Light Rail Project at Perth for Transportation - myassignmenthelp

Question: Examine about theLight Rail Project at Perth for Public Transportation. Answer: Presentation: Toward the start of the theoretical structure, a necessities definition was done and following the proposals given, a light rail framework in the city of Perth is in progress for developing the movement sufficiency in the city close by. The focal points that the subjects and city will get hold of from the usage are endless (Currie and Delbosc, 2013). The board of trustees also accept that the significant traffic the board bothers can be settled through the execution of the light rail in the city. The advantages noted incorporate more compensation for the city committee, better transportation for the tenant, reduced relaxing, condition lovely transportation and a huge amount of something past. Most of Perth is evaluated to be 2,000,000 (Currie and Phung, 2008). Likewise, the forefront transportation mediums set up are not so much utilizable to a beneficial level as when taking a gander at the current populace of the city. The most fundamental job that needs to be done, in this manner, in organizing the light rail arrange is understanding the course of the system. It ought to be that the rail organize covers all the basic areas of the city while including an adequate measure of hubs which could interface with associate the principal zones (Sung and Oh, 2011). Regardless, it is trying to join every single one of the pieces of the city into one zonal system while making it feasible. This is the reason the stoppage zones should be possible in this sort of way that adequate correspondence mediums are accessible from the stoppage to near the zones (Cassidy, 2011). Moreover, this endeavor is basic for the upgrade of the transportation arrange in Perth. Different urban communities in Australia can likewise embrace this model so as to blast conveyance execution while bringing down the contamination inside the city and supporting in manageability. The possibility of giving a superior transportation arrange framework in the city can be acknowledged through the LRT framework. As the light rail isn't defenseless to any automobile overloads, the normal speed of reach from zone or hub spot to each other point inside the inclusion of the light rail could be definitely decreased (McIntosh et al., 2014). The Perth city is one of the busiest urban districts of the nation and has the and thusly, mass transportation is a mind boggling challenge. Considering this, the objective to improve the mass profitability of the each district inside the city is the thing that the light rail framework is about. The report introduced in the past task has been valuable in giving the realities about the LRT framework use inside the city territory in which it would work. Fundamental plan (Methodology) When utilizing the stream model, the structure challenge issue is normally broken into two separate stages initial, one comprehends the issue of the length of the train, where the lengths of the trains on each assigned to a zone are resolved (Kim et al., 2007). The rule worry in this stage is to guarantee that there are continually an adequate number of trains accessible at each station for every booked ride leaving from that specific station. In this piece of the plan, rides are most viably doled out to the different unit kinds of the trains, anyway not to specific train units. When going to the second piece of the structure, the unit task challenge is unraveled: specific train units are alloted to the preplanned trips. For each train unit a revolution is chosen in the assessment. The standard technique for displaying the light rail units length is the utilization of a stream model: a period relationship diagram is utilized to show the preplanned trips (Schumacher, 2000). Consistenc e with the prerequisites essential for upkeep is urgent to making directing arrangements practical: even as overlooking positive genuine worldwide costs may cause problematic answers, arrangements which disregard remodel are invalid by and large. The vacant rides among calendars will be utilized for upkeep cause, along these lines the plan won't be misshaped. The utilization of a Gantt graph for this situation is required by the need to show the beginning and completing time of every one of the light rail systems units and also the exact component of the intermittent programming. This additionally proposes the reliance (for example need of every segment of the system) connections in all of the courses and keeping in mind that simultaneously giving an illustrative picture of the train programming framework (Hoffman, 2008). Nitty gritty Design LRT vehicles are relied upon to have a customary organization most extraordinary accelerating pace of around 4 kilometers for every hour out of each second (kphps) while extending somewhere in the range of 0 and 50 mph, diminishing to an ordinary speed deceleration pace of 1.0 kphps between 50 to 90 mph. Average train unit slowing down is believed to be a predictable deceleration of 4 kphps from 90 kph to 0 mph. LRT vehicles are acknowledged to have a breaking point most extreme salary activity speed of 90 kph. Activity speeds along the proposed systems vacillate on account of parallel and vertical curves and station stretch separations, and furthermore speed confines on such areas that cooperate with streets (Hensher, 2007). The LRT Alternative would begin at an at-level station on Elizabeth Quay Bus Station close to the current Perth Convention and Exhibition Center on the Mounts Bay Road. The course of action would remain on the ground as it advances towards Wellington Street, west on up through Williams Street, north transversely over Newcastle Street, and a while later along the west up to James Street, fundamentally in Northbridge Area, to a station connecting the Perth Arena. The game plan would slip into a section east through Wellington Street and travel lower east to Bennet Street, south under Queens Garden, and easterly through Hays Street. The working prerequisites were created for the light rail organize considering the suspicions outlined previously. Each operational unit is acknowledged to involve three light rail vehicles (LRVs), and the armada estimations fuse arranged trains to help drop back activities and 20 percent spare breaking point (Schumacher, 2000). The TPMs laid out in the past report can be utilized as a premise of plan with the framework making arrangements for both traffic crossing points, costs, human populace and administrative measures. The monetary breakdown in the applied structure give the undertaking costs at 794 million AUD. Framework Test, Evaluation, Validation and Optimization For the framework test to be effective, the tests that should be led incorporate Factory Acceptance/Inspection Test (FAT), Site Installation Test (SIT), Site Acceptance Test (SAT) and Overall Site Acceptance/Performance Test (Sharma, 2011). The FAT level is the trying of gear and framework segments for the term of creation inside the processing plant or in a moderately comparable condition. This starter phase of the testing affirms that the gracefully of every part and working hardware is with regards to the plan and the general endeavor necessities. This level offers the proof that all the added substances and gadget meet the particulars. FAT are normally completed in the creation premises however can likewise be done inside the premises of the temporary workers base of activity (Sharma, 2012). FATs must be accomplished for all of the solitary parts and devices utilized, and with respect to frameworks, to all the equipment and programming program. In expressions of equipment, styles of evaluations might be performed routine appraisals and type evaluations. Routine appraisals are performed for each bit of gadget and added substances and incorporate tests, for example, protection test, visual review, adjustment, electrical conductivity check, mechanical, pressure driven checks and size check, and another consistence tests. Type evaluations are done on an example of the hardware of each appraising, kind, et al. in light of on concurred prerequisites or a specialized limitation inside the understanding. These can incorporate appraisals like unwavering quality evaluations, electromagnetic similarity, mechanical force, electric attributes, and so on type evaluations ought to be checked by means of the customers or contractual workers agents (Sharma, 2011). The SIT level is the appraisal stage following the set-up of frameworks and sub-frameworks on the ground. The expectation of the SITs is to show that all of the structure or sub-structures are possibly set up and related, are checked and are reasonable for activity. The tests particularly meld detectable examination, self-ruling or no-heap checks and some operational checks. The SITs should be conceivable on the ground by procedures for site start and in stages as the railroad line ranges get made and sorted out. They might be drawn out piece by region till the entire line has been surveyed. These areas might be associated concerning framework limitations comprising of the railroad line arrange, the situation of hybrids, etc, line imperatives for example the overhead association gadget, the situation of sub-stations, and numerous others., and other outsider and assignment the executives guidelines. In commonly, the site investigation and appraisal check for legitimate framework hardw are kind, amounts, any harm, exact set up and combination inside the sub-framework, and any breakdowns after establishment. A portion of the checks can incorporate protection appraisals, electric coherence et al, creation level watches that remember for trade of realities, a couple of low degree independent operational evaluations, etc (Sharma, 2014). The SAT stage is the stage while all arrangement gear and sub-structures are analyzed. This stage suggests that every one the unmistakable sorts of device and sub-structures can in every way that really matters perform, in this manner satisfying a large portion of the general execution necessities. This pre-favoring stage is typically independent into sub-levels the essential wherein every last one of the framework

Hypothesis Testing Essay Free Essays

The purpose of theory testing is to let a man to take between two distinct theories refering to the estimation of a populace parametric amount. Learning crew C has directed a speculation preliminary environing the aggregate of clasp spent on prep by guys and females. furthermore, will go to if there is a correlativity between the factors. We will compose a custom article test on Theory Testing Essay or on the other hand any comparative theme just for you Request Now Also. larning crew C will discover if there is a positive or negative correlativity. what's more, how solid that correlativity is between the two factors. By and large. measurements can be extremely aggressive and we will parcel probably the most puzzling builds experienced in Quantitative Analysis for Business consequently far. At the point when convey oning a theory preliminary. it is basic that a void speculation is distinguished. The void speculation is the theory that is thought to be genuine except if there is adequate bounty grounds to turn out that it is bogus ( McClave. 2011 ) . The void speculation for this analysis: Is the normal whole of clasp spent on prep by females equivalent to the aggregate of clasp spent on prep by guys? The found out essentialness degree is. 05. which implies that there is a five for every centum opportunity that we will dismiss the void speculation. in any event, when it is valid. The movement informations set gave were eight informations focuses to grown-up females and six informations focuses for work powers. On account of the little example size. we have directed a t-test for this analysis. The evaluations of opportunity equivalent 12. which we relegate a basic estimation of 2. 179 from a t-table. In the event that the preliminary measurement ( t-measurement ) is not exactly - 2. 179. or then again more prominent than 2. 179 we will dismiss the void theory for the choice. The t-measurement for the clasp spent on prep by work powers and grown-up females is †. 4899. This consider does non fall along with the dismissal part. so we neglect to dismiss the void speculation. At the end of the day. the normal whole of clasp spent on prep by work powers and grown-up females are equivalent with a 95 for each centum affirmation degree. We have other than decided the correlativity coefficient. The correlativity coefficient ( meant by the message R ) is the progression of the evaluation of added substance connection between two factors ( Webster. edu. n. d. ) . The correlativity coefficient can be any an incentive between negative one and one. In the event that the correlativity coefficient mark is negative. it implies that as one variable abatements the other variable increments. The inverse is valid for a positive correlativity coefficient. in the event that the estimation of one variable builds the other variable lessenings. It is of import to see that correlativity does non needfully expect causing ; we can non assume a correct choice dependent on correlativity completely. For this analysis. the correlativity between work powers and grown-up females was 0. 346102651. At the point when informations with estimations of R are near zero. they demonstrate little to no straight-line relationship ( Taylor. 2015 ) . Despite the fact that the correlativity for this investigation was sure. it is non a solid correlativity. The closer the estimation of R to zero offices that there is a more noteworthy vacillation around the line of best fit of rage ( Laerd Statistics. 2015 ) . Statisticss can be a truly running subject. furthermore, there have been a few develops that have demonstrated to be hard for every individual from larning crew C. Numerous crew individuals battle with the best possible selection of articulations in Microsoft Excel. while others battle to supplant esteems into the numerous conditions associated with measurements. There are other than army images to recover. furthermore, conventionally place while figuring a condition. From an applied perspective. chance is intense liable to hang on. The build itself appears to be unintuitive. also, is difficult to comprehend an elusive develop that depends on mystery and the best open door that a man needs to see some occasion is irregular ( chance ) . At the point when you take that build and try to do it touchable by seting it into a condition. things get rather jumbling. Theory demonstrating can be acceptable when a man is looking for make up one’s psyche on what speculation to take refering to the estimation of a populace parametric amount. At the point when make up one’s disapproving to carry on theory demonstrating it is of import to go through the five stairss of the speculation demonstrating process that include: making premises. saying the nothing and interchange theory. finding the correct preliminary measurement and attempting dispersion. figuring the preliminary results. furthermore, understanding the assurance ( Boston University. n. d. ) . Deciphering the assurance can incorporate contrasting the offices for every one of the gatherings can give a superior worry of where each gathering falls as a standard. Deciphering the assurance other than incorporates discovering whether there is a correlativity between the two factors and discovering whether the correlativity is sure or negative. For this investigation. the end was to discover if there was a significant distinction for cut spent creation prep by guys and females. Theory testing is utilized to discover if there is satisfactory factual grounds to back up a specific conviction about a parametric amount. MentionsBoston University. ( n. d. ) . The 5 stairss in speculation testing. Recovered from Boston University. site. Laerd Statistics. ( 2015 ) . Pearson-item minute correlativity. Recovered from hypertext move convention:/insights. laerd. com/measurable aides/pearson-relationship coefficient-factual guide. php McClave. J. T. ( 2011 ) . Measurements for concern and financial sciences ( eleventh ed. ) . Boston. Mama: Pearson Education. Taylor. C. ( 2015 ) . Step by step instructions to figure the correlativity coefficient. Recovered from hypertext move convention:/insights. about. com/od/Descriptive-Statistics/a/How-To-Calculate-The-Correlation-Coefficient. htm Webster. edu. ( n. d. ) . Relationship. Recovered from hypertext move convention:/www2. Webster. edu/~woolflm/relationship/connection. hypertext markup language The most effective method to refer to Hypothesis Testing Essay, Essay models

