Customer relationship management (CRM) is a combination of people, processes and technology that seeks to understand a companys customers. The WritePass Journal

Customer relationship management (CRM) is a combination of people, processes and technology that seeks to understand a companys customers.   Introduction Customer relationship management (CRM) is a combination of people, processes and technology that seeks to understand a companys customers.   IntroductionHow to implement CRM(stages in implementing crm)Stage 2 Storing information(the early stage)Stage 3 Accessing information(the development stage)Stage 4 Analysing customer behaviour(the long term stage)Stage 5 Marketing more effectively(the final stage)Stage 6 Enhancing the customer experienceApplications and theories   of CRM:CUSTOMER TOUCH POINTSAPPLICATIONSBulid Customer loyalty schemesDevelop customer confidencePrevent customer complaintsValue proposition development: ReferencesRelated   Introduction Customer relationship management (CRM) is a combination of people, processes and technology that seeks to understand a companys customers. It is an integrated approach to managing relationships by focusing on customer retention and relationship development. CRM has evolved from advances in information technology and organizational changes in customer-centric processes. Companies that successfully implement CRM will reap the rewards in customer loyalty and long run profitability.(injazz J. Chen, Karen Popovich, (2003) Understanding customer relationship management (CRM): People, process and technology, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 9 Iss: 5, pp.672 – 688) REALIZING BUSINESS   BENEFITS THROUGH CRM: HITTING THE RIGHT TARGET IN THE RIGHT WAY 1Dale L. Goodhue University of Georgia Barbara H. Wixom University of Virginia Hugh J. Watson University of GeorgiaMany companies are in the early stages of implementing customer relationship management (CRM). Although CRM promises increased revenues, profits, and customer service, companies face potential failure because of the complex technical and organizational issues involved. Our research on CRM, and six company experiences in particular, illustrate three CRM â€Å"targets† that companies aim for: implement a single or a few applications, create a strong infrastructure to support CRM, or use CRM to transform the organization. These targets have very different impacts and different challenges, as reflected in six lessons: They differ on both costs and benefits; sponsorship varies; each suggests a different evolution for a CRM effort; prepare to get your hands dirty in cleaning the data; ensure that the architecture will scale; and you can (sometimes!) teach old dogs new tricks. (MIS Quarterly Executive Vol. 1 No. 2 / June 2002) Dell is one of the most successful and profitable computer corporation in history. it has been known for its innovative customer services and product custom configuration. With the passage of organization continues to develop, it is confronting with more challenging environment of retaining its customers and maintaining relationship with them and finding new ways of management in order to meet the needs/demand of the customers, we have to identify opportunities to maintain and increase the revenue through   understanding of crm theories . The basic need of dell crm is to maintaining long-term relationship with customers as it is proved that gaining   a new customer is expensive than retaining the current ones. The main objectives of crm theory are acquiring customer, adding loyalty, retention customers, adding value. Crm is the â€Å"process of creating and maintaining relationships with business customers/consumers (moon2003).† Michael dell   with his limited resources started   focusing on in enhancing sales instead of locking capital in production, the new idea presented by dell was â€Å"building to order.† At one stage of its progress dell used this strategy of selling products directly through retail outlets. But the outcome from the implemented strategy was very unprofitable then he realized just to focus on customers,   service before â€Å"building to order†Ã‚   idea, people used to buy computers from retail out with no communications with manufactures only contact with sale person having lake of information regarding the product. Dell company is different from its competitors (HP, IBM, SONY, APPLE AND GATEWAY)   because dell is focusing on tools like, CRM-SCM, as a result dell become leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and in supply chain management (CRM). Dell is profit able computer organization known for computer software, hardware, and making computer components. According to Dedrick and Kracker(2006), â€Å"dell is aiming to combine the cost advantages of horizontal specialization with close coordination of vertical integration.† How to implement CRM(stages in implementing crm) The implementation of a customer relationship management (CRM) strategy is best treated as a six-stage process, moving from collecting information about your customers and processing it to using that information to improve your marketing and the customer experience. Stage 1 Collecting information(pre-relationship stage) Clearly, questions and uncertainties abound. We have a long way to go in capturing a customer’s psyche. But to compete for customer satisfaction, firms must work harder to collect, distribute and use the right data.(by Thomas H. Davenport, Jeanne G. Harris and Ajay K. Kohli January 15, 2001) The priority should be to capture the information you need to identify your customers and categorise their behaviour. Those businesses with a website and online customer service have an advantage as customers can enter and maintain their own details when they buy. Stage 2 Storing information(the early stage) The most effective way to store and manage your customer information is in a relational database a centralised customer database that will allow you to run all your systems from the same source, ensuring that everyone uses up-to-date information. Stage 3 Accessing information(the development stage) With information collected and stored centrally, the next stage is to make this information available to staff in the most useful format. Stage 4 Analysing customer behaviour(the long term stage) Using data mining tools in spreadsheet programs, which analyse data to identify patterns or relationships, you can begin to profile customers and develop sales strategies. Stage 5 Marketing more effectively(the final stage) Many businesses find that a small percentage of their customers generate a high percentage of their profits. Using CRM to gain a better understanding of your customers needs, desires and self-perception, you can reward and target your most valuable customers. Stage 6 Enhancing the customer experience Just as a small group of customers are the most profitable, a small number of complaining customers often take up a disproportionate amount of staff time. If their problems can be identified and resolved quickly, your staff will have more time for other customers. Applications and theories   of CRM: Crm is a vital element of business success. whenever   there a contact with   customers you get an opportunity to improve your standing   or in simpler words we can say that it’s a vital platform to gain reputation .this act will result in increase of further sales. It is not only contact that we talk of is necessary for sales, in broader terms , almost every aspect of your business affects the way your customers view your business. There are also specific programs you can put in place to increase your levels of customer care. Relationship marketing is concerned with how organizations manage and improve their relationships with customers for long-term profitability. Customer relationship management (CRM), which is becoming a topic of increasing importance in marketing, is concerned with using information technology (IT) in implementing relationship marketing strategies. This paper reports on a study of the adoption and use of CRM in the financial services sector. In particular, the key elements of CRM are examined in these organizations and executives perceptions of the main IT components that enable responsive