Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Essay

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Context 1. Introduction 2. Literature Review 3. A review of relevant material related to the selected entrepreneur. 4. Analysis 5. Conclusion 6. References 1. Introduction Nowadays, businesses are facing development problems. Problems are included: the competitors, management system, leadership and so on. For entrepreneurs, the leadership is an essential leadership quality. It is not only an idea or a reality. Leadership is relating to not only the individual, but also the social. An entrepreneur will not be able to manage his company and staff if he has not good leadership. Similar, he is also unable to accommodate changeful environment market. This means that, even though you hold some good staffs and excellent physical conditions, however, you cannot develop and use these resources. IBM is a historic and very good company, and its product distribute hundred countries. Recalling the history of IBM’s growth, there is a very important person, he is Thomas Watson, Jr, the second-generation president of IBM.

Working with Exceptional Children

The importance for an Educational Assistance in getting more general information about children with exceptionalities is needed because more schools across Canada are integrating more exceptional children into regular classrooms settings . According to a study that was done and revealed that in the mid 60’s there was about 1000 children with learning disabilities within the public school system, almost 20 years later, the numbers sky rocketed to be around 197,000 these numbers were mentioned in the EADP course. These numbers are still growing and the concept of inclusion was first implemented in the mid 1980’s. Many institutions were shut down and many of the children were either sent back home into their communities and in other cases where this wasn’t an option they were sent into group homes. In the classroom it change to where some student were sent to experience educational integration. The children would have the joy of the experience some of the school structure and activities which includes gym, arts, home economics and other program to suit their needs. With the process of mainstreaming the class sizes are increasing, therefore the teacher’s responsibilities are greater. This impacts educational assistants by having to upgrade their knowledge. The teacher’s responsibilities towards all students is to make them feel safe in the school environment. They are also responsible for planning a curriculum that will meet every students needs, to the child who are considered normal and to the children who are considered exceptional. In the teacher’s curriculum adaptation is needed so each child receives the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to progress in their abilities. With the help of an educational assistant who has received general information about children with exceptionalities the teacher’s work load is alleviated. Knowledge helps the educational assistant effectiveness in interacting with children who are exceptional. The educational assistant will have a better understanding of the teacher’s needs and the needs of children with exceptionalities. There is a broad range of different exceptionalities so the educational assistant need to be flexible and learn how to deal basis. The educational assistant will know how to carry out the program that was adapted for the child without any long explanations from the teacher. The educational assistant, will facilitate the task and give the teacher more time to give one on one time to every individual student. Also knowing how to carry out the program will help to facilitate the integration of the child to the regular classes. The knowledge and importance of knowing how to take proper written documentation will ensure accurate and helpful data on the child progress. It will record on daily a basis which will help the teacher and the team to make adaptations in their intervention plan so that the child will be able to reach their long and short term goals. As a team player the educational assistant will have the knowledge and help play an important role with the teacher in implementing techniques of behaviour management which will increase effectiveness in the classroom. With time, peoples view and acceptance have changed making children with exceptionalities easier to integrate in the classroom . The demands of educational assistant have also changed with time . The task of an educational assistant has become more complex and they are now playing a bigger role and assuming more responsibilities. Having more general knowledge about exceptional children is essential. Well trained educational assistants are a key resource for teachers, children and the whole school system as they all work together as a team for the child.

