Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Organizational Language

Organizational Language A human language is a kind of code. It functions on the basis of words which is unique verbal symbols which correspond to all the objects or ideas which the speakers of that language need to communicate to one another. It also has rules, followed habitually by its speakers, for linking the words of the language together. Languages in the sense in which we understand them have developed as the common means of communication of large groups of people who habitually communicate with one another and communicate less often with outsiders.A language draws together the people who speak it, and excludes others. The rules for using a language are followed by all members of the linguistic community, for all wish to be understood. Those rules are typically paralleled by other rules or laws, conventions, customs which all also have to follow if they wish to be socially accepted in that particular social and political community. To be able to speak a language is a badge of membership of a community. It ensures acceptance by other members, provided the other rules of the group are also followed. Language networks minds together.The possession of a common spoken language and even more, the later possession of a common written language enables each member of a community to benefit from the communicated experience of others, so that the mental capacity of each separate individual becomes less important. It enables fellow-members of contemporaneous groups to share information and experience. Each people speaking a common language developed a collective memory, a common store of cultural experience on which all could draw. Language enabled a community to build up long-term traditions, beliefs and values which differentiated it from other communities.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

The Friendly Correspondence

A horrible series of events took place about a day after Belinda wrote her last letter to Krysta. On the afternoon of the 22nd of December she sat in her living room reading one of Krysta’s recent letters in which she said that she had received her present and had told the authorities to not to give it to her until Christmas. Belinda’s parents had gone out shopping when suddenly the door opened and her brother Ron ran into the room. His face was all red with anger, he was holding some papers in his hand which had been ripped into many pieces. Belinda was so used to her brother’s tantrums that she did not stir from where she was sitting. But as her brother walked by she looked discreetly at the torn papers and saw the words â€Å"failed† and â€Å"Year 12†. She then understood the cause of her brother’s anger and what made him so wild and furious. Ron stopped at once and saw Belinda reading her letter. He asked her where mum and dad were. She didn’t reply. He stomped like a bull who had seen red, suddenly snatching Belinda’s letter out of her hands. He read it quickly and saw a paragraph addressed to Isobel in which it was asked that Ron be taken care of. He stuffed the letter into his pocket in spite of Belinda’s constant groaning to return it. That was the beginning of a quarrel to which Belinda contributed by adding her provoking spiteful remarks and insulting Ron for having failed to graduate. The brother and sister began throwing things at each other, at first paper weights and then dangerous objects such as sharp knives. In her fury Belinda threw a knife at Ron and unfortunately did not miss his hand from which blood started gashing out. Ron went off to his room not paying any attention to his sister who by that time had realised the seriousness of the situation, had stopped fighting. She then started to apologise while looking for a bandage to put and his hand. After having written one page or two of sentences that somehow made sense, Krysta decided to stop wielding her pen for a moment and take a short break. She sat back in her armchair and relaxed, or some minutes she lost in her thoughts, thoughts about life, thoughts of love, happy thoughts, sad ones and thoughts about Gary. Ooh Gary! Her heart stopped beating for a moment at the very thought of it. She remembered herself as a teenager shut in her heart wailing every moment in the depths of her heart for freedom†¦ She recalled how she had come there and how she spent each day of her life thinking it was her last one and that she would not get out of there alive. She shuddered as she thought of the cruel faces of her authorities or the ‘hacks’ as they were often called, of the stale food they gave with malicious faces, the way they eagerly roamed around like hungry dogs putting somebody’s name in their Punishment Sheets. She thought of her friends at Gary. Were they real â€Å"friends†? She thought of Linda McAllam and some other girls who let her down. But then she remembered Macy and girls who were nice to her at some of the times, her sweet voice, which often made her and others, weep or feel lonely, were still in her ears. Everything was clear and vivid in her memory as if it had taken place yesterday and not twenty years ago. On her table shone the paperback cover of a book titled ‘My life at Gary† with the words Krysta Bonbons in bold letters below it and the words BEST SELLER on its side, despite of all her horror of Gary she felt she owed it something. She felt pretty sure she wouldn’t have become a writer if she hadn’t been at Gary and had never met her so-called â€Å"friends†. Where could they all be now? What could they be doing? Directing great companies, catching burglars, smiling at children with books in their hands and blackboards behind them†¦who knows? Were they still alive? She felt her eyes pricking as she remembered Belinda, her pen-pal whom she’d never met in person, who wrote her consoling letters -and also rang her sometimes- during almost the whole of her second year at Gary. She had died that same year a few days before Christmas killed by her violent brother. She looked at her watch, it was 2. 30pm. She hurried so as not to break a routine, which had become a part of her life. At about 3’clock she got off the Vaudeville tram and ran to the cemetery behind St. Michael’s church. She stood still before Belinda’s grave who was no relative of hers but with whom she had a relation stronger than with anyone else. From her purse she took out a letter Belinda had written to her and read it all over again with tears rolling down her cheeks. Thank you, Belinda! â€Å"she said in a feeble voice, â€Å"Thank You for loving me†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . She entered the church, said a small prayer and left, a habit she never had before visiting Belinda’s grave for the first time. It was as if Belinda had become an angel and was strengthening her belief in God praying for her everyday. Her next destination was the nearest newspaper office where she ga ve a note with all her brother Simon’s to be published in the classifieds She had put the same ad in the same paper for the past five years. Not that she thought it would do much good but one never knew†¦Krysta was pretty sure that if one day a man younger than her walked towards her calling her â€Å"sister†, she would be very happy and once again would have somebody to love unconditionally just as Belinda loved her. On arriving back home, Krysta threw the pages she had written some hours before into the dustbin and started writing on a new page. Somehow she felt confident the book she was writing would be really good. It would be called â€Å"My Friend whom I’ve Never Seen†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦

Monday, July 29, 2019

Strategic Choice and Evaluation - Apple Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Strategic Choice and Evaluation - Apple - Essay Example These strategies are adopted by the firm to achieve better performance help the firm to deliver a better than average performance. Cost leadership A business firm following cost leadership strategy aims at beating its competitors by producing at the lowest cost in the entire industry. The producer can now produce at a large scale and at a very low cost, thereby, enjoying huge economies of scale. The producer exploits the economies of scale which allows the company to maintain competitive pricing (Richardson & Dennis, 2003). Differentiation Under differentiation strategy the company focuses on the products that it offers for sale. It aims at making the products unique by identifying specific product dimensions, which are found to be most valued by its customers. The company develops its marketing strategies in such a manner that it would be able to satisfy the demand of its customers to the most desired level and therefore receive premium price due to the uniqueness of these products (Thompson & Martin, 2010). Focus Focus strategy is followed by a firm when selects one or multiple segments within the single in industry in which it operates (Dinitzen, 2010). The company aims at optimizing its product and marketing strategies to cater to these segments in the most efficient way, such that, it might gain competitive advantage over all other firms that competes with the particular firm. Focus strategy can be applied by the firm by following either of the following strategies; creation of cost advantage within a targeted segment (cost focus) or development of a differentiation strategy within a targeted segment (differentiation). ... follows the differentiation strategy in order to achieve competitive advantage over its competitors in the technology service industry. Differentiation makes its products (or services) unique. By following this strategy, Apple can make its products different from the products or service offerings of its competitors and makes the products of this company highly appealing to its customer base. However, the fact that the company has become one of the most successful companies in the world and that the customer preference for this company is significantly high compared to the rest of the companies in this market, is established by a number of internal and external factors. Performance of the company with regard to these factors has led it to the current level of success. These factors are environment of the industry, customer service, market segmentation and nature of products or services offered to the target market and its global presence. The company’s innovativeness makes its products as well as technology services shine among the crowd of modern technology industry. There are certain negative sides or risks of following the differentiation strategy. Companies that pursue differentiation strategy can command a price that is higher than the prices of similar products offered in the market by other firms. The differentiation factor allows the firm to command this premium price. It eventually increases per unit sales for the company and also improves loyalty of the buyer. Differentiation is the right strategy to follow only when the target market segment has customers with specific needs, but, are not adequately served. Also, the differentiation strategy focuses on bringing premium price for the firm. This implies that the strategy would be

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Education Technology Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Education Technology - Coursework Example Instead, from the information dispersed on the Web and across networks and (Seaman, 2013). The manifestation of knowledge being a democracy affair seen from Teach100 ranks and scores a number of education blogs. The websites present opportunities for sharing knowledge across the globe (Teach, n.d.). According to Wagner (2012), there are different PLNs platforms that can be use to encourage the concept of knowledge sharing being a democracy (Wagner, 2012). The core competencies are knowledge and acquaintance with educational technology. Development of efficient learning settings in an efficient approach is the objective of instructional progress. The procedure of instructional growth in highly multifaceted learning environments requires that educational technologists be competent in three fundamental core knowledge areas. Competency in three areas like instructional systems design (ISD) methodology, educational foundations, and identification (ID) process are essential (Tennyson, 2001). Educational technology is the efficient application of technological instruments in learning to prepare learners for their future jobs. I think the role is to prepare workers to learn job specifications. Seaman, A. (2013). Personal learning networks: Knowledge sharing as democracy. Retrieved December 4, 2014, from

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Assignment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Assignment - Research Paper Example It is advised that one confirms to know whether or not test results belong to him/her based on their full names and other identifying information. It is encouraged that if staff doesn’t ask such information, the patient should speak up and asks to see the labels on the tests. Patients are encouraged to ask the healthcare worker why a given test is being done. In order to ensure that the test ordered by the doctor is actually obtained, patients are advised to take the test order copy from the doctor to the test. Again, if one feels the test being done is the wrong one, it is important that clarification is sort from the staff. The brochure further highlights the need for filing complaints about a lab or a facility if mistakes are identified. This is one way of improving the services offered by such facilities. Finally, the brochure lists some of the questions patients need to ask the doctors and the staff performing the tests. These questions help the patient adequately prepare for the test and ensure that the test is done in the right manner. For instance, the patient may ask the doctor questions regarding the foods to be taken before a test, if there is need for prior medication and the reason for taking the test. Through such questions, communication between the patient and the healthcare workers is greatly enhanced. In this article, information is precisely and to the point, making it easy to be understood by many patients. In addition, the questions written at the end of the brochure are good triggers for communication between the patient and the healthcare provider, thereby enhancing the quality of care. However, the article needed to provide more information on how one needs to prepare for a medical or laboratory test. In particular, the article needed to provide basic steps one has to follow from preparation to the final

