How is the High School Placement Test Scored

The High School Placement Test, or HSPT, is administered to 8th graders planning to apply to private Catholic high schools.  The HSPT score plays a role in admissions, as well as any advanced placement and scholarship opportunities available. The test is offered in both an open and closed format, and assesses skill levels in five areas: verbal, quantitative, reading, mathematics, and language. So how is the test scored? The HSPT is a multiple choice test. The student receives a point for every correct answer, and there are no penalties for incorrect or omitted answers. This â€Å"raw score† is then converted into a scaled score ranging from 200-800. Beyond this scaled score, the score report will most likely offer several other performance analyses, including national and local percentiles, standard scores, grade equivalents, and cognitive skills quotients. The national and local percentiles both provide a comparison of the student’s score to either the nation or a select group of students in the area. For example, if a student receives a 50% in the national percentile, that means he or she scored better than 50% of all test takers of that grade in the nation. Standard scores compare the student’s score to standardized scales that do not vary year to year, allowing administrators to compare the body of test takers to previous years. Grade equivalents assess the student’s ability to perform compared to other grade levels, but they should not be taken to indicate future ability. Finally, the cognitive skills quotient, or CSQ, measures a student’s ability in terms of age and test score. Similar in ways to an IQ score, the CSQ is seen as an assessment of potential future academic success. Although these various scoring methods may seem overwhelming, focus on what is in your control preparing for and doing your best on the test!

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How Elearning Theory Has Influenced Recent De Practice

How eLearning theory has influenced recent DE Practice Distance education has evolved in various ways over the last one hundred years. ELearning theories have influenced distance education practice throughout the years in various ways. Anderson (2008) states, how â€Å"Good theory helps us to envision new worlds, makes things, and keeps us honest. (p. 46).† The blend of online learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and the online collaborative theory, have all played a major role in this influence. These theories continue to change how educators teach. It also helps educators to understand how students learn. As eLearning theories progress, they continue to have a direct effect on distance education practice. ELearning theory has cause a shift in teaching pedagogies within distance education. Behaviorism Behaviorism was the first learning theory that focuses on what was observable. Earlier learning theories were based off of philosophies. Theories later evolved in the years use behaviorism as the basis. Behaviorist learning theory focused on how people behaved and how the behavior can be changed when prompted. Behaviorism did not focus on the mind and was deemed irrelevant. Bloom’s taxonomy was based on the theory of behaviorism. The behaviorist learning theory bought us the early computer learning systems (Ally, 2008). Computer- assisted instruction (CAI) was developed during this theory for teaching and training. CAI was a drill-and- practiceShow MoreRelatedA Study on Employee Attitude and Leadership Behaviour5259 Words   |  22 PagesResearch titled namely â€Å"A Study on Employee attitude Leadership Style† is a research study conducted among various managers in different functional areas in Sify Software Limited Everonn Education Limited. In this research study, the researcher has made an attempt to identify the various styles followed by leaders due to different behavior among employees. The study mainly focus on the various attitudes of employee’s in different groups and its impact of the performance if individual, group orRead MoreForeign and Local Related Literature6642 Words   |  27 PagesIn this context, eLearning is becoming an important tool to support the learning system to achieve its goals. ELearning became hot topic in the 1990’s after the spread of the internet. Although it has a relative short history, it is becoming an important part of learning. The majority of the universities adopted some kinds of eLearning within its learning system. Generally, the internet is new media, it has been spread in 1990’s furthermore, the E-learning is very recent tool, and so thisRead More THE IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN IMPROVING STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES65118 Words   |  261 PagesDurham E-Theses THE IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN IMPROVING STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES LEE, SHIUAN,EN,CHRIS How to cite: THE IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN IMPROVING STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at LEE, SHIUAN,EN,CHRIS (2009) Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/242/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personalRead MoreLeadership Development42674 Words   |  171 PagesEducation and Skills.  © Lancaster University 2004 ISBN 1 84478 286 7 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report has been written by John Burgoyne, Wendy Hirsh and Sadie Williams as members of the Management and Leadership Development Research Network. This group consists of researchers concerned with the topic of this research. Other members have made specific contributions. Chris Mabey has provided a special input on nature and effects of corporate management development. 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Reflection On The Meditation Session - 876 Words

