Criminal Trends Essay

There is no question that crime has had and continues to hinder society. The criminal justice system is an intricate part of society and is essential that this system remains capable of adequately dealing with the latest crime trends. It was the establishment of the consistency with the Social Commission that the number or crimes should become a priority so that the facts and statistics developed can be readily available for use. When the first crimes were recorded over 60 years ago there findings showed crime trends in larceny, physical assaults, and homicide. As time progressed into today the studies conducted show an increase and broader concept to include organized crime from the mafias, organized crime involving gangs, trafficking of illegal drugs, and the illegal trafficking of humans. The interface between components of the criminal justice system and criminal justice connections with surrounding society is always changing. There are many components that affect society and criminal justice system. Components such as the increase of juvenile crimes, gun control, technology, and legalization of drugs, terrorism, and the list can continue. The two main components that have the largest effect from society to the criminal justice system are going to the increasing advancement of technology and the newly risen debate of gun control. These two components have the largest impact on society and the criminal justice system. Past trends that affected the criminal justice system: Society and the criminal justice system had their share of crime during the past. The crime that was handled during this time was difficult as it is today when something new occurs and has to be handled. Years ago there was not the forensics capabilities or the technology that we have today to solve murders and other crimes. The technological devices and advances that are available today were not present; therefore, requiring society and the criminal justice system do the best they each could do. The criminal justice system and its many agencies did not have bullet proof vests, GPS search systems, DNA/forensics, computers, Internet, biometric imagery, database information centers, telephones, walkie-talkies, and the list continues. Depending on how deep in the past things is observed or studied the criminal justice system and society had a different relationship than what is found today between the two. Society was not as quick to get involved with matters that did not concern them or their families; however, society had more of a hardcore respect for the criminal justice system especially, law enforcement. Technology is not the only component that affects the criminal justice system and society, gun laws and rights do so as well. In 1787, under The Bill of Rights in the second amendment was established allowing the American citizens to the â€Å"right to keep and bear arms† (Lee, 2012). Gun Control issues that are prevalent today were not seen as issues in the past and possibly could be seen differently in the future. There has been laws and policies created in the past that if they were not established the impact would be horrible for today’s criminal justice system. The list below complies to the past circumstances with gun control to make what society and the criminal justice system has developed recently. 1934 The National Firearms Act was established to help maintain, control, and tax firearms used during the prohibition era (Lee, 2012). * 1938 The Federal Firearms Act was established to begin the process of record keeping and acquiring a licensing for sellers (Lee, 2012). * 1968 The Gun Control Act was established to prohibit anyone from purchasing a long gun through the postal service, prohibits convicted felons, drug users, and the mental ill from obtaining the right to carry a firearm (Lee, 2012). 1990 The Crime Control Act was created to make certain areas gun-free zones, such locations that of a school area (Lee, 2012). The fact that these actions created and maintain from the past a foundation that we use today when dealing with any form of gun violence or gun requirement. In past people could carry a gun inside facilities, own whatever make or model that was present at the time, children knew how to shoot, children could carry a gun (western days); however, with the incidents that occurred developed the impact that we carry on today in society. The truth behind every act or law there is a reason to why it was created, established, and enforced. Recent and present trends that affecting the criminal justice system: According to Cetron and Davis, â€Å"the exponential rate at which technology is changing directly affecting policing today. While it offers new tools for officers, it is also providing extremely lucratively and easy means of criminal activity. † The criminal justice system and citizens are both affected by this change. Technology has progressed so rapidly over the past decade alone that criminals are committing crimes internationally, and this is making the job of law enforcement agencies even more difficult, more time consuming, and more dangerous. The criminal justice system does still have corruption from different agencies, especially the law enforcement. Today, technological advancements, and crime control relate to investigator and investigations may not significantly decrease violent crimes, only time will tell if technology advancements are hindering the criminal justice system and the privacy that Americans so desire nowadays (Muraskin, 2009). One of the most important technological creations used today is smartphones. Smartphones are equipped with cameras to take live and still shots, voice recordings, application downloads, file storage, area to link other equipment into the phone, and the list continues. The second most important technological device that has been created and used today by society and members of the criminal justice system with the different agencies is The Global Positioning System or GPS. The second trend that has taken toll recently with society and the criminal justice system and its many agencies is gun control. The horrible incident that occurred at Sandy Hook elementary school where innocent children lost their lives started a national conversation on the revision of gun control policies and acts presently in effect (Greathouse, 2013). Issues such as assault weapons bans, ammunition access, deterring the use of guns by criminals and the potentially violent, and the influence of violent media are in question because of this horrible attack. The role of law enforcement and the courts in reducing further incidents of gun violence has also been at the forefront of the hgun violence discussion. There have been efforts to impose harsher sentences for gun crimes, producing stark difference in the federal versus state or local penalties in some areas† (Goldberger, 2008). Society has mixed emotions of the possible increments that could affect their ability to maintain their second amendment right. The main argument with most individuals in society is that