Emergency Management SLP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Emergency Management SLP - Essay ExampleThe effects of lack of rain cannot be disputed. Large-scale agricultural activities that highly rely on rain are adversely impact in times of drouth. Extensive sunny periods are go through, characterized by hot and dry conditions. Highlighting drought issues for Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is beneficial to the entire Oklahoma population.Oklahoma State has not succumbed to drought many times. This is a rare event but when it struck, its effects were devastating. In the year 2011, the articulate experienced four months of drought. The four months were reported to be the driest months since the year 1921. Following this and expected subsequent drought periods in Oklahoma, there is need to assess drought conditions in the state and consequently come up with worthy and effective ERP measures. Fundamental occurrenceors behind choosing drought are crops were significantly damaged, pastures were destroyed and water shortage occurred causation rationing or restrictions of water use.Wild and man-made fires are not a new phenomenon in Oklahoma. However, fires do not constitute any routine emergencies in the state. Wild and man-made fires are disastrous. They make believe massive destruction and damage to property and life. The state has succumbed to fires several times. The effects of these wide spread fires learn been felt across humans and wildlife. The extensive Oklahoma fields and the severe weather exposure of the state are risk factors that primarily spread fires when they occur.The state has several initiatives and programs that fire-driven. One of the most common and booming program of that kind is the OK-FIRE (David, 2007). This and related programs and initiatives are tailored towards bringing fire disasters to manageable levels. This is due to the fact that at most times when fires break out, management and control of these fires become hectic. An ERP therefore comes in ingenious to assess and evaluate the p erformance

Sony Corporation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sony Corporation - Case Study ExampleHowever, in 1942 he modified his theory stating that existence can no longer be the realm of individual entrepreneurs due to the gradually building capitalism rather shall be the forte of innovation professionals & laboratories controlled by management of large companies Dejardin, Marcus. 2000. This theory applies to Sony considerably wedded that the organization spends heavily in R&D across all the product lines. As per debate released in 2003 by Nobuyuki Idei, Chairman & CEO of Sony Corporation, the organization planned to spend 500 meg Yens (about 5.1 billion US Dollars as per current rate) in three years to develop competitive key electronic devices through internal innovations although the organization invested 502 billion Yens (about 5.12 billion US Dollars) in 2005 itself. Sony Corporation, 2003 Sony Corporation, 2005Sony has been practicing creative destruction by forcing the old available products towards obsolescence by celibacy of their innovations. One excellent example is the style innovation of Sony in vogue(p) Pocket Style VAIO P that is expected to yet again create a new time out segment for Sony that may force laptops to obsolescence especially in applications like Internet usage, word processing, multi-media & entertainment, messaging, Internet found telephony, etc. Prokaza, Julian. 2009Sony practices the strategy of Differentiation Strategy thus targeting niche markets where products are peculiar and sold at premium rates. They tend to develop unique market segments where there arent any competitions and the pricing strategies are on the whole in their own control. Walkman, Play Station, and now the Pocket Style Vaio P are examples of product uniqueness that Sony brings to the market. In these markets Sony is not bogged down by competition that practice Cost Leadership strategy.Sonys strategies against Porters Five agonistic ForcesFollowing is the toughie of Porters Five Competitive Forces Har vard Business Review, 2008 Cliff, Bowman. 2008 Ankli, Robert E. 1992Sony practices product uniqueness (differentiation) and achieves the same by virtue of huge investments in Innovation and R&D. This strategy ensures that Sony is well placed when mapped against the Porters five competitive forces model as presented belowThreat of new entrants and substitute products & services Sonys strategy of continuously developing unique products and market segments keeps them shielded from new entrants in the market given that the level of R&D need to develop such products is huge and not easy for competition to introduce substitute products. Rivalry among breathing competitors Sony hardly has any rivalry with competitors because their products are already priced at premium rates even in the market segments that are not unique to them. In

Health reform (research paper) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Health reform (research paper) - Essay Exampleto ensure customer rapture and preferences, to focus on value between providers and insurers, and to minimize the burden on tax payers (Haislmaier 2006).The major smell of the mom legislation is the conception of the Connector a statewide health insurance. Connector impart bite as a private sate-government chartered (Haislmaier 2006) one-stop shop ort office where individuals and business employers who have employees numbering from 50 (50) and below will be capable to pay for personal and transferable health insurance reporting (Haislmaier 2006).Underinsurance is a major concern for momma residences since some individuals will prefers to purchase health plans that entails high embody of sharing to be able to bring lower premiums monthly and restricted benefits (Long 2008). These factors causes higher health share costs per person and can be the reason why most will choose to go without some benefits of a health awe plan just t o avoid excess health care expenses (Long 2008). Hence when this happens, workers who earn high salaries are covered for any serious injury or illness while moderate and low income earners will encounter difficulties if the fee for the care which they will need will exceed the coverage of their chosen health insurance plan (Long 2008).The health reform in Massachusetts paved way to having a low rate of universal individuals during its first year of execution. This likewise refer reduction of financial expenses in acquiring health care and enhancement of access to it (Long 2008).Issues surrounding the commissariat of the health reform in Massachusetts are concentrated on two aspects which are that Massachusetts residents must buy a health insurance, and business that have more than ten (10) employees or force out which do not provide their workers any health insurance should make payments to the states stipendiary care pool for a per worker contribution scale (Haislmaier, 2006). To straighten

How Immigration Influences the Economic Issues Essay

How Immigration Influences the Economic Issues - Es suppose ExampleHowever, I personally view that immigrants are proving beneficial for improving the economies of the developed countries. Stand Essay A get down from increase in the compute of crimes and drug trafficking because of some immigrants, there are also some rattling beneficial aspects of immigrations. People should not think negative of all immigrants because nature and activities of every person are not the same. It is only a small number of immigrants who are actually involved in criminal activities. Some news reports and researches say that 12 to 15 percent of immigrants are actually involved in illegal activities. The major part of the immigrants is very peaceful and does not take any step against the laws of the country. Such immigrants are very frequently concerned about their own scene in the society as well as the image of their home nations. To maintain a good image, they follow the laws of the country and r espect every individual they meet. most(prenominal) of the immigrants are hardworking and careful individuals who obey the social, political, and labor laws and regulations of the foreign countries. Immigrants also help the countries improve their economies by helping them increase their GDPs. In the United States, news reports confirm that U.S. GDP increase by 0.75 percent annually due to large-scale immigrations. Immigrants work with full dedication and commitment wherever employed. They are very productive for the companies, which hire them because they founder constant desire to earn money by working effectively and efficiently for they companies. Some of the immigrants include mettlesomely experienced surgeons, engineers, and professors who come to the United States to provide their high fictional character services to the local people. Researches prove that immigrant doctors and teachers play a valuable role in providing proper healthcare and educational needs to the loc al people and overcoming the labor shortage present in these professions. My personal experiences with immigrants have always been good. A small group of Asian immigrants lives in my neighborhood. They have always helped me whenever and wherever my family and I needed it. For example, one day my younger brother was playing with his friends on the street next to my house. part they were playing, a motorcyclist appeared on the street. He was driving his motorcycle at a very a high speed. Suddenly my brother came in range of the motorcyclist who was just going to hit my brother. In the meantime, one of the immigrants race towards him and dragged him away of the motorcyclists range. That was the moment I realized that immigrants are very kind and supportive people. resistance Essay In this part of the paper, we will see immigration to the United States from oppositions locate of view. It is a fact that a major part of the illegal immigrants living in the United States is in the fir st place from Mexico. Researches prove that approximately 13.2 million illegal immigrants living in the United States are Mexican-Americans. augment in the number of crimes and drug trafficking are two of the most significant problems caused by the immigrants in the United States of America. Increase is the number of crimes is one of the major drawbacks associated with immigrations. Some percentage of the immigrants

Myocardial infarction Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Myocardial infarction - Case Study ExampleThe mice apply in this experiment were reported to have larger and more severe atherosclerosis wounds after a stab or myocardial infarction. These results were observed to be as a result of increased monocyte production that was triggered by the solidus that feigned the spleen action. This understanding of factor affecting atherosclerosis and can be used in using break off management techniques (Dutta et al 2012). This is because the kind of intervention used on atherosclerosis patients with ischemic complication can affect the long term outcome. Care should thus be interpreted with patients with such problems to avoid further complications I find this article to be important because you find that virtually patients suffering from atherosclerosis in any case suffers from myocardial infarction. The interaction of the two makes it hard to treat one or the other. Understanding how myocardial infarction affects other unsoundnesss is impor tant in developing better interposition methods. For instance, race suffering from atherosclerosis should not be subjected to a treatment that increases the possibility of getting a stroke or myocardial infarction. It gives a deeper understanding how the myocardial infarction may affect the body so that precautions can be taken. Article two Guidelines for Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction The article tactile propertys into the discordant strategies that have been put forward on the treatment of myocardial infarction. It starts by analyzing all the symptoms associated with the infirmity and how they affect the body. The fountain then systematically explains all the treatment options and their implication on the body. This is putting in thoughtfulness that although thither may many treatment strategies, their effectiveness is tagged on their ability to give the cuddle end results and reduce the risk of the patient getting other infections. The article puts all these ri sks in the vindicated so that doctors can be able to decide which treatment option best suits their patient condition. The author highlights early risk stratification and rapid diagnosis as major factors influencing the success of treatment of great myocardial infarction. In order to understand the extent of the progression of the disease, different strategies are used and this look for biochemical, pathological, clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics (Banerjee & Kumar 2011). These risks should be analyzed quantitatively to get a greater picture of the disease progression. I think this article is important because it not only describes the different treatment options but it also gives a detailed account of the risks associated with these treatment options. The physician can use this method to determine which treatment option suits a patient in context of other disorders that the patient may have. The information presented here can be used by doctors to have the ne eded information that would increase the chance of having better outcomes. Article Three Plasma HDL cholesterol and risk of myocardial infarction a Mendelian randomisation study The article is about a study that seeks to know whether a high take aim of plasma HDL cholesterol decreases the risk of getting myocardial infarction. The study seeks to identify whether the association of number one risk to myocardial infection with low plasma HDL cholesterol is cause. It takes a mendelian nestle where genes are assorted independently during meiosis and their causal effects is not affected by the disease progr

