Chapter discussions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Chapter discussions - Essay Example The individuals with lower levels of education earn much less as compared to the learned individuals with at least one degree. The other factor is ones racial background that has led to minority races in the US to earn much less despite having the same qualifications as those of the majority White race. The government can use public policy to promote equality of all races in employment and lower the costs of education for everybody. Discrimination at work is unethical because it denies qualified individuals an opportunity to work effectively thereby contributing to the economic problem of poverty. Discrimination is an illegal act in the US and those practicing it risk facing legal sanctions. Discrimination in the workplace can be reduced through management diversity in the organization and incorporating policies that seek to employ people of all ages, disabilities and races based on their

Is it morally acceptable to consider race and ethnicity as factors in Essay

Is it morally acceptable to consider race and ethnicity as factors in university admissions - Essay Example This was because racism was a major issue of concern during that period and supporting the admissions of racial minorities was considered as a step in overcoming this problem. The recent perspective for this encouragement of admissions of people from different races is the achievement of diversity in the educational institutions (Biskupic). Following the year 1978, there have been different legal proceedings on this issue and questions have been raised regarding the moral acceptability of the consideration of race and ethnicity as factors in university admissions. The year 2003 was very important in the United States with regard to the issue of consideration of races in university admissions. The Supreme Court gave a ruling that admissions in universities by utilizing race as a factor were constitutional if the selection was fair and proper methods of selection of the students were used. This ruling came in the cases relating to the University of Michigan. The court indicated two ben efits of this policy which included the fact that they brought positive effects for the society and they were also associated with bringing diversity to the universities which is a very important part of the educational atmosphere. Furthermore, President Faulkner also supported this ruling and presented positive thoughts on this ruling. He explained that groups that are ignored and not properly represented would be able to come forward and become active members of the society as well (Blum; Editorial). Thus, for the betterment of the society and the proper representation of all the people, the usage of race as a factor in university admissions is acceptable. An important legal proceeding which has challenged the previous rulings of the Supreme Court is the case of Abigail Fisher. Since almost three decades, the Supreme Court supported the utilization of race as a criterion for university admissions but it is now believed that the Court might reconsider its decision. Fisher is a resi dent of Houston and is a white and she has filed a petition against the University of Texas at Austin by claiming that her rejection by the university was unjust and unfair. She has put forward the fact that many students coming from ethnic minorities who had educational records like her were given admission by the university. The proceedings of this case have taken place in the Supreme Court and it is feared by many university administrators that the court might issue a verdict in favor of Fisher. While awaiting the judgment on the case, administrators of educational institutions have sited their fears with regard to this issue. Marvin Krislov who is the President of the Oberlin College of Ohio has put forward these concerns by explaining that the students of minority groups would greatly reduce if the verdict comes in favor of Miss Fisher (Biskupic). Furthermore, the decision of the University of Texas was supported by many universities across the United States and universities pr ovided their written opinions to the court to rule in favor of the University of Texas and allow it to follow its admission policies of considering race as a factor in admissions (Blum). The usage of race and ethnicity as a factor in university admissions has been banned in many states in the United States. These include California, Washington, Michigan, Nebraska and Arizona. The usage of rac

