Business memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business update - Essay Example This causes it feasible for individuals to comprehend what sort of data they are probably going to discover under every segment. The site likewise contains a rundown these parts at the highest point of the site. This is another technique that makes access of data quicker by disposing of any data that might be insignificant to the peruser. In spite of the fact that Magna Carta’s site may seem flawless to a great many people, it is conceivable to make certain changes in accordance with improve its peruser focused correspondence. For example, the school can feature a greater amount of the things that are probably going to convince the perusers. For instance, being a scholarly establishment, the majority of the guests to this site would be searching for courses that they can seek after. It would in this manner be acceptable to show a portion of these courses for guests to see them even before looking through the projects area. Indicating photos of a portion of the college’s structures may likewise be influential to any intrigued

Vigilant and vigilante

Careful and vigilante Common policing plans target reestablishing equity inside the general public using social equity structures. Capehart and Milovanovic propose that the rebuilding of equity requires the dependability of the social structures and organizations inside the general public to work proficiently and self-governingly (2007). Further from depending on the social equity frameworks to rebuff guilty parties, individuals from the general public are frequently approached to get careful. Notwithstanding, this has come about into the growing of vigilante bunches inside the general public that volunteer to convey equity. Being cautious alludes to being extra cautious around ones security inside their prompt condition. This will require the selection of some security practices, for example, strolling with a glimmer light around evening time or returning home early. By being careful, people target protecting themselves from falling into any up and coming threat inside their prompt condition. Then again, a vigilante is a gathering made out of people that authorize the law voluntarily. Vigilantes look for equity in their self-created style that is regularly very not quite the same as the common laws. Furthermore, by being careful, an individual doesn't offer any forces to rebuff to themselves but instead try to see their quick condition with greater clearness. Vigilantes offer forces to themselves by endorsing to different individuals on the methods of discipline inside the general public whereby absence of legitimate social structures could adversely affect on the general public. In conclusion, vigilant es are a reaction to a security shortage issue inside the general public. This shortfall results into the solidarity among the societys individuals to connect the equity hole. Be that as it may, being cautious is an individual reaction with an end goal to support ones security (Capeheart Milovanovic 2007). References Capeheart, L Milovanovic, D 2007, Social Justice: Theories, Iss. Mvmts, Rutgers UP, Michigan.

When You Get a Cash Advance, Do They Check Your Credit Score

When You Get a Cash Advance, Do They Check Your Credit Score When You Get a Cash Advance, Do They Check Your Credit Score? When You Get a Cash Advance, Do They Check Your Credit Score?Neither credit card cash advances nor cash advance loans require a credit check. But that doesnt mean they cant affect your credit score.For people with not-so-great or flat out bad credit, applying for a loan or a credit card can be nerve-wracking. After all, applying for new credit is something that gets added to your credit report, and it usually causes your score to lower just a little bit.When your score is already hurting, the last thing you need is for your score to drop any further. Plus, what if you apply for a loan and you get denied for it? Now you’ve got a lower score and nothing to show for it!One option you could explore is a cash advance. After all, if you need fast cash to cover some emergency expenses, a cash advance seems like as good an option as any. But will they check your credit? Will a cash advance affect your score at all?With a credit card cash advance, you use your card to withdraw cash.There ar e two different types of cash advances. One is a credit card cash advance. This is a type of credit card transaction where you use your card to take out paper money and the amount you withdraw is then added to your total balance.The annual percentage rate (APR) for a credit card cash advance is usually much higher than the APR for a regular transaction. Plus, the cash advance does not come with a 30-day interest-free grace period like regular transactions do. This means that the interest for cash advances starts accruing immediately.Plus, most credit card cash advances carry an additional fee just to process the transaction. The fee is often expressed as either a dollar amount or a smaller percentage of the amount withdrawn. For instance: $10 or three percent of the amount withdrawn, whichever is higher. All in all, credit card cash advances are a much more expensive alternative to regular credit card use.Some predatory loans advertise themselves as “cash advance loans.”However, credit card cash advances are far preferable to the other kind of cash advances, which are just sketchy no credit check loansâ€"like payday loans or title loansâ€"that advertise themselves as “cash advance loans.”These loans are a subset of bad credit loans. They’re financial products with short terms and high rates that can be very difficult for people to repay on time. Lenders who offer these products often stand to make more money from the customer rolling their loan over and entering a dangerous cycle of debt.However, even though these two types of cash advances are very different, neither one of them involves a credit check.With either type  of cash advance, they won’t check your credit.When you take out a credit card cash advance, there is no credit check run. In fact, the transaction won’t even show up on your credit report. It will just be seen as an increase in your total credit card balance.As we mentioned earlier, most cash advance loans fall under the heading of “no credit check loans,” which pretty obviously means that they do not involve a credit check. Lenders that offer loans like these usually don’t report payment information to the credit bureaus either, which means that your cash advance loan won’t be showing up on your credit report.With both types of cash advances, this is good news for your credit score. When a lender runs a full check on your credit historyâ€"otherwise known as a “hard” credit checkâ€"it will slightly ding your score. After all, looking for additional personal loans or credit cards can be a sign that you are “desperate” for more credit, which makes you a less appealing prospect to lenders.The effects of the hard check won’t last long, but it’s always best if you can keep your score from lowering, even if it’s just a temporary “ding.”There are two ways that a cash advance could affect your credit score.Now, the only way that a credit card cash advance will affect your credit is if you take out a series of very large cash advances and add so much money to your balance that it starts to affect the “amounts owed” component of your credit score.When it comes to credit cards, your credit score takes into account your “credit utilization ratio,” which measures how much of your total limit you’re spending. If you had a total credit limit of $10,000 and a balance of $3,000, your credit utilization ratio would be 30 percent.And in fact, 30 percent is the ratio that you should aim to stay below. Above that, and you’ll start seeing your score be negatively affected. Luckily, it will probably take quite a few cash advances to push your balance above 30 percent, so this likely isn’t something you’ll have to worry about.A cash advance loan, on the other hand, could affect your score if you fail to pay it back. In a situation like that, the lender will probably sell the debt to a collections agency, who will then report it to the credit bureau. Once that collect ions account is on your report, you will see your score be seriously impacted.A “soft” credit check loan might be a better solution.If you’re in the market for a cash advance loan, you should get out of that market right now. There are too many no credit check loans out there with incredibly high interest ratesâ€"often between 300 and 400 percent, but sometimes even higherâ€"that will trap you in a cycle of debt.Actually, the very fact that a lender does not do anything to check your ability to repay your loan is a big red flag. A lender that doesn’t care about your ability to repay is a lender that doesnt mind if you have trouble repaying your loan. That way, they can charge you additional interest for a due date extension and make way more money.Instead, look for a bad credit lender that runs a soft credit check with your loan application. These checks return a summary of your financial history but, most importantly, do not affect your credit score. You can apply for a sof t credit check loanâ€"like the installment loans offered by OppLoansâ€"without having to worry about a denial lowering your score.Plus, there are some other benefits to installment loans that a cash advance loan simply doesnt have. To learn more, check out these related posts and articles from OppLoans:3 Ways an Installment Loan Can Help Your Credit ScoreWhat’s the Difference Between a Payday Loan and an Installment Loan?5 Alarming Payday Loan StatisticsWhat other questions do you have about cash advances?  We want to hear from you!  You can  email us  or you can find us on  Facebook  and  Twitter.Visit OppLoans on  YouTube  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIN

Essay on Prohibition in the United States - 1500 Words

Prohibition created more crime because it was leading to corruption and the â€Å"cure† was worse than the original problem (Sifakis 725). The number of crimes increased during the Prohibition which caused organized crime to be very â€Å"popular†. Many criminal groups had a regular income of money through illegal actions such as drinking and selling alcohol (Organized Crime and Prohibition 1). Alcohol increased the organized crimes during Prohibition through loopholes in the 18th Amendment, speakeasies, doctor’s prescriptions, and bootlegging. Bootleg alcohol was one of the main reasons organized crimes began (Organized Crime and Prohibition 1). Bootlegging was when alcohol was brought into the country illegally from outside the borders.†¦show more content†¦Ships carrying alcohol were able to anchor themselves right outside the three-mile limit, where they were safe from any government inference, and wait for the rumrunners to quickly take the illegal cargo to shore. The rumrunners had many duels with government gunboats known as rumchasers (Sifakis 776). The rumrunners were also called â€Å"blacks† which was short for â€Å"blackships† because they were painted dark colors so they would not be spotted very easily at night in the dark (Mills 123). The rumrunners packed the alcohol in the â€Å"sack†, which was a big burlap bag that several bottles of alcohol were closely packed in. It was packed this way so that it could float and be protected from breaking (124). At least a hundred m illion gallons of bootleg alcohol was annually consumed during the Prohibition period (Sifakis 111). Bootlegging brought in many great profits (Sifakis 111). Al Capone, a famous Italian-American gangster, made about $60 million from bootlegging (725). The gangs established illegal distilleries and breweries. Some gangs even produced their own alcohol to keep a steady supply of it for themselves (111). More than one million gallons of bootleg alcohol had been illegally brought into the United States by the late 1920s. Bootlegging even occurred within the United States because even though alcohol was illegal, the process of it was not (Organized Crime and Prohibition 1). Bootleg alcohol had begun beingShow MoreRelatedProhibition in the United States909 Words   |  4 Pagesday at work, you like to relax with a glass of wine, or maybe even bourbon. Without the ratification of the 21st Amendment, the people of the United States wouldn’t be able to enjoy any alcoholic beve rages. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed in 1919, outlawing the sale of alcoholic beverages and brining in the period known as Prohibition. At the time, the top Prohibitionist in Congress stated: â€Å"There is as much chance as repealing the Eighteenth Amendment as there is for a hummingbirdRead MoreProhibition Of The United States1912 Words   |  8 PagesKlintworth Prohibition in the United States â€Å"Prohibition goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man s appetite by legislation and makes crimes out of things that are not crimes.† Even though Abraham Lincoln lived about a half-century before Prohibition took effect in the 1920s, he described it quite well. The legislation essentially took alcohol, which had been a part of people’s lives since history of cultures were reported and made it illegal overnight. While Prohibition didRead MoreProhibition in the United States764 Words   |  3 PagesProhibition in the United States was a built up reaction to alcohol and illicit drugs from the Temperance and other religious organizations beginning in the 1840s and intensifying during the Reconstruction Period. By using increasing pressure on legislators, lobbying through Churches and, of course, embarrassing public officials into a stance, these organizations forced the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in January 1919. This law prohibited the manufacture, sale, orRead MoreProhibition Of The United States777 Words   |  4 PagesResponse Prohibition in the United States occurred as a result of the Eighteenth Amendment, which was passed on January 17th, 1920. Prohibitions lasted approximately 13 years and ended with the ratifications of the Twenty-First Amendment which repealed the Eighteenth Amendment on December 5th, 1933. Prohibitions did not yield any benefits for the average American, in fact I believe it hindered both men and women in economic, political and social ways. The main proponents of Prohibition were womenRead MoreProhibition And Its Effects On The United States1661 Words   |  7 PagesWhen personal choice is withdrawn from individuals and prohibition is implemented to control natural human behavior, the hypocrisy that many preach the United States as being a free society and a nation of tolerance seems to deteriorate when politicians see any opportunity to capitalize on the masses without regard. Yet even after alcohol prohibition and fighting an endless war on drugs, history still repeats itself over and over again while the taxpayer is left with the bill. Responsible and recreationalRead MoreEffects Of Prohibition On The United States1272 Words   |  6 PagesThe United States has been actively engaged in a ‘war’ for nearly 25 years. At the heart of this struggle is the fundamental question: Is this a battle the United States can win? Many sources, such as whitehouse.gov, make the claim that drug laws are working Instead, it has created a military police force, reinforced a violent black market, discouraged safe drug usage, and done little to actually reduce drug use. In order to reduce these problems as much as possible, the United States hasRead MoreThe Prohibition Of Marijuana And The United States1559 Words   |  7 Pagesacross the U.S. during the 1900’s and has remained illegal ever since, until recent years when states began legalizing it (huffpost.com). Although many people believe that the reason behind the prohibition of cannabis was based on genuine concern for the possible consequences it may have on the well-being of people if it remained accessible to all, the truth is that the drive behind the U.S.’s prohibition of cannabis was founded on racism. During the early 1900’s cannabis was considered an â€Å"ethnicRead MoreThe Drug Prohibition Of The United States Of America1629 Words   |  7 PagesThe cohorts of drug prohibition argue that the benefits of the prohibition are self-evident and undeniable. The basis of this assumption argument is that without prohibition the consumption of drug would skyrocket, and therefore, lead to disastrous outcomes. However, there is no evidence on the commonly held belief. The empirical evidence that exists does not support the notion of souring drug consumption. For instance, in the Netherland and Switzerland, where marijuana is legalized, the consumptionRead MoreWhy The Prohibition Is The Era Of The United States852 Words   |  4 PagesOn January 17, 1920, the 18th Amendment to the constitution of the United States of America took effect. The 18th Amendment had been ratified a year earlier, banning â€Å"the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors†(Okrent, 1) within the United States and its territories. This new decade is called the Prohibition. The prohibition is the era of bizarre and engaging images of speakeasies, intoxicated flappers dancing the Charleston, bo otleggers, and mobsters protecting illegal tradesRead MoreEssay about Prohibition in the United States1865 Words   |  8 PagesProhibition in the United States There was once a time when an individual could not sit down and have a beer or mixed alcoholic drink legally after a long days work. At this time our American Government felt we needed to reduce drinking by eliminating the businesses that manufactured, distributed, imported, exported and sold intoxicating liquor. This was called Prohibition. By the 1820s people in the United States were drinking an average of 27 liters (7 gallons) of

