Cognetive psychology

This is False; Jane Eliot simply asked her previous students if they thought the exercise would be good for students or teachers and her students answered that it would be good for both. She never expressed that all teachers should do her experiments. 4) This is True. 5) This True. part 3. 1) This quotation is from â€Å"The Limitless Heart† written by Fenton Johnson.This quotation is expressing how people are so willing to hold in their emotions, hiding heir true feelings. I was emotional caught with Johnson statement â€Å"This much he and I share: as a gay man who grew up in the rural South, I am no stranger to hiding. † This quotation is meaningful because there is always someone in every culture who doesn't want the same life or have the same believes as their family, but they have to hide it because they do not want to be hated by the people they love the most. ) This quotation is from † Male-Female Conversations is Cross-cultural Communication† writte n by Deborah Tannen. I would agree with Tannen's statement because in every culture, women want nothing more than to be heard, especially by their husbands because it shows that they care and understand the emotions their wives are going through. 3) This quotation is from â€Å"Wounds that Never Heal† written by Mariama L. Barrie. Barrie is expressing the pain not only she felt, but the pain of all the women in her tribe during their genital mutilation.She expressed that women ho perform these procedures are unaware of the dangers they put the little girls through, with a wound that may heal psychically but never emotionally. 4) This quotation is from â€Å"Ethnocentrism† written by William B. Gudykunst. I agree with Gudykunst statement about everyone being ethnocentric because we are all raised differently, causing us to have a specific preference of acting a certain way or doing a specific thing. It is natural and unwilling tor us to Judge others based standards and cultural experience. Part 4. on our own

