Critical Analysis Essay Essay Example for Free

Critical Analysis Essay EssayThe media throughout the bea has been in the frontline in educating members of the human race on serious neighborly issues ranging from politics, drugs, terrorism, and popular music to sports. The best of all is the fight against support. AIDS is one of the disorders which is threatening the existence of humanity and therefore more than than initiatives are being developed to fight it. In addition to videos, movies, plays and advertisements in sports and entertainment channels, songs have been composed by some artistes to try and spread the pass along to among other people, the youth who are of high risk of contracting the disease. These songs are played in the AM and FM radio stations throughout the world (Emad, 2006). This paper will discuss the representation of AIDS in songs which are played in our radio stations. It will also analyze its representations through advertisement on various entertainment and sporting channels much(prenom inal) as MTV and VH1. It will finally analyze the importance the songs and advertisement channels have on the eradicating the disease. Songs about AIDS Social marketers have been trying to have more people get informed on the basic of HIV/AIDS.See more how to write a critical analysis outlineSome of the countries have encouraged the use of such channels as MTV to spread the fight against the disease and where they have been successful, the prevalence rates have been low. In the modern past, more musicians have been dieing of AIDS and that is why some of their colleagues are trying to come up with songs to not only make their partners aware but also educate the public on the crisis. In the U. S, an organization- The Estate Project- which was launched some years back as an Aids awareness initiative is now getting popularly with it programs.The main mission of this organization, just like other radio stations is to compile the tuneful works of artistes who have died of the disease an d inform the public. It also aims to preserve the cultural legacy of the crisis (Emad, 2006). In the U. S for example, many artistes have composed songs to promote programs intend to fight the scourge. Examples of these songs are HIV blues by Kerry Stevens from the album out in the country and positive by Spears Jay from the album family values.These and other songs delay messages on how to keep safe from the disease or remain health if you are infected. These songs especially those by well known artistes in the U. S and atomic number 63 can be very attractive to the youth. Likewise, the Federal government has also developed policies which require that all organizations including the media houses and musicians swear out it fight the pandemic. Some songs have specifically been composed to pass messages on the use of condoms. The condoms are considered one of the strategies that help in preventing people from having unsafe end up.The songs when played in the radio stationed will he lp pass education to the young people who may not have access to the information elsewhere. Sauti ya America is one of the radio stations broadcasting from the U. S to many of the African countries and it uses its superiority and quality of transmission to educate the Africans on the seriousness of the crisis and it also tries to provide suggestions on how the youth can stay health. many a(prenominal) of the young people in the world today and especially those in third world countries dont have the accurate and correct information about AIDS.In rural areas where the information on the diseases is limited, more youth are engaging in unprotected sex. Research has suggested that the youth can easily receive information on the disease through advertisements Advertisements Entertainment channels such as MTV has noticed that there is information deficiency in the society. through with(predicate) its music shows featuring the best artistes not only in America but also in Europe, the en tertainment channels aim at passing important social issues to its fans. The programs are then broadcasted to countries in Africa and Europe.These programs are needed to develop the penchant for advocacy in the music industry with an objective of political and social motivation. The entertainment channels help the organizations fighting against AIDS to build some sort of cohesion between the facts about the disease and the myths that people believe concerning AIDS (Johnson, 2005). The whole process of representation in songs started in the late 1980s when AIDS in the U. S became a pandemic and the federal government unyielding to bring the issue of HIV/AIDS to a situation where people must decide and publicly accept the reality about the disease.The songs and the advertisements stations had a role to play and the role at that point in time did not have sufficient knowledge to combat the spread of the disease. VHI for example allocates more of its resources such as time and money to educative materials and talk shows. It uses its extensive radio frequencies to reach and educate most of its fans on the facts about AIDS. VH1 has through its programs such as the legend and celeb shows, promoted the kick out campaign. The campaign had been founded by the Rogers family to help U.S citizens change their lifestyles and accept the fact that people should abandon form sex still they are married. This program and others including its international channels in more than twenty countries are able to reach a wider population hence are in a position to convince and attract listeners. The amount of space and airtime which is being devoted to the fight against HIV/AIDS has increased in the recent past mainly because of the global concerns which are being addressed by our world leaders including the U. S president who has devoted most of the federal cash to fighting the scourge in third world countries.Today, more often than not, you can see that the radio stations are coveri ng the issue with a certain perspective not just for the matter of reporting. More and more radio stations are analyzing the issue for a positive point of fancy compared to the past when they only reported statistics (Johnson, 2005). FM and AM stations are now looking at issues such as preventing child-mother transmission, treatment, testing, orphans and vulnerable members of the society and so onThese are the real issues that affect the society not just mentioning which of the artists is riding high in music, what did politicians say about the spread of AIDS in Texas, who pronounce what and such sort of things. Conclusion Entertainment channels such as MTV and VH1have the main players in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS. The main aim of using such entertainment and music stations is to reach a majority of the youth who are mostly attracted to the music and programs in these stations.Songs on its part has a role to play especially if they contain the messages which encou rage people to protect themselves from the disease. The management of such institutions should therefore promote the culture of teaching members of the public on the dangers of contracting HIV/AIDS through their daily programs. References Emad, R. (2006) Role of journalists Journalists Speak at 18th Annual National, Managed Health Care Congress, UK Johnson, A. (2005) Fighting AIDS through the Media. New York Press, New York

Advanced Electrolyte System Essay Example for Free

Advanced Electrolyte System EssayBENEFITS1.Replenish fluid losses2.It helps in sustaining mental and physical performancePROMISEcomplete sports drinksREASON TO moot1.It has 15 g of Carbohydrates which is the bodys main source of goose egg. It is also primary fuel source for muscles which are working at a moderate to high loudness and prolonged endurance. 2.It has sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium which replenish the electrolytes commonly lost through sweat. Electrolytes regulate bodys water and blood pH level.UNIQUE sell PROPOSITIONTo male and female that are active in sports. It is designed to balance the body fluids to give fast hydration and energy. It has Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium) and Carbohydrates which is effective and ideal in maintaining performance in sports. Go for the Complete Sports Drink.They are designed to effectively replace the fluids and minerals that are lost by sweating. They also provide a ascending of carbohydrates (fuel) and help to sustain physical performance. New POWERADE ION4 helps replenish fluid losses and the four key electrolytes in the same ratio typically lost in sweat sodium, potassium, calcium andmagnesium. It also contains carbohydrates at 15 calories per 100mL. POWERADE ION4 encourages the body to absorb fluid and maintain fluid balance. Carbohydrates are replaced as well, supplying your working muscles with fuel, part you sustain mental and physical performance as you exercise. To help you fight off dehydration, POWERADE ION4doesnt switch your thirst receptors off prematurely.It keeps you feeling thirsty until youre properly rehydrated. When sweating, the body loses more than just water. It loses these electrolytes which are important in exercise. The importance of each was reviewed by The American College of Sports Medicine, American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada and it was intentional that Sodium is a critical electrolyte, which helps you sweat effectively a nd aids in muscle contraction Potassium, on the other hand, is important in the overall energy metabolism Third of the four key ions is calcium, which essential for overall bone metabolism Lastly, magnesium plays a vital role in regulating cardiovascular and neuromuscular functions to sustain your performance. Drinking Powerade Ion4, completely packed with these four vital ions, is the most effective way to replace fluid and fuel losses. mountain Blast, orange tree Burst and Silver Charge.