CRM are explored. CRM is classified into five stages of sophistication and a framework for CRM adoption is developed. (Authors:  Ryals L.;  Payne A). (  Journal of Strategic Marketing, Volume 9,  Number 1, 1 March 2001 , pp. 3-27(25) CUSTOMER TOUCH POINTS Every time when company/organization come in contact with customer. Touch point is the first ever concept of   crm. with touch points company can measure the effectiveness of their brand. Dell uses touch point, the most   important step for hitting the target customers was dell launched online store ’dell. Com. people using interest was dell target customers, the online store successfully in achieving their goal but the most important was to match the sales channels with supply channels, it was also done by model implemented by dell. APPLICATIONS The information(data) which organization gathers from customers data base by using their crm software, n how organization used that information to target them with right type of crm. Dell used to do the data mining of there customer according to the transaction they made. Data collection(acquiring customer) crm involves   customer information , It explains how you can use customer contact, feedback and loyalty schemes to retain existing customers, increase your sales to them and even win new customers. It also covers how to prepare for receiving a customer complaint. Dell collected customer data through designed database software and generate promotional campaigns targeting customers interests and products which reserved in increase in profit because right customer was targeting with right product demand. Dell used software to increase the relationship marketing. HOTLINK,   used in â€Å"effective targeting, efficient   marketing communication, And real-time monitoring of customers and market trends† ‘(moon2003).. ‘premier pages’ second type of software used by the dell wad ‘premier pages’ for more profitable customers containing purchase data. The main theme behind ‘premier pages; was â€Å"gain less information about customers. They already know about them and more to create real win-win situation† (levey,1999) The progress of the company based on crm-scm implementation strategy. Dell created strong relationship with customer as well as with the suppliers. The function of scm was to make sure the availability of computer Part on time, when and where required .dell managed   efficient and effective scm system to fulfil the demand of the customer.   Customer satisfaction model â€Å"we have an efficient cost structure with customers on one hand and suppliers on other†.(rollin,nov17,2006) satisfied customers will contribute to your business for years, through their purchases and through recommendations and referrals of your business. Bulid Customer loyalty schemes While good overall service is the best way of generating customer loyalty, sometimes new relationships can be strengthened, or old ones refreshed, using customer loyalty schemes. These are programmes that use fixed or percentage discounts, extra goods or prizes to reward customers for behaviour that benefits your business. They can also be used to persuade customers to give you another try if you feel you have successfully tackled past problems with your customer service. Develop customer confidence Your existing customers are among the most important assets of your business they have already chosen you instead of your competitors. Keeping their custom costs far less than attracting new business, so its worth taking steps to make sure that theyre satisfied with the service they receive. There are a number of techniques dell employ to gain customer confidence, including: Dell providing a free customer helpline Dell answering frequently asked questions on your website Dell following up sales with a courtesy call Dell providing free products that will help customers look after or make the most of their purchases Dell sending reminders when services or check-ups are due Dell offering preferential discounts to existing customers on further purchases Prevent customer complaints Every business has to deal with situations in which things go wrong from a customers point of view. if you handle the complaint successfully, your customer is likely to prove more loyal than if nothing had gone wrong people willing to complain are rare your complaining customer may be alerting you to a problem experienced by many others who silently took their custom elsewhere dell sympathetically listen to establish the details of the complaint dell record the details together with relevant material, such as a sales receipt or damaged goods dell offering rectification   whether by repair, replacement or refund dell used to do appropriate follow-up action, such as a letter of apology or a phone call to make sure that the problem has been made good. Determinents of crm Trust : trust is the most important determinant of crm ,for gaining the  Ã‚   trust of customers the first thing need to do the market research or market survey, what other company is providing and what is the response of the customer, by doing market research company get to know about the behaviour   of the customer understand customer behaviour which in turn gives the information of needs and demands of the customers, Existing customer relationships are opportunities to increase sales because your customers will already have a degree of trust in your recommendations. Dell is the one of the organization focuses on crm determinants to enhance their revenue, â€Å"To retain your customers trust, however, never try to sell them something that clearly doesnt meet their needs.†(the chartered institute of marketing), businesslink.gov.uk/ value : Its is the most important determinant of crm, What makes your customers valuable? Analysing your customers allows you to identify those who best fit your business priorities. These will depend on your strategy. For example, if you are launching a new product your aim might be to build sales as quickly as possible.  But if you have cashflow problems you might value customers who pay quickly. Value chain model concept introduce by porter in 1985. Its basically value added to the product in order to maximize the satisfaction from customer   point of view and maximize the profit from producers point of view,    Collecting data from customers.   Ã‚   Use of touch points.   Ã‚   Through internet.   Ã‚   Premier pages.    Hotlink website launched    Saas crm   Ã‚   Sales force crm. Primary stages 1. Customer portfolio, Collecting data from customers through use of main touch points =   internet(dell.com)for internet users, created   premier page for old customers and   hotlink website launched, then divide the customers into segments of small ,medium and large enterprises. The graph shows the relationship between customer intimacy and ability to compete,ability to compete is directly propotional to customer intimacy. the more organization knows their customer and implement crm the more ability to compete in the competitive market and focus more on the   customer value proposition. Dell started to implement,   Ã‚   Operational Crm.    Saas crm    Salesforce crm. OPERATIONAL CRM Operational crm Focuses on automation of the customer facing processes of the business, such as selling, marketing, customer service. The basic concept of behind dell crm was operational crm i.e.to   sell the product needed by customer directly without involving the middle way. Dell customer ranges from small business to multinational companies, from individual to institutional organization like schools and hospitals CLOUD   COMPUTING   DELL SAAS Dell launched new portfolio software name; software –as-a-service. This crm application implemented for small and large enterprises. With this   software overall cost of IT declines and make easier than customize the IT management .it offers very flexible and minimum cost for users to quickly arrange   the application and managed the services the need for the achievements of superior   IT business impact.   This application is not only cost effective but also minimizes the complexity in managing IT   infrastructure which resulted in organiZE distribution, security preparedness for any kind of disaster etc. This service manage three main infrastructures areas, 1 management of distribution device. 