Friday, January 31, 2020

Video Game Console Essay Example for Free

Video Game Console Essay Introduction This three year strategic marketing plan for the Alpha System has been created by its founders to secure additional funding for growth and to inform employees of the company’s direction. The first year of the marketing plan will be a tactical/guerilla approach to marketing with certain objectives and goals to meet. Even though Alpha Systems was launched 2 years ago on a Kickstarter campaign, the firm has seen tremendous growth over the last several months. We have had a lot of recognition from major video game publications and blogs. Our beta group has given us the right feedback to improve our video game system and worked out all of the major flaws in the system. The demand for our console is predicted to be high after we tried to get funding on â€Å"Shark Tank†. There was enough demand that we had to limit the number of beta tester request. Our pre-sale Kickstarter campaign saw high demands for people wanting day one systems. The market segment we service has been very receptive to our system launched with a high quality aluminum console, which is available in several popular colors to reflect our user’s personal style. Over the next three years, Alpha Systems can increase distribution, and enter a new era for our console and accessories; which will increase our bottom line sales and affect our return on our investment into our system and winning customers from the major gaming system platforms. Mission Statement â€Å"Our mission is to merge the valleys and gaps between the popular gaming platforms. It will allow users to play all popular games across multiple platforms on a single system; eliminating the need for multiple video game machines and accessories.† Product Description and Classification Alpha Systems video game console system will support all major video games system platforms, and allow you to use the online content provided by the game. There is a custom dashboard and the operating system reads all of the codecs that PlayStation â„ ¢, Xbox â„ ¢, Nintendoâ„ ¢, and retro games. The Alpha  Console will have the ability to support surround sound and high definition video. The system will also support DVD, and Blu-ray codecs. There will be two controllers in the box with an optional smart controller that customers can purchase. The system will have 16 GB of DDR3, and a two terabyte SSD hard drive. The operation system will be based upon open source Ubuntu with a dashboard look at feel. There will be support for web browsing and online video streaming. Applications like Spotify and Netflix will be pre-installed. Product Classification The Alpha System will fall under the classification of a Specialty Product Offering classification of the three-way product classification system. By providing a single console for you to play all of your favorite games on without the need for multiple systems to play the games one. Alpha System will become the premier video game system. Target Market Our target market is parents of teens who are looking to give their children the latest in technologies, and young adult’s age 19 to 25 who are avid game players, and have the disposable income to buy a higher end gaming system. Also we would target people who would want a single system, but yet would want to play games exclusive to PlayStation â„ ¢ and XBOX â„ ¢ and other gaming systems. Competitive Situation Analysis Analysis of Competition using Porter’s 5 Forces Model Competitive Rivalry: Our business model and advertising is directly pointed to compete in the same arena as Microsoft and Sony for the premiere video game systems. By doing this it will show the larger video game systems that will we not back down and that we are confident in our product. Threat from New Entrants: After Alpha System enters the market, our business model is structured about gaining a majority of ground in the market place, and taking user away from XBOXâ„ ¢ and PlayStationâ„ ¢ and allowing them to play all the proprietary games all on one system. While we always will work hard on our product to stay  current in an ever changing video game world. We have developed work around all of the major media digital rights management codecs. This will allow all major games to be played regardless of what system they are designed for. This will allow the optical drive to read the gaming media. Threat from Buyers: The number one threat from buyers in this market segment is loyalty to another brand. They may simply choose to buy an XBOXâ„ ¢ or PlayStationâ„ ¢ simply because they are used to buying those systems. There is a certain social stigma attached to owning an XBOXâ„ ¢ or PlayStationâ„ ¢ since they are for the most part the only video game systems on the market. Getting Vloggers, and bloggers to give our system positive review can go a long way towards neutralizing the negative stereotype a new system may or may not have. Threat from Suppliers: Many of the suppliers of the raw goods needed to develop the cross-platform gaming systems may have exclusive deals with Microsoft or Sony to build gaming systems. With that being said we may have to find new suppliers or research other avenues to get the gaming system made, and have to make a well informed and financially sound choice as to the direction we will go with manufacturing the system. Threat from Substitutes: Microsoft and Sony will always be a direct substitute for our console, but our job is to show the customer how our product is different and a better solution to their gaming system even if it is the smallest differences and, in our humblest opinion, superior. SWOT Analysis In this first paragraph, please introduce the SWOT analysis. For more information, see the recommended text, index topic â€Å"SWOT analysis.