Child WelfareTrends in the Educational Setting Essay

Child WelfareTrends in the Educational Setting - Essay ExampleThese are provisions establish mainly for the children in the minorities, immigrants and curt groups in society. Additionally, many people at the time stigmatized these child well-being provisions as being charitable and custodial. This pattern created a weak foundation for establishing better tender services in the twentieth century.However, as the Progressive Era picked in the twentieth century, the reform efforts of women picked also, pave the way for the reforming and modernization of the childcare services. To draw attention and demonstrate the need for approved methods of nurturing children from infancy, Josephine Dodge guide a group of New York philanthropists to establish a Model Day Nursery in 2893, and exhibited it at the Worlds Columbian Exhibition in Chicago. After the exhibition, hey worked forward, founding the National Federation of Day Nursery (NFDN) the offset nationwide organization designated to h andle the child welfare issue. The establishment of these Day Nurseries created a dilemma for poor mothers as it compelled them to seek employment to support the children. Activist, Jane Addams established that children suffered inadequate attention and care from mothers as they sought-after(a) employment, hence established the basis for mothers pensions. Thu, Jane Addams, Julia Lathrop and the Hull House colleagues would rise to become the leaders of the U.S. Children Bureau, founded in 1912 (In Isenberg, In Jalongo, & Bredekamp, 2008).The pattern of development continued in the 1920s with the U.S. Children Bureau established a series of studies on maternal and child labor issues in the agricultural and mining industries, in the country. The investigators found serious instances of injuries, ailment and fatalities resulting from the children, left alone at home, or brought into hazardous workplaces and even working in such on the hook(predicate) places. The Children Bureau contin ued to support

US v Patel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

US v Patel - see ExampleOne of the main purposes of judicial system is to provide the root cause of social problems. As it appears, the apostrophize was much concerned with administering punishment rather than finding out why the defendant was lovely in the medical frauds. There is a possibility for instance that Dr. Patel was non the only one loving in this unscrupulous activities. Secondly, it has not been included in the case what the defendant wanted to achieve though his actions. It is therefore not possible for the court to prevent such acts from occurring in future.In conclusion, the case speculate concerned a cardiologist by the name of Dr. Panel who was engaging in unscrupulous and wrong activities. He performed operations on his patients without letting them know what he was actually doing. It is through the intervention of the court that this problem was discovered. While the intervention was important, the court failed in establishing the motivation behind the acts . Punishment alone should not be used to address crimes within the

How can the strategic human resource business partner(SHRBP) add value Essay

How pot the strategic human resource billet partner(SHRBP) add value to the IT department - Essay Example legitimate paper aims to present the way in which the Strategic Human Resource Business Partner (SHRBP) open fire add value to the IT department and under which terms such task would be performed. Appropriate theories and models are used for justifying the enjoyment of SHRBP in the increase of value of IT department.The role of strategic human resource business partner (SHRBP) in the increase of value of IT departmentStrategic HR management washstand inject in organizational activities at all in all levels of organizational hierarchy reference is made to the organization as a unit, not just to the HR functions and sub-functions (Deb 2006). Of course, the role of HR within the organizations needs to be see (Raj, 2007). In accordance with Morton (1999) when acting as a business partner, HR is expected to perform a serial publication of roles strategic partner, change agen t, administrative expert and employee champion (Morton 1999, in Armstrong, 2000, p.141). Moreover, Robinson et al. (2005) noted that HR lav respond to the needs of its traditional role (deciding on the employees positions and tasks) as also to the needs of its strategic role (meaning the development of initiatives for the increase of organizational profits through the improvement of employee proceeding). As for the strategic HR management, this can intervene drastically in all organizational strategies identifying organizational failures and suggesting appropriate measures in case that SHR double-decker acts as a business partner, then his ability to intervene in organizational strategies at all organizational levels is significantly increased. The involvement of SHRBP in the organizations IT department would have a series of effects in the departments structure, activities and performance. More specifically, the role of SHRBP in IT department would refer to the pursuance acti vities a) development and improvement of relationships of employees in order to improve communication and cooperation across the department in this way, the performance of employees of the specific department would be also increased, b) improvement of information sharing IT department is strongly depended on the management of informati

Government health care vs private health care Essay

Government health c atomic number 18 vs backstage health dread - canvass ExampleOver the years people have argued for both the private health get by firmament and the public health care sector stating the advantages and the disadvantages of each side.A private health care or private medicine is a health care or medicine that is funded and provided by entities other than the government, they are privately run by companies or personals. People have mainly argued for private health care mainly because its based on basic economic principles like supply, demand and a militant market. No private health firm could charge you more than the other firms due to the competitive temperament of market in which they operate. Secondly due to the competitive nature patients receive fast and high whole tone treatment as private facilities often are in competition with other facilities, this characteristic of private health facilities makes it convenient for patients and often prove life saving. The author talks about what Ken Dallafior, precedential vice president of group sales and corporate marketing, at Detroit-based Blue Cross Blue riddle of Michigan, had to say If youre in an industry that is highly competitive in terms of recruiting and maintaining talent, you have better nurse of the process and the plans that are finishered to employees, which can affect your talent objectives, (Banham, 2013). Private health care facilities offer a large pool of specialists and hospitals, so the patients have a choice of who they want to go to for treatment. Looking at large private health care facilities also helps remove a big burden off the backs of the government it reduces government spending on the health sector. Although this kind of medical health care proves genuinely beneficial for the public, private health facilities are often very expensive and majority of the public is inefficient to attain such facilities and they revert back to public health care.A public hea lth care facility is one that is funded by the government so that all public could avail health

The most importnt issues or problems in Humn Resources in the United Essay

The around importnt issues or problems in Humn Resources in the get together rb Emirtes t the present time - Essay pil humblecaseccording to n estimte by the l-Iktissd Wl-ml (1997) mgzine, no less thn 95 per cent of the new jobs in the 1995-2000 period were in the privte sector. There re four interrelted resons for the privte sectors resistnce to Emirtistion.The first fctor is lbour hail. The influx of chep foreign lbour during the pst three decdes led to the development of lbour-intensive privte sector, whose go on profitbility hinges on being given free hnd in the utilistion of foreign workers. lthough, since the mid-1990s, United rb Emirtes hs incresed the cost of the ltter by introducing compulsory helth cre for foreign workers, locl workers still re very much more expensive to hire (Fshoyin, 2000). It hs win been lleged tht locls will demnd bout six times the slry skilled foreign worker would be prepred to ccept nd will not work s hrd (Fshoyin, 2000). Foreign workers from developing countries ccept reltively low slries becuse they cn still ern more thn they could ern in their home countries. Furthermore, the mjority of foreign workers re young mle bchelors nd therefore do not hve fmily to support. For locl workers, however, the high cost of living in United rb Emirtes mkes the level of wges removeered by the privte sector incpble of providing n cceptble living stndrd for locl workers (tiyyh, 2003).Second, socil nd culturl perceptions towrds... In United rb Emirtes, the type of work, sector of employment nd socil interctions t work delimit the socil sttus of the worker nd his fmily (Mellhi, 2000). Hence, workers plce gret del of importnce on the effect of their work on their socil recognition. For instnce, most of the jobs in the privte sector re mnul jobs which rb Emirtes society holds in low esteem. Even before the influx of foreign workers, these jobs were llocted to people with low socil sttus nd socil interctions with them were severely restric ted. tiyyh (2003) reported tht in rb Emirtes For youngsters leving school the brriers ginst desirble creer pths re lmost mythicl. They will not ccept jobs s slesmen becuse this does not befit their socil sttus they will not tke workshop jobs where there is thret of physicl dnger. Low slries re n insultthe rb Emirtesyouth hs too much pride to swllow.The third fctor is discipline nd control. Reserch on the mngement of foreign workers in United rb Emirtes supports the view tht foreign workers re esier to control nd more disciplined thn locl workers (tiyyh, 2003). This could be root of the fct tht work permits in United rb Emirtes re often vlid for one yer nd foreign workers do not qulify for permnent residency or nturlistion, regrdless of the length of their sty, therefore employers hve few obligtions towrds foreign workers who cn be lid off nd sent home t short notice. In ddition, foreign workers hold work permits for special(prenominal) occuption with specific employer nd therefore they cnnot move freely between employers or sponsor without the consent of their employer or sponsor-Kfeel. Hence, lbour turnover nd job-hopping mong foreign workers do not exist. Tble 1 Comprison between HRM prctices for United rb Emirtes HR nd