Describe the differences (and any similarities) involved in the Assignment

Describe the differences (and any similarities) involved in the following contracts - Assignment Example In this case the contract can be said to be implied because no prior arrangements were made to make agreements but it is implied that the owner of the vehicle will pay for the parking service provided. Boilerplate or bank card holders’ agreements are standard form contracts by virtual of bearing the characteristics of standard form contracts. For this reason, boiler plates are standard form contracts because like many other standard form contracts such as insurance contracts the cellular provider has total authority over the contract with the subscribers that they can either take it or leave it and often contain fine detail details that form part of the contract terms (â€Å"Types of contracts† n.d.). Similarly, the bank has total control in its contract with the credit card account holders. They can either choose to agree to the terms and conditions or forfeit owning the cards altogether (â€Å"Types of contracts† n.d.). This is an implied or verbal contract. As demonstrated in the contract, the benefit of having the order taken by the waiter is enjoyed but it cannot be considered as a gift because it will have to be paid for implying a consideration has been given. Therefore, given a contract is formed and there is no written evidence or terms for service, the contract is implied or verbal because the order is orally made (â€Å"Types of contracts† n.d.). A formal contract is a written agreement, which follows the prescribed format and incorporates standardized conditions and provisions in its body, therefore making it legally enforceable. This kind of contract could mainly be a contract under seal where the seal is a symbol of total acceptance of its legal effect and consequences by the parties involved (Gale, 2007). The contract can also be regarded as a period contract since it is valid for a given duration of time as agreed by the involved parties (â€Å"Types of contracts† n.d.). Contracts B and D are contracts which must be in writing and are

Friday, July 26, 2019

ESPN Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ESPN - Assignment Example The augmented product is ESPN’s continuous improvement related to its contents as well as delivery. This means that the customers can trust ESPN for getting them deep insights and sports news from a new perspective. 2. ESPN has strong and dominating brand equity. Over the years ESPN has not only strengthened its customer base, but also has been able to instil an enviable brand loyalty, as is clearly reflected in the fact that ESPN is able to charge a premium that is well above its competitors’. This strong presence of brand equity readily translates into ESPN’s brand value as is evident in the statistics shown the case: that it is not only is a $6 billion company, but also contributes a significant 20% amount in its parent company, Walt Disney’s kitty. Risks: the only risk is that the traditional consumers who love watching ‘live’ sports action might get confused with this kind of brand extension promoting ‘gaming’ and not a real ‘sport’. Benefits: The AOL website reaches out to a very large consumer base, including those who do not have time to spend in front of their TVs (Dempsey, 2008). By streaming ESPN videos online, the channel can target this whole new consumer base. 4. ESPN has done very well in developing its brand through a variety of clever strategies. It has successfully explored a large bouquet of media to reach its consumers. From traditional television through cable, radio and print media to DTH, telephony, mobile services, internet, ESPN has been able to have a wide reach in its audience. Also its co-branding strategies have been very effective and mutually beneficial for all partners. As far as possible future brand developments are concerned, I think that ESPN should make its presence even more prominent in developing gaming software for various available platforms, such as, tablets, mobiles, etc. Also it should make

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Army Battle command systems including the software Research Paper

Army Battle command systems including the software - Research Paper Example The other target groups are other officers in the joint military forces. Missions Command deploys such technologies in the management of such operations. The leadership is therefore able to make logical and well-informed decisions. Project management is also very constructive in the planning of activities in the order of priority. Project management is essential for every organization. It enables organizations to take care of the resources and time, and ensures that the objectives of and the project are achieved. Secondly, with systematic project management styles, it is easy to monitor the progress of every project and to determine the outcome. In fact, it is possible for project managers to predict the results of the projects. Third, it enables the organization to plan its activities in the order of priority. For example, software design precedes testing and implementation. Finally, it assists an organization in evaluation of projects to establish the feasibility and the value of the projects. Projects are organized according to the strategic plan of the organization. The leadership prepares strategic plans for every year, with the number of projects to be conducted. The organization of projects determines the sequence of projects, in a manner that multiple projects can run concurrently. For example, in the software design and development project, more than one system can be developed concurrently. While one project reaches the implementation stage, the other project can be found to have reached the documentation and test stage. The organization of the projects depends on the available resources, the urgency of project implementation and the available time for the projects. Organizations work with the project plans to eliminate confusion between multiple projects running concurrently. At any instance, the project management can provide the status of every project and the stages remaining for the

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

International relation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

International relation - Essay Example John Mearscheimer terms China’s rise as un-peaceful and believes that being in position to challenge United States of America, it will definitely give the super power some headache in years to come, and with its neighbors being largely under the influence of America, the dark clouds might well show up in future. The economic race is on, and for now, China has the policy of back burner towards military and arms race, yet it cannot be ruled out that China will engage in race that is directed towards self defense. According to the author, America might well follow the strategy pursued during the cold war against U.S.S.R. China at the same time, is not sitting unaware and is making alliances in Asia and other regions with bid to reduce the X-factor. Hence the author sees it as non peaceful endeavor by China which may trigger in years ahead (Li & Lee, 2011). The entry of china into the World Trade Organization is seen as a mega event in the prospect of world economics and trade affairs. Being amongst the ranks of other nations who are large has large chain of manufacturing around the world. W.T.O is highly boosted by the presence of player like China. It is the third largest player in the incumbent organization. Chinese policy and economic situation is more towards the open end, and would have definite impact on the world economy and this organization. It will increase competition amongst the large exporters of the world. China’s presence may end the monopoly being held by few nations before china’s surge in this domain, but it will definitely bring a spark in the manner in which activities are being held (Panitchpakdi & Clifford, 2002). The classical school of thought circles around the human contribution to the state of affairs and holds it directly responsible for the disorder and peace that may prevail in the world. The classical realism is believed to

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt - Essay Example 852). In 1879, he founded the Institute for Experimental Psychology in Leipzig, where he concentrated on experimental psychology (Kling & Riggs, 1971, p. 1) and developed a methodology that sought to develop more accurate data for testing mental activities. He is primarily responsible for moving the subject of psychology out of the realm of philosophy and into the venue of experimental or modern scientific method. He accomplished this by focusing on the physiological aspects of experimentation and how they related to the mind. The purpose of this paper is, having providing a brief biography and contextual frame of reference, to discuss the contemporaneous environment surrounding the development of some of Wundt's theories, to review the contribution of those theories to the subject and practice of Psychology in general, and to provide a personal statement of opinion on some of Wundt's theories. Of all the possible environmental contributors to Wundt's theoretical development, there are two that will be mentioned here. The first is the philosophical environment of the day in regards to psychological study, and the second is the laboratory environment at Leipzig. Wundt did not develop his ideas in a vacuum. He was heavily influenced by John Stuart Mill's "System of Logic," from which he often quoted (Schmidgen, 2003, p. 469). No doubt as part of his training, he would have studied both logic and philosophy, and Brown, et al., maintain that he was drawn toward idealism while opposing sensationalism (1996, p. 852). It is interesting to consider the difficulty of bridging from a philosophical approach to the scientific method when studying psychology. In Wundt's day, the mind was perceived in terms of the soul and introspection was the primary means of investigating those aspects of human understanding. Wundt did not accept the notion that self observation was effective; in applying his scientific approach, he believed that psychological study required a trained observer, and that observer needed to be performing those observations in a controlled environment while investigating a properly limited question. Thus, by taking the study of the mind out of the philosophical and into the practical, Wundt introduced a radical new perspective. The second environmental influence of note is his time spent in the laboratory at Leipzig where he actually performed many of his experiments. In one such experiment, he would use a pendulum or analog clock and have his subjects report "the time that coincided with some other event such as the ringing of a bell" (Carlson, Hogendoorn, & Verstraten, 2006, p. 1406). In this way, he was able to use empirical data to quantify the difference between those with fast responses and those with slow ones. Based upon those observations, he could draw conclusions about the way the mind processed

