The Pacific Legend-Maui

Introduction The gods played an important part in the daily lives of Polynesian in early pacific islands. Perhaps the most deeply loved of Polynesian god is Maui. Although the legend of demi-god Maui is always be descript as the mischief maker or trickster god, but the Maui story probably has a larger number of unique and ancient myths than that of any other legendary character in the mythology of any nation. â€Å"There are three centers for these Maui legends, New Zealand in the south, Hawaii in the north, and the Tahitian group including the Hervey Islands in the east. (â€Å"LEGENDS OF MAUI† 2007) Following are versions of summary â€Å"THE GIANT EEL† told on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Summary of â€Å"The Giant eel† (from the book of â€Å"Maui Mischievous Hero† 1969) As Maui had grown to manhood, his mother went for a lengthy stay on the island of Hawaii. Maui began making the long trip to see his grandmother in Haleakala. Besides, there are always had good things to eat! Plenty of bananas, breadfruit, coconuts, poi, and fish of all kinds. Grandma said â€Å"what are grandmothers for, if not to look out for grandchildren who come to see them? † One day a cloud hung suspended in the air like a misty pillar.Like an omen that frightened him. Grandmother said â€Å"It’s a cry for help, be quick, Maui! That is the Ao-‘opua, the Warning Cloud. Your mother is in danger! † He grabbed the magic axe ran so fast that he couldn’t stop, he reached the ocean and jumped into his canoe, paddle across the channel to save his mother. At last, he arrived his mother’s cave. He saw his mother’s enemy, the giant eel Kuna Loa. Kuna Loa had once asked Maui’s mother to marry him, and when she refused he was so angry that he swore he would get even with her. Maui throw the hot lava rocks into the river tried to scare the giant eel Kuna Loa away.When he made his way back to the cave, he expressed t he missing affection to his mother, and hope his mother can come back with him. However as grandmother said â€Å"Maui’s mother is a roving soul† As the result Maui’s mother refused to go back with Maui. Back on Maui own island, he heard a faint wailing sound that uttering a chant of fear, Maui’s mother is in trouble again. As swiftly as before, he journeyed to Hawaii Island again. This time Maui wasted no time he used the magical axe struck again and again, the giant eel was cut thousand pieces. It is said that these bits where they became the eels that are found in it today. Come, Mother† Maui held her still and asked again,† when are you coming home, where I can take proper care of you? † â€Å"Some day, â€Å"she said lightly. â€Å"some day I’ll come. † Conclusion â€Å"There are many Maui legends appear with variations throughout of the Pacific islands. The details of the stories also vary with different cultures b ut the underlying morals and role model remains much the same† (Dean Web1). In the legend of â€Å"The Giant Eel† its shows the Maui’s mixture of human and godlike qualities. The affection between his mother and his grandmother, reflected the family relationship in nowadays tribal society.The parents are the â€Å"roving soul† trying to find a good job and leaving the hometown, and the grandparents are the next kin to taking care of their young children without doubt. As well the channel as the barrier that become generation gap in the family. At last, the giant eel symbolized temptations of modern society which are danger but cannot be avoided. However, every time an omen or sound of chant comes, Maui will be a hero to save his mother but every time his mother also refused to come back and offered an unachievable promise that seems to comfort Maui.Therefore, in the end of story as godlike as Maui only can be desperately watching his mother as she went bac k toward her cave and helpless. Legends of Maui have been told and retold for so many centuries, and I believed the legends will reminiscence and encourage in very ways for the later generation. Also help us understand people who lived long ago. References: 1. W. D. Westervelt (2009) â€Å"Legends of Maui†, a Demi-God of Polynesia. Preface. 2. 9-11 2. Lyons, Barbara. (1969) â€Å"Maui :mischievous hero†. The Giant EEL. 25. summary. 3. Dean, n. d. Web. â€Å"Legends of Maui. † Review. Web log post. Legends of Maui. .