guns don’t kill people, but people kill people. The possibility of divided society is strong if society loses their rights to â€Å"bear arms†, and on the other hand member of the criminal justice system who are also a part of society when off duty will have to handle the aspect of a â€Å"twin edged sword. † Future trends that will affect the criminal justice system: Attorney General Eric Holder stated, â€Å"The globalization of criminal networks and advances in technology have made international criminal organizations a significant threat to the safety and security of our nation. Preparing for the future in the criminal justice system with its many agencies and society is a hit and miss. The technology possibilities are endless. The new crimes that can occur or the possibility of terrorism happening again in this country are always strong. According to Nancy M. Ritter, â€Å" There is no question that terrorism, the growth of multicultural populations, massive migration, upheavals in age composition demographics, technological developments, and globalization in the future will affect the criminal justice system† (Ritter, 2004). Society is ever changing with the flow of the economy and the different cultures and nationalities that are present. It is a fact that we cannot control what has happened in the past, but we do have some control on what happens in the future. Society and the criminal justice system with its many agencies needs to develop an understanding and a respect for each other immediately so that when situations occur that no one in particular is involved respect for the decision and outcome are acceptable. Value of the criminal justice system in a changing society: People of society want to feel safe in our communities no matter where we are or what we are doing. There should not by any shape or form of reasoning to why individuals should not feel safe within their own homes, communities, and neighborhoods. People should be able to arise every day without having to look around and make sure if it is safe to leave their domain. Individuals should be able to walk down the street without having to look constantly over his or her shoulders in fear of harm. The relationship between the criminal justice system and society is not a complex relationship. Society is involved in many steps, policies, and procedures within the criminal justice system. Society helps with the elections of officials and also has a possible role in law making. Individuals from society help in the courtroom proceedings as well as they are members of a jury. According to Muraskin and Roberts, who states that â€Å"society is a part of the criminal justice system and its protocol such as the prevention of crime, policy making, and witnesses during court cases and jury members during courtroom proceedings. The criminal justice system is establish with law enforcement help enforce the laws of the â€Å"land† and protect the individuals in society. Society and the criminal justice system has had their differences that changed the perception and amount of respect some individuals had toward the system, but strive forward the past has to be let gone. Soceity and the criminal justice system has to work to work together to maintain a safe and stable living en vironment for everyone. The value of the criminal justice system in a changing society is irrefutable. Society would be nowhere if there was not a crimirnal justice system. If the criminals justice system did not exist, and this country would be taken over by organized crime, terrorst groups, by drugs, identity theft, prostitution, human trafficking, and the list continues. The system gives society their rights, what keeps them safe and what upholds the law. Our societies are changing daily with the increasing illegal immigrants who are located within our borders. The increaseing amount of illegal immigrants develops differences in races, cultures, beliefs, and ideology. The crimnal justice system keeps many of these things from taking over our nation and witout them there is no hope. â€Å"Predictions and visions of the furture are makred by challegnges, expectatons, advaced preparedness, and techological developments. Crminal justice professionals are encountering enormous challenes and organizational changes, Whether or not the technologically advnaced changes in criminal justice investgations and crime control will contnue to significantly reduce violent crime rates remains to be seen. But, technological and social developments as well as policy changes offer much promises for the future† (Muraskin, 2009). Conclusion: The crimes that society has had to contend within the past still hinder the criminal justice system along with the new elements of crime. Crime trends are extending beyond the border of the United States and are a challenge globally. Cybercrimes are on the rise as society becomes more dependent upon electronic data gadgets and the Internet. The criminal justice system of today is believed by many not to be capable of remaining effective without change. The current methods of dealing with criminals and their crimes are ineffective toward the current crime trends. This will require changes in the way the grand jury operates on an everyday basis. The most practical effective method for the grand jury would be to meet and discuss current crimes and punishments without an authoritarian disposition. The ongoing fact is that the criminal justice system has and will contour to change. Criminal will come up with new and clever ways to commit their crimes and the criminal justice system has to come up with ways to combat these advancements. Society will always have criminals therefore making the constant need for the criminal justice system and all the agencies involved. The criminal justice system will always be an ever evolving field within society. Society changes on a regular basis and with change from within society develops the technological needs are established. In other words, as society changes the needs that it takes to be more productive is altered to fit the present situation. The barriers that come along can affect how the criminal justice system interprets on how to control and maintain the situation. The fundamental basis of the criminal justice system is to protect and serve the community. The criminal justice system has to stay ahead of the game, especially the changes that occur in society. Crime trends may not last; therefore, receiving a fundamental explanation of how long crime trends will last is anyone’s guess because different trends have no set time frame to how long they are going last. Trends whether what nature they are come and go and other develop in another ones place. Changes over time in crime trends and patterns have significant consequences, which affect the criminal justice system as well as to the essential departments because if one were to look at â€Å"such areas as health, housing, and employment consistent trends ad patterns emerge, whereas America lacks the information and comprehensive research on crime trends† (Goldberger, 2008).