The Concept Of Learning Style Education Essay

The construct of larning manner has been studied by many different methods. Learning manners can be defined as the features and preferable manner in which a individual used to garner, place and treat information ( Fleming, 2001 ) . For Kolb ( 1984 ) , larning manner is the procedure in which a individual receives new information and accomplishments. Sternberg ‘s ( 2001 ) definition of tilting manner is different from that of Kolb ‘s and Fleming ‘s, Sternberg defines larning manner as a accustomed form or preferred manner which a individual uses to make something through different activities over a long period of times. The above definitions have a common point which individual have their ain penchant in larning. If people understand more about their acquisition manner, they can happen a better manner to larn and go a more adept scholar ( Sze, 2009 ) . It helps single to larn new things efficaciously and expeditiously because they understand their acquisition experie nce and cognize the thing which they need ( Sze, 2009 ) . I would wish to utilize VARK and Honey & A ; Mumford to happen out my larning penchant. VARK Test VARK is a set of systematic inquiries which ab initio decided in 1987 by Neil Fleming to supply an person with an apprehension of their acquisition penchant about the manner which an person would wish to take-in and give-out information ( VARK, 2012 ) . The acronym VARK stands for Visual ( V ) , Aural ( A ) , Read/write ( R ) and Kinesthetic ( K ) sensory modes which used by an person to larn information ( VARK, 2012 ) . After I finished the VARK trial, I found that I have a multi-model ( VARK ) larning penchant. The mark spread between the four modes of VARK is really little. I scored 10, 9, 8 and 10 in Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinesthetic severally. It means my learning penchant is the mixtures of the four manners. The consequence of the study is rather accurate for me that I am traveling to explicate the results of the consequence with my day-to-day life and learning experience. When I studied in the high sheepskin in concern disposal, I enjoyed the lectors to utilize different diagrams, charts and models which used to depict some complex or abstract theories or information. For illustration, the lector used the diagram to demo the constituents of the Gross national income. It made me to understand and have new cognition more rapidly. Although, I would wish to larn cognition through ocular manner, I would non disregard the read/write class. It is besides of import for me to retain information. When I was making the concluding twelvemonth undertaking in the high sheepskin, I preferred to happen out the utile information from the books and cyberspace. After that, I would observe down some of import information which I may utilize in the undertaking. For kinaesthetic class, it is besides the manner to assist me geting new things through experience or pattern. I had a portion clip occupation last twelvemonth which I needed to put in the visible radiation in diff erent exhibitions. At the first clip I joined the squad, I did non cognize how to put the visible radiation. After the supervisor ‘s presentation and my pattern, I could make it by myself rapidly. I besides like to have and give out sentiments in group treatment. It is because I can have different suggestions and thoughts when holding a treatment. It give me I good opportunity to roll up and increase cognition. As a multi-modal penchant scholar, I can be more flexible to alter my larning manner from one to another to run into different larning or working environment. However, multi-model scholars may experience insecure by merely utilizing one penchant to larn, they may necessitate more than one manner or schemes to have new information ( VARK, 2012 ) . Honey & A ; Mumford ‘s Learning Styles Questionnaires ( LSQ ) The Honey & A ; Mumford ‘s ( 1992 ) LSQ is first developed in 1982 which was based on the David Kolb ‘s Learning Styles Inventory ( LSI ) . Different from the Kolb ‘s LSI which utilizing abstract words, Honey & A ; Mumford ‘s LSQ focal point on existent work activities. It makes the users to understand more easy. LSQ aims to LSQ divides larning manners into four types ; Militants, Theorists, Pragmatists and Reflectors. The study of the LSQ said that I have strong penchant on reflectors. It means that I will seek to understand and analysis the things exhaustively before doing a decision. It is rather appropriate to depict my larning penchant. I had many different group treatments with my squad members when I studied in sheepskin and high sheepskin in concern disposal. I seldom gave out my sentiment instantly during the first meeting. I normally listened to other members ‘ positions and suggestions and so thought what they said is suited for the undertaking or assignment. I would roll up the information from the cyberspace and text editions to turn out my points were right. After I considered different deductions, I would give my sentiments. I do non truly hold that I have a moderate penchant on militant in the study. I prefer to make something practically by following structural instructions. I am non easy to affect in new experience without careful analysis. Restriction of VARK and Honey & A ; Mumford ‘s LSQ Harmonizing to Hawk and Shah ( 2007 ) , there has non adequate research to back up the cogency and dependability of the VARK. Fleming and Baume ( 2006 ) besides said that cognizing one ‘s larning penchant did non intend the individual could better its acquisition. It merely tells us our larning penchant. Personality The alone form of ideas, feelings and behaviours which an person persists over a clip and across state of affairs can be defined as personality ( Morris & A ; Maisto, 2009 ) . After reexamining different definitions of personality, Sadeghi, Kasim, Tam & A ; Abdullah ( 2012 ) besides said that â€Å" to sum up, personality can be defined as a dynamic and organized set of features possessed by every individual that distinctively and unambiguously influences his or her behaviours, motives, and knowledges in assorted state of affairss. † Knowing one ‘s personality helps us to acknowledge ‘real you ‘ which can profit for our farther development of our possible ( Barrett & A ; Green, 2011 ) . Myers Briggs Type Indicator ( MBTI ) The MBTI is a systematic questionnaire which was developed by the female parent and girl squad of Katherine Briggs and Isabel Briggs-Myers which combines the personality trial, calling trial and leading manners test into one ( TeamTechnology, 2012 ) . It benefits us by detecting our thought calling, developing our leading potency, bettering our relationships and intensifying our self-awareness ( TeamTechnology, 2012 ) . Harmonizing to the study of the MBTI trial ( Appendices ) , I have the highest personality types in ESFJ and ISFJ. The chief different between the two highest marking is between extroversion and invagination. It means my hiting spread of these two factors is really little. In my option, both extroversion and invagination are adopted in my day-to-day life which depends on the different state of affairss. As I mention in the Honey & A ; Mumford ‘s LSQ, I prefer to believe something exhaustively before making it. It meets the description of the invagination that people concentrate on a few, deep issues and think things through before moving. If I have to analyse specific issue or point. I can pass a batch of clip to happen out the information through different beginnings by myself. I will be really satisfied that I can understand the job with my attempt. Sometimes, I am an extraversive individual. When I was a lookout in primary and secondary school, I would wish to pass on with n ew squad members. It gave a opportunity for me to cognize more about them. The study besides said that I seek to develop harmoniousness in the relationships and promote cooperation. It is rather right that I think a good relationship of a squad is really of import. Every squad member is valued for a squad. I believe that good teamwork can assist to accomplish the end efficaciously and expeditiously. Significant & A ; Limitation of MBTI Williamson & A ; Watson ( 2007 ) point out making MBTI trial can profit our self-understand and development. It is utile for calling guidance to let people to understand themselves and make up one's mind appropriate calling program ( Kennedy & A ; Kennedy, 2004 ) . On the other manus, many organisations use MBTI to measure their appliers that it is unethical and illegal for them to test out appliers ( Quenk, 2000 ) . It is merely reflect the penchant but non the ability, intelligent and opportunity for successful ( Kennedy & A ; Kennedy, 2004 ) . Team Role Meredith Belbin defines squad function as a inclination to act, contribute and interrelate with others in a peculiar manner in a squad ( Belbin Associate, 2012 ) . Belbin Team Roles has been used in many organisations over the word to place the squad function of different people within the organisation ( Belbin Associate, 2012 ) . Belbin Team Roles Belbin Team Roles trial is a diagnostic tool which used to measure single squad function penchant and find the squad roles balance in a squad ( Partington and Harris, 1999 ) . Nine squad functions are identified in the Belbin squad function trial, they are coordinator, maker, works, recourses research worker, squad worker, implementer, computing machine closer, proctor judge and specializer. Belbin Team Roles are used to place people ‘s behavioural strengths and failings so that it helps to construct productive working relationship and common trust and apprehension within a squad ( Belbin Associate, 2012 ) . Harmonizing to my study of Belbin on-line trial, I have the most preference function in the completer closer with the highest mark from 80 – 90. I besides have penchant function in coordinator, proctor judge and completer closer which I score from 70 – 80 in each of them. It is rather accurate to state that I am a completer closer. When I studied in the sheepskin in concern disposal, I would be responsible for uniting different parts of the assignment and happening out the mistakes in most of the group assignment. And so I would do polish for the portion which can be better. I hope to guarantee the quality of the studies which can run into the criterion and demand of the assignments. However, I may be unduly to worry about the quality of the study which I may inquire my squad members to subject their plants to me every bit shortly as possible so that I can hold plenty for look intoing. Some squad members may revolt the haste agenda. As a squad worker and coordinator, I would wish to ask for every squad members to affect in treatment. I am willing to listen different sentiments from the squad members which help to make better thoughts for the assignments. Restriction of Belbin squad function Knowing one ‘s squad function can non understand one ‘s public presentation in the squad ( Jackson, 2002 ) . It means it can non foretell the squad success by placing an person ‘s squad functions. Furthermore, Belbin squad function has non been proven with high dependability and cogency so that the consequence of the trial may be dubious ( Lessem and Baruch, 2000 ) . Self-awareness – overall synthesis After finishing different trials in the above parts, I have more consciousness of my learning manner, personality and squad function penchant. It gives me an overall analysis to understand myself profoundly by placing my strengths and failing. Strengths The VARK shows that I have I multi-learning penchant which means I can larn and retain new cognition in more than one theoretical account. It makes me more flexible to treat different cognition in different state of affairss. Harmonizing to the consequence of my learning manner penchant and personality, it shows that I am a careful individual. I prefer to listen to different people ‘s sentiments and observe their felling and behaviour. And so I will seek to roll up the utile information every bit much as possible to assist me to analysis a job. After analysing the job thoughtfully, it will give my sentiments. In conformity to my personality and squad function penchant, I would wish to advance a harmoniousness working environment. I would present cooperation and teamwork that I will experience at more easiness to bring forth better work in this environment. Failing There has failing in holding a multi-learning penchant. It is similar with the failing of my personality which my clip direction accomplishment is comparative hapless. I like to detect event from many different positions. I will blow a batch of clip to roll up information. As a multi-learning penchant leaner, I frequently need to utilize more than one theoretical account to guarantee the apprehension of the new cognition. Sometimes, it makes me annoyed by analysing the relationship between the thoughts. I normally waste tonss of clip in analysis subdivision without existent execution. It normally makes me to make the work in the last minute. Although, the occupation may be small spot busy, I can complete it on clip. My personality and squad function shows that I concern the relationship between others. It is hard for me to reject one ‘s thought whether I may non hold with the point. I scare that I will lose the relationship or make a struggle in the treatment. I may lose some o pportunities which may do the work better. Career Choice and Life-Long Learning Career Choice Hong Kong is one of the universe ‘s tenth largest trading economic systems ( HKTDC, 2012 ) . Harmonizing to the official research, Hong Kong was managing an increasing sum of offshore trades ( HKTDC, 2012 ) . At the terminal of the 2011, Hong Kong has 120,273 import and export companies which employee 495,847 staffs ( HKTDC, 2012 ) . The import and export industry besides accounts for 19.8 % of GDP in Hong Kong ( HKTDC, 2012 ) . I am rather interested in this industry so that I choose to choose merchant as my calling. Merchandiser is rather active place in the occupations market ( Jiujik, 2008 ) . The measure of merchant is normally deficient in the industry, particularly in the senior merchants who rich with experiences in procurance ( Jiujik, 2008 ) . Procurement includes many facets in different industries, such as banking, hotel and retailing which merchants have to buy different merchandises or services through different channel over the universe. Merchandiser pays an of i mport function to secure the needful merchandises, stuffs and services in a sensible monetary value with good quality. It helps to salvage cost of production or operation and construct up a repute if there is a good merchant in a company ( Jiujik, 2008 ) . In my calling way, I decide to be a merchandiser aid to have related experiences in the first 2 twelvemonth and so to go a existent merchant. The demands and duties are similar in this two places but merchandiser require past experiences. As an entry degree, the demand is non really high. Harmonizing to the occupation adverts ( appendices ) which I have found, it require merchandiser to hold F7 or above instruction making. Applicants should hold good bid of English and Mandarin. They should be independent, hard-working and well-organization so that they can manage their undertaking by themselves. They should besides be willing to larn different things when they enter into this industry. Merchandiser need to follow up sample development and undertaking which aims to keep the quality of merchandises. Based on the research in JobDB ( 2012 ) , being a senior director normally requires minimal 8 twelvemonth experience in buying sector. I will province in the place or merchant to roll up a dequate cognition and experience to catch the place of merchant. Finally, I hope I can go a sourcing director which I can able to take a buying squad. After holding more understanding about me by making different trials in subdivision A, I found that some of my personality and strengths can fit the demands of this calling. I will discourse in the undermentioned portion. Career and myself Strengths I will discourse the consequences of the three self-assessment trials with my calling pick in this portion. My strengths and failings which have found out from the trial will be used to analysis the lucifer and mismatch between myself and calling. I found I have multi-model learning penchant. It gives me an ability to larn things with different manners. It can increase my connotation to larn because I will non merely concentrate on a individual manner to have cognition. The mark is particularly high ocular and kinaesthetic sectors among the four manners. They are rather utile for me to see different artworks and figures in related to procurance and look into the samples of merchandises by following anterior presentation. The study of the LSQ besides said that I have strong penchant on reflectors. I prefer to understand and analyse an event exhaustively and so do a treatment carefully. Bing a merchant, particularly in senior place, single should analysis assorted facets of information which may be positive or negative and so doing a determination. The incorrect determination may act upon the company repute and concern gross so that the feature of reflector can extinguish the hazard of doing incautious determination. For the personality, it is similar to the consequence if LSQ trial which I prefer to believe something exhaustively before making it. It means I am a careful people which I am truly to make impulse action. I will analyse the issues profoundly and so doing determination. The consequence besides said that I besides seek to develop harmoniousness in the relationship and promote cooperation. It is rather of import for merchant to hold a good relationship in workplace. It is because merchant has to work with different direction degrees and sections to understand their demands and make procurement study. Based on the consequence of Belbin squad functions test, I have the highest grade in rival closer. The feature of this function is rather helpful for me to being a merchant. Merchandiser has to manage different paperss and programs related to procurance. As a rival closer normally seek to happen out the mistakes by look intoing the paperss carefully to guarantee it can run into the related demand. It can cut down the chance of doing errors. Failings There are some mismatch between my calling pick and myself. Although I have multi-model acquisition penchant, my aural sector is comparative low comparison with ocular and kinaesthetic sector which my communicating accomplishment is comparative weak. Merchandiser normally needs to hold dialogues with provider straight to discourse the footings of contacts or others. The weak public presentation on aural sector may act upon the dialogue if merchants can non reassign the messages clearly. Bing a reflector, I may besides pass excessively much clip on believing without doing concluding determination. It may act upon the undertaking to follow the planned agenda. It males haste agendas which I have to complete my occupation at the short period of clip. I may non be able to do speedy determination if I can be being a merchant in direction degree. As I have mentioned that personality and squad function trial point out that I promote cooperation and teamwork. I would wish to keep a good relat ionship with each others. There may be a job which I may allow my emotion to impact my determination devising. I may lose some opportunities which I can acquire better consequence because I may concern more about on relationship than that of results. It may non mismatch whit the demand if I need to concentrate on consequences earnestly in dialogue. Movable accomplishment Based on the occupation demand and duty in occupation adverts, I found there are some movable accomplishments which I may necessitate to be required to carry through the occupation responsibility. Movable accomplishment refers to the non-specific accomplishments which can be taken from occupation to occupation by an person ( Watson, 2003 ) . It is of import for single ‘s calling way development. It is found I have some movable accomplishment, such as job resolution accomplishment, teamwork accomplishment and basic concern cognition which may be good to my calling development. Teamwork accomplishment is critical in the workplace which can do employees to accomplish greater occupation satisfaction, improved coaction, occupation ownership, increased pride and higher self-pride ( Parnell, 1996 ) . As a lookout in secondary school, it makes me understand the of import of teamwork. For illustration, the undertakings, such as fliping the collapsible shelters, cleaning the campus or doing the dinner will be assigned to different of teammates so that we can accomplish our end rapidly through teamwork. Problem work outing accomplishment means that single can analyse a state of affairs, find the existent job, happen out any possible state of affairs, measure each of the solution and choose the best solution to work out the job ( Knippen & A ; Green, 1997 ) . The concern environment is altering dramatically which people may confront different job every twenty-four hours. Having job work outing accomplishment helps to utilize better method to work out the job. Bing a lookout, I besides need to command the different state of affairs when holding activities. I will confront different question from others which I have to react to them instantly. It has enhanced my job work outing accomplishment at that clip. Basic concern accomplishment is besides required in workplace. Employer has a high involvement in employees with concern accomplishment who can command the budget, make fiscal projection and place possible concern chance ( Watson, 2003 ) . As a concern pupil in sheepskin and high sheepskin of concern direction, I have learned many basic concern cognition and constructs. The enfranchisement of LCCI besides proved that I have the basic cognition to manage fiscal paperss. To develop my calling way, I need to better more utile movable accomplishment to run into the demand for my future calling. It includes clip direction accomplishment, dialogue accomplishment and clip direction accomplishment. Time is valuable in today ‘s concern environment. Employers hope their employees to make the most things with the least clip. Individual with good public presentation on clip direction is critical to accomplish improves quality of life, independency and success in employment ( Green, Hughes & A ; Ryan, 2011 ) . If I can heighten my clip direction accomplishment, I can complete my articulation following agenda. Bazerman & A ; Neal said the dialogue is a soft accomplishment which is of import to managerial success ( 1992 ) . Peoples normally need to negotiation with others, such as provider, client or director achieve different end. Commercial dialogue accomplishment is the procedure which an understanding is constructed between purchaser and marketer by work outing differences of sentiments within them ( Farrington and Waters, 1994 ) . The commercial dialogue is besides a cardinal component for concern success ( Ashcroft, 2004 ) . It is utile in procurance sector to acquire better contract with provider through dialogue. If I have the opportunity to go a leader in direction degree, I have to better my leading accomplishment. The function and procedure of leading are in acquiring way, making alliance and nurturing committedness in a group of people ( Johnson, 2000 ) . Lifelong acquisition As the publicity of globalisation, people have to considered more facets of direction when making concern ( Danos & A ; Richard, 1990 ) . Peoples have to fit more accomplishments to vie in today ‘s altering concern environment ( Robert & A ; Donald, 2001 ) . Lifelong acquisition is argued to be a critical characteristic for single to stay competitory in planetary environment ( Nicoll & A ; Fejes, 2011 ) . Minshell, Butterworth & A ; Henderson states lifelong larning which acquisition is non confined to childhood or the schoolroom, but takes topographic point throughout life and in a scope of state of affairs ( 2009 ) . Lifelong acquisition helps us to heighten our employability so that it is of import for our calling development ( Mckenzie & A ; Wurzburg, 1997 ) . Language accomplishment is of import in the workplace which person has to pass on with people from different states. Putonghua and English are rather of import in today ‘s concern environment. My public presentation in talking Putonghua and English is non really good. I will fall in some short-run class of Putonghua and English to better my linguistic communication accomplishment. Harmonizing to the occupation advertisement of merchant in occupation market, they normally require appliers who can talk English and Putonghua. If I can talk these two linguistic communications swimmingly, I can reassign my messages to the people clearly. I decide to increase my cognition in the supply concatenation direction by analyzing the Maestro of Science in operations and supply concatenation direction in City University of Hong Kong. I will roll up sufficient experiences and ability in this industry for several old ages so that I can hold adequate making to use the maestro grade. The class aims to enable pupils to use modern analytical and managerial accomplishments which used to ease job designation and analysis at all degrees of operational pattern and determination devising in supply concatenation direction. This advanced cognition will profit my calling development particularly in direction degree. I besides would wish to fall in the dialogue accomplishments in workplace certification class which held by private institute. It can portion many existent experience and accomplishments to pupil by professor ( Timeway, 2013 ) . Different dialogue accomplishments besides will be shared in the workshop. I will analyze class after when I graduated so that I can negotiation with provider in a better manner. It can besides increase my ability to use the occupations. To maintain the peace with the altering market environment, I will seek to acquire the newest industry information through different channel. For illustration, I can take attending on some profession web sites or HKTDC ‘s official web site to understand the industry cognition.

