How does Bennett make effective use of dramatic methods to raise pertinent issues in the History Boys Essay Example

How does Bennett make effective use of dramatic methods to raise pertinent issues in the History Boys? Essay How does Bennett make effective use of dramatic methods to raise pertinent issues in the History Boys? BY LuliL How does Bennett make effective use of dramatic methods, in pages 34-41, to raise pertinent issues in the History Boys? Alan Bennett uses a number of methods throughout the play in order to raise pertinent issues and fully convey his concerns, and I believe many of these are present within this extract; varying from his common language and structure techniques to the ever running themes of conflicting pedagogical philosophies, sinister pederast undertones and the drive for acceptance t Oxbridge. The conflict between Hector and Irwins educational philosophies is highlighted within this extract, as their differing pedagogical practices are decidedly contrasting. Hector educates with the purpose of developing his students into more rounded human beings and believes in knowledge, and the pursuit of it for its own sake. The adjective rounded is clearly conveyed through the boys prevailing use of literary references and poets such as Auden and Pascal along with their displays of a broad understanding and knowledge of the theatrical arts. He is presented as an anachronous character conveyed through the metaphor he locks the doors against the future and the forces of progress, and as one who throughout the play, almost purports to despise the pursuit of educational success. His cultural knowledge is perceived as no longer useful amongst the boys in regards to preparing (them) for examination, an aim sought out by Irwin, a counterpoint to Hector. This suggests one of the key pertinent issues of the play; is there a place and time for culture in todays changing and politicised educational system? However, Posner and Scripps performance of the brief encounter, along with Timms claim that poetry sometimes just flows out all prove Hectors pedagogical approach to be effective in achieving what he aims to bring across, and this sense of culture and the power of literature (a crucial theme to the play) still resonates within the boys and the audience as an aftermath of Hectors own knowledge. We will write a custom essay sample on How does Bennett make effective use of dramatic methods to raise pertinent issues in the History Boys? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on How does Bennett make effective use of dramatic methods to raise pertinent issues in the History Boys? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on How does Bennett make effective use of dramatic methods to raise pertinent issues in the History Boys? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Moreover, Hector, possibly further reflecting Bennetts concerns and pertinent issues of the play, evidently deplores the utilitarian pproach to learning epitomised by Irwin, which is specifically palpable within this passage when he imperatively suggests that the boys must use their cultural knowledge and stuff hidden up your (their) sleeves in order to attain higher grades. Bennett uses the indeterminate and colloquial stuff to dramatically express Irwins disregard for poetry and culture, a pertinent issue, which he denominates as gobbets further on in the play. His implication that the boys use their nobler knowledge in an exam is however reproached, as they, take the piss and almost atirically state we couldnt do that, sir it would be a betrayal of trust, thus displaying their own awareness of the oxymoron that education and culture are portrayed as within the play, doubtlessly alluding to Hectors influence and methods, and highlighting the difference between Hector and Irwins pedagogical practices. Irwin, an antithesis to Hector, appears to have a strategic approach to study, unorthodox manner, demonstrated through the rhetorically infused sentences if you want to learn about Stalin Hollywood Mrs Thatcher, study Henry VIII and the metaphorical notion that a question has a front door and a back door. Yet again, as previously at the start of the play, Irwin is presented as an iconoclast, who interestingly rears towards wielding the boys take on hugely controversial figures such as Stalin, a historical dictator generally agreed to be a monster, and rightly so. He imperatively encourages them to dissent with the motion, thus implying that they discard their morale and redeem a monster, or degrade thousands of deaths, imply in order to achieve higher grades and label history as entertainment and a performance, further demeaning Hectors beliefs and pedagogical methods whilst reinforcing the idea as a pertinent issue of the play as a whole. His didactic tone appears almost ironic whil st discussing a murderous dictator, and this, along with his lack of empathy displayed within this extract, evokes an