The advancement of human civilization

The development of products and modernization are in each other’s pocket.   People simply travel by foot before but now, mankind can travel by air, land and sea.A hundred years ago, a company doesn’t need computers to run its business. Today, the need to adopt information technology is a matter of necessity for the survival of business.   The advancement of human civilization is marked by advances in Sciences which is best manifested in the development of products and services available to the people.   As civilization advances, our needs also dynamically change.Advertising is at the core of change because it is primarily the method by which information about new things i.e. products and services are communicated or disseminated for the eventual adoption and acceptance of society. To say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need undermines the important role it plays in introducing and initiating progressive change in society.Moreover, to view advertising in this manner connotes a negative idea because it would distort its static function of information dissemination to a means of manipulating people into believing something that is not true.  Ã‚   Advertising is neither good nor bad but is just a means to an end.Whether that end is good or bad makes advertising good and bad as well.   This on the other hand depends on the perspective of the person who views it or on which side the person is in terms of the information that advertisement carries. An advertising campaign for Nazism is apparently bad for most people but is good in the perspective of advocates of Hitler.Advertising is a component of the marketing process i.e. under product promotion which is designed to inform potential customers about a particular product and service of a company.   Following the essence of marketing, advertisements ultimately tell us about new products that may improve our lives.   â€Å"Marketing is the management process wh ich identifies, anticipates, and supplies customer requirements efficiently and profitably.† (Hoffmann).Products are developed through market research, which involve understanding needs and preferences of customers and finding a competitive edge or differentiating it from the weaknesses and strengths of one’s competitors.   Products are therefore developed ultimately as a response to the identified and anticipated needs of the people.   Advertising functions to communicate how innovations in new products are able to address those needs for the convenience of people and generally to improve life or advance the civilization.Of course, we don’t need cars, computers or any other appliances to survive. Mankind had evolved to have all the resources he/ she needed for basic survival.   However, mankind is also not static.   It is a rational creature in a constant pursuit to improve its life by creating new products and services.   Cars where invented even thou gh we have feet for transport.   Indeed, we don’t need cars for primordial survival, but transportation had definitely and progressively changed how mankind conducted life.Advertising played the crucial role of introducing not the need but the advantage and convenience of transportation or having a car in as much as it did for all other products and services.   Advertising therefore was essentially meant to inform people of new products that are meant to improve our lives because these new products and services where designed to address or respond to our needs and preferences   In which case, advertising partakes in setting social progress by introduction of new products and services.That advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need may have stemmed from the idea of advertising as a tool for propaganda. Because propaganda as a form of communication through mass media is one sided, some modern theorists are critical and wary that this will be used by the powerful elites to impute and infuse values and beliefs which are not necessarily true but are meant to serve their own selfish purposes.   (Perry).In which case, advertisements are meant to persuade or shape people’s thoughts.   Such is the case for products and services that more than just being informative are astutely designed position product and create company image.They effectively incite people to buy things and patronize products in a subliminal and benevolent approach.   For instance, MasterCard’ priceless campaign emphasize on what is priceless; it gives less attention to the cost of what we buy or the need for buying it.   Nevertheless, credit cards indeed provide us the convenience of paying or carrying cash.   In which case, people need to be critical of the information that they receive.   Whether they need the product or service advertised is ultimately up to the consumer to decide.ReferencesHoffmann, Stefanie. Are the 4 P's of Internationa l Marketing of Equal Importance to All Firms? What Factors Might Cause Some to More Or Less Important Than Others? A Short Article, GRIN Verlag, 2008Perry, D. Theory and Research in Mass Communication: Contexts and Consequences. Erlbaum, Publications, 2002   

Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Story - Essay Example One of the eyewitnesses brought us to the hospital. However, there was an absence of blood for my sister and we could lose her. Luckily, I was a match and my blood helped my sister to survive. What impressed me most was the situation under which the sister received professional help. There were no modern equipment or supplies in the hospital, however, that did not stop doctors, who were obviously so dedicated to what they were doing, from giving the qualified help to my sister. I was watching the simultaneous and concerted efforts of doctors within their team and I realized I wanted passionately to join them. To some extent, the accident predicated making of a decision to become someone who will be able to help others. I decided to apply to a medical school so my dream, which I was nurturing over these years, came true. I have decided to become a gynecologist, a doctor whose aim is to take care of women and give them an opportunity to bring the most precious gift to the world- a new life. During the five years, which I spent working in hospitals of Baghdad, three of them I assisted Dr. Sabri as a volunteer medical technician in an emergency medicine while I was finishing high school and living with my grandparents. Dr. Sabri also helped me to resolve my problem with housing and found the one inside the hospital. I was also hoping to attend college, however, that was not a safe time for a woman to go to training sessions and back to the campus alone and then live there without any family. That is why I greatly appreciated Dr. Sabri’s help with housing. In the period of war, there was a singular access to electricity in the hospital and I used to be the one who was aware of it. Such availability gave me many opportunities to exercise a leadership role. I had also several cases that happened with people outside the hospital and who needed urgent medical help. Thus, once I helped an elderly woman in the shopping center in