Introduction to Santander and its market plan

Introduction to Santander and its market plan Santander is one of the largest financial institutes in the world with a consumer base of 66 million people worldwide functioning in 40 countries with 150 years of experience making it the 5th largest bank in the world by profit and the 7th largest by market capitalization (Santander Home Page). The success of a business lies with its collaboration and communication strategies with its customers and clients (Kotler Sitawan, 2007). Santander has enhanced and developed its business by emphasizing the need to communicate and collaborate with consumer and customer demands prior to financial profit and organizational benefits; this is the biggest secret to its success. Marketing has evolved a great deal in the past decade and Kotler describes marketing as the process by which companies create value for customers and build strong relationships in order to capture value from customers in return (Kotler, 1999). 1.1.1 Marketing plan and mission the mission of Santander is dedicated to being a resilient financial institute while embracing a culture of market orientation and making customers priority and forefront of every strategy or plan formulated. The marketing plan for Santander hence stands to endeavor and to seek out and conserve the buoyancy of its customers and offer generous services aligned with consumer expectations and demands (Santander Home Page). 1.1.2 Marketing plan and vision- the vision henceforth is aptly aligned with the mission of the organization by unremittingly creating value products for customers offering a sense of belonging and a family environment where services are beneficial according to their requirements (Santander Home Page). 2.1 Marketing plan in terms of changing market trends Marketing has evolved a great deal and Kotler defined these changes in three stages (1) marketing 1.0 (2) marketing 2.0 and (3) marketing 3.0 (Kotler Sitawan, 2007). The 1.0 marketing strategy is epitomized by Henry Fords marketing strategy with respect to his T automobile Model stating any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black; illustrating that marketing is about selling a single product on a large mass scale bearing in mind feasibility and low cost (Kotler Sitawan, 2007). Henceforth marketing 2.0 signifies technological trends of marketing epitomized as age of participation where collaborative marketing strategies i.e. news, advertisements and online marketing approaches like Wikipedia, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter etc are used for marketing products and services. Most of the organizations functioning in the business world follow and adhere to marketing 2.0 strategies but with the changing trends corporations like Santander have altered th eir marketing strategies by collaborating marketing 2.0 and marketing 3.0 strategy where information technology is collaborated with global marketing approaches as 3.0 is an approach that addresses concerns and desires of global citizens (Kotler Setiawan, 2007). Santander has improved and enhanced its marketing products and service by offering online banking to its customers. However as the competitive market has evolved fiercely the organization has realized a need for change with reference to their services. The rapidly advancing technological trends and consumer demands in accordance to it Santander has aimed to leverage its consumer base to escalate its revenue stream while offering extended services in banking to its customers. Taking all these factors into consideration a marketing plan for Santander thus formulated was to introduce a much more advanced and improved version of online banking ensuing releases supplements new features and functionalities to make it truly state-of-the-art (Santander Home Page). A brief outline of its marketing plan thus follows: 2.1.1 E-Services The corporation with the changing trends aims at the best quality services that are beneficial and according to customer demands and requirements. Santander has launched an online direct savings for Family Planning and Education and is offering the following:  · Childrens savings accounts  · Education savings accounts  · Holiday savings accounts  · Retirement savings accounts While offering these Santander offers the following additional services to its best eminence (Santander Home Page):  · Accepting deposits  · Lending loans  · Transfer of money  · Trustee business  · Safekeeping  · Government business  · Venture capital offering loan for initiation of a risky business  · ATM  · Phone and internet banking  · Deposit insurance schemes 2.2 Marketing plan and product analysis in terms of marketing environment and competitors Family planning and educational savings account is offered by every bank in the world. Santanders marketing environment is highly competitive and rapidly evolving with institutions adapting to advance and current marketing trends in order to enhance consumer base. What makes Santander different and unique in its marketing strategy and service offers is their cost effective and consumer reliable savings accounts and services that prove to be beneficial to their customers in the long and short term. Following is a comparison of its competitors to the e-savings services it offers: Source: www.comparethemarket.com Analyzing the market environment and market trends, Nationwide offers award winning savings accounts with their e-saver account acknowledged by Money-facts as one of the most consistently high-paying internet savings account between 2005 and 2008. The service however is limited and targets a particular set of customers those who can afford it activating it by depositing  £5,000 in their accounts. Their cost-effective and premier services are limited to a particular class in society which is also evident in their limited advertising strategies. The services they offer are (www.natwest.co.uk):  · 2.00% gross p.a./AER with no more than 3 withdrawals annually otherwise it may result in low interest rate  · Savings from  £1 to  £500,000  · Customers holding a Nationwide Flex Account is offered to set up a high interest internet savings account  · Customer not a Nationwide Flex Account members are obligated to open a Flex account online alongside an e-savings Plus Abbey is a collaborative of Santander and is ranked as one of the 10 largest banks worldwide. On the other hand Abbeys marketing strategies and services seem more business oriented with the aim of enhancing revenue stream while offering customer satisfactory services and products. Abbeys allow its customer to open a savings account with a minimum deposit of  £1 while offering them an interest rate of 2.50%. Although a lot of other banks provide the same service i.e. opening a savings account for the amount of  £1 the difference is highlighted in their interest rates which are less then Abbeys. Abbey offers interest rates and savings accounts which helps customers in achieving their saving targets for short and long term. Their advertisement and marketing strategy invokes customers stating whether youre saving up for a new car or just for a rainy day you can get their quicker with an Abbey savings account (www.abbey.co.uk). Abbeys savings account are designed and formulated to suit variety of needs of customers i.e. whether customers are planning to save up annually with the purpose of benefitting from higher interest rates or in need of savings accounts which does not limit withdrawals on the cost of interest rates. The bank offers savings accounts all suited to a variety of customers and a universal mass target. Their product and services are as (Abbeys home page):  · Offers a grand return of 2.50% gross/AER with a bonus of 2.00% gross/AER for the first year while opening a savings account  · Savings from  £1  · Offers round the clock money withdrawals without limitations or penalties  · Calculation of interest on a daily basis with final payment on a monthly basis  · Provision of Financial Services Compensation Scheme Services where savings is cosseted up to  £50,000 The market environment after analyzing both of these financial institutes seems to be fiercely competitive. The comparison of both distinguishes the aims and objectives of both on different yet same plane e.g. Nat-west targets a particular class with limited services with no compromise on quality or performance; hence confining a major part of its services to business customers and their investment securities. In simple words the services of Nat-west are beneficial and reserved for the elite. Abbey, conversely, appeals to the needs and demands to a variety of investors big or small and their services and products are designed for all classes. Evaluating products and services of these two competitors Santander aims to offer services that are not reserved or confined to just one class or a particular set of targeted customers. To establish a strong market plan and marketing approach Santander has launched branches in various destinations nationwide emphasizing that location is significant in marketing strategies. The location of the branches is vigilantly planned out i.e. on high streets and malls etc which are easily accessible by customers. Santander has also invested in promoting branches in the rural area by carefully evaluating the saving rates in both rural and urban areas; and after careful evaluation it seems that people in the rural area tend to save up more as compared to urban areas. Apart from this Santander has launched an easily accessible e-savings family and educational accounts by enhancing its profit margin by 3% (Santander Home Page). The reason for this improvement in profit scale is beneficial with reference to organizational marketing benefits and customer requirements and demands e.g. this service is offered online making it more cost effective i.e. not investing in staff, branching or online advertisement and by offering online bank statements it saves up on cost of postal or printing. Hence it proves beneficial for both customer and the Bank. Santander offers the following services in a competitive market environment (Santander Home Page):  · Great return of 3% gross/AER including a bonus of a free laptop after one year on first commencement of the account  · Savings from  £1  · Customers with current accounts can set up savings accounts on high interest rates  · Withdrawal of money anytime with interest generating on an annual basis  · Customers with e-savings accounts are entitled to a 25% discount on travel 2.2.1 SWOT analysis of Santander Strengths v Introduction to e-savings interest account v Comparatively better interest rates v Ideally suited to a variety of needs v Provision of better discount offers v Being more cost-efficient through e-services Weaknesses v Increased costs associated with more benefits to attract customers Opportunities v Introduction of new branches in rural areas v Moving a product into a new market sector v Benefitting from new technological trends i.e. e-savings and online banking Threats v Increasing competition and threats to the Banking industry from other companies v Decreased investment in savings account due to the current financial climate 2.3 Marketing plan in terms of marketing environment and consumer behavior The marketing environment assessed and evaluated for a marketing plan is derived from two factors (1) motivational factors of consumer attitude (2) amendment of marketing strategies according to changing consumer attitudes and demands (Kotabe Helsen, 2010). Hence in this scenario the marketing environment thus assessed for apposite marketing management are derived from two factors (1) motivational factors or aspirations of people whether to having savings or not (2) amending interest rates with changing consumer attitudes and demands. While evaluating the marketing environment and consumer demands organizations should evaluate products that are in the market and are not appealing to consumers; the best way to overcome such a challenge for the marketer is either to find ways to change the product or change consumer perception (Elliot Roach, 1991). In the banking sector it is known fact that the amount of savings by a consumer escalates with the increase in their income and as econom y strengthens the volume of savings by individuals is likely to grow (Johnson 2004). It is for this reason that consumer attitudes and motivations must be evaluated and aptly assessed to better comprehend how and why flux in savings occurs. What motivates people to save? this aspect of consumer attitude has been researched by the Survey Research Center where it analyzes and evaluates consumer attitudes towards savings. Their findings demonstrate that consumer save for a variety of reasons different from the other and the two major reasons hence highlighted are of two kinds (1) the survey showed that 40 to 45% of individuals save for emergencies or for a rainy day to eliminate the chances of being broke if ever unfortunate turn of events may occur (2) 70% of the individuals surveyed gave a positive outlook to their savings stating that they would save for an early retirement or for family and educational needs or to purchase a house or start a small business (Spiegel Samuels 1984). Due to these factors Santander strives and seeks to preserve and attain consumer confidence by offering products that are aligned with their attitudes and demands and services that comply with their life aspirations and their needs for savings. The following critical path or marketing plan analysis has been established by the organization to follow the launch of e-services: 3.1 Marketing in terms of technological and media trends Kotler has described the enablers of new wave technology the rise of social media and has further classified it into two categories (1) expressice social media (2) collaborative media (Kotler Satiawan, 2007). In recent years the World Wide Web has become one blog and has evolved personal communication for availing economical benefits and gains. This has given rise to new technological trends and changing marketing strategies for organizations like Santander. Consumers products in quick access and easily managed are now rapidly becoming popular by means of e-services or the internet as business social media is low-cost and bias-free and it will be the future of marketing communications (Kotler Satiawan, 2007). Trend-watching becomes essential when it comes to promotion, pricing, positioning and executing a product into the market as it summarizes consumers motivation for product co-creation (Kotler Satiawan, 2007). 3.1.1 Promotion- online advertising a means of collaborative social media trend is rapidly evolving and developing in the business world. The Internet Advertising Bureau and Price water-house Coopers, surveyed a report with reference to online advertising and its growing consumer appeal stating that it grew 41.2.% to reach  £2.02 billion in 2003and it exceeded by 11.4% market share against 10.4% traditional and conventional advertising media i.e. newspapers and magazines. The traditional advertising market saw a 2.9% decline in their market share in 2008 against internet advertising (Shampine, 2003). The three principle categories in online advertising formats i.e. display advertising, paid-for-search and online classified advertising grew by 35%, 52% and 45% respectively generating revenues of  £453.7 million,  £1.2 billion and  £379 million annually, respectively (Shampine, 2003). Recent years have shown a thrust in technological trends particularly in E-services and it is anticipated that this impetus will escalate and advertisers feel prone towards experimenting and benefitting from these technological trends and creating more innovative and appealing advertisements to enhance consumer base. In response to this drastic technological change, Santander Bank is promoting its business through operating a very user attractive website and by using the social Medias such as facebook and twitter. Companys website is where promoting the business also the main aim is to facilitating the customers and management perceived the healthy impacts on customer base of the company. Hence, online advertisements are more beneficial for organizations like Santander. 3.1.2 Pricing- the pricing for the service offered by the Bank should be aligned with consumers motivation for product co-creation. The interest rates should be amended and modified with the changing consumer attitudes and their feasibility. Market evaluation hence for expressive social media becomes essential for Santander to understand and collaborate with consumers and their expectations associated with the organization. 3.1.3 Products- Santander management is continuously seeking the new ways to meet up the needs and demands of their customers by offering them the more competitive and versatile products. The e-savings offered by the Bank is offered to appeal consumers who are pursuing means to save up for a better tomorrow for their families and child well being. The services online offered by Santander include Childrens saving accounts, Education savings accounts, Holiday savings account and Retirement savings account. 3.1.4 Placement- Internet and web has become the fastest growing convenience in the past recent years. However, the bank is offering the combination of both services; online and offline services. Considering that there are areas where the branches have not been setup, e-services are ideal for the customers to access their account details, statements and deposits online. 4.1 Marketing in terms of future sustainability According to the projections released by the Office for National Statics, the population in the UK is anticipated to increase by 4 million to 65.6 million by 2018 highlighting a 1.2% incline per annum. The statistics illustrate that the working population defined as individuals between 16 and 59 is anticipated to increase by 14% i.e. from 38.1.million to 43.3 million in the span between 2008 to 2033. This also means a 1.2% increase per annum and since this is the target of Santanders e-savings services the market evaluation and product projection is carried out with reference to these statistics and information. (Source: www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/pprojnr1009.pdf). According to a published report by Mintel Corporation Ltd. people investing in savings accounts average percentage stands at 40% and which is expected to rise to 42.1% by 2012; demonstrating a  £95.14 per head savings that is to increase to  £98.37 and  £101.29 in 2011 and 2012 respectively (www.statistics.gov.uk). Bearing in mind all these figures and statistics the future prospects of Santanders e-savings can be made hence: Net profit 4,685 5,109 5,538 For future prospects and the firms future reputation will be well managed by controlling launch product effectively and aptly by  · Calculated planning of the e-savings service after vigilant market environment and consumer behavior evaluation and assessment  · Conducting online surveys and creating blogs for feedback and evaluating possible opportunities for modifying product according to consumer needs  · Managing online project management by establishing monitoring and task management teams  · Viral circulation strategies i.e. advertising through expressive social media and collaborative social media  · Refining formats i.e. pricing, promotions, bonuses and discount rates, up-sells and continuous improvement programs for the services being offered  · Synchronizing efforts with in-house staff, outsources and vendors and deliverables from project principles  · Setting up a customer service online operating team available to consumer round the clock. 5.1 Conclusion When undertaking a sustainability initiative it is important to measure the costs, savings, and revenues and other benefits to get all stakeholders on board and the measures should be accurate and honest to evaluate the impact of initiative on financial return and intangible benefits (Cooperman Gifford, 2008).Santander is keen on adapting to the changing technological trends as due to globalization the world has become one block where exchange of ideas, thoughts, personal communication and information is carried out through the evolving internet trend. As the statistics show online advertising is rapidly becoming popular due to the vastly growing number of consumers approaching firms and organizations for their needs and requirements by e-services. The future for Santander stands bright and the high reputation is evident from its inclining market share and consumer base by adapting to the 3.0 marketing strategy in todays business world. This will also enable the organization in comm unicating and collaborating with its customers in a better way and better comprehend their needs and demands and modify their products accordingly.

