Customer Value Essay Example for Free

Customer Value Essay Customer Value can be explained in simple terms by knowing the difference between what the customer gets from the product/service and what he or she has to exchange in order to get it (may be money). It is very important for any company in the market to understand this difference; if failed to do so, this can be one of the biggest reasons for the product/service failure in the market. According to many researchers, in this ever growing world of technology and social media the organization’s inability of establishing unique and convincing value to their products/services is the main reason for its failure. Keeping its importance in mind, many companies tries to understand what is their customer valuing. However, this can also be one of the most difficult things to understand. There are many factors causing it to be difficult for the marketers overcome this issue. However, for this task we will focus 3 main aspects. Firstly, every customer values different product/service differently. It might be situational or might be only for a definite period of time. Secondly, the market itself! Technology and economic nature change the pace of the global market. With the competition aggressive as never seen before, it is important for the marketers to change their strategies with the ever changing market. Thirdly, some internal factors which make it difficult for organization to bring in customer value. Gist of Customer Value No one has made it clearer of this word â€Å"Customer Value† concisely than Lamb et al. (2008, 2009) who wrote, â€Å"Customer Value is the relationship between benefits and the sacrifice necessary to obtain those benefits. Which means – if a product is of very good quality and is only obtained by paying a very high price will not be considered as of value by the customers, just like a low quality product which can be purchased for cheap price; but a value of a product is only seen by a customer when the quality of the product meets their expectation at an affordable price. Let’s take an example of coffee; some people love to drink coffee at Starbucks which may cost $10 and some people like to drink coffee from a local coffee shop which may only cost $4. Now, people who drinks coffee at Starbucks expects them to use premium offee beans (Arabica) which tastes better and so are willing to pay $10 which worth (value) for Starbucks customers. On the same note, people who drink coffee at local coffee shop might just need to satisfy their caffeine addiction and they feel that it is worth for the price they pay. According to Butz and Goodstein (1996), a customer value is the emotional bond between the customer and the company (service/product provider) developed by means of the used service/product. The emotional bond is only developed when the service/product meets the customer’s expectation. Different researchers have defined â€Å"customer value† in different ways but it all revolves around words like â€Å"benefits†, â€Å"satisfaction†, â€Å"expectation† and â€Å"worth†. If a company who wants to understand â€Å"customer value† for their product/service they need to understand more about these words with respect to their customers. But it is not as easy as it seems. Perhaps, even in dictionaries it’s difficult to find synonyms for these words because these words depend on situations. Challenges for marketers For companies to operationalize â€Å"customer value† in marketing their product can only be done by learning their â€Å"customers† and â€Å"market†. These terms can be very challenging to learn or to understand because of its diverse nature. * Customer’s change is inevitable Customer’s needs or wants can be situational. Different customers can seek same products/service for variety of needs. Vodaphone has a pre-paid mobile plan that allows customers to make international calls at a cheaper rate and also allows making free calls to local Vodaphone customers. As an international student I choose this plan to make international calls at a cheaper rate but my friend who is a local chooses the same plan because most of his friends are Vodaphone users. Further to this, a customer’s needs may change with change in their circumstances. Just like, if I secure a part-time job which gets me constant income, I will consider changing my mobile plan to post-paid service which has more offers. Customer’s needs are dynamic and can change over time. We humans have different needs at different age. Products brought by a person from a shopping mall will be different when he was single and when he gets married and more so when he’s a father. (Don Peppers Martha Rogers, 2010) It is difficult to predict or to foresee these changes in the same customer with the change in situation. At every point of time, customers are trying to actually achieve their needs for that point of time (Hultink and Atuahene-Gima, 2000). There is no single system to understand or to foresee customer’s need and to categorize them. Marketers should learn their customer’s needs beforehand to make their product valuable to their customers. To achieve this, organizations needs look at their products/services through customer’s point of view (Don Peppers Martha Rogers, 2010). As the changes in customer’s situation can be quiet fast, organizations needs to be quick in changing their strategies and innovations to meet their ever changing customers. Technological drawbacks Climbing the technological ladder too quick might pull down the organizations efforts in boosting customer’s value for a service/product. An excellent customer service is very important to maintain or to boost the value of the product/service with regards to customers. Traditional human to human interactions have been replaced by human to machine interactions by the help of technology. These changes force customers to embrace self-service technologies which can create discomfort among some low-tech savvy customers (Parasuraman, 2000). There may be customers with limited knowledge in technology or may not be willing accept the technological introduction (Walker, Lees, Hecker and Francis, 2002). Almost everyone has experienced this scenario when they call a customer service center of telecommunication provider. The call keeps bouncing to different automated machines and still our problems are not solved until we speak to a customer service executive. Similarly, online banking system with tight security measures some people still prefer to visit banks personally for some services. This is because either the customers are not willing trust these technological services or lack of knowledge to use these services. Secondly, Internet world made it easier for customers to compare the quality, product/service details, and cost of same/similar product from different companies (Bakos, 1997 Lynch Ariely, 2000). Customers can comfortable get information about the various products using internet at home without physically going to the market (J. Nielsen, 2000). This increases the competition exponentially and any company is vulnerable to this situation if they do not keep