Understanding Buyers Value Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Understanding Buyers Value - Essay Example Understanding Buyers Value Michael Porter (1991. pp103) presented an internal value chain of an organization from conceptualization to delivery of products to customers and argued that "Buyer Value is created when a firm lowers its buyer's cost or enhances buyer's performance". From the author's perspective, the buyer's value is the positive perception of the buyer herself/himself that the organization has earned amidst many factors that influence the perception. The factors may be behaviour with the buyer, communications carried out with the buyer, clarity & transparency of information provided to the buyer, understanding of buyer's need, personalization of the solution against buyer's needs, discount levels provided to the buyer, value added services provided to the buyer. and after sales services & product upgradation services provided to the buyer whenever requested. It may be possible that the buyer has carried out competitive pricing analysis before the bargaining and hence the seller has to either justi fy higher price by demonstrating tangible value additions or simply quote lower than competition to sell the products. Hence, Porter's argument about lowering of buyer's cost and enhancing buyer's performance again gets applicable if the buyer appreciates these facts from her/his perspective. The firm’s perspective can at the most be to control the factors (value chain management) that can achieve the positive perceptions of the buyer – what the buyer finally perceives is the actual value achieved by the firm. The author strongly agrees about the theory of reduced sacrifice undertaken by the buyer because it strongly influences the perception of the buyer regarding the firm. Discussion Points Elmaghraby and Keskinocak (2003. pp1288-1289) presented the mechanism of dynamic pricing to get the best benefits out of increased customer demands and reduced inventories. In such cases, the firms tend to increase their prices which definitely tend to increase the sacrifice level of customers to acquire the prices. The author wishes to discuss if such dynamic pricing strategies in the attempt to get the best out of "favorable conditions for the firm" cause long term damage to the value perceptions of the customers which may backfire especially when the demands eases. Slater and Narver (1998. pp1000-1005) presented that long term competitive advantages of companies can be improved by carrying out innovations more towards market orientation than customer orientation. This is primarily because customers are grossly ignorant about their needs. But on the contrary it is true that customers perceive value on their own based on their social influences and past experiences. The author wishes to discuss how companies should be able to control the perceptions of customers to achieve positive buyer value if this theory about market orientation should be trusted Conclusion: The author presented own perspective about buyer's value stating that this largely depends upon the factors that drive positive perceptions in customer's mind. The best that an organization can do is to apply effective efforts to achieve this positive perceptio

