A Variety of Society Factors Cause Homelessness Essay Example for Free

A Variety of Society Factors Cause Homelessness Essay National Coalition for the Homeless is a charity that fights to end the homelessness through grassroots organizing, public education, and policy advocacy. They have pointed out the causes for the increasing number of homeless people in the U.S since 2000 in the article â€Å"A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness.† Why is the number of the homeless people increasing day after day in the U.S? Poverty and the homelessness are the current controversial problem that has so many different causes from different countries all over the world. There are three main factors that the National Coalition for the Homeless pointed out in their article such as eroding work opportunities, a decline in public assistance, and a lack of affordable housing in the U.S. Do the authors clearly explain the problem in their article? For an article to be effective, it is imperative that it is clear on its purpose. In the previous essay, the author is successful in identifying the principle behind the article. From the first paragraph, the author is focused on addressing the causes of homelessness in the society (National Coalition for the Homeless 1). Therefore, the reader is aware of the rationale behind the article and its functions after reading the first paragraph. Importantly, this is observable in the consequent paragraphs of the article. The heading choice is consistent with the purpose of the article. The key words in the heading depict that the author is exploring the issue of homelessness in the society. The topic depicts that there are numerous social factors that contribute to the issue of homelessness. This influences the mindset of the readers when they are engaging the article, since they are aware of the contents of the essay, which clarifies that homelessness is a result of complex social factors. This is instrumental in ensuring that the readers comprehend the contents of the article better. When exploring the problem in the article, the author focuses on the predicament of homelessness. In addition, the author uses relevant examples to highlight the problem in depth. This is evident in the statistical data in the third paragraph, which is relevant to the U.S. society: In 2000, 11.3% of the U.S. population, or 31.1 million people, lived in poverty. While the number of poor people has decreased a bit in recent years, the number of people living in extreme poverty has increased (National Coalition of Homelessness, paragraph 3, page 1). The author uses information on poverty levels, and current housing situations to explore the issue of homelessness comprehensively. The author is also clear on the causes of the previous problem. In the article, the author identifies poverty and lack of housing, which is affordable as the primary cause for homelessness in the society. These statistics from the Institute for Children and Poverty are particularly revealing: In the institute fo r Children and Poverty study, 37% of homelessness families had their welfare benefits reduced or cut last year. Additionally, a second study of six states found that between 1997 and 1998, 25% of families who had stopped receiving welfare in the last six months doubled-up on housing to save money, and 23% moved because they could not pay rent (National Coalition of Homelessness, page 2 – 3). However, other secondary causes are also highlighted in the article, and this includes lack of employment, low wages, and a decrease in social support, among others. The author correlates the secondary and primary causes to explore the problem. Despite the author actively highlighting the homelessness problem being experienced in the society, there is not solution provided for the problems. The author concentrates on the social factors which contribute to the problem and how they contribute. The essay is exhaustive when exploring the topic. The author uses numerous examples to explain the significance of the problem. For instance, the author explores the significance of the health sector in the issue of homelessness. This example gives a new dimension to the topic and shows the complexity of the social issues causing homelessness. In addition, the article is valid. This is due to the author’s use of authoritative sources in the field. This is evident in the statistical data, from studies by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on the previous problem. The author also engages credible and accurate information on the issue giving the article authority on the topic. The author uses relevant evidence to support the claims of the article. For instance, on this issue of poverty, the author quotes data of average incomes, which is earned by American families: In the data, a 1998 study estimated that 46% of the jobs with the most growth between 1994 and 2005 pay less than $16,000 a year; these jobs will not lift families out of poverty. Moreover, 74% of these jobs pay below a livable wage ($32,185 for a family of four) (National Coalition of Homelessness, page 2). This shows the level of income earned by the American population and its influence in the housing sector. The article also has other relevant examples to support the author’s sentiments. The argument of the author also appeals to the readers emotions. This is clear in the approach of the author to highlight the effect of poverty on society and its influence on homelessness. This elicits emotions from the audience since the issues affect are relatable to the human situation. The article is characterized by the use of data and studies from various authorities on the issue. The author has been effective in making the key words in these studies clear for the audience through elaboration. Therefore, the important words in the article are defined effectively. In the second article, Homelessness is not societys problem, the author uses a challenging title, in that the view is provocative to the addressees. This appears to be a controversial perspective concerning the issue of homelessness due to the emotions related to the topic (Carnacchio 1). Despite the rationale of the article, the argument is not valid since the society cannot disassociate itself from social problems. However, the second article gives for the readers more sides of view about the homeless people. Only some of the homeless people who are not willing to assume the responsibilities associated with maintaining a job and a permanent residence. As White points out, â€Å"In Los Angeles’ inner city, Paul Koegel and M. Audrey Burnam found that nearly 80% of alcoholics in their sample of homeless adults ‘reported that their first alcoholic symptom occurred before they were first homeless’ and that in 57% of the cases this occurred at least five years before their first episode of homelessness.† (Carnacchio, page 2). The article A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness provides a solid argument concerning the issue of homelessness. The author appears to be conversant with the topic and cites authoritative sources on the issue. The topic is instrumental in highlighting the numerous social factors that contribute to homelessness in the American society. Furthermore, homelessness is still a serious problem which has so many different causes but the society have not had the solutions for this problem. From all information of the article, I have learned more knowledge about the causes of homelessness in the U.S. which is a well-developed country but it does exist the homelessness. The cause is not only from the society, but it is also among to all people who are living in this world assume the responsibility for their life and their families. Works Cited National Coalition for the Homeless. A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness. Current Controversies: Poverty and the Homeless. Mary E. Williams. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resources Center. Gale. Houston Community College. 18. Jan 2013. Carnacchio, C. J. Homelessness Is Not Societys Problem. Opposing Viewpoints: The Homeless. Ed. Jennifer A. Hurley. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Houston Community College. 21. Jan 2013.