up with the hanging market trends. Companies have to constantly indulge in innovation that meets their customer’s expectation and introduce strategies to keep the customers excited about their current and upcoming product. Even a speculation of an upcoming product of the competitors can adversely affect the company’s current product in the market. Like the speculation of Samsung III (latest mobile phone) with more and better specifications tremendously reduced the sales of iphone 4s current product, even to a point that the recently released iphone 5 didn’t reach its expected sales mark. Barriers within Organizations Every organization has its own culture and employees working will be very comfortable with those culture. This culture may not be aligned with the ever changing customer’s expectations and needs. Using their own employees, organization tries to understand their customer’s needs by merely guessing it. By doing so, organizations come up with customer’s needs through employee’s perspective (or sales point of view) and not customer’s perspective. Now this â€Å"guessed† customer’s needs might be exactly opposite to what the organizations actual customer’s needs. This creates a difference between the customer value and service/product offered, which in turn results in unsatisfied customers (Woodruff, 1997). Example, Kodak Company was reluctant to change with the change in the market and customer’s needs. Customers were finding it easier to use a digital camera over a film based camera. However, Kodak Company expected its customers to use film based cameras which are not user friendly. This gradually resulted in Kodak losing its customer base to its competitors those who embraced to this change in era. Now even if the organization decides to move towards the customer’s needs by proper findings and learning their customers. It depends on managers to implement these finding in marketing their product and also in future products. Managers might be too busy with their normal duties to implement the learning on customer value. Thus the adapting to change becomes a problem when it is not in line with the introduction of new information on market change and their customers. This can also happen when the organization is reluctant to continuously train their employees on the market and customer variations. Conclusion:  There are many other factors such as market variations, globalization, wide variations in customer’s psychology, brand image etc. that makes it challenging for a marketer to show value to customers in their products/services. Theodore Leavitt of the Harvard Business School explained this idea by saying that â€Å"The customer is not interested in a quarter-inch drill. Rather the customer is interested in a quarter-inch hole†. By understanding the results preferred by the customer, an organization can invest its marketing and innovation in the right direction for the customers to achieve their desired results.

Project Construction Management Plan

Project Construction Management Plan Dear VU Pty. Ltd., RE: Construction Management Services I refer to your advertisement regarding the delivery of construction management services, as tendered online on 8th March 2017 and thus desire to express our interest in executing the expected objectives of the project. Best builders and management services had been established in the year 2005 and for the past 12 years, we have been basically engaged in managing and delivering projects. Our familiarity with your preferences and objectives is totally unparalleled thus making Best builders and management services team an immediate asset to the VU Development complex project. The experience, expertise and competency of Best builders and management services will indefinitely ensure a successful project termination which will undoubtedly be executed within the prescribed budget and time period. Below mentioned are our prime strengths that perfectly favor your proposed project: Sound knowledge and strong track record of planning, initiating and executing projects within the prescribed budget and time Diverse experience in the development of high rise buildings The same project team has been working on similar kind of projects since the establishment of Best builders and management services Team coordination and mutual understanding of individual roles and responsibilities in delivering a successful project We as a team are pretty confident that the quality of our experienced professional staff will indefinitely lead to VU development complex project a success. And hence, we all are excited about the opportunity to work with your organization for the execution of this project. I thus look forward to discuss this with you further. Yours sincerely, Glenn Maxwell Project Director Best Builders and management services 1. Introduction of our firm Best Builders management services is privately owned professional firm providing design, construction and management services. The firm was established in 2002 in Melbourne CBD with a view to take after the most elevated proficient norms. Regardless of whether a venture is expansive or little the experts at BBMS work with the steadiness and responsibility to fulfill customer needs with the mix of involvement, expert aptitudes and the innovative use of ideas. Our operation started in 2005 with the motivation behind giving assortment of services on request of its first significant client. We have been included in outline and development of numerous medium ascend and elevated structures in Melbourne. With more than 25 profoundly devoted lasting staffs and different partners give an incorporated way to deal with multidisciplinary designing and construction projects. 1.1 Capability BBMS has a reputation of over 12 years in the field of building design, construction and management services for local and worldwide projects. We have offices and extensive building assets and experience to give point by point designing outline, development and consultancy administrations for compositional, basic, electrical, mechanical and sterile designing plan. Our dedication and diligent work to rehearse imaginative strategies has helped BBMS to set new guidelines and values. We have highly qualified groups of designers, engineers, construction teams, project and risk managers. At BBMS the hard-working attitude is alive. The experts drew in here are completely devoted to give the absolute best yield at least conceivable cost. Best builders and management services has undertaken many large scale and challenging projects in the past years which gives us the confidence to undertake your proposed project. Relevant services, Best builders and management services has been involved with: 1.2 Past successful projects Assignment name: Construction of 35 Spring street Country: Australia Location: Melbourne Address: 35 Springs Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Professional Staff Provided: Architects, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Sanitary Engineers and HVAC Engineers Number of staff: 17 Client: Colliers International Start Date: March 2014 Finish