The Novikov Telegram, September 27, 1946 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Novikov Telegram, September 27, 1946 - Essay Example The evidence he uses to justify this perspective stems from the â€Å"the real meaning† of the claims of the American leadership of the right to lead the world. These words have been followed up by the enlisting of the army, the air force, the navy, industry, and science in America to serve this long-term goal of the American foreign policy. In addition Novikov cites the existence of â€Å"broad plans† for the expansion leading to world domination, and the use of diplomacy in implementing these plans by the setting up a system of air and naval bases that are far beyond the boundaries of the United States of America. Further evidence cited by Novikov to justify the long-term goal of world domination in American foreign policy through the arms race and the development of â€Å"newer types of weapons†. The newer types of weapons that Novikov refers to are the atomic bombs possessed by the United States of America, which at that time was not possessed by any other co untry. Novikov goes on further to say that the United States of America was moving towards ending the allied occupation of Germany so that by establishing democracy in Germany, it could be used to in the service of the plans of the United States of America for world domination. (1). To Novikov the American strategy in its timing of entry into Second World War was planned on assisting it aims to dominate the world. During the Second World War the main theatres of war were in Europe and Asia. As far as possible the United States of America would not enter the Second World war and if pushed to it would delay its entry in such a manner that with minimal effort it could decide the course of the war, as the main combatants by then would weak and weary of the war. This strategy had to twin benefits on one hand the leading nations of the world involved in the battles of the second world war would be weakened while the fresh American forces would retain their strength and this would allow them to

Navajo Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Navajo Music - Essay Example The context of music is considered in terms of where it should be performed, she function that it serves and the type of audience. The history of the music is also considered.   Navajo music is made up of wide range of genres such as rap, rock and country music and they are performed in either their native language or in English. It traditional takes the form of ceremonial chants and echo themes. The ancient Navajo music is vocal accompanied by instruments such as rattles, rasp, flute, bullroarer and drumsticks. Their songs are mainly sacred with spiritual messages in them. They also have patriotic, recreational and work songs that do not have sacred themes in them. The popular songs are for public performances while the sacred ones are reserved for religious ceremonies and events.2.  Activities involving musicThis is concerned with how the people put music into practice. It further answers the question on how the practice of making the music is reflected in the larger social nor ms. The Navajo perform their sacred music in ceremonies and rituals that are usually not to be recorded, filmed or made available to the members of the public in any way. The singers who sing the sacred songs must also be qualified to offers prayers to the gods. The vocalists who lead the prayers are in a position to come up with harmony, balance as well as health matters in the songs.This aspect of music considers the style, genres, text, movement, transmission, composition and text. Style is defined as the organization of the music sound

Business Management Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business Management Proposal - Essay Example (Rigby, 2005) The basic aim of the proposal would be to develop a modification of law based on the marketing plan for Visual Management Systems Ltd for expansion into the southern States of the country. Apart form this central theme it would also be looked upon there should be enough opportunity and specified methods to penetrate and expand market segments for the company in relation to the use and capability of the CCTV related security technology from the parameters of marketing and for this aspects too your moral and legislative help is extremely needed. The world is in the midst of an all-purpose technological revolution based on CCTV related security technology, defined here as visual security, software related surveillance techniques, and CCTV related security equipment. The macroeconomic benefits of the CCTV related security technology revolution are already apparent in some economies, especially the United States and United Kingdom. Historical experience has shown that such revolutions have often been accompanied by financial booms and busts, and the CCTV related security technology revolution has been no exception. But, while spending on CCTV related security technology goods is likely to remain stable ... While technological change is an ongoing process, there are periods during which technological progress is especially rapid, resulting in new products and falling prices of existing products that have widespread uses in the rest of the economy. Such periods are generally identified with CCTV related security technology revolutions. (Hood, 2003) Earlier examples include textiles production and steam power in the industrial revolution, railroads in the nineteenth century, and electricity in the early twentieth century (the automobile could also be included, but its development was relatively gradual). The effects of such revolutions have generally occurred in three (often overlapping) main stages. First, technological change raises productivity growth in the innovating sector; second, falling prices encourage capital deepening; and, finally, there can be significant reorganization of production around the capital goods that embody the new technology. (Hall, 2006) The growth of the CCTV related security technology sector in the 1980s was an important development for the economy, but it spurred relatively little policy or media interest. True, CCTV related security technology was recognized as a driver of comparative advantage for the US and the UK and there were a few initiatives involving industrial policy and military preparedness, CCTV related security technology was of interest primarily to specialists. (Prawer, 2005) A unique confluence of forces certainly came together in the 1990s: rapid technological advances in the technology sector; widespread recognition that security could be used to comparative advantage as well as process it; the rapid

Contract Law Problem Question - Breach of Contract Essay

Contract Law Problem Question - Breach of Contract - Essay Example A breach of contract occurs when a party to it acts inconsistently with his obligations either by implications or express words without lawful excuse. The onus is on Peter to prove that there was, in fact, a breach committed by David. Generally, the act that is allegedly in breach must have â€Å"such an effect, that the party in question has put it out of his power to perform his obligations† (Alfred C Toepfer International GmbH vs Itex Hagrani Export SA (1993) 1 Lloyd’s Rep 360, 362). Moreover, Peter is not required to wait for David to perform, and the effect of the breach is immediate (Hochester v. De La Tour (1853). In order for the breach to be classified as a repudiatory breach, that is one allowing Peter to set aside the performance of the contract, the breach must be one of condition or a serious innominate term and not warranty. The current scenario entails a breach of time, which is generally of the essence. It is arguable that this breach is one of condition, and the immediate consequence of that for Peter is his right to elect one of two alternatives; terminate the performance of or affirm the contract, communication either of them in a reasonable amount of time (Stocznia Gdanska SA v. Latvian Shipping Company (2002)). Since Peter has opted to stay at the house and continue running it as a guest house, he has decided to opt for the affirmation of the contract, which will be affected just by merely continuing with his obligations of running the business while maintaining a healthy profit (Davenport v. R (1877)). Thus, Peter is advised to affirm the contract and apply for an order of specific performance by exercising his right of election and issue a claim in damages.

