How to Choose the Right Examples of Uc Essay Samples

How to Choose the Right Examples of Uc Essay SamplesFor a lot of high school and college students, Uc Essay samples can be a major factor in getting through college or even to get into a four-year university. While they may not always be as flashy as your thesis, there are still many important reasons why a student needs to obtain a solid essay. Therefore, just because you don't get the top grades on a test doesn't mean that you are failing. Most likely, the grade is a result of the way you prepare for the assignment and what your professor asks you to do during the class.Students who believe that they can just write something and get an A on a Uc Essay should think again. As long as the course or project being given to you is worth your time, then it's alright to make it more difficult for yourself than necessary. There are some ways to ensure that you may get the essay that you need, but it will take some work. Make sure that you have the proper information needed before you begin to look for examples of the kind of essay you'll be doing.The first thing that you need to think about is how much you actually like to write. Whether you really like writing or not is probably a question that you want to ask yourself first. If you find that you like to write and that you've never considered trying to write an essay, then it might be a bit too hard. Keep in mind that the process of learning how to write is going to take time. You should not rush into anything and make sure that you spend some time taking breaks from the project at hand and spending more time to learn all about writing.Secondly, you need to ask yourself if you really know how to write. Although there are people who have written countless essays over the years, there are some things that they may have not done, and those things are what you're going to find out when you begin to work on your project. If you have already tried to write an essay but have failed, you will have to rethink your methods. Th e essay is an important part of your education and it doesn't matter how you did it.You can sometimes get tempted to go with the easy way out and choose to use your favorite style or idea over another, but you should make sure that the topic that you're choosing is the appropriate choice. For example, if you want to take the science or math section, then you should make sure that the paper is high quality. On the other hand, if you just want to do an essay about animals or nature, then you should find a topic that you love and write about that.After you have decided on the topic, the next thing that you need to do is to look up the basic details on the topic that you're writing about. This way, you can make sure that the information that you're working with is accurate and current. You also need to know the basics of the topic so that you can know exactly what you need to do in order to get the project finished.Finally, you need to make sure that you understand the grammar and vocab ulary of the subject that you're writing about. An Uc Essay sample needs to have good grammar and word usage. It also needs to be clear and precise, both of which are factors that only you can control. These factors are not easily learned. Therefore, you need to be sure that you understand them before you begin your project.Remember that getting these things done is a result of planning and doing them. You need to do some research and look up samples. You also need to know how to properly construct your essay. The first step is always the hardest, but once you're finished with it, everything else is a piece of cake.

Netflix Strategic Analysis Essay Example

Netflix Strategic Analysis Paper Netflix | Strategic Analysis (Nov 2007)| | Netflix, the online subscription-based DVD rental service aimed to better satisfy customer in a way competitors didn’t, customized and personalized service with unlimited monthly rentals from a great variety of film offerings. Now they want to leverage their strengths to enter into the Video on Demand market| | | 9/18/2009| | 1 1 3 3 6 7 Table of Contents 1. Netflix Strategic Analysis 2. Netflix vs. Blockbuster: Comparative assessment of strategic differences 3. Netflix Competitive Advantage 3. 1 Home video industry Positioning Perspective 3. VRIO Perspective 4. Video On Demand (VOD) – Strategic Advantage i 1. Netflix Strategic Analysis Netflix, an online subscription-based DVD rental service aimed to better satisfy customer in a way competitors didn’t, with unlimited monthly rentals from a great variety of DVD offerings and personalized service. Netflix created a distinctive value proposition by understanding customer needs and competition offerings; Netflix found the sweet spot to align the firm’s capabilities with the customer needs in a way that competitors could not match them, creating unique activities to deliver to that gap(1). To take the movie rental to the next level, Netflix used the internet instead of rental stores and offered service only to DVD users while rental stores were still renting VHS. The combination of internet and DVD technology made competition irrelevant, by reaching in an untapped market, Netflix expanded existing industry boundaries and reached for the blue ocean(1). Netflix started building their offering from customer’s frustration such as narrow diversity of films and stressful return due dates which implied late fees. Netflix was able to hold large amounts of inventory in their warehouses without having the physical space constringency of a rental store, added convenience of delivery and the unlimited monthly rentals of a subscription model, and using technology for customization and personalization of their service. Leveraging best practices from internet retailers (ebay, Amazon) helped Netflix to identify characteristics that were most appealing to internet customers (2). Understanding what customer valued allow Netflix to strengthen their critical success factors. . Netflix vs. Blockbuster: Comparative assessment of strategic differences. 