† This section is laid out to summarize the analysis in a table, and is then followed by more detailed explanations of each item. Please see specific instructions in the four sections below the table. STRENGTHS *indicates core competency Strengths We will be the first non-major bard video game system on the market that will play games from every video game system. Alpha Systems will not succeed without an innovative product. We have established that we can be as flexible as our users need us to be. If there is a game that we cannot play we will develop a way to play that game. By creating a market for the all-in-one gaming systems, we will be the gaming system that plays all of the major games from the major gaming machines. Weaknesses Low name recognition- At first we will have to hustle to find our share of the 55 billion dollar gaming industry. We will have to have a heavy ad campaign to get our name out there fast. Being we are going to be an unknown system at first we have to be creative in how we select our suppliers. Any mistake we make could and will be fatal to our company. Opportunities Some of our target demographic will not go away from their video game console at all. We can understand that, but we will use target ad campaigns that will attract the users in that demographic via YouTube and viral videos, and  social media buzz. These will get the people we want to reach at the rate we need to reach them at which is fast and immediate. We will also use a hands on approach at E3, CES, Insomnia Gaming shows and pretty much every comicon in the US and Europe and Japan. This will give our target demographic a hands-on time with our gaming system. We will have several systems set up on a local area network, and have a championship game battle. Job creation we will create jobs in America for the system and put people back to work. Threats The major video game manufactures like Microsoft, and Sony will likely take us to court and try to stop us, but we will prevail because of the ability to have free market competition, and they will be looked at as having a majority of control over the market. They may make changes to their digital right management coding to try to stop us from having their games played on our systems, but we will work with them and come up with a deal as long as they are willing to play fairly, and allow open source game codec development. Sony and Microsoft my push out the newer systems before they are due on the market; which means we will have to adapt to their new DRM. They may also try to purchase us in order to put an end to interfering in their 55 billion dollar market place. During the next three years, Alpha System seeks to achieve the following objectives using our marketing mix, including product, price, distribution, and marketing promotions strategies. If core financing is approved for this marketing plan, Alpha System will ramp up manufacturing, allowing Alpha System to achieve the following: Market Objectives Product Objective Expand into 5 major retailers buy 1st black Friday we are on the market. To hit our 2.5 million dollar sales goal. Price Objective To maintain our 15% ROI by the end of the fiscal year. Place Objective To add 10 more major retail chains throughout the world by the end of the second fiscal year. Promotion Objective To achieve 50 percent market awareness by the end of the 2nd fiscal year. Marketing Strategies We will have the most useful mix of marketing strategies, because focusing on getting our name out there will our primary focus. We will launch up to 30 viral video, and we will harness all of the video game YouTubers, bloggers to review and rate our game system by shipping them two free game systems. One to play and one to give away. The game systems will be in a special color because they are going to be limited pre-launch editions. These will create the buzz we need pre-launch. We will also use gaming convention in the USA and Europe and Asia to allow our system to be been prior to launch. This will allow people to get hands on experience with the system and allow them to see the capabilities of what is possible with our technology. Product Strategies Customizable Colors Sleek design No additional cost to online services Price Strategies Research the price points. Set a mid-range price point that will make the system desirable. Stage focus groups in regards to price. Place Strategies Develop relationships with major retailers, and find out supply chain requirements. Work out requirements with 3rd party logistic providers. Plan logically which distribution hubs product will be shipped from in relationship to retail locations. Promotion Strategies Viral Videos on YouTube, Social Media, Web launch day Game Trade Shows Give away systems pre-launch/ Day One Special Edition Explanation of Strategies This is the most effective strategies for our gaming device. We have thought out the development, and distribution, and promotion that will work for our product. Our product is simply the best system on the market and we will push it out to people, and allow them to realize what they have been missing out on over the past 30 years of video gaming, and show them the future of gaming and that they have a choice that is not Microsoft or Sony. Tactics and Action Plan Our Tactic and action plans are designed precisely from date of design to the 3rd year of product life. We feel that we will not have to micromanage our people, but yet make them accountable for their role in the greater good that is to place Alpha System on the market. Product Action Plan Tactic Due Date Responsible Party Develop System Blue print Month 1 Engineering Operating System and Codecs Month 1 and 2 Programming Source raw materials Months 1 to 4 Sourcing Price Action Plan Tactic Due Date Responsible Party Research Competition Months 5 to 9 Marketing Focus Groups Months 9 to 13 Marketing Pre-Launch Trade shows Months 3 to 24 Marketing Place Action Plan Tactic Due Date Responsible Party Develop Retail chains placement Year 2 Sales Choose Logistics partner Months 23 to 24 Operations Supply Units prior to commitments 22 to 36 Operations Promotion Action Plan Tactic Due Date Responsible Party Produce Videos Months 23 to 36 Marketing Celebrity endorsements 20 to 36 Promotions Give Aways 35 to 36 Promotions Monitoring Procedures Monitoring is the most important procedure we will have weekly conference calls with suppliers to make sure our raw materials and finished goods are underway, and will make the cargo ship in time to be shipped to our logistics partner. We can hold in person meetings to discuss development and pre-launch status. Prior to launch of the system we will hold a companywide conference to show people what their hard work contributed to. We will also seek to make a positive Return on our investment through the distribution chain, and seek to make sure we are complying with retailer’s requirements. Also we will ask retailers for reports to see how many units are moving off the shelves.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