uncomfortable and sinister atmosphere amongst the audience. Bennett also demonstrates language as a dramatic method of bewilderment, a technique previously explored by Irwin as a tool sed to obfuscate. Dakins quaint referral to Auden, (Do you like Auden, sir? ), a poet famed for having unconventional relationships with his male pupils, his doubtful questioning of Do you think hes more like you or Mr Hector, sir? along with Irwins foreboding inquiry Why does he lock the door? all aid Bennett in dramatically reinforcing the sinister and pederast pertinent undertone which shadows Hectors character throughout the play. Similarly, Dakins statement, He snogged his pupils. Auden, sir, not Mr Hector, made even more ambiguous by the broken syntax evokes dire ambience amongst the audience whilst holding apprehensive connotations. It is fascinating that Dakin is the only one to mention and question Irwin on Auden, being the one whom appears most intrigued by his character, yearning for his attention and approval, which Irwin is wary to display as exhibited in his lack of verbal emotion towards the students and history itself. This dramatically highlights two clear concerns and pertinent issues which run throughout the play: homosexuality and unrequited love. This extract also presents Bennetts typical ramatic methods and literary techniques. His application of stichomythia in the dialogue between Irwin and the boys throughout the extract appears almost ardent, and the audience experience an atmosphere similar to that which occurs in Hectors lessons; light and comfortable. On page 35, Scripps is seen breaking the fourth wall, a method used by Bennett to add supplementary detail on Irwin, alternating between tenses, and to force the audience to ponder and question his key concerns and the plays pertinent issues. Despite Bennetts decision to steer clear from expletive and xcessively colloquial language, which are otherwise frequently used, humour is one of his techniques often used, and demonstrated within this extract. Irwin appears genuinely impressed by the boys display of poetry and literary references, a common method used by Bennett, yet in return they appear to mildly mock Irwins lack of cultural knowledge when he doesnt recognise poetry by Stevie Smith. This minimal ridicule of authoritative fgures is introduced by the boys and Hector in the Maison de Passe scene (pg. 12-17) when addressing the Headmaster. The consistent epetition of sir within this particular extract and the use of rhetorical questions all dramatic methods used throughout the History Boys to create a humorous and uplifting ambience, a contrast to the often portentous and challenging pertinent themes which occur within the play. Overall, I believe that this extract is a perfect exhibit of Bennetts effective use of dramatic methods such as language, structure and form, which aid him in reaching the audience and revealing the many relevant issues along with his personal concerns reflected in the play as a whole.

religion new kingdom essays

religion new kingdom essays Egypt had a polytheistic religion, meaning that they believed in many gods, each of which played a role of its own for example Hapi the god of the nile. He was depicted in statues and praised as the one who came to nourish Egypt and create all good things. The people of Egypt prayed to him asking for a good flood. Religion had a great impact on NKE society through the social hierarchy, from the ordinary people to the pharaoh himself. The pharaoh was believed to be the incarnation of god who had created Egyptian universe and to whom he would return upon death. In other words the people believed the Phoraoh to be god on earth. Although the ordinary people where not allowed into the temple, religion still had an impact on their lives. Ears were carved outside important temples, into which the ordinary people whispered their longings and prayers believing that the gods leaned close to hear every word. Evidence of personal peity (meaning direct communication of people with the gods) have been found in the village of Medina, where the villagers wrote messages to the gods. Throughout Egypt, the Egyptians believed the gods took a personal interest in their lives. They believed the gods would punished and forgiven them, this is illustrated by the draughtsman, Nebre, prayers for his sick son (he believed he was sick as a punishment to him) to Amun, the god who listened to prayers. Another Example is the sculptor, Ken, put up a stela for a to read confessing that he had deceived his wife my swearing a false oath to her. These examples illustrate the role of religion in the lives of the ordinary Egyptians. The religion was closely integrated with the economy. The Egyptians believed that the temple was not only the house or the mansion of the god but symbolised the conditions that existed at the time of the creation. The temple was central to all economic activity. Every temple receive ...