1 Blockbuster focused their strategy on impulse rental customers, while Netflix focused on customers that desired selection and for which watching movies was a way of entertainment. While Blockbuster business relied on newest release (70% of revenue came from hit movies) (2) they kept a narrow variety of movies and their financial success depended highly in ma ximizing the rental of those hit movies in inventory. We will write a custom essay sample on Netflix Strategic Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Netflix Strategic Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Netflix Strategic Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer To be able to increase utilization, the movies had a return due date and late fees would be applied if returned after. Netflix business model promoted lower profile films, while working in new relationships with studios to lower cost and quicker access of new releases (only 30% of revenue came from new releases)(2). Netflix continued making deals with movie producers and acquiring movies to enlarge the diversity and size of their DVD library; simultaneously applied the subscription model which allowed customers to reach an unlimited amount of movies per month (keeping three at a time). Blockbuster scope was to expand geographical coverage nationwide, owning most of their stores (80%) and franchising the rest (2). Netflix had a similar geographical goal, creating more distribution centers (inexpensive warehouses) improving upon its national wide coverage and reducing delivery time. Using technology to develop a recommendation system and personalized their service, Netflix had established a strong market position with a large and solid base of subscribers by the time Blockbuster entered the online movie rental business. Blockbuster had the power of high retaliation and leverage from their already established brand and existing products, so they integrated its online model with its traditional store business, eliminating late fees, copying Netflix business model and under-cutting price to gain market share, but still it did not offset their loss of revenue by 2005. 2 Blockbuster was too confident in their brand and their reach that failed to see the threat from the online rental business, meanwhile Netflix took advantage of their slow entrance to build a market and leverage on growing technology (DVD) that took off really quickly. The strategy canvas shown in Figure 1 captures how Netflix’s strategy differs from Blockbuster’s and their areas of differentiation. Netflix shifted their focus to alternative new offerings, building on critical success factors that could not be matched by Blockbuster, even when they entered the online video rental. Figure 1. Strategic canvas of home movie rental 3. Netflix Competitive Advantage 3. 1 Home video industry Positioning Perspective 3 To understand Netflix’s positioning in the home video industry offering of movies in the comfort of the home it is useful to employ Porter’s 5 forces framework to identify the gap they are filling and their strengths and weaknesses. Threat of Entry: To be able to start up a home video business would require a significant investment capital. Although the required capital for infrastructure could be medium to low (open a store and do minimum amount of marketing), it could be expensive for new entrants to invest in movies to create the necessary inventory, especially without relationships with movie studios and producers. Also retaliation could be expected from larger players if the new business poses a threat. For a possible entrant, high differentiation (for example convenience or diversity) would be necessary to be able to succeed. The threat of entry would be considered medium to low, but Netflix saw the opportunity to get into the industry by highly differentiating themselves to be able to compete. Threat of Substitution: Alternatives to the home video industry would be: first, movie theaters, expensive and lack the convenience of watching the movie in the comfort of the house. Second, to watch a movie through commercial television, it takes longer time to be available and is interrupted by commercials. Third, to watch movies through the internet, on the computer; it may be convenient, but not comfortable. Also, a customer always has as an option not to spend their free time watching movies. The substitutes are weak until technology allows for easy, quick and cheap movies to be downloaded through the internet and transfer to the TV. The threat of substitution is low. 4 The power of buyers: The source of dissatisfaction of customers comes from the narrow selection of movies and the rental due dates resulting in late fees. It becomes expensive for those who are volume customers and have to pay large amounts of money. But buyers have low switching cost as there are several options for renting movies, despite this fact, individual customers do not hold bargaining power over the price of products in this market since one customer’s decision to buy the service or not will not affect the overall market at all; similarly one customer’s dissatisfaction will not influence other customers significantly. The level of dissatisfaction with the service would promote a widespread response in the presence of a differentiated product that is more convenient and satisfactory for customers. Netflix â€Å"invested in things that were strategically relevant to customer satisfaction potential† (2) taking advantage of discontent of the underserved customers which increased buyers’ switching cost and decreased the buyer power. The power of supplier: High up-front investment is necessary to be able to acquire films. Without direct relationships with major studios, the industry depended on a small number of movie distributors to acquire the movies with little or no discount increasing the supplier power. Netflix built relationships with major film producers to decrease the up-front cost of new releases by splitting additional revenue; they were able to acquire more movies in a timely manner to satisfy demand. â€Å"As Netflix built its film library, it grew in importance as a distribution channel for many small and independent film studios† †¦ â€Å" Netflix acquired the distribution rights to certain independent films through its Red Envelope Subsidiary†(2). All the actions taken helped Netflix to both decrease the supplier power while increase their movie selection. The mail delivery system had also a major role as Netflix’s supplier. They highly depended on USPS for the success of their model (delivery and return of movies in a timely manner). Netflix took advantage of the declining first class mail industry and strengthen their relationship with USPS, receiving discounts while working on an efficient plan to expedite deliveries and returns and improve customer satisfaction. 