Data Protection And Freedom

Data Protection And Freedom Data protection is an important concept of data maintenance. This data protection is achieved by implementing data protection methods and strategies. Data protection is done to protect the data from unauthorised users. Authorisation depends on the type of data and the rights to access it. An organisation protects its data from the intervention of unauthorised people by implementing the corresponding software. To accomplish this, the organisation requires specially trained people. Though data protection is an individual task, it cannot be accomplished in a stretch. Data protection includes data security, storage, recovery and back up. These functions are not performed by a standalone application; instead data protection is achieved by implementing various components and applications of the system. Data protection and the restriction of data are implemented by the government. The government of many countries has imposed data protection acts. These acts define the limit of access and the restriction as to who can access the particular data (Sizer, 1984). The purpose of passing such acts are to ensure that the data is which is personal or data that belong to a particular organisation are not accessed without the permission from the concerned person. A person can access or process another persons personal if and only if the person gives permission or access rights to him. This access rights are specified at the time of implementing the data protection measures. These data protection measure guards not only the data but also the hardware and softwar e components pertaining to the specified data. This is done to ensure that not even a small form of that data is accessed by an unauthorised person. Generally an organisation will protect its data by implementing encryption techniques. These encryption techniques protect the data as they are encrypted using a certain algorithm. Then the data is decrypted using a similar procedure and this protects the data from unauthorised users. Data Protection Acts Data protection acts differ from one country to another. The laws are imposed based on the countrys situation and the organisations status. Thus the organisation must abide by these laws to protect the data. The selection of laws depends on the companys situation and the prevailing problems (Smith, 1996). The problems can be resolved by implementing the standard strategies and procedures. The data protection acts cover every form of data and each law is specific for the type of data. Each and every law is an improved version of the act that was imposed earlier. This gives the organisation a wide range of options to choose from. The data protection acts were passed at regular intervals and the various acts are as outlined below. The data protection act 1998 deals with the personal data of each and every person. This act protects the personal data and even the processing of personal data. This act included various features which the earlier act did include. This was evident from the changes and modifications that were made to the act that was passed in the year 1984. These changes improved the act and it comprises of factors that influence the personal data and its manipulations. The factors and the inclusions of this act were made available in the website of the information commissioner. The information commissioners website had the complete information regarding this act and the website provided the details about the use and advantages of the act. The people were given the authority to access this website to retrieve the details pertaining to this act. This act specifies that the users are solely responsible for implementing the features of this act. The description and implication, working steps and the ways to make use of this act was clearly specified in the website. It also included the information regarding data processing. This was included as it would help the organisation or an individual to decide about the act and to check whether it can be applied to their data. This act comprised of the operations for data processing and storing. Any individual who revolts against the law will be punished according to the act. If an individual tries to access the data of another person without his permission, he will be sued under this act. Here personal data refers to the information of a living individual. The concerned person can protect the data using the data processor or the data controller (Sizer, 1984). This data controller may be processed by the user himself or can be maintained by professionals. The 1998 act includes certain unique features that protect the data stored in a machine and data that are in the form of hard copy. The hard copy data may be any photographs, audio or video recordings, and information from data readers. This act covers the intrusion and unauthenticated access to these types of data. Another inclusion in this act is the protection of sensitive data. Sensitive data includes data about politics, medical records and the caste related data. Data Protection Principles The data protection act 1998 imposes certain data principles that have to be followed in the process of data protection. The process of data protection comprises of data collection, storage, retrieval and the usage of sensitive data. There are seven data protection principles emphasised in the data protection act. Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully. (OPSI, 1998). This principle specifies that personal data must be processed only after an indication or permission is received from the concerned owner of data. Data controllers must get the consent from the owner before processing the personal data. Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes. (OPSI, 1998). Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed. (OPSI, 1998). Personal data shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date. (OPSI, 1998). Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept longer than is necessary for that purpose or purposes. (OPSI, 1998). Personal Data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under the Act. (OPSI, 1998). Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data. (OPSI, 1998). Freedom of Information Freedom of information act is imposed to access the information of the government and its related public sector authorities. This act allows an individual to access the information regarding the government which has not been released to the public. Generally only certain level of the information pertaining to a countrys government is available for the publics use. If an individual needs to access any other information, he is not allowed to access it without prior permission. This can be achieved using the freedom of information act. This act provides the public the rights and freedom to access the information that belongs to the government or any public sector company (Henry, 2003). This act covers every form of information and this act permits the user to access information of every medium. Thus a user can send a request to the concerned government for which the government will respond within duration of 20 days. Once the government receives a request, it has to decide whether this information can be provided to the user. Then the corresponding information is sent as a response to the respective request. This user need not necessarily belong to the same government. Instead a person residing in any part of the world can request the government. If an individual requests for information if he does not receive any response from the concerned organisation, the government will take action against the particular organisation. Hence it is the responsibility of the government authorities to provide the public with relevant information. Initially several freedom of information acts were passed in the government. This freedom of information act came into practice in the year 2005. The act was the result of publics interference with the governments affairs and information. This act includes the government bodies, government agencies, public sector companies and its related agencies. Since the rights and freedom of the public became stronger, the government had to provide them with the information they require. Though this act allows the public to know about the governmental information, sensitive data cannot be accessed by the public. The freedom act 2005 covers the universities also so that the aspiring students can get the information from the corresponding universities. The university provides these information to the students based on the universities norms. Though universities are covered under this act, certain information is protected from the users to avoid unnecessary problems. From the time this act has been implemented, the universities have received dozens of information requests. These requests are mostly regarding the fee waivers and other grievances. In most of the cases the request will be regarding the application forms and other visa information. Certain students may even request for the strategies followed in the university and this information is regularly viewed by distance learners (Sherick, 1978). Students who do not have a direct access to the university make use of these facilities. The freedom of information act 2008 included certain features and was certainly an improved version of the previous acts. In this act the government has included the provisions for the universities to provide the details regarding the standards of the courses provided by them. This included the maintenance of the university and the facilities provided in the university. Even the marks, grades and pass percentage for each course must be available for the public reference. Since the public have the rights to know about the academic standards and procedures the due information should be made available to them. Benefits of Freedom of Information Act The freedom of information act provides various benefits to the public as well as the government. This is beneficial to the government since the required information is known to the public. This reduces the burden of explaining each and every law and procedures that exist in the government. Hence this acts as an advantage to the government. Another benefit of this act is it ensures that no secret laws and amendments are passed in the government. This is possible since the public are in constant touch with the governments policies and the updates (Henry, 2003). This will help the public to find out the flaws in the existing and proposed laws and acts. The freedom of information act will keep the public informed about the happenings in the government. Thus they can easily monitor the activities and can be sure that the government works in favour of them. The freedom of information act increases the publics right to review and access the information. This in turn increases the individuals right to privacy and the public can expect a good response in return. Due to the publics intervention in the governments laws and acts, the government works better to serve the public and provide them with better benefits. Since the public stay in constant touch with the governments policies and regulations, it becomes difficult for the government and public sector bodies to change or modify the existing policies (Sherick, 1978). Though it may seem to be difficult to implement freedom of information act in developing countries, it would definitely serve the intended purpose. Conclusion Freedom of information act was a result of the publics interest and intervention in the day to day happenings in the government. As people have the right to express their opinion and to request the government for any of their grievances. The freedom of information act is definitely an advantage to the public as they can have the complete information regarding any of the governments rules and regulations. This eases the work of the government since people become aware of the prevailing situation and the facilities provided by the government. If the freedom of act is followed, it will help the government and public sector bodies to maintain a cordial relationship with the public. This in turn improves the level of communication between the public and the government.