Date: February 2017 Duration: 35 months Name of Senior Staff: Romil Team Leader / Civil engineer, Construction manager (28 years industry experience) Shreysha Head of Architecture (25 years industry experience) Vani Sanitary Coordinator (23 years industry experience) Simar HVAC Designer (20 years industry experience) Estefania Senior Structural Engineer, Construction manager (24 years industry experience) Jack Senior Electrical Engineer (20 years industry experience) Description of Project: The project is the construction of the 35 Spring street apartment building. The Complex is 45 stories high (166m), with a construction budget of $350,000,000 with a 35 month build time Assignment name: The construction of Vision Apartments Country: Australia Location: Melbourne Address: 500 Elizabeth street Melbourne VIC 3000 Professional Staff Provided: Architects, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Sanitary Engineers and HVAC Engineers Number of staff: 25 Client: Visions Apartments Start Date: September 2010 Finish Date: December 2013 Duration: 39 Months Name of Senior Staff: Romil Team Leader / Civil engineer, Construction manager (28 years industry experience) Shreysha Head of Architecture (25 years industry experience) Vani Sanitary Coordinator (23 years industry experience) Simar HVAC Designer (20 years industry experience) Estefania Senior Structural Engineer, Construction manager (24 years industry experience) Jack Senior Electrical Engineer (20 years industry experience) Description of Project: The project is the construction of the Visions Apartments complex in Melbourne. The structure is 69 stories high (223m) and has a construction budget of $500,000,000 with a construction time of 39 months Assignment name: Construction of Optus Centre Melbourne Country: Australia Location: Melbourne Address:367 Collins street Melbourne VIC 3000 Professional Staff Provided:Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Sanitary Engineers and HVAC Engineers Number of staff: 14 Client: Optus Start Date: April 2011 Finish Date:September 2013 Duration: 30 Months Name of Senior Staff: Romil Team Leader / Civil engineer, Construction manager (28 years industry experience) Shreysha Head of Architecture (25 years industry experience) Vani Sanitary Coordinator (23 years industry experience) Simar HVAC Designer (20 years industry experience) Estefania Senior Structural Engineer, Construction manager (24 years industry experience) Jack Senior Electrical Engineer (20 years industry experience) Description of Project: This project consists of the construction of the Optus centre in Melbourne. The structure is 34 stories and has a budget of $300,000,000 with a construction time of 30 months. Assignment name: Construction of The International Tower 1, NSW, Sydney Country: Australia Location: New South Wales Address: 200, Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney NSW 200 Professional Staff Provided: Architects, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Sanitary Engineers and HVAC Engineers Number of staff: 13 Client: ITS development Start Date: 2016 Finish Date: 2012 Duration: 40 months Name of Senior Staff: Romil Team Leader / Civil engineer, Construction manager (28 years industry experience) Shreysha Head of Architecture (25 years industry experience) Vani Sanitary Coordinator (23 years industry experience) Simar HVAC Designer (20 years industry experience) Estefania Senior Structural Engineer, Construction manager (24 years industry experience) Jack Senior Electrical Engineer (20 years industry experience) Description of Project: The project is the construction of the International Tower 01 office and residential building. The Complex is 49 stories high (712f), with a construction budget of $49,000,000 with a 40 month build time Assignment name: Construction of Freshwater place North Melbourne Country: Australia Location: Melbourne Address:1 Queens Bridge Square Melbourne VIC 3000 Professional Staff Provided: Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Sanitary Engineers and HVAC Engineers Number of staff: 16 Client: Freshwater Place apartments Start Date: 2002 Finish Date: 2005 Duration: 36 Months Name of Senior Staff: Romil Team Leader / Civil engineer, Construction manager (28 years industry experience) Shreysha Head of Architecture (25 years industry experience) Vani Sanitary Coordinator (23 years industry experience) Simar HVAC Designer (20 years industry experience) Estefania Senior Structural Engineer, Construction manager (24 years industry experience) Jack Senior Electrical Engineer (20 years industry experience) Description of Project: This project consists of the construction of the Freshwater Place apartments in North Melbourne. The structure is 63 (673f) stories and has a budget of $295,000,000 with a construction time of 38 months. 1.3 Project objectives Deliver a successful and profitable project Prepare complete design for the proposed construction work Prepare cost estimate and review the viability and feasibility of these works in terms of cost, time and quality Carry out complete construction supervision during construction stage Ensure that the work is carried out in a timely manner Ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with the conditions of the contract Ensure that the cost of construction is controlled without exceeding the allocated budget Prepare monthly reports regarding the progress of the works and the conditions of site, investigate the obstacles and recommend practical remedies. 2. Project description: The proposed VU development complex is to be constructed in the CBD area of Melbourne. The site is located at 364 and 372 Lt Lonsdale St. Currently, both sites (364 and 372 Lt Lonsdale St) are occupied with single and double storied vacant buildings made up of bricks. The site of the proposed building is bounded by roads and properties on four sides. A road runs between existing site marking the boundary for 364 and 372 Lt Lonsdale St on the eastern and western side respectively. The shape of the site is regular and the area is about approx. 1935 m2 including the dividing roads. 32 storied complex has been proposed on the site for office use. The conceptual design consists of 4 basements for parking and numbers of plant rooms required for the complex. Ground floor is designed for retail purpose. The street level floors will be fully landscaped and will have limited area of retail and entertainment areas. The cost of the building is estimated to be around $120 million including financial charges and cost escalation. The total development period is 30 months including three phases (design, permits and construction). ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES TO BE ADOPTED WHILE EXECUTION Construction management plan Construction supervision and management aims at the accomplishment of the construction as per the contract agreement. Construction work can be imagined to be having two parts, namely manpower and material mobilization It basically consists in the provision of a competent team of supervisors who can for see the requirement of a particular quantity of the material and manpower in the different stages of the works The list of jobs to be done are as follows Quality assurance and timely performance of the works Check and approve time and construction schedule, drawings, data and samples submitted by contractor Maintains accounts of construction Inform the management at a specific period on the status of the project in terms of cost, time and performance (daily reports, monthly progress report, site meetings report and final reports). Preparation of project completion report Project handover Final acceptance certificate Quality assurance procedures We have proposed a team of experts with highest professional skills in order to maintain the quality works of the project. The design and drawings will be carried out as per the relevant codes. Final drawings of design and detailing will be freeze prior to the initiation of the construction phase. Preparation of cost estimate, bill of quantity and specifications will be done by experienced professional and will further be checked by senior personnel. Specification will specify the constructions methodology and details of materials to be used in the project to avoid low quality materials and poor workmanship. Risk management plan In the construction industry, every project is prone to some risks that affects the work progress. In order to avoid its impact, risk should be identified and manage beforehand to achieve the project objectives in terms of cost, time and quality. Our company has gained experience in mitigating the risks and delivering the past projects successfully. For VU development complex we will identify, analyze, evaluate and prepare a mitigation plan according to the standards (IEC/ISO 31000:2009). Communication management plan To carry out the project in an effective manner a proper system of information will be developed to avoid miscommunication between Client and the consultants. It will keep the parties up-to-date regarding the work progress. In order to complete the proposed project successfully within the stipulate time frame, extensive interaction will be carried out with the client. Health and safety plans Management is determined to implement safety in all activities on site and action to eliminate risks related with health and welfare of the stakeholders. We will provide a safe working environment, facilities for the welfare of workers, information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure the safety of workers from injury and health risks We will improve our performance through effective safety management Each worker has to follow safe work practice to avoid injury to themselves, others as well as plants and equipment. FEES PROPOSAL: Project Managers And other Personnel Fee per hour Rate per year Total Fees Personnel Assignment % Construction Manager $179 $483K $1.2M 18% Project Director $140 $378K $945K 14% Structural engineer $120 $324K $810K 12% Sanitary coordinator $111 $299K $747K 11% HVAC designer $103 $278k $695K 11% Senior civil engineer $118 $318K $795K 12% Senior electrical engineer $109 $294k $735K 11% External consultants x 4 $100 $270k $675K 10% Total Fee Proposal $6.6M 100% Deliverable Acceptance Criteria Project definition and detailed schedule Our definition of the project must align with customers task brief Permits to be approved (VIC government, Melbourne city council, traffic management, demolition, environmental) All permits are approved Cost model estimates for hired labour All costs have been assessed and approved Risk management evaluation All risks have been assessed and a risk management plan has been commissioned Procurement costs (Steel, hardware etc.) All costs have been assessed and approved Consultation with stakeholders who may affect the project All concerns of the stakeholders have been addressed before the project begins Project management plan (PMP) The PMP must describe what the project will do, as well as how and when it will be done Status reporting The status of the project is compared to planned deadlines Execution phase Each construction period is executed and signed off Project closure Once the project has been successfully completed DELIVERABLES: Appendices Roles and Responsibilities Designation Responsibilities Chief Operating Officer-CEO Executing BBMSs vision and mission Working with investors and sponsors Quality Assurance / Quality Control Division Stating quality control procedures Supervising quality inspections General Manager-GM Handling projects at the state level Supervision of Construction Managers on different projects Account and Finance Department Managing all Financial aspects Audits Implementing cost control Prepare financial reports Safety Committee Analysing and Implementing safety on sites Define safety procedures Safety training Construction Manager- CM Accountable for all field activities Supervising overall project Outlining construction methods Procurement Manager Preparation of all contractual documents Administration and control of contracts Project Manager- PM Project planning, monitoring and controlling Collaborate with client representative for any changes in action plan Managing activities with time, cost and quality constraints Curriculum vitae ESTEFANIA VELASQUEZ GONZALEZ Civil Engineer Best Builders and Management Services L18, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 www.bbms.com.au Education Victoria University-Master of Project Management 2003 Victoria University University-Bachelor of Civil Engineering 1997 Recent Projects Senior Structural Engineer, Construction manager 35 Spring St Building (2014-2017) Melbourne, Australia The International Tower 1 (2012-2016) Sydney, Australia Vision Apartments (2010-2013) Melbourne, Australia Optus Centre (2011-2013) Melbourne, Australia Fresh Water Place (2002-2005) Melbourne, Australia SIMARJOT SINGH Mechanical Engineer Best Builders and Management Services L18, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 www.bbms.com.au Education Victoria University-Master of Project Management 2003 Victoria University-Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering 2000 Recent Project HVAC Designer 35 Spring St Building (2014-2017) Melbourne, Australia The International Tower 1 (2012-2016) Sydney, Australia Vision Apartments (2010-2013) Melbourne, Australia Optus Centre (2011-2013) Melbourne, Australia Fresh Water Place (2002-2005) Melbourne, Australia KALEIVANI GOVINDA GOUNDEN Electrical Engineer Best Builders and Management Services L18, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 www.bbms.com.au Education RMIT University-Master of Project Management 2002 Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Automation 1999 Recent Project Sanitary Coordinator 35 Spring St Building (2014-2017) Melbourne, Australia The International Tower 1 (2012-2016) Sydney, Australia Vision Apartments (2010-2013) Melbourne, Australia Optus Centre (2011-2013) Melbourne, Australia Fresh Water Place (2002-2005) Melbourne, Australia ROMIL MISTRY Civil Engineer Best Builders and Management Services L18, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 