Thinking Fast and Slow Essay Example for Free

Thinking Fast and Slow Essay1. One of the sustains more stunning examples of the priming effect takes place in an office kitchen. Employees would typically realize themselves coffee or tea and in return would drop a small fee into an reality box. Researchers designed an experiment that involved alternating weeks where every a picture of a flowerpot or a picture of a set of eyes was in the room. Donations were checked after ten weeks and researchers constitute that significantly more money was contributed on weeks in which the eyes were in the room.Given this, and other examples of priming, do you find it feasible for organizations to devise methods that attempt to prime their employees to perform or react in a desirable manner?2. One of the errors of System 1 is known as the framing effect. This refers to the ability of the agency in which a problem is presented to influence an individuals solution to it. Kahnemans example in the allow involves doctors at Harvard Medical S chool. In seeking their opinion a question is framed utilize either survival rate or mortality rate, with relative figures being the same. Despite this, 84% of the participants selected cognitive process that referred to a patients survival rate.Knowing the effects of framing a question either too broadly, too narrowly, or incorrectly all together, what are measures that organizations can take to ensure that their employees project how to properly frame problems in such a way that the companies primary objectives are being targeted?3. The book advocates that in our search for a causal link between occurrences in our lives we often dismiss the authenticity of lucks involvement in our success. To demonstrate this point, Kahneman points out that the gap in corporate gainfulness and stock returns between high performance firms and less successful firms dissipates to nearly nothing over time. In fact, over a 20 year period the returns of companies that originally had the worst rating s went on to earn very much higher returns than their counterparts, which he refers to regression to the mean.Given that we may not necessarily be as sharp as we perceive ourselves to be, what are steps that organizations can take to ensure that top brass is give able to understand what may actually be creating the companys success?

Groundwork Preparation for Wet Mounts Essay Example for Free

Groundwork facility for Wet Mounts EssayThrough processes know as wet stage settings and guileless stains, observing living microorganisms by a compound microscope washbowl generate a cleargonr understanding of their appearances and elbow greases. Microorganisms are living things that for the most share cannot be seen through the naked eye. They live on and among humans, as well as plants, animals, and all that is a part of the Earth. Harmless as most seem to be to humans, microorganisms are an important relevance of watch for human interest in varied perplexities and can dictate a human lifes progress or deterioration thus the significance to humans is vital (Talaro 6). The discovery of the microscope introduced a new branch of scientific discipline called microbiology. The microscope, a major instrument in this realm of have makes it possible to observe, acknowledge, and clarify implications of meaning to the study of organisms. In preparing for twain basic observati ons, a wet mount and a plain stain, living microorganisms can be seen clearer through a simple stain and by using a drop of water, movements of microorganisms are varied. A smear is when a spreading of bacterium is made on a microscope slide for viewing. A simple stain is when a rule of observation of a living organism is smeared on a slide with one stain during a procedure. A wet mount is where a research method of an organism or organisms is placed on a slide with fluid. The microorganisms can then move freely.On the laboratory research completed January 30, 2006 using a wet mount example and a simple stain instruction the following items were used to obtain the visibility of microorganisms moving through slides using two kinds of avenues. The first was a wet mount. The following items and instructions were used to obtain optimum interrogative sentence of organisms 1.) add one drop dH20 on center of slide. 2.) Dip wireloop in pond water. 3.) Smear wireloop sample on slide. 4 .) Place cover slip over smear. 5.) Observe slide under 4x, 10x, and 40x.Results At 40x The bacteria is an algae type of species.One reason would be is to differentiate between true mobility of an organism and a Brownian movement which is considered a movement caused of the moleswhile the liquid is thumping an entity or causing the entity to tremble or recoil. When this slide was viewed on a 4x and 10x under microscope small bacteria could be seen as several dots but at 40x, those dots became one huge light brown bacterium that had still several smaller bacteria deep down of it.The objective for the wet mount testing and the simple stain slide observation is to determine surface, shape, arrangement, and mobility of cells. The think the two materials are to determine what happens when dye instead of water is used in determining the size and shape of bacteria (Granato 4). The usage of oil immersion magnifies this process. The example of the pond water for the wet mount sample le ts the examinee see bacterium that has lived in H20 for a certain amount of time whereas the SA domicile is in a gel-like substance. The methods applied for a simple stain using an SA plate to examine the bacteria in it were the following 1.) drop of dh20, 2.) Take sample from SA plate 3.) Heat fixate. Cool slide afterwards, 4.) rack up one drop of Methxylene Blue for 30 seconds, 5. Wash smear gently w/dH20 from the slide, 6.) Remove bare(a) water, and 7.) Observe under 4x, 10x, 40x, and then 100x with oil immersion.Results at 100x Under oil immersion the specimens are advantageously seen as varied and elongated. The extension from one to another is quite extensive.Although while viewing the specimen during the simple staining process, I wasnt sure what type of bacteria it was. The fact Methxylene Blue was added instead of just H20 and of fly the coop adding the oil because it was magnified at 100x, the specimen were numerous in size and shape. The pond water algae seemed lifel ess and didnt move either by themselves nor because water had hit them.The implication and significance of these two processes of examination are vital to experience a step forward in the world of studying microorganisms. What was viewed during these examination places an actual visual understanding about life not seen by the naked eye. The experience undiagnosed to me demonstrates a passage which will now emphasize a greaterunderstanding of the world of microbes. workings CitedGranato, Paul A., Helen Eckel Mizer, and Josefine A. Morello. Laboratory ManualAnd Workbook in Microbiology Applications to Patient Care. New YorkMcGraw Publishing. 2006. fifth Edition.Talaro, Kathleen Park. Foundations in Microbiology Basic Principles. New YorkMcGraw Publishing. 2005. 5th Edition.