4 Common Home Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them

4 Common Home Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them 4 Common Home Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them 4 Common Home Contractor Scams and How to Avoid ThemBe on the lookout for deals that are too good to be true, demands for excess payment upfront, and scammers straight up paving your driveway with black paint.Your home is practically a member of your family. You dress it up, spend time together, and can feel comfortable by its presence. And it protects all the other members of your family, too. That’s why you never want to let anyone damage your house.Take shady home contractors, for instance. At best, they’ll do a perfectly fine job renovating your house but overcharge you for it. At worst, they could do a lackluster job or may not even carry out the renovations at all.Thankfully, Justin Lavelle, Chief Communications Officer for BeenVerified.com (@BeenVerified) is here to his insights on the kinds of contractor scams you should be looking out for.1. “Extra materials.”You might think scams only happen online these days, but you might still get people coming to your door, tryi ng to rip you off the old-fashioned way. Here’s one example Lavelle warned us about:“A contractor knocks on your door and claims to have extra materials from a job he just completed down the street. Not wanting to take a loss on the supplies, he offers to pave your driveway or patch your roof for a smoking-good deal.“As tempting as a good deal is, don’t be fooled. The con artist ‘contractor’ will start working and then claim to find an issue that makes him raise the price of the job. Then if you object, the contractor might walk away, leaving you with a half-finished project.“Or he or she may also take your money and run.”According to Lavelle, things can also go in a more Looney Toons-esque direction: “Another way this situation could go: He paints your driveway with black paint instead of paving it with asphalt. Then you watch it wash away the next time it rains and cry. How to protect yourself: Never hire a contractor on the spot. Read reviews and make sure they do quality work before making any deals.”But of course, they won’t always be coming to your door.2. “I have a special offer today.”Slightly more advanced than just showing up in person, scammers will also try and get you via the written word!“This home improvement scam usually starts from a newspaper ad or mailer that advertises a home service for a ridiculously low price,” explained Lavelle. “After you call and request services, they’ll quote you for a slew of ‘problems your house has.“Worried that they need to get these fixes done, unsuspecting homeowners empty their pockets and the contractor leaves without finishing or doing any work at all. How to protect yourself: Confirm that the contractor’s business is legal, licensed and registered. Request to see a business license and proof of insurance.”And then there are business practices that are good to maintain regardless of who you’re dealing with.3. “I’ll need the money upfront …”You always want to be careful about what money you’re willing to offer in advance.“A conning contractor will tell you that he’ll need a percentage of the project cost upfront,” Lavelle told us. “He might tell you the reason is because he needs to order materials or rent supplies.“But once you pay him, he’ll disappear. Or he’ll do a poor job, thinking you can’t fire him because you’ve already paid him hundreds, or thousands. How to protect yourself: Down payments are a standard practice, but should never be unreasonable. Check the rules in your state regarding down payment limits. Some states limit down payments to 10 percent of the project price or $1,000, whichever is less. Also, before hiring any one contractor, get at least three different estimates.”And one thing you never want to trust when it comes to business4. “Take my word for it.”There’s a reason lawyers will tell you to always get everything in writing.“While talking with your contractor about the repairs yo u’d like made, you add in a couple ideas,” outlined Lavelle. “He gets excited about the ideas and even makes his own suggestions.“You don’t put these ideas into your contact agreement because you think you had such a clear verbal understanding.“Then you’re surprised when the contractor says those upgrades weren’t included in the priceâ€"and that you’ll have to fork over more money for them. How to protect yourself: Always get everything in writing. A legal contract is your safety net, should any issues arise. Be sure to review every detail before signing.  If you are not comfortable, ask an attorney to review it before you sign. It’s a worthwhile investment to avoid problems on the back end.”Before hiring any contractor, do your homework.Lavelle left us with some general advice about how to protect yourself from scam contractors. Folks living in Florida should be on especially high alert as scammers pretty much  run rampant in that state, especially  in the af termath of a hurricane or other natural disaster“Before you allow any individual to enter your home, says Lavelle, ask them for credentials. The contractor should be able to provide you with identification and license numbers. Another level of protection is to write down the contractor’s vehicle tag number in addition to taking a photo of him or her.It also doesn’t hurt to check online reviews. Be wary, and you won’t get taken advantage of!Getting your savings stolen by a scammer could leave you high and dry the next time you get a surprise bill. Thats how people end up turning to predatory personal loans like cash advances, title loans, payday loans, and other types of no credit check loans. (By the way, there are  safe bad credit loans out thereâ€"especially installment loansâ€"you just have to find them.)  To learn more about keeping your finances safe from scammers, check out these related posts and articles from OppLoans:5 “Free Money” Scams to AvoidHow to Protect Yourself from Payday Loan Call Scams10 Common Scams: How They Work and How to Avoid ThemHas a scam contractor ever tried to swindle you? We want to hear about it! You can find us  on  Facebook  and  Twitter.ContributorsJustin Lavelle  is a Scams Prevention Expert and the Chief Communications Officer of  BeenVerified.com (@BeenVerified). BeenVerified is a leading source of online background checks and contact information. It helps people discover, understand and use public data in their everyday lives and can provide peace of mind by offering a fast, easy and affordable way to do background checks on potential dates. BeenVerified allows individuals to find more information about people, phone numbers, email addresses and property records.

The World War I ( Wwi ) - 4059 Words

At the precipice of World War I (WWI), the United States Army enlisted the help of women nurses resulting in a growth of economic opportunities for women in the nursing field. Before the war women were confined to their stereotype of a being delicate, motherly, and fragile. The war served as an opportunity for women, including nurses, to prove themselves to be more than their stereotype and be involved in the community rather than always sitting behind a man. Propaganda encouraged women to be more involved in the war and soon the concept feminism was reinvented. Female nurses, however, were still struggling to change the minds of people against women taking an active role in society or the military. Nursing had always played an important†¦show more content†¦World War I (1914-1918) was one of the most gruesome wars in American history. It consisted mostly of trench warfare, war fought from trenches, and an estimated 30 million casualty count. It was hoped that this would be the end to all wars, however the armistice signed sparked World War II. World War I began when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, and his wife were assassinated in a parade on June 28, 1914. This became the excuse for Austria-Hungary to attack Serbia. Austria- Hungary had an alliance with Germany upon declaring war on Serbia, who had an alliance with Russia. This resulted in a chain-reaction because their alliances had alliances with other nations, then they had even more alliances with other nation, so by the time Austria had officially declared war half of Europe was involved in the dispute due to their alliances with other nations, thus making it a world war. The war consisted of two opponents: the allied forces (France, Britain, and Russia) and the central powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary). It was often considered a war of attrition because for the first three years soldiers fought from their trenches. The trenches were separated by a vacant strip called no man’s land. the only