Now I was finally going to begin my meditation session. Upon entering the hall, I noticed that everyone was taking their shoes off so I decided to do the same. I then took a spot on the floor like everyone else. Shortly after, a man, who introduced himself as Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, took a spot at the front of the room. Paramahamsa explained that he was the leader of the Temple of Harmony. He also explained that today he would be leading us in the beginner’s meditation session. The type of meditation we did was called â€Å"Loving Kindness Mediation†, which is meant to make a person more open to being kind and caring to others along with creating positive changes inside one’s self. Paramahamsa spent a good amount of time explaining the benefits of this type of meditation since this was a beginners session. We began the meditation session by sitting cross-legged with our backs straight and chin up. Paramahamsa explained that this was the normal positio n for meditation. We all then were asked to close our eyes and enjoy the space around us. We did this for the first 10 minutes of our meditation. Then, Paramahamsa asked us to join him in a series of breathing exercises to further relax ourselves. This was something I was personally used to because I do it with my therapist so I was surprised to see that it is also incorporated into Buddhist meditation. During this exercise, we did a series of deep breathing exercises that really got me to relax. After ten minutesShow MoreRelatedThe Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center963 Words   |  4 PagesBrahma Kumaris meditation center to learn more about what meditation consists of and expand my knowledge on why this is a big part in the Hindu religion. In class we I learned about the different types of yoga that is practiced in Hinduism. Jhana yoga, Bhakti yoga, Karma yoga, and Raja yoga are the different types of yoga practiced and I had some sort of understanding on what I would possibl y see in the meditation session. I did some research on what the Brahma Kumaris meditation center was aboutRead MorePractical Philosophy And Conversational Counseling787 Words   |  4 Pagesof a Homeless Shelter, Veterans Residential Center and Addiction Treatment Center in Phoenix, Arizona. At these locations the writer has conducted individual and group weekly sessions with an emphasis on the abuse of alcohol and drugs utilizing Practical Philosophy and Conversational Counseling to supplement meditation sessions. Group size averages around 10 participants. In order to compare effectiveness of Practical Philosophy and Conversational Counseling with participants who have no known currentRead MoreEssay about The Material Nature of Spirituality1611 Words   |  7 PagesBuddhist or Hindu, religious thinking and belief attempt to ground human experiences and thoughts in the spiritual and ethereal. Religious experiences are considered otherworldly and not material. Heightened spirit ual behavior through prayer, meditation or yoga is considered to lead to a state of transcendence, inner peace or a nearness to God depending on which faith you follow. Hence, the notion of spirituality and religion is based on an ethereal component. However could the ethereal andRead MoreMost Common Auto Immune Disease1708 Words   |  7 Pagesfactors and the rest is believed to be a mixture of genetics and environmental exposures (Scott et al, 2010). 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Jaffree ( 1985 )1737 Words   |  7 PagesCentral Question: Does the Alabama statute 16-1-20.1, allowing a period of silence for meditation or voluntary prayer violate the First Amendment Establishment Clause that is applied to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment? Facts of the Case: The case of Wallace v. Jaffree calls into question the constitutionality of an Alabama statute that authorized teachers to lead a one-minute period of silence for â€Å"meditation or voluntary† prayer in all public schools. Ishmael Jaffree, the parent of three studentsRead MorePsychology, Theology, And Spirituality Essay1665 Words   |  7 PagesEstablishing a Scientific Base (6). Defining Relevant Ethical Standards (McMinn, 2011). After mapping out the challenges facing interdisciplinary integration, McMinn first divides his renowned book into eight rewarding chapters including summary and reflection following each of them. 