Islamic and conventional credit cards Assignment

Islamic and conventional credit cards - Assignment mannikinThe increased demand is not only from clients need for differentiated products but also from corporations who want to conceive out all financial dealings in conformity with Sharia laws. The increasing populations of Muslim countries leave alone additionally propel the demand for Sharia - conformable financial services. Many Muslim nations have five-year-old populaces, with more than 60% of the citizens under the age of 21 years, in addition to annual population crop rates of more than 5%. Many conservative pious platitudes currently are also engaging in the Islamic Banking market due to its intrinsic feature of minimal exposure to operational risk. Islamic banking, because of its rigid Sharia submission norms, can help clients decrease the risks related to interest based debt bankrolling that plagued conservative banks especially during the recent financial crisis that hit the mortgage market (Alam (2013).In terms of supply, the main underlying precept of development in Islamic banking is the swelling amount of financial services establishments giving Sharia compliant business solutions. Along with the new Islamic banking institutions that are being designed, there is a developing determination among current conventional banking institutions to transform their processes to become compliant with Sharia laws. With mounting business rivalries in their infrastructure markets, some Islamic banking institutions in the Middle East have begun to multiply globally, with a preliminary direction to Africa and Asia. This amplified rivalry was leading to fresh advanced products being availed to the markets, therefore, rendering Islamic banking more enticing.The initial phases of harvest-time in Islamic banking contend with the concept construction where Sharia specialists examined whether the interest those banks charged was similar to riba. in the lead 1950s, Muslims were not officially engaging the ba nking services so, they did not have any information about bank interest (Shaikh n.d). A

ODEs and Linear Algebra Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ODEs and Linear Algebra - Coursework Exampleby differential equations of initiatory or higher order that must be generally or particularly solved to let on a certain equation that would potentially describe the behaviour of an object or a portion based on its variable property or set of properties. This notion applies to an aspect in applied science that deals with the task of analysing vessel leaks as in formulating a mathematical model for a leaking process be underg i by a substance that flows out of a crack or fault in the ar muchd combat vehicle so that the flow rate correspondingly affects the depth of such fluid in the tank. The scenario could be taken either for a varying volume or a varying liquid depth with meter which is often assumed proportional to each other(a) in a differential equation (MIT, n.d., 1). give your own examples to show how to solve one first order, linear, ordinary differential equation where an integrating actor is needed in the solution. Expla in why the integrating factor works and when should this regularity be used.*The method of using integrating factor renders the differential equation exact so that in this form, it would be more convenient to evaluate the differential equation and arrive at the solution.Use your own examples to explain to a first year Engineering student what atomic number 18 homogeneous linear equations and where they are found in engineering. Also explain the analytical methods that can solve them.By the term homogeneous, linear equations are illustrated in the simple sense of merely being composed of homogeneous differential terms, bearing derivatives of one variable type with respect to another on one side of the equation while the other side of the equation is kept as zero or one with constant term rather than another type of variable. This may be generally exemplified as (Dawkins, 2003 2014)Besides their applicability to mathematical synopsis of a system that undergoes a leaking process, homogeneous linear equations are extensively utilized in role model equations

Marketing Audit and set Marketing Objectives for Holiday Inn Essay

Marketing Audit and set Marketing Objectives for spend hunting lodge - judge ExampleThe report will highlight how Holiday Inn can utilise its strengths to exploit opportunities such as high growth in concern and leisure travel, emerging Asian markets and advancements in technology in attaining its mission. The company should increase its market presence in Asia, increase the bed occupancy levels and laissez passer additional physical evidence in its services. The hotel faces significant threats delinquent to stringent visa and travel regulations due to diseases such as Ebola, possible terror attacks and high competition in the domestic market.Holiday Inn Inc is a global brand of hotels that forms part of InterContinental Group of Hotels and hosts more than 100 million guests yearly (Russell & Cohn 2012). The hotel brand is recognised for its superior quality service, comfort and customer value since it offers differentiated services in its more than 1,200 hotels and 219,000 hotel board across world (InterContinental Hotels Group 2012 annual report, 2014). The Holiday Inn chain of hotels and resorts comprises of Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express has liberal to become the largest midscale hotel by the number of rooms (Lee 2007). The hotel chain offers high-rise and full size plat hotels and the walk-up and full-service hotels that offer additional customer services such as room service, exercise facilities, comfortable rooms and restaurants (Onkvisit and Shaw 2004). Most of the hotels are conveniently located in the major cities, airports, and roadways in order to cater for the business travel needs (Russell & Cohn 2012).The global hospitality industry has remained resilient despite the recent challenging sparing conditions occasioned by the Eurozone crisis and financial crisis in USA and UK markets (Yu 2012). In 2012, the industry revenues per available room (RevPAR) increased by 4.5 percent in 2012 (InterContinental Hotels Group 2012 annual report, 2014). The

How Do Environmental Factors Impact Managers and Leaders of Essay

How Do Environmental Factors Impact Managers and leadership of Organizations - Essay ExampleThe paper tells that an organizations internecine environment is of great importance, and lays out such strategic plans that guarantee that all internal factors are working properly and in nice coordination. The internal environment is defined as the conditions, entities, events, and factors within an organization that influences its activities and choices, particularly the behavior of the employees. The internal environment is defined as the conditions, entities, events, and factors within an organization that influences its activities and choices, particularly the behavior of the employees. Internal factors mainly include the mission statement, leadership, the organizational culture comprising of employees and management, and resources. These internal factors have a direct influence on managers and organizational leaders and willing continue to influence in future because they have to make strategic decisions that satisfy all these factors. For example, managers and leaders must make sure that their employees are working in harmony with each other with fewest(prenominal) possible organizational conflicts. Research suggests that the major causes of workplace conflicts are stress, reduced budget, short deadlines and heavy workload. whatsoever the cause, it is necessary for the managers and leaders of the organization to deal with the conflicts efficiently to improve teamwork and productivity. This will be more all-important(a) in future because of the increasing competitiveness in the market. The external environment of an organization consists of all those elements in the remote, industrial and external operating environment that impact upon the design of its strategic plans and define its competitive slope in the market.

Sociology of Cultural Differences Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sociology of Cultural Differences - Assignment ExampleThe two women suppose true beauty and success is only attained by being western (Wong). It shows they lack federal agency in themselves thus, convincing them that they are beautiful and attractive they way they are, is an uphill task.Personally, I would not modify anything about myself even if I had all the resources to do so. In as much as well-nigh people spend most of their time admiring their images in mirrors, beauty entails more than the outward appearance. I trust that success is not measured by the physical appearance of individuals. The yardstick for measuring success should be embedded on an individuals educational background, talents and capabilities. Therefore, appreciating ourselves the way we are is beauty itself. In access to that, e should not change our physical appearance to please people.Renee Thompsons beauty, drive and walks are the essentials infallible for any model. In as much as the market does not favor her, she skins to make her life in the modeling world (Haywood). The modeling world and industry considers modeling to be for whites, making Renee Thompson struggle despite her extraordinary beauty, style and glamour.If I were her, I would never give up modeling to take in for another profession. I would fight to the end since I have all the profession demands. My drive would be to enlighten the stakeholders in the industry to give everybody a chance as well as obstruction racial stereotyping. I would make them understand that I did not choose to be born corrosiveen and that they should see me as a human being with modeling qualifications, not as a black

A College Degree Is Worth the Effort and Expense Essay Example for Free

A College Degree Is Worth the Effort and Expense EssayIn todays economy m whatever people wonder if a college degree is worth the time, effort, and expense it takes to complete it. I, a twenty-seven year old who did not think it was worth it when I graduate from tall school, have changed my position on the issue. I have had stick in todays workforce and it is not easy to find a satisfying job with only a high school sheepskin and it is extremely difficult to find a job with decent carry and any benefits in which you have a chance of advancing in that career. These things are essential for a fertile and fulfilling life.I believe that nourishting a college degree is well worth the time, effort, and expenses. A report by the Pew Research Center found that college graduates make about $550,000 more than high school graduates everywhere the course of their careers (Cass). This shows the significantly larger income opportunities of having a college degree versus only a high sc hool diploma. cipher the diversity of making $465,000 compared to $1,015,000 over a thirty year career? Breaking that down for $465,000 would be $15,500 a year, $1,291. 67 a month, $300.39 a week, and $7. 51 a hour compared to $1,015,000 or $33,833. 33 a year, $2,819. 44 a month, $655. 68 a week, and $16. 39 a hour. It is a big difference In todays workforce we have an incr relief in unemployment. The unemployment rate in 2010 was 5. 4 percent for people with bachelors degrees and less for those with higher degrees, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, 7 percent of those with associates degrees and 10. 3 percent of those with only a high school diploma were out of work (Cass).This shows that obtaining a college degree enhances chances of becoming gainfully employed. Charles Wallace also writes about the demands of our workforce and our contract for college education. Wallace quotes a report that estimates the economy will create about 47 million jobs by 2018, including 14 million new jobs and 33 million jobs replacing workers who leave or retire. About 33 percent of those jobs will require a bachelors degree and another 30 percent will require an associates degree or at least some college training. Only a third will be available to people with a highschool diploma or less. The cost of college has increased more than many other things in todays society, in feature the cost of college has nearly doubled in the past 10 days, while housing be and the boilersuit Consumer Price Index have risen less than 25 percent (Cass). However the rewards you can get from college still outweigh the effort and expense at least for now. The government is trying to help ease the burden, starting in July 2014, impart recipients will have to devote only 10 percent of their income to loan repayments, rather than 15 percent.And those loans will be forgiven after 20 years, rather than the current 25 years (Brooks). If the costs continue to rise so dramat ically then the costs will eventually dispirit to outweigh the rewards. However when you look at the rewards you have to look at more than just the monetary gains there are many other rewards to consider such as health insurance, retirement plans, experience with more diverse cultures, and the positive self-improvements that come with college education. As Charles Nelson, writer of the essay, Investing in Futures the Cost of College states, degrees pay off in other ways too.College exposes students to new issues and subject areas it helps students to consider the value of things that might other seem pointless college graduates may lead more rewarding lives, being more mentally set-aside(p) by their surroundings (333). I believe a college education is a very important investment. It outweighs the costs many times over. College education opens many doors and lasts a lifetime. It increases the ability to understand other societies, helps to explore options that may have never bee n considered before, and contributes to a greater sense of self fulfillment and self-worth.

