Synovate Survey Shows Ascending Singaporean Spending Power free essay sample

Synovate survey shows ascending Singaporean spending power. Synovate, a leading global market intelligence company, today released information from the 2005 Synovate PAX media survey that showed rises in wealth, product and service ownership and improvements in lifestyle across Singapores affluent residents. The Synovate PAX survey tracks media, prosperity and influence in eleven markets across the Asia Pacific region – Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, India, Australia and Japan. Wanda Gill, Media Director for Synovate in Singapore said that the affluent of Singapore were enjoying high confidence and spending power. In just the last few months, our constantly-updated tracking has enabled us to watch Singapores ever–increasing confidence translate into higher product ownership, increasing purchase intentions and improving lifestyle. The Synovate PAX results for 2005 show that the average monthly household income of the Lion Citys affluent residents has risen from US$4,826 to US$5,456 – a 13% relative change. With greater household wealth, these Singaporeans are rewarding themselves with purchases of top tier luxury and consumer items and steady increases in property ownership and investment, Ms Gill said. We will write a custom essay sample on Synovate Survey Shows Ascending Singaporean Spending Power or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Synovate PAX survey allows marketers to get a full picture of Singapores affluent consumers – what they watch, read, buy and how they feel about advertising and branding – enabling them to target their marketing efforts. Ms Gill said that the 2005 results painted a picture of Singapore as the quiet powerhouse in relation to other markets in the region. While Hong Kongs wealthy are conspicuous consumers and buy items for their fashion status, Singaporeans tend to be more considered in distributing the fruits of their labours. Singapores elites still spend – and spend a lot – but our data shows they wont get their wallets out on a whim. Marketers must appeal to this lack of pretension and realise Singaporeans are not as status-conscious as people from Hong Kong or as acquisitive as the wealthy of other South East Asian economies which are less mature. Singaporeans are comfortable in their skins and are more likely to buy to make their lives easier, Ms Gill said. The Synovate PAX survey delves into peoples attitudes to brands and advertising via a series of psychographic statements. Some of the findings for Singapore were: * 11. 5% of Singapores elites agreed with the statement that they are among the first to buy a new product or gadget. This is below the regional average, showing that Singaporeans are less in a rush than other markets, waiting to see if the item fits into their lifestyle. More than two thirds of Singaporeans agree that paying for quality is worthwhile. * 46. 9% wealthy Singaporeans prefer to buy well known brands, well over the regional average of 41. 1%. * Singaporeans show a focus on lifestyle with 41. 5% agreeing that a home with modern appliances is important to them – this compares to the regional average of 38. 7% and 28. 9% in Hong Kong. Theres an indulgent streak across affluent Singaporeans, with one of the highest levels of agreement to the statement I sometimes like to treat myself to something special. 8. 2% of PAX respondents agreed in Singapore, with only Sydney-siders more indulgent (62%). The regional average is 48. 5%. Synovate PAX also covers product and service ownership, purchase intention over the twelve months to June 2006 and lifestyle. * As a major regional business hub of Asia, it would be expected that a great deal of business travel originates here. However, from June 2004 to June 2005, we have seen a 22% increase in Singapores affluent taking off on one or more business trips. Around 28% of these PAX respondents travel for business. But Singapores elite still find time to relax – more than 50% have taken one or more leisure trips in the year to June 2005 too. * An all-time high number of 38. 6% of affluent Singaporeans now own laptops or notebooks, up from 31. 9% in June 2004. * Likewise, ownership of a mobile phone with Internet access hits an all-time high – it stands at 37. 7% and shows steady increases for every quarter measured. This continuing trend is good news for mobile manufacturers and 3G networks and service offering planners. Indeed, more than 92% of affluent Singaporeans own a mobile with or without Internet access – they are here to stay and all these people will upgrade as mobile content becomes more and more compelling. * Digital dominance seems more and more inevitable as we observe relentless increases in Singaporean ownership of devices like MP3 players (up to 23. 1%, a rise of a quarter over the year before), digital video cameras (43. 7% now own these, up from 35. 9%) and digital still cameras (more than half of affluent Singaporeans own these an increase from 41% in 2004). Indeed, the love ffair with digital is truly blossoming. * Its fair to say that the marketers of LCD or plasma televisions have enjoyed a good year. They close to doubled their market size, with the number of wealthy Singaporeans already owning one of these TVs rising from 7. 6% to 12. 7%. And theres still a great deal of upside, with 10% expressing the intention to purchase this top tier item in the next 12 months. * Car ownership impressively jumped for the second consecutive year. At the end of June 2005, 60% of cashed up Singaporeans owned one, up from 56. 6% at the same time last year. This is an especially good sign of confidence in this very expensive place to own one – the reduction in COEs would play a significant role in this as well. And indicating that the trend is set to continue, 11. 7% of respondents intend to purchase a private vehicle over the next twelve months. * Singapores love affair with football / soccer continues – a third of PAX respondents read about it, watch it or attend games. This is up from 29. 5% last year. In fact, Singapore is really getting sporty tennis, badminton, basketball and golf all showed higher levels of interest too. With more disposable income, Singaporeans have also been getting cultural. More people have attended a concert, opera, ballet, live theatre, art gallery and museums. * The interest in quality wine continues to gain momentum. Spending on quality wine has dramatically increased from US$144 in 2004 to US$223 in 2005. This is a massive 55% relative increase. * The number of elites of the island state who own a second property is up to 10. 6%. Increases in people living in an owned property have been registered as well – 22. 9% of PAX respondents own their homes.

INTERNAL CONTROL essays

INTERNAL CONTROL essays The purpose of the system of internal accounting controls is to make sure a business is operating according to the policies and plans of management in regards with measures that have a direct relation to the protection of assets and to the reliability of accounting information. A system of internal control in a business is set up to safeguard the business?resources against waste or fraud, to guarantee the accuracy of accounting information, to assess performance of the company and to make sure that company policies are being followed. To attain well functioning internal control, there are certain guidelines that can be used. The first would be to establish clear lines of responsibility. Businesses should assign responsibilities to an individual or a department. Clear descriptions of each department should be recorded to avoid any possible problems later. Each type of transaction should have routine procedures to be followed in order to direct activities of the business as planned, a ccording to company policies. Every transaction should be authorized, approved, executed and recorded. The most important measure to take is probably the subdivision of duties. By making sure that the same person or department does not handle a transaction completely from beginning to end but instead duties are divided amongst employee, the data is more reliable and will have fewer errors. With the subdivision of duties businesses should also separate accounting function from custody of assets. What this means is that an employee who has access to or is in charge of an asset should not keep the accounting record for the asset. This guideline protects the assets from inefficient use, wasting or theft. Subdivision of duties also aids in the prevention of fraud. This way one employees work verifies the work of the other reducing opportunities for engaging in fraud are restricted. Organizations could also adopt measures like internal auditing, financial f...

