Marketing Principles

Free Essays on Santeria

CUBAN SANTERIA Santeria, which literally means, ‘way of the saints’, originated in Cuba. Santeria is considered an Afro-Cuban religion. It has roots in Africa, specifically the Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria. When Africans were brought to the New World as slaves, they brought with them their Yoruba religious traditions (Nunez: 3). Slave owners forced them to give up their beliefs and convert to Christianity. However, the slaves persisted and found a way to hide their beliefs with the introduction of Catholicism in Cuba in 1517. They disguised their deities behind the images of Catholic saints so it would seem that they were praying to the saints, but were actually praying to their gods. The secrecy of practicing rites, prayers, and rituals has then become inherent in Santeria. Beliefs in honouring ancestors and the deities and living in balance with the forces of nature are parts of Santeria principles. Santeria is a syncretic religion born from the fusion of Catholic ism and Yoruba religion. In Santeria, the saints and the corresponding orishas are one and the same. Although it contains elements of both religions, Santeria is very different from either one that it is considered a separate religion with its own identity and indigenous to Cuba. Throughout time, the religion has spread into different parts of the world and has faced a few challenges, but still remains consistent because of its adaptive nature. WORSHIP ASHE Ashe is raw cosmic energy or a vital force. Literally, it means, â€Å"so be it† (Gonzalez-Wippler 1989: 5). It is the divine power that Oloddumare (God) used to create the universe. All ashe is directed to Oloddumare. Ashe is a generative power inherent in all things (Mason: 123). Ashe is the sustenance of life. All invocations, rituals, offerings, ceremonies, prayers, and magic are performed to receive ashe from the saints (Gonzalez-Wippler 1989: 5). The universe is moved by ashe.... Free Essays on Santeria Free Essays on Santeria CUBAN SANTERIA Santeria, which literally means, ‘way of the saints’, originated in Cuba. Santeria is considered an Afro-Cuban religion. It has roots in Africa, specifically the Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria. When Africans were brought to the New World as slaves, they brought with them their Yoruba religious traditions (Nunez: 3). Slave owners forced them to give up their beliefs and convert to Christianity. However, the slaves persisted and found a way to hide their beliefs with the introduction of Catholicism in Cuba in 1517. They disguised their deities behind the images of Catholic saints so it would seem that they were praying to the saints, but were actually praying to their gods. The secrecy of practicing rites, prayers, and rituals has then become inherent in Santeria. Beliefs in honouring ancestors and the deities and living in balance with the forces of nature are parts of Santeria principles. Santeria is a syncretic religion born from the fusion of Catholic ism and Yoruba religion. In Santeria, the saints and the corresponding orishas are one and the same. Although it contains elements of both religions, Santeria is very different from either one that it is considered a separate religion with its own identity and indigenous to Cuba. Throughout time, the religion has spread into different parts of the world and has faced a few challenges, but still remains consistent because of its adaptive nature. WORSHIP ASHE Ashe is raw cosmic energy or a vital force. Literally, it means, â€Å"so be it† (Gonzalez-Wippler 1989: 5). It is the divine power that Oloddumare (God) used to create the universe. All ashe is directed to Oloddumare. Ashe is a generative power inherent in all things (Mason: 123). Ashe is the sustenance of life. All invocations, rituals, offerings, ceremonies, prayers, and magic are performed to receive ashe from the saints (Gonzalez-Wippler 1989: 5). The universe is moved by ashe....

Correspondence packet Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Correspondence packet - Article Example This social group has proved to constitute the bulk of our consumer audience (which isn’t surprising as the clothes produced by our company are orientated on youth), and we need to sense their needs and tendencies in their behavior accurately in order to increase our benefit. Thus, as marketing researches show, the internet has become virtually the main tool for advertising and promoting goods among a very wide category of consumers. Thus, our target audience tends to use the internet the most among all other media, and it is the area where we need to display our significant place in fashion clothing industry. Our surveys show that about three quarters of our target audience tends to use internet daily. On the other hand, popularity of television has dropped considerably in the recent years. This tendency, as you can clearly see, has a profound impact on our industry, too, as we currently focus our major efforts on the outdoor advertising and TV commercials. DIVERSE clothes, Inc. must shift focus from TV advertising to the Internet advertising using all its means like banners, pop-ups and e-mail ads. Changing our strategy will allow us to reach the greater number of our potential consumers who are young adults. The World-Wide-Web provides a valuable platform to place ads with the aim to reach millions of consumers around the world (Hamel). Again, surveys indicate that such websites as Google, Facebook, Yahoo!, Twitter and YouTube are among the top 10 most visited websites. This gives us a hint about where our efforts should be concentrated therefore. If we shift focus from radio and TV advertising to the popular Internet sites, we will increase popularity of our company and achieve much success in promotion of our products. And, obviously, the rate of sales is likely to increase considerably. Concerning the financial aspect of the issue, I would like to suggest simply redirecting