The Gains and Losses of Educating Rita :: Educating Rita Willy Russell Plays Essays

The Gains and Losses of Educating Rita The purpose of my essay is to explain, in considerable detail, the gains and loses of Educating Rita for it being a two-handed play. The play, ‘Educating Rita’, written by Willy Russell is very entertaining, although there are only two characters, hence the reason it is a two-handed play. The grounds on which I found it entertaining is based upon the basic plot outline which consists of Rita, a working-class Liverpool girl, with a hunger for education and Frank, her lecturer, attempts to do just that, but, their relationship changes, they become close. Close in the sense by not sharing your average perception of a student and teacher relationship. They drink and smoke together. This soon changes when Rita’s knowledge expands with the help of Frank and summer school. Summer school also helps to boost Rita’s confidence enabling her to socialise with educated people like herself. Rita divorces her husband, Denny, and gets a new flat mate called Trish. Trish has a great influence on Rita until, she discovered, Trish tried to commit suicide. Rita and Frank soon fall out however; Frank still enters her for an exam. This concludes in Rita passing her exam and fulfilling her dream of an education. She soon becomes Frank’s friend again. Other characters, such as Trish and Denny are never seen but talked about. All the scenes, throughout the play, are set in the Open University where Rita is being taught. To help me carry out this essay I watched the film, ‘Educating Rita’, in order to identify any gains and losses for the two – handed play. After having read the play and seen the movie I am struck by the large number of differences. Many small details have a great impact on how the story can and is being perceived. The movie offers a great deal of background information on events that are relevant to the play. This is an example of a big loss for ‘Educating Rita’ being a two-handed play. By seeing the deleted scenes of the play you get a greater understanding of the sequence of events. Being unable to see the deleted scenes may have lead to confusion and misinterpretation resulting in the play not achieving its full potential. The play is much more predictable in the sense that numerous actions will not take place on stage. For example, nothing taking place outside Frank's office can be seen by the audience. All action is unavoidably confined within the office. At the point in the play where Frank invites Rita to his home for dinner the audience are not set up for anything

Careers Essay

Section A- Key Terms Balanced Decision-Making: Making good choices based on a mixture of logic and intuition. This is useful in a number of situations, and when making a good decision, displays discipline and intelligence. For example, if you have work at 9 am the next morning, and you’ve been invited to go out with your friends the night before, your logic may tell you not to, but your intuition wants to. Making the balanced choice depends on which is a higher priority, work or socializing. Credentials: Experiences that make you more qualified for a job. Employers will see these as accomplishments. Credentials are useful as they show that you are able to apply yourself to a task and complete it, which is useful information for employers, as well. They look good on your resume and make for a good alternative if you don’t have any work experience. Transferable Skills: Abilities that you can apply from one situation to another. This is useful because it will make you a candidate for a wider variety of jobs, and once you have a job, you will be able to adjust to different situations, good and bad, that may happen on an average day at work. Network: Connections with other people. Networking is useful when looking and applying for a job. If you have a large network, then you can talk to them about your need for employment, and have a higher chance of getting an interview. When applying for a job it’s useful as you have a wider variety of references to choose from. Reference: A person on your application form who employers can contact if they want someone else’s opinion on you. They will vouch for your experience, credibility and record. References, when chosen well, can be extremely useful. These references may notice things about you that you wouldn’t be able to share or necessarily know while being interviewed. In other words, they have an outsider’s perspective. Section B- Short Answers 3) The best way to contribute to your community is through volunteer work. But, if you’re looking to further your career ambitions at the same time, then you should be mindful to where you volunteer. For example, if you wanted to be an English teacher, volunteer at the library. If you wanted to work in PR, volunteer at Free the Children. Volunteer work is always great on a resume no matter where it’s from, but it’s even better when employers see that you’ve gotten a little taste of what they have to offer. Another way to contribute to your community is to organize a fundraiser. This looks great on a resume as it shows that you have leadership and communication skills, as well as a good heart. If you wanted to work at a hospital, donate all the proceeds to Make a Wish. If you want to work in art, donate the proceeds to sketch. The last and most general way to contribute to your community is to organize a garbage pick-up. This also shows that you have leader ship and communication skills. But, as all jobs and businesses are looking for ways to go green, this shows that you’re in that mindset and can bring it to where ever you work. 4) There are many things you can do to find out what post-secondary option is best for you. The first way I’d acquire knowledge on this subject is talk to family members and older friends. Make sure to get a wide variety in such as university and college graduates, as well as people who only have a high school diploma. Ask them how they feel about their education and qualifications, as well as how they feel about their career or job. Ask them for advice on finding out what’s best for you, and how they found out what was best for them. Another way I’d educate myself is to do research. Look up the employment rates of university, college and high school graduates. Think of careers or jobs that you would like to have in the future and look up what you would need in order to get that profession. Lastly, I’d tour universities and colleges to get a feel of them. I’d ask myself if I enjoyed one more than the other, and if I could see myself being at one. 5) A couple steps you should take when looking for work are: One- update your resume. Two- network. Tell your family, friends and your friends’ family that you’re looking for work. Three- look around. There are many worthwhile and credible jobs that are advertised whether it is online, in the paper or at centres. Four- don’t waste time! Hand out resumes to all the options that you receive. Five- communicate. Call to the places that you handed in resumes. It shows that you’re eager and will give you attention. 6) My first piece of advice to a friend who had a job interview would be to print off extra resumes and to have a separate sheet with a list of references. Also make sure to have all certificates for your credentials in case they want proof. Second, I’d tell them to arrive on time! Or even better, be early. It’ll give you time to relax and think over what you’re going to say. It’s the first impression that they’ll have of you, and being early or on time shows them that you can keep that up if you were to work there. Lastly, I’d tell them to be confident. Smile and give them a good handshake, wear a nice outfit, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Section C- Essay Question 1 To be blunt, the Careers course is too simple. There isn’t much homework, it’s very easy to get by without studying for tests and a lot of it is really just common knowledge. If you really want to get the full experience, the course should be â€Å"beefed up.† People have mentioned adding a co-op element in the course, which is a great idea. It allows students to apply their knowledge from in-class into the workplace, without having the stress of pay cheques or getting fired. If this was added to the curriculum, it would be even better if the work you did could be added to your resume under experience. The only issue would be that a lot of students wouldn’t want to work without getting paid, and would be upset if it weren’t to count for volunteer hours. Many students are probably happy with getting by with the minimal curriculum we have now. Overall, the co-op idea would definitely be a good experience for them whether they liked it or not, and would definitely enrich this course. Although it is believed that the course should be enriched, it should not be bumped up to be taught in grade 12. This is another way people have said that Careers could be enriched, because they would be able to use more complex terms and advanced language. But, the point of the course is not to expand your vocabulary; it’s to get you educated about your future. Also, many schools offer the course in grade 11, so that’s a compromise between grade 10 and 12. Learning the course in grade 10 allows students time to process information, as well as have working experiences such as volunteer work and jobs, and also to consider what they might like to do for a career. If students were to learn the logistics in grade 12, they’ve missed out on valuable information that could have helped them apply and keep high school jobs. In conclusion, Careers is a simple but effective course. It gives you a lot of useful information that you can benefit from for the rest of your life, gets you thinking about your future and tests your common knowledge. There are definitely many adjustments that can be made, though. Co-op would be great so students could test the knowledge that they’ve learnt in class to see if they thoroughly understand. If co-op was added, Careers should become a full course so students can have half the time for learning and preparing, and the other half for experiencing.