Notes On Making A Tricopter Essay Example for Free

notes On Making A Tricopter EssayMaking a Quad- or Tri-copter is a project Ive been tempted by for a long time. Ever since I got an RC heli, which Ive since abandoned. The Heli was too hard to move, and there wasnt much motivation to persevere having learned, either you burn down unfeignedly do is aerobatics, which Im not real interested in. A quad, on the other hand, is easier to fly and much more flexible I could add cameras, sensors, telemetry, code it to do interesting things, etc. And dozens of mountain have a bun in the oven done this so its an easy thing to Google round. The tricopter seems the most appealing so far interesting build, nice balance of stability and maneuverability. Interesting things so far* Design considerations for beginners* electronic computer to check if a given set of components will lap up together (looks awesome) * Arducopter if I dont have success coding an Arduino myself, or its too hard, or I want the traits without all that work * UK-based Arducopter store* Useful FAQ on frame design, and some other bits* Video on mental synthesis a tri from scratch* Complete build head up from the rcexplorer.se dude (v2.5)* And the next version along, v2.6 HV* Newbie FPV guide* Open-source plans for the RCExplorer frame* Discussion on various FC boards* The KK board is also an ATmega I did not enlighten this. Lots of resources here.* A lot of tips and links on this RCGroups thtake* Massive flight controller feature comparison table (possibly not up to date)* RCExplorers tricopter setup guide* Forum for UK-based FPVers* FPV advice/support/ bear on group* Credible explanation of the CAA regulations covering model aircraft (with and without FPV) in the UK* Another explanation of frequencies and their legality, also from FPVUK* bounteous set of videos about FPV theory and builds* Company selling uk-legal FPV gear, and it sounds like theyre helpful too Ill update this post with more block.Design notesFrameI thought there w ould be math (shuddder) about frame size vs prop size vs motor king and all that sort of thing, only when this FAQ says the main considerations are maneuverability and stability. A smaller frame is more nimble but less(prenominal) stable, and vice versa. Since Im a beginner, a larger, more stable frame seems like a good idea. It also seems plausible that its a better platform to develop from I could possibly add bigger motors/props to increase lift, for example, without having to change the frame. (Guess). The RCExplorer v2.6 arms are 480mm, which seems a good vagabond to start. I think Ill also use the frame design from RCExplorer as its hygienic proven and designs are available.Some tips from this thread* Prop wash over the arms causes vibration. Try to get on the props at least as far above the arms as the prop radius. * ESCs (unsurprisingly) work better if kept cool. Perhaps worth mounting them in the prop wash?PropsNot much headway on this yet. RCExplorer (again) recomme nds the smallest props you can as smaller props are hoy and have less air resistance, making them more stable. Trial and error seems a sensible plan of attack here, as long as the prop doesnt overwork the motor.Control boardFrom this table, Arducopter seems both very functional and reasonably priced. Lots of resources for it too. Beyond (advanced) features (that I wont need for ages, if ever), I keep mum dont have a clear idea what the pros and cons of the various boards are, though. For example, noob-friendliness, ease of repairs. The KK board does have a screen to guide you through the process, which might make it preferable to start with. And its cheap, so easy sufficiency to replace with something more feature-rich later.ESCsThere are so many important bits of schooling in the big tips thread that its not really worth reproducing them here. Just go read it. Use NiMH mode even for a LiPo battery, because the low-voltage mode engaging (to protect the LiPo) causes flips (eek). MotorsRCExplorer uses these for the v2.5. Mentioned elsewhere too. Is 750kV enough? What are the considerations? BatteriesTBCVideoNot planning to do this immediately, but from reading so far, there is stuff worth noting. Apparently, the only legal frequencies for airborne video tx in the UK are 2.4 and 5.8GHz. These are very ill-judged wavelengths with poor penetration and are limited to 10mw and 25mw respectively. This sounds totally dreadful, but people do claim that they can get decent range (up to a mile) with a high-gain antenna. A significant number of other people are (unsurprisingly) completely flouting the law. It does seem a bit OTT.Obtaining an amateur radio licence makes no deflection as they do not include airborne transmissions (out of date but probably still true Amateur Radio (Foundation) Licence Terms, Provisions and Limitations Booklet BR68/F, para 2(6)). Possible exception higher power 5.8GHz transmitters at 250mw rather than 25mw. It seems that to stay legal y ou can only use 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz. My transmitter is 2.4GHz and I dont want to replace that with an (obsolete) 35MHz transmitter. So it seems its 5.8GHz or bust. Telemetry, sensorsIll think about these later.Transmission of telemetry data is permitted on 433.05 to 434.79MHz up to 10mw.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Essay Example for Free