Bachelor’s Degree and Scholarship Essay

At Full Sail University, we understand that deciding where and how to pursue higher education is an important and life-changing decision. This guide is designed to help you understand your financial options when it comes to Full Sail University by providing a detailed list of possible scholarships that may be available to you, as well as the guidelines and requirements applicable to each scholarship. If you have any questions about the information in this booklet or would like to apply for any of the scholarships within, please contact an Admissions Representative at 800. 226. 7625. 2 Campus Scholarships. 3 Anniversary SCHOLARSHIP MISSION STATEMENT Full Sail University is dedicated to the encouragement and development of future generations of entertainment and media professionals. To demonstrate our commitment, Full Sail University introduces the Anniversary Scholarship program. This program is designed to offer assistance to qualified individuals who are passionate about a career in the entertainment media industry. 4 Anniversary SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The Anniversary Scholarship program will award up to $10,000 to eligible Full Sail 20- to 21-month campus Bachelor degree program candidates. See more: how to write a scholarship essay for study abroad This scholarship fund is limited and will be awarded to all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and according to the award determination process as outlined below. HOW TO APPLY †¢ The Anniversary Scholarship application must be submitted to the Full Sail Scholarship Committee prior to the desired start date. †¢ To apply for this scholarship, please contact your Admissions Representative at 800. 226. 7625. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must have applied for a start date beginning May 6, June 3, or July 8, 2013 as a new student to Full Sail. †¢ Applicants must have completed a formal interview with their Full Sail Admissions representative. †¢ An interruption of training, change of degree program, or withdrawal may result in cancellation of scholarship award and disbursement(s). Student understands that a change of student status may impact eligibility. †¢ The Anniversary Scholarship may be used with other Full Sail University scholarship programs. †¢ Final award of scholarship is contingent upon receipt of all required Admissions and Financial Aid documents by start date. †¢ Students who delay their start date will forfeit eligibility. †¢ Funds from the Anniversary Scholarship may be used only toward the tuition of an eligible Full Sail 20- to 21-month campus Bachelor degree program. †¢ The scholarship is nontransferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ Financial aid available for those who qualify. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. AWARD NOTIFICATION †¢ Recipients will be notified by the Full Sail University Admissions department prior to beginning their degree program, provided eligibility requirements above are met. †¢ Scholarship amount will be disbursed throughout student’s academic years, as applicable, and divided equally between academic years. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for an Anniversary Scholarship must: †¢ Complete an Anniversary Scholarship application and an original 250-word essay on â€Å"Your Place in the Entertainment Media Industry in Ten Years† in the area provided. 5 Full Sail Merit SCHOLARSHIP MISSION STATEMENT Full Sail University is dedicated to the encouragement and development of future generations of media professionals. In an effort to further this encouragement and development, Full Sail introduces the Full Sail Merit Scholarship Program. This program is designed to offer assistance to deserving individuals passionate about a career in the entertainment media industry. Through the Full Sail Merit Scholarship Program, eligible participants may receive up to $3,000 toward the tuition of any Full Sail campus degree program. 6 Full Sail Merit SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The Full Sail Merit Scholarship Program will award up to $3,000 to eligible candidates. Scholarship amounts will vary. HOW TO APPLY †¢ The Merit Scholarship Application must be submitted to the Full Sail Scholarship Committee at least two weeks prior to the desired start date. †¢ Official Final Transcripts must be submitted to the Full Sail Enrollment Department and on file at least two weeks prior to start date. †¢ Full Sail will reference official transcripts to confirm GPA eligibility. †¢ To apply for this scholarship, please contact your Admissions Representative at 800. 226. 7625. †¢ Recipients will be notified on Propeller: Launch the Thursday following the application deadline date. †¢ The scholarship will be disbursed during the student’s final academic year, as applicable. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must have applied for a 2013 start date as a new student to Full Sail. †¢ Applicants must have filled out a FAFSA or confirmed cash payments. †¢ Funds from the Full Sail Merit Scholarship may be used only toward the tuition of a Full Sail Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Science campus degree program. †¢ The scholarship is non-transferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for a Merit Scholarship should: †¢ Be a minimum of 18 years old or have the consent of a parent(s)/ guardian(s) to attend Full Sail †¢ Have earned a standard high school diploma †¢ Have achieved a minimum overall GPA of 3. 0 on a 4. 0 (B average) scale during their secondary education, or postsecondary (30 semester credits minimum) education 7 The Full Sail Alumni SCHOLARSHIP MISSION STATEMENT Full Sail University is dedicated to the encouragement and development of current and future generations of media professionals. In an effort to further this encouragement and development, Full Sail introduces the Full Sail Alumni Scholarship Program. This program is designed to offer assistance to deserving alumni passionate about advancing their career and education in the entertainment media industry. Through the Full Sail Alumni Scholarship Program, eligible participants may receive up to $3,000 toward the tuition of any Full Sail campus degree program. 8 The Full Sail Alumni SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The Full Sail Alumni Scholarship Program will award up to $3,000 to eligible Full Sail students enrolled for an additional campus degree program as a returning student. Scholarship amounts will vary. HOW TO APPLY Full Sail will reference the student’s overall grade as of the deadline date to confirm grade eligibility. †¢ To apply for this scholarship, please contact your Admissions Representative at 800. 226. 7625. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must have applied for a 2013 start date as a new student to Full Sail. †¢ Applicants must have filled out a FAFSA or confirmed cash payments. †¢ Funds from the Full Sail Alumni Scholarship may be used only towards the tuition of a Full Sail Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Science campus degree program. †¢ The scholarship is non-transferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for an Alumni Scholarship should: †¢ Have achieved a minimum overall grade of B or better in previous Full Sail coursework (80 overall numeric grade average) †¢ Have graduated or will graduate from their previous Full Sail campus degree program as a student in good academic and financial standing †¢ Have demonstrated an exceptional ability and dedication to their desired path in the entertainment media industry AWARD DETERMINATION Recipients will be notified on Propeller: Launch the Tuesday following the application deadline date. 9 Full Sail Entertainment & Media Industry SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN MISSION STATEMENT Full Sail University maintains its commitment to taking dreams seriously by offering the Entertainment & Media Industry Scholarship for Women. This program is designed to offer assistance to deserving women with the potential to make a positive impact on the entertainment industry based on their demonstrated talent, passion, and skills. Through the Full Sail Entertainment & Media Industry Scholarship for Women Program, eligible participants may receive up to $2000 toward the tuition of any Full Sail campus degree program. 10 Full Sail Entertainment & Media Industry SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN AWARDS The Full Sail Entertainment & Media Industry Scholarship for Women Program will award up to $2000 to eligible candidates. Scholarship amounts will vary. HOW TO APPLY †¢ The Entertainment & Media Scholarship for Women Application must be submitted to the Full Sail Scholarship Committee the Tuesday prior to the desired start date. †¢ To apply for this scholarship, please contact your Admissions Representative at 800. 226. 7625. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must have applied for a 2013 start date as a new student to Full Sail. †¢ Applicants must have filled out a FAFSA or confirmed cash payments. †¢ Funds from the Full Sail Entertainment & Media Scholarship for Women may be used only towards the tuition of a Full Sail Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Science Degree Program. †¢ The scholarship is non-transferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for an Entertainment & Media Industry Scholarship for Women should: †¢ Be a female first-time student starting a Full Sail University campus degree program. †¢ Have demonstrated an exceptional ability and dedication to their desired path in the entertainment media industry by submission of a 250-word essay. Original essay is on â€Å"How Women Can Have a Positive Impact on the Entertainment and Media Industry. † AWARD DETERMINATION †¢ Applicants’ submissions will be evaluated by a scholarship committee on the following criteria: originality, composition, clarity, and relevance to the topic. †¢ Notification Recipients will be notified via Propeller: Launch, Full Sail’s enrollment portal, on the Tuesday following the application deadline date. †¢ Scholarship will be disbursed throughout the student’s academic years, amount to be divided equally between semesters, as applicable. 11 Platinum Dream SCHOLARSHIP MISSION STATEMENT Full Sail University, one of the world’s foremost colleges for entertainment media and media communications, is dedicated to the education and encouragement of future generations of media professionals. In an effort to  further this dedication and encouragement, Full Sail introduces the Full Sail Platinum Dream Scholarship Program. The purpose of this program is to aid deserving individuals that are focused on careers in entertainment media by assisting them with financial need related to their education. 12 Platinum Dream SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Through The Full Sail Platinum Dream Scholarship Program, eligible participants may receive scholarship funds if need is demonstrated. HOW TO APPLY The Platinum Dream Scholarship nominees will be submitted by a Full Sail University Enrollment Guide or Financial Aid Administrator. Contact your Enrollment Guide or Financial Aid Administrator for details. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must have already applied and have been accepted for admission or must be currently enrolled at Full Sail University. †¢ Applicants must have earned a standard high school diploma or equivalent GED. †¢ Funds from the Full Sail Platinum Dream Scholarship may be used only towards the tuition of a Full Sail Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science Degree Program. †¢ The scholarship is non-transferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ Funds may not be used to cover Full Sail Application Fee or Seat Deposit. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for a Platinum Dream Scholarship should: †¢ Be a minimum of eighteen years old or have the consent of a parent(s)/guardian(s) to attend Full Sail †¢ Have completed the Admissions/Financial Aid process and demonstrate need, calculated based on a need-based formula †¢ Have completed a FAFSA and fulfilled all Admission Requirements. 13 Global Achievement SCHOLARSHIP MISSION STATEMENT The Full Sail Global Achievement Scholarship is designed to encourage and develop future international entertainment and media professionals throughout the world. Through the Global Achievement Scholarship, eligible participants may receive up to $5,000 toward the tuition of their Full Sail campus degree program. 14 Global Achievement SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The Global Achievement Scholarship will award up to $5,000 to eligible campus degree program candidates. This scholarship fund is limited, and will be awarded to all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and according to the award determination process as outlined below. HOW TO APPLY The Global Achievement Scholarship application must be submitted to the Full Sail Scholarship Committee prior to the desired start date. †¢ To apply for this scholarship, please contact your Admissions Representative at 800. 226. 7625. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must have conducted a formal interview with their Full Sail Admissions Representative. †¢ Applicants must have applied for a 2013 start date as a new student to Full Sail. †¢ Applicants must have applied as a new student for a Full Sail campus degree program. †¢ Applicants must have met the entrance requirements for the desired Full Sail campus degree program. †¢ A change of degree program, interruption of training, or withdrawal may result in cancellation of scholarship award and disbursement. Student understands that a change of student status may impact eligibility. †¢ The Global Achievement Scholarship may be used with other Full Sail scholarships. †¢ Funds from the Global Achievement Scholarship may be used only toward the tuition of a Full Sail campus degree program. †¢ The scholarship is nontransferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ Financial aid available for those who qualify. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for a Global Achievement Scholarship must: †¢ Be a non-US citizen. †¢ Complete and submit the Global Achievement application, and an original 500-word essay on â€Å"How My Full Sail Education Will Help Me Achieve My Career Dream† prior to the first day of class. AWARD DETERMINATION. †¢ Applicants’ essays will be evaluated by a scholarship committee on the following criteria: originality, composition, clarity and relevance to the topic. Essays judged outstanding will be awarded. †¢ Recipients will be notified by the Full Sail University Admissions Department prior to beginning their degree program, provided eligibility requirements above are met. †¢ Scholarship amount will be disbursed throughout student’s academic years, amount to be divided equally between semesters, as applicable. 15 Dedication SCHOLARSHIP MISSION STATEMENT. The Full Sail Dedication Scholarship is designed to encourage and develop future entertainment and media professionals who demonstrate true dedication to achieving excellence within their chosen career path. Through the Dedication Scholarship, eligible participants may receive $1,000 toward the tuition of their Full Sail campus degree program. Students may qualify to receive up to $1,000 in additional funding after beginning their education. 