Marketing Mix Analysis of iPad Essay

Executive Summary Managing and developing marketing mix appropriately is extremely important to firm’s marketing and success. In order to marketing product successfully, the right product must be exhibited to right people at the right place, right price and right time. If a firm can manage the marketing mix successfully, as a result, it can be a source of competitive advantage for firms. Each element of the marketing mix should be analyzed and if necessary, adapted to ensure that the right balance is achieved to give the product or service the very best chance of success in the market place. Apple is a successful company and its previous product iPod has a high market share in the global market due to its brand perception and image as s high quality innovative brand. In 2010, Apple launched an innovative product – â€Å"iPad† in US, which is a tablet computer with touch screen. Even in the first launching date iPad had been sold 0.3 million units. The product no doubt is getting support of Apple’s brand image and it has changed the way to consumer lifestyle. That is why iPad is thought as a revolutionary who will arouse a wave to electronic industry. Apple’s iPad delivered the value to the customer via marketing mix tools called the 4Ps: * Product looks good and works well. * Right price. * Right place at the right time. * Successful promotion helps to a larger output. Apple followed this by innovation and introducing new products in the market to satisfy consumer’s needs and wants. The current author here will use the theories, concepts of marketing mix to analysis the iPad. The remainder of this essay is structured into five parts. It begins by defining marketing mix and its evolution. Second, it analyse the company, iPad, its competitor and consumer. Third, it illuminates the marketing mix by analysing iPad. Finally it ends with the overall assessment and conclusion. Contents 1.Introduction and Definition3 1.1Definition of Marketing3 1.2Definition of Customer Value and Value Proposition3 1.3Definition of Marketing Mix4 2.Description of Apple & iPad4 2.1Brief Introduction of Apple4 2.2Introduction of iPad5 2.3Brief Consumer Profile6 2.4Brief Competitor Profile7 3.Marketing Mix Analysis of iPad7 3.1Product7 3.2Price10 3.3Place12 3.4Promotion14 4.Assessment of Overall Value Delivered16 5.Conclusion16 6.References18 1. Introduction and Definition 2.1 Definition of Marketing â€Å"Marketing is the process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging products and value with others and forging relationships with customers.† (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009). This definition recognizes the importance of creating a long term relationship with customers and identifies the importance of satisfying customer wants. 2.2 Definition of Customer Value and Value Proposition Customer value is the difference between the values that the customer gains from owning and using a product and the costs of obtaining the product. Put it simply, customer value is created when the perceptions of benefits received from a transaction exceed the costs of ownership. The same idea can be expressed as a ratio (Chiristopher, 1996): Customer value = Perceptions of benefits The definition of customer value proposition is a well defined and persuasive marketing statement related to a specific product or service that details the reasons why a consumer would benefit from purchasing it. A value proposition is the definition of a firm’s promise to create and deliver customer value (Chapelet and Tovstiga, 1998). Fig 1.2.1 A model of value creation and the marketing process source: Adapted from Kotler Brown Burton Deans Armstrong, (2010), â€Å"Marketing† 8th Edition Figure 1.2.1 shows a typical model of value creation and the marketing process. Put it simple, marketing is a process cycle which consists of 5 simple steps as below: i. Customer buys or potential customer is contacted to understand the marketplace. ii. Finding out how the customer liked the product or what is needed. iii. Analysing these data and creating a plan that includes goals, strategy and its marketing mix. iv. Implement the plan that delivers value to customer which results in the customer’s buying the product and creating customer delight. v. Repeating the cycle starting with step (i) to step (iv) to make a better product sold with a better plan and continuously keeping this cycle going. Hence, create profits and customer equity. 2.3 Definition of Marketing Mix The concept of the Marketing Mix was first created by Neil H. Borden in his article called â€Å"The concept of the Marketing Mix† in 1964. In his article he explained the importance of a market to try to â€Å"mix ingredients† in their process in the market in order to be successful. E. Jerome McCarthy later grouped these ingredients into the four categories that are known as the 4P’s of marketing (Product, Price, Place and Promotion). Product — What does the customer want from the product/service? Price — What is the value of the product or service to the buyer? Place — Where do buyers look for the product or service? Promotion — Where and when can get across the marketing messages to target market? 