Economics Economic Growth Models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economics Economic Growth Models - Essay Example As the paper stresses one common theme of these models is that the economy will have a steady growth rate that depends on labor force growth and technological growth. New Growth Theory came about because of discontent within the circle of economists with the Neoclassical Growth Model. New Growth Theory was developed during the 1950's and 1960's. It returned to the forefront of economic thought during the 1980's because many felt that the old theories were outdated and did not fit the modern world. The new theory, based on knowledge and creativity, was developed to fit modern economic growth. This new theory is also called Endogenous Growth Theory because changes are made within the model rather than exogenously (outside the model). According to this theory mind power (knowledge) and creativity are important factors in production and, added to labor and capital, increase economic growth. This theory states that creativity added to labor increases growth, creativity improves both capit al and labor, and creativity extends resources and tends to abundance.This paper outlines that in New Growth Theory creativity rearranges resources and thus resources become unlimited. In the neoclassical growth model resources are limited. Subsidies in research and development are argued to increase growth due to an increase in knowledge and innovation. Big players in the development of this model were Theodore Schultz, an economist at the University of Chicago, and Gary Becker, Nobel Prize winner for economics in 1992. Schultz, also a Nobel Prize winner, developed theories about the use of human capital to increase agricultural production. Shultz theorized that investing in education would invariably increase agricultural output. Becker added on to Shultz's theory by explaining that expenditures on education, skills training, and medical care can be considered human capital and can, if invested in, increase productivity and output.

Connection between language,culture and identity Essay

Connection between language,culture and identity - Essay Example d accent, be the words written or in an electronic form, however in Hall’s view â€Å"Language is one of the ‘media’ through which thoughts, ideas and feelings are represented in a Culture† (Hall, 1968, p. 1), which is true since language is the only mode of transportation in a culture and for these thoughts and ideas to be transported from one person to another it is necessary that the individuals or people between whom thoughts have to be transported speak and understand the same language thus enabling them to decipher each other’s thoughts, feelings and ideas. When we discuss language as the only means of transportation of thoughts and feelings from one person to another we not only speak of words spoken or written but also of symbols and signs and any other means which we classify into one word ‘language’ to simplify things a bit. Hence language is a mode of representation; this representation may be in any form, including symbols, w ords, sounds, musical notes, body language or facial expressions. As Stuart Hall explains about the relation between language and representation; insisting that languages ‘utilise’ representation and are in fact methods of representation which, not only in written form or through dialogue, help in expressing ourselves be it an idea or a feeling. Hall further debates that all of the languages function on similar elements feeding their own creation by the need of people to express and communicate. Therefore all our actions or gestures represent something and ‘language’ is what delivers that representation though the case may be that a particular language delivers the representation of a particular culture. Moreover Hall points out that apart from us people, industries such as fashion industries also use representation through clothing and hence a language to express their ideas, but what factor it is that gives ‘meaning’ to these ideas and though ts and even to people and language? Hall clarifies that;

