Brand Loyalty Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Brand Loyalty - Case Study Example Various models have been conventionally put forward to elaborate the decision making process that an individual may employ for improving the quality of his/her decisions. Good decision making is to much an extent, an in-born quality, though the integrity of a decision can be evaluated against a potential model in order to enhance its quality. It is essentially a human activity (DQI, 2008). This paper aims at comparing the decision making processes described in the case study with the traditional problem solving approach to consumer decision making process. The traditional approach: Before analyzing the way in which traditional decision making process of consumers is conceived and interpreted, it is customary to discuss the traditional problem solving approach as the former gains influence from the latter. Traditional problem solving approach: â€Å"The Problem Solving process consists of a sequence of sections that fit together depending on the type of problem to be solved† (A non., n.d.). There are various stages in the problem solving process (ITS, 2005), that are explained below: 1. Identification of problem: In this step, the problem that an individual faces is identified. 2. ... 5. Evaluation of solution: If the problem goes away, the solution works. Else, the solution has to be reselected in the step 3 and steps 4 and 5 should follow until the problem is gone. Traditional decision making process: In the traditional decision making process, consumers are conceived as highly risk averse in nature and rational in their approach. This is the fundamental reason why conventional conceptions about consumer decision making recognize it as information processing or problem solving phenomenon. The traditional models of consumer decision making presents a very logical and rational process, where, the consumer formulates and works upon a logically constructed course of action in an attempt to satisfy the very need. Therefore, the traditional decision making process of consumers consists of five basic steps, namely, need recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, product choice, and evaluation of decision (Spielberger, 2004, p. 486). There also exists an alternative model of consumer decision making in which, the cognitive, behavioral and affective responses occur in a hierarchical order. The sequence is commonly known as C-A-B sequence. It is noteworthy here that the steps of the traditional problem solving process greatly resemble those employed in the traditional decision making process. This is the key reason why it is said that traditionally, consumers adopt problem solving approach to make their decisions. Identification of problem is the recognition of need. Information search for making decision is similar to visualizing the problem in context of the background. Alternate decisions are

The Anti-imperialist League Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Anti-imperialist League - Essay Example Thesis Paragraph The Anti-Imperialist League was an essentially American organization that came into existence on June 15, 1898.1 The organization stood for varied fundamental principles enshrined in the American Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and imminent in the American way of life. The Anti-Imperialist League opposed the annexation of Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico or any other nation by the United States of America.2 It opposed any form of expansionist policy on the part of United States, as its members believed it to be contrary to the fundamental ethos of republicanism. The Anti-Imperialist League had no aversion to the expansion of Unite States in the areas of trade, business, political ideas, culture, religion and humanitarian efforts. However, they challenged any politically expansionist designs on the part of the United States, as they intended to deprive the inhabitants of the annexed nations of their inalienable right of self determination and self gove rnment.3 The Anti-Imperialist League drew inspiration from the ideas given by the cherished patriarchs of the past like the founding fathers, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.4 Though, a majority of the Americans supported the annexation of Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico, the Ant-Imperialist League was a beacon of hope in the troubled times that stood against any imperialist or colonial policy on the part of the united States. The principles of the League were inherently just and in consonance with the democratic principle of the right of the rulers to govern the ruled only by their consent. Its members considered the idea of subjugation of other nations by the United States as being a criminal act that violated the very spirit of American democracy.5 Though in minority, the League was ethically and morally, certainly on the right track. The Anti-Imperialist extended varied reasons to denounce the expansionist designs of the United States. One was the unnecessary and futile sacrifice of the American soldiers and sailors in the military campaigns undertaken to gain control over the foreign lands.6 It denounced the slaughter of Philippines’ natives by the American army and navy as being horrible and compared the United States’ expansionist designs to be like those of the colonial Spaniards.7 The other important weapon in the hands of the Anti-Imperialist League was the ethical and moral superiority of its cause before the coercive nature of the American expansionist designs in Philippines. Its members declared that the imperial nature of the American expansionist doctrine was not in accordance with the basic American spirit of liberty and freedom. It amounted to the suppression of the weak by the strong and powerful. It warned the United States from conforming to the ancient legacy of the supremacy of might over the right and urged it to return back to the Philippines the sovereignty and independence that it justly deserved.8 The Anti-Imper ialist League also drew the public attention towards the possibility of a complete success of the international imperialist forces, going by the fact that the only viable and capable, moral, ethical and military opposition that is the United States of America was willing to comply with and follow their doctrine of annexation and control by force.9 This attitude on the part of th

