Freedom of Speech Essay

Originally rap music has been around since 1926 and was not as popular back then as it is now. Teenagers to adults listen to an average of two point five (2.5) maybe three (3) hours of music per day. Study shown in 1 of 3 of the songs played contains explicit language and reference to drugs alcohol or women. Ice Cube’s album entitled ‘Death Certificate’ sends messages that bluntly and descriptively threatens violence against homosexuals, women, whites who exploit blacks, whites who covet black women, Korean shopkeepers and police officers. Jon Pareles who wrote the article, ‘Should Ice Cube Voice be Chilled? ’argues from several different point of views on why Cube’s album should not be sold. The article also argues that his voice should be chilled because of violent lyrics and threats towards which it addresses. Jon Pareles made his argument by simply using different responses and groups to show why the album should not be sold and should be edited. For example, the Simon Wiesenthal Center is Jewish human rights group who demanded four major record stores chains to cease in selling the album. The called it ‘cultural Molotov cocktail’. After listening to it, the Center realizes how quickly this album is going to explode in the minds and ears of young and old listeners. Another example was ‘Black Korea’ which according to Ice Cube meant Korean shopkeepers who follow the customer throughout the store to ensure they do not steal. This section of the album did not just scratched below the surface but stirred a nationwide boycott. The Korean- American Coalition did not take this lightly, they condemned and deleted it. In an editorial review, a response by James Bernard favored censoring the lyrics because some people are too thin-skinned. Also, Mr. Bernard knew that these types of issue people are force to face on a day to day basis. Why did Ice Cube use such blunt and threatening lyrics? Ice Cube was born and raised in an area polluted with crime, violence and where trust was hidden underground. His inappropriate reactions and vengeance was all towards how he and his people were treated (bullied). Pareles describes this reaction of one that is simplistic and ugly because, this would not eradicate the problem but cause an escalation. The clear message of this album caught enough attention by the media and organizations to determine whether or not ‘Death Certificate’ should be heard at all. The question remains unanswered to curious critics, why are people buying ‘Death Certificate’. Some just savor the action like movie imagery that Ice Cube presents. His gift of violence attracts his listeners to buy the album. Ice Cube lyrics did have some effects on young listeners during the recession; gang involvement disillusioned. However, the majority of the listeners will just play loud music. Jon Pareles produced strong points from many different organizations, groups and individual views on why the album should be terminated. The writer never once critized Ice Cube but spectated his album as a whole. On the other hand, Pareles also agree that although Ice Cube does not have the most positive thinking, he has a right to be heard, but he is going to have to answer and be challenged for his thinking and decisions.

Implementation Plan

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Overview The Implementation Plan describes how the information system will be deployed, installed and transitioned into an operational system. The plan contains an overview of the system, a brief description of the major tasks involved in the implementation, the overall resources needed to support the implementation effort (such as hardware, software. facilities, materials, and personnel), and any site-specific implementation requirements.The plan is developed during the Design Phase and is updated during the Development Phase; the final version is provided in the Integration and Test Phase and is used for guidance during the Implementation Phase. The outline shows the structure of the Implementation Plan. 1INTRODUCTION This section provides an overview of the information system and includes any additional information that may be appropriate. 1. 1Purpose This section describes tile purpose of the Implementation Plan. Reference the system name and identify informat ion about the system to be implemented. 1. 2System OverviewThis section provides a brief overview of the system to be implemented, including a description of the system and its organization. 1. 2. 1System Description This section provides an overview of the processes the system is intended to support. If the system is a database or an information system, provide a general discussion of the description of the type of data maintained and the operational sources and uses of those data. 1. 2. 2System Organization This section provides a brief description of system structure and the major system components essential to the implementation of the system.It should describe both hardware and software, as appropriate. Charts, diagrams, and graphics may be included as necessary. 1. 3Project References This section provides a bibliography of key project references and deliverables that have been produced before this point in the project development. 1. 4Glossary Provide a glossary of all terms and abbreviations used in the manual. If it is several pages in length, it may be placed in an appendix. 2MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW The subsequent sections provide a brief description of the implementation and major tasks involved in this section. 2. Description of Implementation This section provides a brief description of the system and the planned deployment, installation, and implementation approach. 2. 2Points of Contact In this section, identify the System Proponent, the name of the responsible organization(s), and titles and telephone numbers of the staff who serve as points of contact for the system implementation. These points of contact could include the Project Manager. Program Manager, Security Manager. Database Administrator, Configuration Management Manager, or other managers with responsibilities relating to the system implementation.The site implementation representative for each field installation or implementation site should also he included, if appropriate. List all ma nagers and staff with whom the implementation must be coordinated. 2. 3Major Tasks This section provides a brief description of each major task required for the implementation of the system. Add as many subsections as necessary to this section to describe all the major tasks adequately. The tasks described in this section are not site-specific, but generic or overall project tasks that are required to install hardware and software, prepare data, and verify the system.Include the following information for the description of each major task, if appropriate: †¢What the task will accomplish †¢Resources required to accomplish the task †¢Key person(s) responsible for the task †¢Criteria for successful completion of the task †¢Examples of major tasks are the following: †¢Providing overall planning and coordination for the implementation †¢Providing appropriate training for personnel †¢Ensuring that all manuals applicable to the implementation effort are available when needed †¢Providing all needed technical assistance Scheduling any special computer processing required for the implementation †¢Performing site surveys before implementation †¢Ensuring that all prerequisites have been fulfilled before the implementation date †¢Providing personnel for the implementation team †¢Acquiring special hardware or software †¢Performing data conversion before loading data into the system †¢Preparing site facilities for implementation 2. 4Implementation Schedule In this section, provide a schedule of activities to be accomplished during implementation. Show the required tasks (described in Section 2. , Major Tasks) in chronological order, with the beginning and end dates of each task. 2. 5Security If appropriate for the system to be implemented, include an overview of the system security features and requirements during the implementation. 2. 5. 1System Security Features In this section, provide an overview and discussion of the security features that will be associated with the system when it is implemented. It should include the primary security features associated with the system hardware and software. Security and protection of sensitive bureau data and information should be discussed, if applicable.Reference the sections of previous deliverables that address system security issues, if appropriate. 2. 5. 2Security During Implementation This section addresses security issues specifically related to the implementation effort, if any. For example, if LAN servers or workstations will he installed at a site with sensitive data preloaded on non-removable hard disk drives, address how security would be provided for the data on these devices during shipping, transport, and installation because theft of the devices could compromise the sensitive data. 3IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORTThis section describes the support software, materials, equipment, and facilities required for the implementation, as well as the personnel requirements and training necessary for the implementation. The information provided in this section is not site-specific. If there arc additional support requirements not covered by the subsequent sections, others may be added as needed. 3. 1Hardware, Software, Facilities, and Materials In this section, list support software, materials, equipment, and facilities required for the implementation, if any. 3. 1. 1HardwareThis section provides a list of support equipment and includes all hardware used for testing time implementation. For example, if a client/server database is implemented on a LAN, a network monitor or â€Å"sniffer† might be used, along with test programs. to determine the performance of the database and LAN at high-utilization rates. If the equipment is site-specific, list it in Section 4, Implementation Requirements by Site. 3. 1. 2Software This section provides a list of software and databases required to support the implementation. Ide ntify the software by name, code, or acronym.Identify which software is commercial off-the-shelf and which is State-specific. Identify any software used to facilitate the implementation process. If the software is site-specific, list it in Section 4. 3. 1. 3Facilities In this section, identify the physical facilities and accommodations required during implementation. Examples include physical workspace for assembling and testing hardware components, desk space for software installers, and classroom space for training the implementation stall. Specify the hours per day needed, number of days, and anticipated dates.If the facilities needed are site-specific, provide this information in Section 4, Implementation Requirements by Site. 3. 1. 4Material This section provides a list of required support materials, such as magnetic tapes and disk packs. 3. 2Personnel This section describes personnel requirements and any known or proposed staffing requirements, if appropriate. Also describe th e training, if any, to be provided for the implementation staff. 3. 2. 1Personnel Requirements and Staffing In this section, describe the number of personnel, length of time needed, types of skills, and skill levels for the staff required during the mplementation period. If particular staff members have been selected or proposed for the implementation, identify them and their roles in the implementation. 3. 2. 2Training of Implementation Staff This section addresses the training, if any, necessary to prepare staff for implementing and maintaining the system; it does not address user training, which is the subject of the Training Plan. Describe the type and amount of training required for each of the following areas, if appropriate, for the system: †¢System hardware/software installation †¢System support †¢System maintenance and modificationPresent a training curriculum listing the courses that will be provided, a course sequence. and a proposed schedule. If appropriat e, identify which courses particular types of staff should attend by job position description. If training will be provided by one or more commercial vendors, identify them, the course name(s), and a brief description of the course content. If the training will be provided by State staff, provide the course name(s) and an outline of the content of each course. Identify the resources, support materials, and proposed instructors required to teach the course(s). 3. Performance Monitoring This section describes the performance monitoring tool and techniques and how it will be used to help decide if the implementation is successful. 3. 4Configuration Management Interface This section describes the interactions required with the Configuration Management (CM) representative on CM-related issues, such as when software listings will be distributed, and how to confirm that libraries have been moved from the development to the production environment. 4IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS BY SITE This s ection describes specific implementation requirements and procedures.If these requirements and procedures differ by site, repeat these subsections for each site; if they are the same for each site, or if there is only one implementation site, use these subsections only once. The â€Å"X† in the subsection number should be replaced with a sequenced number beginning with I. Each subsection with the same value of â€Å"X† is associated with the same implementation site. If a complete set of subsections will be associated with each implementation site, then â€Å"X† is assigned a new value for each site. 4. 1Site Name or identification for Site XThis section provides the name of the specific site or sites to be discussed in the subsequent sections. 4. 1. 1Site Requirements This section defines the requirements that must he met for the orderly implementation of the system and describes the hardware, software, and site-specific facilities requirements for this area. A ny site requirements that do not fall into the following three categories and were not described in Section 3, Implementation Support, may be described in this section, or other subsections may be added following Facilities Requirements below: Hardware Requirements – Describe the site-specific hardware requirements necessary to support the implementation (such as. LAN hardware for a client/server database designed to run on a LAN). †¢Software Requirements – Describe any software required to implement the system (such as, software specifically designed for automating the installation process). †¢Data Requirements – Describe specific data preparation requirements and data that must be available for the system implementation. An example would be the assignment of individual IDs associated with data preparation. Facilities Requirements – Describe the site-specific physical facilities and accommodations required during the system implementation perio d. Some examples of this type of information are provided in Section 3. 4. 1. 2Site implementation Details This section addresses the specifics of the implementation for this site. Include a description of the implementation team, schedule, procedures, and database and data updates. This section should also provide information on the following: †¢Team–If an implementation team is required, describe its composition and the tasks to be performed at this site by each team member. Schedule–Provide a schedule of activities, including planning and preparation, to be accomplished during implementation at this site. Describe the required tasks in chronological order with the beginning and end dates of each task. If appropriate, charts and graphics may be used to present the schedule. †¢Procedures–Provide a sequence of detailed procedures required to accomplish the specific hardware and software implementation at this site. If necessary, other documents may be referenced. If appropriate, include a step-by-step sequence of the detailed procedures.A checklist of the installation events may he provided to record the results of the process. If the site operations startup is an important factor in the implementation, then address startup procedures in some detail. If the system will replace an already operating system, then address the startup and cutover processes in detail. If there is a period of parallel operations with an existing system, address the startup procedures that include technical and operations support during the parallel cycle and the consistency of data within the databases of the two systems. Database–Describe the database environment where the software system and the database(s), if any, will be installed. Include a description of the different types of database and library environments (such as, production, test, and training databases). †¢Include the host computer database operating procedures, database file and library naming conventions, database system generation parameters, and any other information needed to effectively establish the system database environment. Include database administration procedures for testing changes, if any, to the database management system before the system implementation. †¢Data Update–If data update procedures are described in another document, such as the operations manual or conversion plan, that document may be referenced here. The following are examples of information to be included: -Control inputs -Operating instructions -Database data sources and inputs -Output reports -Restart and recovery procedures 4. 1. 3Back-Off Plan This section specifies when to make the go/no go decision and the factors to be included in making the decision.The plan then goes on to provide a detailed list of steps and actions required to restore the site to the original, pre-conversion condition, 4. 1. 4Post-Implementation Verification This section describes t he process for reviewing the implementation and deciding if it was successful. It describes how an action item list will be created to rectify any noted discrepancies. It also references the Back-Off Plan for instructions on how to back-out the installation, if, as a result of the post-implementation verification, a no-go decision is made.