Matrix Factorization Techniques for Recommendation Systems (Netflix Research Paper

Matrix Factorization Techniques for Recommendation Systems (Netflix Prize) - Research Paper Example We will also describe an incremental variant of the MF that effectively undertakes new users and rating that is fundamental within the real life recommender system. A hybrid MF-neighbor based method is further discussed in regard to advancing the prevailing performance of the MF. The proposed methods are mainly examined on the Netflix Prize dataset and mainly depict that they can be accomplish very favorable Quiz RMSE, which is the best sole method :0.8904, combination: 0.8841 and corresponding running time. The Netflix Prize competition of 2006 showed that the Matrix Factorization techniques are greater to archetypal closest-neighbour techniques in the production of product recommendations and lets the inclusion of extra material like inherent feedbacks, self-assurance levels and chronological effects. There are floods of choices for contemporary consumers. Electronic dealers and content suppliers offer a vast choice of products with exceptional openings to meet a range of distinct needs and preferences. As a trend observed of late, more retailers have had an exponential positive change in interest to many purchasers with the most fitting products which is vital in the enhancement of user content and loyalty. In so doing, it evaluates trends of customer interests to offer rather custom-made recommendations which are in accordance to customer preference (Ricci, 124-198). Netflix, an e-commerce leader has recommender structures as prominent fragments of its website that are observantly b eneficial for music, movies and TV shows. Quite a huge number of users will check a similar movie while each and every one of the users views various dissimilar movies. These users have shown the will to indicate their satisfaction levels with specific movies and thus a massive volume of data is available about what particular movies charm which users. Various known corporations analyze the available information to provide a recommendation on movies particular to

Successful Marketing in Japan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Successful Marketing in Japan - Essay Example This piece of paper addresses major factors that are to be considered by foreign businesses that intend to launch their lucrative business in Japan and explain what they should do to respond to the cultural myopia that prevails in Japan. Mastering the marketing in Japan Japan, being the second largest economy of the world, occupies a significant position in almost all industries and business activities worldwide. From the 1940s onwards, the country has been able to build a dominant, modern and internationally-oriented industrial economy which was based on innovative product designs, high quality production, advanced services, increased domestic consumption etc (Genzberger, 1994, p. 1). Japan is not only a strong economy in terms of production, exports, innovation, advanced services etc, but also a powerful market that large numbers of businesses from other countries seek opportunities in Japan. But, administering and mastering the marketing in Japan is considered to be a difficult ta sk. There are different barriers to marketing in Japan. Some of the major barriers to selling to Japan are import barriers, obstructive bureaucrats, non-transparent regulations, huge language barrier, conglomerate monopolies etc (Genzberger, 1994, p. 175). For any businessman from other countries to launch, run, operate and succeed in Japan’s market is therefore a difficult task, but there are many lucrative businesses that have strategically approached the market and found success in its path. As Reid (1999, p. 41) observed, even though Japanese market has long been considered to be obstructive to penetrate, experts on business in Japan have found that this is quite misleading. Various business strategies have been found to have helped foreign businesses in Japan’s market. Goodnow and Kosenko (1993) identified key strategies that North American companies used for marketing in Japan. Management philosophy, high technological capability, acceptance of Japanese subsidiar y etc are some of such effective strategies. Reid (1999, p. 41) pointed that foreign companies have not only succeeded in marketing in Japan, but also established leadership positions mainly in Japanese consumer products market. Many foreign players have turned to be established leaders in the Japanese market. For instance, Coca-Cola generates around 30 percent of its total profits from Japan, 70 percent of Dunhill’s sales are from Japanese people and IBM employs around 20,000 Japanese people. Factors to be considered by foreign corporations to conduct business in Japan Cost element While comparing the relative costs that may incur in marketing in different countries, it can be found that marketing in Japan is more costly than marketing in many other countries (Genzberger, 1994, p. 175). When it comes to various business expenditures, almost every thing including rent, salary, transportation, advertising, banking etc are highly expensive than that of other countries. Cost has been accounted to be 50 percent of all the reasons behind the failure of companies in marketing in Japan. For those corporate who have a quality product, advanced technology, innovations and more importantly those who are willing to undertake the high initial costs for market entry in the

Preventing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)