Jazzy Studio Is A Music And Sound Recording Marketing Essay

Jazzy Studio Is A Music And Sound Recording Marketing Essay Jazzy studio is a music and sound recording studio that provides recording services to local talents in and around Abeokuta south local government in Ogun state, Nigeria. The organization is led by a respected businessman, Seun Odegbami, who has considerable experience in running an effective business. The company owner Seun Odegbami offers more than 10 years of industry experience and offers a strong background in sound recording, audio engineering and promotional marketing skills. The focus of this business is to put forth objectives to provide audio recording services for musicians/artists, to provide quality promotional materials, increase sales and customer base, and to offer outstanding materials and videography services in the near future. Jazzy studio is ready to elevate to the next step and the company is also seeking a business loan in the amount of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦7million, which will be used in the purchase of equipment upgrades and advertising. 1.1 MISSION Jazzy studios mission is to provide an environment in which personal artistry is encouraged and creativity is inspired as well as expressed. The company will commit to its customers by providing a professional full service recording studio and video production company dedicated to supplying superior quality at affordable price. 1.2 VISION We intend to provide our customers with the best quality and services ensuring customer satisfaction by encouraging two factors: HONOR AND INTEGRITY. 1.3 OBJECTIVES The main objectives of jazzy studios include: To provide exceptional audio recording services for musicians/artist. To increase sales and customer base To provide promotional material (posters, fliers) for musicians/artist. To offer outstanding videography services in near future. 1.4 PRODUCT AND SERVICES The studio will offer a variety of recording and production products that will appeal to the residents of our target market and its surrounding areas. These services include: Professional audio recording Manufacture and press compact discs for artist Creating innovative sound and concepts using the best recording equipments. Vocal training Tutorial sessions 1.5 MANAGEMENT BIOGRAPHY The management team of jazzy studios comprises of three staffs namely: Seun Odegbami, Richard Ositelu and Tope Ogundipe. The team is lead by Chief Executive Officer, Seun Odegbami who directs the affairs of the company after a successful career as a manager at Marvin Records. He received his first degree in media services from university of Lagos in 2001 and later proceeded to the University of Sunderland where he bagged his M.B.A in 2003. Seun Odegbami offers more than 10 years of vast experience in the music industry. The audio engineer is Richard Ositelu.The audio engineer also called audio technician, recording engineer deals with the use of machinery and equipments for production of quality sounds. Richard finished from Yaba College of Technology with HND in sound engineering and has 5 years of working experience in the studio. Tope Ogundipe acts as an administrative officer. She is responsible for all accounting and administrative services of the organization. Tope is an OND holder from Lagos state polytechnic and also offers 2 years of working experience. Our organization is made up of three staffs that would carry out business goals and ensure customer satisfaction is guaranteed at all time. C:UsersSubbyDownloadsacc3.gif Figure 1: illustration of company organogram 1.6 COMPANY SUMMARY COMPANY NAME: JAZZY STUDIOS LIMITED ADDRESS: 4, Laderin Road Abeokuta, Ogun State. PHONE NUMBER: 01-273648, 07061524987 EMAIL: [emailprotected], [emailprotected] WEBSITE: www.jazzystudios.com Jazzy studio sits in Laderin road which is the heart of Abeokuta. The studio consists of three rooms: a waiting area, a pre-production area and a post production area with a state of the art recording sound booth. It is the only full service, professional recording studio in the area. 2.0 THE ECONOMY The economic market condition in Nigeria is struggling to leverage her vast wealth in order to displace the crushing poverty that affects over 50% of its population. Despite the slowdown in the economy, there have been a great number of young talents taking music as a long time career. The music industry has high employment-generating potentials. The growing success of the industry has not gone unnoticed by investors and indeed many record labels are investing in new and talented artistes nationwide. The recent success of top musicians in the global world has been a massive boost for young aspiring talents in the music industry. 