Effect of Brand Equity on Consumer Perception of Brand

Effect of Brand Equity on Consumer Perception of Brand Brand equity plays an important role in the firms in creation and development of both product and company brand strategy. The study aim to analyze the relationship of different variables of brand equity with the purpose of providing the relationship between effectiveness of brand equity and customer perception of the brand the research focuses on the dimensions of brand equity which involve brand awareness, brand image, brand quality, brand loyalty and brand association However the researches examine relationship between dimension of brand equity and consumer perception of the brand Primary and secondary data source will be used so as to be able to achieve the objectives questionnaires will be constructed to provide answers to research question. Also interview and focus group will be among the secondary data In this study, eighty (1o0) questionnaires will be distributed, The study will make a survey for these dimensions of consumers based-brand equity and their perception of brand so as to determine the accuracy and validity of the research for current and future use. Key words: consumer perception on brand, brand equity, loyalty, image quality and association CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTIO This chapter of the project present a brief discussion about background to the research ,followed by problem statement ,aim and objectives ,justification for the research methodology and conclusion of the chapter BACK GROUND OF THE PROBLEM Based on the rapid changes in the global market and high competition between firms or companies the concept of brand management has become more important .Because good brand management bring about clear different between products and services provided by different companies brand management is important because it ensure strong brand equity which help customers especially when customers need to purchase product or services. Concept of brand equity has received a great deal of research interest in the past 18 years and continues to be one of the most appealing fields of marketing for private and public sector firms. Brand equity issues are important in the design and development of a company and its product or service offerings(Keller ,2004) However academics have not achieved a widely accepted methodology of measuring firms brand equity or the effect of different variables of brand equity on the valuation of a brand. Researchers have also found that brands with high brand equity receive a considerable purchase price, even when a company has declared bankruptcy (Kaikati 2003) suggesting that high brand equity can provide rewards even when a company is in a poor financial position Brand equity is recognized in the name and symbols associated with a company and the very act of social responsibility is believed to be a significant driver for Building strong brand Despite many other factors that global and local brands of different products use brand equity as measurement of its effectiveness to their customers Prasad and Dev,(2000) presented some factors which are the simplest way for hotel industries to recognise and distinguish between themselves in the mind of their customers is through strong brand equity .(Low and Lamb,2000) also stated that in the service market the main brand is firms brand while the packaged goods market the main brand is seen to the product brand itself. As research shows a powerful brand enhance customers attitude and strength toward brand. According to (Keller, 2004) customer awareness and association influences attributes of perceived quality and finally result to brand loyalty especially when customers are satisfied with product or service they purchase. Strong brands allow its customers to have better perception of brand regardless either intangible or tangibility. Branding has been conducted for centuries as a means for producers to distinguish their goods against those of competitors by creating a recognizable and memorable image. Aaker, D.A Kumar and Day (2007) Kotler p (2002) states A brand is a name, symbol, design, or mark that enhances the value of a product beyond its functional purpose. The term brand equity focuses on the added value with which a brand endows Brands such as coca cola their brand equity is difficult to measure because the company extended their product with strong brand awareness. This is same as TBL drinks ( alcohol and non alcohol ) the company have extended their brand within the country and out of the country . Aaker, D.A Kumar and Day (2007) As far as brand associations are concerned researchers narrated a minimum of nine brand associations that can affect brand effectiveness toward consumer perception brand association communicate the approach or the meaning of product in specific term on how consumer needs can be fulfilled in any competitive environment Additional research has revealed that companies will pay a premium to acquire or merge with a competitor that has recognized high brand equity as a means of hedging against new product costs (Aker 2004) Purchasing a company or product line with high brand awareness has a high potential for carryover to the new parent company, as long as the brand name remains effective and consumers do not see a visible reduction in performance Researchers such as (Merrilless and Millers 2008)state that loyal customers who perceive higher brand image tend to act more favourably toward rebranding because when the company face any down fall they can make innovation or rebranding and improve some factors that will make the brand more known to create top mind and mind recall.Marketers should enhance some core peripheral brand concept to build up connections between the initial brand image to attract the target customers and this is importance especially when the competition is high Although several brands within different product and service categories used different method to measure brand equity .Also other researchers (Prasad and Dev ,2000:23)state that relatively limited research on brand equity within the hotel industry and other companies has been conducted and more others by different researchers where they shows some gapes from different research conducted which indicate the importance of strong brand equity on customers perception of the brand For the company to archive a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace one has to value the importance of building strong brand (Kim , Kim An 2003,Parasa and Decade 2000) this is by maintaining and improving brand to ensure customers satisfaction is high compared to what your competitors do Conclusively the most important or best way of building strong brand value and support product or service performance will is to ensure effective brand management and strong brand equity because if the brand management and brand equity is poor then it will have great effect to the customers as researchers suggest there should be effective brand equity to ensure that all the measurement of brand are active to avoid effects to customers especially when they make perception or decision of what brand to purchase. Therefore the company need to have effective brand equity because consumer perception on a brand is based on the brand equity (Kotler, P and Armstrong, 2002) THE PROBLEM STATEMENT The failure of companies in maintaining effectiveness of their brand which as a result it affect customers perception of brand this is because companies try to come up with different brand which keep them different from other competitors but some of them they fail to perform well despite that they have brand. While the failure of the company to build effective brand equity will actually leads to the failure in achieving the desired organization goals because even if the company have brand but if the brand can not compete then the firm will not do well. . This is because brand equity play an important role in maintaining customer loyalty and organization performance in the market place. So Having the brand itself is not enough the company should have strong brand effectiveness because brand equity have great effect on consumer perception of brand When reading through literatures researches shows different gaps regarding customer base brand equity in service industry and most focus on relationship between firm performances using brand awareness and image as a moderating effect. Also I noticed that most researches {Aaker (2001), Keller (2003), cob-walgren et al (2005), Lasser et al (2005), Yoo et al (2003) Yoo and Donthun (2001) surveyed these dimension of brand equity and determine their effect to the customers especially when the brand is not well managed More over due to the fast change in consumer wants and high competition has influence brand management to ensure better performance of the company because brand equity has great effect on consumer perception of the brand (kotler P. 2002). Therefore I have chosen to carry out this research to indicate the effectiveness of brand equity on customer perceptions of a brand and examining their effect on customer perception and organization performance. Accurate method of data collection will be primary and secondary data in which I will base on literature review, interviews and questionnaires to get the validity and reliability of the problem. PURPOSE OF THE RESEACH The project has to do with the effectiveness brand equity on customers perception of brand the main objective will base on the following: Determine relationship between brand awareness and customer perception of brand Analyze the effect of brand image to the customer perception of the brand Examine the relationship between brand quality on customer based- brand equity and their perception of brand Determine the effectiveness of brand association in brand equity to the customer perception of brand Analyze the effect of brand loyalty to customers and customer perception of the brand Lastly the findings will show or tell what dimension seems to have least or lower consideration when customers make perception about the brand .this will be used as one of the recommendation for this research for the companies and future research on what they should focus on for the future DEFINITIONS OF THE KEY CONCEPTS The following model demonstrates that brand equity is developed based on the five dimensions of brand loyalty, name awareness, perceived quality, brand associations, and other proprietary brands assets (example distribution system). How the brand performs on these dimensions is what leads consumers to develop an overall, intangible rating of brand equity. This equity then provides value to the consumer and the firm in the outlined ways. The model by Aaker was one of the first seminal works in the field of brand equity and led to future research in the area. KEY CONCEPT Figure: Aakers Brand Equity Model 2002. Brand: Kotler et al (2005, p.549) state that brand is a name, term, sign design or a combination of all of these factors that identify different product or marketers of any product or any service. According to (Kapferer (2004) a brand is a name that has power to influence a buyer he also said that these influences could be the result of strong brand association and relationship built up over time among customers or distributers. Brand Equity Aaker (2004) stated that brand equity is a set of brand assets and liabilities linked to a brand example brand name and symbols that add or subtract