Home work3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Home work3 - Essay Example pend on weighted factors such as cost transaction and the amount of money vis-Ã  -vis the foreign exchange rate that is subject to probable risk of fluctuating. Hedging helps multinational firms mitigate losses from translational and transactional exposures. Unfortunately, it may end up reducing gains as well. If multinationals companies do not hedge their foreign exchange rate risk, they become vulnerable to a myriad of losses, which may affect devastatingly their financial performance across the world. Various determinants motivate hedging. One is factors surrounding the organization operation such as time minimization, cost reduction, and aligning business strategies. The other critical factor is the investment resources used in foreign exchange management, which is used in determining the amount of currencies transacted. The commercial (operational) exposures and financial exposures determine shapes the risks to hedge. For example, GM had to hedge against receivables and payable s, which are operational exposures of at the region and financial exposures such as paying dividend. General Motors foreign exchange hedging policy is streamlined to meet management objectives of efficiency and effectives in hedging e.g. minimize time, cost, and align foreign exchange management to automotive business. It is advantageous as it mitigates losses in transactional as well as translational exposures that are caused by fluctuating fx e.g. minimize cash flow as well as earnings volatility . The policy only controls fifty per cent of commercial exposure of a region as illustrated under the formula: The hedge policy appears to be insufficient to cushion from most exposures. With the implied risk calculated on an annual basis, it is advisable for the company to extend hedging to cover 12 months rather than 6 months. In addition, the company should upsurge the exposure risk to over $ 5 million especially in the regions that have high volatility of foreign exchange rate of their

Ernst and Young Tax Guide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Ernst and Young Tax Guide - Essay Example It was also expected that the new institutions provided a better environment for integrity in revenue administration. Tax reform can therefore be seen as an attempt to achieve the larger goals of an accountable and transparent government through improved revenue collection and tax policies. Mr. Waweru said that the adoption of the revenue agency model has generally been successful in improving tax administration. Under the general direction of the East African Revenue Authorities Commissioners General Forum and the East African Revenue Authorities Technical Committee, the revenue authorities have managed to keep the regional tax administration reform agenda on track. The reforms focused on building integrated institutions for better synergies between the legacy revenue departments, rationalizing and lowering tax rates, introduction of VAT as a replacement of Sales Tax, automation of functions, meeting targets by enhancing revenue mainly from existing taxpayers, and adoption of a corporate planning approach to revenue administration. ACCA is the largest and fastest growing international accountancy body with over 345,000 students and members in 160 countries. ACCA has been active in East Africa for many years, and has offices in Nairobi, Kampala and Addis Ababa, and active student branches in Dar es Salaam, Kigali and Khartoum. The first ever ACCA East African Accountants Convention brought together members and other accountants from the Eastern, Central and Horn of Africa region. (Cheryl D. Block, Pub. Date: October2004) "The Convention is also part of ACCA East Africa's overall strategy to provide appropriate platforms for ACCA members to share professional knowledge and best practice, as well as to engage business, political and civil society leaders, as part of the wider community in which they live and work," says John Nyakahuma, the Head of Corporate Development, and ACCA East Africa. Mr. Chas Roy-Chowdhury, the Secretary of the ACCA Taxation Committee at the organization's London Headquarters spoke on the European perspective on tax reform, while Mr. Francis Kamulegeya, Tax Partner in the Kenya branch of international accounting firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC), spoke on Tax Reform: Issues and Challenges in East Africa. Mr. Kamulegeya works primarily with PWC Kenya's multinational and regional clients in the manufacturing and services sector, some of whom are the largest taxpayers in East Africa. In addition to his current role as the leader of the PWC indirect tax services group in East Africa, he helps clients in the areas of tax planning and compliance, and in particular advising companies wishing to invest in East Africa on aspects such as corporate structuring and financing in order to take advantage of the available investment incentives in the region. Lord Marshall concluded that a number of options should be considered. He stated that it was unclear

Non Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Non - Assignment Example When a situation is fed into the flow chart, a clearer view of the type of decision in hand should emerge. In theory it will enlighten a manager to the potential risks and benefits of involving others in that decision. In practice, however, there are some potential problems with the model as it is intended to be used. First of all there is an issue about the amount and quality of information that is fed into the decision making process. Poor information at any point in the model will weaken its reliability. Furthermore, Chemers makes the very valid point that â€Å"the Vroom-Yetton-Jago model and other prescriptive models†¦ assume that leaders can easily change their behaviors in accord with situational demands.† (Chemers: 1997, p. 52) Managers often act instinctively, however, based on their experience in a decision-making role and their own personal style. This inherent tendency, along with pressures of time mean that the application of the Vroom-Yetton-Jago is theoreti cally useful, especially for inexperienced managers, but in practice not likely to be fully implemented, especially by more experienced managers. Reference. Chemers, Martin M. An Integrative Theory of Leadership. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1997, pp. 47-57.