Annotated Bibliography Essay Example for Free

An nonated Bibliography EssayIn this assessment I sh al wholeness describe an Annotated Bibliography on Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The important factors of inclusion in educational settings get out be discussed and how pargonnts as partners crowd out at go to chelarens bafflement.Autism is a condition which affects small fryrens development their altogether life. Autism is a brain disorder that is diagnosed normally in earlier childhood and autistic children fecal matter lay down bad behaviour and can be play along fairly aggressive and temperamental. Many education settings have standd superfluous hurt to young children alongside other children, however this is to include an inclusive practice. Children with autism have many difficulties in three main(prenominal) areas1) Social Awareness Find making friends and interacting with others very difficult, and do not evermore make eye contact when some superstar is talking to them.2) Language Communication Find it h ard to let off how their discovering and what their thinking and they a same communicate in high pitch tones and have severe delay in speech.3) Imagination Do not always experience that others have thoughts and feelings and have limited imagination.Reid (2005, p.29) quotes there may also be evidence of obsessive and inappropriate behaviours. Some students within this spectrum may also have limited imaginative thought.In society before, children with autism were misunderstood and their negative behaviour was tagged and beca consumption of their negative behaviour children were punished frequently. During that while there was no guidance and support available for children with autism from the politics and local authorities. in that respect was none specialised equipment/resources for children to learn and develop further, which would help with this particular disability.There are many barriers for children with autism in mainstream schools like adapting activities, schools may not have enough space and specialised equipment for making the action mechanism adaptable. Children may have certain need to be tended to so staff need to be trained to deal with children with autism, so some staff would need further training. However, another barrier could be that the parents do not admit that their child has autism, so parents do not attend meetings with staff and direct the right guidance and support. Some parents may feel that their child is not normal, as the community they come from might have an ideal image of a family, for instance referring to a child who has perfect fleshly appearance. The medical model sees society or a practice to cure a disability to suss out into society, and the social model sees that the child is not the problem, but the attitudes towards disability is the problem.Adults need to provide children with a condom and enabling environment for them to learn and develop in, so children with autism should be treated equally and fai rly, like all children and must feel included in their environment. Meanwhile, when providing activities for children with autism givings must give children time for themselves and let them explore, so they can learn at their own pace. Reid (2005, p. 29) states that It is important to allow for opportunities that will enable the student some time on his/her own. However the adult should also posit other children when doing a specific activity for the child with autism, so the child does not feel alone, even though children with autism prefer to play alone.The adult should support and encourage the child and help them complete the activity, by helping the child using put across in hand contact for example the adult holding the childs hand and so on The adults role is to talk to the children slowly and calmly, and use simple words so they understand and an effort should be made towards them so they feel the sense of security. Vygotsky was a theorist and his theory was on the Zone of Potential Development (ZPD), his theory stresses the importance of when a more knowledgeable adult/child helps a less knowledgeable child, so by helping him/her complete the task he/she could not done alone, he called this ZPD.Vygotsky saw that adults need to be involved with children strongly. Lindon (1998, p.66) clearly states He saw early language as an important social tool for children which brought them deliberately into contact with others. Adults should provide children with activities where they can use all their senses like touch, smell, taste, sound and sight, so providing them toys with flashing lights, soft toys and puppets which will show affection etc. Vygotskys theory is seen as a scaffolding process where the child imitates the practitioners actions, and is a one to one process centring the child individual of necessity first.Involving parents in these situations can be very difficult, so it is very important to build a relationship with trust and respect, this will help the parent to feel comfortable. Cheminais (2006, p. 101) quotes that Clear communication and mutual respect help to promote positive productive working relationships mingled with the two partners. In my nursery we have a folder for a child with autism and in that folder we have IEP sheets where we constantly observe and monitor the child. We also give some IEP sheets to the parent as healthy so they also monitor the child at groundwork, this helps us to see how the child is doing at home and at nursery. We then have meetings with the parents, where we can discuss the childs progress, this helps us to see the degree of development. Furthermore these sheets help us to political platform and provide for the child further. Communication books can also help as the parent can read them, as this will have the childs workaday routine written in, so parents will feel reassured that their child is safe. (Johnston and William, 2009, p.399-402)Schools and settings can support c hildren with autism by having SENCOs (Special educational needs co-ordinator), so children who need extra support can have one to one attention from one main person. Meanwhile they can provide specialised resources like receptive based toys like flashing light toys. Also having family workers can help children, as they can support and guide parents, by having regular sessions where they can discuss where the child needs help and if necessary involve immaterial agencies.An inclusive environment for children with autism is essential for children to reach their full potential, as this will build their ego esteem and confidence. The environment must be warm and friendly for children and parents, however having posters of children with SEN will help childrens parents see there are many types of SEN children. The room must be facilitated to meet childrens needs for example tables and chairs must be at the childs level and layout of the room must be spacious for wheelchair users, so ramp s and stair lifts must be provided. feativities must be adaptable for children with, so they can participate and learn from different experiences, just like all children. Children with autism must be given a range of resources/specialist equipment, therefore this will meet their needs so they are equally included.Resources like flash cards, textured materials, soft toys, flashing lights, also natural resources aswel like plants, must be provided as children with autism respond to sensing materials. In my nursery where I work, there is a child with autism, he likes to debate objects horizontally and vertically and when playing he constantly repeats the same pattern. The child repeats the same pattern again and again, he shows some independence and confidence in this situation, and repeats his schema. Piaget was a theorist and his idea of schema was, Lindon (1998, p. 72) says Patterns of behaviour that are linked through a theme and from which a child generalises and explores in di fferent situations.There are many legal controlments that support the actions which need to be taken when a child may have special needs. The handicap Discrimination Act (1995) supports the actions which need to be taken, with children with SEN this Act says that it would be penal for settings not to make reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability. A perfect example of rough-and-ready practice is Terry, J (2009, p.30) says Autism is recognised as a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 (DCSF, 2009), and some children and young people will have associated or additional complex developmental difficulties that require the high level of co-ordinated support delivered by Early Support.The Special Education Needs Disability Act (2001) also supports children with SEN. This Act is separated in two sections, part one develops the framework of SEN, to repay the rights of parents and their children to enter mainstream education and part two develops th e Disability Discrimination Act (1995) to expand the rights of SEN children in schools. The main key points of these Acts are that children with disabilities are treated well, and that they are entitled to study the National Curriculum.In shoemakers last it is very important for schools and settings to provide a learning and friendly environment for children with autism. Therefore they must provide useful and quality resources and specialised equipment to meet childrens individual needs, so children can reach their utmost(prenominal) best, build their self esteem and confidence and also enjoy themselves. Schools and settings can also work with outside agencies and help to meet parents and childrens needs. As a result parents can get advice and support from other professionals and other agencies, on the other hand childrens certain needs can be tend to and learning experiences maximised.All staff must be trained to deal with children with autism so they can observe, plan and provid e for children with certain needs which need to be met. So then children can develop their side by side(p) stage of development, Furthermore parents working with teachers can help childrens development enormously as their needs are most likely to be met. As parents are their primary carers, so they know their child/childrens likes, dislikes and interests. Staff can then plan and provide children with challenging activities which children will enjoy and develop further.

The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity Essay Example for Free

The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity EssayThe most common exposition of this term is a social ranking by social wealth. An example would be a family whose income direct categorizes them below the poverty line, versus a family whose income level categorizes them far above the poverty line. This is when an oppressor uses race to determine who is and is non privileged. These determinations are made by assigning characteristics to races and dividing them into roots. At minimum, characteristics include material or cultural traits.This is a broad generalization about groups which does not account for individual differences. An example would be if a soulfulness were to generalize that all people from New York City are pushy. Among many others, Chinese Americans, African American, ingrained Americans and Caucasians are examples of this group. Members of such a group can be identified by obvious physical differences. This occurs when a overriding group forces a minority group to l ive, work, or socialize separately. The high office of Blacks and Whites living separately in Detroit, Michigan is an example.Another way of describing a minority group, this type of group comprises people of certain race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability. Members of such a group exhibit five distinct characteristics. This occurs when a person, or the group to which that person belongs, assumes the characteristics of a dominant group. An example would be a Native American choosing to repudiate his or her cultural norms in favor of joined States norms.This group is associated with a faith other than that of the dominant group. For example, individuals who practice Buddhism in the United States belong to this type of group. This perspective maintains that groups in society may hold their cultures without facing prejudice or hostility. In part, it can be seen in some of the larger United States cities.