2. Description of Apple & iPad 3.4 Brief Introduction of Apple Apple Inc., founded in 1976, is an American multinational corporation which is best-known for its hardware and software products. The hardware products are: Macintosh, iPod, iPhone and iPad. One example of the famous software of Apple is iTunes, a proprietary media player application that works with iTunes store and allows customers to download music and offers other features of consumer electronics. Fortune magazine named Apple as the most admired company in the US in 2008, and in the world from 2008 to 2012. 3.5 Introduction of iPad On January 27, 2010, Apple introduced the much-anticipated media tablet, the iPad (As shown in Fig2.2.1). Fig 2.2.1 Introduction of iPad (source: www.apple.com) The iPad measure 9.7 inch wide screen display with multi touch screen with 1024 x 768 resolutions which is lighter and thinner than any other notebooks or laptops. Its internal 25 watt-hour battery can run up to 10 hours of video, 140 hours of audio playback and one month on standby as Apple claims. Steve Jobs stated that, with the introduction of the iPad, Apple had opened a market for a new class of mobile devices. (As shown in Fig 2.2.2) Fig2.2.2 Apple iPad First Hands-on (source: http://www.ipadforums.net) 3.6 Brief Consumer Profile Consumer market can be defined as â€Å"all the individuals and households who buy or acquire goods and services for personal consumption† and consumer buying behavior can be defined as â€Å"the buying behavior of final consumers, individuals and households who buy goods and services for personal consumption† (Kotler, 2009). Table 2.3.1 shows the analysis of market segmentation for iPad. SEGMENTATION BASE| SELECTEDSEGMENTATION VARIABLES| Geographic Segmentation| Region| West Malaysia, east Malaysia| City size| Major metropolitan areas, cities| Density of area| Urban| Climate| Hot, humid, rainy| Demographic Segmentation| Age| 18-34, 35-49, 50-64| Sex| Male, female| Married status| Single, married, divorced, living together| Income| RM40,000 and over| Education| College, college graduate, postgraduate| Occupation| Professional, white-collar| Psychological| Needs| Sense of self-worth, fashionable| Personality| Extroverts, novelty-seeker, aggressives| Perception| Low-risk| Learning-involvement| High-involvement| Attitudes| Possitive attitude| Psychographic| Lifestyle| Couch-potatoes, outdoor enthusiasts, status-seekers| Cultures| Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other foreigners| Religion| Muslim, buddhism, hinduism, christian, catholic, and others| Social| Middle, upper| Family| Bachelors, young married, full nesters, empty nesters| Use-Rated Segmentation| Usage rate| Heavy users, medium users| Awareness status| Aware, interested, enthusiastic| Brand loyalty| Strong| Use-Situation Segmentation| Time| Leisure, work, morning, night| Objective| Personal, fun, achievement| Location| Home, work, mega mall, restaurant| Person| Self, family members, friends, peers| Benefit Segmentation| Convenience, social acceptance, easy e-book reading, value-for-the-money, service| Table 2.3.1 Market segmentation for iPad From analysis above can see that most of Apple’s users are high-end clients who have the strong purchasing power, easily accept new technology and they are very loyal to Apple. 3.7 Brief Competitor Profile Apple iPad bring threats and impact to PC industry in some way. On one hand, the hot-sell of iPad attracts many PC manufacturers set foot in this field. So the other tablet computers will be the biggest competitor, such as Blackberry’s playbook, this is a tablet computer which located in business person, and it will also attract public’s eyes because of its vast multimedia function. On the other hand, the price advantage of netbook is also a challenge to iPad. After all compared with traditional computer, iPad may not a necessity. To some business and professional people, they will choose the traditional notebook rather than iPad. 3. Marketing Mix Analysis of iPad According to the information that searches from magazines and internet, the author knows many information of iPad. The author here will use the theories, concepts of marketing mix to analysis the iPad. 4.8 Product â€Å"Product means the goods-and-services combination the company offers to the target market. â€Å" (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009). The iPad bridges the gap between smart phone and laptop, it offers equivalent range of features and functions that a computer