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The word mindfulnessRead MoreCourse Summary, And Myself Reflection1729 Words   |  7 Pages Course Summary, and Myself reflection While attending lectures of Life Style Modifications For Community Leaders, it adds new information, and changing my bad habit to the better one. Actually, from the first class I realized that our body is not constant not just anatomy and physiology. But it is a most complicated system it react with universe, energy, vibrations, and power, which located everywhere in and around us. Throughout classes and my colleagues presentations, I got a historical storyRead MoreThe Mystic Tradition Of Zen Buddhism1487 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Spirituality and Research Methods class that is being taught by Professor Scott at Texas Tech University. Therefore a formal definition of Zen is a â€Å": Japanese sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment by direct intuition through meditation† (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2017). Additionally an article I examined articulated that Zen is the most recognized form of Buddhism that has been used in the Western world. There are abou t 9.6 million Zen Buddhists who live in the country

Lung Cancer A Leading Cause of Death Today Essay

Lung cancer is on of the leading causes of death today. Lung cancer is a type of neoplasm cancer and is given its name but the site of where the cancer is located. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine states, â€Å" Most lung cancers develop in the cells that line the bronchi.† Lung cancer can take many years to develop and some have no idea that they even have it until it grows large enough to impede the function of the lungs. There are two different types of tumors the benign, which means that it does not spread and stops growing or the malignant where they grow and spread. The etiology of lung cancer comes from the neoplasm which means that has come about from new abnormal cell growth. Most types of neoplasms are solid masses that form but can†¦show more content†¦But other signs of it are derived form the location of the tumor or cancerous cells. The book 100 Questions and Answers About Lung Cancer states that the laryngeal nerve can be impacted by the pressure cause by a tumor or a mass since the nerve runs from the brain down and back up through the chest cavity to the vocal cords. This is what can give the individuals the hoarseness to their vocals. Even the pressure placed on the esophagus can cause sever discomfort while swallowing. If the location is near the heart it can cause superior vena cava syndrome where there can be swelling in the arms, shoulders, and neck. With tumors that are near the chest wall it can cause not only issues with the heart but a pleural effusion. This is where fluid gets between the lungs and the chest wall and it is extremely painful. Progression of the cancer goes through 4 stages but can also be classified with letter as well. T is the classification for tumor that is affected and N for the nodal or M, which is metastatic. Nodal’s can be classified by the location into N, N2, and N3. Stage one is where the cancer is localized to one region of the body as well as when there is no lymph node involvement. Stage two is where the cancer has spread to the adjacent section of the body and has not spread to the hilar lymph nodes or abutting the chestShow MoreRelatedThe Leading Causes Of Lung Cancer1350 Words   |  6 PagesCenter September 2, 2014 The Leading Causes of Lung Cancer State Standard: 6.4.A Cancer is a disease that plagues millions of people annually (â€Å"Lung†). Lung cancer develops when healthy cells in the lungs are compromised by chemicals, pathogens, or radiation (Henderson). In the early twentieth century, before cigarette smoking and toxic man-made air pollutants became more commonplace, lung cancer was relatively rare (Henderson). It is now the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, resulting in anRead MoreEssay on The Consequences of Tobacco1042 Words   |  5 Pagesone of the most leading causes of death in the world today. 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My main purpose of this persuasive speech is to convince people that smoking is harmful for themselves, the people around them and their wallets. In 2015 and estimated of 36.5 million people were current smoker (Jamal, A., King, B. A., Neff, L. J., Whitmill, J., Babb, S. D., Graffunder, C. M., 2016). In addition smoking doesn’tRead MoreShould Smoking Be Banned?1457 Words   |  6 PagesBan the Cancer Sticks Lung cancer has increased within the past decade; one of the biggest reasons is that more and more people smoke now than they have in the past. Smoking causes damage not only in the lungs, but also in the body, lips, or inside the mouth. Even though smoking does harm your body there are some good things that come from smoking. Like it can lower the risk of obesity, and knee replacement surgery. 