2.1 MARKET ANALYSIS SUMMARY The overall market for sound recording is immense and the demand for sound recording is increasing. Sound recording aid the booming technology that delivers audio to MP3players, computers, IPOD etc. also, sound engineering technicians operate machines and equipments to record, synchronize, and mix sound effect in recording studio, theater productions and video production. Jazzy studio launches its services in receptive to the steady growing market segment which is among young adults in Nigeria today. Despite the economic downturns, there is still an increase of young talents in the music industry and our organization is ready to provide sound services to local vocal talent whether they are artist, children interested in tutorial session in audio recording. 2.2 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS There are approximately 1,255 sound recording studios in Nigeria. Revenues generated by the industry total more than à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦50 million and there is an estimate of about 6,000 people employed by the industry. The industry is expected to continually grow as the number of potential talents is on the rise and more competitors entering the market. The Nigerian census estimates that the industry has grow at a rate of 11.5% annually. 2.3 MARKET SEGMENTATION Our market segmentation is fairly straight forward and focuses on our target market, customers within the music and sound recording industry. These customers prefer certain quality of work and its our duty to deliver the quality they expect. The information in our market analysis table shows our main markets which are the local independent artist and children. Our market for local independent artist who are our biggest and popular market exists due to ideal location. Our children clientele exist due to tutorial sessions we offer in our community. Table: Market Analysis Market analysis 2012 2013 2014 2015 Potential customers Growth Independent artist 20% 100 120 140 160 Children 20% 32 52 72 92 Total 20% 132 202 322 442 2.4 MARKET TARGET Jazzy studio will serve the music recording market segment. Since our company is located in the heart of Abeokuta, the target market will be young aspiring musicians who probably are unable able to afford the regular studio session fee. They utilize us to build onto their audio portfolio, and to provide excellent service. Because we mainly focus on the music recording market, we know how to meet the specific needs of our clients. Therefore, we intend to reach our target market through word of the mouth marketing, fliers and business cards which will be distributed in the neighborhood 2.5 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS Jazzy studio is the only full service and professional studio in Abeokuta south local government and our business is in a non-competitive environment. The studio has modern and abstract sound systems which will attract more customers. There are currently no competitors in this line of business in Abeokuta south. 2.6 COMPETITVE ADVANTAGE Jazzy studios competitive advantage relies in our ability to position as a strategic ally with our customers. The companys reputation of being trustworthy and reliable will be a key factor by building a business based on long standing relationship with our clients. The longer the relationship, the more we will help our clients understand what we offer them and why they need it. Our Producers and audio engineers will establish strong relationships with clients to ensure that they are satisfied because it aids us in generating future business. Our organization operates under a business philosophy that specialized customer service is the best way to attract more clients. Jazzy studios also recognize the opportunity to provide tutorial sessions to young aspiring adults. This approach tends to get the attention of local young aspiring musicians/artist which is the best way to make money in the long term and bring the best out of clients. 3.0 BUSINESS STRATEGY Our business strategy involves advertising and reaching all the potential clients that we can. Our goal is to provide exceptional service to our customer and satisfy them at all cost. Currently, jazzy studio has an advantage because the owner/produce, Seun Odegbami is a well known superior business man that has excellent audio engineering and communication skills. Seun also offers more than 10years of experience to the music recording industry. Once a few bands have been secured, it then becomes our marketing strategy to plug the bands as much as possible. This will be done by leveraging all of their networking contacts. 3.1 SALES STRATEGY The CEO has an excellent customer relation and interpersonal skills; these skills will be used in making customer/musicians comfortable in trusting jazzy studio to produce and record music for them. Keeping customers happy, we feel, is an implicit part of building a relationship that will encourage business growth. 3.2 SERVICE BUSINESS ANALYSIS As a music recording company, it is our duty to offer customers the best services, a professional atmosphere and comfortable environment. We also provide musicians/artist with promotional materials, such as fliers, posters and cd covers at a very reasonable price. As simple as it may be, our method of executing customer service has an important effect on the bottom line. Skillful use of good communication will bring the business we desire. 3.3 WEBSITE MARKETING STRATEGY Our online services will provide intending customers an opportunity to access more information about the organization, promos, recording hours and tutorial. The site will be linked to various entertainment sites such as music sturvs, notjustok, and jaguda. Jazzy studio will also submit the site to several different search engines and lastly, the URL address will be prominent on printed material and correspondence. 