Human being Essay

There has always been a concern as to why some people behave in some weird ways that not any ordinary person will act in such a manner. It is a fact that all individuals are different from each other but there are expectations that human beings have over others. That certain character trait should not be expected in a normal human being. A study into the issues of psychopath and sociopath will help to show some light to the question of how different persons can be described and classified in a view of understanding human behavior and human psychology. Who are psychopaths or sociopaths? According to Patrick (2007) a psychopath or a sociopath is an individual who displays unique unordinary behaviors as compared to the other normal human beings. Such an individual shows signs of not having any guilt or troubled conscience for something he or she has done which is wrong, likes putting blame on other people for the mistakes that he or she commits, likes lying all the time about several issues, do not value other people as fellow human beings, get involved in destructive actions fights and wars, some are sexually irresponsible, have low self control, not realistic in whatever they plan and do, and seem to attract the attention of others by portraying a false picture of themselves among other unordinary behaviors. What are the causes? As argued in Goldstein and Weiner (2003) there are some reasons that have been found out to result in the development of such character traits some of them include; in born traits that a person inherits from his or her family background, some could happen where the society in which people live in draws lines of behaviors that seem to be extra ordinary from the rest of others in the society, would come also as a result of the influences of the external environment and as a result of the adaptive strategies in a bid to survive in the world with others and the problems and experiences that a person underwent while growing will also contribute like if a person was exposed to violent circumstances in hi or her childhood the same things are likely to be done by that person. Is the female psychopath different from the male sociopath? How and in what way? Why is this important to understand? The way in which a female psychopath behaves tends to be more similar to that of their male counterparts although the ratio of male to female a bit higher. The kind of activities that they involve themselves in are the ones that will help to distinguish the differences but basically the same idea is that they all display behaviors that seem to be unruly, Berecz (1999). A female psychopath will show behaviors like; most of them would not want to get into a serious marriage commitment by staying with a husband but instead would prefer to stay alone with her children, would want to be draw the attention of the people around her, likely to mistreat her own children, she does not want to strive for anything that can help her but instead will want other people to do everything she is supposed to do for her benefit Million, Simonsen and Smith (2003). According to Gill and Barraclough (2007) such a female person is too proud of herself and could want to have all the things that others have to herself. In some cases will want to attempt suicide as a way to deal with her problems, all her life she will be blaming other people for the miseries she might be undergoing. She engages in criminal activities like conning people their belongings, leading people to crimes, are drug addicts of a high extent with their life styles leading to sex exploits and males and females they way she wishes for herself which in some instances could include killing. As discussed in Herve and Yuille (2007) the males will involve themselves in very many sexual relationships with women and will be able to convince women with a lot of ease to get into relationships with him. He tends to spend his money in a reckless way, like involving themselves in criminal activities like murder, violent robberies, once he marries he is likely to abandon his wife and children and being unfaithful to the other spouse. Involve themselves in ungodly acts like having sex with the animals, would like to cover his weaknesses with good acts like being generous with his wealth. They are also likely to drug addicts like alcohol, bhang among others. Conclusion According to the analysis that has been made above the way Female psychopaths behave is different from the way male sociopaths would behave because men are more energetic and will display the disorders that they have with relating with others by use of applying force in either fighting, car breaking , among other physical means of applying force. As for the females their disorders will be see through the various reacts that a female will undertake like her talking and other means of communication. They involve themselves in many sexual relationships and will get away with it from all the partners without admitting to that behavior among others Berecz (1999). Word count 876 References Alan Goldstein, Irving Weiner (2003). Forensic psychology: Forensic psychology. John Wiley and sons publishers. Christopher J. Patrick (2007). Handbook of Psychopathy. Guilford press. David Gill, Jennifer Barraclough (2007). Hughes’ outline of modern psychiatry. 5th edition, John Wiley and sons publishers. John M. Berecz (1999). Sexual styles: a psychologist’s guide to understanding our lover’s personality. Humanics publishing group H Herve, John C. Yuille (2007). The psychopath: theory, research and practice. Routledge publishers. Theodore Million, E. Simonsen, M. B smith (2003). Psychopapthy: Antisocial, criminal and violent behavior. Guilford press. .

To what extent was Lenin crucial to the Bolshevik

To what extent was Lenin crucial to the Bolshevik seizure of power in October 1917? On 24th October 1917 the Lenin and the Bolsheviks led a revolution in Russia. The Bolshevik Red Guards led a revolution against the Provisional Government by seizing control of stations, telephone exchanges, post offices, the national bank and the Winter Palace in Petrograd. Now Lenin set about creating the world's first communist state. Although he was a strong influence, he was not solely responsible for the outbreak of revolution.There are other important causes of the Bolshevik seizure of ower, such as the weakness of the Provisional government and Kerenskys mistakes. Also other important factor was the actions of Trotsky and the timing and luck of the Bolsheviks. However, Lenin was, toa large extent, crucial to the Bolshevik seizure of power because he presented his April thesis, which gave the people of Russia an awakening to the communist aim. Lenin was important to the Bolshevik seizure of pow er as he was able to manipulate public opinion using slogans and propaganda.This was also shown early in the year, before Lenin's return to Russia from Switzerland. The Bolsheviks in Russia had printed in ‘Pravda' (their newspaper) that their members and followers should support the Provisional Government, and also that they had given serious thought to the idea of combining with the Mensheviks. This was all very contrary to what Lenin wrote in his ‘April Theses' which clearly laid out his views and beliefs on the subject. A key point of his ‘April Theses' was â€Å"No Support for the Provisional Government†, yet without him his party were proposing just that.Lenin as an individual was able to force the Bolsheviks to follow his beliefs nd goals and without him they may never have chosen this course of action at all. Through his April thesis, particularly the slogans â€Å"Peace, Bread, Land† and â€Å"All Power to the Soviets†, he was able to h arness the support of the Russian people. These slogans appealed to the majority, the peasants and the workers. The support of the people was an extremely important factor, as this is the support which determined that there would be little resistance to the Bolshevik revolution.This shows Lenin's importance in the occurrence of the October Revolution. Lenin's character as an individual was a vital reason to the success of the Bolsheviks. Prior to the February Revolution, the Bolshevik party was not the most powerful. Lenin was strong, determined and dedicated to the revolution. His speeches were inspiring. The â€Å"April Theses† forced through key policy decisions. Lenin rewrote Marx's ideas, he believed the Bourgeois revolution can be followed immediately by a socialist revolution. Which was different to the Bolshevik views but after he presented his ideas he won over the Bolsheviks.Lenin's leadership, and his usage and manipulation of events taking place in Russia after hi s return, facilitated their ability to seize control. The failure of the Provisional government was also a key reason why the Bolsheviks seized power in October 1917. In February, the constitutional monarchy reluctantly granted in 1905 by the Tsar collapsed following riots over food shortages and the continuing slaughter of Russian soldiers in the World War l. Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate and a provisional government came into power I . existed to till the void ot ower in the chaos of rioting and the Bolsheviks did not accept any part in it. Disassociating himself and the party from the Provisional Government was to prove a wise decision by Lenin. Despite early acceptance of the Provisional Government by the people, it soon lost popularity in the face of Russia's continuing presence in the war and loss of life. They also became unpopular when took the peasants land This made Russia a fertile ground for Bolshevik revolutionary ideas. The Bolsheviks came to power at an espe cially volatile time in Russian history – the ProvisionalGovernment was weak-willed, disorganized, and ripe for Bolshevik insurrection. Kerenskys mistakes, as a leading member of the Provisional Government, were also a important reason in the Bolsheviks seizure of power. He served as Minister of War under Prince Lvov before becoming leader of the Provisional Government in July 1917. Kerensky, as a Menshevik, was a moderate socialist who saw a need to work with the Liberals in order to bring about change. He was a superb speaker but he struggled to remain in control of events during the summer of 1917: the June offensive.His attempt to revitalise the Russian army against Germany failed and the confusion caused by his role in the Kornilov Affair greatly undermined his position. General Lavr Kornilov replaced the commander-in-chief, Brusilov, after the failed June Offensive. A myth that was present in 1917 was that Kornilov planned a coup d' ©tat against the provisional govern ment. When Kornilov ordered troops into Petrograd, not on the bases of this myth but as he was concerned of a left-wing radical plot against the government, Kerensky panicked fearing a military takeover.Kerensky arrested Kornilov, who was innocent and loyal, and armed groups of workers, many Bolsheviks. This was a vital for the Bolsheviks, and their future success in seizing power, because they are now seen as defenders and their numbers increased. They were also still armed from the Kornilov affair. Kerensky and the Provisional government were now completely undermined. Trotsky and the timing of the uprising are also a key reason by the Bolsheviks were able to seize power in October 1917. The Bolsheviks claimed they were acting on behalf of the Soviet who were in oalition with the Provisional government.Although Kerensky was aware the Bolsheviks were planning some kind of takeover, he did not take any pivotal action. The takeover was organised and almost bloodless. The planning of the takeover was the responsibility of Trotsky, a leading Social democrat who had Joined the Bolsheviks in May. This was a plan of Lenin's, as he hoped it would hide the Bolshevik involvement. The planning was handed over to the military revolutionary committee of the Petrograd Soviet, who Trotsky was chairman. Trotsky was responsible for the akeover being carried out smoothly and efficiently.Trotsky played an important role in organising the Bolshevik seizure of power. In conclusion, toa large extent Lenin was crucial to the Bolshevik seizure of power in October 1917. Lenin was a brilliant leader – a professional revolutionary who was ruthless, a brilliant speaker, a good planner with ONE aim: to overthrow the government. The Bolsheviks were well-led. Lenin used both the war and the failure of the Provisional government to his advantage by saying how he would stop the war and take over from the ProvisionalGovernment who didn't seem to be listening to the people. His strong p ersonality and ty to communicate well witn the people gave the Bolsheviks many supporters in the revolution and so ultimately gave them the upper hand against the Provisional Government. Lenin changed the Marx theory, by skipping capitalism – Marxist Leninism, therefore Communism was now seen as conceivable. The Bolshevik party was the only party that opposed the Provisional government, as the provisional government was unpopular, the Bolsheviks once again gained a lot of support.