History of Social Security Essay -- Government Economy Economics Essay

History of Social Security Is it time to privatize Social Security? Many believe the system will not be able to meet all its obligations by the year 2012. They say Social Security will begin paying out more in benefits than it collects in revenue. To continue meeting its obligations, the system will have to begin drawing on the surplus in the Social Security Trust Fund. However, for many years the federal government has used the trust to disguise the actual size of the federal budget deficit, borrowing money from the trust fund to pay current operating expenses and replacing the money with government bonds, essentially an IOU. Proponents for privatizing Social Security people should be allowed the freedom to invest their Social Security taxes. On the other hand contrary to the beliefs of many, there is a strong case to be made that Social Security is sound now and will continue to be sound indefinitely. The major threat to the system comes from the proposals to fix it. Privatization presents perhaps the most s erious threat to date; it would place individuals retirement savings at considerable risk, force the creation of huge government bureaucracies, and leech Social Security assets out of the system and into the coffers of brokerage and banks. In my research paper I will focus on both arguments of Social Security. Those who believe Social Security should be privatized and those who believe it would be a big mistake to privatize Social Security. Before I go into those perspectives I will focus on the inception of the Social Security System, to give the reader background information on how the system developed. The creation of a national social security system in the United States started with the Social Security Act on ... ... BIBLIOGRAPHY Baker, Dean."Privatizing Social Security: The Wall Street Fix". http://epn.org/epi/epib112.html Kotlikoff, Laurence."Rescuing Social Securtiy." Challenge Nov/Dec 1996: 22-26 Lieberman, Trudy. "Social Insecurity: The Campaign to take the System Private." The Nation 20 Jan 1997: 11-18 Mashaw, Jerry. "The Great Social Security Scare". http//epn.org/prospect/29/29mash.html Schnepper A.Jeff."Privatizing Social Security."USA Today May 1996: 25-28 Tanner, Micheal. "Privatizing Social Security: The Social Security Debate." Challenge Nov/Dec. 1996: 19-23 Tanner, Micheal. "Privatizing Social Security: A Big Boost for the Poor." http://cato.org/pubs/ssps/ssp4.html Wasow, Bernard. "Privatizing Social Security". http//epn.org/tcf/xxssec01.html Weinberger,Mark."Social Security: Facing the Facts". http://cato.org/pubs/ssps/ssp3.html

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Article of Confederation Essay

The first constitution was written in the United States was called the â€Å"Articles of Confederation. † It established a loose league of friendship between thirteen sovereign states and proposed that each state have its sovereignty, freedom, and independence. The Articles of Confederation approve in 1781, which led to a period of crisis between the years 1781 and 1789. This period refer as the Critical Period. The Articles of Confederation was the precursor of the United States Constitution because of the many reasons it had weaknesses and replaced by the United States Constitution. The Constitution of the United States comprises the nation’s fundamental law, providing the framework for its governance and the principles under which it must operate. When the constitution was written, it was intended to endure for ages, be flexible, and adaptable for future generations. The constitution was intended to be the supreme law of the land. â€Å"To win the required approval from all 13 states, drafters changed the plan and granted the Confederation control of western lands. After four years, the Articles finally won ratification in 1781. † (Created Equal, pg. 77) The Articles of Confederation, which were ratified in 1781, became the first constitution. The Articles of Confederation dealt with three problems: taxation, representation, and the extent of control over western territories. First, the Articles of Confederation weakness was that the central government did not have the power to collect taxes. As the Articles of Confederation illustrate, â€Å"According to the Articles, Congress could not collect taxes or regulate trade; it could only requisition funds from the states. Shares would vary depending on each state’s free population. (Created Equal, pg. 177) Under the Articles of Confederation, the state government can only send its contribution annually to the national government but they cannot be compelled to pay taxes. Due to this huge weakness, many problems arose in the U. S, which were signs of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The trade agreements Congress had made with other nations were not always carried out. Many people soon started importing goods from other countries that they refused to pay for. Consequently, people in other nations soon became reluctant to trade with the U.  S; even Great Britain closed its commerce to it, which resulted in the loss of a lot of money because of lack of trade. There was also competition among the states, as they started levying taxes on goods passing through them to other states. Taxes are the lifeblood of the nation. Without it, no government machinery will function. Thus, the national government could not perform its functions because it did not have the funds. Second weakness was the enactment of laws. Under the Articles of Confederation, the enactment of laws needed the approval of 9 out of 13 states. The voting obligation is quite high. As a result, five states could easily prevent the enactment of laws, which seriously jeopardized the enactment of laws that needed to be passed. The Articles of Confederation note, â€Å"Moreover, the Confederation had no separate executive branch; executive functions fell to various committees of the Confederation Congress. † (Created Equal, pg. 