Impact of Branding on Consumer Purchasing Decision

Impact of Branding on Consumer Purchasing DecisionAn Empirical Study in the Technological product sectorMore and much organizations have come to realize that brand is the most valuable asset associated with their products or services and are using branding as a strategic tool in todays dynamic business environment (Chernatony and MacDonald, 1998 Rooney, 1995). Some extremely successful examples in brand management include Microsoft, IBM, Sony, Nike and Coca-Cola (BusinessWeek, 20021). Their brands resonate with the general general and come to the consumers get decision-making. The power of the brands has contributed substantially to the continuing success in the future (Davis, 2002).Brand acts as a strategic marketing tool to suck in and keep customers by promoting value, image, prestige or lifestyle (Rooney, 1995). Furthermore, it is a powerful technique to develop a stable, sustainable and distinct relation with customers by performing number of associations, so marketers must account for all of them in making marketing decisions (Aaker, 1992).Hence this study testament try to find out the touch of branding on consumer procure decision, specifically in the technological product market.The main aim of this project is to find out the impact, branding has on the consumer purchase decision in general and especially in the technological product sector. The focus of this study bequeath be on the consumers viewpoint slightly brands and how it arrogates their purchasing decisions.Hence the objectives of the study leave alone be toReview the current literature regarding brands, branding and consumer purchase decisionBased on the literature analyze and petty(a) info identify branding factors that supposedly impact the consumer purchase decisionFind out consumers perception regarding the impact of brands on their purchasing decisions specifically in the technological product sectorTo bring out the implications of the exploreResearch MethodologyAn appropr iate seek methodology is a general see of how the police detective will go about answering the research questions considering the sources to store entropy and the constraints that one might have (access to data, metre, location and money, etc). It should reflect the fact that the researcher has thought carefully about why a particular strategy/method has been employed. Data intended for almost any study can be obtained from two sources Primary Data and Secondary Data. In order to complete the research project from a theoretical as well as a practical point of view, this research will make use of both types of data. This study will be carried in three phases. The first phase will involve literature review and secondary data collection. Primary data will be collected in the second phase. The last phase will comprise of analysing the primary data and drawing suitable conclusions from the study.Phase 1 The first phase of the research will comprise of reviewing the literature and collecting secondary data. This will involve an investigation of brands and different types of branding options that are availed by manufacturers. Further to this the consumer decision process will also be reviewed to find the factors that affect the consumers decision making process in general. According to Sharp and Howard (1996), two major reasons exist for reviewing the literature. First, the preliminary search helps to generate and refine the research ideas. And secondly, a critical review is a part of the research process. Like most research projects, literature review will be an early exertion in this research. After the initial literature search, the researcher will be able to redefine the parameters more precisely and undertake further searches, keeping in mind the research objective and goal. The literature review will help in developing a good understanding and insight into the previous research done on this topic and the trends that have emerged.Secondary data sourcesSe condary data will be collected from a varied number of sources.Books publish books generally considered as one of the most reliable and valid source of information will be utilise for the basic content of the literature review.electronic sources will provide a large amount of information relevant to the subjectMagazines a good source of getting data and report of novel and relevant articlesNewspapers latest updates on brands and other informationAdvantages of using secondary dataSaves cost and timeWide variety of information availableavailableness of vast amount of informationDisadvantages of using secondary data areMost of the magazines or journals require Subscription, which is not feasible when lots of journals and materials have to be analysed.Shortage of time limits the scope of the research to a great extent.Most of the articles, research papers, and survey results found on various web sites or lacks the conclusion of the accuracy of their results.Phase 2 In phase 2 pr imary data will be collected which refers to the data obtained via the researchers hold experience. The need for employing more than one method of research stems from the fact that various methods contain their own set of assumptions of the nature of the real world and the kind of data produced (Denscombe, 1998). The originator has selected survey strategy for the purpose of collecting primary data. It is a common and popular strategy in business and management research. Through this a large amount of data can be collected in an economical way. Bell (1993) says that surveys can provide answers to questions kindred What, Where, When, And How. It tries to elaborate the problems of representativeness from other approaches like case studies or most of the soft approaches. This approach can be termed as fact finding mission and may contribute little towards the culture of a hypotheses or shaping theory. The results from the survey can definitely be used to test a hypotheses or theor y. The data here is primarily quantitative but may also be qualitative in nature as it represents peoples view about an issue. Questionnaires are generally used for the purpose of data collection followed by few interviews to increase the validity of the data. Using multi-methods produces various kinds of data on the same topic improving the quality of research. Hence, this research will make use of more than one research method (questionnaire and interview) to enable the researcher to present the topic in a more complete formulate from different perspectives.Hence the primary data collection methods used for this research will be-QuestionnairesInterviewsQuestionnaires provide the easiest known way of assembling a mass of information (Burroughs, 1971106). The author decided to use online questionnaires for the purpose of the study. Online questionnaires are very economical, the costs faced were nearly negligible, since once the form was loaded on the server, and all entries came in the form of e-mail. They are easier to administer and manage and supply standardised answers from all recipients. But a lot of care will be taken in order to construct questionnaires to maximise response rate. Due to its length or complexity in the questionnaire, it may number a response rate so low that the data may not be adequate to make any kind of generalisation or even a reliable statement. care this in mind, for the purpose of this research, receivable care will be taken to avoid hypothetical questions, dual meaning questions, presuming questions and any form of ambiguity or imprecision in questions. Also, an attempt will be made to keep the length of the questionnaire very precise, with to the point questions consisting mainly of multiple-choice questions enabling the reader to be comfortable to fill the questionnaire without much loss of time, thereby increasing the questionnaires response rate as well as making data analysis simple.The author also decided to include ano ther method in the form of interviews as part of the research due to the need for more detailed qualitative information. Through the use of questionnaires the research will only able to gather quantitative data, which in itself will be quite useful for the project in order to gain a general view and knowledge about the impact of branding on consumers in general. However, in order to gain mend depth in the analysis, the questionnaire data will also be supplemented by few follow up interviews.As an information gathering tool, the interview lends itself to macrocosm used alongside other methods as a way of supplementing their data adding detail and depth. (Denscombe, 1998 pi 12) As part of this research project, interviews will be used as a follow-up to the questionnaire. The attempt is to complement the questionnaire data with the interview data, pursuing the interesting lines of enquiry in greater detail. Simply stated, it can yield rich material or put flesh on the bones of the q uestionnaire (Bell, 1987).Sampling ProcessIn order to collect appropriate information on the views of the consumers on impact of branding on their purchasing decisions, a very large portion of the general population would be an eligible target, but due to various practical problems of time and cost voluminous in such a process, a restricted sample of the population was considered for this research. The sample population involved in this project was carried out on a small scale due to the time and resources available.The survey polled a population of primarily Internet users including professionals as well as students situated in various parts of UK in order to get their perspective on the effect branding has on their buying behavior. Approximately, 200 emails will be sent. The population of respondents comprised of general Internet users ranging from computer professionals to lecturers to university students. By the means of this survey, we are investigating the general considerati ons of the users towards brands while purchasing a technological product.ObjectiveTimeframeTask21. Phase 1 Literature Survey/Secondary dataClient should put the time frame fit in to his/her requirementsPhase 1 will involve an investigation of brands and different types of branding options that are availed by manufacturers. Further to this the consumer decision process will also be reviewed to find the factors that affect the decision making process. The first stage of the research will comprise of reviewing the literature and collecting secondary data.2. Phase 2 Interviews/SurveysClient should put the time frame according to his requirementsPhase 2 will involve the primary data collection phase in which the online questionnaire will be used to collect consumer opinion regarding brand implication on their purchasing decisions.3. Phase 3 Analysis of data from Interviews/surveys and drawing conclusionsClient should put the time frame according to his requirementsAfter taking the int erviews and surveys, a large quantity of interview notes, questionnaire results and other records will be generated all of which will be analyzed. The survey data will be analysed using the SPSS software. A brief thematic analysis will be done for the data collected from the interviews. Following this, conclusions will be emaciated based on the findings.ReferencesAaker, A. D. (1992), The Value of Brand Equity. Journal of Business Strategy, Vol.13 (4), p.p.27-32.Bell, J. (1987). Doing your Research Project. Oxford Oxford University Press.Bell, J. (1993) Doing your research project a guide for first-time researchers in education and social science, fan out University pressBurroughs, G.E.R. (1971). Design and Analysis in Educational Research, Oxford Educational Review.Davis, S. (2002), Brand Asset counseling how businesses can profit from the power of brand, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 19, No. 4, p.p.351 -358.de Chernatony, L. McDonald, M. (1998), Creating mightily Brands in Consumer, service and Industrial Markets, 2nd Edition, UK Reed Eductional and Professional Publishing Ltd.Denscombe, M. (1998). The Good Research Guide. Buckingham Open University PressHussey, J. and Hussey, R. (1997), Business Research A practical(a) Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, Macmillan Press, London.Research, http//www.allbusiness.com/articles/content/19671.aspRooney, J. A. (1995), Branding a trend for today and tomorrow, Journal of Product and Brand Management, Vol. 4, No. 4, p.p.48 55.Schutz (1972). The Phenomenology of the Social World (London Heinemann).Sharp, J.A. and Howard, K. (1996) The Management of a Student Research Project. Aldershot, Gower.11 http//bwnt.businessweek.com/brand/2002/index.asp2 The tasks will be further divided into sub tasks to give a detailed insight of the plan as it develops.