The British joining for Counselling and Psychotherapy EssayThe British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) have a law of Ethics called the estimable Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. The model was offset published in 2002 and was reviewed in 2013. Within the Code of Ethics it states what the ethical principles and personal moral qualities be (in this piece of work I shall be explaining 4 of them). The ethical principles that I found in the BACPs Ethical Framework were (as follows)Being trustworthyAutonomy sympathyNon-maleficenceJusticeSelf-respectThe personal moral qualities that I found in the BACPs Ethical Framework were (as follows)EmpathyIntegrityRespectCompetenceSincerityResilienceunimportanceFairnessCourageThe ethical principles and personal moral qualities that I shall be explaining arAutonomyBeneficenceHumilityNon-maleficenceAutonomy is respect for the clients right to be self-governing (that is what the framework says). This convey allowing the clients to make their decisions independently if they wish to. This principle highlights the importance of reinforcing a clients ability to be independent in all aspects of their live.Beneficence is acting within the best interests of the client based upon theassessments (that is what the framework says). This nitty-gritty working closely on an individuals level of competence and ensuring that there are operate that the individual can access with the suitable training/experience. Humility is the ability to assess accurately and acknowledge ones own strengths and weaknesses (that is what the framework says). This means working to the best of a directions ability and knowing their own strengths and weaknesses and knowing that if they cannot manage something then they must seek advice from supervision.Non-maleficence is avoiding sexual, financial, stirred up or any other form of client exploitation avoiding incompetence or malpractice not providing servi ces when unfit to do so due to illness, personal circumstances or intoxication (that is what the framework says). This means that the counsellor has the responsibility to prevent the client from any harm that may happen whilst the client is in their care due to them being vulnerable.Referencehttp//www.bacp.co.uk/admin/structure/files/pdf/9479_ethical%20framework%20jan2013.pdf This is the website/document that I used to access the selective information to help me write this piece of work on 09/09/2014 at 1419

Nokia Essay Example for Free

Nokia Essay1. What are the trends in the mobile handset Industry? What is Nokias dodge and how has globalization changed its way of operation?The major trends in the mobile hand set industry tally to www.strandreports.com are the treat and possibilities of the Discount Mobile Service Providers, falling profit margins on basic mobile services as a result of competition, the intent of outsourcing, controlled investments in infrastructure, and higher marketing expenses partly because of the use of micro segmentation. Nokias strategies are the strength of its brand, supply chain efficiency, and its dominant position in emergent markets. Globalization has changed Nokias way of operations by trying to find countrys where they base pay its workers less, and in the long run make more profits.2. Was the German Backlash against Nokia justified? How tail nations make themselves more competitive?In my opinion I believe that the German backlash against Nokia was justified. This is cod to the fact that Nokia didnt repay the 41 one million million million Euros ($63 million) in subsidies it had been given for locating its closed mobile phone deeds in Bochum to Romania. in addition I feel that it was unjust that Nokia closed the ingraft in Bochum because it was highly profitable, and the German workforce is far more skilled, vigorous educated, productive, and is one of the worlds highest wage and benefits earners. Nations crowd out make themselves more competitive by increasing their education systems in the country, and in any persona by increasing their trade and communications with other countries.3. What, if any, were the fractures in Nokias approach to announcing and handling its plant closure? What can the company do now for damage control?Nokias main flaw in its approach to announcing and handling its plant closure in my opinion was that they had no clear news report of why such a profitable company needed to close a productive factory. What Nokia can do now is apologize to all the pile that they put out of work, and repay the 41 million Euros ($63 million) in subsidies it had been given to the German workers that deserve it.4. What did I learn from this case study?From this case study I learned that Nokia is the largest mobile handset maker in the world with a 40% market share. Nokia also produces four out of every 10 mobile phones sold worldwide and is well ahead of it competition on the strength of its brand, supply chain efficiency, a dominant position in emerging markets, understanding consumer needs and providing phones ranging from less than $50 to advance services featuring satellite navigation and email. Also that business is business and Nokia found a more profitable location for its factory in Romania plain though the German factory was extremely profitable, and it never suffered a loss. Nokia put a lot of people out of jobs due to the closing of the German factory, they saw that the factory only made sense in t he short border, and Nokia as a global competitor needs to focus on the long term goals to stay ahead of it competition.

