The corporate social responsibility of Formosa Plastic Corporation Essay

The corporate social responsibility of Formosa Plastic Corporation - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that in pursuit of environmental protection, Formosa Plastics Corporation adheres to initiatives that are targeted towards improving the environment. For example, the corporation in the areas of energy and water conservation invested about the US $ 0.57 billion from 1999 to 2012, which saw the completion of more than 6,356 improvement projects. This enabled the corporation to save 287,000 tons in terms of daily water usage and decreased carbon-dioxide emissions by about 8.064 million tons yearly. The corporation intends to implement another 772 improvement projects in the future. This will save about another 13,000 tons of projected daily water usage and lower carbon-dioxide emissions yearly emissions by another 1.371 tons. The corporation prevents and proactively controls pollution in all stages of its manufacturing processes. It has established comprehensive garbage classifications and kitchen waste recycling initiative. The corporation h as established Formosa Environmental Technology initiative that recycles kitchen waste into organic fertilizers for growing organic vegetables and fruits. The corporation’s management understands the fact that there is need to give back to the society. The corporation understands that in the region they operate there is lack of medical and industrial talent, which has resulted in substandard healthcare resources.

Rhetoric and Reality Essay Example for Free

Rhetoric and Reality Essay In chapter four â€Å"Black Radicals: Rhetoric and Reality†, writer tried to locate whether black powers i. e. militants and radicals had any viable program to organize black people or their ideas and action were disarray with no clear agenda. For this purpose, he provides an insight into the ideas and efforts of pioneer of black movement. He starts with the ideas of Malcolm X and analyzed his â€Å"intellectual framework for revolutionary Black Nationalism† (p. 246) Malcolm X asserted that psychological liberation and black pride are essential elements to shape black American into an organized whole. But writer is of the view that mostly. His (Malcolm’s) ideas were misunderstood or misinterpreted and hence they were unable to influence the black movement. He further analyzed the idea of another pioneer of black movement, Stokely Carmichael who stressed on the importance of reformation in black ideology and advocated â€Å"independent politics†. His considered the capitalist structure as the primary cause if all injustice and racial discrimination prevalent in the American. He developed a two-pronged strategy to counter racism and capitalistic exploitation. There is marked shift in his ideology after visits to several south American countries and he considered guerrilla warfare an important tool to establish their right on the land, houses and stores†. Rap Brown, another chairman of the SNCC advocated military and armed struggle in a more unequivocal way. Carmichael developed a new approach after his visits to Latin world and â€Å"in February 1968, the enemy of the blacks was no longer the capitalist system. The prime enemy was the white man, the honky. † (p. 250) So Carmichael added racism to capitalism as the new enemy but his reformatory efforts for restructuring the black community and to counter these two evil systems were ambiguous as he mostly advocated in favor of socialism as the remedy of these evil system. His ideas are mostly paradoxical and writer is of the view that his middle class background torn him â€Å"between militant nationalism and accomodationist integrationism† (p. 252). Writer further delves deep into the different strategies and programs of SNCC to charge the batteries of black movement but he asserts that mere speeches and statement does not yield into viable activities. Writer further explores the black student movements and says that typically black students adopt a bourgeois outlook after their graduation and try to assimilate and identify themselves with white community. This attitude of black students made them distrustful in the eyes of less-privileged classes of black community. As black student were not part of White community so they were entangled into a dilemma and this identity crisis was more heightened in Ivy League Schools where they were labeled as â€Å"white Negroes† by their own community. However there was a growing resentment in black students against the racial policies and they took several armed revolts against the college and government authorities. Writer provides comprehensive details of black students’ struggle in various college campuses across America during 1968. SNCC and other black activists were in favor a political party that would the sole representative of African American. The SNCC experience had taught it that both Democrats and Republican parties are not a cure to their afflictions so they worked to establish a black political party at the national level. In this attempt, SNCC and â€Å"black panthers† created an alliance and advocated a struggle for self-determination. Due to several inherent and structural differences these organization failed to merge and turned into a political party. Writer sums up the chapter by illustrating that although SNCC and black panther were not representative of the all black radicals but their ideas manifested the ideas and activities pf radicals elements during the black movement.

Energy Fundamentals :: Environment Environmental Essays

Energy Fundamentals There are many different views, properties, values, and interests for different types of energy. In viewing energy in terms of commodity we focus on supply and demand. Also the price of energy is an important factor. Commodity is used by current buyers and sellers in deciding what type of energy to use. As an ecological resource depletability, environmental impact , and resource issues are the properties of energy. The choice of future sustainability and frugality are also values by those who view energy as an ecological resource. Market bystanders and future generations are most interested in viewing energy in this way. When viewed as a social necessity availability and distribution are the important properties of energy. Equity is valued most when energy is viewed as a social necessity. The poor, and under funded public services seek to benefit from this view point of energy the most. Finally, energy as a â€Å"strategic material† is the last view on energy that we have discussed in class. The properties of this energy view are geopolitics and foreign energy. Security is the main concern, and energy buyers and suppliers are mostly concerned with this view of energy. Nuclear energy is a form of energy that is created through the reaction and exchange of electrons. It is stored in the nuclei of atoms and released either through fission (spliting atoms) or fusion (joining atoms). Elector magnetic energy is concerned with the wavelengths of waves such as converting gamma rays to radio waves. There are also many different forms of energy conversions. (1/25/02 lecture). There is chemical to thermal. an example of this is fire. Chemical to electromagnetic, an example of which is a candle. Conversion from chemical to electrical in which a battery is an example.

Operations Management Essay

I. Introduction Operations management is a management system dedicated in dealing with the allocation of resources, dealing with constraints, marketing and the strategic management theories that would be used in the day to day processes necessary for a company, with the endpoint of producing profits and revenues.(â€Å"Operations Research†, 2006) It is basically the management function that deals in the production and distribution of goods and services.(Stevenson, 2005) Companies practice this type of management to ensure that the daily processes to produce the necessary good or service that would be available for distribution. Basically, an organization or company has three functional fields that it functions on. First of which, is finance.   Basically, Finance is the management field dealing with the sourcing and allocation of funds in the organization; it functions as a distributor of funds to the whole organization and is also responsible for the investment decisions that would generate future cash flows for the company. Marketing is the managerial field responsible for the identification of consumer’s preferences and tastes. It seeks to employ these as market factors that would be used to promote and sell the organizations products or outputs. Lastly, Operations is the managerial function that deals mainly in the production of goods and services that the company considers as output. The driving force of the organization or company is operations. II. Industry in Scope The Service Industry of the United States is one of the industries that runs under the classification of being one of the main industries in the United States. It is the industry devoted to the utilization of non-good products that would be utilized by the market, mainly in finance and operations. A. The Information Industry The Information Sector of the Service Industry is the sector concerned with data processing, distribution of products that perform data processing activities, and more importantly, the distribution of information through mediums like the Internet. Main components of the industry include the data processing companies, broadcasting companies, movie and audiovisual companies and other industries that function as distributors of information or provide products that would be capable of receiving, transmitting or processing of Information. The information service industries that include data portals and search engines are also included in the list.(â€Å"NAICS Industry Sector Description: Information Industry†, 2006) This shows that the Information Sector is one of the key industries in the development of information and data exchange. The development in softwares and the evolution of the means of data processing is achieved through the development of this industry. Characteristics of the Information Industry There are several unique characteristics associated to the Information Sector segment. They are the distinguishing characteristics that separate this sector from the different sector segments.   First is that the products associated with this industry does not take any particular form(â€Å"NAICS Industry Sector Description: Information Industry†, 2006); the associated outputs are intangible in nature. For example, news delivered by a television broadcasting company does not have a true form, although it can be grasped by the comprehension of people. The second characteristic is that the transaction can be consummated without direct contact from the parties involved.(â€Å"NAICS Industry Sector Description: Information Industry†, 2006) Since the transaction can be done in the Internet, such as that in E-Business, the buyer and the seller can transact using that medium. The third characteristic is that the since the products involved does not really have a tangible form, the content of the product is what gives the product its value.(â€Å"NAICS Industry Sector Description: Information Industry†, 2006) Structure is not important. And since this is the case, intellectual property laws protect the products. For example, the reel of film is not what gives a motion picture its true value,; hence the motion picture itself is the one protected by the law and not that of the film in which it is recorded in. The fourth characteristic is that the processes involved in the production of the products in this sector is different from the processes involved in the production of the goods in any other industry.(â€Å"NAICS Industry Sector Description: Information Industry†, 2006) This reserves the company the sole rights in the nature of its processes and its sequential structure. The fifth characteristic is that companies in this industry that does not derive its profit mainly from the revenue from the sales of its products(â€Å"NAICS Industry Sector Description: Information Industry†, 2006); instead, the main part of revenue is accumulated form the additional values that are attached to the product such as advertisements. II.   The Health Care Industry The Service Industry also has Health Care under its roster. This industry is the one responsible for the administration of proper care in health of the people that needs them. These varieties of receivers of health care range from the poor to the rich, from the terminally ill to those of infections. The combination of human affection and that of modern technology helps provide the necessary service that the industry promises to deliver.(â€Å"Health Care†, 2005) Workers ranging from physicians of every kind to the paramedics, this industry is responsible for the research and study of the illnesses that afflict mankind and finds ways to counteract the diseases before they become outbreaks. This industry is also essential in providing the public information on their health care and of the recent diseases and how to prevent them. The Nine Segments The Health Care Industry can be classified into nine segments overall. The first segment would be that of the Hospitals. This is the segment includes the care of patients that would need to be cared for overnight.(â€Å"Health Care†, 2005) The hospital facilities offer a whole variety of health care services that they offer to the general public. The second segment is the Nurses and Residential Care Facilities. (â€Å"Health Care†, 2005)This segment takes care of people who cannot fully take care of them selves but not in definite need of hospital care. This segment mainly deals with children, the elderly and the incapacitated. This is also the facility that gives care round the clock nurturing, like those of children. The Office of the Physicians is also a segment of the Health Care industry.(â€Å"Health Care†, 2005) This is a segment wherein a group of physicians practice together in order for them to reduce costs. Doctors also find it convenient to practice with peers, which lead to the formation of such. This segment also comprises about 37% of the industry of Health Care. The Office of the Dentist is the next segment, comprising about 20% of the health care facilities established.(â€Å"Health Care†, 2005) This office provide specialized dental care, and in times, dental surgery. The Home Health Care Service is a fast growing segment in the Health Care Industry. This segment specializes in the care of the elderly in the comfort of their homes. This special care is always under the supervision of a doctor or physician, in order to establish any concerns in the field of medicine. The segment of the Office of Health Practitioners is the segment that includes the services of alternative medicine such as the practice of acupuncture. It also includes the services of other practitioners such as the chiropractors, who are paid either in cash or by insurance coverage. The segment of Ambulatory Services is the segment involved in this industry as the support of the medical field of hospitals and other institutions. This segment includes transport (helicopters), surgical components (blood banks), and other support services like that of anti-smoking programs. Outpatient care centers are also part of this industry as another segment. This segment includes the outpatient services of dialysis, mental health care and that of drug abuse rehabilitation centers. The last segment is that of the medical and diagnostic services. This segment deals with the laboratory work that patients need from time to time. Services include x-rays, sonograms and x-rays. These laboratory works are commonly used in hospitals to supplement the knowledge of the doctors practicing their profession there. III. Analysis of Companies Intel Corporation Intel is a processing chip producer that specializes in the production of microprocessors utilized by the computer producing companies. The corporation can be classified as belonging to the Information Sector of the Information Industry as it manufactures the microprocessors used in data exchange and data interpretation. The companies recent developments are also put into focus. A. Marketing The marketing aspect of Intel Corporation is on a roll recently. They made strategic tie-ups with Dell and Google, giving them an advantage against their competitors. The tie-up consists of the production of microprocessors that would be used in the assembly line of Dell Computers and would also provide Google the hardware that they need. In addition to that, the management changed their company’s logo, stating the fact that they need to be at the same page with the developments that the industry is undergoing. Furthermore, the marketing implications of changing a logo that was easily related to the company was a good move, especially with the extinct principles that accompany the old design. In addition to that, the company is promoting their processors with the renaming of their products. The Pentium Series would be phased out, being replaced by their new products, the Viiv and the Centrino. This put consumers on a new page with the development of new names of their products. And Lastly, Intel produced power-saving chips for the search engine Google, which lets Intel make advertisements through the search engine. Google also expressed their liking of Intel’s wireless technology, the WiMax. B. Operations Intel’s operation is on the rise as it is the product of the company make-over issued by the newly appointed CEO, Paul Otellini. The production of their microchips has risen and they have also expressed their plans to penetrate the markets governed by the leadership of Texas Instruments by producing the same chips that Texas does. Moreover, the company decided it should produce more of the specialized type of chips that the digital players require. Inking a deal with a Hollywood producers and music services. Intel is now producing digital players the same way that their partners Sony and Philips do. The operations of the company took a major turn in the changing of leaderships. This result may be due to the different principles employed by the new management, which other companies say is a good strategy on Intel’s part. A continuance on the part of Intel in its operations like in the production of their specialized microchips may give further development on their part. Praise is also due to the Digital Home team of Intel as it was one of the key factors that affected the company’s success in the present. C. Product Quality Products by Intel seem to be growing in quality, as it the marketing strategies employed was a success. The ride in the demand of the company’s new products, especially of the new processors, may also be attributed to the quality control measures employed by the company. No company’s growth would be constantly on the rise unless the company’s product has good quality. The digital players that Intel produced were a good plan, according to their business partners. They followed through by producing real good products that are now competing with the dominant producers of digital music in the industry. Furthermore, their strategic partnership with well-known brands ensured the public of the good quality of products that are produced by Intel. The power saving chips that are manufactured by Intel to be used by Google are of good quality, otherwise Google would not use it. A quality company would want nothing less than their standards of quality. And finally, the wireless application WiMax, which was developed by Intel, was of comparing status with the existing WiFi, giving the go signal that Google is also interested in further development of the application. D. Product differentiation The company’s marketing strategy employs quite a good differentiation of their market at present in such a way that the public would know what type of product they would want o own. The digital player developed by the Digital home team of Intel was made to those music fans who wanted no less than the best products for their listening pleasure. The powers saving chips were made at the idea of Google, which now has a tie-up with Intel Corporation. The basic computer processors were made with different names: the Viiv and the Centrino. This allows consumers to choose their processor without confusing it with the other. The product differentiation in this part of Intel’s product line worked well as the two products mentioned have different characteristics, giving good judgment to the fact that they should be named differently. The company also stressed a point that Intel is not all about microprocessors inside the computers. They also have a wide variety of goods that do not overlap in the market. The placing of the products is both effective and efficient. D. Consumer Satisfaction Issues At present, not much consumer satisfaction issues have made any negative impact on the products of Intel. The microprocessor that they produce would only be delivered to the assembly line of the computer producers. They would be the one to incorporate the chip into the system of the computer. So far, no problem in the speed and the accuracy of data processing has been large enough for the company to re-think their strategies. The consumer satisfaction index that can be nearly based on would be the satisfaction of the consumers on their continued development of their product lines that somehow reaches out to almost all generations. E. Overall Assessment The management of Intel made the best move when they have changed not only the look, but also the outlook of the company. Marketing strategies have been hitting two birds with one stone: achieving promotional means and the earnings they generate through the ale of product to tie-up companies. This excellent strategy made Intel one company to watch in the future. However, the drawback with Intel’s new strategy the company’s new logo was a lot different from the previous generation’s idea of the Intel logo. This may pose to be a problem to the older generation of the market that would want to catch up with the progress of technology. Consumer preferences actually change with this move by Intel; but the implication of the changing of the logo was also the changing of the practices, values and principles that governed the company for years. Furthermore, Intel must live to the expectations of its consumers, accompanied with the change in principles. Intel must prove that they have indeed developed into a powerhouse strategist.