Computerized Auditing Essay

With the introduction of computers, conventional accounting systems and methods using papers, pens and abacuses have undergone drastic changes, therefore exerting a great impact on internal control and audit trails in following audit procedures. Also, the introduction of computer has brought an immense increase in the availability of electronic resources. My topic is entitled auditing in a Computerized Information System (CIS). One purpose why this topic is included in auditing is due to the rampant changes that are happening in our society. We could say that every day, everything around us is going through the† process of evolution†. Example, the government structure, educational structure, social structure, technological structure, economic structure and others are going into extensive and widespread changes. Work nowadays involve the usage of computer, hence, the need for computerized information system in auditing erupted. Around the world, computer plays an important role in the development of one’s country. That is why, here in the Philippines, we are trying to muddle through by with the drastic and radical changes in order to be globally competitive. In fact, technology experts stated that when it comes to new enhancement and improvement of technology, the Philippines is not far behind, but rather one of the fastest country to acclimatize and adopt in this unbelievable wave of changes. With the rapid progress in technology in recent years, computer information systems have become feasible and practicable, perhaps essential, for use even in small scale business operations. Almost all entities now use computers to some extent in their accounting systems. The widespread use of computers has offered new opportunities for professional accountants and had also created some challenging and exigent problems to auditors. Additionally, in auditing, the need for computer is now more important and significant because of the increasing and growing demand of auditing. Without computer, then auditing would not be able to deal with this growing demand. Ever imagine, conducting an audit without the usage of computer, isn’t it that it will be very difficult for the auditor because we all know, we human beings are immersed and innate with errors. Incorporating CIS in auditing is tough. This is because; there are technical and methodological matters that an auditor doesn’t have any idea with, for instance, the software, such as operating program, utility program, etc. Auditors do not have any idea of these things, that’s why auditor tries to broaden their knowledge in order to be competitive. The result of that leads to the flourishing of auditing. Time and time again, auditing will continue to evolve. Having said all that, this topic contains a lot of different things which cannot be found in normal manual auditing. The overall objective and scope of an audit does not change in a CIS environment. However, the use of a computer changes the processing, storage and communication of financial information and may affect the accounting and internal control systems employed by the entity. Accordingly, a CIS environment may affect: a. ) the procedures followed by the auditors in obtaining a sufficient understanding of the accounting and internal control systems; b. ) the consideration of inherent risk and control risk through which the auditors arrive at the risk assessment; and c. ) the auditors’ design and performance of tests of control and substantive procedures appropriate to meet the audit objective. Anyways, regardless of the extent of computerization or the methods of data processing being used, the establishment and implementation of appropriate internal control systems rests with the management and those charged with governance. The auditor’s responsibility is to obtain an understanding of the entity’s internal control system to be able to assess control risk and determine the nature, timing and extent of tests to be performed. Before tackling the important details of my topic, let us first define what is meant by Auditing and Computerized Information System (CIS). So, what is auditing? PSA 200 defines auditing by stating the objective of a financial statement audit, that is, to enable the auditor to express an opinion whether the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. A more comprehensive definition of auditing is given by the American Accounting Association: â€Å"auditing is a systematic process of objectively obtaining and evaluating evidence regarding assertions about economic actions and events to ascertain the degree of correspondence between these assertions and established criteria and communicating the results to interested users. On the other hand, computerized information system pertains to the usage of computer to develop and collate the information derived in an audit for the need of the auditor and third parties related. Another definition of Computerized Information System (CIS) includes, is often a track within the computer science field studying computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles and doctrine, their software & hardware designs, their applications, and their impact on the general public. (http://www. quora. om/Information-Systems) I would just like to give a brief history of Auditing in a CIS Environment. It began as Electronic Data Process (EDP) Auditing and developed largely as a result of the rise in technology in accounting systems, the need for IT control, and the impact of computers on the ability to perform attestation services. The last few years have been an exciting time in the world of CIS auditing as a result of the accounting scandals and increased regulation. CIS auditing has had a relatively short yet rich history when compared to auditing as a whole and remains an ever changing field. The introduction of computer technology into accounting systems changed the way data was stored, retrieved and controlled. It is believed that the first use of a computerized accounting system was at General Electric in 1954. During the time period of 1954 to the mid-1960s, the auditing profession was still auditing around the computer. At this time only mainframe computers were used and few people had the skills and abilities to program computers. This began to change in the mid-1960s with the introduction of new, smaller and less expensive machines. This increased the use of computers in businesses and with it came the need for auditors to become familiar with EDP concepts in business. Along with the increase in computer use, came the rise of different types of accounting systems. The industry soon realized that they needed to develop their own software and the first of the generalized audit software (GAS) was developed. In 1968, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) had the Big Eight (now the Big Four) accounting firms participate in the development of EDP auditing. The result of this was the release of Auditing & EDP. The book included how to document EDP audits and examples of how to process internal control reviews. Around this time EDP auditors formed the Electronic Data Processing Auditors Association (EDPAA). The goal of the association was to produce guidelines, procedures and standards for EDP audits. In 1977, the first edition of Control Objectives was published. This publication is now known as Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (CobiT). CobiT is the set of generally accepted IT control objectives for IT auditors. In 1994, EDPAA changed its name to Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The period from the late 1960s through today has seen rapid changes in technology from the microcomputer and networking to the internet and with these changes came some major events that change IT auditing forever. The formation and rise in popularity of the Internet and E-commerce have had significant influences on the growth of IT audit. The Internet influences the lives of most of the world and is a place of increased business, entertainment and crime. IT auditing helps organizations and individuals on the Internet find security while helping commerce and communications to flourish. (www. trustsoft. com/pp_ha_1. php) In terms of needed skills and competence of the auditor; he/she should have sufficient knowledge of the CIS to plan, direct, supervise and review the work performed. The auditor should consider whether specialized CIS skills are needed in an audit. These may be needed to a. ) obtain sufficient understanding of the accounting and internal control systems of the CIS environment, b. determine the effect of CIS environment on the assessment of related risks, c. ) design and perform appropriate tests of control and substantive procedures. In planning the portions of the audit which may be affected due to client’s CIS environment, the auditor should acquire an understanding of the implication and complexity of the CIS activities and the availability of data for use in the audit. Such matter that needed understanding are the following; a. ) the significance and intricacy of computer processing in each significant accounting application, b. the organizational structure of the client and the extent of concentration or distribution of computer processing throughout the entity, c. ) the availability of data (e. g. source document, computer files). Computerized information systems have essential and vital characteristics that distinguish them from manual processing system. These are the following: a. ) lack of visible transaction trails, b. ) consistency of performance, c. ) concentration of duties, d. ) ease of access to data and computer programs, e. ) vulnerability of data and program storage media, f. Systems generated transactions and g. ) Potential for increased management supervision. As regards to lack of visible transaction trails, in manual system, it is normally possible to follow a transaction through the system; by examining source documents, entity’s records, and financial reports. In a CIS environment, data can be entered directly and unswervingly into the computer system devoid of supporting documents. Furthermore, records and files may not be printed and cannot be read without using the computer. The absence of these visible documents supporting the processing of transactions makes the examination of evidence more difficult. In relation to the consistency of performance, CIS performs functions exactly as programmed. If the computer is programmed to perform a specific data processing task, it will never get tired of performing the assigned task in exactly the same manner. Because of this capability of the computer to process transactions uniformly, clerical errors that are normally associated with manual processing are eliminated. On the other hand, an incorrect program could be very devastating because it will result to consistently erroneous data processing. Third, concentration of duties, in here proper segregation of duties is an essential characteristic of a sound internal control system. However, because of the ability of the computer to process data efficiently, there are functions that are normally segregated in manual processing that are combined in a CIS environment. As a particular example, in manual processing the function of recording cash disbursements is incompatible with the responsibility for reconciling cash disbursement. Since one of these functions serves as a check upon the other, assigning both functions to one employee would enable and permit that employee to commit and conceal errors and irregularities. A properly programmed computer, on the other hand, has no tendency or motivation to commit irregularities or conceal its errors. Hence what appears to be an incompatible combination of functions may be combined in a CIS environment without weakening and dwindling the internal control provided suitable and appropriate compensating controls are put in place. Fourth, ease of access to data and computer programs, in a CIS environment, data and computer programs may be accessed and altered by unauthorized persons leaving no visible and detectible evidence. It is important, therefore, that proper and appropriate controls are incorporated in the system to limit the access to data files and programs only to authorized personnel. Fifth, vulnerability of data and program storage media, in a manual system the records are written in ink and substantial paper. The only way to lose the information is to lose or destroy the physical records. The situation is completely different in a CIS environment. The information on the computer can be easily changed, leaving no trace of the original content. This change could happen inadvertently and huge amount of information can be quickly lost. Another, systems generated transactions; certain transactions may be initiated by the CIS itself without the need for an input document. For example, interest may be calculated and charged automatically to customers’ account balances on the basis of pre-authorized terms contained in a computer program. Lastly, potential for augmented management supervision, CIS can offer management a variety of analytical tools that may be used to review and supervise the operation of the entity. The availability of these tools may enhance the entire internal control structure. There are certain advantages and disadvantages in using computer in the conduct of audit. Take note that the characteristics of computer information system already tackled above pertains to some advantages and disadvantages of CIS. Advantages of it includes, it avoids computational errors commonly done by human; eases up and alleviate the work of auditor especially when it comes to timeliness; faster and efficient in processing of information; generation and creation of accounting documents like invoices, cheques and statement of account are automatic; more timely information can be produced; With the larger reductions in the cost of hardware and software and availability of user-friendly accounting software package, it is relatively cheaper like maintaining a manual accounting system; no more manual processing of the data hence all data are automatically been posted to the various ledgers/accounts and others . On the other hand, the disadvantages of CIS are the following: it removes part of the audit trail; subject to manipulation especially to unauthorized personnel; the need for back-up files, could result into more cost, especially if computer is susceptible to power interruption and from infectious softwar e; danger of computer fraud if proper level of control and security whether internal and external are not properly been instituted and others.