16 Dedication SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The Dedication Scholarship will award $1,000 to eligible campus degree program candidates in their first academic year. An eligible student may be awarded up to $1,000 in additional Dedication Scholarship in their second academic year. This scholarship fund is limited, and will be awarded to all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and according to the award determination process as outlined below. HOW TO APPLY The Dedication Scholarship application must be submitted to the Full Sail Scholarship Committee prior to the desired start date. †¢ To apply for this scholarship, please contact your Admissions Representative at 800. 226. 7625. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must have applied for a 2013 start date as a new student to Full Sail. †¢ Applicants must have applied as a new student for a Full Sail campus degree program. †¢ A change of degree program, interruption of training, or withdrawal may result in cancellation of scholarship award and disbursement. Student understands that a change of student status may impact eligibility. †¢ The Dedication Scholarship may be used with other Full Sail scholarships. †¢ Funds from the Dedication Scholarship may be used only toward the tuition of a Full Sail campus degree program. †¢ The scholarship is nontransferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ Financial aid available for those who qualify. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. AWARD DETERMINATION †¢ Applicants’ essays will be evaluated by a scholarship committee on the following criteria: originality, composition, clarity and relevance to the topic. †¢ Applicants’ Full Sail documentation will be referenced for verification of attendance and date attended at a Behind the Scenes Tour. Applicants’ GPA and GPS score upon completion of first academic year will be referenced for eligibility of subsequent awards as applicable. †¢ Recipients will be notified by the Full Sail University Admissions Department prior to beginning their degree program, provided eligibility requirements above are met. Students will be notified by the Academic Success Department of subsequent awards earned while student is attending. †¢ The $1,000 scholarship award for Behind the Scenes Tour attendance will be disbursed in first academic year, amount to be divided equally between semesters. The $500 award for 3. 0 GPA and/or the $500 award for 100% GPS score will be disbursed in last semester of second academic year, as applicable. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for a Dedication Scholarship must: †¢ Have attended one of Full Sail’s monthly Behind the Scenes Tours a year or less prior to beginning class †¢ Complete and submit the Dedication Scholarship application, and an original 250-word essay on â€Å"Dedication and My Career Dream† prior to the first day of class in order to be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship award in the first academic year †¢ Maintain a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3. 0 for first academic year, for an additional $500 award †¢ Maintain a minimum, cumulative Global Professionalism Standards (GPS) score of 100% for first academic year, for an additional $500 award 17 Online Scholarships 18 Full Sail Education Media SCHOLARSHIP FOR TEACHERS MISSION STATEMENT Full Sail University is dedicated to the encouragement and development of current and future generations of teachers who want to incorporate the tools of media professionals to create a dynamic learning environment. In an effort to further this encouragement and development, Full Sail introduces the Full Sail Education Media Scholarship for Teachers Program. This program is designed to offer assistance to deserving teachers passionate about advancing their career knowledge and educational role. Through the Full Sail Education Media Scholarship for Teachers Program, eligible participants may receive up to $12,000 toward the tuition of the Full Sail Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts, Education Media Design & Technology Master of Science and the Media Design Master of Fine Arts degree programs. 19 Full Sail Education Media SCHOLARSHIP FOR TEACHERS – ONLINE AWARDS This scholarship provides awards of up to $12,000 to eligible students who meet specific criteria based on financial need. To determine initial eligibility, all applicants must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (www. fafsa. ed. gov) and review their Federal Student Aid Report with a Full Sail Financial Aid Advisor. HOW TO APPLY Check with your Admissions Representative or Financial Aid Administrator for the deadline date applicable to your start date. Deadlines are typically the Friday two weeks prior to the first day of your degree program. †¢ Full Sail will reference student’s date of application for admission, documentation of teaching certificate, or submitted official letters of position, to confirm eligibility. †¢ To apply for this scholarship, please contact your Admissions Representative at 800. 226. 7625. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must send in Full Sail’s application for enrollment for the Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts, Education Media Design & Technology Master of Science, or Media Design Master of Fine Arts Degree. †¢ Applicants must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). †¢ Applicants must meet all admission requirements for acceptance into the degree program by the chosen start date. †¢ Funds from the Full Sail Education Media Scholarship for Teachers may be used only towards the tuition of the Full Sail Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts, Education Media Design & Technology Master of Science, or Media Design Master of Fine Arts Degree Program. †¢ The scholarship is non-transferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ The Education Media Scholarship for Teachers may be used with other Full Sail scholarship programs. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for an Education Media Scholarship for Teachers must: †¢ Currently reside in the United States or Puerto Rico. †¢ Be certified as a teacher, any grade, Kindergarten through 12. Proof of certification required. Teachers at private or charter schools not requiring certification must submit an official letter from their principal stating their current teaching position and job responsibilities on school letterhead. †¢ Guidance counselors and other administrators in public education Kindergarten through grade 12, impacting students and teachers on a continual educational basis, may apply with an official letter from their principal or manager stating current position and job responsibilities on school letterhead. AWARD DETERMINATION †¢ Recipients will be notified by the Full Sail University Admissions department prior to the student beginning their degree program, provided eligibility requirements above are met. †¢ Scholarship will be disbursed throughout the student’s academic years, amount to be divided equally between semesters, as applicable. NOTIFICATION Recipients will be notified on Propeller: Launch the Tuesday following the application deadline date. †¢ Recipients will be notified by the Full Sail University Financial Aid department prior to student beginning their degree program, provided eligibility requirements are met. 20 Student Success SCHOLARSHIP MISSION STATEMENT Full Sail University is dedicated to the encouragement and development of future generations of media professionals. To demonstrate our commitment, Full Sail University introduces the Student Success Scholarship program. This program is designed to offer assistance to qualified individuals passionate about a career in the entertainment media industry. 21 Student Success SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Effective for students enrolled in an eligible degree program, the Student Success Scholarship program will award up to $3,000 to eligible candidates. Scholarship amounts will vary by degree program. AWARD DETERMINATION †¢ Full Sail University will reference SAP at the end of the student’s first semester to confirm eligibility. †¢ Scholarship will be disbursed in either the first or second academic year based upon the student’s degree program. †¢ Students enrolled in the following online degree programs are eligible to apply: †¢ Computer Animation Bachelor of Science †¢ Creative Writing for Entertainment Bachelor of Fine Arts †¢ Digital Cinematography Bachelor of Science †¢ Entertainment Business Bachelor of Science †¢ Game Art Bachelor of Science †¢ Game Design Bachelor of Science †¢ Graphic Design Bachelor of Science †¢ Internet Marketing Bachelor of Science †¢ Media Communications. Bachelor of Science †¢ Mobile Development Bachelor of Science †¢ Music Business Bachelor of Science †¢ Music Production Bachelor of Science †¢ Sports Marketing & Media Bachelor of Science †¢ Web Design & Development Bachelor of Science MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for a Student Success Scholarship must: †¢ Complete and submit the Student Success Scholarship application prior to the first day of class †¢ Achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the end of the first semester of their Full Sail degree program and be an active full-time student. PROVISIONS †¢ Applicants must have already applied for admission to Full Sail University for an eligible online degree program. †¢ Applicants must have met the entrance requirements for the desired Full Sail University Online degree program. †¢ A change of degree program, interruption of training, or withdrawal may result in cancellation of scholarship award and disbursement(s). Student understands that a change of student status may impact eligibility. †¢ The Student Success Scholarship may be used in conjunction with other Full Sail University scholarships for which student is eligible. †¢ Funds from the Student Success Scholarship may be used only toward the tuition of Full Sail bachelor of fine arts and bachelor of science online degree program. †¢ The scholarship is non-transferable and has no redeemable cash value. HOW TO APPLY The Student Success Scholarship application must be submitted to the Full Sail Scholarship Committee at least one week prior to the desired start date. †¢ To apply for this scholarship, please contact your admissions representative at 800. 226. 7625. †¢ Financial aid available for those who qualify. †¢ SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ARE LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. 22 Path? nder SCHOLARSHIP MISSION STATEMENT Full Sail University is dedicated to the encouragement and development of future generations of media professionals. To demonstrate our commitment, Full Sail University introduces the Pathfinder Scholarship program. This program is designed to offer assistance to qualified individuals passionate about a career in the entertainment media industry. 23 Path? nder SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Beginning May 7, 2013, the Pathfinder Scholarship program will award up to $6,500 to eligible students. HOW TO APPLY †¢ The Pathfinder Scholarship application must be submitted to the Full Sail Scholarship Committee at least one week prior to the desired start date. †¢ Check with your Enrollment Guide for the deadline date applicable to your start date. PROVISIONS †¢ The scholarship may be reallocated to future financial aid years based on the student’s tuition need. †¢ An interruption of training, change of degree program, or withdrawal may result in cancellation of scholarship award and disbursement(s). Student understands that a change of student status may impact eligibility. †¢ The Pathfinder Scholarship may be used with the Student Success Scholarship. †¢ Final award of scholarship is contingent upon receipt of all required Admissions and Financial Aid documents by start date. †¢ Students who delay their start date will forfeit eligibility. †¢ Funds from the Pathfinder Scholarship may be used only toward the tuition of a Full Sail University online bachelor’s degree program. Funds may not be used to cover the Full Sail University application fee. †¢ The scholarship is nontransferable and has no redeemable cash value. †¢ Financial aid is available for those who qualify. †¢ THE PATHFINDER SCHOLARSHIP FUND IS LIMITED AND WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE UNTIL DEPLETED. MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible for consideration, those applying for a Pathfinder Scholarship must: †¢ Have applied for admission to Full Sail University for an online bachelor’s degree program and start classes on June 3rd, July 8th, or August 5th, 2013. †¢ Have met the entrance requirements for the desired Full Sail University online degree program. †¢ Have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (www. fafsa. ed. gov) and reviewed their Federal Student Aid Report with a Full Sail University Enrollment Guide. †¢ Have completed the Online Education Readiness Evaluation (OERE)* and been found as highly competent, as determined by Full Sail University. †¢ Have completed the Enrollment/Financial Aid process and demonstrated need, calculated by a need-based formula. * The OERE assesses whether the student has the necessary skills, competencies, and access to technology to succeed in a distance education environment. The evaluation consists of a pre-entry questionnaire, a student preferences survey, and an Online Education Readiness Module. AWARD NOTIFICATION †¢ Recipients will be notified by their Enrollment Guide prior to beginning their degree program, provided eligibility requirements above are met. †¢ Scholarship amount will be disbursed throughout student’s academic years, as applicable, based on the student’s tuition need. 24 View as multi-pages TOPICS IN THIS DOCUMENT Bachelor of Science, Bachelor’s degree, Student financial aid, Master’s degree, Academic degree, Financial aid, Undergraduate education, Scholarship. RELATED DOCUMENTS Associate’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree †¦ either an associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree and with good reason. Although it takes time, and can be expensive, the benefits of getting your college degree are worth it. In this essay I will compare the associate’s degree to the bachelor degree focusing on the amount of time it takes, what it costs, and what the benefits are for degree holders. An associate’s degree is a†¦ 4375 Words | 2 Pages READ FULL DOCUMENT Analysis of Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing †¦ John Wolf, president of Wolf Motors, had just returned to his office after visiting the company’s newly acquired automotive dealership. It was the fourth Wolf Motors’ dealership in a network that served a metropolitan area of 400,000 people. Beyond the metropolitan area, but within a 45-minute drive, were another 500,000 people. Each of the dealerships in the network marketed a different make of automobile and historically had operated autonomously. Wolf was particularly excited about this†¦ 4375 Words |

