The role of the entrepreneurial personality in developing a fashion Dissertation

The role of the entrepreneurial personality in developing a fashion brand - Dissertation Example 3.6 Problem solving 4.3.7 Self-efficacy 4.3.8 Locus and control 4.3.9 High need for achievement 4.4 Burberry’s financial performance 4.5 Summary 5.0 Conclusions 5.1 Chapter introduction 5.2 Research objectives 5.3 Implications of research 5.4 Implications for practice 5.5 Revisiting the limitations 5.6 Directions for future research 5.7 Chapter summary Abstract This paper represents a case study that focuses on a specific fashion brand in defining the characteristics that form an important part of the entrepreneurial personality. ... It focuses on the research questions by providing information on the characteristics of the entrepreneurial personality; the type of personality to be utilised in developing a successful fashion brand; the type of personality that entrepreneurs associate with successful fashion brands possess; and whether financial performance corresponds with entrepreneurial personality. This successful fashion brand has received a number of accolades over the years and is responsible for a number of innovations in the fashion industry. The attributes that have been used by various researchers and that have proven to be common among them have been used as a basis for expounding the distinctive characteristics of the company. These characteristics are some of the things that have contributed to the brands distinctive capabilities. List of tables 1.0 Introduction According to Chell (2008) the term entrepreneur has been in the literature from as early as the 19th century with different economists inclu ding: Say (1821); Amasa Walker (1799 – 1875); Marshall (1920); Ludwig von Mises (1881 – 1972); Schumpeter (1933); T.W. Schultz (1902 – 1998); Shackle (1979); Kerzner (1982); and Mark C. Casson (1982) – all of whom have given their perspectives on the characteristics of entrepreneurs. There have been differences but Chell (2008) indicates that they have all recognised and inferred several psychological and behavioural characteristics of entrepreneurs that set them apart from other people who own businesses. These characteristics include ‘foresight, a keen awareness of possibilities, a creative imagination, confidence in their decision,’†¦ ‘and an agent of

'In the current economic climate, what are the biggest challenges and Essay

'In the current economic climate, what are the biggest challenges and biggest opportunities facing new managers entering indus - Essay Example Finding unique strategy There are many innovations, as upshots of reaching certain competitive advantage in order to be on top of the competition, especially now that the current economic climate demands key players to do the right move in order to survive the tough and challenging times. The challenge therefore is to think of a strategy that is something new or as a new way, one that is unique and hard to emulate in order to achieve a highly sustainable competitive advantage. According to Porter, the only way to ensure a sustainable competitive advantage on the part of an organization is to employ strategies that are unique or hard to outdo (Porter, 1990). The current economic climate for instance allows the mobile phone producers to initiate strategies that are far better than the other. However, common to their prevailing strategies is to come up with new innovations from time to time, leading to facing off the old product trends or models. This gives the opportunity for consumers to become more sophisticated and look for what could benefit them to the fullest, including the opportunity to find for the best price at their advantage resulting to a strong market power that is enough for them to have remarkable bargaining power. On the other hand, this may challenge the competing companies to look for a more feasible strategy that along the way will have the ability to meet both the needs of the target consumers and the company. Finding for the best resource Considering the point that the current economic climate would mean finding the available or best resources in order to guarantee continuous operation, the other challenge for most managers in various organizations is finding the relevant resources linked to their actual operation. This is evident to many outsourcing activities initiated by major international companies (Cornejo, 2009). The case of call centers for instance is a perfect manifestation that many companies are employing third parties in order t o minimize their cost and guarantee profitability on the process. Not only that. Outsourcing human resource is proven effective especially if organizations will have to employ human resource with associated low labour cost. This is evident how international companies like call centers outsourced or instituted their operation in developing countries like in Asia where they could save on their actual operational cost. China for instance is a remarkable country with available resources especially the human resource that could be tapped to guarantee higher profitability. The challenge on the other hand is that there is on-going competition for allocating the best resource, which means individual companies will have to compete in this aspect, the hard way, knowing that having limited resources is not far from the impossibility with the current economic climate. Opportunity for creativity Despite the associated challenge in finding a sustainable competitive advantage through having unique strategy that is hard to emulate or copy, managers will have the opportunity to be as creative as possible in this aspect so as to initiate their goals (Chaston, 2012). They will have the opportunity to go beyond the limit, and think of possibilities that are not yet realised in the current set up of the prevailing economic climate. Consider the point of the highly differentiated offerings for mobile communication gadgets and the remarkable upgrade from