CDE website search and critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CDE website search and critique - Essay Example The author states that factors such as influx and transient mobility of students aren’t considered a factor; neither is the impact of ESL students. Due to such mobility, critical data is missing in the overall evaluation of this approach. His argument is sound and the resources support his paper. The author tries to be objective in his approach to the data; however, decides that due to multiple flaws, it’s not relevant as there are many important factors left out. He includes another article giving more specific data about who is responsible for student learning; perhaps this was his attempt at objectivity. He sides with the educator; he is also an educator with a job to protect. He doesn’t go into any details on how the evaluation could be more objectively done, or offer any alternatives to ways in which teacher evaluations could be more indicative of their efforts at education as opposed to the students’ performances. It is, indeed, a twofold approach wh ich provides the most objective picture and the fairest evaluation of teachers’ impact in the classroom; careful combination of teacher innovation and student readiness is involved. References Epstein, Marc. A Teacher Wonders: Can Grading Teachers Work? American Teacher. Fall 2008, p 14-17. American Federation of Teachers. Web. April 8, 2011.

Statutory and voluntary regulations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Statutory and voluntary regulations - Essay Example This research will focus on two imperative issues: The first issue will involve a comparative analysis of the rules and regulations guiding osteopathy as a therapeutic service in the United Kingdom and those that rules guiding sports therapy. The second issue will entail a critique of these regulations in relation to public perspectives and their understanding on what therapists should offer. In the United Kingdom, the provision of Osteopathic services is guided by Osteopaths Act of 1993. In order for an osteopath to provide osteopathic services, one has to be registered by the General Osteopathic Council (Osteopathic Act, 1993). In order to be registered by the General Osteopathic Council, one has to be a qualified osteopath under the benchmarks set by the General Osteopathic Council. In addition, the General Osteopathic Council sets standards that are supposed to be met by osteopaths, and has a provision that allows clients to file complaints in case these standards are not met. This act also specifies the services that should be provided by osteopaths and to specific patients for instance: The provision stipulates that osteopaths can offer their services to; the young, the older, expectant women, office employees, manual workders and sports person (Osteopathic Act, 1993). The services offered are inclusive of; treatment of problems that may be caused by changes in pre gnancy postures, general postural problems caused by physical strain and driving, pains caused by arthritis as well as back pains. However, in the case of Sports Therapy, there is no clear act of parliament that has been implemented to ensure that this dimension of medical service provision is statutorily regulated and observed (Hudson, 2008). Currently, the UK Society of Sports Therapy is making unlimited efforts to ensure that the objective of statutory recognition of Sports

Comparative Analysis of Free Market Economy and Mixed Economy Essay

Comparative Analysis of Free Market Economy and Mixed Economy - Essay Example The essay â€Å"Comparative Analysis of Free Market Economy and Mixed Economy† highlights main advantages and limitations of the two prevailing economic systems in a modern world. An economic system comprises the configuration of institutions and organisations that specify property relations within a given society or that channel and influence the distribution of goods and services. In a traditional economic system, there is no control and everyone can produce goods for themselves. The countries which follow this economic system have low GDP and they have high government regulation of business. On the other hand, a planned economic system is the one where all economic activities are planned by the government of the day. The government has the overall say in how businesses should operate. A free market economy is defined as â€Å"a market without any regulation. In other cases it means markets in which prices are free to reflect supply and demand. Sometimes it means competitive markets free of monopoly or concentration. In a free market economy system, individuals are encouraged to produce and make gains for themselves and the economic system is driven by profit motives. It can also be seen that price mechanism determines the allocation of resources. For instance, the law of demand and supply comes into play. A free market economic system has its own limitations A mixed economy is regulated and its performance is mainly determined by the economic policies promulgated and implemented by the government. ... It can also be seen that price mechanism determines the allocation of resources. For instance, the law of demand and supply comes into play. Basically, in a free market economy, the quantity of products offered in the market is mainly determined by the amount of price the consumers are willing to pay. Kotler and Armstrong (2004) state that the price people are willing to pay for a certain commodity correlates with the quantity of goods supplied. In economics, the law of demand and supply states that the price of the product shapes the quantity of goods that can be produced at a particular period. This law goes on to state that the higher the price, the higher the goods the producers are willing to supply (Benassy, 1988). High price means high supply of products and this entails that high profits are likely to be generated. On the other hand, a mixed economy is a combination of a free market and planned economies. A mixed economy is regulated and its performance is mainly determined b y the economic policies promulgated and implemented by the government. To a certain extent, it can be seen that a free market economy is effective compared to a mixed economy. According to Pryor (2006), countries with a business-oriented or free market economic system have a significantly higher rate of economic growth. The main reason for this is that they can generate more revenue from free trade taking place. Unlike in a regulated economy, a free market economic system is liberal and the flow of money is not restricted. In a free market economy, the consumers have a variety of choice of goods offered since the manufacturers of these commodities are mainly concerned with satisfying the needs of the customers. As long as the consumers are willing to pay the price,