does. It has internet capabilities running on both Wi-Fi and 3G. Some of the features are discussed previously. Fig 3.1.1 shows its tech specs. Access to Apple Apps Store which has over 300,000 applications and to iTunes are attractive features of iPad. Fig 3.1.1 Tech Specs for Apple iPad (source: http://www.apple.com) Value delivered to customer: 1) Convenient to Carry and Easy to Use Compared to functionalities and performance, it is surprised that iPad weighs only 1.5 pounds. It is very thin and sleek measuring only 0.5 inches. This lightweight iPad is very useful for business trip, making it easy to transport as compared to a laptop. Not only it is easier to carry it around, but also be able to use it to check e-mails, show videos and photos to people instantly whenever required with its long battery life, which at 10 hours is 2-5 times longer than a notebook (As shown in Fig 3.1.2). Fig 3.1.2 E-mail and photo function for iPad (source: http://www.cnbeta.com) 2) Easy for E-Book Reading One benefit that can’t miss is the iBooks Application. Customer can download the favorite e-books to iPad and read while traveling (As shown in Fig 3.1.3). Fig 3.1.3 E-books on Apple iPad (source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Retrieving books to read on ibooks application on iPad is simply easy. Browse through the e-bookshelf on the iPad, choose one title wish to read and click, the book opens in front. Customer can view the book in portrait or landscape, and the way the pages flip is awesome – flip it with finger and looks just like a real book. 3) Excellent Service for Customer What’s more, the service of iPad is very nice. Apple has its own key service – iTunes. Customer can get this value to enjoy the all kinds of internet resources such as music, video and applications (As shown in Fig 3.1.4). Fig 3.1.4 iTunes on Apple iPad (source: http://www.ipadforums.net guardian.co.uk guardia guardia) The iTunes online store makes it incredibly easy to purchase songs and load them onto the devices. When customer wants to watch or listen, they neither need to search from the CDs nor television channels. What they need to do is just opening the iTunes, all they want is in iTunes, it let the media browse much faster, it is easier to sort. 4.9 Price â€Å"Price is the amount of money customers have to pay to obtain the product. â€Å" (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009). The iPad is priced starting from $499 for 16 GB storage to $829 for 64GB storage and 3G connectivity. In detail, tab 3.2.1 shows the price of iPad selling in Malaysia. iPad| 16G| 32G| 64G| Wi-Fi| RM 1, 549.00| RM 1, 849.00| RM 2, 149.00| Wi-Fi + 3G| RM 1, 999.00| RM 2, 299.00| RM 2, 599.00| Tab 3.2.1 Selling price of iPad (source: http://www.apple.com guardian.co.uk guardia guardia) Value delivered to customer: 1) Eco-friendly Device for Environment Protection The iPad is made of recyclable glass and Aluminum and the packaging material is recyclable & the packing is efficiently done. It is not using Arsenic, PVC, bromine fire, Mercury as the company has restricted the use of harmful chemicals. With such price, customers are not buying the fashionable device only, more importantly, they are making contribution to environment protection. Fig 3.2.1 shows how green is the iPad. Fig3.2.1 How green is the iPad (source: http://sortable.com) 2) Flexible Price as Actual Needs The iPad price varies according to its storage capacity and the internet access capacity, which leads to reducing the initial cost on the first ever tablets based on customer’s actually needs and application (As shown in Fig3.2.2). Fig3.2.2 Price and configuration of the iPad (source: http://www.apple.com) 3) Cost Saving with Maxis Bundled Package It is available on Maxis bundled packages with a 24-month contract based on different types of iPad internet plan (As shown in Fig 3.2.3). By doing so, the price of iPad has been dropped down from RM450 to RM950. The plan is much more attractive not only for those who can’t afford to pay for the high price, but also for some of the SME to extend their business. Fig 3.2.3 Maxis iPad Bundled Packages (source: http://www.maxis.com.my) 4.10 Place â€Å"Place includes company activities that make the product available to target consumers. â€Å" (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009). Apple started selling the iPad not only from its official websites, but also retail outlets and Apple Store. Value delivered to customer 1) Easy Walk-in Location for Purchase The iPad can be purchased from Apple Store, Apple Premium Reseller and Apple Authorized Reseller located in Malaysia. All shops are conveniently located and beautifully designed, identified by the large backlit Apple logo, such as in most famous shopping mall like Sunway Primary, One Utama, KLCC and Mid Valley in Selangor, even in