Ethnic Diversity Essay Example for Free

Ethnic transmutation EssayAnswer each question in 50 to 150 words. Provide citations for all the sources you use. 1. What is smorgasbord? Why is diversity valued? Diversity is the combination of different races of population, religions, and culture. Diversity is important to constantly mount and learn new ideas that will help our clubhouse become a better environment to follow in. Diversity is value because it allows us to learn different things that may help up us in life, that our receive culture does teach, or provide. 2. What is ethnocentrism? In what shipway can ethnocentrism be detrimental to a society?Ethnocentrism is a term that is used to describe the tendency that some one will believe his or her own employments and traditions atomic number 18 better than anyone elses. It is determined that no culture is perfect, and closing society from the great custom of other cultures does not allow one a chance to solve all problems, and learn what others be that we are custom to disbelieve in. 3. Define emigration and immigration. Emigration is a person leaving a country, and Immigration is a person entering a country. E in Emigration can destine exit, and I in immigration can mean in.Many get these to word mixed up, chiefly in ones English or History class as a student. For example the United States are prompt with immigrants with an I, and Mexico are accounted for emigrants with an E. 4. What are some of the ways stems of people are identified? Some ways groups of people are identified are by race or creed, gender, religion, raised by one or both parents, or raised outside of their original family. In addition, American cultural group people by age, until you reach 18, one is considered an adolescent, and when one reaches 21, they are considered an adult.5. Why do people chase and group other people? People label and group other people as a barrier to not be taken by surprise. If a certain right of first publication 2012 by University of P hoenix. all(a) rights reserved. Diversity Worksheet ETH/125 Version 8 2 person done something wrong, and we see more people like that person doing the same, we now label that entire race of people to be the same. The labeling part whole kit as a defense mechanism to not allow someone that we think is bad or good, take advantage of us or we lock out someone we think can be a good friend.6. Define culture. Is culture limited to racial and ethnic backgrounds? Explain. Culture is the customs of a group of people, by race, religion, beliefs, and tradition. Culture is not limited to racial and ethnic backgrounds. Because thither are many an(prenominal) different races that have the same religious culture and traditions. For example Indians, Blacks, Iranians, and I am sure there are others that believe in the Islamic religion, and have the same beliefs and follow the same religion traditions. Copyright 2012 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Virgin Media Business Strategy

stark(a) Media duty StrategyThis report is a study of virginal Media Inc and the business sector strategies that define the companion. The outline was an attempt to jibe the theories that define the business strategies of a high society and the practical approach taken by virtuous Media in those atomic number 18as. So we grant carry outed a study of the food grocery storeing Mix of staring(a) Media and based on our findings a SWOT Analysis of gross(a) Media.From the results of the SWOT analysis we stick out drawn our conclusions of what virginal Media has to focus on in the future and predict the path that they should take.virginal Media A First Look saturated Media is a leading progress to in the communication and entertainment sector providing a quad p enter of function consisting of wideband, television, mobile and mend line tele b run. The society was founded by Sir Richard Branson and has James Mo bingley as the company chairperson and Neil Berkett as chief executive officer of the firm. It has schematic itself as UKs leading media and communication offer upr and has reinforced its tumescent business finished constant innovation, successful diversification and combative ingathering fig victimization a future proof strong communication lucre. complete(a) Medias third main operating piecesCcapable ramblingContentThe communication channel segment conjures wideband Internet, television and fixed-line telephone serve under the virginal Media stigmatize to residential nodes in U.K.In the mobile segment thoroughgoing(a) Mobile has teamed up with T-Mobile by get airtime from T-Mobile and vaneing it under the pure(a) Mobile mail name.The sum segment includes eight genre-based entertainment channels, including new1, Living, Bravo, Trouble, quarrel and Challenge Jackpot. The content segment also oversees the companys interest in the UKTV television channels by vocalize ventures with BBC Worldwide. There is also the Vide o On Demand wait ons and the website advantages that provide movies, TV shows and intelligence activity to the customers.History of Virgin MediaIn March 2006 NTL and Telewest which were UKs leading cable companies merged together to get d deliver the provider of UKs leading triple-play helpers. Later in July 2006 the merged company acquired Virgin Mobile providing the starting line quadruple-play cater of TV, net income and fixed and mobile telephony receiptss from a single doer. Finally in February 2007 the combined companies were rebranded and launched as Virgin Media. Virgin Media has rebranded NtlTelewest, the companys business Internet Service Provider (ISP), as Virgin Media Business. Virgin Media is the largest in camera built vane in the UK, with 330 Ethernet PoPs and over 38,000 street cabinets across the country. Virgin Media Inc. Is listed on the NASDAQ Stock securities industry and the London Stock Exchange (VMED)Track RecordVirgin offers ultrafast internet a ccess of up to 50Mb to hardly over half of all homes in UK. Virgin Media has one of UKs most advanced TV on lead services and was the first base TV platform to carry BBC iPlayer.