Educational Implications Essay

The educational implications of Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky are very precise and distinctive. These three articles focus on the application of cognitive, social and psychosocial theories and their implications within an effective classroom. Each individual psychologist puts into practice learning practices that can be executed within a classroom to increase student’s success and achievement. Piaget’s article stresses the educational practices of peer learning, and depicts possible outcomes from this strategy. Vygotskys article highlights the importance of developing an efficient social climate within the classroom, whereas Erikson draws our attention to teaching children of diverse cultures. Piaget: Implications of Piaget’s Ideas about Peer Learning Peer-learning has great significance in the classroom settings and can be considered imperative in its usage in the classroom. The essential function of peer learning is to sharpen academic skills and manage interactions with classmates (De Lisi, 2002). DeVries stated that student learning is extended when teacher generate an environment of mutual respect in their classrooms. When mutual respect is established in the classroom peers demonstrate a higher probability to freely exchange ideas that later lead to deeper understandings and positive reception of individual personalities. The article also suggested that peer learning occur in the classroom rather than being extended outside of the classroom. This suggestion is made because of differences in social-moral contexts outside of the classroom; however teacher can require particular individual parts. Piaget suggested that developing knowledge as a relationship between a child’s current cognitive system and the object, task, or problem at hand. When this relationship is balanced the cognitive system is engaged in its entirety and essential components of the problems are addressed. Balanced problem elements and cognitive system foster deeper levels of understanding and comprehension of problems. When the components in the task and problem is outweighed by the child’s cognitive system the child will most likely become imbalanced in their thinking by develop various individualistic interpretations. In these instances details are often ignored and overlooked, resulting in no change of understanding. When problem elements dominate the cognitive systems minimal engagement is acquired (De Lisi 2002). An example of an unbalanced developing knowledge is in the instance of two students working on a reading assignment. If the assignment is above one of the student’s ability level there is high likely chance the student will copy off of the student and never comprehend author’s purpose. The article also addresses preconceptions about peer-learning among students personally. Students possess feeling and consciousness about these particular experiences. Feelings provide motivation for actions, while thoughts draw up the margins of their potential on an assignment. Intentional teachers must fashion clearly designed socially interactive components in peer learning activities to ensure positive experiences. Teachers can amplify the growth of innovative and critical thinkers through calculated peer learning activities. Weather peer-learning occurs in or outside that classroom it can produce many beneficial outcomes. Erikson: Teaching the Immigrant Child Immigrant children are immensely populating our classrooms requiring a change in earlier used strategies. These strategies are now proven to be obsolete and no longer effective. English languages Learners (ELL) are students who are learning English while speaking other languages including their native tongue (Onchwari, etl 2008). A great amount of this population of students derives from poor families and homes where there is limited education which produces greater obstacles for teachers and students. In the scenarios educators must be sensitive to the students needs and look for ways to foster high self esteem and incorporate their personal cultural beliefs. According to Erickson’s theory, children progress through eight universal psychosocial stages. Immigrant children battle through the first three stages of Erikson’s theory; trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame, and initiative vs. guilt. As educators create an atmosphere of cultural respect, children develop acceptance which leads to additional confidence in their abilities (Onchwari, etl 2008). Teachers can learn about a child’s culture and teach acceptance, in result immigrant and non immigrant students ill learn cultural differences. Vygotsky: Developing Tools for an effective classroom. This article focuses on cognitive and social constructivism to produce an effective classroom. Cognitive constructivism is constructed through a personal process, while social constructivism is where ideas are constructed through interaction with teachers and peers. After Piaget describe his theories on cognitive constructivism Lev Vygotstky later followed these theories with his belief in social interactions and its fundamental role in learning. Vygotsky’s main theory is the zone of proximal development or ZPD. This is the part that controls how a child learns. ZPD is the area where learning occurs when a child is assisted in a concept that is being expressed in the classroom. Research proves consistently that learning is smooth when it occurs within this zone and others are involved (Vygostky, 1962) ZPD focuses on the different psychological functions that emerge as a child grows and occurs when a child is helped in learning a concept in the classroom (Vygotsky, 1962). Once the skill has been mastered, the child’s ZPD increases. As a result of this, the child is able to do more activities independently and with less teacher guidance. Vygotsky’s theory also includes the concept of scaffolding. Scaffolding takes place during the ZPD stage to help the child understand skills taught by the teacher. The teacher works closely with the student to solve problems and complete tasks After reading these articles I was able to grasp a better understanding of the positive impacts these theories have on student learning and achievement. Each theorist are diverse in their approach but their research merits great positive outcomes. All three theories incorporate diversity, communication, engagement, language, and inquiry base learning. Jesus in the New Testament established a new command that stated we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Teachers must keep in the forefront of their minds that located inside of each student is a heart; a heart that has different motivations, beliefs, values, goals and feelings. That same heart is to be love and cultivated because each one is an individual.