www.bbms.com.au Education Victoria University-Master of Construction Management 2002 Victoria University University-Bachelor of Civil Engineering 1996 Recent Project Civil engineer, Construction manager 35 Spring St Building (2014-2017) Melbourne, Australia The International Tower 1 (2012-2016) Sydney, Australia Vision Apartments (2010-2013) Melbourne, Australia Optus Centre (2011-2013) Melbourne, Australia Fresh Water Place (2002-2005) Melbourne, Australia SHREYSHA SHRESTHA Architect Best Builders and Management Services L18, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 www.bbms.com.au Education Victoria University-Master of Project Management-2003 Bachelor of Architecture-2000 Recent Project Head of Architecture 35 Spring St Building (2014-2017) Melbourne, Australia The International Tower 1 (2012-2016) Sydney, Australia Vision Apartments (2010-2013) Melbourne, Australia Optus Centre (2011-2013) Melbourne, Australia Fresh Water Place (2002-2005) Melbourne, Australia JACK FRANCIS HICKEY Electrical Engineer Best Builders and Management Services L18, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 www.bbms.com.au Education Victoria University-Master of Construction Management 2003 Victoria University-Bachelor of Electrical Engineer 2000 Recent Project Senior Electrical Engineer 35 Spring St Building (2014-2017) Melbourne, Australia The International Tower 1 (2012-2016) Sydney, Australia Vision Apartments (2010-2013) Melbourne, Australia Optus Centre (2011-2013) Melbourne, Australia Fresh Water Place (2002-2005) Melbourne, Australia

Views on Computationalism: Clark vs. Searle :: essays research papers

Views on Computationalism: Clark vs. Searle Computationalism: the view that computation, an abstract notion of materialism lacking semantics and real-world interaction, offers an explanatory basis for human comprehension. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss and compare different views regarding computationalism, and the arguments associated with these views. The two main arguments I feel are the strongest are proposed by Andy Clark, in â€Å"Mindware: Meat Machines†, and John Searle in â€Å"Minds, Brains, and Programs.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Andy Clark strongly argues for the theory that computers have the potential for being intelligent beings in his work â€Å"Mindware: Meat Machines.† The support Clark uses to defend his claims states the similar comparison of humans and machines using an array of symbols to perform functions. The main argument of his work can be interpreted as follows: p1. The brain is constructed like a computer, since both contain parts which enable them to function. p2. The brain, like a computer, uses symbols to make calculations and perform functions. p3. The brain contains mindware similarly as a computer contains software. c. Therefore, computers are capable of being intelligent beings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I find, however, that Clark’s conclusion is false, and that the following considerations provide a convincing argument for the premises leading to this conclusion, starting with premise one: â€Å"the brain is constructed like a computer, since both contain parts which enable them to function.† This statement is plausible, yet questionable. Yes, the mind contains tissue, veins, and nerves etc. which enable it to function, the same way that a computer contains wires, chips, and gigabytes etc. which it needs to function. However, can it be possible to compare the two when humans devised these parts and the computer itself so that it can function? If both â€Å"machines†, as Clark believes, were constructed by the same being this comparison might be more credible. Clark might argue that humans were made just as computers were made so therefore it could be appropriate to categorize them together. I feel that this response would fail because it is uncertain where exactly humans were made and how, unless one relies on faith, whereas computers are constructed by humans in warehouses or factories.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My second argument against Clark’s claims applies to premise two: â€Å"the brain, like a computer, uses symbols to make calculations and perform functions.† Before I state what I find is wrong with this claim, I should explain the example Clark uses to support this premise, which is from the work of Jerry Fodor:

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Jeff Leone The Colorado River â€Å"Don’t waste that water! Kids in Africa don’t even have water to drink!† Almost every American has heard this saying before. We have heard this because there are water shortages in third world countries like Africa, as seen in the movie â€Å"Blue Gold†. But why have we developed this notion that there are only water shortages in third world countries? When in reality, there is a shortage of water right here in our home country. The Colorado River’s water is high in demand as it serves millions of people, powers industries, and is home to all different kinds of wildlife. The Colorado River will not be able to keep up with the increasing demand of water and soon enough the river will go dry. Organizations like the Colorado River Water Users Association are trying to change the way that the water is used and adjust how it is managed. The Colorado River is drying up and the western states are running out of water, however, public policy is trying to regulate and preserve the Colorado River to make it more sustainable in the future. The Colorado River, which has so many uses and serves so many, is running out of water. The river delivers water and power to nearly 30 million people who live in the basin states. (River Uses) That includes people who live in Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, California, Wyoming and Mexico. In addition, the river is crucial to the economy because â€Å"throughout the seven basin states, the Colorado River provides water for people and for business and industry - creating jobs for millions, jobs that contribute to local economies and billions of dollars to the nation.† (River Uses) The river is also important as it provides irrigation to about 1.4 million acres of land for fa... ...ld 17.5 million acre-feet (5.7 trillion gallons) of water. However†¦ The river now averages about 14.7 million acre-feet per year† (National geographic) In addition, the water level of the rivers two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, have dropped over the past couple of years. (National Geographic) One of the biggest signs that the river is struggling is that it discharges little to no water to the sea for months at a time. (National Geographic) The Colorado River is on a path that will take it to its end. The river is running out of water and cannot keep up with the high demand. New technology and growing industries require more water and more power. Organizations are attempting to solve the problem through public policy but the task may prove too large. Humans have changed the coarse of nature and it is up to us to come together and fight for change.