The Colloquy Grog Shop Marketing Essay

The Colloquy Grog Shop Marketing Essay Colloquy Grog Shop is a unique local bar/coffee/tapas house that provides a friendly, effective place where singles can meet. Colloquy Grog Shop is not your typical bar where people go to meet other singles. Colloquy Grog Shop has a  unique service called the structure conversation system that is quite effective for allowing singles to meet each other and provide them with valuable insight into the other person through reflective conversation.   The structured system provide an atmosphere that lowers inhibitions and breeds confidence allowing singles to meet other singles and gain insight into their personality by way of thoughtful discourse. Meeting people is one of the largest hurdles 25-45 year old singles face.   Colloquy Grog Shop provides this group with an effective solution to this problem.   Situation Analysis Colloquy Grog Shop has just begun business, and marketing is essential to its success and future profitability.   The bar offers a place for people  to meet  in a comfortable, person-meeting environment.   The basic market need is place where singles can meet new similar people.   Colloquy Grog Shop uses a sophisticated conversation system to enhance and facilitate singles meeting each other. Market Summary Colloquy Grog Shop possess good information about the market and knows a great deal about the common attributes of the prized and loyal customers.   Colloquy Grog Shop will leverage this information to better understand who is served, their specific needs, and how the Grog Shop can better communicate with  them. http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000100.jpg http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Market Analysis 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Potential Customers Growth CAGR Singles 9% 210,987 229,976 250,674 273,235 297,826 9.00% Non-singles 7% 134,432 143,842 153,911 164,685 176,213 7.00% Other 0% 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Total 8.23% 345,419 373,818 404,585 437,920 474,039 8.23% Market Needs Colloquy Grog Shop is a unique bar/coffee shop/tapas house that is organized to try to facilitate new friendships.   The Grog Shop will offer a changing menu of tapas, microbrews, and assorted coffee drinks in conjunction with a structured conversation system.   Colloquy Grog Shop seeks to fulfill the following benefits that are important to their customers. Selection:  a creative choice of food and drink and a well-constructed structured conversation system. Accessibility:  the patron will gain access to the Grog Shop with minimal waits and long business hours. Customer service:  the customer is ALWAYS right. Competitive pricing:  all products will be competitively priced relative to the competition. Market Trends The market trend is headed toward a more sophisticated customer.   The restaurant/bar patron today is more sophisticated in a number of different ways: Food quality:  the preference for higher-quality ingredients is being reinforced as customers are being subjected to an increasing number of options. Quality conversation:  patrons are recognizing intellectual conversations can be had in bar settings and would prefer this over normal bar talk. Access to meeting people:  people are tired of being single and are looking for ways to meet like-minded individuals. http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000210.jpg Market Growth In 1999, the global bar/restaurant   market reached $24 billion dollars.   Alcohol sales are estimated to grow by 9% for the next few years.   This growth can be attributed to several factors.   The first factor is Americans reliance on alcohol for socialization.   This factor is intuitive as alcohol breaks down social inhibitions. Another factor is the trend to eat and drink outside of the home.   This occurs as Americans work longer and longer hours during the week.   Eating and drinking out is a convenience that many are willing to pay for.   It also provides contact with more people. SWOT Analysis The following SWOT analysis captures key strengths and weaknesses within the company and describes the opportunities and threats facing the Grog Shop. Strengths Strong relationships with third party vendors. Excellent staff who are highly trained and customer attentive. The structured conversation system. Weaknesses The Grog Shops limited brand equity. The struggle to continually have current and new  conversation topics. A limited marketing budget to develop brand awareness. Opportunities A growing market with a significant percentage of the of the target market still unaware of the Grog Shop. Increasing sales opportunities as people become familiar with the advantages of the structured conversation system. The ability to lower variable costs through efficiency gains. Threats Competition from taverns. Competition from other sources of singles meeting events. A slump in the economy which will decrease discretionary spending. Competition The competition comes from several different sources. Bars There are many different types of bars or taverns.   