Corona in the Global Beer Industry Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Corona in the Global Beer Industry - Case Study Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the key success factors for firms in the global beer industry include good distribution strategy as well as a good marketing strategy. Since a beer is not consumed because of its taste, crafting a solid marketing strategy that would focus more on the consumers as to the image of the beer, creates a demand for it and strengthens the brand. Then companies have good distribution systems in order to make the beers available to consumers. The strategic group map of the global beer industry with dimensions such as beer quality and market volume, Grupo Modelo would be on the lower right side, Heineken at the upper right side, with the rest of the industry at the middle. Grupo Modelo is positioned in the industry with its escape positioning. This has given the company an edge over its rivals in the US market. However, in the global market, its positioning is quite shaky as this image is not embodied in the global brand as a global strategy. In terms of local operations, Grupo Modelo fares better than FEMSA as apparent in its market share. Internationally, FEMSA does not fare as good as Grupo Modelo as FEMSA has failed on its international venture. In comparing the positioning of Grupo Modelo to Heineken, Grupo Modelo has a positioning that targets a wider market, as it is based on the image that is associated with it, in contrast to Heinekens premium claims which is more based on taste. Because taste is not the most important attributes that beer and non-beer drinkers put a premium on, Grupo Modelos positioning is on a stronger ground.

The Concept of Ethnocentrism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Concept of Ethnocentrism - Essay Example Several nations and their cultures have placed themselves at the top of an imagined hierarchy of cultures and nations and therefore they have assigned other cultures lower ranks than theirs. This has led to the incorporation of the belief that one nation, its culture is superior, and that it will always be ahead of the rest hence making people believe this form of deception naturally. This form of belief has resulted in a few nations becoming the center of admirations making all other nations to strive to emulate the nations at the center in order to move higher in the imaginary rank. For example, the United States of America has always thought of itself as more powerful, more economically positioned, and as generally better in all spheres than other nations. This has been evidenced by the country's dabbling in the matters of other nations without much regard to the right formality that should be followed. A good illustration of this dabbling in the country's current involvement in a ffairs of Middle East, which is mainly castigated by the perceived belief that it is a superpower. This has led to the country spending a lot on affairs of other countries, which are not necessarily in its control, rather than focusing on funding development in needy developing countries. Cultural ethnocentrism continues to prevail in the majority of the African communities where the communities believe that these cultures are better than the rest and they in, particular, tend to be unreceptive to the western culture. They normally feel that their cultural order is threatened by the arrival of new groups and they thus strive to resist what they term as invaders in their communities. This evidenced by the disagreements in cultural markers of identity such as clothing and other visible elements which the people try by all means possible to uphold them despite the foreign influence.

Quantitative Market Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Quantitative Market - Research Paper Example From an earlier interview with a small sample of customers, the same reasons were identified as possible causes for the decline in turnover (Kothari, 2008). Design Question, Aim and Objectives Due to the declining returns for Films 4 You the current study aims at finding the exact cause of the problem to provide the management with a platform from which they can address the problem. In the last 24 months, the company has witnessed a drastic decline in its return. This has resulted into a considerable concern among the stakeholders. The research design seeks to address the question of how to identify the actual cause of the decline from the two possible causes already identified. The objectives of the design are: a) To ascertain whether Films 4 you products do not match customer expectations b) to determine whether the decline in Films 4 You`s turnover arises from the fact that the competitors are attracting film 4 You customers. ... It will indicate the cause of the declining returns arising from the survey of the sample population. The design is likely to point to the failure in strategic management. a) Methodology Research Methods and Techniques Method is described as a systematic and sequentially organized approach, which is focused on data analysis in order to ensure that necessary information is generated from the data collected. The four main types of methods available to researchers include: Explicatory, Case-study, Survey, and Experimental Methods1. An experimental method is the main empirical method that would be considered in the course of this study. Research techniques are different though. They are â€Å"step-by-step procedures which you can follow in order to gather data, and analyze them for the information they contain†1. Such data may be gathered through qualitative or quantitative methods or from primary and secondary data depending on the research approach. This study will use quantitat ive research technique. Quantitative research methods were initially developed for use in natural sciences although they are now adopted and accepted for social sciences as well. They are research methods associated with number and any measurable thing, presenting the researcher with various numbers, which are presented in graphical forms, tabulations and statistics. Regression analysis will be used to analyze the relationship between the declines in Film 4 You returns against the two other variables that are: the quality of the products of the company measured in terms of meeting the customers` expectations and online rental DVD competitors winning away Film 4 You customers. Regression analysis is a statistical tool that can be employed to investigate the