Banking services in saudi arabia research proposal

Banking problems in the late 1950s decade resulted in regulatory framework being strengthened in Saudi Arabia during the middle 1960s decade in which broad supervisory capacity was given to SAMA in a legal environment that upheld the concept of a Universal Banking Model allowing banks to make provision of a wide range of financial services â€Å"including banking, investments, securities, etc. through their branches.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) There were 12 operating banks by 1979 only three of which, were non-Saudi banks and branches had doubled by that year to 140. II. Lending Institutions in Saudi Arabia Five major lending institutions were introduced in the decade of the 1970s: (1) Saudi Credit Bank; (2) Saudi Agricultural Bank; (3) Public Investment Fund; (4) Saudi Development Fund; and (5) the Real Estate Fund. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) Restructuring was accomplished arising from encouragement by the Saudi Government and by 1975 there was a reported â€Å"10 international bank†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦including â€Å"29 branches present.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) There was a rise and fall in the economy and SAMA faced a critical challenge for supervision in 1982 â€Å"when irregularities appeared in Saudi Cairo Bank’s operations. Two senior managers were involved in unauthorized trading in bullion during the 1979-81 period, and had concealed accumulated losses that exceeded the Bank’s share capital.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) It is reported that SAMA required the Bank to issue new shares and double its capital i n 1986. SAMA arranged this increase to be taken up entirely by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Bank also benefited from â€Å"low-cost† deposits from the Public Investment Fund. These measures helped the Bank with liquidity and rescued it back to a healthy position.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 4-5 III. Regulatory Framework of Banking System in Saudi Arabia SAMA in collaboration with Saudi Arabia Ministry of Finance ensured the financial system’s stability and assisted banks in clearing the hurdles of economic downturn. Included in this collaborative initiative were the following actions: (1) Banks were required to seek SAMA’s approval prior to announcing their dividends. The Banking Control Law required all banks to build their statutory reserves equal to their share capital. SAMA further encouraged Saudi banks to build additional reserves to strengthen their capital base. (2) Most foreign shareholders in Saudi banks enjoyed a tax holiday for the first five years of their ownership. To encourage retention of profits, the tax holiday was extended in most cases by another 5 years after which a deferred tax scheme was permitted; (3) In 1986, SAMA obtained a ruling from the Tax Department that permitted the tax deduction of loan loss provisions on an accrual basis. This encouraged banks to increase their loan loss provisions for doubtful accounts; (4) To encourage Saudi banks to increase their inter-bank dealings and to support the development of a riyal inter-bank market, a tax ruling was obtained which exempted foreign banks from withholding taxes when carrying out inter-bank transactions with Saudi banks; (5) Corporate Governance. SAMA recognized the need to encourage banks to take strong steps to improve their risk management and control procedures. Consequently, it took major initiatives in the area of corporate governance. Firstly, it required all banks to develop and strengthen their internal audit departments, and secondly it issued minimum internal control guidelines. In addition, SAMA issued accounting standards for Commercial Banks in Saudi Arabia which were in line with International Accounting Standards; (6) Creation of Banking Disputes Committee. In 1987, Saudi authorities established a Banking Dispute Committee by the order of the Council of Ministers. The creation of this Committee a s the only relevant quasicourt to handle dispute between banks and their customers significantly strengthened the legal system. By law, all banking disputes had to be referred to this Committee and the rulings of this Committee were given the same enforcement support as decisions from any other court; (7) Exchange of Information on Large Borrowers and on Delinquent Loans. In the early 1980’s, SAMA established a credit information service that provided information to Saudi banks on all large exposures of the Banking System. This enabled banks to better assess the credit position and risk of big borrowers. Also in 1986, SAMA permitted banks to exchange information on delinquent borrowers as a means of applying collective pressure on them. These measures have proved quite effective in resolving problems of delinquent loans.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 5-6) IV. Improvement of Banking Services Banking and financial services were improved during the early decade of the 1980s by technological advances and SAMA had acknowledged a decade earlier that there was not only a potential but as well as need to â€Å"enhance and strengthen the Saudi financial markets through greater investment in modern technology. It is reported that the primary objectives of this strategy were: (1) elimination of duplication of efforts and waste; and (2) development of a national infrastructure. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 7) Technology enhanced business services introduced included: (1) automated Cheque Clearing System (1986); (2) linking of Saudi Arabia with the SWIFT payment network; (3) introduction of a national Automated Teller Machine System enabling customers to access accounts from any machine in Saudi Arabia and from the major financial markets; (4) introduction of debit, credit and charge cards; and (5) introduction of Point-of-Sale terminals that link customers, traders and banks. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.7) International Islamic Financial Institutions It is reported that International Islamic Financial Institutions are reported in the work of Memon (2007) entitled â€Å"Islamic Banking: Present and Future Challenges† to be making provision of â€Å"a wide range of services in accordance with the basic principles of Shariah. The products are reported to include: (1) Mudaraba; (2) Murabaha; (3) Musharaka; (4) Ijarah; (5) Isstina; and (6) Salam. (Memon, 2007, p.4) Conventional banks are reported to operate under the concept â€Å"of lender-borrower relationship where interest is considered as the rental income on capital. The depositors are assumed to be capital providers.† (Memon, 2007, p.4) Bank customers are reported to be divided into three broad categories as follows: (1) religiously motivated customers; (2) high profit customers; and (3) customers who are religiously motivated but also expect returns at least similar to conventional banks. (Memon, 2007, p.6) It is reported as follows in regards to the Islamic ec onomic system: â€Å"Islamic economics is a system, which not only fulfils our moral, ethical, and religious obligations but also demonstrates to be economically feasible and financially rewarding. Islamic banking is based on asset-based transactions for the purpose of income generation, and prohibits financing in all forms of economic activities, which are normally and/or socially injurious to the society.† (Memon, 2007, p.6) Additionally stated is that the Islamic field of Banking operations â€Å"is unlimited. It is under continuous process of evolving and Islamic financial modes instruments have been developed to cover nearly all kinds of businesses including consumer financing, project financing, house financing, working capital financing, import and export financing, venture capital, etc.† (Memon, 2007, p.6) A survey conducted in the United States indicates that U.S. banker perception of Islamic Banking includes that 10 out of 20 Islamic Banking practices are vie wed as acceptable. Those ten include: (1) investment accounts; (2) transfer of funds; (3) cost plus finance; (4) profit and loss; (5) sharing, (6) trust financing, (7) leasing, (8) lease purchase, (9) letters of guarantee, and (10) flexible investment of deposit and role as trustees. (Memon, 2007, p.8) VI. Service Quality in Saudi Arabian Banks The work of Al-Fawzan (2005) entitled â€Å"Assessing Service Quality in a Saudi Bank† states that service quality is defined as â€Å"the degree of alignment between customers’ expectations and their perceptions of the service received.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005, p.1) Al-Fawzan (2005) states that the move to â€Å"†¦managed service has increased demands for outcome-based accountability, cost containment, and attention to customer-focused quality in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. This dual focus on driving down costs while increasing quality has intensified pressures to understand, measure, and manage quality from a customer perspective.† (p.101) While banking systems are stated to provide services that are the same they are differentiated by the quality of services provided. In addition, today’s customers are â€Å"†¦more aware of the alternatives and their expectations of service have increased. Service quality c an, therefore, be used as a strategic tool to build a distinctive advantage over competitors. Banks are striving for zero defection and retaining every customer that the company can profitably serve in order to achieve service excellence.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Zero defections makes a requirement of ongoing efforts for improving service quality. It is reported that while quality â€Å"can not be improved unless it is measured, it can be defined from several perspectives, e.g., the ability to satisfy the needs and expectations of the customer, or the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy given needs.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) There is a growing acknowledgement of quality importance in banking services although â€Å"its conceptualization and empirical assessment have remained limited.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Al-Fawzan (2005) reports that the â€Å"central tenet of the quality paradigm is the importance of understand ing and utilizing customer data to drive operational and strategic decisions, defining quality from the outside-in based on customer information is critical. This shift in defining quality often necessitates a fundamental change in the way professionals, managers, staff, and policy makers think about and identify those who â€Å"buy† or â€Å"use† products and service.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Those who use banking services are not generally refers to as ‘customers’ but instead are referred to as ‘client† suggesting â€Å"†¦a passive voice in the service delivery process, which is reflected by professionals in the field who question the credibility of client evaluation of services. On the other hand, customer carries an image of an active participant with more input in determining choices and decisions. Clients of human service organizations who follow directions from professionals and make few demands on the system are labeled as â€Å"cooperative.† In contrast, customers in the business sector who are loyal to the service, interact with the staff, and are willing to show their preferences are viewed as â€Å"desirable customer.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Al-Fawzan states that customers have difficulty in the articulation of â€Å"banking service quality† therefore â€Å"the recipient of the service can only really assess it, t hereby making its measurement more subjective than exact. Hence, the measurement of banking service quality has to be based on perceived quality rather than objective quality because services are intangible, heterogeneous and their consumption and production occur simultaneously.† (2005) It is reported that service quality â€Å"†¦ is a measure of how well the service level matches customers’ expectations.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) It is reported that Parasuraman et al. â€Å"†¦defined service quality as perceived by customers and items from a comparison on their expectations of the services they will receive with their perceptions of the performance of the service provider.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) The study reported by Al-Fawzan (2005) summarizes the results stated the following findings: (1) the most important dimension determined by Saudi Bank customers is that of ‘assurance dimension’; (2) a service gap exists in service quality provided b y Saudi Banks with the most notable gap being the accessibility dimension; (3) Saudi Bank customers, on average, rated Saudi Banks service quality to be overall good; (4) the expectations of Saudi Banks by customers are â€Å"highest in reliability dimension; (5) 67.8% of SB customers rated the overall service quality as good and very good; (5) SB employees dress nicely and they are polite when talking to customers; (6) SB has exceeded customers’ expectations in performing the service right from the beginning and in instilling the confidence in customers that their transactions are complete and safe.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) The work of Sohail and Shaikh (2008) entitled â€Å"Internet Banking and Quality of Service: Perspectives from a Developing Nation in the Middle East† reports a study that had as its objective the measurement of the quality of service from the perspective of the customer on internet banking in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted via a questionnaire survey and an extensive review of literature. Findings in the study report that upon the basis of a factor analysis three factors were found to influence the evaluation of quality of internet banking services by users. Those three factors identified are stated to include: (1) efficiency and security; (2) fulfillment; and (3) responsiveness. (Sohail and Shaikh, 2008) In 2010 Jasimuddin reported in the work entitled â€Å"Saudi Arabian Banks on the Web† reports that commercial transactions via the Internet began in 1995 and that online banking is an application with much promise. However, while many banks in developed countri es have made provision of banking services via the Internet, Saudi Arabia is â€Å"lagging behind.† (Jasimuddin, 2010, p.1) The environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s environment is very conducive to Internet banking service provision. Jasimuddin reports that as of 2000 there were 11 banks and 1201 branches operating in Saudi Arabia. As of the middle of 2000, there are 11 banks with 1201 branches operating across Saudi Arabia. Eight banks are reported to have established a web site presence which is a rate of 73% of banks with a web site presence although only two of these offer Internet Banking Services. When the Saudi banks web sites are compared there is not major difference noted in the content of the bank web sites. The contents of the websites are stated to be inclusive of information about the bank, the addresses of branches and ATMs, phone and fax numbers, press releases, newsletters, news about the site and welcome letters, hot links, job opportunities, publications, contact and email, feedback, sitemap, site search, online forms and so forth. (Jasimuddin, 2010, paraphrased) Practically all of the banks provide information relating to customer services that â€Å"incorporate financial market, retail and corporate banking, investment treasury service, telephone and PC banking.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) I t is reported that online banking in Saudi Arabia is still a â€Å"very marginal activity† and that internet is presently being used by Saudi banks primarily for â€Å"brand awareness and promotion.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) Saudi banks will be driven by â€Å"the dynamic and imperatives of e-finance†¦to build web site and to start Internet banking.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) In other words, since this is a banking service that is increasingly familiar customers will be requesting these services from banks in the future in Saudi Arabia. VII. Technology Use in Banking Service Provision It was reported in 2007 that the National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia was established in Saudi Arabia prior to any other banks being established. This bank has 300 branches throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with some branches stated to be â€Å"dedicated exclusively to Islamic Banking Services. The National Commercial bank reports having implemented use of a digital signage system which is reported to make provision of a â€Å"better platform for NCB to better communicate with its employees, educating them about the banks products and services and enhancing the service they provide to their customers.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) Summary of Literature Reviewed It is clear that banks in Saudi Arabia are faced with a diverse customer-base and this makes a requirement of diversification of banking services offered by banks in the Kingdom. While internet banking services provision is somewhat behind the development in the rest of the world, it is certain that Saudi Arabian banking customers will clearly see the benefits to Internet banking and that the push will soon be on for provision of this banking service by Saudi Arabian banks. Internet banking as well as other technological advanced service possibilities are presently being explored by Saudi Arabian banks including such technologies as a digital signage system among others. While the banking sector is quite developed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia there does appear to be a general mistrust of Internet banking technology and not just on the part of customers but in the view of the banking industry in Saudi Arabia as well. Recommendations Arising from this study is a recommendation for research to be conducted examining the quality of banking service provision by banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a focus on technology use. References Memon, N.A. (2007) Islamic Banking: Present and Future Challenges. Journal of Management and Social Sciences. Vol. 3, No. 1, (Spring 2007) 01-10. Institute of Business and Technology (BIZTEK). Retrieved from: http://www.biztek.edu.pk/downloads/research/jmss_v3_n1/1-islamic%20banking.pdf A Case Study On Globalization and the Role of Institution Building in the Financial Sector Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency. February 2004. Retrieved from: http://www.sama.gov.sa/sites/samaen/OtherReportsLib/SK521-04(CaseStudyonGlobalization-RoleofInstitutionBuildinginSaudiArabia-Final)Dr.Shaukat.pdf Al-Fawzan, MA (2005) Assessing Service Quality in a Saudi Bank. J. King Saud Univ., Vol. 18, Eng. Sci. (1), pp. 101-115, Riyadh (1426H./2005). Sohail, M.S. and Shaikh, N.M. (2008) Internet banking and quality of service: Perspectives from a developing nation in the Middle East. â€Å", Online Information Review, Vol. 32 Iss: 1, pp.58 – 72 Jasimuddin, Sajjad M. (2010) Saudi Arabianu Banks on the Web. Array Development. Retrieved from: http://www.tenso.fr/emarketing/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Aper%C3%A7u-de-%C2%AB%C2%A0Saudi-Arabian-Banks-on-the-Web%C2%A0%C2%BB.pdf Banking services in saudi arabia research proposal Banking problems in the late 1950s decade resulted in regulatory framework being strengthened in Saudi Arabia during the middle 1960s decade in which broad supervisory capacity was given to SAMA in a legal environment that upheld the concept of a Universal Banking Model allowing banks to make provision of a wide range of financial services â€Å"including banking, investments, securities, etc. through their branches.