How can we make globalization something that brings prosperity to Essay - 1

How can we make globalization something that brings prosperity to everyone - Essay Example Wal-Mart had a net income of 12,731,000,000 on total revenue of $378,799,000,000 in accordance with documents filed by SEC in 2008. By opening trade with other countries, the ability to dictate what is being produced and how, and giving consumers more power, globalization thus helps to flood the market. In a situation where consumers collectively buys only environmentally friendly products, then companies would be forced to a transition to meet our demands thus making a world a cleaner place. Thus, globalization contributes to a sustainable property for all. This helps the people get above the poverty line by increasing competition that in turn helps to bring down the prices of commodities or, services. The competition for goods and services is affected by globalization e.g. the price of goods and services is brought down by increasing their supply. Thus, globalization will help benefit the world. According to the video, De Soto thinks globalization is limited in its current form. Ma jority have been left out in terms of the legal structures that give rise to it. Globalization must actually include the majority of the people on earth to be truly worth its name. it links elites from the post-soviet world and the developing world to the world economy. The legal revolution that has been taking place especially in the west is because of the market economic system. De Soto argues that if these market institutions are brought down, it could take another few centuries to develop. Hernando De Soto is one person that believes in the power of trade. His hard work helped to get the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement passed. He also always speaks out in favor of giving the poor access to wider markets. Elites can only be globalizing with the current existing globalization. Elites can only gain access in developing countries, because the costs of entry are high. Increased trade and open markets are key to eliminating poverty. Once the poor enter the legal system and have access th ey need, they will definitely prosper as per the evidence gathered by the institute of liberty and democracy (ILD). There are many overall benefits of trade. According to law of comparative advantage, the less productive countries will benefit from trade with countries that are more productive. This is because producers who are stronger can trade in order to free up resources thus enabling them to specialize. The lower prices that an economy of scale and specialization engenders are some of the things that the customers will benefit from. The video clearly illustrates that globalization process had already taken place in the late 19th century. The foreign investment and trade were fairly globalised before world war1. Labor markets were more globalised at the beginning of the twentieth century than at its end simply because of low political obstacles to international migration. The great depression and two world wars halted the process of global market integration for almost half a c entury. The process later regains speed and force. Due to faster, reliable and inexpensive transport and communication, some service providers and producers of goods in low-wage countries have been able to challenge high-cost producers in rich countries on

Human resource Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human resource - Assignment Example Being a service-oriented company Emirates Airlines aims to provide excellence to its customer and nothing less then that in order to keep growing and meeting its target to become the world best airline. The airline has won more than 400 awards all over the world for its top quality services and consistent performance. To date, the airline is operating in seventy different countries and it flies over 120 destinations across the world. Almost every day, Emirates Airlines fly in and out of Dubai and around over 1200 flights fly from Dubai towards six different continents. Emirates airline alone accounts for 40 percent of the flights coming and going out of Dubai (Birtles, 1998). Currently, the company operates with more then 170 aircrafts. The airline is famous for its in-flight cuisine and, excellent entertainment system and excellent services and overall experience. Human Resource Management The basic purpose of the Human Resource Management is to meet the company’s strategic g oal and objectives by incorporating the right type of employees in to the company and by provide them the right amount of satisfaction by meeting their needs and making them comfortable with the companies operations. Specifically, it is responsible for the useful and capable use of inadequate human resource. Since service is one the most important element in the airline, industry it becomes extremely significant to take every action to ensure that the customers travelling through Emirates Airline get an unmatched and unparalleled customer service experience. Thus, training and development becomes a key factor for the Emirates Airline as it helps the people working there to serve its customer in the best possible manner (Bundhun, 2011). The cabin crew of Emirates is considered the best in this business. The special thing about this crew is that it contains people with variety of nationalities. According to report by the Emirates Airline, the crew comes from over a 120 countries speak ing 80 plus languages. The cabin crew is in charge for the plane onboard operations since it is directly in contact with its customers (Collins, 2002). The company spends mere 5 to 6 percent of its revenue on training and development as opposed to any other airline company that at an average spends only 3 to 4 percent. Training and Development Training and development program is an important part of any service-oriented organization like the Emirates Airline. With the help of training and development programs employees overall productivity and efficiency increases which results in providing better services to its customers (Jha, 2005). Once the training is complete employees are benefitted with big allowances and increment in their salaries as their worth to the organization increase. Emirates Airline has a very effective training and development program designed for its employees. It is a three-step program the first step being the assessment, which requires some questions to be an swered like what is required, when and where it is required, and by whom it is required. Once the answer to these questions have been determined we move on to the next step which is the training activity conducted in order to complete the necessities of the first step. The last step is the evaluation step designed to measure the results of the second step and the overall impact on