4.0 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS The financial plan of any business is essential as it makes all the difference between organized activities and chaos (Maslauskaite and Koumpis 2011). A comprehensive business plan is useless if it does not contain a financial plan and projection for the future. The current financial plan for jazzy studio is to obtain a business loan in the amount of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦7million. The loan will be used to update and purchase new equipment and software, increase advertising and provide video recording services. The following sections of this plan will serve to describe jazzy studios financial plan in more details: Sales projection Balance sheet Profit and loss Break-even analysis 4.1 SALES PROJECTION Sales projection is a core in a business plan. Managers tend to measure a business growth by its sales and the sales forecast sets the standard for expense, profit and growth. Jazzy studios average 21 sessions a month. Studio sessions cost à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦7500/hour. Most sessions last for 3 hours thus each session totals à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦22,500.Each promotional design cost à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,000. Our goal is to design between 50-100 promotional designs a year. Our forecast for jazzy records total sales in its first year is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,150,000. During the years 2014-2016 we see a 30% annual increase. Table: SALES PROJECTION Sales Forecast 2013 2014 2015 2016 Unit sales Audio Production 120 135 161 195 Promotional design 45 91 110 165 Total Unit Sales Unit Prices Audio Production Promotional Design Sales Audio Production Promotional Design Total Sales 165 2013 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦22,500 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦2,700,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦450,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,150,000 226 2014 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦22,500 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,037,500 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦910,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,947,500 271 2015 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦25,500 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦4,105,500 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦1,100,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦5,205,500 360 2016 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦25,500 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦4,972,500 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦1,650,000 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦6,622,500 Figure : sales by year 4.2 IMPORTANT ASSUMPTIONS The table below shows the assumptions used in the financial calculation of this business plan. The average per-unit revenue cost is estimated to be à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦18,700. The average per-unit variable cost is estimated to be à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦500. The estimated monthly fixed cost is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦100,000. Table: General assumptions General Assumptions 2012 2013 2014 Current Interest rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% Long term interest rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% Tax rate 15.00% 15.00% 15.00% 4.3 PROJECTED PROFIT AND LOSS The net income for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 is forecast to be à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,150,000, à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,947,500, à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦5,205,500, à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦6,622,500 respectively. The net profit for the same period is 4.4 PROJECT BALANCE SHEET The table below illustrates the project balance sheet. TABLE: Balance Sheet Pro forma balance sheet 2013 2014 2015 2016 ASSETS Current assets Cash à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦7,005,021 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦7,503,871 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦8,012,760 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦8,499,091 Other current assets Total current asset Long term asset Accumulated depreciation Total long term asset Total assets à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,121,023 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,126,044 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,126,044 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,121,023 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,624,894 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦10,624,894 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,121,023 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦11,133,783 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦11,133,783 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦3,121,023 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦11,620,114 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦11,620,114 LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL 2013 2014 2015 2016 Current liabilities Accounts payable à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦ 56 Current borrowing à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 32 91 Other current liabilities Subtotal current liabilities Long term liabilities Total liabilities Paid in capital Retained earning Earnings Total capital Total liabilities and capital Net worth à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¦0 35 54 43 5.0 SWOT ANALYSIS A SWOT analysis identifies the internal and external factors that are either helpful or not and serves as a useful resources which may be incorporated into an organization strategic planning model (Chen and bruneski). The SWOT analysis aids in displaying the internal strengths and weaknesses that Jazzy studio must address. The SWOT analysis allows us to examine opportunities presented to Jazzy studio as well as possible potential threats. The companys strength which includes: having 10 years of industry experience and knowledge, quality production and sound, excellent and stable staff, essential equipment, high customer loyalty and good referral relationships as well as strong media relationship will help the company grow from strength to strength. 