Thursday, December 26, 2019

Analysis Of The Health Care Industry - 1088 Words

The health care industry has the highest percentage of occupational hazards of any workforce industry (SIC division structure, 2015). To control these numbers, several state and federal agencies were established to regulate risks to health and personal safety. (OSHA) is one such agency was established to cover all workforce industries, including health services and insurance. The regulatory authority of OSHA is ranged to cover many types of occupational hazards and hazard communication. OSHA procedures are intended to be carried out quickly and decisively in order to ensure and maintain the safest possible working environment and to expose and halt any activities which cause risk. OSHA established in 1970, monitor safety workers and the†¦show more content†¦In addition to the medical professionals healthcare facilities often employ a variety of employees in trades that have associated risks. Trades such as housekeeping, food service, mechanical, building, and grounds maintenance, and administration, each with their own unique set of risks (SIC division structure, 2015). A Brooklyn medical facility experienced OSHA firsthand as they were investigated in 2014 for failing to adequately protect against workplace violence. During their investigation, OSHA found that between the dates of February 7th and April 12, 2014, around 40 individual incidents of workplace violence had occurred, the most serious of which resulted in brain injuries sustained by a nurse who was attacked by a patient. All of the incidents involved staff members being verbally and physically attacked by patients and visitors, or staff members being injured when breaking up fights between patients. A witness for the investigation stated that the administration was aware of the violence and threats, but did nothing to improve the effectiveness of its ineffective workplace violence program or to increase security for employees. The medical center was found to have committed willful violation of OSHA workplace safety regulation and fined $78,000. The medical facility was given fifteen days after receiving theShow MoreRelatedFinancial Analysis On The Health Care Industry791 Words   |  4 PagesIn the modern world of the health care industry, it is vital that organization’s financial statement analyzes be kept up to date and reported accurately within their company. A financial analysis is an evaluative method of determining the past, current and projected performance of a company (Investopedia.com). Collectively, individual patients seek for superior quality of health care services and integrity from professionals who work in the hospitals with patients while serving the communities worldwideRead MoreBusiness Analysis : Health Care Industry2160 Words   |  9 Pagesarrow button. Click one of the styles under Manual Table of Contents, and then type the entries manually.î ¿ ¾ Executive Summary Health-care industry needs several reforms, especially in cost management strategies, in order to survive in a bruised-economy of 21st century. Particularly, information in health-care industry has become more ubiquitous; patients want to receive customized, personalized, on-demand information about their healthcare decisions. 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The consumers are always demanding for more personalize and quality of health care services at the time they are seeking for health care delivery creating nurses supplyRead MoreBiotechnology Industry Analysis1121 Words   |  5 PagesBiotechnology  industry Analysis BACKGROUND The health care industry Provides health products and service which involved the leading technology of life science. It is a fast-growing industry and will continue to grow in the future because of the increasing request to the advanced medical care. The Global Industry Analysis (GIA,2009) predicted that the prescription drug market is value around $897 billion in world economy in 2015, and Asia-Pacific region is expected to have highest growth in prescriptionRead MoreCase Analysis : Systems Acquisition1220 Words   |  5 Pages The Case Analysis: Systems Acquisition Courtney Givler MHA 616 Health Care Management Information Systems Instructor Deborah Bertsch May 9, 2016 The Case Analysis: Systems Acquisition For several years, the healthcare industry has focused on information technology for advancements. Now many health care leaders are seeking more complex information management processes. Information technology has advanced health care from a paper-based industry to a virtual enterprise. Providers are

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

College At Oneonta For My Masters - 774 Words

All of my experiences in life have lead me to apply to SUNY College at Oneonta for my Masters of Science in Education. I have many goals, both professional and academic that are related to school counseling. All throughout school I had many inspirational school counselors that molded who I am today. This set me up for success in my college career. Upon entering college, I began to appreciate the importance of planning and organization in order to build the life I wanted for myself. While completing the application process for graduate school I realized that everything I had done over the years lead to this moment. I thoroughly enjoyed applying for schools, only because I had the confidence and motivation from my many mentors and counselors surrounding me. My friends would ask for my assistance everyday during their own educational planning and I knew I wanted to make a career out of it. During these experiences, I learned the importance of discovering a meaningful life path. This is the most important aspect I will instill in the students I work with on a daily basis. I was lucky enough to have an amazing counselor at my undergraduate college. Jennifer Rooney, Director of Career Development and Engagement at St. Joseph’s College, provided me with amazing advice regarding school counseling. She motivated me to follow through with my dream and encouraged me to use my past experiences as a way to succeed in the field of School Counseling. Working with children is myShow MoreRelatedLabeling, Law, and Americas Drug Policy Essay3279 Words   |  14 PagesAfrican-American women incarcerated for drug offenses in state prisons increased by 82.8 percent from 1986 to 1991 (USBJS). The most painful reality is the shameful disparity between opportunities for college and fast tracks to prison among African Americans. In California, where there are over three times as many college students in the state systems as inmates in state prisons, African American male inmate s outnumber African American male students by an obscene rate of five to one (Progressive InformationRead MoreAdolf Hitler: a Leadership Analysis Essay2261 Words   |  10 Pagesgoal. Internal Environment The internal environment, or the factors that Hitler can control, are in his eyes limitless. Hitler truly believed he was in control of everything. His goals were driven by hatred and a hunger for power. â€Å"Hitler was a master of nationalist appeal† (Green, 2001, pg.13), and â€Å"speech was the essential medium of his power† (Green, 2001, pg.3). The way he viewed the world he lived in, Hitler was able to control everything and everyone around him through his ability to speakRead More Masculine Discrepancies on the Frontier: James Fenimore Coopers Ideal American Man2305 Words   |  10 Pagesnot provide a single definition for this new ideal of American manliness; however, I find that Cooper does put forth a clear aversion towards the sentimental male, whom he paints as incapable of surviving the frontier. He presents David Gamut, the master of psalmody, as a sentimental male who behaves spontaneously and inappropriately on the frontier. At times, when all the othe r characters--including the women--are behaving with vigilance, Cooper describes Gamuts behavior as rather absent-minded

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Parenting Psychology free essay sample

A parent has a huge if not the most effect on children development. Some children were raised in different cultures and environments than others which lead to diversity in everyone’s behaviors and personalities. For example children who are raised by foster care, single parent and abusive parents are categorically different from those who are raised from suitable two parent homes. Although various parents’ different ways and means of raising their children it is observed that the primary role of parents is to influence, teach and control. There are basically four parenting style in existence, Permissive/Indulgent parenting, Authoritarian parenting, Authoritative parenting and Uninvolved parenting. Permissive/Indulgent parenting these are the type of parents that request very few demands of their children, these children in this environment are hardly ever disciplined by their parents, and according to studies these parents are more responsive than they are demanding. They are not like the typical parent and they are very nurturing and take on the role of more of a friendly like status than a parenting one. We will write a custom essay sample on Parenting Psychology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The impact on parenting styles often results in children ranking low in happiness and self-regulations. These children are more likely to experiencing problems with authority officials and also tend to perform low in school academics. Authoritarian parenting is highly directive and demanding, they expect their children to carry out their orders with no reasonable explanation. For example, if asked to explain, the parent might simply reply, Because I said so. Failures to do so usually result in punishment, these parents has high demands but are not responsive to their children. Authoritarian parenting styles generally lead to children who are obedient and proficient, but they rank lower in happiness, social competence and self-esteem. Authoritative parenting this type of parenting is similar to authoritarian parents, with an authoritative parenting style they create rules and guidelines that their children are expected to follow, this parenting style is much more democratic. Authoritative parents are more responsive to their children and willing to listen to questions. If these children fail to meet the expectations, these parents are more nurturing and forgiving rather than punishing. They are assertive, but not intrusive and restrictive. Their disciplinary methods are supportive, rather than punitive. This parenting style tends to result in children who are happy, capable and successful. Permissive/Indulgent parenting this parenting style is characterized by few demands, low responsiveness and little communication. While these parents fulfill the childs basic needs, they are generally detached from their childs life. In extreme cases, these parents often may even reject or neglect the needs of their children. Uninvolved parenting styles rank lowest across all life domains. These children tend to lack self-control, have low self-esteem and are less competent than their peers. Parenting styles provides us with hearty indicator of parenting functioning that predicts child well-being across a wide spectrum of environments and across diverse communities of children in essence both responsive and demanding parenting styles play a very important role in good parenting and has a very powerful effect/impact.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Mobilink Jazz Essay Example