Why Do Fingers Prune in the Water

If youve had a long soak in a bathtub or pool, youve noticed your fingers and toes wrinkle (prune up), while the rest of the skin on your body seems unaffected. Have you ever wondered how it happens or whether it serves a purpose? Scientists have an explanation for the phenomenon and have proposed a possible reason for why it happens. Why Skin Prunes in Water The prune effect is different from true wrinkling of skin because the latter results from the degradation of collagen and elastin, making the skin less resilient. Fingers and toes prune, in part, because the layers of the skin dont absorb water evenly. This is because the tips of your fingers and your toes are covered with a thicker outer skin layer (the epidermis) than other body parts. However, most of the wrinkling effect is due to blood vessel constriction just below the skin. Nerve-damaged skin doesnt wrinkle, even though it has the same composition, so the effect may be a reaction to water by the autonomic nervous system. However, the hypothesis that wrinkling is under autonomic nervous system control doesnt account for the fact pruning occurs in cold water as well as warm water. How the Epidermis Reacts to Water The outer layer of your skin protects the underlying tissue from pathogens and radiation. Its also fairly waterproof. The keratinocytes at the base of the epidermis divide to produce a layer of cells rich in the protein keratin. As new cells are formed, the old ones are pushed upward and die and form a layer called the stratum corneum. Upon death, the nucleus of a keratinocyte cell involutes, resulting in layers of a hydrophobic,  lipid-rich cell membrane alternating with layers of hydrophilic keratin. When skin soaks in water, the keratin layers absorb water and swell, while the lipid layers repel water. The stratum corneum puffs up, but its still attached to the underlying layer, which doesnt change size. The stratum corneum bunches up to form wrinkles. While the water hydrates skin, its only temporary. Bathing and dish soap removes natural oils that would trap the water. Applying lotion can help lock in some of the water.   Hair and Nails Get Soft in Water Your fingernails and toenails also consist of keratin, so they absorb water. This makes them softer and more flexible after doing the dishes or bathing. Similarly, hair absorbs water, so its easier to over-stretch and break hair while its damp. Why Do Fingers and Toes Wrinkle? If pruning up is under nervous system control, it makes sense that the process serves a function. Researchers Mark Changizi and his colleagues at 2AI Labs in Boise, Idaho, demonstrated that wrinkled fingertips provide improved grip on wet objects and that the wrinkles are effective at draining away excess water under damp conditions. In one study, published in Biology Letters, subjects were asked to pick up wet and dry objects either with dry hands or after soaking them in warm water for half an hour. Wrinkles didnt affect the participants ability to pick up dry objects, but the subjects picked up wet objects better when they had pruned hands. Why would humans have this adaptation? Ancestors who got wrinkled fingers would have been better able to gather wet food, such as from streams or beaches. Having wrinkled toes would have made barefoot travel over wet rocks and moss less risky. Do other primates get pruney fingers and toes? Changizi e-mailed primate labs to find out, eventually discovering a photograph of a bathing Japanese macaque monkey that had wrinkled fingers. Why Arent Fingers Always Pruned? Since wrinkled skin offered an advantage manipulating damp objects yet didnt hinder abilities with dry ones, you may be wondering why our skin isnt always pruned. One possible reason might be that wrinkled skin is more likely to snag on objects. Its also possible that wrinkles diminish skin sensitivity. More research could give us additional answers. Sources Changizi, M.,  Weber, R.,  Kotecha, R.  Ã‚  Palazzo, J.  Brain Behav. Evol.  77,  286–290. 2011.Kareklas, K., et al. â€Å"‘Water-Induced Finger Wrinkles Improve Handling of Wet Objects.’†Ã‚  Biology Letters, The Royal Society.

Reading the Sopranos Free Essays

What has Carmela ever done for Feminism’? Introduction Feminism in a simple definition refers to women’s movements, and feminism is a subject that is on going which has become a forum for debate in relation to television and film. My main focus will be feminism in the television series ‘The Sopranos’ which will be used as a case study to examine the theory of feminism plus psychoanalysis and how it’s inflicted on the screen. An academic book that I have selected will allow me to approach feminism in ‘The Sopranos’ and I have also picked a certain chapter room the book â€Å"Reading The Sopranos’ Edited by David Leaver, chapter 3 What has Carmela ever done for Feminism’? Carmela Soprano and the Post-Feminist Dilemma. We will write a custom essay sample on Reading the Sopranos or any similar topic only for you Order Now This book will allow me to tackle the issues on feminism and psychoanalysis by using the case study and relevant examples. Feminism is seen as a form of defending women’s rights and making them equal with men, and Carmela attempts to oppose this on Tony by stating that she’s not asking for fifty/fly Just some support, â€Å"I’m not saying fifty/fifty, but Jeez† (Leaver, 2006. PAP). Carmela might blame Tony for the way she is Just a mother and housewife. Although if we look at this from a Marxist point of view they suggest that it’s not about men, it’s about the upper class. They are the reason for inequality and the reason why women and men are oppressed. Doesn’t anything ever change? â€Å", Carmela isn’t happy with the way things are she’s indirectly implying she wants more a career, to be able to work, although can’t have it because of her husband. Carmela Soprano isn’t asking to be the same as Tony, however Just some rights to give her a break, she contradicts herself as states she’s no feminist but wants some rights . Carmela doesn’t trust feminism that much as she relies on her husband, and has been dependent on him and doesn’t know what to do. She finds herself in a confusing position in terms of her life style as feminism has been given an unpleasant label by the media institutions makes her feel weary whether she should be a feminist or not. Carmela superficially strongly rejects that feminism is an elitist practice but she secretly inside believes that it is an elitist practice, the reason she rejects this is because she knows she will never be that so finds comfort in rejecting. That’s why here is a slight envious feel for her daughter, Meadow who might Just be on her way to her mother’s dreams. Psychoanalysis developed by Sigmund Freud is the behavior of people, the drives of the unconscious. Tony and Carmela often suppress things and let them slide through to the unconscious suppressing their emotions. Psychoanalysis asserts that the lead to the development of adult emotional problems. (do in my own words and relate it to Corpsman feminism psychoanalysis) In ‘The Sopranos’ we are presented with different types of women in regards to feminism. To some degree women are vital in demonstrating and driving the reiterative forward, as without them the concept changes in terms of genre and other aspects such as storyline as it will Just be a bunch of criminal men. Feminism has always been a key factor in such gangsters films such as ‘The Sopranos’, ‘Godfather’ (1972) directed by Francis Ford Copula, and ‘Godlessly’ (1990) directed Martin Scores including many more as women play a crucial role as they reveal the men’s persona away from the criminal, adulterous activities in their daily lives. Carmela Soprano married to Tony Soprano is aware of Tony’s activities that he undertakes with his fellow friends, including his business that consists of a strip club named â€Å"Bad Being†. Tony is involved in what would be called organized crime and adultery, which Carmela knows about, however it seems that Carmela is refusing to accept what Tony does yet she doesn’t refuse the lifestyle as well as money considering where it comes from. She attempts to balance the bad aspects of her life by doing charitable deeds for friends, the priest, however she ends up contradicting herself. When she indirectly threaten a women (name, episode and series) to write a commendation letter to a college for her daughter, Meadow. ( quote from the book) Gangsters films compose of a similar narrative that is driven by set codes and conventions. Films that are similar to ‘The Sopranos’ are ‘LA confidential’,goodwill’s’ and the ‘Godfather’ they all share similar qualities when talking about feminism. Having read the book based on Carmela Soprano, she appears as a confused character that isn’t too sure of what she wants, she’s an indecisive person. Carmela is in compromise as she chose this lifestyle, â€Å"but Carmela is no victim† (Leaver, 2006. PAP) there’s no doubt about that she’s not a victim. Carmela appears as a victim, although everything she does she does willing and with thought behind it. How to cite Reading the Sopranos, Papers

The History of French Filmmaking free essay sample

A History of French Filmmaking begins its long journey through time in the 1800’s before cinema was invented. Williams explains that the three necessary aspects of film were to come, the â€Å"bricolage† meaning the analysis of movement, the optical synthesis of movement, and photography. There were many important people over the course of this book that had huge influences on putting together the bricolage as well as path that this most popular media traveled. Williams begins with men such as Niepce in his success of inventing the start of photography, then Daguerre who improved it, Plateau’s construction of an apparatus that showed the synthesis of motion called the Phenakistoscope, all the way to Thomas Edison’s final contribution to make film possible, the Kinetoscope. Williams continues through time to the Lumiere brother’s major influence until the film industry began. Film started off as a spectacle in France at fairs much likes freak shows and wax museums. Williams moves on explaining the development of turning cinema from a spectacle into what it is today. He goes over the beginning of genre’s or â€Å"series†, the dramas that ensued with money, monopolies, huge fires from the flammable theaters and eventually the wars that influenced a lot of change in this important industry. We learn about the transformation from silent to talkies and even the anti-Semitism that forced many Jewish filmmakers/actors to never trust France again. Williams takes the reader to France’s significant film noir and New Wave styles that show the aftermath of the war on its people and eventually ends with another important media that is quite influential today, television. Although this book is filled with many names and many details, it truly deserves the name ‘A History of French Filmmaking’. After reading this book, it is clear that without France, film might not be what it is today. Although when one thinks of cinema, they might right away think of Hollywood, but there are many people, movies, and studios that started in France that made Hollywood possible. To start, the Lumiere brothers, mostly Louis, were not only able to record film, but they were able to project it as a show for an audience. Although these films were not necessarily long feature length films, Louis showed great art in his films and even made many color slides in his films. The next person to take film to a different level was Melies who not only discovered â€Å"substitution splicing† but he made films about magic, he â€Å"†¦Anticipated Surrealism† (37), and was like the first â€Å"movie star† of his time. After the Lumiere business died down, the one to take over was Pathe. He hired Ferdinand Zecca, an important filmmaker, as well as created the first genres or at that time was called â€Å"series†. Examples of these are outdoor views, comic scenes, sports and acrobats, and dances and ballets. Pathe tried to monopolize the film industry but instead â€Å"†¦The second consequence of Pathe’s bid for monopoly was to encourage the competition† (53). Pathe’s competitor, Leon Gaumont was not only influential in his decisions to use real locations unlike Pathe’s films, but he hired one of the most important French film producers, Alice Guy. â€Å"Alice Guy is one of the most significant figures in the entire history of French Cinema. Despite her great influence, frustratingly little is known about her actual work at Gaumont† (55). Williams explains how Guy was great at saving money during productions, which was very important then and now in film production. Another important name mentioned was Max Linder, the first big comedic star who later influenced one of the biggest comedic names of all time, Charles Chaplin. Willaims goes on to explain many other studios in French Film’s beginning, one being Film d’Art. Although this eventually became less significant over time, it was interesting that this was directed towards the upper middle class instead of the population as a whole. There were many, many other names that Williams goes into great detail and background about, but there are certain names that must be mentioned. One in particular is Jean Epstein. â€Å"Epstein’s efforts to contribute meaningfully to the development of the film medium were often constrained by his producers’ notions of what would sell† (123). But Epstein would not succumb to money over art so he opened his own production company. He created historical dramas, documentaries, but most of all he was able to move from silent to talkie films successfully unlike many over silent filmmakers. Next is Rene Clair. Clair, being one of the filmmakers who experienced the war, brought that into his early work but he also made fantasy comedies and was not opposed to mainstream films. â€Å"Clair’s work demonstrates there was no hard and fast line of demarcation between mainstream commercial cinema and self-consciously artistic filmmaking during the silent film’s last decade. French cinema of the 1920’s was remarkably diverse† (135). Williams explained that unlike other filmmakers, Clair was willing to compromise by exploring different styles. Another very influential name who was not afraid to try many things nor stand up for what he believed in was Jean Renoir. Rene Clair and Jean Renoir were both successful in the silent and the talkie eras. â€Å"Sound film changed these men’s work bringing to it consistency, force, and a new means of storytelling that audiences and critics alike found compelling and satisfying† (186). Renoir had a love for actors, which many people later followed (especially in present day), but he was also against the anti-Semitism that plagued France during the second World War and even stood up to one of the most powerful Nazis, causing him to leave France for America. Williams explains in a large part of the book how both of the wars, in different ways, had a very big impact on film, both good and bad. Renoir was bold in his filmmaking, not afraid of violence as well as techniques in films such as ‘Rules of the Game’ with great long takes and deep focus. The way that Alan Williams created this text was very uniform all the way through. It was bold of him to write a book that should be an entire textbook of knowledge and fit it into merely 400 pages, but he did it well and the read was not hard to follow. Williams does a nice job of introducing almost every new important player in the book by giving a bit of background knowledge on each one. There is a huge advantage to doing this because the reader is able to get a feel for the people he is talking about. We learn about Louis Lumiere’s physical ailments as well as his father’s poor marketing skills. We learn that Rene Clair wanted to be a poet before he became a journalist, filmmaker, and critique. Williams also does a nice job of separating each person with more of the story of France during this time and how the changes of the film industry continued. The disadvantage of writing in this way is there is a lot of information that can get lost along the way. Not only is the reader bombarded with lots of information that can get confusing, especially if they are not familiar with French names or words along the way, but there are also ideas that can be missed when concentrating so much on the people who made the films, both significant and not. For example, the concept of Nation Cinema is explained in depth in Susan Hayward’s French National Cinema. She poses a very interesting uestion, â€Å"Since the history of cinema coincides with this hundred-year span, it invites the following questions: to what extent and how does cinema reflect the texture of a society on a national level? † (15). In Williams book, we learn all about the development of cinema, the important players in that development, and peripheral influences on cinema, but he never explains how the people of the nation of France were as a whole when film came about. What is national cinema? Don’t the viewers play an important role in national cinema? Williams is missing the other side to the story. We know how the wars, monopolies, and fires influenced the filmmakers, but what about the film watchers? This must be because the target audience for this book is not necessarily people looking for French history. The target audience must be only people looking to see how film developed in France, most likely film students. Being a film student myself as well as a cinema minor, this book was very enjoyable to read. There were many aspects of the book that both surprised me and stood out. First was Williams multiple explanations of Thomas Edison’s impact on cinema. I not only found out that he was a big player in the development of film, but I also discovered that for a genius, he made a lot of bad moves. He not only took complete credit that should have been shared with his assistant Dickson, but he misjudged the industry that he helped start. It seemed as though he was more interested in monopolizing the business instead of seeing its true potential, which hurt him in the end. Another discovery that I found interesting was Williams many mentions of hard work. He explained that the â€Å"†¦Gaumont company valued hard work and compensated it well† (68). He also mentioned that, â€Å"One secret of Linder’s success was that he put twice as much time, effort, and thought into each film as did his competitors† (60). He also mentioned on many occasions the success of different filmmakers by their attention to detail like Louis Lumiere, or their fearlessness like Clair, Renoir, and specifically Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. This was not a discovery to me but more of an interesting theme that I continued to spot as the book moved forward. I don’t know if this something that Williams is trying to preach, but it is obvious that he values hard work, bravery, and boldness in cinema. I think this was important for Williams to do. It not only gives credit to the people he clearly studies and cares much about, but it credits the industry as a whole. Not everyone can make a movie and make it well. Now knowing The History of French Filmmaking I can confidently say a lot went into the development of this media, and seeing what the film industry is today, it was well worth it.