Some are better than others for meeting people, however, none of them have the business mission to bring together singles. Coffee Shops Coffee shops are typically an easy-going social setting that does lend itself for people to meet others.   Conversations occur in part because of the historical underpinning of coffee houses, in part by virtue of the fact that the background music is not blaring. Coffee shops rarely have any type of organized activities to bring singles together. Other Events/Activities Aimed at Bringing Together Singles. One activity/phenomenon that has started in New York City and moved to a few other larger cities (not including Portland) is an activity that has a long rectangular table that always has one seat opposing the other.   People  sit down  with females on one side and males on the other (this seating arrangement is for heterosexual gatherings) and will have a limited number of minutes (usually 10) to chat. Typically, conversations can be  about anything, however you are not to reveal the job/profession that you are involved in, beyond that, anything is fair game.   The table rotates and you end up speaking with a lot of different people.   You then create a list of the top five that you would like to speak with again and if the matching person also has you on their list, phone numbers are released to the two people.   Another activity might be some sort of outdoor activity like hiking or rafting and it is organized as a singles event.   There are also other type of single s events, too numerous to mention.   Lastly, there are resources like personal sections in local papers where people can  post or respond to personal advertisements. Every person has their own method of meeting people, some  more useful than others.   Colloquy Grog Shop  predicts singles will abandon, or at least supplement, their current method of meeting people with the Grog Shops activities as they are thoughtfully designed to achieve the goal of introducing like-minded individuals.   Product Offering Colloquy Grog Shop sells the following: Eight  Microbrews on Draft and  Bottled Alcohol, specifically beer, is served for two reasons.   One, alcohol reduces inhibition, making it easier for people to meet and interact with new people.   Two, and more importantly, beer, particularly draft beer generates wonderful profits.   Microbeers are chosen because microbrews are of higher quality than large production beers and our target segment prefers higher-quality beer. Espresso, Cappuccino, Coffee, and other Coffee/Espresso drinks. Coffee and coffee-related drinks are hugely popular, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.   Northwesterners expect good coffee/espresso at most food/drink establishments and it is often associated with good conversation. An Assortment of  Tapas Tapas are chosen because they can be relatively easy to make, the offerings can be changed frequently, and tapas are  more community orientated, meaning they are designed for a table/multiple people to share.   This reinforces Colloquy Grog Shop mission of bringing new people together. The service offerings are based on a system for singles to meet new people.   This is accomplished through a structured conversation system.   The Grog Shop is divided into two sections, one smaller section of tables that is for people meeting people that they already know.   The other, larger section is the section of tables for singles to come and meet new people.   This section is composed of 4-top tables (table seating for four) where a customer will come and sit down at the table among other people.   The table will be marked with a topic of conversation in the center.   Throughout the evening as there is turnover of the table or the conversation is exhausted, the server will introduce a new topic. The topics of conversation are far reaching, some are recent news or sports, while others are intellectual, and some are philosophical.   The bulk of the topics will be of the latter varieties as people that are interested in meeting people through the conduit of convers ation will typically prefer heavier stuff to provide more insight into that person. If you ask a majority of single 25-45 year olds, most will say they have difficulty meeting new people.   Regular bars are not an ideal place to meet people because beyond their visual image, it is quite difficult to learn anything material about the person to determine if there are some commonalities. The typical bar has loud music and is not geared up for serious conversation.   Bars are also less than ideal to meet people because of the uncertainty or ambiguity when meeting new people at a bar.   Many people feel uncomfortable in situations where they are not sure how to act. The ideal situation to meet someone is during an activity that is mutually enjoyed, whether it is at an art museum or mountain biking in the Cascade Range. Colloquy Grog Shop creates a setting in a bar/coffee shop that encourages thoughtful conversation, allowing patrons to gain insight into the other singles.   