Organisations and People Management Report Nationwide Building Society

Organisations and People Management Report Nationwide Building Society Nationwide is Worlds largest Building Society and one of the major players in the U.K. banking sector. Having one of the seven group members as an employee of Nationwide Building Society, this management report has been developed to critically evaluate certain aspects of Nationwide. In this report, we have wished to brief our readers about Nationwides business strategy, structure, culture, management and leadership. This will be followed by a conclusion of the groups review about the chosen organization and finally certain recommendations will be made. Index Contents Page 1. Introduction a. Terms of reference 3 b. Background 3 2. Methods a. Data collection methods 4 b. Issues and challenges 4 c. Analysis 4 3. Results a. Overview of corporate strategy business goals 5 b. Explanation of organisational structure 8 c. Analysis of organisational culture 11 d. Critical evaluation of Management Leadership practices 14 4. To end with a. SWOT analysis 17 b. Recommendations 18 c. Conclusions 18 5. References 20 6. Appendix-1 22 7. Appendix-2 23 8. Appendix-3 24 Organisations People Management Report Introduction Terms of reference: This report aims at providing an overview of Nationwide Building Society and critically evaluates its business strategy, structure, culture, leadership and management. The findings shall present some key features of the organization. Some recommendations provided at the end shall help the management of Nationwide to improve certain practices. Background: Nationwide Building Society, started its journey back in 1946 as carrying the name Provident Union Building Society in Ramsbury, Wiltshire, in 1848 it moved in Northampton as the Northampton Town and Country Freehold Land Society and finally in London as Co-operative Permanent Building society in 1884. Thriving on well-over 160 years glorious history and over hundred mergers, it has become the third largest mortgage provider and second largest savings provider in the UK. More significantly, Nationwide is the largest building society in the world (History (Nationwide Building Society, 2010)). Today Nationwides portfolio consists of over fourteen million customers, total assets over  £200 billion and over 900 outlets countrywide. Being the largest building society in the world (Corporate Responsibility report, 2008/09) Nationwide also thrives with its mutual heritage which made the enterprise unique among other financial industries in the marketplace. The CEO, Graham Beale described Nationwide Building Society in the following way in Corporate Responsibility report (2008/09, p.2): Being a building society makes us fundamentally different from the big banks we compete with. We dont have shareholders, we are owned by our members. So you set our agenda. Methods Data collection methods: To make this venture less difficult, we had an early start with regular group meetings every Wednesday 4pm at room M5 or Main Arts building. Minutes for each meet were maintained. In-depth qualitative and few quantitative data were obtained through a personal interview with a senior Branch Manager, personal observation (and one of our group members personal experiences as a nationwide employee), internet and company publications. Theory and ideas were culled from several books, journals and websites. Issues and challenges: This report is the product of combined efforts of all our hearts and minds and has been framed within a month. Due to limited time and fund, we could gain access to mostly branch level information. After a struggle for appointment, we had been able to explore Nationwide through a senior Branch Manager at local branch. No sensitive questions were asked and no rules were violated during the research process. Analysis: A pure qualitative analysis has been made with a combination of exploratory and descriptive approach using the following process suggested by Saunders et al (2009, p. 489-490) Summarizing : condensation of meanings Categorization : grouping of meanings Structuring: Ordering of meanings using narrative. Results Missions: To describe companys mission large companies publish a statement called mission statement which comprises of organisations purpose and general direction that they are going to follow, its guiding values, principals and goals (Lynch, 2000). Adcock et al. (1995, p.298) provide a comprehensive description on business organisations mission statement which as follows: A mission statement indicates how that organisation intends to fulfil main business objectives while recognising the legitimate interests of other stakeholders such as customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities in which the organisation operates. Hence the mission statement carries a significant value for the organisation in terms of companys business, service, and goals; it has to be dynamic, transparent and easy to understand by all classes of stakeholders, otherwise it could create a confusion among colleagues and customers alike (Trapp, 1999). In light of above argument Nationwides mission statement is below: As a UK based mutual we exist solely for the benefit of our members. We help them and their families meet their financial needs in a sustainable, responsible and secure way as we have done since 1846, in a manner that is open, honest, and fair. (Corporate Responsibility report, 2008/09, p4) Since a financial organisation, Nationwide clearly visualizes its mission by aforementioned statement; which is dynamic, transparent and easily understandable to all; especially about its history (1846), organisation structure (mutual), services (financial needs), qualities (sustainable, responsible and secure), accountability (members) and business strategy (open, honest and fair) and goal (meeting customers financial needs). Nationwides intention is not only generating asset and profit from the business, but also sharing its profit and providing world class financial services to better off its customers in an open, honest, fair and amicable atmosphere; where customers feel valued and secured to conduct their financial businesses. Goals: Mullins (2002, p126) describes the goals of an organisation are the reason for its existence. The activities of the organisation are directed to the attainment of its goals. A goal is a future expectation, some desired future state. It is something the organisation is striving to accomplish. Goals can be described number of ways; such as, the overall purposes of an organisation, the execution of specific requirements, and so on. The core difference between functions and goals of an organisation is, goals are more specific and they are determined by the inputs and outputs of that organisation. Goals can also be named as objectives that every organisation tends to achieve (Mullins, 2002). Goals create a number of functions for the organisation to accomplish. Such as firstly, goals provide a certain standard in organisational structure which help the staff-members to figure out the way of performing their necessary activities, and also help the management to find out the right direction of planning and decision-making towards success. Secondly, goals help to determine the technology that will be compatible with organisations structure to perform all activities securely and smoothly. Thirdly, goals can help reward systems to motivate and drive staff-members of the organisation to accomplish their individual and group tasks. Finally, goals can represent the organisation to the external clients; can evaluate the organisation for further improvement (products and services); also can help to set objectives as well as policies for the organisation (Kast and Rosenzweig, 1985). Being a financial organisation, Nationwide sets up its corporate goals on annual basis (April to following years March). Every year they run a seminar, called Employee Corporate Cascade to indicate corporate plans and goals. According to Employee Corporate Cascade conference presentation (2010) Nationwide declared its business goals based on customer, market positioning, income, profitability, efficiency, capital and liquidity which are as follows: Becoming number-one in customer service satisfaction position; Keeping position on as third largest mortgage and savings provider, obtaining 10% of main current account and 5% of other products provider in the whole UK retail banking market and generating profit contribution of  £50m+ for each business line; Generating Non-margin profit by 50%; Raising  £1bn+ profit in year 2010/11; Gaining cost income ratio 49%; Maintaining core tier1 (a regulation implemented by Bank for International Settlements on banks capital adequacy requirement to continue its business) solvency ratio of 12% or more. Comply with Individual Liquidity Guidance. Above goals are clearly drawing a sketch on Nationwides future and desired expectations; which will assist the management to frame out proper business strategies towards achieving its goals. Business strategy: According to Huczynski and Buchanan (2007, p 524), the direction in which an organisation moves is influenced by the decisions that are made about its strategy. Business strategy is a part of the corporate strategy of the company which related to companys business divisions. Tilles (1969) discuses the importance of having an explicit business strategy to expand the company, he explains without having a certain strategy it is difficult to integrate co-ordinated action with industrial effort. In addition, there are number of other good reasons for company to have an explicit business strategy. Firstly, for making people to or-ordinate each-other to achieve goals with mutual effort; secondly, for changing companys environmental conditions (Mullins, 2002). Without a proper business strategy the company runs like a ship without a captain; nobody knows where to go and what to do. In that situation members of the company may start working cross-purposes; top management may not be able to communicate with lower management who is suppose to drive the employees to set up their target towards the goal. If company continues in absence of a proper business strategy, the survival of that company may be in question. However creative effort is necessary to create a strategy; moreover, to