from the value provided by produce or services to a firm direct to its customers. Brand loyalty Aaker (2004) Brand loyalty is the attachment that customers has to the brand or is the consumers preference to purchase a particular brand in a product class and this is due to consumers awareness about the product or the quality and image of the product or customers satisfaction .all of these add to customers loyalty Brand image Keller (2005) Brand image is consumers perception about the brand or how they view the brand. Also brand image is symbolic construct created within the mind of consumers and it consist all the information and expectation that customers expect to get from a certain brand of Product or service Brand awareness (Aydin and zer, 2005).Brand awareness refers to the ability for a buyer to recognize or recall a brand is a member of a certain product category Rossiter and Percy (1987) state that brand awareness is essentials for communication because good brand awareness create top mind which help to make marketers work more simplified when customers are aware of the product . Without brand awareness no communication effect can occur for customers to buy a brand they must be aware of it. BREACK DOWN OF THE WORK The research consists of five (5) chapters. The first chapter based on brief discussion about background to the research, followed by problem statement, aim and objectives, justification for the research methodology and conclusion of the chapter The second chapter present the theoretical frame work with theories which are relevant to the study literature review has been structured in the following way starting by consumer behaviour ,brand ,brand equity conceptualization of brand equity brand equity in service industries and finally dimension of brand equity and conclusion of the chapter Chapter three presents the method which will be used in data collection. It explains the research design that has been used, also research approaches, data collection method, source of data, reliability and validity and lastly limitation of the research The fourth chapter present data analysis and result of the findings Finally chapter five deals with conclusion, recommendations and suggestion for the companies and future research, the references and appendix are presented at the end of the research CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL FRAME WORK This chapter put together what other researchers have Witten about this topic which is addressed in the title. this include literature reviews from different research which will help to identify gaps and limitation from previous research also literature review help to add on the body of knowledge to support the problem oh hand CONSUMER PERCEPTION AND BEHAVIOR Consumer behaviour For better understanding about brand equity on customers perception about brands , it is necessary to start with consumer behaviour. Belch and Belch (2004) defined consumer behaviour as the process and activities people engage in especially when searching ,or selecting ,or purchasing the product ,it involve evaluating and disposing of product and services to satisfy their needs and desire. Dalqvist and Linde (2002) characterized consumer behaviour into four bases which include rational, learned, unconscious and social behaviour and they are represented in three ways KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE ACTION Rational behaviour: (Dalqvist and Linde 2002) customers with rational behaviour, first they get some knowledge about the product and what in offers then they get attitude toward the product and finally they may act to buy or not to buy the product .This is usually when customers purchase expensive product Example cars (KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE ACTION) Unconscious behaviour: consumers with unconscious behaviour start with an attitude toward the product this attitude may either be from emotional or feeling .then consumer find more information about the product and then get knowledge about it and finally they may choose to buy or not (ATTITUDE KNOWLEDGE,ACTION) Learned behaviour: this is when consumers do not plan their choice of product they do it by habit example of this habit is when buying a newspaper (ACTION KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE) Social behaviour : consumers with social behaviour tends to choose theirs product as the result of social environment which they live in .the status, lifestyle and other influences they may influences the product they may buy ( ACTION ATTITUDE KNOWLEDGE) FACTORS THAT INFLUENCES CONSUMER BEHAVIOR DIAGRAM Cultural factors: this may include factors such as culture, subculture or social classes in which a consumer identifies his or her self with Social cultures :this may include factors such as family ,reference group, and consumer role and status example religious leader Like pastor Personal factors :this include factors such as lifecycle ,status, and age of consumers also the economic situation, occupation self-concept and consumer personality Psychological factors include perceptions ,motivational ,learning attitude and belief of consumers .These factors have great effect on consumer perception The above factors have great effect on customer perception of the product this is because people differ in geographical location and the norms and conduct differ so this can affect the purchasing of product due to customer perception CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOR According to sderlund (2001) consumers buying behaviour include attitude, intention, preference, strength and commitment of consumer to purchase a product. Consumers buying behaviour this may be called buying behaviour of the final product. . From the diagram above it shows stages that consumers pass through when they want to buy a product but these stages also may depend with a product and if its a first time customers to purchase that product (kotler p 2004) proposed five stages that consumers go through when they need a product, need recognition, information search ,evaluation of information, purchase decision , post purchase DIAGRAM Need recognition: this is when consumers define their need or their problem .this may be due to internal stimulus or external stimulus Example of internal stimulus is when you need a drink as a result of hunger .External stimulus arise due to many things example commercial on television about something my force or influence a certain need (Kotler, 2005) Therefore it is importance that marketers find out what stimulus attracts interest in their brand. Information search: (kotler p ,2005) this is when customers find informations from different sources based on their need example sources such as commercial source, personal source, and experiential source these sources are important to enhance knowledge and awareness of any available brand Alternative evaluation: this is where consumers evaluate and rank alternatives from the obtained information example of evaluation may base on quality price, warrant and package and other information Purchase decision: this is where consumers purchase product that they want, their perception may be influenced by unforeseen factors and attitude of others. Post purchase decision: this is when consumers compare their expectation and the actual perceive performance (Kotler et al (1999) stated that they get satisfied when their expectations are the same with the product performance Consumers behaviour may depend on type of the product consumer is buying Kotler (2001) designed a buying behaviour model which consisted of four different buyer behaviours. DIAGRAM Complex buying behaviour: when consumers buy a high quality brand and before making purchase they seek more information about it .This is high consumer involvement example when a person want to buy a car other electronic product like laptop they need significant differences between brands. Habitual buying behaviour: when customers purchase a product out of habit these customers have low involvement with the brand Variety seeking buying behaviour: when customers go around the shopping mall and experiment with variety of product Dissonance reducing buying behaviour: this is when customers are highly involved with buying product as a result of fact that is expensive or rare Example buying Apple laptop or buying a car like BMW FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSUMER PERCEPTION OF BRAND PERCEPTION: Perception is a process by which the information is received, selected evaluated, organised and interpreted by an individuals when they need to purchase product. (Kotler 2005). Factors influencing customers perception Diagram Influence by others: influences by others play an important role when one need to buy something .consumers have habit of consulting each other regarding a new brand that they need to purchase to seek their advice .some advice are very strong and help buyers to buy quality brand these influence my be from friends, cultural value behaviour and preference or socially like small group like family or membership group. So these influences can make someone buy a product which he or she was not planned to buy. (Derlund 2000) Quality: this is the strongest factors which consumers take into account when making their choice on what to purchase .According to (Uggla (2001) quality is an integrals part of brand identity. Price: is used as an exchange of product or services, price can be used as a reason for a choice of a certain product or service example guying at lower cost to escape financial cost or risk or highest product to get good quality. (Derlund 2000) price place and brand are the three important factors when deciding consumers purchase choice in every product. Advertising: the ain of advertisement is to create top mind and awareness to the target customers target consumer about the product or service. Advertisement is a major way of communication .According to (Aaker 2002) advertising, promotion and packaging empress are the key factors to influence customers to purchase your brand because advertisement create top of mind and brand recall. Packaging: this is designing the cover of the brand or product that will help to attract and influence customers (Kotler 2001) packaging is a form of advertisement in the sense that it sales duties such as attracting customers describing and selling the product. Convenience :the brand should have things that can convince buyers , conveniences of brand has significant effect on consumers because in a real sense no one can buy product which have no easy access or no store available ,sellers must create ways to customers to get product in easy way to avoid unnecessary cost (Lin and chang 2003). DETAIL ON BRAND: BRAND: Kotler et al (2005 p.5490) state that brand is a name, term, sign design or a combination of all of these factors that identify different product or marketers of any product or any service. According to (Kapferer (2004) a brand is a name that has power to influence a buyer he also said that these influences could be the result of strong brand association and relationship built up over time among customers or distributers. Brand is a means where sellers can be differentiated because everyone can produce a product but to make them different the branding is very important. (Jones and Slater 2003) They sum up these added value that develop from different experiences that customers may have from the brand which rise as the result of using the brand which