The key to the conversation system is structure.   The rules are clearly established.   Singles sit down at specific tables and discuss the assigned topic of conversation.   Everyone at these tables are single and looking to meet new people.   The conversation is used to elicit insight into the other person, their values and perspectives as well as implicit and sometimes explicit insight to their background and past.   The structured conversation system is successful because it reduces ambiguity or uncertainty in the singles social scene allowing people to feel more comfortable in the setting and open up more to  new people.   Additionally, for intellectually minded people, it allows them to find people with similar interests, whether the similarity is based in the topic of conversation or more generally in conversation itself. Keys to Success Attracting customers who find value in the Grog Shops offering and who will frequent the Shop regularly in order to meet like-minded single people. Excellent customer service. Maintaining a cost of goods on foods at below 50%. Critical Issues The Grog Shop is still in the speculative stage as a retail operation.   Its critical issues are: to continue to take a moderate fiscal approach to business operations and  to build brand awareness which will drive customers to the Grog Shop. Marketing Strategy Colloquy Grog Shops strategy will be based on communicating Grog Shops value to the targeted segments.   This will be done through a variety of methods.   The first method will be strategically placed advertisements.   One place that will be  used for advertisements is the Willamette Weekly, the liberal arts magazine that details all of the entertainment in Portland.   This will be the main source of advertisements because the demographics of their readership are fairly similar to Colloquy Grog Shops demographics.   Another source of marketing will be done with strategic relationships with companies that have similar customer demographics.   One prime example is the Multnomah Athletic Club.   While the clubs patrons are not necessarily overwhelmingly single, the rest of the demographics match up.   The MAC is a fairly exclusive downtown athletic club that by virtue of the membership costs, attracts professionals.   The strategic relationship with be mutually beneficial where both organizations will develop visibility for each other.   The other form of advertising will be using grassroots methods where customers will be given coupons for their friends to try Colloquy Grog Shop for the first time.   The coupon will be an economic incentive for the newcomer to try Colloquy Grog Shop.   The coupon also has the added force of a referral from a friend. Mission Colloquy Grog Shops mission is to provide a neighborhood bar/coffee shop where single people can meet.   We exist to attract and maintain customers.   When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place.   Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.  Ã‚   Marketing Objectives Develop brand awareness through a steady, month to month increase of new customers. Develop an increase in sales while achieving a status quo state or   decrease  in marketing expenses. Develop awareness of the structured conversation system measured by customers coming to the Grog Shop solely for meeting people. Financial Objectives A double digit growth rate for each future year. Reduce the variable costs through efficiency gains. Reach profitability within the first year. Target Markets Colloquy Grog Shops customers can be broken down into two groups, singles, and non-singles.   The non-singles groups  are smaller than the singles groups by virtue of the fact that if you are meeting someone whom you already know, the two of you can come up with the topic of conversation yourself, therefore, Grog Shop offers this group less value.   The demographics for the non-singles is similar to the singles, to be listed below.   The larger group then is the singles.   The demographics of the singles are: Single:  self evident. Professional:  this characteristic is intuitive since the  underlying element of Colloquy Grog Shop is thoughtful conversation, and most professionals  appreciate thought-provoking conversation. Income over $40,000:  this to a large degree is correlated to the fact that they are professional. Age 25-45:  the largest group of singles looking for companions. Positioning The Colloquy Grog Shop will position itself as a reasonably priced tapas/bar/coffee house that has an innovative, effective system for allowing single to meet each other. The Colloquy Grog Shops positioning will leverage their competitive edge: A  unique approach to getting singles together called the structured conversation system.   This system was detailed in the Product and Services section, please refer to that section for more  information.   