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Each year more than 30,000 people will die of lung cancer and 4 out of 5 of them will get it because of cigarette smoke. Studies have proven that there is no safe way to smoke. Tobacco contains many dangerous cancer causing chemicals that affects the lungs of theRead MoreThe Anatomy Of The Lungs1366 Words   |  6 PagesCancer of the lungs takes more lives every year than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. In order to prevent these statistics from happening, Low-dose Computed Tomography Scans (LDCT Scans) can be used to prevent the cancer cells from spreading. Medicare and Medicaid are willing to pay for such screenings for those who are 55-77 years of age and who have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for over 30 years or those who are smoking currently within that age group. The cost for such screeningsRead MoreDoes Smoking Cause Lung Cancer? Essay1277 Words   |  6 PagesAmericans die from lung cancer and other smoking related diseases than they die from aids, drug abuse, car accidents and homicide, combined. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Cigarette smoking is a danger to our life and health. It is the leading known cause of lung cancer. Each year more than 30,000 people will die of lung cancer and 4 out of 5 of them will get it because of cigarette smoke. Studies have proven that there is no safe way to smoke. Tobacco contains many dangerous cancer causing chemicals

Introduction to Marketing Basis of Characteristics

Question: Describe about the Introduction to Marketing for the Basis of Characteristics. Answer: Part A B2B Market Segmentation Variables Market segmentation is one of the important processes through which the entire target audience can be segregated, as per their similarities, on the basis of characteristics as well as interests. The segmentation process is related with the segregation strategy, which contributes to the development of particular customers segments, according their similarity of traits. Companies can segment one specific market through several ways. However, the choices of segmentation strategies can be modified and revised according to the products or services characteristics. Most often, there are certain variables that are considered as the major factors for business expansion and consistent sustainability, such as geographic locations, business description, behavioral practices and product applications (1Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016). In the following sections, the segmentation strategies followed by McDonalds have been elaborated, as an example. Geographic Locations: One of the simplest and common segregation strategies is segmentation on the basis of geographical range. If a company has a huge customer base that helps it to assemble within local, regional, national or international locations, it can be considered as worthy to invest in geographic marketing. In geographic segments, population density, size of region and climate factors are the most important factors in order to segregate the similar kind of customers. For instance, McDonalds offers its customers with seasonal foods, such as sea foods in selective market places, which is based on customer preferences (1Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016; 4Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016). Business Description: To segregate the customers choices and trends, there are certain factors associated with business description. The type of specific business, the pattern of particular industry, classification of business, size of business region, annual growth of the company and profitability tendency among others, make the difference regarding consumer base and market position. It must be noted in this regard that the size, growth and the profitability of business are directly related with the company or the brand, which may affect the choice of customers at large. McDonalds offers available seasonal meals for Englands customers as per their preferences to maintain business profitability (1Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016; 4Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016). Behavioral Practice: Behavioral practice can develop on the basis of customers interests and their experiences with the particular company or the brand of the products and/or services. With this specific strategy, the market segment of a company can possess collective familiarities with the products and/or services wherein the customers behaviors are highlighted through their tradition, loyalty and prospects among other common characteristics. Most often, companys operational practices are based on urgency, occasions, and users demand to generate benefits through behavioral approaches. The similar kind of demands is often observed in New Englands customers at seasonal time spans for sea foods. Due to this reason, McDonalds offers them with a variety of sea foods (1Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016; 4Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016). Product Application: The specification of products is also allied with the psychological and demographical aspects of consumers. According to the purchasing requirements of customers, product applications have also been changing over time. Therefore, the purchasing requirements can be deemed as dependent on the demographic and psychological drivers to consumers purchase decisions, which can affect the prospects of market segregation as well (1Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016). Characteristics of Service and Method to Reduce the Problems Dinning etiquette training service is invisible and an intangible aspect of marketing, while its significant traits can affect the consumers behaviors during the buying process and the system through which the company can interact with them. In case of the given scenario, the company wants to provide training services to its employees for betterment in their dinning etiquette. In doing so, the following measures can be adopted. Intangibility: Intangibility is an important characteristic of training service. Customers can purchase the service without seeing, feeling, touching, hearing or smelling it. In case of such aspects, only consumers feedbacks and testimonial letters from satisfied clients will be able to make certain changes and reduce intangibility perspectives. Inseparability: According to the given scenario, the etiquette training service is offered and consumed at the same time. It signifies a situation, wherein production of the service cannot be separated from its consumption. There is no time difference between both of these operations. This in turn has given rise to certain problems regarding quality and value concerns within the operational environment. Perishability: The term refers to a condition when companies fail to store services after a specified period of time. The problem of service perishability develops when demand is unstable for specific services. Perishability of training services might harm the business at time of non-peak periods. Variability: Training services are highly variable, because it entirely depends on the trainers perspectives. Timing, place and process all are associated with the service provider. Due to this reason, effective training and efficient selection of human resource is required for the standardization of the overall service process. One method through which the problems of each characteristic can be mitigated has been illustrated in the following steps: Efficient selection and recruitment for effective trainer An appropriate training process including training notes, DVDs for dining etiquette learning Online seminars for dining etiquette training Provide training services according clients needs and timing 3Ps Strategies in Etiquette Training Physical Evidence: For the dinning etiquette training service, physical evidence can be referred as one of the most important aspects in terms of system standardization. Packaging of entire training service is essential to make a belief towards the authorization that the trainers and other associates are most appropriate for the job role. The dressing etiquette, attitudes, professionalism, satisfied customers testimonial letters and attracting brochures may prove effective to draw clients attentions towards the offerings. Process: Procedures and policies of the training services make the scenario effective and efficient altogether. To be noted in this regard, the process of dinning etiquette training service must be valuable to the employees. The responsibility to make the process successful is one of the marketing strategies of dinning etiquette training service providing firm. The training process should also be clear and understandable for employees to improve their dining etiquette. People: People form the most essential part of etiquette training service allies, emphasizing the selection of right people for service providing. If the training service recruits efficient, skilled, experienced and knowledgeable personnel as a trainer, the dining etiquette training will be successful. Part B 1. Appropriate marketing channel structure for Consumer Products Chocolate Bars - The most effective marketing channel for chocolate bars is the wholesale channel, as they are mostly ordered in bulks and are inexpensive, widely purchased by people all round the globe. Text Books - Retailers channel would be the best option in case of delivering text books to the customers (readers) from the publishers with the assistance of the retailers. In this case, the customers get an ample opportunity to select the book of their choice. New Cars- Cars and automobile products are largely selective and expensive in nature and hence, are not sold in bulks, but are purchased only after minute observations. Hence, retailers channel would be the most appropriate option for marketing new cars. Handmade designer jewelry The direct channel is mostly used for marketing the hand-made consumer products as they are mostly manufactured on the direct demand of the customers and do not require the need of any kind of middlemen. Product Examples for Pricing Strategies Penetration Pricing- The automobile brand Lexus is giving a stiff competition to the well recognized and demanding brands, such as Mercedes as well as BMW, within the premium luxury targeted market of the US, using the strategy of penetration pricing (Spann et.al., 2009). Price Skimming- The iPhone, of the widely known brand Apple, follows the price skimming strategy to penetrate the most competitive market of mobile and telecommunications. This strategy is followed by the company since its initial phase of start-up (Spann et.al., 2009). Product-Line