Critical Analysis of Marketing Audit for D-GSM

Critical Analysis of Marketing Audit for D-GSM1.1 IntroductionIn todays high-powered telecommunication industry it is critical to test the dynamic environment and analyze key reaping/service pass to fair game customers. yet, the information gathered from trade audit is used to critically analyze Dialog crossroad take out performance and genuine overlap negotiatement issues with relevant tools and models to advert the key opportunities/weakness which D-GSM could face in in store(predicate).1.2 General IssueInefficient vallecula distribution solicitudeThe downstream distribution is a key part of achieving sales objectives for D-GSM. In other words, business-to-business (B2B) customers push the fruits of D-GSM to end customers. Currently D-GSM is operating with four major(ip) first tier distributors and 1200 retailers in 85 cities in Sri Lanka.In recent past further the retail distribution chain has declined in each land (Refer appendage B 10.0). The long tier reta il distribution has reduced the profit margin thus departed the retailers go outing to promote competitors merchandises (Refer addendum B 11.0). some other reason place for this decline is high sales staff turnover which resulted for poor retail oversight.The issue highlighted above can be highlighted using Ishikawa stupefy/Effect diagram shown below (Refer guess 1.0) mannequin Adopted from (Albert, 1989)1.3 Product Management IssueCurrent Health of Product PortfolioFigure 2.0 BCG MatrixBCG Model Adopted from (Kotler, 2008)Healthy product portfolio is important for organization to gain competitive advantage. advertize analyzing the Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) matrix (Refer Figure 2.0) its understood that D-GSM key products ar positioned i0n cash cow. In long term these products could move to dogs section which could harm the product performance of the organization. throw out products like Kids connection and Code-Division-Multiple-Access (CDMA) are currently in do gs section of BCG matrix necessarily to be removed from the product portfolio as they consume high monetary value to maintain the products and return low profit to the organization. locomote forward D-GSM call for to plan for product increase to position in star segment of BCG matrix which is currently with few products. Star products are passing needed for organization to gain competitive position eventually star products forget arrest cash cow and dogs respectively, Further D-GSM needs to identify products are in the question-mark segment to invest to generate commercialise share and returns.Now it is proved lack of product portfolio anxiety has resulted developing low income generating products and thus D-GSM needs to follow a strategical system of rules to convey a balanced product portfolio centering to gain competitive position in dynamic grocery store.Inefficiencies in New Product Development(NPD)Model adopted from (Kotler, 2008)D-GSM is currently facing set ba ck with competitors. Presently D-GSMs core products, which face severe competition from competitors, are in maturity date stage. Thus these products are experiencing reduction in the profit margin (Refer cecal appendage B- 8.0).The marketing audit (Refer appurtenance B) clearly indicates that Dialogs Mobile-wideband is currently in maturity stage and clearly indicates declining in profit. Further it is evident that no product-line-extensions are developed for the product survival which has created a quick decline stage for around of the product.There are few products and product-line-extension that are developed having long gap in introducing to the market in the mod product development pipeline (Refer Appendix B- 11.0) as a result existing mature products (Cash-Cow) tends to decline faster. Moreover this is further evident that D-GSM has allocated low marketing budget allocated product innovation (Refer Appendix B- 12.0).Overall improper worry in NPD has created threat for D- GSM of being a market leader and loosing first mover advantage for key products.Gap determine in mobile-broadband STP StrategyToday in telecom industry mobile-broadband is a core product and a matured product in the PLC it is consumed in a very high take aim and has become a commodity in daily life. The marketing audit has identified that D-GSM has been targeting the same segment which are professionals/ ripened executive since inception their mobile services. This is a drawback for D-GSMs long term survival and its market leadership. Further competitors are able to manipulate this service and will flake out its market share (Refer Appendix B Appendix B- 4.0).The PESTEL depth psychology provides evidence that new voltage segments are emerging much(prenominal) as entry level executives (1), undergraduates/students (2), travellers and businessmen (3). As result old segments are becoming outdated. (Refer Appendix B- 12.0).The below diagram illustrates the ability of D-GSM to off er and take necessary action for new segments (Refer Appendix B- 9.0).Figure 4.0 G.EMatrixModel adopted from (Business tools, 2007)The output of market segmentation matrix identifies the emerging new segment to generate more(prenominal) gross and outgrowth market share by freeing the broadband (Refer Figure 4.0).Knowledge gap in customer preferenceInternet applied science is continuously evolving and adapting to such changes is highly important to D-GSM. Continues adaptation to such technology and augmenting future technology is important for long term survival.The marketing audit explicitly specifies that D-GSM provides the core features of MBB to pledge customers. Further it is not providing the expected features or long term product augmentation of MBB (Refer Appendix B- 9.0).Referring to figure 5.0 clearly indicates gap between current feature offering of broadband and customer expectations. To fulfill this gap D-GSM needs to continuously evaluate customer expectation and adopt to provide new technologies to refrain market leadership.1.4 final stage of Critical AnalysisLack of informationKnowledge gap in changing marketGaps in STPPotential New segments to targetDeficiencies in the product portfolio2.0 Recommendation sideline recommendations are addressed below to overcome current drawbacks faced by D-GSM having critically analyzed using market audit. Recommendations are categorized to cater mobile-broadband and product portfolio vigilance.2.1 Recommendations for Mobile-broadband product LineRecommendation 1 Reposition Mobile-broadbandTopic 1.3 above states that current segment targeted for mobile-broadband is declining. Following segments are identified as target audience who are students, travellers and undergraduates to be targeted to generate high revenue for mobile-broadband.Proposal in Detail Following recommendation is to reposition the mobile-broadband product line targeting new potential segments as the current segment is declining. This is also evident where 3 major UK telecommunication vendors has overall share of 30% mobile-broadband users as students and undergraduates affording on the go low-cost internet facility (Gabriel, 2011).Currently mobile-broadband is a cash cow product. Repositioning this product can help D-GSM to reach more customers and generate more revenue. Based on the proposed recommendation, following product forecast is analysed using net present value (NPV) analysis.Table 1.0 NPV Analysis for Mobile broadband repositionKey Finding of NPV AnalysisReturn on Investment (ROI) The entire return on Investment on the repositioning the product will be fully recovered by the end of the first year.Forecasted sales performance Repositioning the product will pave the way to the sales to attach notably. Nearly 67% increase in first year, 150% within two years and 200% within three years.NPV analysis indicates positive (+) result which mean reposition will be successful. The product can be expected to perf orm well in the market to gain more revenue and market share for Dialog mobile-broadband. Further D-GSM could follow the proposed product reposition process for mobile-broadbandFurther D-GSM could follow the proposed product reposition process for mobile-broadbandFigure 6.0 Proposed product reposition process for mobile broadband product lineTo founder position mobile-broadband D-GSM could adopt the following marketing mix to reach the fresh identified segments since the current marketing mix for mobile broadband is outdated.Table 2.0- Proposed new marketing mix for mobile broadband product lineFollowing perceptual map can be considered for the new repositioning strategy,2.2 Recommendations for Product ManagementRecommendation 2 Appoint Product Management aggroupThe present marketing structure is incapable of managing multiple product portfolios at D-GSM. This structure only focuses to cater existing product portfolio and provides low importance for NPD. Further, it is inefficie nt to support and manage more products by fewer staff which increases the existing workload.Proposal in DetailIt is recommended to restructure existing marketing hierarchy to cater NPD, to conduct product management efficiently and reduce burden on staff of marketing department. This recommendation emphasises the creation of a product management team, which could be formed to better manage product portfolio for D-GSM. Below product team structure is recommended (Refer figure 7.0)Recommendation 3 Financial Resource Allocation to Product managementFurther to the critical analysis conducted it is understood low financial resource allocation as key reason for poor performance of product management in D-GSM. To overcome this issue more financial resource allocation has to be allocated for better product management in future.Proposal in Detail Following recommendation is to cater financial resource for product management team. Proposed financial resource will cater the team to conduct pr oduct portfolio management, new technology acquisition for product development, research development to introduce new products/service to market.It is recommended to allocate 10% of the annual sales revenue to facilitate product management team. The following financial allocation sectionalisation is proposed.Table 3.0-Proposed Financial Allocation breakdown for protrusion management teamRecommendation 4 -Implementation of Product Portfolio Management System (PPMS)In topic 1.3 identifies the lack of system and process in place to manage product portfolio and help senior management bring strategic decision towards managing product portfolio as it consumes human and financial resources .This recommendation will highlight in applying a PPMS for D-GSM.Proposal in Detail This recommendation is to implement PPMS for D-GSM. This system in place will help management make strategic decisions and allocate investments to individual products with