The Life And Works Of Frederick Chopin Essays - Frdric Chopin

The Life And Works Of Frederick Chopin The Life and Works of Frederick Chopin The 1830s have been called the decade of the piano because during that period the piano and the music written for it played a dominant role in European musical culture. The piano had, of course, already been popular for more than half a century, but by the third decade of the nineteenth century, changes in the instrument and its audience transformed the piano's role in musical life. As the Industrial Revolution hit its stride, piano manufacturers developed methods for building many more pianos than had previously been feasible, and at lower cost. Pianos ceased to be the exclusive province of the wealthy; an expanding middle class could also aspire to own them and make music at home. Thousands of amateur pianists began to take lessons, buy printed music, and attend concerts. Virtuosos like Friedrich Kalkbrenner, Sigismund Thalberg, and Franz Liszt became the first musical superstars, touring Europe and astonishing audiences with music they had composed to display their piano technique . Frederick Chopin was born in a small village named Zelazowa Wola located in Poland on March 1st, 1810. His passionate love of music showed itself at an early age. There are stories, for instance, of how when his mother and sister played dances on their grand piano he would burst into tears for the sheer beauty of the sounds he heard. Soon he began to explore the keyboard for himself and delighted in experimenting. By the age of seven he had become sufficiently good for his parents to try and find him a teacher. Their choice fell on Adalbert Zywny, a Bohemian composer then aged sixty-one and now remembered solely as Chopins first teacher. Within a few months of beginning his studies with Zywny, Chopin began to play in public, and by the end of 1817, at the age of seven, had already been described by many as Mozarts successor. Chopin began to compose around this time, and continued to do so throughout his student years, but only a handful of these works were printed. In the autumn of 1826, Chopin began studying the theory of music, figured bass, and composition at the Warsaw High School of Music. Its head was the composer J?zef Elsner. Chopin, however, did not attend the piano class. Aware of the exceptional nature of Chopin's talent, Elsner allowed him, in accordance with his personality and temperament, to concentrate on piano music but was unbending as regards theoretical subjects, in particular counterpoint. Chopin, endowed by nature with magnificent melodic invention, ease of free improvisation, and an inclination towards brilliant effects and perfect harmony, gained in Elsner's school a solid grounding, discipline, and precision of construction, as well as an understanding of the meaning and logic of each note. This was the period of the first extended works such as the Sonata in C minor, Variations, on a theme from Don Juan by Mozart, the Rondo ? la Krakowiak, the Fantaisie, and the Trio in G minor. Chopin ended his education at the High School in 1829, and after the third year of his studies Elsner wrote in a report: Chopin, Fryderyk, third year student, amazing talent, musical genius. After completing his studies, Chopin planned a longer stay abroad to become acquainted with the musical life of Europe and to win fame. Up to then, he had never left Poland, with the exception of two brief stays in Prussia. In 1826, he had spent a holiday in Bad Reinertz (modern day Duszniki-Zdr?j) in Lower Silesia, and two years later he had accompanied his father's friend, Professor Feliks Jarocki, on his journey to Berlin to attend a congress of naturalists. Here, quite unknown to the Prussian public, he concentrated on observing the local musical scene. Now he pursued bolder plans. In July 1829 he made a short excursion to Vienna in the company of his acquaintances. Wilhelm W?rfel, who had been staying there for three years, introduced him to the musical environment, and enabled Chopin to give two performances in the K?rtnertortheater. He enjoyed his tremendous success with the public, and although the critics censured his performance for its small volume of sound, they acclaimed him as a genius

A Thousand Splendid Sunsâ€Discussion Questions

'A Thousand Splendid Suns'- Discussion Questions A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is superbly written, has a page-turning story, and will help your book club learn more about Afghanistan. Use these book club discussion questions to probe deeper into the story. Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details from the novel. Finish the book before reading on! Discussion Questions What did A Thousand Splendid Suns teach you about the history of Afghanistan? Did anything surprise you?Mariam’s mother says: Women like us. We endure. It’s all we have. In what ways is this true? How do Mariam and Laila endure? How is their endurance different from the ways their mothers faced their trials?Several times Mariam passes herself off as Lailas mother. In what way is their relationship like mother-daughter? How did their own relationships with their mothers shape how they treated each other and their family?What is the significance of Lailas childhood trip to see the giant stone Buddhas above the Bamiyan Valley? Why did her father take her on this trip? How did his influence shape the way Laila would cope with her future?Afghanistan changes rulers several times in the story. During the Soviet occupation, the people felt life would be better once the foreigners were defeated. Why do you think the quality of life deteriorated after the occupation rather than r eturning to the way it was in the pre-communist era? When the Taliban first enter the city, Laila does not believe women will tolerate being forced out of jobs and treated with such indignity. Why do the educated women of Kabul endure such treatment? Why are the Taliban accepted?The Taliban forbid writing books, watching films, and painting pictures; yet the film Titanic becomes a sensation on the black market. Why would people risk the Taliban’s violence to watch the film? Why do you think this particular film became so popular? How does Hosseini use films throughout the novel to symbolize relationships between people and the state of the country (i.e. Jalils theater, Tariq Lailas outings to the movies)?Were you surprised when Tariq returned? Had you suspected the depth of Rasheeds deceit?Why does Mariam refuse to call witnesses at her trial? Why didnt she try to escape with Laila and Tariq? Do you think Mariam made the right decision? Even though her life was hard, Mariam wishes for more of it in the end. Why do you think tha t is? Do you think Laila and Tariq can be happy?Afghanistan is still in the news a lot. Do you think the situation will truly improve there?Rate A Thousand Splendid Suns on a scale of 1 to 5.

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 33

Business Ethics - Essay Example Therefore, Jack was right to take the pill if this decision does not affect other classmates’ decisions. Although the libertarians view seems appropriate for Jack’s situation, there are a couple of negative implications that can be associated with the decision (Clarke 15). For instance, if Jack chooses to take the pill, it could get his friend in trouble. This is owing to the fact that individuals are not allowed to share prescription drugs as they may a negative impact on the health of other individuals. If Jack decided to take the pill and got a negative reaction, his friend could have gotten in trouble. This shows how the libertarian view could have had a negative implication on both parties. Jack’s decision to take the pill could have given him an unfair advantage over his classmates. Taking the pill could have enabled him to study for longer hours and concentrate more (Clarke 20). This is not only unethical but unfair to the other students. A competition is said to be fair if the students have equal opportunities to study and focus. It can therefore be concluded that taking the pill could have given Jack an unfair advantage over his classmates. Jack is therefore advised not to take the pill. Jack’s decision to take the pill compromised the reputation of the class and the institution. This is because if his actions were reported to the appropriate authorities, this could have cast a shadow of doubt on the learning process in the class and the institution. Jack’s decision could have also influenced the overall performance in class (Clarke 36). The performance of the class is characterized by a normal curve. If Jack takes the pill and it impacts his performance, there will be a disruption in the normal distribution curve. He is thereby advised not to take the pill from his classmate. In summary, the above