Hispanic American Diversity Essay

In identifying the linguistic, political, social, economic, religious, and familial conventions and statuses of Hispanic groups living in the United States (US); the following remain as the center of attention: Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Columbians. While there is distinctiveness in each groups’ culture, their language categorizes them in one of two large groups known as Latino or Hispanic Americans. The Spanish language is communal between these groups, though all have exclusive dialects that set them apart. The commonalities and differences are not limited to just language, but span across every aspect of Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Columbian way of life. Today in the US millions of people classify themselves as Mexican Americans (2005). The intricate and affluent Mexican American multicultural heritage is a direct reflection of influences from such places as Spain and Mexico (2005). The unique language of Mexican Americans is no exception to influences as it is derived from a combination of Mexico’s national language, Spanish, and the national language of the US, English. Although sometimes described as an under-represented group in US politics, Mexican Americans were very active in the Mexican American Civil Rights movement. This movement included a wide-rang of issues, from rights for farm workers to the right to vote (2000). As with their political status, socially Mexican Americans continually battle to fit in. Their want of having the American dream burns bright within the hearts and minds of all Mexican Americans and makes their social battle seem that much more important. Throughout the immigration history of Mexican Americans, little advancement has been made for progress from immigrant standing to mainstream social status. This is largely due to the lack of education provided and the vast amount of discrimination they received (2006). In education, another battle for Mexican Americans arises. Richard Alba (2006) stated, â€Å"Huntington presents data that appear to show very low levels of Mexican-American educational advancement beyond high school, regardless of generation. † A full comparison of high school education completion broken down by Hispanic origin. Note. From Bernstein, R. & Bergman, M. (2005). Young, diverse, urban. United States Department of Commerce News. Retrieved March 1, 2008, from http://www. census. gov/Press-Release/www/2003/cb03-100. html Similar to the struggle noted with education, economically, Mexican Americans struggle for fair pay. During the Mexican American Civil Rights movement Mexican American economics came from the shadows to become one of the many issues faced. Today this harsh reality still burdens most all Mexican Americans. The one bright light may be their religious beliefs. Although, not always true, most churches today deliver separate mass for Spanish speaking parishioners. Religion remains a very strong factor in Mexican American family and culture. As with their religion, family remains quite strong in the lives of Mexican Americans. They have strong ties to not only immediate family in the US but family living in Mexico as well. This bond is so deep that some families continue to send money to their loved one’s in Mexico. Similar to Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans speak a derivative of Spanish as their main language. Politically, Puerto Ricans like Mexican Americans are under-represented in US politics. In fact their start in politics held them back from individualizing themselves. The progression of politics into Puerto Rican life in the US has gone from focusing on social and cultural issues in the 1950’s to electoral participation and lobbying becoming the mainstay of their political ground (2003, p. 6). With all the strides Puerto Ricans have made politically, socially they have grown as well. They have integrated themselves into society, by fighting the same battles all Latinos fought: racism and discrimination. Although, they have a higher percentage of people graduating high school than Mexican Americans, they still maintain less than three quarters of Hispanic origin people. As with education and politics struggles with economics also faced most Puerto Ricans. They struggled for fair wages and equal opportunities just as all Latinos did. Today that struggle has become less but still lingers in areas where there is still racism and discrimination. Very similar to Mexican Americans, religion remains a very strong factor in the family and culture of Puerto Ricans. Again most churches conduct separate mass for Spanish speaking parishioners, making it easier for Puerto Ricans to practice their faith. As with their religion, family remains quite strong in the lives of Puerto Ricans. They have strong ties to not only immediate family in the US but family living in Puerto Rico as well. The fact that all Puerto Ricans are US citizens makes family all that more important. As with Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans main language is Spanish. Similar to Mexican Americans politically Cubans are under-represented in US politics. Most are just so happy to get out of the Dictatorship they lived in Cuba they would rather not get caught up in politics at all. The strides they have made politically have helped to advance them socially, economically and in their education. Out of the Hispanic origins Cubans are the second highest only being beat by other Hispanics for High school completion. According to Jason Cato (2003), â€Å"In rising to dominate the centers of power in Miami, Cuban-Americans have reversed the traditional cycles of assimilation and acculturation. † Seeking freedom from the oppression of Cuba has not removed the strong ties they have to their homeland. These ties have caused Cuban Americans to adapt parts of the US culture to their own. Striving for conventional culture is not a focus. Religiously, Cuban Americans like both Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans are devout to their religion as it is a very strong factor in their family and culture. Again most churches conduct separate mass for Spanish speaking parishioners, making it easier for Cubans to practice their faith. As with their religion, family remains quite strong in the lives of Cubans. Family is their way of holding on to cultures and traditions from Cuba. As with Mexican American, Puerto Rican and Cuban, Columbians also speak Spanish as their principal language. Columbian Americans are a very poor. Most migrated to the US to flee war and poverty seen within Columbia. They are often looking for work so that they can send money to their family still living in Columbia. Columbians rarely get involved in politics as they are very focused on family and making money. Work related interaction is the limit, except for other Columbians, of their social standing in the US. As with politics Columbians have very little interest in US culture. Most are here to work to send money home. With work being their main objective while in the US, they do not have time for anything else. They live on very little money and scrape to send as much over to Columbia as possible. Their wages are very low and they work long and mostly very hard hours just to get by. Similar to Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and Cubans, Columbians are very strong in their religion. They have an opportunity to go to mass that is conducted in Spanish as well as practice their religion on their own. Family is so very important in a Columbian Americans life. Everything they do is to better their family’s life. They have deep ties to family not only in the US but in Columbia as well. This helps them to keep their culture and heritage as strong today as it was yesterday. Everything in their culture revolves around their religion and family. When comparing different Hispanic groups, the commonalities out way the differences in almost every scenario. The Similarities range from language, religion, and family to the reasons they came to the US. They also all care deeply and have very strong ties to their homeland and continue to focus on that rich heritage. The differences are few but stem more from social status and the want to be part of the mainstream. Politics, economic and social standings all differ for each group. This is largely due to assimilation and the different level of strides that have been made over time. The groups that have had more success politically have had the opportunity to advance socially and economically. These three combined in any order lead to an opportunity of the other. The strides and struggles that these four Hispanic groups have made has cleared a path for other Hispanic origin groups to make the same journey. References Alba, R. (2006). Mexican Americans and the American Dream. Political Science & Politics. Retrieved March 1, 2008, from www. apsanet. org/imgtest/PerspectivesJun06Alba. pdf Bernstein, R. & Bergman, M. (2005). Young, diverse, urban. United States Department of Commerce News. Retrieved March 1, 2008, from http://www. census. gov/PressRelease/www/2003/cb03-100. html Cruz, J. (2003). Puerto Rican politics in the United States. Centro Journal. Retrieved March 1, 2008, from http://redalyc. uaemex. mx/redalyc/pdf/377/37715101. pdf. Cato, J. (2004). Becoming American in Miami: reconsidering immigration, race and ethnic relations. Center for Latin American Studies. Retrieved March 1, 2008, from socrates. berkeley. edu:7001/Events/fall2003/11-20-03-stepick/index. html Mendoza, V. , Chicano! History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement. (2000). , The Journal for Multimedia History. Retrieved March 1, 2008, from www. albany. edu/jmmh/vol3/chicano/chicano. html.