Health Promotion as a Part of McDonald's Business Strategy Essay

Health Promotion as a Part of McDonald's Business Strategy - Essay Example McDonald's began in 1940 as a Barbecue restaurant being operated by Maurice and Richard McDonalds (M. Official Restaurant website). The upgrading of the company to Hamburger restaurant was started in 1948 through the change in the production line principles. The chain was subsequently purchased by businessman Ray Kroc in 1955 who oversaw its global expansion. The restaurants are operated by Franchisee, an affiliate or the corporation itself. In 1960, McDonald improved its advertisement momentum that boosted the sales for its products. This led to the introduction of the current world-famous Golden Arches logo which enabled it to sell more that a Billion Hamburgers in 1963. This initiated the consistent profit that the company has registered overtime leading to an increase in its share value. According to the McDonald’s Publication of 2007, the company became a partner in Dow Jones Industrial Average after transforming into a public corporation. The company opened its 1000th re staurant in 1968 with Fred Turner becoming the President. Amid being involved in a number of legal suits and controversies related to brand and workers, the company has maintained a suitable business niche overtime that has ensured its progressive maintenance of competitive advantage in the market. McDonald’s Historical Involvement in Olympic Games. The company has been the main sponsor of the Olympic Games for more than 35 years and applies the Olympic values of excellence, personal efficiency and teamwork. The idea behind sponsorship of the Olympic Games is related to the Company’s goal of reinforcing excellence, unity and achievement among the athletes and spectators from the world over. According to M.OFFICIAL Restaurant Website, McDonald’s association with the Olympic movement commenced in 1968 when the company provided Hamburgers to the US athletes competing in France. The company went ahead to become the main sponsor of Olympic Games held in Montreal in 1 976 which was followed by the provision of funds for the construction of Olympic swimming stadium in Los Angeles (Wally and Hurley 350). In 1996, the Company established itself as the Centennial Olympic Games partner of the Atlanta games (M.OFFICIAL Restaurant Website). This made the company be crowned as the official restaurant for the Olympic Games for the first time. The management went ahead and participated in the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, marking their debut as the World Wide partner and sponsor of the Olympic Games. After honoring the Olympic champion crew that had gathered in Athens by feeding and taking care of them in 2004, the company announced its participation in the subsequent years, 2006 to 2012. In collaboration with the Olympic committee, the company launched a global physical fitness awareness campaign that was intended to call for the attention of the public on healthy eating habits (Lang et al. 45). The launching of the upgraded version of the above campaign was carried out in Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The Olympic athletes also contributed in providing information for the unveiling of the grassroots health program for children. The company continued with its commitment towards children welfare through the launch of the McDonald’s Champion Children.  

Drawing on your experiences during and your involvement in the Wind Assignment

Drawing on your experiences during and your involvement in the Wind Turbine group project - Assignment Example ect, they typically define the project in greater detail and outline how to deal with some of the issues that may arise in the field during the implementation of the project. One of the lessons I leant during my involvement in the project as a member of group F is that having a well written design specification document is critically important in enhancing the overall efficiency of the project from the concept selection to the execution of the project. For example, in our Wind turbine group project, having a clear, concisely written and well organized project design specification not only helped our group to achieve a greater accuracy but also reduces the likelihood of complications and that may arise during the project design and concept selection. In addition, a design specification that contains adequate descriptions of most of the required procedures, materials as well as the needed workmanship also reduces cases of omissions or errors. This is particularly important since the concept selection process normally involve evaluating various aspects of the project and comparing their relative strengths or weaknesses in order to come up with a single or fewer concepts for further investigation, testing and eventual development. Another important lesson that was evident during my participation in the group project was that a properly written design specification will can significantly help minimize time wastage during the concept selection phase since it provides the much needed reference for the review of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the project during concept selection. I particularly leant that having a well written design specification improved our group’s in the decision making process by providing a wide range of information needed during concept selection. For example, during the design process, each of the members of our group had his own opinion and concepts related to the turbine project including on areas such as computer