Book Review Ayn Rands Anthem - 916 Words

Ayn Rands 1938 book Anthem emphasizes the importance of individuality and how this concept is threatened by societys tendency to promote values that are damaging for people in general. The novellas protagonist, Equality 7-2521, has been discriminated ever since he was a little boy, as his teachers were determined to differentiate between individuals on account of their particularities. From societys perspective, everyone needed to be equal in the respective community and it was essential for people to refrain from standing out. This was very difficult for Equality, as his stature practically made it impossible for him to be considered an equal. This makes it possible for one to understand that Equality felt discriminated from the first years of his adolescent life and that this played an important role in making him want to live life differently from the rest of the world. Equality was accustomed to being discriminated ever since his teachers observed that he was taller in comparison to his colleagues. Ever have the Teachers and the Leaders pointed to us and frowned and said: There is evil in your bones, Equality 7 2521, for your body has grown beyond the bodies of your brothers. (Rand 1). This proves that not only did his teachers feel that he should take on attitudes that would emphasize him being equal to his peers, as they also wanted him to feel guilty as a result of his physical appearance. It was virtually as if they considered him responsible for acting inShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Ayn Rand s The Fountainhead 1490 Words   |  6 Pagesin their novels, but Ayn Rand did. Ayn Rand used her philosophy in the main characters and influenced American society during the Cold War with her novel The Fountainhead. Through the actions of the protagonist Howard Roark, Ayn Rand demonstrates her philosophy of objectivism and her belief in individualism wh ich reflect her opposition towards communism. Ayn Rand was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1905 under the name Alissa Rosenbaum (â€Å"Ayn†). Around the time of Rand’s childhood, Communism had

Blogging And Social Media Are Challenging Conventional...

Question 4: Examine the ways in which blogging and social media are â€Å"challenging conventional ideas about news† (Thorsen, 2013, p.139). . Since the turn of the century, the use of social media and blogging has changed the way in which we do many things. One thing it has had a large impact on is the news and the way we access it. It is said that we now â€Å"not only respond- to the content carried in mainstream media, but produce the content themselves†(Noor,2013). This is called citizen journalism, the way in which we can now all be a journalistic reporter, through what we post on the internet. It is said that 1.73billion people are now on social media (anon,2013), which is around  ¼ of the population. This may be one of the many sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BlogSpot etc. These websites all use many formats, but their prime agenda is to help individuals around the world communicate. This communication has allowed many people to express themselves and have their own go at writing articles and insights on the issues in the world. In an article written in the Guardian it is said that only a handful of journalists did not attend higher education (Elliott,2014), meaning the majority of what you read in a newspaper is from the same sort of person, from similar backgrounds who have similar ideas. This used to dominate over the country, but now due to social media we are allowing people of many backgrounds to have their say and be heard, by this happening we willShow MoreRelatedEssay on Twitter Strength of Weak Ties4871 Words   |  20 Pages‘flattened’ world [ (Friedman, 2007) ] and an avid user of Social Networking Sites (SNS’s). SNS’s such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are rewriting the way individuals communicate and express themselves. With the help of Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, mashups and other social websites, new and c reative ways of communication are being developed, transgressing geographic and cultural boundaries (Fu et al., 2007) [ (IBM, 2007) ]. So, what are social networking sites? Boyd and Ellison (2007) define themRead MoreSocial Network Marketing And Social Networks3139 Words   |  13 PagesSocial Network Marketing Introduction Marketing in general it is the process to determine what products or services can be of interest to customer. Social networks or Social Media help in improving the marketing of organizations to new insights about the brand, which offers innovative ways to implement the basic marketing programs, as well as new methods to win in online discussions of important business. Social network marketing is an attempt to use social network to induce consumers that one sRead MoreHow Corporations Really Reflect Our Demands1951 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"Corporations perfectly reflect our demands. We are the corporations. If corporations are evil, then evil are us† (McKeen). Consumers have heard endless negative stories about American corporations, such as â€Å"money, power, and influence converge in corporate America – and with these forms of power come opportunities for greed, exploitation, and abuse† (Ferris Stein 335). However, when the consumers compromise with the corporations’ power, they unintendedly make these system grow bigger. ConglomeratesRead MoreIndian Youth and Social Media6040 Words   |  25 Pagesare potentially more dramatic. India is beginning to make the transition from imitator to innovator. The gross domestic product (GDP) of India is $1100 B (2007) or RS.55000 B. It is approximately two percent of the GDP of the world i.e. $55000. The new policy regime radically pushed forward in favour of a more open and market oriented economy. Major measures initiated as a part of the liberalisation and globalisation strategy in the early nineties included scrapping of the industrial licensing regimeRead MoreImpacts of Information Technology on Individuals, Organizations and Societies21097 Words   |  85 PagesThey accepted the idea of paying for their movies. However, movie piracy, which has been greatly accelerated by information technology, is challenging this notion. Now, movie pirates are bringing the latest motion picture releases to an Internet-connected computer near you. For years, movie studios suffered minor losses due to high-tech piracy (theft of digital content) that was carried out by people duplicating videotapes and DVDs. The need to produce and distribute physical media presented a numberRead MoreTesla Motors15249 Words   |  61 Pagesaspects of the company and in the end the negative ones deserve to be mentioned because it will be a start with the improvement, one’s end is another one’s beginning. 1. Introduction Chapter To following introduction chaper, we specify to study about the Electric cars industry. Tesla Motor is the electric car company which presented in Denmark not so long time ago. There are challenges to deeply study internal and external in order to answer our research question and sub questions with marketingRead MoreTesla Motors15249 Words   |  61 Pagesaspects of the company and in the end the negative ones deserve to be mentioned because it will be a start with the improvement, one’s end is another one’s beginning. 1. Introduction Chapter To following introduction chaper, we specify to study about the Electric cars industry. Tesla Motor is the electric car company which presented in Denmark not so long time ago. There are challenges to deeply study internal and external in order to answer our research question and sub questions with marketingRead MoreMarketing Management 14th Edition Test Bank Kotler Test Bank173911 Words   |  696 PagesMarketing Management, 14e (Kotler/Keller) Chapter 1 Defining Marketing for the 21st Century 1) Which of the following statements about marketing is true? A) It is of little importance when products are standardized. B) It can help create jobs in the economy by increasing demand for goods and services. C) It helps to build a loyal customer base but has no impact on a firms intangible assets. D) It is more important for bigger organizations than smaller ones. E) It is seldom used by nonprofitRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. 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Sleep in America Poll Sleep In The Modern Family

Question: Discuss and critique their methodology, results, and discussion. For example, was an appropriate sampling method used to support their results? Was a confidence interval provided? What does the confidence interval mean? How confident do you feel with their results based on their methodology? Answer: The article deals with National Sleep Foundation that commissioned the surveys on the child aged from 6- 17 years of the different sleep practices and beliefs in the modern family. Methodology The sampling has been used for 1103 adults who are parents, and the field work was conducted between December 12-23, 2013by the GFK Group. Though, the required sampling is done on the US households as an independent approach instead of independent approach with different samples with changes in the ages of the children (National Sleep Foundation, 2014). The sample was drawn from GFK probability based knowledge panel representative of US population and estimated to cover 97% of households while using Address-Based Sampling, which is based on the U.S. Postal Services Delivery Sequence File. The GFK panel recruits were provided with laptop and internet connection at no cost. The languages that it covered were only English and Spanish versions with median completion of 11 minutes. Samples are drawn from active members using a probability proportional to size (PPS) weighted sampling approach. The stratified random sampling which is customized based on profile data is also conducted, as required by specific studies. Moreover, the scientific underpinnings provides sampling platform for a wide range of political, economic, health, social studies and for program evaluations (GFK Knowledge Panel, 2013). However, the sampling drawn from the postal service cannot provide exact figures because of following reasons. Firstly, the address based sampling only constituted of above the poverty line families and is a traditional way of computing statistical data (Dohrmann, Kalton, Montaquila, Good, Berlin, 2012). Secondly, in the GFK panel, sample had numerous resources of survey inaccuracies that are an inherent part, such as non-coverage and non-response due to panel employment techniques and to inevitable panel attrition. Lastly, weights are assigned to the sample for any biases that though provides efficiency but gives misleading results. (GFK Knowledge Panel, 2013). On the other hand, the best-suited approach would be longitudinal approach than cross-sectional approach applied that does not qualify for other factors like behaviors', environment, schedules, routines and external factors. Nonetheless, the sampling constituted at least 1 child in US household in a representative sample. As a result, the outcomes are generalized and clustered to a level of the household. However, the sample should have been from different income level households in US (Akee, Simeonova, Costello Copeland, 2015). The sample includes only quantitative data. However, a combination of the qualitative and quantitative approach known by mixed approach would have been best suited for the sample (Maxwell, 2012). Moreover, the quantitative data provided is incomplete as it excludes the in-depth analysis of the model based on qualitative approach factors like school work, social pressure, and timing of sleep for teens and children and challenges faced by the family (Buxton, Chang, Spilsbury, Bos, Emsellem Knutson, 2015). Conversely, a significant difference is seen in the sleep patterns of adolescent and children (Dewald, Meijer, Oort, Kerkhof Bgels, 2010). When analyzed on the study by National Sleep Foundation, there are four basic criterias that are examined to study the efficiency of the sample. Criteria measure the cost effectiveness of the model and technical knowhow that establishes close proposed policy alternative. Nevertheless, starting with Reliability and Validity Criteria is based on the uniformity of results and appropriate unity of analysis. However, as analyzed in the study, the reliability and validity is proved sufficient for the study but lacks generalization perspective (LeBreton, Scherer James, 2014). Secondly, the Economic Criterion affects the economy. As studied in the sample, the economic criterion is met because GFK Knowledge Panel provided laptop and internet connection to the panel recruits at no cost. Thirdly, the study met the Equity Criteria on the groups made on address (residence) sampling but did not include the population subdivisions of income groups to measure the researchs effectiveness. Lastly, th e Political and Administrative Criteria was even met as the study not only provided legal responsiveness based on US postal service but also gave the authority and capacity to implement the proposed study regarding skills, staff, training and expertise (Patton, Sawicki Clark, 2015). However, there is a common perception of sample size and population is that the sample represents the population rather sample is a function of size of the population. The given precision cannot be achieved with a larger sample size that institutes entire US population but a sample that gives a large relative to population would be beneficial such that the needed sample size reduces and provides an analytic survey of the super population (Fowler Jr, 2013). Results and Discussions The results and discussions were based on the responses on total sleep time by age group. Conversely, the results could not be applied to identify the dependent and independent variables in the sample. In a way, total sleep time could be dependent variable and age; sleep habits could be based on internal factors like electronics, sleep schedules and sleep difficulties, sleep-related rules, etc. of independent variables (Mindell, Li, Sadeh, Kwon Goh, 2015). However, the multiple regression analysis has not been considered that's the reason no confidence interval is computed because regression product includes confidence interval. Confidence interval is the "interval estimate" of population sample (Natrella, 2013) The results can be overestimated because of the bias of the parents (Short, Gradisar, Lack, Wright Chatburn, 2013). Though, the results were sufficient for polling, but psychometric validation was neglected (Simon, Duncan Mentrikoski, 2014). Thus, the results are efficient but not enough for the study to be generalized to all as a combination of clustered sampling is considered than dividing the research on income level for US households. Moreover, the study is incomplete without qualitative approach. In addition, the criterias to study the sample are valid but are not met on the sufficiency principle and follows the misconception of population as well as sample. In addition, the regression analysis is not considered to get statistical results representing the knowledge of sleep variables on internal and external factors. References 2014 Sleep in America Poll Sleep In The Modern Family. (2014).Sleep Foundation. Retrieved 30 March 2016, from https://sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2014-NSF-Sleep-in-America-poll-summary-of-findings---FINAL-Updated-3-26-14-.pdf Akee, R., Simeonova, E., Costello, E. J., Copeland, W. (2015).How Does Household Income Affect Child Personality Traits and Behaviors?(No. w21562). National Bureau of Economic Research. Buxton, O. M., Chang, A. M., Spilsbury, J. C., Bos, T., Emsellem, H., Knutson, K. L. (2015). Sleep in the modern family: protective family routines for child and adolescent sleep.Sleep health,1(1), 15-27. Dewald, J. F., Meijer, A. M., Oort, F. J., Kerkhof, G. A., Bgels, S. M. (2010). The influence of sleep quality, sleep duration and sleepiness on school performance in children and adolescents: a meta-analytic review.Sleep medicine reviews,14(3), 179-189. Dohrmann, S., Kalton, G., Montaquila, J., Good, C., Berlin, M. (2012). Using address based sampling frames in lieu of traditional listing: a new approach. InJoint Statistical Meetings, Survey Research Methods Section(pp. 3729-3741). Fowler Jr, F. J. (2013).Survey research methods. Sage publications. Knowledge Panel Design Summary. (2016).GFK Knowledge Panel. Retrieved 31 March 2016, from https://www.knowledgenetworks.com/knpanel/docs/knowledgepanel(R)-design-summary-description.pdf LeBreton, J. M., Scherer, K. T., James, L. R. (2014). Corrections for criterion reliability in validity generalization: A false prophet in a land of suspended judgment.Industrial and Organizational Psychology,7(4), 478-500. Maxwell, J. A. (2012).Qualitative research design: An interactive approach: An interactive approach. Sage. Mindell, J. A., Li, A. M., Sadeh, A., Kwon, R., Goh, D. Y. (2015). Bedtime routines for young children: a dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes.Sleep,38(5), 717-722. Natrella, M. G. (2013).Experimental statistics. Courier Corporation. Patton, C., Sawicki, D., Clark, J. (2015).Basic methods of policy analysis and planning. Routledge. Short, M. A., Gradisar, M. S., Lack, L. C., Wright, H. R., Chatburn, A. (2013). Estimating adolescent sleep patterns: parent reports versus adolescent self-report surveys, sleep diaries, and actigraphy. Simon, S. L., Duncan, C. L., Mentrikoski, J. M. (2014). Primary Insomnia and Sleep Apnea in Pediatric and Adult Populations. InHandbook of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings(pp. 565-587). Springer New York.