This system is a competitive edge because most bars/taverns do not have a niche that they are  concentrating on.   While every bar or coffee shop has a certain flavor and that is why someone will choose one bar or another, the flavor is only surface deep.   The business model of the establishment is to sell alcohol and provide a social setting.   Beyond these two values, there is little other genuine value that the establishments try to provide.   Colloquy Grog Shop is distinguished by the fact that their business model concentrates on developing value for   customers beyond serving drinks.   The Grog Shop develops an effective, albeit inherently structured, social setting that  encourages meeting like-minded individuals.   Providing the drinks is  the source of income, an ancillary part of the business model.   Generating value for the customers is the main focus, if the customers are happy then the revenue will follow (assuming of course that proper marketing and financial controls are employed).   Concentrating on the clients needs beyond serving alcohol is the distinguishing characteristic that will allow Colloquy Grog Shop  to rapidly gain market share. Strategies The single objective is to position the Colloquy Grog Shop as the premier place for young professional singles to meet like-minded individuals.   The marketing strategy will seek to first create customer awareness regarding their services offered, develop that customer base, and work toward building customer loyalty and referrals. The message Colloquy Grog Shop will seek to communicate is that The Grog Shop is THE place to meet intelligent singles.   This message will be communicated through a variety of methods.   The first method will be advertisements.   The bulk of the advertisements will be in the Willamette Weekly, a weekly entertainment guide in Portland that has impressive readership numbers for the desired target population. Another method will be through establishing strategic relationships with companies that have similar demographics such as the Multnomah Athletic Club.   Establishing a mutually beneficial relationship will allow both organizations to develop visibility for each other. The other form of advertising will be using grassroots methods where customers will be given coupons for their friends to try Colloquy Grog Shop for the first time.   The coupon will be an economic incentive for the newcomer to try Colloquy Grog Shop.   The coupon also has the added force of a referral from a friend. Marketing Mix Colloquy Grog Shops marketing mix is comprised of these following approaches to pricing, distribution, advertising and promotion, and customer service. Pricing:  the pricing scheme is based on standard industry practices. Distribution:  all services and products will be distributed from Colloquy Grog Shops retail space. Advertising and promotion:  the most successful advertising will be with Willamette Weekly.   Additionally, strategic relationships will be developed with companies such as Multnomah Athletic Club as well as use of a grassroots promotion system. Customer service:  obsessive customer attention is the mantra.   The Grog Shops philosophy is to do whatever needs to be done to impress the customer.   While this could reduce short-term profits, it will strengthen long-term profitability. Marketing Research During the initial phases of the marketing plan development, several focus groups were held to gain insight into a variety of likely customers.   These focus groups provided useful insight into the decision making process of these consumers. An additional source of dynamic  market research  is a feedback system based on a suggestion card system.   The suggestion card  has several statements that patrons are asked to rate in terms of a given scale.   There are also several open ended questions that allow the customer to freely offer constructive criticism or praise.   The Grog Shop will work hard to implement reasonable suggestions in order to improve their service offerings as well as show their committment to the customer that their suggestions are valued. The last source of market research will be competitive analysis.   This will be done by regularly visiting competitors and analyzing their service offerings. Financials This section will offer a financial overview of the Grog Shop as it relates to the marketing activities.   The section will address break-even analysis, sales forecasts, expenses forecasts, and how those link to the marketing strategy. Break-even Analysis The Break-even Analysis indicates that $30,237 will be needed in monthly revenue to reach the break-even point. http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000600.jpg http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Break-even Analysis Monthly Revenue Break-even $20,299 Assumptions: Average Percent Variable Cost 32% Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost $19,654 Sales Forecast The first two months will be used to set up the physical location, hire personnel,  establish vendor relationships and obtain an alcohol license.   