Mobilink Jazz Essay The project in your hands follows a marketing plan in which Mobilink Jazz is discussed. The plan is simple yet with changes to Mobilink Jazz’s marketing plan. The document holds the market segmentation for this telecom service provider. Along with that it discusses the main four P’s of Maketing and future plans for each of them. Before all the above mentioned, however, we’ve discussed the telecommunication industry in detil and have carried out an analysis of the sector. In the ending we have the budgeting of the marketing end of Jazz. Hope you like the effort we’ve put into it. Happy Reading! TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents Introduction5 Industry Analysis8 PEST, BCG, Porter’s 5 Forces, Positioning Map11 The 4 P’s16 Marketing Budgeting33 The New Package35 Introduction Mobilink GSM (PMCL), a subsidiary of Orascom Telecom is the market leader in providing state-of-the-art communications solutions in Pakistan. Orascom Telecom Holding S. A. E (OTH), the parent company based in Egypt was established in 1998, and has grown to become the largest and most diversified GSM network operator in the Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan. With over ten licenses covering the region, Orascom Telecom has positioned itself as a leading telecommunications conglomerate in emerging markets of this region. Orascom enter in the Pakistani market through the licensing where they have to pay the Royalty fee. We will write a custom essay sample on Mobilink Jazz specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Mobilink Jazz specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Mobilink Jazz specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Mobilink covers approximately 85 percent of Pakistans urban population and it can proudly boast of being the first cellular service provider in Pakistan to operate on a 100% digital GSM technology. It offers tariff plans that are exclusively designed to cater to the communication needs of a diverse group of people, taking into account occasional users to businessmen. To achieve this objective, Mobilink offers both postpaid (Indigo) and the prepaid (JAZZ) solutions to its customers. In addition to providing advanced voice communication services, Mobilink also offers a number of value added services to its valued subscribers. Keeping in mind its customers convenience, Mobilink has also bundled mobile handsets, sold either independently or bundled in Get Set Go Pack. Mobilink GSM started operations in the year 1994, as a third entrant in the market, while Paktel and Instaphone were already operating since 1991 and had acquired substantial market penetration. Despite the re-launch of Ufone, the main competitor, Mobilink has maintained its momentum of growth. All this has been possible due to inter-departmental synergy and strengthening of Mobilink’s brands. Till early 2001, they had a market share of 43%. OT took over management control of the company in April 2001 and changed the overall market dynamics through its aggressive marketing strategy and expertise. In less than two years time Mobilink grew by almost 400% with market leadership of 60% market share (year end 2003). At the time when it entered the market it was a small player in the cellular market of Pakistan it is now the market leader both in terms of growth as well as having the largest subscriber base in Pakistan. INDUSTRY ANALYSIS The Pakistani cellular industry comprises of 6 players: Mobilink, Ufone, Telenor, Warid Telecom, Zong (a brand of China Mobile Pakistan) and Instaphone, out of which, Instaphone has not maintained a prominent market position in the industry, and thus, has the lowest number of subscribers. As per the PTA findings as of June 2008, the number of subscribers for Mobilink is over 32 million customers (and has approximately 36. 39% of the market share). While Ufone and Telenor tie for second place with 21% market share, Warid Telecom has 17. 9% of the pie while Zong being the most recent has a share of 4. 4%. The price-sensitive industry faces tough competition from all players in the market, which is reflected by the marketing campaigns and by observing the past, thus making cellular services a highly elastic commodity. The market, however, is seen as very lucrative as there are only 6 operators who are providing services to just over half of Pakistan’s population – the tele density figures are a little below 60%. At the same time, companies are investing in infrastructure and technology in order to serve the untapped markets. The PTA acts as a governing body for all telecommunication-related providers in the country, and has set different regulations which operators are bound to follow, to the extent that operators are required to obtain an approval from the PTA before launching a new product or service, thus giving the authority powers to control the competitiveness of the industry. Technology is constantly changing in the telecom sector. Recently, two other players entered the market with BlackBerry support, in order to counter Mobilink’s domination. Moreover, as 3G licenses are expected to be awarded this year, it is expected that companies will invest in 3G and roll out services to users within one year. Moreover, as the telecom sector is witnessing rapid growth, represented by high revenues, companies are devising new tactics on attracting and targeting users and trying to increase the average revenue obtained per user. Firms compete on the basis of pricing, while quality of service is often overlooked. The telecom sector has faced a boom due to the continuous reduction in price, and the ability of network providers to continuously add customers to their user base. Due to this, companies gain momentum and size rapidly, and can are therefore able to provide more services. At the same time, these companies become cash-rich, and investment is an on-going process. Network coverage, subsidized SIM card rates, the ability to switch from one network to another while retaining the same number all have posed opportunities for different providers, but simultaneously, these are also challenges. The industry’s success is due to the large amounts of investment that takes place. The telecom sector takes a good chunk of the annual FDI, with investment running into millions of dollars. Evidently, these companies are making substantial amounts of profit, considering there is no bar on the amount of remittances companies are allowed to take to their home countries’. The amount of money telecom companies utilize for investment and expansion purposes is sizable, thus providing an opportunity for financial institutions to offer their credit. From July 1 2008, the government announced in the budget that the telecom services in Pakistan will have a sales tax of 21% in place of the 15% that was charged before. This is a significant development in the telecom sector’s story as the current telecom penetration rate is less than 60%, and this also poses a challenge to the growth rate as basic access to telecom services has been made more expensive for the consumers. It should be noted that there are other taxes such as the activation tax that is in place for each connection sold (amounting to Rs. 00 per connection or SIM card), which is already being sold at a subsidized rate by the operators. Moreover, the cellular companies and the main fixed-line operator in the country moved a petition to abolish the USF (Universal Service Fund) Access Promotion Charge in order to maximize their revenues. Currently, companies are already fulfilling the basic requirement of 1. 5% of total revenues, and consider the APC as detrimental to their revenues. Only recently has a proposal been sent to the Ministry of IT and Telecom to remove the APC. MARKET SHARE PEST ANALYSIS POLITICAL: Considering the current politically instable condition in Pakistan, the telecom sector of Pakistan is not doing too badly. The sector was by far the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in 2007-08. As per PTA, the industry continues to add more than 3 million new mobile subscribers every month even under the current conditions. Although the frequently changing government does bring very frequent changes in the laws and regulations, this does not however stop the number of users from increasing. ECONOMIC: Around the globe there’s a recessive economy prevailing. There is an increase in the interest rates and the slump in the economy world over doesn’t seem to be coming to an end. Pakistan is no exception to this recession. Due to inflation, price of every product/service is sky rocketing. Apart from that the increase in federal excise duty on telecommunication services from 15 percent to 21 percent has adversely impacted the usage of mobile phone and has resulted in reduction in service usage by 8 percent to 9 percent within few weeks of the previous fiscal year. Unfair taxation would lead to burdening the new potential rural consumers who do not have access to mobile phone facility hampering the development of the rural economy. The growth in the telecommunication sector during last 4 years was recorded 100 percent due to its expanding consumer base(Daily Times, July 7, 2008). However, the burden of taxes and duties is going to reduce the usage by the consumers resulting in fewer revenues for the government and reduced operations by the companies. SOCIAL: Cellular revolution has taken Pakistan by storm. The mobile density in Pakistan is reaching 56% (Babar Bhatti, August 31, 2008). Mobile phones are increasingly being used as a social tool across the globe. Pakistani cellular companies are also trying to catch on with this growing ‘cellular activism’ frenzy. It’s true that cellular companies have limited scope of action as far as brining social change is concerned still almost all the mobile companies of Pakistan are doing some kind of social uplift projects. Telenor, for instance, has launched a farmers’ uplift scheme TeleKisan besides the apna PCO and other schemes. Similarly, other cellular companies are also conducting some activities in the avenues of social uplift. Corporate sector too has a major role to play. Instead of simply doling out a few millions in charity, local corporate giants, along with the multinational conglomerates, should come forward with new ideas of using cellular technology for poverty alleviation. TECHNOLOGICAL: Due to the current economic recession, the technology required to expand is difficult to gain. And therefore, Pakistan needs to increase telecom research and development work within the country. China and India are in the process of becoming world major Ramp;D centers for technology and telecommunication. Two top Chinese telecom equipment firms have announced their plans to collaborate with Pakistan: Huawei is working with UET Lahore and ZTE will setup Ramp;D center in Islamabad. The goal of the policy makers should be to increase the rate of transfer of technology from abroad, broaden the pool of local skilled workforce and accelerate the local production of telecom equipment and handset parts etc. PORTER’S FIVE FORCES 1. Threat of New Entrants is High. Since PTA has adopted liberal policies to create a foreign investment friendly environment the barriers to entry have significantly reduced. Deregulation has opened up a number of economic benefits in terms of huge foreign investment. Therefore threat of new entrants is considered high because it is easier for foreign giants to come and enter the market. 2. Power of Suppliers is Low. At first glance, it might look like telecom equipment suppliers have considerable bargaining power over telecom operators. Indeed, without the high fiber optic technology required, the companies can’t operate. But there are actually a number of large equipment makers around. There are enough vendors, arguably, to dilute bargaining power. Thus the power of suppliers is low. . Bargaining Power of Buyers  is High. With the increased choice of telecom products and services that are available to customers due to the numerous telecom service providers, the bargaining power of buyers is high. Also because the switching cost from one service provider to another is very low, the buyer can always switch. 