177) There was no executive branch to institute the policies for the entire nation. As a result, the state governments did not have a cohesive policy that every state government should follow. Consequently, the state governments individually created their own policies. Since there was no national judiciary, the state courts were tasked to interpret laws. As George Mason indicates, â€Å"The Judiciary of the United States is so constructed & extended, as to absorb and destroy the Judiciarys of the several States; thereby rendering Law as tedious intricate and expensive, & Justice as unattainable, by a great Part of the Community, as in England, and enabling the Rich to oppress & ruin the Poor. † (Mason, Paragraph 2, pg. 10) It had become clear that it was necessary to abandon the Articles of Confederation in favor of a constitution that provided for a stronger national government, created a national judiciary and strong Congress. Finally, the United States had different issues that they had to deal with. These were foreign affairs, economic conditions, and Western land. The Articles clarify, â€Å"In addition, to the dismay of land speculators, the Congress would not control the western domains that several large states had claimed. † (Created Equal, pg. 77) The government was weak due to poor economic conditions and the people still feared the power of the central government. These weaknesses posed a threat to the effectiveness of the government. Under the Articles of Confederation, there was a unicameral legislature. There was one house and there were no executive or judiciary branches. Each state had the same number of representatives and their own currency. The states taxed each other and affecting the value of money to decrease and posed a threat to the economic stability of the United States, which was already weak and in need of reformation. The Articles of Confederation was the precursor of the United States Constitution because of the many reasons it had weaknesses and replaced by the United States Constitution. It brought the colonies together as a loose confederation with the state’s rights being more important than the power of the federal government. Even though the government under the Articles of Confederation was very weak, it was still more democratic because it gave more rights and power to the states. The Articles unified the states under a loose confederation, which lacked a strong, central government. Although the Articles of Confederation had several successes, it created far more weaknesses and failures. The failures of the Articles had to be addressed, so a new constitution was created and drafted at the Constitutional Convention, which determined the many failures of the Articles, and created a strong central government. A controversial issue has been debated over whether the government under the Articles of Confederation or the Constitution was more democratic. The Articles of Confederation created a more democratic government because it gave power to the individual states and to the people.

Monday, January 6, 2020

The Media s Influence On Black Children Essay - 1151 Words

The media has conditioned society into thinking that racial stereotypes are the norm. â€Å"Irish people are drunks† and â€Å"Asians are good at math† are all classic examples of common racial stereotypes. Author Michael Omi of â€Å"In Living Color: Race and American Culture† asserts how media presentation of minorities establishes people perspectives of â€Å"these groups†. But where do these racial stereotypes at the media fingertips originate from? It comes from the establishment of America oppressing others. Minorities has been feeling oppression from the â€Å"dominant race† for generations. However, it has gotten better? No, it has not. Minorities, more importantly blacks are being discriminated in institutions; in a multitude of southern states they cannot vote without being accused of voter fraud, and schools are inferential racist. As sserted in â€Å"Actin’ White† author Stuart Buck tackles the pros and cons of desegrega ting the school system. Buck expresses how the lack of representation in high level school officials can affect black children negatively. By highlighting stereotypes throughout the media, Omi addresses how â€Å"inferential racism† is seen throughout daily â€Å"intuitional life† which Buck strengthens in his article when he confronts the negative repercussions of desegregation. Omi argues that media alludes to racist stereotypes about minorities, which is reinforced by Buck when he asserts that â€Å"inferential racism† in institutions is what led to racist stereotypes in the media.Show MoreRelatedWhat Is Being Sold To The Youth Of The This Country Today?1185 Words   |  5 Pages What is being sold to the youth of the this country today? Looking specifically at media shown to children. I watched some kids TV ads to see what is actually being shown to the youth of the country. Children are exposed to systemic racism very early by the commercials they view when watching cartoons especially on Saturday mornings. 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As kids grow up and develop, they are exposed to a lot of media from Nickelodeon to Cartoon Network, to one of the most impactful, Disney Channel. When it comes to the media we know that over the course of time things can be skewed to look a certain way and they typically may have subliminal messages. So what message are we showing our children? When it comes to Disney and their iconic princesses, we know that they typicallyRead MoreDue 11Th January.To What Extent Are We Influenced By The1537 Words   |  7 PagesDUE 11th January To what extent are we influenced by the media? Mass media can be defined as communication that transmits education, information, entertainment and news to mass audiences. Whether it be print media, such as newspapers and magazines, audio visual media, such as television, or cyber media, there has been debates on the impact and to what extent it can influence the populations behaviour, thoughts or actions. Print media, such as newspapers have an agenda. People trust newspapers asRead MoreMedia Effects Body Image1656 Words   |  7 PagesApril 6, 2014 The Effects of Mass Media on African American Women Body Images Over the past 10 