Monday, July 22, 2019

Theme Park Essay Example for Free

Theme Park Essay CHAPTER I The Problem and its background Introduction Retail, is the  sale  of goods and services from individuals or businesses to the  end-user. This industry is a sector of the economy that is comprised of individuals and companies engaged in the selling of finished products to  end user  consumers. Retailers are part of an integrated system called the  supply chain. A retailer purchases goods or  production large quantities from  manufacturers  directly or through a  wholesaler, and then sells smaller quantities to the  consumer  for a profit. Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex is popularly known in Santa Rosa City as the City’s shopping point where numerous of shoe store exist. The entrepreneurs behind these ventures risk their capital, invest their time and make a living by offering consumers something they need or want. Competition in the industry is strong. There are a number of established players in the  shoe industry  with established market positions, brands and reputations. These two big establishments start to compete since then. And the competitive advantage seeks it to address some of the criticisms of  comparative advantage. A competitive advantage means a firm manages to keep making money and to sustain its position against its competitors. Marketing men defines competitive advantages as a superiority gained by company where it can provide the same value but a lower fee, or charge higher fees by providing greater value through differentiation. It plays an intense part in determining the price leader. And for this reason, the researchers choose this topic in order to know the competitive advantage of Shoe Retail Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex. The main objective of this study aims to examine the best quality of shoes in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, one of the best shopping points in Santa Rosa City, in terms of quality, that they meet the satisfaction of the consumers. Design that satisfies the needs and wants of stylish people. And price, that indeed in a low cost but in a good quality. Within the area, we used data gathering like survey questionnaires. It is important to know because many consumers are preferred to buy shoes. And this study will help them to figure out where the best products can be offered. In this thesis, we develop qualitative and quantitative distinctions between the single and married  respondents. This study is important to all the consumers especially to those who often buy shoes It examines the reaction of the respondents towards the factors they used. We need to know the competitive advantages because we want to help the consumers where they can buy quality shoe products, yet t he prices are affordable and the design of these goods are prefer to their tastes. Background of the study Balibago Commercial Complex and Target Mall is the most popular shopping point where you can have a retail product like shoes. Prospect customers from different neighboring barangays and towns used to go shopping at Balibago Commercial Complex because of low price product that they offer and the numerous store that attract the customers. Many stores were leased for permanent business operations and were own primarily by Filipinos, Muslims and Chinese. Balibago Commercial Complex is a wet and dry good market, and a host of bus, jeepneys, FX and tricycles terminals. Their latest foot traffic averages around 20-30 thousand people per day during weekdays, and as high as 40-45 thousand people during weekend. Some shoe retailers in Target Mall operate fixed point-of-sale locations designed to attract a high volume of walk-in customers. They typically sell merchandise to the general public for personal consumption. Athletic shoes accounts for the biggest market share in shoe retail, with basketball and cross training are the most popular category in this segment. Both the men and women’s market segments are growing. Price-wise, however, men’s shoes are more expensive than women’s shoes. According to Ms. Lorlie Aruta, Leasing manager of Target Mall Santa Rosa, the latter started during year 1998; three year after the commercial complex was build. It has been a fixture in Laguna located at the very heart of Balibago Commercial Complex are these past (12) years owned by Southland Holdings Corporation. It is a three-level shopping mall with a total floor area of seventeen thousand five hundred square meters. By that time, Target Mall is the preferred shopping place because there were no competitors yet around the commercial area. Although there were already shops existed that time, they were not numerous as today. It was when the early year 2000 entered; Shoe Retail Stores began to compete inside of Target Mall because the prices of goods are cheaper. At their first year of operation, only few  numbers of stalls began. Since the area has a numerous population, the supply cannot meet the demand of customers. They have only minimum stocks of products. As year goes by, many store owners began to operate their own enterprise that they can give more variants to the customer. And the competition has also emerged. Their mission is to be the most preferred shopping place in the community they serve. Their company vision is to be a shopping mall committed to satisfying the needs of the community where they are located in a convenient and comfortable atmosphere conducive to family shopping. They are committed to be responsive to the well-being of the residents of the community where they are located. Business success in today’s competitive markets requires a high understanding and respect of the customer. Customers are demanding, have more money to spend and have a wide collection of goods and services to choose from. To satisfy customers, we must be able to listen to their feedback and improve services and goods to keep of clients. And we come up with this study because we want to know the best shoe retail stores whether it is in Target Mall or in Balibago Commercial Complex, that offering the same products. And through this study, it will help not just us but to all consumers who frequen tly shopping within this area. Theoretical Framework The following theories and principles cited were used as framework for the analysis of data in this research. According to Pagoso et.al (2006) consumer buyer behavior refers to the buying behavior of final consumer, individuals and household who buy goods and services for personal consumption. There are some factors that may be influential for consumers towards their preferences in buying goods. The first is culture, the most fundamental determinant of the consumer’s behavior towards buying. Filipinos are known for their ‘suki’ behavior the harmonious relationship of a seller with the customer that keeps him to come back on the same store which is a part of a Filipino culture. Social class which is relatively permanent in the society that has ordered divisions whose members show distinct product and brand preferences. Second one is social factors such as family, reference groups and social roles. Third, personal factor or personal characteristics like occupation w hich affects the goods and services bought by consumers, and economic  situation that will affect product choice. The last is psychological factors, influenced by motivations, perception and attitude. As on Paul Sammuelson’s (2000) theory of revealed preference, this theory is a method by which possible to discern consumer behavior on the basis of variable prices and income. In this theory, a consumer with a high income will buy a mixture of product if the consumer income changes, the mixture of goods and services will also change. According to Leano (2008) in his book â€Å"Fundamentals of Economics† opportunity cost is the value of what is foregone in order to have something else. The opportunity cost of individual’s decision is determined by his or her needs, wants, time and resources (income). Pagoso et. Al. (2006) cited in his book â€Å"Introductory Microeconomics† the substitution of price elasticity of demand, one factor of substitution is the number of competing products. More of these mean more market shares for a product to gain or lose when its price decre ases or increases, respectively. Thus, a seller invites more exodus of demand when he under prices more rivals in a market where products homogenous in type and quality. This kind of competition is evident among adjacent retail outlets for the same product brands of more or less the same size like supermarkets, department store, book stores, and the like. Conceptual Framework of the Study | INPUT1. What are The competitive advantages of Shoe Retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of:2.1 Product Quality2.2 Product Design2.3 Price| | PROCESS 1. Data gathering procedures: a. Distribution and retrieval of questionnaire b. Tabulation of data 2. Data analysis 3. Evaluation| | OUTPUTIdentified competitive advantages of Shoe Retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex.| FEEDBACK Figure 1. The conceptual framework of the study. Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of the study. The â€Å"Input† frame shows the profile of the respondents as regard to age, gender and civil status, and the competitive advantages of Shoe Retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex. In terms of: quality, design and price. The second frame is the â€Å"Process†. In this study, the process involved were the data gathering procedures which is includes distribution and retrieval of questionnaire, tabulation of data, data analysis and evaluation. The third frame is the expected â€Å"Output†. In this study the product or output will provide a summary of the identified comparative study about the competitive advantages of Shoe Retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex. A system should automatically provide information about the output being processed and soon gives â€Å"Feedback† for the competitive advantages of Shoe Retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex. Statement of the Problem This study aimed to find out what are the competitive advantages of the shoe retail business. Specifically the study sought the following questions. 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of? 1.1 Age 1.2 Gender 1.3 Civil Status 2. What are the competitive advantages of shoe retailer stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex Complex in terms of: 2.1 Product Quality 2.2 Product Design 2.3 Price 3. Is there a significant difference between the responses of the respondents in terms of competitive advantages of shoe retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to civil status? Hypothesis That, There is no significant difference between the responses of the respondents in terms of competitive advantages of shoe retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to civil status. Significance of the Study This study will benefit the following people and organization. Customers- This study will help them to know and choose the best shoe products whether is it on Target Mall or Balibago Commercial Complex. The tenants of Target Mall and of Balibago Commercial Complex This would serve as a part of their environmental scan to help them develop their business strategies for them to continue operating. Entrepreneurs-is to find out how the competitive advantages among competitors where they can improve the quality of customer service, the offered selections and general atmosphere at the shoe retail stores. To the future researchers- this study would serve as additional information for future research undertaking especially to business students. To the researchers- this would serve not only as a pertain fulfillment on the academic requirement for their current course, but also additional knowledge that we can apply also in our chosen field Scope and Delimitation This research is restricted and focused only to the customers or buyers of shoes in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex area. The limitation of this study is the Shoe Retails stores that located in the said area. Definition of Terms In this study, terms were defined as follows: Competitive Advantage- this is the performance of Target Mall compare to Balibago Commercial Complex products in terms of quality, design and price. Retail Business- This industry is a sector of the economy that is comprised of individuals and companies engaged in the selling of finished products to  end user  consumers. Quality- The standard of shoe products as measured against its similar kind. Design- The physical features and appearance of shoe products. Price- The amount of shoes in Target Mall and Balibago  Commercial Complex. Shoe Retail Stores- Offer a quality but in a low cost of price to the consumers. Target Mall- The first mall established in Balibago. Balibago Commercial Complex- The shopping point of City of Santa Rosa, Laguna. CHAPTER II Review of related literature and studies This chapter presents the secondary data of the study taken from different reference materials such as books, magazines, news, papers, and thesis. Foreign Literature  According to Whittington, 2006 in his book entitled â€Å"What is Strategy – and does it matter† Strategy can be classified into four generic approaches: the classical approach, the evolutionary approach, the processual approach and the systemic approach. The evolutionary approach suggests that the environment is too unpredictable to foresee efficiently. Adherents of the evolutionary approach believe that it is the market that chooses which strategy will be successful, not the managers. Processualists, on the other hand also believe that long-term planning is rather fruitless, and consider strategy to be a rational process. The systemic perspective suggests that strategy is an important matter that can carry out rational plans of action. Further, Whittington believes that it is possible to define strategies that will succeed in spite of market forces. The systemic approach stresses the importance of the social system, where strategy making occurs since different social backgrounds may lead to other interests than maximizing profit. And according to Whittington the classical approach sees strategy as a rational process that is designed to maximize long-term advantage. Classicists see strategy as something that is vital to secure the future, a rational process of long term planning. These four approaches stand for three different main views on the impact on how a company can influence its business success. The evolutionary and processual approaches believe that planning is of minor importance since the environment has a great influence and will overwhelm the strategic plans. The systematic approach believes it is the social context that decides a company’s strategy have chosen to the classical approach, since it concedes with the view on strategy as a  rational process. The classical approach also stands for the company’s own ability to influence its strategy and thereby its result, while the other approaches are more of the opinion that external factors have a great impact. Child and Weick support this reasoning by stating that: â€Å"The strategies, structures and processes of the organization are not predetermined by the business environment. Rather, organizations create their own environment by choosing the domain or competitive arena on which there markets, product, technology and ultimately their strategy are based.