What Is Cost Management Accounting Reporting Systems

Cost Accounting Reporting System deals with the process of tracking, measuring, recording and classifying the appropriate allocation of expenditure (financial and non-financial) for the determination of the cost of product or service in an organization and for the presentation of suitably arranged data for the purpose of control and guidance of management (Horngren et al, 2010). Costs are measured in terms of Direct Costs, Indirect Costs and Overhead/Absorbed Costs. Managers use cost accounting to support decision making to reduce a company's costs of products and services and improve its profitability. Management Accounting Reporting System is concerned with the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, analysis, preparation, interpretation and communication of financial and non- financial information used by managers to plan, evaluate and control within an entity and to assure appropriate use of and accountability for its resources to managers within organizations, to provide them with the basis in making informed business decisions that would allow them to be better equipped in their management and control functions thereby enhancing both customer and shareholder value (CIMA, 2010). Unlike financial accounting information, management accounting information is used within an organization typically for decision-making in varied areas like product design, production,marketing, and performance management. Management accounting systems also do not have to follow set principles and rules and is usually confidential and its access available only to a select few. Cost Accounting operates within the parameters of Management Accounting. As businesses became more complex and diversified, a more comprehensive reporting system was needed in order to help management make decisions. Modern cost accounting systems take the perspective that collecting cost information is a function of the management decisions being made. Thus it can be safely understood that Management Accounting evolved from Cost Accounting. Hence, the distinction between management accounting and cost accounting is not so well-defined and the terms are used interchangeably (Horngren et al, 2010). Management Accounting principles are also used in other accounting related functions such as Long Term Planning (LTP), budgeting and forecasting revenue and profit planning. Again, cost accounting data is used as an integral part of the process. Management Accounting Reporting Systems: Necessity & Role Value creation is the fundamental focal point for the managers in an organisation across diverse sectors (Smith, 2010). Value creation refers to both customer and shareholders. Creating customer value has been a key concern for the organizations but only in recent years have the managers come to recognize the importance of understanding the customer value – the value that a customer places on particular features of a product and satisfying customers is critical to achieving increased sales and market share and therefore to achieve the shareholder value (Smith, 2010). Shareholder value is also a key focus area for the managers and involves improving the net worth of the business for the shareholders/owners of the company. From a shareholders’/owners’ perspective, parameters like increased profits, share value and dividends are extremely important and management is charged with the responsibility of delivering on all the parameters. To enhance customer or shareholder value, managers need to understand what drives value. They have to make decisions and invest resources in the activities or aspects of their business that lead to improvements in customer and shareholder values. The effective and efficient use of resources is essential to creating value to customers and shareholders; and Management Accounting Reporting System provides the much needed critical information to assist managers to perform this role (Smith, 2010). Management Accounting System supports the organisation’s planning and implementation of strategy. The strategic planning of an organisation specifies the direction (type of businesses and markets to enter and how to compete in the market) that the organisation intends to take over the long-term to meet its objectives. Strategic planning draws on a wide range of management accounting information from costing, budgeting, performance measurement systems, as well as information from analytical studies, both external and internal to the organisation (Smith, 2010). The implementation of the strategy requires management accounting system link the long term plans to the budgeting system, to produce annual budgets that supports the2 organisation’s strategies. Performance Measurement Systems which forms a part of the management accounting system can be used to compare actual outcomes to budgets and other targets that focus on the organisation’s trategic objectives (Smith, 2010). With cut-throat competition in the market-place, well managed organisations focus their objectives and strategies on building and maintaining sources of competitive advantage. Thus Management Accounting Systems contributes to improving the organisation’s competitive advantage in terms of quality, delivery time, flexibility, innovation and cost through modern process improvement and cost management techniques. It also provides information to help manage resources, through systems for planning (e. g. budgets) and control (e. g. performance measures). Furthermore, Management Accounting System also provides estimates of the costs of the organisation’s output – goods and services, to support both the strategic and operational decision needs of managers. Cost Accounting Reporting System on a standalone basis helps the organisation in ascertaining the cost of the product, job or services. The reporting system provides detailed information about the composition of total cost for determining the selling price of the product or service under different conditions. Fully developed cost accounting system provides ready information regarding stock of raw material, work-in-progress and finished goods and also facilitates in the preparation of financial and other statements at such intervals as desired by the management. Cost accounting reporting system also helps in measuring and further increasing the efficiency of the organization (Horngren et al, 2010). This process involves a study of the processes and procedures used in manufacturing or providing goods or services to measure the efficiency of the organisation or departments and devising means of increasing the efficiency. Thus, the cost accounting information becomes the basis of formulating forward-looking operative policies. The Cost accounting information is also used to control and reduce cost and hence increasing the profits thereby increasing the customer and shareholder value (Smith, 2010). The techniques that are used for controlling cost are budgetary control and standard costing methods. The cost accounting information makes possible for the management to distinguish between profitable and unprofitable operations. Concentrating on profitable operations and eliminating non-profitable ones can maximize profit. This information also helps in eliminating wasteful expenditure of resources at various levels and will help the management in forming future course of action. Compared to other supportive reporting systems like Financial Accounting System, which provides information about the financial position and past performance of an organization on an annual or quarterly basis to investors, banks, regulators and other outside parties, Cost and Management Accounting Systems can provide information on a short and long term basis which can be past, present and future oriented and can satisfy the short and long term decision making needs of the management towards fulfilling the organizational goals (Horngren et al, 2010). The factors that contribute towards fulfilling the organizational goal of increasing profits and shareholder wealth like information for planning and controlling operations, estimates of cost of producing goods and services efficiently; and information for measuring performance can also be provided by Management Accounting Systems. Financial Accounting Reports has to follow very strict guidelines and protocol in its compilation and final presentation form. These norms and guidelines are internationally accepted and implemented while Management Accounting reports are for internal use of management for decision making and may not be completely objective and verifiable but is relevant to the issue at hand (Horngren et al, 2010). Moreover, Financial Accounting reports on the business or company in its entirety, i. e. Financial Accounting reports show the overall picture of a businesses financial position for a certain reporting period and are not concerned with any particular department of the organisation while Management Accounting reports’ primary emphasis is on segment reporting (Smith, 2010). It deals with the various segments like product lines, departments or any other categorization of the company’s activities that management finds useful and is not governed by generally accepted accounting principles. Conclusion In a nutshell, there is a tremendous necessity for management and cost accounting reporting systems in an organisation, not only for achieving the predetermined goals and remain profitable, but also to create value to both customers and shareholders. Since the complexities of running an organisation has increased due to complicated market systems and increased competition, there is a need for the management accounting reporting system to be brought under a common control framework for the effective function of the system and helping the organisation to proactively reduce cost and bring profitability.