Melaka, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak. The value is so easy for customer to come and have a journey on iPad (As shown in Fig 3.3.1). Fig 3.3.1 Apple shops in Malaysia In each shop, customer will be able to find dedicated Apple-trained and Apple-certified Mac experts who can come up with the right solution for you. 2) Time-Saving Online Order Apple iPad are also available on internet for the customers on Apple’s website. Online purchase is the easiest and time saving way for most of them (As shown in Fig 3.3.2). Fig3.3.2 Online Apple store for iPad (source: http://www.apple.com) On the website, the Apple explains the number of features and benefits of iPad. This adds the value to the consumers as convenience is a value that people appreciate and for which they will pay more than the actual price. 3) Golden Service for Apple Loyalty When customer are on the go, the Apple Store app is the best way to research, personalize and buy products from Apple and get the most out of customer’s visits to the Apple Retail Store for Apple loyal fans. Fig 3.3.3 shows what can do with the Apple Store app on the iPhone or iPod touch from search to pay. Fig3.3.3 Apple store apps for iPhone and iPod Touch (source: http://www.apple.com) 4.11 Promotion â€Å"Promotion means activities that communicate the merits of the product and persuade target customers to buy it. â€Å" (Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong, 2009) Apple Company had been promoting the iPad with the help of social media campaigns and multi-channel media strategy. Value delivered to customer: 1) Multiple Channel for Better Understanding of iPad The online promotion by Apple on Facebook, YouTube and other related websites approaches to the consumers added more value to the decision of consumers of buying iPad. Same like in stores all the information is available online for customers. Customers can download brochure from its website for their convenience. When Apple announced the idea of iPad, most fans write blogs and share through internet. Customer will see them and many videos about iPad, some of them are made by Apple and some are made by other people. These blogs and videos are shared by many other people through many ways (As shown in Fig 3.4.1). Fig3.4.1 Video sharing about iPad (source: http://www.9to5iPad.com/) 2) Custom Engraving of iPad Apple had offered free iPad engraving from its online store, allowing customers to add a personal touch to the tablet in time for the holiday seasons (As shown in Fig 3.4.2). Customers are given the option to engrave up to 2 lines of free text on the back of an iPad after selecting an iPad model and any desired accessories from the online store. Fig 3.4.2 Website about iPad engraving (Source: http://store.apple.com/) 3) Free Delivery for On-line Purchase When purchasing the iPad online from Apple’s official website, customer will get the value of free delivery. Just wait for 3-4 business days, the product will be arrived on hand safely. 4. Assessment of Overall Value Delivered Apple has always placed a major emphasis on the marketing and the brand awareness of its products. The iPad’s advantage is that they offer several different features in one product. Converging all the new technology into one product is the route apple is seeking. It’s making life easier for their consumers by being able to conduct many applications in the one product. Apple’s iPad followed all the 4P’s of marketing mix to deliver the high level of value to the customers. The company has manufactured an iPad using strong in-built applications. The gadget permits people to work and entertain anytime anywhere, as a value of experiencing its easy and convenient use. It provides value to customers through a huge number of features which helps in saving time and energy. Adding more to customer value the price of iPad is competitive and flexible in the market as discussed above. It advertised on T.V., newspapers, magazine, radios and also on internet, which makes people have clearer understanding in various channel. It provides value by available at all the apple stores and website. From the iPad’s 4P’s analysis, we can easily see the difference of it, and can answer the question â€Å"why people buy it which seems unnecessary product.† Apple iPad satisfy their needs and this delivers the value as a product and service in terms of features, style performance, durability, quality, reliability and design to the customer. 5. Conclusion Apple iPad is a new product which has made a dent in the history of tablet business domain and the first successful product. This has also ignited the demand for new and improved tablets from Apple and other competitors. Apple has used the 4P’s of marketing in a very efficient and proper manner, so that added the value to the customer’s decisions of purchasing iPad. When Apple introduced iPad, they intended to come across the consumer’s wants and demands which would satisfy to their lifestyles. Apple in future which demands more innovative products and the company still need to adapt to expected changes in iPad which they have already started in their new iPad 2. With their experience, they are able to continue strengthen its position in the industry. 