years, mass media and the access to social networks has evolved substantially causing the effects of negative self-image and what is considered beautiful. Body image expectations for both African-American male and female share the battles of society’s expectations, yet African American women body images come with a stricter and more unhealthy stigma; growth of social media such as Facebook, Instagram andRead MoreThe Effects Of Media On The Media Influences Viewers1587 Words   |  7 PagesRacial Bias in the Media Influences Viewers Television reaches more consumers for more time than any other source of media. Its use for entertainment or news is overly influential, persuasive, and authoritative. Through these characteristics, any type of information or message influences its massive audience. Because of this, what Americans see – or fail to see- has a powerful impact on how they view other races. Young children are especially vulnerable to the information they are exposed to. TVRead MoreMedia s Effect On Black Children Essay1201 Words   |  5 PagesMedia has conditioned society into thinking racial stereotypes are the norm. â€Å"Irish people are drunks† and â€Å"Asians are good at math† are all classic examples of common racial stereotypes. Author Michael Omi of â€Å"In Living Color: Race and American Culture† asserts how media presentation of minorities establishes peoples perspectives of â€Å"these groups†. However, where do racial stereotypes media portray origina te from? It comes from the establishment of America oppressing others. Minorities haveRead MoreCool Rules : Anatomy Of Cool By Pountain And Robinson1732 Words   |  7 Pagesfacets of our lives, however it can only be seen through people’s reactions. In other words, you can see Cool in the eyes of others. According to Pountain and Robinson, â€Å"Cool has become a universal phenomena that has an important influence on all our institutions from the media to education to marketing and the economy as a whole†. The writers define Cool as not only an oppositional attitude that expresses defiance to authority, but also as a permanent state of private rebellion. What makes Cool distinctiveRead MoreThe Theory Of Resource Mobilization1490 Words   |  6 Pagessociologists and others prescribe to social movements and their functions. One of these theories is the Resource Mobilization Theory. This theory proclaims an ever present link between ‘resources’ and the potential success, failure, and overall influence of a social movement (Staggenborg, 2011, p. 17). The theory goes further to categorize and give examples of many of the types of ‘resources’ that may be considered under the Resource Mobilization Theory. These include tangible and intangible resourcesRead MoreMedia s Influence On Society1293 Words   |  6 PagesMedia is a major contributor of how social groups are perceived in today’s society. Mediais around us every day almost all day, and it constantly sends messages about the world’s environment. There are many indicators shown pertaining to how media really affects society. One of the most p rominent explanations of those questions is the way media influences stereotypes. There has been previous research linking media sources and biased attitudes. This research paper explores articles supporting media

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Essay about CJA 314 biological criminal behavior - 1492 Words

Biological Criminal Behavior CJA/314 Biological Criminal Behavior Andrea Yates had battled with postpartum depression for years and on June 20, 2001, she drowned all five children in the bathtub of her home. Ultimately the underlining cause of her actions was caused by postpartum psychosis that was triggered by Andrea’s improper use of her medication, failure to adhere to her doctor’s advice after treatment, and her lack of knowledge of coping techniques commonly used by women who suffer from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can take up to a year after the birth of a child before the mother would even notice the signs of depression and in Yates’s case if left untreated can have a tragic affect on the person and†¦show more content†¦A psychopath has always existed, for many, many years. They have existed in many forms and fashion so most people would never know who is a psychopath, until he or she has encountered one. Although there are four different types of psychopaths, they lack empathy for others and are incapable of feeling remorse for anything or anyone. Psychopaths view the world by, being selfish and not showing any concerns for the safety or welfare of others, they do not care about anyone even friends are family. This type of behavior describes Andrea Yates mental instability at the time she murdered her children. Andrea Yates experienced some postpartum depression after the birth of her fifth child, after the murder of her five kids the prison professionals diagnosed her with insanity and postpartum depression. A genetically induced psychotic behavior is another cause for Yates murdering her children, without any type of remorse. Genetics also played a part in her psychotic behaviors, there was a history of mental illnesses that ran in her family. Yates’s brother suffered from a bipolar disorder and two other siblings suffered depression. When Andrea father passed away, she became even more depressed, she stopped doing the things that should would do normally to take care of herself as well as her kids. Andrea developed postpartum, she began to hallucinate about stabbings (Mclellan, December 2, 2006), and started pulling out her hair. The thingsShow MoreRelatedBiological Criminal Behavior Essay1349 Words   |  6 PagesBiological Criminal Behavior and Angela Yates Ceretha Butler, Angela De Libero, Tameka James, Sam Price, Michael Palazuelos CJA/314 5/20/2013 Professor Judy Mazzucca Biological Criminal Behavior Through-out history criminal intents have escalade from small crime to federal crimes seen in cases today. Research have proven genes influence the outcome of a behavior in a criminal behavior and the type of attach committed to his or her victim. This crimes are taught in the schoolRead MoreBiological Criminal Behavior Essay1855 Words   |  8 PagesBiological Criminal Behavior Jordan Miller, Amy Showers, Sarah Wilson, Myron Reynolds, Cristine Saldate, Aisha Peeples CJA 314 May 14, 2012 Alonzo Medina Biological Criminal Behavior People perceive that crime, primarily violent crimes, such as murder, is the most serious crime society faces in modern times. This has led to efforts by many research groups to attempt to find the cause of such criminal behavior. The focus of such research is biological issues with the belief that a biological