5.0.1 STRENGTHS 10 years of industry knowledge Essential equipments Strong media relationship Quality production and sound Cost advantages with new technology Growing customer base and customer loyalty within target group. Awesome website 5.0.2 WEAKNESSES Lack of money to advertise Cost factor with keeping state-of-the-art hardware New entrants Limited channels of distribution 5.0.3 OPPORTUNITIES Growing market with a significant of our target market still not knowing we exist. Strategic alliance offering source for referrals to extend our reach. Developing new technologies to cope with the driving force of the industry Internet through expanding e-commerce. Expanding nationwide 5.0.4 THREAT Emerging local competitors: currently there are no recording studios in the area. Increase in price inputs can cause upward pricing Changes in regulations can impact the business 5.1 LIMITING FACTORS The limiting factors that control the organization process, such as growth, resources are as follows: Lack of constant electricity Piracy

How Technology Has Hurt Us :: essays research papers

How Technology Has Hurt Us   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although many inventions have helped us and made our lives easier they have also caused some problems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With the invention of the car came problems such as air pollution. Cities are becoming more and more congested with people using their cars even for short distances. The government is trying to make this better by making cars pass an emmission control test. Another problem with cars is that hundreds of people die or get seriously injured each year.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another technical invention that maybe we would have been better without is weapons. Although weapons were made to protect our country and keep freedom it seems to have done the opposite. Drive by shootings are a daily occurence in our big cities. More people are turning the guns on themselves. Kids bring guns to school with them for protection against people who may use a gun on them for retaliation. Politically its divided the nation on whether private citizens should be able to carry guns.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Disposable items have caused a big garbage problem. We use everything from disposable pens to disposable diapers. We can stop some of the garbage problem by recycling.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Air conditioners are using up allot of our electricity. There are times in the summer when brown outs happen because if our excessive use of the air conditioners. Freon gets released into our environment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today people are being kept alive longer and longer. People that have no chance of recovery are being kept alive on ventilators. This causes a great expense to society and an emotional stress on the family. Even though older people may beg to let them die medicine refuses to let them. This is slowly changing with living wills.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Even though we love to watch TV it has also caused problems.

Gemstone and Diamond Mining Through the Years

Gemstones have been a symbol of wealth from the ancient times up to the present. These stones with their own characteristic, unique and special properties have always been associated to beauty too. Popular and famous persons throughout history, especially those from the noble family have used gemstone to adorn not only themselves but their dwellings as well. In the United States, mining of these stones has been for recreational activity only for collectors and hobbyists since 1935 (Gemstones Production, USGS). Nevertheless, as the value of gemstones inflated, large scale mining operations have been initiated. In this paper, we would explore the world of gemstones; what truly fits the word gemstone, how are they classified and the methods of mining.GemstonesThe word â€Å"gem† actually came from the Latin word gemma, which means â€Å"bud† (Microsoft Encarta). It is a very fitting name since gems seem to bud out of the earth’s crust like flowers in a garden. Gem o r gemstone means any mineral or organic material that can be used to decorate one’s body, for display or can be considered an object of art due to its unique properties it possesses such as beauty, rarity and durability. Colored and diamond gemstones are subcategories of gemstones. Basically, colored gemstones are all other stones except diamond such as amber, coral and shell (Olson 32.1).On the other hand, natural gemstones are minerals, stones or any organic matter that can be cut, polished, or treated for use as jewelry or other personal ornament (Gemstones Terms, USGS). Gemstones can be further classified as precious or semiprecious gemstones. Precious gemstones have beauty, durability and rarity, while semiprecious gemstones have only one to two of these characteristics (Gemstones Terms, USGS). Diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, aquamarine, topaz