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) There were 12 operating banks by 1979 only three of which, were non-Saudi banks and branches had doubled by that year to 140. II. Lending Institutions in Saudi Arabia Five major lending institutions were introduced in the decade of the 1970s: (1) Saudi Credit Bank; (2) Saudi Agricultural Bank; (3) Public Investment Fund; (4) Saudi Development Fund; and (5) the Real Estate Fund. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) Restructuring was accomplished arising from encouragement by the Saudi Government and by 1975 there was a reported â€Å"10 international bank†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦including â€Å"29 branches present.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) There was a rise and fall in the economy and SAMA faced a critical challenge for supervision in 1982 â€Å"when irregularities appeared in Saudi Cairo Bank’s operations. Two senior managers were involved in unauthorized trading in bullion during the 1979-81 period, and had concealed accumulated losses that exceeded the Bank’s share capital.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) It is reported that SAMA required the Bank to issue new shares and double its capital i n 1986. SAMA arranged this increase to be taken up entirely by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Bank also benefited from â€Å"low-cost† deposits from the Public Investment Fund. These measures helped the Bank with liquidity and rescued it back to a healthy position.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 4-5 III. Regulatory Framework of Banking System in Saudi Arabia SAMA in collaboration with Saudi Arabia Ministry of Finance ensured the financial system’s stability and assisted banks in clearing the hurdles of economic downturn. Included in this collaborative initiative were the following actions: (1) Banks were required to seek SAMA’s approval prior to announcing their dividends. The Banking Control Law required all banks to build their statutory reserves equal to their share capital. SAMA further encouraged Saudi banks to build additional reserves to strengthen their capital base. (2) Most foreign shareholders in Saudi banks enjoyed a tax holiday for the first five years of their ownership. To encourage retention of profits, the tax holiday was extended in most cases by another 5 years after which a deferred tax scheme was permitted; (3) In 1986, SAMA obtained a ruling from the Tax Department that permitted the tax deduction of loan loss provisions on an accrual basis. This encouraged banks to increase their loan loss provisions for doubtful accounts; (4) To encourage Saudi banks to increase their inter-bank dealings and to support the development of a riyal inter-bank market, a tax ruling was obtained which exempted foreign banks from withholding taxes when carrying out inter-bank transactions with Saudi banks; (5) Corporate Governance. SAMA recognized the need to encourage banks to take strong steps to improve their risk management and control procedures. Consequently, it took major initiatives in the area of corporate governance. Firstly, it required all banks to develop and strengthen their internal audit departments, and secondly it issued minimum internal control guidelines. In addition, SAMA issued accounting standards for Commercial Banks in Saudi Arabia which were in line with International Accounting Standards; (6) Creation of Banking Disputes Committee. In 1987, Saudi authorities established a Banking Dispute Committee by the order of the Council of Ministers. The creation of this Committee a s the only relevant quasicourt to handle dispute between banks and their customers significantly strengthened the legal system. By law, all banking disputes had to be referred to this Committee and the rulings of this Committee were given the same enforcement support as decisions from any other court; (7) Exchange of Information on Large Borrowers and on Delinquent Loans. In the early 1980’s, SAMA established a credit information service that provided information to Saudi banks on all large exposures of the Banking System. This enabled banks to better assess the credit position and risk of big borrowers. Also in 1986, SAMA permitted banks to exchange information on delinquent borrowers as a means of applying collective pressure on them. These measures have proved quite effective in resolving problems of delinquent loans.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 5-6) IV. Improvement of Banking Services Banking and financial services were improved during the early decade of the 1980s by technological advances and SAMA had acknowledged a decade earlier that there was not only a potential but as well as need to â€Å"enhance and strengthen the Saudi financial markets through greater investment in modern technology. It is reported that the primary objectives of this strategy were: (1) elimination of duplication of efforts and waste; and (2) development of a national infrastructure. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 7) Technology enhanced business services introduced included: (1) automated Cheque Clearing System (1986); (2) linking of Saudi Arabia with the SWIFT payment network; (3) introduction of a national Automated Teller Machine System enabling customers to access accounts from any machine in Saudi Arabia and from the major financial markets; (4) introduction of debit, credit and charge cards; and (5) introduction of Point-of-Sale terminals that link customers, traders and banks. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.7) International Islamic Financial Institutions It is reported that International Islamic Financial Institutions are reported in the work of Memon (2007) entitled â€Å"Islamic Banking: Present and Future Challenges† to be making provision of â€Å"a wide range of services in accordance with the basic principles of Shariah. The products are reported to include: (1) Mudaraba; (2) Murabaha; (3) Musharaka; (4) Ijarah; (5) Isstina; and (6) Salam. (Memon, 2007, p.4) Conventional banks are reported to operate under the concept â€Å"of lender-borrower relationship where interest is considered as the rental income on capital. The depositors are assumed to be capital providers.† (Memon, 2007, p.4) Bank customers are reported to be divided into three broad categories as follows: (1) religiously motivated customers; (2) high profit customers; and (3) customers who are religiously motivated but also expect returns at least similar to conventional banks. (Memon, 2007, p.6) It is reported as follows in regards to the Islamic ec onomic system: â€Å"Islamic economics is a system, which not only fulfils our moral, ethical, and religious obligations but also demonstrates to be economically feasible and financially rewarding. Islamic banking is based on asset-based transactions for the purpose of income generation, and prohibits financing in all forms of economic activities, which are normally and/or socially injurious to the society.† (Memon, 2007, p.6) Additionally stated is that the Islamic field of Banking operations â€Å"is unlimited. It is under continuous process of evolving and Islamic financial modes instruments have been developed to cover nearly all kinds of businesses including consumer financing, project financing, house financing, working capital financing, import and export financing, venture capital, etc.† (Memon, 2007, p.6) A survey conducted in the United States indicates that U.S. banker perception of Islamic Banking includes that 10 out of 20 Islamic Banking practices are vie wed as acceptable. Those ten include: (1) investment accounts; (2) transfer of funds; (3) cost plus finance; (4) profit and loss; (5) sharing, (6) trust financing, (7) leasing, (8) lease purchase, (9) letters of guarantee, and (10) flexible investment of deposit and role as trustees. (Memon, 2007, p.8) VI. Service Quality in Saudi Arabian Banks The work of Al-Fawzan (2005) entitled â€Å"Assessing Service Quality in a Saudi Bank† states that service quality is defined as â€Å"the degree of alignment between customers’ expectations and their perceptions of the service received.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005, p.1) Al-Fawzan (2005) states that the move to â€Å"†¦managed service has increased demands for outcome-based accountability, cost containment, and attention to customer-focused quality in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. This dual focus on driving down costs while increasing quality has intensified pressures to understand, measure, and manage quality from a customer perspective.† (p.101) While banking systems are stated to provide services that are the same they are differentiated by the quality of services provided. In addition, today’s customers are â€Å"†¦more aware of the alternatives and their expectations of service have increased. Service quality c an, therefore, be used as a strategic tool to build a distinctive advantage over competitors. Banks are striving for zero defection and retaining every customer that the company can profitably serve in order to achieve service excellence.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Zero defections makes a requirement of ongoing efforts for improving service quality. It is reported that while quality â€Å"can not be improved unless it is measured, it can be defined from several perspectives, e.g., the ability to satisfy the needs and expectations of the customer, or the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy given needs.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) There is a growing acknowledgement of quality importance in banking services although â€Å"its conceptualization and empirical assessment have remained limited.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Al-Fawzan (2005) reports that the â€Å"central tenet of the quality paradigm is the importance of understand ing and utilizing customer data to drive operational and strategic decisions, defining quality from the outside-in based on customer information is critical. This shift in defining quality often necessitates a fundamental change in the way professionals, managers, staff, and policy makers think about and identify those who â€Å"buy† or â€Å"use† products and service.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Those who use banking services are not generally refers to as ‘customers’ but instead are referred to as ‘client† suggesting â€Å"†¦a passive voice in the service delivery process, which is reflected by professionals in the field who question the credibility of client evaluation of services. On the other hand, customer carries an image of an active participant with more input in determining choices and decisions. Clients of human service organizations who follow directions from professionals and make few demands on the system are labeled as â€Å"cooperative.† In contrast, customers in the business sector who are loyal to the service, interact with the staff, and are willing to show their preferences are viewed as â€Å"desirable customer.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Al-Fawzan states that customers have difficulty in the articulation of â€Å"banking service quality† therefore â€Å"the recipient of the service can only really assess it, t hereby making its measurement more subjective than exact. Hence, the measurement of banking service quality has to be based on perceived quality rather than objective quality because services are intangible, heterogeneous and their consumption and production occur simultaneously.† (2005) It is reported that service quality â€Å"†¦ is a measure of how well the service level matches customers’ expectations.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) It is reported that Parasuraman et al. â€Å"†¦defined service quality as perceived by customers and items from a comparison on their expectations of the services they will receive with their perceptions of the performance of the service provider.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) The study reported by Al-Fawzan (2005) summarizes the results stated the following findings: (1) the most important dimension determined by Saudi Bank customers is that of ‘assurance dimension’; (2) a service gap exists in service quality provided b y Saudi Banks with the most notable gap being the accessibility dimension; (3) Saudi Bank customers, on average, rated Saudi Banks service quality to be overall good; (4) the expectations of Saudi Banks by customers are â€Å"highest in reliability dimension; (5) 67.8% of SB customers rated the overall service quality as good and very good; (5) SB employees dress nicely and they are polite when talking to customers; (6) SB has exceeded customers’ expectations in performing the service right from the beginning and in instilling the confidence in customers that their transactions are complete and safe.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) The work of Sohail and Shaikh (2008) entitled â€Å"Internet Banking and Quality of Service: Perspectives from a Developing Nation in the Middle East† reports a study that had as its objective the measurement of the quality of service from the perspective of the customer on internet banking in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted via a questionnaire survey and an extensive review of literature. Findings in the study report that upon the basis of a factor analysis three factors were found to influence the evaluation of quality of internet banking services by users. Those three factors identified are stated to include: (1) efficiency and security; (2) fulfillment; and (3) responsiveness. (Sohail and Shaikh, 2008) In 2010 Jasimuddin reported in the work entitled â€Å"Saudi Arabian Banks on the Web† reports that commercial transactions via the Internet began in 1995 and that online banking is an application with much promise. However, while many banks in developed countri es have made provision of banking services via the Internet, Saudi Arabia is â€Å"lagging behind.† (Jasimuddin, 2010, p.1) The environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s environment is very conducive to Internet banking service provision. Jasimuddin reports that as of 2000 there were 11 banks and 1201 branches operating in Saudi Arabia. As of the middle of 2000, there are 11 banks with 1201 branches operating across Saudi Arabia. Eight banks are reported to have established a web site presence which is a rate of 73% of banks with a web site presence although only two of these offer Internet Banking Services. When the Saudi banks web sites are compared there is not major difference noted in the content of the bank web sites. The contents of the websites are stated to be inclusive of information about the bank, the addresses of branches and ATMs, phone and fax numbers, press releases, newsletters, news about the site and welcome letters, hot links, job opportunities, publications, contact and email, feedback, sitemap, site search, online forms and so forth. (Jasimuddin, 2010, paraphrased) Practically all of the banks provide information relating to customer services that â€Å"incorporate financial market, retail and corporate banking, investment treasury service, telephone and PC banking.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) I t is reported that online banking in Saudi Arabia is still a â€Å"very marginal activity† and that internet is presently being used by Saudi banks primarily for â€Å"brand awareness and promotion.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) Saudi banks will be driven by â€Å"the dynamic and imperatives of e-finance†¦to build web site and to start Internet banking.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) In other words, since this is a banking service that is increasingly familiar customers will be requesting these services from banks in the future in Saudi Arabia. VII. Technology Use in Banking Service Provision It was reported in 2007 that the National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia was established in Saudi Arabia prior to any other banks being established. This bank has 300 branches throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with some branches stated to be â€Å"dedicated exclusively to Islamic Banking Services. The National Commercial bank reports having implemented use of a digital signage system which is reported to make provision of a â€Å"better platform for NCB to better communicate with its employees, educating them about the banks products and services and enhancing the service they provide to their customers.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) Summary of Literature Reviewed It is clear that banks in Saudi Arabia are faced with a diverse customer-base and this makes a requirement of diversification of banking services offered by banks in the Kingdom. While internet banking services provision is somewhat behind the development in the rest of the world, it is certain that Saudi Arabian banking customers will clearly see the benefits to Internet banking and that the push will soon be on for provision of this banking service by Saudi Arabian banks. Internet banking as well as other technological advanced service possibilities are presently being explored by Saudi Arabian banks including such technologies as a digital signage system among others. While the banking sector is quite developed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia there does appear to be a general mistrust of Internet banking technology and not just on the part of customers but in the view of the banking industry in Saudi Arabia as well. Recommendations Arising from this study is a recommendation for research to be conducted examining the quality of banking service provision by banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a focus on technology use. References Memon, N.A. (2007) Islamic Banking: Present and Future Challenges. Journal of Management and Social Sciences. Vol. 3, No. 1, (Spring 2007) 01-10. Institute of Business and Technology (BIZTEK). Retrieved from: http://www.biztek.edu.pk/downloads/research/jmss_v3_n1/1-islamic%20banking.pdf A Case Study On Globalization and the Role of Institution Building in the Financial Sector Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency. February 2004. Retrieved from: http://www.sama.gov.sa/sites/samaen/OtherReportsLib/SK521-04(CaseStudyonGlobalization-RoleofInstitutionBuildinginSaudiArabia-Final)Dr.Shaukat.pdf Al-Fawzan, MA (2005) Assessing Service Quality in a Saudi Bank. J. King Saud Univ., Vol. 18, Eng. Sci. (1), pp. 101-115, Riyadh (1426H./2005). Sohail, M.S. and Shaikh, N.M. (2008) Internet banking and quality of service: Perspectives from a developing nation in the Middle East. â€Å", Online Information Review, Vol. 32 Iss: 1, pp.58 – 72 Jasimuddin, Sajjad M. (2010) Saudi Arabianu Banks on the Web. Array Development. Retrieved from: http://www.tenso.fr/emarketing/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Aper%C3%A7u-de-%C2%AB%C2%A0Saudi-Arabian-Banks-on-the-Web%C2%A0%C2%BB.pdf