Pricing- Sony implements the product-line pricing strategy by offering its customers with a wide-range of models in the domain of televisions, easily segmented based on their product differences as well as prices (Armstrong Kotler, 2005). Captive-Product Pricing- This strategy of pricing is largely used by Gillette, which sells razors at a comparatively lower price, but fixes higher prices for its cartridges or the blades that are used as replacements and the customers are committed to purchase on repeated occasions (Kotler et.al., 2010). Concept of Positioning For Competitive Advantage The term Positioning refers to the creation of the product reflection in the minds of the target consumers, which helps in differentiating the offers from the similar products produced by them or their competitors. The marketers primarily implement the concept of positioning by targeting the customers, rather than emphasizing the products and hence, the tag lines set from them plays a very significant role. This can be clearly understood from the statement, World's Best Small Sport Car, which differentiates the brand image of Porsche from that of the other automobile or car manufacturing companies (Karadeniz, 2009, p. 99). The key objective of brand positioning is to gain a competitive advantage for the company, which in turn proves to be of great significance for communicating the product and distributing them among the target as well as the potential customers in the long run (Karadeniz, 2009). The business organizations also focus on the need to accomplish competitive advantages t hrough effective positioning of its products and the brand as a whole within the potential strategic groups (Baraskova, 2010). Selection of Target Markets Based On Evaluation of Potential Market Segments Targeting the most appropriate market for the distribution of a product is actually the second phase of the Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning (STP) approach. This approach not only helps in outlining the strategies for segmenting the target market on the basis of certain characteristics, such as demography, psychology and behavior among others, but also helps in selecting required targeting strategy and positioning the product effectively among them. This approach can therefore be considered as the best option to select the target markets with proper evaluation of the potential segments of customers (Larsen, 2010). Nicknames for Well-Known Brands Mc. Donalds nick name, as Macca, is not an exceptional case altogether, as there are also certain other brands to have selected a nick-name for them, such as Charles Shaw wine, which is mostly known among the target customers by its nick name Two-Buck Chuck. Another famous brand TARGET also prefers to be nick-named by its fans as Tar-zhay. Besides, the globally acclaimed brand names, such as Walmart, Starbucks and Microsoft are also known by their nick-names, Wally World, Four Bucks and Mister Softee respectively. The specialty of a company or a brand to possess a nickname of its own is that it helps largely in creating an emotional bond with its customers, thereby maintaining its cultural foundation in the long run (AOL., 2010). Co-Branded Product In todays world of immense competition, co-branding of the companies dealing in fashion products and high tech goods is considered the best option, as it is able to target a particular high profile segment of customers throughout the globe. In this case, the most expensive brand of luxury goods, Louis Vuitton can be co-branded with Apple Inc., which has the potential to dominate the consumer-tech industry in different parts of the world. This co-branding would prove immensely beneficial in the events to be organized by Louis Vuitton, which will be promoted by the technologically advanced operations of Apple Inc. Similarly, Apple Inc. will also receive continuous support and assistance in serving a varied range of customers with the packaging and promotional offers of Louis Vuitton. Functions of Product Packaging There are several essential roles of product packaging, which include physical protection and promotion as the most significant ones. Packaging can protect the products from damages such as dirt, insects, brakeage and dampness. Illustratively, biscuit companies utilize an extra plastic covers for protect the biscuits from brakeage and dampness. Moreover, packaging materials can be attractive for holding consumers attention and reminding about the products, which ultimately facilitates their sales prospects at large (Regattieri Santarelli, 2015). For instance, electronic goods packaging can attract consumers by offering information printed on it, which can help give rise to a positive belief among consumers. a) Price Ceiling Price ceiling refers to the maximum value that the government sets for specific commodities and services, which can be sold at too high prices. To purchase such commodities, consumers require financial assistance from financial institutions. Price ceiling is quite likely to become a problem when it is set below the market equilibrium rate (Experimental Economics Center, 2006). Figure: Price Ceiling Source: (Experimental Economics Center, 2006) Price