and opal are classified as precious gemstones while others are treated as semiprecious (Gemstones Terms, USGS). Since gemstones are rare, they are not plentiful and these stones do not form ores like other mining products. They tend to be scattered throughout a large body of rock or can be crystals found on small cavities of rocks (Gemstones Environment, USGS).Gemstones are primarily found from Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina, Oregon and Arizona (Gemstones Specialist 64). However, most gem diamond reserves are not found in the United States. Diamonds are usually mined from Southern Africa, Russia, and Western Australia (Gemstones Specialist 65). The very first used as jewelry were amber, amethyst, coral, diamond, emerald, garnet, jade, lapis lazuli, pearl, rock crystal, ruby, serpentine and turquoise (Olson 32.1).In the US, the commercial gemstone industry consists of individuals and companies that mine gemstones or harvest shell and pearls, firms that manufacture synthetic gemstones and individuals and companies that cut natural and synthetic gemstones (Olson 32.1). Worldwide, the industry is only composed of two sectors: diamond mining and marketing and the production and sale of colored gemstones (Olson 32.3).Throughout the year, few of the diamonds mined are of gem quality; much of them are of near-gem and industrial in quality. Gem quality diamonds display high standards of excellence in quality and can be sold as jewelry. Clarity of such diamonds is from flawless through to visible inclusions. On the other hand, near-gem quality represents diamonds that fall between gem and industrial quality and thus can be used for either purpose.   Clarity of this set is from visible inclusions to industrial. Lastly, industrial quality diamonds are of low quality and cannot be used as jewelry or adornment. These diamonds are suitable only for industrial use such as dentist’s drills and earthmoving equipment (Mining Diamonds).Diamonds are formed beneath the earth’s surface and required tremendous pressure and temperature. Like diamonds, most gems are crystals forme d by cooling hot gases, solutions, and melts. As the earth’s soil surface weathers and erodes, and rivers forcefully flow through, gemstones may be exposed and be unearthed where one can even simply bend over the riverbank and pick them up (Microsoft Encarta).MiningOne of the two primary industries of early civilization is mining. Like agriculture, it is one of humankind’s earliest endeavors (Introduction to Mining 1). In 3400, Egyptians in Sinai did the first ever-recorded mining where they have found turquoise (Introduction to Mining 7). Usually, gemstones are excavated at the surface. However, through the years, underground mining especially for diamonds have been developed. Unlike surface mining, underground mining is more complicated and expensive. It involves the efficiency, safety and permanence underground (Introduction to Mining 11).Mining is the process of obtaining useful minerals from the earth’s crust. Its process requires excavations in underground mines and surface excavations in open pit or open cut mines. Thus, it involves physical removal of rock and earth to acquire gems and other important minerals. (Microsoft Encarta). Mining consists of four stages. These stages are prospecting or search for mineral deposits, exploration or the work included in evaluating the extent of economic value of the deposit, innovation or the work of preparing access to the deposit so that the minerals can be extorted from it and exploitation which is the process of extracting the minerals (Microsoft Encarta).Methods of MiningThere are several methods of mining. For gemstones, they are usually obtained on rivers and shores. However, there are also other ways of obtaining them in large scale mining operations. Exploitation methods can be classified into two categories based on setting which are surface and underground mining. Surface mining operations consists of mechanical excavation techniques such as open pit and open cast or strip mining. T here are also aqueous methods such as placer mining and solution mining. On the other hand, underground mining is usually categorized into unsupported, supported and caving methods (Introduction to Mining 11).Placer mining involves excavating loose or alluvial such as sand and gravel. The sought after gems are separated from the sand or gravel by a series of screens, jigs and sluices. This type of mining is usually used for diamonds and rubies (Microsoft Encarta). At present, surface mining involves production of blastholes 3-15 inches in diameter by rotary or percussion drills for the placement of explosives in order to remove consolidated rock. The explosives are then inserted and detonated. The material then is loaded and hauled for transport (Introduction to Mining 15).Diamond MiningDiamonds are mined by pipe or alluvial methods. In pipe mining, extraction of diamonds is done from volcanic pipes. Unlike other gems, diamonds are usually found underground and on volcanic rocks and lands. In diamond pipe mining, large areas are exploited wherein an average of 250 tons of volcanic rock is mined just to produce a one-carat gem quality polished diamond (Mining Diamonds). Due to this intricate and costly process, diamonds are really rare and precious. Diamond pipe mines are composed of kimberlite material called blue ground. At the start, kimberlite is dug from the surface by rough opencast mining. Nevertheless, as the surface deposits are exhausted, pipe mining is employed by sinking shafts into the ground at the edge of pipes and tunnels are driven into the deeper parts of the pipes. By doing so, diamond-bearing rock is excavated and is then transported for