Schindlers List Essay free essay sample

Question: ‘Schindler’s List’ is no less a â€Å"Jewish story† or a â€Å"German story† than it is a human story. And its subject matter applies to every generation. We will write a custom essay sample on Schindlers List Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ’ [Stephen Spielberg] Discuss. The film ‘Schindler’s List’, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel Schindler’s Ark, by Thomas Keneally, gives us an insight into the corruption and destructive capabilities of humans. This film portrays many themes, all of which are evoked due to the factual historical event of the Jewish Holocaust which occurred in Germany during WWII. The exploration of the themes of hope, use and misuse of power, the nature of evil and courage makes this film prominent over others. Spielberg’s purpose in making this film was to raise awareness of the horror experienced by the victims during this era and to inspire todays and future generations to understand the impact of, and end, such prejudice. As such, we are presented a human story, the subject matter of which applies to every generation. The film focuses on the Holocaust, an era when millions of Jews and others were murdered for their ethnicity and religious beliefs – an era which many wish to forget. Although one of the darkest periods in human history, many people of all ages know little, if anything about it. Spielberg’s film enables an understanding to develop in the viewer and thus, encourage respect for the Jewish people in light of the brutal facts. As the film opens, Oskar Schindler is portrayed as an ordinary German businessman with one thing on his mind – money. The film opens showing a man dressing with impeccable style, his face unknown. The Swastika lapel pin identifies him as a member of the Nazi party; a significant symbol throughout the film. The technique of keeping the man’s identity a mystery suggests that to begin with he is a ‘no one’; however, as future events take place, his name and actions become a significant imprint in history. Initially Schindler sees the Jewish people as any other German would – slave labour, a way for him to make easy money. His ability to connect with the Jews seems to be lacking, yet the first flicker of a bond is shown when he saves his accountant, Itzhak Stern from Auschwitz. Up until the liquidation of the Ghettos, Schindler was oblivious to the reality of the war. He was only focused on himself and his own well being, rather than looking at the bigger picture. During this incident, Schindler’s attention is directed to a young girl in a red coat. This isolated element of colour is surrounded by a sea of black and white, representing the innocence of the Jews being slaughtered. The instant Schindler sights the child it marks the moment when he is forced to confront the horror of Jewish life during the Holocaust and his own hand in it. We witness the beginning of Schindler’s redemption and Spielberg’s exploration of the universal theme of loss of innocence in the face of the abuse of power, and the courage of those who stand against such negative forces. As the film progresses, Schindler’s attitude begins to change, along with his view about life. The contrast of black and white allows the director to deepen the impact of the story. This contrast marks Schindler’s face, which is often half in shadow, reflecting his selfish, dark side. However, his face becomes more lit as he makes the transformation from war profiteer to saviour. Although Schindler initially made small attempts to save the Jews, he didn’t have the true motivation to put his heart and soul into becoming a saviour. However, later in the film, as Schindler sees the body of the little girl in the red coat being exhumed and wheeled into the fire under the direction of Nazi officers, he decides to save as many Jews as he can with his profits from the war – the death of the young child was the death of innocence and Schindler’s hope. Stern, with Schindler’s assistance, types a list of 1,100 Jewish workers known as, â€Å"Schindler’s List†. The list is an absolute good. The list is life. All around its margins lies the gulf† (Itzhak Stern). Lists are an extremely important motif in the film, the majority of them symbolising evil and death, however Schindler’s list represents pure good and hope. Without this list, thousands of descendents of the Schindlerjuden would not be alive today – th ey owe their lives to one man. ‘Schindler’s List’ explores the issue of power and the misuse of power. The differences between Oskar Schindler and Amon Goeth clearly display the different viewpoints regarding power and its use. Schindler wields a great deal of power, mainly due to the amount of money he has, whereas Goeth, the Nazi commander of Plaszow, uses his power to corrupt and destroy human lives. Amon was a man who wavered on the brink of madness. His sick sense of reality was shown throughout the film. His intense hatred for Jews led him to perform horrific acts of cruelty, portraying his misuse of power. A prime example of this is when he willingly and callously shoots innocent Jews from his villa balcony at the Plaszow labour camp. His inability to see the Jews as humans allows him to kill without sympathy, justification and guilt. Amon’s power is fuelled by fear, making him the symbol of evil in the film. He takes pride in extinguishing the Jewish Ghetto and rules the Plaszow labour camp without mercy. When a Jewish engineer advises him that he needs to re-pour a foundation, he has her instantly executed – her seemingly black blood spreads through the pure white snow. This contrast in colours emphasises the split between good and evil. The blood pouring from the victim’s head is both literally and metaphorically the life blood pouring out of the Jewish race. We begin to define the line between good and evil and the way in which it can corrupt human beings. The message portrayed that evil and the misuse of power is an ongoing matter, one in which could affect anyone and is partially an involuntary act – the evil animalistic behaviour becomes engraved into minds; like Goeth. Goeth can also be considered to be Schindler’s foil, as they can parallel one another in many ways. At the beginning of the film, this parallel is shown through the use of mirrors and reflections, however, as the film progresses along with the character transformations, they become opposites. Like Schindler, Goeth is a practical man, not a thinker, but also fancies himself as someone of great importance; he also has a weakness for liquor. However, what defined the two as good and evil was that, unlike Schindler, Goeth was a cruel man who was physically abusive. He uses his power to construct a road paved with Jewish headstones, symbolising the destruction of the Jewish race. Amon seems to be unsatisfied with merely wiping out existing Jews, so by planning the road he denies acknowledgement of many Jews final resting places. Despite his intense hatred for Jews, he is intoxicated by his Jewish maid, Helen Hirsch. Unable to touch Helen in love, his only acceptable option is to lash out at her with a horrific display of violence. â€Å"I would like so much to reach out and touch you in your loneliness. Is this the face of a rat? Are these the eyes of a rat? Hath not a Jew eyes? I feel for you, Helen. [leaning to kiss her] No, I dont think so. You Jewish bitch, you nearly talked me into it, didnt you? He quotes Shakespeare’s Shylock from the Merchant of Venice showing that Goeth temporarily pauses in his rampage and listens to the voice of his victims, in this case Helen Hirsch. For a critical moment evil seems to pause and consider the fact that it may be possible to love this ‘creature’, although Amon’s face tells us no. His fists thrash out not so much at Helen, but at the recognition that he is doomed to loneliness by his evil By watching this film and witnessing the effects power can have on people, viewers can learn and gain a certain level of respect for those who are successful global leaders. Schindler’s List displays Amon Goeth as an evil man who abuses power, but Spielberg also manages to show an unexpected depth and complexity to his character, displaying the tentative impression of how quickly power can change from good to evil. Throughout the generations good and evil have had a diverse range of meanings, each person with a different denotation. In practical thinking, even the most malicious criminal may contain a strong sense of love or compassion, whether towards parents, partners of children. Every person is capable of the noblest good or horrific evil; it just depends on the will power of the individual. Good and evil are inseparable aspects of life . â€Å"Schindler’s List† is a true story which follows the man, Oskar Schindler and his transformation from war profiteer to saviour. Viewers watch this man’s actions become significant in history, but at the same time they begin to increase an understanding and connection with the Jewish people, in particular Schindler’s Jews. WWII in Germany was an act of mass destruction and loss of life , in this historic circumstance six million Jewish and five million other lives were lost. These large numbers makes portraying the Holocaust accurately extremely difficult. However, Spielberg has managed to replace the vast numbers of Jewish people sacrificed during WWII with specific faces and names, enabling readers to make personal connections with the characters, positive or negative. Viewers follow the stories of various different Jewish families Caja and Danka Dresner, Mila and Poldek Pfefferberg amongst others. Viewers meet these characters at the beginning of the film and follow their journey’s closely, beginning to develop a connection to these individual victims, who represent the vast numbers of the entire Holocaust. By using this individualism, it forces viewers to confront the horror on a personal level, and to realise that every victim had a story, loved ones, a home and a life. To perceive the Jews of the Holocaust simply as a group or race dehumanises them a second time, removing their individuality and uniqueness, each person was a separate being and deserved respect – respect that the Nazi’s refused to give. In today’s society people still remain unique, their differences and individuality making the world a multicultural and diverse country. Oskar Schindler himself also embodies this idea of recognising and caring for the individual, he begins to learn names, resulting in his extensive list. He is unable to stand by and watch his workers perish, he has made a personal connection with them and by seeing them die, and it is once again the death of innocence. Schindler embraces the chance to save his Jewish workers, at one point he grabs Danka Dresner on her way back to Auschwitz and shows her tiny fingers to a Nazi officer, pointing out that only little fingers like her can polish the inside of small shell casings in his factory. His courage could have killed him hundreds of times, yet he still prevailed saving thousands of lives. This connection and courage allowed the Jews to gain hope, Schindler is their light, their saviour. As the war ends, Schindler is forced to flee as he is now considered a criminal. In an almost ironic twist Schindler himself is presented with a list of all 1,100 worker signatures, vouching that he is a good man with honourable intentions. Stern gives Schindler a gold ring, with the inscription, â€Å"Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire†. Schindler breaks down, stating that he should’ve saved more lives. He shows that even the most collected people have a weak point and Schindler’s was guilt and regret. Schindler flees and the next day his workers walk free, marching to the tune of a Hebrew song. This black and white scene dissolves into colour and the actors/actresses turn into â€Å"The Schindler Jews Today† Spielberg carries the idea of individualism through to the final scene in the film, over 100 of the real Schindlerjuden appear. In tribute, each of the survivors places a stone on the gravestone of Oskar Schindler, accompanied by the actors who portrayed them in the film. For every life saved, one rock is placed on the grave. The last mourner places flowers on the gravestone and stands with his head bowed, this is Liam Neeson. By connecting the real life survivors into the film it proves that the characters are real, not fictional and shows proof that the holocaust was real and shouldn’t be denied, it was a significant event in Human history and should be acknowledged. Although the war ended a long time ago, the impact and impression it left still remains. Hearts have been broken, families lost. Yet still in a time of never ending darkness, there was light. This light was Schindler – he saved the lives of more than just 1,100 Jews – there are over 7,000 descendents of the Schindler Jews and they would not be alive unless one man decided to stand up against evil. Schindler’s list was not only the story of Jews and Germans, it was a human story. One which connects to every generation, enabling mistakes to be corrected and people to be forgiven, this can be done through learning and understanding, the holocaust shall remain in the minds and heart of thousands of people.