Searching And Resources Example

Searching And Resources Example Searching And Resources – Book Report/Review Example Search for and Downloading Resources Jenny Janca Walden July 18, Part Brief Analysis of Article This article assists on the definition of strategic risk management (â€Å"SRM†) and its relationship with Enterprise Risk Management (â€Å"ERM†). It also discusses the critical steps in implementing SRM practices within an organization as well as a brief assessment of ERM and the importance of developing practices within an organization. Part 2This article discusses Strategic Risk Management (â€Å"SRM†) and its relationship with Enterprise Risk Management (â€Å"ERM†). The authors, Mark Frigo and Richard Anderson are both experts in the strategic risk management area. Mark Frigo is the director of the Center for Strategy, Execution and Valuation and the Strategic Risk Management Lab in Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and Ledger. Richard Anderson is a Clinical Professor at the Center for Strategy, Execution and Valuation and the Strategic Risk Management Lab at DePaul University. This article explains the dependencies between SRM and ERM and provides solid research along with additional readings for someone wanting to learn more about the two methodologies. The article is well organized and provides excellent examples of how SRM is a more detailed task that needs to be performed as part of an ERM organization. The article clearly lays out the relationship between the two methods and lays out key steps and principles in developing SRM in an organization. In conclusion, I found this article to be very insightful. It provides detail information about the differences between SRM and ERM. It also clearly lays out that in order for SRM to be successfully implemented in an organization, a well laid out ERM needs to be in place and supported by management. It provides the necessary resources to know how the authors arrived with their suggestions. The additional resources were also helpful in trying to gain more knowledge in the field of risk management. Part 3 In â€Å"What is Strategic Risk Management,† Mark L. Frigo and Richard J. Anderson explain the differences between Strategic Risk Management (â€Å"SRM†) and its relationship with Enterprise Risk Management (â€Å"ERM†). According to the authors, SRM is the detail and task-oriented process for identifying risks that can impede an organizations strategic objective (Frigo, M.L. and Anderson, R.J., April 2011). ERM is the over-riding process the organization goes through to identify and achieve strategic risk management. The article states that in order to be successful implementing SRM, an organization must have in place a supported ERM infrastructure, whereby executive management supports and understands the value. The main reason being is that organizations need to be able to understand and be able to justify the over-riding costs that come with the implementation of SRM. In the current economic climate, it is crucial that value of an ini tiative to an organization is communicated by actual monetary savings. Research has shown that less than one-half of companies have invested in risk management (Beasley, M.S. and Frigo, M.L., May 2008). In addition, the article uses relevant and recent research from other authors, to conclude that SRM is an immature process in many organizations. This is due to the limited budget and funding that is available in the current economic climate. Research shows that SRM is often cut in budget decision-making. For this reason, the authors lay out clear steps and principles for achieving SRM in the organization. The first step identified is to understand the maturity of the organization. Is the organization ready to accept and move forward with a process for reviewing and identifying its risk environment? In addition, the organization must be ready to incorporate this strategic risk assessment, evaluation, and monitoring as part of its overall day-to-day operations (Frigo, M.L. and Anderso n, R.J., 2011). ReferencesBurkholder, G.J. (2010). Tips for Effective Online Composition and Communication. Retrieved from Walden University Online Classroom: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.comFrigo, Mark L; Anderson, Richard J. (Apr. 2011). Strategic Management. Retrieved July 18, 2011 from Walden University Online Library.Watkins, R., Anderson, Richard J. (2011). Embracing Enterprise Risk Management: Practical Approaches for Getting Started, COSO.

The Krupp Family History essays

The Krupp Family History essays The famous Krupp family of Germany has a long and at times controversial history. The history of the family can be traced to the early 15th Century but the family is more historically well - known as the originators of the first major steel-works in Germany in 1811. (Biography: Krupp) This was to develop and in a relatively short period the company had become the largest in the world and a leading supplier of armaments. (Biography: Krupp) Since the late1800s Krupp was seen as a major manufacturer of weapons as well as being characterized by a ....deadly collaboration between the giant industrial complex and the military in Germany and elsewhere, so characteristic of modern warfare. (Biography: Krupp) It should be noted that the history of the family was not always related to armaments. Krupp was recognized in the late 1800s as a major supplier in the world of railroad equipment. Other industrial achievements include that fact that in1862 ...Krupp pioneered the Bessemer process on the Continent and introduced the open-hearth method of steel casting in 1869. (Biography: Krupp) The modern history of the Krupp familys stance towards unions and workers can be clearly seen in the period before and after the First World War. In the early 1900s workers in the Krupp Company were comparatively well treated in a paternalistic system that offered many benefits. This approach to the company occurred under the management of Alfred Krupp. Under his guidance the vertical "mixed company" approach was introduced which meant that other mining, power and transportation concerns were added to the company. During this period Alfred Krupp ....introduced several significant welfare services (health insurance, pension fund, housing), which later served as models for Bismarck's social legislation. (Biography: Krupp) Workers lived in company housing and were also ...mobilised in company unions...&q...

Taliban Decrees and Prohibitions Against Women

Taliban Decrees and Prohibitions Against Women Immediately on taking over cities and communities in Afghanistan, the Taliban imposed its law, based on an interpretation of Sharia  or Islamic  law that was stricter than in any part of the Islamic world. The interpretation is at wide variance from that of most Islamic scholars. With very minimal changes, what follows are the Taliban rules, decrees, and prohibitions as posted in Kabul and elsewhere in Afghanistan beginning in November and December 1996, and as translated from Dari by Western non-governmental agencies. The grammar and syntax ​follows the original. Those rules still prevail wherever the Taliban is in control – in vast parts of Afghanistan or in Pakistans Federally Administered Tribal Areas. On Women and Families Decree announced by the General Presidency of Amr Bil Maruf and Nai As Munkar (Taliban Religious Police), Kabul, November 1996. Women you should not step outside your residence. If you go outside the house you should not be like women who used to go with fashionable clothes wearing much cosmetics and appearing in front of every men before the coming of Islam.Islam as a rescuing religion has determined specific dignity for women, Islam has valuable instructions for women. Women should not create such opportunity to attract the attention of useless people who will not look at them with a good eye. Women have the responsibility as a teacher or coordinator for her family. Husband, brother, father have the responsibility for providing the family with the necessary life requirements (food, clothes etc). In case women are required to go outside the residence for the purposes of education, social needs or social services they should cover themselves in accordance with Islamic Sharia regulation. If women are going outside with fashionable, ornamental, tight and charming clothes to show themselves, they will be cursed by the Islamic Sharia and should never expect to go to heaven.All family elders and every Muslim have responsibility in this respect. We request all family elders to keep tight control over their families and avoid these social problems. Otherwise these women will be threatened, investigated and severely punished as well as the family elders by the forces of the Religious Police (Munkrat).The Religious Police have the responsibility and duty to struggle against these social problems and will continue their effort until evil is finished. Hospital Rules and Prohibitions Rules of work for the State Hospitals and private clinics based on Islamic Sharia principles. Ministry of Health, on behalf of Amir ul Momineet Mohammed Omar. Kabul, November 1996. 1. Female patients should go to female physicians. In case a male physician is needed, the female patient should be accompanied by her close relative.2. During examination, the female patients and male physicians both will be dressed with Islamic .3. Male physicians should not touch or see the other parts of female patients except for the affected part.4. Waiting room for female patients should be safely covered.5. The person who regulates turn for female patients should be a woman.6. During the night duty, in what rooms which female patients are hospitalized, the male doctor without the call of the patient is not allowed to enter the room.7. Sitting and speaking between male and female doctors are not allowed. If there be need for discussion, it should be done with hijab.8. Female doctors should wear simple clothes, they are not allowed stylish clothes or use of cosmetics or make-up.9. Female doctors and nurses are not allowed to enter the rooms where male patients are hospitalized. 10. Hospital staff should pray in mosques on time.11. The Religious Police are allowed to go for control at any time and nobody can prevent them.Anybody who violates the order will be punished as per Islamic regulations. General Rules and Prohibitions General Presidency of Amr Bil Maruf. Kabul, December 1996. 1. To prevent sedition and female uncovers (Be Hejabi). No drivers allowed to pick up women who are using Iranian burqa. In case of violation the driver will be imprisoned. If such kind of female are observed in the street their house will be found and their husband punished. If the women use stimulating and attractive cloth and there is no accompany of close male relative with them, the drivers should not pick them up.2. To prevent music. To be broadcasted by the public information resources. In shops, hotels, vehicles and rickshaws cassettes and music are prohibited. This matter should be monitored within five days. If any music cassette found in a shop, the shopkeeper should be imprisoned and the shop locked. If five people guarantee the shop should be opened the criminal released later. If cassette found in the vehicle, the vehicle and the driver will be imprisoned. If five people guarantee the vehicle will be released and the criminal released later.3. To prevent beard shaving a nd its cutting. After one and a half months, if anyone is observed who has shaved and/or cut his beard, they should be arrested and imprisoned until their beard gets bushy.4. To prevent keeping pigeons and playing with birds. Within ten days this habit/hobby should stop. After ten days this should be monitored and the pigeons and any other playing birds should be killed.5. To prevent kite-flying. The kite shops in the city should be abolished.6. To prevent idolatry. In vehicles, shops, hotels, room and any other places, pictures and portraits should be abolished. The monitors should tear up all pictures in the above places.7. To prevent gambling. In collaboration with the security police the main centers should be found and the gamblers imprisoned for one month.8. To eradicate the use of narcotics. Addicts should be imprisoned and investigation made to find the supplier and the shop. The shop should be locked and the owner and user should be imprisoned and punished.9. To prevent the British and American hairstyle. People with long hair should be arrested and taken to the Religious Police department to shave their hair. The criminal has to pay the barber.10. To prevent interest on loans, charge on changing small denomination notes and charge on money orders. All money exchangers should be informed that the above three types of exchanging the money should be prohibited. In case of violation criminals will be imprisoned for a long time.11. To prevent washing cloth by young ladies along the water streams in the city. Violator ladies should be picked up with respectful Islamic manner, taken to their houses and their husbands severely punished.12. To prevent music and dances in wedding parties. In the case of violation the head of the family will be arrested and punished.13. To prevent the playing of music drum. The prohibition of this should be announced. If anybody does this then the religious elders can decide about it.14. To prevent sewing ladies cloth and takin g female body measures by tailor. If women or fashion magazines are seen in the shop the tailor should be imprisoned.15. To prevent sorcery. All the related books should be burnt and the magician should be imprisoned until his repentance.16. To prevent not praying and order gathering pray at the bazaar. Prayer should be done  on  their due times in all districts. Transportation should be strictly prohibited and all people are obliged to go to the mosque. If young people are seen in the shops they will be immediately imprisoned.9. To prevent the British and American hairstyle. People with long hair should be arrested and taken to the Religious Police department to shave their hair. The criminal has to pay the barber.10. To prevent interest on loans, charge on changing small denomination notes and charge on money orders. All money exchangers should be informed that the above three types of exchanging the money should be prohibited. In case of violation criminals will be imprisoned for a long time.11. To prevent washing cloth by young ladies along the water streams in the city. Violator ladies should be picked up with respectful Islamic manner, taken to their houses and their husbands severely punished.12. To prevent music and dances in wedding parties. In the case of violation the head of the family will be arrested and punished.13. To prevent the playing of music drum. The prohibition of this should be announced. If anybody does this then the religious elders can decide about it.14. To prevent sewing ladies cloth and taking female body measures by tailor. If women or fashion magazines are seen in the shop the tailor should be imprisoned.15. To prevent sorcery. All the related books should be burnt and the magician should be imprisoned until his repentance.16. To prevent not praying and order gathering pray at the bazaar. Prayer should be done on their due times in all districts. Transportation should be strictly prohibited and all people are obliged to go t o the mosque. If young people are seen in the shops they will be immediately imprisoned.