Assignment 2-3 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

2-3 - Assignment Example This illustrates the separation. Though they cannot explain it to themselves they very well know there is something strange about the ring. While still in The Shire they encountered Ringwraiths. It scared them like hell but they continued the journey and decided to cut through the Old Forest. They stopped by the town of Bree where they met the Strider a man whose name truly is Aragorn. Aragorn protects them from the Ringwraiths who wreaked havoc in Bree. In their journey, with Ringwraiths in close pursuit Frodo, Samwise, and Aragorn becomes acquainted with the Council of Elrond. The learned council knows about Saruman, a wizard whom Sauron has corrupted, the apparent escape of Gollum from Mirkwood, and most importantly about the powerful ring inherited by Frodo. The Council recognizes that the threat is far too great and decides that the best course to take is destroying the ring. Frodo, as the keeper of the ring, volunteers to take the ring to the Cracks of Doom—the one place where the ring has been forged. This initiates Frodo to become a part of the Fellowship of the Ring; a group composed of nine so chosen to accompany Frodo in his invaluable task. Among the members of the Fellowship is of course is trusted friend Sam, cousins Merry and Pippin, the man they met at Bree named Aragorn, Gandalf the Grey, Gimli (who happens to be the son of Gloin, one of the dwarves that accompanied Bilbo Baggins on his quest), Legolas (an el f from the woodland realm of Mirkwood), and another man named Boromir from Gondor. The Fellowship endure numerous challenges including attacks by the Orcs while passing through the Mines of Moria, Gandalf falling through a deep chasm in his battle against Balrog, and Boromir yielding to the extensive powers of the Ring which lured him to take it away from Frodo. With this happening Frodo leaves the Fellowship, trotting the road to Mordor followed only by Samwise

Summary of the 2014 OkAND Spring Convention Essay

Summary of the 2014 OkAND Spring Convention - Essay Example risk factors vary from one eating disorder to another with temperament and personality traits playing a crucial role although the interaction between genes and the environment trigger eating disorders. For anorexics, stopping the condition is a challenge since the brain continues with the illness as it becomes dependent on the anorexic state once an individual is malnourished. Conversely, bulimics find it challenging to stop since there is disconnect between the ideal image of their body and the urges of the body. Various therapy challenges abound for both anorexics and bulimics. For anorexics, therapy challenges include a decrease in the drive to consume foods, altered rewards from eating, challenges in maintaining new eating habits, and the lack of scientific guidance to optimal feeding method or the composition of a diet. On the other hand, therapy challenges for bulimics include chaotic nutrient availability and eating habits, the lack of stable energy due to behavior of eating disorders, impulsivity, difficulties perceiving the fuel needs, altered rewards from eating and eating disorders behaviors, and other

Training and Development Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Training and Development - Assignment Example To motivate companies to evaluate training programs, management personnel who are in charge of training and development must emphasize that an evaluation would provide management with the crucial information that defines the success or failure of training programs, depending on the goals that were stipulated. The evaluation of training programs would assist in generating data that would confirm the strengths, as well as effectiveness of training and development programs; and if there are evident weaknesses that need to be addressed. Thus, companies would be motivated to evaluate training programs through the provision of accurate information that relates the direct impact of these programs on the overall improvement of the organization in terms of performance, job satisfaction and financial success. 2. What are result outcomes? Why do you think that most organizations don't use results outcomes for evaluating their training programs? According to Zoe (2010), result outcomes are resul ts of training evaluations which are â€Å"used to determine the training program's payoff for the company† (p. 225). Examples of the results outcome apparently included standards of performance such as productivity, quality, costs, repeat customers, customer satisfaction, and even information on work-related accidents (Zoe, 2010, p. 222).

Business Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Business Environment - Essay Example This paper approves that the general global market analysis has regarded India as efficient and effective investment location for the United Kingdom. Previously the higher level of the tariffs imposed by the respective governments on the list of the selected imports and exports item was responsible for the drastic reduction in the volume of the bilateral trade, but sooner it was realized that India is to be considered as a versatile land which has different flavors to offer. The nature of the trade relationship maintained between both the countries should focus more upon the non-popular items; the exchange of the common items is expected to severe affect the economy of the each country. This essay makes a conclusion that certain gray areas have been identified, and it is expected that the government of United Kingdom will take favorable measures, in exchange for the timely departure and arrival of goods. Considering the example of the Felixstowe which is considered to be the largest port of the country, the port has been used by more than fifteen shipping companies, unfortunately the heavy congestion and failed traffic system has jeopardized the interests of the traders, who always uncertainty of the timely arrival. It is therefore essential for the United Kingdom to offer regular and efficient mode for communication, and ensure that the rights of the local and foreign traders are protected, the exploration of efficient and effective modes of transport is essential because ‘India is efficient and reliable gateways through which the country conduct a fluid system of trade’.