Purpose of a Building Society Essay Example

Purpose of a Building Society Essay Example Purpose of a Building Society Essay Purpose of a Building Society Essay Abbey National diversified further into money market and offshore banking by buying Cater Allen Holdings Plc for 195 million. Cater Allens main businesses are in wholesale money markets and offshore banking; other businesses include an onshore retail banking operation and a major execution-only sharedealing operation  Diversification towards the Internet Banking sector  Cahoot, Abbey Nationals separately branded e-bank, went live in June 2000 offering a competitively priced credit card and current account. cahoot has links with a number of non-financial retail and service partners to offer its customers a range of lifestyle products and services. In August 2001 Abbey National acquired Scottish Provident, to give Abbey National a leading position in the UKs individual protection insurance market.  Inscape  Abbey national diversified its activities to Investment Management.Inscape, Abbey Nationals new investment management business, was launched. The service is for the new wealthy a growing market of approximately four million people in the UK who have at least 50,000 to invest. Inscape delivered its services through a new network of advice centres where clients can meet dedicated relationship managers for face-to-face professional advice, seven days a week. This was complemented by a true multi-channel proposition of internet, telephone and postal support. Abbey National from being just a building society which offered savings account and Mortgage had diversified its activities to fields of General insurance and life assurance,offshore banking,Money Markets Commercial banking including asset financing, commercial lending operations, securities financing and risk management and even Car Finance and Leasing.  Abbey Nationals decision to convert to a Plc. is appropriate and timely.After the Big Bang(1983) Abbey National was facing tough competition from banks, centralised lenders and even high street retailers who were offering a range of financial products and services.Conversion to a Plc helped Abbey National to diversify its activities to the above mentioned field rather than being confined to the savings and mortgage Industry. Banks began to compete with building societies for home loans and 1981/82 gained a considerable share of the mortgage market for new homes. But profit-maximising banks would not be able to compete profitably with mutual-help nonprofit-making building societies in providing mortgages.  At that time the Council of the Building Societies Association was made up of Chief Executives of something like 30 building societies, including the ten largest. And in 1983 a working party of the Building Societies Association recommended proposals for changing the role of building societies. They were seeking wide-ranging powers to extend their operations into areas such as banking, insurance and hire-purchase. Implementing many of their proposals would overturn 200 years of tradition.  Where such activities would involve a degree of risk they proposed to operate only through subsidiary companies. Presumably to protect parent societies from having to pay the full debts of their subsidiaries if the subsidiaries became insolvent. The activities of building societies are restricted by legislation. When banks entered the mortgage market, building societies pressed for changes which enabled building societies to compete with banks for services offered so far by banks alone.  Consumers benefited considerably from this. It was building societies which introduced free banking and interest-paying current accounts and forced at least some banks to reduce charges and treat their customers with more consideration. Most building societies now compete to some considerable extent with banks and insurance companies, providing loans and insurance policies. The sale of mortgages in the UK is a à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½500 billion business. Huge. There are tens of thousands of intermediaries and advisers offering thousands of mortgages from hundreds of lenders. New entrants to the market are bringing with them technology and process that have driven down the costs of running a mortgage business and thereby making products more competitive. Lenders making their products available through low-cost distribution channels such as the Internet and telephone are further enhancing this effect. Meanwhile, image conscious lenders are working together to clean up the industry as they try to shed the stigma sometimes attached to operating in their industry. In converting to plc status, a society would become a public limited company (plc), subject to all the regulations imposed by the Companies Acts and, being a deposit-taking institution, it would require a banking licence from the Bank of England. Thus conversion meant converting to a bank.  There are approximately 70 building societies in the UK, with assets of over 185 billion. They employ over 34,000 staff who work across the country in head offices and 2,100 branches, serving more than 15 million savers and over two and a half million borrowers. Building societies currently account for 19% of all outstanding residential mortgages. On the savings side, building societies hold about 18% of all personal deposits.  Top 15 Building societies asset wise  The main legislation governing the sector is the Building Societies Act 1986 (amended in 1997) which requires building societies to have as their main business making residential mortgage loans funded by the savings of members, and describes how they are to be regulated in order to ensure that members money is safe. Each society has a set of rules that governs the relationship between the society and its members. Along with banks, building societies also voluntarily follow the Banking Code, which sets minimum standards of good banking practice and customer service, and the Mortgage Code, which sets good mortgage lending practice. Purpose of a Building Society  Section 5(1) of the 1986 Act provides that a building society may be established under the 1986Act if (and only if)   Its purpose or principal purpose is that of making loans which are secured on residential property and are funded substantially by its members  Residential property is defined as being land at least 40% of which is normally used as, or in connection with, one or more dwellings, or which has been, is being or is to be developed or adapted for such use. The 1997 Act gave building societies the freedom to pursue any activities set out in their memorandum, subject only to compliance with the revised principal purpose introduced by that Act, the lending and funding limits, the restrictions on powers and appropriate prudential requirements, referred to below. In essence, it is the principal purpose, the nature limits and restrictions, together with the fact that most of a building societys customers are its members, which retain a building societys fundamental character, and differentiate it from other financial institutions.  A new building society can be established by ten or more people, and the capital which they have to put into the society is a minimum of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1 million (to be held in permanent interest bearing shares (PIBS).So it is relatively easy to start a Building society. The number of Building societies approximately 70 is realistic because they all function purely according to the banking codes set by Banking Code Standards Board and the Mortgage Code set by the Mortgage Code Compliance Board. Building societies whether bigger or smaller are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The role of the regulator is to ensure societies are run in a safe and prudent manner. All Building societies are required to participate in ombudsmen schemes.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL STRATEGY Coursework Assignment

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL STRATEGY Coursework - Assignment Example Financial crisis begun in the USA, spread to Europe and the rest of the world. In the year 2007 to 2009, a deadly financial crisis hit the world (Jones, n.d.). Recession hit several countries such as UK, Spain, USA and Ireland, where the first experiences included raising expenses emanating from the housing. Economists, journalists, and other bodies like countries' governments interpreted the recession widely (Munyo, n.d). According to Fosberg (n.d.), the financial crisis originated from subprime mortgage loans, and debts. These types of finances backed other financial elements deterioration. It extended their problems to other sectors. For example, Bear Stearns announced the initial indicator of financial crisis; two of their subprime hedge funds have translated into worthless assets in a short time (Leeuwen, 2011). Moreover, there was collapsing of the financial market in the USA when the auctioning rates collapsed in 2008. Buyers who failed to bid for securities in the market char acterized it. According to Fosberg (n.d.), recession is a significant decline of economic action occurs in a period ranging from months to years. From the European Commission, there is no specific definition of the term economic activities (Smith, and mendoza, 2011). Instead, the European Commission is comparing the economy movers’ factors such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and Production and Income of the country as per its GDP. This explains the identification of an economy headed to recession (Grenville, 1999). Merrouche and Nier defines recession as a phase of business cycle whereby the overall output in the economic actions like income and employment declines for a period extended for more than 6 months (Munyo, n.d). The financial crisis constricts the business activity and the GDP reduces leading to lowering of the employment chances. Moreover, recessions occur when there is a decline in the state of Gross Net Product for more than half a year. Their definition and m entioning of the measures of the economic crisis is wider than just GDP (Zarebski, and Dimovski, 2012). The occurrence of the financial crisis had several negative impacts on the financial market. For instance, there was a reduction of securities issued by the firm such as the lending organizations (Powell, Nilipornkul, and Allen, 2013). Moreover, the world experienced various effects of the financial structure such as disrupted financial markets, the debt and the equity capital for company expenditure reduced, and severe recession in many countries. In addition, economic recession marked a significant change in the way people spend their income in terms of the pattern and habits followed when spending. The main problem required comprehending and anticipation of the expected new environment with an understanding of consumers’ attitudes and needs (Zarebski, Paul and Dimovski, Bill 2012 percentage). Moreover, the same year was characterized by rising of credits as many of the i nvestment firms that used short term loans to fund their projects were having difficulties tapping the resource for their firm`s growth (Schwellnus, Goujard, and Ahrend, 2012). Before recession, early 2007, the USA was experiencing a growth GDP rate of 3 percent and the rate of unemployment was significantly lower than the current trends. However, indicators outlined that the housing cost fell sharply, at a rate of 9 percent. The credit card companies were reducing by refusing new applications

Generation conflict between Kiswana and her mother. Based on Gloria Research Paper

Generation conflict between Kiswana and her mother. Based on Gloria Naylor- Kiswana Browne - Research Paper Example In addition, conflicts may occur when mothers learn of some funny behavior adopted by their daughters. Individuals can improve the relationship between mothers and daughters through various advances. For one, there can be strategies instituted with an aim of enhancing a mutual understanding. Additionally, mothers should ensure they try to meet demands of their daughters. Prevention of conflicts is better and helps in the growth of daughters as well as their mothers. This paper concerns about the reason why it was so difficult for Kiswana to relate to her mother. â€Å"Kiswana Brown† by Naylor Gloria was a woman activist. Drieling (45) states that Kiswana Browne is a college dropout currently staying in Brewster Place after moving from â€Å"Linden Hills† her homeland. Kiswana stays in a badly maintained small house apartment. Her strong believe that she could bring into being the proper social change made her to move to Brewster. Much anxiety grows in Kiswana as she loo ks forward to welcome her mother. Being the first visit from her mother, it is not welcoming, as there is a disagreement between both of them (Kiswana and her mother). However, Kiswana’s mother ends the disagreement by revealing Kiswana’s original name, which is Melanie. The reason why it was difficult for kiswana to relate to her mother was principally difference in the values. ... Kiswana fails to recognize the essence of her in her entire life. Kiswana moving out of her parents and living in a different region evidences this (Wilson 23). Disrespect is the major cause of conflicts between mothers and their daughters. It is the role of parents to let their children live in the truth about their real identities. Kiswana’s mother calmed Kiswana down by letting her know of her original name. The principal factors affecting mother-daughter relationships include perception, behavior, and diverse demands (Almond 57). Female parents living with their children have to overcome conflicts no matter what decisions they try to make. Conflicts hinder positive relations between parents and their children (specifically mothers and the girl-child). Daughters frequently complain about their mothers in all activities that they try to undertake. Mothers have assorted opinions concerning perception of daughters. For instance, some mothers think that daughters do not show th em (mothers) enough respect. Others say that daughters seldom listen to their mothers. Finally, others lack adequate time to spend with them (mothers). Mothers are still concerned about improving their relationship with their daughters. Generational conflicts between mothers and daughters take different forms. Conflicts may be due to the generation gap, civilizing diversity, and social class. For instance, Kiswana argued with the mother because of moving out of Linden Hills to Brewster and mobilizing people to form a tenants union. According to Kiswana’s mother, the union was unnecessary, as it led to increased tension between Black Americans and White Americans. Therefore, present day mothers should nurture their daughters to influence their daughters’ way of living