Strategic management assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Strategic management assignment - Essay Example Now-a-days the organizations are bringing rapid, volatile and discontinuous changes. It makes strategic management more multifaceted and challenging. There are two principal drivers that influence the nature of competitors’ background. These will help the organizations to adopt and maintain that change. Technology and global economy are two important drivers of businesses. Therefore, substantial changes in these drivers can affect the strategic management process of an organization. Several models can help the CEOs to respond to the discontinuous changes. The combination of those two change approaches is suitable for the transformation of the organizations. This approach is considered as holistic approach. This holistic approach will help to produce effective flexibility to the businesses to counter the uncertain situations. It is necessary to have a strategic change plan that can be learned in order to relieve the fear of this change among the employees. Critical learning is indispensable. It will help to create a knowledge based work environment of understanding the critical problems. Moreover, transfer of knowledge will help to enhance the decision making ability in a situation of sudden change. Rapid, Volatile and Discontinuous Change Rapid and volatile organizational change is an intentional and structured approach that helps to transit the employees, groups and organizations from a current position to a significant future position. On the other hand, discontinuous change can be defined as sudden, unintentional and non-incremental change that threatens the power structure and existing traditional authority (Hubbard, 2004). The organizations implement rapid and volatile changing process to improve the internal structure of an organization. This process helps the management of the organization to capitalize on the potential opportunities and to meet with the changing customer demand rapidly by effective redesigning of product and services (Foster & Br owne, 1996). On the other hand, the objective of the discontinuous change process is to identify and rectify the current organizational problems. The organizations implement this change to establish new strategies to improve the organizational performance. Leading organizations around the globe are trying to capitalize on the potential opportunities by implementing these changes. Moreover, continuous changes in the organization required for any changes in external environmental factors help the organization to maintain a healthy work environment and achieve competence in the industry. It is important for the information managers to review the environmental factors and identify the current trends. This strategic audit planning will help the organizations to understand the external and internal information services (Sutton, 1999). PEST analysis is a common tool that helps the organization to assess the external factors, such as political, social, technological and economical changes. Another important common strategic audit tool is SWOT analysis. It helps the organization to assess the internal factors. This SWOT analysis considers internal strengths, weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. Following is the strategic management model that used to assess the role, impact and implication of rapid, volatile and discontinuous organizational change. An important principle of strategic managem