2 remote infrastructure monitoring. 3  Ã‚   continuity and companies’ management. SALE FORCE CRM Is another effective alternative way to meet non static demand of business. This is also cost effective way of procuring new application. sales force crm and saas and other solutions are becoming more attractive in business world day by day. RAPID IMPLEMENTATION In actual there is no installation of software with sales force so there is no need of IT   resources ,just adding application of users allocating them their passwords and user id.it is ease of use required only basic training. IT impact is very low but deliver high impact in business. Dell forecasting or activities relate to future results and events Network development(SCOPE) Major network’s in any business are,    Suppliers network,    Distribution network, Suppliers of dell is ups and Dhl, Ups â€Å"we ups will pick it up, repair   it and sent it to your customer.† Owner : Micheal dell is the owner and CEO of the company. Partners: dell got partnership with Sony and Intel. Employee: staff working in offices n in customer services department, Staff   spreaded all over the world. Value proposition development: Dell is providing value added services beyond simply installing software, Value=benefit/sacrifices Sacrifices: Money, search and psychic cost dell is providing dell voucher and coupons, just need to note the code of product you need, every week codes and offers updated. Best deals for already dell customer is Dell data safe local basic which is special offer free to safe back up of important data in pc. Manage the customer life cycle. For managing   dell customers life cycle dell focuses on three major management activities. Acquisition Dell users services of web bank to new qualified customer whose credit being approved. Retention of customers Current customers are your gold dust, but if youve let customers go, its cheaper and easier to look at that old base before you start with brand new people especially if you once had a good relationship with them,(   Small Business Update Issue 62,feb 2009) In case of dell it focuses more on retention of customers and improving and relationship with customers. Three main improving techniques the company revealed for retention of its most valuable customers are, 1. the time management, precision and accuracy in delivering the order. 2. perfection in performance of the product needed by customer and providing necessary service even after sales if needed by the customer. 3. providing technical support. For the sake of retention of customers company announces the post of crm director to look after the departments mentioned above. CRM director gathered all the data from respective   departments and resolved the unattended issues, the outcome according to mr . Desist, â€Å"dell reported an increase in customer satisfaction by 15%.† Supporting conditions, Leadership and culture, Micheal dell is the leader of Dell Corporation. He adopts change in pc world. He took inspirational step. He has responsibility  Ã‚   for whole organization culture transformation by dell is transforming pc world from ordinary shop to online customize pc world in which customers can make their own choice of pc. CRM strategies used to drive performance. Before the emergence of crm traditionaqlly used sales tech was jst retail out let,pople got no information without visiting the market. The people are those gtting bnefit are customer,mployee n business Dell discovered the concept of  Ã‚   involvement   of a customer in building a specific computer and delivery it directly the customer. Dell used three ways of software that assists the dell,    Marketing automation software.   Ã‚   Designed web page showing purchase data   Ã‚   A system than enhancing sales, marketing of dell. Dell designed scm system that excusal involves activities from origin to thr destinations. The direct customer focused concept reserved in dell’s competitive advantage. Objectives of Dell â€Å"To be the most successful computer company in the world at delivery the best customer experience†. (dell.com) Result after using crm Dell main attention was on customers implemented relationship management (crm).Crm theories in formulation of business as a result dell is leading the way Getting all APAC back to number one, when dell was searching for agency partner the needed to consolidate communication, for every aspect of their business, B2C (business to customer) or b2b (business to business) B2C†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.services†¦..support. B2B†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.data†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..digital. Retail  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   strategic council Euro RSCG was chosen to deliver .thanks to on powerful integrated solution, they improved workflow efficiency reducing costs time to market They created uniquely, flexible partnership developed in course for last 10 years With this partnership dell created regional centre (hub) focuses on the world market delivering its services depending on market revenue condition.At the heart of this relation powerful agency team quickly build deep/insight of understanding remarkable   and   creative   relationship with target, market share, demand, revenue and brand profile. The agency that was build generate everything i.e form demand planning, Sales conversion and profitability forecasting   including  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of the third party random funding. through the course of each campaign integrated agency terms were able to quickly pin point which executive media were most effective in driving demand and adjust messaging?   Results Even better results 129% increase in call volume And match by sales in SE Asia. Our work for dell’s first ever customize campaign for Chinese New Year delivered significant increases highest recorded calls taken 1167 se Asia Also by an improve time to market at the end(7 days). Also dell launched into physical retail space, Retail outlets opened=54. South Korea, Thailand,   Japan, china   Malaysia and   Singapore assisting with the concept and design of retail side and work to drive with force.Our partnership across Asia pacific produce remarkable (APAC) result, more specific/notable Result Ever last five year dell net revenue increase b/w $30 to $60 million. Increase in product shipment or improve in product shipment about 250% in SE. Business 50% over the Industry by average critical figure for dell cost per box sold over the last two years reduce -41%(Asia) while increase in revenue . Do it in ur own wordings according to the upper diagram According to recent research by IDC dell haS won package share of business customer of dell user will consider to by dell next time. Dell off user will consider †¦Dell next time the buy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.Dell is brand they 61%  Ã‚  Ã‚   94.8%.63.1%.of dell users believe   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Business users of dell †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.in the offices. Dell users believe# dell is a brand the trust. 