Personality and temperament of children Essay

In the past several years, day care has become the norm in most American families especially that more and more women are joining the workforce and this has become integrated into the welfare system (Davies, 1998). Over the years, research has been active in determining the positive and negative effects of day care to the mental health and cognitive functioning of young children. Results at best have provided evidence that good quality day care is a positive experience for young children (Davies, 1998). On the other hand, proving that day care can significantly affect the mental health and cognitive functioning of the child has remained ambiguous. Establishing causality between use of day care and child mental health and cognitive functioning is difficult because of several variables that might confound the results of the research study. First of this is the inherent personality and temperament of children, measuring child temperament of very young children is cumbersome and difficult coupled with the fact that valid instruments might not be available at this time. It is a fact that mental health and adjustment and cognitive functioning in young children are influenced by their traits and individual differences, hence one could not absolutely say that use of day care would lead to better mental health adjustment and cognitive functioning. Second is the parenting styles of the child’s parents, the child in day care might have involved, authoritative parents or they might have detached and autocratic parents. Although parenting style can be assessed through parenting instruments but it does not clearly provide an explanation as to how a child behaves or how prepared he/she is to interact with children and other caregivers. It is therefore possible that a child that attends a day care center would be socially adept and well adjusted but this could be easily a product of his/her family set-up and parenting style rather than being in day care. Lastly, establishing causality means that the research must prove that the use of day care causes the betterment or deterioration of the child’s mental health and cognitive functioning, this alone is a methodological challenge since day care is made up of several elements lumped into the concept of day care and one factor such as playing with children may have an effect in cognitive functioning but not in mental health. Meanwhile, measuring mental health and cognitive functioning in young children would entail that the research be a longitudinal study since these variables are not manifested in very young children, hence following original research participants for a period of 10 or 15 years might be a more valid design, but one also has to account that children through the years are shaped by their educational experiences in formal schooling and this may inadvertently influence the results of the study in favor of day care when in fact what has been measured was educational experiences in later years. References Davies, C. (1998), Assessing outcomes in child care: An international perspective. Children & Society,12; 3, pp. 155-160. Harvey, E. A. (1999). Short-term and long-term effects of early parental employment on children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. Developmental Psychology, 35, 445-459. Available at http://euryale. sbs. umass. edu/users/eharvey/devpsycharticle. pdf

Financial Analysis of Bahrain Mari. & Mer. Inter.Co Assignment

Financial Analysis of Bahrain Mari. & Mer. Inter.Co - Assignment Example Bahrain Mari. & Mer. Inter.Co Company Profile: Bahrain Mari & Mer Inter co. is also known as BMMI in Bahrain stock market. BMMI principal activities are whole selling and retailing of food, beverages and other consumable items. Company also provides services in shipping. BMMI's headquarter is located in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and with international operations spanning three continents, BMMI is a diversified retail and distribution, and contract services and supply group, supported by a world class integrated logistics capability. BMMI is one of the fastest growing companies in the list of the companies which are listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange. BMMI has an annual turnover in excess of US$ 230 million. Company adopts a costumer focus business approach and follows the international standards and global best practices. BMMI Group now has a presence in seven countries across three continents of the world, and has staff comprising people of 30 different nationalities. BMMI operates core business area. The group has owns and operates a chain of Supermarkets in Bahrain, which enjoy a reputation for delivering fast and offering fresh, quality products. BMMI also provide the some other services like remote site and facilities management, contract supply, packed meals and beverage distribution. Financial Analysis of Bahrain Mari. & Mer. Inter.Co. Note: All Accounts' figures have been form BMMI financial statements of three years. Profitability Ratios Liquidity and leverage Ratios: Year 2011 2009 2008 Equity attributable to shareholders' to total assets (%) 78.02 77.27 64.59 Total liabilities to total Equity attributable to shareholders' (times) 0.28 0.29 0.54 Current ratio (times) 3.03 2.80 1.72 Quick ratio (time) 2.32 2.04 1.03 Financial performance: Note: All Accounts' figures have been form BMMI financial statements of three years. It is clear that the recent financial performance of BMMI Co has been good. Total sales revenues are strong at BD 84.8 million despi te a slight decrease compared to BD 87.2 million in 2009. However, According to financial statements of the company the net profit of BD 9.2 million was the fourth highest in the Group’s history, while shareholders’ funds increased to BD 48 million, up seven per cent over 2009. There are also several positive signs. BMMI Co. has not made losses in any of the last three years. There is an impressive increase in liquidity position, with cash and short-term deposits increasing to BD 12.9 million from BD 12 million in 2009. On the side the value of total assets also increased 5.9%. Financial Position: According to the financial statements of the company total operating profit is increased to BD 8.9 million from BD 8.7 million which is the indication of lower selling and distribution expenses. Total assets also increased from BD 57.8 million in 2009 to BD 61.2 million in 2010, due to increases in property, plant and equipment and trade receivables. Earning per share has als o increase .079 to .080. On the other side he underlying net profit and revenue strength of businesses must be highlighted, but this factor can not effect on the company's performance because company strongly capitalized, highly liquid, unleveraged and conservative towards investments. It is clear that with the presence of recessionary pressures from suppliers and customers BMMI has successfully increased its Gross profit margin to 26 per cent. It is the symbol that the company is focusing on primary functions in efficient manner. Investment portfolio can be seen in healthy position but on the other side some devaluation of investments and provision against losses can be seen in BMMI statements. According to BMMI's chairman this is due to the impairments against some losses and further improvement is expected in 2011 as markets continue to recover. Shareholder wealth: Shareholders’ funds increased to BD 48 million, up seven per cent over 2009. This clearly states that BMMI Co has been increasing the

Supporting Activity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Supporting Activity - Essay Example The process is complemented by the cost factor, taking into account the budgeted funds and resources directed to the acquisition of systems. Cost becomes a major issue due to the fact that systems vary in quality, capacity, and pricing, and the acquiring firm only does so within its financial potential (Parno, McCune & Perrig, 2011). On the same note, the role to be played by these systems must be accounted for in ensuring that appropriate and effective systems are acquired. Once the required systems have been acquired, maintenance must be undertaken from time to time for the purpose of ensuring that the acquired systems serve their purpose both in the short run and long run. In maintenance, the commonly faced issues are repair and management, and system upgrading from time to time. Systems require repairs from time to time, making it necessary to effectively manage these systems. Expertise in both repair and management is critical in ensuring that these systems are properly maintained. On the same note, system upgrade cannot be avoided. System developers keep emerging with new and improved versions of the systems that have already been developed (Clements, et al. 2010). In this regard, upgrading systems is a common issue faced when maintaining

MARKETING CASE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

MARKETING CASE - Essay Example Further, the CRM deployment team did not try and have different software for different countries or product lines. Essentially, the CRM team ensured that the sales force wherever they are use the same system because they believe that the customer experience is â€Å"universal†. This motto of standardization of point of contact experience and integration with the larger business drivers and objectives meant that the CRM system has been developed to address tomorrow’s problems as well and as the team puts it, they are in the business of offering â€Å"solutions†. What could have been done differently is that the software could have been customized for certain product lines which have different customer experiences. Though the case explicitly mentions why this was not done, I do believe that top tier integration can go hand in hand with bottom tier customization which is essential in a globalized world economy where the ability to think global and act local is often the differentiating factor between global

PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - Essay Example However, the definition of stress from the proponents tends to face a lot of criticism (Passmore, 1967). The second definition of stress from the organism perspective is a set of challenges that human being face. The challenges cause discomfort, anxiety, speculation, and uneasiness among other emotions. When the challenges face people, they must devise ways to overcome them. The evaluation is done in order to determine whether one is capable of solving the issue at hand. When the means of solving the problem are exhausted, and no changes have been made, it results to stress. According to this perspective, stress is the set of forces that originate from the external environment that make life very unbearable for human beings. The forces make it difficult for human beings to cope with the conditions that exist. It causes mental torture and result to hormonal changes that may interfere with the biological functions of the body. The body then becomes exposed to diseases. This kind of stress originates from factors which are beyond the control of individual (Despues, 1999). The process organism perspective definition is the best because it acknowledges that the stress is largely outside the control and influence of a human being and has the potential to have an adverse impact on someone. Sometimes, stress requires anyone to be skilled in knowing how to overcome the stressful situations and position himself strategically in order to survive. Internal factors and external factors are the main causes of stress. Logical positivism definition of stress is only concerned with proving that stress must be determined using measurable parameters. It does not provide the tools that can be used to measure the existence of stress. The proponents of the definition had only the intention of watering down the concepts of believers of metaphysics philosophers. Philosophy branch deals with abstract concepts where theoretical work is being emphasized. The two schools of thoughts