Analysis of a Possible Merger Between Vodafone and Verizon Communication The WritePass Journal

Analysis of a Possible Merger Between Vodafone and Verizon Communication Introduction: Analysis of a Possible Merger Between Vodafone and Verizon Communication Introduction:Vodafone Group Vodafone and Verizon Wireless Merger Ownership Issue   Business environment with USA Partner  External environment PESTAL AnalysisPoliticalEconomical Social factorsTechnological factors Environmental FactorsLegal factors Internal EnvironmentMichel Porters Diamond Model Rivalry, Firm strategy, structure   Demand ConditionsRelated Supporting Industries Factor conditionsRecommendation and Conclusion Appendix1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  SWOT analysis on VodafoneStrengthsWeaknessOpportunity Threats 2) Porter’s generic strategiesMarketing strategyMarketing mix  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Product  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Place  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   PriceBibliography WebsiteRelated Introduction: Mobile evaluation is only three decade old but there are major changes been seen year after year. There are more than 5 Billion mobile users all over the world which is served by different service provider. The major names in UK are:- Vodafone Orange Three T-Mobile O2 The services include voice calling, Internet service, multimedia messaging, video conferencing, fixed line internet etc. Vodafone Group In 1982 Racal Electronics won a private sector UK cellular licence and they set up a new network although The first call was made by using Vodafone service is few minutes passed midnight on 1st January 1985, and by 1987 Vodafone was known as largest telecommunication company in the world. They are the first in business to launch Vodapage which provides 80% of UK population paging service. By year 2010 Vodafone proved their significant global presence over 30 countries and over 40 partners markets in Europe and worldwide. The Group operates in three geographic regions Europe, Africa and Central Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East and has an investment in Verizon Wireless in the United States. By market capitalization, Vodafone Group plc. Is one of the largest companies providing service to more than 500 million users in Europe and worldwide. The group’s main principal activity is to provide mobile telecommunication service to mobile users and operate a fixed line services for business and offices in privet and government sector. Vodafone has tried and retain their leadership in telecommunication market by providing better value, better product, and services in Europe and worldwide .Their global strategy is to embrace voice, data and internet service and to focus on satisfying customer’s needs and for that they had invested large amount for developing and launching new services for customers such as free mobile application, money transfer service, fixed and individual line internet service, Vodafone 360 etc.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Vodafone group’s objective is to achieve and maintain a position of dominance in its markets in worldwide .The company has maintained a strategy of focusing on global mobile communication and providing network to allow its customers to communicate using mobile product and services. Their growth strategy is Attract, service and retain high value customers Continued geographic expansion Provision of new products and services to support growth in revenues from both voice and data. http://online.vodafone.co.uk/dispatch/Portal/appmanager/vodafone/wrp?_nfpb=true_pageLabel=template09pageID=PAV_0015 Vodafone and Verizon Wireless Merger Vodafone group has able to establish his network and on several continent including Europe, Asia, Africa, north and South America. Joint venture with Hutchison Essaar is their one of the biggest investment. Vodafone group had developed their business successfully all over the world apart from America. They had entered to USA in 1999 merger with air touch communication and later in 2003 they also invested in Verizon wireless in which they hold 45% but still after all these they are not able to get success which they achieved in other countries. Verizon communication who owns the 55% shares in Verizon wireless is formed in 2000 mergers between two biggest companies in USA Bell Atlantic and GTE. The merger also made Verizon wireless a largest wireless network provider in USA and after that they had managed well to involve in good deal such as acquisition of Alltel Corporation who ranks eighth largest wireless network provider in USA with approx. 800000 customers. Currently Verizon communication owns most of the shear in company and management decisions in Verizon wireless. Ownership Issue   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Vodafone group has successful business in UK and Europe but even after 10 years in USA telecom Market they still not able to expand their business. After investing in Verizon wireless they are trying to grow in USA but they are still waiting to achieve that. At one stage there was a persistent speculation of possible merger between these two companies which will be helpful for the future of both the companies. There is huge battle going on these companies for ownership of Verizon wireless and both companies had shown interest buying out the rest of the shares. The USA telecom market is growing rapidly and with every opportunity these two companies try to be on top of each other which are one of the reasons behind delaying the possible merger between Vodafone and Verizon wireless. After financial downturn CEO of Verizon communication advised Vodafone to sell their shares in Verizon wireless which also shows the business environment between these two organisations is unstable. As research figure shows that if Vodafone and Verizon wireless obtain full merger in future the company could worth  £120 billion .Vodafone group had a market value of  £77 billion and Verizon communication $86 billion ( £57billion). Vodafone group had been expecting merger between two companies should be 60:40 in Verizon wireless but the partner company is not agreed on these terms. Although with less market value Verizon wireless generates significant and continuous cash flow. They had paid dividends to his shareholder which is Vodafone group till 2005 but afte r they stop explaining reason is to reducing a down debts of the company. As per Bloomberg report there are three possibilities could be seen between this two organisations 1)   Full merger of these two companies 2)   Verizon wireless would start paying dividend to Vodafone 3)   One of the partners to sell their share either to each other or to the third party. Many of the city business analyses have seen potential in these companies and they think they should solve their problems and issues in Verizon wireless which could worth  £40 billion. Royal bank of Scotland one of the largest organisations in banking sector in UK suggested that Vodafone should either merge with Verizon communication or they should sell their stake in Verizon wireless for better profitability. Vodafone CEO Vittorio Coalo also thinks the same way and he said merger is the best alternative to solve the problems in Verizon wireless than other. They had discussed number of options earlier in 2010 which could be helpful foe Verizon wireless future but they also think merger would be more complex because of competition between UK and USA businesses compared to the other option such as separation between Verizon communication and Verizon wireless. ft.com/cms/s/0/b1d3df72-43e7-11dd-842e-0000779fd2ac.html#axzz1KDYiXA2E ft.com/cms/s/0/90bb3ae4-3ab5-11df-b6d5-00144feabdc0,s01=1.html#axzz1KDYiXA2E guardian.co.uk/media/2006/mar/07/newmedia.citynews   Business environment with USA Partner   External environment Vodafone group is facing huge competition from his American partner and their rivals in business such as ATT wireless. Verizon communication had a joint venture with Vodafone in Verizon wireless putting pressure to sell their 45% stake in company. Expected merger between Vodafone and Verizon wireless is still on hold but in competitive telecom market partner group is bearing down Vodafone. The group operates their business from United Kingdom and provides services more than 27 countries in 5 continents. The group 80% of revenue is comes from their UK business but existence in emerging markets like India makes their position strong in telecom sector. Verizon communication is trying continuously to buy the Vodafone stake in company and ruled on Verizon wireless. In 2006 both group had played down ownership battle for Verizon wireless but they failed. Since 2000 when Vodafone group was new to US telecom market and Verizon communication was newly formed company had pooled out their US wi reless assets. Both are the largest wireless network providers in world had suffered from periodic tension. Mr Seidenbeg CEO of Verizon communication said in an interview that he would like 100% of earning from Verizon wireless because they are doing 100% work. In 2008 business analysts reported the Vodafone stake value in Verizon wireless is been increased by $10 billion to $60 and even after 2005 they had not received a dividends from Verizon wireless it seems that group thinking positive about the merger with Verizon communication. ft.com/cms/s/0/c20625be-44a7-11de-82d6-00144feabdc0,s01=2.html#axzz1KDYiXA2E ft.com/cms/s/b1d3df72-43e7-11dd-842e-0000779fd2ac,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2Fb1d3df72-43e7-11dd-842e-0000779fd2ac.html_i_referer=#axzz1KDYiXA2E PESTAL Analysis Political   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Vodafone group had always focused of customer satisfaction for that they had shifted their business approach towards customer benefits. They had moved on from unit pricing to unit based tariff. Vodafone group had invested in United States to explore their business and make more profit from highly developed market. The group outsource their US business from outside and so they had considered different international laws in order to explore their business in other countries. They had considered the tread restriction which is also important in political factor. Recently communication commission in USA made attempt to bring telecommunication sector under government oversight more specifically put under government regulation but apparently US court denied this appeal for the D.C. circuit ruling which regards information service underlying of telephone rules. Economical   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Economical factors are interconnected with political factors which might affect the development of the company. The economic factors include growth rate, exchange rates, interest rates and inflation. These factors are pretty important which gives right and accurate cost to the customer so that everybody can aware of their product. During the investment in Verizon group Vodafone group had received returns in form of dividend till 2005 but after that they stopped paying explain reason to reducing the lower debt. In 2009 Verizon communication used Verizon wireless $5 billion to pay off their debts. Vodafone and Verizon wireless have 87.8 million retail customers all over America. Vodafone group owns 45% share and both the partner companies are made compelling amount of stock in telecom infrastructure class. According to Bernstein Report there are four option Verizon communication have to pay the internal borrowing which are either they could rebuilt their debt level or they could just buy Vodafone 45% share which could be more expensive. Another option they have is to start paying dividends to Vodafone or a merger with partner group. Social factors   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Social factors are very important for the development of the company more than any other. This is because social factors have more impact on customers regarding to the product and services. Vodafone group had invested in social factors and to make them effective they are mainly focusing on education, enterprise, health and welfare. The group runs several charitable trusts in USA and Europe which is making positive contribution to the local communities in specific projects which are run by Vodafone and Verizon group. The group had also made investment in youth projects to draw a traditional philosophy. In 2001 they had managed to raise  £3 million donation through these welfare which helped youth people all over the world to take informed decisions and choices.   The group also founded Peace Parks international foundation which supports in sustainable economic development conservation of biodiversity and regional peace. Both groups also a part of voluntary service champagne to fight against HIV and AIDS and other deceases like Cancer. Technological factors   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Technological factors focuses on research and development activities which includes development of new technology and services. Mobile phone industry is growing rapidly a great deal of technological changes and development is continued to be seen. Vodafone group offers variety of mobile phones with latest technologies to their customers. 