Preventing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Introduction Clinical governance is important for providing safe care to patients and is essential to continuous improvement in patient safety.(vicgov) One of the key components in relation to this safety and quality issue in health care is preventing and controlling healthcare associated infections(HAI) which plays a significant role in poor outcomes of patients.(sahealth) To prevent transmission of HAI, Hand Hygiene should be done which is one of the most effective ways. Clinical professionals, especially nurses who have high risk of HAI transmission to patients, need to review the effects and great importance of Hand Hygiene to minimize the risk of HAI. Also, study tells that a number of infections can be prevented by adherence to established infection control practices.(sahealth) However, when accessing articles, they need to know the review methods such as a systematic review and randomized control trial, to satisfy evidence based practice with having analysing skills for quality resources. Five articles were reviewed to practice this. Critique Larson et al did research to examine the impact of the new practice Guideline on HAI and this compared the infection rates of pre- and post-Guideline implementation in a sample of US hospitals in different time. The problem is the result can be affected by time. Some components, such as how surveillance is conducted, how infections are defined and other concurrent infection prevention activities over time, might play a significant role in the result. Also, there were no control groups in this research so that the outcome of this research cannot be compared with the control group’s infection rates in the same time of post-Guideline implementation. And there was only 2 days observation which is unlikely to be an accurate reflection of practice. Monistrol et al used no control group as well. And Hand Hygiene compliance, the consumption of alcohol-based hand rub (AHR), HAIs and MRSA hospital acquisition incidence were measured. Hand Hygiene compliance was measured by direct observation of health care workers during daily work routine. Observations covered all the 8 hour shifts on weekdays, which is more acceptable than Larson et al’s only 2 days observation. However, infection control nurses undertook the observers and also part of the educator. This could explain the high Hand Hygiene compliance in all periods due to the presence of observers. Meanwhile, Allegranzi et al assessed the effectiveness of the World Health Organization hand hygiene improvement strategy in a low-income African country, evaluating hand hygiene infrastructure, compliance, healthcare workers’ knowledge and perceptions, and handrub consumption. The ideal design for these researches would be Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT), because the research outcomes can be compared by control groups for more exact data in a same time. However, those cannot be done properly with RCT and this is the reason why they did not choose RCT for the research strategy. Once the new practice Guideline is published, the control groups will be informed as well. And this might withhold best practices from patients, raising ethical concerns. The most rigorous study among those three articles was Allegranzi et al’s research. To examine the effectiveness of WHO’s hand hygiene improvement strategy, they prepared well with training the observers for a long time according to the WHO observation method. And for the baseline evaluation and follow-up evaluation WHO knowledge questionnaire was administered. Also, more scientific and specific categories such as hand hygiene infrastructure and healthcare workers’ level of knowledge were shown in this research than others. Stout et al and Melissa et al reviewed articles by using a systematic review. In regards to the search strategy, Stout et al searched only PubMed for relevant articles. While Melissa et al searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, HMIC, the Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases. There is evidence that single electronic database searches lack sensitivity and relevant articles may be missed if only one database is searched(Akobeng 2005). Meanwhile, Stout et al evaluated and reviewed 3,463 articles published between January 1, 2000 and March 31 2013. Forty two articles were selected and grouped into 1 of 4 categories after quality assessment of articles. Also, the earliest year of 2000 was selected because alcohol-based hand rub was not widely in use in prior years. This is a quite scientific strategy. While, there was no specific reason for Melissa et al to pick the articles between May and November 2004, as well as there was no mention about quality assessment of studies. A systematic review was selected for these articles to examine primary studies on focused clinical questions so that specific answers from narrowly defined review questions were given. Findings Conclusion The result of Larson et al indicates that hand hygiene guideline was disseminated and hospitals responded by modifying procedures and policies, compliance with hand hygiene recommendations remained low. Similarly, Monistrol et al suggested that no changes in incidences of HAI were shown after the multimodal campaign. However, Allegranzi et al found that hand hygiene improvement is affordable and effective in a healthcare setting with limited resources. The difference between Summary Number Author/s, year country Aims Sample/setting Design/methods Main Findings Strength/limitations of the study 1 Stout, Ritchie Macpherson 2007 UK To improve compliance with hand hygiene guidelines, resulting in low incidence of HAI. Search strategy with combined terms of ‘handwashing’, ‘alcohol cleanser’, ‘infection’, or ‘compliance’ Date or language limitation were applied. A systematic review: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, HMIC, the Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases between May and November 2004 2 Melissa et al 2014 US To assess the existing evidence surrounding the adoption and accuracy of automated systems or electronically enhanced direct observations and also reviews the effectiveness of such systems in health care settings. 3 Allegranzi et al 2010 US To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the World Health Organization hand hygiene improvement strategy in a low-income African country. University Hospital, Bamako, Mali Introducing a locally produced, alcohol-based handrub; monitoring hand hygiene compliance; providing performance feedback; educating staff; posting reminders in the workplace; and promoting an institutional safety climate according to the World Health Organization multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy. Compliance increased from 8.0% at baseline to 21.8% at follow-up 4 Larson, Quiros Lin 2007 US To evaluate implementation and compliance with clinical practices recommended in the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) Hand Hygiene Guideline To compare rates of HAI before and after implementation of the guideline recommendations To examine the patterns and correlates of changes in rates of HAI Survey for 89.8% of 1359 staff members Hospitals that were members of The National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System Quantitative study during 2001 – 2004, Hand Hygiene Guideline implementation and compliance measures: the introduction of the guideline within the hospital; the presence of the recommended products on clinical units; institutional policies and procedures regarding hand hygiene, includeing the presence of a formalized plan to monitor compliance. Measure of HAI pre- and post-Guideline: collecting data regarding HAI rates in the ICUs of study hospitals for 12 months before and 12 months following publication of the Hand Hygiene Guideline. Hand hygiene compliance: ranged from 24% to 89% per ICU None of the pre to post-rates of change were associated with hospital characteristics. Assessment of hand hygiene compliance was based on just 2 days of observation 5 Monistrol et al 2011 Spain To evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention in medical wards in relation to hand hygiene compliance, alcohol-based hand rub consumption and incidence of HAI and MRSA. 825 patients and 868 patients totally in the pre and post period respectively. Conducted at three internal medical wards(113 beds) in Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa, Spain Quantitative: Prospective study during 2007 2009. Carried out in four phases: a baseline phase(10 weeks from February 2007), an intervention period(5 months from June 2007), a post intervention(10 weeks from November 2007) and follow-up evaluation(November 2009) Hand hygiene compliance improved from 54.3% in the pre period to 75.8% in the post period. Alcohol-based hand rub consumption increased from 10.5 to 27.2L per 1000 patient-days. The incidence density of HAI ranged from 6.93 to 6.96 per 1000 hospital days and new Healthcare Associated MRSA went down from 0.92 to 0.25 per 1000 hospital-days. Strengths: conducted in general medical wards with the long-term follow-up Limitations: no control group was used; no group session, compliance observation or surveillance of HAIs was carried out outside the studied area Vic gov http://health.vic.gov.au/clinrisk/publications/clinical_gov_policy.htm sahealth http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/clinical+resources/safety+and+quality/preventing+and+controlling+healthcare+associated+infections