How did the western expansion heighten sectional conflict between Essay

How did the western expansion heighten sectional conflict between North and South - Essay Example The conflicts were so bad, though without the added political stresses that were in accompaniment of the territorial expansion, the civil war would not have occurred. The United States constituted of two clashing economies. The economy of the south was formed based on agriculture. Slaves became the chief source of labour in the South, for the sake of production of a suitable crop. The North, on the other hand, had an industrialised economy, that revolved around innovation of technology and had manufacturing factories. The North, however, did not make use of slaves to have a functional economy. This, as a result, left the South trapped in an agricultural system that was traditional, while the North seemed to advance on a daily basis. The economic discrepancies evident between the North and South were continually advancing and eventually climaxed in the Nullification Crisis in 1833. The United States had imposed protected tariffs on all goods that were being imported. This tariff proved disadvantageous to the Southerners because the prices of the many foreign goods they purchased hiked. Considering that the economy of the people of the South was not a manufacturing power, the Southerners had no option but to buy their manufactured goods from the North (Merk, 1995). The state of South Carolina then threatened to nullify the tariffs since they did not like the forced Northern convenience. Some days before the decision to nullify was made final, South Carolina suddenly ended the crisis to avoid facing the massive army of the US. The Nullification Crisis however, highlighted how different the economies of the North and South were. As a result, a tension, specifically between South Carolina and the union was created. South Carolina then realized that it had to convince more states from the South to join the rebellion if it had to override

Folk Rock Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Folk Rock - Research Paper Example Groups like the Beatles were largely known at the time. Dylan was considered an influential man when it came to the pioneering of this genre of music. At a festival that was held in the year 1965, he decided to appear at the festival with an electric backing band. This was considered the turning point in the development of folk rock (Logan and Woofinden 39). The previous influences that encouraged the growth and development of folk rock into what is heard today should be applauded. Creativity put into bringing these different genres of music together to make one common, lovable genre is viewed as a symbol of ingenuity. This is by all those whose love for music grew immensely, and they could relate to it. This paper will review some of the influences that existed which led to the growth of this genre in music. Also, it will look at the role it has played in influencing music that developed much later. Some of the influences that led to the growth and development of folk rock were seen in the form of vocal groups. Others came in the form of revival of rock and roll. This was largely in the United States. After the invasion of the British, this growth seemed to be propelled further where there was the popularization of protest music. This was done, at the time, to achieve some political edge. Inspiration among groups during that period grew as many seemed to form groups that popularized folk music (Logan and Woofinden 43). The performances of these groups were aimed at a popular, mainstream audience. This audience, at least, would appreciate their stage performances. Tight vocal harmonies are what these groups exhibited when they performed for their audiences. At times, there were mild comedic routines that were performed. During the 1960’s, the main thing that set American folk rock apart from other genres, was the clear harmony singing. This singing was originally from some of the philosophies present. They were pioneered by a movement known as the colleg iate folk. Traditional folk songs heightened level of exposure for people aspiring to be entertainers during that period (Unterberger 37). Many of the well-known folk rock artists began their careers as folk revival group members. This saw them get the experience well needed to champion this genre of music to modern times. Some of the traditions among the American people were not largely accepted. This prompted some artists to start composing songs relating to the current situation. These songs, in their own right, could have been termed as protest songs. Social issues were addressed in some of these songs. An example of an artist who composed and wrote lyrics that dwelled on these issues was Bob Dylan. Some of the issues were based on the real life experiences that he went through during his lifetime. This led to the acceptance of his music by the audience who could relate to what he sang. He earned the title of singer-songwriter after this period. This propelled his fame, and the fame of the music he pioneered. In the United Kingdom, an equal force was at work. Traditional folk singers led to the growth of such a genre of music. During the late 1950’s, groups sprang up and started performing on known well-known instruments (Unterberger 40). Examples were the harmonica, the banjo, the acoustic guitar among others. The music they tried was known as the skiffle. It was a blend of music that incorporated jazz and had some roots in traditional African-American folk music.