3g technology is already helping companies to increase their sales revenues. However Vodafone has brought additional responsibility to protect young people from inappropriate content, gambling and violent games. Environmental Factors Environmental factors also important in successful business although telecom industries impact on environment is very small as compare to other industries however these companies have to work on to reduce it . Vodafone group has started CO2 ring to reduce energy consumption which will produce less carbon. Company estimated during year 2008 their business in Europe, Australia, NZ had produced 1.23 million CO2 and they aims with this ring they will reduce emission by 50% by 2020. Vodafone group is also worked in mobile phone disposals in which they helped to developed support industry to minimize phone disposals. They also had developed guidelines to reduce greenhouse gas emission and to monitoring progress. Legal factors   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Legal factors are very important for any organisation to form a business and it’s also important for organisation to follow them. Vodafone group have their business all over the world and throughout their business journey they had worked as per the laws and restrictions. However in some issues they had gone beyond government regulation while working in competitive market. Group also believes to retain the position in market companies must exceed the legal and industry self regulation. guardian.co.uk/business/2008/apr/22/vodafonegroup.telecoms vodafone.com/content/dam/vodafone/about/sustainability/reports/2000-01_vodafonecr.pdf stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_809fa95b-31a9-5f14-aa3f-c3c97cf20cb6.html iese.edu/research/pdfs/OP-0155-E.pdf bignerds.com/papers/17537/Pestel-Analysis-Of-Vodafone/         Internal Environment Verizon wireless works under management board of Vodafone group and Verizon communication. Although it’s true that Vodafone is included in board decisions but still they don’t have full control because of fewer stakes in firm. It’s been seen several times when Verizon communication opposed the Vodafone decision. Both companies had shown interests in buying Verizon wireless not ready for any settlement which shows their business instability. It all started in 2000 when Vodafone and Verizon communication bided for air touch communication and apparently Vodafone group won the bid which helped them to enter into USA telecom market. In March 1995 US cellular AB PCS auctioned for spectrum in 1900 MHz range in which Air touch USA, Bell Atlantic, Nynex and US west formed their joint venture called Prime co communication. Later in 1999 when Vodafone merged with Air touch Partner Company approached Air touch Vodafone about the merging wireless communication (air touch Voda fone, bell electronics, prime co)   to form a Verizon Wireless but due to FCC regulation prime co and Verizon territories and region was split. When Vodafone merged with air touch CEO of Vodafone Air touch Arun Sarin was involved in various other formations of partnership’s and technology dimensions as well. Sarin was also involved in decision to use CDMA technology over GSM in root of Verizon wireless network but Verizon communication opposed to this decision specifying CDMA technology to use on Vodafone network. Both the group had formal meeting about the company expansion it seems very often when these come to any mutual decision. In 2004 Vodafone considered to buying ATT wireless Verizon communication turn out the deal to take over joint venture. Vodafone however managed well to gain profit from their business and Verizon wireless also started paying dividends in 2009 and continued to gain its value. Michel Porters Diamond Model   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Michel Porters diamond model form competitive advantage helps to understand the comparative position of the organisation in global competition. The model helps to measure company performance over geographic regions. Rivalry, Firm strategy, structure     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Vodafone group business strategy is to meet social needs of the customers which create opportunity to increase profit. Vodafone group also made consideration in developing product and services which meet the specific needs of customer in local market. The group had set their goals to be leading communication provider but huge battle with competitor and instable business in USA they are facing problem to keep up the leading position. Vodafone group runes their business all over the world and major parts covered by group are in UK and Europe. Their UK business produce 80% of revenue were they are facing competition from O2, Orange, and T-mobile. Were in USA they are competing by their partner firm who is second largest in USA and who owns most of the Verizon company stake. Verizon wireless have their business all over the America who competing against ATT who recently announced merger deal with T-mobile USA which made them strongest and leader i n US telecom wireless network. Demand Conditions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Demand condition plays crucial role in porter’s diamond model in business. Vodafone group have successful business in UK and Europe because they are able to evaluate demands and expectations and to fulfil them. In late 90s telecom sector was focused on providing fixed line services and in early 21 century wireless technology was introduced who gains popularity in very quick session. So as demand changed mobile companies are grown in telecom market. Vodafone group also considered customers demand they introduced I-Phone in 2010 and in first week they sold more than 400000 cells. In USA also they sold I-phone through their joint venture company and group was aware of the demand but they did not imagined the sales figure could go so high were demand was more and supply was less and therefore it is very important in business to measure demand in customer satisfaction point . Related Supporting Industries   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Related supporting industries are very important in relation to the grown of business. Vodafone group is working with few other companies on their territory. Vodafone group have been supported by air touch communication their partnership with Verizon communication is also somehow helping them to grow in US telecom market. Vodafone group also developed good relationship with mobile phone producing companies which is helping them to fulfil customer demands. In 2010 they made partnership with Apple to launch I-Phone which was great hit. The group also helped to develop mobile disposal industries they think disposal of mobile phone is very big problem and with their help this industries trying reduce this problem and help environment. They are also working with few other companies in telecom market to reduce CO2. Factor conditions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Vodafone group had always looked for the opportunity in other countries to grow their business. They had considered emerging countries and made investment. Competitive environment also affects factors condition customers always have choices to choose between fixed lines or mobile its companies have to attract them to be in competition. http://incarnationrocks.com/2010/11/14/information-about-the-history-and-evolution-of-vodafone-as-a-companyhistory-of-vodafonevodafone-history/ http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-20055922-266.html usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-02-01-iphone01_ST_N.htm vodafone.com/content/annualreport/annual_report09/exec_summary/op_environment_and_strategy.html Recommendation and Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Vodafone group has got successes in America but their business and relationship with partners is not stable. Vodafone group had already shown their co-operation while developing their business in US telecom market and working with Verizon communication. I think Vodafone group should try for merger with Verizon communication to obtain and retain their leading position. Verizon had a control over management decision and they had paid return in form of dividends to Vodafone until 2005 but after that they stopped paying explain reason is to reduction of lower debts and for almost four years Vodafone group did not received any returns for their stake. USA telecom market is moving rapidly so buyout of Verizon wireless or 50:50 partnerships could be a very good option for Vodafone although both options are never opened for group. I think they should try to maintain good relationship with partner group for the better future of Verizon wireless. Currently Verizon wireless is a second largest wireless network provider in America which was takeover by ATT in 2010 in multimillion dollar merger with T- mobile USA. Verizon communication should pay the dividend to their partner group in future or they could try to buy Vodafone stake in Verizon wireless which are quite expensive. The company currently serves nearly 93 million customers all over the America which shows the strong position and settled business of the Verizon wireless in American market. But recent controversial business environment between partner group could affect the market value and shares of Verizon wireless. Vodafone group had experience in managing business in different countries so they can be useful for Verizon wireless in subject of developing new products and services, entering new markets. The recent merger between ATT had already affected the positions of Verizon wireless which also knocked them out from top position to second and so if the new group’s strategy is to pay off then Verizon wireless will suffer in business. http://blogs.investors.com/click/index.php/home/60-tech/1656-would-dividend-payments-kill-talk-of-verizon-vodafone-merger http://incarnationrocks.com/2010/11/14/information-about-the-history-and-evolution-of-vodafone-as-a-companyhistory-of-vodafonevodafone-history/    Appendix 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  SWOT analysis on Vodafone To identify company’s internal and external strength and weakness swot analysis is very important. Strengths Vodafone group have their business all over the world and they have ability to grow in many countries. Vodafone group have nearly 500 million customers in nearly 40 countries and 5 continent. They have very strong platform which gives them power to work in RD to innovate new products and devices in subject to the growth of the market. Group’s biggest strength is their customers. They had managed well to maintain good relationship with their service users. Good decision makers and efficient people on the board is also Vodafone group’s strongest link. Weakness Vodafone group’s biggest weakness is the capital expenditure over fixed tangible assets. In past five years their average depreciation charge been exceeded by 58% which also suggest that group might have cash shortage in future. Vodafone group has been spending lot of money on research and developing new product and services. So if the product fails in market group could face heavy loss. Legal issues with partner companies are also their business weakness Opportunity New innovations and technologies and services are expected to be major hit in telecom market. Vodafone group always try to bring new services for their users which will use by them for data transfer, calling and internet. Mobile phone industry is growing very rapidly were persuasion to have at list 1 mobile gives opportunity to mobile companies to increase their size and share in market. If Vodafone merge with their US partner will give them opportunity to establish and make their position stronger in US market. Threats Vodafone group work in developing new technologies and services and if something goes wrong with product it will leave company with heavy loss. As industry grows mobile companies have to take special care so that no one can misuse the technology and at some point they also have to accept the decisions made by social or political reasons. Competition from other companies who serves same product and services. 2) Porter’s generic strategies Relating to the SWOT analysis, Porter (1980) identified three generic strategies for competitive advantage, which can represent a distinctive strength of a company.   These are shown in the diagram below: Vodafone use the cost leadership strategy and differentiation but do not adopt the focus strategy as they do not focus on a niche market.   Vodafone needs to compete on a cost leadership strategy because number portability means that people will move to whoever can provide a reliable service the cheapest and by becoming the lowest cost producer in the industry through economies of scales allows Vodafone to compete on price with other producers to earn higher unit profits which in turn achieves competitive advantage through driving down costs.   Vodafone also differentiate themselves through providing customers with added value through their product features and quality that are unique and different from their competitors. Marketing strategy In order to retain market leadership, Vodafone has established a set of marketing objectives.   These are to:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Obtain new customers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Keep the customers it already has   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Introduce new technologies and services   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Continue to develop the Vodafone brand. Vodafone is achieving these objectives by continually updating their range of phones and services offered to keep ahead of its competitors.   Vodafone also communicates with its customers to keep them well informed of the benefits of all Vodafone products. Marketing mix The marketing mix consists of many different factors, which are grouped together into four main categories: product, place, price and promotion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Product Vodafone’s products have many different features which   provides customers with opportunities to chat, play games, send and receive pictures, change ring tones, receive information about travel and sporting events, obtain billing information and view video clips and send video messages.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Place Vodafone UK operates over 300 of its own stores it also sells through independent retailers e.g. Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4 U.   Customers are able to see and handle products they are considering buying and staff are on hand to ensure customers’ needs are matched with the right product and to explain the different options available to them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Price Vodafone offer various pricing structures to suit different customer groups, monthly price plans are available as well as prepay options and phone users can top up their phone online.   Also Vodafone gives NECTAR reward points for every one pound spent on calls, text messages, picture messages and ring tones.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Promotion Vodafone has worked with icons in the past such as David Beckham to communicate its brand values they use advertising on TV, billboards, magazines and in other media outlets to reach large audiences and spread their brand image and message effectively.   Their stores have special offers, promotions and point of sale posters to attract customers inside the stores to buy and Vodafone actively develop good public relations through sending press releases to national newspapers and magazines to explain new products and ideas. Also relating to the product aspect of the marketing mix, the Boston matrix represents the company’s portfolio according to where the products stand regarding market share and growth. Bibliography Caroline Booth (2010) Strategic procurement (electronic resource through Anglia Ruskin library) organisation suppliers and supply chain for competitive advantage, London Philadelphia New Delhi page 26. David L. Rainey (2010) Enterprise- wide strategic management (electronic resource through Anglia Ruskin library) Cambridge university press page 70 J. Brits and G.H.K. Botha ,M.E. Herselman, Tshwane Conceptual Framework for Modelling Business Capabilities Retrieved from http://proceedings.informingscience.org/InSITE2007/InSITE07p151-170Brits297.pdf Claire Capon Understanding Strategic Management (2008) Pearson education ltd (page 33-53) retrieved from http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=BvD4FtMWAloCpg=PA27dq=White+C+Strategic+Managementhl=enei=xkG2TfHEOpHP4wb4odT0Dwsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=1ved=0CEEQ6wEwAA#v=onepageq=White%20C%20Strategic%20Managementf=false Robert M. Grant (2007) Contemporary Strategy Analysis John Wiley and Sons (page 271-322) retrieved from http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=zFkXk7KbM-kCpg=PA148dq=Grant+R+M+(2007),+Contemporary+Strategy+Analysis,+Blackwellhl=enei=YES2TY6YNs7j4wbp_qQJsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=1ved=0CEUQ6wEwAA#v=onepageq=Grant%20R%20M%20(2007)%2C%20Contemporary%20Strategy%20Analysis%2C%20Blackwellf=false Website www.ft.com www.dailytelegraph.com www.gurdian.co.uk www.vodafone.co.uk www.verizonwireless.com www.bigneard.com www.academic.mintal.com

