The Effects of Sports on Life

Introduction In today’s world, sports form an integral part of the society’s culture. Participating in sports is an important aspect of child development that has many benefits. Sports improve the health status of participants and foster the development of fundamental skills that are important in facing challenges in life (Ahmadi, 2010, p.43). Other benefits of sports include fostering social co-existence and peace, encouraging community development, financial gains and foster international unity. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Effects of Sports on Life specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Sports have made significant contributions in enhancing the implementation of certain policies that are important and that affect the welfare of the society. Healthy human development is a requisite for sustained societal development. Without a healthy population, it is impossible to achieve the goals a nd objectives that stimulate growth and development. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain good health in individuals in order to enable them to use their potential to stimulate growth and personal development (Ahmadi, 2010, p.45). Sport is an important tool that has the ability to motivate and empower individuals to achieve their health, economic and social goals. Sports are important in the society because they improve the overall quality life, foster social inclusion and help to eradicate anti-social behaviors in young people. In addition, they improve the health status of individuals and their self-esteem and confidence (Ahmadi, 2010, p.49). Health benefits of sports Research has shown that physical activity contributes in improving the health of individuals who participate in sport activities. Sports help to improve cardiovascular fitness, hence vital in management of body weight. Sports serve several functions that make them beneficial and important to individuals and the s ociety. Sports activities help reduce body fat and build muscles, slow down the aging process, improve body balance and coordination, and minimize risks of injury (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.27). Sport is an effective tool that can be used to pull resources together to fight diseases. Research by the World Health Organization has shown that regular physical activity affords people numerous physical, social, economic and mental health benefits. Sport activities augment strategies that improve diet and counter the widespread use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.29). These drugs have adverse effects on the health of users. Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More People experience the benefits of sport in two main ways. First, through direct participation and secondly, through indirect participation as spectators. Sport initiatives that are designed to improve health are beneficial and have an impact at both levels. People who directly participate in sport activities benefit more that those who participate indirectly. Sports play a vital role in averting the adverse effects of chronic diseases on the society (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.31). Research has revealed that the effect of chronic diseases is augmented by physical inactivity and poor eating habits. Participation in sports is one of the ways through which people become active. It is an effective method of staying active because it is enjoyable and individuals benefit greatly. Apart from improving the physical fitness of individuals, sports help to reduce the impact of risk factors that expose individuals to illnesses (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.36). Sports help reduce potential risks of high blood pressure, stress, high cholesterol levels in the body and use of drugs and other harmful substances. In general, participating in sports helps improve general body fitness, he lps individuals relax, helps in management of body weight, and improves body coordination and posture (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.41). Research has shown that sport activities enhance healthy growth and development in children and helps strengthen the heart. A strong, healthy heart reduces the risk of individuals succumbing to heart failure or stroke. In today’s society, the effects of inactivity are evident from the large number of children who are succumbing to obesity (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.42). Children spend a lot of time watching television, playing video games and surfing the internet. This encourages inactive lifestyles that have adverse health consequences. Health practitioners are very concerned and troubled by this modern trend because obese children grow into obese adults. Obese adults are at an increased risk of diabetes, heart diseases and many other chronic diseases that affect people with inadequate immunity against diseases (Sharkey and Gaskil, 2007, p.43). The United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) maintains that engaging in sport activities helps develop active lifestyles that help reduce risks of disease infection. A report by USDHHS in association with the European Heart Network revealed that active individuals are at low risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer and hemorrhagic strokes. Social benefits of sports Sports provide individuals with opportunities to integrate into the society and the surroundings in the community. In children, sports provide an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and improve social skills (Woods, 2011, p.34). Children are thus able to develop self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging through social interactions. Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Effects of Sports on Life specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, sports promote heal thy growth and development in children because they help them develop relationships that are vital in their development process. Through participation in sports, children acquire important skills of teamwork and leadership that are vital in their development and success in life (Woods, 2011, p.38). Sports inculcate values such as hard work, perseverance and discipline. The benefits of participating in sports go beyond the individual level into the community level. Young people interact extensively with other people in their community through participating in sport activities. This not only improves the social disposition of individuals, but also improves the socioeconomic status of the community (Woods, 2011, p.41). Therefore, the participation of young people in sports has both individual and communal benefits. Drug use and abuse is a problem that has affected young people for many years. It is a common occurrence among young people in the modern society. Participation in sport act ivities helps reduce involvement of young people in anti-social behaviors such as drug use and violence (Woods, 2011, p.42). Young people engage in unethical behaviors because of peer pressure and idleness. Sports help eradicate idleness and involvement in unethical activities because it gives young people a chance to be active and constructive. In addition, it gives them an opportunity to learn important values such as discipline and responsibility that help reduce unethical behaviors (Holt, 2008, p.41). Sports contribute significantly in helping people learn how to interact effectively in social situations. They foster social inclusion by bringing people together and helping them establish strong and effective social networks that cultivate a strong sense of belonging (Delaney and Madigan, 2009, p.62). The quality of social relationships determines the health status of individuals to a certain degree. Therefore, it is important for people to participate in sports because physical activity encourages healthy lifestyles. Sports have been used in many communities to eradicate social stigma and segregation that is experienced by minority groups (Holt, 2008, p.46). For example, in most societies, people with disabilities are marginalized because of their physical conditions. Through sports, other community members are able to accept these individuals. They cone to earn that the disability of these people does not translate to inability because they can engage in physical activities too (Delaney and Madigan, 2009, p.66). Sports create an environment that contributes significantly in eradication of negative perceptions and attitudes against certain races, ethnicities or groups of people. Sports enable people to focus on common experiences and traits, and help them ignore the differences that exist between them (Coakley, 2004, p.35). Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is an important aspect of helping people in minority groups improve their sense of belonging and self-esteem. Sports programs that involve participation of people from all social classes foster and develop the concept of belonging. By participating in common sport activities, people break down the socioeconomic barriers that exist among them. Sports serve as an effective tool for communication and social mobilization (Delaney and Madigan, 2009, p.72). The great attraction of sports entertainment has made it an influential tool for communication. Large organizations and companies use professional athletes to convince young people to change their lifestyles in order for them to experience the benefits of being active (Coakley, 2004, p.41). In addition, not-for-profit organizations use professional athletes and sport organizations to gather resources to sponsor health programs such as obesity awareness campaigns. In local communities, sport gatherings give health care practition ers opportunities to educate people on critical health matters. People receive information on the importance of vaccination and the different ways to control and prevent diseases in their community (Coakley, 2004, p.44). Economic benefits of sports Sports have numerous economic benefits both to individuals and to the government. Professional athletes earn a living from sports and are able to support their families. Sports such as basketball, football, tennis and athletics are very lucrative and form a core part of the economy. Sports contribute to the economy significantly. First, they create jobs for people who have interest in the physical education field (Theokas, 2009, p.84). Jobs in the sports sector include coaching, medical therapy, team doctors and instructors. Secondly, when countries host sport functions such as the World Cup or the Olympics, they benefit financially. These events generate income and market the host country internationally (Theokas, 2009, p.84). Thirdly, the government benefits from the taxes paid by professional athletes. Since they earn a lot of money, they pay high taxes, which are used to develop the economy. The cost of treating illness that are caused by inactivity is very high. For example, obesity predisposes people to stroke, diabetes and heart failure, which are very expensive to manage. However, by being active through participation in sports, these conditions and illnesses are avoidable. Sports are effective in reducing these costs because they act as a health promotion tool that helps people live healthy lifestyles (Theokas, 2009, p.85). Consumer expenditure on sport-related merchandise such as clothing and