The Power of Ideas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Power of Ideas - Essay Example This resulted in Hegel's theories, as well as the deeper focus on existentialism and phenomenology. Hegel's idealism, also known as Absolute Idealism, has severely affected society at large. The primary reason for this is because Hegel's work developed the framework for both Marxism and Darwin's Evolutionary Theory. Hegel's notions start with the idea that knowledge does not have the ability to explain itself; therefore human beings must trust their senses to understand knowledge. The mind also comes into play here, because the mind processes all senses, and thus becomes the primary focus of knowledge. Hegel believed that humans must contradict themselves in order to form a new way of thinking. To further explain this, Hegel burrowed the idea of the Absolute Ego from Fichte and renamed it the Absolute Spirit; to Hegel this meant that the earth cannot be measured based on personality. Hegel heavily believed in Pantheism and attributed this to the absolute spirit; basically, Hegel believed that God was in everything. This belief is a reflection of a Romantic view, and was a movement in the 19th century in direct result of the Industrial Revolution occurring in Europe (Hegel 1991). ... First, existentialist ideas will be discussed. Many of these themes were introduced by Arthur Schopenhauer, Soren Kierkegaard, and Friedrich Nietzsche. Existentialism believed that philosophy focuses on the individual, and that individual's interactions with the world. For example, Nietzche, a Continental philosopher, did not agree with Hegel's concept of idealism. Nietzche firmly felt the world is controlled by will-to-power. Furthermore, Nietzche also disagreed with Hegel on the concept of absolute truth; Nietzche did not believe in an absolute truth, he felt that everything was open to one's own interpretation. This is far different from Hegel's notion that the individual must look inward, to the self. Another concept promoted by existentialism that conflicts with Hegel's notions is the existentialist idea that the world itself is an absurd place, and there is no description for why the world acts in this way. Furthermore, existentialists believe that this inability for humans to understand why the world is chaotic causes self doubt, and therefore individuals have to decide how to live and progress in this type of chaotic world. Hegel, being a pantheist, would have seen some order in the world, as reflected in the idea that God is in everything. He would not have agreed with the concepts of a chaotic world causing self doubt. Hegel did not accept the existentialist concept of the "thing-in-itself." He believed that reality was a reflection of thought and rational. Thus, reality was not a collection of separate specifics; instead, it functioned like an articulate system of thinking, like mathematics; forming one large whole which pieces are all connected. Where Hegel was abstract to

Apples Ipad Promotional Strategy Marketing Essay

Apples Ipad Promotional Strategy Marketing Essay To survive in the global and competitive business environment, it is essential for a companys to conduct extensive research so that they can develop a strong brand image from the initial stage as it leads to greater financial benefits for the company. The marketing plan of Apples iPad is the topic where an effective marketing strategy is developed to ensure its success in the global competitive market where major plays such as Sony, Compaq and Dell have a significant impact upon Apples strategies. Apples latest ipad is the revolutionary product which is a portable mini device used as a pc anywhere with its wide range of options and innovative design. Apples marketing strategy will be focusing upon the product design, brand positioning, price and promotion of iPad in the global market. This will be linked to the research and analysis of the environmental forces and SWOT analysis to understand the companys position. Apples market strategy will be incorporated with the generic business strategy which is towards growth and maintaining a strong position in the market through its innovative products. Apple will use competitive marketing strategy for its iPad where two such strategies can be developed which are differentiation and Focus to make iPad a success in the global market. Marketing planning and strategies can become highly effective if Apple focuses upon its strategic human resource management and make continuous efforts to redesign its marketing plan to survive successfully. Company Description Apple Corporation is a highly successful organization that aims to advance in the technology field through its high quality and innovative products. The success of Apple is primarily based upon its innovation and dynamic technological advancement it takes to give its customers the ease and luxury to use its products. Apples latest product iPad is launched to compete with existing computers and tablet technology, as it is a portable high tech device for the usage of all needs of an individual whether personal or business use. Environmental Analysis/PEST Analysis This analysis will help in identifying the factors that affect the organizations ability to perform efficiently in the global markets. Political Forces: The political factors affect the organizations ability