Research Review for teaching strategies for reading using evidence Paper

Review for teaching strategies for reading using evidence based practices for special education students - Research Paper Example However, many educators have failed to recognize the importance of EBP in learning institutions. There are numerous students with varied disabilities; hence there is a need for experienced professionals to implement effective reading strategies for teaching. They can also engage parents in this intervention program in order to increase the performance level. This is because parents are the first primary caregivers and educators of the child; thus engaging them in the program will contribute to positive change. Therefore, the EBP should be matched with the unique needs of students and their skills; thus developing effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) for producing better learning outcomes. The themes in the research articles focus on reading instructions, developing fluency and vocabulary instructions for students with learning disabilities. Therefore, the study seeks to offer an insight on the research issues as to whether teaching strategies for reading using EBP is an e ffective approach for individual education students. It seeks to reveal the way educators can teach students to read, but  how well do  students with disabilities understand what they are reading? Educators can also help students with LD (learning disabilities) to think critically. However,  do they actually comprehend what the vocabulary words mean and talk fluent? Therefore, what can educators do in order to help these students to think critically, understand vocabularies and read fluent? The research employs varied methods such as questionnaires, surveys of the perception of students and standardized tests in order to determine how students can develop effective reading or improve performance learning skills. The results varied across students with learning disabilities, but the majority of the students showed improved reading comprehensive skills when employing EBP approach. Summary of Studies Article 1 Participants Stetter, M. E., & Hughes, M. T. (January 01, 2011). Compu ter Assisted Instruction to Promote Comprehension in Students with Learning Disabilities. International Journal of Special Education, 26, 1, 88-100 reveals the way reading comprehension is significant. The article reveals the way students with LD strive to improve reading skills and many of them face numerous challenges in learning environment. Therefore, the article attempts to analyze whether the computer assisted instructions can help in promoting reading comprehension for students with LD (Stetter and Hughes, 2011). The authors carried out research through employing a single-subject and diverse baseline designed for achieving the desired outcomes. They employed varied methodologies such as surveys, standardized tests and daily questions in order to determine the way reading comprehension is valuable for achieving academic success. The study results revealed that computer assisted instructions could have influenced the reading comprehension of students with LD. The participants w ho participated in the research study were students from varied schools in the United States. Of these students, 90 % of them were from lower socio-economic background and the remaining percentage from high socio-economic class. The students with LD also participated in

Schwinn bicycles Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Schwinn bicycles - Case Study Example This research aims to evaluate and present the main strength of the company that lies in its large number of association with the industry segment. The company’s association with the industry dates back to more than a hundred years. Schwinn bicycles was once the market leader in the industry and has a an easy brand recall by the customers. The expertise of manufacturing and other operational aspects also constitute some of the other strngths of the company. A team of deidcated huamn resource base as well as a number of manufacturing units also serve as potential strngths of the company. The major areas of weakness of the company lies in its considerbly degrading market share and its outdated product line that finds very few takers in the market. In addition to this the issue lies with the poor positioning of the company as the customers find the brand and its products outdated and old fashioned that does not meet the expectations of the prospective sutomer segments. The intern al organizational aspects like HR policy and the aspect of sourcing some of the products from Asian nations has also put questions over the aulity aspect of the company’s products. One of the possible alternatives before Schwinn bicycles is a repositioning strategy. Repositioning involves changing the perception about a product or a brand in the minds of the target market audience. The repositioning strategy would involve focusing on innovation and needs of the customers and successfully communicating this change so as to change the perception of the brand and its product in the minds of the target market audience. ... In addition to this scope also exists for the company in unexplored and new markets wherte the company can leverage its association with the industry and its accrued experince to gain customer confidence that can reap benefits for the company. Opportunities also exists for the company in innovating its exiting product line that can help it to make its cash registers ringing and help maintain profitability and sustainability in the long run. Threats Schwinn Bicycles faces threats from its competitors in the market that of late have taken an edge over it in the market by virtue of greater innovation and newer product lines. The company also faces threats from the negative positioning and a poor image among the customers with the brand and its products. The constantly dwinndling market shares along with large number of debt obligations and the extensive levels of competition in the market serves as sources of considerable threats that can generate considerble issues for the organization . Analysis of Alternatives In the light of the issues surrounding the company, it has become imperative for the company to undertake strategic changes in its functioning that can help generate competitive advantage for the organization. Some of the strategic alternatives that can be considered by the company are stated below: One of the possible alternatives before Schwinn bicycles is a repositioning strategy. Repositioning involves changing the perception about a product or a brand in the minds of the target market audience. The repositioning strategy would involve focusing on innovation and needs of the customers and successfully communicating this change so as to change the perception of the brand and its product in the

The Importance of Transportation in Logistic Between a successful and Term Paper

The Importance of Transportation in Logistic Between a successful and unsuccessful company - Term Paper Example According to the excerpts of the company’s CEO, Phil Knight, the implication of the event created considerable supply issues related to unplanned or uncertain inventory shortages or excess supply. When the company’s inventory did not match with the market demand, it had to offer huge discounts and slash prices of products to clear the additional stock piles. The strategy may not be considered as favorable business decision since getting rid of excess inventory in form of allowing huge discounts to customer puts pressure on company’s profitability and gross margins. On further analysis it was found that the company’s failure to implement successful supply chain planning system can be blamed to â€Å"big bang† or at-one-go deployment approach where the company chose to integrate the supply chain management system with their business strategy in a single phase instead of disciplined step-by-step implementation approach (Stanford University, 2000). The Story of a Successful Logistics Firm – DHL DHL is a German Logistics company that provides international services in express mail. The success is revealed from the fact that the market leader in air and sea mail supply chain and logistics (DHL Express, 2013). Despite of facing numerous challenges every day in carrying out daily operations such as traffics and systematic uncertainties (such as natural calamity, political strikes, etc.), the company is able to optimizing its transport and logistics in metropolitan cities. The company has been able to deliver their un-interrupted services to customers since 1969 which is worth appreciating when one considers traffic congestions, energy consumption, and traffic environment in the economy (Times of Malta, 2011). As the cities around the world starts to modernize from semi-urbanized to urban societies, the challenges of tracking, maintaining and controlling city logistics are becoming more challenging for the company. The company h as traditionally relied on strong distribution network and swift customer service to offer prompt and efficient delivery. With the passage of time the company had to depend on modern software and technologies to handle throughput. As business strategy, the company focuses on latest technology to support supply chain and logistics functions. Over time, the company’s network grew larger and customer base increased significantly in every corner of world. The company’s total network links over 220 territories and counties (DHL, 2013). Comparison between the Successful and Unsuccessful Logistics Firms Difference in Strategic Implementation DHL’s strategic implementation of supply chain management and logistics is completely centered on their customers. The company extensively researches and analyzes issues related to economy, logistics, technology, society and environment. It then assess their impact on their business operations with the objective to determine the be st possible combination of technology and networks that has the potential to reduce delivery time of providing services to customers and also reduce company’s cost of operations. The company follows a systematic analytical approach in implementation of their business strategy. The company foll

Education In the US Prison System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Education In the US Prison System - Essay Example This subject matter is what will be discussed in the following. Since 1980, America's prison population has "more than tripled" (Patel and McMurray, n.d.). Out of this abundant figure, 19% of adult inmates are illiterate; while the United States' national adult illiteracy stands at a comparatively mere 4%. Stemming from this figure are the rates of recidivism in the United States, which are also at a particular high - 41% to 71% of prisoners who are released into the community end up back in prison only a short time after their acquittal. This can quickly be assessed as the obvious impact of expecting unskilled, undereducated, and often improperly socialized persons to be released into the community and make it on their own. In a world where high education is required for practically anything and everything, the thought of having high expectations for a person being thrown back into the world from a life of solitaire and no education in prison seems highly impractical. Although at one time rehabilitation was a critical goal of the prison system, funding for most educational and rehabilitative programs "has been severed, prioritizing punishment and profit over people." ("PARC", n.d.). The real mission of the prison system now seems to be that of total containment, rather than assistance. Recent studies have shown an increasing need for special skills for America's workforce for the future. "Inmates, who traditionally do not have good workplace skills, can benefit from education provided during incarceration." (Yeonopolus, n.d.). There are numerous innovative programs for inmates available in prisons across America, some of which are even enforced with penalties if persons decide to resist. In certain prisons, prisoners are being compelled to attend school for specified periods, and those who refuse to comply may be denied parole hearings or "be prevented from participating in alternative forms of 'treatment' until they comply." (Davidson, 1995). The educators who teach in the prison system understand they the persons they are educating require more than just educational skills, they also lack the knowledge of proper personal skills, such as making decisions, working with others, using resources appropriately, and so on. It is this understanding that has, and seemingl y will continue to, keep prisoners from reentering the prison system after their release. There are two basic types of correctional education programs - vocational training, which focuses on the learning of skills that are related to the workplace, and literacy development, which is used to heighten a persons reading and mathematical skills. Each state has a separate list of educational programs offered to inmate; Colorado for example, employs the Correctional Education Program, which strives to provide inmates with skills which will be transferable and useful to them once they leave the penal system by: ensuring their reach the highest academic achievement level possible, preferably obtaining the General Educational Development (GED) Diploma, and