footwear, satellite TV subscriptions, participation in sport clubs through subscriptions and purchase of sport equipment generate income for individuals and organizations. Education benefits of sports Sports have several benefits that lead to improved academic performance. Sports improve performance in school becaus e individuals have high energy levels, improved cognitive functioning and positive values such as discipline and hard work. In addition, people who engage in sports have high self-esteem and confidence, which enable them handle academic work confidently (Shulman and Bowen, 2011, p.92). A research study conducted by Hastie (1998) revealed that students who participate in sports are more skilled and possess strong interpersonal behaviors. These attributes arise from exposure to challenging environments that encourage responsibility and accountability (Hastie, 1998, p.24). In addition, the study found out that students who participate in sports make better and more rational decisions than students who do not participate in sports. Sports give students a chance to make personal decisions without the influence or interference of instructors. This develops the values of accountability and responsibility. Through sports, students are able to develop organizational skills that are useful b oth in the field and in the classroom (Shulman and Bowen, 2011, p.95). Sports inculcate skills such as concentration, hard work, planning and creativity. High self-esteem and confidence is one of the educational benefits of participating in sports. Self-esteem is defined as the quality of a person’s self worth and personal appraisal that is governed and determined by how they view themselves. Self-esteem is an important factor in education that motivates young people to work hard by believing in their ability and potential. Sports help improve self-esteem and confidence because they give individuals opportunities to acquire vital life skills that improve the quality of their lives. In addition, sports help young people to value teamwork (Hastie, 1998, p.26). Improved self-esteem helps students change their way of thinking and as such, face challenges and difficulties confidently. Negative effects of sports Despite their numerous benefits, sports have negative effects too. N egative effects of sports include injuries and poor coaching (France, 2008, p.84). In all sport activities, measures are put in place to avoid injuries. However, risks involved in sports are many and even with safety measures in place, injuries happen. In sports that involve physical contact between players such as football, basketball and rugby, injuries are inevitable. Types of injuries include groin strain, hamstring strain, nose injuries, ankle sprain, concussion and dental damage (France, 2008, p.86). Sports injuries have adverse effects on the athlete, the athlete’s family and the spectators. Some injuries such as concussions and dental damage can cause severe and long-lasting damage to the life of the athlete. Poor coaching can have adverse effects on the behavior, attitudes and motivation of young people. Some coaches and instructors are aggressive, abusive and argumentative. A coach who possesses these qualities instills them in players who express them in their beh aviors (France, 2008, p.86). They become rude and aggressive because when treated with aggression or rudeness by their coach, they respond in a similar manner. These behaviors affect other areas of life such as social interaction and education. Young people become impatient and rude, and it becomes hard for them to establish and maintain relationship. Conclusion In today’s world, sports form an integral part of the society’s culture. Participating in sports is an important aspect of child development and has many benefits. Sports improve the health status of participants and foster the development of fundamental skills that are important in facing different challenges in life. Other benefits of sports include fostering social co-existence and peace, encouraging community development, financial gains and fostering international unity. Sports activities help reduce body fat and help build body mass, slow down the aging process, improve body balance and coordination, an d minimize risks of injury. Sport is an effective tool that can be used to pull resources together to fight diseases. Research by the World Health Organization has shown that regular physical activity affords people numerous physical, social, economic and mental health benefits. The benefits of participating in sports go beyond the individual level into the community domain. Young people interact extensively with other people in their community through participating in sports activities. This not only improves the social disposition of individuals, but also the socioeconomic status of the community. Sports encourage students to develop organizational skills that are useful both in the field and in the classroom. Sports inculcate skills such as concentration, hard work, planning and creativity. Development of high self-esteem and confidence is one of the social benefits of participating in sports. Despite the numerous benefits, sports have negative effects too. Negative effects of sports include injuries and poor coaching. In all sports activities, measures are put in place to avoid injuries. However, risks involved in sports are many and even with safety measures put in place injuries happen. Poor coaching can have adverse effects on the behavior, attitudes and motivation of young people. Some coaches and instructors are aggressive, abusive or argumentative. A coach with these qualities instills them in players and they express these traits in their behaviors. Sports are important in the society because they improve the overall quality life, foster social inclusion and help to eradicate anti-social behaviors in young people. In addition, they improve the health status of individuals thus promoting their well-being. References Ahmadi, H. (2010). Complementary Effects of Sport on Health. New York: Strategic Book Publishing. Coakley, J. (2004). Sport in Society: Issues and Controversies. New York: McGraw Hill. Delaney, T., and Madigan, T. (2009). The Sociolog y of Sports: An Introduction. New York: McFarland. France, R. (2008). Introduction to Physical Education and Sport Science. New York: Cengage Learning. Hastie, P. (1998). Applied Benefits of the Sport Education Model. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation Dance, 64(9), 24-26. Holt, N. (2008). Positive Youth Development through Sport. New York, NY: Routledge. Sharkey, B., and Gaskil, S. 92007). Fitness and Health. London: Human Kinetics. Shulman, J., and Bowen, W. (2011). The Game of Life: College Sports and Educational Values. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Theokas, C. (2009). Youth Sport Participation: A View of the Issues. Developmental Psychology, 45(2), 303-306. Woods, R. (2011). Social Issues in Sport. New York: Human Kinetics. This research paper on The Effects of Sports on Life was written and submitted by user Sydney Y. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Co-Educational vs. Single Sex Schools

Co-Educational vs. Single Sex Schools Free Online Research Papers There’s a debate about Single-Sex Schools versus Co-Education Schools. Is one actually better than the other? Do students learn more? Are they disadvantaged or advantaged by being at a Co-Educated school? This seems to be a growing discussion around this issue. In this paper I will discuss my thoughts of the advantages of single sex and co-educated schools. One argument for single-sex schools is they provide a more structured learning environment. Student at co-educational schools report being distracted and this is off-putting to those who wish to learn. For example, in a mixed sex classroom, the boys may be interfering with the girls in the class who want to learn. If the girls were all in one classroom together this distraction is no longer present. For this reason schools of high academic excellence have a greater chance of being all boy or all girl. It is also very common among religious academies and college prep schools. Co-Educational schools are usually Public schools. This also means the teaching methods and student expectations aren’t set as high. While co-educated school students can have other advantages, like greater social skills. Academic excellence is generally reserved for private institutions. Public school students have the same chances for positive self image as private. There is no question they can become more responsible and employable citizens. And aren’t relied on to succeed like if you were at a Private or single sex school. But the larger question remains. So, as someone whom attended a co-educational school all my schooling years I know my choice. I’d much rather attend a school which supports, but doesn’t force to someone to become successful. If someone wants to be successful and attend a co-educational school it is possible. Students can block out the inconvenient distractions and succeed. Research Papers on Co-Educational vs. Single Sex SchoolsStandardized TestingDistance Learning Survival GuideThe Mechanics of Grading Grading SystemsMy Writing ExperienceBooker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-BarnettProbation OfficersQuebec and CanadaInflation TargetingIs the Use of Psychotropic Drugs in the Treatment ofProject Management 101

Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Project management - Essay Example Objective of the project is cleaning the environment; in ensuring there is coordination among the project management team and the community the expectations from both sides should be aligned to eliminate any chance of conflict. The sponsors for the project were amazed by the number of activities that were to be conducted on separate occasions. On their side some activities seemed duplicated, though the differences were minimal. They resorted that those activities ought to be merged. The cost of the project would have been reduced by twenty percent, in that process. Chronological flow of the task was also to be altered and environmental conservation sensitization to take centre stage. The following is the work breakdown structure as recommended by the sponsors. The three divisions (marketing, product research and development, and policy) of the tourism agency will have to be aligned so as to meet the goal of developing the Competitive Intelligence System. The goal is to be met by both internal and external team. To iron out and difference for strategic alignment and coordination the teams will be meeting weekly. The key problem encountered in this project was the evaporation of the goals and assumption set to guide the project. Project to run smoothly its goal and assumption ought to be realistic and print a picture of what is happening on the ground. The project management team that was head by the research and development did not do its homework when designing the goals and assumptions for this project. A project like this one whose impact is national, it is prudent for the concern party to incorporate all factors surrounding the project planning and implementation processes. One of the assumptions was that the â€Å"proven technology† will be imported without extensive modifications. This cannot be the case for technological projects like implementation of a Competitive Intelligence System.