the goal of optimizing the entire product po rtfolio. Also this system will provide a tool to maximize the performance of product portfolio in varies stages of PLC.The following system will help product management have a consistent view of product performance, products status in PLC, new product development pipeline progress, monitor product operation cost and more with product portfolio management.Further with the help of such system product development managers to align product roadmaps with market expectation and help to increase revenue, grow market share and reduce costs.Benefit for D-GSM by implementing PPMSMaximize the performance of D-GSM product portfolioPMSS in place will enable centralized management of product portfolioPMMS in place will enable product managers to align product roadmaps with marketing objectives to increase revenue, grow market share, and reduce costsPMMS will enable product management team gather historical information which is valuable information that will improve duration to market of future p roductsRecommendation 5 rarify Re-align Channel DistributionThis recommendation will highlight in improvising the current retail management and introducing new retail partners for D-GSM to expand the ancestry distribution to compete with competition and in long term to penetrate Sri Lankan market.Proposal in Detail Proposed strategy of expanding the channel distribution to reach wider untapped market of D-GSM as competitors are aggressive in penetrating the market .This strategy will enable D-GSM to gain more consumers and boost profit through additional venues and expanding current channel distribution can be an effective tool to increase existing business for Dialog GSM.Benefit for D-GSM by Expanding Re-aligning Channel DistributionChannel expansion will cut down operational cost in every region and improve sales performanceCurrent level of channel risk will be minimized and risk could be shared among many regional retailersExpanding channel distribution will help in shuff ling building and make products available in more locations which will raise consumer awareness of D-GSM offerings.Recommendation 5 Implementation of Marketing Information System (MKIS)Further to the critical analysis conducted in 1.5 and 1.6 it is evident that there is no system and process in place to monitor dynamic market environment and consumer expression, in current situation without a proper system in place D-GSM has not been able to understand consumer behavior and identify emerging segments and target potential new market.Proposal in Detail The following recommendation is to implement a MKIS. This system in place will help D-GSM to scan dynamic market environment constantly to make strategic decisions. Further this system will enable the marketing and product management team to analyze consumer behavior and act accordingly in competitive environment. In long term this system in place will enable the organization to be market oriented.Proposed key integrated feature of th is system will beMarketing intelligenceInformation AnalysisMarketing research interior RecordsThe prototype of the proposed MKIS will be as shown in figureBenefit for D-GSM by implementing MKISMKIS will enable organization to constantly monitor dynamic marketing environment go around marketing information within organizationMKIS will enable to analyses consumer behavior, This will help D-GSM to better manage STP strategies for new productsMKIS will facilitate towards product planning and control3.0 Evaluation of Resource capability and Capacity Management3.1 IntroductionThis section evaluates the resources and capability requirements to deliver the identified recommendations for product management of D-GSM. This analysis is based on drawbacks identified from the critical analysis and possible recommendations are proposed to re-align the current D-GSM resources and capabilities to desired level.3.2 Analysis of current organizational capability and resourceWhen conducting a come out management in this scale it is important for D-GSM to evaluate current resource capability and capacity of the organization to deliver the recommendations proposed under heading 2.0. Further to evaluate the current strength of delivering the recommendations, a skill audit was conducted within marketing department against the expected skills and competencies required for the product management project (Refer Figure -9.0)Figure9.0 Marketing Team Current Skill vs. Expected Skill for product management projectThe skills audit analysis (Refer Figure 9.0) against the marketing audit (Refer Appendix B- 14.0 ) indicates there are lack of gap overall skills, therefore there is a need for skills improvement from external or ingrained sources which needs to be acquired to close the current skill gap.The marketing audit analysis indicates present marketing teams resources are limited and the current structure is incapable of managing the proposed project (Refer Appendix B- 5.0). thereof it i s recommended to recruit a new project management team to implement the recommendation made for D-GSM.To overcome the skill requirement a project management team can be formed from a cross functional basis of appropriate staff who will have relevant skills and knowledge to implement the proposed recommendation as a team. Further D-GSM could acquire required skill and expertise resources from external environment.3.3 New Capability Resource required leave behind Training in Product portfolio managementMarketing team currently needs new skills in understanding the importance of organizational product portfolio management to achieve organizational objectives. By formulation the staff on portfolio management it will enable the marketing team to formulate effective product portfolio management strategies to cater dynamic market environment.Increase Financial Allocations for Portfolio ManagementTo have an efficient product portfolio management more financial resource is needed to cater new product development. The current budget quota is insufficient for product portfolio management and therefore to implement the identified recommendations and to gain new capabilities and other needed resources which needs sufficient financial allocation for product portfolio management.Training on customer relationship managementMarketing team is currently in need for training in customer relationship management. Currently in the highly competitive Sri Lankan telecom market relationship management with key customers, retailers and distributors are important to retain recurring business. By conducting such training D-GSM could retain customers to generate more revue for organization.3.4 How to Acquire New Capability and ResourceInternal DevelopmentInternal development refers to the changes that a firm undertakes by recombining its existing resources or developing new resources on its own (Capron and Mitchell, 2004). To acquire new capabilities at minimal cost marketing team along with human resource department could form an internal development team to provide key skill and mentoring to staff, this could be in the form ofKnowledge Sharing SessionInternal PresentationOne to One sessionHiring impertinent ConsultantExternal sourcing means trading in a strategic capability that stems from external sources (Capron and Mitchell, 2004).The hiring of a adviser will help D-GSM in gaining external/industrial expertise on product portfolio management and enable the marketing team to build new strategies to increase performance for Dialog Mobile-broadband product line.Training and DevelopmentD-GSM could evaluate the option of on-demand training and development to cater highly critical skill and capability needs to manage competitive product portfolio to the market. Further D-GSM could follow the proposed model shown in Figure 10.0 to plan training development.Figure 10.0 Training and Development processModel Adopted from (Moskowitz, 2008)The Benefit of Training and D evelopmentImproved motivation Individuals see their skills base extending and their promotion prospects being enhanced.Opportunities for self-improvement, leads to people staying longer in one employment.Higher levels of performance Trained and motivated staffs are more likely to give of their best which in the end justifies the training budget.Recommendation for accruing new resource and capabilityThe options discussed above to acquire new resources and capability to manage product portfolio for D-GSM is to hire external consultant to gain new ideas and industry expertise. Further hiring external consultant will help to reposition broadband product line effectively.Moreover, D-GSM needs to constantly identify new skill required for employers since marketing environment is dynamic and employees adapting to such changes instantly is important, therefor it is advisable to constant monitor required skill and plan to train and develop by external consultant.There is a high risk of ou tsourcing new resource and capability because it will create conflicts within internal employees and internal information could be considered as risk when outsourcing key resources from external environment3.6 Financial ConsiderationHerewith financial proposal is addressed for future budgeting exercise to acquire new capability and resource to implement effective product portfolio management.Table 1.0 Financial Consideration for new resource and capability management4.0 Project PlanIntroductionTo the priority of recommendations provided above in topic 2.5, following project will focus to reposition mobile-broadband product line targeting newly identified segment with differentiated marketing mix and finally position the product as affordable product for consumersProject InitiationThe following project is selected to increase the mobile-broadband. A stable project based approach is required. This therefore enables the management to monitor the manage performance, cost and time scale s. Fore reference purpose this project will be named as Project 3G.Project ObjectivesThe project objectives expected to be achieved by implementing project 3G are as followed,To successfully reposition Dialog Mobile-broadband product lineTo successfully create awareness to newly identified segmentsTo increase mobile-broadband trial among new segments targetedTo position the product to the new target segments using new differentiated value propositions within the period of six months.Project Scopeand creepThe project backdrop refers to the work that must be obliging to deliver the project objectives and successfully complete the project with quality, time and minimal cost (Hill, 2009). Project scope management will be used to make sure that project covers all the key tasks to deliver high efficiency of triple constraints 4 and focus of project.Further the management will resist and prevent scope creep