CASE STUDY ON STRATEGIES OF SALES AND MARKETING FOR BUDGET HOTELS Essay

Sales & Marketing department of any hotel is the lifeline of the hotel. It is the department which ensures that the hotel stays in the news (for positive activities), has near 100% occupancy at rates which add to the bottom line of the hotel Balance Sheet. In a nutshell, Sales & Marketing department is responsible for bringing the business to the respective hotel by way of – Occupancy Number of Rooms. Seminars & Exhibitions. Other events so as to ensure that Business centre of the hotel are also a profit venture. SALES & MARKETING department has 3 distinct functions: 1. Public Relations 2. Event Management & its promotions 3. Room Occupancy- Business group Budget hotels offer low cost business hotel rooms for budget travel. The low price hotels offering leisure to budgeted travelers. For a memorable and unbeatable luxury hotel experience, Budget Hotels are the right choice for low price accommodation travelers . Budget Hotels Offer Low cost hotel rooms of the art amenities for international visitors like Luxury Ac Rooms, CCTV, Fridge, 24 hrs Room Service, Travel desk & Safe deposit, India Travel Packages etc. LITERATURE REVIEW According to Kotler â€Å"Marketing is a social and management process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating offering, and exchanging products of value with other’s. (Kotler, Philip, Marketing Management: Analysis, Planning, Implementation & Control, 7th ed. 1996) In the Mind of the strategist Kenichi Ohmae defines marketing strategy â€Å"as an endeavor by a corporation to differentiate itself positively from its competitors using is relative corporate strengths to better satisfy customers needs, in a given environment setting (Khurana and Ravichandran, Strategic Marketing Management: Concepts & Class 1995). Or in other words, marketing strategy is a set plans or actions that attempts to satisfy the customer’s expectations by the use of organization’s strengths so as to strength the firm’s position in the competitive environment and leads to overall profitability and growth. Key Terms (Reich Allen Z. 1997) Strategy: Strategy refers to the plan for achieving a goal or objective. Webster’s definition for strategy (a noun) is: 1) The science of planning and directing and directing large-scale military operations, specifically (as distinguished from tactics), of maneuvering forces into the most advantageous position prior to actual engagement with the enemy; 2) Skill in managing or planning, especially by using strategy (a plan for deceiving an enemy). (Rich Allen Z. 1997) 3) Another definition of strategy is:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"something an organization or uses in order to ‘win’ or establish its ‘legitimacy’ in a world of competitive rivalry and numerous challenges to managerial autonomy†. Rumelt’s (1979) definition stressed that strategy was what a firm used â€Å"to create and maintain an ‘asymmetric’ advantage in its product markets† (cited in Thomas, 1993, p.3) Miles and Snow (1978) and Mintzberg (1978) agreed with the widely he ld view that â€Å"strategy reflects a pattern in a stream of conscious managerial decisions, aimed at ensuring organizational adaptation.† (Reich Allen Z. 1997) OBJECTIVE The Aim of this study is to understand who the function of Sales & Marketing in Budget Hotel. . Selling objectives and strategy.  Overview of the Sales division in terms of type, location, hierarchy and functions. Key objections faced by the sales personnel and the proposed solutions, Formation of sales budgets and sales forecasting. Reporting Format and Frequency. Size of the sales force. Sales Budgets. Factors taken into account while assigning quota and territories. METHODOLOGY {Explanatory} PRIMARY DATA: Questionnaire, Research, Survey Method, Interview. SECONDARY DATA: Internet, Relevant Magazines, Relevant Books, Journals, Newspapers, Periodicals. LIMITATIONS Difficulties in collecting of first hand data. It’s difficult to access the supervisory data. Constraints of time. Financial problem. Lack of co-operation between the researcher and the data giver. BUDGET HOTEL Roots Corporation Limited (RCL) is a subsidiary of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Incorporated on December 24, 2003, RCL operates the first-of-its-kind category of Smart Basics hotel chain across the country. IHCL operates Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, one of South Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels. The company was incorporated on 1902 by the founder of the Tata Group, Mr. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata and opened India’s first luxury hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai in 1903. Launched in June 2004, the Smart Basics concept created a revolution in the world of Indian hospitality. A GenNext category of hotels, they signify simplicity, convenience, informality, style, warmth, modernity and affordability. The concept was developed in association with renowned corporate strategy thinker, Dr. C. K. Prahalad, and the hotels have been indigenously designed and developed by IHCL. The first of the Smart Basics hotel was launched in Bangalore and was called IndiOne. Having completed the test marketing of the concept and subsequent fine-tuning of the hotel facilities and services, the Smart Basics concept is now ready to roll out  across India. These hotels have been launched with a new name – Ginger Hotels – in sync with the fresh, simple-yet-stylish and warm world of Smart Basics. The Ginger Hotels are built around a unique concept that provides facilities to meet the key needs of today’s traveler, at surprisingly affordable rates. They have created a new category in the domestic hospitality landscape, while giving a major fillip to Indian tourism and other ancillary industries. The primary objective behind the launch of these hotels is to provide a superior product offering and consistent experience to travelers, beyond the present offerings in the industry. CONCEPT OF LOW BUDGET HOTELS IN INDIA. The budget hotels in India are recognized for their impeccable facilities and services that ensure a satisfying tour. The hotels are dotted all over the important tourist destinations since there are many budget travelers all over the world looking for cost effective accommodation. The tourists are going to benefit a lot from the budget Indian hotels that have tastefully appointed rooms and provide customer centric services to the travelers during their tour to India. The impressive packages are designed keeping in mind the taste, preference and likings of the tourists and are reasonably priced so as to make it reachable even to the common man. The budget hotels are well-acclaimed for their services and facilities that are always directed towards satisfying the needs of the guests. The hotels are professionally managed and feature neat and clean guestrooms that are tastefully furnished with the most modern facilities and room amenities. Budget travel in India is becoming increasingly popular and all the four major metropolitans of India are visited by large number of tourists each year. Thus to cater to their accommodation options, a large number of fine accommodations have come up that ensure an exclusive stay to the tourists. Though available at low cost tariffs, the budget hotels in India also cater to the corporate needs of the guests who drop in to India for the purpose of business. SCOPE OF LOW BUDGET HOTELS IN INDIA India, a land of diverse cultures and myriad tourist attractions, is visited by millions of tourists every year. The country is emerging as one of the fabulous tourist destinations of the world. Budget Hotels in India welcomes you for a comfortable stay in any place of India during your tour. Whether you’re in India for a pleasure trip or on business, you’re sure to find a hotel that suits your preferences. Smart Basics is much more than a catchy phrase. It is a philosophy of providing intelligent, thought-out facilities and services at a ‘value’ pricing. Smart Basics reflects the new spirit in which people live and work today. The emerging lifestyle which is visible in the degree to which individuals have taken control of their various activities viz. the use of email instead of letters as also the use of mobile phones, conference calls and video conferences to get things done quickly and efficiently. Essentially, Smart Basics signifies simplicity, convenience, informality, style, warmth, modernity and affordability. Simplicity and convenience in ease of doing business (awareness, booking channels, payment gateways); informality, style, warmth and modernity in its approach to product design, service philosophy and affordability in pricing. Customer-driven excellence: We anticipate expectations and delight our patrons with convenient and modern facilities at an unsurpassed value Entrepreneurship: We strive to take ownership of the tasks we perform and to create an environment that encourages and supports initiative and appropriate risk-taking Innovation: We believe that making meaningful changes to improve products, services and processes to create value for all stakeholders is an integral part of the daily work of the organization Valuing employees, partners and communities: We believe in nurturing and developing internal and external partnerships, balancing the growth of the core business while preserving natural resources and contributing to society Speed and agility: We deliver on promises with a sense of urgency and short response time Fun, joy and zing: We believe that a happy employee leads to a delighted guest TYPE OF SERVICES AND HOSPITALITY PROVIDED BY THESE HOTELS. Food and Beverage options Our hotels have a myriad of options when it comes to dining. We believe in giving you the best value in dining, as with everything else. The Square Meal: Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks 20†³ Large screen TV WorldSpace radio Dial-a-meal Order from a selection of menus from local restaurants and enjoy the meal at our resturant,collect the food at the Give ‘n’ Take counter Smart Basics Facilities and Services Ginger hotels have intelligently designed facilities and services, conceived with convenience and comfort in mind. Some of our features include: The Square Meal : The Multi-Cuisine restaurant for a wholesome breakfast, lunch or dinner Net Zone: For high speed internet connectivity Conference Room (seats 80-100 people) or Meeting room (seats 8-10 people) Laundry facility: Express delivery (same day delivery): Give your clothes by 9.30 am and get them back on the same day. Gymnasium: Equipped with treadmill, exercycle and weights, air power bike, dumbbells, dual action poles with stepper, wrist curler, doorway chinning bar and punching bag, yoga mat On-site ATM: From a selected set of approved/empanneled banks Secure parking: 24*7 security on-site: monitoring by CC TV Doctor on call Smart Basics , Smart prices We have a totally transparent pricing policy, with no hidden costs and additional levies. We believe in giving you true value for your money. Smart Planet — An eco initiative At Ginger Hotels, our values give special emphasis on environmental and ecological issues. We constantly work towards building a better and sustainable way of living by providing facilities to our customers without compromising on the environment. The steps taken by us speak volumes of the measures that have been taken to create a safer environment for the future. Smart Sleep A good night’s sleep is very important as it renews the mind and rejuvenates the body. At Ginger, we understand the importance of a good night’s rest and strive to make our guests incredibly comfortable. We offer state-of-the-art posturepedic mattresses, which provide adequate support, thus ensuring a good slumber. Our special mattresses help in: Providing advanced pressure point relief Absorbing and redistributing pressure from your body weight Delivering the correct orthopaedic support Sensing body motion and responding with increased support Reducing tossing and turning These mattresses are complimented with duvets that offer softness and comfort to enhance the sleeping experience. Our exciting new range of beautiful bed linen, our comfortable pillows, and sumptuous duvets add to your convenience and comfort. So, don’t forget to sleep smart the next time you are in Ginger Pune. *Smart Sleep is currently available in Ginger Pune. Smart Space Rooms At Ginger, we believe in the luxury of simplicity. Our Smart Space rooms are designed with comfort and practicality in mind. You can choose from: Single Rooms: Ideal for the lone traveller, yet does not compromise on any of the conveniences of the other rooms Twin Rooms: Separate beds for those who travel together Double Rooms: A queen-size bed for your comfort Family Rooms: Perfect for a family of four (at Delhi and Durg only) Special Room to look after the special needs of the physically challenged Our rooms are packed with features, to make your stay a memorable experience. You can find the following amenities: Electronic locks on doors 17-inch wall-mounted flat-screen TV 24-hour cable TV with all major channels Internet connectivity: Wi-fi Mini-fridge Tea / coffee maker with complementary sachets of Tea/Coffee STD and local direct dial, voice mail and self programmed alarm on phone Full-length mirror Ergonomic work area Wardrobe and luggage rack Self controlled AC Bottled water, Posturepedic mattress, Duvets Every room has an attached bathroom with the following facilities: 24-hour running hot and cold water Branded toiletries: Body & hair wash, and hand wash Shower area Bath and hand towels Safe Zone At Ginger, we realise the importance of safety. Our hotels designed for total security and has security features like: 24-hour security Close-circuit TV maintains records of all areas and visitors Swipe card locks that offer the latest in security Digital safes located at the Give ‘n’ Take counter at the lobby GINGER HOTELS IN INDIA. Ginger Mysore provides DOT (Department of Tourism) approved three-star facilities including all the special features of Smart Basicsâ„ ¢ such as Smart spaceâ„ ¢, Safe zoneâ„ ¢, gymnasium, meeting room, self check-in kiosk and is geared to make your stay comfortable and pleasant. Ginger offers clean, well-furnished and aesthetically designed accommodation equipped with amenities like mini-fridge, LCD TV, self-controlled A/c, tea and coffee maker and a telephone. COMPANY BACKGRAOUND AT HOTELS Roots Corporation profile Roots Corporation Limited (RCL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Incorporated on December 24, 2003, RCL operates the first-of-its-kind category of Smart Basicsâ„ ¢ hotels across the country. IHCL operates Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, one of South Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels. The company was incorporated on 1902 by the founder of the Tata Group, Mr. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata and opened India’s first luxury hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai in 1903. Launched in June 2004, the Smart Basicsâ„ ¢ concept created a revolution in the world of Indian hospitality. A GenNext category of hotels, they signify simplicity, convenience, informality, style, warmth, modernity and affordability. The concept was developed in association with renowned corporate strategy thinker, Dr C. K. Prahalad, and the hotels have been indigenously designed and developed by IHCL. The first of the Smart Basicsâ„ ¢ hotel was launch ed in Bangalore and was called indiOne. Having completed the test marketing of the concept and subsequent fine-tuning of the hotel facilities and services, the Smart Basics concept is now ready to roll out  across India. These hotels have been launched with a new name – Ginger hotels – in sync with the fresh, simple-yet-stylish and warm world of Smart Basicsâ„ ¢. The Ginger hotels are built around a unique concept that provides facilities to meet the key needs of today’s traveller, at surprisingly affordable rates. They have created a new category in the domestic hospitality landscape, while giving a major fillip to Indian tourism and other ancillary industries. The primary objective behind the launch of these hotels is to provide a superior product offering and consistent experience to travellers, beyond the present offerings in the industry. Contact Roots Corporation Limited Ginger Corporate Office Godrej & Boyce Complex Gate no. 8, plant no. 13 office building Vikhroli (E) Mumbai 400079 Phone: +91-22-6777 3366 Fax: +91-22-6777 3377 For reservations and enquiries Call national toll-free number 1800 220 022 or call our reservation network +91-22-66014634 Email: reservations@gingerhotels.com Value added services Taxi and traveller’s van service Doctor on call Check-in, check-out 12 noon SELF CHECK IN Save time and fuss with Ginger’s unique self check-in facility, which allows you to help yourself in without any assistance from the Front Office. The automated check-in kiosk, powered by Astrolifeâ„ ¢, has been introduced in India for the first time and our guests love it. SAFE ZONE Keep your valuables safe and secure in the state-of-the-art security systems Ginger has installed for you. All rooms have electronic tamper-proof locks. You also have the option of using the digital safes at the Give ‘n’ Takeâ„ ¢ counter, at a very nominal charge. GIVE N TAKE Keep your valuables safe and secure in the state-of-the-art security systems Ginger has installed for you. All rooms have electronic tamper-proof locks. You also have the option of using the digital safes at the Give ‘n’ Takeâ„ ¢ counter, at a very nominal charge. GYMNASIUM At Ginger, we realise the importance of   exercise as a stress buster and as part of a healthy lifestyle. All our hotels have well-equipped gymnasiums with treadmills, exercycles, boxing bags, weights, etc. Please help yourselves! MEETING ROOM Conduct your meetings and presentations at Ginger’s capacious conference rooms. Our meeting rooms seat about 8-10 people with boardroom style seating, wi-fi connectivity and audio-visual equipment. You need to inform us in advance if you wish to hire a conference room. NET ZONE Stay connected to your favourite sites in cyberspace with our high-speed internet connection at Net Zone. For those who want to avail of wi-fi connectivity, we offer wi-fi cards on sale at the reception. CURRENCY EXCHANGE Ginger hotels have a currency exchange facility where all major currencies and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged. WATER DESPENSER Quench your thirst with the complimentary bottle of mineral water in the minifridge in your room and, when you need a refill, just walk down to the water dispenser on your floor. VENDING MACHINES Vending machines have been installed at all Ginger locations. These machines are equipped with an array of products ranging from juices to toiletries. This 24-hour service will save you the trouble of stepping out of the hotel for a purchase. VISION & MISSION VISION Ginger is a fresh and warm experience, of an unsurpassed value. MISSION We provide smart, clean and safe hospitality offerings by adopting next-practices that constantly enhance value for our patrons. We are driven by respect for people and nature and passion for our stakeholders. VALUES Customer-driven excellence: We anticipate expectations and delight our patrons with convenient and modern facilities at an unsurpassed value. Entrepreneurship: We strive to take ownership of the tasks we perform and to create an environment that encourages and supports initiative and appropriate risk-taking. Innovation: We believe that making meaningful changes to improve products, services and processes to create value for all stakeholders is an integral part of the daily work of the organization. Valuing employees, partners and communities: We believe in nurturing and developing internal and external partnerships, balancing the growth of the core business while preserving natural resources and contributing to society. Speed and agility: We deliver on promises with a sense of urgency and short response time. Fun, joy and zing: We believe that a happy employee leads to a delighted guest. 11 HOTELS Situated on the airport road, Ginger Agartala provides easy accessibility to every part of the city. Located close to the International Tech Park in Bangalore, Ginger Bangalore is ideal for the business traveller. Stay at Ginger Bhubhaneshwar in the heart of the city, within easy distance of all important cultural and business areas. Conveniently located close to the City Centre, Ginger Durgapur is in the residential part of town. Situated close to Har-ki-pauri in   Haridwar, Ginger Haridwar is the first choice of pilgrims to the holy city. Nestled in the peaceful environs of the Vasanth Mahal road, Ginger Mysore is close to both the business and tourist centres. Located centrally in Satpur MIDC, Ginger Nashik is easily accessible from the bus stand, railway station and airport. Located in the French colony at Oulgaret Municipality, Ginger Puducherry is near to the airport. The Ginger hotel in Pune is in the Pimpri Chinchwad region, the industrial hub of the city. In Thiruvananthapuram, Ginger is located inside the sprawling Technopark campus. Conveniently located at Fatehgunj camp road, Ginger Vadodara is just 3km from the airport. COMPONENTS OF MARKETING SYSTEM In developing a marketing plan for a hotel, each of the following components, known as the 6 P’s of marketing system, are to be considered. 1. People 2. Product 3. Price 4. Promotion 5. Package 6. Performance 1. People ž Who are the present and potential customers? ž Where are they? ž What are their needs, desires and constraints? 2. Product ž What are the existing or planned facilities and services? ž How closely do they match? ž Do they address correctly what the guests want and desire? 3. Price Consider the hotels’ need to operate at a profit while offering products and services which are competitive not only with other comparable hotel facilities, but with other products such as vacations abroad, second homes, camping and the suchlike. 4. Promotion ž Utilize all appropriate communication media and merchandising tools ž Attract the attention of prospects ž See that the product and price are right 5. Performance Living up to what has been promised in every respect in order to maximize the guests’ length of stay, amount of spending, and loyalty, so that the guest becomes a repeat customer and the hotel’s ambassador of goodwill. 6. Package ž Comprises of incentives, including discounts and loyalty programs ž Attractive set of offers put together at what the customer perceives as a reasonable price ž Offers a good experience and value for money MARKETING MIX The three elements of marketing plans are as under. 1. Customer or Prospect Mix ž Who are the present customers? ž Who are the desired customers? 2. Service Mix ž What needs and wants of each group are now being met? ž What needs and wants of each group should be met in the future? 3. Promotion Mix ž How is the demand being activated and sustained? ž How should it be? ž Promotion mix includes Advertising, Promoting, Merchandising and Personal Selling VALUE AND WORTH Value is the customer’s estimate of the product’s capacity to his set of goals. Worth is the perception of the balance between satisfied goals and the costs involved in satisfying these goals. Good value is where worth is perceived as greater than the costs, and poor value where the costs are perceived greater than the worth. As consumer needs, wants and demands change, as competition increases, and as  technology offers new opportunities, the process of creating a consumer-product relationship is also the process of managing change. Broadly, advertising, promoting and merchandising may be described as the process of bringing the buyer and seller together once the needs of both these parties have been understood. PROMOTION The product in a hotel context constitutes a wholesome package on the offer, and attempts to satisfy and convey: ž The image of the establishment ž Quality of the product and service ž Style of management Prices ž Environment, facilities and services Promotion is an activity directly concerned with the product. Promotion should inform the customers of the establishment, make them aware of its existence, persuade them to buy and convince them of the image and quality of the product. This is done by way of: Personal selling Advertising Sales promotions Merchandising Public relations Agents Promotion is an activity which must be carefully planned and controlled. Usually the main objective of the promotional campaign is to stimulate demand by using persuasive messages to attract past users and new customers to the establishment. Such messages should convince prospective customers that the product on offer is good value for money. PERSONAL SELLING Personal selling is doe through contacts with local organizations and committees, or more directly through the restaurant staff talking to guests. All employees who are in contact with the customer must be made aware of the importance of selling the products to increase profits and provide a satisfactory experience for the customers. Personal selling is the most potent method of promoting sales where the seller has an opportunity to make a complete presentation of his sales story, answer all objectives, and follow through the computation of a sale with a signed order. All staff must therefore gain a good knowledge of the company’s products and services, and develop good social skills with an ability to promote and sell. Showing concern for the customers not only makes them feel comfortable, but also promotes sales and increases the effectiveness of the establishment. ADVERTISING Advertising should convey messages which influence customer behavior. Advertisements should convey and result in: ž An immediate increase in sales ž Awareness of the existence of the establishment ž Informing the public of the name and location of the establishment ž Telephones and faxes of the establishment ž Timings and dates of operation ž The type of offer – room, restaurant, catering, leisure activities ž Style of food and drink offered ž Unique selling propositions and special features ž Whom to contact for what Advertising messages should define and clarify: ž Objectives of the advertisement ž Menu offering ž Target customers ž Media type to reach target ž Timing of the advertisement ž Budget ž Product differentiators The medium used for the advertisement may be television, radio, newspapers, magazines and journals, Internet, pamphlets, brochures, posters, static poster sites, sponsorships, cinema and direct mailers. The selection of the medium depends on the budget and the target audience. Large hotel companies organize their own local campaigns. This requires that the hotel progresses and reviews the various stages in the preparation of various ads and be aware of the advertising production cycle. SALES PROMOTION Sales promotion is a day to day operation relating to discount offers, price reduction and special offers. They are designed to appeal to a certain section of the market or the target audience. Food festivals, for example, are held to promote cuisine and beverages of a particular region or country. A theme promotion may help the business and promote sales by way of volume of sales increased during off-peak periods by attracting new customers, gain publicity in the local media circle, and stimulate and interest regular groups. Follow up after sales is a very vital component of any promotional activity. MERCHANDISING The objective of merchandising in F&B is not so much to create new techniques, but to implement existing merchandising techniques to their utmost potential. A customer can hardly buy what he doesn’t know, and so all merchandising and salesmanship should be directed to the five senses of sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. Based on these factors, we should analyze our restaurants in detail in order to establish adequate programs for improvement. Sight – The most common technique in this category is the use of visual displays. These not only include static displays of fruit or ice, but also menus, tabletops, trolleys and carts, and the suchlike. Smell – Aroma stimulates taste-buds, and the use of smell to sell is a very effective tool. Aromas used effectively in restaurants include freshly brewed coffee, exotic herbs and spices, and the like. Taste – Whereas the success of a restaurant depends on the taste of the food, successful merchandising may includ e pre-order tasting and niblets. Touch – Merchandising to the touch not only include various textures on the food but also such things as crisp napkins and beautiful crystal ware. DEFINITION OF MARKETING The word market is derived from the Latin work ‘Marcatus’ meaning goods or trade or a place where business is conducted. The term marketing is defined  as a ‘business activity planned at satisfying to a reasonable extent, consumer or customer needs and wants, generally through on exchange process’. The human needs are less and are important for his survival. The wants of people are many and varied and change with time, place and society. The wants keep changing with life styles, earning capacity of consumers, social values, education etc. Human intentions and decision to acquire may not be the same due to existing conditions. A man like or intend to stay in a five star hotel. He may decide (or acquire) a room in a three star hotel due to his tight financial position. Kotler defines marketing as â€Å"a social and managerial process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating, offering and exchanging products of value with others. As per the definition by the American Marketing Association (AMA), marketing is â€Å"the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational goals.