Architectural acoustics Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Architectural acoustics - Lab Report Example As far as the engineering is concerned, sound production has far-reaching implications on the environment. Sounds are pressure vibrations that travel in mediums such as gases, liquids and solids. The most common type of sound perceived by human ear is that which travels through air. Sound could be constructive or unconstructive. However noise is generally regarded as unwanted and destructive sound. In work environments or even in home setting, it is preferred that noise should be reduced effectively since it can affect the ability to work, concentration and rest. These noises range from loud music, traffic and building services (air ducts, pumps etc.) to neighbor activity. Noise production is still rated as one of the serious rampant forms of environmental pollution. Noise pollution continues to affect human health, as well as behaviors. Noise pollution has the can trigger annoyance, as well as aggression. Noise is also associated with high stress levels, disturbance of sleep, hypertension and tinnitus. It is worth noting that stress and hypertension are among the current serious threats to human health. Loud noise can also trigger cardiovascular diseases, resulting from increased blood pressure caused by noise. Noise does not only affect human beings, but also other organisms. For example, noise can affect wildlife by increasing the death risks by triggering an incapability of the predators to detect the prey. Introduction of noise in the new ecosystem can also reduce the portion of a usable habitat by either scaring away organisms or threatening them to extinction through the harmful consequences. Thus, process of curbing noise pollution is critical In this regard, curbing the amount of noise has been one critical area for engineers in their quest for sustainable development and production processes. Environmental engineers have defined the ability to control sound in a closed environment as Architectural Acoustics. Designers and engineers have studied

Blog about Marriott hotel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Blog about Marriott hotel - Essay Example The rooms are well designed and well furnished. These tourist destinations offer numerous services, which make a tourist and client’s stay fascinating and an unforgettable experience. These destinations have indoor pool, spa tubs, fitness facilities and fast wireless internet connectivity accessible anywhere any time of the day to all. In addition, Marriot Hotel in Myrtle Beach provides laundry services and a comfortable lobby with a fireplace and free coffee offer. For ladies and men with long hair, Marriott hotel provides them with a drier to dry their hair after swimming in the pool or showering. In addition, guests are allowed to make free local calls. For business clients, the Hotel has a business centre and miniature meeting halls. In addition, the hotel offers its clients parking services at a friendly charge. Marriot Myrtle Hotel offers a thrilling, unforgettable experience that a guest cannot afford to

Successful brand extensions in the FMCG industry

Successful brand extensions in the FMCG industry INTRODUCTION Brand extension or brand stretching is a marketing strategy in which a firm marketing a product with a well-developed image uses the same brand name in a different product category. The new product is called a spin-off. Organizations use this strategy to increase and leverage brand equity (definition: the net worth and long-term sustainability just from the renowned name). An example of a brand extension is Jello-gelatin creating Jello pudding pops. It increases awareness of the brand name and increases profitability from offerings in more than one product category. A brands extendibility depends on how strong consumers associations are to the brands values and goals. While there can be significant benefits in brand extension strategies, there can also be significant risks, resulting in a diluted or severely damaged brand image. Poor choices for brand extension may dilute and deteriorate the core brand and damage the brand equity. Most of the literature focuses on the consumer evaluation and positive impact on parent brand. In practical cases, the failures of brand extension are at higher rate than the successes. Some studies show that negative impact may dilute brand image and equity. In spite of the positive impact of brand extension, negative association and wrong communication strategy do harm to the parent brand even brand family. Organizations frequently follow brand extension strategies. This paper investigates the impact of category similarity, brand reputation, perceived risk, and consumer innovativeness on the success of brand extensions in FMCG, durable goods, and services sectors. A set of hypotheses were developed and tested in a study amongst 153 consumers. The findings show that extensions into categories more similar to the original brand tend to be more readily accepted. Likewise, the reputation of the original brand is an important factor