The  third month will be the grand opening.   Business during the second month will be understandably slow as a steady customer base takes time to build.   By month four it is forecasted that sales will steadily grow.   http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000300.jpg http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Sales Forecast 2001 2002 2003 Sales Drinks $105,921 $271,254 $296,874 Food $69,908 $179,028 $195,937 Total Sales $175,829 $450,282 $492,811 Direct Cost of Sales 2001 2002 2003 Drinks $26,480 $67,814 $74,219 Food $29,361 $75,192 $82,293 Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales $55,842 $143,005 $156,512 Expense Forecast Marketing expenses are  budgeted to remain fairly steady throughout the year.   There will be an initial ramp up  of spending  to generate visibility.   After this ramp up advertising will be fairly consistent month to month. http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000400.jpg http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Marketing Expense Budget 2001 2002 2003 Advertising $4,800 $2,400 $2,400 Strategic relationships $2,000 $1,200 $1,200 Other $2,400 $1,200 $1,200 Total Sales and Marketing Expenses $9,200 $4,800 $4,800 Percent of Sales 5.23% 1.07% 0.97% Controls The purpose of The Grog Shops marketing plan is to serve as a guide for the organization. Implementation The following milestones identify key marketing programs.   It is important to accomplish each one on time and on budget.   http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Milestones Advertising Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Marketing plan completion 1/1/2001 2/1/2001 $0 Karen Department Advertising 1/1/2001 1/1/2004 $9,600 Karen Department Strategic relationships 1/1/2001 1/1/2004 $4,400 Karen Department Grassroots promotion 1/1/2001 1/1/2004 $4,800 Karen Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Total Advertising Budget $18,800 PR Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Total PR Budget $0 Direct Marketing Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Total Direct Marketing Budget $0 Web Development Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Total Web Development Budget $0 Other Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Total Other Budget $0 Totals $18,800 Contingency Planning Difficulties and risks: Problems generating visibility and awareness of the Grog Shop. An entry into Portland of the conversation roundtables or other single meeting events. Lower than forecasted consumption of alcohol. Worst case risks may include: Determining that the business cannot support itself on an ongoing basis. Having to liquidate equipment to cover liabilities.

Speech on Powerful Nature of Books :: essays research papers

I'd like all of you to raise your hand if you have read a book. You may be wondering what I am doing, but I wanted to show you something. I wanted to show you how many people have read books. These people don?t always fit into one category. They may be young, they may be old, rich, poor, and even education levels differ. Books range in topics from sports to science fiction to western. At one point or another in our lives, we were probably captivated by the words or picture on the sleek pages. If that is the case for you, then you, my friend have experienced the immense power of books. You all know that books can give hope to a hopeless soul, and they can give one wisdom and intelligence. Maybe you have been feeling down, and in your angry state, for some reason or another decided to pick up a book. While tearing through the pages, you may have seen a glimmer of hope. Gary Paulsen, the well published author shared an experience when books gave him hope. He was a young kid, 10 years old, and just transferred from the Philippines to a public school in Washington D.C., He dropped his coat off in the in-room coat room, and was so frightened that he simply could not move. The teacher noticed this and went back into the room with him. She brought a book with a horse on the cover and let him turn the pages. This enabled him to interact with the book. When the teacher felt he was ready, she asked him if he wanted to come out. He agreed, and she held is hand as he was led into the classroom, to his seat. Paulsen?s story was just one of many stories of how books instilled hope in someone. Books gave Paulsen an escape from his drunken, screaming parents, gave him a plac e where he could be free from school bullies. Whether a book makes you go from a rage, to just a little sad, or from sad to happy, books can give one person hope. Books can do more than provide hope. Books, as you would expect, can give someone intelligence and wisdom. While, Paulsen was a young thirteen year old living in the a Minnesota town, he was selling newspapers to drunks, trying to scrounge up some extra cash to buy nicer clothes to fit in with the popular kids in school.