as it will dent the achievement of triple constrains- budget, performance, and ti me as project creep could bring negative effects on the members (Kendrick, 2009). Therefore below matrix illustrates project boundary (Refer table 2.0).Table 2.0 Project Scope MatrixEvery project stakeholder must be educated to the highest degree project scope from deviating. If there are any changes to the scope a request should be made to the project manager for consideration (Pritchard, 2004).Project TeamThe project manager will be General Manager- marketing and sales. He/she is selected for because of leadership skills and previous experience in handling similar projects. The key persona of project manager is to manage the project team from initiation to evaluation stage, while leading and motivating the team towards achieving the objectives and clearly defining teams roles, responsibilities and performance, budget and time (Lock, 2007). The proposed project team structure is shown in Figure (9.0).The project team consists of seven members including staff from different depa rtment of Dialog GSM. This system will become a cross functional team for the project. Project Sponsor will be the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).According to Melton (2009), project sponsor is answerable for the delivery of the business case and to ensure that project is financially worthwhile. Project Managers and sponsors must work closely together to deliver the project and maintain control.External resources for the project team will be the outsourced marketing consultant and the advertising agencies key account manager for D-GSM for this Project. The consultant will guide the project team in implementing the project by providing training and in-depth guidance on product repositioning of Dialog Mobile-broadband.Furthermore, project manager will be responsible for driveway the project team to achieve the project objectives by delegating the project tasks, proper resource allocation for the project through possible mediums and finally responsible to deliver project report for ma nagement.Project Beginning and end datesProject 3G will span for a period of 6 months and will be employ from 1st of July 2011 till the 30th of December 2011.Project Key DeliverableKey deliverable of Project 3G could be highlighted in a work breakdown structure (WBS). The top of the WBS is the project itself. The next layer or level in the structure is work packages (Lock, 2007). WBS explains the key deliverables of the project in figure (10.0).Figure () Key deliverables for project 3GProjectMethodology

Hydrological Impacts of Wimbleball Reservoir

Hydrological Impacts of Wimbleb all in all man-made lakeAn Evaluation of the hydrological impacts of Wimbleball Reservoir exploitation the IHA approachA river acts two as a source and flattop of irrigate for supporting and sustaining the biological diversity and integrity of the aquatic, wetland and riparian species and ingrained eco corpses. To accomplish these functions, it is necessary that river weewee meets whatsoever prerequisite qualitative and quantitative parameters and the stream- race exhibits the kinetics and hydrological attributes comparable to that of indispensable or unaltered river executes (hydrologic governance).This hydrologic regime is the lifeline of fresh pee ecosystem and all diverse variety of aquatic riparian species are for long addicted and adapted to the characteristic temporal, spatial and hydrologic reading of water flow cycles traceable to the natural or unaltered water flow. Unfortunately, this regime and its naturally configured varia tion patterns get disturbed failing to absorb the stresses induced by our ever-increasing demands and environmentally irresponsive use of water.To evaluate the shifts in the pre and post-reservoir hydrologic parameters, the effect of Wimbleball Reservoir have been analysed found on the long-term flow-patterns of the downstream discharge of the reservoir. The digest was conducted by a very half-hardy statistical model called the IHA model. Both long term differences and RVA analysis understand substantial impacts of manmade reservoir insure on the biota of the Exe-catchment.Introduction body of water bodies like rivers, streams, channels, etcetera serve a dual function being essential source points for our day-to-day water requirements as salutary being its transporters or carriers by flowing in and channelling water downstream to the river beds, catchments and agricultural fields in the process supporting and sustaining the biological diversity and integrity of the aquatic, w etland and riparian species and natural ecosystems. Our earth is overly called the water planet as water forms approximately 70% of its total surface (The Ground Water Foundation,2003) but only a part of it is available for our use. This realization has long back prompted us to take up some water management rules.In the beginning, water management practices were very oft focused on issues like water quality and flood control heartbeats and the general strategy was never so broad to include different aspects like water quantity, stream flow management and restoration (BD, Richter, etal,1997)2. However, issues pertaining to water quantity, flow, restoration, etc. gradually started to get prominence in our policy framework succeeding(a) a landmark order passed by the US Supreme Court localizeing the detachment of water quality from water quantity and flow as an artificial distinction and recommending incorporation of both water quality and quantity objectives in a broader and comprehensive water management policy framework (US-EPA, 2002)3.Water quality, quantity flow conditions are in way inseparable features considering the fact that the bar of flow in a river effects m all issues of water quality and water quantity at the same cadence. Therefore, the assessment on the wholesomeness of water in whatsoever system is essentially dictated by the above conditions of quality, quantity and flow characteristics. Going by this approach broadens the overall water policy framework devising this a comprehensive management initiative. This shift in water management approach necessitated re-configuration of the erstwhile single or limited objective driven practice of flood storm water control thereby embracing a comprehensive initiative of total ecosystem management restoration having multi-utility potences.This system is very most-valuable and effective because this takes into account the sustainable use of water resources or water takings and their possible restoration (Dept. of Fisheries Oceans, Canada, 2002)4. Under the ambit of this, it is necessary that river water meets some essential qualitative and quantitative parameters and the stream-flow exhibits the dynamics and hydrological attributes (hydrologic regime) comparable to that of natural or unaltered river flow (Richter D. Brian etal) 5. This hydrologic regime or natural flow regime is the lifeline of freshwater ecosystem and all diverse variety of aquatic riparian species are for long accustomed and adapted to the characteristic temporal, spatial and hydrologic variations of water flow cycles credited(predicate) to the natural or unaltered water flow.Unfortunately, this regime and its naturally configured variation patterns get disturbed (Allan David HinzLeon, SNRE, 2004)6 failing to absorb the stresses induced by our ever-increasing water takings demands and environmentally irresponsive use of water. In fact, this is the point where gentleman intervention or controls a nd water integrity issues found themselves in a bluely confronting and contrary platform.Increased water demands compelling benignant actions like braid of water reservoirs, dams, impoundments, etc. for storing and victimisation water for domestic, energy and hydropower, artificial parks and various opposite uses have started taking their toll on river waters and water bodies substantially degrading the quality, quantity and importantly squeezing the downstream water flows(Benue, A. C. 1990). This flow reduction in rivers consequential to manmade flood and irrigation control practices like reservoirs and dams are found to alter the natural hydrologic regime bringing in a series of impairments to overall ecosystem and likewise opening up a vernal front in the field of river and hydrology studies. This paper aims to assess the variations in the hydrological parameters of a river system specifically attributable to impacts of man-made interventions or controls like reservoirs . Primarily, the research ambition is to identify and evaluate the course of alterations in the hydrologic profile by analysing the long-term historical as rise up recent water flow records rangeative of the pre-impact and post-impact plosive consonant of construction and commissioning of a typical reservoir. An emerging computer tool called the IHA (Indicators of Hydrologic Alterations) has been applied to generate scenarios and die the data. The records and data needs for this study have been sourced from an existing gauging station in the Exe river of South-West England strategically selected to represent the set of the Wimbleball Reservoir.Natural bunk government activity Hydrologic Alterations Ecological Signifi great dealceThe creation of natural flow regime is based on the understanding that aquatic and riparian organisms depend upon, or provide abide arrange of flow conditions specific to each species (Puff etal, 1997)7.For example, certain fish species moves i nto safer floodplain areas during floods to feed and escape from attacks of early(a) species occupying the main water body thereby adapting a mechanism to survive and carry on all by itself. This in a way indicates that if flooding occurs at the right time of the grade, and lasts for the right amount of time, these fish populations will benefit from the flood event finally. Again as a contrast to this case, other species may be adversely affected by the same flood.With the development of the science of hydrology, it has been confirmed with a good breaker point of confidence that hydrologic regime with all its natural and temporal variations (both intra- annual and inter-annual) are needed to exert and compensate the natural form and function of aquatic ecosystems. However, this prerequisite is not in line with the traditional water management practice which is functionally attuned to influence and dampen natural fluctuations with the objective to provide steady and undisturbed add on of water for different in-stream and out-of-stream activities(Richter et al., 2003) .Moreover, for intervening and containing uttermost(prenominal) drought and flood events, the traditional water management initiatives rather relied on moderating and limiting flow fluctuations. Many studies indicate natural flow regime as a determinant toing-stream