Martha Graham Essay Example for Free

Martha Graham Essay Yes, I would do that. I had found my fate. †(Hari 70) Daoud Hari is a man that travels in and out of Darfur many, many times putting himself at risk. He was willing to risk his own life while many others think only of themselves. Bravery is not something many people are born with. Some people may obtain it and some do not. Martha Graham is one of the people that did obtain bravery, and it was a very strong bravery that is very rare to find. â€Å"Martha Graham’s dancing and choreography exposed the depths of human emotion through movements that were sharp, angular, jagged, and direct. (â€Å"Martha Graham Dancer’s Journal†) Martha Graham experimented with many different movements and many different ways so her dancing was very different from the dance movement people were most comfortable with. Many people criticized her and told her that her work was too out of the ordinary. â€Å"If Graham ever gave birth,† one critic equipped, â€Å"it would be to a cube. † (â€Å"The Dancer†) No matter what critics said, she kept going. Martha Graham was an innovative and focused individual. Her love of dance was so intense she refused to leave the stage when critic’s said she was too old. That’s the type of bravery people need, the bravery to keep doing something that one believes in when the majority is against them. Daoud Hari’s bravery is similar to Martha Graham’s. Daoud Hari had to learn to accept what might happen to him if he kept returning to Darfur. Sometimes it is difficult to accept the fate, but Daoud Hari was willing to accept the possibility of death if it meant he could change the way people viewed Darfur. â€Å"No single group held the territory. There was no one to call for permission to come through. This is when it is most dangerous to travel. † (Hari 122) Daoud Hari always had to get where he needed to be. No matter what the circumstances were at the time, he provided as much information as possible to the reporters traveling with him to get the word out about Darfur. Armed with his ability to speak Zaghawa, Arabic, and English he was able to translate for the news and aid organizations. Even though the government of Sudan had outlawed journalists to the region, Daoud Hari risked the possibility of capture and even death. This is complete bravery- to accept something that could happen any moment of any day at any time. Heroes need to have trust in themselves. Martha Graham always had trust in herself no matter what she did. Most of her works she created were based on a historical or emotional feeling. â€Å"There are always ancestral footsteps behind me, pushing me, when I am creating a new dance, and gestures are flowing through me. Whether good or bad, they are ancestral. † (Yaari) The dances with a historic background behind them were called the Greek cycle. These dances were the ones that officially made her famous. The movements in them were so empowering people were shocked after experiencing them. The reason people liked them was because they related so much to how harsh history had been to society in the past and how it might be in the future. Serious issues such as the Great Depression and the Spanish Civil War were brought to the stage along with the dark emotions experienced by all. If she had never followed her brain, heart, or spirit then none of these dances would have come alive. Trusting in herself was a key factor in the making of many of her works. Martha Graham, much like Daoud Hari, had to find a way to believe in herself and take dance to the next level whether based on her gut feeling or her spirit regardless of what people thought of her. Daoud Hari always followed his gut. Whenever he saw people in pain, he would trust his gut and try and help the people in need no matter who they were or what they believed in. â€Å"The commander ordered a soldier to go get him some food, but I said that he must not eat our kind of food, that someone must go into town and get him an American-style sandwich that a white man could eat, and a coke or Pepsi. There was an argument about the cost of this, but I assured the commander that our food would kill this man, and I truly believed that he was not strong enough for anything but his own food. (Hari 160) Daoud Hari is one of the few in the world that could actually tell a guard to go get another prisoner food because the prisoner looked like he was about to die. Trusting his gut that the guard would do it is about 99% of the battle that he had to face. It was not getting the prisoners food; it was standing up to the guard and saying that he will die if he does not have an American- style meal. Martha Graham and Daoud H ari are both heroes in their own way. They both have confidence, bravery, and trust in themselves, which are the necessary traits that a hero needs to be a true hero. In the world there are people who see bad things being done to people and do not do anything about it and there are people who do something about the bad things being done. This is essential because Daoud Hari and Martha Graham both helped the people that needed to be helped. Martha Graham helped dancers develop a new style that they might like better than ballet, providing a wider spectrum to choose from. Daoud Hari helped numerous news reporters get into Darfur and get back out safely with what they wanted and what they needed to know about what is happening in Darfur.