Personality disorder and depression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personality disorder and depression - Essay Example Abnormal psychologists and psychopathologists incorporate and believe the fact that these abnormal behaviors can be brought about by several factors, which can function individually or correlate with each other: heredity, physique, cognitive abilities and socialization. For a more systematic and fact-based study on abnormal behavior, there are several theories which abnormal psychologists conform to in explaining the occurrence of such behaviors. Some theories flourished from well-renowned psychologists of all time while some aroused from years of study and observation. These theories, often referred to as perspectives, help in attempting to explain the causal factors of these abnormal behaviors. Furthermore, these theories not only help in identifying and explaining why such disorders happen but also assist in determining the method and treatment which should be done upon the patient. There are primarily five perspectives related to abnormal behavior but there are several sources which sites in more theories- all of which will be explained individually in the course of this research paper. PSYCHODYNAMIC THEORY. ... The unconscious is the prime mover of the psychodynamic theory which contends that these disorders ascend from the unresolved conflicts inside a person's mind. Because of these inconsistencies, anxiety occurs within a person, which in turn leads to unconscious conflicts. In this certain perspective, the treatment method focuses on identifying that certain conflict inside a person's mind through counseling or therapy sessions. After it has been identified, the next focus would be on solving that certain conflict which entails pretty much effort from both the counselor and the client. BEHAVIORAL THEORY. In behavioral theory, the behaviorism school of thought in psychology is taken into consideration. Abnormal psychologists who embrace the behavioral perspective stand by the idea that psychological disorders and abnormal behaviors arise from wrong conditioning earlier in the foundation age of an individual. The person suffering from abnormal behaviors is believed to have learned the same abnormal behavior during his childhood or in cases when that certain behavior has been falsely introduced to his mind. Aside from faulty conditioning, futile learning and comprehension may also be considered on the part of the person suffering. The course of treatment as to this theory is through redesigning the abnormal behavior of a person. He or she can recover from these disordered behaviors through counseling and learning procedures which could help him or her eliminate those unwanted behaviors and learn new and more appropriate actions in exchange. One example of therapy would be what we usually call the behavior therapy which is done by non-reinforcing negative behavior

Written Assignment #5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Written Assignment #5 - Essay Example because of their association with big organization, and their capability to purchase and stock high volume commodities, act as a distributor of the product. Traditionally, wholesalers were believed to be just an intermediary in the channel with no value addition to the customers, because of the common perception that value addition is done by the retailers only, who sell the final goods. But in the context of ever changing marketing scenario, this has been modified. Customers demand more and have higher expectations from their suppliers, especially distributors. Out of stock for a long time after placing order increases the lead time which is not desirable and it may result in customer penalizing both the wholesaler and the retailer for the incomplete order. Today, customer loyalty is based on supplier performance. Performance is both in terms of quality and timely delivery of the specified products. Customers’ ever increasing expectation of the value added services provided w ith the requirement without any additional cost has been responsible for exerting enormous pressure to the retailers. Thus, in order to handle the requirements, wholesalers must step forward and take proactive actions in terms of close integration with the customers by simplification of the distribution process in a timely and cost effective way and must ensure that the customers are perceiving value added services as unique (udel.edu, n.d.). Potential of the Internet as an efficient and effective communication channel appeared obvious due to the ease of global reach; ease of access; enhanced interactivity; speedy and flexible transaction of large amounts of information in a cost effective way and maintenance easiness (Pyle, 1996; Jones & Visayasarthy, 1998). Modern wholesalers and retailers are dependent on internet in the following

Chilean miners Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chilean miners - Research Paper Example Firstly, the mode of communicating the message about this horrifying incident must be face-to-face as after receiving this news, the families of the victims would need instant physical support and care. Furthermore, in order for the families to stay strong and not lose hope, the news must be broken to them in a manner that helps them in reassuring their selves that nothing terrible is going to happen. For this, it is highly significant for the news breaker(s) to paraphrase their message considering the expected response from the family members after getting the news i.e. the message must include what the rescue workers are capable of doing in order to help the trapped men. Moreover, it is also very important for the people who are going to deliver the message to have patience and to be available as much as possible for the families. It is essential because as soon as the family members will receive this news, they will come up with a variety of questions regarding the safety and well being of their loved ones who are trapped underground and they will be looking forward to the people involved in this matter (the company authorities, rescue workers, the government of Chile, etc.) for all their questions to be heard and answered properly. Many a times when such incidents happen, it has been observed that the people who are responsible for providing endless support to the family members of the victims try to escape from the situation only so that they will not have to answer each and every question that is being asked and also because they have a fear of being accused to be responsible for the incident. Unfortunately, such acts contribute in worsening the already awful state of the victims’ families as all they need during such hard times is to have people around them to cater their worrisome anticipations, such behavior should be strictly avoided. Furthermore, it is also necessary to enlighten the family members regarding the facilities such as drilling narr ow holes up to the level through which air, food, fluorescent lights with timers, games, and other helpful necessities can be supplied down to the trapped men along with exchange of messages (â€Å"Trapped in a Chilean Mine†, 2010) in order to help them survive inside the darkness; which the rescue workers are able to competently provide as this will be helpful in bringing and strengthening the hope in the hearts of families. Moreover, keeping the families up to date with the progress of rescue work is another vital factor to be kept in mind but care should be taken in order to steer clear of giving any kind of false hopes as these would only make the loss, if any, more unbearable to the families at the end. Another important measure to be taken is that of providing professional help of psychologists to the families who are going through this difficult time. It is important for keeping them in healthy mental states (â€Å"Trapped Chilean Miners†, 2010) so that they can learn different coping strategies to survive in this stressful time and also can prepare themselves to accept and deal with whatever is hidden for them in the near future. An added help to cater the needs of the suffering family members would be that of telling them the real stories of successful survivors of similar incidents. What would be the potential needs of the company’s employees when receiving a message about this incident? As in the case of breaking the news to the family members of the trapped men, it would be better if the employees of the company are also given the message about this incident face-to-face instead of using any other mode of communication. It is important because while giving out such sensitive messages, it is always better for the person giving the message to be able to observe the reactions (both verbal and non-verbal) of the message receivers in order to be able to modify the tone and delivery

Evaluating the effects that the alternative approaches may have on the structure and functions of WHSmith, and how they achieve their objectives Essay Example for Free