Art Humanities class Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Art Humanities class - Assignment Example Apparently, one location shows the connection of the statue with the government and the power that it wishes to convey. In addition, the author performs visual analysis through taking photographs of the statue and commenting on its physical structure and movement, as well as its facial expressions. The language focuses on the action and energy of the sculpture, and this is effective in relation to the author’s thesis, regarding the political implications of David’s location. Moreover, this reading is enjoyable because it treats a usual art placement meeting as a decision that affects the meaning of the statue through the goals of the decision makers. Response to Thucydides’ â€Å"Funeral Oration of Pericles† Thucydides records the Funeral Oration that Pericles delivered after the beginning of the first campaign of the war. During this speech, Pericles gives tribute to the fallen heroes of Athens. He praises the virtues of Athens first through extolling the virtues of the people. For him, the Athenians have built a great city because of their virtues and love for learning and simple beauty in life. He argues that these soldiers did not die in vain because they died for the greatest people and city in history. He bases his arguments on the social, political, and economic values and attributes of Athens as a city and as a civilization. Pericles can be quite flowery with his words, but it must be because of the nature of the oration. He wants to emphasize that the people of Athens have to be proud of their courage because their courage protects their freedoms. Some of the confusing parts of the speech are when Pericles mentions certain people, places, and events that are unfamiliar. Nevertheless, further research will prove their relevance to the oration. Moreover, Pericles does not conduct any visual analysis on a specific artwork. Nonetheless, he alludes to the architecture of Athens that manifests the people’s power and glory. The descriptive language combines simile, metaphors, allusions, and symbolisms. They are effective because they reinforce the idea that Athens is worth fighting and dying for. The families of the dead should find moral solace in the sacrifices of their loved ones because they died for something meaningful and worthwhile. Aside from these effective uses of description, the reading is enjoyable because of its discussion of the merits of Athens. It reminds readers of patriotism that turns courage into a trait related to one’s national origins. Response to Alberti’s â€Å"On Painting† This writing has a clear identifiable thesis, where Alberti argues that paintings are important because they record important personalities and events, while also remarking on the skills of the painter. He believes that painting is a sacred duty and process, as it serves to replicate reality as it its, and if God made reality, then painting is an act of recreation, and to some extent, creation. Alberti supports his claims with sayings from great artists and personalities and by mentioning painting’s evolution throughout human history. He establishes that painting is part of the essence of humanity. In addition, Alberti explains the composition of painting: circumscription, composition, and reception of light, which offers a form of visual analysis of

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Specialism Essay

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Specialism - Essay Example But the company holds over 60,000 products ranging from adhesive tapes to office stationary. The company is built around the chemical technology of coating and bonding (Strebel, 1987). Other mentionable items include equipment for traffic and safety signs, medical supplies, magnetic tapes and CDs. Their strategy of applying adhesive coating technologies to products has remained lucrative throughout their corporate history (Grant, 1991). The company also manufactures electrical equipment. The reason behind this success in innovation is its effective knowledge management system (Cavusgil, Calantone and Zhao, 2003). In the beginning, the company pursued a policy where the top management informally encouraged innovation but during later years the company formalized its innovation policy. It has built a culture based around innovation. Impressive financial success allows the company to maintain its innovation policy. Looking at 3Ms history it appears that their research and development culture is composed of elements that have not been modified in the companys 90 year history, but still the company is recognized for environmental leadership (Mitsch, 1992). 3M started its operations by selling sandpaper of inferior quality. It was quite an art to sell such a product. The company achieved this by getting closer to their clientele. They pursued a policy of relationship building with the customers. They demonstrated to the workmen how they could use this product. It was an example of relationship selling. This strategy taught the company a valuable lesson to get close with the customers and get to know their exact needs. Building such a relationship with the customers also gave the company an advantage where they could realize other market opportunities. The company apprehended early on that they could not simply compete based on price. The company identified certain niches that they could capitalize on. The first product they focused on was Three-M-Iteâ„ ¢

International businesse in emerging market Assignment

International businesse in emerging market - Assignment Example The emerging market accelerated growth of its international business, which were up 4% y-o-y. In June 2014, the company planned to invest $20 billion in a gas-fired power complex in Vietnam. In its planning, the company recognized the need to create a partnership with a host well-known company in Vietnam in an attempt to sell its products in this emerging market. It, therefore, collaborated with Vietnam’s state-owned petrol Vietnam. It erected two power plants with a capacity to produce between 6000 and 6500 megawatts of power. In this perspective, the company focuses on capturing the gas and oil market in Vietnam through provision of cheaper prices and diversified oil and gas brands (Regester & Larkin, 2014). It proposed to position its operation in 700 locations and several retail operations. The strategy aims to present its brands closer to consumers and therefore making its brand most accessible products in Vietnam. Vietnam is one of the top five developing nations in Asia. It has a robust middle class, a crucial driver of economic expansion in a developing country. It is valid to argue that middle class mainly supports the policy change significantly to the success of the country and in supporting capitalist democracy. The country has the fastest-growing middle class in the whole Southeast Asia and is expected to double in size from 12 million (2014) to 32 million by 2020. Generally, Exxon Mobil was experiencing various impending challenges in Vietnam such as complex foreign investment laws, corruption in infrastructure projects, lack of comprehensive and transparent legal system and restricted land usage rights (Plunkett, 2014). However, Vietnam is currently undergoing trade liberalization through negotiations toward a free agreement with the European Union (Van Dyke, et al., 2014). The negotiation presents viable market to Exxon Mobil since its objects to

Communication In Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Communication In Business - Essay Example The citizenship mission meets the community needs and makes the company more responsible towards the society. The company advocates the important role of good corporate citizenship, which helps people and businesses to realize their full potential. The Microsoft company reports highlight that, and the reports take into account the interests of all the stakeholders such as governments, employees, customers, shareholders, partners and communities. In fact, the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the FTSE4 Good Index also admitted that Microsoft is the leader of corporate citizenship. Steven A. Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft Corp, explained that the company has many social activities. For instance, Microsoft YouthSpark empowers young generation through education and technology. Its ‘Technology for Good’ initiative donates software to non-profit organizations and it extends its impact through knowledge sharing. The sensitive approach gets reflected in its ‘Humanitarian Response’ chapter. The company’s ‘Accessibility’ chapter deals with creating opportunities for disabled people and wellness for senior people. According to the UN report, nearly 15 per cent of the global populations are disabled. The term disability is basically an umbrella concept that includes physical, mental, cognitive or emotional impairment, or it can be combination all these challenges. A disability can be inborn or can be developed afterwards. The UN fact sheet also estimated that there are 1 billion people who live with some sort of disability. They are the largest minority globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that this figure increases with growth of population, aging process and medical advancement and Microsoft tries to combat the huge challenge with the help of technology. It believes that technology can empower people. Microsoft introduced accessibility features into its, software, and hardware

Organisation Structure Essay Example for Free

Organisation Structure Essay The structure is totally centralized. The strategic leader makes all key decisions and most communication is done by one on one conversations. It is particularly useful for new (entrepreneurial) business as it enables the founder to control growth and development. They are usually based on traditional domination or charismatic domination in the sense of Max Webers tripartite classification of authority. [edit] Bureaucratic structures Weber (1948, p. 214) gives the analogy that â€Å"the fully developed bureaucratic mechanism compares with other organizations exactly as does the machine compare with the non-mechanical modes of production. Precision, speed, unambiguity, †¦ strict subordination, reduction of friction and of material and personal costs- these are raised to the optimum point in the strictly bureaucratic administration. †[5] Bureaucratic structures have a certain degree of standardization. They are better suited for more complex or larger scale organizations. They usually adopt a tall structure. Then tension between bureaucratic structures and non-bureaucratic is echoed in Burns and Stalker[6] distinction between mechanistic and organic structures. It is not the entire thing about bureaucratic structure. It is very much complex and useful for hierarchical structures organization, mostly in tall organizations. [edit] Post-bureaucratic The term of post bureaucratic is used in two senses in the organizational literature: one generic and one much more specific [7]. In the generic sense the term post bureaucratic is often used to describe a range of ideas developed since the 1980s that specifically contrast themselves with Webers ideal type bureaucracy. This may include total quality management, culture management and matrix management, amongst others. None of these however has left behind the core tenets of Bureaucracy. Hierarchies still exist, authority is still Webers rational, legal type, and the organization is still rule bound. Heckscher, arguing along these lines, describes them as cleaned up bureaucracies [8], rather than a fundamental shift away from bureaucracy. Gideon Kunda, in his classic study of culture management at Tech argued that the essence of bureaucratic control the formalisation, codification and enforcement of rules and regulations does not change in principle.. it shifts focus from organizational structure to the organizations culture. Another smaller group of theorists have developed the theory of the Post-Bureaucratic Organization. [8], provide a detailed discussion which attempts to describe an organization that is fundamentally not bureaucratic. Charles Heckscher has developed an ideal type, the post-bureaucratic organization, in which decisions are based on dialogue and consensus rather than authority and command, the organization is a network rather than a hierarchy, open at the boundaries (in direct contrast to culture management); there is an emphasis on meta-decision making rules rather than decision making rules. This sort of horizontal decision making by consensus model is often used in housing cooperatives, other cooperatives and when running a non-profit or community organization. It is used in order to encourage participation and help to empower people who normally experience oppression in groups. Still other theorists are developing a resurgence of interest in complexity theory and organizations, and have focused on how simple structures can be used to engender organizational adaptations.