94.8% of business user use dell in their offices. Dell is now back on top, it is proved that, when you want to achieve winning results base on work with a winning partner(euro RSCG worldwide).Dell toped analyst assessment both on profit and sale.Idea was built a computer and Sell directly to a consumer ,illuminating the reselling mark-up ,illuminating the excessive mark ups company likes   ,IBM, that is what wants the company into successful .Micheal deLl started his business in 1984 his uncomplicated business model generate growth of 70 to 80% for the 7 straight years. The company has growing 40 t0 50% annually and projecting revenue for this year is 7 billion dollars. The environment of ours   condusive to the company like dell growing the easy access to the  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   and gradual growth every year that is the natural resource. The relationship with customers begin when customer order pc. Pc made after order according to choice and demand of Customer.so, Company   interacts the customers at very first step. Dell staff gets complete demographic information of its customer at very early stage. They know how to maintain trade relationship with them according to their needs and demands. By using and implementation of crm system ,dell deliver best possible customer experience â€Å"dell introduces the latest relevant technology   mush more quickly than companies with slow moving indirect distributions channels, Turning over   inventory   every   four days an average†(dell.com) Following are the statements dell is expecting in near future. Dell ability To further improve their performance in finances and other operations. Dell ability to Controlling outflows of cash that is to control the cost. Dell ability to focus more on to generate non-us revenue. Dell ability to cope with internal environmental changes (staff shortage ). Dell ability to ensure customer the fulfilment of customers demands more efficiently. Dell ability to cope with external environmental changes e.g. Technological   change Economy (foreign currency exchange rate, recession, interest rate). political invitations. Taxation. The overall internal and external environmental changes means, How accommodative the values and strategies of dell   are with the changing environment and how friendly the govt are with changing   technology? sure better services and enhancing the   sales customer’s relationships we have an efficient cost structure with customers on one hand and suppliers on other†.(rollin,nov17,2006) Dell was first introduce by Michael dell in 1983.the idea as explained by founder of the company was in early days   Companies was   focusing on producing Every part of the computers .with the stabilization of industry companies focused more on to prepare other items to maker their own computers at this point of stage References This article was published in Small Business Update Issue 62,feb 2009(How to win back old customers) by Thomas H. Davenport, Jeanne G. Harris and Ajay K. Kohli January 15, 2001)

Biography of Bobby Seale, Black Panther Party Co-founder

Biography of Bobby Seale, Black Panther Party Co-founder Bobby Seale (born October 22, 1936) co-founded the Black Panther Party with Huey P. Newton. The organization, which was the most well-known group launched during the black power movement, stood out for its free breakfast program and emphasis on self-defense- a departure from the nonviolent philosophy advocated by civil rights activists. Fast Facts: Bobby Seale Known For: Co-founder, along with Huey P. Newton, of the Black Panther PartyBorn: October 22, 1936 in Dallas, TexasParents: George and Thelma SealeEducation: Merritt Community CollegeSpouse(s): Artie Seale, Leslie M. Johnson-SealeChildren: Malik Seale, Jaime SealeNotable Quote: â€Å"You dont fight racism with racism, the best way to fight racism is with solidarity. Early Life and Education Bobby Seale, the first child of George and Thelma Seale, was born on October 22, 1936. He grew up with a brother (Jon), a sister (Betty), and a first cousin (Alvin Turner- the son of his mother’s identical twin). In addition to Dallas, the family lived in other Texas cities, including San Antonio. Seales parents had a rocky relationship, separating and reconciling repeatedly. The family struggled financially and sometimes rented out parts of their home to other families to earn additional income. Seales father, George, was a carpenter who once built a home from the ground up. He was also physically abusive; Bobby Seale later described being whipped with a belt by his father at age 6. When the family moved to California, George Seale struggled to get carpentry work or join a union, as unions often excluded African Americans during the Jim Crow era. When George Seale did manage to enter a union, he was one of just of three black men in the state with union membership, according to Seale. As a teenager, Seale hauled groceries and mowed lawns to earn extra cash. He attended Berkeley High School but dropped out to sign up for the US Air Force in 1955. After a conflict with a commanding officer, Seale was dishonorably discharged. However, this setback did not deter him. He earned his high school diploma and made a living as a sheet metal mechanic for aerospace companies. He also worked as a comedian. In 1960, Seale enrolled in Merritt College, where he joined a black student group and his political consciousness took hold. Two years later, he met Huey P. Newton, the man with whom he would start the Black Panthers. Founding the Black Panther Party At a 1962 demonstration against the Kennedy Administrations naval blockade of Cuba, Seale befriended Huey Newton. Both men found inspiration in black radical Malcolm X and were devastated when he was assassinated in 1965. The next year, they decided to form a group to reflect their political beliefs, and the Black Panthers were born. The organization reflected Malcolm X’s philosophy of self-defense by any means necessary. The idea of armed African Americans proved controversial in the broader United States, but as the civil rights movement waned following the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., many young black Americans leaned towards radicalism and militancy. The Black Panthers were particularly concerned about racism in the Oakland Police Department, but before long, Panthers chapters sprang up nationwide. The Black Panther Party became most well known for their 10-point plan and free breakfast program. The 10-point plan included culturally-relevant teaching, employment, shelter, and exemption from military service for African Americans. Legal Battles In 1968, Bobby Seale and seven other protesters were charged with conspiring to incite a riot at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. When the trial date arrived, Seales lawyer was ill and unable to appear; the judge denied the request to delay the trial. Seale claimed the right to defend himself in order to advocate for his own constitutional rights, but the judge did not allow him to give an opening statement, cross-examine witnesses, or speak to the jury. Seale contended that the judge had denied him his right to counsel, and he began to speak out in protest during the proceedings. In response, the judge ordered him bound and gagged. Seale was chained (later strapped) to a chair, with his mouth and jaw strapped shut, for several days of the trial. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Seale to four years in prison for contempt of court. That sentence was later overturned, but it did not mark the end of Seale’s legal troubles. In 1970, Seale and another defendant were tried for killing a Black Panther believed to be a police informant. The hung jury resulted in a mistrial, so Seale was not convicted of the 1969 murder. As his court battles unfolded, Seale wrote a book tracing the history of the Black Panthers. The book, published in 1970, was titled Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton. But the time Seale spent behind bars awaiting the outcomes of various court cases had taken a toll on the group, which began to fall apart in his absence. The settling of the court cases saw Seale take charge of the Panthers again. In 1973, he changed focus by putting his bid in to become the mayor of Oakland. He placed second in the race. He left the Panthers the following year. In 1978, he wrote his autobiography, A Lonely Rage. Later Years In the 1970s, the black power movement subsided, and groups like the Black Panthers ceased to exist. Deaths, prison sentences, and internal conflicts spurred by initiatives like the FBI’s Counterintelligence Program played a role in the unraveling process. Bobby Seale remains politically active, giving talks on his life and activism at college campuses and other venues. More than 50 years after the Black Panthers formed, the group continues to influence politics, pop culture, and activism. Sources â€Å"Bobby Seale.† PBS.org.Bennett, Kitty. Bobby Seale: Black Panther leader was one of the Chicago Eight. AARP Bulletin, 27 August, 2010.Glass, Andrew. Kennedy imposes naval blockade of Cuba, Oct. 22, 1962. Politico, 22 October, 2009.Seale, Bobby. â€Å"Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party.† 1970.