to operate efficiently in foreign markets. Therefore, Apples operations are affected by political conditions of developing countries in Asia where it is unable to meet its organizational targets successfully. The increasing suicide bomb rate and terrorism is another reason that limits the ability of Nestle to operate in some countries. Moreover, the changing legal requirements regarding the sales tax, import and export duties also affect Apple in terms of its rising costs and limitation to have access to a greater market. Economical Forces: Economical factors affect organizations ability to expand its business and achieve organizational objective of growth. The recent recession has slowed down economic activity and resulted in increase of prices of law materials, which have increase the costs and ultimately the prices of products. Apple faces low demand due to the big economies collapsing and going under stabilization phase, which has forced countries to boost their economy by discouraging imports and encouraging exports (Ball, McCulloch, Frantz Minor, 2006). Socio-Cultural Forces: In todays business enjoinment, people belonging to different backgrounds, experiences, values and cultures work together in multinational organizations with common objectives of gaining success in competitive global markets. Therefore, this creates a critical challenge for organizations to help employees develop positive and interpersonal relationships so that all people can work productively while respecting others culture and backgrounds. Apple has focused upon the cultural values of its employees as well as customers to achieve positive long-term relationships through maintaining an organizational culture which is highly flexible and culturally diverse. Technological Forces: Apple concentrates on the technological advancements of its work operations. The highly competitive and global business environment has forced organizations like Apple to become highly efficient through technology and internet revolution. Apple focuses upon innovation which can be achieved by meeting the new technological advancements and by being efficient in providing better quality and innovative products to its customers through advanced technology (Turban, 2004). SWOT Analysis The SWOT analysis assists organizations to identify the strengths and weaknesses of an organization which are internal and opportunities and threats which are external. This will help in understanding how Apple can utilize its strengths and opportunities and overcome its threats and weaknesses to survive in the global competitive market. Strengths: Apple is a successful organization and its iPod has a high market share in the global market due to its brand perception and image as s high quality innovative brand. Moreover, in the I.T industry, Apple holds a strong position by catering to the needs of the dynamic market with its extensive research and developments that enables it to satisfy its customers with highly innovative products. Apple has maintained its brand name in the global market and the customer loyalty is increasing at a high rate (Barnet Cavanagh, 2006). Weaknesses: Apple provides highly innovative products in the market but it is having issues with the quality of its products as recently the Apple iPad was reported to have a faulty screen and it had replace all those products. This is one major weakness of Apples products. Moreover, the company has a relatively weaker research and development system as compared to other major competitors and needs to put more emphasis on building strong reliable products as its brand name portrays (Borrington Stimpson, 2004). Opportunities: Apple has many opportunities for growth and expanding its range of products and services. It can develop iTunes and music player technology into cell phones and iPad devices. It can focus upon developing Podcasts for radio shows through internet and can enhance its iPad into more sophisticated and reliable device to be used by every individual. The I.T industry is full of rapid and dynamic changes and there is growing demand for innovative and technologically advanced products so for Apple, there are unlimited opportunities to avail for growth. Threats: The major threat for Apple and its products is the intense rivalry among competition in the technology industry. The competitive global environment has brought critical challenges for Apple to maintain a competitive and strong position in the global market. Moreover, Apples iPod and iPad are subjected to demand which can go down at any time due to saturation and substitutes in the market. Hence, to meet with changing trends and globalization, Apple requires extensive research and development to create a diversified range of products to be successful. Marketing Objectives The objective of Apples iPad device is to capture the market by creating awareness and persuading customers to use this device. Its emphasis will be entirely upon positioning iPad in the global market as a highly reliable device which is a need for every individual in todays busy hectic life. The marketing plan of Apples iPad should consist of two major objectives that help to achieve organizational success in todays global business environment. First of all, Apple focuses upon its customers through thorough market research and planning then the second step starts by integrating