Firework by katy perry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Firework by katy perry - Essay Example The song Firework was written by Katy Perry, Ester Dean, Sandy Wilhelm, Tor Hermansen, and Mikkel Eriksen. While this is the case, the song is always assumed to have been written by Katy Perry. The song recorded by Katy Perry was meant to inspire people, especially the youth, to overcome their insecurities and fears (Gundersen par. 5). Perry reminds her audience that within them is a spark that can ignite them and make them shine (AZLyrics.com par. 5). Perry’s personal experiences greatly relate to the song having been brought up in a Christian family. Her mother restricted her from listening to or even singing secular music. She was brought up in an environment that only encouraged gospel music, which in her view was quite restrictive. Perry made several attempts to produce albums that would drive her to fame in vain. She however did not give up, instead choosing to ignite her fireworks until she became famous. Later in life she threw her restrictions and fears to the wind an d has been a great success in the secular music realm, both locally and internationally. She is internationally celebrated as a renowned actress, song writer, and recording artist with many awards to her name. Perry reflects social ideas in that she seeks to empower people to live beyond their common fears and shine. While the song does not respond to a historical movement, it represents the current state of affairs in society – many people struggling with various issues that limit their potential. The audience should know that Perry has struggled to become a success story. The target audience of the text includes all people, the youth especially, who feel like giving up their dreams. The target audience of the text is captured by the words â€Å"Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin; Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?† (AZLyrics.com par. 1). The text in this regards excludes the audience of people who are feeling good or who