Application of Hard-Soft Acid-Base Theory

Application of Hard-Soft Acid-Base Theory By Manolis J. Manos and Mercouri G. Kanatzidis Report Feven Teclemichael Hard-Soft Acid-Base Theory in Action: A New Ion-Exchange Material for Sequestering Heavy Metals The human body consists 75 percent of water, clean water is one of the prime elements responsible for life on earth. However, today many people drink water that is far from being pure. Inorganic minerals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) are some of the powerful pollutants that make water unsuitable for human consumption and other living organisms. Over the years, a lot of effort has been gone into making drinking water as safe as possible by testing different methods to remove Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from polluted water Some of the traditional ways of removing the above mentioned heavy metal ions is using oxidic inorganic ion-exchange materials such as Zeolites, clays and carbon activated adsorbent. Although these materials can remove heavy metals, they have a low selectivity and weak bonding affinity for heavy metal ions. Sulfide minerals such as FeS2 also have a low selectivity for heavy metals due to their property of instability in natural environment (i.e. when exposed to air and water it gets oxidized). To overcome these problems novel sorbents such as resins, organoceramics and mesoporous silicates as well as the recently noted mesoporous carbon material with thiol groups has been developed. However, these materials only showed a high selectivity for Hg2+. Similarly, Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with humic acid also showed a reasonable but low selectivity for these soft heavy metals. On the other hand, unlike iron -based sulfides sulfide-based ion exchangers have a higher ability to remove heave metals ions regarding their functional group and surface property. This is due to their higher affinity of their soft basic framework for soft Lewis acids (e.g. Hg2+, Cd2+,Pb2+). One of sulfide-based material that has been found to be a high candidate for heavy metal ion remediation is K2xMnxSn3-xS6 (x=0.5-0.95) (KMS-1). K+ existing as +2, Mn as +4, Sn as +6 and S as -2 oxidation states. The layer structure of this material is built up by edge-sharing Mn/Sn S6 octahedral with Mn and Sn atoms occupying the same crystallographic position and all sulfur ligands being three-coordinated. K+ ions are found between the layers and are positionally disordered (Manos Kanatzidis, 2009). This material contains highly mobile K+ ions in their interlayer space that can easily be exchanged with other heavy cations (Manos Kanatzidis, 2009). KMS-1 is inorganic ion-exchanger that exhibits an excellent thermal, chemical and radiation stability in aqueous and atmospheric environments that can not be easily achieved with organic compounds. This material has previously been proved to be an excellent sorbent for strontium ions. Based on Manolis J. Manos and Mercoui G.Kanatzidis de tailed research this material has a extraordinary capacity to remove Hg2+ Pb2+, and Cd2+ very rapidly from water than any ever-known sorbent materials and has a high selectivity that allows their concentration to be reduced to well below the government allowed safe drinking levels under broad pH range (Manos Kanatzids, 2009). Based on this study this materials structure allows a rapid ion-exchange kinetics of the intercalated K+ ions with soft Lewis acids and binds to these soft heavy metal ions through a strong covalent interactions Metal-Sulfide framework of KMS-1. The experiment of ion-exchange is done by isolating a filtered polycrystalline material from the mixture of A(NO3)2.yH2O (0.07mmol) (A=Hg, Pb, Cd) with 20ml of water and a solid KMS-1 90.07mmol, 40mg). The filtrates were analyzed for their heavy metal content by using a coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) data of the study has confirmed the removal of K+ ions as well as t he binding of the heavy metal ions. Two analyses were done to see how the interlayer spacing changed and to obtain information about the structural change after metal ion exchange material. These are the Power X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurement and the Pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. PXRD data of Hg2+ exchanged material showed a decrease in the interlayer distance after the ion exchange. It changed from 8.51 ºÃ‚ ® to 5.82 ºÃ‚ ® this is because of the smaller size of Hg2+ compared to K+ as well as due to the strong covalent bond formed between Hg-S. This analysis also revealed the presence of two layered phases. These layers existed with interlayer spacing of 8.81 ºÃ‚ ®-8.09 ºÃ‚ ®. This information was also found in the two hydrated Pb2+ species analysis. Alkaline earth ions have a great tendency to be hydrated and this results for the Pb2+ exchanged materials. The Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data for exchanged samples revealed the presence of 1-2 H2O molecu les per formula unit. The process of Cd2+ exchange was different than Hg2+ and Pb2+ processes. Hg2+ and Pb2+ exchanged only with K+ ions where as Cd+2 exchanged not only with k+ but with Mn2+ ions of the layers as well. The EDS data of KMS-1 showed no detection of Mn even using ICP Mn ion was not identified. The molar ratio of Cd2+: KMS-1 in the exchanged material was found to be ~2 with a formula of Cd1.8Sn2.1S6 and no sign of Mn2+ ion. Cd2+ exchange also yielded in a colour change from dark-brown to orange-red. The TGA data of Cd2+ exchanged material revealed the presence of partially hydrated Cd2+ cation ~1-1.5 water molecules per formula unit and the PXRD indicated the consistency of interlayer contraction ~2.2 ºÃ‚ ® relative to KMS-1 strong Cd-S bonding interactions in the interlayer space (Manos Kanatzidis, 2009). Solid state near infrared-ultraviolet-visible (NIR-UV-Vis) spectroscopic studies was important to examine the intercalation of metal ions in pristine KMS-1. The expected covalent interactions between the sulfur atoms and intercalated cations are KPb(exchanged)>Hg(exchanged). The Cd2+ exchanged material band gap energy was measured to be 1.96ev; this result is consistent with its colour change from dark brown to orange-red. To assess the Hg2+, Pb2+and Cd2+ removal capacity of KMS-1, ion-exchange equilibration studies is performed using the batch method which is done in a V: m ratio of 1000:1 at a room temperature of pH 5. The ICP-MS determined the initial and final concentrations of the heavy metal ions. In order to have enough metal ions to saturate the exchange sites of K2xMnxSn3-xS6 (x=0.95) (the molar ratio M2+/KMS-1 was ~1), the initial concentration of Hg2+ and Pb2+ was much higher than Cd2+ since they can decompose to HgS or PbS unlike Cd2+. The Hg2+ and Pb2+ ion-exchange equil ibrium data was fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model expressed as , where q (mg/g) is the amount of the cation adsorbed at the equilibrium concentration Ce (ppm), qm is the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent, and b (L/mg) is the Langmuir constant related to the free energy of the adsorption. The maximum ion-exchange capacity qm of KMS-1 (x=0.95) was determined to be 377 mg/g and 319 mg/g, respectively. The affinity for the metal ions can be expressed in terms of the distribution coefficient Kd value. Kd coefficient describes the sorption/desorption propensity of a compound for a material. For Hg2+ and Pb2+ the Kd values were found in the range 3.50*10^4-3.90*10^5 mL/g and 1.29*10^5-1.40*10^6 mL/g, respectively. The equilibrium exchange data of Cd2+ was fitted with the Freundlich model: q= KfCe(1/n), where Kf is the Freundlich constant. The maximum capacity was calculated by averaging Cd2+ uptake values that corresponds to the saturation of the exchange sites of KMS-1 an d it was found to be 329mg/g or 2.93mmol/g which is close to the theoretical value of 3.18mmol/g. The Kd value obtained for Cd2+ was 1.16 to 1.37*10^7mL/g which is larger compared to the initial concentration between 204.4 and 136.3ppm. The effect of pH on Hg2+ and Pb2+ adsorption was studied in the range of 2.6-9.4 and Cd2+ adsorption was tested in the pH range of 0-9, while taking into account that the pH of contaminated ground water and nuclear waste may vary in acidity. The Hg2+ ion exchange study of KMS-1 indicated a significant uptake at pH>4(Kd=1.1-1.3*10^4mL/g) compared to at pH~2.6 (2.3*10^5mL/g). For Pb2+ the maximum Kd value calculated for KMS-1 is at pH 3.7. The Kd value for Cd2+ revealed a remarkable affinity of KMS-1 under strong acidic condition (pH=0). For comparison, thiol-functionalized sorbents displays a loss of ~40-50% of their Cd2+ adsorption capacity at 3+ and Ca2+ was also examined for selectivity. The results showed a high selectivity for Hg2+ and Pb2+ even for Cd2+ since KMS-1 showed 86-88% removal of Cd2+ removal in the presence of 1M Na+ or Ca2+. Competitive-exchange Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ -Na+ experiment was performed in a very high or very low initial concentrations, these cations showed that KMS-1 has the ability of removing all 3 metal ions from solutions and shows a similar selectivity for solutions that contain a mixture of Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ in low initial concentrations. In final concentrations of the metal ions were found to be well below the acceptable levels for drinking water (Manos Kanatzidis, 2009). To check how capable is KMS-1 to select heavy metal ions under realistic environment, it was tested with drinkable water that has a pH of 6.5 and was contaminated intentionally with high levels of Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ that has excess amount of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ than the heavy metal ions. The results showed that within 40 min KMS-1 lowered the concentration of Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ below their acceptable limits. A high absorption of heavy metal ions by KMS-1 was observed by sonicating them for 30-60min when the particle size of pristine samples was reduced to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤5 µm. This finding shows that pre-treated KMS-1 samples have a high ability to reduce the concentrations of heavy metal ions well below their acceptable levels after 2 min of solution/KMS-1 contact. These results prove that KMS-1 is highly capable of selecting and filtering contaminated waste water that contains traces of heavy metal ions. Mg-analogue of KMS-1 is developed to explain the concerns regarding Mn leaching (0.3-0.8% of the total manganese content at pH~5-8) during the use of KMS-1 to purify waste water. The analogue developed is denoted as KMS-2 (i.e. K2xMgxSn3-xS6 (x= 0.5-0.95)). The study indicated that KMS-1 and KMS-2 have not different capacity to purify heavy metal ions from water and have identical PXRD pattern. According to the study supporting information Mg2+ is non-toxic and a large level ppm of Mg2+ in water is acceptable. Since regeneration of exchanged materials is not possible under highly acidic environment of KMS-1 compounds, a test can be formulated to see if the exchanged materials can be considered as permanent waste forms without the need of secondary treatment. The study shows that first treatment results revealed no leaching of Pd2+ after its hydrothermal treatment at pH of ~7 or 4.8 for 24hrs. Similarly Hg2+ and Cd2+ only showed 0.05 and 0.09% of leaching, respectively. Whereas, the thermal treatment of Hg-laden samples for 60hrs at 450 °C showed 93% of leaching which is almost all the Hg2+ content has been regenerated. This process can be used to recover mercury element. This study showed the high efficiency of KMS-1 to absorb heavy metal ions and proved that it is one of the only materials that has a high capacity for Hg2+, Pb2+ at acidic condition (pH~3) and alkaline condition (pH~9), and highest for Cd2+ among all other state-of-the-art sorbents even at pHà ¢Ã¢â‚ ¬ °Ã‚ ¤0. However, thiol-functionalized mesoporous silicates resulted in a low absorption for Pb2+ at pH2 (layered sulfide) and thiol-functionalized sorbents is compared, KMS-1 has the highest because it is stable in water and atmosphere, on the other hand LiMoS2 and thiol-functionalized have less absorption capacity because they have instability nature under aerobic conditions. KMS-1 is a sulfide layered metal that exhibits a high capacity and highly specific ion-exchanger for the removal of soft heavy metals by replacing K+ in between the metal sulfide layers of KMS-1. The driving force for heavy metal ion-exchange is the strong heavy metal ion-sulfur bonds in addition to the facile ion diffusion and access of all internal surfaces of layered metal sulfides. It is a low-cost promising material that can be used to purify waste water by reducing the concentration toxic heavy metal ion (i.e. Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+) well below acceptable limits for drinking water. HSAB theory elaborates that soft acids prefer bonding with soft bases, and the adduct of the result tends to form a covalent bond. Equivalently hard acids prefer bonding with hard bases, and their adducts form a stronger bond called ionic interactions (electrostatics attraction). This study provides a practical application of HSAB theory concepts. It proved that HSAB theory can be useful to identify compounds that can potentially be used in predicting toxicant-target interactions and the bonding mode can be determined using the principle. The main purpose of the study was to explore or discover a material that can reduce or remove major water pollutants such as Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+.This study experiment reported a sulfide layered metal material that can rapidly remove toxic heavy metals from water called KMS-1. As per HSAB rule sulfur is considered to be a much softer base element therefore it prefers to bond with soft acid (e.g. Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+).

Midnight Express Essay -- essays research papers

Midnight Express   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Billy Hayes becomes desperate at the end of the movie. He realizes that he will never be released and so when he finds the money his girlfriend hid for him, he is moved to try and escape. He tries to bribe Hamidon to let him out. Hamidon takes the money but takes him to an empty room where he is planning on beating Billy. He takes off his gun and puts down his stick. He starts beating Billy. He stops and begins to pull his pants down. Billy seizes this opportunity and pushes him, knocking his head into a peg on the wall killing him. He then puts on Hamidon’s clothes, takes his gun and leaves the prison. He is finally out and makes it across the border into Greece.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If I were put into that situation, I think I woul...