What Is Real Love Philosophy Essay

What Is Real Love Philosophy Essay Some say that love is the most powerful and magical force. But it is also the most formidable thing in the universe, and that there would be nowhere else it could discover and display its beauty and wonders more, than in an intimacy relationship between two people. It is said to be invisible and cannot be measured yet so powerful enough to be able to transform someone in a moment and give you so much joy than any material possession one could ever have (Angelis, 10). Real love refers to as an act of faith, which means you commit yourself without any guarantees of the other person loving you back. The bible tells us that, Love is patient, kind, it does not envy or boast, it is not proud or rude, it is not self seeking or easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails. An example of such kind of love is agape love- its offered or given despite of how the other partner behaves; its a form of real love which is unconditionally committed to an imperfect person. Its a love that is transparent, strong enough to let your partner to get close to you and tell the honest truth, share your positive and negative feelings and it is this kind of love that will be able to keep other types of love alive. Perfect love is the one that gives all and expects nothing. If you expect nothing and ask for nothing at all then you can never be betrayed or disappointed, its only when love demands that is bound to bring a lot of pain. Real love is when you unconditionally care about the happiness of another person without thinking of what you might get for yourself, even when they dont think of you, consider or give you nothing in return which includes gratitude; because youre main concern is their happiness. Real love is not selfish but the one which has no limits or any conditions attached to it. Without real love, we get miserable but with it our happiness is genuinely true. And this is not the kind of happiness we get from money, sex or conditional approval, its also not the same as the feeling that we get from entertainment or from getting people to do what we want, but this is genuine happiness which is profound, a long lasting sense of peace and fulfillment that will deeply satisfy us and enlarge our souls. It doesnt disappear when circumstances or situations get worse. It preserves and even grows through sufferings and hardships. This true happiness is our entire purpose to live and is the type of happiness which can only be obtained and guaranteed as we find real love and be able to share it with other people. With real love nothing else matters; without it, nothing else is enough (Baer, 12). The feeling of being loved and also becoming unconditionally loving doesnt happen all at once like a twinkling of an eye, it takes time and patience. You are not going to loose all your fears, disappointments, anger or pain overnight, its a journey, but a journey that is worth every effort. Some people worry or even fear that loving unconditionally might turn them to a doormat that everyone around them is going to use. But the truth is when you love people unconditionally, that does not imply you have the responsibility to give them everything they want; it would only mean you are being indulgent and immature. When you love someone unconditionally, you accept that person as they are and contribute to their happiness as wisely as you can but it does not entail that you respond to their every command. Real love is when you tell somebody that you care about how they feel but conditional love is when you tell them that you like how they make you feel. Conditional love is selfish, one sided, it is what people offer us when we do what they want and sadly its the only kind of love most people have ever known. People have liked or loved us more when we make them feel good about themselves, meaning we have to buy conditional love. When we dont know the difference between real and conditional love, we end up settling for give and takes of conditional love which always leaves us empty, unhappy, disappointed and frustrated. It is therefore advisable to know the two reliable signs that portray that love is not genuine: that is anger and disappointment (Baer, 22). When it comes to love relationships, we often feel safe enough to express our love and attain intimacy when we are sure that the bridge is solid and that we also feel confident of its support. Trust is that bridge which is there between individuals that enables them to cross over to each other in whichever relationship, whether its friends, lovers or business associates. We tend to feel comfortable and secure with a sturdy foundation beneath us, but when it comes to real love, you just love without expecting anything in return, that way you are actually exempted from being hurt (Block, 18). In conclusion, what we have observed is that the foundation of our disappointment, irritation, anger, resentment and even bitterness in our souls is not caused by the people around us, but by lack of real love among ourselves. Understanding they say is just a simple realistic assessment of how things are, but blame shows anger and pain which can only bring harm to both yourself and others. The point is: If someone doesnt know how to love, dont tell them but show them and sooner or later theyll begin to speak and understand the language of love.