5 Rivalry: The home video industry had been highly populated by small and large players with little differentiation offering, basically commodity service in a larger and smaller scale. Blockbuster had been the leader for a long time and smaller â€Å"mom and pops shops† did not present strong competition. The rivalry could be considered medium. As industry grew in a constant pace, more people demanded a wider selection with more convenience; this allowed Netflix to get into the industry with a differentiated product that allowed them to succeed. 3. 2 VRIO Perspective Netflix initial strategic advantage was based on differentiation from using the internet to select the movies, their unlimited monthly movies from the subscription based system with no late fees, the wider inventory of movies and the use of mail for delivery, very different from Blockbuster’s offering. It was a good strategy over the short term, but it only gave Netflix a temporal competitive advantage as anybody could copy what they were doing. To build a sustainable competitive advantage Netflix dedicated a lot of resources to make their offering unique; this helped them to further differentiate themselves. This strategy leveraged the value proposition of convenience and selection by personalizing their offering and building strong relationships between their system and their customers, their intent was to increase customer retention, offering features that customers could not find at any competitor, and that would be too difficult for a competitor to copy. Netflix invested in technology that allowed them to get to know customers using surveys, movie reviews and monitoring rental trends. All this permitted Netflix to give customers accurate recommendation of movies based on customer likes while having a queue of movies that would be shipped to them on priority basis. Using their core strengths and building rarity and difficulty of imitability, as observed in the VRIO analysis in Table 1, Netflix customer data base and personalized offering allowed them to have a sustainable competitive advantage in delivering home video entertainment. 6 Table 1: Netflix critical success factors – VRIO break down | Resources| V| R| I| O| | Physical| | | | | | | Technology| * | * | | * | TCA| Logistics| * | * | | * | TCA| | Geographical reach| * | | | * | | | Wide selection| * | * | * | * | SCA| | Brand| * | * | | * | TCA| | Convenience Easy access| * | * | | * | TCA| | Customer database| * | * | * | * | SCA| Organization| | | | | | | Knowing customer| * | * | * | * | SCA| | Recommendation| * | * | * | * | SCA| | Subscription| * | * | | * | TCA| | No late fees| * | * | | * | TC A| | Relationship with studios| * | * | | * | TCA| Human| | | | | | Team commitment| * | * | * | * | SCA| TCA – Temporary Competitive Advantage (Strength and distinctive competence) SCA – Sustainable competitive Advantage (Strength and sustainable distinctive competence) 4. Video On Demand (VOD) – Strategic Advantage While Netflix â€Å"believed that the DVD rental market would remain healthy for years in the future†(2), they also recognized, just as they did when entering the DVD market, the need to take advantage of the fast pace growing technology and enter the VOD market in its early stages in order to maintain ts superior â€Å"position as a giant in the media industry†(2). Unlike Blockbusters’ response when Netflix first appeared with a product so different from theirs, rather than seeing the new offering as an option that would appeal only to a niche market(2), Netflix acknowledged the VOD offering as a service that would benefit the mass market needs(2). 7 VOD presents two main challenges, the first is the hardware requirements to allow connectivity between the computer and television, adopting streaming offering would allow Netflix to establish in the VOD market while waiting for the technology to develop. The second is â€Å"the current limitations in available content† (2). Adopting the VOD business as a separate service could hurt Netflix’s â€Å"wide selection† image making it difficult to satisfy its wide range of customers. While Netflix must continue pressuring the studios to let them have more available films in VOD, choosing the option of integrating a streaming online video feature in their core offering, would allow them to build on their current differentiation strengths: unlimited monthly rentals from a great variety of movies and personalized service. New customers interested in the VOD offering would also enter in the data base helping further growth of Netflix’s customized and personalized system while taking advantage of their variety of DVD movies still not available through VOD. In the initial stages, both DVD online rental and VOD would complement each other. It would be expected for the streaming online video feature to increase popularity while overcoming the technical challenges of VOD. At the same time, the DVD rental business would be expected to decline. This strategy would help them transition effectively in the market. It will be easier to convert its customer from DVD’s delivered movies to VOD rather than acquiring new customers from scratch. Finally, integrating the current offering with the streaming online video while leveraging from their distinctive competencies, ultimately will give Netflix a sustainable competitive advantage â€Å"to allow for the best home video viewing for its customers† (2). References (1) W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne, â€Å"Blue Ocean Strategy: From Theory to Practice† California Review Management, 2005. (2) 8 8 7 7 Willy Shih, Stephen Kaufman and David Spinola, â€Å"Netflix†, Harvard Business School, November 19, 2007. Netflix Strategic Analysis Essay Example Netflix Strategic Analysis Essay Netflix | Strategic Analysis (Nov 2007)| | Netflix, the online subscription-based DVD rental service aimed to better satisfy customer in a way competitors didn’t, customized and personalized service with unlimited monthly rentals from a great variety of film offerings. Now they want to leverage their strengths to enter into the Video on Demand market| | | 9/18/2009| | 1 1 3 3 6 7 Table of Contents 1. Netflix Strategic Analysis 2. Netflix vs. Blockbuster: Comparative assessment of strategic differences 3. Netflix Competitive Advantage 3. 