could be as a result of consumer association with the brand Having strong brand companies not only could facilitate the differentiation of their product to with their competitors .but with branding companies are able to create confidence and loyalty in their firm performance (Halverson Revaz, 2006). IMPORTACE OF SRONG BRAND According to (Dave Dolak 2003) strong brand will create the following benefit amongst others Build name and brand recognition for your product or the company which may influence consumer buying behavior decision Build trust and emotional attachment to firm product or services Make purchase decision more easy and it will enable customers to have trust toward the brand and create belief as result they become loyal to your brand even without knowing the uniqueness of your brand Any strong brand can create the consumer attitude toward a particular product and services and the strength of such attitude is developed through experience with such brand A strong brand enjoys the benefit such as reduced competitive advantages, premium price, customer loyalty, profitability, reduced the perceived risk of consumers who are not so sure of their decision THE BRAND EQUITY Concept of brand equity has received a great deal of research interest in the past 18 years and continues to be one of the most appealing fields of marketing for private and public sector firms. Brand equity issues are important in the design and development of a company and its product or service offerings. However academics have not achieved a widely accepted methodology of measuring firms brand equity or the effect of different variables of brand equity on the valuation of a brand Aaker (1991) defined brand equity as assets and liabilities that add or detract value to a firm and/or its companies. Brand equity help to increase seals ,price premium and customers loyalty this is because brand equity comprises all the importance element of the brand example brand awareness , brand image , brand quality and other element .so when brand equity is strong it will help the company performance to be good and also influence more customers toward the product or services In other words brand equity can be said to be an asset or liability connected to brand name that adds or subtract value to the product This definition of brand equity can be widely described into other three ways which could be based on financial perspective which stress the value of brand to firm, or customers perspective which sees brand equity as the value of brand to consumers and the combination of the two The study focuses on customers perception .consumer based brand equity can be divide into customers perception which based on brand awareness, perceiver quality, image, loyalty and association and their buying behaviour DIMENSIONS BRAND EQUITY The following diagram illustrates the measurement of brand equity. Brand equity by reasserting the lack of tangibility and clear definition of the concept Brand equity is due to large sales and a sizeable advertising budget, since consumers are more likely to favour the larger brand names. Baldinger and Rubinson (2007) argued against the assertions of Ehrenberg by showing research that customer attitudes can be measured with some level of validity and that brands (large or small) do show a decrease in strength when observed over a long period of time DIMENSION OF BRAND EQUITY Aaker (2001) BRAND ASSOCIATION: Chen (2001) identifies the types of brand associations and examines the relationship between the characteristics of brand associations and brand equity. He uses the research of (Aaker 2001) to develop his model concluding that the underlying value of a brand name is often a set of 11 associations. Chen suggests classifying brand association into product and organizational associations and further sub-associations as outlined in his brand association model. Chen (2001) provides useable examples for the functional attribute associations and non-functional attribute associations to increase the readers understanding of the framework. He then conducts his research to determine the effect of brand associations on brand equity Apelbaum, Gerstner, and Naik (2003) highlight the difference in price provided by brand awareness and examine whether quality is as much a price determinant as brand equity. The authors study the variations in product quality between national and store brands from selected Consumer Reports lists and compare the use of premium pricing. As noted earlier, consumer beliefs about brand attributes and benefits can be formed in different ways. (Ian and Taylor 2002) Brand attributes are those descriptive features that characterize a product or service. Also brand benefit are the personal value and meaning that customers attach to the product or service attributes In general, the source of information creating the strongest brand attribute and benefit associations is direct experience. This type of information can be particularly influential in consumers product decisions, as long as consumers are able to interpret their experiences accurately. Word of mouth or other non-commercial sources of information (consumer organizations, the press, etc.) can also create strong associations (Ian and Taylor 2002). Many authors (Ian and Taylor 2002) as cited by Juan Carlos et al 2001)find that quality differences between national and store brands vary significantly across product categories and for 25 percent of product categories, the average quality of store brands is higher. In spite of this difference in quality, national brands receive a substantial price premium (30 percent on average) and when the quality of national brands is higher than store brands the price premium increases to 50 percent Both Aaker (1991) and Keller (1993) define brand associations as the information in the consumers mind linked to the brand consumers use associated to process and store information in their memories that can be used especially when they need to make decision on what to purchase good association of the brand will take organisation into customers consideration and it can be liked to trust which result to better organisation performance . BRAND AWARENESS Brand awareness can be referred as the degree of consumers familiarity with a brand (Aaker 2001 and Keller 2003 stated that brand awareness is a vital element of brand equity in which when the brand is well known it become important to the company since customers may be influenced by the brand (Rossiter and Percy 2007) brand is the ability of customers to distinguish the brand amongst other brand Keller (2003) Conceptualized brand awareness as a source of good brand recall and brand recognition .He went further to say that the recall is the ability of customers to remember a brand from their mind when the product class is made known Brand awareness is reflected in the consumers ability to identify the brand under different Circumstances (Keller, 1993). Also is considered as important in low involvement product categories .when it come to high involvement product like cars and other expensive and durable product its however likely that customers spend more time when they make their decision on what to buy so when that product is well known and all the specification are known and where to get also it become more convenience for the consumers and hence may customers may favor that particular brand According to (Aaker, 2001 p 34) there are three level of brand awareness namely: Brand recognition: is the ability of consumers to identify a certain brand amongst others that is aided as recall situation where bay a person is asked to identify a recognized brand name from a list of brand from the same product class Brand recall: is a situation where by a customer is expected to name a brand in product class, also it can be referred as Unaided recall as they are not given any clue from the product class Top of mind: this is referred as the first brand that consumers can recall among a given class of product Different researchers have seen brand awareness as an element that play an important role to both customer and the company ,to custom

Factors Affecting the Growth of Microfinance Institutions

Factors Affecting the Growth of Microfinance Institutions CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction This chapter introduces the problem statement which the research proposes, the objectives that the research seeks to address, the questions that it seeks to answer and the scope of the research as well as the significance of the study. 1.1 Background of the Study There are many types of microfinance institutions depending on structure, function or philosophy. In many instances, the microfinance market is segmented according to the clients involved i.e. micro-enterprises, women, agriculturalists and so on. A main goal of many micro finance institutions is to provide sustainable micro finance facilities to the poor to facilitate income generation and reduce poverty (Baumann, 2001). The genesis of this is that the poor lack access to financial services, credit and savings facilities. The goal of microfinance institutions as development organizations is also to service the financial needs of unserved markets as means of meeting development objectives (Ledgerwood, 1999). The development objectives generally include reduction of poverty, empowerment of the poor and other disadvantaged groups, employment creation, development of new businesses and helping existing businesses to grow by diversifying their activities. In a world bank study of lending for small and micro enterprise projects, three objectives of microfinance institutions that were most frequently cited were, to create employment and income opportunities through the creation and expansion of micro enterprises, increase the productivity and incomes of vulnerable groups especially the poor and women, as well as reduce rural families dependence on drought prone crops through the diversification of their income generating activities (Webster et al, 1996). The microfinance revolution was introduced into the development economics arena slightly more than two decades ago. However, the widespread adoption of the microfinance model did not occur until the early 1990s. Since the mid 1990s, microfinance programmes and institutions have become an increasingly important component of strategies to promote micro-enterprise development in developing countries and specifically to reduce poverty (Colin, 2006). Microfinance was defined by the United Nation in 2005 as basic financial services, like credit, savings and insurance, which give people an opportunity to borrow, save, invest and protect their families against risk (UN, 2005). This definition was used in the context of microfinance and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It was therefore observed that microfinance promotes not only credit, but also inculcates savings that accumulate assets for poor people. Besides the major attributes of microfinance, namely; credit and savings, the concept of joint or shared liability has been highlighted by other researchers. According to Harper (2003), the concept of microfinance originated in Bangladesh, around 1976 through the pioneering experiment by Dr Muhammad Yunus, who was then a Professor of Economics. The primary difference between microfinance and the conventional credit disbursal mechanism lies in the joint liability concept. Whereby a group of individuals get together to form an association of persons called Self Help Groups (SHG) of which all the members undergo a training programme on the basic loan procedures and borrowing requirements. Loans to individuals within the Self help groups are approved by the others members of the group, who are also jointly responsible for its repayment in case of default. The members of the self help group save regularly through monthly contributions to the groups fund. Formal microfinance lending has been in existence in Kenya since the 1950s through the Joint Loan Board Scheme developed by the colonial government (Hondo, 2001). After independence in 1963, the Kenyan government went on to provide subsidized rural credit programs as a development strategy. There are many organizations both informal and formal which also offer these financial services. The informal channels are characterized by lending family, friends and neighbours. Rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) are also very common. They hold regular meetings and each member contributes a fixed amount and an agreed amount is given to one member at a time (CBS et al, 1999). Commercial banks traditionally lend to medium and large enterprises which are judged to be creditworthy and tend to avoid doing business with the poor and the micro enterprises because the associated costs and risks are considered to be relatively high. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have therefore become the main source of funding for micro enterprises in Africa and in other developing regions (Anyanwu, 2004). Microfinance institutions have become an important contributor to the Kenyan economy. The sector contributes to the national objective of creating employment opportunities, training entrepreneurs, generating income and providing a source of livelihood for the majority of low income households by financing the businesses that they run. The government and its development partners have spent considerable amount of resources in crafting policies and programs to build the growth of micro finance institutions. However results to date have been largely unsatisfactory (Gichira, 1992). 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT Provision of microfinance services that can have a sustainable impact on clients well being and reduced vulnerability is not an easy endeavour, microfinance institutions face many risks that can adversely affect their long term growth, operational and financial sustainability (Jeyanth, 2003). With regard to sustainability and growth, a study conducted by Omondi (2005) revealed that few microfinance institutions had attained sustainability and growth and had sound financial cost control and good loan portfolios. A good number of microfinance institutions had not attained financial stability and growth and were relying on subsidies from donors. Growth in the microfinance industry may be characterized by an increase in the breadth and depth of outreach of existing microfinance institutions, heightened competition among microfinance service providers, diversification of product and service offerings, and the presence of private and commercial funds for microfinance activities. There is little information on a standard blueprint to show us how to achieve these characteristics and to ensure the growth of the microfinance industry. To a large extent, the growth should be market driven and is yet to be achieved (Amando, 2005). Tilman, (2006) highlighted that although microfinance activity has increased considerably in recent years, significant growth was lacking and microfinance institutions are still far from reaching a significant portion of the population that lacks access to formal financial services. Further, studies conducted in Kenya have shown that even though the microfinance sector has been growing over the past few years, majority of the individual institutions have not experienced much growth. Moreover much of growth of the microfinance institutions has been spontaneous (G.O.K 1997). It is therefore against this background that the aim of the study is to assess factors affecting the growth of micro-finance institutions in Kenya. 1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE 1. To assess the factors affecting the growth of microfinance institutions in Kenya. 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION This research seeks to answer the following question; 1. What are the factors affecting the growth of microfinance institutions in Kenya? 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This study will benefit a number of groups among them managers of microfinance institutions who will use the study to gain an insight into factors that affect the growth of their businesses and how. This will in turn help them develop modalities to mitigate those factors that adversely affect the business and enhance those that promote growth of their microfinance institutions. The government too will benefit from this study. The government will use the findings of this study to craft appropriate policies that would promote the growth and stability of the microfinance institutions. Further the findings will help the Kenya governments development partners, NGOs, Donor communities and other stakeholders to effectively and efficiently target their assistance to the microfinance sector. Moreover, microfinance strategists, policy makers, aspiring microfinance researchers, university and college students pursuing a career in entrepreneurship or microfinance spheres will also benefit. 1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY Microfinance institutions have a wide coverage in both rural and urban areas of the country. This study focuses on microfinance institutions operating in Kenya. The study therefore covers the registered institutions. CHAPTER TWO LIERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction This chapter presents a review of various literature materials related to the study. It extensively looks at the factors that affect the growth of microfinance institutions. This review also highlights past literature that relates to this study, summary of gaps to be filled by the study, previous research findings, various papers and government publications on the subject. 2.2 Growth in the microfinance industry Amando, (2005) observed that growth in the microfinance industry may be characterized by an increase in the breadth and depth of outreach of existing microfinance institutions, heightened competition among microfinance service providers, diversification of product and service offerings, and the presence of private and commercial funds for microfinance activities. Outreach and sustainability are two critical objectives for microfinance institutions (MFIs). As defined by Christen et al (1999), outreach is the ability to provide quality financial services to large numbers of people, especially the very poor. Outreach is also an indicator of the institutions social mission to scale up and provide services to as many people as possible. Sustainability, in contrast, requires operating at a level of profitability that allows sustained service delivery without dependence on subsidized inputs. This represents the institutions commercial strategy. For microfinance institutions growth is the process of balancing the objectives of outreach and sustainability; balancing the social mission and the commercial strategy. Despite the increase in number of MFIs in operation, their growth is constrained, especially in rural areas, because of their limited resource base and lack of institutional capacity to provide a wide range of financial services. MFI outreach is predominantly through group based programmes, which have limited absorptive capacity for financial resources. The focus of most microfinance institutions is lending to the informal economy MSEs (â€Å"Jua Kali) and often women who are conducting trade in small goods or providing services (Stevenson, 2007). Craig (1997) on the other hand observed that many microfinance institutions experience cycles of growth followed by periods of consolidation where they are forced to solve operational challenges such as decline in portfolio quality, client desertion, untrained and burned-out staff, and administrative challenges including loan processing and information systems. In addition, many smaller credit programs never experience growth because they lack the resources; technical and or financial and a commitment to the financial systems approach. In Tanzania, a survey of 136 small firms found that 63 per cent of them consider difficulties in accessing finance from larger financial institutions as the major constraint to their growth (Satta, 2003). Even though micro finance bodies are meant to serve those who have been left out of the formal banking system, there is a growing concern that many Kenyans still lack credit facilities. Statistics from Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI) indicate that over 60 percent of Kenyans lack access to formal banking services. This is because most micro-credit companies are concentrated in cities and towns. Most of the people who lack credit are in rural areas. The question now is how to facilitate growth of microfinance institutions to cover all areas (Tilman, 2006). 2.2.1 Constraints facing micro finance institutions. The microfinance sector in Kenya has faced a number of constraints that need to be addressed to enable them to improve outreach and sustainability and grow. The major impediment to the development of microfinance business in Kenya has been until recently poor legislation and set of regulations to guide the operations of the microfinance sub-sector. This has contributed to a large extent to the poor performance and eventual demise microfinance institutions because of a lack of appropriate regulatory oversight. This has also had a bearing on a number of other constraints faced by the industry, namely: wide diversity in institutional form, inadequate governance and management capacity, limited outreach, unhealthy competition, limited access to funds, unfavorable image and lack of performance standards, Poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP 1999). Providing financial services to poor people is costly, in part, because they have small amounts of money, often live in urban slums and remote rural setups, and rarely have documented credit histories. During the past decade, microfinance institutions (MFIs) started addressing this problem by developing techniques that permit safe lending in the absence of borrowers credit history. Still, MFIs usually charge relatively high interest rates to cover the administrative costs of handling small transactions for dispersed populations (Gaulum, 2006). Mutua et al (1996) highlighted that a problem facing NGOs running microfinance institutions is the ability to balance traditional welfare objectives with the goals of maintaining sustainable credit programmes. This is because when credit policies are based on humanitarian rather than financial considerations, inefficiency and ineffectiveness can follow which hampers sustainability and growth of microfinance institutions. A study by Anyanwu (2004), on Microfinance institutions policy practice and potentials in Nigeria revealed that the sub sector in Africa faces a number of challenges which include the urgent access to medium to long term sustainable sources of funding. 