Friday, December 13, 2019

Making Decisions Free Essays

Decision-making is a complex process that evolves under the influence of a variety of factors. One of them is perception that defines the decisions made. Individuals do not come to the process of making decisions as tabula rasa, with minds as blank slates that are ready to be written upon. We will write a custom essay sample on Making Decisions or any similar topic only for you Order Now Instead, their perceptions affect decisions, leading to perceptive â€Å"shortcuts† when judging others and shaping ethical or moral decisions. One of the most salient ways in which individual perception can impact an organization’s behavior is selective perception in which people â€Å"actively screen-out information that we do not think is salient† (Wikipedia, 2006). To illustrate the above claim, a person convinced that environmental worries are just the result of hyper-activism of ecological organizations may prove to be more prone to cast aside considerations of environmental impact. This can also be seen as an example of wishful thinking and optimism in which people â€Å"tend to want to see things in a positive light and this can distort our perception and thinking† (Wikipedia, 2006). When judging other people, many humans are prone to use perceptive ‘shortcuts’ to pass the verdict on the person without careful exploration of the individual’s background. These shortcuts can surface, for instance, in a job interview in which the candidate can be judged based on association with other candidates. One cannot rule out a situation when a person from a specific country or locality will be discarded as a previous employee from the same background had failed expectations. The same is true for assessment of employees’ performance and evaluation of employee effort. From some employees, greater output will be expected simply by virtue of their background. In fact, perception will be influenced by three important factors: â€Å"target, perceiver, and situation† (University of Washington). The usage of shortcuts can include selective perception, halo effect, contrast effect, stereotyping, and projection (University of Washington).   The above scenario of the failed job interview is an example of projection when people are judged based on association with someone of similar background, although they do not necessarily share all qualities with this person. Stereotyping occurs when ready-made templates are applied to all representatives of a class such as race, ethnicity, faith etc. The halo effect, on the contrary, attributes positive features to an individual because this person has other achievements. One who is a good professional can be assumed to be also good in a managerial role, and vice versa. The contrast effect makes an individual seem more appealing or promising when contrasted with people who lack similar qualities. For instance, in an organization that lacks talented sales managers, a person with mediocre abilities can make oneself stand out from the crowd more easily. There is hardly a positive effect from such biased decision-making concerning individuals since it leads to hasty and often faulty generalizations. Moreover, bringing prejudice, whether negative or positive, to the evaluation of the individual or initiative inevitably reduces the potential of decision-makers to recognize the objective reality and deal with it. Ideally, decision-making should occur according to effective rational models involving adequate evaluation of the situation, setting objective criteria for the assessment of decisions, and rational choice of objectives stemming from these criteria. The only advantage of shortcuts is that they save time on careful exploration of reality and can provide the decision-maker with a â€Å"quick-and-dirty† estimate of what one is dealing with. This speed, however, comes at the cost of quality of decisions. In real-world organization, decisions are made by Decision Makers whose activities are strongly shaped by perception. This is illustrated by an example in which a person wants a new program approved in order to resolve an existing problem. The resolution of the problem can be formulated as a convincing value proposition, but this proposition is not going to work unless the Decision Maker really perceives the existence of a problem. Thus, the installation of a new computer system for improved data processing will not be approved by a top executive until this business professional is really convinced of the fact that the current system is inadequate. Dove (n.d.) also states that â€Å"once there is a perception of a problem, then the â€Å"satisficing† behavior defined by Herbert Simon comes into play: people aren’t apt to go too far outside their current concepts, notions or ideas when presented with alternatives†. Engagement in â€Å"satisficing† behavior tends to limit the options available for the resolution of problems. Perceptions also have an influence on ethical decision-making. Despite attempts to order ethical values and codify them in Codes of Ethics accepted in many organizations, everyday decisions remain governed by subjective factors. Relying on internal set of moral values, the decision maker actively draws on this inventory preparing the most serious decisions. For example, someone believing in the immorality of discrimination in the workplace may feel more willing to promote diversity and hire candidates with different backgrounds. A company executive with a strong Christian background and a corresponding set of ethical values may resist, for example, the introduction of a new publication with frivolous content in a media company. Ethical values and perceptions heavily influence our view of what is right and what is wrong, affecting individual’s readiness to embrace certain policies and initiatives. Perception is the cornerstone of decision-making. In