Scarlett Letter Feminist Criticism Essay Example for Free

Scar allowt Letter Feminist Criticism EssayWhile Hawthorne is influenced by stereotypes, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne does serve to criticize patriarchy as he creates a plausible underworldgular who is immobile in the caseful of patriarchal opposition. Hester turns her punish custodyt into a life changing experience by becoming a better, stronger, and more in leechlike person than she was at the beginning of the novel. The way she great dealles her punishment does non make it right except it did make her a strong woman to be admired. It is when Hester takes on the tax of delivering the punishment all on her own that she shows she is a libber well efore her time.She does not do what is anticipate of women during the time in which the story takes place. Hester demonstrates that she is strong in the face of patriarchal oppression and the scrutiny of the confederacy in which she lives. Hawthorne writes But under the leaden inflictions which it was her doom to endure, she felt at moments, as if she must postulate to shriek out with the full powers of her lungs. (49) The towns people are watching Hester so disapprovingly that she is tempted to scream out at them, but Hester remains silent hile the whole town is looking mess upon her and her child child because of her sin of adultery.Hester would not let the people see her as nerveless or show how it humiliated her to be standing before the crowd with the letter A embroidered upon her bosom. It is here Hester shows such(prenominal) strength and courage, at a time when women were thought of as weak. Hawthorne continues to write, Speak out the name That, and thy repentance, may avail to take the scarlet letter off thy breast. N of all time Replied Hester Prynne. (58) It is here that Hester refuses to answer the Reverend Mr.Wilson, as is expected of her, when the head of church ask her to name thy babys father. Women were expected to obey men of authority and for Hester to refuse to name her babys father, shows that she is very strong even in the front man of authority and will not be submissive. She holds steadfast in keeping quiet and not engagement the babys father and therefore taking on the punishment all on her own, as she will not speak out the fathers name as demanded of her. It is through her calm down that Hester showed great inner strength and does not succumb to how she was feeling on the inside.Hawthorne tells us It may seem marvelous, that this woman should still call that place her home. and notwithstanding writes With the world before her,-unplowed by no sumptuary clause of her condemnation drop to return to her birthplace, or to any European Land. (67) Once Hesters labour is over she is free to leave town, but she stays and makes a home for her and her daughter pearl. Hester of her own free will did not flee when she was free to go. Instead of leaving where she would take a shit been free from judgments and ridicule, she chooses to stay and face her punishment.It is ecause Hester chooses to face her punishment alone and remains adamantly silent when asked to name her babys father, that she is strong in the face of patriarchal oppression and authority. Hester quietly takes up a productive place in the oppressive nightspot in which she lives. Hawthorne describes how Hester leaves for herself and her child by saying She possessed an art that sufficed, even in a land that afforded comparatively little scope for its exercise, to supply food for her thriving infant and herself. (68) It is because of Hesters fine sewing skills that she is able to provide an income for her and Pearl.Hesters needlework is so delicate and beautifully through that women of court or those of wealth sought her out for their intricate embroidery needs. Hawthorne shows us how Hester is charitable when he says Hester bestowed all her superfluous means in charity, on wrenches less(prenominal) miserable than herself and who not infrequently insulted the hand that fed them. Much of her time, which she might readily pick up applied to better efforts of her art, she employed in make coarse garments for the poor. (70) This proves that even though the people in her community shunned her, Hester was kind hearted and willingly o do those less fortunate than her, even when they would insult her and talk among themselves behind her back. Hester did not have much in ways of means, but she selflessly gives her time and efforts to make clothes for the poor.Hawthorne tells us how Hester mothers her daughter Pearl when he writes In this little lonesome dwelling, with some slender means that she possessed, and by the license of her magistrates Hester established herself with her infant child. (68) Hawthorne further writes She early sought to impose a tender, but strict, control over the infant immortality that was ommitted to her charge. (76) Hester is mindful of her own faults in life that she is careful not to be too strict and to show devotion to her child. Sometimes not knowing how to mother, Hester would stand aside and let Pearl act on her own accord and let her become her own person. Hester with her sewing skills, her charitable deeds for the poor and raising Pearl on her own shows how she quietly takes up a productive place in the oppressive society in which she lives. Even though the towns people continued to look down on Hester, she did not let it stop her from living her life and helping others in need.Hawthorne creates a plausible individual in his substitution character, Hester Prynne as she is not the typical Puritan woman and goes against the grain and what is expected of her. Hawthorne shows us how Hester is self-reliant when he states What others might seek in vain, or because Hester really filled the gap which must otherwise have remained vacant it is certain that she had ready and fairly requited employment for as many hours as she sees fit to immerse her needle. (69) Hester shows that she does not need a man in her life to provide for her and her baby.She is self reliant, when women of her day were dependent upon their husbands to provide for all their needs. She works hard and works as long as she needs to provide the necessities that she and Pearl need all on her own. Hawthorn demonstrates Hesters bravery by standing up for herself when he writes I can teach my little Pearl what I have learned from this Answered Hester Prynne, move her finger on the red token. Women it is thy badge of shame Replied the magistrate. It is because of the stain which the letter indicates that we would transfer thy child to others hands. (92) Hawthorne further says God gave me that child Cried she.He gave her in requital to all else, when ye had taken from me. She is my happiness -she is my torture, none the less Pearl keeps me in life (94) Women were not to speak out against authority especially male authority, but Hester stands up for herself and defends why Pearl should n ot be taken away from her care. This shows great bravery and her doubtful love for her child. Hester shows personal strength everyday during her punishment when Hawthorne writes When strangers looked curiously at the scarlet letter,- and none ever ailed to do so,- they branded it fresh into Hesters soul so that, oftentimes, she could scarcely refrain, yet always did refrain, from showing the symbol with her hand. (72) When ever Hester was to walk into town those who did not already know her would stop and stare at the letter upon her chest. Even though Hester wanted to hide the shame of the letter she did not, she forced herself not to conduct the letter and to carry on. It is because of Hesters strong will that she is able to face her punishment everyday, wearing her sin bravely out in the open.She did not let it stop her from living her life and going more or less her daily routine or making a good life for her and her daughter Pearl. Women in Hesters day would have been too weak to venture into town all by themselves, instead they would have chosen to stay hidden, as to not having to face their sin. Also, they would not have walked with their heads up, instead would have kept their heads down as to not see the stares upon them, the fingers pointing at them or to hear words of insult enjoin at them. They would have been too weak to handle the daily scorn as bravely as Hester did.In conclusion one can see how Hester is a plausible individual who is strong in the face of patriarchal opposition and authority. Women during this time were seen as fragile, submissive, totally dependent upon and controlled by the men in their lives. Hester proves that she is neither of the above mentioned. She alone provides for her child, she was not dependent on anyone, she stood up for herself when threatened to lose Pearl, she did not submit when asked over and over again to name her babys father. What should have made Hester weak and shameful only made her a stronger, an d better erson who learned to be self-reliant.In the end Hesters good deeds and the way she carried her punishment turned her sinful letter A for adultery, into a forward-looking meaning among the people in her community. The letter A was now redefined by society as soul who was Abel capable and strong. The way Hester handled her punishment made her a strong and independent woman who defied the way a women was expected to be and act during patriarchal times, she showed us over and over again how she was a feminist before her time and in the end she finds favor with the women folk who now sought her out for advice.

Sports Drinks Essay Example for Free

Sports Drinks EssayEnergy drinks, sports drinks, recuperation drinkscall them what you will, their names still suggest that theyre designed for hard-working athletes. These days, however, it seems that everyone is tipping them back. But who really needs them? I recommend sports drinks for intense exercise that lasts for more than an hour, says Suzanne Farrell, R. D. , a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. For anything under an hour, water is fine. Thats because you dont need a 200-calorie burst of refreshment for a brief stint on the treadmill (remember, victorious in more calories than you burn will eventually lead to weight gain), and your body isnt depleted of the electrolytes these drinks are designed to quickly replace. If your routine frequently falls into the intense exercise for more than an hour category, and youre obtain for a sports drink, be indisputable to read the nutrition label. Make sure your sports drink contains potassium and sodiumthe electrolytes your body sweats out. And you can skip the vitamin-enriched drinks.According to Farrell, you should be getting your vitamins and nutrients from food sports drinks make a poor substitute. And, finally, study your choices. Sports drinks are trendy and, as a result, lots of optionsand impostershave popped up. Make sure youre consuming a drink designed to fit your workout levelwithout excessive calories. And beware of capacity drinks filled with nothing but sugar and caffeineRed Bull, Full Throttle, Mountain Dew AMP and the interchangeable shouldnt be confused with sports drinks.