2.2.2 Importance of the microfinance sector The first attribute that distinguishes microfinance institutions from others is what has come to be called its dual mission of balancing a social agenda or social impact with its financial objectives. Most microfinance institutions (MFIs) are institutions that combine a social development mission; provision of financial services to the lowest income population possible with a financial objective that drives the institution to achieve self sufficiency and thereby accomplish sustained service delivery without dependence on subsidies (Humphrey, 2006). The government appreciates the importance of microfinance institutions in the development of SMEs. In G.O.K (2005) policy paper the government sates lack of access to credit is a major constraint inhibiting the growth of the entrepreneurs. The same paper further states that the government recognizes that access to credit and financial services is key to the growth and development of any enterprise and more so the SMEs The government therefore has its own programmes and projects targeting the sector. Some of them are the Kenya Industrial Estates, the Joint Loan board both under the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the recently established Kshs. l billion youth fund under the Ministry of Youth Affairs in the office of the Vice President. According to an evaluation study on microfinance programmes in Kenya Supported through the Dutch co-financing programme, (Hospes 2002) concludes that the impact of the financial service provision by Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT) at the enterprise level is positive in many respects: Enterprise size and employment generation, both the quantitative and qualitative assessment show that the provision of loans by KWFT has helped women to keep them going even in the most difficult times, as well as contribute to providing continued employment to the women and their families, and to increase the number of employees in their business, either on temporary or permanent basis. It is now widely acknowledged that the MFIs, with their innovative program packaging, have enlarged the financial market, increased the volume of household financial savings and induced financial independence among rural families (Sajjad et al 1999). According to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) of 1999, a large number of Kenyans derive their livelihood from small and micro-enterprises. Therefore, development of this sector represents an important means of creating employment, promoting growth, and reducing poverty in the long term. However, in spite of the importance of this sector, experience shows that provision and delivery of credit and other financial services to the sector by formal credit institutions, such as microfinance institutions has been below expectation. This means that it is difficult for the poor to climb out of poverty due to lack of finance for their productive activities. Therefore, new, innovative and pro-poor modes of financing low income households and SMEs based on sound operating principles need to be developed. The United Nations acknowledges microfinance as a key instrument to achieving Millennium development Goals (MDGs), which seeks to reduce poverty by 2015. They include reducing child mortality by two thirds, eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women, as well as combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases (UN, 2005). As microfinance institutions in Kenya continue to increase in numbers, their survival in the market economy will greatly be influenced by the impact their products and services have to their recipients. This will include; the empowerment of family, generation of income and improvement of welfare, the increase in business performance, training and business skills provided to clients, terms and conditions for loan repayment and servicing among others. Microfinance institutions are critical to Africas quest for solutions to the continents development challenge. The area of their greatest potential impact, rural Africa, is not only home to the bulk of the continents population, but also the vast majority of Africas poor. MFIs with examples from Zambia, Kenya, South Africa, Mali and Zimbabwe, establish a link between MFIs and both poverty eradication and the empowerment and equality of women, two of the major Millennium Development Goals (Kaoma, 2001). Anywanu, (2004) observes that microfinance institutions aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of women, especially those in the rural areas through the provision of loan assistance, skills acquisition, reproductive health care service, adult literacy and girl child education. They also aim to build community capacities for wealth creation among enterprising poor people and to promote sustainable livelihood by strengthening rural responsive banking methodology as well as eradicate poverty through the provision of microfinance and skill acquisition development for income generation. 2.2.3 Promotion of Microfinance institutions growth. As an enterprise grows, different needs arise to correspond with every stage of its development. The level of sophistication of knowledge, skill and attitude change, inputs will vary with this every stage. It should however reflect that the needs are demand driven because they can be correlated with the problems and opportunities that micro financiers face in managing the business (Murumbutsa, 1998). Oikocredit International, a social investor increasingly engaged in microfinance, expressed that channeling commercial capital to microfinance institutions is key in establishing the conditions for sustainability and for the scaling-up of microfinance institutions. Commercial capital pushes microfinance institutions to have more rigorous financial discipline and management (Amando, 2005). Microfinance institutions in Kenya need to adopt and subscribe to performance standards in their operations so as to measure and ensure growth. In the Philippines the Central Bank as a member of the National Credit Council worked very hard in finalizing a set of performance standards that can be used by microfinance institutions across the banking, non-governmental and cooperative sectors to facilitate assessment and evaluation of their performance. The standards go by the acronym P.E.S.O, which stands for Portfolio Quality, Efficiency, Sustainability and Outreach. MFI growth includes diversification, such as the introduction of new financial products, training needs to be designed to gradually provide staff with new skills, thus increasing their flexibility and productivity. Credit bureaus are useful in reducing risks in lending and in encouraging a more responsible attitude towards credit by borrowers which will ultimately lower delinquency and strengthen the credit and financial system. In addition, the presence of credit bureaus will foster lending to the previously neglected sector such as the micro, small and medium enterprises due to less reliance on collateral based credit decisions. The other necessary condition is the presence of a comprehensive credit information system. With more and more players engaged in microfinance, the problem of credit pollution and multiple borrowings is also increasing. The sharing and disseminating of credit related information will be able to address this problem (Kitabu, 2007). To be successful an organization should have special features over and above being new and small in an industry. If any developments have to take place among microfinance institutions then the rate of their growth would depend on accumulation of physical and human capital. This however would require an effective allocation of resources and ability to acquire and apply modern technology (Biggs et al, 1996) Growth of the microfinance sector however, is very much dependent on a host of factors among them, the policy and regulatory environment, which consists of broad, high level policies that affect the economic and regulatory conditions in which micro finance institutions have to operate. Such are macro-policies for the stabilization and growth of the economy. Other factors include provision of technological capabilities and skills upgrading, competition. These factors promote higher business productivity and growth through improved techniques, and the related introduction of better quality products and services that yield the institutions high added value and larger markets. The provision of financial services, technology upgrading, complements the beneficial effects of a truly enabling policy environment (Ronge, et al, 2002) The government is struggling to thrust the country into a state of economic recovery by integrating the microfinance sector into the national economic grid, by seriously looking at the potential of the microfinance institutions sectors for driving SMEs, creating employment and economic growth, further the Kenya government has taken major steps in the development of this sector by passing a regulatory framework in the form of the micro-finance bill which will enable their registration and regulation of micro finance institutions (Munguti, 2005). For a growing business to continue growing, it has to be a learning organization that monitors the market and scans the horizon looking for clues or trends. It needs to be proactive by regularly analyzing how it can do better. There may be a tendency in mature MFIs to assume that, because their current financial products are so successful, they should continue to operate the way they are and just increase the scale of their operations. Successful firms are constantly innovating and upgrading, and they spend a significant percentage of their budget on research and development. Donor organizations should consider how their resources may fund the imagination of microfinance institutions to enhance their growth (Tomasko, 1996). Businesses need to have an effective management information system in place prior to an explosive growth phase to enable it to manage growth. Most emerging firms get into trouble because the management team either does not have the information it needs to make the right decisions or chooses to ignore the information that is available. For microfinance, information is even more important than in most businesses. It is the lifeblood of an MFI. Microfinance relies an information based lending technology, as opposed to commercial banks that use a collateral-based approach. Microfinance information must focus on financial as well as non-financial indicators, such as productivity, efficiency, average loan size, and client retention. The management information system should provide information about factors and forces that need to be monitored closely as well as insights into what should be changed. This early warning system can scan the horizon for trends, and identify threats and opportun ities (Craig, 1997). 