flow needs of a water body. For example, (Richter et al,1996) and (Puff et al. 1997) generalized that natural flow conditions may indicate and descend in-stream flow requirements. There exists a correlation surrounded by stream-flow and other physicochemical characteristics critical to ecological integrity of streams and rivers(Puff etal., 1997).Precisely, flow can be associated to some direct as well indirect or secondary impacts and as such(prenominal) flow characteristics can be used as surrogates for other in-stream indicators and ecosystem conditions and importantly the components of a flow regime as shown infigure-1, are very much accessible to scientific inquiry (IFC, 2002,Poff et al. 1997, Richter et al., 1996) .Any disruption, fragmentation and dilution of this natural regime of water-flow leads to Hydrological alteration and in general, this can be defined as any anthropogenic disruption in the magnitude or time of natural river flows (Biosciences, 50-9, 2000). The natural flow regime of a river is dependent on various factors including rainfall, temperature and evaporation when considered in a broader geographic scale or macro-scale and is also influenced by the physical characteristics of a catchment at the catchment direct or micro-scale(Rash et al, 1988) .As mentioned earlier, river flow regimes are also affected directly and indirectly by human activities. Such human interventions disrupting natural flow of a river through construction and operation of reservoirs and dams have the potential of triggering a series of undesirable consequences like extensive ecological degradation, loss of b iological diversity, water quality deterioration, groundwater depletion, and also more frequent and intense flooding(Puff et al, 1997).Reservoir are built to store water to compensate for fluctuations in river flow, thereby providing a measure of human control of water resources, or to raise the level of water upstream to either increase hydraulic head or enable diversion of water into canal. The creation of storage and head allows reservoirs to generate electricity, to supply water for agriculture, industries, and municipalities, to mitigate flooding and to assist river navigation(Rash et al. 1988). The biological effects of hydrologic alterations are often difficult to disentangle from those of other environmental gaps in heavily essential catchments as identified by Rosenberg et al. (Environmental Reviews 5 2754, 1997) .The impacts of large-scale hydrological alteration include home ground fragmentation indoors rivers (Dynes us and Nilsson 1994) , downstream habitat changes, such as loss of floodplains, riparian zones, and adjacent wetlands and deterioration and loss of river deltas and ocean estuaries (Rosenberg et al. 1997)36,deterioration of irrigated terrestrial environments and associated surface waters (McCall 1996) . Hydrological alterations also bring another(prenominal) indirect or secondary impacts on the genetic, ecosystem and global levels.They can cause genetic isolation through habitat fragmentation (Pringle 1997) , changes in processes such as nutrient pass and primary productivity (Pringle 1997, Rosenberg et al. 1997),etc. With the realization of the importance of natural flow regime and the possible dangers posed by human alterations, there emerged a relatively new and promising water and ecology management paradigm. Many researchers started seeing this as a very comprehensive and sound management option and on many a(prenominal) occasions stressed regarding the urgency of protecting or restoring natural hydrologic regimes (Sparks 19 92National Research Council, Doppler et al. 1993 and Dynes us Nilsson 1994) . Effective ecosystem management of aquatic, riparian, and wetland system requires that existing hydrologic regimes be characterized using biologically-relevant hydrologic parameters, and that the degree to which human-altered regimes differ from natural or preferred conditions be related to the status and trends of the biota(BD, Richter, etal, 1997).Ecosystem management efforts should be considered experiments, testing the need to maintain or sophisticate natural hydrologic regime characteristics in order to sustain ecosystem integrity. Only some limited studies have closely examined hydrologic influences on ecosystem integrity and this is mainly because most of the unremarkably used statistical tools are poorly suited for characterizing hydrologic data into biologically relevant attributes(BD, Richter, etal, 1997). Without such knowledge, ecosystem managers will not be compelled to protect or restore nat ural hydrologic regime characteristics.However, recently, there have been some significant developments in the field of hydrological studies and importantly few robust computer statistical tools and models like IHA cut back of Variability Approach (RVA) using the (Indicators of Hydrologic Alterations, BD, Richter, etal, 1997), Wetted Physical Habitat Simulation System (PHABSIM Model, Jowett, 1997)35, Flow Incremental Methodology (FIM), other Hydrologic Modelling Software like GAWSER, Ontario Flow Assessment Techniques (OFAT), etc. are now known to exist(Jowett, 1997).The following sections attempt to evaluate and assess the possible effects of hydrological alteration specifically induced by human interventions or activities. A very useful computer model called the model (available at Freshwaters.com) has been used for generating and evaluating the effects of flow variations. The ecological zone considered for analysis in this paper is the Exe river Estuary region and the gauging s tation selected is 45001 Exe at Thorverton.The Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) Method Approaches ApplicationThe evaluation and assessment of the flow regime of the Exe-river system and the variations it witnessed after the construction of the Wimbleball Reservoir have been accomplished by the application of Avery detailed computer-modelling tool known as the IHA or Indicators of Hydrologic Assessment model. The software basically takes birth from the concept of integrity and wholesomeness of the natural flow regime and is configured and capable of determining the relative transformations and variations in this natural flow regime subject to any natural or artificial modifications or alterations (BD, Richter, etal, 1997).At first, it requires defining and identifying a series of biologically-relevant hydrologic attributes that characterize intra anointer-annual variations in water conditions which are further processed for a robust statistical variation analysis after is olating the data-sets to represent two different periods resembling the pre-impact and post-impact scenarios (Rosenberg, et al, 2002). The Nature Conservancy is now the custodian of this statistical tool, which is very useful for assessing the degree to which human activities have changed flow regimes (US-EPA, 2002). Brian D. Richter and et al. from the Nature Conservancy (Richter D. Brian, etal, 1996-97) have identified four basic for this analysis and they are(I) Define the data series (e.g., stream-gauge or well records) for pre- and post-impact periods in the ecosystem of interest.(ii) Calculate set of hydrologic attributes Values for each of 32ecologically-relevant hydrologic attributes are calculated for each year in each data series, i.e., one set of determine for the pre-impact data series and one for the post-impact data series.(iii) Compute inter-annual statistics Compute measures of central style and dispersion for the 32 attributes in each data series, based on the determine calculated in step 2. This produces a total of 64 inter-annual statistics for each data series (32 measures of central tendency and 32 measures of dispersion).(iv) Calculate values of the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration -Compare the 64 inter-annual statistics between the pre- and post-impact data series, and present each result as a percentage deviation of onetime period (the post-impact condition) relative to the other (there-impact condition). The mode equally can be used to compare the state of one system to itself over time (e.g., pre- versus post-impacts just described) or it can be used to compare the state of one system to another (e.g., an altered system to a reference system), or to compare current conditions to simulated results based on models of future modification to a system.The same computational strategies will work with any regular-interval hydrologic data, such as monthly take to bes however, the sensitivity of the IHA method for detecting hydrolog ic alteration is increasingly compromised with time intervals longer than a day (Richter. Brian, etal, 1996-97). Detection of certain types of hydrologic impacts, such as the rapid flow fluctuations associated with hydropower generation at dams, may require even shorter (hourly) interval. They have also suggested that the basic data for estimating all attribute values may preferably be daily mean water conditions (levels, heads, flow rates).Hydrologic conditions in general can vary in four dimensions within an ecosystem (three spatial dimensions and time).However, the three spatial domains can be scaley down to one with the assumption that only one spatial domain exists at any strategic location over time in a river system. Restricting the domain to one specific point within a hydrologic system (like any measuring point in river) makes it simple for us to identify specific water conditions with one spatial and one temporal domain.These events may be specific water conditions like h eads, levels, rate of change, etc. (Richter Brian, etal, 1996) whose temporal variations can be recorded and assessed from that particular spatial point or from a single position. Such temporal changes in water conditions are commonly pictured as plots of water condition against time, or hydrographs.Here, we seek to study and analyse the variations in hydrologic conditions using indicators and attributes, which should essentially be biologically relevant as well as responsive to human influences or modifications like reservoir and dam trading operations, ground water pumping, agricultural activities, etc. at the same time (Richter D. Brian, etal,1996,). Importantly, a variety of features or parameters of hydrologic regime can be used and functionally superimposed (Sense South wood 1977, 1988 Puff Ward 199040 to virtually represent and finally characterize the physical habitat templates (Townsend Hilde, 1994)43 or environmental filters (Sense Eddy 1992)42that shape the biotic compo sition of aquatic, wetland, and riparian ecosystems.The IHA method is based on 32 biologically relevant hydrologic attributes, which are divided into five major groups to statistically characterize intra-annual hydrologic variation as showman Table-1. These 32 attributes are based upon the