† Choosing the classical approach makes th e study less extensive and we do not have to consider the external environment as a variable affecting strategy. According to an article of a magazine entitled â€Å"Going shopping written by Satterwaite, malls in America are said to be declining and are scaring away customer. Americans prefer flea markets, antique shops, and other retail shopping centers more than shopping mall because of its â€Å"McDonalization† a stultifying sameness on the way customers buy products and some problems. Customer encounter every time they go to malls like waits for parking and long walks from store to store. Americans prefer a community meeting place that attempt to get back to the face to face transaction that in past decades engendered trust between buyers and sellers. According to Bunge,Operational planning is in dispensable to the continuing vitality of any enterprise, whether that effort is apparent or not. The manners in which planning and its corollary, control, are handled are greatly affects the Profitability. Success and retention of the loyal customer will be won by `doing best what matters most to the customers. According to Porter Whittington, the goal of a strategist is to find a position in the industry where the company can protect itself against the surrounding forces, or might be able to influence them in a positive direction. If a company has knowledge about these surrounding sources of competitive pressure, it will provide the groundwork to decide where to position the company in its industry. According to Porter, it is important for a company to identify its strengths and weaknesses from a strategic viewpoint. Strategy can either be viewed as assembling protection against its competitive forces, or look for positions in the indus try where the forces are weak. Knowledge about its competitive forces will lead the  company to enter areas where it should deal with competition and where to avoid it. In the study of buyer behavior, there are five theories which will throw some light into the complex native of man as buyer. These include 1.) Marshallian – man is concerned chiefly with economic cues. Prices and income makes a fresh utility calculation before each purchase. 2.) Parlovian – man behaves in a largerly habitual rather than thoughtful way. Certain configuration on cues will set of the same behaviour because of rewarded warning in the past. 3.) Freudian’s – man choices are influence strongly by motives and fantasies which takes place deep within is private world. 4.) Veblonian – man acts in a way which is shaped largely by past and present social groups. 5.) Hobbesian – man seeks to reconcile individual gain with organizational gain. Customer satisfaction depends on the product’s percei ved performance relative to a buyer’s expectations. If the product’s performance falls short of expectations, the customer is dissatisfied. If performance matches expectations, the customer is satisfied. If performance exceeds expectations, the customer is highly satisfied and delighted. According to the book of Murrell (2005) entitled â€Å"Empowering Employees† Employees doesn’t wait the bated breath to be empowered, they simply want to do better job and enjoy their work in the process. To outline how managers and employees can grow on the job, become more knowledgeable and therefore more employable, and thus become fully empowered. Together then, everyone in the organization has something to gain by creating more empowering workplaces. Empowerment doesn’t create narrowly focused gains for the one individual or group; it does create far-reaching and long lasting is what this book is all about. According to the book of Johnson (2007) entitled â€Å"Principles of controlled maintenance management† Maintenance management practices and procedures was essential to achieve efficiency and effectiveness of the maintenance operations. Just keeping a place and its equipment sanitary, presentable and operating properly today is a carefully scheduled and well managed operation that is supported by the finest equipment and products Millions of dollars are spent annually in developing and improving maintenance tools and materials; this, in turn, saves many more millions of dollars in the investment. Foreign Studies According to Wei and Xu, to their study â€Å"Obstacles to innovation management in SMEs† at Hà ¶gskolan University. The results are contradictory to some earlier research in the area and in line with other. This implies that the characteristics and relationship of SMEs credit risk and internationalization changes over time and/or differs between countries, perhaps even between regions within national borders. For example we arrived at the conclusion that our basic model indicates a positive relationship between internationalization and credit risk, in line with both Rugman (2009) and Caves (2007). The analysis shows no significant difference in the firm’s capital structure depending on the internationalization, although younger companies tended to have a higher level of internationalization. This finding is contradictory to the research conducted by Burgman (2009) and the reports carried out by the European Commission whose report reaches the conclusion that older fir ms had a higher level of international exposure. According to Esther Nzungwa Leander to their study, â€Å"Cultural labour management in Finland: Multicultural Working environment in Riihimà ¤ki Wà ¼rth Ltd., Finland; MBA-thesis in marketing† is that cultural differences may not affect unskilled working environment (like the researched warehouse operating Wà ¼rth Ltd. company), as long as all the employees are treated equally. Carrying out of given duties in unskilled working place is the same in a warehouse company despite of the country of origin. The Wà ¼rth Ltd. unskilled labour respondents provided evidence that equal salary, treatment, sharing of duties and other benefits could be the key to successful multicultural working environment, marketing and management. It creates harmony, kindness and friendliness in the air that I too, witnessed while walking around the building before the interview. Learning the native or working language is very important to enable communication and career progress even in Wà ¼rth’s unskilled warehouse multicultural working environment, marketing and management. Researched company has 126 employees in 379 departments of which 28 are migrants from Vietnam, Morocco, Kosovo, Germany, Russia, Estonia, Egypt, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Japan and Philippines. It hired the first foreign employee in 1990 but none of foreign employees has ever been promoted. This could be a multicultural working environment dark side or failure. Multicultural marketing in Finland might not be the right strategy or so lution for ambitious foreigners who are interested and  looking for quick career advancements or career progress if this is the case in most of the Finnish multicultural working places. Local Literature Sanchez, defines that many Filipino businesspersons hate competition of any kind. Because they believed that competition is always a bad omen.9 Competition brings many benefits in business such as the lowering of retail prices because you and competitors common suppliers can now offer lower wholesale prices due to lower delivery costs to the area.10 The small – scale entrepreneur, need to borrow follows from the need to grow. The more resources one commands, the most stable and viable an enterprise becomes. New products are made; more workers are employed; new market is tapped; new business prospects are opened and industrial development moves a step ahead.11 People go into business for a variety of reasons. They may go into business a owners and employers or as employee. The decision to go into business and not into some other activity as the priesthood or medicine or law, may be result of conscious thought and deliberate preparation over period of years. Or it may be due to the fact that a person finds no easier or more satisfactory way of earning a living. Whether a person goes into business as an employer or an employee, he faces the hazards of loss and other problems inherent in the conduct of business. Both owner and employee need essentially the same personal characteristics that are required to succeed. Both also enjoy certain values which are derived when people go into business. According to Young and Pagoso (2010) in their book entitled â€Å"Principles of Marketing† Marketing is the process by which demand structure for products and services is anticipated and uncharged and Agree through competition promotion change and physical distribution of such goods and servicesà ¢â‚¬ . In the Philippines, intermediate market, goods flow from the producers/manufacturers to the retailers. (3) The relationship between the retailer and manufacturer involves a two-way traffic, with the supply chain on one side and product management on the other. Retailers have the tendency to get involved in the supply chain for various reasons: (1) to ensure that the products are delivered to the shops on time and are of desirable quality, (2) to reduce the costs incurred when products are stocked in the retailer’s warehouses, and (3) to maintain a reputation of exclusivity where  the manufacturer will not supply to other retailers. If retailers tend to get involved in the supply chain management, the manufacturers also have reasons to exert particular control over some aspects of retailing. According to Regalado, 2007 case study about â€Å"Marketing Practitioners† there are broad scope of strategic planning encompasses: all the company offers all the products/services; All the markets serve; both environmental snd internal variables; production, research finance, and other organizational elements needed for success strategic planning looks beyond the immediate circumstances, in the process clarifying where Regalado want to be in the future. This strategic perspective can be contrasted to the tactical level and operational planning. According to Young and Pagoso (2010) in their study entitled â€Å"Principles Of Marketingâ€Å",that strategy and brand value and how these can be portrayed and communicated in difficult markets and challenging situations to restore reputation and gain competitive advantage. In today’s competitive and fast changing world the importance of having a clear strategy that not only delivers the desired business results and shareholder returns but also fulfills the brand promise and enhances corporate reputation is essential. Strategically investing in the brand and delivering on what you promise is, therefore, necessary as this will ultimately manifest itself in how the company is viewed externally which in turn will contribute to stakeholder perception over time. In the current global and complex environment where business knows no borders, consumers are more demanding, communication is instant and the benefits of years of hard work can be lost practically overnight, it is necessary to have the right strategy in place. This must have the required flexibility to respond to unexpected circumstances and do what is necessary to retain brand value and sustain corporate reputation. Companies are coming under increasing scrutiny to be more transparent in their dealings and behave ethically and how they react will reflect in their corporate image. A strategic approach is, therefore, called for that proactively manages corporate identity. This will inevitably involve appropriate and effective communication. Local Studies On 1991, Josephine Tuble of the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School made a study that concerns the productivity and job satisfaction of workers  in construction company in Metro Manila. These results to productivity level that was rated on the whole as â€Å"good† due to the following dimensions: quantity of work, quality of work, supervision required, attendance, and conservation. Also, the respondents of this study were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied because of low ratings made on promotion and pay aspects. In connection with this, the level of productivity is correlated with job satisfaction with regards to the nature of work, supervision, co-workers relationship and pay aspects. Moreover, sponsored by the American Studies Association of the Phils. Baguio Cordillera Chapter, Antonia Corinthia Naz accomplished a study regarding the factors that influences the labor Productivity of miners in Benguet. With this, it has been found that the productivity level vary according to mining methods and was significantly affected by technical factors followed by economic factors and personal factors. Major problems on labor productivity are: the need for more involvement in decision-making; thorough discussion on miners’ concerns; that the company adopts a variety of training methods; the need to be informed of the policies; the desire of workers for management to be more sensitive and responsive to workers’ concerns and the necessity for more and better quality of tools and equipment for underground work. Synthesis and Relevance to the present Study The gathered information, theories statements were taken from different books of management business small retailers, Law and Case studies. As of the present time there were no studies published yet that are concerning with the competitiveness of Shoe Retail Business that can be directly related to the subject