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To what extent did the Carter Doctrine impact 9/11? This investigation evaluates the Carter Doctrine and the impact it had on 9/11. In order to successfully investigate the Carter Doctrine and its impact, one would have to evaluate its role in events leading to the tragedy of 9/11. The Carter Doctrine will be analyzed from the different perspectives such as different countries in the Middle East specifically the countries the terrorists of 9/11 were from. Those terrorists and those they worked will be analyzed for their philosophies on the US’s participation in the Persian Gulf. However, this particular investigation will not investigate the different forms of government of the Persian Gulf and the US. Summary of Evidence †¢ The Carter Doctrine was first introduced during the State of Union Address January 1980 by President Jimmy Carter. †¢ This doctrine stated that the US would use military force when deemed necessary to protect its interest in the Persian Gulf. †¢ President Carter turned his attention to the Middle East after all the political issues and conflicts with countries such as the Soviet Union and Vietnam. †¢ When President Jimmy Carter said, â€Å"an attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States,† to be â€Å"repelled by any means necessary,† his intention was to caution the Kremlin against any thoughts about declaring Soviet territory over the world’s energy heartland. †¢ The various interpretations of the Carter Doctrine made by Presidents are a key factor in its multiple consequences. †¢ To help implement his doctrine, President Carter formed the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force and launched a chain of U.S. basing arrang... ... the natural resources of the region was successful. However, this success came with its own consequences. The process of securing the states’ interest was complicated. As the Carter Doctrine was used to justify the actions of the United States in the region, the residents of the region were not okay with this. The level of detest grew, and actions began to take place that hinted at the United States need to bring to a halt the influence they had on the region. Groups began to form and the mission of Al-Qaeda began. The influence and the constant policies the United States had in the Middle East resulted in hatred. The attack of 9/11 is clearly a consequence of the Carter Doctrine, and there is no way around it. Isolationism ended, and the Carter Doctrine was written to justify all actions done in the Persian Gulf leading to opposition and the tragic event of 9/11.

Americas Cuban Conundrum

MARKETING 505 Assignment #2: Case 5-1 â€Å"America's Cuban Conundrum† ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the key issue that prompted the EU to take the Helms-Burton dispute to the WTO. It will decide who benefits and who suffers from an embargo of this type and it explains the rationale behind the conclusion. It also presents a resolution to the trade situation between the U. S. and Cuba. Finally given the trade relations it determines what type of economic barriers would have to be overcome by a U. S. firm to conduct business successfully in Cuba. Assignment #2: Case 5-1 â€Å"America's Cuban Conundrum† In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, also known as the Helms-Burton Act. The President’s actions came after Cuban MiGs shot down two U. S. civilian airplanes, killing the four Cuban-American who were on board. † (Green & Keegan, 2011) The Helms-Burton freezes the embargo against trade with and investment with Cu ba. It is a controversial act since it arouses a lot of negative attention on how the U. S. government is manipulating its power to impose its political views on other countries’ economies.The key issue -that prompted the EU to take the Helms-Burton dispute to the WTO -was mainly because they felt that it violated international rules dealing with trade. The EU had a dispute with the U. S. regarding testing agriculture, trade and investments and biotechnology issues which was brought to the attention of the WTO. It felt as if the United States was unlawfully exercising its jurisdiction extraterritorially, in that it was threatening to punish lawful activity such as trade, investment, and tourism carried out by the residents of independent countries. It is no exaggeration to say that U. S. olicy toward Cuba is now rejected and sharply criticized by the rest of the world. Other nations point out, moreover, that while America insists on maintaining its embargo and other pressures against Cuba because of the latter's human rights abuses, the fact is that Washington has close relations with–and extends Most Favored Nation treatment to–the People's Republic of China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and other states that are no more democratic than Cuba and have far worse human rights records, arguing that engagement, trade, and dialogue will do more to bring change in those countries than isolation. (Smith, 1998)It is obvious that the embargo affects a great number of people. To be all fair and neutral it would be necessary to highlight that to a certain extent, both countries are suffering and their benefits are minimal from this embargo. If it was to cease and somehow both countries came to an agreement and decided to put it all in the past and start from fresh, they would both benefit greatly. Production would increase and the producers on both countries would prosper. Cuban resources would be available to the U. S. Market and American producers would imp ort cost effective products that are not available in Cuba.An increase in capital from investors would make the economy run and prosper. A resolution to the trade situation between U. S. and Cuba represent the lifting of abolishment of the embargo. Castro’s regime and that of his successor, his brother Raul, have always talked a good anti-embargo but have not made the least effort to walk the talk, since this embargo may constitute the real reason of their continued hold on power since it gives an â€Å"antagonist† to the Cuban people, to the Cuban progress and it gives them an enemy to blame for the failure of Castro’s socialist revolution.In the U. S. there has been a lot of talk as well. President Obama was in favor of lifting of the embargo in 2004, ever since his views and actions changed, however he continued on implementing new policies that are in favor of establishing some type of relationship with the Cuban community. In 2004 President Obama who was th en a senator said: â€Å"I think it’s time for us to end the embargo in Cuba,† the then-Senate candidate said. And I think that we have to end it because if you think about what’s happening internationally our planet is shrinking, and our biggest foreign policy challenge — and it fits directly into the battle on terrorism and it fits into issues of trade and our economy — is how we make sure that other countries, in developing nations, are providing sustenance for their people, human rights for their people, a basic structure of government for their people that it’s stable and secure so that they can be part in a brighter future for the entire planet. And the Cuban embargo has failed to