Doric,Ionic, Corinthian Essay Example for Free

doric,Ionic, Corinthian EssayEssay PromptDefine and describe the tether architectural shapes of antique Greece noning when and where they were intentiond and how they reflected the changes in Greece from the Archaic through the Hellenistic catch.Ancient Greece has brought about many methods of artistic production that we see in our routine lives. Many artists today even try to mimic artists in ancient Greece, but often fail to do so. One of the most important aspects to come out of classical art is the architecture, most notable the troika architectural magnitudes of ancient Greece, doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Each comp unitynts of this order has a system of inter dependable parts whose proportions are based upon mathematical ratios. The basic components of all three orders are the column and entablature. Although most people do not know this order, they see it in their everyday lives. The history behind this order may take a lifetime to fully understand.The Doric o rder has shafts that composed of drums seated on top of a stylobate. The shafts do not have bases in the Doric order like they do in the others. At the top of the shaft lies an echinus and abacus respectively and the combination of shafts, echinus and abacus retrace up a column. At the top of each column lies an entablature and at the top of each entablature lies a pediment. The Doric order was mainly utilise in classical and Rome and was the earliest of the three orders.The Doric order came about in a definite form in 7th degree Celsius B.C, but it was not widely employ until the 19th century during the Greek Revival which was an architectural movement that took smear between the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. There are many buildings that use the doric order, but the most famous example is the Parthenon. Overall the Doric order in ancient Greece has been used for many centuries now and it has led to the creation of buildings such as the Parthe non. The Ionic order has a shaft that lies on top of a base and unlike the Doric order its shafts are not composed of drums. At the top of the shaft lies a keen and the combination of a base, shaft and capital make up a column of the ionic order. The column of an ionic order is approximately golf-club times the diameter of its base.Above the column lies a architrave, frieze, cornice and pediment respectively. The Ionic order came about in 6th century B.C in Ionia. The use of the Ionic order was most prominent during the Archaic Period (750-480 BCE). Many ancient Greek buildings have used the Ionic order, but the most famous one is the Temple of Diana in Ephesus. The Parthenon has elements of the ionic order, but it conforms mainly to the Doric order. Ultimately, the Ionic order is a diachronic creation and its structure is still used in many buildings today.The Corinthian order is a variety of the ionic order and was originally take a shitd for interiors, bit it was eventually used in exteriors as well. The Corinthian order has all the basic components of the Ionic order, but it does not have a pediment. The pediment is removed completely magic spell the capital is composed of an astragal, leaf, acanthus, rosette and volute. Arriving in full development at the middle of 4th century B.C, the Corinthian order was not used too often by the Greeks. The Greeks mainly just used the Corinthian order for the interior. The oldest known Corinthian temple is the Temple of Apollo Epicurius. Although the Corinthian order was not used as prominently as the Doric or Ionic it is still an important order and has helped create many ancient Greek buildings.The Doric, Ionic and Corinthian order were important features to come out of Greek architecture and many buildings today use these orders. The basic components of these orders were a column and entablature, but each of the three orders had specific characteristics that set them apart from the others. The creation of thes e orders has led to the many great Greek buildings such as the Parthenon. These orders were important elements to come out of Greek art and will probably be used for centuries to come.

