required products/services. Legal: MS has to follow certain legalities while trading, dealing with employees and competitors and make sure that all the action they perform are legitimate in the eyes of law. Environmental: The last but not the least factor of PESTLE analyses is environment. One of the reasons behind MS success story is that they have a good organisational culture and this factor also makes a distinction from its rival firms. Marketing Mix Decision at MS: The term marketing mix became popularized after Neil H. Borden published his 1964 article, The Concept of the Marketing Mix Product: A product is defined as anything that is capable of satisfying customer needs (Baines, P. Fill, C. Page, K., 2008, pg. 15). There are three levels of product i.e. core, actual, augment. Core level proves to be the most beneficial and meaningful part of the product. Its the final product being served to the customers for example, MS jackets made from wool being served to customers as clothing to keep the warm. Whereas, the method by which a product is delivered to MS customers comes under the heading of actual product and augmented product is concerned with how the customer receives the product and also considers after-sales services. Women show their keen interest in MS thats why MS makes the most of the profit from women wear however MS still tries to enter new market by conducting market research and bringing out innovative products. Food store is a success story of MS capturing new market. Price Price is what company charges for a product to the customers. In 4ps of marketing mix for a company price is the only factor of source of income. On the other hand product, place and promotion are the cost for the company. While charging for products and services MS keeps the current market value in view. More cost based than most is the type of policy used by MS for pricing (Daily Mail, 2009) which differentiate it from its rival companies. Place Customers can purchase product from the available place. MS has over  600 stores located throughout the UK, ranging from large out-of-town and flagship stores of over 100,000 sq ft, to Simply Food stores of around 7,000 sq ft. Our largest store is located at Marble Arch on Londons Oxford Street and  has around 170,000 sq ft of selling space'(Marks Spencer, 2011). MS is very flexible in terms meeting the demands of its customers and is very carefull and successful till date.

Article Case Law Search Paper Essay

Obama care, what is it? Does it mean that people here in the United States will all have health care insurance now and in the future? Will the people of the United States be able to afford this health care insurance? This paper will answer all these questions about Obama care and what the people of the United States can expect and what is coming for 2013. I will tell the audience the nature of this law, why it was created and what the functions of this law are. Obama Care Obama care is a health care reform bill that was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Why was this law created? This law was created to help reform the American health care system, (Obama care facts, 2013). It was also created to help Americans get the health insurance that is needed by expanding Medicaid and Medicare and by offering assistance to those Americans who cannot afford healthcare, (Obama care facts, 2013). The Obama care law was created as a result of the constitution because in the constitution it states that the constitutions commerce clause authorizes Congress to regulate health care, which accounts for 18% of America’s GDP, therefore the law seeks to expand the insurance coverage and lower the cost of care for Americans, (C. H., 2012). An example of this law is this Obama Care will require all Americans have health insurance through health insurance or assisted programs. The problem with this is that if any American does not have this insurance then people have t o pay a tax that is equal to one percent of their income in 2014 and 2.5% in 2016 (Obama care facts, 2013). A lot of Americans do not agree with this logic, and I also do not think that it is fair that people who cannot afford to pay for this insurance pay a penalty. As for this law resolving disputes, keeping the peace, shaping moral standards, or promoting social justice, I do not believe that Obama Care does any of that. Too many Americans see this law as a problem when it comes to paying for this type of health care insurance. The way the economy is today, a lot of Americans are out of work and on unemployment, so how in the world are the American people supposed to afford this health care insurance or any other health care insurance. Yes, employers are supposed to carry health insurance for their employees but even at that it would still come out of the employees’ checks and a lot of employees are having a hard time paying their bills and keeping food on the table. Maybe Obama Care will help some of the Americans who are on disability or social security, but for the ones that do not have any income coming in and who are living in shelters, it is the opinion of this student that they will not be able to pay for Obama Care health insurance, so they will pay a penalty. The Obama Care law is designed to help the American people to obtain better health care or to boost the Medicaid and Medicare programs. The question is, will people that are on Medicaid/Medicare be able to obtain this health insurance at a lower cost or will the people have to pay more? In conclusion of this paper, although Obama Care is a law that is there to help all Americans have the health insurance they need and get better health care, I just do not think that it will go over as good as everyone hopes. The information in this paper has given the audience something to think about when it comes time to pay for the Obama Care health insurance, and if there is trouble with this law now, and with the American people, then there is going to be trouble with this law in the future. References What is ObamaCare/What is ObamaCare? (2013). Obama Care Facts Retrieved from http://www.obamacarefacts.com/whatis-obamacare.php C. H. (2012, March). Obama care and the Supreme Court: A guide to the health care case. The Economist, Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/blog/democracyinamerica/2012/03/Obamacare-and-supreme-court