Nintendo Marketing Plan

| Marketing Plan Nintendo Encore| | | | | | | | | | | | | TABLE OF CONTENT 1. Executive Summary4 2. Problem Statement4 3. External Analysis5 3. 1 Macro Analysis5 3. 1. 1 Demographic5 3. 1. 2 Economic5 3. 1. 3 Social-Cultural6 3. 1. 4 Technological6 3. 2 Meso Analysis7 3. 2. 1 Global Video Game Industry Sales7 3. 2. 2 New Trend in Video Game Industry8 3. 2. 3 Porter’s Five Forces9 3. 3 Competitors Analysis10 3. 3. 1 Sony10 3. 3. 2 Microsoft11 3. 3. 3 Apple12 4. Internal analysis13 4. 1 The Company13 4. 2 Current Marketing Strategy13 5. SWOT Analysis16 5. 1 Strengths16 5. 2 Weaknesses16 . 3 Opportunities16 5. 4 Threats16 5. 5 Confrontation Matrix17 6. STP17 6. 1 Segmentation17 6. 2 Target Market22 6. 3 Positioning22 Strategy23 7. 1 Market Share Strategy23 We focus our area of expertise which is to entertain everyone, especially the household. We do not enter the segment that we don’t excel such as hardcore video games (wars, violence, etc. )23 7. 2 Product Strategy23 We e nter mobile gaming sector as the mobile gaming industry is booming. People are buying games and applications on every available device including iOS devices, smartphones, tablet PCs and more.Our main competitors, Sony and Microsoft are also jumping into the mobile gaming industry, in order to compete with them, we need to focus on the mobile industry. 23 We should continue to Improve our current consoles. Some of the ways that we can do this is by letting the consumer play DVD and MP3s, giving the Wii remote a rechargeable battery, and allow the consumer to save games on an SD card. 23 Product improvement will enable consumers to play social network games on Wii consoles, 3D games on Wii consoles. 23 7. 3 Pricing Strategy23 8. Objectives23 8. 1 Long Term Goals23 8. 2 Short Term Goals25 8. 2. Operational Goals25 8. 2. 2 Financial Goals25 ?To increase a 3% of growth rate in UK operation by the end of 201225 ?To reduce costs of goods sold by 10% in the end of 201225 ?To increase profit margin by 5% from UK operation by in the end of 201225 ?To invest 5% more on promotional cost by the end of 201225 9. Marketing Mix25 9. 1 Product25 9. 2 Price25 9. 3 Place25 9. 4 Promotion26 10. Budget26 11. Recommendations26 12. References27 13. Appendix28 1. Executive Summary At the moment, Nintendo is facing some serious problems regarding to its decreasing sales revenue, less productive and less innovative.It is important that in the coming three until five years that the company can gain back or even increase its sales and thus to reach higher annual growth rate. To overcome those problems mentioned above, Nintendo needs to focus on their competitive advantage and also entering new segment in the mobile gaming as well as social media gaming. From the external analysis we can see that UK is one of Nintendo’s most potential markets since it holds 12% of market share in video game industry. Furthermore, the increase use of mobile devices and internet connections have also been new opportunities for the company.Meanwhile, strong competitors (e. g. Sony and Microsoft )and the existence of substitute products (e. g. mobile gaming and social network gaming )have also caused serious threats to our company to lose more market share . Our company offers various product lines for its Nintendo Wii, namely â€Å"Wii Fit† which is a fitness game,† Wii Balance† Board which enables players to â€Å"head† virtual soccer balls and to experience ski jumping on a TV screen. Besides, handheld console like Nintendo DS is also our second best product. However, all these current product lines are apparently not sufficient in strengthening our sales revenue.Therefore new strategies formulated, they include improving our current Nintendo Encore consoles, inventing new 3D game consoles, and also switching handheld gaming to mobile devices and social network gaming. In short, we will mainly use line extension in our strategy. In addition to that, h igher investment on our Research and Development Department and stronger promotion activities will also be implemented in the coming 3 horizontal years. We will use our current distribution channels including retailers and outlets.Online selling through company websites and another webshops are also included. Some promotion activities include advertisement through TV commercials, newspapers, posters, billboards, social media pages and special display spaces in retailers and outlets. Finally, the budget highlights some key financial figures such as an 10% decrease in COGS by the end of 2012 2. Problem Statement For many years Nintendo had been number one console manufacturer in the video games industry. However, the company is losing sales as well as market share to its competitors for some reasons.First, some competitors have become more innovative because they have improved the technology discovered initially by Nintendo in creating their Wii. It is very important to remain innovat ive in this highly competitive industry and we could say that the company might stayed too long on their ‘comfort zone’ with the launch of the Wii which was a massive success. It did not take long before the competitors created imitations of the similar technology and, even more they developed further making other game consoles (Xbox360 and Play Station) which are more appealing due to the new features.As a consequence at the moment Nintendo has been a step behind them. Furthermore the needs of the gamers are changing in the day by day basis. Nowadays more and more people do not play video games in front of the TV like they did before since the development technology has made the TV unnecessary. The introduction of smart phones and tablets have change the gamers’ way on playing video games. These new gadgets allow people to be 24-7 connected on the internet and the amount of games available online that can be play on a telephone or a tablet is huge.Therefore, mob ile device gaming is a segment with a fast growth rate at the moment, though the world is in a recession. All these developments have created a new type of market. The video games industry has changed dramatically, from a teenage boy playing in front of the TV to a business man or woman playing on a smart phone, blackberry or tablet. Video games are socially accepted as an entertainment tool and has being viewed positively. Finally new online companies are creating new games that do not need a console so they can be played easily, anytime and anywhere.This factor affects our sales dramatically because our product might be seen as old fashion. Nintendo however is not present in this new market and therefore it is very important to take in consideration to enter this new area because at the moment the company does not have products that satisfy those new needs resulting in the loose of sales and consequently revenues. 3. External Analysis 3. 1 Macro Analysis 3. 1. 1 Demographic The cu rrent population in the United Kingdom (UK) has reached 62. 3 million based on mid-2010 estimation and this puts UK on the 22nd position worldwide based on total population point of view.This number has increased by an average of 0. 6 percent each year since 2001. Furthermore, natural change which is the difference between births and deaths has accounted for an increasing proportion of the total population change in this country. In 2011 there are 17. 9 million families in the UK and of these 12 million consisted of a married couple with or without children. There are also 26. 3 million households of which 29% consisted of only one person while almost 20% consisted of four or more people. The density in this country is around 255. 6/km2. 3. 1. 2 EconomicUK’s economy has been the sixth-largest national economy measured by nominal GDP and seventh-largest measured by purchasing power parity (PPP). The total GDP has accumulated to $2. 253 trillion in 2011 and $35,646 per capita w ith 0. 8% of annual growth and 1. 2% projected for 2012. The main sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, construction and services industries. The number of real GDP fell slightly in the last few years due to the recession that hits EU region. Meanwhile the current unemployment rate in UK is 8. 4% compared to its employment rate of 70. %. According to the report from the Office for National Statistics, the inflation (CPI) in UK stands around 4. 2% in December 2011 with the largest downward pressures of change in CPI came from petrol, gas and clothing 3. 1. 3 Social-Cultural British people show high appreciation on certain cultural issue for example literature, education, sports and another sociological aspects. Over 75% of UK citizens consider themselves to belong to a religion while only 27% of them who regularly attend religious services according to a report from Gallup International.Weekends are considered important occasion for families in the British society because paren ts are free after working for five days during the week and therefore the chance when families can spend time together. An Euro statistic survey showed that UK citizens spend about 45% of their free time watching television, 24% on socializing, 22% on sport and hobbies and 10% on other activities. Some popular sports in UK are rugby, tennis, cricket and football. Meanwhile, average of only 15 minutes a day are spent on doing sports by the either young or old British people. 3. 1. 4 TechnologicalThe technology sector has shown big changes through the years. The use of mobile phones as well as internet services has increased dramatically in the last ten years. For example in the UK there is a significant growth in the use of mobile internet in the previous 12 months with an extra 6 million people using their mobile phone to access the internet from 44% to 71% in one year. The graph below shows us some information about the use of internet from 2009 until 2011 divided in 6 groups of ag e categories. Graph 1. Mobile Phone Internet Connections 2009-2011 Source: Office for National Statistics, 2011We can see that the most active internet browsing are the first 3 groups which range from 16 until 44. Moreover, the usage of mobile internet has doubled from 2009 to 2011. This will be a perfect chance for companies that are related or engaged to this field to strengthen their position in the market. 3. 2 Meso Analysis 3. 2. 1 Global Video Game Industry Sales The gaming industry is one of the most dynamic growing sectors in the last century. The projected total sales of video game industry in 2011 was around $65 billion compared to the revenue in 2007 which was $41. billion as shown in the next graph. This number will keep growing in the future. According to the Price WaterhouseCooper’s report â€Å"Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2008-2012†, the console games category is growing by 6. 9 per cent annually. Meanwhile the global video game industry is g rowing at the annual rate of 10. 3 per cent. By looking at the graph we might conclude that this particular industry is currently still growing at relative high speed. This means great opportunity for companies whose main focus are on this field. Graph 3. Global Video Game Revenue Source: PriceWaterhouseCooperFurthermore, the table below shows us the top ten markets for global video game business. It reveals the average amount of money spent on game consoles, revenues and percentage of market share of each country. The USA has the biggest market share about 40% with the revenue around $22 billion, while the UK is on the second position with 12. 57% of market share and total revenue $6. 825 billion. After that Japan follows with 11. 87% of market share and revenue of $6. 443 billion. Table 4. Major Markets of Video Game Industry Source: VGsales 3. 2. 2 New Trend in Video Game IndustryAs stated in the introduction part, the video gaming on mobile devices is the current trend worldwide . People feel the need of playing game everywhere and anytime when they are not at home. Another supporting factor is the availability of internet access to mobile devices. By referring to the Graph 1. Mobile Phone Internet Connections 2009-2011, the numbers of people who use the internet connection through their mobile devices has doubled in the last three years. It has created more options for the consumers on the video games they wish to play and how or when they want to play. 3. 2. 3 Porter’s Five Forces . 2. 3. 1 Threat of New Competition In UK video game industry, the threat of new competitors will be unlikely occurred due to many barriers in this sector. These barriers prevent new entrance to the industry and this means that company like Nintendo do not need to worry about the possible new competitors in a certain length of period. 3. 2. 3. 2 Threat of Substitute Products Nowadays people travel more often that includes longer time and distance than few decades ago. The needs of having mobile devices or portable electronic devices such as tablets during their travel time become significant.This segment creates the threat of substitute product to Nintendo with their mobile video gaming. Another substitute product for Nintendo is social network gaming, in which consumer can play games through their social network pages or account. 3. 2. 3. 3 Bargaining Power of Customers Heavy gamers might have formed strong attitude towards their favorite game consoles. However, for majority of casual gamers, most video game consoles deliver more or less the same value that is to entertain during their leisure time.Therefore, choosing another video game consoles when the first choice is not available can be easily done and this means that our consumers have high bargaining power 3. 2. 3. 4 Bargaining Power of Suppliers In manufacturing video game consoles, Nintendo’s suppliers might have high bargaining power since the company depends highly on suppliers in producing specific custom-made computer chips which are used in the consoles. Moreover, our suppliers might also decide to enter the same market where Nintendo is currently serving by producing their own consoles.Therefore, the possibility of our suppliers becoming our competitors is always a concern in this business. Moreover, the decision of switching from one supplier to another can also be very difficult due to time, costs and energy consumption. 3. 2. 3. 5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry Big market players in UK video game industry are always at the edge of inventing and producing the newest innovation in the shortest period as possible. When one company starts to introduce a new product in the market, then the competitors will also do the same or even develop a higher level roduct. This means that in video game industry Nintendo is facing a high intensity of competitive rivalry. 3. 3 Competitors Analysis 3. 3. 