Services Based Organisation Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Services Based Organisation Report - Essay Example These developmental processes include coaching, mentoring, eLearning, action learning and blended learning (Becker and Gerhart, 2009). This paper is focused on the employee development of a firm on the grounds of eLearning and how it has been improved over the years to foster employee development and using organisational resources efficiently. The purpose of the human resource management department is not only to look after the employee acquisition and performance level, but also to ensure that the firm is able to improve the employees’ skills and knowledge. An organization with a high skilled employee base is most likely to yield a higher performance level than its competitors. Therefore, it is vital for a firm to engage in employee development to gain a competitive advantage over its rivals (Baumruk and Gorman, 2009). The advent of globalization has made the global business market a more open place; this as a result has also increased the competitiveness of the industry. Therefore the companies constantly seek out new ways to improve their operational and production process so that they can stay ahead of their competitors (Eunmi, 2009). The traditional way to achieve this is to invest in high end manufacturing process and infrastructure. The firms often overlook the importance of the individuals who run the opera tional process. Moreover, owing to the myopic vision of the organization, it is caught up in achieving short term goals only, which as a result deviates the focus from the employees. This as a result reduces the productivity and efficiency of the firm as well as the chances of its sustainability (Sugumaran, 2008). Currie and Kerrin (2010) have stated that one of the effective ways of improving the productivity of the employees is to provide them with proper training. It can be defined as the planned effort of the organization to improve the competencies and knowledge base of the employees, which includes the

Can GPS (Global Positioning Systems) Guided Earthworks Construction Dissertation

Can GPS (Global Positioning Systems) Guided Earthworks Construction Reduce Or Eliminate Golf Course Shaper Costs - Dissertation Example This project declares that the GPS tracking system available to the public are easily decrypted, thus revealing the message. Encryption is the key protection that GPS uses. The signals are encrypted using various coding methods before transmission and is encrypted via decryption tools once it reached the receiving node. Interception can happen while the signal is transferred from the sender to the receiver, and none of the two nodes will have the slightest idea that the readings are faulty. This paper makes a conclusion that GPS automatically uses UTC time update to synchronize its time reading, as discrepancies with time intervals, even to its littlest differentials, would cause faulty readings. GPS satellites are monitored constantly within 789-second duration. Calculations of the location are computed using at least three satellite points. â€Å"Common-view is the use of specially arranged, simultaneous view measurements, that maximize satellite elevation angles between pairs of stations (USNO GPS Time Transfer, n.d).† almost 50 laboratories participate in synchronizing the time transfer. It is notable that strict compliance to the time measure is rigorously observed. Through the use of the GPS, the time that it takes for an entire golf course to be finished can be decreased significantly. This is due to the fact that using GPS needs lesser time to complete the shape of the golf course than using actual golf shapers.

Gangs and Youth Violence Essay -- Gang Essays

Recently, an increasing number of North American youth are committing violent crimes. Although the consequences of these violent crimes are easily apparent, the causes behind them are often abstract and obscure, making it difficult to pin blame on a single source. Moreover, this deviant behavior among young people can be attributed to a combination of several generalized factors. Leading contributing factors of youth violence include the media, the influence of family life, widespread abuse of drugs and alcohol, the ease of access to weapons and a lack of strong punishment that exists for juvenile offenders. If this rise in aggressive acts is to be stemmed, the causes youth violence must be determined and analyzed to determine which ones, if any can be affected by change. First, the most obvious and publicized cause explaining youth violence is the inescapable and highly influential exposure of youths to violence in the media, especially violence on television. Young people, most notably children are susceptible to learning violent ideals through their high level of exposure to North American television programming. Parents have come to rely on the use of television as a babysitting service and therefore have increased the influence of television on the fragile, easily manipulated minds of their children. On average, a typical Canadian child will watch about 22 hours of television per week (Childley 38). Over their adolescent lives, this adds up to more time spent watching television than time spent at school, playing sports or communicating with parents and friends (Childey 39). It is not the amount of television viewed that has created this problem, but rather it is the content of North American television that has spiraled out of control and that has warped the minds of countless children. The correlation between aggressive behavior and television viewing is accounted for by the violent content of modern television shows. Estimates have indicated that by the time a child reaches the age of twelve, s/he will have witnessed as many as 12, 000 violent deaths on television, and that this can lead to â€Å"heightened aggression in the short term† (Childley 38). We live in an era where Hollywood is applauded for its creativity and originality when it comes to new ways to murder characters. Consequently, it is no wonder that youth violence is up 140% in Canada sin... ...nt sentencing of juvenile offenders who have committed acts of violence can succeed in rehabilitating them if they spend little or no time in a correctional institution. It can be conclusively stated that youth violence in North America is a multi-faceted issue and its causes can be approached from several angles. The media, particularly in the form of television plays an enormous role in presenting the world to young people, albeit it is a violent world that is presented. At home violence can be learned objectively or subjectively through observing a parent’s aggressive behavior or by experiencing it first hand. In addition, North American youth place themselves at a high predisposition to violence by selling and using drugs. In a legal sense, governments in North America seem to have done little in the way of setting up obstacles to restrain youths from committing violent crimes. All of these factors are not necessarily omnipresent, but enough influence from one or a combination of them is enough to incite violent behavior in young people anywhere. The extent and severity of these problems has already stigmatized an entire generation of yout hs, not to mention others to come.