Marketing Analysis: Kellogg Cornflakes

Marketing Analysis: Kellogg Cornflakes Kelloggs has persisted in the market as a strong brand in the FMCG industry. Its cereal flakes is a line of product that has been accepted worldwide as one of the most convenient ready to eat meal for breakfast. Over the years people in most countries has consumed more of Kelloggs products than any of its competitors. Annual report of the company shows in late 1980s the company had reached all time peak, gaining a staggering 40 percent in the US ready to eat market and thereby prompting a yearly sales of US $6 billion. In 1990s since the industry in the core markets of U.S and U.K started to face stiff competition with lots of players entering, Kelloggs made a decision to migrate into the Indian market. The market potential was huge since it was a population of 950 millions, out of which 250 million were middle class and was a completely untapped market. In 1994 Kelloggs entered the Indian Market by investing US$ 65 million into launching its flagship product Corn Flakes. However the Indian Consumers found it hard to merge the concept of Corn Flakes with their lifestyle. The most prevalent practice was boiled vegetables and hence the concept of ready to eat failed in India. Even though the first year sales were encouraging, the sales started falling from the second year. It was becoming apparent that people mainly purchased it as a onetime novelty purchase. This study reflects the possible ways in which the brand can be sustained as a successful one in the Indian market. Devising a Marketing plan using the SOSTAC Model: Situational Analysis using SWOT: Strength: High Global Market Share: Kelloggs has 65% global market share according to the audit of March 2010 conducted by KPMG, in the ready-to-eat cereal products and it is also the leading producer in this category. Strong Brand: As a brand the worth of Kelloggs is 13 billion USD at the present time, and even in the period of strong economic crisis it is regarded as one of the profitable brands in US and the European Countries. Some of the brands under Kelloggs are widely accepted. Nutri-gain, Pop-tarts, Kebbler and Ego are just to name a few of them. Large Product Line: In terms of the depth and width of the product mix, Kelloggs has got a wide variety of packaged cereal flakes. It has also stated producing products in assorted categories other than cereal flakes such as choco flakes for children, and also categories such as vegan, certified halal meat, low sodium content and gluten free flakes. Kelloggs also has a healthy food category. Continuous Research to reduce cost: Kelloggs invests a substantial amount on Research and development in order to reduce cost. They have also set up their manufacturing plants in South East Asian countries in order to produce at the expense of cheaper labour and to reduce cost on logistics. Weakness: High Price: A package of 475 grams of Kelloggs corn flakes cost 130 INR which is considered to be pretty high from the Indian perspective. Most housewives who are potential shoppers do opine that this pack lasts for a maximum of 3 usages. This is not regarded as economical from the Indian perspective. Unsuitable for Indian Lifestyle: The general Indian practice was of using warm milk, which was very contradictory to the American concept of using cold milk. Due to the usage of warm milk, the flakes became soggy. Declining Sales: Asia represents only 2% of the Kelloggs worldwide sales. Since its inception in 1994, the countrywide sales have dropped by 25%. Bad relation with Supermarkets: To be in tandem with its pricing Kelloggs should establish itself to sell more through the Supermarkets. However Kelloggs recently had to suffer a lot due to its bad relationship with Supermarkets. For instance Kelloggs products were moved from the shelves of Food Bazaar since it was giving the retailer a much lesser margin than Tasty Treat which is its private label. Opportunity: Globalisation: Due to the effect of globalisation, Indians are now more exposed to the International Cultures. The youth in India now tries to imitate a lot of the lifestyles prevalent in U.K and U.S.A. Increasing level of Disposable Income: Being a growing economy, the income level is rising, hence if Kelloggs can switch over from being a premium pricing brand to a slightly competitive pricing brand, it would be able to extract the money from Indians. Advent of Television Advertising: Due to a continuous improvement in the quality of television advertising, advertisement campaigns are creating awareness and interest towards a brand at a faster. A brand like Kelloggs Choco can be very popular in this way. Threats: Private Label Brands: With supermarkets such as Food Bazaar, Spencer, More, etc gaining more margins on private label brands, it is becoming difficult for Kelloggs to maintain its shelf space in super markets. Local Competitors: Some local and regional competitors such as Crunchy Oats are becoming stronger players due to their low pricing strategies. The Environmental Analysis Using Porters 5 Forces: C:UsersstephenDesktopimages.jpg Degree of Rivalry: (High) Face a stiff competition in Indian market from Local and Regional players such as Crunchy Oats and private label brands such as Tasty Treat. Even global players such as Nestle are giving them tough competition in products within the kids segment. An oligopolistic competition structure exists within the industry. Switching cost is negligible, and most consumers regard switching to be profitable since they get better quality product at a lesser price. Growth is stagnant for the last five years whereas the Industry is expanding. Bargaining Power of Buyers: (High) Supermarkets are continuously forcing to reduce price of products to obtain higher margins, hence consumers are more inclined towards private label brands. Switching cost is again negligible. In certain semi urban and developing areas of the country, people still find it difficult to associate with the concept of consuming cereal flakes in cold milk. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: (Low) The company has a central manufacturing unit in the country and about 20 other units across the world. Raw materials are sourced from the local market. Hence the supplier bargaining power is low. Threat of Substitutes: (High) Other ready to eat and packaged food products are more popular among Indian consumers such as Maggie Noodles. Maggie noodles are more preferred since they are served hot. There is no switching cost involved. Threat of New Entrants: (High) It is difficult for competitors to develop new products in this category since they would require investment and time to develop. Distribution is a major concern. High slotting promotional fees, limited shelf space, and the need to create retail demand are additions to the manufacturing cost. Capital costs are very high since setting up production facilities and distribution chain takes into account a high upfront investment. Objective Setting at different strategic levels: Corporate Strategy: To increase profitability by 23% worldwide by 2011 Business level Strategy: To gain 50% market share countrywide in India by 2011. Marketing Strategy: To become the breakfast meal of 70% of the urban Indian Household by 2011. Developing Strategies: Creating a Growth Strategy using the Ansoffs Matrix: C:Documents and SettingssoumyadeepMy DocumentsMy Picturesuntitled.bmp Kelloggs operates in a country wherein it is an existing brand for the last five years. All products in the product line are known to consumers and a market for such products has also developed. Hence the strategy that Kelloggs should undertake in order to increase its sales is Market Penetration. Kelloggs being an established brand would not have a problem in penetrating the market and increasing its share. The risk factor would also be considerably low. In order to penetrate Kelloggs has to look at two things: Creating a different position for the brand through a better communication and in