1 Home video industry Positioning Perspective 3. VRIO Perspective 4. Video On Demand (VOD) – Strategic Advantage i 1. Netflix Strategic Analysis Netflix, an online subscription-based DVD rental service aimed to better satisfy customer in a way competitors didn’t, with unlimited monthly rentals from a great variety of DVD offerings and personalized service. Netflix created a distinctive value proposition by understanding customer needs and competition offerings; Netflix found the sweet spot to align the firm’s capabilities with the customer needs in a way that competitors could not match them, creating unique activities to deliver to that gap(1). To take the movie rental to the next level, Netflix used the internet instead of rental stores and offered service only to DVD users while rental stores were still renting VHS. The combination of internet and DVD technology made competition irrelevant, by reaching in an untapped market, Netflix expanded existing industry boundaries and reached for the blue ocean(1). Netflix started building their offering from customer’s frustration such as narrow diversity of films and stressful return due dates which implied late fees. Netflix was able to hold large amounts of inventory in their warehouses without having the physical space constringency of a rental store, added convenience of delivery and the unlimited monthly rentals of a subscription model, and using technology for customization and personalization of their service. Leveraging best practices from internet retailers (ebay, Amazon) helped Netflix to identify characteristics that were most appealing to internet customers (2). Understanding what customer valued allow Netflix to strengthen their critical success factors. . Netflix vs. Blockbuster: Comparative assessment of strategic differences. 1 Blockbuster focused their strategy on impulse rental customers, while Netflix focused on customers that desired selection and for which watching movies was a way of entertainment. While Blockbuster business relied on newest release (70% of revenue came from hit movies) (2) they kept a narrow variety of movies and their financial success depended highly in ma ximizing the rental of those hit movies in inventory. We will write a custom essay sample on Netflix Strategic Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Netflix Strategic Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Netflix Strategic Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer To be able to increase utilization, the movies had a return due date and late fees would be applied if returned after. Netflix business model promoted lower profile films, while working in new relationships with studios to lower cost and quicker access of new releases (only 30% of revenue came from new releases)(2). Netflix continued making deals with movie producers and acquiring movies to enlarge the diversity and size of their DVD library; simultaneously applied the subscription model which allowed customers to reach an unlimited amount of movies per month (keeping three at a time). Blockbuster scope was to expand geographical coverage nationwide, owning most of their stores (80%) and franchising the rest (2). Netflix had a similar geographical goal, creating more distribution centers (inexpensive warehouses) improving upon its national wide coverage and reducing delivery time. Using technology to develop a recommendation system and personalized their service, Netflix had established a strong market position with a large and solid base of subscribers by the time Blockbuster entered the online movie rental business. Blockbuster had the power of high retaliation and leverage from their already established brand and existing products, so they integrated its online model with its traditional store business, eliminating late fees, copying Netflix business model and under-cutting price to gain market share, but still it did not offset their loss of revenue by 2005. 2 Blockbuster was too confident in their brand and their reach that failed to see the threat from the online rental business, meanwhile Netflix took advantage of their slow entrance to build a market and leverage on growing technology (DVD) that took off really quickly. The strategy canvas shown in Figure 1 captures how Netflix’s strategy differs from Blockbuster’s and their areas of differentiation. Netflix shifted their focus to alternative new offerings, building on critical success factors that could not be matched by Blockbuster, even when they entered the online video rental. Figure 1. Strategic canvas of home movie rental 3. Netflix Competitive Advantage 3. 