Evaluating the effects that the alternative approaches may have on the structure and functions of WHSmith, and how they achieve their objectives Essay Evaluating the effects that the alternative approaches may have on the structure and functions of WHSmith, and how they achieve their objectives When looking at effects that will arise due to alternative approaches WHSmith could change to help the company meet its objectives, I must look how these changes will affect the structure, how the functions will be affected and how it will help them to meet their objectives. When looking at the first alternative approach suggested to WHSmith the first problem that would arise would be that new members of staff would be needed. These could either be recruited by the training. Obviously, this training will need to be very intense as they will have to be able solve any problems that may occur in every situation so that customers will be kept happy and will feel that the store are trying their best to please them in the Internet cafe. Also the communications supervisor or current employees would need to be re-trained so that they will be able to either help run the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, or to become a technician so that if there are any problems in which computers encounter any problems or fail to work then either these new or current employees should be able to fix the problem. The managers may need external training as WHSmith, Milton Keynes will probably not have the correct resources to train up these managers efficiently, meaning they may need off-the-job training either at a branch that may have the correct training staff, or at a college where they can learn this management role. This will mean there will be an added cost to the business, as staff are being trained away from the store, but this should pay off as it will be affective and will allow the Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ to be very well run. Also this will mean external communications will improve, as the store will need to have better links with the off-the-job training centre which may be a college so that both can communicate and ensure that the training given is correct to the line of work. This alternative approach of better meeting the objectives will mean that the organisational structure of WHSmith will change. This is because new levels will be created within the structure, which could either be adding new people to the sales staff part, which would not really make a big impact on the structure as it will still look the same, just there will be a few more people added to the bottom, which should be ok as communication is good in store and should not change due to a few extra employees. They could also consult with the manager about any thing that may need to be changed in this Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ to help profits to be increased, and increase the amount of customers using the computer. However with a new manager or managers that may be needed within the store to help the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ to be run effectively, it will have bigger effect on the organisation structure. This is because they will need to be added to the sales and service supervisor management levels as they will be providing service to customers and also sales, as any food that may be on sale will count as sales towards the business, as it will increase the companies profit. This will mean the structure will become bigger, and will have a wider level where the sales and service supervisors, which will benefit sales staff as they will have more shop floor supervisors to consult if they cannot deal with customers for one reason or another. This will also benefit customers, as sales staff will spend less time looking for supervisors if they are needed due to their being more there. However with this widening of the structure taking place it will mean more wages will need to be paid out and the managers will have to supervise more line managers, which could prove difficult if there are lots of different problems, which may then mean more senior managers may need to be brought in to help keep the store running effectively and smoothly again increasing staff wages payments per month. But this may benefit the store in the long run as customers will be happier and this should bring in more income. This alternative approach will also affect the external communications. This is because if new computers are being bought in they will be very powerful, and will probably all have up-to-date equipment on. This would mean that the office could network up to the main computer, which would mean it would be much newer then the one that is currently in place at the moment. This could mean that if other stores are up-to-date with the same technology as WHSmith, Milton Keynes they could do video-conferencing with each other, and possibly with head office as well. Thus, the manager would not need to be called away from the branch for a meeting that is in, e.g. Aylesbury, as happens quite frequently. This would save a lot of time for him, which would also mean travelling costs and the time wasted driving there would be saved, as a result of this video-conferencing. Therefore, Ian wouldnt have to leave his office for these meetings to take place which would be a massive advantage. This would happen as a result of the computers being bought for the Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, which would not be any extra cost to the store, as it would already be in place. Therefore the external communications would improve with other branches and head office as they could link up very quickly with each, and also see each other, which could not happen with any other form of communication. Also the external communications would improve because with this new computer in the managers office CDs could be produced which would have all pictures, details, prices and information of all products in store. These could then be sent to all regular customers who will have the technology to view this CD, meaning they could view products and order them at home, meaning they wouldnt have to go into the store. This would be very advantageous to disabled people. The internal communications will also be affected, as more levels of employees and managers on the shop floor will mean that more internal phones will be needed to enable good communication to still be present in store. This will not cost that much and will be very advantageous as customers will be kept happy, due to the inexpensive internal phones. Also new daily-briefings may be needed so that separate briefings can be held for sales employees who work in the main part of the store selling products, and one held for those who are going to be working in the Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. This is so that sales staff do not have to listen to the briefing to the Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ staff, as they will not need to know this information, as they dont work there. This will take longer for the manager to carry out, but will be effective as the manager will not have to waste time only talking to a few members of staff in a big group, who do not understand what they are talking about, which will mean they are sitting in the staff room getting paid to listen to irrelevant information. The separate briefings will mean either sales staff or Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ employees can be working and using the time more effectively whilst the other group are being talked to, which will save company time and money. The objectives that will be met from producing this Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ is that most of them are to do with customer satisfaction which would not be a problem with this new change that could take place in store. Another objective could then be created from this new Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ within WHSmith, which could be something like, Try to help customers satisfy their every need in store which could then aim to be achieved along with the other eight objectives, of which five are currently being met. Specific objectives that will be met due to this Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ being produced are that WHSmith will be delivering the best in service, as they will have bought in lots of new staff and management to help ensure high standards of service are still being met. This will mean that customers will be kept happy, as there will be lots of staff at hand for their every need. Also the objective of providing value for money will be met because the prices for the goods in store will be low and satisfying for customers to ensure they will be happy in store and spend lots of money there. Another objective that will be met from the new Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ is that they are continually raising standards of service in all areas of the business. This objective also interlinks with leading the industry in the innovative use of technology. This is because the Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ will have brought in very hi-tech equipment, which will be available for customers in store. This kind of technology is not likely to be available in other rival stores which will suggest to customers, why bother going to these stores when WHSmith is providing new technology and low prices? This is what WHSmith wants customers to think so that these objectives are being met due to the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. The store is raising standards of service due to the new staff that are going to be employed in store so that service will be quickened up. Also the service will be improved due to their being more varieties of things to do in store, which will make customers have more choice whether they shop or go on the Internet which shows they are being considered throughout the changes in store, meaning service levels are being improved too. This shows that the opening of the Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ would be good for meeting objectives, as a new objective can be produced and aimed to be met, as well as at least three current objectives being met even more then they are already, which would be a great achievement for the store as a whole. The effects that the Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ will have on the functions of the business is that a new department may need to be created in store to enable the computer side of the Internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ to be run smoothly. This department may be run by only a few people but will need to be in permanent contact with the shop floor to enable any problems that have arisen to be put right quickly. These problems could range from the computers freezing to any other list of problems that can occur from computers. This department will need to have highly skilled employees, who have had off-the-job training, so that any problems can be dealt with. This department could be called the ICT department as it is dealing with communications between employees and staff, and also technology from the hi-tech computers. This department will need to be in close contact with the finance department. This is because vast amounts of money should be taken from either the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ side of the creation, or from customers who are paying to use the computers. This will mean change will need to be kept at the tills as customers who spend small amounts of cash with a à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½20 will not expect 50ps in change! Also money will need to be counted by the cash office either once or twice a day from the tills and receipts checked to ensure enough business is being bought in, and if it is not then why not. Another department that may need to be created within the store is a health and hygiene department. This is because the food that will either be created or bought in to the store will need to be of a high standard so that customers are kept happy and satisfied. It also needs to meet health levels so that customers do not get food poisoning from any food consumed in store. This department will also need to be in close contact with the head office of WHSmith to ensure that standards are being met and that they are happy with what is being done in store. This department will also need to be in close contact with the trading department. This is so that they can buy in extra goods that can then be dispatched to the Milton Keynes branch so that they can be sold. This will also mean that the external communications will need to be good so that the trading department will buy in the correct good to be sold. When looking at the idea of having a clocking-in system, this alternative approach to better help the store in all aspects, will obviously have a positive effect on WHSmith. One problem of bringing in this clocking-in system will be that the system will need to be installed in store. This will not be too expensive to do, but lots of cards (built in with chips) will be needed so that all employees can have them when they go into work. This will mean a meeting will need to be held so that staff can receive their cards and they will also need to be informed about what to do upon entering work with their cards. The first positive aspect this system will mean that staff will not have tick their name off a list by the managers office when they start and finish work stating the amount of hours they have worked. This is because the system will take down the name of the employee, the time they clocked in, the time they clocked out and the dates they have worked. This can then, if it is hi-tech enough, be linked up to a computer so that the hours worked of all employees can be sent to head office where pay slips are produced so the hours sheets will not need to be checked by the member of staff employed in that area will not have to check hours have been entered correctly be employees (and that someone hasnt put they have worked 8 hours when they have only worked 4!) This will mean that this member of staff will have more time in the other areas of worked they are employed in. However as this member of staff only works Sundays at this store, and works at other stores during the week checking the time sheets there, as they dont have clocking in systems, she may not be needed at the Milton Keynes branch. This will be an advantage to the store as it will save outgoings, (wages), on employing her. Also another positive aspect this will have on the store is that it will mean it will save lots of different time sheets being printed off, as 5 sheets are needed each week for employees to tick their names and hours off, which can add up over time. Also if there was a fire it wouldnt be too bad because before the paper would have been burnt, but now the clocking in system will be strong and will probably not be destroyed by a fire. This would have meant all staff members; hours would have been lost, which may have meant they didnt get paid for hours worked due to this fire. This will not happen now due to the clocking-in system. The organisational structure of the store will only be slightly affected by this clocking-in system. This is because one of the sales and service supervisors who used to check all the hours worked and that all the time sheets were correct on each Sunday will no longer be required. This is because the clocking-in system will automatically calculate the hours as it is linked up to a computer meaning there will be no chance of human error. This will make the structure of the store slightly narrower, but due to the organisational structure included in this coursework it cannot be seen as only two sales and service