make a strategy successful it may require adapting different methods in behaviour as well as basic change in the way of interactions among managers (Johnson and Scholes, 1998). Being the largest building society in the world, Nationwide is always well ahead with its business strategy which is one of the main instruments of its ongoing glorious success. Nationwides vision is to plan ahead for longer period rather than shorter term, because in short period of time the implementation of new strategy may not acquire proper success. However, Nationwides managers follow a flexible attitude in their business strategy; as they may amend the strategy if necessary. According to Corporate Responsibility report, 2008/09, in September 2009, Nationwide has set up its three years business strategy which includes three core strands. Such as: becoming the full service provider (for, mortgages, lending, savings, consumer banking, insurance, investments, protection and wealth planning); becoming a challenger brand in the U.K. financial market; offering traditional mutual (member-oriented) delivery model in business. From above discussion, it is tangible that Nationwides business strategy is absolutely explicit about what they want to achieve; which helps managers and employees to plan towards its goals and acquiring the successes accordingly. Organisational Structure Various academic literatures have defined the term organizational structure in various ways: As a framework in which organizations achieve their goals or as a division of activities in an organization and how they can be coordinated. However despite these varying views, most cooperate organizations will agree that structures exits to maintain procedures. According to (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007, p.446)the definition of a structure is a formal system of task and reporting relationship that control, coordinates and motivates employees so that they work together to achieve organizational goals. Mullins (2002, p.530) also defines it as the pattern of relationships among positions in the organization and among members of the organization. Structure makes possible the application of the process of management and creates a framework of order and command to which the activities of the organization can be planned, organized, directed and controlled. Martinsons and Martinsons (1994) say ther e are three types of organizational structure; Functional, Divisional and Matrix Organizational Structure, in which one of these structures is relevant to Nationwide. Functional Structure: This structure depends on groups functions that are present in an organization. This type of structure originates from the beaucratic structure. It is most affective when there is division of work in the organization. Whats more this kind of structure creates the environment for specialization which helps in the functional areas and which helps to smoothen the progress of synchronization among its members (Martinsons and Martinsons, 1994). Divisional Structure: It is adopted by firms when they want to broaden their business and spread their product line. Based upon its different product or market, the company divides into separate units. Pascale (1990) explains the company breaks upon its operations into manageable units or little companies, which then operates under a mechanistic structure. Matrix Structure: This employs both the functional and divisional type of structures allowing a downwards control of its functional departments and coordination of its department. Since its a hybrid of two structures, it has two lines of authority with employees reporting to two bosses. (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007) Organizational structure helps in identifying the pattern of communication in an organization. The existence of a structure communicates the rules and regulations to the employees, as they are informed as to what is required of them in relation to their jobs. It also makes clear the rewards that are available to deserving employees, in terms of promotion etc. as well as elaborating the goals and objectives of the organization. Secondly, structures also identify authority and responsibilities associated with it by clarifying who makes the decision and who is accountable to whom. Decision making and information sharing is effectively carried out with the appropriate structures in place. When decisions are taken from top management, it is easily dropped down to the lower level management. In the same way the feedback from employees and lower levels easily get back to top management, which leads to job satisfaction. Finally, when the right organizational structure is implemented, it serves as a source of competitive advantage that can accrue economic efficiency and productivity for the organization. As rightly said by Drucker (1989, p.223) Good organization structure does not by itself produce good performance. But a poor organizational structure make good performance impossible, no matter how good individual managers may beà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.to improve organizational structure there for improve performance. Nationwide as an organization believes and recognizes the need to have a good structure to increase productivity and profitability. This is captured in Nationwide Chief Executives annual meeting report. There is no doubt that strong management and sound leadership really make a difference and are important qualities to get right in an executive team. Having the right structure in place to support the delivery of our corporate plan is critically important to our success (Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008/09). Please see Appendix-1 2 for full Organizational Structure Chart and current Management Structure of Nationwide. Nationwide is a mutual society, with its Headquarters in the U.K. It is one of the largest financial companies which deal with a number of profitable products with different customers. Nationwide as an organization implements the Functional form of structure. In this structure there are a number of boards of directors who play key role in the management of Nationwide, but do not interfere in the day to day activities of the society. They deal with major issues concerning Nationwide when it is deemed necessary. However, when it comes to the day to day running of Nationwide the Chief Executive is the one with such responsibility, he occupies the highest position in the hierarchy, with a number of executive directors who are accountable to him. They are, Chris Rhodes (Executive Director Group Product Marketing), Matthew Wyles (Executive Director Group Distribution), David Rigney (Executive Director Group Operations), Mark Remison (Executive Director Group Finance), Tony Prestedge (Executive Director Group Development) and Maxine Taylor (Divisional Director Corporate Affairs) (Management (Nationwide Building Society, 2010)). Beneath these departments are sub units, however attention will be given to the Executive Director and Group Distribution Department and its sub units, since the structure is the same for the various departments. This department has the Divisional Director who operates Branch Network, with assistance of the Regional Directors, Area Directors, District sales Managers and Branch Managers. All work at different levels of the hierarchy as represented by the organizational chart in Appendix-1. This enables Nationwide to assess how well these sub units perform; and if performance doesnt show satisfactory, managers can decide to take right approaches that need to be taken. Functions of key Departments: The Cooperate office headed by Maxine Taylor have the responsibilities of ensuring Nationwides vision, its strategy, goals, values and plans so that it workers can be motivated to give of their best performance. In its media relation and member engagements, it is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the name and image of Nationwide is well managed in the media, as Nationwide is U.Ks largest building society. This department also manages the Nationwide Foundation charity for the community, as it is committed in making a difference to peoples life. Nationwides Group Finance and Risk with Mark Rennison as the Executive Director are keen to ensuring that their financial objectives are achieved within the set time frame. This they do by ensuring that the Society performs favorably in the financial market and also managing any risk that may arise. They also look out for opportunities such as partnership, merger, and acquisition by investigating the financial benefits before any corporate decisions are taken. Division of Labor and Communication: In Nationwide each department has its own policies to control its day to day activities, even though rules are regulated from the top of the hierarchy. This enables the various managers to take charge of their departments, with the subordinates in those departments accountable to them. This type of structure allows the different departments to function independently but then reports directly to the CEO. The structure also enhances the communication pattern in Nationwide by enabling the various departments at all levels to engage in decision making and problem solving process. Coordination: In Nationwide, each department has given the autonomy to carry out its activities. However, each director in his given department is responsible for coordinating these various activities in his/her department in order to be productive. Nationwide has the Group Product and Marketing Department headed by Chris Rhodes. This department has the sole responsibility of developing products that will add value and meet the needs and expectations of their customers; thus the department needs to coordinate the various activities of its sub units .i.e. Banking, Lending, Investment, Insurance, Business Strategy Marketing Division in a harmonious manner, to achieve its departmental goals.. Organizational Culture For all of the enterprises the organizational culture has been regarded as one of the core competitiveness of corporation. It plays an important role in the process of construction and development of enterprises. As a rising management concept, the organizational culture can determine and influence the behavior of their workforce, members and visitors. Distinctive ethos of