4. Threat of Substitutes is Medium. Pro ducts and services from non-traditional telecom industries pose serious  substitution threats. PTCL’s scheme to make all national calls toll free attracted a lot of attention and was able to divert traffic from mobile usage to increased landline usage. . Competitive Rivalry is High. Competition is cut throat. The wave of industry deregulation paved the way for a rush of new entrants. New technology is prompting a wave of substitute services. All players in this competitive market are thus forced to offer new and exciting services at lower prices. This tends to drive industry profitability down. BCG MATRIX Mobilink Jazz has been through the cycle and now enjoys the position as a cash cow as compared to its competitors. It needs to bring down its rates to grow further in the market and back to its position as a star which it once ruled. POSITIONING MAP The above positioning map shows the relative positions of the major players of the telecom industry on a scale that measures price affordability on the x-axis and Value Added Services (VAS) attractiveness on the y-axis. It can be observed that Ufone is leading by a clear majority in the telecom sector with Telenor and Zong following price affordability. While Mobilink is better in VAS attractiveness compared to majority of its competitors, however it is considered comparatively more expensive. Warid lags behind in both price affordability in comparison to its competitors and VAS attractiveness. Product / Services Mobilink being the market leader enjoys major share of the overall market with both Indigo and Jazz dominating the postpaid and prepaid segments respectively Mobilink deals with postpaid Indigo and prepaid (Jazz) packages. JAZZ Addressing the press conference, Graham Burke, president Pakistan Mobilink Corporation Limited said that with the prepaid card a customer could control its cost with the freedom to use. This is when Jazz was first launched in Pakistan, and with the passage of time became very popular, especially among the young lot. Jazz, is based on an intelligent network which is the most advanced and expensive platform, presently available in cellular telephone technology. Scores of facilities available in the package will cater to the communication needs of thousands of people in the country who cannot afford a post paid mobile phone connection. Jazz is an amazing prepaid service that allows customer freedom from monthly bills and gives him/her complete control over his/her cellular expenditure. Customer decides in advance when and how much he/she wants to spend. Jazz is simple, easy and loads of fun. Jazz is extremely affordable, with features like: * No daily charges * Low outgoing rates * 180 days validity of Jazz Scratch Cards * Simply reactivate deactivated Jazz connection Jazz-Aur Sunao Jazz tariffs have been reduced from Rs. 4. 75 per minute to Rs. 3. 50 per minute on all calls from Jazz to any other Mobilink numbers. This tariff reduction will serve as an unparalleled advantage to the largest mobile community in Pakistan, who will now have to pay less to call within the Mobilink family, 24 hours a day. Jazz Member get Member The Jazz Member get Member promo is the first of its kind where Mobilink will be giving it’s customers an opportunity to become the brand’s ambassadors and at the same time earn some free airtime. The essence of the campaign is that an Existing Jazz customer can refer up to 4 new customers and earn Rs. 400 in airtime. The new Jazz customer will also get Rs. 100 free airtime. The list of the Jazz connections is described below: * Jazz Easy the most affordable package that provides access to the best rates to call across Pakistan. Jazz Easy customers can not only enjoy calling at amazingly low call rates from Mobilink numbers, but can call on other networks at comparatively lower rates. * Jazz Octane the hot new package from Mobilink Jazz is customized to meet the needs of the highly dynamic and energetic urban youth of Pakistan. The package entitles the customers to lowest SMS rates, lower late night rates, and the coolest rates for three favorite numbers. * Jazz budget Offers remarkable rates and package features, it is the best package to stay in touch with millions of Mobilink family members in Pakistan. Furthermore, a unique and innovative feature for Jazz Budget is Happy Hour, with exciting rates to all Mobilink numbers for 1 hour in the day. * For the first time ever, a package designed especially for ladies, Jazz Ladies First is the customer’s command on the very best. It provides sizzling recipes to tips on looking the best through SMS. Jazz Ladies First offers remarkably low calls rates amp; to top it all, gives discount card to shop well within your budget. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGHTS: * Pioneer in GSM service in Pakistan * It is a sign of prestige Number of customers is more as compare to any other mobile service provider in Pakistan * Highest market share not only in terms of number of subscribers but also in terms of revenue * Mobilink has signed bilateral roaming agreements with 50 operators around the world to have true roaming service operational in over 42 countries of the world * Large number of corporate customers * Economy of scale * Strong Brand name WEAKNESSES: * Large organizational structure, makes it difficult to manage * VAS not that many or effective as compared to its competitors * Service quality not as good as claimed Many inactive customers, includes all those who own a Mobilink SIM but have now switched to another service provider * Highest call rates for a prepaid service, especially compared to the competitors OPPURTUNITIES: * Can lower prices to make business difficult for new companies * Mobilink can target to a market that delivers Internet Protocol packet services to over 650 million GSM subscribers THREATS: * New market players are coming in near future * High tax rates * Increase in imported equipment costs New companies can offer packages for corporate customers in better way * Wireless local loop service providers too targeting areas which are less developed * Current price war may reach at a position where only brand names survive * Due to expensive quality of service now-a-days customers can shift to other companies * Saturating telecom market PRODUCT LIFECYCLE Telecom industry has just started to touch the maturity stage of the product lifecycle; where as the brand, Mobilink jazz having to be the first mover in the market, has now reached maturity stage. The brand due to its high prices and lower VAS services may be progressing a decline because the economy is running in inflation and the purchasing power parity is also making it difficult for one to keep up with high prices when cheaper and better ones are offered in the market. RGI MATRIX PUBLIC NECESSITY| PRIVATE NECESSITY(TELECOM SERVICE)| PUBLIC LUXURY(MOBILINK JAZZ)| PRIVATE LUXURY| On the reference group index matrix, telecom service is a private necessity because it helps you keep in touch with your loved ones. It also helps you contact someone in case of emergency, or could be any reason why you may need to contact someone. However, Mobilink jazz is a public luxury since it’s a brand name in telecom sector. One could always use the les prestigious services to fulfill the need, but using Mobilink jazz is a status symbol. AIOD Framework Activities| Interests| Opinions| Demographics| SchoolingPlaying video gamesOutdoor games(cricket)Hanging out with friendsSchool events participationHolidays spent with familyWatching movies of multiple genre(action, romantic, comedy, horror and cartoons)| Story books (romantic for females; comics)dSchool sports and playsFashion onscienceLike fast food(burgers, pizzas etc)Watch TV cartoons and sitcomsCollecting video games| Soft drinks are cool and a must have with foodPolitics is boringEducation is tiring and boringThey are the new generation with new ideasCulture is holding them down, they’re more westernizedThey are right in what they say, mom and dad are ‘old school’ | No income apart from pocket moneyAged 11-18 yrsIslamabad’s habitatSt udentsMale and femaleSingle| Activities| Interests| Opinions| Demographics| UniversityHanging out with friendsAttending concerts/gigsSpending time with friends during school hrs and outsideGetting together with friends to go out of station to other cities especially up northWatching movies out in the cinemaKeeping up with sports especially cricketListening to loud music(heavy metal, rock, RnB, hip hop)| Opposite Gender attractionFemales develop interest in houseworkPart-time workersMain friends’ circle comes from reference group in the university/collegeDriving around to different hangout spotsCollecting music and listening to itStaying up late at nightFashion conscience and brand conscienceFast food (burgers; pizzas etc) along with formal cuisines from time to time Watching TV series, seasons of all the hit TV shows| They know how the world works nowadaysStaying at home is boring and constrictingPolitics in our country is messed up anyone comes up for the post wants to make money for themselvesOur social values are messed up and worsened by governmen t’s negligenceInflation is rising to increase disparityEducation standards are deteriorating, they haven’t changed much since our parents’ timeMust use branded products as it is a sign of pride and elitesCulture is too conventional and is a hurdle in economic and national prosperity| Majority-no incomeFew part-time jobs (income range 5,000-20,000)Aged 19-25Islamabad’s habitatStudents and professionalsMale and femaleSingle and married| Activities| Interests | Opinions | Demographics| Extensive talking with their friends and relativesBeing very choosy and selective in shoppingRarely having any interest in sportsAttending social events like weddings etc| Part-time or full-time job if working womenLooking after childrenLooking after householdSpending time with amilyFriends and relatives form the reference groupsWatching TV, especially cooking programsFashion dies down as they grow older | We have quite an experience in life so we are quite matureSome are high ly involved in politics, siding with one political figure, while others abstain from even discussing politicsEducation is getting expensive with the passage of timeCulture is a great asset to us and is an important part of our livesThis new generation poses a great that to our social values and cultureThey become brand loyal when it comes to purchasing products | Majority-no income (relying on husband’s income)Few part-time/full-time jobsAged 26 and aboveIslamabad habitatProfessionals and housewivesFemaleMarriedFamily size, 4 (on avg. )| Activities| Interests| Opinions| Demographics| Full-time jobs/working men 9-5Attend social gatherings like weddings, and other official gatheringsMostly smoke regularlySome even play sports, while others have lost interest by now due to aging factorThey listen to soft melodious musicThey spend much lesser time in shopping, but usually don’t shop alone | They want to give remaining time to their familyThey occasionally take family out for dinnerThey read news-paper regularlyThey follow their jobs religiously as it is the mostly the only source of income for the familyFashion is not much a part of their life and it dies down as they grow older| We have an experience of professional life as well as life as a wholeThere should be a balance between our perception of social and moral values and the new generation’sThey support one political figure enthusiastically while literally detest the opposing oneThey want their children to get good education, nonetheless, limited resources hinder itTend to go for branded products b ut it depends on their affordabilityInflation is a grave concern to them| Middle class income rangeFull-time jobs/professionalsAged 26 and aboveIsla mabad’s habitatMaleMarriedFamily size, 4(on avg. )| PRICING Major stakeholders affect pricing decisions are: * Consumers * Government * Distributors * Competitors Sometimes an organization wills assure a forward integration strategy primarily to gain better control over price charged to consumers. Government can impose restriction on price fixing, price advertising and price controls an organization must be careful in adopting its pricing strategy. MOBILINK now a days going on decreasing its pricing strategies (e. g. call rates rs3. 50/min and sms Rs 1) to compete with its competitors i. e. UFONE, PAKTEL GSM, and recent competitors TELENOR amp; WARID). Strategist of MOBILINK is viewing prices from both a shorts –run and long run perspective, because competitor can copy rice changes with relative ease. JAZZ AIRTIME CHARGES: Mobilink strikes back with lowest outgoing rates for on and off-network calls, at 68 Paisas per 30 seconds for all calls. This offer is for sure not going to please Telenor who is running 75 paisa offer these days. 8 Paisa per 30 second offer by Mobilink is available for Jazz Budget users only. (for package conversion dial 123) MOBILINK,since the time of its very entry in the cellular industry,has targeted the less price sensitive strata of the societ y. Mobilink has always maintained its up scale market positioning, backed by its slightly higher service rates. Mobilink intends competing on features and quality of service instead of competing on price. However after witnessing the recent industry trends,where there is an intense price war going on between the cellular industry players,Mobilink had to slighlty deviate from its earlier stratergy in order to maintain its market share. As a result,today,Mobilink is lowering its call rates,offering economical packages (e. g. call rates rs3. 