† ‘Market’ traditionally is a place where buyers and sellers gather to exchange their goods. With this concept of markets, it is seen that Marketing means working with markets to actualize potential exchanges for the purpose of satisfying human needs and wants. To meet the exchange process in the market, considerable skill and work is put by one party to the transaction. To bring in the desired response from the other party in a market, the marketer has to analyze, plan, implement and control activities. Definition of Marketing Management, according to Kotler, is the process of planning and executing the conception, the pricing, promotion and distribution ideas, goods and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational goals. He has thus approved the definition of the AMA. Marketing Management is engaged in influencing the level, timing the  composition of demand in a manner that will help an organization to achieve its objectives. Marketing Management is basically demand management. COMPONENTS AND CLASSIFICATION OF MARKET Market is a social and economic institution which performs activities and provides infrastructure for exchange of commodities between buyers and sellers. A market is not confined to a particular geographical location, it exists wherever the fundamental forces of demand and supply exist. Market Components The following components are necessary for a market to exist: Two parties are necessary – one buyer/s and secondly seller/s Goods or commodity for transaction. Physical existence of goods is not necessary. Business relation and communication between buyer and seller and Demarcation-area or place there, uniform price or competition is not a condition. Classification of Markets Based on nature and dimensions, markets are classified as under: 1.Area of Coverage Local Market: Where buying and selling activities are taking place, where buyers and sellers belong to same or nearby villages. These are for perishable items like vegetables. Tehsil Level Markets: Market catering to buyers and sellers of taluka area. Buyers and seller meet for their stock of food grains and other daily use items. Regional Level Markets: Usually at district headquarters to cater to a larger area. National Level: Buyers and sellers world over meet in this market. These are large scale markets and business value and volumes are large. The items transacted include, silver, gold, non-ferrous metals, petro goods and machinery. In the recent past, agricultural commodities have also entered the area. 2.Location Village Market: The transactions between buyer and seller takes place in a small village center called a village market or a Haat. This meet is periodical, usually once or twice a week Primary Market: The villagers take their agricultural produce to the nearby town or Tehsil on bullock carts, buses or tractors-transaction in the town market takes place between farmers and products. Wholesale Markets: These markets are located at important commercial centers or district headquarters. The arrivals from villagers and other markets are large in quantities. The transactions take place among villagers, village traders and wholesalers. There are specialized marketing functions that take place in this market. They are commission agents, brokers, packers, weighment etc. These are also called Secondary markets. Terminal Market: This market caters to the final consumer or processor. These are organized and modern markets. These markets are in cities or state capitals and deal in many commodities. 3.Volumes of Trade Retail Markets: Where goods are brought and sold to consumers based on actual requirements. The retailers purchases goods from the wholesale market and sell in small lots to the nearby consumers. Wholesale Markets: The wholesale markets are in big cities or commercial centers in a district. The commodities are brought in bit lots bulk and sold in bulk. These markets balance supply and demand fluctuations and also determine the prices of the commodities being transacted. As such wholesale markets are an important part in the market scheme. 4.Time Span Short Period Market: These markets are for few hours or a day in a week. Generally perishable goods like vegetables, fruits, milk, fish, mutton are traded. The prices are fixed on the basis of demand pattern. Long Period Market: Where perishable items for a long period are traded. The items are food grains, oilseeds and oil. The prices are governed by supply as well as demand forces in the market. Permanent Market: Markets where commodities can be kept for any length of time like machinery, steel furniture, manufactured goods. 5.Number of Commodities General Market: These markets deal in a large number of commodities and of different quality and packages. The items are as groceries, foodgrains, oils, oilseeds, sugar etc. Specialised Markets: Markets where only one or wo commodities are transacted are called specialized markets. Examples are foodgrain markets, electrical markets, cotton markets and vegetable markets. 6.Type of Transactions Spot or Cash Markets: Where goods are exchanged immediately on payment of cash Forward Markets: In this market, the timing of exchange of commodity and purchase and sale of that commodity are not same. The goods are delivered at a later date. Sometimes the goods are not delivered at all, only difference being in sales and purchase price which are paid as per agreements. 7.Degree of Competition Market are seen from perfect competition to pure monopoly. The markets may exist different intermediate points. The markets are classified on the basis on basis of competition as under: Perfect Markets: The perfect market in true sense does not exist. This presupposes that There are large numbers of buyers and sellers. The buyers and sellers in the market have indepth knowledge of prices, demand and supply. Price are uniform in a geographical area- Plus or minus cost of transportation from surplus to deficit market. Plus or minus cost of storage over a period of time. Plus or minus cost of converting the product from one to another. Imperfect Markets: In this market, the conditions of perfect market are lacking. These are: Monopoly market where there is only one seller of a commodity. He has sole control. The prices are generally higher. When there is only one buyer, the market is termed as monophony market. Duopoly market is a market there are two sellers of a commodity in the market. Where there are only two buyers in the market, it is called duopsony market. Monopolistic competition: Where a large number of sellers are selling heterogeneous and differentiated forms of a commodity, the situation is termed monopolistic competition. Example – farmer has to choose between various makes or brands of pesticides, pumpsets and fertilizers. 8.Nature of Commodities Commodity Markets: Pertains to the types of goods like grains, cotton, sugar, fertilizers etc. Capital Markets: Markets where shares, debentures and bonds are purchased and sold as in share markets. 9.Government Intervention Regulated Markets: Where markets are controlled by government or statutory rules and regulations, pricing and distribution are as per laid down rules. Unregulated Markets: The seller or trader makes his own rules for conduct of business. These are not government rules for trading. The traders may exploit the situations. 10Accrual of Marketing Margins This is done on the basis of whom the marketing goes. These are usually cooperative market. These are prevalent in milk, fertilizer and sugar industries. The margins are distributed to the cooperative members. 11Type of Population Served Urban Market: Markets to serve the urban population. Rural Market: Markets to meet demands originating from the rural population. MARKETING SYSTEM Marketing activity presently dealt with focused on the commercial transaction between a seller and a buyer. The seller offers his commodities to the buyer to satisfy his needs and wants. The buyer purchases the commodity or services as per his needs and demand. Marketing Activity and Environment The framework or environment in which marketing activity takes place is within and outside the buyer and seller organizations – some are controllable and some are uncontrollable variables. Some variables can be controlled by the seller that is one can plan, organize and perform – whereas there are variables which are beyond and control. Five Ps The controllable variables are planned and their level of intensities are used to influence the target market. This is called the marketing mix. E.J. McCarthy developed the marketing mix. They are the five Ps-Product, Price, Packaging, Place and Promotion. The variables in each of these Ps is detailed in Fig. Product Price Packaging Place Promotion Quality List price Lot size Retail outlets Advertising Options Discount Durability Channels Personal selling Features Allowances Appeal Coverage Sales promotion Style Payment period Ease in handling Inventory Publicity Brand name Credit terms And Transport Transport Public relations Size Handling Warranties Store keeping Returns Appeal Value 5Ps and their variables MARKETING GOALS Marketing is an important and integral part of any enterprise. It follows of the organization, that is marketing desires goals from an organization. gives goals of an organization and its marketing arm. Organization Marketing Growth Product Sales growth Market development Diversification Profitability Maximum sales revenue Maximum contribution Market Penetration Market leadership Innovation Consumer satisfaction Image Company image Brand image Social image Goals of Organization and Marketing SELLING AND MARKETING CONCEPTS Selling concept holds that, if left alone, a customer will ordinarily not buy enough products of the organization. the organization must, therefore, go for aggressive selling and invest in promotional campaigns. This is a common man’s approach. The aim is to sell what an organization makes rather than make what the market wants. On the hand, marketing is a business philosophy that is opposed to the selling concept. The marketing concept holds that the key to achieve goals of an organization consists of being more effective than its competitors in evolving and executing marketing activities towards determining and satisfying the needs and wants of target markets. The concept is put is few words – â€Å"find wants and fill them† or â€Å"meeting needs profitably†. The difference between selling and marketing are detailed in below. Concepts Starting Points Focus Means End The Selling Concept Factory Products Selling and Promoting Profits through sales through The Marketing Target Customer Integrated Profit through Concepts Market Needs Marketing Customer Satisfaction DIFFERENCES IN SELLING AND MARKETING CONCEPTS Market Structure and Dynamics Market structure has to meet the requirements and adjust substantially to the changing environment. For good performance, the market structure should keep pace with: Demand Changes in Market The market structure should be reoriented to keep pace with demand for products in terms of size, quality, packaging due to changes in incomes, consumer tastes and habits. Product Changes in the Market The production pattern changes with technology, economic and institutional reasons. The structure should be reoriented to suit changes. Marketing Function and Cost Factors Market information, enfacing inventory holding patterns and transport facilities have bearing on the type of market structure. Should change as per costs and changes in Government policies. CHAPTER III DATA ANALYSE Questionnaire Based Analysis 1. Do you think customer satisfaction is the main goal of the management of a budget hotel? 2. Do you think ensuring the customer of all the comfort will always help in repeat business? 3. What do you think is the reason for lack of repeat business even if all services provided to the guest are budget hotel? 4. What should be the main aspect to be worked upon to attract suitable guests? 5. Why do you think prospective guests are attracted the most by in a hotel facility? 6. What do you think is more important- the tangible goods (food, room, etc) or intangible services provided by hotel employees (courtesy, chivalry, friendly behavior, etc)— 7. How important is branding according to you? CHAPTER IV CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY QUESTIONNAIRE CONCLUSION Hotel Industry in across the globe needs to give a greater in-depth thought to branding their products and services to reap the benefits of changing customer needs. The Hotel Industry as a whole must continue to ensure Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty and thus make all efforts to retain customers. Hotels must be given a higher ratio of importance as future trends signify that the mentioned sector will be a cash cow for the investors. Innovation is also proposed as a key to success in the Hotel industry currently and also for the future as competition is growing rapidly. So, it will be a good idea to establish theme restaurants with variety of cuisines. Emphasizing on areas like Semiotics would result in generating brand recognition and awareness. This would be a helpful tool in order to impact the consumer’s mind. Media is the recommended channel through which the impact can be profound. Ensuring exceptional guest care by each and every employee should be the norm. To ensure this, flatter structures are recommended to stimulate communication process and close working as a team. Staff levels must be offered better pay packages since they are the ones in direct contact with your customers. Competitive pay packages will also help in retention of staff and better services to the customers. Empower employees, encourage and -support them in their decisions to build confidence. This will lead to better customer service at guest contact points. Outsourcing options should be considered seriously, and in as many services as possible. This will definitely lower payroll costs and may also improve efficiency of operations. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Kotler Philip, Marketing Management: Analysis, Planning, Implementation and control, 8th ed. 1996, Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice Hall, New Delhi. 2. Roberts, John Marketing for the Hospitality Industry, 1993, Hodder Stoughton, London. 3. Kotler, Philip, Marketing Management, the millennium edition, (10th edition) 1999, Prentice hall of India, New Delhi. 4. Reich A.Z., Marketing Management for the hospitality Industry: a Strategic Approach (1997), John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York. 5. Wearne. Neil; Hospitality Marketing, 2001, Global Books D Subscription Services, New Delhi. 6. Kotler, Bowers and Makens, Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism, 1996, Prentice- hall International, USA. 7. Pearce, J. II and Robinson, R.B. Jr., Formulation and Implementation of competitive strategy, 4th Ed. (1989), Homewood, IL:Irwin. 8. Knowles, Tim; Corporate Strategy for Hospitality, 1996, Longman Company Limited England. Trade Journal & Magazines: 1. Hotelier and Caterer 2. FHRAI magazine