enterprises which include the values, beliefs and various patterns of behavior that forms in a long-term development of corporation. It endows the enterprises with vital force which can be a basic element that makes corporation survive, develop and become stronger in the future. However, the meanings of organizational culture may very in different enterprises. Generally, organizational culture can be defined as the collection of relatively uniform and enduring values, beliefs, customs, traditions and practices; which are shared by an organizations members, learned by new recruits and transmitted from one generation of employees to the next (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007, p. 623). Additionally, in Scheins (1985) Three Levels of Culture theory, the organizational culture can be considered from three levels which include the following steps: Surface manifestation of culture: The surface manifestation of culture is a visible form of culture which can be seen, heard or felt (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007, p. 625). For instance, the visible form of culture can be regarded as the organizational structure, system, and procedure which can be a norm of organization to condition or influence the behavior of employees. As the most reachable aspect that can be observed by people, the surface manifestation of culture can also help enterprises to transmit a message to their members, visitors and customers by the operating direction, the societal image and the belief of the organization (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007). In the case of Nationwide, the surface manifestation of culture can be reflected by their operating direction. Nationwide offers products and services including savings, current accounts, loans, mortgages, insurance and so on, which belongs to banking and financial services culture. Moreover, being a mutual organization, Nationwide has its particular corporate banking and financial culture which has been reflected in its aforementioned mission statement. Therefore, the core element which makes Nationwide quite different from any other banking organizations is the meaning of the members. The meaning of members can be explained as that once a person opens an account, he or she becomes the member of Nationwide. Hence Nationwide always considers its customers first due to its mutuality model because Nationwide does not have any shareholder and is oriented by its members. Therefore the goal of its operation is to generate profit and share that profit among the members offering world-class service, cheaper rate on borrowing, more return in investment and so on. According to the chart-1, it is tangible that Nationwides culture based on its CR strategy which comprises of four core elements. Such as, first: improving customers financial capability and become a responsible lender; second: supporting, helping and encouraging members in housing; third: implementing ethical choice in business to save environment, in particular reducing carbon foo tprint; fourth: engaging employees and members to support communities. Chart-1: Nationwides Corporate Responsibility Strategy The corporate values: The corporate values are the core of enterprise culture. It can be defined as operating philosophies or principles that guide enterprises internal conducts as well as its relationship with the external world. Core values are often shown in the mission statement. Based on Scheins (1985) three levels of culture, organizational values have been deemed as the second level which comprises of all sorts of public advocacy values; including mission, purpose, behaviors and standards which support the surface manifestation level. In addition, Peters and Waterman (1982) pointed out that values always combine with enterprise success and many relevant important elements which are staffs, skills, style and strategy. At the same time, values are offered a general direction for all the staffs and affect their behaviors. At Nationwide, one of the specific features is its mutuality. A mutual organization is based on the principle of mutuality. Unlike the co-operative society, members in mutual organization usually do not contribute any fund to the corporate directly; nevertheless the members derive their rights towards profits. Over 160 years of development, Nationwide has become a powerful society. Due to modern mutuality, it forms its unique traditional values to the customers. Banks pay back millions to their shareholders, where as Nationwide shares millions with its customers. Nationwide operates its strong organizational culture called Putting customers first which is based on five distinct values (Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008/09): Open: The Company is an inclusive organization membership that is open to all, and all of their members have a say in how the company run. Nationwide arranges the annual general meeting (AGM) every year which ask for members to take part to express their opinion. Each member can do this by voting on a series of issues. Fair: Nationwide treats customers fairly by offering better rewards those who entrust company with more of their businesses. Responsible: Nationwides business model is low risk, stable and sustainable. They safeguard customers money and data at all times. Unlike traditional business model of investment banks, Nationwide pursuits of low risk and stable in the process of development. Committed: Going the extra mile and taking level best care of customers are traditions of Nationwide. Nationwide always keep its promises, In Corporate Responsibility Report 2008/09, CEO, Graham Beale mentioned we say what we are going to do and then do it. Adult to adult: Nationwide believe in adult relationships. They dont patronize, rather they treat people as equal. Due to the modern mutual with values, customers are also owners who always reserve some special rights, notably the voting right. These are rights that people dont have if they are only customers of other ordinary bank. Customers in Nationwide have the opportunity to assist shaping how Nationwide to run. Each customer can observe whether Nationwide is treating customers equally and offers fairness, low risk, stability, sustainability in its products and services. The core value is obviously that putting customers first in Nationwide. Organizational Management Business Dictionary (2010) defines Management as Organization and coordination of the activities of an enterprise in accordance with certain policies and in achievement of clearly defined objectives. It includes the functions of POSDCORB (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Co-ordinating, Reporting and Budgeting) and also managing the organizational culture and structure discussed previously. Often seen as one of the factor of production, the approach to management adopted differs with the size and function of the organization. Except the military and a few government and private bodies, most companies today are following the modern approach to management due to the various drawbacks of traditional management style like strict result orientation, use of fear force to get the work done, no care or importance given to employees interests, well-being and so on. Now the companies understand that the basic function of management of any service organization like a bank revolves rou nd the well being of the human resources both the officers and workmen staff  working within. (Sen Gupta, 2009) Banking is one of the most prominent among the 12 services classified under the services definition of GATS (General Agreement on Trade of Services). Nationwide certainly has a good hand over banking and being a large sized Building Society, its day-to-day management is primarily in the hands of the senior management team along with a large number of committees all under the power of the Board of Directors. The policies formulated by this Board of directors are implemented by the Chief Executive. With Centralized decision making in place, Nationwide takes good care of its employees and makes sure that they retain the best ones permanently. (Read Bolton and Gold, 1995, Career management at Nationwide Building Society using a soft systems approach.) Simple motivational techniques like praising the employees for the job saying well done; providing training when the performance is not satisfactory; offering good working conditions and facilities; running employee welfare programs; sendin g  £30 as Christmas surprise gift to every employee; and even a simple thank you makes a considerable difference in their performance. Another factor influencing the performance of a building society is market competition which has intensified over time especially in terms of savings and mortgages. Snape, et al. (1993) suggested the integration of business strategy and human resource strategy as a solution to this problem. They also mentioned that a more dynamic market, with a stronger emphasis on sales performance, placed new demands on employees, and many societies responded by espousing the ideals of human resource management. Bartel (2000) in her study confirms that Human resource management related actions have the potential to improve branch level performance in banking industry, but concludes by saying that even though all managers in a bank are given a formal set of human resource policies, they appear to have considerable discretion in their application. A lot of organizational performance also depends on the type of leader; his practices and they way groups are made and function. Groups in Nationwide: According to Nationwide Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008-09, Nationwide is classified into a large number of groups ranging from Branch Network, Intermediary Sales and Corporate Accounts, Business Planning and Research, Internet Channels, Telephone Channels, Channel Integration, Integration and Operations, Regional Brands and Regional Brands Branch Network. The Product and Marketing Division works in close liaison with these teams to build a high performance culture as the teams pull out all the stops to deliver an outstanding customer experience. These teams work in isolation towards achieving vital synergies that lead to significant reduction in their costs and improvement in sales performance. Leadership Business Dictionary (2010) def