supervisors have been included, as I couldnt fit on the correct amount to the chart. This will mean slightly less wages will need to be paid out which again is another advantage of the system. This alternative approach will also affect the external communications. This is because the clocking-in system will mean that not as many communications will need to take place. This is due to the ability of the clocking-in system to calculate the hours worked by employees, and the days that they have worked. This can then be put into a database (like Excel) and this can be sent via E-mail or Electronic Data Interchange to Head Office. This will mean that less communication will be needed between the Milton Keynes branch and Head Office. This is because before the clocking-in system was introduced, one of the sales and service supervisors had to calculate all the hours worked by employees over the week, add these up and send a letter to Head Office confirming these hours worked. This meant that it took time for Head Office to receive the time sheets and there was also a chance that these hours could get lost in the post. This is why the clocking-in system can help affect this extern al communication with Head Office, because it is up to date and links to computers, meaning e-mails can be sent rather than post. Also the internal communications will be affected because the clocking-in system will help staff in store to know that they are going to be finishing when they are supposed to be. Also staff will know where other staff members are at a specified time as the rotas will be correct and will not be running 10 minutes late due to the unpunctuality of some staff. This will mean communications in store will be good and will help staff to feel happy, as they will not be working when someone else should be as they are late. The amount of internal communications can also be reduced due to the clocking-in system. This is because before when staff were late other staff members and the manager had to discuss people being late, and then this meant the manager had to speak to the employee. With the new clocking-in system in space it will mean the communications between the employees who were not late but wanted to tell the manager about those who were not on time will not be needed as the clocking-I system will be able to tell the manager exactly who was late and when. This can mean that, say, at the end of the month the manager can talk to all unpunctual employees as a whole about this problem, and what they are going to do about it in order for them to keep their job. This will mean that the manager will not have to talk to individuals, which would be very time consuming, and a waste of company time so the internal communications will help to be kept to only the most important matters about the store and customers not about staff being late. The objectives that will be met from introducing this clocking-in system are that staff can be kept inspired and motivated. The way this can be achieved is by using the system to see which employees turn up for work each day. This can mean that staff who turn up for work early on a regular or continuous basis can be rewarded. This could be in the form of giving them a choice of what work they want to do, or give them a higher discount on the goods in store. This will mean that everyone who is employed in the store will want to turn up for work early to enable them to get one of these rewards. These are only examples of rewards and could be changed by the store depending on different aspects, e.g. costs of supplying the rewards etc. This will mean that staff are turning up earlier for work each day, which will mean they will start earlier and will get more done throughout the day. This will mean that staff are being kept motivated as they will want to gain the rewards on offer by turning up earlier, and they will also be kept motivated as they can do things in store which will be picked up by the manager which may also help them to gain a reward of some description. Another objective that can be met from the clocking-in system is that the store will be delivering the best in service. The way this will be met is because everything in the store will be running to the correct time which will help to keep staff happy. This will mean they will be in a good mood when they come to communicate or serve customers. Therefore, the members of staff will provide a high level or even the very best in service to customers as they have no excuse not to. This will mean customers will be kept happy with the high service being provided, due to the clocking-in system keeping things running smoothly and to time in store. A final objective, which can be helped to be met due to the new system in store, is raising standards of service within the business. This ties in with the previous objective. The way this can be met is because with staff in store continually being punctual for work then this is the first step of raising service levels in store. This is because with staff all present in store customers will be able to be served easily meaning service is high. The way the clocking-in system will help raise standards of service will work in the same way, as punctuality is a key to helping service remain high. Also staff will be kept happy as mentioned in the previous objective, which will mean staff presence and pleasantness will help raise standards of service across the store. The effects that the clocking-in system will have on the functions of the business are that not much will really change due to this clocking-in system. This is because at the moment the only things that are present are times sheets, which are on the wall by the managers office. The store is too small to have a new department created and would be a waste of time and money creating it as it is not needed. This is because all the work takes place at Head Office as they create all the payslips relating to hours worked. The Milton Keynes store does not do this. If anything were to change in the area of the functions in the MK store it would be that the managers office may need to be increased in size. This is because the manager may need to employ someone (or keep the sales and service supervisor) to deal with the time sheets that have been sent to the computer in there using the clocking-in system. This is so that they can be sent to Head Office. Obviously, this change will not be very big so the effects the clocking-in system will have on the store is minimal, meaning no extra money will need to be spent to enable the system to be more effective, which is a good thing. When looking at whether the installation of more tills in WHSmith, Milton Keynes, it is obvious this will have a positive effect on the store. This was explained in A1 but will basically help to keep queuing times shortened which will please customers. This will not cost too much to do, but should be done after Christmas when the new tills are installed. This will ultimately help to increase the profits of the store. The effect that the tills will have on the organisational structure is that it will mean the Milton Keynes structure will need to become bigger. This is because if more tills are to become open it will mean new staff will need to be recruited and trained so that they can operate on either the old tills, or they could work on the new tills. This will mean that they will also need to be trained in other aspects of work around the store, as they would only need to go on the tills when it becomes busy. This will mean that the structure of the branch will become wider at the bottom which is where all the sales floor staff are. Therefore, it will mean the sales and service supervisors will have more employees to look after and support when they need help or are unsure what to do. This may mean that a new supervisor may be needed to help cope with the demand from the sales staff as the run up to Christmas can be very busy and demanding which could become very stressful on them. Because there are more staff it will mean that the internal communication will be affected in a negative way. The way this will happen is because there will be more sales staff than there has ever been working on the shop floor. As there will be an increased amount working it will mean that the senior people in the stores (manager, assistant manager, operations supervisor etc) will have more people to deal with. This can make it difficult to deal with individual members of staff or to talk to them, as they will not have enough time to talk to individuals. This may make some employees feel neglected and that they are not being recognised due to the fact that they have a lack of communication with these senior workers in store. This will not be because they do not want to talk with employees, it will be because they will not be able to as they are very busy people and have a lot of work to do. This may mean that more staff meetings may need to be held more frequently to help bring managers and employees together so that they can communicate with each other as this may be the only way to help everyone keep in contact. However, this cannot happen during work time as customers will need to be served and they cannot just leave the store unattended! This/These meeting/s may therefore have to take place after work one day when the store is closed. But will any employees want to stay behind work to have meetings? Very few may want to do this, meaning there will be a breakdown in communication in store, which will not have a very good impact on the working environment. This may mean employees may have to be paid money to stay for the meetings as overtime, which will cost the company money, which should not need to happen. This is why more tills will have a negative effect on the internal communication in store. The external communications will also be affected. The way this will happen is because there will be a better communication between customers and employees. This will be due to the increase in the amount of tills in store because new employees will be needed in order for the tills to be run successfully. This will therefore mean there will be additional members of staff to help accommodate customers needs, in any way that they need them to be sorted. This will mean that there will be more communication between employees and customers as there will be more of them, and it will also mean there will be stronger links between the two. This will therefore mean that communications between the two will be affected in a positive way as customers will be able to find help easier in store when they need it, which will also help them to remain pleased and will make them want to carry on shopping in Smiths for these reasons. The objectives that will be met from installing new tills are that it will show that the store is continually raising standards of service in the business. This is because the increased amount of tills in store will mean that it is proving to the customers that they are trying to help to increase service levels and reduce queuing times. This is a good thing because if they are showing they can improve one thing in store (amount of tills), it will show that numerous other things can be improved as well and will not take masses amounts of time to do, as the tills have not. The increased amount of tills will also show that more employees have been taken on and have been trained to high standards, meaning no matter which till the customer purchases their goods from they will still be served at a high level, which is a good thing and helps to prove that the objective is being met. Another objective, which is being met from introducing new tills, is that employees will be kept motivated. The reason for this is that with new tills it will mean that new employees will be needed. This will mean that the new employees will only need to go on the tills when it becomes busy. However, speaking from experience, working on the tills in store can become very tedious after periods of time. This is because of the same actions made possibly hundreds of times in a short period of time on busy days. This can make staff feel de-motivated as they become bored doing the same thing over and over. But due to these tills only being needed to be opened when it is busy, they will only need to be open for certain periods of time meaning the employees who work on these tills will be doing different work when the tills are shut. This can mean that when they are working around the shop floor they may enjoy it more and feel more motivated. But when they get bored of working around the shop they may be needed on the tills again. This will make them feel more motivated when they go back on the tills and if this process continues to carry on (working on tills and then on the shop floor) they may feel less bored and will enjoy their work more, which will in turn mean customers will be treated better, which means the introduction of more tills will help this objective to be met better. The effects that the increased amount of tills will have on the functions of the business are that it will mean that the cash office that is in store may need to either be increased in size or it may need to have more employees (of authority) working in there. The reason for this is because busy days (weekends) will mean the new tills will most probably be open for a majority of the day, if not all. This will mean there will be a bigger demand from employees to be kept up-to-date on their tills. The most important things that are needed on the tills are that change needs to be kept topped up in the tills, gift vouchers run out regularly and need replacing often especially at Christmas as they are given as presents a lot, phone vouchers also sell fast as well as stamps. Activation codes for magazine subscriptions are also kept in the till in few amounts and because there is an offer of 3 for 2 it encourages customers to buy 3, which means 3 activation codes are needed. This will mean there will be a bigger demand from the tills as there will be more that need to be kept toped up. The reason why vast amounts of cash, gift vouchers, stamps and phone vouchers are not kept in the tills is because if there was a robbery to occur in store it is very easy for the till to be removed from its case. This is made easier as notes, which are put in the counter cache by employees, are on the other side of the till when it is open. This makes the till an easy target for robbers to take which is why WHSmith, Milton Keynes does not run the risk of keeping masses of notes, coins or anything else in the till. This is why someone else may need to be employed in the cash office so that it can be run efficiently and so that tills can be refreshed when necessary, without any difficulty. The other function of the store, which may be affected by more tills, is the small function of the recruiting of new staff run by the training and communications supervisor. This is because she will need to employ some new staff so that the new tills can be run when they need to be, and are, opened in store. This will just be like any other recruiting done by Louise but will need to be done simply for the new tills. This will therefore only be a small effect and will not last very long but it will still affect the business, as increased wages will need to be paid out. This will mean that the time sheets will need to be updated by the sales and service supervisor in charge of them, unless they install the new clocking-in system. This will mean the new employees hours worked will need to be calculated and dealt with which is the other small effect these new tills will have on a function of the store. In saying this I feel that I have evaluated the effects that these new, or alternate approaches, will have on various aspects explained above in the store.