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management: Family Enterprise Essay

Introduction Entrepreneurship in most of the small businesses often tends to become family enterprises. This mainly occurs when children of the founder join hands and start working either full-time or part time for the business. Many of the family owned business are referred to as entrepreneurship simply because of the fact that owners tend to portray professionalism in their work. Others are concerned with nepotism of which may affect perception of customers. Family enterprises have various advantages compared to non-family owned business. Moreover, they also tend to have a number of limitations. This essay provides detailed information about the unique nature, characteristics and limitations of family enterprises. The essay will also compare and discuss various differences between family enterprises and non-family owned enterprises. Unique Nature of Family Enterprises One of the unique natures of family enterprises is ownership control. According to Poza & Daugherty (2014, p.7), family businesses are formed by two or more members of a family. This kind of business may also be owned by a partnership of families.   Family members participate fully in running of the enterprise. On this case, participation means that family members work as the management team, where they support continuity of the business. Ownership control also means that family members have the rights and responsibilities of voting shares. Members also have the right to govern the business according to their wishes so far as they comply with the set laws and standards. In most cases, owners dream of making sure that the enterprise remains under the control of family members. This simply means that continuity of the business moves from one generation to the other (Poza & Daugherty, 2014, p.10). The other unique nature of family business is employment. Family enterprises exist with a primary goal of benefiting family members. Employment is based on birthright and the willingness of a family member to join the enterprise. Even though this kind of enterprises may employ non-family members to run the business especially in top management, secrecy of various issues is paramount within the family members. In most cases, all the family individuals working in the enterprise are paid equally or nearly equal amounts of salary (Berry, 2002). In cases where salary is paid equal to all employees, issues such as responsibility and overall merit are not addressed. However, there are some family enterprises that pay their employees depending on responsibility and performance. Most of these businesses do not pay employees depending on the hierarchy they hold in the family. Family enterprises are also unique in the sense that members are always loyal to the principles set by those who developed the business. Even after a generation takes responsibility of the business from another, they always maintain the expected loyalty. Moreover, even when the founder of the business is not alive and does not participate actively running of the business, there always remains a sense of respect for him/her.   This kind of loyalty tends to create a sense of togetherness and make a strong relationship between family members.   Walsh (2004) states that there are some business secrets that contributes in keeping the family together. In order to succeed in running a family business, the members must be in a position of managing their relationships in an effective manner. This means that any disagreements should be solved before dealing with issues that relate to the business itself. Characteristics of Family Businesses One of the characteristics is that family businesses are based on family values. This means that in order for the business to function accordingly, the values must be emphasized. Example of these values includes fairness, mutual trust and respect among many others. More importantly, the businesses must up-hold conflict management and commitment in order to have a bright future. Commitment in this case offers members an opportunity to enhance a strong working spirit without undue assertiveness. The other characteristic of family enterprises is natural inclination in order to make sure that the business continues to benefit family members. As noted in the above information, family business is designed in such a way that one generation takes control in terms of management after the other. Ballell (2009, p. 65) defines a family enterprise as a business that is owned by one family or a combination of many families whereby the main aim is to ensure there is generation succession. Therefore, generation succession of which is a natural inclination tends to create the basis and foundation of a family business. Family enterprises are based on long-term mutual relationships. In order for a family enterprise to operate, there must be personal relationships and rules are always informal. These kinds of businesses do not evaluate members’ achievement and in most cases, they assist in motivating those who seem to be dragging behind. Weak individuals in the business are loved and supported unconditionally. This always happens because the aim of a family business is to support other members of the same family so that they can succeed in their lives. Limitations of Family Enterprises Family enterprises tend to be limited in their operations. One of these limitations is poor stewardship. This means that family businesses are normally run by individuals who hold the view that the firms are their personal fiefs. This perception makes them believe they have the discretion to act or even resist from acting (Miller & Le Breton-Miller, 2006). Without any non-family person involved in counter-checking how operations run, these individuals can lead to risky decisions or even stagnant strategic situations. Where such cases occur, the businesses end-up incurring heavy loses of which is a major limitation to future progression. The other major limitation is poor de facto agents of which means that some members of the family who enact certain activities for the business may be incompetent. The Owner-CEO Control perception leads some family members to think that they can do everything they want so- long as the business in their personal property.   In large businesses, such CEO cannot be controlled by the directors and therefore, they end-up making decisions and enacting according to their free will of which may end-up costing the enterprises much. Miller & Le Breton-Miller (2006) indicates that such CEOs tend to abuse their powers by extracting money and other resources from the business and in some cases, other family members have little control of the CEO actions. The other limitation of a family enterprise is agency lapses. Miller & Le Breton-Miller (2006) states that family owned businesses tend to experience difficulties especially in situations whereby a CEO have voting control. In such cases, the CEO may also end up behaving recklessly by influencing weird decisions or even exploiting minority members. Even in situations whereby the ownership is broad, family businesses experiences the challenges of disagreement between members. Not all situations where family members agree and in some cases, it becomes almost impossible for the CEO to balance power and act in a recommendable manner. That means family businesses that are run by agents can end-up incurring costly consequences in situations whereby the agent is beyond the effective control of the business. Similarities between Family Enterprises and Non-Family Enterprises One of the similarities between family enterprises and non-family enterprises is that their operations contribute to improvements of the economy. This means that even though they tend to make different profits because of various