Physiological Ecology Essay Example for Free

Physiological Ecology Essay ABSTRACT   Ã‚   Mytilus edulis or the common mussels, very commonly found around the British Isles coast, with large commercial beds in the Wash, Morecambe Bay, Conway bay the estuaries of south- west England, north Wales west Scotland; belongs to the phylum Mollusca e.g. snails, slugs, mussels cockles clams class Pelecypoda e.g. clams, cockles, mussels, oysters scallops. The Mytilus is an extremely widely studies specie, mainly because of its widespread distribution, abundance, ecological commercial importance. It is also used as a bio – indicator. The objective of the study conducted was to find out the effects of respiration, water pumping activity environmental stresses on the mussel’s growth. The environmental stress includes prolonged air exposure, low salinity its action combined with elevated temperature. The main focus was regarding the age growth of the Mytilus. The mussels were challenged to a number of tests to determine their behaviour to record their response to different environments.   The tests prove that Mytilus species that live in an uncontaminated area grow faster than ones that live in polluted areas. This can be deduced effectively by the research conducted along with the experiments. INTRODUCTION   Ã‚   Mytilus are usually present on the rocky shores of open coasts attached to the rock surfaces in crevices, on rocks piers in sheltered harbours estuaries, often occurring as dense masses in cooler waters of the world; usually extending from the Arctic to the Mediterranean in the North east Atlantic. Two important factors that play an important part in the growth life of Mytilus are: TEMPERATURE: it is a vital factor responsible for the growth limitation of mussels. Extreme low temperature causes damage in Mytilus but is minimised due to nucleating agents in the haemo- lymph. The Mytilus is prone to perilous freezing conditions sporadically in even moderate temperatures; large adults can endure lab conditions of -16 degree C. easily for 24 hours are capable of surviving even if the tissue temperature falls below -10 degree C. In Sweden, mussels actively ingested seston at -10 degree C., suggesting that they can utilise spring phytoplankton blooms in boreal waters even at low temperatures. M.edulis can tolerate high temperature desiccation as well, for example the British M.edulis has an upper sustained thermal tolerance limit of about 29 degree C. (Mytilus edulis) SALINITY: in contrast with other biogenic reef species, M.edulis can bear a wide range of salinity. But it is noted that it stops the feeding process when exposed to low salinities. The M. edulis adapts well to low salinities as low as 4-5 %. Exposure to 16% salinity for a month resulted in reduced shell growth as much as 26% to 32%, while in 22% exposure caused a minute drop in growth rate. When exposed to 13% the growth rate recovered from zero to more than 80% in 32% in a month. MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials: Incubation tubes, incubator, cotton, knob, benzoic acid, All samples were divided into four groups. Two groups of prestine A and prestine B were compared with polluted A and polluted B. Pristine A Pristine B Polluted A Polluted B Curves were drawn to compare Pristine A with Polluted A and Pristine B with Polluted B. With change of temperature change in mass was observed. Mytilus were cultured in flat trays measuring 20-40 cm. Two trays had pristine while remaining two were for polluted growth. Affect of temperature change was observed in all the four trays with consequently change in mass. Mytilus was put over the trays to be cultured. Tests conducted in five different labs are being analyzed to prove that the Mytilus favor a pristine environment as compared to a polluted one. LAB #1    This particular lab deals with the energy content in a food substrate or in animal tissue which is considered as the most important component for growth of any organism. The method used to determine the energy content of biological materials is the micro- bomb calorimetry method; by using susceptible microelectrodes to assess the heat produced by igniting a pellet of dry tissue within a stainless steel bomb. The calibration is obtained through a chemical having fixed energy content; the temperature change can be transformed into energy content for the tissue. In order to deal with a small sample, a micro- bomb calorimeter is used, filled with oxygen a small wire, that works like a light bulb filament is used to ignite the tissue    Using the oxygen supplied by potassium dichromate; a strong oxidizing reagent, contained with concentrated sulfuric acid, the tissue is burnt chemically. The orange Cr is reduced to green Cr, while burning; this change can be quantified using a spectrophotometer. LAB #5:    By determining the effects of geometric constraints biological processes, the allometric isometric relationships of organism are studied. The lab deals with the examination of gill area, shell volume foot weight scale with the size of mussels; observing how the size of the mussel effects the different biological processes. The allometric scaling is explained by equations of the form Y= Ax B; the A as a constant, B an exponent, X is mass Y is a biological process. Allometric relationships are represented as curves on linear axes, but when plotted on log/log axes they become straight. The scaling exponent of the function is determined by the slope of the line. LAB #6:    This lab’s research aims to calculate the following at ambient temperature using a meticulous mode: The respiration rate of one mussel from polluted area The respiration rate of one mussel from a pristine area control respiration    The materials employed in this test are a fiber optic oxygen electrode indicating vestiges on the quenching of light emissions from a Ruthenium compound due to oxygen presence, so as to calculate the flux of oxygen in due course.   To measure the respiration rates, the mussels will be enclosed in individual restrained Respirometers, filled with seawater connected to an oxygen electrode located with a slow flow of water from a peristaltic pump, in a separate chamber. Set up the oxygen system to record data every minute for an hour. Place a cleaned mussel, attach the lid submerge the chamber. Place the electrode in the holder attach hoses to pump chamber, so that the water is flowing past them, turning on the pump to slow. The data logging will go on for an hour start a mark for a downward slop in the recorded readings. Measure the volume of chambers the water level in hoses length of the mussel to estimate the tissue weight Mussel volume to ascertain the exact volume of water in the chamber.   LAB # 7:   Ã‚   The labs main concern was to calculate the protein content in mussel tissues, by using the Lowry chemical assay, which comprises of combining a dye reagent with soluble protein to produce coloration that is directly proportional to the amount of protein present. Protein is often used in physiological ecology as it plays a functional structural role by normalizing the data, through its direct association with functional components within the cells. Often in this experiment, the Bradford assay has been used since it is an alternate method for protein determination. Dilute copper tartar- ate solution is added to the protein that forms a complex. To develop the coloration, the Folin reagent is added to the protein – copper complex, within 15 minutes it results in a blue color. This has a peak absorbance at 750nm can be quantified at this wavelength using a spectrophotometer. A calibration must be done with a known construction of known concentration of protein a calibrated line constructed.   Ã‚   The reagents in the assay when reacted with a series of known protein solution (0.2- 1.5 mg/ml) dissolved in a sodium oxide buffer to remove buffer effects in the calibration. Prepare a series of clean 2ml snap cap tubes. The likely concentration series will be made by diluting the stock Bovine Serum Albumin from concentrations stock: –x x/10 x/2 x/4 3x/4   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Into the 1.7 ml soap cal tubes, transfer 25ul of the standards then add 125ul of reagent A. swirl warily. In each tube add 1.0 ml of reagent B vortex carefully. Leave for 15 minutes then measure the absorbance against 750nm distilled water. Plot the protein content along the X axis the absorption along the Y axis to obtain the calibration line. The calculation of the calibrated line can be done to estimate the protein content X from an unknown absorption Y; in the form Y= A – BX LAB # 9:   Ã‚  Ã‚   This lab research is to study the functional attributes of living enzymes, employing a quantitative approach to their measurement. By using a simple spectrophotometric assay to quantify the enzyme citrate synthase in two populations of Mytilus, any possible consequences of this variation will be identified by its functional value. The enzyme Citrate Synthase limits the rate mediating the transfer of pyruvate into the TCA cycle as citric acid. The process determines: Quantification of CS activity Quantification of the protein content to allow the CS content to be normalized. The extraction of the living tissue in a way that the enzymes remain operative is the base, on which the reaction is dependant on. The DTNB is reduced by the CoASH which is a stiochiometric by product of the reaction. The DTNB changes color, as is reduced with a peak absorbance of 412um. The procedure relies on the extraction of the CS in a cold buffer. A small portion is diluted with an Acetyl-CoA solution, the reaction begins when the Oxalo- acetate solution is added, as a result the color changes which can be monitored in a spectrophotometer. RESULTS      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Results clearly show that mytilus grow more in pristine as compared to polluted areas. There are several factors that affect mytilus growth in polluted areas. Graph polluted A (obtained from polluted A readings) Lab 6 The threshold salinity levels were recorded for the individual age groups consisting of a variation of behavioural response to salinity fluctuations. Low levels of water salinity below the critical values caused the isolating responses like closing the mantle cavity, withdrawal of siphons closing the shell valves in Mytilus. Another factor noticed was that the age did not influence the sensitivity of mussels to low salinity elevated temperature. However the older mussels exhibited a slightly lower critical salinity value after going through the fluctuations.   Ã‚   The scope for mussel growth except under treatments of no algae high silt; remained positive when carbon assimilation true, the rates of respiration excretion were balanced against energy intake. In estuarine systems, where the seston quality quantity is variable, makes the mussels living there evolve a feeding strategy involving minimal metabolic cost, at the same time maximizes energy assimilation while acquiring food from the environment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A number of factors can hinder growth of mytilus in polluted areas. In polluted areas the change in mass of mytilus was much greater with slight variations of temperature. However, contrary to this the change in mass was negligible in pristine area. Several factors can hinder growth of mytilus on polluted surface. Pollutant in water and air can hinder their growth. Pollutants also destroy the food stuff and nutrients, hence, the mytilus species may find difficulty in getting well nourishment. Environmental variations have also deep affect on their growth. The blue mussels can subsist in air for 10 14 days at a varying temperature from 10 -20 degree C. even longer at lower temperatures. Like many other intertidal mollusc, M. edulis uses a complex behavioural physiological bio chemical mechanism to tolerate prolonged periods of air exposure extreme salinity changes or other un- favourable environmental conditions. Mussels that are smaller medium in size are not as predisposed to air exposure unlike large mussels, mainly because of higher absolute values of metabolic rate in the large mussels. In our experimental research, the size did not play a role in survival in air. The factors change from specie to specie, for example in some species of mussels the resistance increases the developmental age of the animal, and once it reaches the maximum level it may be possible that the process reverses.   Ã‚   When blue mussels M. edulis were exposed to high concentrations of copper Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki to high concentrations of cadmium, the age factor did not influence the survival; however the capacity to convalesce deteriorates with age.   Ã‚  The physiological traits of food ingestion rate, carbon assimilation efficiency, and respiration excretion rates are integrated by the energy accessible for growth, by supplying a prompt quantitative estimation of the energy status of the mussels. Conducting researched on this fact can provide insight into the growth process the influence of physiological activities. The Geukensia demissa or commonly known as the ribbed mussels can exert a profound influence on ecological processes of salt marshes on the Atlantic coast of North America. These mussel species are quite vulnerable to predators in the sub tidal area, since they have relatively thin shells; however they are very much physiologically adapted to the extreme environment where they are exposed to 70% air of the tidal cycle, this exposure draws the mussels against some severe stress since they are unable to perform feeding, defecation other essential physiological functions due to limitation of time. The mussels favour a pristine environment over REFERENCES â€Å"Mytilus edulis† Environmental Requirements: (n.d.) UK marine special areas of conservation [Accessed 4 December 2007] http://www.ukmarinesac.org.uk/communities/biogenic-reefs/br3_4.htm Tyler-Walters, H., 2007. Mytilus edulis. Common mussel. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-program [14 September 2007] Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [Accessed 4 December 2007] http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Mytilusedulis.htm Sukhotin, A.A. Lajus, D.L. Lesin P.A. (28 October 2002) Influence of age and size on pumping activity and stress resistance in the marine bivalve Mytilus edulis L: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology [Accessed 4 December 2007] 284: 129– 144 http//:www.elsevier.com/locate/jembe Huang, S. C. Newell, R.I.E. (5 February 2002) Seasonal variations in the rates of aquatic and aerial respiration and ammonium excretion of the ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn) Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology [Accessed 4 December 2007]270: 241– 255 http//:www.elsevier.com/locate/jembe Eder1, E. B. Lewis, M. N. (28 April 2005) Proximate composition and energetic value of demersal and pelagic prey species from the SW Atlantic Ocean: MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES [Accessed 4 December 2007]Vol. 291: 43–52, Arifin, Zainal. Leah I. Bendell-Young (27 March 2001) Cost of selective feeding by the blue mussel / Mytilus trossulus as measured by respiration and ammonia excretion rates: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology [Accessed 4 December 2007] 260 259–269 http//:www.elsevier.nlrlocaterjembe