following five fundamental characteristics of hydrologic regimes1. the magnitude of the water condition at any given time is measure of the availability or suitability of habitat, and defines such habitat attributes as wetted area or habitat volume, or the position of water table relative to wetland or riparian plant rooting zones2. the timing of natural event of particular water conditions can determine whether certain life cycle requirements are met, or influence the degree of stress or mortality associated with extreme water conditions such as floods or droughts3. the frequency of occurrence of specific water conditions such as droughts or floods may be tied to replica or mortality events for various species, thereby influencing population dynamics4. the date of time over which a specific water condition exists may determine whether a particular life cycle phase can be completed, or the degree to which stressful effects such as inundation or desiccation can accumulate5. the rate of change in water conditions may be tied to the stranding of certain organisms along the waters edge or in pounded depressions, or the ability of plant roots to maintain contact with phreatic water supplies.A detailed representation of the hydrologic regime can be obtained from these 32 parameters for the purpose of assessing hydrologic alteration. Importantly, all the parameters having good ecological relevance do not call for any parameter specific statistical analysis and all of them can be processed by single and unique approach like they (Kozlowski 1984 Bustard 1984 Puff Ward 1989)46. Also, because certain stream-flow levels shape physical habitat conditions within river channels, it is n eeded to identify some hydrologic characteristics that might aid in detection of physical habitat alterations. (Richter D. Brian, etal, 1997).Sixteen of the hydrologic parameters focus on the magnitude, duration, timing, and frequency of extreme events, because of the permeant influence of extreme forces in ecosystems (Gaines Denny 1994)48 and geomorphology (Leopold1994)49 and other 16 parameters measure the central tendency of either the magnitude or rate of change of water conditions (Table-2). The rationale underlying the five major groupings and the specific parameters included within each are described below.Table-2 Summary of various Hydrological GroupsGroups Descriptions Number of total Hydrologic Parameters 1 Magnitude of monthly water conditions 12 2 Magnitude duration of annual extremes 10 3 Timing of annual extremes 02 4 Frequency duration of high low pulses 04 5 Rate frequency of change in conditions 04Group-1 Magnitude of Monthly Water ConditionsThis group include s 12 parameters, each of which measures the central tendency (mean) of the daily water conditions for a given month. The monthly mean of the daily water conditions describes normal daily conditions for the month, and thus provides a general measure of habitat availability or suitability. The similarity of monthly means within a year reflects conditions of relative hydrologic constancy, whereas inter-annual variation (e.g., coefficient of variation) in the mean water condition of a given Month provides an expression of environmental contingency (Colwell 1974 Puff Ward1989). The terms constancy and contingency as used here refer tithe degree to which monthly means vary from month to month (constancy),and the extent to which flows vary within any given month(contingency).Group-2 Magnitude and Duration of Annual Extreme Water ConditionsThe 10 parameters in this group measure the magnitude of extreme(minimum and maximum) annual water conditions of various duration, ranging from daily to seasonal. The durations that we use follow natural or human-imposed cycles, and include the 1-day, 3-day, 7-day(weekly), 30-day (monthly), and 90-day (seasonal) extremes. For any given year, the 1-day maximum (or minimum) is represented by the highest (or lo westerly) single daily value occurring during the year thematic-day maximum (or minimum) is represented by the highest (or lowest) multi-day average value occurring during the year. The mean magnitudes of high and low water extremes of various duration provide measures of environmental stress and disturbance during the year conversely, such extremes may be necessary precursors or triggers for reproduction of certain species. The inter-annual variation (e.g. Coefficient of variation) in the magnitudes of these extremes provides another expression of contingency.Group-3 Timing of Annual Extreme Water ConditionsThis group includes 02 parameters one measuring the Julian date of the 1-day annual minimum water condition, and the oth er measuring the Julian date of the 1-day maximum water condition. The timing of the highest and lowest water conditions within annual cycles provides another measure of environmental disturbance or stress by describing the seasonal nature of these stresses. Key life cycle phases (e.g. Reproduction) may be intimately linked to the timing of annual extremes, and thus human induced changes in timing may cause reproductive failure, stress, or mortality. The inter-annual variation in timing of extreme events reflects environmental contingency.Group-4 Frequency and Duration of High and Low PulsesThis group has 04 parameters include two, which measure the number of annual occurrences during which the magnitude of the water condition exceeds an upper threshold or remains below a lower threshold, respectively, and two, which measure the mean duration of such high and low pulses. These measures of frequency and duration of high- and low-water conditions together portray the pulsate behaviou r of environmental variation within a year, and provide measures of the shape of these environmental pulses. Hydrologic pulses are defined here as those periods within a year in which the daily mean water condition either rises above the 75th percentile (high pulse) or drops below the25th percentile (low pulse) of all daily values for the pre-impact time period.Group-5 Rate and Frequency of Change in Water ConditionsThe four parameters included in this group measure the number and mean rate of both positive and negative changes in water conditions from one day to the next. The Rates and frequency of change in water conditions can be described in terms of the abruptness and number of intra-annual cycles of environmental variation, and provide a measure of the rate and frequency of intra-annual environmental change.Assessing Hydrologic AlterationIn assessing the impact of a perturbation on the hydrologic regime, we want to determine whether the state of the perturbed system differs si gnificantly from what it would have been in the absence of the perturbation. In particular, we want to test whether the central tendency or degree of inter-annual variation of an attribute of interest has been altered by the perturbation (Stewart-Oaten et al.1986)55. The assessment of impacts to natural systems often poses difficult statistical problems, however, because the perturbation of interest cannot be replicated or randomly assigned to experimental units (Carpenter 1989 Carpenter et al. 1989 Hulbert 1984Stewart-Oaten et al. 1986)66.The lack of replication does not hinder estimation of the magnitude of an effect, but limits inferences regarding its causes. However, the IHA method is robust and can be easily adapted to more sophisticated experimental designs. A standard statistical comparison of the 32 IHA parameters between two data series would include tests of the null hypothesis that the central tendency or dispersion of each has not changed. However, this null hypothesis is generally far less kindle in impact assessments than questions about the sizes of detectable changes and their potential biological importance. A standardized process for assessing hydrologic impacts is included within the IHA software.The Range of Variability Method (RVA) is another analysis frame in which to assess change in structured manner. This method of determining hydrologic alteration is based on the theory that there is natural variability in stream-flow. The RVA software would plot and determine whether an activity, such as water taking, would alter the stream-low outside this normal variability. Significant alteration would occur if the stream-low regime were altered more than one standard deviation from the natural variability, which may have ecological consequences.Development of Pre- and Post-Impact scenariosWhen adequate hydrologic records are available for both there-impact and post-impact time periods, application of the IHA method will be relatively straightfo rward using the statistical procedures described above. When pre- or post-impact records are nonexistent,include data gaps, or are little in length, however, various datareconstruction or estimation procedures will need to be employed. Examples of such procedures include the hydrologic record extension techniques described by Searcy (1960) and Alley ruin (1983).Hydrologic simulation modelling or water budgeting techniques can also be used to synthesize hydrologic records for comparison using the IHAmethod (Linsley et al. 1982)73.Accounting for Climatic DifferencesClimatic differences between the pre- and post-impact time periods obviously have the potential to substantially influence the out father of the IHA analysis. Various statistical techniques can be used to test for climatic differences in the hydrologic data to be compared. When the IHA analysis is to be based upon actual hydrologic measurements rather than estimates produced from models, a reference site or set of sites uninfluenced by the human alterations being examined can be used as climatic controls (Alley Burns 1983).For example, stream-gauge may exist upstream of a reservoir thought to have wedged study site. Analyses can establish a statistical relationship between stream-lows at the study site and at the upstream reference site using synchronous pre-dam data sets for the two sites. This relationship can then be used to estimate the stream-low conditions that would have occurred at the study site during the post-impact time period in the absence of the reservoir.IHA Application- Description of Study SiteAs mentioned earlier, the principal motive of this study is tantalize and evaluate the impacts, if any, of human interventions like reservoir operations on the overall sanctity and natural integrity, i.e. the natural hydrologic regime of water bodies like rivers. Here the operation of a well know reservoir in the south-west coast of Britain called the Wimbleball reservoir has been identifie d as the human intervention point which is sufficiently used to store and supply water to cater to human needs like hydropower, drinking water supply, etc. (SW-Environment Agency, 2003)81 and eventually it ends up regulating a river system in the