A Fans View on Angelina Jolie

She is a person of admiration. Which is known globally with partner Brad Pitt has adopted children from Africa. In my view, many people may not be able to do the same. She is a very assertive and open. She is a member of the charitable foundation that provides assistance to all who need it. Although very popular, not so presumptuous as all stars. It behaves as if the world outside of the show. Angelina Jolie is a film actress and television. Born in Los Angeles in 1975. Throughout her career she has received numerous awards for his acting achievements, including an Academy Award and three Golden Globes is considered one of the sexiest women in the world and this is the focus of the entertainment press. In mid-2009, Angelina Jolie was ranked first in the list of Forbes magazine among the highest paid actresses in Hollywood, according to data released by the publication. It has three biological children with her partner, fellow actor, Brad Pitt. In 2001 he was appointed ambassador to the United Nations, actively participating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Angelina uses its popularity to the media attention devoted to the case of refugees and the terrible conditions in which they live. She has visited many refugee camps and centers in countries like Tanzania, Cambodia, Pakistan, Namibia, Thailand and Ecuador. For his charitable work has been awarded grants humanitarian immigration program for refugees and Church World Service. Angelina Jolie and partner Brad Pitt have donated a million dollars each to two organizations dedicated to helping the disadvantaged, Global Action for Children and Doctors Without Borders. The organization provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters, for emergency medical assistance to help victims of the Haiti earthquake. Asked what she hoped to accomplish meeting with refugees and internally displaced persons in more than 20 countries, she stated, â€Å"Awareness of the plight of these people. I think they should be commended for what they have survived, not looked down upon. † (Jolie 2003). As seen in previous paragraphs Angelina Jolie is a very bold and sociable. she has always shown love to everyone around the world an example of some publications that are published on the Facebook page: â€Å"On World Humanitarian Day we remember the aid workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and we honor the extraordinary courage and dedication of humanitarian workers around the world,† she wrote. â€Å"I had the honor and the pleasure of meeting one of these brave individuals before his murder during a visit to Pakistan, where I witnessed first-hand the incredible devotion of a very kind and gentle man. His name was Mr. Zill-e-Usman. † (Jolie 2012) Angelina Jolie has spent many years helping the poor. The actress feels very fortunate to work as a member of UNHCR and refugees. According to the couple of Brad Pitt said about this: â€Å"It is true that they are the most vulnerable in the world, but paradoxically also the most resistant. They are survivors who have been forced to leave their homes and go without any possession thousands of miles to seek a better life. † (Jolie 2012) No doubt this woman is an example for many people who only care about the physical appearance and not help others. A Fans View on Angelina Jolie She is a person of admiration. Which is known globally with partner Brad Pitt has adopted children from Africa. In my view, many people may not be able to do the same. She is a very assertive and open. She is a member of the charitable foundation that provides assistance to all who need it. Although very popular, not so presumptuous as all stars. It behaves as if the world outside of the show. Angelina Jolie is a film actress and television. Born in Los Angeles in 1975. Throughout her career she has received numerous awards for his acting achievements, including an Academy Award and three Golden Globes is considered one of the sexiest women in the world and this is the focus of the entertainment press. In mid-2009, Angelina Jolie was ranked first in the list of Forbes magazine among the highest paid actresses in Hollywood, according to data released by the publication. It has three biological children with her partner, fellow actor, Brad Pitt. In 2001 he was appointed ambassador to the United Nations, actively participating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Angelina uses its popularity to the media attention devoted to the case of refugees and the terrible conditions in which they live. She has visited many refugee camps and centers in countries like Tanzania, Cambodia, Pakistan, Namibia, Thailand and Ecuador. For his charitable work has been awarded grants humanitarian immigration program for refugees and Church World Service. Angelina Jolie and partner Brad Pitt have donated a million dollars each to two organizations dedicated to helping the disadvantaged, Global Action for Children and Doctors Without Borders. The organization provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters, for emergency medical assistance to help victims of the Haiti earthquake. Asked what she hoped to accomplish meeting with refugees and internally displaced persons in more than 20 countries, she stated, â€Å"Awareness of the plight of these people. I think they should be commended for what they have survived, not looked down upon. † (Jolie 2003). As seen in previous paragraphs Angelina Jolie is a very bold and sociable. she has always shown love to everyone around the world an example of some publications that are published on the Facebook page: â€Å"On World Humanitarian Day we remember the aid workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and we honor the extraordinary courage and dedication of humanitarian workers around the world,† she wrote. â€Å"I had the honor and the pleasure of meeting one of these brave individuals before his murder during a visit to Pakistan, where I witnessed first-hand the incredible devotion of a very kind and gentle man. His name was Mr. Zill-e-Usman. † (Jolie 2012) Angelina Jolie has spent many years helping the poor. The actress feels very fortunate to work as a member of UNHCR and refugees. According to the couple of Brad Pitt said about this: â€Å"It is true that they are the most vulnerable in the world, but paradoxically also the most resistant. They are survivors who have been forced to leave their homes and go without any possession thousands of miles to seek a better life. † (Jolie 2012) No doubt this woman is an example for many people who only care about the physical appearance and not help others.