Coming To America: Adjusting To A Culture Essay -- Cultural Identity Es

Prince Ahkeim Jahfar wakes up on his twenty-first birthday and realizes that he is to be wed to a woman he has never met before. This is a custom that is traditional in the royal family of Zamoonda, Africa. His father, King Jahfi Jahfar had been planning this wedding for many years. The woman who is groomed to be the prince's wife has been trained since birth to learn everything about the prince and what he likes. She is trained to fill his every desire. As it turned out, the Prince was not satisfied with his wife to be because her intellect did not meet his standards. He decides to travel to America to find his bride to be. Prince Ahkeim and his servant Simi fly to Queens, New York to fill out the Prince's dreams. They arrive in a suburban area of Queens wearing very expensive suits and animal skins around their chest. Soon they find out that they need to change their wardrobe to fit in with the rest of the population. Prince Ahkeim plans to meet a woman that will love him for who he is and not for the wealth he has. He must make everybody he meets believe that he is an ordinary person from New York so that his cover will not be "blown". The Prince even gets a job at a fast-food restaurant and works like a peasant would from his home. When asked where he is from, he simply replies "I'm an African student who is studying here at the University".  ...

The eminence of Candide is connected

Candide, the prognosis of Voltaire accomplished incredible goal and status. Candide achieved heroic tasks.   He always preferred to do ‘the right’, rather easy and enjoyable things. He was not following what everyone prefers to do.Though he liked what his metaphysics teacher Dr. Pangloss preached him; the usual ‘because’, ‘therefore’ ‘so’ explaining discourses. Though, Candide found it difficult to understand.The eminence of Candide is connected with relationship that man holds with his companions. Candide makes us sensitized to insights of human sufferings. He finds in his extensive journeys through Europe, Surinam, and Paraguay that journey with good companions is always reduces the burden of boredom.A hero looks for society in any ongoing public crisis that Candide looks for. A hero is more practical and looks for existential matters and gives less importance to metaphysical matters that Candide does. Candide is compensate, gen tle, discerning, and benevolent.â€Å"Candide† has established that practically everyone is a hero; this is well established more often by the emergence of â€Å"middle class† hero.The hero looks for overcoming dullness vice our work keeps at bay the three great evils: boredom that is dullness, vice, and needs or wants†. Candide the hero like to work for making life tolerable and manageable, not struggle to prove things.Candide passed through the disturbance near Portugal coast, then he got into the earthquake when he reached Lisbon, and was among plague epidemic in Algerian, he was not upset in theses tumultuous sufferings he passed through, a real hero exhibits such heroic courage.Candide choose to get into sufferings rather avoiding them for an easier path. Human beings are overwhelmed by jealousy, desire, greed, worry, concern, and fear than all the tribulations visited upon a citadel under siege, their Personal sorrow is grief harsher compared to the communi ty misery.Candide finds himself into many situations which expect him to be a hero. He is found making advances towards Cunegund and so was thrown out of Thunder-ten-tronckh castle. Then he bumps gets into captivity of Bulgarians, he selects to run gauntlet and then where he requests them to kill him. Only a hero can ask to be killed normal people are afraid of death and would suffer anything to live. Candide showed different attitude to Bulgarians.Candide passes through the misery of worst earthquake in Lisbon, and comes out unshaken of it, a hero. Another heroic action is Candide’s marries Cunegund to respect his promise though he is not interested in marrying her now.But a hero Candide marries Cunegund to respect his commitment.   Candide got threats from the â€Å"Inquisition and Jesuits† to jail him in Paris, Candide remained unruffled. Paris is the City of chaos, where all are searching for happiness that hardly any one finds. Candide has shown qualities of her o that are regarded heroic even today.   