provide the source of raising standards of living and it has squeezed the innocents in Cuba,† Mr. Obama continued, â€Å"and utterly failed in the effort to overthrow Castro, who’s now have been there since I was born. So, it’s time for u s to acknowledge that that particular policy has failed. † (Speigel, 2009) But in 2008 he declared the opposite: â€Å"I will maintain the embargo,† Mr.Obama said in a speech in Miami on May 23, 2008. â€Å"It provides us with the leverage to present the regime with a clear choice: if you take significant steps toward democracy, beginning with the freeing of all political prisoners, we will take steps to begin normalizing relations. That’s the way to bring about real change in Cuba – through strong, smart and principled diplomacy. † (Speigel, 2009) For change to come about, a major event will have to take place.This situation seems like a non-negotiable on both sides where for the past 50 years they have agreed on disagreeing which isn’t the way to change the lives of all those people suffering and all those people that in one way or another are being affected negatively. In the unexpected event that trade relations resume between the U. S. a nd Cuba, some of economic barriers that would have to be overcome by a U. S. firm to conduct business successfully in Cuba. Firms will always be alert to any risk or uncertainty that can bring about the loss of assets or revenue due to unstable legal processes or corruption.Seizure of Assets for example: â€Å"The ultimate threat a government action to dispossess a foreign company or investor. † (Green & Keegan, 2011. ) Nationalization, expropriation are eminent threats in country with a dictatorship such as Raoul Castro and Fidel Castro. There would have to be some specific amendments to the international law which will pretty much guarantee to the firms and investors, any assets invested in the Cuban Market. Firms and Investors would have to take extra steps in order to protect their selves and clearly recognize the levels of juridical power for Cuba and for the U. S. s well as proactively protect against corruption and piracy which could be a primary issue in Cuba, with a strong intellectual property protection strategy. Any and all can be done once the embargo is lifted, but this would be the first step to greater changes and reforms, without it everything is only assumptions. This paper analyzed the key issue that prompted the EU to take the Helms-Burton dispute to the WTO. It decided who benefits and who suffers from an embargo of this type and it explained the rationale behind the conclusion. It also presents a resolution to the trade situation between the U.S. and Cuba. Finally it has determined what type of economic barriers would have to be overcome by a U. S. firm to conduct business successfully in Cuba. Work Cited Green, M. , & Keegan, W. (2011). Global marketing. (6 ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NY: Prentice Hall. Speigel, L. (2009, April 17). Presiden obama-who once supported, but no opposes, lifting the embargo-seeks â€Å"new beginning† with cuba. Retrieved from http://abcnews. go. com/blogs/politics/2009/04/president-ob-19/ Smith, W. (1998). Our dysfunctional cuban embargo.. (Vol. 42).

Australian Export Opportunities to South Korea

Australian Export Opportunities to South Korea Hasting Helical Francesca Carolina Moorage Ash Jane Decorum Cindy Guan Sophia Alai Introduction Where once, the South Korean society solely relied on the produce of their country as a source of goods, they are slowly turning towards imports from other nations, such as Australia for their goods and services. Australia is renowned for their agricultural excellence, and hence has become a major exporter of foods to South Korea. In this essay, discussions about how South Korean culture may influence the nature and the sessions made in regards to food consumption.Additionally, the theories of family and social influence of Australia and South Korea will be applied, with an aim to reveal possible opportunities for the South Korean food industry to further improve its standings in South Korea. Family Family is one of the most important aspects in life for South Koreans. The Korean community is well-known for their large and tight knit families, with an average of 2. 97 persons per household, in comparison to an Organization for Economic Co- operation and Development (COED) average of 2. 63 in 2009 (COED, 2010). This is nearly due to the high level of multinationals families in Korea.Many Koreans regard the well-being of the family, as a whole, more important than that of individual members (ANTA, 2013). Food is also a predominant feature in the Korean culture; they often gather around for extravagant feasts with family and friends, especially on occasions such as New Years and Christmas. Therefore providing food to the family of the best quality is a high priority need. Traditionally, men of the South Korean society are the breadwinners of the family, while women tend to stay at home and take care of family matters. The female employment rate in Korea, at 52. %, in 2009 was below the COED average of 59. 6% (COED, 2010), therefore reflecting the homemaker role that women play in the family. In the eyes of the developed cou ntries club (COED), South Korea is considered a arbitration, and despite the public policies that still uphold the patriarchal family system, the sex ratio (number of boys per 100 girls) has been remarkably decreasing in the last two decades. It seems that the drop in son preference was triggered by normative changes in the society, in comparison to individuals whose socioeconomic resistances had changed (Chunk & Guppy, 2007).Therefore, a potential target market for women arises. At this rate, there is a strong possibility that more women in the South Korean society. Gender takes the centre stage of numerous brand narratives. Researchers conducted in Australia and New Zealand show that the female partner/wife is generally involved in the decision making process (Coffman et al, 2010). Keeping young singles/ married couples in perspective, marketers who used to target men are now targeting women through meaner of educating them about the importance of eating healthy, ND family well-be ing.For example, introduction of diet Pepsi or diet coke, was made to attract men towards diet soda, so that they could monitor their calorie intake. But this claimed to be unsuccessful. To the contrary, when women were targeted towards consuming lower calorie drinks like Dry. Pepper Ten, Pepsi Max, Coke Zero, etc. , it was observed that women were the major consumers, and they religiously rejected the notion that â€Å"diet cola [was] for men† and that â€Å"it's not for women. (Avery, 2012) Social Influence Social influence marketing is composed of a combination of the use of social media ND the day-to-day interactions consumers go through which may impact purchase decisions made by buyers (Murray, 1991). Social media plays a large role in influencing consumers, as content created by everyday people is readily available online through blobs, forums, websites, social networks and flogs. Egg Product reviews on Youth. Consumers can also be influenced by their everyday experie nces and interactions with different people through word-of-mouth communication, viral marketing and buzz agents.Word-of-mouth communication is the result of consumers sharing information and personal experiences of products purchased tit friends, family, colleagues etc. This is one of the more effective ways of marketing as potential buyers are more likely to trust a close acquaintance over an advertisement (Longer, Henning ; Weidman, 2013). Word-of-mouth communication has dramatically increased over time in Australia with the use of social networking sites such as Faceable and Twitter.However, Faceable is not the social media site that is most popular among South Koreans as it has only 3. 