Country Music Essay Example for Free

Country Music Essay Country music is one form of music that has both an extensive history and also has a prominent place in the public consciousness right now. It is one of the most interesting types of music because of the fact that many people completely misunderstand where it came from and its roots. Though much of the history country music can be traced to many southern venues, it has since grown to be a much more â€Å"national† type of phenomenon, with influence stretching from Bakersfield, California to the Atlantic coast of the United States. Performers now come from all over the world to take part in the country music phenomenon and in recent years the, country music has gained a much more mainstream following than it had in the past. By both celebrating its roots and being willing to branch out to reach new listeners, country music as a whole has positioned itself for much greater success in the future, as well. In order to truly understand the origins of country music, one has to look as far back as the turn of the twentieth century. Though country did not truly get its start until later, the groundwork for the industry was being laid by musicians who probably did not even know what country music was. Old jazz musicians and church gospel singers provided the original motivation for what would become the country music movement. Singers would later draw influences from those old styles in order to develop the characteristic country sound that is so popular and prevalent in today’s music world. Country officially got its start in 1921 in Bristol, Tennessee. Before that time, people had been singing songs in order to pass down stories and to fill the idle time, but there had never been an organized country music industry. According to Roughstock’s History of Country Music, â€Å"Although musicians had been recording fiddle tunes (known as Old Time Music at that time) in the southern Appalachians for several years, It wasnt until August 1, 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee, that Country Music really began. There, on that day, Ralph Peer signed Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family to recording contracts for Victor Records† (Roughstock). Those two popular acts laid the framework for country to come, and they are both remembered for their innovation and their ability to connect with singers of that time. Over the course of time, country music has seen many different movements that have all helped to shape the sound that is prevalent today. The Bluegrass movement, headed up by the famous Bill Monroe of Kentucky was a type of music where people relied heavily on the banjo, the acoustic guitar, and the mandolin. Before Monroe starting experimenting with these instruments, people had never thought to use the guitar as a lead instrument before. This Bluegrass sound would prove to be a characterizing sound and it has influenced many of today’s most popular singers, including women like Allison Krause. According to Jeri Rowe of The News and Record, the Bill Monroe movement is something that almost all of the famous musicians have felt over the course of time. According to Rowe, â€Å"Ask anyone familiar with bluegrass music and theyll probably have a Bill Monroe moment† (Rowe, 1996). Other movements have become popular in country music, including the innovations that came along with the Bakersfield sound. Though country music had long had its roots in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, young people out in California changed the way that people thought about the country music industry by expanding the sound to include something of an â€Å"Outlaw† movement (Encyclopedia of Country Music). Among those people who led this popular movement were Merle Haggard, who became a spokesperson for the common man during his time. His songs like â€Å"Long Haired Country Boy† and â€Å"Okie from Muskogee† made him famous. Another famed musician that was a part of the progressive country movement, as it came to be called, was Willie Nelson. Nelson is known as a popular singer and songwriter today and he has worked alongside dozens of extremely popular musicians during his career. He sang songs like â€Å"Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain† and â€Å"Mommas, Don’t Let your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys† that were able to really connect to fans on a very personal level. One of the unique things about the country music industry is that all of these different movements have helped to create the sound that characterizes country music today. Starting with the Outlaw movement, the Bluegrass movement, and things like the Nashville sound, people have begun to combine all of these different elements to create a very real sound of today. The Nashville sound is something that came about, as one might guess, in the heart of country music located in Nashville. This came about when Roy Acuff made the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville a popular thing. It started out as just one of the many barn shows that played country music across the powerful radio airwaves. Over time, the Grand Ole Opry became much more than that. It came to characterize the Nashville sound, which was a new sound that included things like the old steel guitar and drums in the background. The Nashville sound changed the way people felt about country music, as musicians like Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs brought their unique methods to Nashville and gained popularity. All in all, the Nashville sound represented a brand new vision for country music, where people could experiment with different things on the highest level at the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry gave legitimacy to these acts and people began to quickly respond to the new techniques and new sounds that they were hearing up on the stage (Hemphill). Today, the country music world has moved even more into the mainstream than it was in the past. It is safe to say that widespread radio is what helped country music take off and now people are enjoying it in different ways. When things like TNN and CMT came about, country music was put on television for the world to see. Though this made some people in the country music world mad because the networks opted for the new styles and neglected some of the older heroes of country music, it helped the industry at large. People could not watch country music as much as they wanted and they could begin to put faces with the voices that they had heard on the radio. The innovation of music on television really helped the country music industry as much as it helped all of the other music industries. More records are sold today than ever before, as people like George Strait have sold hundreds of millions of records. Strait owns the record for most number one hits for a singer, while the South Carolina-based group Alabama owns the record for most number one hits for a group. Other acts that have become popular today are people like Garth Brooks, who helped change the way country music was looked at in a sense of live performances. Brooks turned the country music world into something of a rock show and made the shows more appealing to younger people. In the past, country music had been looked at as something that was a little bit boring when seen in concert. People went to see country music shows because they liked the sound of the music, not because they wanted to be entertained. This all changed when Brooks came about in the late 1980s. He added things like lights and great technology to his shows. The sound was impressive and finally the country music world was able to compete with the rock world at least on some level. This was a very important change for country music and predictably, more and more artists starting picking up where Brooks left off. It is fair to say that the country music world has not been completely embraced by the media at large, but the media has at least picked up on the national importance of some of the acts. In the past, the country music world might have been pushed off to the side with the rock and roll world taking center stage a little bit more. People are now coming to realize that rock and country are much more inter-connected than they might have originally imagined and that country music deserves to be recognized for its huge following. With country music selling at high rates in record stores and television channels getting great ratings, there is no choice in the national media but to pick up on the new and changing times, even if they do not totally believe everything that is being said. There is some perception out there that country music is a music based in the south and for southern people, though evidence has been provided to the contrary. One media controversy worth remembering happened with the popular group The Dixie Chicks, who were ostracized by the media and the mainstream country music world for their comments about President George W. Bush. Their political talk earned them a place on the proverbial country music blacklist. A Gazette Newspaper article speaks to the fact that the controversy may have been overblown by some media outlets, as country music singers are certainly not the first musicians to speak out in a political way. In fact, music has always been an avenue for this type of free speech. That article says, â€Å"Even entertainers have a right to say whatever they want to about U. S. foreign policy and politics and in fact, many have been doing so for decades, getting rich and famous while thumbing their noses at the nation that makes them so† (Gazette). One of the concerns of many country musicians today is that the media is willing to give time to the current stars, but no one will recognize the people who laid the framework for the country music movement. One People Magazine article quotes popular country music star Alan Jackson talking about living legend George Jones and how no one is willing to recognize him. The article writes, â€Å"Jackson spokeswoman Kay West said Alan was inspired by a visit to Jones earlier this year in the hospital after Jones was involved in a near-fatal car wreck. Alan said that had George Jones died there, there would have been a 10-minute tribute to him on the show, West said. But he lived, and they wouldnt give him three minutes† (People). All in all, country music seems to be growing at a faster rate than it ever has. Helped along by more coverage in the media and the fact that more and more types of musicians are currently getting involved in country music, the industry has taken off at a higher degree than most might have imagined in the past. Though the roots of country music are strong and many people seek to preserve and celebrate those roots, there is no denying that the industry in branching out in a desire to incorporate new fans and new acts alike going into the future. With that in mind, the future of the industry is strong and as stable as it can possibly be. Works Cited Hemphill, Paul. The Nashville Sound. 30 September 2005. Everthemore Press. Kingsbury, Paul. The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Oxford: 2004. People Magazine. Country Music Controversy. 2008. http://www. people. com/people/article/0,,616549,00. html Roughstock’s History of Country Music. The Beginnings. http://www. roughstock. com/history/begin. html Rowe, Jeri. The News and Record. 12 September 1996. BILL MONROES INFLUENCE FELT BY MUSICIANS IN THE TRIAD; AREA BLUEGRASS FANS REMEMBER BILL MONROE, THE FATHER OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC. The Gazette. 7 May 2003. Whistling Dixie Freedom of speech not at issue in country music controversy.