Company overview: Astro All Asia Networks

Company overview: Astro All Asia Networks Astro All Asia Networks is a Malaysias leading cross-media group with significance presence in DTH (Direct-To-Home) TV services, commercial radio and TV programming. The group encompasses of seven different structures which includes MEASAT Broadcasting Network Systems (MBNS) or also known as Astro TV, Astro Entertainment Network (AEN), Airtime Management TV Programming Sdn Bhd (AMP) radio networks, Tayangan Unggul Sdn Bhd (TUSB), Astro Shaw Sdn Bhd, Measat Publications Sdn Bhd and Digital Five Sdn Bhd. Astro is owned by Binariang Sdn. Bhd. with 85% share and the remaining 15% is owned by Khazanah Berhad. In this study, we will take MBNS as the main organizational where sports marketing lies in this structure. MBNS was established in 1996 with 22 channels broadcasted on air. Today, MBNS broadcasts more than 125 pay-TV channels and serves to more than 2.93 million households including Malaysian TV households, rural and urban. Throughout the technology advancement, the group has paved its innovative roadmap from Standard Definition (SD) to B.yond featuring High Definition (HD) broadcast to Malaysia through Astro B.yond. Up till now, Astro TV has its own 12 HD channels on its platform. In MBNS, it is divided into seven divisions which are first, Broadcast and Operations, second is Commercial Services, third is Customer Marketing and followed by Communications, Customer Experience, Information Technology, Sales Distribution, Content Management Group, Regulatory and Government Relations, Customer Marketing and lastly Technology and New Media. MANAGEMENT TEAM Dato Rohana Rozhan Chief Executive Officer MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Ahmad Fuaaad Kenali Chief Financial Officer MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Dato Borhanuddin Osman Executive Director Airtime Management and Programming Sdn Bhd Zainir Aminullah Executive Director Astro Entertainment Sdn Bhd Raghvendra Madhav Executive Director India (based in New Delhi) Ken Wang Executive Director China (based in Beijing) Louis Foo General Manager MEASAT Publications Lakshmi Nadarajah General Counsel Astro CUSTOMER MARKETING TEAM In Customer Marketing, the division is sub-divided into four other segments which are firstly, Malay Segment Marketing including Malay Loyalty, secondly, Presence Marketing, followed by Chinese Marketing, Sports Marketing, and lastly International, Education, Indian and Others Segment Marketing. Diagram (1.0) below shows the divisional structure of customer marketing team: Molina Musa (Vice President) Shirley Tan (Ast.Vice President) Chinese Segment Marketing Nachiappan M.T Arasu (Ast. Vice President) Sports,International, Education and Others Herman Sophiaan (Ast. Vice President) Malay Segment and Presence Marketing Rosnah (Ast Vice President) Malay Segment Loyalty Ahmad Faisal (Ast. Vice President) Sports Marketing Nik Faidz (Ast. manager) Sabrina (Associates) Michelle Goh (Ast. Manager) Yeng Yeng (Associates) Sheila Mathavan (Associates) Jeevan (Associates) Emarina Kamal (Associates) Yvonne (Associates) Nurul Hidayah (Intern) Nur Nazihah (Associates) Sharol (Intern) Heryandy Ramli (Associates) Mohd Syafiq (Intern) BACKGROUND OF STUDY This study is conducted to identify the factors of successful sports marketing strategies in pay TV industry in Malaysia which is solely owned by Astro MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd. Astro is a leading pay TV with no major competition in this industry for over 10 years is providing its premium sports package in broadcasting the worlds best sports on air. The exclusivity of Astro in showing the worlds best sports has become its major success in up-selling the sports package. Since Astro is represented as a global business environment where most of the contents are taken internationally and disseminate in Asia, how well the firm can do profit and improve humanity can be the most important dimension to look at through deeper understand in consumers preferences and income level (Van R. Wood, Dennis A.Pitta, Frank J. Franzak, 2008). Astro sports marketing team is now trying to adapt to local consumer buying behaviour and needs that are driven by the differences in cultural norm s. This study later will determine how it can be one of the important factors taken into consideration to ensure the success of sports marketing program strategies. According to Vivienne Shaw (2000) is her study on successful marketing strategies of German companies in the UK, she had identify that strategic objectives and focus, customer targets, competitor targets and competitive advantage, and interaction of marketing mix play a major role to ensure success. Besides aiming to discover the correlation between customer marketing strategies implementation, it is also will determine the feedbacks from rewarding its current 1.53 million sports package subscribers through the execution of sports ground events and corporate social responsibility. However, the ultimate objective of sports marketing is to achieve 1.8 million subscribers and increase average revenue per user (ARPU) still hasnt reached yet. Therefore, in this study, we will also find ways on how Astro can achieve its target either by peer influence and freedom of choice in choosing the most updating sports content. As the sports pack is the most expensive pack among all packages availab le, the benefits that subscribers will gain from paying the fees to watch the best in the world sports will be determined throughout the research. PROBLEM STATEMENT Ideal approach to pursuit the marketing strategies are important to win the heart of sports package subscribers. Among the all content packages offered by Astro including the basic pack, sports package is the most expensive of all. To retain the customers from reverting to original pack combo by withdrawing the sports package in Astro packs can be a major problem face by the organization as consumers want the best value for every cent paid to watch the best worlds sports on air. Therefore, Astro needs to give the best value and sport contents available that worth paying by consumers. Another problem faced is to ensure exclusivity of Astro sports pack from other competitors in broadcasting industry such as RTM and TV3. According to Simon (1992, p.6), he stated that organisations must be able to manage the integration of market and technology as equally driving forces. With the technology advancement, sports pack can be integrated into incredible pack that competitors doesnt have such as watching sports game in high definition (HD) instead of standard definition (SD). The internal factors that influence the successful of sports marketing program are also been questioned on the level of its effectiveness. Major challenges for managers according to Eleri R. Thorpe and Robert E.Morgan (2007) are on how manager direct the efforts of talented employees in given time frame and how manager guarantee that aims mission of intended marketing strategy is clearly understood by employees. As consumers not only looking forward for the international sports team, it is also another drawback because Astro needs to fulfil the local consumers taste by broadcasting local game on air in the sports package. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY The objectives of conducting this research are: To discover the success factors sports marketing strategies in pay TV industry in Malaysia. To identify how sports marketing strategies will be able to cater and fulfil the differences in consumers preferences. To reward consumers with feeling of belonging through CSR and ground events organized by the Sports Marketing team. To identify the benefits gained when subscribers pay monthly fees to subscribe to Astro sports pack as compare to watch sports at non-pay TV station. RESEARCH QUESTION In conducting this research, the questions below need to be answered through observation, interview the internal parties or from consumers feedbacks. How Astro sports marketing strategies able to cater and fulfil the consumers preferences in terms of gender, cultural and income level differences? What can Astro sports marketing team do to make customers have the feeling of belonging through corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ground events to reward loyal customers? How Astro can provide freedom of choice in choosing the most updated sports content in any platform through the adaptation of marketing strategies and marketing mix? What are the benefits received or caused-related marketing effected the subscribers when they subscribes to the sports package and pay the monthly fees throughout the years in comparison with watching sports game broadcasted in non-pay TV? SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY This study can be significance not only to the organization itself, but to customers and to the nation. Firstly, the researcher intended to discover the success factors of Sport Marketing strategies in pay TV industry in Malaysia for the benefit of the organization that helps to overcome the barriers and undesirable outcomes by learning all about the current subscribers and potential subscribers of sports pack. Secondly, this study also addressed to create awareness and positive identity that diverse Astro sports pack with other competitors in sports channel especially in non-pay TV. Another benefit of this study is to create more purchasing powers of consumers in deciding what give the best values for their money. They usually tied up with emotions when considering the purchase decisions. Therefore, through effective marketing strategies, it helps to derive consumers to make purchasing. As Astro is the main Asia pay-TV broadcaster and number one in Malaysia, it assist our country to come out with the technological advancement through the launching of High Definition channels that brings international; sports game lives together in HD direct to customers. It creates international brand image mutually will increase positive image of the nation. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY This research is conducted to identify what are the factors that sports marketing strategies can be successful in retaining the existing sports pack subscribers and attracting potential sports pack subscribers in pay TV industry in Malaysia. Thus it will be restricted only to observation, interviews and secondary data such as annual report. Observation that will be made internally in the organization itself (Astro) by interviewing the samples which is the top level manager in sports marketing team and the employees. Through observation during the ground events and corporate social responsibility done by the team, it helps to determine the success factors. Besides that, the external samples such as Astros customers, sports viewers regardless they are Astro subscribers or not on and consumers with difference genders and income level can be used to obtain results on the level of effectiveness of sports marketing strategies. Those vendors including event agency and producer of sports merchandises who have collaborated with Astro to sustain the premium sports packs can contribute in giving feedbacks and opinion regarding the success factors of Astro Sports Marketing through interview and supporting documents. DEFINITION OF TERMS Sports Sports can be clearly defined as an organized, competitive, and skilful physical activity and it is governed by set or rules and customs. For example of sports are football, badminton, and tennis. Marketing Marketing is a management process through which goods and services move from the concept to customer. As practice, it consists in coordination of four elements called 4Ps which are development of product, determination of price, advertising and publicity namely promotion and selection of distribution which is place. Subscribers As stated in www.thefreedictionary.com, subscribers is defined as to contract to receive and pay for a certain number of issues of a publication, for tickets to a series of events or performances, or for a utility service. In this study context, the subscribers are those who subscribes to Astro sports pack. Consumers behaviour In study conducted by Olympia Business School on Consumer behaviour, they had identified that consumer behaviour means how individuals make decisions to spend their available resources (time, money, and effort) on consumption-related items. It includes the study of what they buy, why they buy it, when they buy it, where they buy it, how often they buy it, and how often they use it. Demographic Factors Demographic factors are characterized by statistical socio-economic characteristic or variables of a population which includes age, sex, education level, income level, marital status, occupation, religion, birth rate, death rate, average size of a family, average age at marriage. Pay TV Pay TV, premium TV or premium channels refer to subscription-based television services, usually provided by both analogue, digital cable and satellite but also increasingly via digital terrestrial and internet television. In this study context, researcher is referring to Astro as the premium pay TV industry in Malaysia. ARPU ARPU is defined as a measure of the revenue generated per user or unit. Average revenue per unit allows for the analysis of a companys revenue generation and growth at the per-unit level, which can help investors to identify which products are high or low revenue-generators. SUMMARY This study is conducted to identify the success factors of sport marketing strategies applied by the marketing team in pay-TV industry. By using the qualitative measures to conduct this study, it will focus more on finding evidence to answer the research questions. Data will be collected through primary data collections which are interview and observation. Besides that, secondary data collection also will be used such as from the annual report. This study is conducted within the organization itself and consumers feedbacks and point of view towards marketing strategies of sports marketing. Researcher used Judgment Sampling method and Convenience Sampling method. To analyze the findings and data, it will be analyze through Content Analysis, event Analysis and Phenomenology Analysis and there is no computer software involve analyzing the data. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW CONSUMERS DIFFERENCES AND PREFERENCES Different consumer has their own perceptions towards the need of subscribing to the Astro sports package. Through segmenting customers into geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural attributes, it helps to identify potential market for up selling the sports pack. According to Helen Reijonen and Tommi Laukkanen (2009), the advancement in information technologies had enable enterprises to collect more and in-depth information about their customers and make it useful for strategic business purpose. Besides that, through consumers socialization, it is also will affect the acceptance of sports package regardless of gender and culture. In research conducted by Luiz Moutinhon and Pedro DionÄ ±Ã‚ ´sio and Carmo Leal (2008) in the process of socialization can be seen as a deliberated act of identity construction the neophyte member begins to deliberately adopt mannerisms, attitudes, and styles of dress, speech, and behavior that he or she perceives to be characteristic of established members. Consumers also will be influenced with the brand image of TV broadcaster in order for them to decide whether to subscribe or not with the pack. Peter Drinkwater and Mark Uncles (2007) examined the impact of program brands on consumer evaluations of television and radio broadcaster brands and come out with finding stated that a successful program on a particular TV/radio station, consumers are likely to improve their perceptions of quality of the broadcaster. That is, the broadcaster brand image is likely to be enhanced. SPORTS MARKETING GROUND EVENTS AND CSR Sports package offered by Astro is currently the premium pack that offers the best sports in the world. Thus, all the sports fans in Malaysia depending on level of income who dont want to missed the live game broadcasted in sports channel will definitely subscribes to the sports package. According to Luiz Moutinhon and Pedro DionÄ ±Ã‚ ´sio and Carmo Leal (2008), in sports activities have always constituted an essential component of free time occupation TV in contemporary societies and in Europe, broadcasting and live attendance of sport games join together every year millions of supporters. The 2006 World Cup was seen in 154 countries by a total of 354,000 of million spectators. This showed that the sports game broadcasted in TV has its own superiority to attract more viewers to subscribe to Astro sports pack. However, to retain the customer loyalty from withdrawing the sports pack, the important of ground events and corporate social responsibility needs to be done. In study done by Anne-Marie Hede examined how special events, such as sporting, cultural, political, historical, religious or commercial/business events, provide opportunities for attendees to have memorable experiences communities to build social capital and for governments to induce new income into their economies though increased tourism and business activities. She also point out that large events such as the Olympic Games can customize product features and develop selling techniques tailored to local customs and cultures. MARKETING STRATEGIES Marketing strategies is the most important principle that needs to be determined to cater target market. With appropriate marketing mix 4Ps including product, price, place and promotion adapted; it helps to ensure success for sports marketing in pay TV industry. In research conducted by Anthony R. Bennet (1997), he stated that when organizations apply the marketing mix principle to market making, targeting the customer, it will involves giving value in relation to quality, value for money, reliability, product performance, cost effectiveness, fitness for purpose and so on. Water Wymer (2011) in his research Developing More Effective Social Marketing Strategies stated that social marketers have tended to limit their choice of set of social marketing strategies to various applications of 4Ps aiming to change individual behaviour and attitudes. However, some barriers may arise that caused marketing strategy to fails. Another research conducted by Water Wymer (et.al) if the social marketing strategy fails to remove an environmental barrier, the social marketing programs effectiveness will be lessened. In relation to this, Anthony R.Bennet (et.al) came out with a findings that channeling an organizational resources into the provision of products and services, it is argues that such strategic focus, on behalf of the organization concerned, will ultimately achieve the objectives set out. Organizational marketing activities will be influenced through publicity and helps to enhance brand image. According to Harlam E.vSpotts and Marc G. Weinberger, both communications activities might play a central role in developing and shaping the corporate brand. BENEFIT AND CAUSE-RELATED MARKETING EFFECTS The first question that always lingers in customers mind is whether the money they are paying is worth the value they receive when subscribing to the premium sports pack. In study conducted by Rob Docters, Raul Katz, Jerry Bernstein and Bert Schefer (2010), customers must first learn about the product and service, use and appreciate the value and lastly reassessment the value and benefits they gained. This research also came out with findings that familiarity of products will lead to usage and enjoyment of product and service. Besides that, through enjoyment of usage, it will leads to higher utility and satisfaction. Individuals also may derive the strength and sense of identity as they are socializing through groups. This can say to be a benefit when they gather together and use sports content as mean to socializing. According to Leal Luiz Moutinho, Pedro DionÄ ±Ã‚ ´sio and Carmo (et.al), individuals are unable to form self-images in the absence of a social identity derived from group affiliations. Stronger identification leads the individual to attribute desirable characteristics of the group to the self, and to assume a greater similarity with other group members. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH DESIGN PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study is to determine to what extend that the Sports Marketing team has done its strategy to get Malaysian households to subscribe to Astro sports pack which currently the most expensive pack among all pack is offered by Astro. Up until now, it has 1.53 million subscribers of sports pack. Since its a customer base type of business, Sports Marketing has done excessive marketing strategies including content, pricing, package quality and customer loyalty to ensure the success. TYPE OF STUDY In conducting this study, the researcher has chosen the Qualitative method to discover the success factors of sports marketing strategies and it does not involve any measurement and statistical data. This type of study is more to finding the answer through evidence and providing textual description on the study. It is done through naturalistic and participant observation and also through interview. SAMPLING Throughout the research, the sampling techniques used in conducting this study are firstly Convenience Sampling Techniques, which involve in engaging the most accessible subjects mainly, the sports packs subscriber. Secondly, sampling technique use is a Judgment Technique by selecting the most productive sample to answer the research questions. Researcher decided to choose the Sports Marketing team itself in MBNS, vendors that engage with the events organized by the team, and feedbacks from useful potential candidates through their experience and public attitude towards the study. DATA COLLECTION In collecting data for this study, the primary method used is by internal observation throughout the meetings, ground events and planning of marketing strategies. Besides that, it also can be collected through interviewing the respective sports marketing team regarding the on-going process of marketing strategies and their perceptions toward customer acceptance of their marketing effort. Vendors and event agencies that engage directly with the sports marketing team also can provide data through interview on their point of view and also external observation. Lastly, another way of collecting data is through the secondary data which is the Astro Annual Report. CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS CONSUMERS DIFFERENCES AND PREFERENCES In Malaysia, there are many consumers differences that need to be taken aware before we want to market our products or services. Seeing that we are rich with multiracial, religions and ethnicities, sometimes we have a tendency to forget that all of us have differences in tastes and preferences. According to the Vice President of Astro Customer Marketing, Madam Molina Musa, in depth identification and segmentation of target market according to their demographic, psychographic and behavioural factors must be clearly acknowledged in order to ensure we achieve our target. Organizations must identify and target the most attractive market segments to ensure they can serve their products and services effectively. During the process of segmenting the target market for Astro sports pack, there are several key points to ensure the marketing team does not make any mistake thus affecting the marketing process. The segments that they are targeting first must be identifiable or easy to define and measure such as the income level. Second is it must be sizeable or large enough to be worth going after, this means that the market size is big to respond. Third is accessible which mean the market must be easy to reached when the company is doing promotion and through distribution such as media infrastructure and facilities. Another important factor is the market must be stable which means theres no war and crisis. The market also must be responsive to the marketing strategies and take action towards it such as by making purchasing. These key points also is supported in a book titled Global Marketing. In pay TV industry, the first and foremost important target market that they are aiming is depending on age, income level, lifestyle, viewing pattern and either they are housewives (HWs) or Professionals, Managers, Executives or Businessman (PMEBs). However, according to Nik Mohd Faidz, 29, Assistant Manager of Astro Customer Marketing, the main target for sports channel is to target those who are in PMEBs category. PMEBs usually are those who are age between 25 to 60 years old, and their main viewing time will be after office hour which is between 8 pm to 12 am and their ARPU is above RM100, which means they will spend more than RM100 to pay for the pay TV services. Another factor that ensures success for the sports marketing team to up sell the sports pack is when they are able to segment their target market according to their area whether they are from rural or urban, age, gender, behaviour and culture. For those who are living in urban area such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Georgetown Penang, they are more likely to watch international sports tournament such as Barclay Premiere League for football, NBA All Star Game for basketball, Formula One and maybe The President Cup for golf. Hence this type of consumers preferences will opt to watch Astro Supersports, ESPN, Golf channel and STAR sports or Eurosport. In contrast, those who are living in rural area such as in Kelantan and Kedah, they are more interested to watch Malaysian sports tournament such as Badminton, Malaysian Bowling tournament, Malaysian Football. Therefore, they will opt to Astro Arena since the channel only shows local sports updates and it is free. This statement is agreed by Venu Ramadass, the Astro ARENA president. ARENA also offers customers the 24-hour nonstop coverage of major regional and local sporting events as well as in-depth and extensive news coverage of matches and developments concerning local sports and athletes. However, during the big event that will attract all sports fan regardless where they come from, such as Thomas Cup, World Cup, they will definitely choose those channels that shows the live broadcasted matches. The differences and preferences of consumers can be furthered explain and summarized in the diagram below. Diagram 1.0 CREATE AWARENESS THROUGH GROUND EVENTS AND CSR Another factor that leads to success of Astro Sports is through the excessive ground events organized by the team to create relationship between subscribers and the organization. It is one of the marketing teams manners to encourage direct participants and involvement to get connected with subscribers, says Mr. Herman Aziz, Assistant Vice President for Customer Marketing in Greenfield segment. For Ground event here means events, road shows, tours, and concerts or street party held during the live match or to reward loyal customers. For example, during the Astro Barclays Premiere League (BPL) Viewing Party, Astro marketing has allocated roughly about RM100, 000 to run twelve ground events that associate with BPL live match. Latest, during the match between Manchester United and Liverpool, held on 6th March 2011 at Bola Bistro, Sunway Giza, Damansara, Astro has specially invited thirty lucky astro sports pack subscribers and twenty seats were allocated exclusively for both media and VVIP. According to Rakesh, Manager of event agency, Rhythm Production who was appointed by Astro Sports team to manage the ground events, the main purpose for inviting media is to gain positive feedback and to get them covered positive news to be featured in newspaper, sports magazine and television. VVIP that were invited usually those top managers from Astro team and sponsors such as Panasonic, Maxis and MYEG. Astro also will get the sportsmen, locally or internationally to involve with these kinds of road shows or tours so subscribers can get connected with sports player. For example, during the Master Football Asia, Astro has collaborated Football All Asia as one of the top sponsor to sponsor the tickets to lucky subscribers to watch the game played by star players from Manchester United, Liverpool and EPL All Stars such as Andy Cole, Robbie Fowler and David Seaman. Another example is during Astro Arena ground event in Malaysia, they will bring along the local sports men and also their ambassadors to join and interact with subscribers such as the famous Malaysian goalkeeper, Khairul Fahmi. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) also plays an important role to ensure the success for marketing programme. Known as corporate citizenship, it is functioning as a companys responsibility towards society and environment by encouraging a positive impact through activities. It must be aligned with ethical standards, country law and norms to avoid any negative effects in a business environment. With collaboration with the loyalty team and community affairs, Astro sports marketing can deliver the message directly to subscribers. For example, Astro sports marketing organized a Kem B.O.L.A as one of their CSR effort to students in primary school. This Kem B.O.LA, according Venu Ramadass, is functioning as a clinic to give intensive training to selected students with high potential in football and to motivate them as well as nurturing their sense of sportsmanship and competitiveness Another clinic was organized by Astro incorporation with BMW team to give intensive training to those amateur tennis players. It was called Astro Tennis Clinic that was held recently, in March 2011. Besides clinic and intensive training, Astro sports marketing and loyalty team will work together to help those who are unfortunate by giving free tickets to watch football matches, to participate in ground events and also charity dinner. ADAPTATION OF MARKETING STRATEGIES AND MARKETING MIX The adaptations of marketing strategies are strongly allied with the four Ps which are Product, Price, Place and Promotion. In general, a business entity needs a product that has potential to be sold, at reasonable price, has a medium to deliver the product to market and promotion efforts to inform the potential buyers about the product. All these Ps are inter-related with one another. According to the Assistant Vice President of Sports Marketing, Mr. Ahmad Faisal, if one of these Ps is not available, the products will not success in marketplace. He also further explain on all of the four Ps functions in details as per below. The first P is product and it can be defined as tangible or intangible goods and services that a seller offers a buyer to purchase. Tangible products here mean go