Agriculture co-operative societies

Agriculture co-operative societies Agriculture co-operative societies An agricultural cooperative, also known as a farmers co-op, is a cooperative where farmers pool their resources in certain areas of activity. A broad typology of agricultural cooperatives distinguishes between agricultural service cooperatives, which provide various services to their individually farming members, and agricultural production cooperatives, where production resources (land, machinery) are pooled and members farm jointly. Agricultural production cooperatives are relatively rare in the world, and known examples are limited to collective farms in former socialist countries and the kibbutzim in Israel. Worker cooperatives provide an example of production cooperatives outside agriculture. The default meaning of agricultural cooperative in English is usually an agricultural service cooperative, which is the numerically dominant form in the world. There are two primary types of agricultural service cooperatives, supply cooperative and marketing cooperative. Supply cooperatives supply their members with inputs for agricultural production, including seeds, fertilizers, fuel, and machinery services. Marketing cooperatives are established by farmers to undertake transformation, packaging, distribution, and marketing of farm products (both crop and livestock). Farmers also widely rely on credit cooperatives as a source of financing for both working capital and investments. Why farmers form cooperatives Cooperatives as a form of business organization are distinct from the more common investor-owned firms (IOFs). Both are organized as corporations, but IOFs pursue profit maximization objectives, whereas cooperatives strive to maximize the benefits they generate for their members (which usually involves zero-profit operation). Agricultural cooperatives are therefore created in situations where farmers cannot obtain essential services from IOFs (because the provision of these services is judged to be unprofitable by the IOFs), or when IOFs provide the services at disadvantageous terms to the farmers (i.e., the services are available, but the profit-motivated prices are too high for the farmers). The former situations are characterized in economic theory as market failure or missing services motive. The latter drive the creation of cooperatives as a competitive yardstick or as a means of allowing farmers to build countervailing market power to oppose the IOFs. The concept of competitive yardstick implies that farmers, faced with unsatisfactory performance by IOFs, may form a cooperative firm whose purpose is to force the IOFs, through competition, to improve their service to farmers. A practical motivation for the creation of agricultural cooperatives is sometimes described as overcoming the curse of smallness. A cooperative, being an association of a large number of small farmers, acts as a large business entity in the market, reaping the significant advantages of economies of scale that are not available to its members individually. Three typical examples are a machinery pool, a marketing cooperative, and a credit union. A family farm may be too small to justify the purchase of a tractor or another piece of farm machinery for its own use; a machinery pool is a cooperative that purchases the necessary equipment for the joint use of all its members as needed. A small farm does not always have the means of transportation necessary for delivering its produce to the market, or else the small volume of its production may put it in an unfavorable negotiating position with respect to intermediaries and wholesalers; a cooperative will act as an integrator, collecting t he output of its small members and delivering it in large aggregated quantities downstream through the marketing channels. A small farmer may be charged relatively high interest rates by commercial banks, which are mindful of high transaction costs on small loans, or may be refused credit altogether due to lack of collateral; a farmers credit union will be able to raise loan funds at advantageous rates from commercial banks because of its large associative size and will then distribute loans to its members on the strength of mutual or peer-pressure guarantees for repayment. An Integrated Automation Solution for Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS) One of the major concerns in any developing economy is the efficacy of the rural financing systems that advances credit to its large population of rural poor. Such operations are plagued by small size of the loans, inadequate risk profiling of loanee, large volume of transactions, non-standardized operations, and difficulty in monitoring credit disbursal and collection. Nelitos MFin brings the benefit of computerization into the field of micro-finance that helps to achieve the following: Reduction in operational cost Standardization of operation Production of reports for statutory monitoring and transparent operations Reduce the risk of lending Transacting in cash and kind Prudent saving habits Easiness of installation Minimal training Mfin (Micro Finance) launched during 1996 has been accepted as both private and public sector banks are aggressively planning to tap the rural potentiality. Major Functional Modules Savings Bank Current Accounts Cash Credit Accounts Daily Deposit Accounts Term Deposits Recurring Deposits Term Loans Trading Membership Accounting Key features Graphical User Interface Modular Approach Parameterized set up Online Help GL Maintenance Investment Register Gold Loans (Agriculture General) Kisan Credit Card Loans in kinds and Repayment in kinds Loans Against Deposit TL for Agriculture Allied Activity Standing Orders and Lien Noting NPA Marking and Reports Reconciliation Membership Accounting Investment Register Reconciliation Inventory Control Purchase Register Sundry Creditors Dividend Calculation Register Stock Statement Trial Balance Trading Account Trial Balance Profit Loss Accounts General Ledger Balance Sheet Statement of Account Statutory Reporting Agriculture cooperatives Various development activities in agriculture, small industry marketing and processing, distribution and supplies are now carried on through co-operatives. the co-operatives in the State have made an all-round progress and their role in, and contribution to agricultural progress has particularly been significant. The schemes regarding the construction of godowns and the conversion of villages into model villages. The Co-operative Movement was introduced into India by the Government as the only method by which the farmers could overcome their burden of debt and keep them away from the clutches of the money-lenders. The Co-operative Credit Societies Act, 1904 was passed by the Government of India and rural credit societies were formed . Through the appointment of registrars and through vigorous propaganda, the Government attempted to popularize the Movement in the rural areas. Within a short period, the Government realized some of the shortcomings of the 1904 Act and, therefore, passed a more comprehensive Act, known as the Co-operative Societies Act of 1912. The primary agriculture credit societies The agricultural co-operative credit structure in the Punjab State is broadly divided into two sectors, one dealing with the short-terms and medium-terms finance and the other with the long-term credit. In the State, the short-term and medium-term credit structure is based on a three-tier system, i.e., the Apex Co-operative Bank at the State level, the Central Co-Coperative Bank at the district/tehsil level and the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies at the village level. The major objectives of the primary agricultural credit service societies are to supply agricultural credit to meet the requirements of funds for agricultural production, the distribution of essential consumer commodities, the provision of storage and marketing facilities. Owing to an increasing emphasis on the development of land and agriculture, long-term co-operative credit has assumed great importance. There is the Punjab State Land Mortgage Bank at the Apex and the Punjab Mortgage Bank at the district/tehsil level. At the operational level, there exists a primary co-operative to extend credit to the farmer. This unit epitomizes the vitality and service potential of the Co-operative Movement in India. The organization of these societies dates back to 1904, when the first Co-operative Societies Act was passed. These societies were started with the object of providing cheap credit to the agriculturists in order to free them from the clutches of the rapacious money-lenders. the agricultural primary credit society is the foundation-stone on which the whole co-operative edifice is built. The first Agricultural Credit Society in the Firozpur District was registered on 4 October 1911, at the Village of Khalchi Kadim in the Firozpur Tehsil. Originally, the movement was confined to the credit societies only and, thus, credit dominated till the partition (1947). After the partition, the Co-operative Movement began to spread to other field, viz labour, construction and farming. Agriculture non-credit societies While credit is and must remain for some time the chief concern of the Co-operative Movement relatively slow, since 1912, when the non-credit societies were brought officially under the aegis of the Movement. the World War II (1939-45) came as a God send boon with respect to the development of the Co-operative Movement. Prices of agricultural goods began to rise and touched new peaks. The repayment of loans was accelerated and deposits began to pour in. The number of societies also rose. Another interesting development in co-operative during the War wast the extension of the Movement to non-credit activities, viz. Agriculture co-operative marketing societies Marketing has occupied a far smaller place in the co-operative picture in India than in many countries, notably Denmark and the USA, but not other non-credit line of co-operation, with the possible exception of the consolidation of land holdings and joint farming enterprises, seems to hold greater possibilities of help to the agricultural population of India. The development of co-operative marketing in India is closely bound up with the problem of credit-the claims of the money-lenders commonly inhibiting the cultivators freedom of action in disposing of his crop. The full utilization of loans advanced depends upon the arrangements for the marketing of surplus produce. For this purpose, there the Punjab State Marketing Federation at the State Level, wholesale societies at the district level and marketing societies at the market level. These societies also provide other agricultural facilities and make arrangements for the supply of domestic items in the rural areas. At the State level, the Punjab State co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation (MARKFED) is playing an important role in building up an integrated structure for remunerative marketing and storing of agricultural produce. it has played an important role in hastening the Green Revolution in the State by arranging ready supplies of essential farm inputs needed by the cultivators. Co-operative farming societies The Royal Commission on Agriculture in 1928 observed that it co-operation failed, there would fail the hope of the Indian agriculturist. Co-operative farming is a compromise between collective farming and the peasant proprietorship and gives all merits of large-scale farming without abolishing private property. It implies an organization of the farmers on the basis of common efforts for common interests. Under this system, all landowners in a village form a co-operativesociety for tilling the land. The land is pooled, but each farmer retains the right of property. The produce is distributed by each. They are allowed to withdraw fromthe co-operative farm whenever they de3sire. In India, the exceedingly small size of holdings is perhaps the most serious defect in our agriculture. If agriculture has to be improved, the size of the holdings must be enlarged. Type of societies Co-operative Weavers society Co-operative Consumers Societies Co-operative Housing Societies Co-operative Womens Societies Co-operative Milk-Societies Challenges before co-operatives The IndianCo-operative Movement has earned distinction of being the largest in the world.This is true in terms of membership and Co-operative network which spread over almost all the villages in the country and the number of Co-operative Societies. In our country, there are about 5.5 lakhs of cooperative Societies with membership of more than 22crores. It covers a wide range of commercial activities and nearly 50% of them are engaged in agriculture and agriculture related matters. Nearly 70% of the Indian population beingdependant on agriculture, is thus, connected with agricultural Co-operatives. Co-operatives have covered 100% of villages and 67% of rural households. Co-operative sectorcontributes 50% of total agricultural credit and distributes 35% of total fertilizer consumption in the Country. They are procuring 60% of total sugar-cane. They are also playing crucial role in the agro-processing sector i.e. processing of sugar-cane, milk, cotton and oil seeds etc.Dairy Co-operativ es have excelled in their area of operation and have enabled India to attain top position in milk production in the world. Edible oil marketed through Co-operative channel is estimated at 50% and handloom Co-operatives account for 55% of the total out-put. But in spite of being largest movement in the world and strongest link, it faces number of challenges like lack of internal resources and poor mobilization of external resources, inadequate infrastructure, competitive tier structure, apathy of members towards management, lack of accountability increasing sickness, dormancy, low level professionalism, excessive government control, political interference, dominance of vested interest over the management, lack of human resources development, education and training.Despite all challenges, Co-operatives have to be sustainable over a period of time for which professionalism is a must. Co-operatives have been looking for Governmental help. But they have been paying of it like official domination and interference in their day-to-day working etc. Dr. Kuriyan, an eminent co-operator in the country said recently that the Co-operatives have undergone a crisis of identity being neither government nor private. He further said that Co-operatives n eed to be more efficient and competitive, but at the same time they cannot sacrifice the basictenets of co-operation. Inefficient Co-operatives will have to either pull up their socks or down their shutters. Co-operatives have many advantages in tackling problem poverty alleviation, employment generation and food security. They also have the potential to deliver goods and services in areas where both the State and Private sectors have failed. Over the past few years, steps like the enactment of mutually aided Co-operative Societies Act by some States and the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act have been taken to give the Co-operative sector a boost. But I am aware that the Co-operatives registered under the Mutual Aided Act have certain constraints and deficiencies, which may be Lack of supervision and inspection by Registrar of Co-operative Societies resulting into financial misuse and disproportion institutional development. Government is hesitating to entrust any important government work since it does not have any participation. These Co-operatives are away from the mainstream. The Co-operative Banks and other important institutions are not prepared to admit them as members. NABARD and RBI are not agreeing for conversion of Central and Urban Co-operative Banks. R.B.I. has also objection about the use of word Co-operative since Banking Regulation Act uses the word Co-operative Society. Perhaps we are not prepared or educated or sensitized enough to work without control and supervision. Mischievous persons may take advantage of the situation to cheat the general public. When the Government are exploring the possibility of regulating the Non-governmental organizations having vast experience, it is doubtful as to whether the mutually aided Co-operatives in various field can give desired result. The circumstances and the situation give rise to the Co-operative Movement in the Country are still prevalent. The market is still not accessible to small and marginal farmers. Supply of agricultural credit is not adequate. About 50% of our rural and tribal household still have no facility for institutional credit. The Co-operatives are today at the cross road at their existence, particularly in view of the fast emerging economic liberalization and globalization. The Co-operatives still continued to function in a traditional way with poor governance and management, poor resource mobilization, outside interference, dependence on Government and lack of professionalization. The Co-operatives are neither member-driven nor functioned professionally in a transparent manner with accountability to members. In spite of all these, no doubt, the Co-operatives have contributed a lot to the agriculture development of the Country. We cannot afford to see that these institutions wither away. It nee ds reform. It is not-worthy to say that in the National Common Minimum Programme of present UPA Government it has been mentioned to bring constitutional amendment to ensure the democratic autonomous and professional functioning of Co-operatives. The constitutional amendment may limit itself with timely conduct of elections timely conduct of audit, uniform tenure of managing committee conduct of general body meetings right of a member for access to informations and the accountability of the management. In this context our strategies may be as follows. Co-operatives need be member-driven; stakeholders should have a command over its affairs and activities. There is need for more transparency, more of interaction and confidence -building measures. Aggressive marketing strategy be adopted for sensitizing members and general public about the service and quality rendered by the Co-operatives. Commitment to best service and pursuit for excellence should be the hallmark of Co-operative. Every society should adopt their customers or members charter and should meticulously adhere to this charter. Co-operative should compete with other players in prevailing market forces without any protectionist or discriminator approach. In respect of short-term, medium-term, long-term sector and Urban Bank sectors, restrictions have been stipulated by Reserve Bank of India, NABARD in respect of finance. These restrictions need be liberalized which would help Co-operative to optimize its lendable resources and provide finance to members. Strengthening information and database of Co-operatives if of utmost importance. MIS need be adopted by the process of computerization and inter-connectivity to provide best services to members and customers with anytime and anywhere service. Professionalization of management is one of the basic prerequisites of Co-operatives. Both the personnel as well as directors of committee of management should be exposed to regular training, interaction and orientation. Adoption of scientific planning for deployment of human resources on the principle of right man for the right post at right time would help Co-operatives to accelerate the pace of reforms. Human resources need be proactive. Motivation, recognition for good work and leadership be inculcated for augmenting productivity. Basic tenets corporate governance be adopted like fair play, transparency and accountability. The PACS, as the foundation of the Co-operative system are meeting the development needs of the farmers by providing credit, inputs and storage and processing and marketing facilities. The Co-operative federated at the district and State level constitutes the Co-operative system. But it is found that the Apex institutions have grown stronger whereas the primaries and in some cases, Central Co-operatives have gone weaker. The situation has to be changed and the primaries have to grow stronger. The business of the Primary Societies have to be diversified. Cooperative Credit in Agriculture Development (Role of agriculture co-operative societies in agriculture) Now-a-days credit serves as an elevator. It has been recognized as the life blood of all economic activities. Like all other producers,agriculturists also need credit. According to an old proverb, credit supports the farmers as the hangmans rope supports the hanged. This Statement is fully true in the context of Indian farmers. Thus, for stimulating the tempo of agricultural production, an adequate and timely credit is most essential. The Co-operative Societies Act, 1904 gave concretized shape for establishing primary co-operative societies to meet both the short and medium-term loan needs of farmers. The provision of these loans did not make any improvement and did not have any impact on the farmmers socio-economic status and consequently, they were head and ears indebt. In order to solve this problem and make the farmers free from the cruel clutches of money lenders, the idea of co-operative long-term credit institutions called Co-operative Agricultural and Rural Development Banks /Co-operative Gram Vikas Banks (earlier called Cooperative Land Development/Mortgage Banks) was mooted. Role of agriculture co-operative societies: An agricultural co-operative society which is authorised by its rules to borrow money may at any time, subject to the provisions of this section and with such consent of the Minister as is mentioned in this Act and whether the issue of debentures is or is not authorised, or is or is not forbidden by the rules of such society, issue debentures to any authorised lender for the purpose of securing to such lender the repayment, with or without interest, of any capital sum of money lent by such lender to such society before the issue of such debentures (whether before or after the passing of this Act) or intended to be so lent at or after such issue, or partly so lent and partly so intended to be lent. An issue of debentures shall not be made by an agricultural co-operative society under this section unless either the committee of such society has power under the rules of such society to borrow money and the amount to be borrowed on the security of such debentures is within such borrowing power or a resolution approving of the making of such issue has been passed by a special meeting of the shareholders of such society convened expressly for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing such resolution. The following provisions shall apply to debentures issued by an agricultural co-operative society under this section, that is to say:— such debentures may be expressed to charge the money secured thereby in either or both of the following ways, that is to say, by way of fixed charge on any specified property (including uncalled capital) of such society or by way of floating charge on the assets, property, and undertaking (either with or without specified exceptions) for the time being and from time to time belonging to such society; such debentures may contain all or any such provisions for enforcing or making effective the security thereby afforded as are usually contained in debentures issued by a limited company; such debentures shall operate and have effect in accordance with the terms thereof so far as such terms are authorised by this Act. An issue of debentures made by an agricultural co-operative society under this section may consist either of a single debenture to secure the whole amount of the sum of money for the securing of which such issue is made or of a series of debentures for separate sums ranking pari passu and amounting in the aggregate to the full amount of the said sum of money, and in any event shall rank in priority to any issue of debentures subsequently made by such society under this section. An issue of debentures made by an agricultural co-operative society under this section may be accompanied and collaterally secured by a trust deed of the general character usual in respect of trust deeds entered into for similar purposes in relation to an issue of debentures or debenture stock by a limited company. Whenever an issue of debentures is made under this section by an agricultural co-operative society, the authorised lender to whom such debentures are issued shall, within twenty one days after the issue thereof, apply in the prescribed form and manner to the Minister for the registration of such issue in the register, and if such authorised lender fails so to apply for such registration every debenture comprised in such issue shall, upon the expiration of the s