Young Goodman Brown: Immature Innocence vs. Mature Guilt :: essays research papers fc

Young Goodman Brown: Immature Innocence vs. Mature Guilt   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story â€Å"Young Goodman Brown,† Hawthorne expresses his true feelings about the negative beliefs of the puritan religion through usage of expressive styles and themes, various characters, and objects within the story. Because the puritan religion was in affect during a very complicated and chaotic time known as the Salem Witch Trials many people, including Young Goodman Brown, would be shocked to discover that the pure puritan society they knew was in fact contaminated with evil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hawthorne uses the main character, Young Goodman Brown, to lucidly convey the story’s main theme of corrupted innocence. When one carefully analyzes Young Goodman Brown’s character the main concept that comes to mind is that the character appears to be an implied part of his religion-pure. The reader should keep in mind that purity is often associated with innocence. The sense of purity within the character of Young Goodman Brown will later appear to be awkward. In the beginning of the story when he meets the Devil in the forest the narrator states that the Devil â€Å"was about fifty years old, apparently in the same rank of life as Goodman Brown, and bearing a considerable resemblance to him, (Hawthorne, 337).† Through this statement the reader now knows that Young Goodman Brown is not young as his name implies, he is actually a very old man who is just now reaching the stage in life where one realizes that the world is not surfeited with just purity alone, it also contains evil. When the reader first begins the story it is automatically assumed that his title Young Goodman Brown means that he is literally young, which further implies innocence, immaturity, and naive ness. During the Puritan times the title Goodman was equivalent to the present day title of mister. Hawthorne presents a character that has the assumed name of a child, Young Goodman Brown, and the demeanor and thought process of a child; however, the reader is to discover later that he is an adult with the mindset of a child. When the reader discovers that the character is not a child, the fact that Brown was taking a journey into what he believed was initiation to manhood during the beginning of the story now makes the situation very awkward. Young Goodman Brown maintains the mindset of a child; he is naà ¯ve to the fact that the world and people are not pure in and innocent even though they take part in the pure puritan religion.