My Name Edwin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

My Name Edwin - Essay Example The reason these relationships are no longer recognized is that, in many cases, the language in which the name originated falls out of use. Most of these names originated as descriptive terms of the person who bore them. These were typically collections of nouns and adjectives such as ‘Wulfgar’, which includes the still recognizable word ‘wolf’ combined with a once recognized word ‘gar’ which referred to a specific type of weapon. â€Å"Parents would choose names from the pool of existing names rather than invent new ones for their children. As time went on the language changed and in many cases the words that formed the original name passed out of use, leaving the fossilized form in the name. This is why we do not recognize the meanings of many names today† (Elliott, 1997). The name ‘Edwin’ is one of these names with an ancient history and meaning despite its relatively recent revival in modern use. According to the â€Å"Etymology of First Names† (2002), the name ‘Edwin’ is comprised of two Old English words ‘ead’ and ‘wine’ or sometimes ‘wyne’, which mean â€Å"rich or blessed† and â€Å"friend† respectively. Elliott (1997) disagrees slightly and defines ‘ead’ as meaning â€Å"prosperity, fortune, riches.† Thus, the name is translated to mean â€Å"rich friend†, â€Å"blessed friend† or â€Å"friend to prosperity† depending upon the translator’s conception of the word ‘ead.’ The name is considered a traditional name in German, Dutch, and English, but is generally agreed to have originated in Germany. Part of the reason for this is its connection with Old English. However, the name had to have once enjoyed a great deal of popularity as it eventually became the foundation for a particular surname depicting the reach it eventually gained. Evidence that the name was widespread exists in the appearance of the surname Edevane in Wales.â€Å"This surname is so rare as not to appear in the

Gestalt theory

Gestalt theory Gestalt theory is based on the idea that the human brain is holistic and it perceives objects as whole systems rather than the sum of its parts. Discuss and analyze the significance of the contributions of Gestalt theory to human perception and cognition. Give 3 examples. As I was reading and researching for this discussion I began to apply these principles of Gestalt perception theories and Gestalt therapy to my family. What I see when Jaci (my 4 year old daughter) looks at things and gives me a description of what she is seeing her perception is very different than mine or my partners. Jaci is very creative and can see and do things much different than we do as adults. She has a subscription to highlights puzzle books. In these books there are several hidden pictures and she has a difficult time Gestalt basically means â€Å"unified whole† which refers to theories of perception developed during 1910- 1912 by Max Wertheimer and Wolfgang Kohler. The prominent founders of Gestalt theory are Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Kohler, and Kurt Koffka. Gestalt theory attempted to describe how people organize things into groups which developed unified whole. Wertheimer suggested the idea of â€Å"apparent motion† an example in Goodwin, (2009) is â€Å"if an interval between a flashing light is only 60 sec then the perception is not of two separate lights but of one light that is moving.† Wertheimer called this perception the phi-phenomenon. Wertheimer wrote a paper â€Å"Laws of Organization in Perceptual Forms† where he introduced several other principles related to perception and cognition. These proposed principles he argued were the answer to understanding how individuals perception. The principles that were applied to understand this visual perception was similarity, anomaly, continuation, closure, proximity, and figure and ground. Gestalt is also known as the Law of Simplicity or the Law of Pragnanz (â€Å"good figure†), which states that every stimulus is perceived as close to our reality, as possible (Goodwin, 2009). Gestalt theorists believed that the whole is greater than the parts. In other words, the whole (a car) carried a different and greater meaning than its individual components (tire, paint, metal). When we look at the car (whole) a cognitive process takes place instantaneously; the mind makes a jump from understanding the parts (tires, paint, metal) to recognizing the entire car. A simple composition may have only one figure however in a complex composition there will be several things to notice. We have a tendency to look from one object to the other and they each become figure however they cannot both be seen as figure and ground at the same time. The focus at any moment is the figure which then presumes that everything that is not figure is ground. An example of this would be how camouflage works. It is a purposeful attempt to have the figure blend into ground. All tanks during the gulf war changed camouflage from the green camouflage of earlier wars to a brown base so that they could blend in with the sand. Because Gestalt theory suggests that things that share the same visual characteristics (color, texture, shape, size and value) they then are seen as belonging together. This example illustrates how camouflage attempts to do just that, visually seeing the tank and the terrain as one thus, keeping soldiers safe from harm. Gestalt theory continues to be seen in psychology today with several of his ideas. Lewins theory about the power of the group and idea of a state of equilibrium are still powerful today. My work today is strongly focused on the group dynamic and the power of the group and part of the education involves our intrinsic need to seek equilibrium.

Illegal Immigration Essay

What Are The Negatives of Illegal Immigration in The U. S.? 1 . ) What I already know (and don’t know) about my topic I know that illegal immigration is a big topic that is always talked about in the United States. I know that some people believe it is a big problem, but others don’t think it is a problem at all. I know that illegal aliens come to our county for many different reasons. Some of them include work, to get a better life, or to escape a dangerous homeland. These immigrants have to come to this country illegally because the process to come legally is long and they may never be granted citizenship. I know that them coming to our country is hurting our economy. They come here and get jobs that could be going to unemployed U. S. citizens, and since they aren’t citizens they don’t pay taxes that all true citizens have to pay. Also they send a lot of the money they make back to their homeland and it never goes back into the U. S. economy. I know that our government spends a lot of money hiring border patrol and buying equipment to help keep these illegal aliens from getting across the border, and the money that pays for this comes out of the legal citizens taxes. If these illegal mmigrants come to our country and need medical care the hospitals are legally required to give them the medical care they need and hardworking American citizens pay for their care with our taxes. What I don’t know is how much these illegal aliens actually cost the economy. I don’t know much about the immigrant’s trip to get to the United States. I want to know the details about their Journey and how that impacts the legal Americans that live right around the border where these immigrants are crossing, and how it affects people from all over the rest of the United States. I want o know if the Jobs that these illegal immigrants are getting are actually taking them away from legal citizens or are these Just the Jobs that the Americans don’t want to work. Is all the money that they make here illegally being sent back to Mexico or where ever they come from or do they help our economy and spend it here? I want to know if the dangerous trip here is actually worth risking your life to make it to the U. S. 2. ) Why I want to answer this question You hear about this problem being talked about by almost everyone. You can turn on the news and see something pertaining to illegal immigration in our country. They ven have TV shows now that are all about border patrol and catching these illegals. I want to know how it directly affects me, and I want to know what is being done to prevent this and what can be done to make it worth going the legal route instead of sneaking across the border. 3. ) The story of my search I began my research while sitting in my dorm. I was lying around procrastinating and watching TV. The guide channel was on and I saw a show called Border Wars. I thought to myself might as well watch it, it should be an easy way to do research. While watching this show it was amazing to me how many men, women, and children ctually try to cross the border every day. According to the show thousands of illegals attempt to cross the border illegally every day (Border Wars). What I also found so interesting is how they cross. They would come up with some of the craziest ways that I would never think of. One of the ways that this show pointed out was they immigrants over the fence with the crane and set them down on the other side. The show also pointed out that people were digging tunnels that went from the Mexican side of the border under the fence and they would come up in a house on the U. S. side. Most of them however Just walk across the border and try to stay hidden by the cover of darkness. The trip over is no easy one, it is very dangerous and they cross a lot of tough terrain. In the past year there have been over 200 immigrants found dead that were trying to cross the border. Many immigrants try to cross our border illegally every day but how much do the aliens actually cost the U. S. citizens? Many people don’t realize how much money illegal aliens actually cost legal citizens in the U. S. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), illegal mmigration cost tax payers $113 billion a year at the federal, state, and local level (Illegal Immigration). The majority of this goes to paying for the education of the illegals children. Another big part of this number being this high is the medical cost of all the aliens. If they get hurt they can go to the hospital and get treated. Since they are illegal they will most likely not pay their bill, and all the legal citizens are stuck paying for their medical care. Also hiring border patrol and getting high tech equipment is a big cost to the people in America. The government has to get motion ameras, infrared cameras, helicopters, and many other supplies to keep the crossing of illegals to a minimum. The illegals are not helping pay hardly any of this because they don’t pay taxes, and the ones that do pay taxes get most of it back in refunds. According to the Center for Immigration studies illegals pay much less in taxes than do legal citizens. The numbers show that illegals pay around $1 ,3710n average in income taxes while legal citizens are paying o average $7,103 yearly (Camarota, Steven). People always complain about taxes being too high and illegal immigrants play a part in this problem. Immigration is also a danger to people living near the border and to the immigrants themselves. People who live near the border have to come in contact with these illegals who could want to do anything possible to make it into our country; some might even resort to harming them. Also with the illegals coming drug smugglers are also crossing our border to get there drugs sold. These drug runners can be very dangerous and willing to do anything to not get caught. They are willing to do anything because the cartels that are having them bring the drugs could be threatening them or their families to do so. A story of this posted by ABC News said that a border patrol agent was shot in the back and killed during an altercation with drug smugglers. In the article ABC News stated 40 year old Brian Terry was shot in the back and killed while pursuing drug smugglers. He was with a team of three other men when they approached the men and they opened fire. Terry was able to shoot one of the men but then was shot from behind. He was life-flighted to the hospital but had passed away in route. The other border agents were able to apprehend four of the suspects but one of them happened to escape (Hossford, Matt). This Just goes to show you that some of these people crossing our border illegally can be very dangerous. It is dangerous for the immigrants because of the terrain that they have to cross and also because of the cartels. Many of the immigrants that cross the border do so with the help of the cartels. They charge the immigrants a big fee to get them here and if immigrants don’t pay them in full they members of the immigrant. This also causes a big threat to the men and women working for the border patrol, they face dangerous situations every day when dealing with the problem of illegal immigration. How do we solve the problem of our dangerous borders and illegal immigration? One way to help solve the illegal immigration problem is to allow more immigrants to come into our country legally per year. According to the Immigration and Nationality Act the United States allows 675,000 legal immigrants to gain citizenship per year (Wasem, Ruth). If this number was raised then less people would have to cross the border illegally each year. Another way we could prevent this problem is to build a fence that covers the whole border. However this would be a very expensive build and many people don’t think it ould be affective. Part of the border with Mexico already does have a fence and illegal aliens still manage to cross it in various ways. Also a way to solve this problem would be to allow more immigrants to get into the country on work visas. If they would allow more work visas immigrants would be able to make money to send back to their families and they would be paying taxes that could help support the U. S. economy instead of doing all their work under the table. . ) What I learned After completing all my research on the topic of illegal immigration from Mexico I ave learned a lot of valuable information. One of the most valuable pieces of info I learned about was how the immigrants will take any measures necessary to get into our country even if it means risking their own lives. Another thing that I learned while doing my research is the actual number of immigrants that cross the border every year. I believe that this number is so high because there is no real punishment if you get caught crossing the border. All that will happen to you is you will be sent back to your homeland. I learned that the number of legal immigrants allow into the country s kind of a low number so a lot of these immigrants don’t have the chance to be allowed legal citizenship. I also learned that the immigrants that make this effort to cross have a very hard and dangerous Journey. It was surprising to me how many of them died on their trip to the United States. I think this number is probably higher than what we know; there are probably many illegals that die on their Journey and are never found. It was also interesting to me how little illegal immigrants pay in taxes each year compared to legal U. S. citizens.