screening (Mining Diamonds).Another method of diamond mining is alluvial mining. In this method, diamonds are extracted from riverbeds or ocean beaches. It is true that diamonds are made inside volcanic pipes and lands, however, millions of years allowed that some of the diamonds formed are weathered out of the volcanic pipes and carried to great distances by rivers and oceans. Thus, the process of alluvial mining involves building a wall that holds back the surf. About 25 meters of sand is demolished aside to reach the diamond-containing level in the ocean and riverbeds. The diamond-containing sand is then acquired and transported to screening plants (Mining Diamonds).In screening plants, diamonds with kimberlite are cleaned and purified. Separation of the diamonds from the kimberlite ore involves a process much like the panning of gold. The kimberlite ore is put into large funnels along with a heavy fluid and is then, mixed in a rotating manner. Since diamonds are heavier than the other materials from which it is mined, they sink into the bottom of the funnels and spill out. After this process, the diamond is almost free from other waste (Mining for Diamonds).Diamonds can then be washed on shaking grease-covered tables. Uncut diamonds then adhere to the grease while the other fragmen ts of waste ore are vibrated past and are discharged to tailings pile. The tables are then scraped for diamonds in the grease and then are boiled to melt the grease and separate the diamonds (Microsoft Encarta). Finally, these diamonds are separated into different grades or quality as industrial, gemstone or near-gem grades.After-Mining OperationsRough uncut diamonds do not actually look attractive. Such diamonds are needed to be cut and polished before anyone can see their beauty and relevance in personal adornment and jewelry. The process of cutting and polishing originated in India where Indian natives discovered a way to make rough diamonds glisten by simply grinding another diamond against it (Mining Diamonds). Diamonds are known for their hardness, no material has ever been found which is capable of cutting diamond until the Indians found out that diamonds could actually be cut and polished by diamonds. The process of cutting and polishing typically lasts for several hours to several months. After which, the diamond will turn out lighter for at least half of its original weight (Mining Diamonds).Diamonds are first carefully examined before cutting. Diamonds are popularly cut into round brilliant since this shape gives the greatest possible brilliance with the minimal weight loss. Cutting uses an instrument similar to grinders. This cutting instrument is made of a paper-thin metal disc coated with diamond dust revolving at a fast speed. Lasers can also cut diamonds nowadays. The corners of the diamonds are then rounded by grinding another diamond producing some dust that can later be used in polishing. Diamonds are then polished to make them sparkle brighter. The diamond dust from the cutting is placed on a turntable made of iron and oiled. The cut diamond is then grinded against the turntable until it sparkles beautifully (Mining Diamonds).ConclusionGemstones are treasures not only of powerful people but also of mighty and ancient civilizations. As human kind became civilized, gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires became symbols of prosperity and elegance. Their crystalline structure, the rarity, and the arduous process of mining them have lived up to their symbolism throughout the years and continue to do so.Works Citedâ€Å"Gemstones Environment.† 18 June 1997. United States Geological Surveys, USGS. 30 April 2008 < http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/environment.html>.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Gemstones Production.† 18 June 1997. United States Geological Surveys, USGS. 30 April 2008 < http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/production.html>.â€Å"Gemstones Terms.† 18 June 1997. United States Geological Surveys, USGS. 30 April 2008 < http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/terms.html>.â€Å"Gemstones†. Gemstones Specialist (703) 648-7721, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 1996. USGS. 30 April 2008 .â€Å"Introduction to Mining.† 30 April 2008. .â€Å"Mining.† Microsoft Encarta 2007. 1993-2006 Microsoft Corpora tion. CD-ROM.â€Å"Mining Diamonds†. 30 April 2008 .â€Å"Mining for Diamonds.† 30 April 2008 .Olson, Donald. â€Å"Gemstones.† USGS 2000 Yearbook. USGS. 30 April 2008

Globalisation and Religion Essay

Secularisation theory has argued that modernisation has undermined religion. The importance of science and technology on economic development and rational worldview on which they depend on are seen as destroying the belief in supernatural. However religion can contribute to development, but most recently sociologists have examined what role religion may play in development in today’s globalising world. This can be seen in India. Globalisation has brought rapid economic growth and has seen India become a more important player in the world political stage. It has brought prosperity to some, notably the Indian middle class. Nanda shows that 85% of India is Hindu and this is where globalisation has taken place. Globalisation has created a huge and prosperous, scientifically educated middle class working in IT, pharmaceuticals, etc. These are who secularisation theorists say will be the first to abandon religion. However Nanda sees a vast majority of this class continue to believe in the supernatural. A study of developing societies in 2007 shows that Indians are more religious and only 5% claim their religion has declined in the past five years. It also found that urban areas