Disneyland Hong Kong Essay

1. What led to the eventual woes experienced by Hong Kong Disneyland in its first year of operation? How should Hong Kong Disneyland rectify its market situation? The venture into Hong Kong by Walt Disney was a simple example of a large successful western company not doing its homework. The case presents a clear picture of the importance of understanding a foreign market thoroughly before doing business there. Several factors led to an unsuccessful first year of operations and a majority of these factors could have been avoided with a better cultural understanding in the planning stages. One of the culture differences that was obvious to Disney was the fact that the children are not familiar with the Disney characters. Disney has established its brand and is a marketing poster child in the United States, however this advantage goes out the window in a country such as china that has sheltered itself from the outside world until recently. Disney thought that making a meager attempt at introducing the characters before the launch of the park would help, however familiarity isn’t synonymous with brand attachment. As listed in Global Marketi ng Management by Kotable & Helson, â€Å"Cultural Distance† is one of the six external criteria for choosing a mode of entry into a foreign territory, which was not accounted for by Disney. Cultural distance also recognizes the fact that different cultures have different expectations. This was also the case with China. As stated in the case, â€Å"for the tourists of Mainland China, going to Hong Kong means a shopping experience, and so they choose the cheaper alternative to Hong Kong Disneyland†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The case goes on to allude to the fact that the culture in China is one about dollars and cents – when a Chinese person spends his/her money, they are more interested in what they are physically getting. This is very culturally different from a Western vacation where relaxation and experience is the expectation. Disney does a great job at providing a  magical experience, but in my opinion this is what led to their struggle in Hong Kong – the Chinese tourists do not value that very magical experience that westerners do. There were also other factors such as neglecting to do homework on how Chinese tourists select a destination. The Chinese tend to have a strong relationship with travel agents where as in the U.S a vacation is generally booked online without any personal interaction. Failing to account for these small differences coupled with the lack of brand attachment created nothing but an overpriced theme park. All hope is not lost however! Hong Kong is a huge tourist market and there is plenty of opportunity, but the only way for Disney to rectify its market situation is to bridge the gap of cultural distance. One way to do this would be to add an educational element to their park. The case notes that the Chinese put a premium on education, and in this culture the parents are the ones making the decisions – so appeal to them and attract more people. If Disney wants to succeed it needs to also remember what made it so successful in the U.S. After year one it is clear that their brand is not established and would not do all the work for them, and must take the necessary steps to reestablish themselves all over again. It must create a magical feeling in every Chinese child hearts as well as fit the consumer expectations of their parents. 2. To what extend could Hong Kong Disneyland adapt its product to Chinese consumers without diluting its image? Hong Kong Disney obviously requires a lot of changes in order to be successful – but at what point to these changes start impacting its brand? Being such a different culture from Disney’s main operations, China presents a challenge in that Disney is at risk of tarnishing its name if it changes its product to suit the Chinese expectations. The best way to handle this would be to introduce characters and elements of the theme park that are brand new to China, and not introduce them anywhere else. Instead of using Mickey Mouse as the brand image they can introduce something completely new – and after due time this could be successful because it is not as though the Chinese consumer has any attachment to the already established brand, as a matter of fact they are not even familiar with it. It can also change the layout of its parks. China is more interested in taking home physical items  rather than memories so why fill up the park with aesthetically pleasing creations? Instead they can introduce bigger rides in order to allow for pictures. They can even put a super-sized mall within their park in order to establish a collection-type phenomenon surrounding Disney products in China. The text refers to this strategy as â€Å"International Market Segmentation.† A list of reasons is given by Kotable & Helson for the segment approach, and the first one is â€Å"Identifiable – The segments should be easy to define and measure.† A country like China certainly calls for this approach because of the potential dilution of brand image, however by keeping the Hong Kong Disney defined as just that – Hong Kong – the brand in the United States will be unharmed. 3. How should Hong Kong Disneyland address competition? Hong Kong Disneyland’s main competition is Ocean Park, a â€Å"homegrown† theme park. First Disney must recognize the advantage that Ocean Park has over them. Ocean Park has an advantage in that it understands the battlefield, so to speak. It is a Chinese company and it understands the expectations of its consumer. There is brand recognition and a little bit of loyalty since it was established in China. They have a popular educational segment which bodes well with the Chinese and generally provide a good overall experience for the price. They are recognized as the best way that Disneyland can separate itself is through differentiation – they have to make their product unique. Another way that they can address competition is by going after a different part of the market. As stated on Ocean Parks website, a midweek ticket is 320 HK which translates to about 40 bucks in US dollars. A potential opportunity might be to offer Disneyland as the premium option. At 40$, O cean Park offers a pretty cheap admission and there is not much room to beat their price, however by offering upscale restaurants and shops, Disneyland can capture the upper echelon of tourists. Through differentiation and a focused market, Hong Kong Disneyland can coexist with the large and established Ocean Park.

Free Essays on The Swimmer

In the short story, The Swimmer, John Cheever employs water as a symbol for passing time and as a representation of escapism from life’s hardships. Cheever’s main character, Ned Merrill, swims across the county via his neighborhood swimming pools. The journey Ned takes is later recognized as a result of denial of what has happened to him and an attempt to keep his memory repressed. As the reader begins to gain a perspective on Ned’s character, he or she may be tempted to question his sanity. However, Cheever establishes Ned more as a carefree and impulsive individual. Ned’s â€Å"inexplicable contempt for men who did not hurl themselves into pools,† as well as his initial desire â€Å"to swim without trunks† are perfect demonstrations of his heedlessness. (Charters, p. 151) This aspect of Ned’s personality is important when trying to understand the reasoning behind Ned’s journey in the first place. When one uses the expression â€Å"things are going swimmingly,† he or she is indicating an ease of mind and an absence of tribulation. Cheever uses this idea to set a light-hearted tone to his story at first. Ned’s description of the waters of the first few swims indicates clarity. The â€Å"bonny and lush banks,† as well as the â€Å"sapphire-colored waters† is a well-painted picture of peacefulness indicating that Ned too, is at ease. (Charters, p. 152) Ned’s anticipation of meeting with friends along his swimming voyage prepares the reader for a quirky, fun-filled adventure. Indeed, his first few encounters with friends are pleasant. The Grahams receive him hospitably and the Bunkers express delight in his appearance at their party. (Charters, p. 151-152) However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that Ned’s life is anything but carefree. The tone of the story gradually changes from roguish pool frolicking to brooding awareness of Ned’s plight. Cheever marks the transition very conspicuously. A ... Free Essays on The Swimmer Free Essays on The Swimmer In the short story, The Swimmer, John Cheever employs water as a symbol for passing time and as a representation of escapism from life’s hardships. Cheever’s main character, Ned Merrill, swims across the county via his neighborhood swimming pools. The journey Ned takes is later recognized as a result of denial of what has happened to him and an attempt to keep his memory repressed. As the reader begins to gain a perspective on Ned’s character, he or she may be tempted to question his sanity. However, Cheever establishes Ned more as a carefree and impulsive individual. Ned’s â€Å"inexplicable contempt for men who did not hurl themselves into pools,† as well as his initial desire â€Å"to swim without trunks† are perfect demonstrations of his heedlessness. (Charters, p. 151) This aspect of Ned’s personality is important when trying to understand the reasoning behind Ned’s journey in the first place. When one uses the expression â€Å"things are going swimmingly,† he or she is indicating an ease of mind and an absence of tribulation. Cheever uses this idea to set a light-hearted tone to his story at first. Ned’s description of the waters of the first few swims indicates clarity. The â€Å"bonny and lush banks,† as well as the â€Å"sapphire-colored waters† is a well-painted picture of peacefulness indicating that Ned too, is at ease. (Charters, p. 152) Ned’s anticipation of meeting with friends along his swimming voyage prepares the reader for a quirky, fun-filled adventure. Indeed, his first few encounters with friends are pleasant. The Grahams receive him hospitably and the Bunkers express delight in his appearance at their party. (Charters, p. 151-152) However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that Ned’s life is anything but carefree. The tone of the story gradually changes from roguish pool frolicking to brooding awareness of Ned’s plight. Cheever marks the transition very conspicuously. A ...