turn developing a new improved value proposition. Kelloggs must make utilization of cost reduction in order to gain price leadership in the market. Once the product appeals to consumers they will purchase it readily due to the low price. If the company can sell a higher volume at a lesser margin, then they can combat competition successfully. Creating a competitive strategy using Porters Generic Strategies: Kelloggs being an FMCG product has to have an Industry wide strategic scope. However according to the research Kelloggs should practice a combination of Differentiation and Overall Cost leadership. Kelloggs as a brand has a large portfolio of products and each product have its own uniqueness. Hence they should continue to leverage on the differentiation aspect. However a major challenge that Kelloggs faces is its premium pricing, on gaining a cost leadership, it can implement a competitive pricing. This will make the brand more attractive. Tactics employed in order to achieve strategic objectives: Product: Pack Size: Since most of the products within the product mix are widely accepted across the globe, Kelloggs should not change the range of cereal flakes that it has. However in order to increase the frequency of purchase, Kelloggs can reduce the minimum pack size from 475g to 250 g so that it becomes more popular amongst young individuals who live a fast life and stay single. For such group of target customers the basket size of purchase is much small. Hence smaller size packs will attract them to a greater extent. Apart from this value packs must be issued initially to pick up sales. These are packs of 500 g at the price of 475g packs. Packaging: Most of Kelloggs packs do not have the nutritive benefits engraved on them (except for Special K). They only contain a small label showing the nutritional ingredients. Over the recent years the urban Indian population has become more diet conscious. Hence it would be advantageous to engrave the nutritive benefits on them. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=3190216 Present packaging new packaging Price: Kelloggs flakes are priced higher than competitors. Prices of three most manufactured Indian Brands are higher than most competitors. 475g of Kelloggs Corn Flakes costs Rs 130, whereas its closest competitor delivers 500g at Rs 109. Kelloggs thus should reduce the price. In the recent company audit report from KPMG it has been found that the most highly purchased product, the Kelloggs choco is priced at Rs 125 for a 375g pack, thus making it difficult for a middle class Indian household to avail it. Kelloggs should promote more of this product by reducing the price. Also in order to obtain better penetration in the market Kelloggs should try and sell more through Supermarkets rather than corner grocery shops. Hence Kelloggs should supply more volume at lesser margin to supermarkets and hypermarkets. Place: Internet: One of the medium through which urban customers are purchasing more of their FMCG products is the internet. The advent of online retailing, Kelloggs must try and sell more through online medium. Especially for institutional sales such as to hospitals and school or college hostels, where purchases are made in bulk, Kelloggs should encourage online sale of products. This will help them in reducing the time to deliver their products faster and help them to sell higher units. Also, the negotiation terms with supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenient stores should be laid in a way such that Kelloggs cereal flakes occupies maximum shelf space in its particular product category. The main objective should be to gain maximum shelf space rather than trying to earn more margins per unit. Promotion: The most important element in the marketing mix of Kelloggs is the promotions. When Kelloggs entered India about fifteen years ago, they lacked research of the behaviour of the Indian consumers. They took no notice of the fact that Indians disliked the concept of consuming cold milk, and the flakes became soggy in warm milk. Hence in order to promote the practice of the consuming normal or cold milk Kelloggs should use the television advertising media effectively. This would create a separate value proposition for the brand. For example time can be used as a parameter to create urgency for the brand. A television advertisement showing this concept will create response among customers. Idea- Showing a household wherein every member is rushing for his or her work or school. In such a short time boiling milk and consuming flakes is a lengthy process. Hence normal milk is used and it even tastes nice. The new mission statement of the brand could be Kelloggs: Your Fast BreakFastà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The other forms of communication channels should be advertising hoardings, posters in super markets and magazines such as Graphiti. In order to promote kids products such as Kelloggs Choco the company can organize event promotions through various retailers and also through sponsorship of kids activities and competitions at schools. Sales promotion would also be done throughout the year through the distribution of freebies. Freebies such as a bowl can be given with a pack of 475g of Kelloggs Corn Flakes. This would be of utility in the consumption process and would in-turn increase sales. Process: Distribution is the pivotal processes that should be taken care of in achieving the objectives After the manufacturing process, the distribution chain should be controlled from different centers. There should be four regional distribution centers (RDC) at the four different zones- Delhi (North), Calcutta (East), Mumbai (West) and Bangalore (South). Each distribution center should supply in its particular zone and each distribution center should use the hub and spoke model. All four distribution centers should be interconnected to each other. The distribution model is as follows: Actions followed to achieve the tactics: The head office of Kelloggs is situated in Mumbai. All plan of action should be coordinated from the Mumbai head office and the decisions should effectively pass on across the distribution centers up to the store level where the product gets handed over to the end consumer. Usage of 2009 Financial Statements (Historical method): The budget is planned based upon an analysis of the income statement of 2009. In the fiscal year 2009 as per the annual reports of the company the net income $1,212 million. The net cash flow in the last quarter has been $1230 million and also as per the last quarter the liquid cash reserves of the company is $527 millions. Hence Kelloggs Corporation can invest a high amount in the development of the Indian market in order to bring it to a growth. The total budget allocated towards marketing activities of the Indian market is. The allocated amount is divided into five discrete divisions to carry out activities. These divisions are packaging, sponsorship, advertisement, sales promotion, event promotion and value packs. To map the budget according to the activities of the organisation a GNATT action chart is used. Activity Time Staff Amount Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Packaging 1 Sponsorship 2 Advertisement 3 Sales Promotion 4 Event Promotion 5 Value Packs 6 Gaining Control over the plan: Control can be gained over the process by using two different approaches: Periodic control: A periodic control can be exercised over the plan by performing Marketing Audits from time to time. The company must not rely only on external auditors such as KPMG, they should also gain control through internal audits performed by auditors within the company. Through marketing audits performance gaps should be identified. The extent to which the results vary from the desired targets should be noted and corrective measures should be taken accordingly. Continuous Control: A continuous control should be introduced by maintenance of a Balanced Scorecard customized specifically for stakeholders perspective of Kelloggs.