50/min and sms Rs 1. Its latest offering of â€Å"Jazz Budget† is an evidence of this strategic shift in the pricing policy). Future Pricing Plan Later in the report we will introduce a package which will cash on Mobilink’s strength to attract lost consumers and get them to use the brand with prestige and pride once again. PLACEMENT â€Å"Distribution channels, distribution coverage Sales territories, levels and locations† Distribution becomes especially important when a firm is striving to implement a market development or forward integration strategy. MOBILINK is operating through franchises in Pakistan.MMS Outgoing per 50 KB (Rs. )| 6| MMS Receiving (Rs. )| Free| | | GPRS Rate per MB (Rs. )| REFERENCES http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Jazz Mobilink Jazz Essay Example Mobilink Jazz Essay The project in your hands follows a marketing plan in which Mobilink Jazz is discussed. The plan is simple yet with changes to Mobilink Jazz’s marketing plan. The document holds the market segmentation for this telecom service provider. Along with that it discusses the main four P’s of Maketing and future plans for each of them. Before all the above mentioned, however, we’ve discussed the telecommunication industry in detil and have carried out an analysis of the sector. In the ending we have the budgeting of the marketing end of Jazz. Hope you like the effort we’ve put into it. Happy Reading! TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents Introduction5 Industry Analysis8 PEST, BCG, Porter’s 5 Forces, Positioning Map11 The 4 P’s16 Marketing Budgeting33 The New Package35 Introduction Mobilink GSM (PMCL), a subsidiary of Orascom Telecom is the market leader in providing state-of-the-art communications solutions in Pakistan. Orascom Telecom Holding S. A. E (OTH), the parent company based in Egypt was established in 1998, and has grown to become the largest and most diversified GSM network operator in the Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan. With over ten licenses covering the region, Orascom Telecom has positioned itself as a leading telecommunications conglomerate in emerging markets of this region. Orascom enter in the Pakistani market through the licensing where they have to pay the Royalty fee. We will write a custom essay sample on Mobilink Jazz specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Mobilink Jazz specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Mobilink Jazz specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Mobilink covers approximately 85 percent of Pakistans urban population and it can proudly boast of being the first cellular service provider in Pakistan to operate on a 100% digital GSM technology. It offers tariff plans that are exclusively designed to cater to the communication needs of a diverse group of people, taking into account occasional users to businessmen. To achieve this objective, Mobilink offers both postpaid (Indigo) and the prepaid (JAZZ) solutions to its customers. In addition to providing advanced voice communication services, Mobilink also offers a number of value added services to its valued subscribers. Keeping in mind its customers convenience, Mobilink has also bundled mobile handsets, sold either independently or bundled in Get Set Go Pack. Mobilink GSM started operations in the year 1994, as a third entrant in the market, while Paktel and Instaphone were already operating since 1991 and had acquired substantial market penetration. Despite the re-launch of Ufone, the main competitor, Mobilink has maintained its momentum of growth. All this has been possible due to inter-departmental synergy and strengthening of Mobilink’s brands. Till early 2001, they had a market share of 43%. OT took over management control of the company in April 2001 and changed the overall market dynamics through its aggressive marketing strategy and expertise. In less than two years time Mobilink grew by almost 400% with market leadership of 60% market share (year end 2003). At the time when it entered the market it was a small player in the cellular market of Pakistan it is now the market leader both in terms of growth as well as having the largest subscriber base in Pakistan. INDUSTRY ANALYSIS The Pakistani cellular industry comprises of 6 players: Mobilink, Ufone, Telenor, Warid Telecom, Zong (a brand of China Mobile Pakistan) and Instaphone, out of which, Instaphone has not maintained a prominent market position in the industry, and thus, has the lowest number of subscribers. As per the PTA findings as of June 2008, the number of subscribers for Mobilink is over 32 million customers (and has approximately 36. 39% of the market share). While Ufone and Telenor tie for second place with 21% market share, Warid Telecom has 17. 9% of the pie while Zong being the most recent has a share of 4. 4%. The price-sensitive industry faces tough competition from all players in the market, which is reflected by the marketing campaigns and by observing the past, thus making cellular services a highly elastic commodity. The market, however, is seen as very lucrative as there are only 6 operators who are providing services to just over half of Pakistan’s population – the tele density figures are a little below 60%. At the same time, companies are investing in infrastructure and technology in order to serve the untapped markets. The PTA acts as a governing body for all telecommunication-related providers in the country, and has set different regulations which operators are bound to follow, to the extent that operators are required to obtain an approval from the PTA before launching a new product or service, thus giving the authority powers to control the competitiveness of the industry. Technology is constantly changing in the telecom sector. Recently, two other players entered the market with BlackBerry support, in order to counter Mobilink’s domination. Moreover, as 3G licenses are expected to be awarded this year, it is expected that companies will invest in 3G and roll out services to users within one year. Moreover, as the telecom sector is witnessing rapid growth, represented by high revenues, companies are devising new tactics on attracting and targeting users and trying to increase the average revenue obtained per user. Firms compete on the basis of pricing, while quality of service is often overlooked. The telecom sector has faced a boom due to the continuous reduction in price, and the ability of network providers to continuously add customers to their user base. Due to this, companies gain momentum and size rapidly, and can are therefore able to provide more services. At the same time, these companies become cash-rich, and investment is an on-going process. Network coverage, subsidized SIM card rates, the ability to switch from one network to another while retaining the same number all have posed opportunities for different providers, but simultaneously, these are also challenges. The industry’s success is due to the large amounts of investment that takes place. The telecom sector takes a good chunk of the annual FDI, with investment running into millions of dollars. Evidently, these companies are making substantial amounts of profit, considering there is no bar on the amount of remittances companies are allowed to take to their home countries’. The amount of money telecom companies utilize for investment and expansion purposes is sizable, thus providing an opportunity for financial institutions to offer their credit. From July 1 2008, the government announced in the budget that the telecom services in Pakistan will have a sales tax of 21% in place of the 15% that was charged before. This is a significant development in the telecom sector’s story as the current telecom penetration rate is less than 60%, and this also poses a challenge to the growth rate as basic access to telecom services has been made more expensive for the consumers. It should be noted that there are other taxes such as the activation tax that is in place for each connection sold (amounting to Rs. 00 per connection or SIM card), which is already being sold at a subsidized rate by the operators. Moreover, the cellular companies and the main fixed-line operator in the country moved a petition to abolish the USF (Universal Service Fund) Access Promotion Charge in order to maximize their revenues. Currently, companies are already fulfilling the basic requirement of 1. 5% of total revenues, and consider the APC as detrimental to their revenues. Only recently has a proposal been sent to the Ministry of IT and Telecom to remove the APC. MARKET SHARE PEST ANALYSIS POLITICAL: Considering the current politically instable condition in Pakistan, the telecom sector of Pakistan is not doing too badly. The sector was by far the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in 2007-08. As per PTA, the industry continues to add more than 3 million new mobile subscribers every month even under the current conditions. Although the frequently changing government does bring very frequent changes in the laws and regulations, this does not however stop the number of users from increasing. ECONOMIC: Around the globe there’s a recessive economy prevailing. There is an increase in the interest rates and the slump in the economy world over doesn’t seem to be coming to an end. Pakistan is no exception to this recession. Due to inflation, price of every product/service is sky rocketing. Apart from that the increase in federal excise duty on telecommunication services from 15 percent to 21 percent has adversely impacted the usage of mobile phone and has resulted in reduction in service usage by 8 percent to 9 percent within few weeks of the previous fiscal year. Unfair taxation would lead to burdening the new potential rural consumers who do not have access to mobile phone facility hampering the development of the rural economy. The growth in the telecommunication sector during last 4 years was recorded 100 percent due to its expanding consumer base(Daily Times, July 7, 2008). However, the burden of taxes and duties is going to reduce the usage by the consumers resulting in fewer revenues for the government and reduced operations by the companies. SOCIAL: Cellular revolution has taken Pakistan by storm. The mobile density in Pakistan is reaching 56% (Babar Bhatti, August 31, 2008). Mobile phones are increasingly being used as a social tool across the globe. Pakistani cellular companies are also trying to catch on with this growing ‘cellular activism’ frenzy. It’s true that cellular companies have limited scope of action as far as brining social change is concerned still almost all the mobile companies of Pakistan are doing some kind of social uplift projects. Telenor, for instance, has launched a farmers’ uplift scheme TeleKisan besides the apna PCO and other schemes. Similarly, other cellular companies are also conducting some activities in the avenues of social uplift. Corporate sector too has a major role to play. Instead of simply doling out a few millions in charity, local corporate giants, along with the multinational conglomerates, should come forward with new ideas of using cellular technology for poverty alleviation. TECHNOLOGICAL: Due to the current economic recession, the technology required to expand is difficult to gain. And therefore, Pakistan needs to increase telecom research and development work within the country. China and India are in the process of becoming world major Ramp;D centers for technology and telecommunication. Two top Chinese telecom equipment firms have announced their plans to collaborate with Pakistan: Huawei is working with UET Lahore and ZTE will setup Ramp;D center in Islamabad. The goal of the policy makers should be to increase the rate of transfer of technology from abroad, broaden the pool of local skilled workforce and accelerate the local production of telecom equipment and handset parts etc. PORTER’S FIVE FORCES 1. Threat of New Entrants is High. Since PTA has adopted liberal policies to create a foreign investment friendly environment the barriers to entry have significantly reduced. Deregulation has opened up a number of economic benefits in terms of huge foreign investment. Therefore threat of new entrants is considered high because it is easier for foreign giants to come and enter the market. 2. Power of Suppliers is Low. At first glance, it might look like telecom equipment suppliers have considerable bargaining power over telecom operators. Indeed, without the high fiber optic technology required, the companies can’t operate. But there are actually a number of large equipment makers around. There are enough vendors, arguably, to dilute bargaining power. Thus the power of suppliers is low. . Bargaining Power of Buyers  is High. With the increased choice of telecom products and services that are available to customers due to the numerous telecom service providers, the bargaining power of buyers is high. Also because the switching cost from one service provider to another is very low, the buyer can always switch. 