Methoud of enquiery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Methoud of enquiery - Essay Example It will evaluate the impact of bad publicity on consumer’s perception at Primark. How do consumers react? Does it affect the purchasing behaviour towards Primark’s products? Does it affect sales? Or does it have no effect? Literature review There has been very little relative research conducted on ethical decision making and purchase behaviour. This area of research has received little attention from researchers. There have been some studies on â€Å"environmental ethical concerns and purchase behaviour† but there is little food to fodder for in other areas. These studies were conducted after the consumerism movement of the 1970s in which they tried to find out about the consumer who is conscious of the impact of his consumption on the public and wants to use his purchasing power to bring about change. As opposed to work done earlier on environmentally concerned consumption, through our work, we are trying to establish how ethical concerns in Primark will affect purchase behaviour. The paper will revolve around how purchase behaviour is dependent on moral judgement owing to their use of illegal immigrants. Illegal human behaviour been practiced before in other countries. In South Africa, consumers tend to be concerned about abuse of human rights in a foreign country. Similarly consumers and their concern for animal rights becomes a major factor when consumers consider purchasing products that have been tested on animal. The research is intended to improve an understanding of how consumer behaviour i is affected by bad publicity and unethical practices conducted in an organization. It has important implications in business ethics and marketing. (Barling, 2005) In his book, Morality and the Market, McMurrian explains how market can play an influential role between the arbiter of good and bad business practice. According to McMurrian, ethical purchase behaviour is described as â€Å" an expression of the individual’s moral judgmenet in his or her purchase behaviour†. (McMurrian, 1990) Smith did a research on consumer boycotts due to ethical purchase behaviour. For instance, the consumer boycott of Barclays Bank turned out to be the most influential reason behind the with drawl of Barclays bank from South Africa. The major impact of the ethical behavior within an organization is on it stakeholders. The main stakeholders of a business can be categorized as either internal or external.In internal stakeholders, the most important are employees at all levels. It is important that employees are clearly aware of the implicit and explicit ethical behavior observed within an organization. It should be re-enforced by the top level management tactfully. This will create a positive working environment within an environment, encouraging healthy competition, friendly relationship among employees, higher productivity and greater satisfaction of the employees. Workforce will feel more confident about their work if they are treated equally and appreciated and appraised liked other employees. The external stakeholders of an organization play an important role for an organization to become morally responsible organization. The most important stakeholders are customers, suppliers and public. Most organizations have become customer-oriented and to achieve maximum customer satisfaction, they must become ethical to develop loyal customers. Ethical dealing with suppliers will

Content Calendar for Breath Mat Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Content Calendar for Breath Mat - Assignment Example Make the content of the product pages more detailed with information about features and unique quality of the product including the advantages. Ensure the product appears in many different images, allowing the customer to easily view every aspect of the product satisfactorily. Update constantly the site’s content. Create a simple to understand, but detailed information about shopping, returns, shipping, etc. Also includes the use of sounds on videos on the site and create content that builds more trust in the company in terms of helping the customer. Ensure that the images can be viewed from different angles with minimal clicks as possible to enhance the efficiency of the website.[Appendix 1-3] Improved the web-site’s layout and design by making it more appealing and friendly by using impressionable colors such as cream and light blue. Layout the website in a very organized manner such that user’s don’t have to necessarily use the search function to look up anything-though it allows users to look up anything.[Appendix 2-2] Create a simple to use website allowing customers to easily interact and locate the right page or the site of interest. In addition, have an optimal search function for complex searches. Also creating simple headings Use product differentiators such as colors and headings for better emphasis thus consolidating the brand image and the company’s uniqueness, Organize fonts and sub-titles in a simple yet elegant manner by employing bright and impressive color scheme e.g. maroon tiles with black. Breath mat is a product that allows yogis to focus on their practice without having to suffer the distractions of sticky mat and towel. Because the Breath mat for Bikram yoga offers the solution to sticky mats and towels that can’t adequately absorb sweat and pool liquid on the floor beside bunching-up during postures and be uncomfortable to lie on.

Microsoft Write Up Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Microsoft Write Up - Case Study Example There are further opportunities for the company because Microsoft has sought enterprise customers who can sign large deals to long-term commitments and provide a stable cash flow. For example, the Microsoft Azure Cloud offers consulting services to enterprises (Hoffmann, 2013). These opportunities, if utilized appropriately can benefit the company by providing a competitive edge. On the other hand, Microsoft faces some external threats. For instance, many of the users of Microsoft’s products have not shifted to start using the upgraded, newer products. By mid last year, half of the users and companies were still using Windows XP, and a large percentage of the market did not seem likely to buy upgrades (Cox, 2012). Therefore, the company has a lot of work to do in giving a reason to clients to purchase its new products. Secondly, the emergency of mobile devices and the increase in reliance on the Internet poses a threat to Microsoft. Customers and businesses have realized that personal computing can be done without using any of Microsoft’s products (Brodkin, 2013). The introduction of newer and efficient browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Google chrome has posed stiff competition to Microsoft’s Internet explorer. Other competing products include Android and iOS. Many users have opted to use them because Microsoft’s platform lacks user reach-motivator for developers to invest in it. Therefore, the company has failed to increase mindshare, whereby developers can work with its own platform or technology. The company faces further competition, and struggles to convert developer interest in the platform into adoption. The company’s lack of commercial has led to its inability to convert windows phone into adoption. Finally, the market is currently dominated by-products from Apple and Google. These are iPhone and iPad, and Google’s Android platform that many manufacturers such as Samsung and LG use to power their devices (BBC , 2013). Google became a threat to Microsoft because it used its revenue from search to fund software-development projects, such as business productivity applications, while Apple focused on the consumer more than Microsoft did (Hoffmann, 2013). These threats are not favorable for the company because Microsoft’s market share has been hurt significantly. External Environment and Financial Performance Analysis of Microsoft Microsoft’s internal strengths lie in its corporate culture. It allows any employee to submit an idea, which is then voted by other employees. Ideas that are not adopted are normally archived for future reference. The company has two yearly Think weeks during which employees can suggest innovative ideas (Koulopoulos, 2009). The company’s integration with Skype to enhance its existing business provides further strength. This is because the company can add voice and videoconferencing services to its enterprise offerings. The company has already cr eated a huge reach to customers with its most successful products, and can access both Internet and mobile platforms (Lunden, 2011). The company has invested in innovation opportunities, and this provides it with an opportunity to improve market share. Further the company’s rigorous recruitment process, which ensures that only the best and the brightest are given the opportunities, enables the company to have an excellent work force. For instance, the

Struggling with identity (or forming identity and what that means) in Essay

Struggling with identity (or forming identity and what that means) in the stories - Essay Example In these works characters are in the quest for their identity. In Tillie Olsen’s ‘I stand Here Ironing’ we find that Emily is seeking her own identity. Her mother, her family members, her teachers and schoolmates, all are in search of identity. We find Emily’s mother’s feelings of sadness and lack and her inability to connect with her daughter Emily. Emily had an inner sadness in properly understanding her own position in the social fabric that existed during that period. A diametrically opposed pattern is evident here. Emily’s mother feels that she must have acted in a different way to influence the behaviors of Emily. Emily, on the other hand, feels that her out of home behaviors were wrong. She thinks that she must have been more positive. She had a strange mix of childhood and motherhood. The very first sentence reveals the mood of the complete story. Emily’s mother explains with a mood of despair her daughter’s hard attempts to locate her own identity being in a self-limiting environment. The story raises several questions individual identity. In the story, both mother and daughter are searching for their identity though they face numerous limitations brought by social constraints and their history of poverty. The constraints that surround them make them search for their identity. Sherman Alexie’s ‘The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven’ is yet another works that involves characters who are in search of their identity. Racial and ethnic identity does matter in the lives of individuals. Racial identity and cultural identity symbolize the cultural existence of an individual. Racial identity and cultural identity often shapes the lives of individuals. The story presents several cultural barriers and difficulties where individuals are in search of their identities. The story describes the life of an young native American man whose life is focused in his ethnic identity. Being an Indian he was brought up on a reservation. He however was constantly on travel. He lived in Seattle. His constant shifting between two cultures and two environments created a big question about his identity. In Tim O'Brien’s ‘The Things They Carried’ also we find a striving for identity. The dual personae that are found in the story often gets intertwined and even become indistinguishable. The narrator himself says that the identity that lives inside is what really matters (Napersteck, 1991). The real identity of the narrator is not always visible in the story. Locating the identity of the narrator is a big threat to the readers also. The identity of the narrator is quite confusing in all the stories in ‘The Things They Carried’. Critics and readers have always been puzzled by this. The narrator himself is unidentified in the title story. However in other stories we find the narrator as Tim O'Brien a fictional character. The author himself admits the identity strife evident in the story. The third-person narrator in the story is nameless or without identity. However as the stories are interrelated we can consider this third-person narrator as fictional Tim O'Brien. The story includes constant shift of identity. The central character or the narrator is striving for identity. Junot Diaz’s ‘How to date, a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie is yet another work in which we see a struggle for identity. Here the character is striving for her racial identity. Here th