and the research problem. Writings of the prominent authors of management. Were primarily used this is to determine the relationship, relevance and also the credibility of the present findings. Other authors and websites were able to constitute relevant data for this research. Local figures of economy and business were also able to make contributions. The gathered secondary data which are the studies and literature from local and foreign sources will serve as a basis on the analysis of data in this research study. The theories and statements cited in this chapter will  support the data result of this study. CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This chapter discusses the methods and procedures used in this study. This includes the research design used, instruments used, validation of instrument used, data gathering procedure, respondents of the study, and statistical treatment of data. Research Design With the end view of the competitive advantages of Shoe Retail Stores, the researcher thought it proper and appropriate to use the descriptive type of research. Descriptive research is defined by best in the following ways: descriptive researches describes and interpret â€Å"what is†, it is concern with the conditions of relationships that exists practices that prevail beliefs processes that are going on, Effects that are being felt or trends that are developing. The process of descriptive research goes beyond more gathering and tabulation of data. It involves an element of interpretation of meaning of significance of what is described. Thus, description often combines with comparison and contrast involving measurement, classification interpretations. It is descriptive because it describes the present competitive advantages of Shoe Retail Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex as assessed by its customers. Instruments Used The instrument used was a researcher-made. All parts of the questionnaire were constructed by the researcher. It was composed of three variables namely: Quality, Design and Price. Questionnaire- was the main tool used to gather the needed data and information for this study. Data Gathering Procedure The survey covered the Shoe Retail Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in the City of Santa Rosa. And the researchers personally distributed and retrieve the survey questionnaires in the area. And the researchers personally tabulated through statistical treatment. Description of the Respondents Table 1 The profile of the respondents in terms of Gender GENDER| FEMALE| MALE| | f| %| f| %| N= 100| 62| 62%| 38| 38%| Table 1 shows the profile of the respondents in terms of Gender. It reveals that out of 100 respondents, there were 62 or 62% female and 38 or 38% male respondents. Table 2 The profile of the respondents in terms of Age AGE| 20 BELOW| 21-25| 26-30| 31-35| 36 ABOVE| N=100| f| %| f| %| f| %| f| %| f| %| | 34| 34%| 28| 28%| 16| 16%| 13| 13%| 9| 9%| Table 3 shows the profile of the respondents in terms of Age. It reveals that out of 100 respondents, there were 34 of 20 below ages; followed by, 28 of ages 21-25; Next is, 16 of ages 26-30; then is 13 of ages 31-35 and 9of 36ages above of respondents. Population and Sample Size The researcher gather information through the use of questionnaire distributed to the customers that directly buying shoes at the area in the time and day we distribute questionnaires. The respondents are 100 through Accidental sampling that drawn from that part of the population which is close to hand. A sample population selected because it is readily available and convenient. Statistical Treatment of Data Simple statistical measures were employed in this study after the data were gathered through the questionnaires. Data were tallied, tabulated, analyze and interpret. The statistical tool used in this study is the following: 1. Simple Frequency Counts- this tool facilitates the tallying and counting of frequencies falling under each item or category. P=f/N*100 2. Percentage- the percentage was used to compare the proportion of frequencies of responses of the total number of responses. This was reinforcing by ranking to the note the order of importance of an item in the questionnaire. The formula is: P= f/N*100 Where: f= frequency of the observation under study N= Total number of respondents P= Percentage Value 3. The weighted arithmetic mean also used in this study. The formula is: Weighted mean= ∑ wf _______ F Where: ∑ wf= sum of weighted frequencies F= total frequency 4. Arbitrary Scale- The degree of their responses to the variables was done by assigning verbal interpretation to the given weights. Numerical Value Verbal Interpretation 4.21-5.00 Strongly Agree 3.41-4.20Agree 2.61-3.40 Moderately Agree 1.81-2.60 Disagree 1.00-1.80 Strongly Disagree 5. Chi-square test it is to determine the tallies or counts of categorical responses between two (or more) independent groups. Formula: CHAPTER IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA This chapter presents the tabulated, analyzed and interprets the data based on the questionnaires administered to the competitive advantages of shoe retail stores n Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex. Table 3 The profile of the respondents in terms of Civil Status CIVIL STATUS| SINGLE| MARRIED| | f| %| f| %| N= 100| 60| 60%| 40| 40%| Table 3 shows the profile of the respondents in terms of Civil Status. It reveals that out of 100 respondents, there were 60 or 60% single and 40 or 40% married respondents Table 4 The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores of Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Quality QUALITYN= 100| TARGET MALL| BALIBAGO COMMERCIAL COMPLEX| | SingleN=60| MarriedN=40| SingleN=60| MarriedN=40| | -X| VI| -X| VI| -X| VI| -X| VI| 1.Durable| 3.47| Agree| 3.28| ModeratelyAgree| 3.67| Agree| 3.93| Agree| 2.Usable| 3.57| Agree| 3.77| Agree| 3.32| ModeratelyAgree| 3.50| Agree| 3.Malleable| 3.68| Agree| 3.28| ModeratelyAgree| 3.47| Agree| 3.45| Agree| 4.Stable| 3.62| Agree| 3.63| Agree| 3.50| Agree| 3.68| Agree| 5.Flexible| 3.47| Agree| 4.00| Agree| 3.57| Agree| 3.65| Agree| 6.Breathable| 3.70| Agree| 3.23| ModeratelyAgree| 3.65| Agree| 3.28| ModeratelyAgree| 7.Frangible| 3.38| ModeratelyAgree| 3.46| Agree| 3.75| Agree| 3.43| Agree| 8.Comfortable| 3.65| Agree| 3.16| ModeratelyAgree| 3.67| Agree| 4.13| Agree| 9.Inferiority| 3.32| ModeratelyAgree| 3.56| Agree| 3.52| Agree| 3.85| Agree| 10.Thickness| 3.53| Agree| 3.70| Agree| 3.42| Agree| 3.63| Agree| General weighted mean| 35.39(3.54)| Agree| 35.05(3.51)| Agree| 35.54(3.55)| Agree| 36.53(3.65)| Agree| It reveals that single respondents from Target Mall â€Å"Agreed’ that shoes were Breathable, Malleable, Stable, Usable, Thickness, Durable, Flexible, Frangible, Inferiority and Comfortable. With a weighted mean of 3.70, 3.68, 3.62, 3.57, 3.53, 3.47, 3.47, 3.38, 3.32 and 3.05 respectively. In this connection, married respondents from Target Mall â€Å"Agreed† that shoes were Flexible, Usable, Thickness, Stable, Inferiority, Frangible, Durable, Malleable, Breathable and Comfortable. With a weighted mean of 4.00, 3.77, 3.70, 3.63, 3.56, 3.46, 3.28, 3.28, 3.23 and 3.16 respectively. While Balibago Commercial Complex single respondents agreed that shoes were Frangible, Durable, Comfortable, Breathable, Flexible, Inferiority, Stable, Malleable, Thickness and Usable. With a weighted mean of 3.75, 3.62, 3.67, 3.65, 3.57, 3.52, 3.50, 3.47, 3.42 and 3.32 respectively. Furthermore, Balibago Commercial Complex married respondents â€Å"Agreed† that shoes were Comfortable, Durable, Inferiority, Stable, Flexible, Thickness, Usable, Malleable Frangible and Breathable. With a weighted mean of 4.13, 3.93, 3.85, 3.68, 3.65, 3.63, 3.50, 3.45, 3.43 and 3.28 respectively. Table 5 The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores of Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Design DESIGNN= 100| TARGET MALL| BALIBAGO COMMERCIAL COMPLEX| | SingleN=60| MarriedN=40| SingleN=60| MarriedN=40| | -X| VI| -X| VI| -X| VI| -X| VI| 1.Noticeable| 3.62| Agree| 4.00| Agree| 3.28| ModeratelyAgree| 3.63| Agree| 2.Stunning| 3.53| Agree| 3.56| Agree| 3.43| Agree| 3.48| Agree| 3.Presentable| 3.48| Agree| 3.58| Agree| 3.43| Agree| 2.58| Disagree| 4.Newly Hip| 3.50| Agree| 3.46| Agree| 3.57| Agree| 3.60| Agree| 5.Unique| 3.42| Agree| 3.75| Agree| 3.62| Agree| 3.63| Agree| 6.Popularly Brand| 3.25| ModeratelyAgree| 3.63| Agree| 3.52| Agree| 3.88| Agree| 7.Exceptionable| 3.30| ModeratelyAgree| 3.50| Agree| 3.68| Agree| 3.80| Agree| 8.Simple| 3.57| Agree| 3.73| Agree| 3.23| ModeratelyAgree| 3.60| Agree| 9.Common/Ordinary| 3.52| Agree| 3.50| Agree| 3.57| Agree| 4.40| StronglyAgree| 10.Favorable| 3.60| Agree| 3.85| Agree| 3.50| Agree| 3.90| Agree| General weighted mean| 34.79(3.48)| Agree| 36.56(3.66)| Agree| 34.83(3.48)| Agree| 36.50(3.65)| Agree| It reveals that single respondents from Target Mall â€Å"Agreed’ that shoes were Noticeable, Favorable, Simple, Stunning, Common/Ordinary, Newly hip,  Presentable, Unique, Exceptionable, Popularly brand. With a weighted mean of 3.62, 3.60, 3.57, 3.53, 3.52, 3.50, 3.48, 3.42, 3.30, 3.25 respectively. While the Married respondents from Target Mall â€Å"Agreed† that shoes were Noticeable, Favorable, Unique, Simple, Popularly brand, Presentable, Stunning, Common/Ordinary, Exceptionable and Newly hip. With a weighted mean of 4.00, 3.85, 3.75, 3.73, 3.63, 3.58, 3.56, 3.50, 3.50 and 3.46 respectively. In this connection, Balibago Commercial Complex Single respondents agreed that shoes were Exceptionable, Unique, Common/Ordinary, Newly hip, Popularly brand, Favorable, Presentable, Stunning, Noticeable and Simple. With a weighted mean of 3.68, 3.62, 3.57, 3.57, 3.52, 3.50, 3.43, 3.43, 3.28 and 3.23 respectively. While married respondents agreed that shoes were Common/Ordina ry, Favorable, Popularly brand, Exceptionable, Noticeable, Unique, Newly hip, Simple, Presentable and Stunning. With a weighted mean of 4.40, 3.90, 3.88, 3.80, 3.63, 3.63, 3.60, 3.60, 3.58 and 2.58 respectively. Table 6 The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores of Target Malland Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Price PRICEN= 100| TARGET MALL| BALIBAGO COMMERCIAL COMPLEX| | SingleN=60| MarriedN=40| SingleN=60| MarriedN=40| | -X| VI| -X| VI| -X| VI| -X| VI| 1.Affordable| 3.63| Agree| 3.85| Agree| 3.70| Agree| 3.90| Agree| 2.Low| 3.35| ModeratelyAgree| 3.65| Agree| 3.50| Agree| 3.95| Agree| 3.Discountable| 3.42| Agree| 3.73| Agree| 3.48| Agree| 3.83| Agree| 4.Standard| 3.65| Agree| 3.80| Agree| 3.68| Agree| 3.95| Agree| 5.Invariable| 3.55| Agree| 3.48| Agree| 3.53| Agree| 3.70| Agree| 6.Equality| 3.58| Agree| 3.50| Agree| 3.60| Agree| 3.83| Agree| 7.Elastic| 3.53| Agree| 3.90| Agree| 3.40| Agree| 4.20| Agree| 8.Zone pricing| 3.48| Agree| 3.63| Agree| 3.52| Agree| 3.73| Agree| 9.Acceptable| 3.42| Agree| 3.50| Agree| 3.68| Agree| 4.05| Agree| 10.Visible| 3.50| Agree| 3.85| Agree| 3.27| ModeratelyAgree| 3.95| Agree| General weighted mean| 35.11(3.51)| Agree| 36.89(3.69)| Agree| 35.36(3.54)| Agree| 39.09(3.91)| Agree| It reveals that single respondents from Target Mall â€Å"Agreed’ that shoes were Standard, Affordable, Equality, Invariable, Elastic, Visible, Zone pricing, Acceptable, Discountable and Low. With a weighted mean of 3.65, 3.63, 3.58, 3.55, 3.53, 3.50, 3.48, 3.42, 3.42 and 3.35 respectively. While Married respondents from Target Mall â€Å"Agreed† that shoes were, Elastic, Affordable, Visible, Standard, Discountable, Low, Zone pricing, Acceptable, Equality and Invariable. With a weighted mean of 3.90, 3.85, 3.85, 3.80, 3.73, 3.65, 3.62, 3.50, 3.50 and 3.48. In this regard, Balibago Commercial Complex single respondents â€Å"Agreed† that shoes were Affordable, Acceptable, Standard, Equality, Invariable, Zone pricing, Low, Discountable, Elastic and Visible. With a weighted mean of 3.70, 3.68, 3.68, 3.60, 3.53, 3.52, 3.50, 3.48, 3.40 and 3.27 respectively. While married respondents â€Å"Agreed† that shoes were Elastic, Acceptable, Low, Standard, Visible, Af fordable, Discountable, Equality, Zone pricing and Invariable. With a weighted mean of 4.20, 4.05, 3.95, 3.95, 3.95, 3.90, 3.83, 3.83, 3.70 respectively. Table 7 The significant difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to Civil Status | X  ²| df| Probability level| Difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to Civil Status.| 0| 1| 0.5| Table 7 shows that there is no significance difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex when they are grouped according to civil status as revealed by the computed chi-square X  ² 0 0.5. We accept the hypothesis that we fail to reject the Ho otherwise. Interpretation: Ho: There is a no significant difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to civil status. Ha: There is a significant  difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to civil status. Test Statistics: Decision Rule: Reject Ho if X  ² (0.5), if fail to reject Ho otherwise. Computation: X  ² = 0 Decision: Since = X  ² = 0 is 0.5, we accept Ho. Conclusion: At X  ² = 0 0.5, we have enough confidence to conclude that there is no significant difference between Single and Married respondents. Thus, we would fail to reject the null hypothesis that there is a significant difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to civil status. CHAPTER V SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This study was conducted to determine the competitive advantages of Shoe Retail Stores. Specific points of concerns are the customers of Shoe retail stores as regards to Quality, Design and Price. The researcher though proper and appropriate to use the descriptive type of research where it can concerned with conditions of relationships that exists practices that prevail, beliefs, processes that are going on, effects that are being felt or trend that are developing. The questionnaire was the main tool used to gather the needed dat6a and information for this study. Statistical measures were employed in this study after the data were gathered through questionnaires. Data were tallied, tabulated, analyze and interpret. The statistical used in this study are simple frequency counts, percentage, and arbitrary scale. With all these statistical tools, answers to the following questions were sought. Findings 1. On the profile of respondents in terms of Gender It reveals that out of 100 respondents, there were 62 female and 38 male respondents. 2. On the profile of respondents in terms of Civil Status It  reveals that out of 100 respondents, there were 60 single and 40 married respondents. 