Images and Imagery of Blood in Shakespeares Macbeth :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Imagery Of Blood In Macbeth Macbeth, the dramatic play written by William Shakespeare has many good examples of imagery, especially blood. The imagery of blood is very important in 'Macbeth'. It symbolizes honor and bravery and also deceit and evil.   The play opens with the weird sisters talking about meeting again and talking about Macbeth. A war has just ended, making Macbeth a Brave hero because he is the general of the Scottish army and they won. Macbeth is the thane of Glamis, and then becomes the Thane of Cawdor. The weird sisters make many predictions to Macbeth, all of which come true. Macbeth makes the last prediction come true by killing King Duncan. In the beginning of the play blood is something of honor and bravery and symbolizes good and victory. The blood on Macbeth's sword after the war shows him to be a brave hero because of the enemy he killed. He is known as "Brave Macbeth" to everyone including King Duncan. His bravery earns him the title of Thane of Cawdor, because the thane of Cawdor was executed for treason. The blood at the beginning of the play earns Macbeth respect and a title. Macbeth is feeling very guilty about the murder of King Duncan and Banquo. " With all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas in carnadine, making the green one red", shows the great guilt that blood represents at this point in the play. What Macbeth means is that with all of the water in the ocean could not wash his hands clean from the deed he has just done. If he where to try and wash his hands in the ocean it would turn it red because there is so much blood on his hands. Not only does Macbeth feel guilty about the Murder of King Duncan but he also feels very guilty about the murder of Banquo. He sees Banquo's ghost and his bloody head. Blood represents a lot of guilt for Lady Macbeth near the end of the play. During the play Lady Macbeth is the one who tries to keep Macbeth sane and keep from breaking. She tells him that he is not a man and things around that nature to try and help he be stronger and stay in control about the murder of King Duncan.