process.The down-stream water body and habitat, which is expected to come under the influence of the alterations resulting from the Wimbleball reservoir operations, considered here is the Exe-river estuary system. The main motivation for selection of the above reservoir and the river system happens to bathe strategically located river monitoring system (gauge-station),which falls in the influence zone. This station is designated asNo.45001-Exe at Thorverton having a grid reference of 21 (SS) 936016 (NRFA Data Holdings, 2005)66. Figure-2 ( enclose) shows diagrammatic representation of the Exe-river catchments area along with the positions of the river and reservoir. The national authority NRFA, describes the monitoring station as Velocity-a rea station with cableway and flat V-Crump profile weir constructed in 1973 due to unstable bed condition (NRFA, 2005)66.There also exists minor culvert flow through mill u/s of station included in rating. Notably, Low flows are affected significantly by the operations of the Wimbleballreservoir post-1979 and by exports to the Taw catchment. Station iscontrol point for operational releases from Wimbleball (NRFA DataHoldings, 2005)66. The headwaters drain Exmoor and the geology is predominantly Devonian sandstones and Carboniferous Culm Measures, with subordinate Permian sandstones in the east, Moorland, forestry and arrange of agriculture (NRFA Data Holdings, 2005)66. The Exe Estuary is partially an enclosed tidal area composed of both aquatic (marine, brackish and freshwater) and terrestrial habitats.The Estuary makes an important contribution to the diversity of British estuaries by virtue of its unspoilt nature, world-wide conservation importance, recreational opportunities a nd high landscape value(SW-Environment Agency, 2003) . This Estuary flows through an open landscape with gently rolling hills on either side. It is shallower than many estuaries in the south west of England, so the tide plays significant role, wit

Three Plans For Reconstruction Essay -- essays research papers

Analysis of the Three Plans for ReconstructionThe American Civil War, lasting from 1861-1865, was the around severe military competitiveness the country had seen it involved the United States of America (the Union), and eleven secessionist Southern kingdoms (the Confederate States of America). The struggle was the upshot of decades worth of political, social, and economic conflict between the agricultural South, which produced mainly cash crops such as cotton, tobacco, and sugarcane, and the industrial North. The South depended on its four million slaves for its social and economic livelihood, whereas the North scorned slavery as immoral and illegal. Even before General Lees surrender in 1865, the federal g all overnment was confronted with an acute dilemma, how to reunite the country. first-class honours degree Lincoln, then Johnson, and lastly Congress, imposed their ideas of how best to recompense the Union, that is to say properly execute the task of Reconstruction.Reconst ruction was initiated by incumbant President Abraham Lincoln before the war ended. On December 8, 1963, Lincoln revealed his rather extremely lenient Reconstruction purpose. He proposed to grant a pardon to any confederate (excluding high-ranking officials), who would ramble their allegence to the Union and accept the end of slavery. If ten dollar bill percent of the 1860 voting population had taken the oath, that state would hold a constitutional convention. If the delegates had written a state constitution endorsing the 13th Amendment, that state could be re-admitted to the Union. Andrew Johnson, President Lincolns Vice President, and successor after his assasination in April of 1865, unveiled his own Reconstruction plan on May 29 of the same year. Johnsons plan, which closely resembled Lincolns, said the President would appoint a governor to each state (after ten percent of the 1860 population took the oath Lincoln had prescribed in 1863), who would convene a constitutional co nvention. At this convention, the state had to write a new constitution, keep off secession, abolish slavery, ratify the 13th Amendment, and stop the payment of war debts. If given a pardon by the President, former Confederate officers and persons owning land worth over $20,000, could vote. Johnson felt that under his plan, Reconstruction would take a few months in fact, the belief that his plan was too lenient towards the South he granted 13,000 pardo... ...to restore Southern society to antebellum status (as demonstrated by his vetos of the Freedmens Bureau, and of the Civil Rights Bill) and as a result, replenish the ruined Southern economy.Congressional Reconstruction, brought on a complete social revolution in the south. The South had a military occupation on their hands, and due to their continual resistance to Reconstruction allowed for the passage of seven separate legislations, aimed at changing their way of life. Politically, blacks had significant potential with the ri ght to vote, especially in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Louisiana, where they were the majority of the population. Blacks managed to gain seventeen sit in Congress (two were in the Senate), and an equivalent number of state offices. Had the South agreed to Lincolns terms, or even Johnsons, they would have been able to track politically, socially and economically just as they had before the war. Unfortunately for the South, their pride and ignorance, caused them to unknowingly choose the greater of three evils. Although Reconstruction ultimately failed, it would have reach optimal results had the South accepted Lincolns Reconstruction Plan.

The Relationship between the People and the Land in Willa Cathers O Pi

The Relationship between the People and the Land in Willa Cathers O Pioneers For the first time, perhaps, since that land emerged from the waters of the geologic ages, a human face was commit toward it with love and yearning This quotation cuts straight to the heart of Willa Cathers whole argu handst throughout O Pioneers, which is that it is Alexandra Bergsons will to survive and continu exclusivelyy adapt which makes her successful -the facts that her neighbours are unintentional to take up new ideas and technologies, they are unwilling to gamble, and, worse, unwilling to bear in mind to those whose relationship with the landscape is harmonious and respectful (such as that of Ivar), mark them down as part of the legacy of ignorant, unadventurous past. Alexandra is not content with a nonplus such as Ivars, though she does not seek to subsume herself into nature, but to respectfully co-exist with it until she can in a greater development tame it. Whereas Ivar and wishes to leave no mark, she has more controversial ideas. It is this which marks her out as something exceptional she was born with the fiery imagination of the true pioneer, born to prosper in the struggle in which she was bound(p) to succeed while so many men broke their hearts and died (page 46). If she is so destined to succeed, she must similary be destined to make her mark on society of the time, on its established traditions, and sweep them divagation in order for a brighter world vision to take their place. in that location is overwhelming evidence presented by Cather for the inability of American society to coexist harmoniously with the individualist immigrant they can accept only those who are willing to endorse to the conformist doctrine ... ...ndras face there was that exalted serenity that sometimes came to her at moments of deep feeling. (page 170) She has clear eyes (same page), with the inference being that she sees clearly now above all other tim es of realisation. It follows from her life and story that the land is a metaphor for nature, which is in and of itself bound up in the experience of human life. BIBLIOGRAPHY O Pioneers, Willa Cather, Oxford University Press, 1999. The grace and the Looking Glass Willa Cathers Search for Value, John H. Randall III, Houghton Mifflin Company Boston, The Riverside Press Cambridge, 1960. FOOTNOTES all told quotes taken from the set text unless otherwise noted. 1. Back cover repeat of O Pioneers 2. Randall, page 68 3. Randall, page 291 4. Randall, page 20 5. Randall, page 72 6. Randall, page 67 The Relationship between the People and the Land in Willa Cathers O PiThe Relationship between the People and the Land in Willa Cathers O Pioneers For the first time, perhaps, since that land emerged from the waters of the geologic ages, a human face was set toward it with love and yearning This quotation cuts straight to the heart of Willa Cathers whole argum ent throughout O Pioneers, which is that it is Alexandra Bergsons will to survive and continually adapt which makes her successful -the facts that her neighbours are unwilling to take up new ideas and technologies, they are unwilling to gamble, and, worse, unwilling to listen to those whose relationship with the landscape is harmonious and respectful (such as that of Ivar), mark them down as part of the legacy of ignorant, unadventurous past. Alexandra is not content with a position such as Ivars, though she does not seek to subsume herself into nature, but to respectfully co-exist with it until she can in a greater development tame it. Whereas Ivar merely wishes to leave no mark, she has more controversial ideas. It is this which marks her out as something special she was born with the fiery imagination of the true pioneer, born to prosper in the struggle in which she was destined to succeed while so many men broke their hearts and died (page 46). If she is so destined to succeed, she must similary be destined to make her mark on society of the time, on its established traditions, and sweep them aside in order for a brighter world vision to take their place. There is overwhelming evidence presented by Cather for the inability of American society to coexist harmoniously with the individualist immigrant they can accept only those who are willing to subscribe to the conformist doctrine ... ...ndras face there was that exalted serenity that sometimes came to her at moments of deep feeling. (page 170) She has clear eyes (same page), with the inference being that she sees clearly now above all other times of realisation. It follows from her life and story that the land is a metaphor for nature, which is intrinsically bound up in the experience of human life. BIBLIOGRAPHY O Pioneers, Willa Cather, Oxford University Press, 1999. The Landscape and the Looking Glass Willa Cathers Search for Value, John H. Randall III, Houghton Mifflin Com pany Boston, The Riverside Press Cambridge, 1960. FOOTNOTES All quotes taken from the set text unless otherwise noted. 1. Back cover copy of O Pioneers 2. Randall, page 68 3. Randall, page 291 4. Randall, page 20 5. Randall, page 72 6. Randall, page 67