Friendships in Of Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

Friendships in Of Mice and Men Essay Throughout life, one establishes friendships to better ensure their future. The novel Of Mice And Men, written by John Steinbeck, is about a group of traveling labor workers and the hardships that they overcome. The friendship between George, one of the main characters, and Lenny, a retarded man and of Candy, a crippled man, and his old dog, although different, they each share many of the same feelings toward each other. Also, by establishing these friendships, each partner is benefited and is given life motivation. However, all good things must come to an end, and when each partner is separated from their companion, their significant bonds are broken. Because of their established friendships, George, Lenny, Candy and his dog are able to live happy lives filled with joyous and exciting times. Throughout the book, many feelings are expressed between the relationship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog. Ever since they had lived together, George and Lenny loved and cared for each other every waiting day. Because [they] [had] each other, George and Lenny became more loving and compassionate, not just towards themselves, but also towards others (104). Unlike the other traveling workers who journeyed alone, George and Lenny were together, fighting off the hardships of The Great Depression with a loving relationship. This bond kept each others hearts pure and refrained them from turning bitter. Ever since Candys dog was a puppy, he and Candy had shared a trustworthy connection filled with loyalty for each other. In Candys younger years of life, when his partner was a good sheep dog, they had started a trusting relationship, which they carried out throughout the rest of their lives (24). Since Candy had his pup ever since it was born, Candy was its only master. Because canines are extremely loyal to their master, this loyal bond was able to flourish. Finally, because Lenny has been with George all his life, he feels a bond of trust between them and is completely loyal to George. During their early years, when George wasnt so kind to Lenny, he could have told Lenny to walk over a cliff and over hed go (40). Although George never did something this cruel, he did do some grueling things. He even got Lenny into fights. However, as time went on, he too became loyal and a trusting relationship grew. Even though these partners are very different, they still share many of the same feelings towards each other. In the relationship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog, each partner gains something and this is the motivation for the friendship. Because of Lennys mental state, as he travels with, and becomes friends with, George, he benefits by having a guardian to follow him around and keep him safe. Ever since they were young, Lenny just come along with George, and from that day forward he benefited from Georges safety (40). Lenny is retarded and his mind cannot process enough useful information to allow him to live a successful life, contributing to society. If George had not allowed Lenny to travel with him then Lenny would either end up homeless, in prison, or dead. In addition, because Candys dog is now useless, he benefits off Candy by receiving a guardian to protect him and guide him through the rest of his life. Although he had been an excellent canine in his day, because he aint no good to anyone now, his life would be futile if he did not have a guide for his remaining years. However, Candy did not care for him entirely out of kindness, he too benefits from their relationship. Because Candy is a cripple, he wants to feel like he is needed, and having someone that depends on him, allows Candy to live a joyous life. Although Lenny does not have much to give, George still benefits off their friendship by receiving a loyal companion to accompany him on his journeys. Because [they] travel together, George does not have to be burdened with the loneliness that could drive a man insane. George observes the other traveling labor workers become hard and lonely because they have nobody to converse with on their journeys. Although he benefits from their relationship, George pays dearly with his guardianship over Lenny. By establishing these relationships, each partner is benefited and given life motiv ation. Both the friendship of George and Lenny and of Candy and his dog lose their significant bonds when the partners are separated. Because Candy and his dog provide companionship for each other, when his dog dies Candy is left alone and unstable. Once his dog had been put up for the death sentence, Candy was left alone, pondering their wonderful memories together as he lied rigidly on his bed and stared at the ceiling (48). Candys purpose in life was now over, for he had no one that depended on him. Now the only thing that drove  him was the hope that Georges dream would come true, and that George, Lenny and he would get their own little plot of land. After George kills Lenny, although this was an act of kindness, George loses his purpose as a guardian. After he had pulled the trigger, George shivered and looked at the gun, for he knew that his guardianship was now over (106). George understood that it was his responsibility to kill Lenny. Although this act of kindness will burden him for the rest of his life, George still did the honorable thing. When Lenny died, George loses his dream of having a place of their own. By now, the dream had spread to more than just George and Lenny and when Lenny and their little place die away George becomes miserable and hurt (94). The time that followed this tragedy was the first time of Georges adult life with out Lenny. Also, up till now Georges purpose in life was to care for, and keep Lenny safe. With Lenny dead, George feels that his life had no purpose, for he could not keep Lenny from dangers grasp. When each friendship becomes separated, the still living partner feels no more purpose for life. Because of their established friendships, George, Lenny, Candy and his dog are able to live happy, joy filled lives as they overcome the hardships of The Great Depression. Although their significant bonds are broken when the partners are separated, when they are together, the partners benefit and share many feelings towards each other. Some say opposites attract, and buy using this scientific law to create friendships with different people; our society would be a friendlier and overall better place. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck New York : Covici-Friede, 1937

Biography of Sir Isaac Newton :: Contributions of Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton, mathematician and physicist, was one of the foremost scientific intellects of all time. Born in 1642 at Woolsthorpe, near Grantham in Lincolnshire, he attended school. There he entered Cambridge University in 1661. He was elected a Fellow of Trinity College in 1667, and Lucasian Professor of Mathematics in 1669. He remained at the university, lecturing in most years, until 1696. Of these Cambridge years, Newton was at the height of his creative power as "the prime of my age for invention". He singled out for four years, which was spent largely in Lincolnshire because of plague in Cambridge. During two to three years of intense mental effort he prepared Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica commonly known as the Principia, although this was not published until 1687. As a firm opponent of the attempt by King James II to make the universities into Catholic institutions, Newton was elected Member of Parliament for the University of Cambridge to the Convention Parliament of 1689, and sat again in 1701. Meanwhile, in 1696 he had moved to London as Warden of the Royal Mint. He became Master of the Mint in 1699, an office he retained to his death in 1727. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1671, and in 1703 he became President, being annually re-elected for the rest of his life. His major work, Opticks, appeared the next year; he was knighted in Cambridge in 1705. As Newtonian science became increasingly accepted on the Continent, and especially after a general peace was restored in 1714, following the War of the Spanish Succession, Newton became the most highly esteemed natural philosopher in Europe. His last decades were passed in revising his major works, polishing his studies of ancient history, and defending himself against critics, as well as carrying out his official duties. Newton was modest, diffident, and a man of simple tastes. He was angered by criticism or opposition, and offensive resentment He was harsh towards enemies but generous to friends. In government, and at the Royal Society, he proved an able administrator. Biography of Sir Isaac Newton :: Contributions of Isaac Newton Sir Isaac Newton, mathematician and physicist, was one of the foremost scientific intellects of all time. Born in 1642 at Woolsthorpe, near Grantham in Lincolnshire, he attended school. There he entered Cambridge University in 1661. He was elected a Fellow of Trinity College in 1667, and Lucasian Professor of Mathematics in 1669. He remained at the university, lecturing in most years, until 1696. Of these Cambridge years, Newton was at the height of his creative power as "the prime of my age for invention". He singled out for four years, which was spent largely in Lincolnshire because of plague in Cambridge. During two to three years of intense mental effort he prepared Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica commonly known as the Principia, although this was not published until 1687. As a firm opponent of the attempt by King James II to make the universities into Catholic institutions, Newton was elected Member of Parliament for the University of Cambridge to the Convention Parliament of 1689, and sat again in 1701. Meanwhile, in 1696 he had moved to London as Warden of the Royal Mint. He became Master of the Mint in 1699, an office he retained to his death in 1727. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1671, and in 1703 he became President, being annually re-elected for the rest of his life. His major work, Opticks, appeared the next year; he was knighted in Cambridge in 1705. As Newtonian science became increasingly accepted on the Continent, and especially after a general peace was restored in 1714, following the War of the Spanish Succession, Newton became the most highly esteemed natural philosopher in Europe. His last decades were passed in revising his major works, polishing his studies of ancient history, and defending himself against critics, as well as carrying out his official duties. Newton was modest, diffident, and a man of simple tastes. He was angered by criticism or opposition, and offensive resentment He was harsh towards enemies but generous to friends. In government, and at the Royal Society, he proved an able administrator.