4. Threat of Substitutes is Medium. Pro ducts and services from non-traditional telecom industries pose serious  substitution threats. PTCL’s scheme to make all national calls toll free attracted a lot of attention and was able to divert traffic from mobile usage to increased landline usage. . Competitive Rivalry is High. Competition is cut throat. The wave of industry deregulation paved the way for a rush of new entrants. New technology is prompting a wave of substitute services. All players in this competitive market are thus forced to offer new and exciting services at lower prices. This tends to drive industry profitability down. BCG MATRIX Mobilink Jazz has been through the cycle and now enjoys the position as a cash cow as compared to its competitors. It needs to bring down its rates to grow further in the market and back to its position as a star which it once ruled. POSITIONING MAP The above positioning map shows the relative positions of the major players of the telecom industry on a scale that measures price affordability on the x-axis and Value Added Services (VAS) attractiveness on the y-axis. It can be observed that Ufone is leading by a clear majority in the telecom sector with Telenor and Zong following price affordability. While Mobilink is better in VAS attractiveness compared to majority of its competitors, however it is considered comparatively more expensive. Warid lags behind in both price affordability in comparison to its competitors and VAS attractiveness. Product / Services Mobilink being the market leader enjoys major share of the overall market with both Indigo and Jazz dominating the postpaid and prepaid segments respectively Mobilink deals with postpaid Indigo and prepaid (Jazz) packages. JAZZ Addressing the press conference, Graham Burke, president Pakistan Mobilink Corporation Limited said that with the prepaid card a customer could control its cost with the freedom to use. This is when Jazz was first launched in Pakistan, and with the passage of time became very popular, especially among the young lot. Jazz, is based on an intelligent network which is the most advanced and expensive platform, presently available in cellular telephone technology. Scores of facilities available in the package will cater to the communication needs of thousands of people in the country who cannot afford a post paid mobile phone connection. Jazz is an amazing prepaid service that allows customer freedom from monthly bills and gives him/her complete control over his/her cellular expenditure. Customer decides in advance when and how much he/she wants to spend. Jazz is simple, easy and loads of fun. Jazz is extremely affordable, with features like: * No daily charges * Low outgoing rates * 180 days validity of Jazz Scratch Cards * Simply reactivate deactivated Jazz connection Jazz-Aur Sunao Jazz tariffs have been reduced from Rs. 4. 75 per minute to Rs. 3. 50 per minute on all calls from Jazz to any other Mobilink numbers. This tariff reduction will serve as an unparalleled advantage to the largest mobile community in Pakistan, who will now have to pay less to call within the Mobilink family, 24 hours a day. Jazz Member get Member The Jazz Member get Member promo is the first of its kind where Mobilink will be giving it’s customers an opportunity to become the brand’s ambassadors and at the same time earn some free airtime. The essence of the campaign is that an Existing Jazz customer can refer up to 4 new customers and earn Rs. 400 in airtime. The new Jazz customer will also get Rs. 100 free airtime. The list of the Jazz connections is described below: * Jazz Easy the most affordable package that provides access to the best rates to call across Pakistan. Jazz Easy customers can not only enjoy calling at amazingly low call rates from Mobilink numbers, but can call on other networks at comparatively lower rates. * Jazz Octane the hot new package from Mobilink Jazz is customized to meet the needs of the highly dynamic and energetic urban youth of Pakistan. The package entitles the customers to lowest SMS rates, lower late night rates, and the coolest rates for three favorite numbers. * Jazz budget Offers remarkable rates and package features, it is the best package to stay in touch with millions of Mobilink family members in Pakistan. Furthermore, a unique and innovative feature for Jazz Budget is Happy Hour, with exciting rates to all Mobilink numbers for 1 hour in the day. * For the first time ever, a package designed especially for ladies, Jazz Ladies First is the customer’s command on the very best. It provides sizzling recipes to tips on looking the best through SMS. Jazz Ladies First offers remarkably low calls rates amp; to top it all, gives discount card to shop well within your budget. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGHTS: * Pioneer in GSM service in Pakistan * It is a sign of prestige Number of customers is more as compare to any other mobile service provider in Pakistan * Highest market share not only in terms of number of subscribers but also in terms of revenue * Mobilink has signed bilateral roaming agreements with 50 operators around the world to have true roaming service operational in over 42 countries of the world * Large number of corporate customers * Economy of scale * Strong Brand name WEAKNESSES: * Large organizational structure, makes it difficult to manage * VAS not that many or effective as compared to its competitors * Service quality not as good as claimed Many inactive customers, includes all those who own a Mobilink SIM but have now switched to another service provider * Highest call rates for a prepaid service, especially compared to the competitors OPPURTUNITIES: * Can lower prices to make business difficult for new companies * Mobilink can target to a market that delivers Internet Protocol packet services to over 650 million GSM subscribers THREATS: * New market players are coming in near future * High tax rates * Increase in imported equipment costs New companies can offer packages for corporate customers in better way * Wireless local loop service providers too targeting areas which are less developed * Current price war may reach at a position where only brand names survive * Due to expensive quality of service now-a-days customers can shift to other companies * Saturating telecom market PRODUCT LIFECYCLE Telecom industry has just started to touch the maturity stage of the product lifecycle; where as the brand, Mobilink jazz having to be the first mover in the market, has now reached maturity stage. The brand due to its high prices and lower VAS services may be progressing a decline because the economy is running in inflation and the purchasing power parity is also making it difficult for one to keep up with high prices when cheaper and better ones are offered in the market. RGI MATRIX PUBLIC NECESSITY| PRIVATE NECESSITY(TELECOM SERVICE)| PUBLIC LUXURY(MOBILINK JAZZ)| PRIVATE LUXURY| On the reference group index matrix, telecom service is a private necessity because it helps you keep in touch with your loved ones. It also helps you contact someone in case of emergency, or could be any reason why you may need to contact someone. However, Mobilink jazz is a public luxury since it’s a brand name in telecom sector. One could always use the les prestigious services to fulfill the need, but using Mobilink jazz is a status symbol. AIOD Framework Activities| Interests| Opinions| Demographics| SchoolingPlaying video gamesOutdoor games(cricket)Hanging out with friendsSchool events participationHolidays spent with familyWatching movies of multiple genre(action, romantic, comedy, horror and cartoons)| Story books (romantic for females; comics)dSchool sports and playsFashion onscienceLike fast food(burgers, pizzas etc)Watch TV cartoons and sitcomsCollecting video games| Soft drinks are cool and a must have with foodPolitics is boringEducation is tiring and boringThey are the new generation with new ideasCulture is holding them down, they’re more westernizedThey are right in what they say, mom and dad are ‘old school’ | No income apart from pocket moneyAged 11-18 yrsIslamabad’s habitatSt udentsMale and femaleSingle| Activities| Interests| Opinions| Demographics| UniversityHanging out with friendsAttending concerts/gigsSpending time with friends during school hrs and outsideGetting together with friends to go out of station to other cities especially up northWatching movies out in the cinemaKeeping up with sports especially cricketListening to loud music(heavy metal, rock, RnB, hip hop)| Opposite Gender attractionFemales develop interest in houseworkPart-time workersMain friends’ circle comes from reference group in the university/collegeDriving around to different hangout spotsCollecting music and listening to itStaying up late at nightFashion conscience and brand conscienceFast food (burgers; pizzas etc) along with formal cuisines from time to time Watching TV series, seasons of all the hit TV shows| They know how the world works nowadaysStaying at home is boring and constrictingPolitics in our country is messed up anyone comes up for the post wants to make money for themselvesOur social values are messed up and worsened by governmen t’s negligenceInflation is rising to increase disparityEducation standards are deteriorating, they haven’t changed much since our parents’ timeMust use branded products as it is a sign of pride and elitesCulture is too conventional and is a hurdle in economic and national prosperity| Majority-no incomeFew part-time jobs (income range 5,000-20,000)Aged 19-25Islamabad’s habitatStudents and professionalsMale and femaleSingle and married| Activities| Interests | Opinions | Demographics| Extensive talking with their friends and relativesBeing very choosy and selective in shoppingRarely having any interest in sportsAttending social events like weddings etc| Part-time or full-time job if working womenLooking after childrenLooking after householdSpending time with amilyFriends and relatives form the reference groupsWatching TV, especially cooking programsFashion dies down as they grow older | We have quite an experience in life so we are quite matureSome are high ly involved in politics, siding with one political figure, while others abstain from even discussing politicsEducation is getting expensive with the passage of timeCulture is a great asset to us and is an important part of our livesThis new generation poses a great that to our social values and cultureThey become brand loyal when it comes to purchasing products | Majority-no income (relying on husband’s income)Few part-time/full-time jobsAged 26 and aboveIslamabad habitatProfessionals and housewivesFemaleMarriedFamily size, 4 (on avg. )| Activities| Interests| Opinions| Demographics| Full-time jobs/working men 9-5Attend social gatherings like weddings, and other official gatheringsMostly smoke regularlySome even play sports, while others have lost interest by now due to aging factorThey listen to soft melodious musicThey spend much lesser time in shopping, but usually don’t shop alone | They want to give remaining time to their familyThey occasionally take family out for dinnerThey read news-paper regularlyThey follow their jobs religiously as it is the mostly the only source of income for the familyFashion is not much a part of their life and it dies down as they grow older| We have an experience of professional life as well as life as a wholeThere should be a balance between our perception of social and moral values and the new generation’sThey support one political figure enthusiastically while literally detest the opposing oneThey want their children to get good education, nonetheless, limited resources hinder itTend to go for branded products b ut it depends on their affordabilityInflation is a grave concern to them| Middle class income rangeFull-time jobs/professionalsAged 26 and aboveIsla mabad’s habitatMaleMarriedFamily size, 4(on avg. )| PRICING Major stakeholders affect pricing decisions are: * Consumers * Government * Distributors * Competitors Sometimes an organization wills assure a forward integration strategy primarily to gain better control over price charged to consumers. Government can impose restriction on price fixing, price advertising and price controls an organization must be careful in adopting its pricing strategy. MOBILINK now a days going on decreasing its pricing strategies (e. g. call rates rs3. 50/min and sms Rs 1) to compete with its competitors i. e. UFONE, PAKTEL GSM, and recent competitors TELENOR amp; WARID). Strategist of MOBILINK is viewing prices from both a shorts –run and long run perspective, because competitor can copy rice changes with relative ease. JAZZ AIRTIME CHARGES: Mobilink strikes back with lowest outgoing rates for on and off-network calls, at 68 Paisas per 30 seconds for all calls. This offer is for sure not going to please Telenor who is running 75 paisa offer these days. 8 Paisa per 30 second offer by Mobilink is available for Jazz Budget users only. (for package conversion dial 123) MOBILINK,since the time of its very entry in the cellular industry,has targeted the less price sensitive strata of the societ y. Mobilink has always maintained its up scale market positioning, backed by its slightly higher service rates. Mobilink intends competing on features and quality of service instead of competing on price. However after witnessing the recent industry trends,where there is an intense price war going on between the cellular industry players,Mobilink had to slighlty deviate from its earlier stratergy in order to maintain its market share. As a result,today,Mobilink is lowering its call rates,offering economical packages (e. g. call rates rs3. 50/min and sms Rs 1. Its latest offering of â€Å"Jazz Budget† is an evidence of this strategic shift in the pricing policy). Future Pricing Plan Later in the report we will introduce a package which will cash on Mobilink’s strength to attract lost consumers and get them to use the brand with prestige and pride once again. PLACEMENT â€Å"Distribution channels, distribution coverage Sales territories, levels and locations† Distribution becomes especially important when a firm is striving to implement a market development or forward integration strategy. MOBILINK is operating through franchises in Pakistan.MMS Outgoing per 50 KB (Rs. )| 6| MMS Receiving (Rs. )| Free| | | GPRS Rate per MB (Rs. )| REFERENCES http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Jazz