American Psychological Association Essay

Psychology has been defined as the study of human behavior, or a science that deals with mental and emotional processes. The American Psychological Association (2010) defines it as a diverse subject which is grounded in science, having numerous applications in everyday life. Given that any discipline is subject to continuous growth, psychology was not initially termed as a science until the mid nineteenth century. It is therefore a young science compared to other natural sciences which have a long history, but it is growing rapidly. Nevertheless, for it to be a science it must possess some scientific characteristics that describe every discipline termed as such. On the other hand, science is usually described as systematic knowledge derived from study and observation, or a branch of knowledge that systematizes facts, principles and methods. Since the purpose of this essay is to discuss psychology as a science, the integral part will give an insight into some of the characteristics of psychology that qualify it as a science. Studies of Milar, & Fuchs, (2002) indicate that the discipline of psychology has its roots in Germany back in the mid nineteenth century. It resulted from the British and the continental philosophies of mind and advances of research in sensory physiology. Before then, it was only the philosophers who were in pursuit of know how related to the mind and some of its processes. However, a challenge emerged in the late eighteenth century declaring that it was not possible to study mind scientifically. The challenge was eventually overcome in the nineteenth century after the emergence of a possibility of study of mind within the field of philosophy by adoption of experimental methods used to study the physiology of the senses. As a result, the new psychology came about and has continued to grow and develop. Psychologists have contributed greatly not only for the sake of its growth, but also with an aim of maintaining it as a scientific discipline through the employment of scientific methods. Psychology contains some of the characteristics that are common with other sciences. For instance, biology is the study of the living things and physics is the study of the physical world. Similarly, psychology is basically the study of human behavior, a phenomenon that can be observed. Although a number of people argue that some branches of psychology study things that cannot be observed like fear, sciences equally study things such as gravity which cannot be seen and are still considered scientific. The study method used is also very important. Any science utilizes scientific methods in its study. Simond (2008) indicates that since the mid nineteenth century, psychology has been applying scientific methods in the study of the full range of both human and non-human behavior. In addition, its application is scientifically based. Due to its diverse nature, there are many topics in psychology because it is very diverse, but systematic observation is incorporated in all the topics. Objectivity which is a core characteristic of any scientific study, is well incorporated in most of the psychological studies. In any objective study, the researcher does not impose any ideas that may be biased or incorporate elements of his personal beliefs. In most of the psychological studies, psychologists may bring into play laboratory studies which are largely controlled such that they cannot be biased by the researcher’s beliefs. For quite sometime, physiological, cognitive and behavioral approaches have been using objective methods like laboratory experiments. However, it has been argued that an objective and value free study is not actually possible because scientists usually have a preconceived notion and they consider other factors especially during the diagnosis of psychological problems (Simond, 2008). Psychology like other science makes use of theories to explain some psychological phenomena. For instance, there are several personality theories which explain the different personality types. In addition, there are theories that give details concerning the causes of a disorder like schizophrenia. It bears noting that one of these theories explains that schizophrenia is caused by biological factors. Although there are some psychological theories which cannot be tested, some of these theories are found in other sciences are generally accepted. The research done by Lutus (2009) reveals that the role of each science is to develop reasonable explanations known as â€Å"theories describing realities†. Moreover, the justifications are supposed to be based on real evidence which is gathered and evaluated disregarding the feelings or passions of the researcher. In addition, most of the psychological theories that have been tested fit in this category quite well. Although the discipline of psychology is still going through revolution, various studies affirm that psychologists have established various laws and principles which are universally acceptable. For instance, behavior is largely viewed as a product of consequences. Much as it may be argued that it is not very easy to have laws and principles in psychology without the influence of other factors, the same problem affects other natural sciences. Considering the fact that psychology has developed some laws and principles and is still in the process of developing it can be affirmed that it is indeed a science. Simond (2008) states that, whether psychology has ever had paradigm is currently an issue that is raising a lot of debate. From a psychologist’s point of view, the subject had undergone through a number of revolutions such that psychology has had a number of paradigms. Moreover, psychology can be stated as being in a stage of a normal science as its current paradigm is cognitive approach. A keen study of psychology illustrates that although there are some perspectives which may not be scientific, a majority of the outlooks fall under scientific perspectives. On the same note, behavioral, cognitive-developmental, cognitive and physiological approaches fall under scientific perspectives. It is only humanistic and psychodynamic approach which is thought to be slightly idiographic. The social approach is intermediate because it appreciates the role of science in psychology and still incorporates other sociological and environmental factors. All factors put into consideration, the fact is that psychology is a science because it mostly employs scientific approaches. As stated by Simond ‘the issue of psychology as a science is cloudy’ (2008, Para 6). On one hand, it is a science that studies human behavior and all the aspects related to the same such as memory. In the process carrying out these studies, various variables are measured and controlled to a certain point. Laboratories are used to improve the controls and to make them as systematic as possible and as a result, general laws about behavior are formed or established. On the other hand, psychology tends to partially deviate from the scientific perspectives since it does not aim at generalizing human behavior. In some instances, scientific methods are not useful especially where the focus is on individual differences and the experiences that people go through. In some cases, psychology utilizes some methods which are non-scientific such as the case studies as well as the unstructured interviews. Either way it is worth noting that, psychology developed from both scientific and non scientific disciplines which are physiology and philosophy respectively. However, ever since psychology started operating independently, it has always taken the model of the natural sciences. Moreover, it has made numerous contributions in the scientific study of human behavior (Simond, 2008). As depicted by the findings of this paper, it is therefore possible that psychology can be viewed as a science in spite of the fact that it does not concur with some of the traditional scientific specifications. Since it follows the scientific methods which have helped to advance other natural sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology, it qualifies to be termed as a science. In addition, psychology has so many characteristics that are still possessed by other sciences. It equally entails several theories, some of which have been developed in to testable hypothesis. Various laws and principles developed from the psychological studies have been generalized such that they can be applicable in different parts of the world. It however stands out that the issue of referring to psychology as a science is contentious but there is solid evidence to defend it. Word Count 1354 Bibliography: American Psychological Association.(2010). About APA. Retrieved June 4, 2010, from http://www. apa. org/about/ Lutus, P. (2009). Is Psychology a Science? Retrieved June 4, 2010, from http://www. arachnoid. com/psychology/index. html Milar, K. , & Fuchs, A. (2002). Psychology as a Science. Retrieved June 4, 2010, from http://media. wiley. com/product_data/excerpt/01/04713832/0471383201. pdf Simond, M. (2008). Psychology – A Science As Well As an Art. Retrieved June 4, 2010, from http://ezinearticles. com/? Psychology- ¬- ¬- ¬A- ¬Science- ¬As- ¬Well- ¬As- ¬an- ¬Art&id=961082