Background and justification of affecting customers loyalty

Background and justification of affecting customers loyalty In todays competitive markets services and service companies within the same industry are becoming increasingly similar. Differentiation through the delivery channel (i.e. delivery of services against payment) is difficult. A growing number of service companies have embarked on a journey of positioning through the communication channel (i.e. advertising and personal selling) (Andreassen, T.   1995), with the objective of building strong corporate images in order to create relative attractiveness. This development is in line with Lovelock (1984) who claims that  «(images).. . are likely to play only a secondary role in customer choice decisions unless competing services are perceived as virtually identical on performance, price, and availability ». Recent years have shown a growing interest in customer loyalty. The globalisation of competition, saturation of markets, and development of information technology have changed customer behavior and perception and created a situation where success is no longer achieved through product price and qualities. Instead, companies build their success on a long-term customer relationship. According to former studies, it can cost as much as 6 times more to win a new customer than it does to keep an existing one. (Rosenberg L. et al. 1984: 45) Depending on the particular industry, it is possible to increase profit by up to 60% after reducing potential migration by 5%. (Reichheld F. 1993) It follows then, that the increase and holding of loyal customers has become a key factor for long-term success of the companies. The main emphasis in marketing has changed from winning new customers to the keeping of existing ones. Traditionally there are two approaches to treat customer loyalty. Some researchers have investigated the nature of different levels of loyalty, others have explored the influence of individual factors on loyalty. In this article both treatments are combined. The starting point of the paper is to test whether the list of most important factors affecting customer loyalty is dependant on the levels of loyalty of costumers. The potential for establishing loyalty depends on the object (i.e. product or vendor), on the subject (customer) or on the environment (market, other suppliers etc.). This work might be rather helpful for both students, interested in developing this field of research and people, who are working in the sphere of marketing, because it may provide with interesting information worth dwelling upon. This topic interests me personally, because to my mind, customers are the turning point of the market. They decide whether to buy a product or to use a service or not, changing the whole picture of market. That is why, I suppose it is rather necessary for industries to pay much attention to the topic of customers loyalty and satisfaction in order to be a success. Chapter 2. Statement of Objectives and Hypothesis to be Examined. This paper aims to test if the importance of each factor affecting loyalty varies in different loyalty segments described in Figure 1, presenting segmentation of customers loyalty. One possibility to investigate it is to compare the customers of different loyalty levels and examine what kind of factors influence the probability of the customers to remain on that level or to move to another loyalty level. Customer loyalty expresses an intended behavior related to the service or the company. This includes the likelihood of future renewal of service contracts, how likely it is that the customer changes his preferences, how likely the customer is to provide positive word-of-mouth opinion. If real alternatives exist or switching barriers are low management discovers the organizations inability to satisfy its customers through two feedback mechanisms: exit and voice (Hirschman A. 1970). Exit implies that the customers stop buying the companys services while voice is customer complaints expressing the consumers dissatisfaction directly to the company. Customers exit or change of patronage will have an impact on the long-term revenue of the company. Customers may be loyal due to high switching barriers or lack of real alternatives. Customers may also be loyal because they are satisfied and thus want to continue the relationship. History has proven that most barriers to exit are limited with regard to durability; companies tend to consider customer satisfaction the only viable strategy in order to keep existing customers. Several authors have found a positive correlation between customer satisfaction and loyalty (Bearden and Teel   1980;Bolton and Drew 1991; Fornell 1992; Anderson and Sullivan 1993). Based on the future discussion, the following two hypotheses are proposed: Hypothesis 1: Factors such as satisfaction, trustworthiness, importance of relationship and image have a positive influence on loyalty. Objective 1: To indicate any relationship between loyalty and such pshycological factors as satisfaction, importance of relationship and others. Hypothesis 2: The relevance of factors affecting loyalty depends on the levels of loyalty of customers. Objective 2: Define and dwell upon the levels of loyalty of customers, examin them. The limitations of my hypothesis questions were shortage of time, because I had to provide results in a relatively short period of time, and money, because true and reliable information was hard and costly to get. Chapter 3. Details of Information/ Data Collection Methods. Research on customer loyalty has a long history and has been studied using a large variety of methods. Although the study of relationship between satisfaction and loyalty of customers is a newer field of research, various methods have been applied to study this   phenomenon as well. Some studies have also been purely conceptual (Stewart 1998; Hocutt 1998). Although qualitative methods seem to dominate in studies of relationship, quantitative methods have also been used. The data used for the analysis is a secondary source. A secondary source usually contains commentary on or discussion about a primary source. The most important feature of secondary sources is that they offer an interpretation of information gathered from primary sources.   I did not use the primary source as it is an original material. It is from the time period involved, was not filtered through interpretation and need much time and knowledge to process it. Demographically, the study had some limitations. Firstly, only urban customers were targeted in the study. This group was chosen due to the fact that urban customers have more available alternativetives and are therefore potentially more active in their telecommunication choices. Methodologically a certain limitation of the study was that some of the interviews were conducted on the telephone. Despite the fact that the interviews were considered to provide a deep and accurate enough picture of the relationships and the factors affecting customer loyalty, it is obvious that interviews face-to-face have the potential to reach greater depth. The data used in our analysis originates from PacoNet Customer Satisfaction Survey carried out in November 2003 by professional market research company. PacoNet is the one of the leading telecommunication provider in Ukraine and was providing telephone and internet services for private customers at that time. There were three kinds of competitors for PacoNet: firms providing telephone services on PacoNet network; cable-TV companies providing internet services on their own networks, and mobile telephone companies. The satisfaction survey contained information about 1000 private customers. Data was collected by phone interviews. During the survey the customers were asked how important various factors were for them. The importance was measured on a 5-point scale, where â€Å"1† is â€Å"not important at all† and â€Å"5† is â€Å"very important†. Every factor listed above was divided into 3 to 7 subcategories (e.g. accounting had subcategories like the accuracy and understandability of bills, dept management, availability of different payment methods). Satisfaction with the factors reveals from the satisfaction with those subcategories. Additionally customers answered about their general satisfaction with the firm PacoNet. The satisfaction was also measured on a 5-point scale, where â€Å"1† is â€Å"not satisfied at all† and â€Å"5† is â€Å"very satisfied†. Customer loyalty was measured by following questions: What operators are the customers using right now? What operators will the customers use in 2 years? Does the customer recommend or is the customer ready to recommend PacoNet to others? Chapter 4. Details of Data Analysis Methods In the current analysis only the raw data of mentioned survey was used. Software packages MS Excel 2000 and Stata 9.2 have been used by PacoNet for data processing, because Microsoft Excel is a deep program rich in features and functionality. One of the most powerful features of Excel is the ability to write programs that run behind the worksheets to turn Excel into a calculation-oriented development tool for creating special purpose spreadsheets which can function as applications in their own right. Chapter 5. Literature Review There are multiple approaches to customer loyalty. Theories of behavioral loyalty were dominating until 1970 considering loyalty as the function of the share of total purchases (Cunningham R. 1956; Farley J. 1964), function of buying frequency or buying pattern (Tucker 1964; Sheth 1968) or function of buying probability (Harary F. et al. 1962; McConnell D. 1968; Wernerfelt B. 1991). These approaches looked at brand loyalty in terms of outcomes   rather than reasons, until Day G. (1969) introduced the two-dimensional concept of brand loyalty, which stated that loyalty should be evaluated with both behavioral and attitudinal criteria. Contemporary researches consider and accent the psychological (mostly attitudinal and emotional) factor of loyalty (Jacoby J. et al. 1973; Oliver R. 1999; Chaudury A. 1995). These different approaches allow distinguishing customers as whether behaviorally or emotionally loyal. Behaviorally loyal customers act loyal but have no emotional bond with the brand or the supplier when emotionally loyal customers do. Jones T. and Sasser W. call these two kind of loyalty accordingly false or true long-term loyalty (Jones T. et al. 1995). Hofmeyr J. and Rice B. (2000) divide customers to loyal (behavioral) or committed (emotional). Emotional loyalty is much stronger and longer lasting than behavioral loyalty. Its a lasting desire to maintain a valued relationship. The relationship is so important for the customer that he or she makes maximum efforts to keep it (Reichheld F. 2003; Moorman C. et al. 1992). Highly bonded customers will buy repeatedly from a provider to which they are bonded, recommend that provider to others, and strongly defend these choices to others insisting that they have chosen the â€Å"best† product or service. (Butz H. et al. 1996) Behaviorally loyal customers could be divided to sub-segments by the reason of acting: forced to be loyal, loyal due to passivity or functionally loyal. Customers are forced to be loyal when they have to be clients even if they do not want to. Customers may be forced to consume certain products or products/services offered by certain vendor e.g. when the company acts as a monopoly or the poor financial status of the customer is limiting his selection of goods. Gronholdt L. has found that companies with low price strategy had a much higher loyalty than expected from their customer satisfaction. On the other hand, companies that had used a lot of energy on branding indeed had a high customer satisfaction but they did not have a correspondingly high loyalty (Gronholdt L. et al. 2000). Forced loyalty could be established through creating exit barriers as well. Loyal behaviour may also result from passivity customer does not move to another vendor due to comfort or relatively low importance of operation if the choice has low importance, there is no point to spend time and effort on searching for alternatives. Thus, based on his faith in the suitability of the current product, the customer continues to use it without checking alternatives. Hofmeyr J. and Rice B. (2000) say that one of the reasons that customers dont switch brands when they are dissatisfied is that they feel that the alternatives are just as bad as the brand they are using or even worse. Passivity may be caused also by lack of information about attractive characteristics of the brands (Wernerfelt B. 1991). Functionally loyal customers are loyal because they have an objective reason to be. Wernerfelt B. (1991) points out â€Å"cost-based brand loyalty† where brand utilities have a positive influence on brand choice. Functional loyalty can be created