Personal Values Developement Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Personal Values Developement Paper - Essay Example Society's standards of right or wrong become a part of the individual. The individual learns the professional ethics, commitment, compassion, cooperation, empathy etc. from the society in general and her surroundings in particular. The values are gradually translated into building the career, profession and overall personality of the individual. The values result in quite distinct approach that is adopted towards the profession and the society. For example some people opt for the field of medicine because they consider, 'Service to humanity is service to God', as this saying has a great influence in their opting for this particular career. But there are some others, who consider the profession as a money spinner, full of opportunity to make a mark and be counted as a successful medical practitioner. At any point of time, both types of doctors might be doing quite well in their fields, but their approach is quite distinctive and gradually people are also able to figure it out. This goes a long way in making a difference between a 'successful' person and a 'great' person. While talking about the value concept Bagnall (2006) says that the values may be best understood as identifying and nurturing the directional qualities of individuals and social entities. These values are built through a process of interaction with people, institutions and involvement in community activities etc. I grew up in an environment, where respecting elders is considered a solemn duty by the people. I got to learn this as a way of life, right from my childhood, without actually realizing the meaning of it all. After growing up I understood that respecting elders forms a value education proposition. Since I know the importance of inculcating these values right from childhood, I am taking care that my son too grows up in such an environment, where he observes me as giving due respect to the elders. I fully understand that whatever bookish knowledge I may provide to my son on the subject, I will remain his primary source of learning for this trait. These values will be reflected in whatever he does from now on. An ethical speaker Frank Bucaro (2003) states that 'Values Are Caught, Not Taught'. This statement in a way sums up the learning process of values and eth ics. Bucaro further explains that everyone embodies three psychological persons: the child, the parent and the adult. The child is mainly guided by emotions. Therefore, I am taking fullest care to make sure that my son grown in an environment where he gets a good value education. The importance of value education is even realized by the business leaders as well. They emphasize the need for ethical behavior while carrying out the business activities. Such an ethical behavior also helps in value addition to the product and services, so that the customer feels fully satisfied, which in turn helps the companies or the organizations in furthering their business prospects. As part of corporate culture, reputed organizations, hospital, health care services etc. make it a point to see that the sensibilities of its existing/ prospective customers are not hurt so that the customer too adopts the company as one belonging to its own culture. Organizations too take the values and character that its owners believe in. Character education is

Velocity 3 - Part II Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Velocity 3 - Part II - Assignment Example This is because I have had a personal experience with my organization where we attempted to facilitate revenue generation through throughput put because there was lack of understanding among the team, we failed totally. It is therefore recommended that the ability to identify constraints and use throughput by your organization should be done on a regular basis so as to ensure that the people get the needed experience to do it right (Goldratt Institute, 2009). Indeed, there is sufficient evidence in literature to support the fact that blame game has never helped in the growth of organizations, as it leads to a situation where management refuse to tackle the actual problem but only the symptoms of it (Corbett, 2006). It is for this reason that I find the second passage you talked about very useful and important. Adding my insight to this, I would say that based on the velocity methodology, it is always important to see people as facilitators of change and therefore learn to make the most out of them (Jacob, Bergland & Cox, 2010). This means that even if people within the organization are found to be the cause of certain problems, instead of lambasting these people and discouraging them, they could be empowered t understand how they can personally contribute to the success of the organization. Once this is done, everyone would begin to benefit from

Multinational Culture and Development of a Dominant Market Player Essay

Multinational Culture and Development of a Dominant Market Player - Essay Example Rather, the process is much more akin to a learning curve through which each and every organization/firm/company must contend. Due to this non-uniformity, each and every firm experiences different levels of success with their attempts to make the difficult transition from that of a successful firm to that of a fledgling multinational. However, it can be argued that if there were such a thing as a single determinant that expressly assured a degree of multinational success it would be those companies that retain a healthy and vibrant culture that pervades every sector of their company and product/service offerings (Lashinsky 2005, p. 80). Such a statement will, of course, be corroborated by this analysis; however, even cursory examinations of a litany of multinational corporations that have succeeded share this common denominator towards eventual success. Moreover, the degree to which Sony focuses its energies on innovation and product development/change will also be discussed. Finally , a thorough examination of the ways in which company culture serve as a type of feedback loop into the items that have previously been listed, compounding, reinforcing, and encouraging the firm to even higher exemplifications of business success will be discussed and analyzed.

To be Determined Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

To be Determined - Essay Example The kradin is the soul-name, which gives the person his/her spiritual identity whereas the cultural or physiological identity is known as Abusuakuw and Abatumm (Afuraka Afuraitkait). The belief surrounding the kradin however is more common in other cultures such as the Akan than amongst the Swahili. The Swahili group is one of Africa’s largest. It is derived from the Bantu group but was later heavily influenced by the Arab culture and language, and the Islamic religion. It actually comprises of a number of sub-ethnic groups of which there are many. The Swahili speaking region of East Africa comprises of the following countries in which Swahilis can be found in significant numbers: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. In addition, the region â€Å"also extends into southern Somalia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and parts of northern Mozambique and the Comoros Islands† (African Studies Center). The language (Ki-Swahili), a Bantu language, is spoken by the Swahili people but also functions as a widely used lingua franca. Thus, â€Å"it embraces diverse life styles, economic and aesthetic practices, religions and ideologies† (ibid) although our focus is on the ethnic Swahili group. The population numbers for the main five Swahili countries are given below based on figures provided by the Population Reference Bureau for mid-2008 and rounded to the nearest 100,000, Amongst these wider populations, the ethnic Swahilis live alongside other ethnic groups such as the Maasai, Mijikenda, and Turkana. Most et hnic Swahilis are Muslims. In the video ‘Rites of Passage’ by Mary Ann Watson and Suki Montgomery, Athnam Lali Omar describes the traditional naming ceremony in Swahili culture based on indications at Gede, a ruined village occupied between the twelth and seventeeth centuries. After birth, the baby was protected and kept in

Articles of Confederation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Articles of Confederation - Essay Example Constitution was written in 1787, ratified the next year, and George Washington assumed its presidency one year after that. (Bush Defends Rate of Progress in Iraq, p. A03) However, it is also believed that the cause for the alterations was widespread mistrust of the fundamental authority and jealousy of some states involved in this issue. Unfortunately, these were some reasons which resulted the emasculation of the articles of confederation. When the 13 original American colonies met in 1774 to ratify the Articles of Confederation - the first draft of the US Constitution - smaller states were frightened of domination by larger states and every state was frightened of losing its independence. (United State of Confusion p. 8). Moreover, Strang also believes that "the Articles established a "confederacy" and "firm league of friendship" of "free [] and independent[t]" states. It purported to create a "perpetual Union" between the same". (Strang, P. 909) In fact, when ratified the articles of confederation the articles declared solemnly that each of thirteen states would enjoy freedom, independence and sovereignty. Soon after the ratification of articles of confederation each thirteen states enjoyed equal rights and privileges, freedom of movement, and most importantly the articles of confederation clearly outlined the trials of criminals accused. ... Nonetheless, in this regard, neither separate judicial branches nor executives were provided for. According to Golove D the articles of confederation, though in some few respects national, were mainly of a pure federative character and were treated as stipulations between states.( Golove, p.1697) As a matter of fact, congress was the only authority that had major obligations such as declaring war or peach, maintaining or rotating foreign relations with other nations, army and navy command, foreign disputes regarding boundaries, conducting and settling postal services and so forth. Nevertheless, some aforesaid obligations were shared among states and in one way or another in this respect congress was the alone authority who was dependent upon cooperation of the states for carrying out any of them. "Four visible weaknesses of the articles, apart from those of organization, made it impossible for Congress to execute its constitutional duties. These were analyzed in numbers 15-22 of The FEDERALIST, the political essays in which Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay argued the case for the U.S. CONSTITUTION of 1787". ( Golove, p.1697) In this regard, the very first weakness of the articles was that according to it the congress could not legislate for individual peoples; however, it could legislate only for state, consequently, congress could not enforce legislation. Secondly, congress under this article could evaluate its expenses and can distribute those among the states, and it was calculated on behalf of land's value, but congress had no right and power on taxes. In order to raise the money for these expenses and turn the proceeds over to congress, States had rights and powers to mark tax their

To be Determined Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

To be Determined - Essay Example The kradin is the soul-name, which gives the person his/her spiritual identity whereas the cultural or physiological identity is known as Abusuakuw and Abatumm (Afuraka Afuraitkait). The belief surrounding the kradin however is more common in other cultures such as the Akan than amongst the Swahili. The Swahili group is one of Africa’s largest. It is derived from the Bantu group but was later heavily influenced by the Arab culture and language, and the Islamic religion. It actually comprises of a number of sub-ethnic groups of which there are many. The Swahili speaking region of East Africa comprises of the following countries in which Swahilis can be found in significant numbers: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. In addition, the region â€Å"also extends into southern Somalia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and parts of northern Mozambique and the Comoros Islands† (African Studies Center). The language (Ki-Swahili), a Bantu language, is spoken by the Swahili people but also functions as a widely used lingua franca. Thus, â€Å"it embraces diverse life styles, economic and aesthetic practices, religions and ideologies† (ibid) although our focus is on the ethnic Swahili group. The population numbers for the main five Swahili countries are given below based on figures provided by the Population Reference Bureau for mid-2008 and rounded to the nearest 100,000, Amongst these wider populations, the ethnic Swahilis live alongside other ethnic groups such as the Maasai, Mijikenda, and Turkana. Most et hnic Swahilis are Muslims. In the video ‘Rites of Passage’ by Mary Ann Watson and Suki Montgomery, Athnam Lali Omar describes the traditional naming ceremony in Swahili culture based on indications at Gede, a ruined village occupied between the twelth and seventeeth centuries. After birth, the baby was protected and kept in

Informational interview Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Informational interview - Article Example She had worked as an academic counsellor at the career centre before she was promoted to the post of associate director. Briana has a professional work experience of ten years. She majored in Psychology in her undergraduate level and later acquired Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Counselling. She had also worked in a bagel shop while in high school. I was motivated to request Briana Randall for an interview because of my interest in the field of academic counselling. Following the interview session, I was able to learn a number of issues that are quite crucial to individual who wants to venture into the field. Although an undergraduate degree is an essential foundation for individuals who want to venture into the career of counselling, it is not adequate. The least educational qualification for an academic counsellor is a Master’s degree in any field. In addition to this, work experience in the field is vital for one to be able to effectively deliver in this field. Because of this reason one should explore available options such as volunteer opportunities and internships so as to gain experience before seeking full-time employment. These opportunities may include counselling children, high school students or even working in a crisis clinic. This will also help one to determine if such a job gives him/her career satisfact ion. Moreover, a number of skills are required to be able to succeed in the field including ability to multitask, supervision skills, management skills and delegation skills. Being a very involving career, one needs to be ambitious so as to be able to handle all the tasks. Duties of a counsellor that probably is the starting post for an upcoming academic counsellor include and are not limited to; appointments with students, answering students emails, preparing for workshops and reading extensively about career and job options. The responsibilities of the high-ranking associate director include leading