Emerald Forest Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Emerald Forest - Movie Review Example What is so fascinating about this movie is the way Tommie comfortably adapts to the life of these hunters who had abducted him. In spite of his origin, he learns hunting skills and becomes part of the family of this Indian family. The father’s reunion with the son brings readers to a captivating mood where the person who is least expected to salvage resurfaces at desperate time. However, when the father asks the chief of the Invisible people to release his son so that they can embark on a journey home (to return to civilization), the chief has this to say, â€Å"If I told a man to do what he does not want to do, I would no longer be chief.† This means that the chief held the decisions of the people in high esteem to an extent that he would take no action whatsoever, if it was not in line with the wishes of the subjects. Comparatively, this is different from what would be expected in the American society where leaders tend to hold onto the belief that they are more super ior to their subjects and that the final decisions lie with them. This is why the question of primitivism or civilization, if it were to be critically analyzed, would remain relative (37). Effects of technology with respect to this film are also evident. Whereas technology has made life easy from time immemorial, its negative impact has also been experienced from time to time. Taking a look at the whole episodes in the film, technology is a breakthrough considering the period of Stone Age when man, for instance, solely relied on rubbing of materials together in order to generate heat. This was cumbersome and time consuming. With the discovery of electricity, man was not only able to enhance... The term ‘Termite people’ has been used by the native Indians in the forests to show the effects and influence of this ‘civilized’ community in environmental degradation. Locusts are insects that destroy the soil, vegetations, and anything that they come into contact with. This is similar to effects of the spread of colonists and early explorers. Their spread resulted into the cutting of trees for settlement.The way in which the king reveres the decisions and demands of the people is a replica of how they hold their spiritual lives in high esteem. The movie depicts an indigenous community and their spiritual relationship to the environment. They do everything possible to sustain their evergreen vegetation, a sign of their spiritual connection with their environment. It is can, therefore, be said that there is something in the human genome that draws him into recognition of a healthy ecosystem even without being exposed to outside world. This, however, has ch anged and is contrary to my ‘civilized’ society where people do not uphold respect to the environment. A good example is the constant clearing of land to pave way for construction.The happiness of man is garnered out of respecting oneself and others and showing total concern to the environment. It would be wise to deduce that ultimately I would rather belong to the ‘primitive’ culture where environmental sustainability is prioritized than stick to a ‘civilized’ culture where a man keeps on terrorizing the ecosystem.

A study of anti social behaviour and violent conduct at UK night clubs Essay

A study of anti social behaviour and violent conduct at UK night clubs - Essay Example Youth-oriented communities Ð °s well Ð °s Ð °dults, thÐ °t visit the clubs, creÐ °te the Ð °tmosphere of love, unity, tolerÐ °nce Ð °nd hÐ °ppiness thÐ °t is expressed through dÐ °ncing, communicÐ °tion Ð °nd other rÐ °nge of Ð °ctivities thÐ °t mÐ °y not Ð °lwÐ °ys entÐ °il sociÐ °lly Ð °cceptÐ °ble behÐ °viours. Ð s the result of such relÐ °xing conditions in night clubs, the number of sociÐ °l problems mÐ °y Ð °ppeÐ °r. SpecificÐ °lly, the problem of Ð °lcohol misuse Ð °nd illegÐ °l expÐ °nsion of drugs is one of the widely spreÐ °d chÐ °rÐ °cteristic of night clubs. Drug use Ð °nd Ð °lcohol is intended to enhÐ °nce clubbers’ sensÐ °tions Ð °nd boost their energy so they cÐ °n dÐ °nce for long periods. While the first problem is generÐ °lly Ð °cceptÐ °ble behÐ °viour (Ð °lcohol is normÐ °lly Ð °uthorised to sell out in bÐ °rs of the night clubs), the second problem mÐ °y leÐ °d to the vÐ °riety of Ð °nti-sociÐ °l be hÐ °viourÐ °l expressions Ð °nd violence. DeÐ °ling Ð °ppropriÐ °tely with the violence cÐ °used by the use of Ð °lcohol Ð °nd drugs is difficult for police. On the one hÐ °nd, police often fÐ °ce substÐ °ntiÐ °l pressure from mÐ °instreÐ °m society to put Ð °n end to drugs Ð °nd Ð °lcohol Ð °uthority in night clubs, usuÐ °lly through Ð °ggressive lÐ °w enforcement. On the other hÐ °nd, the Ð °tmosphere creÐ °ted by â€Å"eÐ °sy† (Morris, 1998) drugs Ð °nd Ð °lcohol is enormously populÐ °r Ð °mong Ð ° significÐ °nt minority of teenÐ °gers Ð °nd young Ð °dults, most of whom Ð °re generÐ °lly lÐ °w Ð °biding Ð °nd responsible. Strict enforcement efforts cÐ °n Ð °lienÐ °te Ð ° key segment of this populÐ °tion from government in generÐ °l, Ð °nd the police in pÐ °rticulÐ °r. To be sure, Ð °lcohol cÐ °n pose genuine risks, but those risks Ð °re frequently exÐ °ggerÐ °ted in the publics mind. It is importÐ °nt thÐ °t police recognize thÐ °t most Ð °lcohol-relÐ °ted hà  °rms hÐ °ppen to the clubbers themselves, Ð °nd while clubbers Ð °re not wholly responsible for those hÐ °rms, they willingly Ð °ssume much of the risk for