by functional values using price, quality, distribution, usage convenience of a product or through different loyalty programs (points, coupons, games, draws etc.) giving a concrete reason to prefer certain supplier. Unfortunately competitors can most easily copy functional values. Thus, creating functional value offers a fleeting competitive advantage: functional loyalty cant be very long lasting (Barnes J. 2003). Jones T. and Sasser W. (1995) propose three measures of loyalty that could be used in segmentation by loyalty: Customers primary behavior regency, frequency and amount of purchase; Customers secondary behavior customer referrals, approval and spreading the word; Customers intent to repurchase is the customer ready to repurchase in the future. Based on the theoretical literature presented above, the customers of a certain telecommunication provider could be segmented by their loyalty as follows: Committed or emotionally loyal customers active customers who use only the certain providers services and declare that they will use only this provider in the future and recommend this provider to others; Behaviorally loyal customers active customers who use only the certain providers services and declare that they will use only this provider in the future but do not agree to recommend this provider to others (inert or functionally loyal); Contradictory or dubious customers active customers who use only the certain providers services but dont know which provider they will use in the future; Disloyal reducers- customers who have reduced or will reduce the percentage of the providers services in their usage; Leavers customers who declare, that they will certainly leave this provider. The impact of satisfaction on loyalty has been the most popular subject of studies. Several studies have revealed that there exists a direct connection between satisfaction and loyalty: satisfied customers become loyal and dissatisfied customers move to another vendor (Heskett J. et al. 1993). The primary objective of creating ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index) in 1984 was to explain the development of customer loyalty. In ACSI model customer satisfaction has three antecedents: perceived quality, perceived value and customer expectations (Anderson E. et al. 2000). In the ECSI (European Customer Satisfaction Index) model perceived quality is divided into two elements: â€Å"hard ware†, which consists of the quality of the product or service attributes, and â€Å"human ware†, which represents the associated customer interactive elements in service, i.e. the personal behaviour and atmosphere of the service environment (Gronholdt L. et al. 2000). In both model increased satisfaction should increase customer loyalty. When the satisfaction is low customers have the option to exit (e.g. going to a competitor) or express their complaints. Researches have shown that 60-80% of customers who turned to a competitor said they were satisfied or very satisfied on t he survey just prior to their defection (Reichheld F. et al. 2000). So its clear that there must be also other factors beside satisfaction that have a certain impact on customer loyalty. Image of brand or supplier is one of the most complex factors. It affects loyalty at least in two ways. Firstly, customer may use his preferences to present his own image. That may occur both in conscious and subconscious level. According to the Belks theory of extended self, people define themselves by the possessions they have, manage or create (Belk R. 1988). Aaker J. has shown how consumers prefer brands with personality traits that are corresponding with the personality traits that constitute their selfschemas (Aaker J. 1999). Kim C., Han D. and Park S. have researched the link between brand personality and loyalty. They did get positive support to hypothesis that the attractiveness of the brand personality indirectly affects brand loyalty (Kim C. et al. 2001). Tidwell P. and Horgan D. (1993) have showed that people use products to enhance self-image. Secondly, according to social identity theory, people tend to classify themselves into different social categories. That leads to evaluation of objectives and values in various groups and organisations in comparison with the customers own values and objectives. They prefer partners who share similar objectives and values (Ashforth B. et al. 2001). Fournier S. (1998) states that consumer-brand relationships are more a matter of perceived goal compatibility. Brands cohere into systems that consumers create not only to aid living but also to give meanings to their lives. Oliver R. (1999) argues that for fully bonded loyalty the consumable must be part of the consumers self-identity and his or her social-identity. Trustworthiness of the partner is a factor that has certain impact on the establishment of loyalty nobody expects a long-term relation with a partner that cannot be trusted. Trustworthiness is one criterion for measuring the value of the partner (Doney P. et al. 1997). Spekman R. (1988) calls trust a cornerstone of the strategic partnership. Morgan R. and Hunt S. (1994) posit that trust is a major determinant of relationship commitment: brand trust leads to brand loyalty because trust creates exchange relationships that are highly valued. Chauduri A. and Holbrook M. (2001) have showed that brand trust is directly related to both purchase and attitudinal loyalty. Many authors have accented that trust is important in conditions of uncertainty (Moorman C. et al. 1992; Doney P. et al. 1997; Morgan R. et al. 1994). Uncertainty may be caused by dependence or large choice: people tend then to prefer popular or familiar brands or partners. Many definitions describe loyalty as a desire to retain a valuable or important relationship (Morgan R. et al 1994; Moorman C. et al. 1992). That way the establishment of loyalty is predetermined by the importance of relevant relationship or selection. Weiss A. (2001) points out three aspects that may increase the importance of the relationship: strategic importance of a product; high risks involved in the transaction or costs incurred by cancellation of contracts. Hofmeyr J. and Rice B. point out that the more important the relationship is to a person, the more willing that person is to tolerate dissatisfaction in favour of trying to fix it. By contrast, when a relationship doesnt matter, then even the perfectly satisfied consumer can switch on to another product (Hofmeyr J. et al. 2000). A relationship can also be made important by personal approach. Various authors have compared loyalty with marriage (Lewitt T. . 1983; Dwyer F. et al. 1987; Gummeson E. 1998; Hofmeyr J. et al. 2000). Marriage is one of the most personal and important relationships. That means that intimacy is one determinant for importance of relationship. Lewitt T. (1983) has considered a role of salesman in making relationship more personal. Summarising the discussion above following figure   is presenting the major groups of factors affecting customer loyalty. The present study focused purely on customer perception of the relationship and the factors that have affected it and their loyalty or disloyalty. A useful extension of the study would be to couple such a study of how the service provider perceives the relationship and factors affecting customer loyalty or disloyalty. This would add factors such as customer profitability to the study, making it possible to focus on factors affecting customers that are most attractive to the company. In such a study, the customers and providers views on the relationship would be combined. As a result, one would identify potential gaps in the companys knowledge of the customer and also be able to eliminate potential misconceptions. Chapter 6. Chapter Outline. Presented work is built up of 8 chapters, dwelling upon the customers loyalty. Each chapter gives clear information on subtopics, which are logically combined to provide the reader with sufficient facts to understand the flow of the research. The first chapter is dealing with the background and justification for selection of the topic. Since customer loyalty is something more of what an enterprise must get from the customer, it is a very productive research product for the companies. As opposed to what the name suggests, is not just something that the customer has to build towards the enterprise. It is not just the customer who is being loyal to the company in the progress but also the company that has to maintain its loyalty to the customer The second chapter presents the hypothesis questions, which are being examined through the whole work. I come out with two hypothesis, which are as follows: Hypothesis 1: Factors such as satisfaction, trustworthiness, importance of relationship and image have a positive influence on loyalty; and Hypothesis 2: The relevance of factors affecting loyalty depends on the levels of loyalty of customers. The third and forth chapters puts light on the research methodology I have used to process the data and come to conclusions. I took into consideration secondary data, which originates from PacoNet Customer Satisfaction Survey carried out in November 2003 by professional market research company. Two software packages MS Excel 2000 and Stata 9.2 have been used for data processing and presenting the results of the research. In this chapter I also dwell upon the limitations of the research, which consists of time limitation, budget limitation, as well as demographical and methodological. The fifth chapter gives perception of the theory used for the thesis. It informs us, that theories of behavioral loyalty were dominating until 1970 considering loyalty as the function of the share of total purchases (Cunningham R. 1956; Farley J. 1964), function of buying frequency or buying pattern (Tucker W. 1964) or function of buying probability (Harary F. et al. 1962;). Contemporary researches consider and accent the psychological (mostly attitudinal and emotional) factor of loyalty (Jacoby J. et al. 1973; Oliver R. 1999; Chaudury A. 1995). These and other researches were used as a base for my own research proposal. And the last, sixth chapter provides with a brief outline of the research proposal stages. Having developed the hypothesis questions, and done a literature review we come to the conclusion that the findings of the present study reveal that it is not accurate to treat all customers equally in terms of methods of increasing their loyalty. The research supports the research proposition that the list of most important factors affecting loyalty is dependant on the level of loyalty of consumers. The overall satisfaction and importance of products build the foundation of any kind of loyalty. It shows also that reliability of products or trustworthiness of the supplier is most critical for behavioral loyalists and the image creation is the main tool for getting loyal customers. Therefore many factors were derived indirectly and with certain limitations, and they may lack some qualities considered in the theoretical part. There are multiple ways for further development of the model, but first there is need to elaborate reliable questionnaires for collecting the source data. There are several factors for building a customers loyalty which I could recommend. It is very important to communicate. Whether it is an email newsletter, monthly flier, a reminder card for a tune up, or a holiday greeting card, it is nice to reach out to a steady customers.   Another pleasant way is to provide customer service, to go the extra distance and meet customer needs, because customers remember being treated well. It is also very important to provide with employee loyalty. Loyalty works from the top down. If a boss is loyal to his employees, they will feel positively about their jobs and pass that loyalty along to the customers. Employee training should also be used, training them in the manner that to interact with customers. It is also of great advice to give customers a reason to return to the industrys business. For example, because children outgrow shoes quickly, the owner of a childrens shoe store might offer a card that makes the tenth pair of shoes half price. Likewise, a dentist may give a free cleaning to anyone who has seen him regularly for five years. It is also important to have products awareness, knowing what a steady customer purchase and keep these items in stock. It is possible to add other products and/or services that accompany or compliment the products that regular customers buy regularly. The reliability of the vendor is highly appreciated. If they say a purchase will arrive on Wednesday, they should deliver it on Wednesday. If something goes wrong, they should let customers know immediately and compensate them for their inconvenience. Vendors should be flexible, trying to solve customers problems or complaints to the best of their ability.