many ways, it represents the irrational, subjective element that complements the usage of rational models. Despite all efforts to ground decisions in well-though out criteria, perception will continue to play an important role in decision-making. Consideration of perception mechanisms is therefore important for anyone willing to exert influence on the process. References Dove, R. (n.d.). Value Propositioning: Perception and Misperception in Decision Making. Retrieved June 14, 2006, from http://www.parshift.com/ValueProp/VPBook1.htm Washington University. (n.d.). Perception and Individual Decision Making. Retrieved June 14, 2006 Wikipedia. (2006). Decision-making. Retrieved June 14, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_making ; How to cite Making Decisions, Essay examples Making Decisions Free Essays Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Tiara Jones Strayer University Dr. Mumeka ECON 550 July 25, 2013 Introduction In this assignment I will be discussing the consideration of Domino’s Pizza entering the market place in the Washington DC’s Georgetown community. I selected this area because it is highly populated with tourists that may want to grab a quick bite to eat while shopping and touring the area and the local upper class working singles that often don’t have time to cook after a long day at work. We will write a custom essay sample on Making Decisions or any similar topic only for you Order Now I have conducted research and gathered information forecasting the demand for this business based n population, household income and other pizza establishments in this area along with the average cost for pizza. Based on the research and demand analysis we should be able to determine if it would be in the best interest of the Domino’s Pizza Company to establish an operation in this community. Mission Domino’s Pizza cares about its customers and the quality of its products (Domincfs Pizza, LLC). Therefore, our mission is to feel the void by establishing a Domino’s Pizza Company in an atmosphere where the supply is low and the demand is high. To serve delicious pizza in an outstanding atmosphere and to ensure that the ommunity’s demand for pizza is not only met by providing day delivery and dine in services but to provide late night delivery and dine in services as well. It’s the company’s mission to sustain a competitive advantage over other pizza companies in the area and to expand the communitys population. In addition, Domino’s Pizza Company will strive to make a positive impact on the community by ensuring all services are prompt, friendly and professional and its employees by providing and maintaining a respectful, positive and professional work environment. Community Georgetown is currently one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, DC and served as a major port and commercial center during the colonial times because of its prime location on the Potomac River. Today, Georgetown is a vibrant community with upscale shops, bars and restaurants along its cobblestone streets (Cooper, R). In addition, there are several hotels located within walking distance to the shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. The main streets of Georgetown are Wisconsin Ave and M Street which can be accessible by car or for metro rail riders via the DC Circulator bus from the Foggy Bottom, Rosslyn and DuPont Circle metro stations. The Foggy Bottom-GWU metro station, located on the blue and orange metro lines, is a short 1 5-minute walk from Georgetown. The Rosslyn and Virginia station, located on the blue and orange lines, is a short walk across the Key Bridge to Georgetown (Georgetown Business Improvement District, 2011). In Georgetown you can also find the main campus of Georgetown University where many students that attend the University choose to live or commute from other surrounding areas because of the expensive cost of living in the Georgetown area off campus. Due to the many shops, fine dining and other entertainment in the area, the income and cost of living is much higher more than your average neighborhood. Income and Population The latest data gathered for the Georgetown area reports a population of 13,880 in which the majority are single upper class and high income individuals. According to the Zillow Real Estate Network, there are three main types of people that reside in this area. The first type is the Power Single which is considered high income urban singles. These singles are known to be highly educated professionals, many with advanced degrees. They draw a handsome salary and have reasonable living expense while living a hip, upscale life in an urban center. The Zillow Real Estate Network considers the second type of people Making It Single. Making It Singles are known to be upper scale urban singles. These singles are pre-middle-age to middle- age singles with upper-scale incomes and may or may not own their own home. Most have college educations and are employed in mid-management professions. Lastly, there are the Multi-lingual Urbanities. Multi-lingual Urbanities Urban are classified as dwellers who speak more than one language. Some have a high school or college education, and they work in a variety of occupations and they are considered to have moderate to upper-scale earning potential (Zillow Real Estate Network, 2013). In addition, the median household income is reported at $88,665 with an average household size of 1. 9. Households with children are reportedly averaging 10. 3% and 89. 7% without children. The majority are single males averaging 27% followed by single females reportedly averaging 25. 3% with a median age of 39 for both male and female. According to the Zillow Real Estate Network, the average for singles alone is 48%. Following behind singles are married couples with a 39. 85% average, divorced individuals with a 7. 69% average and lastly, widowed individuals coming in at a 4. 75% average (Zillow Real Estate Network, 2013). Given the calculations for singles in this area there are more likely less home cooked meals and a high demand for takeout like Domino’s Pizza. Supply and Demand Within the Georgetown area there are currently 13 ditterent restaurants that serve pizza, 3 of which are higher priced, 5 with moderate prices and 5 which sale pizza at a cheaper price usually under $10 (Urbanspoon, 2013). The cost for higher and oderate priced pizza range from $8. 