AN ENQUiry into The Efficiency of Celebrity Endorsement As A Marketing Essay

AN ENQUiry into The Efficiency of Celebrity Endorsement As A Marketing Communication Strategy In Modern Day Society - Essay Example It entails the collection of data, store and analyze it and finally present it in a logical format to enable the readers to understand the outcome of the study. The main purpose and reason behind the choice of this topic i.e. the study of impact of celebrity endorsements as a strategic marketing activity, was the popularity of the concept – i.e. involvement of celebrities for endorsing products / brands, or services. Thus, I wanted to explore the influence of such a promotional marketing strategy, in influencing the consumers in making their purchase decision; and to assess whether the consumers are really motivated to buy a product if it is endorsed by their favourite celebrity. Furthermore, I was interested in exploring and testing the relationship between celebrities, marketing communications and consumers. As a result, I decided to design this study to include the hypothesis discussed above, and to examine whether the impact of celebrity endorsement on consumers is positiv e or negative. The study also entailed a detailed investigation of the manner in which celebrities influence the purchase decision, what inspires / motivates the consumers to purchase the product etc. Celebrity endorsement has become a popular trend amongst organisations in recent times and some crucial questions have been raised to which this research aims to find answers to some of which some questions are: Does it affect the buying behaviour of the target market? Does celebrity endorsement have any impact on the sales of the product? Should it even be the main channel of brand communications? What are the criteria for choosing endorsers? What is the relationship between the images of the celebrity and that of the brand? Does the personality of the celebrity affect consumers’ perception in any way? If yes, how do the marketers manipulate the same in their favor? For the reasons stated above, a focused group was utilized for the primary research, where respondents were asked a series of unstructured of questions. Also, various print and television adverts were studied for the purpose of this study, and my own observations were also included in the form of findings. Research questions The questions I shall be seeking to explore for this research were structured through the process of literature review. The research questions for this study are: Dose the personality of an endorser alter perception of meaning by the consumer What is the role of celebrity endorsement in consumer decision making process Do consumers really believe celebrities endorse product for just the money making process Research method As my main purpose behind this study was to present a comprehensive view of the entire concept of celebrity endorsement, its emergence and popularity, reason behind its relevance and significance as a most favored promotional activity by the marketers, and most importantly the influence of celebrities on the consumers; I decided to communicate and intera ct with a small section of consumers to seek desired answers. I conducted interviews on a select focus group, studied various print and television advertisements and derived meaningful conclusions based on the literature review to form a basis for my findings. Focus groups are like group interviews that involve several participants (including the moderator) who are asked questions on a pre-structured pre-defined topic. Such a method relies heavily on the answers and responses given by the

JOHN F KENNEDY Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

JOHN F KENNEDY - Research Paper Example In that context when John F Kennedy took over the presidency of America, through his benign and confident personality, he ushered in a spirit of positivity and reconciliation. He introduced the American masses to the innate strength of their nation and to a large extent inspired them to work for the good of their country. The good thing is that the positivity Kennedy inspired left a legacy of hope that continues to inspire the Americans even today, when Kennedy is no more. John F Kennedy’s father, Joseph Patrick Kennedy was a multi millionaire who accrued his fortunes in banking, stock markets, film industry, and ship building (Kenney 34). John F Kennedy happened to be the second of Joseph Patrick Kennedy’s nine children (Kenney 34). There is no denying the fact that Kennedy was brought up in a family well endowed with fortune and clout. On his mother’s side, Kennedy was related to John F Fitzgerald, his maternal grandfather who at one time also happened to be the mayor of Boston (Kenney 34). In the Kennedy family, competition, hard work and ambition were intensely encouraged amongst children, the traits that were to accompany Kennedy for the rest of his life. In 1941 Kennedy joined the American Navy (Kenney 21). By the time Kennedy got discharged from Navy, his brother Joe was lost to war and the onus to carry on the family ambition and aspirations fell on the shoulders of John F Kennedy (Kenney 21). Kennedy geared up to accept t his responsibility and in 1946, at the age of 29, became a congressman, the outcome of a determinedly and sincerely run campaign (Kenney 28). However, this achievement was still small to wet the ambition of Kennedy and so he decided to fight for the Senate in 1952 (Kenney 28). In 1953 John F Kennedy expanded his social and political clout by marrying Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, associated with a privileged and famous family (Kenney 29). The couple indeed

Influencing Other’s Behavior and Its Impact Essay Example for Free

Influencing Other’s Behavior and Its Impact Essay As an individual, we have the capacity to affect other’s behavior, characters and attitudes. in fact, what we did to influence othetfr has the more impoact thyan what an anidicidual do it to himself. However, the power to persuade depends upon on what kind of persuasion we did and how the manipulation takes place. As an individual, we have then eytnmdecy to believe hwat opthewrs said and what others do towards us. Actually, it is more likely to believe other’s idea. Influencing others thohuhts and actions msut be continually improve his perception and quality towards quality and productivity (Seminar Information Service, 2007). However, how could we do this and what is the inpact of persuading our thought s and isea upon others? II. Influencing Others Thgoughts and behavior Communication with a person is one of the major concern on how to persuade others upon your ideas and belkifs. Constant communication will build a strong confidence and will mark trust and support when you are arguing or discussing something with him. It is also a way to get his attention ans support when you are in the midst of conversation with him. In fact, inidivucdual and group victory towards others mainly depends on the ability on how to communicate woth others. The process on how a person cvommunicatye wotu pthers strogly influence others perception on you. If you have the capability and skills in persuading others ideas to your own by means of well-built communicatiuon, you have also the powers to be understood and the influence to be inculcated toerda others. The communication skills are the key on how to exploit individual and even group potential and beliefs. Indeed, individual and group success mainly rooted from their ability to exchange words clearly and with persuasion. Explore and examine another person’s way of communication stryle in ordewr to adapt the implication and delivery and idea to the approach of that person. Well-defined relationship can sway other’s actions and judgments. However, how could a person buiuld strong relationship without the ability to communicate well? Building good relationds comes from building good communication skills. As constaent communicatiuon build authority, good relkationship also build power to plead one’s case. However, before entering to the relationship, it is important to underdtanr anf analyze forst one’s style of communication and relationship towdrs opther. The skill to analyze them will improve one’s way and strategy on how to relate woith them. The dynamica of the communicationa and rekationships of others pave the way on how to approach them in suach a way that they could handle our means of camaraderie amd acquaintance. The analysisi and defining our approach and goals and identifying the most effecvtove methopd will emphatically influcnec positively anothers’ behavior and their way of perception. In terms of psychological approach, assess and analyuze how the style natuarally encourage others type of relationship. Plan an influence strategy, and use an examined and analyzed techniques for association and rapport. There are studies conducted shoews that conformity has a strong influence towards individual. It increases conformity towards individual. The deegeree of comfomiryt is basewd on the levels of sympathty being shown and felt for that person (GERHART, 2006). There are many well-known studies in social psychology that demonstrate various influences on conformity. Conformity is defined as a change in behavior, belief, or opinion so that the change is more congruent, or agreeable, with an influential individual or group. Among these influences are group pressure, guilt, and authority (Kiesler Kiesler, 1969). Research has also indicated that these influences hold much more power on conformity than originally preconceived. They can potentially become very powerful tools for subtle, human manipulation when used correctly. Due to this, it is very surprising that no direct research on the influence of sympathy on conformity exists. Sympathy is defined feelings of sorrow or concern for another person (not to be confused with empathy). Although no solid, empirical evidence for the influence of sympathy on conformity exists, it is often used effectively. Many strategies for donation collection aim at getting other people to conform to the belief that money is needed, and sympathy is typically used as a marketing tool. People in everyday situations also, either intentionally or unintentionally, elicit sympathy in others so that they may conform to their beliefs or comply with their requests. For example, Perina (2002) found that college students admit that 70 percent of their excuses for missed assignments are lies. A vast majority of these lies concern health problems and deceased relatives, which is likely to elicit sympathy in the professor. Another example of the influence of sympathy on conformity is the Christian religion. The Bible states that God gave His only Son, Jesus, so that no one else would have to suffer. People could sympathize with this, which would influence their conformity to the religion. Yet even with these powerful implications, no direct research can be found on this probable relationship. There does exist, however, some research where sympathy is applicable. Many psychologists and philosophers have suggested that sympathy mediates altruistic behavior (Eisenberg Strayer, 1987; Wispe, 1991). Altruism is defined as intentional, voluntary behavior the benefits another and is not performed with the expectation of receiving external rewards or avoiding external punishment. Given this definition, conformity could be labeled as a subcategory of altruism. In many cases, people intentionally conform to the beliefs of others with no intent other than to please, or benefit, them. More recently, Eisenberg, Zhou, and Koller (2001) reported findings of sympathy predicting prosocial behavior. The only difference between altruism and prosocial behavior, by definition, is that prosocial behavior lacks a specified motive (Eisenberg Strayer, 1987). Again, conformity can be identified as a subcategory of prosocial behavior, which is closely related to altruism. Other research can be interpreted as sympathy being a confounding variable, influencing conformity. Studies of guilt on conformity (Freedman, Wallington, Bless, 1967) suggest that when participants experience guilt, they are much more likely to comply. Guilt is defined as feelings of responsibility for offensive actions. In their research, participants were induced to perform a negative behavior (e. g. , knocking over a thousand ordered note cards) at the expense of the perceived researcher, subsequently producing guilt. It could be argued, however, that the negative behaviors alone are likely to elicit sympathy, which in turn, could influence conformity to requests. Basically, the experimenter’s exposure to negative behaviors, regardless of the person responsible, could elicit sympathy and influence the participant’s conformity. This could have been controlled for had there been a group where confederates, followed by measurement of participant conformity, performed the negative behaviors. Therefore, sympathy is potentially applicable to this research. The purpose of this study is to examine the direct influence of sympathy on conformity. It is predicted that sympathy will promote the onset of conformity with the assumption that participants will only conform to the sympathized person. It is also predicted that women will display higher conformity, because they are more likely to be influenced by sympathy (Bond Smith, 1996; Ickes, 1997). It is hypothesized that people experiencing sympathy for an individual are more likely to conform to that individual’s opinions than people of the general population. GERHART, A. D. (2006) THE INFLUENCE OF SYMPATHY ON CONFORMITY. SEMINAR INFORMATION SERVICE, I. (2007) Communicating with Influence: Building Successful Interpersonal Team Communication.