SABMillers Strategic position

SABMillers Strategic position Identify SABMillers Strategic position: In order to Identify the companys position; it is important to carry out its Business external analysis; it is also essential to identify its core competences and capabilities as well as stakeholder expectations in order to successfully identify the companys strategic position. SABMillers External Analysis: In order to asses SABMillers external analysis; I have constructed a PESTEL analysis (appendix 1); Porters 5 forces (appendix 2); THE BCG matrix (appendix 3) and its competition Analysis (appendix 4). After conducting Porters five forces of the Brewing Industry; I have found many interesting outcomes relating to SABMiller as the overall markets of the brewing industry arent clearly attractive; its performance depends on the ability to expand its market share and exploit opportunities in the emerging markets. However, the brewing industry in growing markets, which SABMiller operates, is highly attractive but not for new entrants; its especially attractive for the dominant players in the Industry; which in this case SABMiller is one of them. After analysing my Porters 5 forces; it is conclusive that it would be extremely hard for new entrants to compete in these emerging markets due to the high dominance of the main competitors. I have also observed other good points such as the low level of power within suppliers; however the power of suppliers is increasing especially in USA due to the rising costs of energy and Aluminium but in under developed countries; it is conclusive that SABMiller has the overall power of its suppliers; as its an international brewer; finding suppliers wouldnt be a major issue. Its Conclusive that the power of Buyers is very high; due to the end consumer having a growing number of choices from other brewers as there are no switching costs; the end consumer can choose any drink to have so its up to the brewing companies to emphasise its targeted customers to drink its products. It is also conclusive that the power of substitutes is low but it is significantly growing. Due to the modern consciousness of healthy living; low calorie beers and non alcoholic beverages are increasing in volume; this doesnt affect SABMiller as much compared to other brewers as the company it self produces alternative products to beer such as the low calorie versions; SABMiller has also recently entered wine and soft drinks market in Africa as Im predicting more of this similar strategic activity will occur in other markets. From the PESTEL; Porters 5 forces and the Competition Analysis; I am concluding that SABMiller operates in developing as well as matured markets. These markets include very challenging aspects which in the past has limited the threat of new entrants. These markets include very tough competition; as rivalry in the Brewing Industry is increasingly high. These markets tend to have a fragmented brewing industry and it is essential to have extensive capital and knowledge to setup a brewing enterprise. In developed and more matured markets the industry is consolidated and dominated by a few, larger players. As such, these large companies, like SABMiller tend to own multiple brands with different market positions. In this market, it is much easier for competitors to launch rival products that compete directly on price and thus eroding market share. After analysing the companys competition; SABMiller has and still is experiencing this problem; For example in North America; especially recently where InBev has bought Anheuser-Busch; this has helped the dominant Brewer to enlarge a further space between themselves and SABMiller; which has affected the companys market share future plans deeply. SABMiller now has to come up with new innovative ideas to try and close the gap between them and A-B InBev. The American Industry is the largest brewing market by value as rivalry is now more intense than ever; meaning more competitors are entering into a price war with SABMiller. This has become a huge threat for SABMiller; but it does also hold opportunities to weaken this threat down. For example the company has the opportunity to acquire more stakes in the Brazilian Market; or become the owner of China resources which is the largest brewer in China. Both these markets I have mentioned are matured yet and still hold many growing estimates. After conducting a stakeholder analysis; I have come up with simple assessments that SABMiller had to make some strategic choices to please its key players. SABs acquisition of Miller was largely due to the pressure from the London Stock Exchange. It is felt that SAB was at risk due to its over reliance of soft currencies in certain market. This resulted in a poor performance in the London Stock Exchange in the year of 2000. Even though their core competences were elsewhere, SAB went on with the takeover to please the stakeholders. Media and analysts have come out with unfavourable reports on SABMiller. These particular stakeholders needed to be pleased. From my BCG Matrix; its conclusive that its Western European operations are a dog and SABMiller should ideally get out of the market as further investment will end up little positive results. But this wont be possible due to the investors expectations of a market presence in Western Europe. Internal Analysis: SABMillers Core Competences: Core Competences are the skills and abilities by which Resources are deployed through an Organisations activities and processes such as to achieve competitive advantage in ways that others cannot imitate or obtain. (J.S.W. 8th Edition; p852: Glossary) From the very beginning, SABMiller had developed unique competences in analysing its business environment; meaning that the company expertises in analysing a market that is aiming to operate in. SABMillers activities are heavily influenced by the political, social and legislative environmental factors within which it operates; meaning this has made the company proactive when dealing with macro factors. SABMillers South African culture has shaped the strategic development of the company. It is this culture, which makes their distinct capability of entering emerging markets less imitable. As highlighted in the case study, SABMillers strategy represents a synthesis of learning based on the historical developments of the company (J.S.W. 8th Edition; Case Study: SABMiller; McQuade, 2006). Mapping out the early days in South Africa, SABMillers strategy was flexible and responsive to the market. SABMiller acquired local brewing businesses to enable them to grow and overcome certain business restrictions through acquisition. SABMiller also expanded their portfolio to include wine, matches and the Sun City casino resort. When the political regime and the regulatory environment lifted, SABMiller developed three mega-breweries in South Africa. By being at ease in these types of challenging environments it enables SABMiller to aggressively grow and capture market share when arguably other firms would be paralysed by fear. Instead, SABMiller are able to scan their external environment and turn threats into opportunities. In doing so, providing a distinct set of capabilities, which is very difficult to imitate. The tough African roots have given SABMiller the confidence and self belief to come up with solutions during tough conditions in developing markets. The company is also very experienced in dealing with very sensitive governments and local communities. These efforts also show that they are very flexible. SAB used its expert management skills learnt from Africa, to turnaround Millers fortunes. Traditional SAB system of employee performance rating was used in Miller. These efforts earned them the name turnaround specialists. The parenting style of SABMiller adds value to the breweries. In the new markets they retain the brand, but transforming the business by adding quality and consistency to the beer. They develop the marketing, distribution productivity and capacity of the business. SABMiller is highly experienced in acquisitions and takeovers. This competency gave them the confidence to take risks and takeover high profile targets like Grupo Empresarial Bavaria. As in the case of Miller, SABMiller added further value in to the company by bringing its own operating practices and management skills. After conducting the companys analysis; it is conclusive that SABMiller has shown outstanding flexibility from its very origin. Its decisions during the apartheid period show a core competency in developing strategic choices and environmental scanning. The emergence of competitors in its prime markets is a case of concern. In future, SABMiller will have to face tough competition from its rivals; a glimpse was seen in the USA market. The key to SABMillers success will be its strategic brand management and its brand portfolio. SABMillers generic strategy and core competences The BCG Matrix mainly relates to the markets which SABMiller is currently operating in. These tools all relate to the brewing Industry; as its the industry which relates and particularly affects SABMiller. The chosen sequence for the analysis not only provides an insight into SABs environment, but also facilitates assessing opportunities for the future, as most investors see a need for SAB to enter the developed market.

OUR SENSES: A DANGEROUS GIFT :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The issue of our mistrust and or trust in our humanly senses remains a building block for philosophies of many notorious philosophers. In the discussions â€Å"The Allegory of the Cave† written by Plato and â€Å"Meditation: The Path to Enlightenment† by Siddhartha Gautama, The Buddha, both analyze the issue of our senses. Both philosophies are reasonably logical and realistic in their approach to the humanly senses and whether or not they should be trusted or mistrusted, however, they seem to contradict each other somewhat.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In both discussions, our senses are essential to reach our so called goals in life: In Plato’s discussion, our goal is to find Truth; and in Buddha’s discussion, to reach enlightenment. Plato’s philosophy holds senses to be of an untrusting or false guide to reality. He argues that if everyone relied on their senses to interpret reality and find the Truth, everyone has different perceptions of their senses and the reality would be different depending upon the individual. Basically Plato suggests that our senses can be a distraction from the Truth, and therefore, should not be trusted. Buddha’s reasoning of the senses is slightly different from those of Plato. Buddha chooses to not focus on the falsity of our humanly senses, but the element of imagination and how that can alter our perceptions. If we see something as it really is, without integrating our imagination, we are given a freedom to come to a true understanding of the world. Th erefore, Buddha suggests that the senses can be trusted, however the imagination is untamed and when mixed with our senses, creates a distorted perception. The main discrepancy between the two philosophers is that Plato believes that senses themselves should be mistrusted, and Buddha believes that only our senses combined with our imaginations are to be mistrusted.

Norma Rae Essay -- Capitalism Governmental Essays

Norma Rae In the film Norma Rae, the textile workers were unsatisfied with many aspects of their Capitalistic work environment. They fought to form a union so that they could change the undesirable characteristics to better meet their needs. Political, environmental and cultural processes all played a part in the workers struggle to form an effective union. Unlike the film, Matewan, in which the coal miners worked under feudal control, the employees of the O.P. Henley Mill worked amidst a Capitalistic Economy. The key difference between the two, is that the inhabitants of the town of Matewan did not have other choices of employment and the characters in Norma Rae had the ability to go into the free labor market and be active participants, choosing who they wished to work for. Throughout the film there was evidence of other forms of employment in Henleyville. There were jobs in town that required a higher degree of education that the workers in the mill may have received, a schoolteacher or a police officer for example. However, there were various other jobs in town did not require as much training. Some of these other job opportunities included working at the motel or in the local restaurants or bars as a waiter, a waitress, or a bartender. There were attendants at the gas station and workers at the grocery and convenience stores. In addition to these other choices of employment there was also a different economic system that the workers could have chosen to be a part of. Self – Employment existed in Henleyville. When Norma Rae is talking to Sonny Webster, before they went out on a date, they reminisced about when they were younger. â€Å"You used to come into my Mama’s bakery,† be remembered. The ... ...to promote the union without being fired. He explained that she could wear buttons on her shirt, hand out fliers during breaks and other additional freedoms. Eventually, the workers set aside their inhabitations and voted 373 to 427 in favor of the union. When asked, â€Å"What are you gonna do now?† Norma Rae said, â€Å"live – what else?† The question that the workers at the O.P. Henley Mill were faced with was not, where to work. They had the freedom to choose their employer. The workforce learned that they did not need to be trapped in an insufficient working environment and that by forming a union they could manipulate the parameters set by the Mill Company, to meet their requests. Works Cited West, Andrew. Capitalism.org West, Andrew. Capitalism.org

What Makes an Effective Leader

The sum of those qualities of Intellect, human understanding, and moral character that allow a person to Inspire and control a group of people successfully. Leadership can generally entail a lot of different aspects, however the most influential leaders I have had in my life had been people that inspire me to be better than I am. I feel as though the majority of people today have a misconstrued definition of leadership because they usually associate leading with commands and authority. While those traits do have a lot to do with leading, they should be receded by traits such as dependability, Integrity, and loyalty.If you look at the most successful leaders throughout history, you rarely find people that were followed because they were given a position of authority. You look at people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. , and Abe Lincoln not because people had to follow them, but because people wanted to follow them. They were people with outstanding character. One of my most memorab le moments at boot camp was when one of my Drill Instructors got on to one of the squad leaders for calling another recruit derogatory names. Our Drill Instructor told us that people will never follow you because they have have to.They will follow you because they want to, and that is what leadership means to me. The most effective form of leadership to me is not asserting dominance, but rather leading by example. I follow the man conducts himself in the manner that I wish I could. When I see someone who does everything they are supposed to, do it in the most ethical and effective manner, and go above and beyond I usually always look up to them. I as a Marine feel that It Is my Job to be the best. I don't expect people to espect me just because I am a Marine, I expect people to respect me because I conduct myself in such a manner that I earn their respect.That to me is leading by example. Nobody should have to explain to me the correct way to conduct myself as a human being or Marin e, because those things dont require any exceptional intelligence, they require a dedication to doing what you know Is the right thing to do. It can be even the smallest things such as having a fresh haircut and a clean shave. How can you respect or want to follow a Marine that can't handle the everyday things? I do my best to lead by example is every fashion that I can. I try to be the best at everything I do.In summation leadership is not dependent upon if people do what you say, rather it is dependent upon if people want to do what you say. The best way to have people want to follow you is to lead by example. In order to set the example you have to be dedicated and motivated In everything that you do. That Is leadership and leading by example to me. What Makes an Effective Leader By tuckCman Leadership: The sum of those qualities of intellect, human understanding, and oral character that allow a person to inspire and control a group of people preceded by traits such as dependabil ity, integrity, and loyalty.If you look at the most to them. I as a Marine feel that it is my Job to be the best. I don't expect people to respect me Just because I am a Marine, I expect people to respect me because I human being or Marine, because those things don't require any exceptional intelligence, they require a dedication to doing what you know is the right thing to do. dedicated and motivated in everything that you do.