Lincoln High School

For most students at Lincoln High School, today is no different than any other regular school day. For me however, it’s the day I’ve been looking forward to for over a month. Today is the day when our hard work during numerous evening rehearsals pays off. Today is the day when the hundreds of hours put into making costumes, building the set, and intricate make up designs are displayed. Today is the day we open the show. One by one the students filter into the theater room. For the first evening performance, call is at 5:00, but by the time I’ve arrived at 4:30 room 220 is already filled with students busily preparing for the show. Costumes begin to disappear from the costume closet and a thin layer of powder and cream makeup appears on the counter. I manage to squeeze my way through the mob of people standing around, chatting, applying makeup, or curling hair and find myself a wonderful seat in front of the mirror. As I sit down I’m overcome with a thick, chocking cloud of hairspray. Over the next hour students slowly transform into their characters, no longer the same people who walked through the door earlier this evening. The director enters and shouts â€Å"Twenty minutes until show!† Myself, and everyone one else in the theater room echoes in response, â€Å"Thank you twenty!† You can almost feel the level of excitement rising. The chattering gets a little louder. Soon after the announcement, the cast gather around the tables and began to stretch. The chattering dies down, and I begin to reflect over what we’ve accomplished over the last month and a half. Five minutes until the show starts. Everyone circles up and join hands so the seniors can continue on the tradition of â€Å"The Energy Circle†. â€Å"Are you ready?† Everyone replies in their stage whisper, â€Å"Yeahhhhh!† â€Å"Then let’s get ready to rumble!† The wave is started around the circle. It goes around once, twice, and than dies out. It’s time to report to our places. As everybody waits, cramped in the wings of the stage, my mind begins to race with questions. What if I forget my line? What if I miss a cue? My thoughts are intercepted with the dimming of the lights. Black out. Everyone quickly, but quietly gets into their opening position and freezes. The lights come up, and the show begins. Time starts to fly by. We are performing the show better than at any rehearsal. Before I know it I’m taking a bow. The crowd is cheering wildly. The lights go out and the cast exits off stage. Only moments later, the senior dip begins to fill with parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. I am overjoyed to see some of my friends, and immediately I am bombarded with hugs and positive reviews. Soon, people begin to pull away from their family and friends because there are duties and chores that need to be taken care of before anyone can leave. Costumes are gathered, neatly hung up and the makeup grime is wiped off of the counter. The floor is moped, the tables are cleaned, and the chairs are pushed in, ready for students in class tomorrow. The room is spotless, and we are allowed to go home and rest to prepare for another show tomorrow night.