Promotional and Advertising Strategies Essay Example for Free

Promotional and Advertising Strategies Essay Promotion and marketing are among the most essential market mix features or elements. Market mix involves different strategies commonly known as the 4P’s: product, price, place and promotion. The key motive of promotion is to increase clients’ awareness of a brand or a project increase brand loyalty and generating sales. Promotional mix is composed of diverse elements such as personal selling, sales promotion, advertising, publicity and direct marketing. Both large and small customers understand the importance of promotional advertising strategies such as turning a new product to become a household name or established products into to top priority of the customer. Small and large companies benefit through applying different strategies of promotion and attracting more customers. A television set has become a necessity in the modern life with all the families searching for the best brand that is easier to operate and has more applications. Different organizations have ventured into the manufacturing and assembling of television set to enjoy the advantages (Scissors Roger 2002). The paper will focus on advertising and promotional strategies applied by different companies that concentrate with manufacturing and assembling television sets. Samsung and Sony have emerged as the two most successful organizations in the manufacturing and distribution of television sets. The two companies apply different promotional and advertising strategies to maintain themselves on the top of the business. Comparison of Promotional Strategies used by both Sony and Samsung to Market Television Sets. Product Sampling It is one among the most effective promotional strategies utilized by large firms to market their products and launch new products with the motive of promoting multiple product purchases. Both Sony and Samsung are large companies that understand the power of promotional strategies in turning a new product to a priority in clients shopping list. The two companies deals with many types of electronics. Therefore, anytime they launch a new product; they offer a product that is of a lower price fee attached to the new product. While marketing large televisions, they offer free samples of another product of the same company such as a radio attached to the pack of the television. It results to an increase in sales since customers feels that on just buying a television set, one will win a portable radio for free. Samsung and Sony have applied the strategy and made their product top in the sales list. Free Service and Trial Periods There are numerous companies that do business with manufacturing and distribution of television sets. However, most of the companies produce products of low quality hence leading to wastage in a short time. Samsung and Sony are two main companies that have faith in their products. Therefore, in areas where residents have the fear of counterfeit and sub-standard products, they win their trust trough offering free repair services in a given period. The period is referred to as a trial period used for the clients to test and confirm that products are of good quality. Both Samsung and Sony take it as a necessity to provide a warrant for their television sets (Mulhern, 2009). The warranty is given in terms of years from the time of buying depending on the value of a television set. Within the period covered by the warranty, the manufacturer offers a free service to repair minor damages and a new product in cases of major damage. Contrast of Promotional Strategies used by both Sony and Sam sung to Market Television Sets Despite being successful organizations, Sony uses public relations to promote its television sets. Here, the company depends on the press for its advantage. In most cases, Sony launches all its new products in televisions, radio stations, public relation events and press releases. On the other hand, Samsung applies personal selling. In personal selling, Samsung targets individual communication with members of the general public who seems to be potential buyers. In the strategy, Samsung makes use of salesmen, showrooms,  dealers and exhibitions. However, the two strategies have the same aim of attracting more potential clients. Another contrast between Samsung and Sony in marketing television sets is the use of social media. The two uses the social media as a strategy of advertising. However, Samsung only specializes on the social media while launching a new product. Contrary, Sony advertises all types of television sets manufactured by the company through the social media with the motive of increasing the general sales of television sets. Ways in which a company can use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace and gain advantage offer its competitors. There are different ways in which companies that deals with manufacturing and distribution of television sets can use marketing information and remain outstanding among other companies dealing with the same product. One of the ways is targeting. It is the method via which the organization can communicate with the right segment and ensure that they rate in response for their advantage (Flew, 2008). A company must conduct market research and use the information to plan the best group of people to target relating the information with the marketing strategies objectives. The objectives of marketing promotion strategies and advertising are outstanding. Therefore, if a company can identify the best target group, it will be able to select the best and suitable method of communication and achieve the set target. The second way in which a company dealing with manufacturing and distribution of television sets can use marketing information to differentiate itself in the marketplace is positioning. It refers to the art of developing a unique image of a product or company. It can be achieved through messaging branding and cooperate identity. In an advertisement, if a company