Floor Price floor refers to the minimum value that government sets for goods and services, which can be sold at too low prices. For the low price of certain goods and services, producers need some economic helps, which may only affect when it is set above the equilibrium rate. Figure: Price Floor Source: (Experimental Economics Center, 2006) b) Comparison Cost-based Pricing Demand-based Pricing It serves price range Attempt to find out price floor and price ceiling It serves customers demands Attempt find out price skimming, psychological pricing, price discrimination, penetration pricing, bundle pricing and value-based pricing Source: (3Hearst Newspapers, LLC. 2016) a) Channel Members Value Addition in Marketing System The value attributions make products and services more available and accessible Channel members can provide experiences, contacts and specializations Provide beneficial aspects by supporting the variable operations, such as promotion, funding, risk taking and physical possessions Levels of Distribution Intensities Intensive Distribution: The products can be gathered from producers and stocked in the outlets. Snacks and Cigarettes are examples of such products that intensively distributed. Selective Distribution: This situation arises when the producers depend on mediators to transmit the products. Lowes utilizes selective distribution process. Exclusive Distribution: This situation arises when the producers select a few mediators to rely regarding transmit the products. Gucci uses exclusive distribution process. a) The Market and Environmental Indications for Skimming Pricing and Penetration Pricing Skimming pricing is a strategy wherein a high introducing price is valued for an innovative and distinct product. The price range is changed and reduced after similar kind of product ranges hit in the market place. It is not utilized by every marketer, apart from the following situations, when: Product is unique and distinctive as well as its demand is inelastic The brand is capable to continue its uniqueness at a time Market segment has classic choice On the other hand, penetration pricing refers to a particular strategic measure wherein the initial value of products are relatively low. The key goal of this strategy is to capture the large market region through low price. It is an attractive option for marketers, when certain conditions are followed. Substitution of product is available in market Demand elasticity is high Firm can increase the production Market segment is highly price sensitive (Spann, Fischer Tellis, 2009) Comparison of Push and Pull Promotion Aspects Push Promotion Pull Promotion Goals Promotional strategy that offers products to the consumers Opposite of push, it attracts customers towards the products Concept Marketers push the products or services towards target customers Marketers pull customers towards specific brands or products Common sales tactics Showrooms, retailers, point-of-sale displays Mass media promotion, advertisements, word-of-mouth Positivity It is able to increase visibility and short term sales It is capable of creating loyal customer base Source: (2Hearst Newspapers, LLC., 2016) References AOL 2010, 10 Best Company Nicknames, Articles, viewed 10 October 2016, https://www.aol.com/article/2010/08/30/10-best-company-nicknames/19609285/ Armstrong, G Kotler, P 2005,. Marketing: An introduction, Pearson Education, India. Baraskova, J 2010, Strategic positioning and sustainable competitive advantage in food industry, Aarhus School of Business, pp. 1-72. Experimental Economics Center 2006, Price Floors and Ceilings, Market Equilibrium, viewed 10 October 2016, https://www.econport.org/content/handbook/Equilibrium/Price-Controls.html 1Hearst Newspapers, LLC. 2016, Market Segmentation Variables Characteristics, Advertising Marketing, viewed 10 October 2016, https://smallbusiness.chron.com/market-segmentation-variables-characteristics-69263.html 2Hearst Newspapers, LLC. 2016, Difference between Push Pull Marketing, Advertising Marketing, viewed 10 October 2016, https://smallbusiness.chron.com/difference-between-push-pull-marketing-31806.html 3Hearst Newspapers, LLC. 2016, The Differences between Value-Based Pricing Cost-Based Pricing, Advertising Marketing, viewed 10 October 2016, https://smallbusiness.chron.com/differences-between-valuebased-pricing-costbased-pricing-23095.html 4Hearst Newspapers, LLC 2016, Examples of Geographic Segmentation, Advertising Marketing, viewed 10 October 2016, https://smallbusiness.chron.com/examples-geographic-segmentation-61612.html Karadeniz, M., 2009, Product positioning strategy in marketing management, Journal of Naval Science and Engineering, vol. 5, iss. 2, pp. 98-110. Kotler, P. et.al. (13) 2010, Principles of marketing: A South Asian perspective, Pearson Education, India. Larsen, N 2010, Market segmentation - A framework for determining the right target customers, Aarhus School of Business, 1-29. Spann, M, Fischer, M Tellis, G, J 2009, Skimming or penetration? Strategic dynamic pricing for new products, Marketing Seminars, pp. 1-52. Regattieri, A. Santarelli, G 2015, The important role of packaging in operations management, InTech Operation Management, pp. 184-214.