all organizations functions which are related to the marketing plan of the organization. After this, Apple becomes competent in planning and implementing its organizational core objectives to achieve positive results (Barnet Cavanagh, 2006). Marketing Strategy The marketing plan of Apple iPad is based upon extensive research and planning so that it can expand its operations worldwide where the marketing strategy aimed to promote the following key elements to strengthen its brand image. The major brand elements are the superior quality, friendly usability, design and reliability of the product. It can be promoted as a product that not only provides an ease to an individuals life but a reliable cost effective solution to all computer related problems. The following are the major components of the marketing mix that can help in understanding the product and how it is to be marketed in the global market. The marketing growth strategy of Apple mainly aims to provide superior quality and innovative products and services. This strategy helps in increasing customer loyalty and building a stronger position in the global competitive markets. Innovation is the success key of Apple. In todays highly competitive environment, developing innovative products is a major key towards achieving success. This requires extensive research and development by the businesses to be successful. Although, innovation has become a key towards success but it has high financial risk because the customers can dislike the new invention and it can go into waste (Gannon, 2009). Product Design: IPad is the new invention of Apple with extensive Research and Development. It is the latest technological device which is mini pc device equipped with high compatibility mode and ease of usage for users. It is a fully equipped device where a user can take pictures, watch movies, download large amount of data and send/receive emails, attachments and documents. It is designed for personal and business usage where a user can be highly digitized and connected to the world within seconds with no hassle. Ipad is the new revolution introduced by Apple to provide ultimate user friendliness and access to all technological advancements together in one mini device (Hall Jones, 2000). Brand Positioning: Initially, Apples iPad target market can be the professionals and businessmen who require portable easy accessible devise for their usage. And then, young customers comprising of students will be targeted through emphasizing upon its innovative and trendy design that provides unlimited options will start gaining popularity and acceptance in the global market then it can expand and broaden its market segments by satisfying a larger market segment by positioning iPad as a need for every individual. Promotion: Apples iPad promotional strategy will mainly focus upon word of mouth advertising and point of purchase strategy where consumers will be encouraged to discover and try out the product themselves. Apples latest iPad requires extensive marketing through television and other media sources to achieve high customer response. Television is an effective medium of advertisement ad Apples advertisement has given it more importance and this industry is flourishing through these innovative ads. Price: Apples iPad will be charged at a premium price from the start to show and prove that it is a superior quality and innovative device than any other available in the market. As it is an innovative product, it will be promoted in the market as a premium priced device that has value for the benefits it provides. This way the consumers will consider Apples iPad as a highly reliable and portable pc device that can make their life faster and efficient in terms of both work and entertainment which will lead to its brand image strengthening through this marketing strategy (Borrington Stimpson, 2004). Place: Apple has to focus upon building long term relationships with its suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers worldwide because this way its supply chain management can become highly efficient. As the economic activity has slowed down, it resulted in increase in the prices of oil, which has ultimately increased the costs of production for Apple and reducing its cost effectiveness. Also, the concept of E-commerce has greatly helped Nestle to automate its systems through E-shopping and E-supply chain management. Implementation Plan Now, we can develop an effective competitive marketing strategy where two such strategies can be developed which are differentiation and Focus to make iPad a success in the global market. Differentiation: Apples strategy of differentiation has its focus upon producing unique and innovative products for its customers which are not provided by other competitors in the global markets. The major success key of Apple is that it offers superior quality and innovative products and services to its users with prime emphasis upon innovation and design. Therefore, marketers must focus upon their advertisements that promote these five actors to influence consumer buying decisions. This will create a buzz in the market and gradually the image as a premium high tech pc device will strengthen all over the world which will contribute towards its brand equity. The spread of this innovation will be influenced mainly by its attractiveness, quality, price, promotion