influencing the success of the extension. These findings are consistent across FMCG, durable goods, and services brands. However, perceived risk about the extension category was only found to enhance acceptability of extensions for durable goods and services brands. Innovative consumers are more positively disposed towards service brand extensions than FMCG and durable goods brand extensions. REVIEW OF LITERATURE In his paper, Hem Leif E a set of hypotheses were developed and tested in a study amongst 701 consumers. The findings show that extensions into categories more similar to the original brand tend to be more readily accepted. Likewise, the reputation of the original brand is an important factor influencing the success of the extension. These findings are consistent across FMCG, durable goods and services brands. However, perceived risk about the extension category was only found to enhance acceptability of extensions for durable goods and services brands. Innovative consumers are more positively disposed towards service brand extensions than FMCG and durable goods brand extensions. (Factors Influencing Successful Brand Extensions By: Hem, Leif E.; de Chernatony, Leslie; Iversen, Nina M.. Journal of Marketing Management, Sep2003, Vol. 19 Issue 7/8) In his paper, Thamaraiselvan, Raja, projects the intense competitive environment where companies launch new products to satisfy constantly changing consumers preferences. The new products are prone to failures due to many factors. Companies take efforts to reduce new product failure rates to maximize their returns for their stakeholders. A brand extension, leveraging existing brand names to new product categories is one such strategy to reduce the risk of new product failures. This study primarily focuses on how consumers evaluate brand extensions for FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) and service product categories in Indian market conditions. It explores how exactly the consumers evaluate different product categories based on factors like, similarity fit, perceived quality, brand reputation and perceived risk. It brings out the impact of brand reputation of the core brand and perceived service quality on the brand extensions evaluations. It highlights the role of perceived risk invo lved in the extended product category in brand extensions evaluations. Most importantly, this study establishes the relationships among similarity fit, brand reputation, perceived service quality and perceived risk in extended product categories through appropriate multivariate analysis. (How do Consumers Evaluate Brand Extensions- Research findings from India. By: Thamaraiselvan, N.; Raja, J.. Journal of Services Research, Apr2008, Vol. 8 Issue 1 ) In his article, Park, examines two factors that differentiate between successful and unsuccessful brand extensions: product feature similarity and brand concept consistency. The results reveal that, in identifying brand extensions, consumers take into account not only information about the product-level feature similarity between the new product and the products already associated with the brand, but also the concept consistency between the brand concept and the extension. For both function-oriented and prestige-oriented brand names, the most favorable reactions occur when brand extensions are made with high brand concept consistency and high product feature similarity. In addition, the relative impact of these two factors differs to some extent, depending on the nature of the brand-name concept. When a brands concept is consistent with those of its extension products, the prestige brand seems to have greater extendibility to products with low feature similarity than the functional b rand does. (Evaluation of Brand Extensions: The Role of Product Feature Similarity and Brand Concept Consistency. By: Park, C. Whan; Milberg, Sandra; Lawson, Robert. Journal of Consumer Research, Sep91, Vol. 18 Issue 2 ) In his research paper, Hem Leif, projects that the most successful brand extensions are considered to be those having high perceived similarity between the parent brand and the extensions, and being well known in the marketplace. However, previous research has mainly examined the effects of overall measures of perceived similarity between a parent brand and an extension. Correspondingly, little is known about the effects of different areas of consumer knowledge. This study investigates the effects of three types of perceived similarity (usage, associations, competence) and three areas of consumer knowledge (original brand, original category, extension category) on evaluations of brand extensions. The results indicate that some types of perceived similarity and knowledge are more important than others. These findings imply that brand managers need to identify and measure the relevant types of perceived similarity and knowledge that will affect evaluations of brand extensions in order to design effective communication strategies for extensions. (Effects of different types of perceived similarity and subjective knowledge in evaluations of brand extensions. By: Hem, Leif