Service Marketing of Ganache Chocolates Company †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Service Marketing Ganache Chocolates. Answer: Introduction Ganache Chocolate is the chocolate company started by Arno Backes in South Yarra in the year 2008. The company expanded in 2010 and offers wide range of chocolate, desserts and other products. As a marketing consultant, I am required to do the analysis of the service firm Ganache Chocolate, Melbourne. The company is doing great and is trying its best to perform better than its competitors to meet the desired goals and objectives. The company believes in providing excellent customer service to gain interest and loyalty of its customers. The company provides a service to the customers through its chocolate schools. Chocolate schools are run by the company are the classes provided by the company to the age group of 8 to 18 (Ganache Chocolates, 2017). This course can be booked by the learners through website or on calls. The analysis of the chocolate schools is done below with the help of SWOT and PESTEL Analysis: SWOT analysis Strengths: The strength of the chocolate school service is that there is a strong demand for confectionery and the learners are interested in taking the course. Weaknesses: The weakness is that the brand lack in promotion of its service which makes most of the population unaware about the same (Armstrong, et al, 2014). Opportunities: Emergence of social media and latest technology can be used to promote the school service and to make people interested in the service. It can use its effective techniques as an attractive feature which attracts the learners and consumers towards the brand. Threats: The competitors may take advantage of the low promotion and visibility of the brand which may sideline the brand and its service. The big players like Cadbury and nestle already have such a big market share and they make huge investments on the advertisement and promotion part (Helms and Nixon, 2010). PESTEL Analysis Political factors: The political factors may affect the chocolate school services in a positive or negative manner. For e.g. the increase in the taxes which the company has to pay can affect the overall cost of the services of the company. If the government reduces the taxes, it may increase the profit share of the firm and if the government increases the taxes, it may reduce the profit share of the company (Yksel, 2012) Economic factors: Economic factors include interest rates which may have adverse effects on the buying behaviour of customers. If the interest rates increase, people tend to spend less on the chocolates or learning classers of chocolates. Economic factors like employment rate of the country or the advertising policies, etc. also affect the overall decisions of the company. Social factors: The trend going on in Melbourne affects the consumption of chocolates and the interest of joining school and classes conducted by the company. This will also affect the revenue and promotion of the company. Like, people are becoming health conscious these days, which also reduces the consumption of chocolates (Yksel, 2012). Technological factors: The increase and advancement in technology helps the company in manufacturing better chocolates and promoting them using advanced technologies like Digital media and social media. Research and development is the main key to innovation and helps the company to beat up the competition in the market. New technologies for teaching the consumers will also maintain the interests in the potential consumers. Environmental factors: The Company has to take care of the disposal of wastes during the process of manufacturing of chocolates. Also, it has to take care of sustainable use of raw materials and other inputs in the manufacturing process. Legal factors: The Company has to follow the rules and laws made by the government in order to ensure safe process of manufacturing and fair trade. Also, it has to take care of patents and copyrights for its chocolate schools so that no other competitor can use its idea. The service has to be unique and special by the brand (Armstrong, et al, 2014). Conclusion It can be concluded that the Chocolate school service by Ganache Chocolates can run successfully if the external and internal factors favours its operations. The strengths of the brand could support the service and these strengths could be used to meet the threats to make service more successful in the market. The weaknesses can be reduced by using the opportunities available. The PESTEL factors showed that these factors could affect a lot to the services of the company and the overall success of the brand. These factors need to be handled carefully in order to achieve success in the industry. References Armstrong, G, Adam, S, Denize, S and Kotler, P, 2014,Principles of marketing, Pearson Australia. Ganache Chocolates, 2017, Chocolate school, Retrieved from https://www.ganache.com.au/chocolate-school.html. Helms, M M and Nixon, J, 2010, Exploring SWOT analysiswhere are we now? A review of academic research from the last decade, Journal of strategy and management,3(3), pp.215-251. Yksel, I, 2012, Developing a multi-criteria decision making model for PESTEL analysis,International Journal of Business and Management,7(24), pp.52-66.