6 million users. The most popular social networking site in South Korea is Keyword, which has 19 million unique visitors every month and generates 1. Billion views. Viral marketing is a combination of word-of-mouth communication and social media. This form of marketing is referred to as Moralâ₠¬  because once released, the information spreads like a virus to a large audience in a relatively small time frame.It provides an advantage for mass communication through social networks. As homogeneity is the main focus in South Korean culture this would largely affect the social influence on consumers and potential buyers, as the need for homogeneity would encourage and friends. The general population's need for homogeneity paired with the powerful LOL of social networking will therefore result in viral marketing being a very effective meaner of socially influencing consumers in South Korea (Lee & Trim, 2008).However this method would probably not be as successful in Australia due to the general culture being one that favors individualism and uniqueness as opposed to the idea of homogeneity, which is more widely accepted in South Korea. Buzz agents are consumers recruited by companies to aid in promoting their products. These agents endorse various products by encouraging other consumers to purchase certain products while out on shopping trips, by suggesting which products shop winner should carry that they do not already stock, and by taking certain products to large gatherings in order to promote them to a large audience (Coffman et al, 2010).This would be more effective in South Korea than Australia as the Korean culture embraces family and attachment, and South Koreans often host large gatherings for family and friends which can act as a platform for word-of-mouth communication as well as marketing via buzz agents. Export Opportunities Up to 70% of South Koreans food requirement relies purely on imported goods (Food Business, 2011). Due to a large focus on the wellbeing of Korean consumers, the organic food industry has seen a huge growth in South Korea (Mackinac, 2006).Consumers are interested in purchasing organic Australian products as they are perceived to be of high quality and safe for consumption, however should be reasonably priced in order to keep interest in Korean consumers. Haiku Australia successfully landed their biggest export deals to date for Australian-made organic retail goods to Korea, exporting a three hundred thousand dollar shipment of organic Someone noodles (Free, 2009).Recent changes in the food sector has seen a rise in the mount of consumer groups who take into consideration the image and quality of organic food when they are purchasing or planning meals (Food Business, 2011). The gradual development of the Bilateral Free Trade Agreement alongside a large and yet growing demand for organic products is seeing that Australia has more opportunities to export food to the South Korean region, where government regulations are great barriers for Australian exporters (Mackinac, 2006).Produced from high-quality wheat, Haiku Noodles Australia is an extremely successful exporter of noodles. Currently, they export a great amount of their goods o Korea with a statement from Sarah Woodward stating that the organizat ion ‘received accolades for securing Australia's largest export order for organic retail products (organic Someone noodles) to Korea' (Wallboard 2009: 24).Success came upon the company as they assured their Korean consumers that their noodles were produced Without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides or insecticides, food additives or genetically modified ingredients, creating a perception in the consumer's mind of clean and safe food (Holstein 2012). Companies seeking the food industry in South Korea have great opportunities stressed, especially when taking a close look as dietary demands (Archives of Surgery: 2004).This trend has seen opportunity arise in meat, dairy and processed product food sectors (Holstein 2012). Additionally, as South Korea has such a low self- sufficiency rate in regards to food production, of only 26%, it is fair to assume that a country with such self-sufficiency rates rely on other countries with a high self- sufficiency rate to supply to pro vide products for their country (Holstein 2012). Although are attractive opportunities that are in this market, there are also barriers hat make it challenging to penetrate the market in South Korea.Such barriers include strict regulation that South Korea has concerning organic certification (Mackinac 2006), although this is seeking to be maintained with the Gaillardia Government's efforts of negotiation with an aim to equalize the prospect of Australian companies exporting to Korea in order to be at the same standard and reputation as its greatest competitors, the United State and Europe by developing the Korea- Australia Free Trade Agreement in 2011 (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2011).Networks with Korea will consequently be developed, maintained and threatened (201 1), including the reanalysis of correct regulations concerning export tariffs (ITS Global et al. 2008) South Korean life revolves mainly around family, being an important aspect of one's life. It is a cultur al aspect of a Korean family to have the father to be perceived as the breadwinner for the family. It is essential that Australian companies wishing to export deliver products that are not only of high quality, but satisfy the family as a whole rather than Just the individual consumer.Marketers also need to keep in mind the collectivist culture of South Korean families and consider it as a social unit. (Choc amp; Yon, 2001). A company can create the perception off family meal' whilst looking at marketing strategies and campaigns. Social influence plays a significant role on the purchase decision made by consumers. In order for an Australian company to apply this theory into their exporting endeavourers could apply in their marketing technique by changing the image of their product.As the perception of organic food changes and becomes more desirable, people tend to agree with the opinions and desire of people around them. Creating a likeable brand allows for consumers loyal to your b rand influence potential consumers around them. Conclusion Being a collectivist and family-oriented society, there is huge potential in the South Korean food industry for Australian exporters. South Koreans are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of healthy eating, and providing that to their families and friends.