3. On the profile of respondents in terms of Age It reveals that out of 100 respondents, there were 34 of 20 below ages; followed by, 28 of ages 21-25; Next is, 16 of ages 26-30; then is 13 of ages 31-35 and 9 of 36ages above of respondents 4. The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Quality It reveals that single respondents in Target Mall got â€Å"Agree† rating with a general weighted mean of 3.54, while Married respondents got â€Å"Agree† rating also. And single respondents in Balibago Commercial Complex got â€Å"Agree† rating with a general weighted mean of 3.55, while Married respondents got â€Å"Agree† rating also. 5. The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Designs It reveals that single respondents in Target Mall got â€Å"Agree† rating with a general weighted mean of 3.48, while Married respondents got â€Å"Agree† rating also. And single respondents in Balibago Commercial Complex got â€Å"Agree† rating with a general weighted mean of 3.48, while Married respondents got â€Å"Agree† rating also. 6. The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Price It reveals that single respondents in Target Mall got â€Å"Agree† rating with a general weighted mean of 3.51, while Married respondents got â€Å"Agree† rating also. And single respondents in Balibago Commercial Complex got â€Å"Agree† rating with a general weighted mean of 3.54, while Married respondents got â€Å"Agree† rating also. 7. On the significant difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to Civil Status It reveals that there is no significance difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex when they are grouped according to civil status as revealed by the computed chi-square X  ² 0 0.5. We accept the hypothesis that we fail to reject the Ho otherwise. Conclusions In the light of the above findings, the following conclusions can be made. 1. On the profile of the respondents That, most of the respondents were, Female, Single and ages 20 and below. 2. The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Quality That, most of the single and married respondents in agreed in Balibago Commercial Complex 3. The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Designs That, Single respondents agreed on both Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, and married respondents agreed on Target Mall. 4. The competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Price That, Single and married respondents got agreed on Balibago Commercial Complex 5. On the significant difference between the responses of the respondents in terms of competitive advantages of shoe retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to civil status That, there is no significance difference between the responses of the resp ondents in terms of competitive advantages of shoe retail stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex when they are grouped according to civil status. Recommendations 1. The competitive advantages of Shoe Retail Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Quality Shoe Retail Stores at Target Mall should improve the quality of their product by choosing appropriate manufacturer that can produce well-made and high-quality shoes. It should measure such as the enjoyment the customer will get from the product. It is important that the product is changed as necessary to bring it up to date and prevent it from being overtaken by competitors. 2. The competitive advantages of Shoe Retail Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Design Customers are slightly satisfied with the design that Target Mall can offer. And Balibago Commercial Complex should improve their shoe designs by browsing latest and newly hip style so that satisfied customers are likely to recommend the products. 3. The competitive advantages of Shoe Retail Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex in terms of Price Since these two is the most appropriate shopping point because of its affordable price, improvements should be further from the equivalent quality. It is very important that the correct price is  charged for a product. If the price is too high consumers will avoid the product, as they will believe it to be too expensive yet if the product is priced too low they may believe that there is something wrong with the product for it to be so cheap. List of Appendices Appendix A Cover Letter Appendix B Certification Appendix C Sample Questionnaire Appendix D Sample Computation of Chi-Square (x2) Test Appendix E Matrix of the Study Appendix F Curriculum Vitae APPENDIX A APPENDIX B POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SANTA ROSA CAMPUS City of Santa Rosa, Laguna CERTIFICATION I Rowena Dichoso is hereby certify that the group of Cyndie Katigbak , John Ryan Lopez, Rizza Ann Salen, Rica Joy Sasa and Ryan Villegas who conducted a research entitled â€Å"The Competitive Advantages of shoe retailer stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex Complex† have consulted me as their Statistician. ___________________________ Rowena Dichoso APPENDIX C The Competitive Advantage of Shoe Retail Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE NAME (Optional):______________________________________ GENDER: Female ( ) Male ( ) AGE: 20 Below( ) 21-25( ) CIVIL STATUS: 26-36( ) Single( ) 31-35( ) Married( ) 36 Above( ) Instruction: Choose the best rating that corresponds to your answer by putting a check mark () in the box on the right side of the statement. LEGENDS: 5- Strongly Agree| 4- Agree| 3-ModeratelyAgree| 2- Disagree| 1- Strongly Disagree| TARGET MALL BALIBAGO COMMERCIAL COMPLEX QUALITY| 5| 4| 3| 2| 1| | 5| 4| 3| 2| 1| 1.Durable(matibay at pangmatagalan)| | | | | | | | | | | | 2.Usable(magagamit kahit saan)| | | | | | | | | | | | 3.Malleable(malambot)| | | | | | | | | | | | 4.Stable(magaandalhin)| | | | | | | | | | | | 5.Flexible(nababaluktot)| | | | | | | | | | | | 6.Breathable(hindi masikip sa paa)| | | | | | | | | | | | 7.Fragible(marupok)| | | | | | | | | | | | 8.Comfortable(komportable)| | | | | | | | | | | | 9.Inferiority(mababangklase)| | | | | | | | | | | | 10.Thickness(makapal at masinsin)| | | | | | | | | | | | TARGET MALL BALIBAGO COMMERCIAL COMPLEX DESIGN| 5| 4| 3| 2| 1| | 5| 4| 3| 2| 1| 1.Noticeable(kapansin-pansin)| | | | | | | | | | | | 2.Stunning(napakaganda)| | | | | | | | | | | | 3.Presentable(kaakit-akit sa paningin)| | | | | | | | | | | | 4.Newly hip and style(sunod sa uso)| | | | | | | | | | | | 5.Unique(Walang katulad)| | | | | | | | | | | | 6.Popularly brand(kilala at tanyag)| | | | | | | | | | | | 7.Exeptionable(kakaiba sa lahat)| | | | | | | | | | | | 8.Simple(payak)| | | | | | | | | | | | 9Common/Ordinary(karaniwan)| | | | | | | | | | | | 10.Favorable(gusto ng karamihan)| | | | | | | | | | | | TARGET MALL BALIBAGO COMMERCIAL COMPLEX PRICE| 5| 4| 3| 2| 1| | 5| 4| 3| 2| 1| 1.Affortable(abot-kaya)| | | | | | | | | | | | 2.Low(mura)| | | | | | | | | | | | 3.Discountable(pwedeng tawaran)| | | | | | | | | | | | 4.Standard(May pamantayan ang halaga)| | | | | | | | | | | | 5.Invariable(hindi nagbabago)| | | | | | | | | | | | 6.Equality(pare-pareho/pantay-pantay)| | | | | | | | | | | | 7.Elastic(pabago-bago)| | | | | | | | | | | | 8.Zone Pricing(ang presyo ay depende kung saan nanggaling/nagmula ang produkto)| | | | | | | | | | | | 9.Acceptable(katanggap-tanggap)| | | | | | | | | | | | 10.Visible(nakikita ang presyo)| | | | | | | | | | | | APPENDIX D Sample Computation of Chi- Square X  ² Test 1. Ho: There is a no significant difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to civil status. Ha: There is a significant difference between the competitive advantages of shoe retailer Stores in Target Mall and Balibago Commercial Complex, when they grouped according to civil status. 2. Expected Frequencies E= (row total) (column total) Grand Total Observed| Expected| (O-E)| (O-E)  ²| (O-E)  ²/E| 60| 60| 0| 0| 0| 60| 60| 0| 0| 0| 40| 40| 0| 0| 0| 40| 40| 0| 0| 0| X  ² = 0 Probability Level: 1.000 Degrees of freedom: 1 Df = n-1 (where n is the no. of categories) Fe computation: E = (60+60) (60+40)/200=60 E = (60+60) (60+40)/200=60 E = (60+40) (40+40)/200=40 E = (60+40) (40+40)/200=40 APPENDIX E APPENDIX F BIBLIOGRAPHIES [ 2 ]. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retail [ 3 ]. Pagoso. â€Å"Introductory Microeconomics† 2006. [ 4 ]. Paul Sammuelson. â€Å"Consumer Behavior† 2000. [ 5 ]. Leano. â€Å"Fundamentals of Microeconomics† 2008. [ 6 ]. Pagoso. â€Å"Introductory Microeconomics† 2006. [ 7 ]. Whittington,â€Å"What is Strategy – and does it matter†. 2006 [ 8 ]. Satterwaite, â€Å"Going shopping†. 2005 [ 9 ]. Nigel Hill, Handbook of customer satisfaction and Loyalty measurement, 1996, p.7 [ 10 ]. Porter Whittington, â€Å"shopping competitions†. 1999 [ 11 ]. Armstrong and Kotler, Marketing: an intoduction, 2005,p.17 [ 12 ]. Murell, â€Å"Empowering employees† 2005. [ 13 ]. Johnson, â€Å"Principles of controlled maintenance management† 2007. [ 14 ]. Max Ahlgren andJacob Goldmann. â€Å"The Internationalization of Swedish SMEs: how does internationalization affect individual firm’s capital and credit risk structure?† 2012. http://www.essays.se/essay/955a4118fa/ [ 15 ]. Esther Nzungwa Leander . â€Å"Cultural labour management in Finland: Multicultural Working environment in Riihimà ¤ki Wà ¼rth Ltd., Finland; MBA-thesis in marketing†. 2010. [ 16 ]. Young and Pagoso, â€Å"Principles of Marketing†. 2010 [ 17 ]. In the Philippine setting, manufacturers usually have a distributor and do not directly deal with the retailers. [ 18 ]. Regalado, â€Å"Marketing Practitioners†. 2007 [ 19 ]. Young and Pagoso, â€Å"Principles of Marketing† 2010 [ 20 ]. Tuble, Josephine. â€Å"Productivity and Job satisfaction of workers in construction company in Metro Manila† 1991. View as multi-pages TOPICS IN THIS DOCUMENT Arithmetic mean, Average, Department store, Mean, Retailing, Shopping mall, Weight function, Weighted mean RELATED DOCUMENTS Theme Park THEME PARK – THE MAIN CONCEPT OF TOURISM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT Dridea Catrinel Raluca Romanian American Univerity, Faculty of Domestic an International Tourism Economy, 303 Mihai Bravu Street, bl 18 A, sc B, ap 54, sector3, Bucharest, Email: [emailprotected], Phone 0744.671.291 Strutzen Gina 14 Alexandru Ioan Cuza Street, Voluntari, Ilfov, Email: [emailprotected], Phone: 0723.212.300, Romanian American Univerity, Faculty of Domestic an International 8623  Words | 0  Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Definition of Theme Park Joshua Cho 110007832 What is a Theme Park? A theme park is a group of attractions, rides, or events in an area made for the amusement of people. It is an amusement park where the rides and attractions are based on a central theme, for example, Disney World, Hershey Park, and Universal Studios. A theme park must have many different types of attractions for 8623  Words | 0  Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Gold Coast Theme Park Gold Coast Theme Parks 1. Introduction This report seeks to undertake an environmental analysis on the industry sector of Gold Coasttheme parks. The body of the report consists of four parts. First of all, the report will have a description of Gold Coast theme Parksincluding its size, customer groups and core business of key players; Next, Porter’s Five force model will be applied to analyze the sector’s 8623  Words | 0  Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Disney Theme Park Case Study Disney Theme Park Case Study Questions 1. The things that motivated Disney to set up theme parks abroad were more business opportunities. The management realized how successful they were in the US and that their resorts attracted a lot of foreign travelers. Realizing this allowed them to consider tapping into the global market, which would mean more profits and a more global company. The pros from the standpoint of the Walt Disney 8623  Words | 0  Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT theme parks INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Theme parks attempt to create an atmosphere of another place and time, and usually emphasize one dominant theme around which architecture, landscape, rides, shows, food services, costumed personnel, retailing are orchestrated. In this definition, the concept of themes is crucial to the operation of the parks, with rides, entertainment, and food all used to create several 8623  Words | 0  Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Theme Parks Journal of Vacation Marketing http://jvm.sagepub.com Strategic theming in theme park marketing Kevin K. F. Wong and Phoebe W. Y. Cheung Journal of Vacation Marketing 1999; 5; 319 DOI: 10.1177/135676679900500402 The online version of this article can be found at: http://jvm.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/5/4/319 Published by: http://www.sagepublications.com Additional services and information for Journal of Vacation Marketing can be found at: Email 8623  Words | 0  Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Theme Park place suitable for everyone. Among the concepts adopted and blended by the major malls in Malaysia comprised the following: 1. Shopping, Dining and Entertainment 2. Hotel and Exhibition Center 3. Theme and Amusement Park 4. Cultural and Arts Gallery 5. Garden and Park The environment, surrounding atmosphere, target market segments and locations affects the choice of combined concepts for any particular mall. Nevertheless, 8623  Words | 0  Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Theme Parks Essay on Different Types of Parks As I was young and growing up, traveling is something that I enjoy doing and still do today. I have traveled all around the country; however, the most exciting thing that I like to do is to go to an amusement park. Amusement parks are filled with rides, people, and excitement. The children are so excited and the adults feel as if they were young again. For example, Carowinds, Wet N’ Wild, and Disney World are all 8623  Words | 0  Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT CITE THIS DOCUMENT APA (2013, 09). Theme Park. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 09, 2013, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Theme-Park-1934045.html MLA MLA 7 CHICAGO PRODUCTS Research Documents AP Notes Resource Center STUDY TOOLS iOS App Android App Citation Generator COMPANY About StudyMode Blog Contact Help Jobs Internships FOLLOW Facebook Twitter Google+ RSS  ©2016 StudyMode.com Legal Site Map Advertise