Brand Extension – Furniture

In today’s fierce competition, organizations are driven to reach, strengthen their existences in particular markets, and become a multinational enterprise by taking a mixture of policies including finding new market, developing new features, or even performing a merger and acquisition (M&A). Concerning the developing market, this paper discuses and recommends corporate brand strategy for two companies that are proposed to merge; they are Habitat and Fabprefab. The discussion will first elaborate overviews of Habitat and Fabrefab including the elaboration of each strengths and weaknesses that will benefit the merger.In addition, this paper will also elaborate the benefits and perils of mergers and a concept of developing brand strategy. In the end, we provide recommendation for the merged companies, Habitat and Fabprefab, since it is potentially experiencing downfall. The recommendation should take into account considerations that ensure the delivery of best service and creativ e, strategic and economically sustainable ways to transfer the tangible and intangible values of a brand into new product (service) categories, new markets or new industries. Brand Extension – Furniture/Home furnishing Goes Prefab I. IntroductionIn order to broaden organization reaches, strengthen their existences in particular markets, and become a multinational enterprise, managements of the organization can take a mixture of policies including finding new market, developing new features, or even performing a merger and acquisition (M&A). Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) is one example that a business performs to keep their business growing and getting bigger. This makes sense since the number of M&A is getting bigger every year. According to the Securities Data Company, the dollar value of U. S. (M&A) in 1996 recorded a 27 percent increase to US$658.8 billion from US$518 billion in 1995. While an M&A becomes a corporate strategy, marketing strategy interprets the corporate st rategy to match the market characteristics and customers’ needs. Therefore, marketing department becomes the front liner of the company since marketers, people who work at marketing department, are those who made actual contact with customers within their daily operations. Their responsibilities are to generate constructive views of customers about their company. Therefore, it is their responsibilities to comprehend what customer really wants and how they want to be treated.This is important to ensure the products are saleable in the market. Under such circumstances, it is not a great surprise that term ‘marketing oriented management’ emerges in today’s management practice in order to help organizations to focus in serving customers. Concerning corporate and marketing strategies, this paper will discus and recommend corporate brand strategy for two companies that are proposed to merge; they are Habitat and Fabprefab. The discussion will first elaborate ove rviews of Habitat and Fabrefab including the elaboration of each strengths and weaknesses that will benefit the merger.In addition, this paper will also elaborate the benefits and perils of mergers and a concept of developing brand strategy. II. Proposed Mergers between Habitat and Fabprefab II. 1 Habitat Habitat is furnishing company that established in UK, especially London, in 1966. Within the over 40 years of operation, the company now serves in more than 76 stores worldwide in which 42 of them are in UK, 24 are in France, and the rests are in Spain (5), Germany (5), and other countries through franchise system. Like other furniture companies, Habitat also has wide range of products for living room, dining room to kitchen, and bathroom.In internet era, the company has also provided online catalogue although it has not enable the any online transactions. II. 1. 1 Habitat and Needs for Strategic Partnership By definition, alliance is an agreement between two or more individuals or companies that agree to perform particular action in order to achieve a common goal (Web Finance, 2005). Since the intention of a strategic alliance is to give strengths to each entity, therefore, each entity has to have particular strength that is beneficial for other allies. In this situation, the parties involved (allies) have harmonizing strengths.As explained above, strategic alliance in business situation has potential benefits and disadvantages. The intention of a strategic alliance is to grow a company’s revenue without the need to incur high expansion costs. Although Habitat is a large company, we see that the company is in need to perform strategic partnership so that they can quickly exist in target market and gain improved brand awareness. For that reason, we suggest that Habitat should perform strategic partnerships with other furniture companies or with supplier in order to gain one or more benefits as following:†¢ enable a company to enter a new market wi th new products and services without incurring costs of research and development for the products †¢ widening the market reach without the need to establish a new branch offices †¢ increase the volume of production output †¢ use new technology that simplify the process while enhancing the quality of products †¢ Speed up the research and development by sharing costs and resources (BDC, 2006). II. 1. 2 Habitat and Intention to be Real Estate Brokerage Service Real estate brokerage service has its own level of competition that Habitat may not comprehend yet.It means that Habitat should focus on developing core competences as furnishing retailers instead of extending services into real estate brokerage that Habitat does not have any experience in the industry (Habitat, 2006). We would rather suggest habitat to perform strategic partnership with multinational companies that have wide market penetration in locations that Habitat does not exist yet. This is in line with the one of the benefits of strategic partnership as mentioned above (Habitat, 2006). II. 1. 3 Habitat and construction serviceAlthough construction service is not Habitat core competence but construction service has relation with furnishing industry. It means that Habitat could enter the construction service but they had better to perform alliances with one company in the industry instead of by establishing its own company. The form of alliance could be the first options of using Habitat’ product in construction projects that require completed full furnished buildings or need an advisor to design furniture for building projects.