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

The Role of T Cells in the Body

The Role of T Cells in the Body T cells are a type of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte. Lymphocytes protect the body against cancerous cells and cells that have become infected by pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. T cell lymphocytes develop from stem cells in bone marrow. These immature T cells migrate to the thymus via the blood. The thymus is a lymphatic system gland that functions mainly to promote the development of mature T cells. In fact, the T in T cell lymphocyte stands for thymus derived. T cell lymphocytes are necessary for cell mediated immunity, which is an immune response that involves the activation of immune cells to fight infection. T cells function to actively destroy infected cells, as well as to signal other immune cells to participate in the immune response. Key Takeaways: T Cells T cells are lymphocyte immune cells that protect the body from pathogens and cancer cells.T cells originate from bone marrow and mature in the thymus. They are important for cell mediated immunity and the activation of immune cells to fight infection.Cytotoxic T cells actively destroy infected cells through the use of granule sacs that contain digestive enzymes.Helper T cells activate cytotoxic T cells, macrophages, and stimulate antibody production by B cell lymphocytes.Regulatory T cells suppress the actions of B and T cells to decrease the immune response when a highly active response is no longer warranted.Natural Killer T cells distinguish infected or cancerous cells from normal body cells and attack cells that do not contain molecular markers that identify them as body cells. Memory T cells protect against previously encountered antigens and may provide lifetime protection against some pathogens. T Cell Types T cells are one of three main types of lymphocytes. The other types include B cells and natural killer cells. T cell lymphocytes are different from B cells and natural killer cells in that they have a protein called a T-cell receptor that populates their cell membrane. T-cell receptors are capable of recognizing various types of specific antigens (substances that provoke an immune response). Unlike B cells, T cells do not utilize antibodies to fight germs. This is a colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of resting T lymphocytes from a human blood sample. Steve Gschmeissner / Science Photo Library / Getty Images There are several types of T cell lymphocytes, each with specific functions in the immune system. Common T cell types include: Cytotoxic T cells (also called CD8 T cells)  - are involved in the direct destruction of cells that have become cancerous or are infected by a pathogen. Cytotoxic T cells contain granules (sacs containing digestive enzymes or other chemical substances) that they utilize to cause the target cell to burst open in a process called apoptosis. These T cells are also the cause of transplant organ rejection. The T cells attack the foreign organ tissue as the transplant organ is identified as infected tissue.Helper T cells  (also called CD4 T cells)  - precipitate the production of antibodies by B cells and also produce substances that activate cytotoxic T cells and white blood cells known as macrophages. CD4 cells are targeted by HIV. HIV infects helper T cells and destroys them by triggering signals that result in T cell death.Regulatory T cells  (also called suppressor T cells) - suppress the response of B cells and other T cells to antigens. This suppression is needed so that an immune response does not continue once it is no longer needed. Defects in regulatory T cells can lead to the development of an autoimmune disease. In this type of disease, immune cells attack the bodys own tissue. Natural Killer T (NKT) cells - have a similar name as a different type of lymphocyte called a natural killer cell. NKT cells are T cells and not natural killer cells. NKT cells have properties of both T cells and natural killer cells. Like all T cells, NKT cells have T-cell receptors. However, NKT cells also share several surface cell markers in common with natural killer cells. As such, NKT cells distinguish infected or cancerous cells from normal body cells and attack cells that do not contain molecular markers that identify them as body cells. One type of NKT cell known as an invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell, protects the body against obesity by regulating inflammation in adipose tissue.Memory T cells  - help the immune system to recognize previously encountered antigens and respond to them more quickly and for a longer period of time. Helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells can become memory T cells. Memory T cells are stored in the lymph nodes and spleen and may provide lif etime protection against a specific antigen in some cases. T Cell Activation T-cells regulate immune responses, release the perforin and granzymes, and attack infected or cancerous cells. ttsz / iStock / Getty Images Plus T cells are activated by signals from antigens they encounter. Antigen-presenting white blood cells, such as macrophages, engulf and digest antigens. Antigen-presenting cells capture molecular information about the antigen and attach it to a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule. The MHC molecule is then transported to the cell membrane and presented on the surface of the antigen-presenting cell. Any T cell that recognizes the specific antigen will bind to the antigen-presenting cell via its T-cell receptor. Once the T-cell receptor binds to the MHC molecule, the antigen-presenting cell secretes cell signaling proteins called cytokines. Cytokines signal the T cell to destroy the specific antigen, thus activating the T cell. The activated T cell multiplies and differentiates into helper T cells. Helper T cells initiate the production of cytotoxic T cells, B cells, macrophages, and other immune cells to terminate the antigen.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Ring of Fire †Pacific Ocean

The Ring of Fire - Pacific Ocean The Ring of Fire is a 25,000 mile (40,000 km) horseshoe-shaped area of intense  volcanic and seismic (earthquake) activity that follows the edges of the Pacific Ocean. Receiving its fiery name from the 452 dormant and active volcanoes that lie within it, the Ring of Fire includes 75% of the worlds active volcanoes and is also responsible for 90% of the worlds earthquakes. Where Is the Ring of Fire? The Ring of Fire is an arc of mountains, volcanoes, and oceanic trenches that stretch from New Zealand northward along the eastern edge of Asia, then east across the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, and then south along the western coasts of North and South America. What Created the Ring of Fire? The Ring of Fire was created by plate tectonics.  Tectonic plates are like giant rafts on the Earths surface that often slide next to, collide with, and are forced underneath each other. The Pacific Plate is quite large and thus it borders (and interacts) with a number of large and small plates. The interactions between the Pacific Plate and its surrounding tectonic plates creates a tremendous amount of energy, which, in turn, easily melts rocks into magma. This magma then rises to the surface as lava and forms volcanoes. Major Volcanoes in the Ring of Fire With 452 volcanoes, the Ring of Fire has some that are more famous that others. The following is a listing of major volcanoes in the Ring of Fire. The Andes - Running 5,500 miles (8,900 km) north and south along the western edge of  South America, the Andes Mountains are the longest, continental mountain range in the world. The Andean Volcanic Belt is within the mountain range and is broken up into four volcanic zones that include such active volcanoes as Cotopaxi and Cerro Azul. It is also home to the highest, active volcano - Ojos del Salado.Popocatepetl - Popocatepetl is an active volcano in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Located near Mexico City, this volcano is considered by many to be the most dangerous in the world since a large eruption could potentially kill millions of people.Mt. Saint Helens - The Cascade Mountains in the United States Pacific Northwest hosts the 800 mile (1,300 km) Cascade Volcanic Arc. The Cascades contain 13 major volcanoes and nearly 3,000 other volcanic features. The most recent eruption in the Cascades occurred at Mt. Saint Helens in 1980.Aleutian Islands Alaskas Aleutian Islands, whic h consist of 14 large and 55 small islands, were made from volcanic activity. The Aleutians contain 52 volcanoes, with a few of the most active being Cleveland, Okmok, and Akutan.  The deep Aleutian Trench, which also sits next to the islands, has been created at the subduction zone with a maximum depth of 25,194 feet (7679 meters). Mt. Fuji - Located on the Japanese island of Honshu, Mt. Fuji, at 12,380 feet (3,776 m), is the tallest mountain in Japan and the worlds most visited mountain. However, Mt. Fuji is more than a mountain, it is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707.Krakatoa - In the Indonesia Island Arc sits Krakatoa, remembered for its massive eruption on August  27, 1883 that killed 36,000 people and was heard 2,800 miles away (it is considered the loudest sound in modern history). The Indonesian Island Arc is also home to Mt. Tambora, whose eruption on April 10, 1815 was the largest in major history, being calculated as a 7 on the Volcanic Explosion Index (VEI).Mt. Ruapehu - Rising to 9,177 feet (2797 m), Mt. Ruapehu is the tallest mountain on the North Island of New Zealand. Located in the southern section of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Mt. Ruapehu is New Zealands most active volcano. As a place that produces most of the worlds volcanic activity and earthquakes, the Ring of Fire is a fascinating place. Understanding more about the Ring of Fire and being able to accurately predict volcanic eruptions and earthquakes may help  eventually save millions of lives.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Hewlett Packard Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Hewlett Packard - Essay Example The researcher states that as per SWOT analysis of HP, the company’s internal analysis is based on its strengths and weaknesses. Strengths Products and solutions of HP are competitive and provide a cost advantage. During the recession of 2009, efforts focused on reducing cost base and making it variable got succeeded in giving it the competitive advantage. It was the result of following proper processes that it could control spending and maintain the organization stability by integrating the services businesses attained from Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS). It has been successful in maintaining the strength of its products, services, and brand HP. The workforce of HP stands high in technical expertise providing a solid base by adding stability to its functions. Restructuring of the workforce in services and product businesses in the fiscal year 2008 and 2009 has added value by controlling total costs and expenses. HP is competitively positioned to benefit from the business trends to align its printing businesses from analog to digital printing, producing innovative products like the web-enabled home printer, w eb and mobile printing, graphics and retail photo printing in annuity businesses, and in the managed print services business. HP is well positioned to integrate storage, networking, servers, and management software. Further, its IT management software development would fulfill virtualization management besides automating processes