Our freedom to make ethical choices is only an apparent freedom Essay Example for Free

Our freedom to make ethical choices is only an apparent freedom Essay Agent Smyth: Why, Mr. Anderson? Why do you do it? Why get up? Why keep fighting? Do you believe youre fighting for something? For more than your survival? Can you tell me what it is? Do you even know? Is it freedom? Or truth? Perhaps peace? Yes? No? Could it be for love? Illusions, Mr. Anderson. Vagaries of perception. The temporary constrects of a feeble human intellect trying to desperately to justify an existence that is without meaning or purpose. And all of them as artificial as the Matrix itself, although only a human mind could invent something as insipid as love. You must be able to see it, Mr. Anderson. You must know it by now. You cant win. Its pointless to keep fighting. Why, Mr. Anderson? Why? Why do you persist?! Neo: Because I choose to. In every person the most basic desire of all is to be free, being able to act at will, not under compulsion or restraint. As I democratic society, we like to think of ourselves of being 100% free, but we are not. In every choice we make there are compulsions and restraints inflicting on the choices we have ever made from the beginning. The older and more independent we appear to be the more of these constraints we are compelled with. These choices we make can be applied to morality. There are many ways in which our freedom, in reality, is limited. By law we are restricted to acts that systems of government deem acceptable. Social acceptance means the majority to act within a bracket of normality and within bounds of what is socially acceptable. If I wanted to go to school naked on every Friday I would socially and lawfully be unable to this. Therefore I am not free to express myself due to external laws forced upon me against my free will. However even though these laws are in place I still have the power to break them therefore making me free. Merovingian: Please Mon Cherie, I have told you, we are all victims of causality. I drank too much wine, I must take a piss. Cause, and effect. Au revoir. Causality also means that I a person can never truly become free. If I already know the consequences of an action then my choice has already confined. For example I would like to throw microwaves off motorway bridges but I know that this may cause innocent motorists to die therefore I dont. The mind with which we make our decisions has been influenced by a whole range of external factors. These must reduce our moral responsibility and hence be restricting of true freedom. Personal and psychological differences within people will provide them with different abilities and hence different freedoms and limitations. People can only act in the way that their personalities allow them, by causing them to react to situations in a specific way. But what if free will is non-existent and we are only convinced we have self-control because devices in fact control us beyond our own perception. In this case everything is pre determined and the choices we face are pre decided for us leaving us with the illusion that we have chosen ourselves and decided our own fate; exercised free will. Morpheus: Everything begins with choice. Merovingian: No, wrong. Choice is an illusion created between those with power, and those without Hard determinism, considers everything in the present to be directly caused by events that preceded them. Everything including the actions we take and the choices we make are caused directly by another event. Each human mind is the product of its experiences and in every situation will react according to what it has learnt, in a similar way to a computer that has been programmed. However this links back with responsibility, if a human was already pre destined to perform a certain task they should receive no praise for correctness in taking the action, as what they have done was done not out of free will, but because they were programmed, or already decided. The action says nothing about the moral worth of the person as it had an external cause, and was not done through free will and intention. The hard determinist view that everything is decided by a constant line of causes, and that humans are not free simply because every thing we supposedly decide is already caused and so determined, ultimately means that human free will is an illusion. Free will is something we feel we experience when making decisions and choosing but is really non-existent, the actions we partake in are already set and what we feel we decide is irrelevant to anything that actually happens. For example if I sat down in a room I would be free to step out of until I realised the door was locked. I am free to make this choice but when but my choice is irrelevant as I unable to do anything about it. Determinism removes this moral responsibility and so removes ethical decisions. However with freedom comes responsibility. Libertarianism presents the opposite idea that we are completely free therefore giving people total moral responsibility. The existence of human free will are largely based on the defined different between ones personality and ones moral self. While we have a sense of freedom, a sense deliberating over our options. Because of this, they would argue that universal causation is not necessarily relevant to human actions. They do not deny any influence to the human mind that could have an effect on the way in which one might act, but they claim that there is still a large aspect of freedom of choice involved. Oracle: Bingo! It is a pickle, no doubt about it. Bad news is theres no way if you can know whether Im really here to help you or not. So its really up to you. You just have to make up your own dam mind to either accept what Im going to tell you or reject it. Candy? Neo: Do you already know if Im going to take it? Oracle: Wouldnt be much of an Oracle if I didnt. Neo: But if you already know, how can I make a choice? Oracle: Because you didnt come here to make the choice, youve already made it. Youre here to understand why you made it. I thought youdve figured that out by now. Neo: Why are you here? Oracle: Same reason. I love candy. Libertarians views are idealistic they provides to us with the ultimate goal of being totally free. But if take this freedom then we should also be prepared to accept the responsibility that comes hand to hand with. For example if I allow my son to watch pornography involving a 15 year old and he turns out to be a paedophile than I would be totally to blame for these consequences. As with all workable theories finding the right balance is essential. Soft determinism is the third deterministic view and one where determinism and free will are completely compatible. It describes that we are morally responsible for our action although some are determined. Therefore the decisions we are free and able to make in our own minds count as the causes by which everything is made to occur. The midway position suggests that some of our actions are conditioned while others have a complex number of causes. For example there could be a number of reason why someone does not eat food, whether it be a diet, religious beliefs, famine or lack of money. Real freedom, in the question seems to suggest the freedom to take these fully conscious, and reasoned ethical decisions without relying a higher power. To conclude I believe that as human beings we are not free. Our behaviour and morals will always be determined social acceptance, laws, causality, and upbringing. However we have the power in ourselves to break down these constraints and become free, if a door is locked then break it down, if I want to throw microwaves of motorways then I will do so. When we become totally free this leads to anarchy and chaos. When it comes down to it is not a case of whether we are free or not it is whether we choose to be. Architect: Precisely. As you are undoubtedly gathering, the anomaly is systemic, creating fluctuations in even the most simplistic equations. TV Screens: You cant control me! Im gonna smash you to f***ing bits, Im gonna show you, you cant make me do anything. Neo: Choice, the problem is choice

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Translational Heading Control of a Hovering Platform