factors, both forms of business play a significant role in economic development of a region. The other main similarity is that strong working relationship is a must in order to have productive results. In a family enterprise, there is a more strong relationship because members are of the same blood (Smith, 2006). The issue of a strong working relationship is also emphasized in order for the business to progress effectively. Apart from the above similarities, both of two forms of enterprises can be managed by individuals who do not have direct relationship with the business. This simply means that there are family enterprises that are managed by individuals who do not have any connection with the family. The same case applies with non-family enterprises where CEOs are recruited according to their experience and ability to enact the required responsibilities. The other major similarity is that both of the two businesses are guided by certain values and norms. There must be certain values that guide employees for a business to work accordingly. Differences between Family Enterprises and Non-Family Enterprises One of the differences between the two forms of enterprises is the fact there are fewer organizers in family businesses of which in most cases contribute risk aversion. The fact that family businesses are controlled by members of the family means that most of them are limited to skills. This leads to the business suffer much in terms of creativity and growth of which are key elements of growth. In family businesses, employees who fail to perform are not retrenched but they are motivated and supported so that they can improve their performance. Such a move tends to take a long period especially in situations whereby the employee is not willing to make the necessary improvements. However, in non-family businesses, the situation is totally different whereby there are various individuals with different skills needed by the enterprise. The employees in non-family enterprises must comply with the set rules and regulation. Failure to do that, the management of the enterprise may take stiff disciplinary actions, which include retrenchment. The fact that there are many employees with various different skills means that the level of creativity and innovation is always high (Berman Brown & Coverley, 1999). The other difference is that family enterprises tend to pay higher salaries compared to non-family enterprises. This is because they care much about satisfaction of their employees. Moreover, family businesses always care about the future of their employees because they are members of the same family. On this perspective, Miller & Le Breton-Miller, (2006) indicates that family businesses always pay their employees highly as a means of promoting them. However, this case is always different with non-family enterprises. Payment of salary is very competitive in this kind of businesses and employees are paid depending on their responsibilities. Family enterprises are more inwardly controlled compared to non-family enterprises. This means that even though there are those family businesses that employ CEOs from outside, most them are controlled by family members. The founder of the business is normally the one who acts as CEO. In cases whereby this kind of CEO does not have enough of the required skills and experience, the business may end-up incurring huge losses. In non-family businesses, the top management have the mandate to control the business but their actions are looked upon carefully by other stakeholders and interested parties. Therefore, if wrong decisions are made, the top management is always questionable and subjected to provide answers for its actions. However, it is the opposite in family businesses whereby the top management may not be questioned because of the position members hold in the family. The other difference is that family businesses do not seem to require a large network of socio-economics. Most of these businesses are independent and they also seem to have less intense interdependence with the environment-culture situation. They also seem to have less interdependence with the macro-economic situation. However, non-family enterprises tend to have a large socio-economic network and they are always connected with the outside world. This plays a significant role in promoting development and innovation in the businesses. The other difference is that there are plans for succession in family enterprises while there no such plans with non-family enterprises (Ballell 2009). Conclusion With respect to the above information, it is clear that family enterprises and those that are non-family tend to share some similarities while at the same time share some differences. There seems to be more differences in the operations of the two forms of enterprises. Family businesses are mostly concerned with the well-being of the family members and hence there are no stiff rules and regulations. However, non-family businesses is all about making profits and competing with the many competitors available. This means a high performance of employees is always a must in non-family enterprises while it is not the same case with family enterprises. Case Study Wal-Mart Family Business There are many successful family businesses that have moved to the global business environment of which makes many business personnel try to emulate their steps. This case study focuses on Wal-Mart, which is regarded as the most successful family business of all times. Wal-Mart is an American company and was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton (Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, 2011). The first store was opened in Rogers, Ark. According to Beck (2009), the company started as just a retail store but has managed to open many chains of departmental stores. The company also runs warehouse stores. After several years of successful business operations, the company moved to the global business environment and has since managed to open many stores worldwide. According to Fortune Global 500 list, Wal-Mart holds the second position in the ranking of the world’s largest corporation. The company is also regarded as successful due to the fact that it is the world’s biggest private company in terms of providing employment opportunities. Wal-Mart is still a family business whereby after the death of its founders back in 1992, his wife and children took over the role of managing and heading the company. Even though some of the Walton’s children do not engage directly in the running and operating the family business, they still remain important shareholders. Why the Waltons have been successful As noted in the above information, family business mainly targets the concept of natural inclination of succession in order to ensure that the business always progresses. According to Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, (2011), even after the death of Walton, his family has always ensured that they are in control of the business where they own about 50% ownership of the entire stock. Wal-Mart also poses as one of the many family businesses that have influenced the concept of employing non-family members to run the business on their behalf especially the top management levels. Only about six Walton family members sit at the board of governors of the company. All other officials are non-family members. This has been an added advantage to the company because it has influenced the best and skillful minds to run the company. Beck (2009, p. 21) states that many family businesses have not been able to succeed in their operations due to the fact that some family members take-up leadership positions even when they are not prepared. Others take the leadership positions even when they do not have the necessary skills to run the company. Some of the available statistics according