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Jewish Marriage Ceremony Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Jewish Marriage Ceremony - Essay Example The Temple Executive Director handles a broad range of details and logistics. The director is well placed to offer answers to numerous questions in relation to the planning of the wedding ceremony. Further, the temple is also used as a wedding ceremony. Besides the temple, Jewish wedding ceremonies occur in other settings, such as hotels, gardens, and restaurants (Ahabah 4). Before the couples settle for a location outside the synagogue, they are required to consult with the Rabbi to be sure whether it would be suitable for them to travel to that place. According to Jewish customary laws, the Rabbi of the congregation where the wedding ceremony is taking place to officiate at the marriage ceremony. However, at Beth Ahabah, this procedure is a matter of policy (Ahabah 4). The couples are allowed to choose a different Rabbi to officiate for their marriage ceremony even though he is not affiliated with the location congregation. Before the actual marriage ceremony takes place, the bride and groom are required to discuss with the Rabbi many of the details surrounding the ceremony itself. Additionally, most of the families arrange rehearsal ceremonies to practice the recessional, professional, and the placement of people on the Bimah. Typically, a wedding florist, consultant, or photographer conducts the rehearsal. During the rehearsal ceremony, the Rabbi is not expected to attend. The rehearsal ceremonies are normally scheduled with the executive director and if they are held on Fridays, they must be conducted before 6 pm.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

How terrorism affect our economy Essay Example for Free

How terrorism affect our economy Essay Terrorism and terrorist activates are never intended to target an economy directly, instead it is designed to scare people who, overwhelmed by there trepidation destroy there own economy. The pliant economy of United States was misjudged in contrast with the September 11 terrorist attacks. Despite an estimated $120 billion of damage and a great deal of anxiety, one year following the 9/11 attacks considerable recovery was recorded in U. S economy. A disagreement between the Economists world wide has been shaping up over the affects of terrorism on the economy of USA, many feel that because acts of terrorism are usually aimed towards small portions of the stock of capital of a country so effect on economic activity are not very large(Enders and Sandler 2006). On the other hand, consciences of terrorism on the economy under pragmatic estimation suggest large and long term affects (Terrorism and the World Economy 40). If we review the federal budgets between FY 1998 and FY 2001 $ 48. 3 billion where available in surplus. Attacks of September 11 originated a blow to the economy of Manhattan, but not to that of Boston or Chicago. Terrorism creates a pessimistic affect on industries like air travel, hotels and insurance at large, but if we review economys overall performance, investment and demand shifted to other industries-especially when Federal Reserve eased credit in order to calm post-Sept. 11 markets. The immediate and the fore most impact that originate due to terrorism is the development of Paranoia attitude towards the economy through restrictive air travel and raising uncertainty, economy is drifting into a phase of recession. U. S economy has been diminishing even further after U. S invasion in Afghanistan and Iraq. Another way terrorism affected our economy is the lift in oil price which proved to be an economic jolt over the American nation who is now linking this oil situation with the upcoming elections and political agenda of American presidential candidates. The most direct damage that terrorism brought to our financial system is the deficit of U. S. government budget, which was a record of 413 billion dollars in 2004. A slight drop of $198 billion in deficit is being predicted by CBO for FY 2009 which is expected to increase moderately by 2010. If we analyze the reports released by CBO we will realize the shocking increase in the expenditure of war on terrorism over the last few years, federal finances for the department of home land security, and ever mounting cost of government beneficial social sachems such as medical health care and social security has halted economical development. Economists are predicting an inevitable increase in red ink taxation; this is resulting in an increasing cost of housing and other basic amenities which is ultimately decreasing the consumption power of an American. (CBO) Terrorism creates a general sense of insecurity, this brings a huge expanse on U. S federal budget in shape of home land security dept, Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that federal resources devoted to homeland security activities were a total of about $41 billion in 2004, roughly double the amount allocated to those activities before September 11, By 2007 Spending for the Department of Homeland Security increased by about 6 percent, to $42. 7 billion this money was required to further strengthen the borders and aviation security. General Seance of insecurity also slowed the pace of economic growth in 2007; economists strongly feel that it will slacken further in 2008. According to CBO, the consistent problems in the housing and financial markets and the high price of oil has curbed spending on household and businesses this is also ensuing decrease in the growth of GDP. Laws and policies developed to control terrorism has overwrought federal resources to a total of $2. 9 trillion for 2008, while the revenue will total $2.7 trillion, which will result in budget deficit of $219 billion, this situation will be worsening with the additional $30 billion required to sustain military activates in Iraq and Afghanistan. (CBO 10) As a consequence American nation is facing a decline in funds allocation for national health dept, education, and Environment protection, the 2007 financial budget favored spending on defense which brought an overall decline in resources allocated for developing U. S social welfare programs Another worrying line of attack in which terrorism is affecting U. S economy is the current decline of the U. S dollar. By 2007, an 8% decline was recorded in U. S dollars performance in index compared to its six largest trading partners. According to the predictions made by Stephen Malyon, (a currency strategist at Scotia Capital in Toronto) the current weakness in dollar should persist for the first two quarters of the current financial year, while a rise of $1. 55 in Euro against dollar was also anticipated by him. (Ellis 2008) Terrorism creates an anxiety in the midst of American people who quite frequently hear about terrorist threats and the on going war on terrorism, while a general sense of insecurity has detained the business community, and this has created a lack of confidence among the main stream investors. Terrorism has also put the burden of humongous expense that the nation had to face in shape of Dept of home land security, ever since Sept 11, while this dept controls almost all issues related to national security and U. S intelligence, an increase in the federal resources and funds devoted towards this department, and as a consequence every year a considerable decline is recorded in social benefits such as education and national health care. Other affects of terrorism on American economy at large are the red ink taxes, increase in oil cost and the decline in dollar value; all of this is contributing towards decreasing the purchase power of an average American. Economists worldwide agree that the negative aspects and the decline in U. S economy is the cost that USA is paying for the war on terrorism. More over a large number of political economical analyst feel that the issue of terrorism is being propagated by the American presidential candidates in there political agendas which is a major cause of nervousness among the nation. Many argue today about United States aggressive strategy to counter terrorism has been a mistake and think that a defensive strategy would have been a more appropriate choice in terms of the affects of terrorism on U. S economy. Work Cited; †¢ Enders Walter and Todd Sandler. The Political Economy of Terrorism. 1st ed. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University, 2006. †¢ Abadie, Gardeazabal. Terrorism and the World Economy. (2007): 40. †¢ Orszag, Peter R. United States, CBO. The Budget and Economic Outlook:Fiscal Years 2008-2017. Washington, DC: CBO, 2007. †¢ Ellis, David. Dollars slide. Its the economy, stupid (2008 )

Friday, November 15, 2019

Coexistence of Contrary States in Blake’s The Tyger Essay -- Blake Tyg

Coexistence of Contrary States in Blake’s The Tyger Since the two hundred years that William Blake has composed his seminal poem "The Tyger", critics and readers alike have attempted to interpret its burning question - "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?" Perhaps best embodying the spirit of Blake’s Songs of Experience, the tiger is the poetic counterpart to the Lamb of Innocence from Blake’s previous work, Songs of Innocence. Manifest in "The Tyger" is the key to understanding its identity and man’s conception of God, while ultimately serving to confront the reader with a powerful source of sublimity which reveals insight on Blake’s ideal union and coexistence of the two contrary states. The most significant underlying ideology of William Blake’s poetry is his essential psychomachia - the "contrary states", as Blake himself calls them. The work in which "The Tyger" and "The Lamb" appear distinctly states Blake’s purpose in a preface: "Shewing the two contrary states of the human soul." In "The Lamb", a basic question and an answer are given. The poem is a catechism (Miner 62). The simplistic and comfortable resolution purposely has no doubt or ambiguity surrounding its initial message of love, tranquility, Jesus Christ, and above all, innocence. The speaker sees God in terms he can understand - gentle and kind and very much like us (Reinhart 25). A tremendous void is clearly apparent. The poem’s straightforwardness leaves the reader with a discomforting feeling of the need for a more sophisticated perspective on the relationship between maker and humanity. This instinctual need for a contrary state gives birth to the tiger. The tiger’s imagery is astonishingly vivid. The beast "burning bright" with "fire" indicates ... ...d the Age of Revolution. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1965. Erdman, David V. "Blake: The Historical Approach." William Blake. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1985. Miner, Paul. "’The Tyger’: Genesis & Evolution in the Poetry of William Blake." Rpt. in Poetry Criticism. Ed. Jane Kelly Kosek. Vol. 12. Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1995. 59-64. Natoli, Joseph. "William Blake." Notable Poets. Ed. G.E. Bentley. New York: Gale Research Inc., 1995. 79-95. Paley, Morton. "Tyger of Wrath." Twentieth Century Interpretations of Songs of Innocence and of Experience. Ed. Morton D. Paley. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1969. 68-92 Raine, Kathleen. William Blake. London: Longmans, Green and Co. Ltd., 1969. Reinhart, Charles. "William Blake." DLB. Ed. John R. Greenfield. Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1990. Vol. 93. 23-25.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Participant Observation and Grand Theory Essay