1 Home video industry Positioning Perspective 3 To understand Netflix’s positioning in the home video industry offering of movies in the comfort of the home it is useful to employ Porter’s 5 forces framework to identify the gap they are filling and their strengths and weaknesses. Threat of Entry: To be able to start up a home video business would require a significant investment capital. Although the required capital for infrastructure could be medium to low (open a store and do minimum amount of marketing), it could be expensive for new entrants to invest in movies to create the necessary inventory, especially without relationships with movie studios and producers. Also retaliation could be expected from larger players if the new business poses a threat. For a possible entrant, high differentiation (for example convenience or diversity) would be necessary to be able to succeed. The threat of entry would be considered medium to low, but Netflix saw the opportunity to get into the industry by highly differentiating themselves to be able to compete. Threat of Substitution: Alternatives to the home video industry would be: first, movie theaters, expensive and lack the convenience of watching the movie in the comfort of the house. Second, to watch a movie through commercial television, it takes longer time to be available and is interrupted by commercials. Third, to watch movies through the internet, on the computer; it may be convenient, but not comfortable. Also, a customer always has as an option not to spend their free time watching movies. The substitutes are weak until technology allows for easy, quick and cheap movies to be downloaded through the internet and transfer to the TV. The threat of substitution is low. 4 The power of buyers: The source of dissatisfaction of customers comes from the narrow selection of movies and the rental due dates resulting in late fees. It becomes expensive for those who are volume customers and have to pay large amounts of money. But buyers have low switching cost as there are several options for renting movies, despite this fact, individual customers do not hold bargaining power over the price of products in this market since one customer’s decision to buy the service or not will not affect the overall market at all; similarly one customer’s dissatisfaction will not influence other customers significantly. The level of dissatisfaction with the service would promote a widespread response in the presence of a differentiated product that is more convenient and satisfactory for customers. Netflix â€Å"invested in things that were strategically relevant to customer satisfaction potential† (2) taking advantage of discontent of the underserved customers which increased buyers’ switching cost and decreased the buyer power. The power of supplier: High up-front investment is necessary to be able to acquire films. Without direct relationships with major studios, the industry depended on a small number of movie distributors to acquire the movies with little or no discount increasing the supplier power. Netflix built relationships with major film producers to decrease the up-front cost of new releases by splitting additional revenue; they were able to acquire more movies in a timely manner to satisfy demand. â€Å"As Netflix built its film library, it grew in importance as a distribution channel for many small and independent film studios† †¦ â€Å" Netflix acquired the distribution rights to certain independent films through its Red Envelope Subsidiary†(2). All the actions taken helped Netflix to both decrease the supplier power while increase their movie selection. The mail delivery system had also a major role as Netflix’s supplier. They highly depended on USPS for the success of their model (delivery and return of movies in a timely manner). Netflix took advantage of the declining first class mail industry and strengthen their relationship with USPS, receiving discounts while working on an efficient plan to expedite deliveries and returns and improve customer satisfaction. 5 Rivalry: The home video industry had been highly populated by small and large players with little differentiation offering, basically commodity service in a larger and smaller scale. Blockbuster had been the leader for a long time and smaller â€Å"mom and pops shops† did not present strong competition. The rivalry could be considered medium. As industry grew in a constant pace, more people demanded a wider selection with more convenience; this allowed Netflix to get into the industry with a differentiated product that allowed them to succeed. 3. 2 VRIO Perspective Netflix initial strategic advantage was based on differentiation from using the internet to select the movies, their unlimited monthly movies from the subscription based system with no late fees, the wider inventory of movies and the use of mail for delivery, very different from Blockbuster’s offering. It was a good strategy over the short term, but it only gave Netflix a temporal competitive advantage as anybody could copy what they were doing. To build a sustainable competitive advantage Netflix dedicated a lot of resources to make their offering unique; this helped them to further differentiate themselves. This strategy leveraged the value proposition of convenience and selection by personalizing their offering and building strong relationships between their system and their customers, their intent was to increase customer retention, offering features that customers could not find at any competitor, and that would be too difficult for a competitor to copy. Netflix invested in technology that allowed them to get to know customers using surveys, movie reviews and monitoring rental trends. All this permitted Netflix to give customers accurate recommendation of movies based on customer likes while having a queue of movies that would be shipped to them on priority basis. Using their core strengths and building rarity and difficulty of imitability, as observed in the VRIO analysis in Table 1, Netflix customer data base and personalized offering allowed them to have a sustainable competitive advantage in delivering home video entertainment. 6 Table 1: Netflix critical success factors – VRIO break down | Resources| V| R| I| O| | Physical| | | | | | | Technology| * | * | | * | TCA| Logistics| * | * | | * | TCA| | Geographical reach| * | | | * | | | Wide selection| * | * | * | * | SCA| | Brand| * | * | | * | TCA| | Convenience Easy access| * | * | | * | TCA| | Customer database| * | * | * | * | SCA| Organization| | | | | | | Knowing customer| * | * | * | * | SCA| | Recommendation| * | * | * | * | SCA| | Subscription| * | * | | * | TCA| | No late fees| * | * | | * | TC A| | Relationship with studios| * | * | | * | TCA| Human| | | | | | Team commitment| * | * | * | * | SCA| TCA – Temporary Competitive Advantage (Strength and distinctive competence) SCA – Sustainable competitive Advantage (Strength and sustainable distinctive competence) 4. Video On Demand (VOD) – Strategic Advantage While Netflix â€Å"believed that the DVD rental market would remain healthy for years in the future†(2), they also recognized, just as they did when entering the DVD market, the need to take advantage of the fast pace growing technology and enter the VOD market in its early stages in order to maintain ts superior â€Å"position as a giant in the media industry†(2). Unlike Blockbusters’ response when Netflix first appeared with a product so different from theirs, rather than seeing the new offering as an option that would appeal only to a niche market(2), Netflix acknowledged the VOD offering as a service that would benefit the mass market needs(2). 