TQM Paper :: essays research papers

Introduction The study of Total Quality Management (TQM) originated globally in the Japanese industry in the 1950’s. But what exactly is Total Quality Management? How does it impact companies that are striving to become leaders in a global society? What changes have to be made in traditional management styles to accomplish a quality focused management style? This paper will strive to answer all the above questions as well as bind the Total Quality Management into the organization I am employed. Definition of TQM In order to define Total Quality Management we need to breakdown each entity. When we think of total we envision the whole, the entirety. Therefore everyone must be involved to make the difference. The sum of many each has a role to play in the area of quality. Quality means to conform to specific requirements – meeting customer’s expectations. Management is the act, manner, or practice of managing. Therefore, Total Quality Management is an organizational culture or attitude that aims to provide and continue to provide, its customers with products and services that satisfy their needs. This culture requires all aspects of the company to â€Å"do it right the first time.† TQM is the process for managing quality. Impact of Globalization As indicated in the introduction, TQM originated in Japan in the 1950’s. Finally in the 1980’s this new found discovery became popular in the West. Now as more and more organizations are looking to grow into the international market arena it has become very apparent that most American companies are already at a disadvantage. In order to be successful in the international arena quality has to be a priority. Japan is already 30 years ahead of American companies in mastering the art of TQM, therefore being a very strong competitor in other areas of globalization. Traditional vs. Quality Management Styles Traditional management styles may not always been totally customer driven, all decisions were made from top line management with little or no flexibilities to the front-line. Since the top line had to make decisions response times were slow, and employees worked as instructed. As management tends to focus more on quality the important aspects of TQM include customer – driven quality, top management commitment and leadership, continuous improvement, fast response to customer needs, actions based on facts, and employee participation. There are 10 steps to guide any organization to TQM: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pursue New Strategic Thinking 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Know your Customers 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Set True Customer Requirements TQM Paper :: essays research papers Introduction The study of Total Quality Management (TQM) originated globally in the Japanese industry in the 1950’s. But what exactly is Total Quality Management? How does it impact companies that are striving to become leaders in a global society? What changes have to be made in traditional management styles to accomplish a quality focused management style? This paper will strive to answer all the above questions as well as bind the Total Quality Management into the organization I am employed. Definition of TQM In order to define Total Quality Management we need to breakdown each entity. When we think of total we envision the whole, the entirety. Therefore everyone must be involved to make the difference. The sum of many each has a role to play in the area of quality. Quality means to conform to specific requirements – meeting customer’s expectations. Management is the act, manner, or practice of managing. Therefore, Total Quality Management is an organizational culture or attitude that aims to provide and continue to provide, its customers with products and services that satisfy their needs. This culture requires all aspects of the company to â€Å"do it right the first time.† TQM is the process for managing quality. Impact of Globalization As indicated in the introduction, TQM originated in Japan in the 1950’s. Finally in the 1980’s this new found discovery became popular in the West. Now as more and more organizations are looking to grow into the international market arena it has become very apparent that most American companies are already at a disadvantage. In order to be successful in the international arena quality has to be a priority. Japan is already 30 years ahead of American companies in mastering the art of TQM, therefore being a very strong competitor in other areas of globalization. Traditional vs. Quality Management Styles Traditional management styles may not always been totally customer driven, all decisions were made from top line management with little or no flexibilities to the front-line. Since the top line had to make decisions response times were slow, and employees worked as instructed. As management tends to focus more on quality the important aspects of TQM include customer – driven quality, top management commitment and leadership, continuous improvement, fast response to customer needs, actions based on facts, and employee participation. There are 10 steps to guide any organization to TQM: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pursue New Strategic Thinking 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Know your Customers 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Set True Customer Requirements