Control cycles-a general model Essay Example for Free

Control cycles-a general model EssayA general model of organizational obligate includes four comp mavinnts that discount operate in a continuous cycle and fag finish be correspond as a wheel. These elements argon 1. Setting a goal. realise goal setting goes beyond boilers suit scope schooling to include setting the endure base trade union movement plan. The stray baseline is predicated on an accurate. exert Breakdown Structure (WBS) process. Remember that WBS establishes all the deliverables and do work packages associated with the come across, assigns the personnel responsible for them, and creates a optic chart of the communicate from highest level down through the basic task and subtask levels. The depict baseline is created as each task is laid out on a network diagram and resources and sentence durations be assigned to it. 2. Measuring progress. Effective control systems require accurate invent measurement mechanisms. figure managers essential bugger of f a system in place that go away allow them to measure the on deviation attitude of various excogitate activities in real sequence. We take away a measurement system that send word tolerate in public figureation as quickly as possible. What to measure in addition unavoidably to be clearly defined. some(prenominal) number of devices allow us to measure one aspect of the support or an opposite however, the larger question is whether or not we ar getting the type of information we can really use. 3. comparison demonstrable with planned public presentation. When we direct some sense of the original baseline (plan) and a rule for accurately measuring progress, the next step is to comp ar the two pieces of information. A gap analysis can be used as a basis for testing the aims spatial relation. Gap analysis refers to some(prenominal) measurement process that first determines the goals and thus the degree to which the demonstrable performance lives up to those goal s. The smaller the gaps between planned and actual performance, the better the outcome. In cases where we put through obvious differences between what was planned an what was realized, we have a clear-cut warning signal. 4. Taking action. Once we detect remarkable deviations from the learn plan, it becomes necessary to engage in some form of disciplinal action to minimize or remove the deviation. The process of taking corrective action is generally straightforward.Corrective action can either be relatively minor or whitethorn involve earthshaking remedial go. At its close extreme, corrective action may still involve scuttling a nonperforming estimate. After corrective action, the supervise and control cycle begins again. The control cycle is continuous. As we create a plan, we begin measurement efforts to chart progress and comp ar stages against the baseline plan. every reading materials of significant deviations from the plan should immediately trigger an appropriate re sponse, leading to a reconfiguration of the plan, reassessment of progress, and so on. Project monitoring is continuous, full-time cycle of target setting, measuring, correcting, improving, and remeasuring. MONITORING PROJECT PERFORMANCEAs we discovered in the chapters on project computeing and resource management, once we have established a project baseline cipher, one of the well-nigh pregnant orders for indicating the ongoing situation of the project is to evaluate it against the original calculate projections. For project monitoring and control, twain mortal task work outs and the accumulative project cipher atomic number 18 relevant. The cumulative cypher can be broken down by time over the projects projected duration. The Project S-Curve A Basic ToolAs a basis for evaluating project control techniques, let us mete out a simple example. choose a project (Project sierra) with four work packages (Design, Engineering, Installation, and Testing), a cypher to write out of $80,000, and an anticipated duration of 45 hebdomads.To determine project performance and status, a straightforward time/ toll analysis is often our first choice. Here the projects status is evaluated as a business office of the accumulated cost and labor hours or quantities plotted against time for both(prenominal)(prenominal) budgeted and actual amounts. We can see that time (shown on the x, or horizontal, axis) is compared with silver expended (shown on the y, or vertical, axis). The classic project S-curve represents the typical form of such a relationship. Budget expenditures are initially low and ramp up rapidly during the major project execution stage, before starting to level off again as the project gets nearer to its completion. Cumulative budget projections for Project Sierra have been plotted against the projects agendum. The S-curve figure represents the project budget baseline against which budget expenditures are evaluated.Monitoring the status of a proje ct using S-curves becomes a simple tracking conundrum. At the conclusion of each given time period (week, month, or quarter), we hardly total the cumulative project budget expenditures to understand and compare them with the anticipated spending patterns. Any significant deviations between actual and planned budget worn-out(a) reveal a potential problem area. relaxation is the get wind benefit of S-curve analysis. Be typesetters case the projected project baseline is established in call forth, the only additional info shown are the actual project budget expenditures. The S-curve also provides real-time tracking information in that budget expenditures can be constantly up get outd and the raw think ofs plotted on the graph. Project information can be visualized immediately and updated continuously, so S-curves offer an slowly-to-read evaluation of the projects status in a timely manner. (The information is not necessarily easily interpreted, however, as we shall see after.) Our Project Sierra example can also be used to decorate how S-curve analysis is employed. Suppose that by week 21 in the project, the original budget projected expenditures of $50,000. However, our actual project expenditures totaled only $40,000. In effect, there is a $10,000 budget dearth, or cast out var. between the cumulative budgeted cost of the project and its cumulative actual cost. In the table it shows the track of budgeted expenditures with actual project be, including nominateing the oppose variance shown at week 21. In this illustration, we see the value of S-curve analysis as a good visual method for linking project costs (both budgeted and actual) over the projects schedule. S-CURVE DRAWBACKSWhen project teams consider using S-curves, they need to ascertain the curves significant drawbacks into consideration as well as their strengths. S-curves can identify validatory and negative variance (budget expenditures above or below projections), save they do not al low us to make reasonable interpretations as to the relieve oneself of variance. Consider the S-curve shown. The actual budget expenditures have been plotted to kindle that the project team has not spent the total planned budget bills to date (there is negative variance). However, the question is how to interpret this finding. The link between accumulated project costs and time is not endlessly easily resolved. Is the project team behind schedule (given that they have not spent sufficient budget to date) or might there be alternative reasons for the negative variance?Assume that your organization tracks project costs employing an S-curve approach and uses that information to assess the status of an ongoing project. Also put on that the project is to be completed in 12 months and has a budget of $150,000. At the six-month checkup, you discover that the project S-curve shows significant shortfall you have spent far less on the project to date than was originally budgeted. Is this good or bad news?On the surface, we might suppose that this is a sign of poor performance we are lagging far behind in bringing the project along and the smaller the amount we have spent to date is evidence that our project is behind schedule. On the other hand, there are all number of reasons why this circumstance actually might be positive. For example, suppose that in running the project, you ensnare a cost-effective method for doing some component of the work or came across a new technology that significantly cut down on expenses. In that case, the time/cost metric may not only be misused, save might lead to dramatically inaccurate conclusions. Likewise, positive variance is not always a sign of project progress. In fact, a team may have a serious problem with overexpenditures that could be interpreted as strong progress on the project when in reality it signals nothing more(prenominal) than their inefficient use of project capital resources. The bottom line is this Simply evaluating a projects status according to its performance on time versus budget expenditures may easily lead us into making inaccurate assumptions about project performance. Milestone compendiumAnother method for monitoring project progress is milestone analysis. A milestone is an event or stage of the project that represents a significant accomplishment on the road to the projects completion. termination of a deliverable (a combination of multiple project tasks), an important activity on the projects critical path, or even a calendar date can all be milestones. In effect, milestones are road markers that we observe on our travels along the projects carriage cycle. There are several benefits to using milestones as a form of project control. 1. Milestones signal the completion of important project steps. A projects milestones are an important indicator of the current status of the project at a lower place development. They give the project team a common language to use in discus sing the ongoing status of the project. 2. Milestones can motivate the project team. In large projects lasting several years, motivation can sword lily as team members begin to have difficulty seeing how the project is proceeding overall, what their specific portion has been and continues to be, and how untold longer the project is likely to take. Focusing attention on milestones helps team members become more awake of the projects successes as well as its status, and they can begin to develop greater task identity regarding their work on the project. 3. Milestones offer points at which to reevaluate client needs and any potential careen requests. A common problem with many types of projects is the nature of repetitive and constant castrate requests from clients. Using project review milestones as formal stop points, both the project team and the clients are clear on when they will take midcourse reviews of the project and how change requests will be handled.When clients ar e aware of these formal project review points, they are better able to present reasonable and well-considered feedback (and specification change requests) to the team. 4. Milestones help coordinate schedules with vendors and suppliers. Creating delivery dates that do not delay project activities is a common dispute in scheduling delivery of key project components. From a resource perspective, the project team needs to receive supplies before they are essential but not so far in advance that space limitations, holding and inventory costs, and in some cases spoilage are problems. Hence, to balance delays of late shipments against the costs associated with holding early deliveries, a well-considered system of milestones creates a scheduling and coordinating mechanism that identifies the key dates when supplies will be needed. 5. Milestones identify key project review gates. For many complex projects, a series of midterm project reviews are mandatory. For example, many projects that are positive for the U.S. government require periodic evaluation as a precondition to the project firm receiving some percentage of the contract award. Milestones allow for appropriate points for these review. sometimes the logic behind when to hold such reviews is based on nothing more than the passage of time (It is time for July 1 review). For other projects, the review gates are determined based on completion of a series of key project steps (such as the evaluation of software results from the beta sites). 6. Milestones signal other team members when their participation is expected to begin. Many times projects require contributions from personnel who are not part of the project team. For example, a quality assurance individual may be needed to conduct systems tests or quality inspection and evaluations of work done to date. The quality supervisor needs to agnize when to assign a person to our project, or we may find when we reach that milestone that no ones available to help us. Because the QA person is not part of the project team, we need to coordinate his or her involvement in order to minimize disruption to the project schedule. 7. Milestones can delineate the various deliverables developed in the work breakdown structure and therefore enable the project team to develop a better overall view of the project. You then are able to refocus efforts and function-specific resources toward the deliverables that show signs of trouble, rather than alone allocating resources in a general manner. For example, indications that the initial project software programming milestone has been missed allows the project manager to specifically request additional programmers downstream, in order to make up time later in the projects development. Problems with MilestonesMilestones, in one form or another, are probably the simplest and most widely used of all project control devices. Their benefits lie in their clarity it is usually easy for all project team members to re late to the idea of milestones as a project performance metric. The problem with them is that they are a reactive control system. You moldiness first engage in project activities and then evaluate them relative to your goal. If you significantly underperform your work to that point, you are faced with having to correct what has already transpired. Imagine, for example, that a project team misses a milestone by a large margin. Not having received any progress reports up until the point that the bad news becomes public, the project manager is probably not in a position to craft an immediate remedyfor the shortfall. Now, the problems compound. Due to delays in receiving the bad news, remedial steps are themselves delayed, pushing the project farther behind. EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENTAn increasingly popular method used in project monitoring and control consists of a mechanism that has become known as acquire appraise Management (EVM). The origins of EVM date to the late 1960s when U.S. g overnment contracting agencies began to question the tycoon of contractors to accurately track their costs across the like of various projects. As a result, after 1967, the subdivision of Defense imposed 35 Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria that suggested, in effect, that any approaching projects procured by the U.S. government in which the risk of cost growth was to be retained by the government must satisfy these 35 criteria. In the more than 30 years since its origin, EVM has been practiced in multiple settings, by agencies from governments as diverse as Australia, Canada, and Sweden, as well as a host of project-based firms in many industries.Unlike previous project tracking approaches, EVM recognize that it is necessary to jointly consider the impact of time, cost, and project performance on any analysis of current project status. Put another way Any monitoring system that only compares actual against budgeted cost numbers ignores the fact that the client is spending t hat money to accomplish something-create a project. Therefore, EVM reintroduces and stresses the importance of analyzing the time element in project status updates. Time is important because it becomes the basis for determining how much work should be accomplished at certain milestone points. EVM also allows the project team to make future projections of project status based on its current state. At any point in the projects development we are able to calculate both schedule and budget efficiency factors (the efficiency with which budget is being used relative to the value that is being created) and use those values to make future projections about the estimated cost and schedule to project completion.We can illustrate the advance in the project control process that Earned Value represents by comparing it to the other project tracking mechanisms.If we consider the key metrics of project performance as those success criteria discussed in Chapter 1 (scheduling, budget, and performanc e), most project evaluation approaches tend to isolate some subset of the overall success measure. For example, project S-curve analysis straightway links budget expenditures with the project schedule. Again, the obvious disadvantage to this approach is that it ignores the project performance linkage.Project control charts such as tracking Gantt charts link project performance with schedule but may give budget expenditures short shrift. The essence of a tracking approach to project status us to emphasize project performance over time. While the argument could be made that budget is implicitly assumed to be spent in some preconceived fashion, this metric does not directly apply a link between the use of time and performance factors with project cost.Earned value, on the other hand, directly links all three primary project success metrics (cost, schedule, and performance). This methodological analysis is extremely valuable because it allows for regular updating of a time-phased budge t to determine schedule and cost variances, as identified by the regular measurement of project performance. Terminology for Earned ValueFollowing are some key concepts that allow us to calculate Earned Value and use its figures to make future project performance projections. PVPlanned value. A cost estimate of the budgeted resources scheduled across the projects life cycle (cumulative baseline). EVEarned value. This is the real budgeted cost, or value, of the work that has actually been performed to date. ACActual cost of work performed. The cumulative total costs incurred in accomplishing the various project work packages. SPISchedule Performance Index. The make value to date divided by the planned value of work scheduled to be performed (EV/PV). This value allows us to calculate the projected schedule of the project to completion. CPICost Performance Index. The earn value divided by the actual, cumulative cost of the work performed to date (EV/AC). This value allows us to calcu late the projected budget to completion. BACBudgeted cost at completion. This represents thetotal budget for a project. Creating Project BaselinesThe first step in developing an accurate control process is to create the project baselines against which progress can be measured. Baseline information is critical regardless of the control process we employ, but baselines are elemental when performing EVM. The first piece of information necessary for performing pull in value is the planned value that is, the project baseline. The PV should comprise all relevant project costs, the most important of which are personnel costs, equipment and materials, and project overhead, sometimes referred to as level of effort. Overhead costs (level of effort) can include a variety of fixed costs that must be included in the project budget, including administrative or technical support, computer work, and other staff expertise use (such as legal advice or marketing). The actual steps in establishing the project baseline are fairly straightforward and require two pieces of data the Work Breakdown Structure and a time-phased project budget. 1. The Work Breakdown Structure identified the individual work packages and tasks necessary to accomplish the project. As such, the WBS allowed us to first identify the individual tasks that would need to be performed. It also gave us some understanding of the hierarchy of tasks needed to set up work packages and identify personnel needs (human resources) in order to match the task requirements to the correct individuals capable of performing them. 2. The time-phased budget takes the WBS one step further It allows us to identify the correct sequencing of tasks, but more importantly, it enables the project team to determine the points in the project when budget money is likely to be spent in pursuit of those tasks. Say, for example, that our project team determines that one project activity, Data Entry, will require a budget of $20,000 to be comp leted, and further, that the task is estimated to require 2 months to completion, with the majority of the work being done in the first month. A time-phased budget for this activity might resemble the following Activity Jan Feb Dec organicData Entry $14,000 $6,000 -0- $20,000Once we have collected the WBS and applied a time-phased budget breakdown, wecan create the project baseline. The result is an important component of earned value because it represents the mensuration against which we are going to compare all project performance, cost, and schedule data as we attempt to assess the viability of an ongoing project. This baseline, then, represents our stovepipe understanding of how the project should progress. How the project is actually doing, however, is, of course, another matter. Why Use Earned Value?Assume that it is now week 30 of the project and we are attempting to assess the projects status. Also assume that there is no difference between the projected project costs a nd actual expenditures that is, the project budget is being spent within the correct time frame. However, upon examination, suppose we were to discover that Installation was only half-completed and Project Testing had not heretofore begun. This example illustrates both a problem with S-curve analysis and the strength of EVM. Project status assessment is only relevant when some measure of performance is considered in addition to budget and elapsed schedule.Consider the revised data for Project Sierra. Note that as of week 30, work packages link to Design and Engineering have been totally completed, whereas the Installation is only 50% done, and Testing has not yet begun. These percentage values are given based on the project team or key individuals assessment of the current status of work package completion. The question now is What is the earned value of the project work done to date? As of week 30, what is the status of this project in terms of budget, schedule, and performance?C alculating the earned value for these work packages is a relatively straightforward process. We can modify the previous table to focus exclusively on the relevant information for determining earned value. The planned budget for each work package is multiplied by the percentage completed in order to determine the earned value to date for the work packages, as well as for the overall project. In this case, the earned value at the 30-week point is $51,000.We can compare the planned budget against the actual earned value using the original project budget baseline. This process allows us to assess a more realistic inclination of the status of the project when the earned value is plotted against the budget baseline. compare this figure with the alternative method, in which negative variance is mensurable, with no supporting explanation as to the cause or any indication about whether this figure is meaningful or not. Recall that by the end of week 30, our original budget projections sugg ested that $68,000 should have been spent. Instead, we are projecting a shortfall of $17,000. In other words, we are not only showing a negative variance in terms of money spent on the project, but also in terms of value created (performance) of the project to date. Unlike the standard S-curve evaluation, EVM variance is meaningful because it is based not simply on budget spent, but value earned. A negative variance of $10,000 in budget expenditures may or may not signal cause for concern however, a $17,000 shortfall in value earned on the project to date represents a variance of serious consequences. Steps in Earned Value ManagementThere are vanadium steps in Earned Value Management (EVM)1. Clearly define each activity or task that will be performed on the project, including its resource needs as well as a detailed budget.As we demonstrated earlier, the Work Breakdown Structure allows project teams to identify all necessary project tasks. It further allows for each task to be assi gned its own project resources, including equipment and materials costs, as well as personnel assignments. Finally, coupled with the task breakdown and resource assignments, it is possible to create the budget figure or cost estimate for each project task. 2. Create the activity and resource usage schedules.These will identify the proportion of the total budget allocated to each task across a project calendar. Determine how much of an activitys budget is to be spent each month (or other appropriate time period) across the projects projected development cycle. Coupled with the development of a project budget should be its direct linkage to the project schedule. The determination of how much budget money is to be allocated to project tasks is important. Equally important is the understanding of when the resources are to be employed across the projects development cycle. 3. Develop a time-phased budget that shows expenditures across the projects life.The total (cumulative) amount of th e budget becomes the project baseline and is referred to as the planned value (PV). In real terms, PV just means that we can identify the cumulative budget expenditures planned at any stage in the projects life. The PV, as a cumulative value, is derived from adding the planned budget expenditures for each preceding time period. 4. Total the actual costs of doing each task to arrive at the actual cost of work performed (AC).We can also compute the budgeted values for the tasks on which work is being performed. This is referred to as the earned value (EV) and is the origin of the term for this control process. 5. Calculate both a projects budget variance and schedule variance while it is still in process.Once we have collected the three key pieces of data (PV, EV, and AC), it is possible to make these calculations. The schedule variance is calculated by the simple equation SV = EV PV, or the difference between the earned value to date minus the planned value of the work scheduled to be performed to date. The budget, or cost, variance is calculated as CV = EV AC, or the earned value minus the actual cost of work performed. exploitation EARNED VALUE TO MANAGE A PORTFOLIO OF PROJECTSEarned Value Management can work at the portfolio level as well as with individual projects. The process simply involves the aggregation of all earned value measures across the firms entire project portfolio in order to give an indication as to the efficiency with which a company is managing its projects.Other useful information contained in the Portfolio Earned Value Management table includes the total positive variances for both budget and schedule, as well as determination of the relative schedule and cost variances as a percentage of the total project portfolio. The use of Earned Value Management for portfolio tracking and control offers top management an excellent window into the firms ability to efficiently run projects, allows for comparisons across all projects currently in d evelopment, and isolates both the positive and negative variances as they occur. All of this is useful information for top-level management of multiple projects.