1 Sony Profile of competitor: ‘’Sony is committed to developing a wide range of innovative products and multimedia services that challenge the way consumers access and enjoy digital entertainment. By ensuring synergy between businesses within the organization, Sony is constantly striving to create exciting new worlds of entertainment that can be experienced on a variety of different products’’, says Sony about their company.The 8 major product categories Sony is active in are: Audio, Video, Photography, Home Cinema, Computers, Communication, Semiconductors, Electronic components . Threats they can pose: Sony has recently registered for a patent on incorporating real-life with video-games in the form of a â€Å"depth sensing device†; â€Å"a three-dimensional camera† that uses â€Å"controlled infrared lighting† to scan an area. This is proof that they are thinking ahead to a new console already, which means we need to make haste in our development. Objectives of competitor:Sony’s areas which t hey are focusing on to expand can be divided into four parts: Networked Products and Services, 3D World, Competitive advantages through differentiated technologies and Emerging markets. Strategies they are pursuing and how successful are they: They are introducing the Sony tablets S1 and S2 to enter the media entertainment on tablets market, and while this could very well be successful it is not a market we are currently aspiring to enter so the effect on our sales needs to be researched further.Another broad strategy they are incorporating is to lower their prices since sales of certain products have been low due to high prices. They have consistently been cutting the prices of their products, including their games and game consoles, so meeting these prices is imperative. Strengths and weaknesses: An example of Sony’s strengths is the fact that they have a strong brand image, as people who have had their most successful console, the PlayStation 2, will have positioned them f avorably in their minds as ‘the company who produced the PlayStation 2’.This means that they do have meanly loyal consumers. One of Sony’s weaknesses is that while they are present in many markets (ex. Gaming, photography, home cinema’s, computers, etc. ), they are not the leading company in any of them. Their product lines are too broad and they have to focus on too much to be able to be the market leader in specific markets, where Nintendo focuses on the gaming industry alone and Apple mainly focuses on its own software on computers, cellphones and IPods. This gives them an advantage and Sony a disadvantage.Another weakness is that the pricing of their latest PlayStation 3 has been relatively high compared to the other newer consoles on the market, and many consumers found this price to be too steep. Sales of the PlayStation 3 have therefore been slow, and Sony was not able to make the PlayStation 3 the success it should have been. Their new product pric ing strategy is something for us to focus on and to use to our advantage by pricing our products lower than theirs if possible and using market penetration as a pricing strategy. 3. 3. 2 Microsoft Profile of competitor: ’We are committed long term to the mission of helping our customers realize their full potential. Just as we constantly update and improve our products, we want to continually evolve our company to be in the best position to accelerate new technologies as they emerge and to better serve our customers’’ says Microsoft about their own company. They have 8 business divisions they focus on, namely: Interactive Entertainment Business, Windows Phone, Windows & Windows Live, Online Services, Server and Tools, Microsoft Business Solutions, Microsoft Office and Skype.Threats they can pose: The fact that they already have new products planned for release is a disadvantage as they will hit the market before our new product will, and they could benefit from that with their sales. Objectives of competitors: The objectives of Microsoft or 2012 are; to make the Windows Phone weather the strong competiton they expect to get from other mobile companies, to engage in media partnerships to make the Xbox a connected TV and media device and to make their PC Windows 8 program work on every platform (tablets, PC, etc. ).Strategies they are pursuing and how successful are they: One strategy of Microsoft to compete with the Nintendo Wii is the Xbox Kinect System, which allows users to play controller free (a feature the Nintendo Wii does not have) and has a similar motion detection play which Nintendo used for the Wii. This has enables them to fiercely compete with the Wii and gave the them an advantage that made many consumers consider buying the Xbox Kinect System over the Wii. Another thing they are focusing on is the incorporation of Xbox Live into the Windows phone platform. ’ Mobile phones as handheld gaming consoles are very challengi ng markets as phones have got better design and technology, and we’ve chosen to make our bet around the phone instead and add Xbox Live services to Windows Phone 7 instead’’, stated by Microsoft in their press release . The big hit for the future will be the release of the Xbox 720 late in 2013, and it is said that it will have 6 times the graphic capability of the current Xbox 360. This new Xbox will also be accompanied by a new version of the Kinect system which will have an on-board processor to be able to detect user motion better.Strengths and weaknesses: A major advantageous factor of Microsoft is that they already have some new developments and products coming out in the future. They are already one step ahead of us, both in terms of the phone as a handheld gaming-device as the new version of their Xbox 360 (with an even better version of their very competitive Kinect system)23/24. The sales of the Xbox 360 and Kinect have been good since they introduced the products, as they sold 66 million consoles and 18 million Kinect systems so far. A newer version of the Xbox would have many followers who were satisfied with the Xbox 360.A weakness is that, compared to Nintendo’s prices, the Xbox series has been priced relatively high. Even the games themselves rate $20 to $40 dollar more per game compared to Nintendo Wii games. 3. 3. 3 Apple Although Apple is not aiming for a top spot in the gaming industry, the convenience of the Iphone as a handheld gaming device has risen through the roof as many consumers download apps and games on their mobile to entertain them during their day. Why should consumers buy a separate Nintendo DS or other handheld device when they always carry around their mobile phone?This is a threat to us on the mobile phone platform, yet is it also a threat to our competitors who also have plans of integrating mobiles with handheld gaming. 4. Internal analysis 4. 1 The Company Nintendo is a company that manufactur es and distributes interactive entertainment products. It was founded and located in Japan with its main focus on the home entertainment and portable game devices. Nintendo also provides hardware and software for its video consoles. The company operates primarily in Japan, however its business has expanded globally.The main factory is located in Japan with subsidiaries in the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and Australia. Moreover this firm is also involved in the manufacturing and distribution of poker cards (Pokemon). 4. 2 Current Marketing Strategy Nintendo’s products include home video game consoles and handheld video game systems, such as Game Boy and Nintendo DS. The company also offers various product lines for its Nintendo Wii, namely â€Å"Wii Fit† which is a fitness game,† Wii Balance† Board which enables players to â€Å"head† virtual soccer balls and to experience ski jumping on a TV screen.The basic strategy that Nintendo has been usi ng is the expansion of the world wide gaming population. The company is encouraging people from all over the world, regardless of age, gender, language, cultural background or gaming experience, to embrace and enjoy video games as a way of entertainment. The firm wants to expand his market, by creating Nintendo DS which is a portable game system that has the goal of attracting the new gamers that demand a portable gaming device and, with a Wii console that targets the families because it put smiles in the people around the gamer.If we look at video games we can see that nowadays they are more accepted in society than before. Video games are used as a learning and entertaining tool for the youngest, a way of staying fit for the house wife and finally and more importantly playing a video game is something that the whole family can do together in the living room of the house so the family can have some quality time together. At the moment Nintendo wants to further the penetration of Wi i by encouraging communication in the living room of each user through continuous software launches which will positively surprise consumers with brand new game play.In addition, Nintendo will release Nintendo 3DS that allows people to play video games in 3-D without the need for any special glasses, and will strive to satisfy more people by offering innovative game-play with Nintendo 3DS. The brand Nintendo is one of the most recognized brands in the video games industry. The company has been operating since 1977 with color television games, and is consider being the oldest in firm in the market. It is one of the largest console manufactures in the world, and is a leader in the handheld console market.The company has released four generation of gaming console devices in the past 20 years; (Nintendo entertainment system, ; Super Nintendo Entertainment System; Nintendo 64; GameCube; Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi and Wii). In the handheld device segment, Nintendo DS hardware sold 27. 11 m illion units in 2010, Nintendo DSi which was lunch in 2008 sold more than 100 million units, faster than any console in the history of video games. In the console area Wii hardware achieved world sales of 70. 93 million units and Wii software achieved 16. 4 million units, Wii fit plus use to help people to be fit, sold 12. 65 million units globally, The new Super Mario Bros which allows four players to interact at the same time sold 14. 7 million units in 2010 . Due to all the previously mention Nintendo is well established Brand name in the Video game industry with 47. 2 percent of the market. Graph 5 & 6 Console Sales Market Share by Company & Positioning Key Consoles Source: The Video Gaming Industry Outlook, Business Insight, May 2011 The company can be found in countries such as in Japan, US , South and North America and Europe.The manufacturing premises are located in Japan and it operates throughout subsidiaries in US, Canada, the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and Austra lia. Moreover his global presence allows Nintendo to sell his products to most of the world. The company get his revenues as follows: 44% from America,33% from Europe,16. 1% from Japan and the rest from other countries . However not everything is good news for Nintendo, the company has been experiencing a decline of sales in 2010, The earthquake in Japan affected sales in that country. The operating profit in 2009 was 30. 9% going down to 24. 85% by 2010. Moreover declining operating profits affected the making profit capacity of the company affecting the confidence of the shareholders of the firm. In 2011 sales are declining as well falling below predictions. Heavy completion and the appreciation to the Yen against the Dollar, and the low price of the Wii consoles are affecting the profit were affecting the operating profits of the company Nintendo have only one source of income which is selling video consoles and video games. However, Sony and Microsoft have more sources or income .For instance Sony is a leader in the production of electro domestics, phones, computers, smart phones, tablets, audio systems among others. This gives to this company more resources that can be invest in R&D without taking a big risk. Microsoft is the world lieder computer manufacturer and this products are known globally. These two competitors improved the technology created by Nintendo with the Wii. Play Station and Xbox 360 have lunched better game consoles base on the revolutionary technology of the Nintendo Wii. Graph 7 Comparison between key video game consolesSource: The Video Gaming Industry Outlook, Business Insight, May 2011 The company depends heavily on outside manufactures for some of the parts of his products, moreover most of this suppliers are located in other countries. This could become a problem if any of the suppliers interrupt production, this could have a devastating effect in the company business performance. Also de possibility of any disagreement with these producers can create a problem for Nintendo 5. SWOT Analysis 5. 1 Strengths * Nintendo’s well-known brand * Existence in global market * Specialized in-house R&D department 5. Weaknesses * Limited source of income * Declining profit margins * Dependency on suppliers * Low investment in R&D compared to main competitors Sony and Microsoft * Low brand loyalty 5. 3 Opportunities * Dynamic growth of video game industry * The increasing use of mobile devices (iPhones, iPads, Smartphones, etc. ) * The easy access to internet connections * UK as the second biggest country holding video games market share * The high amount of average money spent on video consoles by UK consumers 5. 4 Threats * Strong competitive markets * Cheaper by-products (softwares) from competitors High varieties of competitors’ softwares (types of games) * Competitors’ better technological improvements 5. 5 Confrontation Matrix Graph 8 Confrontation Matrix 6. STP 6. 1 Segmentation Geographic in UK : | | Country | Unite Kingdom – is the largest video games market in Europe with the sales of $6 billion in 2008, however, the market has been fallen by 13% in 2011. | Major Cities | Birmingham EdinburghGlasgowLeedsLiverpoolLondonManchesterIn the major cities, there is a limited space and choices for children to play outside or adults to interact with each other. Climate| Rainy, cloudy and foggy. People prefer to stay at home rather than going out in such weather. | Density| Urban, suburban, rural | Population| The UK population is 62. 3 million by mid 2010. 16 – 59 year-old people are 43. 3 million; they are the major working people. ? The average gaming age is now 23+. ? 38. 2% of the UK population is an active computer gamer.? 51. 2% of British men and 25. 1% of British women aged 10-35 play games regularly. ? The average computer gamer has been playing for over 10 years. On average, gamers play for 11 hours per week. ? 27. 2% of all active gamers in the UK are wome n. ? The average age of the UK female gamer is 30-35 years old. | | | | | Demographic in UK: | | Age: 6 – 55 year-old| Consumer needs and wants change with ages. As we offer game players to not only 12-16 years old boys, but also to mature generation. â€Å"Heavy† (At least once a week and up to daily: the younger the gamer, the more likely they are to play daily)48% of UK 6-65 year olds (21. 6m) – 27% male (12m), 21% female (9. m)â€Å"Medium† (1-3 times a month)7% of UK 6-65 year olds (3m) – 3% male (1. 4m), 4% female (1. 6m)â€Å"Light† (Less than once a month) 4% of UK 6-65 year olds (1. 9m) – 2% male (0. 7m), 3% female (1. 