Bronislaw Malinowski, with his ground-breaking field work of the Trobriand Islander community in the beginning of the 20th century still today counts as a pioneer, if not the founder of the British Social Anthropology. In his famous book Argonauts of the Western Pacific. An Account of Native Enterprise and Adventure in the Archipelagos of Melanesian New Guinea that was first published in 1922 he develops an elaborate methodological framework for ethnographical research, also known as ‘participant observation’. This method will highly influence the anthropological way of approaching its field of study and hence its theoretical landscape from then on. Looking at Malinowski’s description of the clan system of the Trobriand community, his descriptive and specifying style of formulation becomes apparent: â€Å"Each of the four clans has its own name: Malasi, Lukuba, Lukwasisiga, Lukulabuta. (†¦) There are special combinations of the clan names with formative roots, to descrive men and women and the mixed plurality belonging to the same clan: Tomalasi – a Malasi man; Immalasi – a Malasi women; Memalasi – the Malasi people (†¦). Near the village of Laba’I, on the northern shore of the main island, there is a spot called Obukula, which is marked by a coral outcrop. Obukula is, in fact, a ‘hole’ (dubwadebula), or ‘house’ (bwala); that is to say, one of the points from which the first ancestors of the linage emerged. † (Malinowski 1929: 496 f. , italics in original) This very nuanced and case specific example of the material gained from his methodological approach gives rise to the question if Malinowski’s heritage of participant observation has forever distanced Anthropology from bringing forward grand theories? To be able to consider and discuss this question, it is important to first define what Malinowski circumscribed when he laid out his dogma for ethnographical research by the term participant observation. Secondly, a closer inspection of the dictum ‘grand theory’ is indispensable for our purpose and will be clarified in the second section of this essay. Subsequently, we will look at these two concepts and their relationship to one another in section three in order to approach the question whether Anthropology can be viewed as a science able to produce grand theories. I. Participant observation In the foreword to Argonauts of the Western Pacific Malinowski states that he has â€Å"lived in that [Trobriand Island] archipelago for about two years (†¦), during which time [he] naturally acquired a thorough knowledge of the language. [He] did [his] work entirely alone, living for the greater part of the time right in the village. † (1966: xvi). This statement already contains the essence of participant observation in fieldwork. The hallmark of this methodological way of collecting data is the immersion of the researcher into her or his field of study over a long period of time and the personal part taking in the interactions of the people in the community studied. When Malinowski defined this new approach of ‘first-hand’ observation he broke with the, at that time prevailing tradition of ‘armchair’ ethnography. In this prior approach, ethnographers compiled data gained from historical sources to deduce theories about certain aspects of a usually ‘native’ community (Osterhoudt 2010). One of the main contributions of Malinowski’s new method to anthropological theory was that by participating and observing behaviour in the sample community he found out that a discrepancy between actual behaviour and narrative statements exists. â€Å"The smoothness and uniformity, which the mere verbal statement suggest as the only shape of human conduct, disappears with a better knowledge of cultural reality. † (Malinowski 1979: 83). This discovery in itself already composes a point of criticism towards the preceding ethnographical ‘arm-chair’ approach to data collection and evaluation. Even though participant observation is based on a seemingly broad and intuitive research design, it would, however, be incorrect to assume that this approach would be free of any directive principles on how to collect relevant data. Therefore, Malinowski describes how first, the researcher must â€Å"possess real scientific aims† (Malinowski 1966: 6) and be familiar with the theoretical background of anthropology. Further, the researcher should live in the field among the natives all by herself/ himself, and lastly the researcher has to stick to special and strict scientific methods, such as drawing â€Å"tables of kinship terms, genealogies, maps, plans and diagrams† (idib. 1966: 10) to collect, prepare and record her/his data. The previous example of the clan system provides a sense of the detailed and case specific information that is obtained by the application of participant observation. Besides the kind of the data collected, it should also be looked at the area of research and Malinowski’s suggestion of the subject to be studied. He proposes that the â€Å"field worker observes human beings acting within an environmental setting, natural and artificial; influenced by it, and in turn transforming it in co-operation with each other. † (Malinowski 1939: 940). Thus, he focuses on the individual as a starting point and its relation to, and mutual dependence on a social group. The inquiries of a researcher will hence have to include a â€Å"specific study of the individual, as well as the group within which he has to live and work. † (idib. 1939: 950). The collective life within that group or society is widely to be seen in certain types of activities, ‘institutions’ such as the â€Å"economy, education, or social control and political system in place† (idib. 1939: 954). These institutions, as he points out, can be seen as a fruitful base to investigate the individual’s motives and values and they will provide â€Å"insight into the process by which the individual is conditioned or culturally formed and of the group mechanisms of this process. † (idib. 1939: 954). II. Grand Theory In the following, the dictum ‘grand theory’ will be specified and by doing so distinguished into two different tendencies of understanding the concept. Wiarda (2010) defines a grand theory in his book Grand Theories and Ideologies in the Social Sciences as â€Å"those large, overarching explanations of social and political behavior—liberalism, Marxism, socialism, positivism, corporatism, political culture, institutionalism, psychoanalysis, rational choice theory, environmentalism (Jared Diamond), sociobiology, and now chemistry and genetics—that give coherence to the social sciences, help us to organize and think about change and modernization, and give us models to understand complex behavior. † (Wiarda 2010: x) This definition of grand theory as an ‘overarching explanation’ is in line with Anthony Good’s (1996) understanding of a ‘generalizing science’ that produces â€Å"universal, descriptive and predictive laws† (idib. 1996: 34). Here a grand theory is understood as a theorem providing a universal and structural framework that gives meaning to particular and individual phenomena ‘on the ground’. In this process the â€Å"importance of the local and the contingent, (†¦) the extent to which our own concepts and attitudes have been shaped† (Skinner 1985: 8) builds also a part of the universal framework. The second tendency to conceive the idea of grand theory goes a step further and is mainly characterized by C. Wright Mills application of it. He vigorously criticised the concept in his book The Sociological Imagination (1959): â€Å"The basic cause of grand theory is the initial choice of a level of thinking so general that its practitioners cannot logically get down to observation. They never, as grand theorists, get down from the higher generalities to problems in their historical and structural contexts. This absence of a firm sense of genuine problems, in turn, makes for the unreality so noticeable in their pages. † (idib. 1959: 33) As this quote shows, Mills’ understanding of a grand theory goes beyond our first definition. In this second understanding Mills implies that scientists generating grand theories are engrossed in their endeavour to build abstract, normative and all-embracing frameworks and thus neglect the study of the ‘meaning’ behind their constructs. The individual with its particular values and interpretations, as well as variety on the scale of the actual area of research fall behind. III. Participant Observation and its relation to Grand Theory Taken the just outlined conception of grand theory influenced by Mills and putting it in relationship with Malinowski’s methodology of participant observation, the answer to our question whether or not Malinowski’s heritage barred the way of Anthropology to ever produce grand theories appears unambiguously to be ‘yes’. Participant observation in its very nature is close to the individual and aims to explore, over a long period of time, which social and cultural forces influence the human being in a specific setting. Therefore, with regards to Mills conception of grand theory, Anthropology has a birth defect called participant observation that will always prevent it from producing highly abstract grand theories, which stand in no relation to the circumstances from where they were deduced from. A closer look reveals that Malinowski’s understanding of the anthropological formation of theory aligns with Mills criticism towards highly abstract grand theories: â€Å"It would be easy to quote works of high repute, and with a scientific hall-mark on them, in which wholesale generalisations are laid down before us, and we are not informed at all by what actual experiences the writers have reached their conclusions. (†¦) I consider that only such ethnographic sources are of unquestionable scientific value, in which we can clearly draw the line between, on the one hand, the result of direct observation and of native statements and interpretations and on the other, the inferences of the author, based on his common sense of psychological insight. † (Malinowski 1966: 3) Here Malinowski differences between two approaches of data processing. One approach leads to mere ‘wholesale generalisations’ and the other approach also includes the ‘actual experiences’ the researcher faced on the local level that explain on what assumptions and observations her or his generalizations are based on. He hence supports the notion of Anthropology as a science of producing generalisations, as long as they are comprehensible and in direct relation to the reality on the ground. Malinowski’s ethnographies exist to a vast amount of descriptive details that are very specific to certain social groups or individual preferences and he has hence often been criticized as an ‘empiricist’ (see Firth 1957). Also, one could argue that his attempt to put his findings in a neat structured box with columns, as he has done in his article Group and Individual in Functional Analysis (1966) seem rather compelled. Nevertheless, he was able to provide social science with universal and generalizing frameworks on, inter alia, on how social institutions function in relation to society. He states that â€Å"social institutions have a definite organisation, (†¦) they are governed by authority, law and order in their public and personal relations, while the latter are, besides, under the control of extremely complex ties of kinship and clanship. † (Malinowski 1966: 10). Malinowski’s suggestion to use institution as a starting point for social and cultural analysis has â€Å"produced integrated descriptions instead of loosely classified catalogues of traits, and has stimulated the fuller recording of case material from actual behavior as a supplement to the listing of ideal patterns. † (Murdock 1943: 443). Following Malinowski’s ethnographic method and theory construction therefore aims to create a firm framework of the â€Å"social constitution† that â€Å"disentangle[s] the laws and regularities of all cultural phenomena from the irrelevances. † (Malinowski 1966: 10f. ). His approach is thus far more that only an accumulation of meaningless observations of an individuals life in a very specific society. Considering these arguments, Malinowski approach can, indeed, be seen as congruent with our first tendency to understand grand theory. The answer to our initial question should hence be that Anthropology is a science that can certainly produce grand theories in the sense of generalized frameworks and universalistic theories, without neglecting the importance of the â€Å"local and the contingent† (Skinner 1985: 12). Furthermore, Anthropology can be viewed as an established science with its own field of study being the human being and its social group as well as their mutual dependencies and influences. â€Å"Anthropology stands in a clear relationship to the other basic science, because it is concerned with studying phenomena at one clearly discriminate level vis-a-vis those other sciences. † (Good 1996: 32)