to Beck (2009, p. 21) indicates that 64% of the family owned businesses do not require family members to have experience of the recommended qualifications in order to secure employment in the business. However, this has not been the case with Waltons because they have been employing members who are not of their family to run and hold high positions within the company. There are even those members of the Walton family who have distanced themselves from direct operations of the company in order to give professionals their space to conduct their entitled obligations. Challenges that Wal-Mart has been facing The success story of Wal-Mart has not been a walk in the part to come to reality. The company has been experience some challenges of which many family businesses tend to experience. Fortunately the company has been able to deal and solve the challenges amicably. One of the challenges has been misconduct of some officials in the top management of the company. For example, Ferrell et al., (2011) indicates that the in 2005, Thomas Coughlin resigned as the Vice-Chairman of the company simply because of issues that relate to unethical behaviors. He was one of the most influential individuals in the company and had a close relationship with the founder Sam Walton. He spent most of his time with the founder especially when opening the Sam’s clubs and therefore deemed to be one of the potential CEO. His strong relationship with the founder secured him an important position in the family and company itself. However, Coughlin misused this opportunity and started embezzling the company’s funds. He was forced to resign from the company after being accused of misusing more than half a million American dollars and using authorized gift cards. It was also discovered later that Coughlin was used to make an authorized payments of which benefited him personally. Having had a strong relationship with Walton himself and now his children, Coughlin received all his allowance even after resigning and he also continued to serve as a board member for the company. Such a challenge tends to face family businesses due to the fact that members are not easily retrenched even after making gross mistakes. Critics argue that if it were a non-family business, Coughlin would have been sacked and probably charged in a court of law for misusing the company’s funds. However, the fact that he had a strong bond with members of the family, he managed to retain his position as board member and participate actively in operations of the company. Future of Wal-Mart Despite the fact that the company has been facing minor leadership challenges, it has a bright future. Wal-Mart represents most of the successful family businesses that have managed to maintain a top position in the highly competitive market environment. The fact that the company has managed to successfully employ skillful individuals especially in the top managerial positions is a clear indication of its future progression. However, family members ought to distance friendship from business activities in order to avoid mistakes such as those done by Coughlin from occurring again. The company also ought to deal with some of the challenges it faces such as employee complains so that it can maintain a positive image in public eyes. Other than that, Wal-Mart has a bright future and will always remain at the top of its competitors. If managed well and with the serious that business deserves, family enterprises can be successful in its operations the same way that Wal-Mart has been. References Ballell. T. R. 2009. Introduction to Spanish Private Law: Facing the Social and Economic   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Challenges. UT Austin Studies in Foreign and Transnational La. London: Routledge. Beck, D. (2009). HR can help ensure the success of family businesses—From mom-and-pop   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   stores to Wal-Mart. Employment Relations Today (Wiley), 35(4), 31-38. Berman Brown, R., & Coverley, R. 1999. Succession Planning in Family Businesses: A Study    from East Anglia, U.K. Journal Of Small Business Management, 37(1), 93-97. Berry, C. 2002. Blending family and business to make an appetizing combination. Business   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Journal Serving Fresno & The Central San Joaquin Valley, (322951), 10. Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2011). Business ethics: Ethical decision making and   Ã‚   cases. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Kenyon-Rouvinez, D., Ward, J. L., & Palgrave Connect (Online service). 2005. Family business:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Key issues. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Miller, D, & Le Breton-Miller, I 2006, ‘Family Governance and Firm Performance: Agency,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stewardship, and Capabilities’, Family Business Review, 19, 1, pp. 73-87, Orton-Jones, C. 2013. FAMILY MATTERS. Financial Management (14719185), 42(5), 38-40. Poza, E. J., & Daugherty, M. S. 2012. Family business. Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning. Smith, M. 2006. An Empirical Comparison Of The Managerial Development Of Family And   Ã‚  Ã‚   Non-Family Smes From Australia’s Manufacturing Sector. Journal Of Enterprising   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Culture, 14(2), 125-141. Walsh, T 2004, ‘Family businesses force you to think with your heart as well as your head’,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Business Journal (Central New York), 18, 17, p. 19,

Vision And The Act Of Looking - 1527 Words

The Ocular Spectatorship Vision and the act of looking is an important and recurring theme in many horror films. In early gothic literature, such as in Guy de Maupassant s Le Horla, the author presents vision as definitive and universal proof and stresses the importance of seeing as well as the act of showing gore. As a society, we are routinely told ‘seeing is believing in the wake of any paranormal or supernatural phenomena, placing weight on the tangible. However, as science and technology have progressed the faithfulness of visual representation is increasingly throw into question, which in turn has led to societal anxiety. A few years earlier, video footage of an event rarely had its validity questions, whereas now it is easy†¦show more content†¦Not only does it allow the viewer to ‘fill in the gaps and imagine what the paranormal entity may look like but the greatest factor that allows for the audiences anxiety is that they are constantly waiting for a revealing, which never mat erializes. Some argue that there is a greater fear than the fear of the unknown. As in Tony Perrello s argument, the viewer experiences more horror watching the victim be attacked by the monster than being confronted by the monster itself. It has been noted that the audience will mirror the reactions of the character on screen, screaming when they scream or shielding their eyes when the victim on screen does, regardless of the role of the character. As in Hitchcock s Strangers on a Train (1951), the director draws the audience into empathizing with the evil character in a race against time to commit murder or James Whale s portrayal of Frankenstein s monster in 1931. Laura Mulvey also speaks of the spectatorship of siding with the killer in Peeping Tom (1960). The audience simultaneously empathizes with the victims on the screen while occupying the killer s point of view. The Uncanny (Sigmund Freud) Sigmund Freud coined this term when trying to explain something strangely familiar yet unfamiliar. It speaks to seeing or experiencing new but also takes us back to our own psychological past or something within the material world. It is suddenly recognizing something that seems unfamiliar and in fact, has an identity