dealing with television sets can convince members of the general public that its products are cheap to purchase and maintain and yet maintain a high quality, it will prosper. The image will enable the company to move to high levels since most of the people who are in need of television sets require a good that is of better quality, but affordable. Uses of customer oriented promotion that can assist a company in both short-term and long-term Customer oriented sales promotion refers to the techniques of sales promotion that are the target to ultimate customers such as samples, coupons, contests, sweepstakes, premium offers and rebates. All the modes of sales promotion that are customer oriented, samples stand among the best and  unique forms of promotions that can assist a company in both short-term and long-term. In short-term, the company will be able to sell many television sets since most of the customers will be targeting to gain the free samples attached to the television sets. It will result to an increment in sales hence an increment in revenue. In long-term, the company will benefit since the client who attains the free sample will have a chance to try the free sample attached to the television set and hence become a potential customer of the product in the future. Free samples are given from products produced by the same company (Kotler Kevin, 2009) Therefore; sampling enables the company o market two products at the same time. The other customer oriented promotion strategy that can assist a company in both short-term and long-term is discounts. Discounts are given to clients who purchase products in bulk and sometimes even to single items. In short-term, discounts attract many customers to buy the products hence increasing the volume of sales. An increment in volume of sales increases company’s revenue. In long-term, a company benefits from discounts since many people can buy television sets during the period that discounts are offered. It results to many people acquiring a good time to try the product since the price is low. In the future, customers can identify the product as a reliable one and hence take it as an option while purchasing a similar product in the future. Those who buy a product during the discount period because of the price can enjoy the advantage a factor that make them choose the product in the future to continue enjoying the advantage. Pricing Decision The price of the product is among the key elements of the marketing mix that determine the sales of a product. There are many organizations that deal with manufacturing and distribution of television sets. However, they offer different prices of their products depending with the pricing objectives that the company chooses. There are four main objectives of pricing in sales promotion. They are the modes of communication made by organizations to their clients related to price of their products. The four pricing objectives include; coupons, competitions, discounts and loyalty incentives. Sony is a leading company in manufacturing and distributing television sets. The company uses different strategies to regulate the price of different television sets. Among the key pricing strategies is competition. The  company makes sure that it offers the best prices for different television sets to make the televisions affordable to different social classes of people. It offers unique prices to fit all social classes. Sony also offers discounts to clients who buy products in large volumes and those who visit them for the first time. It has helped the company attract many clients for its products and remain outstanding in the field. Other companies that deal with manufacture and distribution of television sets may take coupons to enable them discern themselves and benefit a competitive gain. Coupons are vouchers or tickets that a company offers to its clients to enable the customers enjoy given advantages (Flew, 2008). Provision of coupons attracts many people with the motive of enjoying the coupons. It results to many people purchasing the product hence having a chance to learn about the product, and the company enjoys large volume of sales. Other companies dealing with manufacturing and distribution of television sets can also offer discounts to their clients to enable them enjoy low prices and enjoy their advantage. Most Effective Advertising Medium There are numerous mediums of marketing such as billboards, radio, televisions, newspapers, magazines, yellow pages and the internet. In the past, television was the most effective advertising medium. However, time has changed. Today, the information and technology devices have changed the world into an economic village. Many people visit websites either for fun, studies or assistance. Therefore, the internet linked services are the most effective medium of advertising (Kerin, 2012). It is because the group of people who can be a good target for the companies dealing with manufacturing and distribution of television is the young people. A large number of youths spends a great deal of their time on social media sites such as Facebook, blogs, twitter, and other similar websites. Therefore, if a company can launch an advertisement through the internet, it will be able to reach many people at a global level. In conclusion, since promotion and advertising are important elements in the marketing mix, all companies should aim to establish the most effective promotion and advertising strategies. To develop a promotional and advertising strategy, the company should take different steps to ensure that the best role of marketing is achieved. The steps involve segmentation, targeting, positioning and messaging. All  mediums of advertisement are reliable depending on the setting and the target group of people. Sales promotion is vital. Thus, all organizations should focus on the best ways of engaging in sales promotion without fail. References Flew, Terry, (2008) New media: An introduction. 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