Barack Obamas Political Marketing Strategy

Barack Obamas Political Marketing Strategy Using a country of your choice as an example, critically evaluate if or how political marketing has been applied in political campaigning or governmental communication Hilary Clinton began her campaign for the Democratic nomination in 2008 in pole position; she was by far the most recognizable name, already had a core block of support at the grass-roots level and from the outset she had access to the greatest funds. Yet it was the young and inexperienced African-American senator for Illinois who began his campaign as a relative unknown who secured the nomination. This essay intends to examine how the Barack Obama team utilised political marketing in order to win the contest. Specifically, we will analyse three crucial factors of Barack Obama’s political marketing strategy. Firstly it will be shown that by embracing the concept of online social networking the Obama campaign vastly increased its ability to reach out to and connect with his supporters. This produced a wide range of positive results, from increased grass-roots mobilization to greater levels of financial support. Next we will demonstrate that the data mining methods used by the O bama team to profile supporters gave the campaign greater efficiency, both in identifying potential voters and maximizing fundraising opportunities. The third decisive element of Barack Obama’s political marketing will be shown to be the way in which he was branded; his was the most professional, consistent and aesthetically cohesive branding effort, with a distinctive message that gave him a clear demarcation from his rivals. In short this essay will argue that these three strategies – the concept of social networking, the extensive data mining and the professional branding of Obama – all served to play a decisive role in his victory and provide important, even seminal, lessons for future political marketing strategies. Marc Ambinder (2008) argues that â€Å"America’s politics have regularly been transformed by sudden changes in the way we communicate† and he goes onto to show how past Presidents have embraced previous communication revolutions; Lincoln exploited the boom in the newspaper industry, Roosevelt’s radio-broadcast fireside chats enabled him to speak directly to the American people, whilst Kennedy’s assured performance against a less than comfortable Nixon in the first televised Presidential debate in American political history helped win the White House. They all understood and exploited these new media better than their opponents. Today’s newest media is of course the internet and Barack Obama’s campaign for the 2008 Democratic nomination has attempted to fully utilise the internet for political marketing purposes. Whilst using the web to reach out to the electorate, raise campaign money and other such activities is nothing new – witness the success of Howard Dean during the 2004 Democratic campaign – what made this campaign unique was the ‘joining up’ of disparate new-media strands into a comprehensive array of services. The Obama team embraced the concept of internet social networking, as exemplified by sites such as MySpace and Facebook, to a degree that was unsurpassed by any other candidate. So keen were they to incorporate the social networking phenomenon they hired Chris Hughes, one of the original founders of Facebook (Stelter, 2008). The big idea to come from this was that Barack Obama’s internet presence should go further than merely having a website which detailed policies, provided news, allowed donations and so on; rather there should be a network of inter-linked services and tools that enabled supporters to interact with one another and form a virtual community. At the heart of this was the site My.BarackObama.com which acted as a hub for Obama supporters, allowing them to ne twork at a local level with other supporters. In practical terms this meant the establishment of fund-raising events, the mobilization of activists at the micro-level in order to recruit people to do the groundwork of distributing leaflets and knocking on doors. Although the site was established by Obama’s campaign team, once set up it became self-perpetuating; fundraisers were being organized at the ground level, with little or no interaction or involvement from upon high. My.BarackObama.com went further than a standard campaign website, which usually allows the politician to connect with their own supporters. Whilst such an approach can be termed as a sort of vertical, or top down communication, My.BarackObama.com facilitated horizontal communication, that is to say that it allowed Barack Obama’s supports to communicate with each other, as well as being able to participate in the campaign.. For a candidate such as Obama this new method of engaging with the public via new media presented him as part of the zeitgeist, as ‘next generation’; just as John F. Kennedy was seen as the first President to be of the 20th Century so Obama is seen as the candidate that best reflects the 21st Century. Aside from all the inherent practical benefits, the adoption of internet social networking methods also dovetailed neatly with Obama’s wider political message of self-empowerment. Indeed, the man himself has made this connection, declaring that the qualities that best described his campaign â€Å"openness and transparency and participation† — were ones that â€Å"merged perfectly† with the Internet (cited in Cohen, 2008). In fact we could go as far as to say that, in terms of Obama’s use of internet-based social networking, the medium is the message; My.BarackObama.com is significant not because it details radical policy proposals but rather because of the way in which it facilitates communication and allows for greater interaction and collaborative decentralized participation. In other words, its actual message is not what significant but rather the way in which information is conveyed and the symbiotic relationship that is formed as a result. For example, just the very fact the Barack Obama was au fait with ‘Web 2.0’ ideas and trends such as social networking distinguished him from his rivals. The aforementioned Chris Hughes, one of the founders of Facebook who joined the Obama team, ensured that My.BarackObama.com stuck to the founding principles that has made Facebook so popular and effective; despite being a large national-based service, it was organized on a local level so users would interact with those in their real-life communities (Stelter, 2008). An Obama supporter in, say, a suburb of Rhode Island, could interact with other in his/her real-life community, events could be organized, they could meet up if they so wished. Indeed many such social events were arranged; in one example Obama supporters gathered together at each other’s house to watch a live webcast of their candidate’s speech (Kantor, 2007). However the online strategy was designed not merely to facilitate the social lives of Obama supporters but rather to improve grass-roots organisation, as Joe Rospars, Obama’s online director explains; â€Å"Weve tried to orient the tools less a s a social network and more as a mobilization network. Were creating opportunities for people to get out there and do things, the campaign is election-outcome oriented† (cited in Stelter, 2008). The practical benefits of adopting the concept of social networking soon became apparent. The New York Times reported that â€Å"in some primary and caucus states, volunteers used the Internet to start organizing themselves months before the campaign staff arrived†(Stelter, 2008). The real gains of Obama’s new media strategy however can be counted in dollars and cents; in April 2008, as the campaign entered a crucial stage, Obama’s teams raised $31m, whilst Hilary Clinton managed $20m (Sullivan, 2008). This gave Obama $38m for the remainder of his campaign, whilst Hilary $6m for hers (Sullivan, 2008). Such figures should not fool the reader into thinking that Hilary Clinton’s fundraising efforts were in some way ineffective – far from it, as Peter Ley den of the think-tank New Politics Institute explains: â€Å"What’s amazing is that Hillary built the best campaign that has ever been done in Democratic politics on the old model – she raised more money than anyone before her, she locked down all the party stalwarts, she assembled an all-star team of consultants and she really mastered this top-down, command-and-control type of outfit. And yet she’s getting beaten by this political start-up that is essentially a totally different model of the new politics† (cited in Sullivan, 2008) This new model was partly influenced by recent changes in the U.S. in laws pertaining to campaign funding. Due to concerns that massive donations by big business to campaign coffers could potentially cause a conflict of interest once a candidate was in office, the maximum amount allow for an individual donation was limited to $2,000 ($2,300 for the 2008 election). This shifted the emphasis away from the courting of wealthy donors towards attempts to encourage individuals to get their friends, family members and so on to also contribute the maximum donation. This strategy was the one which enable George W. Bush to amass the enormous sums spent on his Presidential bid, through the means of fundraising events and dinners, in which attendees paid considerable sums to rub shoulders with the candidate themselves (Sullivan, 2008). However, Obama’s team use of social networking led to two significant consequences in relation to campaign finance. Firstly, social networking created fund raising events by the grass roots supporters themselves, with no input from the candidate necessary. Secondly, rather than seek the maximum $2,300 from each individual, Obama’s team realized that a greater number of smaller donations meant a higher overall contribution. Of the $31m raised by Obama in April 2008, almost all of it came from online donors (Sullivan, 2008) and 94% came in donations of $200 or less (Sullivan, 2008). In comparison, 26% of Hilary Clinton’s donations and 13% of John McCain’s were under $200 (Green, 2008). Let us be clear; the amount that Barack Obama has raised online is unprecedented. Howard Dean was feted for raising $27 million online in 2004. So far, Obama has raised nearly $200 million (Green, 2008). A great example of how the ‘snowballing effect’ of social networking worked to create donations for Barack Obama is given by Joe Erwin (2008: â€Å"A friend I know, whos an Independent voter and who had never made an online campaign contribution, recently went online and donated $50 to the Obama campaign. Within two minutes she received a thank-you for the contribution and an acknowledgement that someone in Ohio had matched her contribution as a way of also saying thank you. Two minutes after that, she received another e-mail from the campaign asking if she, too, would be willing to match the $50 contribution of a new donor, and whether her e-mail address could be shared so that the new donor could thank her for her match. You get the picture.† The tactic of asking supporters just to give a little was inspired. Not only did it deliver a vast number of donors – over two million (Stelter, 2008).– but as the vast majority did not contribute the maximum amount, Obama was able to continue to ask them for another ‘little’ donation time and time again as his campaign went on. Furthermore, such a request is one that he can make again once the Presidential race against McCain begins in earnest. As The Times declares, â€Å"This is a money machine unlike any other† (Sullivan, 2008). Obama’s method of online fundraising meant that it minimized the amount of time he actually had to be present at events and dinners. In February 2008 the Obama campaign raised $55m ($45m from the internet) without Barack Obama personally hosting a single fundraiser (Sullivan, 2008). There are always multiple demands on a candidates’ time during a campaign, so the opportunity to spend less time trying to sweet talk people into emptying their wallets and purses and more on working on policy, speeches and suchlike is invaluable. Not only were the demands on the candidates time lessened but the campaign team soon found that fundraising events were springing up spontaneously, independent of any official involvement, as Andrew Sullivan (2008) explains: â€Å"This spring, many friends who had never previously been interested in politics suddenly told me about their Obama fundraisers. I was stunned by their activism. No one had asked them. They were arranging the parties or performances or gatherings through Facebook and MySpace, without any formal leadership from Obama headquarters. Just as Obama’s most famous web videos were never commissioned by the candidate – they were created and disseminated spontaneously online – so his fundraising began to take on a life of its own†¦There is no question in my mind that this is the future of political organisation and fundraising† Joshua Green (2008) witnessed first hand how Obama supporters became empowered to get involved in a meaningful way. Upon visiting the local Obama headquarters in Silicone Valley, Green found it to be â€Å"jammed with volunteers† who were listening to a Obama speech asking volunteers to phone wavering delegates in Iowa in order to try to get them to back him. Soon these volunteers did exactly that. The next day, Obama had gained nine delegates. What struck Green most about this episode was that: â€Å"that the headquarters is entirely self-sufficient—not a dime has come from the Obama campaign. Instead, everything from the computers to the telephones to the doughnuts and coffee—even the building’s rent and utilities—is user-generated, arranged and paid for by local volunteers. It is one of several such examples across the country, and no other campaign has put together anything