7 VOD presents two main challenges, the first is the hardware requirements to allow connectivity between the computer and television, adopting streaming offering would allow Netflix to establish in the VOD market while waiting for the technology to develop. The second is â€Å"the current limitations in available content† (2). Adopting the VOD business as a separate service could hurt Netflix’s â€Å"wide selection† image making it difficult to satisfy its wide range of customers. While Netflix must continue pressuring the studios to let them have more available films in VOD, choosing the option of integrating a streaming online video feature in their core offering, would allow them to build on their current differentiation strengths: unlimited monthly rentals from a great variety of movies and personalized service. New customers interested in the VOD offering would also enter in the data base helping further growth of Netflix’s customized and personalized system while taking advantage of their variety of DVD movies still not available through VOD. In the initial stages, both DVD online rental and VOD would complement each other. It would be expected for the streaming online video feature to increase popularity while overcoming the technical challenges of VOD. At the same time, the DVD rental business would be expected to decline. This strategy would help them transition effectively in the market. It will be easier to convert its customer from DVD’s delivered movies to VOD rather than acquiring new customers from scratch. Finally, integrating the current offering with the streaming online video while leveraging from their distinctive competencies, ultimately will give Netflix a sustainable competitive advantage â€Å"to allow for the best home video viewing for its customers† (2). References (1) W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne, â€Å"Blue Ocean Strategy: From Theory to Practice† California Review Management, 2005. (2) 8 8 7 7 Willy Shih, Stephen Kaufman and David Spinola, â€Å"Netflix†, Harvard Business School, November 19, 2007.

How to Format a Book in 6 Powerful Steps Ebook Formatting

How to Format a Book in 6 Powerful Steps Ebook Formatting How to Format a Book with the Reedsy Book Editor If you are a self-publishing author who wants to know how to typeset a book, there are plenty of tools and resources available to you. Many writers use MS Word for ebook formatting - but this shouldn't choice by default. Ensure you take the time to explore the different options available for formatting your manuscript because a clean design is a vital part of publishing success.In this step-by-guide, we’re going to give you tips for producing a professional-looking final product whether that's an ebook, a printed book, or both.  We'll also explain how our very own free tool - the Reedsy Book Editor - can make the job simple for you.Why should I use the Reedsy Book Editor?With the input of the expert designers, our product team designed a book production tool that allows authors to create manuscripts that meet the high standards set by the industry. Whether you want ebook formatting, or to produce physical copies, there are many reasons to turn to the Editor:No previous de sign knowledge required,Your work is securely stored in the cloud and accessible for any device,There's no need to install any softwareProfessionally designed templates, compatible with a variety of distribution platforms,Unlimited exports,...and more. Head to our Reedsy Book Editor and format your book for free, in just a few seconds. And if you have any questions or feedback, feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Interaction Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Interaction Design - Essay Example The purpose of human computer interaction is to analyze the interaction between user and computer. In this paradigm we analyze how we can develop system that is able to offer better features and facilities regarding the usage of system. In addition, this subject investigates the user psychology, behaviours and develops the system that capable to meet the user expectations regarding system working. Human-computer interaction (HCI) research deals with the design of interfaces that facilitate simple and efficient use of computer systems (Marchionini & Sibert, 1991; Myers et al., 1996; DePaula, 2003). Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale (2003) define effective interaction design as the analysis and study of communication among users or people with computers. The fundamental objective of effective human computer interaction design is to build systems that are much more user friendly as well as responsive to user’s requirements thus that people could be able to get their outcomes faster, th rough smaller mistakes and better satisfaction (Dix et al., 1998; Tate, 2001; Field, 2005). The management of the TechPro has decided to implement a new web based system to effectively handle and manage its business activities. In addition, by implementing this system TechPro is aimed to gain competitive edge and get access to global business market. This report will present a detailed analysis of the three development methods that are often used to produce software that are interaction designed focussed are the star model, the dynamic systems development method (DSDM) and the user-centred lifecycle design model. In addition, this report will assess and ensure an effective web design that is needed for creating websites and meeting the standards of web accessibility. This research will also offer some of main relevant legal, social or ethical issues that may arise during the development of software. Here I will critically evaluate how we