Student Teaching Reflection Essay Example for Free

Student Teaching Reflection Essay The class was a very talkative and energetic bunch of students. The class had a high tendency to get off task when working independently, during free time, or in small groups. The cooperating teacher and I developed a new positive behavior plan in hopes of improving the talkative behavior. We develop a plan to give each student a star when we saw them reading, not talking when they are not suppose to be, getting things out quickly for the next subject, or sitting down and doing their work without talking. At the end of the week the students would have the opportunity to cash in their stars for tangible rewards. The class’ talkative behavior did improve because of the new positive behavior plan that the cooperating teacher and I developed. All of the students stayed in the classroom for most of the day except one student who is on an IEP for a learning disability and ADHD and is currently taking medication. This student is only in the classroom for Social Studies/Science and at times for Math. He does join the students for P. E. , music, lunch, recess, T. V. programming, computer, and counseling. There is, also, another student who is ADHD and he is currently taking medication. There are three students who leave to go to the Title I room for reading and there are five students that leave on occasion for math, depending on how much they are struggling. Three students leave once a week for speech therapy. Once I started teaching the whole day, my days went by very quickly. Within an elementary classroom there is always so much going on and with very energetic 1st  graders I never had a chance to stop moving. I did learn quickly that no matter what you plan in your lesson plans, they change and the teacher needs to adapt to the change. I have found that organization, time and classroom management, flexibility, and communication with other teachers and administration are a must for teachers. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend parent/teacher conferences and teacher in-services meetings. I felt that attending these activities helped me better prepare myself as a future teacher. The teacher in-service provided me with wonderful information that I will continue with and take into my classroom. The in-service informed us about the unfamiliar disability, a learning disability. The in-service did not just give me information about LD, it gave me a chance to know and feel what it is like have a learning disability. It really opened my eyes and my heart to the LD students. Before going into my student teaching experience, I was unsure of how I felt about the No Child Left Behind Act. After being in the classroom and viewing the guided reading groups, I think it is a great way to keep students reading at their level. It benefits all children to achieve and succeed in their reading skills, abilities, and levels. If there was only one reading texts for all of the children, it would only benefit a handful of students. The more advanced students and the less advanced students would be at a great disadvantage and not be able to succeed at their highest potential. I also believe that there should be separate groups for math. I had students who could have excelled at higher levels in math, but were held back because of the less advanced students. No Child Left Behind Act is very hard for one teacher in the classroom to handle, if they want to be able to get to all of the groups of students and to have them excel. I feel that teachers need an aide within the classroom to assist during the guided reading time. My experience in the 1st  grade classroom has taught me a tremendous amount about being a teacher, organization, time and classroom management, flexibility, and communication. I learned many effective ways to run a classroom, classroom management, and teaching strategies. I feel that I am prepared for a teaching position in a regular education classroom. I am looking forward to the challenges, rewards, and positive benefits to teaching children.