2m)Age 6 – 10: Light users. They like to play games with their friends and classmates either by internet or individually. Age 11 – 15: Medium users. Most of people from this group are still at school; they play games via mobile and internet with friends and classmates. Age 16 – 24: Heavy us ers.These people are very busy with establishing a career, starting a family, getting started in their home and have a bit of fun as well. Age 25 – 35: Heavy users. Age 36 – 50: Medium users. As for this group, besides males, the females who plays games, most of them are housewives and have several children at home. The purpose they play it because their children are at school or they want to keep fit. They are not heavy users. Age 51 – 65: Light users, most of them are either housewives or retired people.Some of them are still very active and play Nintendo with their grandchildren. | Gender: male, female| We are offering a game machine to both males and females. As we know, boys like soccer and fighting games better, but girls like sports and dancing games more. To make sure that we will fulfill the wants, we have to develop games, which fit for both genders at the same time. | Family size: 2-4| Most families nowadays have 2-4 people, but we have to say there a re some over 20 year-old young adults are living by themselves. | Income: | Average income is 1200 pounds. Generation: Baby blooming generation,Generation X, generation Y| For the baby blooming generation, we say that most of them are over 40 years old. They could use our product because they are either housewives or have children, in that case they are light users and just want to keep in fit. With the younger generation, we should realize that smart phone are their â€Å"best toy† for people under 18 years old, and for people over 18 years old, mobile phones are their â€Å"best mate† which could help them to find friends, places, read a book and etc.If we want to develop a new product, we need to relate our games with their so-called â€Å"toys† or â€Å"mate†. | | | Behavior: | | Benefits:| Fun, entertaining, keep fit, increase self-esteem, improve social skills, stress relief, improve eyes and hands coordination and learning. | User status:| We defin ed a â€Å"gamer† as someone who had played a game on a mobile, handheld, console, PC, Internet or interactive TV at least once in the last 6 months: a broad definition designed to capture any â€Å"light† gamers as well as medium or heavier gamers. Loyalty status:| No brand loyalty, since consumes are easier to switch to a new and better quality and technology game machine. | Usage rate:| – â€Å"Heavy† (At least once a week and up to daily: the younger the gamer, the more likely they are to play daily)48% of UK 6-65 year olds (21. 6m) – 27% male (12m), 21% female (9. 6m)- â€Å"Medium† (1-3 times a month)7% of UK 6-65 year olds (3m) – 3% male (1. 4m), 4% female (1. 6m)- â€Å"Light† (Less than once a month) 4% of UK 6-65 year olds (1. 9m) – 2% male (0. 7m), 3% female (1. m) | Attitude toward product:| 6 – 25 years old: Enthusiastic26 – 36 years old: Positive neutral37 – 65 years old: Neutral There are certain amount of people in the above groups are Negative about our products. | | | Psychographic in UK Social Class| The Upper ClassOften people with inherited wealth. Includes some of the oldest families, with many of them being titled aristocratsThe Middle ClassThe majority of the population of Britain. They include industrialists, professionals, and business people and shop owners. Lower or Working ClassPeople who are agricultural, factory workers.The British Class System todayAlthough some people in the UK still refer to themselves as â€Å"working-class†, â€Å"lower-middle† or â€Å"upper-middle† (and of course there are those who think of themselves as the â€Å"elite† class), to the majority of the British the meanings don't seem to matter much these days. | Lifestyle| Teenagers: They use mobile phones a lot for gaming, communicating and Facebook. (Mobile heavy users)Adults: They use mobile phones also quite often for communication, agendas a nd few of them use that for on-line gaming.Retired people: Most of them who have a mobile phone are used as just a phone, to communicate with people for emergency. | Occupation| Kindergarten children Primary school studentsMiddle school students High school students College studentsHousewivesWorkers Retired people| 6. 2 Target Market After analyzing the segmentations, we are targeting the groups of people as follow: – All the 7 major cities in UK. | -16 – 59 years old people are 43. 3 million, they are the major working people . (But however we also target the people from 6-16 years old)| – Occupation: Children, teenagers, workers, housewives, retired people. To make these targeting groups, we based our brand image and our products functions. The main point is to entertain people, it doesn’t certainly mean that we have to fulfill only young boys’ needs and wants, but we are targeting more variety groups of people. For example, as in one family, if there are 4 members who are a housewife (43 years old), husband- businessman (45 years old) and a son (16 years old), a daughter (10 years old). They just have to buy one gamer to entertain the whole family. For housewife, she could keep herself still in shape by doing some yoga while the kids are at school. * For husband, he could play some games as darts or golf during the weekend. * For the little son, he can play super Mario or online game with his classmates after school. * For the daughter, she can invite her friends over to play the †just dance† game. 6. 3 Positioning Nintendo has been a major contender in the video industry for past several decades, and has faced the challenge of developing and maintaining the competitive advantage over the years.With the introduction of Nintendo Wii console, the company gained a stronghold as a leader in the video game industry. However, Sony and Microsoft are quickly gaining on Nintendo’s competitive advantage, forcing t he company to monitor to reevaluate its strategies. To maintain the competitive advantage, Nintendo must looking forward influencing the customers of Sony and Microsoft, continue developing innovative technologies, and also consider the impact of the social networking and mobile devices on the gaming industry.Nintendo is delivering the fun gaming experience to customers. Since it has a unique advantage to its competitors. They do not providing the violence games as shooting for teenage boys which are the common gamer user in the society. That’s the reason Nintendo could target a wide age and occupation range customers. Strategy 7. 1 Market Share Strategy We focus our area of expertise which is to entertain everyone, especially the household. We do not enter the segment that we don’t excel such as hardcore video games (wars, violence, etc. ) 7. 2 Product StrategyWe enter mobile gaming sector as the mobile gaming industry is booming. People are buying games and applicati ons on every available device including iOS devices, smartphones, tablet PCs and more. Our main competitors, Sony and Microsoft are also jumping into the mobile gaming industry, in order to compete with them, we need to focus on the mobile industry. We should continue to Improve our current consoles. Some of the ways that we can do this is by letting the consumer play DVD and MP3s, giving the Wii remote a rechargeable battery, and allow the consumer to save games on an SD card.Product improvement will enable consumers to play social network games on Wii consoles, 3D games on Wii consoles. 7. 3 Pricing Strategy We are focusing on keeping the existing product, however we should be not expanding ; improving current product that we have in order to attract more consumers and keep developing product till it meets consumer’s needs. Since there is strong competition in a market from Sony and Microsoft, often customers are faced with a wide choice of who to buy from. They may buy fro m the cheapest provider or perhaps from the one which offers the best customer service.Nintendo, being the cost leader therefore can offer prices lower than the competitors. 8. Objectives 8. 1 Long Term Goals * To be the biggest video game manufacturer in terms of market share in UK in the coming five years (2013-2017) * To realize a total 15% of annual growth rate of the UK operation in the first five years starting from January 2013 * To make the Nintendo Encore brand the most preferred video game brand of 6 – 65 years old of family and casual gamers in UK by January 2017 8. 2 Short Term Goals 8. 2. 1 Operational Goals To realize a total sales of 6 million units Nintendo consoles in UK market by December 2013 * To increase UK customers’ brand awareness by December 2012 through intensive advertising programs * To invest 10% of UK’s annual revenue in Research ; Development Department starting by beginning of 2012 * To put the Wii encore on the market by July 201 2 in the UK market * To train * To maintain good relationship with customers through social media pages by updating newest product information starting from June 2012 8. 2. Financial Goals * To increase a 3% of growth rate in UK operation by the end of 2012 * To reduce costs of goods sold by 10% in the end of 2012 * To increase profit margin by 5% from UK operation by in the end of 2012 * To invest 5% more on promotional cost by the end of 2012 9. Marketing Mix 9. 1 Product For the UK market our main focus on the product will be Nintendo Encore consoles. Meanwhile our handheld consoles such as Nintendo DS and its product lines will still be manufactured and sold as they are at the current moment.However, new improvements will be created to fulfill consumer’s needs in mobile gaming sector. This can be in the form of mobile games applications (Apps) and it will allowed consumers to play Nintendo’s games through their mobile devices. Below are more options on our product development: * Development of more varieties of new games * Concentration on 3D consoles * Reintroducing old famous games in new Nintendo consoles and mobile gaming application with better quality and features. 9. 2 Price * Using the current consoles price as the basic price reference * More for less strategy will be implemented Bundle price(Wii+ Super Mario New Limited Edition, buy 2 get 1 free, Wii Encore+ accessories) 9. 3 Place * Current distribution channels ; outlets (big retailers, smaller digital shops, toy stores) * Online selling through company websites and another online stores such as Amazon, eBay, etc. 9. 4 Promotion * Advertisement through television commercials, posters, billboards, social medias. * Buy some display space in outlets * Training and distributing the specialized sales team in outlets and retailers that sell our consoles 10. BudgetOur budget is based on the 3-year forecast starting from 2012 and can be found in the appendix. Some important points are: * Cost of goods sold is expected to decrease 10% in 2012. * Advertising/ promotional costs are increasing * Income tax is 10% 11. Recommendations If Nintendo want to recover sales and become number one in the video games industry is necessary to take some actions: One way to accomplish this is to extend or expand its video game genres to attract more gamers than the family-friendly games. If we look at our competitor we can see that they ocus on intricate fantasy role-playing games (RPGs) for mature audiences. When we develop games for this groups the company will be in better position to compete with Sony and Microsoft, however, this could risk damaging Nintendo’s brand and to move from one public to another can have possibly more negative effects than positive. Another option is for Nintendo to continue developing innovative games and technology. As an example we can mention Nintendo’s recent introduction in Japan of the 3DS, a hand-held console that allows users to pl ay games in three-dimension.Because of this we can say that the company is a leader in handheld consoles, and this new console definitely helps the company maintain its competitive industry in that field, moreover Nintendo could start to develop a similar 3D capability for the Wii to further revolutionize the gaming experience. Lastly Nintendo should consider to expand to social networking and mobile devices, which is growing rapidly. More than one third of mobile phones owners play video games whit their telephone. To enter this market Nintendo could consider develop simple, puzzle-type games for Facebook and mobile devices.As a consequence the company would align with the current focus on simple and casual gamers and more importantly it can open a brand new market with enormous potential given the popularity of smart phones and tablets at the moment. The company can further develop its capabilities to allow users to play social networking games on the Wii console. As a conclusion Nintendo must continue with the development of innovative technology and new game concepts. It is necessary to be realistic and in to take in consideration that the company has very strong competitors in this market.Moreover it is necessary to pay attention to the change in needs of our current and not customers so the company can deliver customer satisfaction if we want to remain profitable. 12. References Bob Holt, freelance writer – http://www. newjerseynewsroom. com/science-updates/xbox-720-release-may-compete-with-nintendo-wii-u Consumer Price Indices, December 2011. http://www. ons. gov. uk/ons/rel/cpi/consumer-price-indices/december-2011/index. html, accessed by March 2012 Daniel Eran Dilger, magazine writer – http://www. roughlydrafted. om/2006/11/22/playstation-3-vs-xbox-360-vs-nintendo-wii/ Howard Stringer, CEO Sony – http://www. sony. net/SonyInfo/IR/info/strategy/message. html Leisure activities in the UK, http://guides. wikinut. com/Leisure-activiti es-in-the-UK, accessed by March 2012 Microsoft, http://www. microsoft. com/about/companyinformation/ourbusinesses/en/us/business. aspx Most Britons, Canadians â€Å"Unchurched†, http://www. gallup. com/poll/19267/Most-Britons-Canadians-Unchurched. aspx, accessed by March 2012 Organization for National Statistics UK, http://www. ns. gov. uk/ons/rel/family-demography/families-and-households/2011/stb-families-households. html Pascal Gobry, Senior Research Analyst at Business Insider Intelligence – http://articles. businessinsider. com/2012-01-10/research/30610635_1_windows-phone-steve-ballmer-microsoft-ceo Robert Purchese, Senior Staff Writer of Eurogamer. net – http://www. eurogamer. net/articles/2012-02-21-sonys-ps-eye-creator-patents-kinect-like-tech Sony, http://www. sony. net/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/ United Kingdom, http://www. imf. rg/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/02/weodata, accessed by March 2012 What do British people like doing at the weekends, http://www. woo dlandsjunior. kent. sch. uk/customs/questions/weekends. htm, accessed by March 2012 Wesley Yin-Poole, Eurogamer news editor – http://www. eurogamer. net/articles/2010-10-25-nintendo-apple-is-our-greatest-threat Zach Honig, Senior associate editor – http://www. engadget. com/2011/08/16/sony-drops-ps3-price-to-250-in-us-250-in-europe/ 13. Appendix ——————————————– [ 1 ]. http://www. ons. gov. uk/ons/taxonomy/index. html? nscl=Population,