Translational Heading Control of a Hovering Platform Translational Heading Control of a Hovering Platform using Multiple Control Logic The main objective of this project is to design an attitude control system of a nonlinear and unstable system, which is a Hovercraft, a machine that can move on the land or water, and it is supported by cushion that has high compressed air inside. Attitude control of the hovercraft is considered a major challenge because of the friction offered by skirt and the aircushion. The main idea of this project is the development of a wireless controlled hovercraft testbed connected to a computer. The proposed control strategy for the attitude stabilization will be based upon Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Fuzzy Logic for the comparison of transient response, steady-state error and input output constraints satisfaction by the user. Thus ensuring if any disturbances are inflicted on the hovercraft, the controllers will be able to maintain the desired position. The reference for the attitude control will be provided from the computer. The magnetometer will measure the attitude in real-time and controllers will be implemented on myRIO. TABLE OF Contents Declaration Final Year Project Acknowledgements Abstract CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Framework 1.2 Objectives 1.3 Scope 1.4 Report Structure CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Recent Study References 1.1 Project Framework The hovercraft is a fascinating ground vehicle that possesses the unique ability to float above land or water. Riding on a cushion of air endows the hovercraft with many interesting and useful properties. Unlike wheeled robots, which feature constrained kinematics, the hovercraft can move freely in any direction. For example, although the lateral direction of travel is not usually actuated, the hovercraft is completely free to move sideways. In addition, the Coulomb damping acting on a hovercraft is minimal. The translational and attitude control perception of a hovercraft can be protracted to many control uses. A hovercraft that can rotate and attains a desired position while being mobile at the same time is designed and developed using motors, H-bridge motor driver, battery, magnetometer and NI myRIO. The controllers are designed using the software NI LabVIEW, which are then compiled and burnt on a NI hardware myRIO. The purpose of the control is to estimate the attitude of the platform with the help of sensors. Thus resulting in the use of the attained information from the sensors to make the propellers rotate in the required direction to sustain or alter the position of the hovercraft. An angular position based on the response of the control will be provided to the magnetometer. The response of the control will be transmitted through the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control, which will either make the dc motors work clockwise or anticlockwise for the translation, and attitude control of the hovercraft. These values are then added and returned to the actuator, which requires this for the production a counter torque used to set the required position of the mobile hovercraft. Fuzzy Logic and PID controllers both will be implemented and used for this project where a detailed comparison will also be performed between the two using NI LabVIEW software and NI myRIO hardware. 1.2 Objectives The aim is to develop the proposed controlled strategy for the attitude and translational control of a hovercraft, which will be based upon PID, and Fuzzy Logic set with myRIO that will measure and compute the comparison of transient response, steady-state error, and input output constraints by the user and other key parameters. All the controllers will be designed in NI LabVIEW and implemented on NI myRIO. Development of a testbed based upon multi-rotor hovercraft. Control of translational and rotational movements through wireless link. Development and testing of PID controller for the attitude control of Hovercraft. Development and testing of Fuzzy controller for the attitude control of Hovercraft. Performance comparison (Transient response, peak time, settling time, steady-state error) of above mentioned controllers. 1.3 Scope The opportunities for gaining knowledge through this project will be: Using material available easily for the development of the mobile hovercraft. Translational and heading Control of the hovercraft using NI LabVIEW Using a magnetometer for the measurement of the incline along Z-axis. Understanding the working of translational and heading control and interfacing sensors at the same time. Using NI myRIO as the mainboard of the mobile hovercraft. Implementation of PID Controller on NI myRIO. Use of PID for the attitude control of the hovercraft. Implementation of Fuzzy Controller on NI myRIO. Use of Fuzzy Controller for the attitude control of the hovercraft. Measuring the Key Parameters (transient response, steady-state error etc.) of both the controllers. Performing a comparison between both the balancing controllers. 1.4 Report Structure As a summary, the flow of this report is briefly described below: Chapter 1: Introduction that provides the background, objectives and scope of the Project. Chapter 2: Literature review of the recent studies based on this project. Also contains a brief description of the different concepts used. 2.1 Recent Study Hovercraft is an air cushion vehicle, ACV, equipped for voyaging over land, water, mud or ice and different surfaces [1]. Many control techniques have been used to compromise for issues like computer torque methods [2], developed on the foundation of PID feedback [3] [4]. Optimal control [5], adaptive control [6], variable structure control (VSC) [7], neural networks (NNs), and fuzzy systems [8] are a few of the recommended control techniques. On the other hand, these strategies are only possible when the mechanical dynamic forces of the hovercraft are well known. A detailed study on the two above mentioned controller techniques i.e. PID and Fuzzy will be carried out for the control of the mobile platform. A hovercraft is not quite the same as other more ordinary, earthbound vehicle in that it requires no surface contact for footing and it can move unreservedly over an assortment of surface while bolstered ceaselessly on a self-produced pad of air. Researches have been made to concentrate the outline qualities and working rule of the air cushion vehicle, and utilize standard estimations to decide the lift powers required. The measurements of the air hole created are likewise computed particularly. The push powers required are enormously lessened because of the decrease in frictional strengths [1]. A famous inventor named Christopher Cockrell in 1955 devised the idea of hovercraft. It is a new means of transportation. The hovercraft is different from other transportation vehicles in a way that it has no contact with the ground and it rides on a cushion of air hence known as Air-Cushion-Vehicle (ACV). He carried out a set of experiments to observe and learn the force that an air jet could produce. Encouraged by the results he designed and made a simple hovercraft, which was a plate with a hole in the middle. A fan supplied the airflow through the hole lifting the plate off the ground. This design was far from optimal. The pressure of the fan was not used efficiently and obstacles in the surface were a problem. After this first design, the hovercraft has undergone a lot of development. British government provided funding for the development of hovercrafts because they saw possibilities to use it for military purposes. In 1959, the first hovercraft prototype crossed the English Ch annel. In 1962, a passenger service by hovercraft began. The largest passenger hovercraft in the world is used for the Dover to Calais crossing. It can carry 380 passengers and 40 cars. It can attain a speed of 70 mph (miles per hour), which makes it one of the fastest ferries in the world [9]. In a research paper the author, Michael McPeake discussed about the history of the hovercraft in 2004. The author discussed the very early hovercraft used named SR.N1. This hovercraft was considered the first real craft because most of the other hovercrafts at that time resembled the planes. The skirt size used on this model was 6 inches long and later to enhance the speed they shortened the skirt size to 4.5 inches and converting to gas turbine engines hence this doubled the speed of the hovercraft. In the book written by R. M. W. Sanders, the author used Electro Cruiser, an amphibious hovercraft as his experimental model. In order to analyze the hovercraft model, the author derived a dynamical model of the hovercraft with the Newton-Euler method. The author only conducted the simulation study and not tested the controller strategy with the real hardware [9]. The U.S Naval Army used the hovercraft in Vietnam. For two years, they used hovercraft against the Vietnamese guerrillas and for ground combat. The hovercraft model they used named SR-5. After the war, the last SK-5 became a showpiece at museum [9]. At the University of Moratuwa, a project was carried out in which they made a testbed to analyze the potential capabilities of a hovercraft [10]. The students at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also have made a hovercraft testbed for Cooperative control [11]. From the study of paper Comparison between PID And Fuzzy Controllers Used In Mobile Robot Control, where a comparison has been performed between the concerned controllers, it is known that the main issue in the fuzzy controller is that it takes a longer time for computation as compared to the PID controller. The reason for this delay is due to the fuzzification of the inputs, calculation of the experiment through inference and defuzzification of the outputs [12]. In paper Amphibious hovercraft course control based on support vector machines adaptive PID, adaptive PID controller based on support vector machines (SVM) is applied in the course control of a hovercraft, but no comparison was performed using other controllers. This control technique demonstrates that the controller designed accomplishes high dynamic and enduring exhibitions, which brings another viable technique to take care of the issue of air cushion vehicle course control [13]. Other techniques like flatness based approach, dynamic feedback control and neural networks are applied as supplementary controllers to aid the PID controller by refining the forces against the turmoil [14]. Fuzzy Logic has been applied in the paper Fuzzy reasoning as a control problem, but no hardware experimentation has been performed. Fuzzy logic is commonly used for characterizing human speech terms into mathematical expressions for the controlling of a system. The steps taken to form the optimal rules for this logic are rather time consuming. Despite this drawback, this controller operates better than PID controllers due to their non-linear functions, which therefore lead to infinite advantages [15]. Although many comparisons have been performed over the years between PID and Fuzzy Controllers. The goal of this bachelor project is to set up a feedback controlled laboratory hovercraft using NI myRIO as a real-time controller. Apart from control, designing the electrical and mechanical system for this hovercraft is also a part of the assignment. [1] V. Abhiram, A Study On Construction and Working Principle of a Hovercraft, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 308-313, 2014. [2] G. B. G. a. T. N. M. Nafar, Using modified fuzzy particle swarm optimation algorithm for parameter estimation of surge arresters models, International Journal of Innovative Computing, Information and Control, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 567-581, 2012. [3] J. J. Criag, Introduction to Robotics, New Jersey: Mass: Addison Wisley, 2004. [4] M. V. M. W. Spong, Robot Dynamics and Control, New York: J.Wiley Sons, 2003. [5] I. C. J. C. a. C. S. W.H. H. S.H. Chen, Design of stable and Quardratic-Optimal Static Output Feedback Controllers for TS-Fuzzy-Model-Based Control Systems, 8: 1, 2012. [6] K.-S. S. T.-H. S. L. a. S.-H. Tsai, Observer-based adaptive Fuzzy Robust controller with self-adjusted membership functions for a class of uncertain MIMO non-linear systems, International Journal of Innovative Computing and Control, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 1419-1437, 2012. [7] J. Z. P. S. a. Y. Xia, Robust Adaptive Sliding-Mode Control for Fuzzy Systems with mismatched uncertainties, IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 700-711, 2010. [8] O. D. a. .. H. H. S. C. Elmas, Adaptive fuzzy logic controller for DC-DC converters, Expert Systems with Applications, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 1540-1548, 2009. [9] M. McPeake, History of Hovercraft, Ms Giffen Tech High Senior Engineering, New York, 2012. [10] Project Hovercraft, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, 2014. [11] First-year engineering students get creative at IEFX Explorations, Urbana-Champaign, 2016. [Online]. Available: www.mechanical.illinois.edu. [12] N. P. a. O. C. C. Popescu, Comparison between PID And Fuzzy Controllers Used In Mobile Robot Control, Annals of DAAAM Proceedings, vol. 13, no. 2, p. 223, 2011. [13] Z. L. M. F. a. C. W. X. Shi, Amphibious hovercraft course control based on support vector machines adaptive PID, IEEE International Conference on Automation and Logistics (ICAL), pp. 287-292, 2011. [14] H. S.-R. a. C. A. Ibanez, The control of the hovercraft system: a flatness based approach, IEEE International Conference on Control Applications. Conference Proceedings, pp. 692-697, 2000. [15] K.-Y. C. a. L. Zhang, Fuzzy reasoning as a control problem, IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 600-614, 2008.