2.3 Summary and Gap From literature reviewed the information available indicates that the number of micro finance institutions in Kenya is gradually increasing and dominant market players are growing, most microfinance institutions however register slow growth and further the reasons for this with respect to Kenya are not conclusive. Despite their success so far microfinance institutions only reach a fraction of the estimated underlying demand. There is huge latent demand for micro-credit around the country. Even though micro-finance bodies are meant to serve those who have been left out of the formal banking system, there is a growing concern that many Kenyans still lack credit facilities. This is because despite the growing number of microfinance institutions in Kenya, their outreach is constrained especially in rural areas, the study therefore seeks to establish the factors affecting their growth. Most studies have focused on the small and micro enterprises growth to show how successful they have been after receiving micro-credit, few have tried to analyze the factors affecting the growth of microfinance institutions themselves. Although microfinance activity has grown considerably in recent years, it is still far from reaching a significant portion of the population that lacks access to formal financial services. Microfinance institutions despite their success over the past few years, have only grown to reach a fraction of the estimated underlying demand, extensive study is yet to be done on factors affecting their growth. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction This chapter discusses the research method that was applied in carrying out the study. It covers the following areas; Research design, target population, sampling design, data collection procedure and data analysis. 3.1 Research Design This study adapted a descriptive research design. The research aimed to collect data on the factors affecting the growth of microfinance institutions in Kenya. Descriptive research design is used when data collected describes persons, organizations, settings or phenomena. This approach was appropriate because the data collected mainly involved descriptions of the variables in the study. This descriptive research design enabled the research capture quantitative data to provide in depth information about the factors affecting the growth of microfinance institutions in Kenya. 3.2 Target Population The target population in this research were microfinance institutions registered and operating in Kenya. There are 56 registered microfinance institutions, this was the group of interest. Questionnaires were administered to finance managers of these microfinance institutions. 3.3 Sample Design The census method was used in this study. In this method of study, all registered microfinance institutions were surveyed. For the purposes of this study all 56 registered microfinance institutions. 3.4 Data collection methods Data was collected from microfinance institutions using structured questionnaire. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaire method in this study. Primary data are those which are collected fresh and for the first time and thus happen to be original in character (Kothari, 2004). In this study, the research made use of a questionnaire to solicit ideas related to the research problem from respondents. The questions sought to address the research objective and question related to the study. A drop and pick method was used in administration of the questionnaire. 3.5 Data Analysis and Presentation The results obtained from data collected were summarized under common themes and presented in form of frequency tables, percentages and pie charts. According to Cochran (1989) results from research findings are often presented in these forms. Data was analyzed by frequency distribution and percentages to show the frequency of institutions citing common factors and the percentage of them identifying similar factors affecting their growth. Written explanations are provided to interpret data, to draw conclusions and make recommendations. The purpose was to measure and provide information on factors affecting the growth of microfinance institutions. CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF RESULTS 4.1 Introduction This chapter deals with the results and findings of the study. It presents and descriptively analyzes the data gathered from respondents and summarizes the major findings from the respondents. These responses were analyzed using excel computer package and the results summarized in form of tables, bar graphs and pie charts as appropriate. 4.2 Results and Data Analysis The primary objective of the study was to assess the factors affecting the growth of microfinance institutions in Kenya. A census was undertaken where all 56 registered microfinance institutions were presented with questionnaires, 34 of the 56 respondents returning their duly filled up questionnaires. This represented a 60.7% response rate which was deemed sufficient for derivations of conclusions covering the entire population under the study. 4.3 General Findings. 4.3.1 Years of operation On the number of years that the organizations have been in operation, the results showed that majority (55.9%) were between 10 and 15 years old since they started operating. 14.7% of the organizations were the oldest being over 15 years old, while 11.8% of the population being the youngest having being in operation for less than 5 years. The remaining 17.6% of the respondent organizations were between 5 and 10 years. 4.3.2 Customer segments. In response to the question regarding to which customer segments the organizations provide microfinance facilities to, 5.9% said they provide services to women, 11.8% indicated micro enterprises, 79.4% provide services to all segments, while 2.9% said the cater for agriculturalists. 4.3.3 Client base From this study it was established that 50% of the organizations that responded had a client base of over 10,000 clients. 32.4% of the microfinance institutions had between 5,000 and 10,000 clients and 17.6% of the respondents indicated having a client base of less than 5,000 customers. 4.3.4

Plato Essays -- essays research papers

Plato was a philosopher and educator in ancient Greece. He was one of the most important thinkers and writers in the history of Western culture. Plato was born in Athens into a family that was one of the oldest and most distinguished in the city. His father Ariston died when Plato was only a child. The name Plato was a nickname meaning broad shoulders. Plato's real name was Aristocles. Plato had aspirations of becoming a politician, however these hopes were destroyed when his friend Socrates was sentenced to death in 299 B.C. Extremely hurt Plato left Athens and traveled for several years. In 387 B.C., Plato returned to Athens and founded a school of philosophy and science that became known as the Academy. Topics such as astronomy, biological sciences, mathematics, and political science w...

A Comparison of Stalin and Hitler as Dictators Essay -- WW II World Wa

A Comparison of Stalin and Hitler as Dictators Adolf Hitler This assignment will introduce you to two men, Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. Two men that were responsible for genocide and mass destruction, similar in many ways though on two opposing sides with completely different fundamental ideas. Adolf Hitler was born as Adolf Schicklgruber in 1889 in Braunau am Inn, in Upper Austria and committed suicide in a Berlin bunker in 1945. He was Chancellor and Fuehrer of the Nazi-Empire from 1933 to 1945. Joseph Stalin was born as Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili in 1879 in the Caucasian town of Gori in Georgia and died of a brain haemorrhage in 1953 in Moscow. As a heir of Lenin he controlled the Soviet Union from 1928 until his death in 1953. Although on two sides with fundamentally different beliefs, their dreadful regimes were very much comparable. Hitler became dictator through the use of perfect propaganda, that was absolutely essential for the nazi-empire, and the voice of the German people, whereas Stalin was not elected but took over an already existing regime as a heir of Lenin. Both men had help of others in order to be able to take the final step of gaining absolute power. Hitler had cleverly used Hindenburg and Von Papen, while Zinoviev was very much responsible for making Stalin , Lenin's heir. The gaining of other people's trust was essential for both, Stalin and Hitler careers and therefore is a noticeable similiarity. Hitler reached dictatorial power in 1933 after the Enabling Law was passed, which was only done after the burning of the Reichstag, by which the Reichstag had decreased it's influence. Stalin gained... ...lude that these two regimes were very similar in many ways. These regimes shaped the entire history of 20th century Europe and still have a great influence on our world today. There are certainly differences in between Hitler and Stalin and their regimes although I think that the regimes were very similar in many ways, such as home front live, treatment of the opposition and the use industrialisation. In addition I must say that though Hitler had exterminated millions of Jews, had millions of fanatic supporters, a huge empire and many great successes , now 50 years later Stalin's regime and the communism believes are of a greater significance to our time than Hitler is, as there are still communist countries like China and North Korea that still have great influence on the political situation we are experiencing today. A Comparison of Stalin and Hitler as Dictators Essay -- WW II World Wa A Comparison of Stalin and Hitler as Dictators Adolf Hitler This assignment will introduce you to two men, Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. Two men that were responsible for genocide and mass destruction, similar in many ways though on two opposing sides with completely different fundamental ideas. Adolf Hitler was born as Adolf Schicklgruber in 1889 in Braunau am Inn, in Upper Austria and committed suicide in a Berlin bunker in 1945. He was Chancellor and Fuehrer of the Nazi-Empire from 1933 to 1945. Joseph Stalin was born as Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili in 1879 in the Caucasian town of Gori in Georgia and died of a brain haemorrhage in 1953 in Moscow. As a heir of Lenin he controlled the Soviet Union from 1928 until his death in 1953. Although on two sides with fundamentally different beliefs, their dreadful regimes were very much comparable. Hitler became dictator through the use of perfect propaganda, that was absolutely essential for the nazi-empire, and the voice of the German people, whereas Stalin was not elected but took over an already existing regime as a heir of Lenin. Both men had help of others in order to be able to take the final step of gaining absolute power. Hitler had cleverly used Hindenburg and Von Papen, while Zinoviev was very much responsible for making Stalin , Lenin's heir. The gaining of other people's trust was essential for both, Stalin and Hitler careers and therefore is a noticeable similiarity. Hitler reached dictatorial power in 1933 after the Enabling Law was passed, which was only done after the burning of the Reichstag, by which the Reichstag had decreased it's influence. Stalin gained... ...lude that these two regimes were very similar in many ways. These regimes shaped the entire history of 20th century Europe and still have a great influence on our world today. There are certainly differences in between Hitler and Stalin and their regimes although I think that the regimes were very similar in many ways, such as home front live, treatment of the opposition and the use industrialisation. In addition I must say that though Hitler had exterminated millions of Jews, had millions of fanatic supporters, a huge empire and many great successes , now 50 years later Stalin's regime and the communism believes are of a greater significance to our time than Hitler is, as there are still communist countries like China and North Korea that still have great influence on the political situation we are experiencing today.