that can match this level of self-sufficiency† As Obama’s online director Joe Rospars states, â€Å"the idea is to give them the tools and have them go out and do all this on their own† (cited in Green, 2008) Another distinct advantage to the social networking system was that it allowed the campaign team to amass a wide array of personal information regarding Obama’s support. This data went far beyond the usual demographic indicators usually utilized in elections. The subsequent data mining of the information allowed Obama’s team to yet again maximize campaign contributions, as well as giving them a stronger, more organized presence at the grass-roots level. Upon visiting My.BarackObama.com you are prompted to either log-in to your account or sign up if you are not already an existing user. This means that, unlike with traditional candidate websites, to access the full range of services you must provide your email address as well as your zip code. Other personal information can also be volunteered. As a result of his internet presence Barack Obama has over five million people signed up to his email list (Madden, 2008). What is significant however is not how much data was ava ilable to Obama’s people, but rather how it was used. After all, too much information can be overwhelming; how this information was utilized, the way in which it was broken down and ‘sliced up’ meant that the campaign could achieve greater efficiency and function in a much more streamlined manner. Targeting the right demographic is crucial, there is little point in pouring in money and time attempting to recruit voters who are by inclination Clintonites (or in the forthcoming Presidential campaign, right-wing Republicans). By knowing a voter’s age, gender, race, household income, academic qualifications and suchlike, predicting who they are planning to vote for (or indeed if they are likely to vote at all) is made all the more easier. Not only did Obama’s people collect data from their own supporters, they also used information that was already in the public domain, such as census records and voter registration records (Madden, 2008). Statistical software and market research tools used in the corporate domain were then used to isolate trends or common factors that indicated whether someone would be likely to vote Republican or Democrat, for Hilary or Obama. Whilst such research cannot guarantee to predict an individual’s voting behaviour it does allow for more educated guesses. For example, Obama’s campaign team would know that members of the American Civil Liberties Union would be more likely to vote for their candidate than members of the National Rifle Association. This data mining process meant that time and money could be more efficiently targeted and channeled. In the Iowa caucus the Obama team used sophisticated tracking mechanisms to firstly identify supporters, then hold their support . Internet sources were used to build mailing lists based on political, professional and personal interests. To gather information o voters his team trawled social networking sites, and not just MySpace and Facebook but also more niche sites that catered for white collar professionals, baby boomers, African-Americans, Latinos, Asians and the homosexual community (Slevin, P. Vargas, J.A., 2007) Data mining for political ends is nothing new. During the 2004 Election George W. Bush used consumer data to target potential new supporters (Madden, 2008). The Democrats used similar information to target wealthy donors (Madden, 2008). The difference with the Obama campaign is that his team used far more detailed information in pursuit of far wider reaching aims. For Obama’s people even information that may at first seem to have little or no relevance was utilized in order to accrue an advantage. The time at which people on the mailing list read the emails sent to them was monitored and if a consistent pattern emerged, they would always send them at that time of day. As Michael Bassik, a Democratic consultant with online advertising company MSHC Partners explains, â€Å"the marginal benefit of sending some people an email at 2 oclock vs. 3 oclock vs. 4 oclock might not make sense [at first] but once you start getting an e-mail list thats 3 million, 4 million, or 10 million p eople, increasing the returns for a fundraising e-mail by 5 or 10 percent means additional returns of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars (cited in Madden, 2008). A user of My.BarackObama.com would have their usage tracked so it would be known how often they visited and when and thus their commitment to the campaign could be measured. All members – nearly a million people (Stelter, 2008) – were asked to complete a detailed survey of their voting habits, previous contributions to political campaigns, the political groups and issues they care most about and if and when they visited church (Madden, 2008). All of this information was then collated in order to build a profile of an Obama supporter. This information was then put to use via traditional electioneering methods. Neighbourhoods in which the data showed the highest percentage of likely Obama supporters were extensively canvassed. This integration of old and new methods is what made Obama’s data mining a success. Online information was joined up with offline data, everything became integrated, as the following example given by Andrew Sullivan (2008) shows: â€Å"Obama’s trademark mass rallies†¦aren’t just media draws. Everyone who wanted to get into the 75,000-strong rally in Portland†¦had to provide an e-mail address. By the time they came home from the event, an e-mail was waiting for them, asking them for money or for referrals to other friends, and encouraging them to form â€Å"affinity groups† to spread the network wider and wider† The information gleaned from data mining was combined with the advantages of social networking by Obama’s team when users of My.BarackObama.com were encouraged to help the campaign by canvassing in their own areas. They were supplied with information that told them which of their neighbours were most likely to vote Democrat and who in their area was registered as an independent voter (Stelter, 2008). The final key element of Barack Obama’s political marketing strategy that we will discuss is branding. In his campaign Obama applied practices used for the branding of consumer products by corporate entities. He realized that consistency was the watchword; consistency of message and consistency in the way in which that message is delivered The use of consistent and expertly designed fonts, logos, slogans and web design prompted Newsweek to declare that â€Å"Obama is the first presidential candidate to be marketed like a high-end consumer brand†¦ in a way that transcends the mere appropriation of commercial tactics to achieve the sort of seamless brand identity that the most up-to-date companies strive for† (Romano, 2008). Just as with much else of the campaign, the operation to create ‘brand Obama’ was consistent and wide ranging. The online efforts were joined-up and synchronized with offline marketing. Obama’s team again took what can be desc ribed as a holistic approach. All of the graphics were in the same typeface, the Gotham font. This is true of the website, placards, leaflets and other literature. At Obama rallies all non-homemade signs are in the same font, which, according to graphic designer and critic Michael Bierut, is a more impressive feat than one might initially imagine; â€Å"every single non-handmade sign is in that font. Every single one of them. And theyre all perfectly spaced and perfectly arranged. Trust me. Ive done graphics for events and I know what it takes to have rally after rally without someone saying, ‘Oh, we ran out of signs, lets do a batch in Arial’†¦Theres an absolute level of control that I have trouble achieving with my corporate clients†(Romano, 2008). There were even occasions at rallies when supporters were requested to trade their home-made signs and placards for official Obama material so as to maintain the aesthetic cohesion (Brady, 2008). The typography used by Obama is significant for the message that it relays to us. His use of the Gotham font is fitting, as like the man himself it is a modern American creation. It was devised in 2002 for New York’s public buildings (Romano, 2008; Heller, 2008; Brady, 2008). Experts in the field insist that it is â€Å"assured, elegant, and plain-speaking† (Brady, 2008), â€Å"conversational and pleasant† (cited in Romano, 2008) and â€Å"substantial yet friendly†¦Up-to-date yet familiar† (cited in Heller, 2008). Various experts have waxed lyrical abut their admiration for how consistent, comprehensive and professional Obama’s branding campaign has been, whilst insisting that to successfully orchestrate such a huge, nation-wide branding effort in such a short and concentrated time-frame is something that even the major players in the corporate world have not been capable of (Romano, 2008; Heller, 2008; Brady, 2008). As we have seen with the adoption of social networking, the Obama campaign was as comfortable in dealing with new media sources as well as traditional media outlets. His campaign was transmedia, he understood that many people, especially those in the younger demographic, no longer get their news and other information from solely the television, radio or printed word. Instead many diverse platforms are used; websites, email, podcasts, mobiles phones and other such devices. Obama’s branding strategy, along with the rest of his political marketing operation utilized all media forms to deliver a coherent message. Keith Reinhard of the major advertising agency DDB Worldwide sees Obama as the ideal political product; â€Å"Barack Obama is three things you want in a brand. New, different, and attractive. Thats as good as it gets (cited in McGirt, 2008). His inspirational rhetoric, his promise of change, his idealism are his unique selling points, they differentiate him from the other candidates. The ‘Yes We Can’ message appeals to the younger, perhaps more cynical and apathetic segment of the demographic, it resonates with an audience tired of negative campaigning and broken promises. His is a message in of inclusivity, of empowerment; Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other timeWe are the hope of the future (cited in McGirt, 2008). In conclusion, Barack Obama’s use of political marketing has been crucial in making him the Democrat’s choice to contest the 2008 election. The use of social networking strategies was perhaps the most impressive and important element. The Obama campaign exploited the new opportunities of social networking far better than any other. The ‘Yes We Can’ attitude of his speeches took hold so strongly with his grass-roots support because the opportunities that new media provided for them to become part of the campaign. Supporters were enabled to organise events and engage in political activism with minimal ‘top-down’ management from the campaign team. The amount of money raised online, and the number of donors is unprecedented. Instead of reaching out to the wealthy elite and big business in the hope of large donations, Obama’s fundraising methods have conclusively shown that greater funds can be gathered by receiving smaller donations in much higher amounts. The data mining used meant that targeting potential supporters was made easier and more efficient. Having better information on the political issues that voters were interested in also helped to maximise donations and build support. The Obama brand achieved a remarkable level of consistency, professionalism and aesthetic cohesion and was delivered across a whole host of media, both old and new. His campaign, particularly the way in which the internet was utilised, could well signal a seismic shift in political marketing. Regardless of whether not he becomes President it seems almost certain that Barack Obama has changed the way politicians market themselves to the electorate. Bibliography Ambinder, M., 2008. HisSpace. Atlantic Monthly, June Brady, W., 2008. Obamas media campaign branding our consciousness. The Guardian, 10 July Cohen, N., 2008. The Wiki-Way to the Nomination. The New York Times, 8 June Erwin, J., 2008. How They Grew Brand Obama. Advertising Age, 27 February  [internet]. Available from: http://adage.com/campaigntrail/post?article_id=125377  [cited 29/07/2008] Green, J., 2008. The Amazing Money Machine. Atlantic Monthly, June Heller, S., 2008. To the Letter Born. The New York Times, 2 April Heller, S., 2008. To the Letter Born. The New York Times, 2 April Kator, J., 2007. Obama’s Online Strategy Seeks Big Bonus From Small Turnout. The New York Times, 1 April Madden, M., 2008. Barack Obamas super marketing machine. Salon, 16 July [internet]  Available from: http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/07/16/obama_data/#  [cited 29/07/2008] MacAskill, E., 2008. Obama sends out army of volunteers. The Guardian, 14 June McGirt, E., 2008. The Brand Called Obama. Fast Company, April [online]. Available from: http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/124/the-brand-called-obama.html  [cited 31/07/2008] Rawsthorn, A., 2008. Brand Obama, a leader in the imagewar. International Herald Tribune, 6 April Romano, A. 2008. Expertinent: Why the Obama Brand Is Working. Newsweek, 27 February Schifferes, S., 2008. Internet key to Obama victories. BBC News, 12 June [online] Available from:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7412045.stm  [cited 29/07/2008] Slevin, P. Vargas, J.A., 2007. Obama Tries New Tactics To Get Out Vote in Iowa. The Washington Post, 31 December Sifry M., 2008. President 2.0 The Guardian, 25 June Stelter, B., 2008. The Facebooker Who Friended Obama. The New York Times, 7 July Sullivan, A., 2008. Barack Obama is master of the new Facebook politics. The Times, 25 May