Locke and Rousseau on Social Contract Research Paper

Locke and Rousseau on Social Contract - Research Paper Example It is selfish in a way that they did not care for the welfare of other humans. Nevertheless, they were bounded by some natural laws that regulated their behavior. For instance, they were mindful of the rule that they should not hurt each other (Locke 192). They were ought to preserve the existence of humans on earth. Significantly, humans have deemed it necessary and convenient to make a social group (Locke 253). They have actually felt the importance of belongingness -- that is to become part of a human gathering. They have found it convenient to be able to utilize the skills of others to pursue an endeavor. In this sense, humans have learned to become social. They have considered the importance of others to their continued existence. As a consequence, relationships were formed. Forms of interactions have developed. Humans have known each other. They demonstrated ways to help others. In other words, mutual understanding has developed between them. This was the beginning of man to wo man interaction. As cited by Locke, "the first society was between man and wife" (253). This social inclination began the relation between parents and their children (Locke 253). Stated otherwise, the first social institution is the family. Locke specifically referred the family as a conjugal society (253). It is conjugal because the union of man and woman carries with it reciprocal benefits. Mutual assistance and support as well as communion of interests are examples of these benefits (Locke 253). These advantages may have driven humans to form a family. The family therefore is the first form of social group that humans have created. It is the original proof of society’s existence. In a family, humans could find security in all aspects. This finding as proposed by John Locke may have contributed to the present understanding of filial relationship. In another case, Locke included the topic on slavery. He emphasized the fact that slaves are not "part of civil society" (Locke 2 58). In this context, it can be claimed that to be part of civil society, a particular social group must have freedom. This freedom encompasses the right to own, use and enjoy a property. This could mean that an individual belonging to a civil society has the corresponding right to exercise his or her civil rights. To note, the right to own a property belongs to the larger scope of civil rights. As time goes by, humans have found it necessary to protect and preserve their life, liberty and estate (Locke 259). Locke actually considered the three as forms of property (Ashcraft 412). In such case, they formed a political society. In forming this society, the members of the civil society are to surrender some of their natural powers to "the hand of the community" in which they can ask for protection (Locke 260). This protection is made possible by the establishment of a political structure; hence, the creation of the government. This body politic would be the representative of the peopl e as a whole. For this body to be legalized, a majority consent from the community is needed (Laski 16). Locke actually preferred a commonwealth than absolute monarchy. He described the commonwealth as an independent community and not a democracy (Locke 301). For him, a commonwealth has three powers, legislative, executive and federative. These powers are ought to be separated according to Locke. At the end of his treatise, Locke

Student Loan Debt Essay Example for Free

Student Loan Debt Essay Summarize the student loan industry. Answer with respect to both public and private loans and be clear as to which you are referring to. a) What led to the inception of the student loan market? The inception of the student loan market started like any other loan market, there were a large amount of borrowers who needed money now to invest in college to make more later that were matched with lenders who had excess funds and wanted return on the funds. The National Defense Education Act of 1958 which provided loans to students in higher education institutions started the student loan market. This was supposed to help train students to get jobs that will help them succeed and in turn help our nation succeed. b) What major changes have occurred over the years? The biggest changes in the loan industry have been the recent dramatic increase in enrollment at colleges. An alarming trend in the last twenty years is that appropriations to universities per full time student are going down while public four year tuition and fees are increasing. Total outstanding student loan debt, number of student borrowers and average debt per borrower has been steadily increasing over the last decade. Recent changes include private lenders becoming less inclined to lend. b. i) Since 2004 both the number of student loan borrowers, and the average balance per borrower has steadily increased, according to data compiled by the Fed New York (b. i. 1) 2004 25-year olds with student debt was just over 25%; grown to more than 40% (2013) (b. i. 2) 2012 Number of student loan borrowers totaled almost 40M and the average balance per borrower was slightly less than $25k (b. i. 2. a) 40% had balances less than $10k; 30% had balances between $10k and $25k; 4% over $100k c) What is the current source of financing? c. i) $1T financed by the federal government c. ii) $. 