Coronary heart disease Essays

Coronary heart disease Essays Coronary heart disease Paper Coronary heart disease Paper J. (2007). Cultural factors in preventive care: African-Americans. Â  USA: Oxford. 9. Â  Hansen Fred. (2007). SelfCare Essentials of 21st Century health care reform. London: Adam Smith Institute. 10. Carbajal, Enrique V. (1998). Â  Noncardiac Surgery in CAD Patients. Veterans Affairs Medical Center Fresno, Calif. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/circulationaha;98/8/823

An Operational Analysis of Subway Restaurants

Each team member was charged with the task of visiting a Subway location near their residence. This way each member was given the opportunity to observe the concrete steps required for Subway to complete a service from beginning to end. When you hear the words â€Å"fast food,† you imagine being offered a service in which you are quickly in and out with your order, and nothing else to it. In this instance that is not the case; Subway did not become one of the largest sandwich chains overnight. It has taken years of productiveness from the owners, top managers, employees and each customer of Subway. Throughout this paper we will analyze Subway’s operations by identifying the type of process used and the basic layout of their facilities. We will also provide a detailed service blueprint that will help to get a better understanding of the service process from the beginning, when the customer places an order, to the end, when that paying customer walks out the door with their subway sandwich. After visiting our Subway locations, we will also be able to explain the strengths and weaknesses that we observed from the interaction between employees and customers and the overall Subway experience. One of the locations visited and observed during hours of operations was the Subway restaurant located at 19214 Clay Road, Suite A, Katy TX 77449. This restaurant has been serving the Katy community for approximately ten years. This particular location was observed in order to help create the service blueprint. The service blueprint lists all of the service functions that are performed and the average time expected to achieve the completion of each function. It begins with the customer’s action; the customer walks into the store and places an order, the employee then acknowledges the customer’s request. This is followed by the customer deciding on the size and type of sandwich they would like made. The Subway employee then begins to prepare the customer’s sandwich with their size and type specifications in mind. At this point, the employee asks the customer to decide on their type of meat and cheese, once the customer communicates this decision, the employee adds the requested meat and cheese. He/she gives the customer the choice of having their sandwich toasted or not. If the customer decides to toast the sandwich the employee then proceeds to put it in the toaster for a minute then moves on to adding the dressings and sauces. If the customer does not want their sandwich toasted, the employee continues along with the process. The interaction continues with the choosing of any vegetables and final touches which may include adding oil and vinegar or salt and pepper at the customer’s request. Finally, as we approach the end of the service process, the employees wraps the sandwich and offers the customer the option of adding a cookie or the option of making their sandwich purchase as a meal, which would then include chips or a drink for a set additional price. Once the customer has chosen, the employee then collects payment to complete the transaction, and hands the order over to the customer, thus concluding the service process. This entire process happens in between the line of interaction. A line of visibility does exist in all Subway locations, on one side you have the components that are visible to the customer, which include the bread baking and all of the products and produce used to make a Subway sandwich. On the other side of the line of visibility, you have those items not visible to the customers’ eyes, which include the preparation of the bread before baking it, the extra vegetables, meat, and cheeses to be cut and prepped, the chips and drinks used to stock the storefront, as well as the storage of all the other products necessary to perations such as paper products, bags and any office supplies. All of this is required in order to ensure the success of the service process. Even though the customer does not realize what exactly occurs behind the line of visibility, it does not mean they don’t care. Every paying customer hopes and expects that their food is being handled and prepared in the safest and best way possible. This means that employees must be equipped to complete all tasks required in the minimal time possible, while maintaining the utmost standards of sanitary handling and preparation. Please refer to blue print 1 for a visual representation of how the actual process explained above works. After getting a closer look at how the service process works by completing the blue print you can see that the employees work diligently to complete the process in less than five minutes. From this you can learn that during peak hours which include lunch and dinner rush, employees work faster than normal to meet the 5 minute process standard. This way may cause a customer to feel rushed. For instance if the employee sees that the customer line has exceeded more than five it begins to rush the process; this causes the customer to make abrupt decisions on what they want in their sandwich. At the same time this can easily cause the employees to make mistakes during the process. For instance they can accidently add the wrong vegetables or sauces simple because they are trying to rush through the process in order to get the customer in and out. This urgency of completing the process faster than usual can turn a customer away. Many paying customers like to have the undivided attention of the employees since they do feel like they should get their money’s worth through the service. To help both the employees and customers during this circumstances the manager should ensure the employees that yes you might have to pick up the speed to meet the lunch rush demand; but they will have to be courteous without making the customer feel rushed. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Subway location 19214 Clay Road, Suite A, Katy TX 77449