Strategies and Concepts in Research Design

Strategies and Concepts in Research Design Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY RESEARCH DESIGN According to Saunders et al (2005), design of a research can be exploratory, explanatory or descriptive in nature. The shade of the research decided by its aims and objectives lays down the design or blueprint of the research. As far as an exploratory research is concerned, it tries to assimilate fresh views with the theme or subject thereby evaluating a scenario from the perspective of innovation. As observed by Saunders et al (2005), an exploratory research recognizes and evaluates an exploratory issue that is in line with the research process extracted from the perusal of the literature or academic writings and compilation of primary data. The benefit of carrying out an exploratory research is that it can be amended as per the needs. The researcher enjoys the freedom to steer the research in any direction at any phase of it. At the same time, an explanatory research tries to display the factual state of an event or process. As noted by Saunders et al. (2005), this sort of research can be specified at later segment of investigative study, where a lucid picture of the occurrence or state of affairs is required prior to moving forward in the exploration. So far as explanatory research is concerned, according to Saunders et al (2005), it makes efforts to evaluate linkage in between parameters. A research of this type includes a precise course taking into view the experiments undertaken by means of numerical techniques. Deciding about the design of a research broadly depends on the nature of the research which is determined by the aims and objectives of the research. For this research, the aim was to study the customer relationship management of State Bank of India and its competitive advantage. The research was to achieve following objectives: to review extent conceptual models and theoretical framework related to relationship marketing; to identify how relationship marketing could be used as a strategic tool for competitive advantage; and to recommend strategic frameworks for relationship marketing. This research mainly required exploration regarding the relationship between customer relationship management and competitive advantage in relation to State Bank of India. Therefore, the design of this research was defined as exploratory. RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of a research can be positivism or interpretivism ( Zikmund, , 2000). Positivism philosophy is based on the belief that the truth of life free from a particular observer, and that authenticity is separated from a man who studies it. On the other hand interpretivism is based on the belief that truth is invented or tolerated under the supervision of observers and realism, not comparative disconnected from those who study it. With these key beliefs, positivism, depends on the experiments and rationale for determining (Esterby-Smith, 2002). Interpretivism depends on personal interviews and observations to illustrate professed truth. In positivism, the theory attempts to divine principles and laws that explain, clarify, predict and control outcomes. Positivism research is based on the point of view, which confirms the lone true facts are the scientific information that can be easily obtained by adhering strictly to the scientific method. In positivist science, a theory is a device used as a hypothesis, the structure of the test (Zikmund, 2000). On the contrary to positivism, interpretivism relate to a phenomenological paradigm, arguing that the world is subjective (Esterby-Smith, 2002). Interpretivism research attaches importance to the meaning and trying to understand what is happening and this is likely to argue that the rich understanding of this composite, the world loses if the complexity of the social world is completely reduced to a series of laws, such as simplifications. This research had nothing to do with the scientific research or adopting positivism philosophy. In more clear words, this research was neither based on hypotheses testing nor based on examining theories. Therefore, certainly the philosophy of this research was interpretivism, where the researcher had to reveal subjective information regarding the chosen research subject- customer relationship management of State Bank of India and its competitive advantage. Adopting interpretivism philosophy in this research, firstly literature review was conducted and thereafter first hand data was collected approaching target sample from various banks in India and particularly from State Bank of India. RESEARCH APPROACH The approach of a research can be deductive or inductive (Easterby- Smith, 2002). Deductive research is an approach perusing from the general to the precise. Each so frequently, this casually terms as top-down the approach (Easterby- Smith, 2002). Here we can begin further to think upward on a theory relative to our theme of a study. We then narrow that down into the precise of assumption that we can examine. We reduce downward but we move whilst we gather observations to be present on to the assumptions (Denscombe, 2003). This is final it conducts us to be to competently examine assumptions with precise data, corroboration or discharge of our inventive theories. Inductive research is an approach based with design peruses another road, moving from the precise observations to the more extensive generalizations and the theories. Casually, these are term as approach to the bottom is raised raise upward (Easterby- Smith, 2002). In the inductive approach, we begin further with the precise observations and the measurements; begin to further reveal pictures and regularities make some preliminary assumptions which we can investigate, and then we end upward on to lengthen some extensive conclusions. A research based on interpretivism philosophy is suggested to conduct having inductive research approach. Therefore, this research was conducted adopting inductive research approach. In accordance with the norms of inductive research approach, a research process was followed starting from bottom and reaching to top. In more clear words, firstly research issues were identified reviewing the literature and therefore specific data was collected approaching the target sample in order to make conclusions. RESEARCH METHOD Over the years of hypothetical bases and theoretical foundations and viewpoints, in line with explorations in any other domain, business and management research has undergone changes. In actual sense, exploration is an activity that individuals initiate so as to discover something in a systematic fashion, thereby enhancing their awareness (Saunders et al, 2003). A research is not a research in true sense and will not yield anything expected in case it is not undertaken in a disciplined fashion, that is to say, it needs to have a clear-cut aim and data compilation should be performed alongside interpretation without which it cannot be called an exploration. The exploration provides an insight into the linkage between the pertinent domain of exploration and participants and expectation at varied space of time extent. The investigators employ techniques and tools approved by the academic writings in terms of on -paper or verbal work evaluations, skills, the use of important ideas, secto r concerns and exploration practices linked. Quantitative and qualitative can be the two kinds of the techniques employed for the purpose of exploration. The further discussion highlights the points of distinction between these two forms of management research tools in the light of the academic writings. The qualitative technique or method is employed in the domain of social sciences for the purpose of looking into cultural and social events. The qualitative tools are then put into the categories of action exploration, participant experience and ethnography sampling. The avenues of qualitative data are interviews and questionnaires, case studies, focus-group observation, records and writings, participant experience, and the explorers perceptions and responses. In case of this kind of investigation, there may be differences in the understanding of different social and cultural traits; usually data evaluation differs with the investigators (Saunders et al, 2003). The qualitative tools of explorations have the merits of compiling fine, approved data pertaining to human perspectives and issues, considering the different parameters that may have bearings on the responses. At the same time, this paradigm also has a demerit_ it takes long time and is strenuous. Earlier, the quantitative technique was employed for the purpose of exploring the natural events in the domain of natural sciences. The data compiled during the quantitative research are quantifiable, trustworthy, and can be usually universalized to a bigger chunk of audience (Saunders et al, 2003). Negligence of different aspects of influential research is the most observed demerit of quantitative research. The quantitative research includes the techniques like surveys, econometrics, sampling, laboratory tests and a number of statistical data testing tools. The quantitative research provides a broad domain of research. For the purpose of the present research, both qualitative and quantitative methods have been employed. Qualitative method was employed for the purpose of the literature review and quantitative approach was employed to gather first- hand or primary data on the recognized exploration topics by means of literature read-through. DATA COLLECTION Primary and secondary are the two techniques of data compilation (Saunders et al., 2005). Considering research sketch and intention, both primary and secondary techniques of data compilation was employed for the purpose of the present research. Secondary Data The compilation of secondary data is done from the secondary avenues that are extracted from in-print or unpublished sources (Parasuraman et. 2004). The secondary data made use of in an exploration is not compiled for the present research. Secondary data have certain merits and demerits. In the opinion of Kotabe (2002), the merits of secondary data collection are varied, of which some are mentioned here: conveniently accessible, less-cost incurring, quick reach. Secondary data lays down the base for the compilation of the primary data. Nonetheless, it is a demerit of the secondary data that it cannot cater to all the requisites of a particular inquiry. The argument here is that secondary data accessible is gathered for its own precise objectives. Hence, the researcher cannot blindly make use of the data lying to his or her disposal. Moreover, the secondary data also cannot claim precision in context to timeliness. Notwithstanding these demerits, secondary data enable the investigator in explaining the inquiry issues, inquiry paradigm, and accomplishing probes aims, stated Malhotra (2004). Merits of Secondary Data Secondary data is convenient to achieve, less-cost incurring, and quick to reach. Secondary facilitates the identification of inquiry issue, development of inquiry paradigm and preparation of inquiry questions (Kotabe, 2002). Demerits of Secondary Data Secondary data happen to be the information compilation for other exploration aims and hence its application is confined to other particular exploration. Notwithstanding that there are different demerits of using secondary data, it enables the definition of exploration issue, decision of exploration paradigm and accomplish investigation aims. For the purpose of the present inquiry, the secondary data was compiled from the published sources like books, journals, newspapers and websites. Primary Data Primary data is the data collected for a particular probe, that include a number of phenomena causing it to be time-consuming and expensive (Malhotra, 2004). Obviously, primary data compilation relates to all structured for the particular inquiry and hence yields errorless data in context to the event, nonetheless, gathering primary data not as convenient as the secondary data. This necessitates time and expenses. So as to address the research issue in question, an explorer chooses to gather primary data, which is time-consuming, and expensive enterprise. A researcher can be inclined to opt for specific primary data compilation from the probable techniques in terms of observation, interviews, questionnaire survey and case studies (Saunders et al., (2005). For the purpose of the present researcher, the researcher chose to use questionnaire survey technique. In case of survey method, a sample of targeted individuals was interviewed by means of a questionnaire. The survey was conducted in an informal manner and all the answers were dealt with full confidentially. The aim of carrying out survey was to ensure a real image of the information and also achieve participants assessment of the positive and negative answers in context to varied issues. Structuring the questionnaire was the most important segment of a questionnaire survey. For this purpose, care should be observed while preparing the most pertinent and suitable questions. The researcher needed to have a clear insight into the theme, the aims of the exploration and description of the participants (Parasuraman, 2004). So as to cater to the research requisites, the researcher tended to be objective, recognized, and pertinent while structuring the questionnaire. The investigator could structure open or close-ended questions. Keeping in view the preciseness of the questions nature, the investigator structured only close-ended questions. In all, there were just 10 close-ended questions. The questions included in the questionnaire were arranged in an order beginning from the introduction of the part of the domain. Personal questions were not included in the questionnaires, or any sort of such questions, that may be anti-individual sentiments. Primary data was collected in this research as well through interviews. The interviewees were conducted in the structured format and the interviewees were Senior Marketing Managers in State Bank of India (working in New Delhi based Headquarters, Parliament Street). The number of interviews was 5 and the interviews had to respond in accordance with the asked open-ended questions. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE Saunders et al (2004), in this view, opines that approaching the suitable sample of respondents is important for the dependability of the research and so there is a need to chart a cautious plan to select and reach the suitable respondents. In case of questionnaire survey, the researcher necessitates to select the sample to be interviewed. In technical terms, this is said to be sampling. The sampling method varies from probability (randomly) to non-probability (convenient) (Saunders et al., 2005). In this researcher, the research chose the non-probability (convenient) method of sampling, wherein the sample was chosen from various India based banks (who were working Delhi based branches). The respondents were Marketing Managers of the banks. The number of respondents was 30 and all were approached conveniently without any prior certainty of to be chosen. DATA ANALYSIS This research was basically conducting having qualitative method; therefore, data analysis was conducted applying qualitative data analysis method. In qualitative data analysis, data coding includes the process of data evaluation, wherein all sorts of data are recorded making use of numerical codes since it helps investigator to feed the data speedily with minimal errors. Moreover, there are three stages of coding, open coding, axial coding and selective coding (Saunders et al, 2004). Consequently, in the first stage of coding, the compiled data was translated into theoretical units and was accorded a label, where same level was accorded to similar units of data. In the second stage, the establishment of linkages between categories of data is done that is received as a result of first. Lastly, in the third stage, major categories were recognized as core category. The Microsoft Excel software was employed for the purpose of assessment of data. The data coding includes the process of d ata evaluation, wherein all sorts of data are recorded making use of numerical codes since it helps investigator to feed the data speedily with minimal errors. ETHICAL ISSUES The ethical issues in the research were primarily concerned to confidentiality and anonymity of the research participants. For confidentiality, the researcher maintained confidentiality the facts shared by the research participants all through the research process, and as well the names of the research participants were kept anonymous. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY Reliability of this research lies in sharing actual facts by the research participants as they were assured of not disclosing their name; and the validity lies in properly answering the research questions through summarizing the findings. Chapter 4 FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION The rationale of conducting data analysis in this research is to answer the research questions developed. Since a particular research question relate to various questions in the questionnaire, therefore the contents of the data analysis are in accordance with the sequence of questions in the questionnaire. For every section, firstly the literature is discussed from where the question is made. Thereafter data collected on various banks level and State Bank of India level is analysed. DATA FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS Relationship marketing and level of implementation For the research literature, definitions of relationship marketing are without a clear agreement on its nature or specification of its context and application-level (Gummesson 2002; Parvatiyar and Seth 2000). The term used to describe a relationship at the individual, and at the organizational level, with terms such as affinity marketing, loyalty marketing, cross selling, up selling, co-branding, joint marketing, customer-supplier partnership, the personal one-to-one key account management and marketing decisions (Sheth and Parvatiyar 2002), and there was a failure to clearly delineate, enumerate, and to combine these two elements (i.e. relations and marketing). Recently, Gummesson (2002) emphasizes the long-term relationships and has taken a very broad interpretation, referring to the overall relationship marketing. Seth and Parvatiyar (2002) widened it more by signifying that it is one-to-one communication flanked by the marketer and the customer is an interactive process, not an e xchange business, and this value-added activities based on shared collaboration and interdependence between suppliers and customers. Relationship marketing therefore can be viewed as a very extensive type of somewhat long-term individual business affiliation with the degree of teamwork and interdependence, which is dependent on the anticipation of fulfillment of assurances in exchange for interactive marketing. In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as relationship marketing for banks in India generally works more on which level(individual or organizational level). The data collected in this regard reveals that relationship marketing generally works more on individual level (than organisational level) so far as banks in India are concerned (see Table and Figure 4.1). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that the bank rather focus on organizational level of relationship marketing than individual level. The first question asked from the Marketing Managers of various banks in India was, relationship marketing for their bank generally works more on which level (individual level or organizational level). The response in majority comes outlining individual level. As according to the data shown in the above table, for majority of respondents (63% of the total 30), relationship marketing for their bank generally more works on individual level; whereas for the remaining respondents (37%), relationship marketing for their bank generally works on organisational level. On the whole these data conclude that relationship marketing generally works more on individual level (than organisational level) so far as banks in India are concerned. Establishing bond of relationship and relationship framework In accordance with the research literature, at the core of relationship marketing is an exchange that is beneficial to the parties involved in the exchange. The concept of the exchange as it applies to marketing can be viewed with any transaction cost analysis approach or a social approach, the theory of exchange. Transactions are divided into discrete transactions and relational operations. Relational contract is governed by the law of relational operations. In classical contract law, which governs the discrete individual members of the operation is not relevant, but this is not true of marketing (Rusbult and Van Lange 2003). In a relational contracting point of transition from the agreement (as in classical contract law), against itself as it is with time. There may or may not be the original agreement, and if so, can not be any great respect for him. In relational transactions reduced the gap between the contractual parties, as this ratio becomes stronger and stronger. The main ai m of relationship marketing is the creation of the interest thereon, to minimize information search, and it is unlikely that present moral dilemmas, but rather, through the coordination of activities to achieve results mutually beneficial. Redesigning, relationship marketing is a very broad relatively long term, voluntary, individual, business associations with the degree of emotional commitment, trust, intimacy, cooperation and interdependence(Rusbult and Van Lange 2003), which is based on the assumption of a shared , the promises of interactive marketing exchange on a reciprocal basis. In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as which aspect of relationship framework best works as establishing bond of relationship between banks in India and their clients. The data collected in this regard reveals that trust and cooperation as aspects of relationship framework best works establishing bond of relationship between banks in India and their clients (se e Table and Figure 4.2). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that the bank focuses on trust and interdependence aspects of relationship framework best works establishing bond of relationship with the clients. The second question asked from the Marketing Managers of various banks in India was, which of relationship framework best work as establishing bond of relationship between their bank and clients. The response in majority comes outlining trust and cooperation. As according to the data shown in the above table, for majority of respondents (67% of the total 30), trust (37%) and cooperation (30%) as aspects of relationship framework best works as establishing bond of relationship between their bank and the clients; whereas for the remaining respondents (33%), interdependence (13%), emotional commitment (10%) and intimacy (10%) as aspects of relationship framework best works as establishing bond of relationship between their bank and the clients. On the whole, these data conclude that trust and cooperation as aspects of relationship framework best works establishing bond of relationship between banks in India and their clients. Approach of relationship marketing For the research literature, the repeated use of the term relationship marketing (Brodieet al,1997). They suggested that relationship marketing applied at four levels. At the first level, relationship marketing, technology-based database marketing tool. At the second level, relationship marketing focuses on the relationship between business and its customers, focusing customer retention. At the third level, relationship marketing is a form of customer partnership with customers jointly participate in developing a product or service. The fourth and broadest level, relationship marketing was seen as including all of the databases for personal services, loyalty programs, brand loyalty, internal marketing, personal and social relationships and strategic alliances. Three characteristics are important for customers to desire continuity with the same supplier. These arevariability, complexity, participation (Berry, 1995). Furthermore, that relationship marketing is carried out at three leve ls. Level one relationship marketing is based primarily on price incentives to ensure customer loyalty. However, a sustainable competitive advantage is minimal at this level one, as pricing actions can be compared quickly. The second level of relationship marketing is based primarily on social networks, although the price remains a vital element. This includes personalization and adaptation of these relations.Relationship Marketing has been recognized in the ready-made marketing world, where it became apparent that a strategic competitive advantage could not be delivered on the basis of product characteristics, where alone and corporate profitability are beginning to be associated with satisfying existing customers (Egan, 2001). In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as which approach of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial for banks in India. The data collected in this regard reveals that focusing on client retention as approac h of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial than focusing on technology based data base marketing for banks in India (see Table and Figure 4.3). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that the bank by and large focuses on client retention as approach of relationship marketing. The third question asked from the Marketing Managers of various banks in India was, which of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial for their bank. The response in majority comes outlining on clients retention. As according to the data shown in the above table, for respondents in majority (67% of the total 30) focusing on clients retention as approach of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial for their bank; whereas for the remaining respondents (33%), focusing on technology-based data base marketing as approach of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial for their bank. By and large, these data conclude that focusing on client retention as approach of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial than focusing on technology based data base marketing for banks in India. Relationship marketing as competitive advantage tool In accordance with the research literature, competitive advantage as determined by the type of people the organization attracts and how these individuals to compete when they are players or staff. Therefore it is very necessary to recruit people who have high skills and can lead and develop a competitive culture in the organization. This is true for every business but not for those who have focused for some particular people or work force. This could also include the experience of the workforce which has to be recruited. These characteristics are as important as they seem to be but there is one more factor which is very important and work as a pushing force to compete in the market which guides to repeatedly contributing to the competitive culture of the organization. This is how the organization deploys, manages, reconfigures, or integrates with them (Peteraf and Bergen, 2003). This is not just with the systems that creates an advantage, but as they are occupied in operations in the system. It was here, in the Superior operations, advantages can be obtained. Again, the key is the quality of the person concerned, and how they function together for competitive advantage. This group is based on the operations in the responsibility of each individual in the organization and, as the rule tracks from a top manager it creates a sense of importance and steady concentration to feature whether the keys to the organization reap the benefits sought through what are essentially common systems in the competitive arena of the organization. A competitive culture creates the feeling that all opportunities to compete with a rival, as well as with itself. There is a positive feedback between the public interest and the success of overtime. These types of loops, both positive and negative, create difficulties in the system and create the dynamic behavior of organizations (Sterman, 2000). That is why we see a cluster of industries in the geographical area where a cluster of more a vailable pool of talent is available. Thus, creating and maintaining a culture of competition is a key component of efforts to achieve competitive advantage. In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as how is the role of relationship marketing as competitive advantage tool for banks in India. The data collected in this regard reveals that certainly the role of relationship marketing is highly effective as competitive advantage tool for banks in India (see Table and Figure 4.4). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that although relationship marketing is highly focused a strategy for the bank, yet the bank does not look relationship marketing as tool of competitive advantage. The fourth question asked from the Marketing Managers of various banks in India was, how is the role of relationship marketing as competitive advantage tool for their bank. The response in majority comes out as highly effective. As according to the data shown in the above table, for respondents in majority (60% of the total 30), they see the role of relationship marketing highly effective as competitive advantage tool for their bank; whereas for the remaining respondents (40%), they see the role of relationship marketing either effective (27%) or ineffective (13%) as competitive advantage tool for their bank. By and large, these data conclude that certainly the role of relationship marketing is highly effective as competitive advantage tool for banks in India. Areas of competitive advantage and relationship marketing For the research literature, linking aspects of relations with some degree of competitive advantage became a topic of growing interest in marketing and strategy scholars. Research in this area have focused on trust, commitment, mutual goals, power, social networks, transaction costs, information exchange, a kind of investment and management, each of which has been shown to affect the incidence of relationship based on competitive advantage (Morgan and Hunt, 1999) . However, only two authors have attempted to conceptualize the relations based on competitive advantages in a holistic sense (JAP 2001; Wilson 1995). The hypothesis that inter-firm connection can be the basis for accomplishing competitive benefits has received significant attention in the literature. A number of studies are on the way to explain this incidence (Morgan and Hunt, 1999). Personal qualities such as trust, commitment, mutual goals, power, social networks, transaction costs, information sharing, an investment and management of all it has been shown to affect the incidence of relationship based on competitive advantages (JAP 1999; Morgan and Hunt 1999; Wilson 1995). In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as in which area of competitive advantage, relationship marketing would be most successful for banks in India. The data collected in this regard reveals that in the competitive areas of managing social networks and managing information sharing, relationship marketing would be most successful for banks in India (see Table and Figure 4.5). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that the bank rather focuses on managing Strategies and Concepts in Research Design Strategies and Concepts in Research Design Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY RESEARCH DESIGN According to Saunders et al (2005), design of a research can be exploratory, explanatory or descriptive in nature. The shade of the research decided by its aims and objectives lays down the design or blueprint of the research. As far as an exploratory research is concerned, it tries to assimilate fresh views with the theme or subject thereby evaluating a scenario from the perspective of innovation. As observed by Saunders et al (2005), an exploratory research recognizes and evaluates an exploratory issue that is in line with the research process extracted from the perusal of the literature or academic writings and compilation of primary data. The benefit of carrying out an exploratory research is that it can be amended as per the needs. The researcher enjoys the freedom to steer the research in any direction at any phase of it. At the same time, an explanatory research tries to display the factual state of an event or process. As noted by Saunders et al. (2005), this sort of research can be specified at later segment of investigative study, where a lucid picture of the occurrence or state of affairs is required prior to moving forward in the exploration. So far as explanatory research is concerned, according to Saunders et al (2005), it makes efforts to evaluate linkage in between parameters. A research of this type includes a precise course taking into view the experiments undertaken by means of numerical techniques. Deciding about the design of a research broadly depends on the nature of the research which is determined by the aims and objectives of the research. For this research, the aim was to study the customer relationship management of State Bank of India and its competitive advantage. The research was to achieve following objectives: to review extent conceptual models and theoretical framework related to relationship marketing; to identify how relationship marketing could be used as a strategic tool for competitive advantage; and to recommend strategic frameworks for relationship marketing. This research mainly required exploration regarding the relationship between customer relationship management and competitive advantage in relation to State Bank of India. Therefore, the design of this research was defined as exploratory. RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of a research can be positivism or interpretivism ( Zikmund, , 2000). Positivism philosophy is based on the belief that the truth of life free from a particular observer, and that authenticity is separated from a man who studies it. On the other hand interpretivism is based on the belief that truth is invented or tolerated under the supervision of observers and realism, not comparative disconnected from those who study it. With these key beliefs, positivism, depends on the experiments and rationale for determining (Esterby-Smith, 2002). Interpretivism depends on personal interviews and observations to illustrate professed truth. In positivism, the theory attempts to divine principles and laws that explain, clarify, predict and control outcomes. Positivism research is based on the point of view, which confirms the lone true facts are the scientific information that can be easily obtained by adhering strictly to the scientific method. In positivist science, a theory is a device used as a hypothesis, the structure of the test (Zikmund, 2000). On the contrary to positivism, interpretivism relate to a phenomenological paradigm, arguing that the world is subjective (Esterby-Smith, 2002). Interpretivism research attaches importance to the meaning and trying to understand what is happening and this is likely to argue that the rich understanding of this composite, the world loses if the complexity of the social world is completely reduced to a series of laws, such as simplifications. This research had nothing to do with the scientific research or adopting positivism philosophy. In more clear words, this research was neither based on hypotheses testing nor based on examining theories. Therefore, certainly the philosophy of this research was interpretivism, where the researcher had to reveal subjective information regarding the chosen research subject- customer relationship management of State Bank of India and its competitive advantage. Adopting interpretivism philosophy in this research, firstly literature review was conducted and thereafter first hand data was collected approaching target sample from various banks in India and particularly from State Bank of India. RESEARCH APPROACH The approach of a research can be deductive or inductive (Easterby- Smith, 2002). Deductive research is an approach perusing from the general to the precise. Each so frequently, this casually terms as top-down the approach (Easterby- Smith, 2002). Here we can begin further to think upward on a theory relative to our theme of a study. We then narrow that down into the precise of assumption that we can examine. We reduce downward but we move whilst we gather observations to be present on to the assumptions (Denscombe, 2003). This is final it conducts us to be to competently examine assumptions with precise data, corroboration or discharge of our inventive theories. Inductive research is an approach based with design peruses another road, moving from the precise observations to the more extensive generalizations and the theories. Casually, these are term as approach to the bottom is raised raise upward (Easterby- Smith, 2002). In the inductive approach, we begin further with the precise observations and the measurements; begin to further reveal pictures and regularities make some preliminary assumptions which we can investigate, and then we end upward on to lengthen some extensive conclusions. A research based on interpretivism philosophy is suggested to conduct having inductive research approach. Therefore, this research was conducted adopting inductive research approach. In accordance with the norms of inductive research approach, a research process was followed starting from bottom and reaching to top. In more clear words, firstly research issues were identified reviewing the literature and therefore specific data was collected approaching the target sample in order to make conclusions. RESEARCH METHOD Over the years of hypothetical bases and theoretical foundations and viewpoints, in line with explorations in any other domain, business and management research has undergone changes. In actual sense, exploration is an activity that individuals initiate so as to discover something in a systematic fashion, thereby enhancing their awareness (Saunders et al, 2003). A research is not a research in true sense and will not yield anything expected in case it is not undertaken in a disciplined fashion, that is to say, it needs to have a clear-cut aim and data compilation should be performed alongside interpretation without which it cannot be called an exploration. The exploration provides an insight into the linkage between the pertinent domain of exploration and participants and expectation at varied space of time extent. The investigators employ techniques and tools approved by the academic writings in terms of on -paper or verbal work evaluations, skills, the use of important ideas, secto r concerns and exploration practices linked. Quantitative and qualitative can be the two kinds of the techniques employed for the purpose of exploration. The further discussion highlights the points of distinction between these two forms of management research tools in the light of the academic writings. The qualitative technique or method is employed in the domain of social sciences for the purpose of looking into cultural and social events. The qualitative tools are then put into the categories of action exploration, participant experience and ethnography sampling. The avenues of qualitative data are interviews and questionnaires, case studies, focus-group observation, records and writings, participant experience, and the explorers perceptions and responses. In case of this kind of investigation, there may be differences in the understanding of different social and cultural traits; usually data evaluation differs with the investigators (Saunders et al, 2003). The qualitative tools of explorations have the merits of compiling fine, approved data pertaining to human perspectives and issues, considering the different parameters that may have bearings on the responses. At the same time, this paradigm also has a demerit_ it takes long time and is strenuous. Earlier, the quantitative technique was employed for the purpose of exploring the natural events in the domain of natural sciences. The data compiled during the quantitative research are quantifiable, trustworthy, and can be usually universalized to a bigger chunk of audience (Saunders et al, 2003). Negligence of different aspects of influential research is the most observed demerit of quantitative research. The quantitative research includes the techniques like surveys, econometrics, sampling, laboratory tests and a number of statistical data testing tools. The quantitative research provides a broad domain of research. For the purpose of the present research, both qualitative and quantitative methods have been employed. Qualitative method was employed for the purpose of the literature review and quantitative approach was employed to gather first- hand or primary data on the recognized exploration topics by means of literature read-through. DATA COLLECTION Primary and secondary are the two techniques of data compilation (Saunders et al., 2005). Considering research sketch and intention, both primary and secondary techniques of data compilation was employed for the purpose of the present research. Secondary Data The compilation of secondary data is done from the secondary avenues that are extracted from in-print or unpublished sources (Parasuraman et. 2004). The secondary data made use of in an exploration is not compiled for the present research. Secondary data have certain merits and demerits. In the opinion of Kotabe (2002), the merits of secondary data collection are varied, of which some are mentioned here: conveniently accessible, less-cost incurring, quick reach. Secondary data lays down the base for the compilation of the primary data. Nonetheless, it is a demerit of the secondary data that it cannot cater to all the requisites of a particular inquiry. The argument here is that secondary data accessible is gathered for its own precise objectives. Hence, the researcher