6. References 1. Philip Kotler, Gary Armstrong. (2009). Principles of Marketing. (7th Edition). Australia. Pearson. 2. Kotler Brown Burton Deans Armstrong. (2010). Marketing (8th Edition). Australia. Pearson. 3. Borden, N. H. (1964). â€Å"The concept of the Marketing Mix†. Journal of Advertising Research. Vol II 4. APDGT YAMAMOTO. â€Å"Understanding Customer Value Concept: Key To Success†. pp. 547-552. 5. Chapelet, B. and Tovstiga, G. (1998), â€Å"Development of a research methodology for accessing a firm’s business process-related technologies†, International Journal of Technology Management, Vol. 15 Nos  ½, pp. 10-30. 6. Apple Annual Reports, 2010 7. www.apple.com 8. www.maxis.com.my

Interview Topic: Cultural Differences Between Austrian and Indian

Interview-Guide Topic: Cultural differences between Austrian and Indian employees/managers. Dear Interviewee, We are primarily interested in your personal experiences, and all questions are to be seen as related to you! †¢Name : Birgitt †¢Native Country (indicate any double citizenship): Austria †¢Gender: Female †¢Country(ies) visited: South America, Asia, Europe and Australia †¢Age : 25 Q1: Explain generally where the greatest differences between Austrian and Indian worklife are to be found. There are generally more Indians employed for a job that is usually done by only one Austrian.Time perception is different. I think Indians have more working hours. Q2: How do you feel that your country is different than other countries? I like it because India is a country that is still in transition and is very dynamic. In Austria the development seems to be limited already. Q3 : What can you point out as being the most important cultural difference between an Indian a nd Austrian/European ? -Perception of cleaness is different -People in India seem to be more laid back -The importance of religion is higher in general Man are more dominant Q4 : What stereotypes do people in your country generally use to describe the following groups (don't describe your own people if listed below): * The Americans: stupid, fat and superstitious * The French: arrogant, unfriendly and not willing to speak English * The Germans: punctual and boring * The Indians: nodding with there head a different way, funny and lazy Q5 : When you travel abroad, do you think that these preconceptions are justified (on a scale from 1 to 5)? 1 (In general Yes) 2 3 – sometimes yes, sometimes no. !!!!!!! 4 5 (Not at all) Give examples: Q6 : How do you perceive the professional communication between foreign (Austrian/European ) and Indian employees? -Formal -Friendly, small talk on the beginning -Showing strong interest about the other country -Indians more friendly, Austrians mor e focussed and harsh Q7: How do organizational principles in India differ from Austrian ones? Indians like to foresee everything and plan in advance, Austrians more flexible in plan making (short time) Q8 : In the business world, would you say that: The level of responsibility given to people is linked to: (several answers are possible) * their position in the company ? my answer * the number of years spent in the company * their age * their sex * other: -The boss of a company: * is hard to reach * can be reached easily ? my answer * needs to have authority * doesn't try to appear powerful Q9: In your society, information is generally transmitted ? * directly, through explicit messages, so as not to waste time. ? my answer * indirectly, through many unspoken messages. other: Q10: How are foreigners accepted in India? Do you have experiences concerning expatriates and their acceptance by Indian employees? I don’t have experience but I was told that they integrate foreigner pre tty fast Q11: How important is the topic of religion in daily worklife in India? Really important, in Austria it is not. Q 12: Would you say that your country is rather turned towards Individualism or Collective/group spirit (on a scale from 1 to 5) 1 (Individualism) ? very individualistic 2 3 4 5 (Collective/group spirit)Q13: Rank the following concepts from 1 (positive) to 5 (negative) depending on their positive or negative value in your society? * clearness: 1 * saving one's face: 4 * frankness: 3 * working in group: 2 * personal pride: 3 * competition: 3 Q14: The tendency to change companies or jobs in india is: * high * low * other: don’t know Q15: As far as time organization, people in india: tend to do * do just one thing at a time ? my answer * do several things at once * other: tend to