Trump Entrepreneurial Initiative Research Paper

Trump Entrepreneurial Initiative - Research Paper Example TEI started in 2005 as Trump University and changed in 2010 to its new name. It offers programs to develop next generation entrepreneurs, innovators and business builders. However, it is involved in a battle in courts with New York State Attorney General Mr. Schneiderman over impropriety of $40 million from 5,000 consumers for promise of success in entrepreneurial activities. It PEST environment shows a number of challenges and opportunities the organization has in its pursuit of its mission and vision to entrepreneurs. The code of ethics outlines that employees have to be honest and true to their work. The management of plan of the organization is working with Donald Trump at the top, followed by the CEO and other executives. However, there is a lot to be done in terms of reorganizing the organization to become more functionally effective and efficient. This will also see the organization clear its reputation and maintain a standardized brand. TEI focuses on offering education through four major categories: Entrepreneurship, Wealth Creation, real Estate and Management. Every topic amongst these is taught via a variety of mediums like home study kits, online courses, and via live retreats/seminars. It charges a fee ranging amid $1,500 and$35,000.TEI is a program that is yet to be accredited, meaning you won’t really get an actual college credits or degree upon completion. The entire courses and products offered at TEI are supported by satisfaction guarantee of Trump. If for any given reason you end up un-satisfied with your education, you are allowed 30 days to claim a complete money back refund, and nonetheless, you must be in a position to return every part of your materials. Â  On the August 24th, 2013, the attorney general of New York Mr. Eric Schneiderman sued Mr. Donald Trump for US $40 million, by stating the mogul of real estate assisted run a fake "Trump University" which promised to make students wealthy b ut instead guided them into expensive as well as mostly useless retreats/seminars, and even was unsuccessful in delivering promised apprenticeships. In his response, Donald Trump refuted the allegations, terming the New York Attorney general as a political hack who is looking for publicity as he claimed the school has received a 98% approval rating from its students (Thomas 1). According to the editorial board of New York Times Mr. Schneiderman’s suit provides compelling evidence to believe the existence of a bait-and-switch scheme. It is can be deduced from the ongoing that Donald Trump was involved in unethical practice and did not deliver as required even though he claims otherwise. This can be explained by the fact that he is facing consumers of the products and services of Trump University and is one of an escalating number of for-profit colleges that have seen a handful of personal, class action as well as government suits against them. In a nutshell the greatest promis e of TEI is Trump’s satisfaction guarantee. However, as a distinguished real estate and media mogul Trump is also targeted politically by those looking for political favors and contribution to achieve their political ambitions. This is visible when the relationship and meeting of the Trumps and TEI’

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death by Henry Patrick Research Paper

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death by Henry Patrick - Research Paper Example It is significant to note that Patrick Henry's powerful speech was given on March 23, 1775 at St. John's Henrico Parish Church in Richmond. Through this articulation, we realize that there is a connection of beliefs and attitudes and that the speaker tries to trace it out for us to understand the notion well. There is a strong articulation from the availed phrases from Henry speech, which says, â€Å"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. People may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace (Henry 10). The war is actually begun.† This strong norm shows there is a connection between beliefs and attitudes at large. Additionally, the availed speech is a sort of emotional appeal. Henry is quoted by saying, â€Å"Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.† This is an emotional articulation in that Henry was addressing the gathering out of hunger and sudden feelings. Henry speech was a well-organized speech in that it entailed some of the main characteristics that a well-organized speech adheres to (Vaughan 54). The speech is easier to understand, pleasing, easier to remember and credible as well. In addition, the speech portrayed a specific and purposely central idea characterized by main point that was supported and narrated in well conversant manner (Cohen 711). The style in this writing is formal. This was a speech directed to the president and the urge of being formal was an option. The speech was to address the president to pity the fate of the common citizens and being formal was one way of Henry to eliminate any sort of personal feeling rather address issue as a community spokesman. Henry stated that â€Å"Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these war-like preparations, which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir.’ However, a metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. From the above Henrys words, we articulate that the speaker uses metaphors in this writings. From the excerpt, the author meant that freedom is the ability for an individual to make any choice they want, in any manner they deem fit as long as it does not harm or interfere with others’ pursuit of freedom (Cohen 714). The author’s beliefs advocated for maximized lives for those with minimum lives, this meaning that the lowest, least fortunate class of our society should be the most well off lowest class of all other societies no matter the cost. It is a complicated argument but a very charitable. As evident from the speech, the author did not advocate for socialism or equality but rather a well off lower class. The millionaire can still be a millionaire, but he must sacrifice some of his wealth to allow the least fortunate to live comfortably. At some point, the speech becomes even

Managing a community Essay Example for Free

Managing a community Essay Managing a community and giving out rules for the people was a tough job which needs some magical efforts and broad horizons on things. Having set a different principle will magnify the weight of the intentions of the leader as regards to his platforms for the community. Being guided by such will also lead him to boost his eagerness to push what he perceived for the community. Taking into account my interview with Mr. Jorge Jasso,it gives me some overview on how to put truly the heart in what we do. Our craft doesn’t limit in its exemplification but creating an inner self within your intention in the execution of your projects – like that of Mr. Jasso who manages to incorporate his intellectual, emotional, moral, social, and physical development to his projects for the community. This instance is tantamount giving out his whole heart in dealing with his people and everything that surrounds his environment. A strengthen philosophy in life was deeply felt with my interview. Ethical behaviour was indeed an element for Mr. Jasso as he gives out his norms in dealing with his school site decisions, â€Å"Ethics is defined as the code of moral principles which sets standards of good or bad, or right or wrong, in ones conduct. Ethics provides principles to guide behaviour and help people make moral choices among alternative courses of action. Ethical behaviour is that which is accepted as good and right as opposed to bad or wrong, in the context of the governing moral code† (Schermerhorn, 2008 p. 32). Mr. Jasso’s attitude was considerably ethical as he doesn’t limit his rules to what he wanted to execute but negating with people towards their insights and reflections towards the given policy. People’s opinion truly matter as one make laws for the reason that, above all, laws are for the common good. Making decisions and planning process was the eye of every project. It is imperative to promote an established decisions and plan for progress, upon making things in an ideal way you will definitely achieved the desired output. Having a set of criteria will implore a manageable system as well which will inspire the people in the community to cooperate and be part of the desired progress. â€Å"Decision-making process involves asset of activities that begins with identification of a problem, includes making a decision, and ends with the evaluation of results† (Schermerhorn, 2008 p. 166), knowing the environ was synonymous to distinguishing what needs to be enhance to make the community a better one – and in the case of Mr. Jasso’s nature, knowing what the school members urges to uplift. Planning is the focal element any given project, and in lieu of which, an outcome was expected. Anything which has been perceived by the leader was expected to implement efficiently, and that the purpose should be fully served most especially for the people involved in the project. An outcome should be fully defined and in doing such, planning is given a colossal attention. â€Å"Planning creates a solid platform for the other management function – organizing, allocating and arranging resources to accomplish tasks, leading guiding efforts of human resources to ensure high level of task accomplishment, and controlling monitoring task accomplishments and taking necessary corrective actions† (Schermerhorn, 2008 p. 184), having a set of directions was imperative for any given project and a leader should possess everything that it takes to be creative and outgoing with his established principles and ideals within the genre of his platforms – as that of Mr. Jasso. Guided with decision making and magnificent planning, strategy should also be a priority in magnifying a certain policy. â€Å"Strategy is a comprehensive action plan that identifies the long-term direction for an organization and guides resource utilization to achieve sustainable competitive advantage and importantly, a strategy provides the plan for allocating and using resources with consistent strategic intent† (Schermerhorn, 2008 p. 207), it’s a good note how Mr. Jasso brought up the importance of training for its members in the community. This is a good intention on building rapport with the people as it creates a sense of connection. Indeed, this is a good strategy to make possible all the platforms that has been exemplify. Above all, organizational innovation and change should be at hand in dealing with everything you set as a goal. It is a good point how Mr. Jasso perceived changes in the system along with the proper procedures of executing his projects for the community, specifically in the school priority projects. Innovations in dealing with your set of projects will enable a person to modify his ideals for the better improvement of his project for the community, â€Å"Creativity is the generation of a novel idea or unique approach to solving problems or crafting opportunities† (Schermerhorn, 2008 p. 293). In dealing with your principles and upon identifying your goals, you have to scrutiny your intention and give verdict to your standards. Being an icon would enable you inspire your people to follow your rules and for them to contribute as well. Mr. Jasso became an icon to everyone and mostly to youth to follow some rules. Being a leader is a remarkable job and it entails some nerve to set out rules, â€Å"leadership is the process of inspiring others to work hard to accomplish important tasks† (Schermerhorn, 2008 p. 320). To become a leader you’ll have a grip to power, and such will enable you to drive people to follow any given law, â€Å"power is the ability to get someone else to do something you want done, it is the ability to make things happen the way you want them to† (Schermerhorn, 2008 p. 321). The interview that I’ve done with Mr. Jasso truly embeds a sense of responsibility for the people. The dedication towards a certain crafts goes hand in hand with the way you perceive things. An end goal is essential for any given project for this will enable the leader and the people behind to look forward on things that will deliver a change to their system and that will proliferate their community. References: Dr. John R. Schermerhorn, Jr. , Management, John Willy Sons, Inc. 2008.