Reading Response of FanShen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading Response of FanShen - Essay Example It appears off as somehow a culture shock being that he is Chinese - Chinese culture way of writing is more focused on a descriptive style, while often including words like ‘we’ as opposed to ‘I’. When examining Shen’s past experience in writing Chinese, he outlines, the expression ‘I’ to always be associated with another â€Å"unfortunate expression†, â€Å"individualism†, which is regarded as a synonym to the word selfishness in Chinese. China categorically emphasizes on their culture collectively as a whole, and the individualism concept is considered ethically immoral. It is considered immodest and disrespectful to use the expression ‘I’ since that is a labeled word for one person. The culture believes that using ‘we’ means including everyone, while the American culture context emphases intensely and enthusiastically on ‘I’, promote individualism. A claim of solitary expression as o pposed to Chinese collectivity expression. Because of Chinese emphasis on collective expression and modesty in linguistics, can they be branded as a more unified culture than the American society? The concept prompts the question of whether if America upheld her values and cultural morals more, the result would be an awarer and more tolerant nation1. The American culture privileges acknowledgment of â€Å"I† at the level of expression and ideology. The culture views the use of â€Å"I† as a norm. It is used as a way of expressing selfness a view that purposefully promotes individualism. Contrarily, the Chinese culture does not conform to the use of â€Å"I† as a means of self-expression rather views it as individualistic and self-centered. To some extent, it is agreeable that the Chinese perception promotes cohesiveness among cultural members as they tend to identify with each other as a â€Å"We†2. As a younger student, my writing sequence was more based on the fast delivery of critical issues when writing. There was no sequential buildup of ideas rather

Is current UK IT law relevant when applied to the cloud computing Literature review

Is current UK IT law relevant when applied to the cloud computing - Literature review Example A swift increase in the use of PC and internet has seen the rise to new forms of crimes like publishing sexually overt materials in electronic type, video voyeurism and violation of privacy and leak of information by agent, e-commerce frauds like impersonation commonly known as phishing, identity stealing and unpleasant posts through the use of communication services. Cloud computing can be defined as the use of cloud technology to store and access data that is stored in a virtual space. Cloud computing can be divided into several forms that serve better to explain the whole idea; they include the following: 1. SaaS Through the service, the providers install common software, which enables customers download intended materials without necessarily installing personal copies of the software and the charges are inclusive on the material cost (software as a service). This tool therefore maintains lower costs than other conventional hosting of the cloud computing. 2 Utility computing The i dea behind this type of computing is not new, but this type of cloud computing is getting new life from several companies with online presence who offer storage space and virtual servers that IT can be accessed anytime. Other stakeholders offer solutions that help IT create virtual data enters from commodity servers, such as 3Tera's Aplitic and Cohesive Flexible Technologies' Elastic Server on Demand, Liquid Computing LiquidQ offers similar capabilities, enabling IT to stitch together memory, I/O, storage Internet integration Cloud computing provides a whole range of advantage in the way organizations conduct their business and targeting potential consumers. It is a welcome to small businesses especially to avoid the extra high costs that are associated with setting up IT infrastructure. On the other hand, as virtualization permeates the enterprise, the idea of loosely coupled services running on an nimble, scalable network should eventually make every venture a node in the cloud; i t's a long-running trend with a far-out horizon, but among big megatrends, cloud computing is the most difficult one to argue with in the long term. Addition The increase in awareness of consumer products easily accessible through online means is changing the business environment within the United Kingdom just as is the case with all other parts of the globe. For instance, consumers are increasingly adopting the purchase of software and such entertainment products as music as well as movies from online supplies by a third part which represents a form of cloud computing. However, as Brad gate finds in a report concerning the consumer rights on digital products, the increased awareness and use of cloud computing places the consumer at a point of uncertainty in relation to the legal framework within UK today. This is because unlike the case with other physical products where the consumers are well aware of personal rights, the law in UK is not certain on digital consumer rights. Theref ore according to this report is one shortcoming that is notable within the legal

I'm not sure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

I'm not sure - Essay Example In addition to honoring elders, the path to virtue is found through restraint. This means that the individual must not indulge for personal satisfaction in order to stay on the path that will bring him/her to higher levels of achievement. When the individual behaves in a manner that expresses his/her position on the path as he/she is following the Way, the development of the community is achieved through right and moral good which in turn contributes to social betterment. Finding the Way is the path to finding virtue. The term virtue refers to moral worthiness, specifically and is referring to the power within the individual to act along the path. As Kong and Slingerland suggest, during the Shang period virtue was about the personal power within someone. This referred to charisma and the way in which the individual attracted people to them so that they would follow (242). This does not always mean that someone is good, however. A good example is that of Fidel Castro. One of the comme nts made by Barbara Walters when she had interviewed him was that she was wildly attracted to him and sexually compelled by his personal power (Ratcliff 130). In some interpretations of the Shang period of virtue, this would make Fidel Castro virtuous. The mark of this power was envisioned as a part of the divine right that was given to a leader as a blessing. The intention was to make the ruler seem that they were not to be questioned. The ruling position was deserved. The Zhou shifted this to mean that the observance of ritual was recognized by Heaven through which a ruler was then given divine blessing. What Confucius did was then place this not only within the power of the ruler, but into the power of the individual. This can almost be seen as the action that Martin Luther took when he opened up the path to God through the individual with the intervention of the priests no longer necessary. The sense of Heaven could be felt through the Way, and the way was accessible by the indi vidual (Kong and Slingerland 242). Dao is a reference to the Way. The Way refers to a path, which Confucius defines as a literal way of doing things in order to meet certain expectations of what it means to be a good and wholesome person. The Way is distinctly defined by a means to morality, the path through which the individual must go in order to move towards living a moral life. Kong and Songerland write that â€Å"this Way is manifested in the ritual practices, music and literature passed down from the Golden Age of the Western Zhou† (243). This means that culture is highly important in fulfilling the path of the Way. Culture is of high importance to the practice of morality. In passage 1.6, the â€Å"Master said, ‘A young person should be filial when at home and respectful of his elders when in public. Conscientious and trustworthy, he should display a general care for the masses, but feel a particular affection for those who are Good. If he has any strength left over after manifesting theses virtues in practice, let him devote it to learning the cultural arts† (Kong and Slingerland 3). This task is both difficult and easy, the mandate depending on the nature of the individual and their position within the world. The individual who is inclined to have respect for their elders and is consistent in showing respect for the people in his or her environment and who has a desire to seek the learning about the cultural arts can accomplish this goal. The

Discussion Topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 11

Discussion Topic - Essay Example Her idea was to produce a sponge pillow used to clean the children. The probability that the products will have high demands is not certain and therefore financial implications are put at stake. The money that will be involved in international business might also attract financial risks in the company. (Blackman, 2014) The company should have a risk retention insurance programe.This is because the company will be dealing with products that catches fire easily. The international business is also full of risks and therefore the organization should always retain a reserve fund to offset some financial claims that may arise. This self insurance is important for the business growth. (Paul, 2012) Pansy Ellen products Inc should have various kinds of insurance coverage since it is involved in a risky business. It should have a general liability insurance to provide a cover for the damages, employees and the products. This is important because all this are susceptible to the risks. The company should also have property insurance to cover for the bulding, office equipment and inventory against fire vandalism, fire and theft. (Mark, 2013) Mark. (2013). 13 Types of Insurance a Small Business Owner Should Have - Forbes. Retrieved 2015, from

Differences between formative and summative assessment (Just part form Assignment

Differences between formative and summative assessment (Just part form my so I dont Introducation or conclusion) - Assignment Example Summative assessments are generally obtained by giving tests but test data â€Å"cannot reflect the full range of goals of learning†. Jessup reported that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has discovered in 2005 that summative assessments improve attendance to instructions and promote retention of learning (2007, p. 7). Citing the study of Stiggins (2004, p. 2), Jessup also reported that summative assessments benefit low-performing students and the feature can help reduce the learning gaps among minorities and peoples. Formative assessments are used to â€Å"inform instructions by providing the students with vital insights and understanding of their own learning needs and styles† (Jessup 2005, p. 6). There are several objectives associated with formative assessments. One objective pertains to the need to assess the gains from using or availing a mode of instructions or education program (Jessup 2005, p. 6). Another possible objective for f ormative assessment is associated with the need to improve the â€Å"equity of student outcomes† (Jessup 2005, p. 7). Jessup observed that not only are the schools that have employed formative assessments experienced academic gains; students who were previously underachieving or lagging behind also experienced academic (2005, p. 7). II. ... The Wilmut material focused on summative assessment but covered formative assessment as well. Further, the Wilmust assessment covered the primary as well as the high school levels in the United Kingdom. Quoting Stobart (2003), Wilmut (2005, p. 47) said that the United Kingdom Assessment Reform Group adopted a definition of formative assessment as, â€Å"the process of seeking and interpreting evidence for use by learners and their teachers to decide where the learners are in their learning, where they need to go and how best to get there.† Wilmut (2005, p. 47) pointed out that in the experience of the United Kingdom, there is a strain between formative and summative assessment because when a school-based teacher assessment is to be used for summative purposes, the student-teacher relationship is strained. Citing the work of Black and William, Wilmut (2005, p. 48) said that another UK experience is that the â€Å"tension† between summative and formative assessment arises when teachers become responsible for both summative and formative assessment. Wilmut said that there has been a debate in the United Kingdom on the wisdom of combining the two roles or covering the responsibilities for formative and summative assessment by teachers. According to Wilmut (2005, p. 48), those who assert that the roles pertaining to summative and formative assessments can both be done by the same person or teacher argue that â€Å"it can be done and indeed must be done to escape the dominance of external summative testing†. Nevertheless, the dominant view is that it is best to keep the roles of summative and formative evaluations apart although a good working relationship between