E.; Iversen, Nina M.. International Journal of Market Research, 2009, Vol. 51 Issue 6 ) In his article, Swaminathan, focuses on the impact of a new brand extension introduction on choice in a behavioral context using national household scanner data involving multiple brand extensions. Particularly, the authors investigate the reciprocal impact of trial of successful and unsuccessful brand extensions on parent brand choice. In addition, the authors examine the effects of experience with the parent brand on consumers trial and repeat of a brand extension using household scanner data on six brand extensions from a national panel. In the case of successful brand extensions, the results show positive reciprocal effects of extension trial on parent brand choice, particularly among prior non-users of the parent brand, and consequently on market share. The authors find evidence for potential negative reciprocal effects of unsuccessful extensions. In addition, the study shows that experience with the parent brand has a significant impact on extension trial, but not on extension repeat. (The Impact of Brand Extension Introduction on Choice. By: Swaminathan, Vanitha; Fox, Richard J.; Reddy, Srinivas K.. Journal of Marketing, Oct2001, Vol. 65 Issue 4 ) INDIAN FMCG INDUSTRY The Indian FMCG sector is the fourth largest sector in the economy with a total market size in excess of $13.1 billion. It has a strong MNC presence and is characterized by a well established distribution network, intense competition between the organised and unorganised segments and low operational cost. Availability of key raw materials, cheaper labour costs and presence across the entire value chain gives India a competitive advantage. The FMCG market is set to treble from $11.6 billion in 2003 to $33.4 billion in 2015. Penetration level as well as per capita consumption in most product categories like jams, toothpaste, skin care, hair wash etc in India is low indicating the untapped market potential. Burgeoning Indian population, particularly the middle class and the rural segments, presents an opportunity to makers of branded products to convert consumers to branded products. Growth is also likely to come from consumer upgrading in the matured product categories. With 200 millio n people expected to shift to processed and packaged food by 2010, India needs around $28 billion of investment in the food-processing industry. The Indian FMCG sector is the fourth largest sector in the economy and creates employment for three million people in downstream activities. Within the FMCG sector, the Indian food processing industry represented 6.3 per cent of GDP and accounted for 13 percent of the countrys exports in 2003-04. A distinct feature of the FMCG industry is the presence of most global players through their subsidiaries (HLL, PG, Nestle), which ensures new product launches in the Indian market from the parents portfolio. Demand for FMCG products is set to boom by almost 60 per cent by 2007 and more than 100 per cent by 2015. This will be driven by the rise in share of middle class from 67 per cent in 2003 to 88 per cent in 2015. The boom in various consumer categories, further, indicates a latent demand for various product segments. For example, the upper end of very rich and a part of the consuming class indicate a small but rapidly growing segment for branded products. The middle segment, on the other hand, indicates a large market for the mass end products.The BRICs report indicates that Indias per capita disposable income, currently at $556 per annum, will rise to $1150 by 2015 another FMCG demand driver. Spurt in the industrial and services sector growth is also likely to boost the urban consumption demand. HOUSEHOLD CARE The size of the fabric wash market is estimated to be $1 billion, household cleaners to be $239 million and the production of synthetic detergents at 2.6 million tonnes. The demand for detergents has been growing at an annual growth rate of 10 to 11 per cent during the past five years. The urban market prefers washing powder and detergents to bars. The regional and small un-organised players account for a major share of the total volume of the detergent market. PERSONAL CARE The size of the personal wash products is estimated at $989 million; hair care products at $831 million and oral care products at $537 million. While the overall personal wash market is growing at one per cent, the premium and middle-end soaps are growing at 10 per cent. The leading players in this market are HUL, Nirma, Godrej Soaps and Reckitt Colman. The oral care market, especially toothpastes, remains under penetrated in India (with penetration level below 45 per cent). The industry is very competitive both for organised and smaller regional players. The Indian skin care and cosmetics market is valued at $274 million and dominated by HUL, Colgate Palmolive, Gillette India and Godrej Soaps. The coconut oil market accounts for 72 per cent share in the hair oil market. In the branded coconut hair oil market, Marico (with Parachute) and Dabur are the leading players. The market for branded coconut oil is