Shopping Behaviour: Bangladesh

2006 EABR & ETLC Siena, Italy Determinants Of Grocery Store Loyalty Of Consumers In Bangladesh Plato Ranjan Datta, London College of Management Studies, United Kingdom Bonya Rani Chakraborty, London College of Management Studies, United Kingdom Abstract Due to the belief that customer retention is a much cost-effective strategy than attracting new customers, the customer loyalty subject has become of increased interest to most businesses over the last few years. Loyal customers always bring more profit for the organisation as they are more likely to recommend their friends and family, ready to pay premium prices and have increased repurchase intention. This study sets out to examine the degree of consumer’s loyalty in Bangladesh among consumers who shop from various superstores. The main objective is to empirically investigate the strength of loyalty of Bangladeshi food consumers on the basis of their shopping behaviour and store-level service provision, and thus provide evidence which demonstrates a model of consumer loyalty based on these factors. In order to understand consumer loyalty in Bangladesh Oliver’s four stage of loyalty model were adopted. A total sample of 150 food shopping consumers from three leading stores in Bangladesh were selected randomly and interviewed in March by trained interviewers. The survey results indicate that Bangladeshi food consumers are conscious of the cost and benefit (Cognitive loyalty), are conscious with satisfaction (Affective loyalty), satisfied consumers are likely to recommend their primary super store to their family and friends (Co-native Loyalty) and also they have frequencies of visit (Action Loyalty). The findings of research can be used to offer a sound basis for retailers to improve their operations in all the areas, so increasing their profits and to provide the first such survey in this particular (and extremely important) field in the Bangladeshi context and thus offer a foundation and direction for future research. INTRODUCTION The retail industry is dynamic, huge and change is a constant phenomenon. Over the last few decades in both Europe and North America one as seen the emergence of supermarkets as the dominant retail form. This is due to the fact that consumers’ behaviour has changed and shifted towards convenience, high quality produce, provision for customer care, flexible payment methods and sophisticated channels of distribution. To cope with consumer demands retailers are constantly shaping their business strategies and striving to offer the right products and services. Determinants of store choice, customer loyalty and patronage behaviour have been widely studied across the globe. Therefore, a sheer volume of literature exists regarding food retailing. However, there is still vast scope for research in this field as the environment of retailing is in a constant phase of change and the emergence of new store formats in USA and Europe have led to dramatic changes in consumer behaviour. This is particularly true and has significant effect on middleclass consumers in Bangladesh with the newly introduced ‘so-called’ supermarkets which are providing a completely new experience for those consumers offering sophisticated customer service, a wide and assorted variety of goods, pleasant ambience, spacious layout, quality imported and branded products and provision for other western life style facilities. Although there is some research on retailing in other Asian counterparts, there has been very little research in Bangladesh. The retailing industry in Bangladesh is very fragmented and underdeveloped. The so called European 1 2006 EABR & ETLC Siena, Italy style new superstore format has emerged in this sector only in the last few years so this sector of retailing is in an early phase. Therefore, it is of paramount importance for retailers in Bangladesh to know the attributes that appeal to their customers in order to satisfy them. Thus, this study sets out to examine the degree of consumer’s loyalty in Bangladesh among consumers. RETAILING IN BANGLADESH Bangladesh is predominantly a traditional, poor society, where about 90% of the population is Muslim; other groups represented are Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and other minorities. Per-capita income is about US$ 380 (Gain Report, 2004). The population has grown from 42 million in 1941 to133 million in 2002 (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, 2003) making it the 9th most populous country in the world (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Dec. 2002). Retailing industry in Bangladesh is fragmented and undeveloped. Even compared to its South Asian counterparts, Bangladesh is behind in terms of development, structure and organisation. However, the last several years has witnessed dramatic changes, especially in food retailing industry. This is due to the effects of globalisation, economic and trade liberalisation, changing patterns of consumers’ shopping behaviour, substantial increase of middle class consumers and the government’s liberal attitude towards foreign imported food products and growth of organised superstores. Bangladeshi food retail sector is dominated by traditional shops, and this traditional food distribution system is through so called `wet markets` which sell fruits, vegetables, meat and fish together with small food stores which sell dry foods. The traditional retailing has been established for some centuries. But its expansion is keeping pace with rapid growth of economy, intense competition, population growth and changing consumption patterns. All these changes led to dramatic changes in the structure of the food retailing sector. Thus modern superstores, supermarkets, convenient stores, one stop stores and multi-store complexes developed to service the growing middle class with their demand for more sophisticated food stores and greater varieties of products, many of which were imported, especially in major cities. Thus organised retail sectors are facing competition from traditional unorganised huge retail outlets. This is due to their distinctive characteristics which are not quality related but rather price related. Most of the traditional shops are unorganised, do not have proper employee structure (normally â€Å"mom and popâ€Å" shops run by family members), have negligible real estate, no external or underpaid labour costs and no or little taxes to pay. Consumer’s familiarities run from generation to generation and thus they have a strong relationship with most of the customers who are normally local. Therefore customers may have the opportunity to buy any products on credit and pay every month or every week. Thus prices are always less, although quality is not guaranteed and no or few imported products are available. This is again due to the socio-economic group of the middle and lower class which is more sensitive to price rather than quality. On the other hand the organised retail sector is incurring higher costs due to various cost pressures. A substantial proportion of their products are imported and good quality, they employ high calibre employees with consequently high labour costs, have bigger premises and so offer more comfort and value for the customer. However, this growth and expansion was not structurally organised due to lack of attention from government and public. The retail industry in Bangladesh was never before perceived positively as a sector until recently. Therefore there is no or very limited market data available on this sector, but various secondary sources indicate that the turnover of the food retail sector in Bangladesh could be US $ 12-14 billion and the number of retail grocery shops could be around 1 million (Gain Report, 2004). According to the same report, Retail is one of the biggest sources of employment (12%) and it contributed 13% to Bangladesh’s GDP in 2001 / 2002. The organised retail sector (i. e. arge supermarkets) is new in Bangladesh and started to appear less than 5 years ago. Within this short time period it has attracted investors, developed positive perceptions among the public and created government attention. Now it is growing dramatically. The share in terms of volume and value in the organised retail sector of Bangladesh is 49. 60% and 18. 5% in 2003 (post market survey, 2003). To date there are 2 2006 EABR & ETLC Siena, Italy about 30 stores of this kind operating in the country, the majority of which are located in Dhaka and this sector makes up 1% of the total retail sector in Bangladesh. Ownership of all major superstores is private and limited, owned by local retailers except one which is a joint venture and another in Australian ownership. However, the concept of international retailing is at a very early stage in Bangladesh. According to Alexander (1997) â€Å"international retailing is commonly assumed to concern retail operations, owned by a single company in more than one countryâ€Å". There is no evidence of the physical presence of international large retailers in Bangladesh except one or two of medium size. Traditional shops like small roadside shops accounted for 75% of the retail sector and these shops are visible throughout the country (Gain Report, 2004). They are very small and no foreign or imported products are available except in some shops located in urban or suburban areas where consumers can buy relatively high quality products from neighbouring countries (i. e. India and Burma). These products are imported through mainly unauthorised channels. As these types of small shops are mainly family owned and run, they do not incur huge costs and also are not high quality. Shop sizes are normally 30-100 sq. feet. They open for long hours and consumers can bargain with the sellers in order to lower the price. Other types are typified as Municipal Corporation Mini-Market and mainly found in semi-urban or urban areas and these are under Municipal Corporation ownership. Shops are generally arranged by product or service categories such as fish market, meat market, vegetable market, groceries etc. This category represents 20% of the retail market (Gain Report, 2004). Most of the shops sell imported and quality products although their appeal is limited to only the middle-class or high class consumer market due to the cost factor. Products are acquired by wholesalers and importers. The third category of shops is convenience or departmental stores. These stores are relatively large and offer good quality domestic and imported products. Normally visible in urban areas they represent 5% of the retail sector (Gain report, 2004). Due to their quality and brand name these stores are always expensive and a large proportion of the population cannot afford their products. They are therefore strictly limited to upper-middle or upper class Bangladeshis and foreigners residing in major cities, especially Dhaka. Their products are acquired from importers and distributors with adequate storage facilities and sometimes topped-up by local suppliers. Finally, over the last few years another sophisticated retail format has appeared in the retail sector in Bangladesh; these are organised, developed and more structured which are supermarkets or the organised retail sector which at the moment represent less than 1% (Gain report, 2004). This sector is very young and is in its early stage of development, mainly visible in major cities (i. e. Dhaka, Chittogong). These are large retailers and sell very high quality products, mainly imported goods. Less than 5% of total food consumption comes from this outlet. There are at the moment around 30 superstores and most of them have only 1 outlet except AGORA and PQS with 2 outlets. GROCERY STORE LOYALTY: A LITERATURE REVIEW In today’s competitive environment to compete with competitors and sustain in business all organisations are investing resources to create loyal customers by offering superior products, superior services to increase customers repurchase intentions, their commitment towards the organisations and satisfy customers needs and wants. A satisfied customer has positive post-purchase behaviour which leads to him/her positive attitude and commitment towards the organisation. A committed customer is always remaining with the company for longer term. An unsatisfied, non-committed customer defect from the company. This is more paramount case in retailing scenario where organisations are making paper thin profit. As Huddleston et al (2003) pointed out that â€Å"to survive in today’s competitive markets food retailers must create and maintain a loyal customer base. Omar (1999) has emphasised that store loyalty is the single most important factor in retail marketing success and store longevity. A review of literature by Jacoby & Chestnut (1978) indicates that much of the initial research emphasizes the behavioural aspect of loyalty, after a period when the majority of researchers measured loyalty as a pattern of repeat purchasing (Oliver, 1997). However, Cunningham (1956) in early stage of behavioural aspect of loyalty stated that store loyalty concept derived from brand loyalty with respect to tangible 3 006 EABR & ETLC Siena, Italy goods. Current loyalty literature indicates that there are two dimension of store loyalty: Attitudinal and behavioural dimension. Behavioural dimension is measured by proportion of purchase of a specific brand, while attitudinal loyalty dimension is measured by psychological commitment to the target object (Caruana, 2002). There are various advantages for retailers to have loyal customers. As stated by Huddleston et al (2003) customers loyalty