Buddhist Philosophy of No-Abiding Self

Buddhist Philosophy of No-Abiding Self Outline and discuss the Buddhist philosophy of no-abiding-self (anatman). What is rebirth if there is no soul being reborn? In the first noble truths, Buddha taught that suffering or dukkha exist in our lives. The Buddhas teachings are simply a path way to enlightenment (?) so that the suffering can end all together. to become enlighten is to wake up to the true reality of things so that one can see who they really are in the deepest levels. It is at that moment when the realization of selfishness takes place and all the suffering falls away. When someone is not enlighten, then their current understanding of the world and who they really are, does not match the reality. Because of this confusion, suffering takes place. Unless one is enlighten, then this person will continue to identify with the wrong version of their self. There is this sense of duality in the world of the notion of me and I. From this notion people tend to create all of their attachments such as my house or my family. This way of thinking and perception springs all human feels; desires and aversions. Where does the idea of self, derive from? When Buddha was asked about I he said, in paraphrasing, where is this I? Point it for me. (Reference) Buddha wanted to make his followers this notion of the self. Are we our names, for instance? Often times, individuals can feel compromised by the existence of another person having the same name as themselves. Does that mean that we can only exist in our body? Our body constantly changes. The body a person has when they are 80 years old is not the same as the body they had when they were new born. So how can the body constitute a permanent self? Individuals derive to this sense of self due to rapid interplay of many physical and mental processes. The Buddha explained that everyone has five aggregates that work together to form the sense of self (Boisvert, 1995).In Sanskrit these five aggregates are called skandhas (Boisvert, 1995: 17).The five aggregates consist of form, consciousness, feelings, perceptions and mental formations (Boisvert, 19 95: 4). They all work in combination to each other. Because they seem to work so simultaneously it is easy to incorrectly identify with these aggregates as they are constituting our permanent and unchanging self. However, the Buddha pointed out that it is our identification with these aggregates that is creating this illusion of permanence and as long as we continue to cling to these as being who we are we will continue to suffer(Boisvert, 1995: 8).REBIRTH The first aggregate is form or matter (Boisvert, 1995).This includes the four great elements; earth, water, fire and air (including all the forms; internal and external, which are derived from these elements such as the physical body) (Gethin, 1998: 140). The Buddha wanted to draw our attention to the six sense organs; eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and body(Gethin, 1998: 140). When these are working properly they can detect the five sense-objects; visible form, sound, odour, taste, and tangible things(Gethin, 1998: 150-153).The coming together of sense-organ and sense-object, allows the corresponding sense-consciousness to arise (Gethin, 1998: 150-153).For instance, if the eye sense-organ meets with the visible object, then eye-consciousness arises. It is this arising of the consciousness which allows us to become aware of the presence of that sense-object(Gethin, 1998: 150-153). One the eye-consciousness arise, it forms an interaction between the sense-organ and the sense-object and thi s allows us to become aware of the presence of the object(Gethin, 1998: 150-153). Once we have the consciousness of an object, then this allows for the other aggregates to arise. The aggregate of feeling refers to feelings that arise from eye-contact, ear-contact, nose-contact, tongue-contact, body-contact, and intellect-contact (Gethin, 1998: 215-218).There are three kinds of feelings we might experience; pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral feelings (Gethin, 1998: 212-214). So it is from the contact of the sense-organs, the sense-objects and the sense-consciousness that these feelings can arise and these sensations van be either enjoyed, disliked, or be neutral. Then there is the aggregate of perception, which is what identifies what it has been noted by the relevant consciousness (Boisvert, 1995: 46)This allows an individual to recognize it, label it and categorize it. Thus, this aggregate allows one to stop making sense of the world because up until this point, the aggregates could only perceive things but not give it any meaning (Boisvert, 1995: 46-47). For instance; when drinking coffee, through the contact of the tongue, one is able to taste the coffee. Thus, the tongue-consciousness can perceive the taste of flavour. For the aggregate of feeling, in this example, the sensation might be quite pleasant because of the coffees warmness and flavour. Then this becomes the aggregate of perception which actually recognizes the liquid as coffee, because it fits into the pre-digested mental categories of what the properties of coffee should be like. With the aggregate of perception an individual is able to identify the stimuli around them (Boisv ert, 1995: 46-47). The last aggregate is mental formations and fabrications(Reference). This aggregate indicates that each individual has different ways they can react to a sense-object and develop different feelings and perceptions of it(Boisvert, 1995: 49). As the name suggests, this aggregate is interests in the ways an individual can initially react on a mental level, even before this person follows through with some behaviours of speech, body and mind(Boisvert, 1995: 48-50). This aggregate is interested in all the wholesome and unwholesome intensions or impulses that arrive in relations of what we see, hear, smell, taste, feel and think(Boisvert, 1995: 48-50, 214) These intentions arise before we react with our body, speech or mind. In Buddhism, they refer to these intentions as the karma seeds(Gethin, 1998: 214)These actions have the power of bring happiness or suffering. We can make our own choices. But there is no concept of sin as there is in the Christian belied. They believe that unskilful c hoices can lead to bad karma, while skilful choices can lead to good karma(Gethin, 1998: 214)Perhaps, one of the most important point of this aggregate is that this is where human habits of mind are created (Gethin, 1998: 154). This is where individuals develop all their ideas, opinions, and prejudices about things and people, as well as all of their compulsions(Gethin, 1998: 153- 154). So this aggregate really determines whether one develops positive qualities of the mind or not. This is where individuals can shape their mental habits and the person they want to become. The five aggregates show that the interactions to people or situations in life are not immediate or automatic. There is a process involved where the individual is not at the mercy of their feelings or thoughts. There is a choice in how to respond to everything. This is a very liberating concept because if individuals can develop enough mindfulness to recognize their impulses or intentions as they arise, they can then learn to replace them with more wholesome ones and they can decide whether they actually act out on them or not. They can decide whether they will verbally abuse someone who insulted them or whether they can practice patience in a challenging situation. Essentially, individuals can decide what karma they create and whether they move towards enlightenment or not. Mindfulness is the quality that initially allows us to depersonalize the aggregates (Reference). So a person will not say the thought as being his/hers thought but simply he/she can say a thought is a thought. It is a phenomenon they can choose to entertain or not. With this perspective, thoughts are nothing more than an identity that arises and passes away (Reference). This brings a lot of lightness to our thoughts. There is no need to allow ourselves to get caught up in them anymore and get stuck on certain thoughts. Instead individuals can become dispassionate and objective observes and they will be able to remain calm and peaceful when thoughts arise whether they are wholesome or unwholesome ones (Gethin, 1998: 214). Getting back to what the teaching on the five aggregates mean in the of no self or anatman; the Buddha explained that these five aggregates are the basic elements of a person and they are in the state of continual change (Reference). For instance, an unpleasant feeli ng passes away to give rise to a pleasant feeling. One moment of consciousness is replaced by a different consciousness based on a different sense-organ. Of these aggregates, none of them can stand alone or constitute a permanent self because they are in a state of constant change. Every moment the sense-organs come into contact with the sense-object. These four processes of consciousness of sense, feeling, perception, and mental formation, occur with lightning speed, and because it happens so fast it gives the appearance of continuity and that of an unchanging entity (Reference). So it is because of the combination of these aggregates working together that there is the sense and idea of permanence and permanent I and it is conveniently labelled as self. Seeing thus, the well-instructed disciple of the noble ones grows disenchanted with form, disenchanted with feeling, disenchanted with perception, disenchanted with fabrications, disenchanted with consciousness. Disenchanted, he becomes dispassionate. Through dispassion, he is fully released. With full release, there is the knowledge, Fully released. He discerns that Birth is ended, the holy life fulfilled, the task done. There is nothing further for this world. (Reference) The Buddha was saying that once one realizes that he/she is not their thoughts, feelings or perceptions, then the individual will no longer continue to cling to them and will finally be liberated from their self-limiting views. It is all of the self-grasping that creates our suffering. All the misconceptions and the mental stories that individuals built on them, they bring out a lot of suffering. It then becomes possible to live in the world with greater lightness of being and ease. It is within that space of peace and tranquillity that best decisions can be made. When he Buddha became enlighten, he did not just vanish into thin air; he still had his body, his speech ad his mind (Reference). He just did not identify with his aggregates as possessive things ad as permanent entities. When speaking to a monk named Bahuna, the Buddha explained: Freed, dissociated, released from ten things, Bahuna, the Tahagata dwells with unrestricted awareness. Which ten? Freed, dissociated, and released from form the Tahagata dwells with unrestricted awareness. Freed, dissociated, and released from feeling from perception.. from fabrications from consciousness from birth from aging from death from suffering and stress Freed, dissociated, and released from defilement, the Tathagata dwells wit unrestricted awareness. Just as a red, blue, or white lotus born in the water and growing in the water, rises up above the water and stands with no water adhering to tit, in the same way the Tathagata freed, dissociated and released from these ten things dwells with unrestricted awareness. (Reference) Once an individual is freed from the contains he/she identifies with, the five aggregates, the Buddha is saying that there is still an unrestricted awareness that remains (Reference). There is some kind of consciousness and cognition that experiences. This consciousness that is without feature and without end does not rely to any of the six-organs and continues to be experienced when the six-sense stop function (Reference). However, even this unrestricted awareness is not something one can pin down at any moment and say that this is my permanent self, because it is constantly in a state of change. If we are not our bodies, our names, our thoughts and our feeling, then what are we? Buddha explained that when there is no clinging of these five aggregates the what remains is an unrestricted awareness that is luminous all around. The concept of anatman and selflessness are linked with these five aggregates of form, consciousness feelings, perceptions, and mental formations in which individuals wrongly identify with as being who they are. When an individual has the realization of selflessness then there is freedom that comes with is because he/she are no longer confined to their limited views of who they are and nor are they grasping anything as being an extension of themselves, so they can let go of their need to cling to possessions or even people in their lives. In fact, individuals will appreciate everything more and in a much more freed way. Citations: Boisvert, M. (1995). The five aggregates. 1st ed. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Published for the Canadian Corporation for Studies in Religion by Wilfrid Laurier University Press. LOOK AT CHPATER 2 6 Gethin, R. (1998). Foundations of Buddhism. 1st ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.