and durability. Customers make high involvement purchase decision for innovative products as it involves high risks. Moreover, Apple being the first one to enter the market with a highly innovative device will lead to its strong brand image b uilding in the competitive global market (Barnet Cavanagh, 2006). Focus: Apple can focus on more than one segments of the market and develop its brand image in these market segments for its latest iPad. The target segment for iPad will be the upper and higher middle-income group who want to improve their lifestyle with revolutionary gadgets. Through this strategy, Apple will be able to focus on its resources and plan towards a selected target segment for managing it effectively. To survive in global business environment is very challenging for iPad, therefore conducting thorough market research will help in achieving the core organizational objectives (Barnet Cavanagh, 2006). Evaluation and Control To meet with the intensified global competition, Apple requires extensive research and planning for its success in the future. The highly dynamic and uncertain global market brings serious challenges for Apples iPad to survive successfully. The major competitors of Apple such as Compaq, Sony and Dell Co have forced Apple to focus upon its brand equity in order to maintain its brand image worldwide. Apple can meet and control the challenges and obstacles arising in its way of growth through its long-term business strategy where effective marketing plan emphasizes upon innovation and building customer loyalty (Gannon, 2009). Firstly, focusing upon the Strategic human resource management, Apple can create a competitive advantage that is not imitable by its competitors. As Apple is known for its quality and innovation as the first energy drank, it has captured a very large customer base as compared to its competitors but to maintain this customer base or increase the number, it must focus upon developing sustainable competitive advantage through its human resource which ultimately leads to excellent customer relationships. Secondly, the 4 Ps of marketing also require changes and continuous improvements to survive in todays highly global business environment. The marketing campaigns can emphasis upon the design and reliability of the iPad in future to make the most reliable functioning device in the market. This will strengthen the brand equity as well as help in surviving successfully in the competitive global market. The positioning of Apple can be altered according to the market trends, the children and teenagers can be the target for iPad in future (Sana Shah, 2008).

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With the turning point of the American Revolution in the favor of the Americans being the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 and the eventual surrender of British General Cornwallis to George Washington in 1781, the Americans finally earned and gained the freedom they desired from the British. From the beginning when the Articles of Confederation were ratified by all thirteen colonies in 1781 through 1789 when the Constitution was ratified by nine states, the Articles of Confederation provided the United States with an effective government. This experimentation with new government was very new in every sense of the word. New things are not always perfect just as new computer programs may have glitches but as with new computer programs; the Articles of Confederation could have been developed and improved to a stronger government. The Americans did not leave any room for improvement and development for the Articles of Confederation, which contributed to its downfall. Americans were fearful of trying something new and with the Constitution. They were afraid of turning back to a government extremely similar of the British government. As a result the Articles provided an effective government politically, economically, and diplomatically from 1781 to 1789. The political effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation is obvious in that it was written in the spirit of independence from the British government and was, as a result, written as a different government as opposed to the government of the British. The Articles explained that the union of the states as a confederacy, a loose group of independent states. This guaranteed that their new government would not include the politics of the past British government. â€Å"They said States hereby sever... ... the Constitution that it was necessary. Opponents to the new plan, anti-federalists, criticized it most on it creating a strong central government that will be abusive to individual liberty. It wasn’t even until the Bill of Rights was drafted by James Madison that people started to accept the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation may have extended much power to the states, which can be interpreted as a way of separating the states; the unity of the states under the Articles of Confederation should be interpreted as Aristotle observed that â€Å"the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.† The Articles of Confederation never got its fair chance to spread its wings as a government and show the world how high it could actually soar. However, during its term from 1781 to 1781, the Articles of Confederation provided the United States with and effective government.