Closing the Gap Between Science and Ethics Essay

The rapid development of nanotechnologies has already become the distinctive feature of the postmodern technological reality. Societies live in the atmosphere of the rapid technological advancement, and new technological achievements and small revolutions are no longer a surprise. Nanotechnologies have a potential to become the source of revolutionary waves in contemporary society. The effects of such revolutions, however, will depend on how well the existing scientific, political, economic, and social institutions can mediate the society-nanotechnology relationships and whether they can promote public acceptability and positive expectations regarding nanotechnology. The current state of science is characterised by the growing gap between nanotechnologies and ethics. Equity, privacy, security, and environmental aspects remain the issues of the major scientific concern. Today, professionals in nanotechnology need to reconsider the basic standards of their scientific performance and develop effective cooperation frameworks, which will help societies meet their ethical needs and will speed up the integration of nanomaterials with all spheres of human development and growth. In his article, Douglas Parr asserts that nanotechnologies are likely to produce a revolutionary wave of innovations in society. That nanotechnologies are breaking the ice of scientific illiteracy in the postmodern society cannot be denied. To a large extent, nanotechnologies mark the beginning of a new stage in the society’s movement toward scientific and human perfection. Recent advancements in nanotechnology confirm the need for the scientific community to develop effective cooperation ties with the rest of non-scientific population, and there are several reasons for that. First and foremost, research and advancement in nanotechnologies have resulted in the major advances in material science, microscopy, and better understanding of the borderline between quantum and classical physics, which produce significant effects on society. Second, nanotechnologies will lead to a major revolution and produce serious scientific and social shifts in society. Third, the most developed countries readily integrate nanotechnologies with their innovation systems and consider nanotechnologies as the basic driver of wealth creation. Fourth, numerous nanotechnology applications will be introduced into the market. In this atmosphere, society must familiarise itself with the recent advances in nanotechnology. Moreover, society must realise that nanotechnologies can be equally good and bad. As a result, the question is in how to obtain the good of nanotechnologies without the bad and whether it is possible at all. Unfortunately, the current state of nanotechnologies makes it difficult for scientists and society to distinguish the good effects of the nanotechnological revolution from its negative implications. The problem is not only in that â€Å"debates about nanotechnology from governments have been dominated by the simple metric of the amount of money being put into nanotechnology for international competitiveness reasons. † The problem is in that a large gap between ethics and nanotechnologies exists and influences negatively the development of the postmodern science. The number of scientific publications on nanotechnologies rapidly increases, but the number of publications that discuss ethical and social implications of nanotechnologies is at least scarce. The funds available for ethical research in nanotechnology are not being used. The lack of effective dialogue between granting bodies, research institutes and the public may turn nanotechnologies into the source of devastating effects on society. More often than not, research institutes and public bodies do not realise that nanotechnology is associated with a whole range of ethical issues. These issues cover equity, security and privacy, ethical implications, and even metaphysical questions. One of the first questions is who will benefit from nanotechnologies and how these benefits are to be distributed among society members. Nanotechnologies have a potential to reduce and resolve the most difficult social controversies, including poverty and animal species extinction; however, this is possible only in case the products of scientific evolution are managed properly. Security and privacy are also among the issues of serious scientific concern. Nanotechnologies will contribute to the development of radically new weapons and surveillance systems; and people must decide how it will protect individual privacy against the presence of near invisible surveillance mechanisms. The effects of nanotechnologies on the environment are yet to be discovered. The incorporation of artificial materials into human systems requires profound ethical and social analysis. To ensure that nanotechnologies work for the benefit of the whole society, a close dialogue must exist between research institutions and the public. Such dialogue will allow prioritising the most important areas of technological research. Such dialogue will also let scientists justify the choice of the most important research areas against direct determinations of societal and public aspirations in these areas. Social and ethical implications of NT research are easy to address through appropriate funding, the development of large-scale interdisciplinary research platforms, intersectional approach, the involvement of developing countries in NT research, as well as the continuous engagement of the public in all major aspects of NT evolution. These changes will reduce the negative potential of nanotechnologies and will turn them into a successful instrument of meeting the most sophisticated society needs. Conclusion The rapid development of nanotechnologies has already become the distinctive feature of the postmodern reality. Unfortunately, the current state of nanotechnological research is characterised by the growing gap between science and ethics. Society lacks resources needed to familiarise itself with the bad and good sides of nanotechnologies and to reduce their negative potential. Today, scientists must engage in a close dialogue with the public and actively engage the public into NT evolution and research. Appropriate funding, interdisciplinary research platforms and intersectional analysis will help to reduce the existing gap between nanotechnologies and their ethical implications. BIBLIOGRAPHY MNYUSIWALLA, A. , DAAR, A. S. & SINGER, P. ‘Mind the gap’: Science and ethics in nanotechnology. Nanotechnology, 14: 2003: R9-R13. PARR, D. Will nanotechnology make the world a better place? Trends in Biotechnology, 23(8): Aug. 2008: 395-398.