are more religious that rural areas. Nanda goes as far to say that it is becoming fashionable to be seen as religious. She examines what motivates this. Nanda rejects poverty and existential insecurity as a reason for their belief because they are not poor. She also rejects the idea that their religiosity is a defence mechanism to modernisation and westernisation. She argues that their religiosity is to do with their ambivalence to their new found wealth. This has helped to see the relationship between globalisation and religion, as Nanda points out that globalisation has increased the religiosity in India. She also examines the role of Hinduism in legitimating a triumphalist version of Indian nationalism. From a survey it found that 93% of Indians believe they have a superior culture to others. Nanda notes that the Indians’ success in the global market have attributed to Hindu values. These are constantly promoted by media and politicians. Ultra nationalism, worshiping Hindu gods and India itself has become a civil religion. In recent years the East Asia tiger economies such as Korea and Singapore are now becoming industrialised. Also China has become a major global power. Sociologists argue that this success is because of religion acting similar to Calvinism. Redding sees their post Confucian values as encouraging, similar to the protestant work ethic. Similarly Berger argues that Pentecostalism in Latin America acts as a functional equivalent to Weber’s protestant ethic. He says that they embrace the work ethic and lifestyle of Calvinists aspect of life which in result its members continue to prosper. However Berger underlines Weber’s point that religious ideas alone are not enough to produce economic development. He says that natural resources are also needed. For example while Protestantism has grown in northern Brazil, the religion lacks resources and remains backwards. By contrast, the south, which is developing rapidly, has both a work ethic derived from Pentecostalism and the necessary resources. Christianity has also become globalised. Lehmann says that it has done this by accompanying globalisations, imposed my indigenous population and in the past 100 years it has spread because of its popular following. The symbols and imagery from local cultures attributes to their success. They attack cults and perform exorcism, and accept and validate beliefs. This has contributed to the relationship between globalisation and religion as it shows that religion has helped countries to develop and using the idea of protestant ethic in Latin America gives a valid explanation as to why they have grown. A further link between globalisation and religion is explained through fundamentalism. Fundamentalism has a response to globalisation and related trends. Giddens’ describes fundamentalists as traditionalists. He sees that this is a relatively new term and sees its growth, as a production of and reaction to globalisation. He claims that it has undermined traditional norms and values. They say that religion offers certainty to a now uncertain world due to the choice which people have. A contrasting view to this however is Beckford. He criticises fundamentalists for ignoring other important developments, including how globalisations also affects non fundamentalist religions such as Catholicism. Giddens’ groups all types of fundamentalism together, ignoring any differences between them. Jeff Haynes argues that we should not focus narrowly on the idea that Islamic fundamentalism is a reaction against globalisation. For example in the Middle East, conflicts caused by the failure of local elites to deliver on their promises to improve the standard of living are often the fuel that drives fundamentalism. This evidence argues that globalisation has undermined traditional religious beliefs. Religion has also created a cultural defence whereby religion serves to unite communities against external threat. In this situation religion has a special significance for its followers because it symbolises the group or societies collective identity. There are two examples of this from the late 20th century and those are Poland and Iran. It has created war and terror such as the war in Iraq. Therefore the effect of globalisation on religion is a ‘clash of civilisations.’ Huntingtons’ view is that religious defences are creating a new set of hostile ‘us and them’ situation as there is an increase in competition against cavitations for economic and military power. An example of this is the 9/11. Although there are some critics such as Jackson who believe it is a western ideology that stereotypes nations. Also Armstrong argues hostility towards the west does not stem from fundamentalist Islam but to western foreign policy in the Middle East. This shows that’s due to globalisation is has increased religiosity but has created friction between countries. This has had a negative effect in the world. Overall globalisation has brought rapid economic growth and has seen India become a more important player on the world political stage. It has also increased Indians religiosity which is shown in Nandas’ argument which she also says this relationship is because of the optimism about the opportunities globalisations will bring and the result of the ambivalence to their new found wealth. But also like Huntington says, both religion and globalisation has created a ‘clash of civilisations’ and created both war and terror. In conclusion this relationship between globalisations in religion is good as it has helped countries such as India in the economy and has increased their religiosity. However it could also be argued that it has created friction between religions and in result has had a negative impact on the world.