Who’s in Charge-Jim Davis

Who’s in Charge? The Jim Davis Case Patty Mathew was required to attend the sales training provided by Jim. This training would really help them in increasing sales of bank services as she didn’t have any sales experience or sales knowledge. Selling services is an important part of business. Before that training Patty was more interested in expense account, which she can use for clients rather than on training. She didn’t attend the training and informed that she is sick. The main concern is that is Patty sick or she just gave the reason just to miss the training.It seems that she wanted to miss the training as Allen also told that he faces problem in corporation with the branch managers. Jim needs to inquire about Patty’s health before taking any action against her. If she’s sick he could provide her training individually. In case she’s not sick Jim can take any of the following steps 1) Complaint to Mr. Johnson or with Allen can take action against her but in this case the other managers could also resist helping Jim. 2) To solve the issue peacefully he can discuss the issue’s Patty has regarding the training.Jim can offer Patty expense, which she wanted. Jim could regulate this expense account based on Patty’s performance. Second option is more appropriate as this will solve the issue peacefully and quickly. In case Patty still shows resistance Jim can complaint against Patty. Recommendations Jim has not been so successful in imposing his authorities on other employees. We have already observed that the request of two clerks from Jim for help was impolitely refused by their supervisor.Authority: It is good to be polite but at times he needs to use his powers to show this position. He can use his network with Allen and Mr. Johnson whenever required. Reward: He needs to present the managers how important the sales skills are for them and use rewards system to improve their performance. Social relation: Ji m could also work on his relations with the branch managers like drinks after training and other informal meetings. To gain their trust so that the managers corporate with Jim in application of the sales of services.

Dynamicity in HRD Essay

Introduction One of the vital pre-requisites in the field of human resource management is the development of its members.   Consequently, to be able to meet the complex changes that occur in every organization, human resource development seemingly surfaces through the essence of maintaining the ability of the human resource to perform their duties and obligations in the most competitive mean possible.   Organizational behavior critically stresses the idea that every organization must shape up an efficient managerial style—which includes the human resource department—so as to have a thorough breakdown of work for the pursuance of the organization’s established goals and objectives (Schwab, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conceivably, to be able to get the top notch mark of the member’s designated task or job prescription, one undergoes a series of training to be able to harness the skills and the abilities apt for that certain individual as well as for the person to be able to thoroughly understand the importance of being â€Å"an expert† on the certain job.   Moreover, organizational changes must take place when companies change strategies. However, even the best strategic plans encounter resistance. Any significant transformation creates â€Å"people issues†. To thrive, administration should have a personal indulgence of the human phase—the placement of the company’s culture, values, people, and behaviors—to support the preferred results.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Training is considered as a dynamic that contain value; value is realized only through the continual, combined actions of all employees who are accountable for designing, executing, and existing with the shifting milieu.   Hence, in this certain kind of schema, then it goes to show the perception that no matter how high an individual’s position may be, each member of the organization must be open to change, to allow themselves to be trained and develop for the betterment of the whole group or the company for that instance. Synthesis on the role of HRDs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Human resource developers are perhaps one of the most important key players in an organization.   It is through them that the employees and the prospect workers are being oriented, trained, assessed and evaluated before a certain position is given.   As a matter of fact, they are vested with the authority to control the inevitable shortcomings or other forms of predicaments which normally arise in diverse situations.   Promotion for example, is influenced by the HRD’s advice to the higher authority since that these individuals are concisely those who have carefully studied and analyzed whether an employee deserves to get that position (Wilson, 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Further, human resource developers are required to be in flying colors in public relation skills as well as with human behavior schemas.   Not only does it make the responsibility quite complicated, but it is also one of the main reasons why they need to not only see the â€Å"intellectual† skills of the employees but must also pay high regard on the factors that may have manifested the behavior and the performance of the subjects under study.   