(CITATION) .It is the second largest provider of pay TV, was the first to launch a advanced definition TV service and offers a high-specification, HD-ready V+ personal picture show recorder. It is also one of the largest fixed-line home phone providers in the country.Virgin Media has also announce that it would be presentation 100 Meg wideband services by the annul of December 2010.We atomic number 18 expanding our trials of a 200Mb broadband service and are planning the commercial launch of a 100Mb service later this year. The pullulatement of our adjoining generation TV platform is progressing sound and we are confident it will provide the UKs most accessible, spatiotemporal and seamless(prenominal)(prenominal) home entertainment experience. , Says Neil Burkett CEO of Virgin Media.Virgin med ias performance in the stock market place has alter over the last year. Its share bell fell in the beginning of 2008 but remained changeless during the recession period. Stock price have been rising from the fourth get out after the company announced its successful Q4 results for the year 2009 .This shows that company has gained the trust of the investors. engine roomVirgin Media is one of the largest residential broadband providers in the UK using a whimsical fiber opthalmic cable mesh. It is the first company in UK to offer broadband, Telephone, and TV through its fiber optic cable net income. The fiber optic cable is made of scratch and it delivers vast amounts of knowledge at the festinate of light whereas other providers use copper wires to deliver information, which is ofttimes s impoverisheder than optical fibers.The fiber optic meshwork gives the customer all the benefits of next generation telecomsIt helps to turn out comprises through voice and data conve rgenceIt quickly channel large volumes of dataHelps to alter and detain your data storageInstantly implement disaster recovery plansKey Facts about Virgin MediaRevenue 3.8 Billion (GBP)Employees 10939merchandising OrientationThe aim of a Market oriented company is to replete the customer ask and requirements and to align their products and services to the pick outs of the customers. A typical marketing orientation model is sh sustain below.A market oriented company tries to continuously improve customer satis positionion. To deliver superior customer neb they pay close oversight to service, both before and after sales.The concept of market orientation is built on three pillars of node focusCoordinated marketingProfitability.An organizations capabili attracts to develop an orientation towards each of these three pillars depend on the internal structure and culture.Virgin Media follows a market orientation strategy in which the company is concerned about the customers require ments and needs. It pays attention to what its customer needs and delivers the information accordingly. Also imputable to high emulation amongst various service providers Virgin Media also follows Sales orientation in which the company pays attention to the s of sales as well.Virgin Media has put together 3 strategic priorities in its pronunciamentoEngaging our massGrowing our businessFixing the fundamentalsVirgin media has created a broad portfolio that tail end be tailored to enables its marketers to meet customer requirements. overlap diversification within a single business allows it to be one step ahead of its competitors.Virgin Media believes in continuously interacting with its customers, either on day-by-day basis or in one of their stores, during a home installation or on the phone with one of Virgin Medias agents.Virgin Media uses a management tool called Net Promoter to monitor and measure the customer feedback. This helps the company to improve their performance by analyzing the feedback and suggestions from its customers.Show below are statistics of Virgin Medias customers and the reduce of customers added in 2009.Competitive advantageCompetitive advantage is termed as The achievement of superior performance through differentiation to provide superior customer value or by managing achieve lowest delivered cost (Jobber, D., (2009), Principles and practice of marketing, 914)UK has become a exceedingly competitive market for the telecom sector. With the government pushing for improved broadband services for everyone (http// untriedfounds.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8012848.stm) broadband speed offered by service providers has foregone from up 14.4 kbps to 50 mbps. There is a cutthroat competition in the broadband sector with to a greater extent than 20 companies serving 61.4 million population of UK. (http//www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1352).Due to this intense competition major market players comparable BT, Virgin media and thr esh have almost similar packages offered to their customers while playing to their strengths in different market segments. monger offers the most number of channels than any other service provider in UK and wherefore sky subscribers tend to be those who prefer their superior television services whereas Virgin media advertises its superior broadband network and hence its subscribers are normally those who use internet more. BT has more customer base overdue to its scotch packages (Table 1).Services offered2 Comparison of the basic packages offered by BT, jactitate and Virgin Media* Package information taken from* http//allyours.virginmedia.com/?buspart=Portal_HP_topnav_1_1* http//www.sky.com/shop/bundles-offers/popular-bundles/* http//www.productsandservices.bt.com/consumerProducts/displayCategory.do?categoryId=CON-BT-BUNDLE-Is_intcid=con_intban_overview_packages_homeIn HDTV section Sky seems doing far better than Virgin media. They have positioned well in HD TV market. Virgins video on demand service is highly acclaimed by the viewers (750m views in 2009, 50% rise over previous year). Bravo, a pay channel of Virgin media has acquired undivided rights of the US block buster series Spartacus Blood and Sand. Despite this Sky added 172,000 customers in the fourth quarter and Virgin media added only 34,200 unused subscribers. Due to the uniqueness of services offered by sky Virgin media seems is lag behind in the race when it comes to TV channels.In order to study the competitive advantage a company has over its competitors, Porter, M. E. (1998) suggested the five forces model.Analysis of Five forces for Virgin MediaEntry barriers Entry into the telecom sedulousness is primarily determined by the high cost of the fixed as performs. There are significant be to be incurred equivalent the cost of establishing the network, operating cost of the network and associated infrastructural costs. Virgin media has spent billions of pounds just to lay the optic fiber cable network required. Acquiring telecast rights for sporting events, TV shows etc. is also a key entry barrier determinant as the competition for the rights normally increases the price, making it harder for new entrants. BT a significant competitor and running on an aging copper based network is finding it hard to convince its investors to develop infrastructure after incurring current losses in inordinateness of 7b.The telecom industry is an extremely competitive market where key market players try to make meshwork through sales volumes and not price. So for an entrant into the market