be * very punctual * rather punctual * rarely on time ? my answer * never on time other: tend to * strictly follow what they have planned to do * modify their agenda and therefore pos tpone what they have planned ? my answer * other: Q16: How important is money in India? Do you have the feeling that bargaining is important in India ? Money is not that important in India as it is in Austria, but bargaining is more important than in Austria Q17 : Do you have any ideas on how to solve problems of Austrian companies in India? Being patient and adopt to the culture, slow down a bit and introduce clear rules and make clear that they have to be followed 8 : How would you generally describe an Indian? Do you think that Indians and Austrians/European overlook the cultural differences or are they aware of them? Indians are laid back on the one hand but also very committed to things like religion and family. They are very helpful and not that selfish as Europeans. I think that Europeans are aware of the cultural differences but still cannot get a feeling of it till they are actually visiting India. ? Please feel free to add your own suggestions and comments on this topic or on the survey itself? Thank you for taking part in the survey?

Wildlife and the Pittman-Robertson Act

The early part of the 20th century was a low point for many wildlife species in North America. Market hunting had decimated shorebird and duck populations. Bison were dangerously close to extinction. Even beavers, Canada geese, whitetail deer, and wild turkeys, all common nowadays, reached very low densities. That period became a pivotal moment in conservation history, as a few conservation pioneers turned concern into action. They are responsible for several key pieces of legislation which became the first North American wildlife protection laws, including the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. On the heels of that success, in 1937 a new law was enacted to fund wildlife conservation: the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (nicknamed for its sponsors as the Pittman-Robertson Act, or PR Act). The funding mechanism is based on a tax: for every purchase of firearms and ammunition an excise tax of 11% (10% for handguns) is included in the sale price. The excise tax is also collected for the sale of bows, crossbows, and arrows. Who Gets PR Funds? Once collected by the federal government, a small portion of the funds go toward hunter education programs and target shooting range maintenance projects. The rest of the funds are available to individual states for wildlife restoration purposes. In order for a state to collect Pittman-Robertson funds, it must have an agency designated as responsible for wildlife management. Every state has one these days, but this caveat was originally a powerful incentive for states to get serious about taking steps toward wildlife conservation. The amount of funds a state is allocated any given year is based on a formula: half the allocation is in proportion to the state’s total area (therefore, Texas will get more money than Rhode Island), and the other half is based on the number of hunting licenses sold that year in that state. It is because of this fund allocation system that I often encourage non-hunters to purchase a hunting license. Not only do the proceeds of the license sale go to a state agency working hard to manage our natural resources, but your license will help funnel more money from the federal government into your own state and assist in protecting biodiversity. What Are PR Funds Used For? The PR Act allowed the distribution of $760.9 million for the purpose of wildlife restoration in 2014. Since its inception, the Act generated over $8 billion in revenue. In addition to building shooting ranges and providing hunter education, these monies have been used by state agencies to purchase millions of acres of wildlife habitat, conduct habitat restoration projects, and hire wildlife scientists. It is not just game species and hunters who benefit from PR funds, as projects are often focused on non-game species. Plus, most of the visitors of protected state lands come for non-hunting activities like hiking, canoeing, and birding. Â   The program has been so successful that a very similar one was designed for recreational fisheries and enacted in 1950: the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, which is often referred to as the Dingell-Johnson Act. Through an excise tax on fishing equipment and motorboats, in 2014 the Dingell-Johnson Act led to the redistribution of $325 million in funding to restore fish habitat. Sources The Wildlife Society. Policy Briefs: Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. United States Department of the Interior. Press Release, 3/25/2014. Follow Dr. Beaudry: Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Google