can yield favourable operating cost advantage for retailers. Further they have stressed that obtaining new customer costs five to six times as much as retaining current customers. Loyal customer can increase their purchase spending, low costs for retailers for obtaining new customers, price premiums and customer longevity. Dick and Basu (1994) proposed that brand plays a special role in generating repeat purchase. Food Business News defined customer loyalty more concisely as `creating the strongest possible relationship between the retailer and customer, so that people feel they will miss something if they go to another store. However, Sivadas and Baker-Prwewitt defined loyalty as â€Å"to get customers to recommend a store to othersâ€Å". Odekerken-Schroder et el (2001) defined store loyalty as â€Å" the conscious buying behaviour of a consumer expressed over time with respect to one store out of a set of stores and which is driven by commitment to this store. Huddleston et el (2003) have conducted a study in mid-western US city with six focus group in order to define store loyalty by respondents and also they have investigated respondents likes and dislikes of a preferred food store. Respondent’s likes and dislikes relate to identify factors associated with repeat and loyal purchase behaviour. The conceptual framework of this study was based on Dick and Basu (1994) which conceptualises loyalty as the relationship between relative attitude towards a brand and patronage behaviour. The study identified preferred convenience attributes such as store location, familiarity with store layout, one-stop shopping and being able to get in and out in a hurry. Product related attributes are: product variety, good store brand, fresh produce and meats, making bulk item available and carrying general merchandise. The study also identified environmental attributes such as cleanliness, aisle width, layout and friendly clientele. Noise from announcements and music, small or narrow aisles, too hot or too cold temperatures, bad odours from bottle returns, big size of store, too busy and crowded and layout changes been selected by respondents as negative attributes. Huddleston et al (2003) pointed out that store commitment as a necessary condition for a store loyalty. Without commitment customers are spuriously loyal. Another study conducted by Koo (2003) among Korea Discount retail patrons to examine the interrelationships among store Images, Satisfaction and Store loyalty. How store images can influence consumers satisfaction and how consumers satisfaction can influence store loyalty. The conceptual model developed by Koo (2003) indicates that various discount retail characteristics have positive influences on attitude towards a discount retail store which leads to store satisfaction and this leads to store loyalty. Also it stresses that Discount retail store (DRS) attributes have a positive impact on store satisfaction. Thus create store loyalty. He developed six hypothesis based on his conceptual model. The research identified four store images such as Store atmosphere, employee service, merchandising and after sales service have significant impact on attitude, while location, convenient facilities and value have no impact on attitude. The research findings support Bloemer & Ruyter (1998), but it is contradictory to You et al (1998) who in their study showed that only location has a significant effect on attitude. Findings also partially support that store images (i. e. tore atmosphere and value) have a positive impact on store satisfaction, while location, convenient, after sales service and merchandising have not significant impact on store satisfaction. This support Bloemer & Ruyeter (1998), Kumar & Karande (2000), Thang & Tan (2003). Study further have identified Location, after sales service and merchandising have significant impact on store loyalty which contradict Bloemer & Ruyeter (1998) wh o identified that there is no direct relationship between store image and store loyalty, but an indirect impact on store loyalty through satisfaction. Koo 92003) concluded that the overall attitude towards discount retail has the greatest impact on store loyalty, followed by location, after sales service and merchandising. In Korean discount retail store environment his study indicates that store image and location are important factors in attracting patrons to the store. Furthermore, it indicates that satisfaction has an insignificant positive effect on store loyalty. 4 2006 EABR & ETLC Siena, Italy Jacoby and Chestnut (1978) defined store loyalty as â€Å"the biased (I. e. non random) behavioural response (I. . revisit) expressed overtime, by some decision making unit with respect to one store out of a set of store, which is a function of psychological (decision making and evaluation) processes resulting in brand commitment. However critical part of store loyalty is seen by Bloemer et al (1998) is store commitment which is a necessary condition for store loyalty to occur. They further stresses that a loyal customer is committed and that commitment arises from sharing explicit and extensive decision making as well as evaluative processes. Limited and non explicit decision making and evaluation process can leads to consumers not become committed to the store. Therefore they are not loyal. Based on store commitment they have defined a degree of store loyalty as true store loyalty and spurious store loyalty. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION TO CUSTOMER LOYALTY Customer satisfaction can be defined in many ways, one of which is â€Å" a person’s feeling of pleasure or disappointment from comparing a product’s perceived performance (or outcome) in relation to his or her expectations (Kotler, 2000). Bloemer et al (1998) also support this definition which states that satisfaction is occur through a matching pf expectation and perceived performance. Bloemer et al (1998) have identified two different types of satisfaction: manifest and latent satisfaction. Manifest satisfaction is the result of an evaluation which is well elaborated on where as latent satisfaction is the result of an implicit evaluation which is not elaborated on (Bloemer et al, 1998). Customer satisfaction positively influences customer retention, and increasing repeat sales (Anderson, Claes & Lehman, 1958). Moreover, `satisfaction level is a function of the difference between perceived performance and expectations` (Kotler, 1994). If the performance falls short of expectations the customer is dissatisfied. If the performance is exceeds expectations, the customer is highly satisfied. `High satisfaction may create an emotional affinity with the brand, not just a rational preference and this creates high brand loyalty (Kotler, 1994). Even if the customer is not highly satisfied, still from behavioural aspect of brand loyalty, the customer can be brand loyal. This can occur if no other alternative is available or may be alternatives are of a higher price which the consumers can not afford or if the customer’s purchase power is limited. Bloemer et al (1998) were conducted an empirical study in major Swiss city in the German-speaking part of Switzerland to establish relationship between Image, satisfaction and loyalty by developing three hypothesis. Hypothesis 1 examine whether positive relationship between manifest satisfaction and store loyalty is stronger than the positive relationship between latent satisfaction and store loyalty. Hypothesis 2: store image has a direct positive effect on store loyalty and hypothesis 3 examines the indirect positive effect of store image on store loyalty through store satisfaction. Their findings indicated that the relationship between store satisfaction and store loyalty depend on the type of satisfaction and tested all three hypotheses positively. However, the study conducted by Huddleston et al (2003) indicates that satisfaction does not imply commitment to a store either; many respondents stated that they could be persuaded to shop elsewhere. However, Heskett (2002) suggests that customer satisfaction is the lowest level from the five levelhierarchies of customer behaviours. Others customer behaviours are: mere loyalty (repeat purchase), commitment (willingness to refer others to a product or service), apostle-like behaviour (willingness to convince others to use a product or service) and ownership. Nevertheless, Sivdas and Baker-Prewitt (2000) pointed out that satisfaction influences relative attitude, repurchase and recommendation but has no direct effect on store loyalty. According to Sivdas and Baker-Prewitt (2000), service quality directly affects both relative attitude and satisfaction and that satisfaction affects relative attitude. Both relative attitude and satisfaction influence the likelihood of recommending but only satisfaction plays a part in influencing repurchase. Study further indicates that there is no direct relationship between relative attitude and repurchase and both relative attitude and satisfaction have no direct impact on royalty. Thus, it appears that relative attitude and satisfaction which is influenced by service quality can influence customer recommendation which leads to both customers repurchase and loyalty. Sivadas and baker-Prewitt (2000) study support Oliver’s model of loyalty in a store loyalty context. 5 2006 EABR & ETLC STORE IMAGE AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY Siena, Italy Existing literature indicates that store images have critical impact on store loyalty (Bloemer & Ruyter, 1998). Theoretical foundations of store images are found in theories of brand images (Koo, 2003). Store image or store attributes have significant influence on satisfaction. Store image is defined as the complex of a consumer’s perceptions of a store on different (salient) attributes (Bloemer and Ruyter, 1998), or a given consumer’s or target market’s perception of all of the attributes associated with a retail outlet to create and maintain a level of storeservice provision or quality for the store loyalty (Keaveny and Hunt, 1992; Lascu and Giese, 1995). The competition and increasing customer expectations have created a climate where â€Å"quality is concerned to be a major strategic variable for improving customer satisfaction (Smith, 1990). Lucas, Bush and Gresham (1994) said that decision to visit a particular store can be influenced by many factors, understanding such factors and building them into store operations can increase the profitability of gaining customer loyalty. They had identified the nine basic motives for the store selection includes: general store characteristics, physical characteristics of the store, convenience, merchandise, prices, store personnel, in-store effects, customer service and advertising. They had also identified the five motives for patronising ervices which include: quality of service provided, appointments, reasonable fees, waiting areas, attitude of service provider. Early studies of store images are closely related to the multiattribute model. Lindquist (1974) defines store images as a â€Å"structure of some sort that is tying together the dimensions that are at workâ€Å" and conceptualises store images as nine key attribute categories: merchandise, service, clientele, physical facilities, transaction satisfaction, promotion, store ambience, institutional factors and post transaction satisfaction. By combining retail marketing mix elements Ghosh (1990) identified eight elements of store image. These are location, merchandise, store atmosphere, customer service, price, advertising, personal selling and sales incentives programs. Customers may have different perception for different stores and different store may apply different attributes to attract different types of customers in different times and in different locations. Store images may differ between smaller and larger stores. A study conducted by Mitchell and Kiral (1998) found that there are differences between primary store loyal customers perception of their store and secondary store loyal customer perception of that store. This view is support to Hansen and Deutscher (1978) proposition that store attributes vary by store types. Mitchell and Kiral (1998) in their study they have asked 30 shoppers to identify which store attributes they use in Manchester at two grocery stores (e. g. Tesco and Kwick-save). They have identified three factors associated with customer perception and these are: Quality, Time and convenience, value. Tesco customer perceived quality, convenience and value factors in that order of importance while kwick-save customer perceived quality, value and convenience when considering Tesco. Theoretical base for modelling the grocery store loyalty After behavioural perspective on loyalty majority researchers measured loyalty as a pattern of repeat purchasing. The most relevant of the models for measurement the grocery store loyalty is Oliver’s four-stage loyalty model (Oliver, 1997). Oliver’s four-stag loyalty model produced in 1997 in a simplified form and suggests that customer loyalty progresses in four phases, with each phase representing a greater degree of loyalty. Four stages are: cognitive loyalty, affective loyalty, conative loyalty and action loyalty. Figure: The Oliver’s four stages of loyalty model COGNITIVE Cost and benefits AFFECTIVE CONATIVE ACTION *Frequency of shopping Relative attitude *Recommendation *satisfaction *Repurchase intentions Cognitive Loyalty: At this stage consumers are more concerned about quality and prices of the products and services and this is why they patronise the store rather than other stores. However, at this stage loyalty may not be that strong because consumers can defect from that store and move to another store if they perceive it as a better 6 2006 EABR & ETLC Siena, Ita ly option. So, service quality evaluation can be taken as a good indicator of their cognitive loyalty. To understand Bangladeshi consumers’ cognitive loyalty three questions were selected to measure this category of loyalty. Affective Loyalty: At this stage consumers’ loyalty is based on relative attitude towards the store and satisfaction gained. The relative attitude is the result of their previous loyalty based on cognitive loyalty. Therefore relative attitude and satisfaction were used as independent variables to measures consumers’ affective loyalty towards the store. There are 26 question in nine categories selected to measure affective loyalty. Categories are: convenience of store location, convenience of service provisions, congestion, cleanliness and store atmosphere, variety of ranges, shopping difficulties, travel difficulties, unfamiliarity and degree of customer service from sales personnel. Co-native Loyalty: Having a relative attitude towards the store and being satisfied with the store a consumer will hold a commitment to buy there, so repurchase intentions will be increased and consumers are willing to recommend to others. Two questions were selected to measure a consumer’s co-native loyalty towards the store. Action loyalty: This is the final stage of a consumer’s loyalty. With this loyalty a consumer will be retained with the store thus leading to frequency of shopping there. Therefore, one simple question was asked to consumer to measure this loyalty. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The research was based on selecting three (3) leading grocery retailers from Bangladesh. Stores were selected based on market share and length of operation. In order to understand consumer loyalty in Bangladesh Oliver’s four stage of loyalty model (Cognitive loyalty: consumers consciousness with cost and benefits; Affective loyalty: Consumer conscious with satisfaction; Co-native loyalty: consumers recommendation to other people and repurchase behaviour and Action loyalty: consumers’ frequencies of store visits) were adopted. Data were colleted using a random sample of consumers. The data and information were collected from selected grocery stores in Bangladesh. Consumers who have significant knowledge of the topic were identified and selected at random for questioning. Interviews were conducted face to face on exit from three selected superstores to capture the attitude and experience of consumers who had just purchased grocery items. The choice of face to face interview was in order to get high response rate and reduce the response bias. A low response rate is a common problem with self-completion questionnaires and can be subject to response bias, especially in that people with reading and writing difficulties are less likely to respond (Robson, 2002). Furthermore, the refusal rate for face to face interviews is very lower than the non-response rate for postal questionnaires. A sample of 50 consumers in each store (3*50) making a total of 150 food shopping consumers from the three (3) selected stores in Bangladesh were selected. However, 10 subjects were not included due to incomplete answers. It is logical that the larger the size of the sample, the greater is the precision or reliability when research is replicated (Saunders et al, 1997). But constraints on time, manpower and costs influenced decisions on sample size in this study. The sample size was found to be representative for the store population. A study conducted by Bloemer and Ruyter (1998) in a major Swiss city in the German-speaking part of Switzerland used only 153. The current market leaders in grocery retailing in Bangladesh include-Agora, Nandan, and Value Plus were selected as samples for investigation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were collected in early March 2005 by trained interviewers throughout the week. In order to reduce possible shopping patterns biases all interviewers used stratifying interviews across the time of the day (morning, early afternoon, and late afternoon) (Odekerken-Schroder et al, 2001) and weekend (Thursday and Friday). As a Muslim populated country Friday is the official holiday and Thursday normally half-day off. But special consideration were placed on weekend and evening when most of the people are going for shopping and this time always busy. All interviews were last for maximum of 12 minutes. 7 2006 EABR & ETLC Siena, Italy After collecting data from the field data were coded and analysed by using SPSS version 11 software programmes. Quantitative analysis was used to understand the degree of store loyalty. RESULTS The main findings were: Cognitive Loyalty Cognitive loyalty factors are associated with cost and benefits and three statements were asked to consumers concerning cost and benefits. The mean average of consumers was 3. 94 and SD was 0. 929. These refer to the grocery consumers in Bangladesh conscious with cost and benefit when they were shopping (on a scale rating from one to five). In this category, the first question was ‘If a store provides a better price, I am going to buy from the store’, the mean averages and SD of the consumers replies was 3. 77 and 0. 876. The second question was `If any store provides better quality, I am going to buy from that store`. The mean average and SD was 3. 92 and . 953. The third question to understand the degree of consciousness towards cost and benefits was `I am always concerned about price and quality`, the mean and SD for this was: 4. 13 and 0. 958. Table: Cognitive loyalty Cognitive loyalty factors If a store provides a better price, I am going to buy If any store provides better quality, I am going to buy I am always concerned about price and quality Total Mean 3. 77 3. 92 4. 13 3. 94 Std. Deviation . 876 . 953 . 958 0. 929 Affective loyalty The mean average was 3. 98 and SD was 0. 892 . These results indicate that consumers in Bangladesh conscious with satisfaction when they did shopping. In this category total 25 statements were asked to consumers with nine specific factors. These factors were: convenience of store location, convenience of service provisions, congestion, cleanness and store atmosphere, variety of ranges, shopping difficulty, travel difficulty, unfamiliarity and customer service by sales personnel. These factors were chosen to understand consumer’s relative attitudes the store and satisfaction 8 2006 EABR & ETLC Table: Affective loyalty Affective loyalty factors Parking facilities Convenient location Inside the store temperature Good place for shopping with children Credit card payment Opening and closing times Visually appealing interior Good customer service Duration of checking out time Convenient to move around Atmosphere of the store is good Cleanliness of the store Pleasantness of the place Variety of items Variety of branded items Quality & variety of imported products Overcrowded in the store Long waiting time at the checkout Transportation is inconvenient Much time & effort for parking a car I am familiar with store layout Familiar with the store since I used to shop here Has presentable sales personnel Has sales personnel who show a sincere interest Has sales personnel who are willing to help Total Mean 3. 89 4. 06 4. 21 3. 86 3. 66 3. 86 4. 02 4. 46 3. 46 3. 89 4. 46 4. 60 4. 59 4. 51 4. 49 4. 37 3. 12 3. 8 3. 21 3. 29 3. 32 3. 49 4. 37 4. 37 4. 37 3. 98 Std. Deviation . 874 1. 09 8 . 747 . 878 . 845 . 878 . 809 . 723 . 932 . 972 . 661 . 644 . 710 . 735 . 791 . 924 1. 042 . 916 . 956 . 834 . 984 1. 083 . 733 . 743 . 752 0. 892 Siena, Italy Co-native loyalty Two questions were selected to measure consumers’ co-native loyalty towards the store. At this stage consumers must have a positive attitude and commitment towards the store and thus create repurchase intention. Based on customer’s satisfaction they tend to recommend their friends and relatives. Findings indicate that satisfied consumers are likely to recommend their friends and repurchase. The first question was `how likely would you be to recommend`, where the mean average and SD were: 4. 35 and 0. 709. The second question was `how likely would you be to purchase at this store`, giving a mean average and SD of: 4. 17 and . 831 respectively. Table: Co-native loyalty Co native Loyalty factors How likely would you be to recommend How likely would you be to purchase at this store Total Mean 4. 35 4. 17 4. 26 Std. Deviation . 709 . 831 . 776 Action loyalty This is the final criteria of Oliver’s loyalty model which indicates that having fulfilled all previous stages at this stage consumers tend to retain their connection with the store so leading to continued frequencies of shopping. Only one simple question was asked to measure consumers retention and that was `how often do you purchase at this store`. The mean average and SD were 3. 47 and 1. 305 9 2006 EABR & ETLC Table: Action loyalty Action Loyalty factor How often do you purchase at this store Total Mean 3. 47 Std. Deviation 1. 305 Siena, Italy DISCUSSIONS The survey results indicate that Bangladeshi food consumers are conscious of the cost and benefit (Cognitive loyalty), are conscious with satisfaction (Affective loyalty), satisfied consumers are likely to recommend their primary super store to their family and friends (Co-native Loyalty) and also they have frequencies of visit (Action Loyalty). Table: Level of food consumer loyalty in Bangladesh Stages of loyalty Cognitive Affective Co-native Action Store loyalty Conscious with cost and benefits Conscious with satisfaction Likely to recommend to their family and friends Have frequencies of visit Consumers respond differently in every country (Child, Heywood and Kliger, 2002), as international retailing has become an important feature of global distribution systems. This has been brought about through changing socio economic patterns, favourable political and cultural environments and a shift from manufacturing to service based economies (Quinn and Alexander, 2002). Although in Bangladesh the retailing environment is totally different from its counterparts the results indicate that Oliver’s four stages of consumer store loyalty model is still applicable. Consumers’ loyalty can be measured through cognitive, affective, co-native and action behavioural patterns. From the findings it is clear that consumers are very conscious with cost and benefits (cognitive loyalty). This is the basis to create a favourable attitude towards the store and through the process of providing store and service attributes consumers will be satisfied, thus indicating that consumers are conscious with satisfaction (affective loyalty). A satisfied consumer will tend to recommend to their friends and family the product and service they tend to buy from (Co-native loyalty) and at the same time their repurchase intention tends to increase (Action loyalty). CONCLUSIONS Store loyalty is a very important phenomenon for retailers to understand the underlying principles and antecedents in order to retain and acquire more customers. Loyal customers spend more money and at the same time recommend the store to their family and friends, thus bringing more customers and profit for the retailers. It is of paramount important for managers to identify the specific characteristics which can influence consumers to shop from their store. As characteristics of retailing environments are changing, along with consumer’s behaviour, patterns of choice and mode of shopping, retailers must respond quickly to those changes in order to sustain and achieve competitive advantage. The study looked at the degree of store loyalty by applying Oliver’s four stages of store loyalty model. The implications for management and retailers are that they must look closely at the kind of price and quality they are offering, as customers are more conscious with cost and benefits. Although this cognitive stage of consumers’ loyalty will not create a strong association with their commitment or favourable attitude, it does have positive impact on their next stage of loyalty behaviour which is the affective stage. To create a favourable attitude amongst consumers’ towards the store retailers must use specific service or product attributes. The research indicates that convenient location, good customer service, atmosphere of the store, 10 2006 EABR & ETLC Siena, Italy cleanliness, quality and variety of imported products and good sales personnel are the major attributes to satisfy customers. Thus, to create consumers relative attitude and satisfaction which leads to co-native loyalty of consumers, where consumers tend to recommend to their family and friend and increase repurchase intention. If these three previous stages can be implemented appropriately, consumer’s frequency of shopping will increase. Organised retailing in Bangladesh is in the introductory phase of development. Competition is virtually non-existent. However, growing health awareness is making consumers more quality conscious and imported food items are considered good quality, also a growing number of middle class consumers, due to their high income capacity can afford to purchase good quality imported products. Therefore, our results thus provide strategic justification for major retailers for continued investment in store image and targeting specific consumer groups with the right demographic variables. REFERENCES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 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