the initial return on enthronement will be low and market expectations for generating profits in the long run are low as well. The market is also highly competitive and any product or service is direct replicated by the competitors. For eccentric BT has offered a 40 mbps broadband service to compete without delay with Virgin Medias 50 mbps broadband service.There is a significantly high cost for advertisement as the competition is with established brands with significant brand recall. The telecommunication service is a vital and intensely used and hence customers demand high quality of service. Service complaints are investigated by OfCom, UKs independent regulator of the telecommunications industry and hefty fines are placed on service providers for poor service quality. All these factors combined reduce the number of new entrants into the telecommunications sector.Rivalry determinants Due to the heraldic bearing of significant market players care SKY and BT, there is intense competition in the telecom industry. Increase reliance on internet has increase customer expectations and dominant market players frequently reduce prices to attract more customers. There is hence a reduction in general profitability and investments are hence done cautiously.Key market players have strong brand names and hence significant brand committal. Competing brands have their unique st rengths making it difficult for drug users to switch networks. Sky network offer premium television content and hence retain its customers even though Virgin Media has a superior high speed internet network. Customers also find it easier to take all the bundled services from a single provider due to advantages like ease of payment and discounts on bundled deals. High switching costs hence make it increasing difficult for Virgin Media to increase its market share.Supplier advocate To develop a cost leadership advantage one really needs to control supplier power. This is one big determinant of economies of scale. As there are many competitors in the telecom sector, suppliers tend to demand higher prices for the services in od force the company to provide better deals. The supplier whitethorn refuse to work with the company if their demands are not met and provide its services to a competitor.For example Sky charges a high wholesale price to its competitors like Virgin Media to permi t them to display their premium offerings like sports. Since Sky has all the associated broadcasting rights and Sports channels are in great demand by the UK consumer, Virgin media and BT have no choice but to pay more for the content. Owing to this fact Sky has become a dominant force in the Television sector as its competitors are not able to match its prices.Threat of substitutes There are players like Sky and BT in the bundled services market segment and O2, Vodafone Talk-talk etc. in individual service market segment. All of them offer comparatively similar services at very competitive prices. Due to this it is difficult for a new customer to choose a service. The choice may then be made instantaneously and based on current need. For example a sports fan when choosing a new service may immediately go for the Sky network without much consideration to the quality of the other networks. Existing customers may also be tempted to switch networks due to economic or service based need s. Virgin Media could lose an existing customer to BT which offers more economical bundle packages and with the upcoming sports events like the football world cup and London Olympics it could lose customers to the Sky network as well.Also in order to reduce network congestion during peak hours, Virgin Media throttles the network speed and this has irked some of its internet users. If a rival service makes a claim that it does not perform such a speed check on the network, users may switch to the rival network.Buyer power Every service provider in the telecom sector aims at minimizing its churn rate (rate at which a customer leaves the service).Hence the customer enjoys a greater degree of bargaining power. Service providers tend to offer discounts and cheaper rates to ensure that they do not lose customers. Virgin media may be forced to renegotiate deals with the customers in order to minimise this risk.Five forces analysis though tells us about the microenvironment of the busines s, it is not full to gain competitive advantage.A firm can get competitive advantage by develop strategies to create value to customer. Michael Porter suggests that company can either differentiate their product or service by,Differentiating their product offering orManaging lowest delivered cost.Competitive strategy options modelVirgin media has adopted a Differentiation leader strategy and utilises this in its advertising campaigns. Virgin Media advertisement campaigns focus on the fact that it is UKs fastest network and that it offers premium content on its Video on demand services. In a survey conducted by Ofcom Virgin media broadband speed was found to be highest in all the service providers.Traffic on Broadband Network furbish up SpeedsIn order to create differentiated or lowest cost position it is important to understand the value drawstring of a company. Value chain analysis provides a holistic view of the company. It provides a framework for understanding the nature and location of the skills and resources that provide a basis for competitive advantage. Activities of a company are grouped into twoPrimary activities that come back a profit margin for the companySupport activities that facilitate the primary activitiesThe goal of a company is to ensure that the primary activities are performed efficiently so that the costs incurred from the primary activities and support activities remain tear down than the price paid by the customer for the service provided, thereby granting a profit margin to the company.Virgin Medias Value chain An analysis.Inbound Logistics Virgin media has tie ups with BBC, ITV and Television show broadcaster to deliver their content on its network. Having settled their disputes with Sky network regarding television content Virgin media now has a tie up accord with Sky network for their premium television content like Sky sports, Sky one etc. However the wholesale broadcaster fee of Sky Network is high causing a significan t increase in costs for Virgin media. But Virgin media does not have to depend on a third party service provider for network and related logistics because it has its own superior network and in house facilities for network management. Hence it has a significant reduction in network costs.Operations and Service high society is rated for its internet speed and its VOD service. This indicates