Case Study: Wheelworks

Running head: Case Study: Wheelworks Case Study: Wheelworks Principle of Management After analyzing Wheelworks’ compensation and benefits structure, I have found that this organization meets every need demanded by its employees and motivates them in every level. When it comes to needs and motivations, there are two commonly used theories that explain each step. One of the most commonly used theories to explain the levels of needs and motivators is Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The other commonly used theory when explaining levels of needs and motivations is Herzberg’s Two  Factor Theory.Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Starting at the bottom with physiological needs and moving upwards to safety, love/belongings, esteem, and eventually reaching self-actualization, Maslow's hierarchy of needs is often shown as a five level pyramid. Wheelworks meet its employee’s first need, Physiological needs, just by paying them a salary. When Wheelworks pays its employees, it allows each employee to buy food, water, and pay for a shelter and clothing to maintain a constant body temperature.This first need on Maslow's hierarchy of needs is essential and without it, humans would not be able to survive. Wheelworks meet Maslow second need, safety, by providing its employees with benefits such as health insurance, bonuses, and 401k plans. Because of the plans that Wheelworks offer its employees, areas such as financial security and health and well being are covered. Love and belongings, the third level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, is also covered by Wheelworks. Humans need to feel that they belong and are loved.Due to the positive atmosphere that Wheelworks offers, its employees feel loved and like they belong to the group. Due to this, Wheelworks also meets Maslow’s third need. The forth level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is esteem. Wheelworks also cover this level by recognizing its employees for its qualities. By recognizing each of its employee†™s qualities, Wheelworks helps them build a stronger self-esteem and self-respect, covering the forth Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The fifth nd last level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is self-actualization. This level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs has been already reached by Wheelworks employees because of their love for the sport of cycling. Many of Wheelworks employees are highly educated and have better opportunities in other companies, but their love for cycling keeps them working at Wheelworks helping them reach Maslow’s need of self- actualization. Herzberg’s Two  Factor Theory Unlike Maslow's five level hierarchy of needs, Herzberg’s theory has only focuses in two factors.Herzberg believed that there is a two-step approach to understanding employee motivation and satisfaction. These two steps are the hygiene factors and the motivator factors. Hygiene factors consist of the need to for a business to avoid unpleasantness at work. † If these fac tors are considered inadequate by employees, then they can cause dissatisfaction with work  Ã¢â‚¬Å"(tutor2u. net). Wheelworks meet the hygiene factor by providing a good salary, pleasant work environment, and health and 401k plans.These factors are not taken in account when one measures satisfaction, but the absence of these will cause dissatisfaction. The motivator factor is based on an individual's need for personal growth. Wheelworks meet this factor by recognizing its employee’s qualities, challenging them, and giving them responsibilities. By doing this, Wheelworks employees stay motivated achieving above-average performance and effort. Number One Motivator Having a passion for the sport of cycling has become Wheelworks’ employees’ number one motivator.Many times, one would think that salary, health benefits, and good working conditions would rank high when it comes to job motivation, but without love of the work itself, all of these benefits would not be enough to motivate one’s employees. The main reason Wheelworks’ employees perform above-average and put an extra effort to do the job better is because their love for the sport of cycling. As long as Wheelworks provide its employees with the hygiene and motivator factors, its employees will stay motivated. Financial RewardsEven though that passion for the sport of cycling has become Wheelworks’ employees’ number one motivator, financial rewards also helps motivate them. One of the many ways that Wheelworks motivates its employees financially is by paying them the highest possible wage. By doing this, Wheelworks makes sure that its employees are well paid motivating them to stay within the company. Another method that Wheelworks uses to financially reward its employees is by offering vacation and sick pay, 401k, profit chairing, and health plan.By offering these benefits, Wheelworks ensures that its employees feel well taken care of resulting in a motivat ed staff. The last financial reward that Wheelworks uses to motivate its employees is giving them seasonal bonuses. Each bonus is subject to how good the company does during the season. Due to this, each employee is motivated to improve its performance which will eventually result in a bigger bonus. Commission One of the best strategies that Wheelworks has used to motivate its sale persons, but yet, maintain a superior customer services is giving seasonal bonuses instead of commission.Due to this strategy, Wheelworks customers receives a superior customer crevice and do not feel pressured to buy an expensive bike. This strategy also improves team work instead of having a constant competition among team members. Even though this strategy has worked greatly for Wheelworks, it could be improved. One way Wheelworks could improve its number of units sold is by giving a reward to the person that averages more units sold per hour in a week. For example, the person that averages the most un its sold per week could choose one day to leave early and get paid for the whole day.Rewards like this one could significantly increase the number of units sold increasing the yearly revenue of Wheelworks. Works Cited (n. d. ). Retrieved April 10, 2010, from tutor2u. net: http://tutor2u. net/business/people/motivation_theory_herzberg. asp Janet A. Simons, D. B. (1987). Retrieved April 10, 2010, from honolulu. hawaii. edu: http://honolulu. hawaii. edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/maslow. htm W. Griffin, R. (2007). Management. Houghton Mifflin. Wheelworks_part1. (n. d. ). Retrieved April 10, 2010, from

Why did the First World War end when it did?

This was war on a scale that the world had never seen before, and Hough It would never see again. However, a question that Is often glossed over Is why the war ended on Armistice Day, at the eleventh hour. It is a combination of different events, all leading to the fact that Germany ran out of food, supplies, and manpower, and had to surrender. Furthermore, as America had entered the war the previous year, the Germans realized that they were going to lose, and that drawing it out would only Increase casualties and long-term effects. One of the reasons Germany was ‘bled white', to use their own term, was the successful British NavalBlockade, which caused mass starvation, and turned the country on itself with riots and the naval mutiny. The American president, Woodrow Wilson, had been campaigning for a ceasefire, which led to the US invasion of Germany, and when Kaiser Wilhelm abdicated on the 9th November, the war was all but over. To begin with, the main reason for the end of t he war was a simple lack of supplies on all sides, but Germany had especially been hit hard. Although both sides launched renewed offensives In early 1918 In a desperate attempt to win the war, both efforts failed.The fighting between exhausted, demoralized troops continued to approach a stalemate until the Germans lost a number of individual battles and very gradually began to be pushed back. A deadly outbreak of influenza, meanwhile, took heavy casualties on both sides. Eventually, the governments of both Germany and Austria-Hungary began to lose control as both countries experienced multiple mutinies from within their military structures, and due to mass starvation, many call riots were held In Berlin. The naval war Is generally considered a side show In worldWar l: in fact it was a critical part of the war, with especially the naval blockade of Germany being hugely important. If the Germans were to be stopped it would have to be done by the French Army, but what the British did have was the Royal Navy. The Government ordered the Royal Navy to immediately cut the flow of raw materials and foodstuffs to Germany, which would not affect the German offensive, but it was the launch of a war of attrition which would ultimately play a major role In the Allied victory. Another factor that contributed to the end of the war was the introduction ofAmerican troops into the fighting. On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked a special session of Congress to declare war on the German Empire, saying â€Å"We have war in a positive light, claiming it would â€Å"make the world safe for democracy† and that it would be a â€Å"war to end war†. On April 6, 1917, Congress declared war, and in the end it was Germany's use of U-boats that pushed America into a corner and ultimately to declare war: on February 4th, 191 5, Germany announced that merchant shipping in a specified zone around Britain would be legitimate targets.They added hat this would include neutral ships because many Allied ships had taken to flying the flag of a neutral nation to assist its safety. America's military build-up was (relatively) slow: General Perishing demanded a million men, to which the American Congress replied it could gather 420,000 by spring 1918. However, the anticipated influx of military supplies from America never materialized. For the most part the troops fought with equipment supplied by the Allies (including the recognizable helmet). American troops saw their first action in May 1918 in fighting alone at the Manner River.In June 1918, Perishing ordered an all-out attack in the Saint-Mile area of Eastern France. Casualties were high but the attack forced a German retreat that (combined with other Allied offensives along the Western Front) put the entire German army on the back foot. In early October, the Americans pushed through the Argonne Forest. The German High Command began to crack in the face of the persistent Allied onslaught. General Ultrasound was forced to resign and flee to Sweden, a feeling of mutiny spread among the Kaiser's naval units, and the Kaiser myself was forced to abdicate on November 9.On the other hand, the American assistance nearly came too late: as both sides desperately tried to gain the upper hand in 1918, Germany very nearly won an attack, as the American troops were delayed. Fortunately, Willow's men eventually arrived, and this attack can be regarded as the tipping point that signaled the final stages of the war. The war ended for a number of different reasons, all leading to the fact that there was no longer anything to fight with, or anyone to Join the German army.Many Americans live that America won the war, and the truth is much more subtle: it is true that the war would have lasted longer without the Allied support of Woodrow Wilson, but it was not a war of tactics, but of attrition. There is no denying that the First World War was a catastrophic failure of humanity, and the question s of motivation have been analyses endlessly. I believe that the reasons for the peace treaty are equally interesting, and as it shows that some good can come from four years of atrocities, it is clear why we remember all those who have died in war on the 1 lath of November. Word count: 1019 Ben Phillips