Albert Camus’ The Stranger Essay

Color and weather as elements used to explore thought and emotion in Albert Camus’ The Stranger Literary techniques have long been an effective tool that authors use in order to convey deeper meaning within their text, particularly for novels that have a seemingly simple purpose. The Stranger by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward is a perfect example of this, on the surface it is about a murder committed by a heartless man, beneath it traces the development of this man, his thoughts, his principles and finally the acceptance of his fate. Color and weather are two elements that Camus uses in order to develop this deeper meaning, and to explore his protagonist’s thoughts and emotions. This technique explores the wider concept of existentialism as well, essentially classifying The Stranger as an existentialist novel. Color and weather are used in conjunction at times, but when employed separately; their influence materializes in different ways within the novel. Weather as used by Camus directly influences the actions of his protagonist Meursault. The most prominent instance would be when he commits the murder of the Arab, because of the intense heat. This is evident in the line â€Å"The Sea carried up a thick, fiery breath. It seemed to me as if the sky split open from one end to the other to rain down fire. My whole being tensed and I squeezed my hand around the revolver.†1 Here, the sun and the heat are used to create vivid imagery that characterizes the weather as a force by itself, an irrefutable force that has control over Meursault, something that dictates his physical actions at times. Meursault feels the physical attributes of the world around him in a much greater capacity than others, which is an indication of his existentialist nature. The physical world is all that matters to him, nothing beyond it. The sun is used as a recurring symbol to trace the progression of Meursault’s character through the novel. His attitude towards it, they way he views the effect of the sun on himself is an indicator of his transgression as he is convicted and then as he develops his realization of the world, and accepts his fate. In the first part of the novel, the sun seems to cause him solely discomfort, he feels suffocated and weary under the constant battering of its repressive force. This is indicated when Meursault says, on the day of his mothers funeral â€Å"But today, with the sun bearing down, making the whole landscape shimmer with heat, it was inhuman and oppressive.†2 The death of his mother did not cause him grief, but the force of the sun did. Here, he is entirely focused on the physical aspects of his being; he does not function on a level deeper than that. However, this is contrasted to his view towards the end of the novel, when he says â€Å"†¦.all night long, waited patiently for the first light to show on the pane of sky.†3 He values the earth and what it has to give, in the view of his approaching death he looks to the sun as a symbol of hope. Thus what the sun represents to Meursault has changed, once it symbolized aggression and violence, now it indicates hope, and acceptance in his life. While weather was used to influence Meursault’s actions, color is employed by Camus to reflect Meursault’s thought process and his emotions. Meursault observes color intently as he is completely immersed in the physical world in the first part of the novel. Red features prominently as an indicator of violence, death and aggression. At his mother’s funeral, Meursault describes his mother’s burial as â€Å"†¦ the blood – red earth spilling over Maman’s casket, the white flesh of the roots mixed with it†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 4 The red earth reflects the death of his mother, the white represents the empty feeling he associates with it. The line could be seen as an allusion to his ambivalent feelings towards his mother’s death, guilt at not being able to conform to society’s expectations, represented by red, and awareness that his mother’s death has not caused him to feel anything; therefore he is empty, represented by white. Yellow and green appear occasionally in the course of the novel as well, to reflect certain aspects of Meursault’s thinking, and emotions. After an enjoyable dinner at Celeste’s, Meursault says â€Å"The sky was green; I felt good.†5 Green here represents contentment, and a certain tranquil calm that enables him to live in the moment, with his simple concerns and thoughts. Yellow is used when he describes his dead mother and the mirror on his wall. Thus, it represents dilapidation and aging, something that does not appeal to Meursault. Blue and black are significant colours as when they are contrasted with each other, they represent Meursault’s struggle between an obligation to conform to society, and a desire to be freed from all responsibility. It can be inferred from the line â€Å"I felt a little lost between the blue and white of the sky and the monotony of the colors around me – the sticky black of the tar, the dull black of all the clothes, and the shiny black of the hearse†6 that his ambivalence troubles him. Black as a symbol of mourning represents what Meursault should be feeling, despair and loneliness, while blue and white represent his desire to be liberated, to live in the world without having to feel guilty for his lack of feeling at his mother’s death. Meursault’s keen observation of color and the fact that the weather affects him in profound ways all allude to something deeper. There is a perceptible change in Camus’ writing style when he describes nature, and when he describes emotion or a social situation. The sentences flow freely when he writes of nature, describing the sun or the weather or the lap of water against his skin. This is starkly different from the language used to depict social situations, or emotion. The sentences are short and clipped, suggesting Meursault’s unease with conforming to society and its regulations. His connection with nature hints at his existentialist tendencies revealed later on in the novel, as he finds pleasure in the physical world; instances such as good weather please him. The usage of these elements as literary techniques in the novel contributes to a deeper understanding of the nature of existentialism itself. Existentialism is a predominant theme in The Stranger, one that Camus has chosen to explore in a compelling way. His focus on the physical, weather and color are both aspects of the world that are visible on the surface. They symbolize the very essence of existentialism, a focus on the absolute, what is tangible and present rather than something unidentifiable and abstract. Existentialists focus on concrete human existence, Camus has alluded to this by employing weather and color as techniques in the novel to illustrate his protagonist’s thoughts. The development of these symbols, the Sun in particular and what it means to Meursault is indicative of Camus’ own thoughts towards existentialism. His character Meursault is resolved of his struggle in the end; he reaches a stage where he accepts his impending death. By doing this, Camus encourages the reader to persevere in spite of absurdity. He cites it as an obstacle to overcome rather than a reason for ending ones life, which is the common outcome of an existentialist’s thinking. Thus, Albert Camus makes use of color and weather to convey certain deeper connotations of the novel, as well as to indicate his protagonist’s existentialist tendencies, and his own thoughts on this philosophy. He uses symbols, vivid imagery and contrast to highlight the conflict within Meursault, which is an important facet of the novel. His symbolic presentation of the sun traces Meursault’s character development, from a man removed from most of the world, to a man who accepts his fate and truly appreciates the world around him. These are the elements that contribute to the depth of a novel, give it many layers that provoke thought within the reader. Bibliography Camus, Albert (1942) The Stranger, Alfred. A. Knopf, Inc (1998) 1 The Stranger by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward, page 59 2 The Stranger by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward, page 15 3 The Stranger by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward, page 113 4 The Stranger by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward, page 18 5 The Stranger by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward, page26 6 The Stranger by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward, page 17

Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Recipe and Instructions

You can use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream pretty much instantly. This makes a nice cryogenics or phase change demonstration. Its also just plain fun. This recipe is for strawberry ice cream. If you omit the strawberries, you can add a bit of vanilla for vanilla ice cream or some chocolate syrup for chocolate ice cream. Feel free to experiment! Difficulty: Average Time Required: Minutes Heres How This recipe makes a half gallon of strawberry ice cream. First, mix the cream, half-and-half, and sugar in the bowl using the wire whisk. Continue mixing until the sugar has dissolved.If you are making vanilla or chocolate ice cream, whisk in vanilla or chocolate syrup now. Add any other liquid flavorings you might want.Put on your gloves and goggles. Pour a  small amount of liquid nitrogen directly into the bowl with the ice cream ingredients. Continue to stir the ice cream, while slowly adding more liquid nitrogen. As soon as the cream base starts to thicken, add the mashed strawberries. Stir vigorously.When the ice cream becomes too thick for the whisk, switch to the wooden spoon. As it hardens more, remove the spoon and just pour the remaining liquid nitrogen onto the ice cream to fully harden it.Allow the excess liquid nitrogen to boil off before serving the ice cream. Tips The mix of whipping cream and half-and-half helps to make a very creamy ice cream with small crystals, that freezes quickly.Dont touch liquid nitrogen or store it in a closed container.If the ice cream begins to melt before everyone is served, simply add more liquid nitrogen.A large plastic mug with a handle is good for pouring the liquid nitrogen. If you use a metal container, be sure to wear gloves.A cordless drill with a mixing attachment is even better than a whisk and wooden spoon. If you have power tools, go for it! What You Need: 5 or more liters of liquid nitrogenGloves and goggles recommendedLarge plastic or stainless steel punch bowl or salad bowl4 cups heavy cream (whipping cream)1-1/2 cups half-and-half1-3/4 cups sugar1 quart mashed fresh strawberries or thawed frozen berriesAdditional half cup of sugar if you are using unsweetened berriesWooden spoonWire whisk