that they have good operations end-to-end the UK. Their Web support chat window appears as soon as a net user starts browsing website. The response to queries was quick and informative when tried online. BT also has similar service however it was less prompt than Virgin media. They also have their support through social networking sites like Twitter and face book. Virgin gives all options to pay bills.Outbound logisticsVirgin media gives installation and maintenance service to all its customers. Customer can opt for e bill or a normal hard copy. When order for new connection is placed it is comp leted within 7 working days. Any new subscription to any of their service is completed on the same day. Because Sky is a dish network, customers are required to take liberty from the societies which can cause annoyance to the customers. This gives competitive advantage as Virgin service can be obtained through BT cable.Marketing and salesCompany is strongly advertising on internet and television. They are using social networking sites aggressively for their advertising. They have completely understood the need of the segment they are targeting and marketing their broadband speed as their customer winning strategy. Company also believes that calling the customers may spoil the pattern of company hence they have strict rules for calling customers.ProcurementVirgin has established a enrol of conduct for its suppliers. Best part is that company focuses on environment and labor issues when purchasing decisions are made.Technology developmentWith fibre technology Virgin media become UK s second largest telecom service provider company. They are unique in the market. Company is testing 100mbps broadband speed and will be operational by 2011. They are also trialing 200 mbps broadband. Company also have technologies to support web based larn and automated hospital care with which they are ambitious to becharm the market.Human resource managementVirgin media recently axed 2200 jobs due to economic slowdown. This will have a profound effect on its cast in the employees. Company seems emphasizing more on employment cuts for cost effectiveness which will affect the morale of the employees. For cutting costs Virgin Media has outsourced some of its operations like billing and front end calling. This will benefit them in reduce expenses and increase efficiency. http//www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2205297/virgin-signs-network-contractFirm infrastructureVirgin media is operating in telecom market with its giant network. They have 186,000 km nationwide fibre-optic netw ork worth 13 billion. They also have 157 telephone switches. Their infrastructure can support 70,000 calls/minute. 35% of the UKs broadband traffic is handled by Virgin media. This works as an entry barrier for new entrants in the telecom market.SuggestionsWith sound technology and infrastructure virgin media has lot of opportunities to spread its network in the rural areas. Company can improve its internal customer relationship and boost the morale of the employees. There is higher orbit of improving the logistics in terms of new connections being completed within 48 hours and compete Sky network. They can also improve their billing system by offering payment through set top box.Virgin Medias Marketing Mix An AnalysisMarketing MixMarketing Mix is define as The tactical tools that marketers use to implement their strategies (Kotler 2008 202).The four basic factors that we analyse the marketing blend in on areProductPricePlacePromotionFor a successful marketing strategy, one needs to come at the equilibrium of above four tools.ProductA product is anything that is capable of satisfy customer needs, (Jobber,D 5th edition 326 ).Virgin media has four main products in its portfolio.TelevisionBroadbandLandlineMobileVirgin Medias product portfolio is built up of intangible products making the post corrupt services offered to the customers like customer services, help lines and value added content an important aspect of the Augmented Virgin Media Product.Virgin Media distinguish its product from other competitors like Sky and BT by using special induce like optic fibre cable and forms a total product.The core product can be differentiated in many demeanorsCustomers can be reached by applying following marketing mix-Functionality Virgin medias network is fibre optic network that provided support for high bandwidth and is unique in comparability to its competitors like BT and Sky who are still dependent on Copper based data transfer networks. This has helped Virgi n media to gain customers attention as customer focus is now on high speed internet.Brand A brand is created by augmenting a core product with values that makes the product unique and distinguishes it from the competitors(Jobber 2007 334).To achieve high sales, you need a powerful Brand Name behind it , which ultimately retains their customers through brand loyalty(Jobber 2007 334).Having an established brand name normally puts a business in a secure position in the competitive market as customers tend to focus on perceived brand value through the strong brand name. This enables retention of even the price conscious customers due to the loyalty created with the brand.Virgin media has Customer Based Brand Equity which is specify as The differential effect that brand knowledge has on customer response to the marketing of the product (Jobber 2007 332). The Virgin Group started by Sir Richard Branson has a significant market presence in various sectors due to a varied range of products like Virgin Records, Virgin Airlines. This provides a positive impact in the market as a first time customer will associate Virgin Media with the brand values and market value of the Virgin Group.Managing the Product Mix Positioning and RepositioningPositioningA products position is the way the product is defined by consumers on important attributes the place the product occupies in the minds relative to the competitive products.Virgin media operates in three segments in the B2C segment.Cable segmentData ContentMobile SegmentIn the cable segment Virgin media occupies the position of a Market leader because of its future proof fibre optic cable network that has won it the Fastest home broadband Award for their 50 MB broadband services. Due to its superior network Virgin Media is able to differentially position themselves against their competitors like BT and SKYIn the Data Content Segment. Virgin media occupies the position of a marketIn the mobile segment Virgin media is playing catch up to most other providers like O2 and 3 Mobile services. It currently has an agreement with T Mobile for use of its airtime under the brand of Virgin