Research on Baroda dairy product Essay Example for Free

Research on Baroda dairy product Essay Executive Summary This project has been undertaken in order to understand the Customer Perception and liking towards Baroda Dairy Products. The task is to know and measure its effectiveness in terms of Price , Quality , Quantity , Packaging , Product availability, Product delivery, Product maintenance (storage), merits and demerits of the existing distribution chain, areas and scope of improvement and finding ways to make the Product more user friendly and Available. There are various ways to carry out this project and reach desired objectives for e. g. , Expert Opinion, In-depth interview with Customers, primary data collection and analysis etc. but out of all these options available for data collection, the method chosen was primary data collection and analysis i. e. questionnaire based data collection and analysis. The reasons for choosing this technique for project are as under: This method gives the opportunity to directly interact with the Customers and helps in knowing what they actually think of the Baroda Dairy Products. The most reliable source of information from all the other mentioned above. Gives a better insight of Customer perception as compared to other technique. This technique will yield an Unbiased, To the Point and Reliable result. It is best to know from the Customers as to what they think about the Existing Product and Satisfaction Level. From this project I came to know about co-operative sector, dairy industry, distribution and handling of highly perishable product like milk. I also came to know what Customers think of current Products and Services of Baroda Dairy. Customer loyalty to Baroda Dairy and its products. I got to know various merits of the existing distribution channel. I also discovered some areas of distribution channel which if worked upon can yield more profitable gains and can also increase the availability of Products. I critically analyzed the answers that were provided by Customers. In order to get quality information, I used questionnaire as a tool which helped me in this project. After collection of the desired data, the data has been critically analyzed to draw conclusion out of mathematical data. The collected data has been categorized and presented in to the meaningful diagrammatic presentations following its proper classification. All these analytical information is subjected to the conclusions following justified interpretation of the results drawn from the statistical tools. Introduction Dairy industry is one of the growing sectors in the Indian Food Processing Industry. This sector Grew at CAGR of 3. 7 % in the last decade. An everyday useful industry which was into rags during 1940s is now one of the most performing industry in the country, courtesy – White Revolution. But still the market is dominated by unorganized sector which contributes about 80% of the total milk marketing in the country. Thus lies a very large scope for the organized sector to enter in this industry. Dairy contributes to 16% of consumer spend on food – 18% in Urban areas of the country and 15% in rural areas. It is one of the most important and exceptionally well performing industries. Each and every state has its own Federation that governs various co-operatives in each state which are into processing of milk and other milk products and the Governing body for these state federations is National Dairy Development Board. One of the main reasons for the progress of dairy industry in India was the white revolution and the Co-operative movement. Also what has added to its development is the linkage it has created between producers and consumers which has eliminated the middle man. Also strengthening of production, procurement, infrastructure and technology has made dairy farming India’s largest self-sustainable rural employment generator. Also it is notable that dairy sector has gained prominence over the years as it delivers one of the most important food product i. e. Milk and its by-products without which it is really very difficult to live. Thus looking at the current scenario, following things can be analyzed: On the production side: Slow growth in productivity likely to increase demand- supply gap There is a need to promote interventions that would increase production efficiencies. Need to secure availability of fodder and high quality breeds. Promoting entrepreneurship in large herd dairy farming – through PPP. There is increasing interest in Intensive dairy farming – increasing demand farm gate price. On the demand side: Indian dairy market offers diverse opportunities to tap into. Unique nature of the market requires entrepreneurs to study it carefully before entry. India has the credit of being the largest producer as well as the biggest consumer of milk in the world. It also has the world’s largest dairy herd (comprised of cows and buffalos). In 2010-11, livestock generated output worth INR 2,075 billion (at 2004-05 prices) which comprised 4% of the GDP and 26% of the agricultural GDP. India’s milk production accounts for 16% of total global output. The dairy industry is expected to grow 4-5% per annum. A budgetary outlay of INR 31, 560 Crores is recommended by the working group for 12th Five Year Plan of Planning commission of India for animal husbandry and dairy sector to achieve growth rate of 6%. In the past 20 years, milk production in India has doubled and has reached the 116. 2 million tonnes a year thus becoming India’s No. 1 farm commodity. The current market size of the dairy industry is INR 2. 6 trillion and is estimated to grow up to INR 3. 7 trillion by 2015. The matters relating to livestock production, preservation, protection and improvement of livestock dairy development comes under Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture, GoI. Value-added products like Whole milk powder, Skimmed milk powder, Condensed milk, Ice cream, Butter and Ghee have immense potential for export. As per the latest statistics of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the dairy cooperative network in the country includes 177 milk unions covering 346 districts and over 1, 33,000 village-level societies with a total membership of nearly 14 million farmers. All the statistics given above are indicators of a flourishing dairy sector in India providing suitable opportunities to the industries engaged in the dairy business. India: Milk’s New Horizon A growing population and increased incomes from an economic boom are the driving forces behind a surge in dairy product demand in India. One key to the success of recent consumption trends has been an American standby: the refrigerator. Dairy Demand in an Emerging Economy A new study reports that the demand for milk in India will rise by a compound annual growth rate of about 4% over the next few years (RNCOS, 2012). Research shows that as incomes increase consumption of animal products, specifically milk and dairy products, intensifies (Wenge Fu et al. , 2012). In fact, India’s upturn in demand for dairy products far outweighs the growth in demand for animal products such as meat and eggs. India owes this large demand for milk to its largely vegetarian population. Dairy product demand in India has increased dramatically in both rural and urban sectors. However, as a larger population is emigrating from rural areas to cities an even greater demand may be placed on dairy products. Between 1980 and 2010, India’s level of urbanization increased from 23 to 30 percent of the population. The second largest country in the world, India is projected to grow from 1. 2 billion people in 2010 to just under 1. 7 billion by 2050 with 55% of that population being urban. This increase in buying power allows consumers to purchase durable goods such as refrigerators that enable larger consumption of dairy products than ever before. Moreover, a more urban population also offers the increased opportunity for cultural exchange, leading to increased consumption of meat and dairy products not only in India but across Asia. All of these factors coupled together lead to growing international market opportunities for milk and dairy products in India previously unnoticed in the global dairy industry. India is the world’s largest producer of milk. However, the majority of that milk is buffalo, followed by cow and goat milk as shown in Table 1 (FAOSTAT, 2013). Since 2005, 53% of the fluid milk produced in India has come from buffalo, 43% from cows and 4% from goats. In 2011, India produced 34% more milk than the U. S. up from 19% more in 2005 (Table 2). For dairy cow production, the United States produced 70% more milk in 2011 than India. One study by the OECD-FAO in 2011 suggests that India will have sufficient production to meet demand for milk and its products (excluding butter) through 2020. Nevertheless, as Wenge Fu et al. note, the rapid increase in population and changes in consumption patterns make such estimations difficult. Fluid milk demand is projected to grow at 10. 2% per year, while production is projected to grow by 3. 7% based on 1994 to 2004 growth rates. Competition for land to produce grains and feed products for animal production may limit agricultural growth in all sectors. This pressure on natural resources and its effect on production could lead to a greater reliance on imported dairy products. In the short run, India’s dairy sector is well positioned to accommodate the rapid growth in dairy product consumption. An increasingly urbanized population with a greater disposable income will drive demand leading to opportunities from the global milk market to supply this new generation of Indian consumers. Table 1. India’s Milk Production by Species from 2005 to 2011 in Tonnes (FAOSTAT, 2013) Year Item 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Avg Buffalo Milk (whole, fresh) Production in Tonnes 52,070,000 54,382,000 56,630,000 57,132,000 59,201,000 62,350,000 62,350,000 % of total production 54% 55% 54% 53% 53% 53% 52% 53% Cow Milk (whole, fresh) Production in Tonnes 39,759,000 41,148,000 44,601,000 47,006,000 47,825,000 49,960,000 52,500,000 % of total production 42% 41% 42% 43% 43% 43% 44% 43% Goat Milk (whole, fresh) Production in Tonnes 3,790,000 3,818,000 4,481,000 4,478,000 4,467,000 4,594,000 4,594,000 % of total production 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% Total Production in Tonnes 95,619,000 99,348,000 105,712,000 108,616,000 111,493,000 116,904,000 119,444,000 Table 2. Milk Production in India and the United States from 2005 to 2011 (FAOSTAT, 2013) Year Country 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 All Milk Production in Tonnes India 95,619,000 99,348,000 105,712,000 108,616,000 111,493,000 116,904,000 119,444,000 USA 80,254,500 82,463,000 84,189,100 86,177,400 85,880,500 87,474,400 89,015,200 % Difference between India and U. S. 19% 20% 26% 26% 30% 34% 34% Cow Milk Production in Tonnes India 39,759,000 41,148,000 44,601,000 47,006,000 47,825,000 49,960,000 52,500,000 USA 80,254,500 82,463,000 84,189,100 86,177,400 85,880,500 87,474,400 89,015,200 % Difference between U. S. and India 102% 100% 89% 83% 80% 75% 70% As we have already seen how the production of milk and its consumption have increased over the past decade thus the problem of it distribution and availability also arises. This brings the problem of Effective distribution channel into light. For the same purpose the study has been undertaken in order to Measure the Effectiveness of the Distribution System of Baroda Dairy. Introduction to Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. The GCMMF is the largest food products marketing organisation of India. It is the apex organisation of the Dairy Cooperatives of Gujarat. Over the last five and a half decades, Dairy Cooperatives in Gujarat have created an economic network that links more than 3. 1 million village milk producers with millions of consumers in India. The cooperatives collect on an average 9. 4 million litres of milk per day from their producer members, more than 70% of whom are small, marginal farmers and landless labourers and include a sizeable population of tribal folk and people belonging to the scheduled castes. The turnover of GCMMF (AMUL) during 2010–11 was 97. 74 billion (US$1. 7 billion). It markets the products, produced by the district milk unions in 30 dairy plants. The farmers of Gujarat own the largest state of the art dairy plant in Asia – Mother Dairy, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – which can handle 3. 0 million litres of milk per day and process 160 MTs of milk powder daily. GCMMF is a unique organization which is created by farmers, managed by competent professionals serving a very competitive and challenging consumer market. It is a true testimony of synergistic national development through the practice of modern management methods. GCMMF Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF), is Indias largest food product marketing organisation with annual turnover (2012-13) US$ 2. 54 billion. Its daily milk procurement is approx 13 million lit per day from 16914 village milk cooperative societies, 17 member unions covering 24 districts, and 3. 18 million milk producer members. It is the Apex organisation of the Dairy Cooperatives of Gujarat, popularly known as AMUL, which aims to provide remunerative returns to the farmers and also serve the interest of consumers by providing quality products which are good value for money. Its success has not only been emulated in India but serves as a model for rest of the World. It is exclusive marketing organisation of Amul and Sagar branded products. It operates through 48 Sales Offices and has a dealer network of 5000 dealers and 10 lakh retailers, one of the largest such networks in India. Its product range comprises milk, milk powder, health beverages, ghee, butter, cheese, Pizza cheese, Ice-cream, Paneer, chocolates, and traditional Indian sweets, etc. GCMMF is Indias largest exporter of Dairy Products. It has been accorded a Trading House status. Many of our products are available in USA, Gulf Countries, Singapore, The Philippines, Japan, China and Australia. GCMMF has received the APEDA Award from Government of India for Excellence in Dairy Product Exports for the last 13 years. For the year 2009-10, GCMMF has been awarded Golden Trophy for its outstanding export performance and contribution in dairy products sector by APEDA. For its consistent adherence to quality, customer focus and dependability, GCMMF has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. It received the Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Award in1999 in Best of All Category. In 2002 GCMMF bagged Indias Most Respected Company Award instituted by Business World. In 2003, it was awarded the The IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Award 2003 for adopting noteworthy quality management practices for logistics and procurement. GCMMF is the first and only Indian organisation to win topmost International Dairy Federation Marketing Award for probiotic ice cream launch in 2007. The Amul brand is not only a product, but also a movement. It is in one way, the representation of the economic freedom of farmers. It has given farmers the courage to dream. To hope. To live. GCMMF An Overview