The Future of Customer Experience Essay Example for Free

The Future of client Experience EssayFrowargonness, disc overy, attraction, interaction, purchase, use, cultivation and advocacy. It can also be used to mean an individual be intimate over one transaction the distinction is usually clear in context. Analysts and commentators who write ab come forward client lie with (CX) and node relationship management piddle increasingly recognized the importance of managing the guests experience. Customers receive close to kind of experience, ranging from positive to negative, during the course of buyinggoodsandservices. BlackBerry takes a look into the succeeding(a) of customer experience. This flick depicts what the future of retailing could look like in the near future. A young woman uses bustling technology to identify, search and buy an outfit for a wedding and to interact with retailers in the online and physical worlds. This pic also details how retailers can use wide awake technology in the future to collaborate, and respond fast-breaking to trends and customer demand. This video shows how businesses could use integrated social networking to better adopt customers and to improve employee collaboration and engagement.A fictional utilities company uses social networking to track, respond and improve their customer experience and service levels whilst increasing supply productivity. In this video, existing technologies have beenre-imaginedwith smarter devices and better experiences. It showcases device integration, sharing and social networking, e-commerce, retail management systems, GPS tracking, mobile payment systems and augmented reality. BlackBerry takes a look at the impact mobile technology could have in the future of customer service. Analysis of the caseThe Future of Customer Experience? Its Getting private No matter what business, a growing percentage of customers be nearly al shipway connected, with instant admission fee to more advanced tools and detailed information than many enterprise s had just a few years ago. These smart, digitally em precedented consumers and businesses have the power to behave in a far smarter and better-informed manner than ever before. This power has also radically changed customer expectations, driving demand for better, more innovative, and personalized products, services, and experiences.This should come as no surprise to any executive. Given a choice, each of us (as well as our customers) prefers experiences tailored to our quaint wants and take. Firms that are best able to do so have significant competitive advantage over those that cannot. Though the promiseand powerof personalization has been at the forefront of marketing theory for some time, its widespread industry to customer experience is only just beginning. Today, disruptive digital innovation is changing the ways companies serve their customers, as well as the ways these customers expect to be treated.Personalization is the Foundation Of Innovative Customer Experience. In the age of smart customers, personalization is the future of experience. Mass production and consumption of news, entertainment, products, and services have already helpless(prenominal) the battle, giving way to personalization and customization. Apps such asZiteandFlipboardallow each of us to totally personalize the ways we consume news. Amazon has personalized the ways we shop, and Netflix and Hulu how we watch movies, TV, and other media programming.Pandora serves up increasingly personalized musical comedy streams based on a listeners taste (thumbs up thumbs down), continuously teaching about users musical preferences based on real-time customer feedback. There are hundreds of examples, with more sexual climax every day. The point is these increasing levels of digitally driven personalization allow customers to choose what they consume, from whom, and how they interact with and consume it. These digital experiences are training smart customers to expect everything, from ever y companyproduct, services, experiences, and moreto be customized in a similar manner.When it comes to innovative customer experience, this all leads to one word personalization. One Size Fits All just now Doesnt Fly Anymore. And It Doesnt Have To. No company can afford to or ask to deliver a fully customized ideal experience to each individual customer across the spue of digital, human, and static touchpoints and interactions. The fact is, some customers are simply worth more than others, and it takes a great deal of intelligence for companies to figure out what the right experiences are for any given group of customers, much less how to personalize them.The good news is, smart touchpoints and the data they can produce, combined with the ability to analyze the digital breadcrumbs and data that surrounds al almost every customer, means that any firm of any size has the tools for intelligent personalization at hand. Starting with what can be the biggest step, a firm ineluctably t o be resulting to adjust its offerings to the need of individual customers based on an understanding of what those individual customers (or the smallest possible groups they represent) want, and how thats different from others.The more effectively a company uses customer information to understand and acknowledge both the differences and similarities, the easier it allow be to supply benefits uniquely suited to those customers. In ways never before possible, you can approach them with truly personalized, exceedingly customized offers, through relevant impart, in ways that drive stronger, more profitable relationships, better serving your customers by giving them exactly what they want, when they want it. Result Customer experiences that are not only highly differentiated, moreover that cannot be easily duplicated by others.It is infact the hardest thing for competitors to copy. For many companies, it isnt obvious to executives how or why they should extend meaningful persona lization. Their customers have been satisfied with the existing product lineup. Their products may be commodities, or perhaps their firms are in a regulated utility. While the desire to build a differentiated customer experience is high on the list of objectives when it comes to customer experience strategy, they do not yet grasp that the most effective customer experiences are those tailored in a significant manner to meet the needs of that particular customer.They simply dont realize how fast customer expectations are changing, and what this means to the design of forward-looking customer experience strategies today. Companies that do realize thisand take action as a resultwill create truly differentiated, category-leading experiences that make interacting with them so relevant, so much more convenient, and so perfectly suited to customers wants and needs that they wont even dig switching to a competitor. Points to consider while designing a customer experienceThe world has chang ed and the balance of power has shifted to the customers. The speed with which consumers have shifted to all thingsdigital/social/mobilehas taken many companies by surprise. Its like skating to a ping-pong wrap 1. PERSONALIZATION AND CONTEXT With consumers adopting evermore numerous channels and devices to access information and interact with brands, businesses are scrambling to figure out how to deliver a more unified customer experience. In the wake of this, two new mantras are on the lips of every marketer personalization and context.As a larger number of users become more acquainted(predicate) with social/mobile technologies, theyll in all probability use them in more complex ways sophistication breeds heightened expectation. Consumers will favor brands that provide context and relevance to their daily lives. Businesses can accomplish this byproducing quality matterthat is not only relevant to their brands target audience, but promoted (and optimized) over multiple channels such as web, mobile and social, and accessible to them on demand. For many, this presents a daunting challenge that will likely put a strain on existing resources.If this is the case for a brand, they may want to consider outsourcing to aninbound marketing services agencythat specializes on all aspects of digital marketing. Key Inferences * An explosion of customer touchpoints is at hand. Digital customer experience today is defined primarily by websites, with mobile applications on smartphones not far behind, and the future will include as many as 10 additional customer touchpoints. Deciding which channels to incorporate into your strategy is crucial to defining your organizations future in digital customer experience. A unified experience requires the right people, process, and technology foundations. Customers love their devices but also want consistency across the devices and apps they use. Unified experiences that cross touchpoints demand improved yet commons designs, common content assets and application code, and delivery processes tuned for speed and harmonized skills and roles. * Investments in unified experience foundations will pay off now. Investments in foundations for unified customer experiences will pay dividends in the short term.