cannot blindly make use of the data lying to his or her disposal. Moreover, the secondary data also cannot claim precision in context to timeliness. Notwithstanding these demerits, secondary data enable the investigator in explaining the inquiry issues, inquiry paradigm, and accomplishing probes aims, stated Malhotra (2004). Merits of Secondary Data Secondary data is convenient to achieve, less-cost incurring, and quick to reach. Secondary facilitates the identification of inquiry issue, development of inquiry paradigm and preparation of inquiry questions (Kotabe, 2002). Demerits of Secondary Data Secondary data happen to be the information compilation for other exploration aims and hence its application is confined to other particular exploration. Notwithstanding that there are different demerits of using secondary data, it enables the definition of exploration issue, decision of exploration paradigm and accomplish investigation aims. For the purpose of the present inquiry, the secondary data was compiled from the published sources like books, journals, newspapers and websites. Primary Data Primary data is the data collected for a particular probe, that include a number of phenomena causing it to be time-consuming and expensive (Malhotra, 2004). Obviously, primary data compilation relates to all structured for the particular inquiry and hence yields errorless data in context to the event, nonetheless, gathering primary data not as convenient as the secondary data. This necessitates time and expenses. So as to address the research issue in question, an explorer chooses to gather primary data, which is time-consuming, and expensive enterprise. A researcher can be inclined to opt for specific primary data compilation from the probable techniques in terms of observation, interviews, questionnaire survey and case studies (Saunders et al., (2005). For the purpose of the present researcher, the researcher chose to use questionnaire survey technique. In case of survey method, a sample of targeted individuals was interviewed by means of a questionnaire. The survey was conducted in an informal manner and all the answers were dealt with full confidentially. The aim of carrying out survey was to ensure a real image of the information and also achieve participants assessment of the positive and negative answers in context to varied issues. Structuring the questionnaire was the most important segment of a questionnaire survey. For this purpose, care should be observed while preparing the most pertinent and suitable questions. The researcher needed to have a clear insight into the theme, the aims of the exploration and description of the participants (Parasuraman, 2004). So as to cater to the research requisites, the researcher tended to be objective, recognized, and pertinent while structuring the questionnaire. The investigator could structure open or close-ended questions. Keeping in view the preciseness of the questions nature, the investigator structured only close-ended questions. In all, there were just 10 close-ended questions. The questions included in the questionnaire were arranged in an order beginning from the introduction of the part of the domain. Personal questions were not included in the questionnaires, or any sort of such questions, that may be anti-individual sentiments. Primary data was collected in this research as well through interviews. The interviewees were conducted in the structured format and the interviewees were Senior Marketing Managers in State Bank of India (working in New Delhi based Headquarters, Parliament Street). The number of interviews was 5 and the interviews had to respond in accordance with the asked open-ended questions. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE Saunders et al (2004), in this view, opines that approaching the suitable sample of respondents is important for the dependability of the research and so there is a need to chart a cautious plan to select and reach the suitable respondents. In case of questionnaire survey, the researcher necessitates to select the sample to be interviewed. In technical terms, this is said to be sampling. The sampling method varies from probability (randomly) to non-probability (convenient) (Saunders et al., 2005). In this researcher, the research chose the non-probability (convenient) method of sampling, wherein the sample was chosen from various India based banks (who were working Delhi based branches). The respondents were Marketing Managers of the banks. The number of respondents was 30 and all were approached conveniently without any prior certainty of to be chosen. DATA ANALYSIS This research was basically conducting having qualitative method; therefore, data analysis was conducted applying qualitative data analysis method. In qualitative data analysis, data coding includes the process of data evaluation, wherein all sorts of data are recorded making use of numerical codes since it helps investigator to feed the data speedily with minimal errors. Moreover, there are three stages of coding, open coding, axial coding and selective coding (Saunders et al, 2004). Consequently, in the first stage of coding, the compiled data was translated into theoretical units and was accorded a label, where same level was accorded to similar units of data. In the second stage, the establishment of linkages between categories of data is done that is received as a result of first. Lastly, in the third stage, major categories were recognized as core category. The Microsoft Excel software was employed for the purpose of assessment of data. The data coding includes the process of d ata evaluation, wherein all sorts of data are recorded making use of numerical codes since it helps investigator to feed the data speedily with minimal errors. ETHICAL ISSUES The ethical issues in the research were primarily concerned to confidentiality and anonymity of the research participants. For confidentiality, the researcher maintained confidentiality the facts shared by the research participants all through the research process, and as well the names of the research participants were kept anonymous. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY Reliability of this research lies in sharing actual facts by the research participants as they were assured of not disclosing their name; and the validity lies in properly answering the research questions through summarizing the findings. Chapter 4 FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION The rationale of conducting data analysis in this research is to answer the research questions developed. Since a particular research question relate to various questions in the questionnaire, therefore the contents of the data analysis are in accordance with the sequence of questions in the questionnaire. For every section, firstly the literature is discussed from where the question is made. Thereafter data collected on various banks level and State Bank of India level is analysed. DATA FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS Relationship marketing and level of implementation For the research literature, definitions of relationship marketing are without a clear agreement on its nature or specification of its context and application-level (Gummesson 2002; Parvatiyar and Seth 2000). The term used to describe a relationship at the individual, and at the organizational level, with terms such as affinity marketing, loyalty marketing, cross selling, up selling, co-branding, joint marketing, customer-supplier partnership, the personal one-to-one key account management and marketing decisions (Sheth and Parvatiyar 2002), and there was a failure to clearly delineate, enumerate, and to combine these two elements (i.e. relations and marketing). Recently, Gummesson (2002) emphasizes the long-term relationships and has taken a very broad interpretation, referring to the overall relationship marketing. Seth and Parvatiyar (2002) widened it more by signifying that it is one-to-one communication flanked by the marketer and the customer is an interactive process, not an e xchange business, and this value-added activities based on shared collaboration and interdependence between suppliers and customers. Relationship marketing therefore can be viewed as a very extensive type of somewhat long-term individual business affiliation with the degree of teamwork and interdependence, which is dependent on the anticipation of fulfillment of assurances in exchange for interactive marketing. In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as relationship marketing for banks in India generally works more on which level(individual or organizational level). The data collected in this regard reveals that relationship marketing generally works more on individual level (than organisational level) so far as banks in India are concerned (see Table and Figure 4.1). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that the bank rather focus on organizational level of relationship marketing than individual level. The first question asked from the Marketing Managers of various banks in India was, relationship marketing for their bank generally works more on which level (individual level or organizational level). The response in majority comes outlining individual level. As according to the data shown in the above table, for majority of respondents (63% of the total 30), relationship marketing for their bank generally more works on individual level; whereas for the remaining respondents (37%), relationship marketing for their bank generally works on organisational level. On the whole these data conclude that relationship marketing generally works more on individual level (than organisational level) so far as banks in India are concerned. Establishing bond of relationship and relationship framework In accordance with the research literature, at the core of relationship marketing is an exchange that is beneficial to the parties involved in the exchange. The concept of the exchange as it applies to marketing can be viewed with any transaction cost analysis approach or a social approach, the theory of exchange. Transactions are divided into discrete transactions and relational operations. Relational contract is governed by the law of relational operations. In classical contract law, which governs the discrete individual members of the operation is not relevant, but this is not true of marketing (Rusbult and Van Lange 2003). In a relational contracting point of transition from the agreement (as in classical contract law), against itself as it is with time. There may or may not be the original agreement, and if so, can not be any great respect for him. In relational transactions reduced the gap between the contractual parties, as this ratio becomes stronger and stronger. The main ai m of relationship marketing is the creation of the interest thereon, to minimize information search, and it is unlikely that present moral dilemmas, but rather, through the coordination of activities to achieve results mutually beneficial. Redesigning, relationship marketing is a very broad relatively long term, voluntary, individual, business associations with the degree of emotional commitment, trust, intimacy, cooperation and interdependence(Rusbult and Van Lange 2003), which is based on the assumption of a shared , the promises of interactive marketing exchange on a reciprocal basis. In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as which aspect of relationship framework best works as establishing bond of relationship between banks in India and their clients. The data collected in this regard reveals that trust and cooperation as aspects of relationship framework best works establishing bond of relationship between banks in India and their clients (se e Table and Figure 4.2). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that the bank focuses on trust and interdependence aspects of relationship framework best works establishing bond of relationship with the clients. The second question asked from the Marketing Managers of various banks in India was, which of relationship framework best work as establishing bond of relationship between their bank and clients. The response in majority comes outlining trust and cooperation. As according to the data shown in the above table, for majority of respondents (67% of the total 30), trust (37%) and cooperation (30%) as aspects of relationship framework best works as establishing bond of relationship between their bank and the clients; whereas for the remaining respondents (33%), interdependence (13%), emotional commitment (10%) and intimacy (10%) as aspects of relationship framework best works as establishing bond of relationship between their bank and the clients. On the whole, these data conclude that trust and cooperation as aspects of relationship framework best works establishing bond of relationship between banks in India and their clients. Approach of relationship marketing For the research literature, the repeated use of the term relationship marketing (Brodieet al,1997). They suggested that relationship marketing applied at four levels. At the first level, relationship marketing, technology-based database marketing tool. At the second level, relationship marketing focuses on the relationship between business and its customers, focusing customer retention. At the third level, relationship marketing is a form of customer partnership with customers jointly participate in developing a product or service. The fourth and broadest level, relationship marketing was seen as including all of the databases for personal services, loyalty programs, brand loyalty, internal marketing, personal and social relationships and strategic alliances. Three characteristics are important for customers to desire continuity with the same supplier. These arevariability, complexity, participation (Berry, 1995). Furthermore, that relationship marketing is carried out at three leve ls. Level one relationship marketing is based primarily on price incentives to ensure customer loyalty. However, a sustainable competitive advantage is minimal at this level one, as pricing actions can be compared quickly. The second level of relationship marketing is based primarily on social networks, although the price remains a vital element. This includes personalization and adaptation of these relations.Relationship Marketing has been recognized in the ready-made marketing world, where it became apparent that a strategic competitive advantage could not be delivered on the basis of product characteristics, where alone and corporate profitability are beginning to be associated with satisfying existing customers (Egan, 2001). In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as which approach of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial for banks in India. The data collected in this regard reveals that focusing on client retention as approac h of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial than focusing on technology based data base marketing for banks in India (see Table and Figure 4.3). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that the bank by and large focuses on client retention as approach of relationship marketing. The third question asked from the Marketing Managers of various banks in India was, which of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial for their bank. The response in majority comes outlining on clients retention. As according to the data shown in the above table, for respondents in majority (67% of the total 30) focusing on clients retention as approach of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial for their bank; whereas for the remaining respondents (33%), focusing on technology-based data base marketing as approach of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial for their bank. By and large, these data conclude that focusing on client retention as approach of relationship marketing is comparatively more beneficial than focusing on technology based data base marketing for banks in India. Relationship marketing as competitive advantage tool In accordance with the research literature, competitive advantage as determined by the type of people the organization attracts and how these individuals to compete when they are players or staff. Therefore it is very necessary to recruit people who have high skills and can lead and develop a competitive culture in the organization. This is true for every business but not for those who have focused for some particular people or work force. This could also include the experience of the workforce which has to be recruited. These characteristics are as important as they seem to be but there is one more factor which is very important and work as a pushing force to compete in the market which guides to repeatedly contributing to the competitive culture of the organization. This is how the organization deploys, manages, reconfigures, or integrates with them (Peteraf and Bergen, 2003). This is not just with the systems that creates an advantage, but as they are occupied in operations in the system. It was here, in the Superior operations, advantages can be obtained. Again, the key is the quality of the person concerned, and how they function together for competitive advantage. This group is based on the operations in the responsibility of each individual in the organization and, as the rule tracks from a top manager it creates a sense of importance and steady concentration to feature whether the keys to the organization reap the benefits sought through what are essentially common systems in the competitive arena of the organization. A competitive culture creates the feeling that all opportunities to compete with a rival, as well as with itself. There is a positive feedback between the public interest and the success of overtime. These types of loops, both positive and negative, create difficulties in the system and create the dynamic behavior of organizations (Sterman, 2000). That is why we see a cluster of industries in the geographical area where a cluster of more a vailable pool of talent is available. Thus, creating and maintaining a culture of competition is a key component of efforts to achieve competitive advantage. In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as how is the role of relationship marketing as competitive advantage tool for banks in India. The data collected in this regard reveals that certainly the role of relationship marketing is highly effective as competitive advantage tool for banks in India (see Table and Figure 4.4). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that although relationship marketing is highly focused a strategy for the bank, yet the bank does not look relationship marketing as tool of competitive advantage. The fourth question asked from the Marketing Managers of various banks in India was, how is the role of relationship marketing as competitive advantage tool for their bank. The response in majority comes out as highly effective. As according to the data shown in the above table, for respondents in majority (60% of the total 30), they see the role of relationship marketing highly effective as competitive advantage tool for their bank; whereas for the remaining respondents (40%), they see the role of relationship marketing either effective (27%) or ineffective (13%) as competitive advantage tool for their bank. By and large, these data conclude that certainly the role of relationship marketing is highly effective as competitive advantage tool for banks in India. Areas of competitive advantage and relationship marketing For the research literature, linking aspects of relations with some degree of competitive advantage became a topic of growing interest in marketing and strategy scholars. Research in this area have focused on trust, commitment, mutual goals, power, social networks, transaction costs, information exchange, a kind of investment and management, each of which has been shown to affect the incidence of relationship based on competitive advantage (Morgan and Hunt, 1999) . However, only two authors have attempted to conceptualize the relations based on competitive advantages in a holistic sense (JAP 2001; Wilson 1995). The hypothesis that inter-firm connection can be the basis for accomplishing competitive benefits has received significant attention in the literature. A number of studies are on the way to explain this incidence (Morgan and Hunt, 1999). Personal qualities such as trust, commitment, mutual goals, power, social networks, transaction costs, information sharing, an investment and management of all it has been shown to affect the incidence of relationship based on competitive advantages (JAP 1999; Morgan and Hunt 1999; Wilson 1995). In the light of these revelations, the issue of study in this research was as in which area of competitive advantage, relationship marketing would be most successful for banks in India. The data collected in this regard reveals that in the competitive areas of managing social networks and managing information sharing, relationship marketing would be most successful for banks in India (see Table and Figure 4.5). For State Bank of India, the interviews reveal that the bank rather focuses on managing