95 for a small plain pizza to $19. 00 for the maximum cost of a large specialty prepared pizza for dinning in or takeout. Cheaper priced pizza range between $3. 86 to $18 in which $3. 86 is for one slice and $18 is the maximum cost for a large specialty prepared pizza dinning in or takeout as well (Urbanspoon, 2013). Although individuals in the community have many options to choose from when it comes to pizza, there is only one Domino’s Pizza in the area. Therefore, demand to establish another Domino’s Pizza would be determined by the communitys preferences. Among those 13 establishments mentioned above there are 6 restaurants that deliver in which 5 of them offer late night deliver service after 12am. There are 8 restaurants that provide dine in services with only 2 of them offering late night dine in after 12am and 11 restaurants that offer takeout services (Yelp Inc. , 2013). Domino’s pizza is among those establishments that provide late nights deliver services up to 2am. However, the Domino’s takeout services are not provided after 10pm. With that said there is a demand to establish another Domino’s pizza that will provide takeout services beyond the hours of IOpm. This will not only enefit the residents in the area but it will also be beneficial to the nonresidents and party goers that would like to grab a bite to eat after taking part in the area’s late night entertainment. Short Term Goals As mentioned above, statistics show that Georgetown is an area that attracts a lot of tourists due to the shops, fine dining and entertainment. Not to mention that a large part of the population is single professionals. Therefore, the company’s short term goal would be to open a new establishment in the intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Ave NW two blocks from the current operation and to attract late night orking singles residing in the area and tourists by expanding the hours of operation until 3am for dine-in and takeout and 4am for delivery. Other short term goals would be to expand the menu for our single residents and tourists by offering more selections. Currently Domino’s pizza is known for their freshly prepared pizzas, wings, oven-roasted sandwiches and newly added pastas. The new establishment’s menu will be expanded to add personal pan pizzas and pizza served by the slice. That way those who are dining alone will not be limited to purchasing a whole pizza. Also aking in to consideration of our health conscious customers, other variables the company will be considering are salads and sub sandwiches. I chose salads and sub sandwiches because pizza can be heavy and fattening and when eating late at night customers may prefer something lighter. This new menu selection will help the company in the long run because â€Å"change can help a business stay current with industry trends, which can make it more attractive to potential customers as well as help maintain current customers† Ooseph, C). Long Term Goals The company’s long term goal is to receive 100% customer satisfaction by providing rompt, friendly and professional services during every encounter. Other long term goals of the company are to double revenue, become more profitable and grow the business brand by becoming and remaining number one amongst competitors. Domino’s Pizza Company would forever challenge competitors by embarking on an innovative concept that targets new customers as well as grow the current population. We expect the market to respond to the changes within the new establishment and for the business to grow rapidly in the next year. Overall the company’s goal is to create and maintain a reputation of excellence, consistency and ecure the company’s ability to provide delicious and freshly prepared foods while becoming the leader in the pizza industry. Marketing As mentioned above our goal is to become more profitable and sustain a competitive advantage over other pizza companies in the area. The company’s strategy to market the new establishment would be to create coupon books and send them by mail to all residents in the area and hand then out to individuals walking past the store. This book will feature our products at a discounted price and by one get one free deals. Coupons will also be offered online through the company’s web ite and given to customers with their purchases. In addition, the establishment will offer daily deals for delivery and takeout such a free drinks with the purchase of a personal pan pizza or sub sandwich, unlimited toppings on any size pizza, free wings with any purchase over $20 or 50 cent wings with a minimum purchase of 10. The company will also give customers the option to price match pizzas with any of our competitors. This will impact the company in the short run by increasing cash flow and profitability. Conclusion In conclusion, the overall concept of this paper was to determine why Domino’s Pizza Company should exercise the opportunity of opening a new establishment in my area. As mentioned, there are many places for the community to choose from when it comes to pizza. However, there is only one Domino’s. Information has been provided regarding the current Domino’s Pizza Company and other pizza places in the area such as their hours of operation and options for dining in or delivery. It has been determined that Domino’s Pizza Company will bring something to the community by offering some of the things that the current pizza companies in the area do not such as later hours for takeout, delivery and dine in. https://www.zillow.com/georgetown-washington-dc/ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbanspoonhl=uk https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=24+hour+deliveryfind_loc=Jersey+City%2C+NJ http://www.georgetowninn.com/georgetown.aspx https://www.dominos.com/index.intl.html http://scs.georgetown.edu/about-scs/campus-life/getting-here/ http://smallbusiness.chron.com/positive-impacts-change-business-559.html https://www.zomato.com/melbourne/best-restaurants https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Chinese+Deliveryfind_loc=Kennesaw%2C+GA https://www.zillow.com/georgetown-washington-dc/houses/ How to cite Making Decisions, Papers