As to how HRD is defined: â€Å"..Organized learning activities arranged within an organization in order to improve performance and/or personal growth for the purpose of improving the job, the individual, and/or the organization.† (Wilson, 2002)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With this connotation alone, the role of human resource developers in managing an organization is nevertheless the backbone of the management.   Globalization stresses the need of carefully and intelligently crafted programs designed to set certain provisions on communication, leadership and management skills as a pre-requisite in achieving administrative goals (Hughes & Beatty, 2005).   The complexity of the world of business strategically sets varied requirements which stage the flow of the environment’s dynamicity requiring a higher level of attention for the adaption of organizational changes (Segil, 2002).   Hence it may then be taken to assumption that without the aide of these â€Å"critics† in an organization, growth and development within its members would be crippled down.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The role of the HRD’s specifically include areas of training and development, career development, and organization enhancement which, in essence, adheres with the level of changes that occur in the environment as well as with the society where the organization falls of service.   Training is primarily the focal point of enhancing the skills and abilities of the employee.   Surveys have shown that employees who are inclined with rigor training through the guidance of HRD constituents are most likely to have an outstanding performance in an organization.   This is because through proper training—wherein the employee is able to fully understand, practice and study one’s job description—mistakes have a minute chance for being committed. Key aspects of training in HRD Managers of training and trainers, no matter what their titles, will find in this book all the tools they need for any training challenge (Wilson, 2002).   Training directors and human resources directors, who are in positions with administrative accountability, will find this short and snappy †how to† method, particularly the checklists that have a propensity to make bigger judgment, exceptionally useful. Executives will promptly see the capacity of a variety of aspects of training and be ministered to in decision making about the series of their responsibilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are several ways to perform training, (1) learning and development can be best defined with the quote:   â€Å"If you are not going forwards, you are in fact going backwards;† (2) leadership/management training and development can be done through a series of formal or informal approaches which will help both the trainee and the trainer meet the loop of expectations, (3) setting training and learning at the right level denotes that in every training, there is a corresponding time or duration for each activity or session to be performed, hitherto implying that the activities involved need to be in an order and has to be followed. Not only does the training need to be speculated in the most deliberative context of the schema, (4) it must also give high regard on Training Needs Analysis (TNA) which is characterized as the point of determining what is necessary to complete the work in action; the accessible skill intensity of the staff carrying out the work and the preparation gap—which floats in the final stages of the training. Understanding the root causes of training is an essential advantage in management. Theories of mental models and mind traps help explain why individuals are more likely to maintain previous positions. As individuals, we all build our own mental maps that we use to perceive, contextualize, simplify, and make sense of things happening in front of us. Those formulated mental maps can trick us into mental traps from thinking objectively, logically or rationally. They also hinder us from accepting differences. Changing mental maps causes discomfort or pain. The greater the pain and the experience, the greater the training will be. Conclusions and further remarks   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The necessity of training in an organization is consequently a factor which presumably exists even in the medieval ages and is carried along in the contemporary society.   The difference between the past and the present would only fall on the streamline of â€Å"intellectual capacity† hence taking the training methods which are implemented nowadays are aimed towards the composition of technical and conceptual skills—all of which tantamount to a conclusion that for a person to be able to develop, one must consistently train his or her self so as not to be left behind and be competent enough for society’s constant changes (Watson & Noble, 2005). References Hughes, R. L., & Beatty, K. M. (2005). Becoming a Strategic Leader: Your Role in Your Organization’s Enduring Success (Lst Ed ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Schwab, D. P. (2004). Research Methods for Organizational Studies (Second ed.). New York: Lawrence Erlbaum. Segil, L. (2002). Dynamic Leader Adaptive Organization: Ten Essential Traits for Managers (1 ed.). Toronto: Wiley. Watson, T., & Noble, P. (2005). Evaluating Public Relations: A Best Practice Guide to Public Relations Planning, Research & Evaluation. London, United Kingdom: Kogan Page. Wilson, J. P. (2002). Human Resource Development: Learning and Training for Individuals and Organizations (Second ed.). London: Kogan Page.