Events That Led to the United States Involvement In World War II Essay

Events That Led to the United States Involvement In World War II World War II was a war that proved to the world the awesome power of the United States. Many events led up to the U.S. involvement in the war, topped off by the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor. Many great people contributed to leading the United State to victory in the war. They include General Douglas MacArthur, General Dwight Eisenhower, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. World War II also consisted of many major events including Operation Overlord and the U.S. bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Overall the United States played a major role in World War II and displayed their power through strong generals and their initiative and strong leadership in major events. Before the United States entered WW II, President Franklin Roosevelt signed a series of documents known as the Neutrality Acts. These acts were passed and followed between the years 1935 and 1941 and were used to keep the U.S. out of the war.1 The Neutrality Acts limited weapons sales to countries not involved in the war, gave the U.S. power to keep its citizens off of ships of, or travelling to nations involved in the war, and outlawed loans to countries currently in war and countries who had not paid back previous loans.2 These acts also outlawed American ships to carry weapons to nations in the war. The U.S. believed that if a nation in war knew that a ship had weapons on it, this ship would be a prime target for that country, therefor drawing the U.S. into another war. The Neutrality Acts helped keep the U.S. out of WW II until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, at which point the U.S. helped the British through a "Lend-Lease Program". The Lend-Lease Program allowed the U.S. to give ar ms and... ...e Bomb Pearl Harbor. http://historyplace.com/worldwar2/timeline/pearl.htm (4 Mar. 2000). "Sequence of Events." "Sequence of Events." "Sequence of Events." World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. World War II: The Encyclopedia of the War Years 1941-1945. "The Atom Bomb." http://www.rnv.u-net.com/ (5 Mar. 2000). "The Atom Bomb."

Review of related literature and studies Essay

This chapter represents the review on related literature and studies regarding topic about the Perception of the people of Polomolok towards Notre dame-Siena College of Polomolok Bachelor of Arts Major in English: Basis for Effective Advertising Strategies. Bachelor of Arts major in English (AB English) is a four year baccalaureate degree program designed to provide a strong background in the study of English. Its goal is to help develop students’ analytical and creative powers with particular respect to the basic acts of communication, critical thought, responsible speech and competent, insightful language and communication skills. or The program stresses literally analysis, diversity, critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a rigorous curriculum of literature, composition, language and linguistic and communication studies. It is an excellent preparation for careers in teaching, media, advertising writing and publishing; for graduate or professional studies in English, communication or law and for the advancement in any field where communication skills are important. or AB English program in Notre Dame-Siena College of Polomolok was started, School Year: 2008-2009. At present the population of AB English was increased since 2008 until now. However if we compare the trends of the population of the arts and sciences baccalaureate degree program of the other competitive school such as: Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, and Holy Trinity College, have a big differences in terms of population. That’s why we conduct this study to determine the perception of the senior high school students of Barangay Poblacion, Polomolok , South Cotbato. Related Literature Foreign Literature Based on an article from an Internet website entitle â€Å"Choosing Social Networking Sites Carefully† from an anonymous writer. It focuses on how to choose the right networking websites. Everyone knows how big social networking is for business owners these days. Social networking was originally intended to make it easier to maintain personal relationships, but businesses have made social networking a priority as well. Businesses of all sizes have taken part in social networking to promote their business in ways that they could never have dreamed of fifteen years ago. In order to make the most of social networking, businesses must learn to manage their social networking resources carefully. It requires an investment of time and sometimes money just like anything else. In recent years more emphasis has been placed on business networking through Facebook. Nevertheless, it is not as effective for professional networking as sites like LinkedIn, and Twitter is just as good a platfo rm for many viral marketing programs. These sites still can be worth joining even for users who aren’t interested in paying for premium memberships. However, if they have a hard time finding and connecting with other users with the free plan, they should be careful before they invest a substantial amount of time and energy using them. Businesses especially need to be concerned about the number of paid business networking sites that are almost completely inactive. They exist only to continue scraping membership fees, mostly from new clients who don’t know what (or how little) they are actually getting from the services. The best rule of thumb is to focus on either the most popular networking sites or those that are most specifically targeted to a niche audience. New businesses must always keep in mind that benefits from social networking only come with hard work. They must approach social networking just like any other business strategy and look for the best return on their investment. Local Literature Benjamin Jr. (2003) suggested some tips in creating good design. Such as: a) keep it simple, b) keep everything organized and coherent, c) keep it fresh, d) keep it browser neutral, e) make sure that the pages look more or less the same which browser is used, and also f) keep that there are people who use older version of the browsers. Leona Tomlinson emphasized accessibility to improve the browsing experience of website visitors. However, at present accessibility Statements in general seem to add little value in assisting website visitors. They are often difficult to find and contain complex language and technical jargon that can be bewildering. Related Studies Foreign Studies The Advanced Networking group at Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center conducts research on network performance and analysis in support of high-performance computing applications. They also develop software to support heterogeneous distributed supercomputing applications and to implement high-speed interfaces to archival and mass storage systems. Their researchers focus on such areas as TCP implementations, tools to tune TCP for better performance and software to monitor and improve network performance. In addition to their own research, PSC networking experts participate in national networking research efforts such as Web100 and Net100. Local studies The study of Cocadiz entitled â€Å"Customized Cordian Networking† focused on providing better communication between the school and alumni and their fellow classmates and batch mates. The system features a data base that has the records of all the student and alumni of Sacred Heart College throughout the years. It has an accessible connectivity to online database where it can search alumni and batch mates on the proposed study. Synthesis Most of the foreign and local literatures have the same concept as Game Shield. A social networking site that is very easy to use will attract more users. Both have features of accessibility to connect gamers with each other. By the help of this studies the researchers have gathered information more easily because the information’s from this studies have help us compare and analyze the logics and the situation’s based on the needs of the respondents.