Media.RepositioningIn Feb 2010 Virgin Media rebranded NTL/Telewest as Virgin Media Business. The rebranding came as Virgin media stepped up its effort to capture market share from BT which is the dominant operator in the B2B market segment. By rebranding the name the Virgin Media family is able to use the Virgin Brand name and improve its marketing capability.As Richard Branson has quotedGood progress with network development leaves Virgin Media Business well positioned to expand its offer out to smaller corporates.http//www.telecomseurope.net/content/virgin-media-branson- factor-businessMarket Positioning Of Virgin Media Ansoff intercellular substance analysisThe emphasis on product portfolio analysis is managing an existing set of products in such a way as to maximize their strengths. But companies also need to look to new pro ducts and markets for future exploitation. A recyclable way of looking at growing opportunities is the Ansoff Matrix.Existing Market Existing Product The Market sixth sense Strategy is used when a company attempts to capture market share by launching its own version of an existing product. Focus then is placed on aggressive advertising and promotionsVirgin Media had utilise this strategy to capture market share from BT when it launched its broadband services. It emphasised on advertisement campaigns and cheaper package deals to capture customers from Sky.Existing Market New Product The Product development strategy is used when a company attempts to launch a new product in an established market catering to its existing customer base. Virgin Media has proposed to launch its 100 mbps broadband service as an upgraded product to its customers to improve on its existing portfolio offeringsNew Market Existing Product The Market development strategy is used when a company attempts to t arget a new market with an existing product. Virgin media launched its broadband services with a fixed focus on home customers. Utilising its existing network and operational services it has re-launched its B2C arm as Virgin Media Business in order to capture market share from BT.New Market New Product The Diversification strategy where a company launches new products in new markets where it had no market presence at all. While Virgin Media was a diversification strategy of Virgin group there is no product or strategy currently utilised by Virgin Media to justify this approach. The intense competitive nature of the business also makes it riskier for the company to attempt such diversification at this point of time.Stages of PLC for Virgin MediaProduct development When an established company enters in the market with new product with new design and development, the sales are zero. Virgin media has not disclosed any information about a product in this stage and typically this informat ion would be secret as the telecommunication industry is highly competitive.Introduction When a new product is introduced in an established market, the profit would be very less and the cost of introduction of the product would be very high , also it will lead to a small growth in sales. Virgin Media has launched its 100 mbps Broadband service as test service in Coventry on a test basis.Growth When the new product is accepted in the market company starts making the profit , this period of acceptance and the profit would fall into Growth of the PLC graph. Virgin medias VOD services fall in the Growth sector as it has recorded a 50 % growth in 2009.Maturity When the product captures the majority of its market customers, slowdown the sales growth. There is decline in the Profit level because of increasing marketing costs in order to remain competitive. Virgin Media 20Mb Broadband being second popular choice has reached its maturity stage and there is a slow growth in the number of new customers. Hence Virgin Media has launched its 100 mbps broadband service in order to return the broadband segment into the growth.Decline Stage When a product performs poorly and there is a reduction in sales it is known as the decline stage. Currently in our assessment Virgin Media does not have any product that is in the decline stage.BCG Matrix of Virgin MediaThe BCG Growth- Share Matrix is designed by leading management consultancy Boston consulting Group (BCG) which allows drawing the portfolio in 2X2 diagram and thence analysing the product. The BCG matrix gives guidelines for setting strategic objectives on the cash flow and categorized as.Stars Build sales/ Market sharesProblem children Build selectivelyCash Cows Hold sales or/and market sharesDogs craw or focus on defendable nicheAfter analysing Virgin Media products the portfolio of the product can be drawn as follows50MB Broadband,VODBroadband+Landline+Mobile+TV Mobile Services50Mb Broadband is a STAR because that has been awarded the fastest Home broadband .Virgin Media being the first Quad play player in the market they got positive response from their customers, thats why TV, Broadband , landline and mobile Services as a bundle falls in CASH COW. Mobile Services has got fierce competition in the market thats why virgin Mobile Services falls in DOG sector.PromotionPromotion means activities that communicate the merits of the products and persuade the target customers to buy it. (Armstrong and Kotler 2009 84)Promotions help to influence customers purchase behavior. Promotion also keeps people informed and educated about the product.Advertising plays an important role in Virgin Medias Marketing Strategy. Virgin Media uses different means to educate and inform the customers about their products like television, pamphlets distribution, hoardings, internet, direct marketing and newspapers.Elements of Promotion organize MarketingIn Direct Marketing there is a direct communication with individual or group consumers either by internet, mail, email, fax, telephone etc. Direct marketing is useful to communicate directly with the potential buyers avoiding any intermediaries. Virgin Media does their direct marketing through call centers, sales representative, internet or distributing the pamphlets.AdvertisingAny paid form of non-personal communication of ideas or products in the prime media. (Jobber D. and Fahy J. Foundation of Marketing 2nd Edition 2006225). Virgin Media follows the product oriented advertiser strategy. This strategy involves highlighting the product features, services, price through various advertising channels such as television, internet, magazines, e-marketing etc.Virgin Media advertisements have been contentious due to the nature of their claims.A campaign Truth Lies and Broadband was subject of an ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) inquiry due to the complaints from its competito