valued at approximately $174 million. FOOD AND BEVERAGES The size of the Indian food processing industry is around $ 65.6 billion, including $20.6 billion of value added products. Of this, the health beverage industry is valued at $230 million; bread and biscuits at $1.7 billion; chocolates at $73 million and ice creams at $188 million. The size of the semi-processed/ready-to-eat food segment is over $1.1 billion. Large biscuits confectionery units, soya processing units and starch/glucose/sorbitol producing units have also come up, catering to domestic and international markets. The three largest consumed categories of packaged foods are packed tea, biscuits and soft drinks. The Indian beverage industry faces over supply in segments like coffee and tea. However, more than half of this is available in unpacked or loose form. Indian hot beverage market is a tea dominant market. Consumers in different parts of the country have heterogeneous tastes. Dust tea is popular in southern India, while loose tea in preferred in western India. The urb an-rural split of the tea market was 51:49 in 2000. Coffee is consumed largely in the southern states. The size of the total packaged coffee market is 19,600 tonnes or $87 million. The total soft drink (carbonated beverages and juices) market is estimated at 284 million crates a year or $1 billion. The market is highly seasonal in nature with consumption varying from 25 million crates per month during peak season to 15 million during offseason. The market is predominantly urban with 25 per cent contribution from rural areas. Coca cola and Pepsi dominate the Indian soft drinks market. Mineral water market in India is a 65 million crates ($50 million) industry. On an average, the monthly consumption is estimated at 4.9 million crates, which increases to 5.2 million during peak season. With the presence of 12.2% of the world population in the villages of India, the Indian rural FMCG market is something no one can overlook. Increased focus on farm sector will boost rural incomes, hence providing better growth prospects to the FMCG companies. Better infrastructure facilities will improve their supply chain. FMCG sector is also likely to benefit from growing demand in the market. Because of the low per capita consumption for almost all the products in the country, FMCG companies have immense possibilities for growth. And if the companies are able to change the mindset of the consumers, i.e. if they are able to take the consumers to branded products and offer new generation products, they would be able to generate higher growth in the near future. It is expected that the rural income will rise in 2007, boosting purchasing power in the countryside. However, the demand in urban areas would be the key growth driver over the long term. Also, increase in the urban populatio n, along with increase in income levels and the availability of new categories, would help the urban areas maintain their position in terms of consumption. At present, urban India accounts for 66% of total FMCG consumption, with rural India accounting for the remaining 34%. However, rural India accounts for more than 40% consumption in major FMCG categories such as personal care, fabric care, and hot beverages. In urban areas, home and personal care category, including skin care, household care and feminine hygiene, will keep growing at relatively attractive rates. Within the foods segment, it is estimated that processed foods, bakery, and dairy are long-term growth categories in both rural and urban areas.

Steven Spielberg Essay -- essays research papers

Steven Spielberg   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a kid in Phoenix, Steven Spielberg charged admission to his home movies while his sister sold popcorn. Although Spielberg excelled at making movies he was not a good student. He hated school and was one of the most unathletic students there. His movie making career began at the age of twelve when his father bought a movie camera that Spielberg used all the time. Instead of doing his school work he was using the camera. While he was working with his mom and sister on his projects, his father helped him make miniature sets out of paper mache.He turned out his first production, with script and actors, when he was thirteen, and a year later he won a prize for a forty minute war movie titled Escape to Nowhere. At the age of sixteen, his 140-minute production, Firelight, was shown in a local movie theater. In college, his short film, Amblin was shown at the Atlanta Film Festival and led to the boy genius's Universal Studios directing contract at the age of twenty.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Spielberg learned his craft doing television work, which included an episode of the Rod Serling series Night Gallery and the classic cult movie Duel. His first feature, The Sugarland Express, was released in 1974, and he was soon offered the chance to direct a thriller about a great white shark terrorizing a small New England beach town. Jaws cost $8.5 million and grossed $260 million. Spielberg followed it up two years later with Close Enc...