2T financed by private lenders (c. ii. 1) They are lending less c. iii) Federal (c. iii. 1) Make up about 85% of the total student debt outstanding (c. iii. 2) 93% of all new loans continuing to increase since the Recession (c. iii. 3) Credit Check not required but may be turned down if they are delinquent on existing student loan (c. iii. 4) 21% were delinquent 2012 c. iv) Private (c. iv. 1) Private student loan market includes loans made not only by banks, but also loans made by credit unions, state agencies, and schools themselves (c. iv. 2) Makes up about 15% of the total student debt outstanding (c. iv. 3) 2008 was $25B 2012 it is $8B since Recession (c. iv. 4) Credit Check, full underwriting guarantor (90%) (c. iv. 4. a) Underwriting has stricken since (c. iv. 5) 4% are delinquent 2012 (c. iv. 6) Tough to restructure c. v) Both often have a 6 month grace period d) How are lending decisions made by lenders in today’s world? For private lenders, lending decisions today have tightened dramatically since the recent economic recession, and it seems as though they are ducking out of the student loan industry because of all the bad loans they have on their balance sheets. Federal lenders have gone the complete other way; they do not have stringent requirements for the loans that they are handing out. Borrowers are encouraged to max out their federal lending before they go to their private lending. e) How are borrower decisions made by borrowers in today’s world? They have very little choice when choosing alternatives for student loans, these options include private lending and federal lending. A borrower should max out their federal loans then go on and be as prudent as they can when selecting a private loan. There is also a lack of transparency that makes it difficult for borrowers to pick private loans after they have maxed out their federal loans. Therefore the decisions are incredibly difficult to make after you max out your federal loans. Every student should be diligent and use all of the options that are set in question number three to make the best borrowing decision as possible. f) What is the size of the market today? How has its size evolved since its inception? f. i) Same statistics listed in 1c are relevant here f. ii) How has it evolved since its inception? The Market size of student loans is $1. 2 Trillion, private accounting for $0. 2 Trillion and federal accounting for $1 Trillion. Student Loans taken out have been increasing, student loan debt outstanding has been increasing and average student loan debt per borrower has been increasing. Some believe that these may cause problems and increase outstanding debt and defaults which taxpayers have to pay. While government professionals may believe that taking a hit now to help consumers get higher paying jobs may be worth it in the long run so they can start consuming. 2) How have student loans been treated in bankruptcy historically and today? a) Include in your answer information about how the treatment impacts lending b) Include in your answer information about how the treatments impacts the economy c) There is some controversy here why does that arise? d) What might happen if the laws changed? Before 1976 student loans were dischargeable in bankruptcy; this policy did have some loopholes though and when it comes to loopholes in money you do not want to leave many. Student loans stopped becoming dischargeable because they were afraid that the students would take advantage of the opportunity to file bankruptcy and rid themselves of student loan debt and drain the system. Disallowing the discharge of student loan debt helps to increase incentives for lending since borrowers are stuck on the hook and have to pay it back; this makes the lenders feel more comfortable and increases their willingness to lend. This can have multiple impacts on the economy because if student loan borrowers are no longer able to file for bankruptcy on their student loans you are more likely to have a generation of student borrowers that cannot pay their debts. If students graduate with a large amount of debt they are less likely to be consuming products like mortgage or car loans which help our economy run more efficiently. Some student borrowers may end up not borrowing because of the increased risk due to no bankruptcy. Lastly, a horrible scenario may be that lenders know that student loan borrowers cannot default therefore they hand out loans for anyone that wants them because the lender knows they will be stuck on the hook. This has horrible ramifications because one should never lend when they do not believe the borrower will be able to pay them back. 3) Outside of bankruptcy, what ways of dealing with non-payment of student loans exist? How might each affect the economy? a) Students who cannot pay off their student loans can a. i) Talk to your high school financial aid office a. ii) Shop for lower interest rates and loans that offer flexibility a. iii) Do not believe the rates as stated because they are stated for the highest credit scores a. iv) Fill out a FAFSA a. v) Search for scholarships a. vi) Apply for income-based repayment plans (must meet criteria of the Department of Education â€Å"partial financial hardship† (a. vi. 1) Could be 10-20% of discretionary income depending on how you apply a. vii) Enter public service such as teaching or other government jobs and you can discharge your loan after 10 years of making regular payments a. viii) The right to change payments from 10 years to 25 years decreasing your monthly payment while increasing the interest payment b) Some worry that people are taking advantage of some of the above options for student loan debt and are hurting the economy c) If I were a future student loan borrower I would try to get my loan in as quickly as possible and enjoy the lower rates because there is reason to believe that the rate can go up since it is now attached to 10-year Treasury Notes student loan delinquency can really take a hit on your credit score. Whenever someone defaults on a student loan the burden falls on the taxpayers of the country. If students found ways to get out of their student loan debt they would end up leaving the taxpayers to pay it off for them. There is reason to believe that being more lenient on student loan delinquency will allow students to finish their education and get a job that will allow them to pay off their student loan and eventually put more money into the economy. One notable solution that I found interesting was to hold schools accountable for their students. Schools that receive subsidized loan money could be left on the hood for a percentage of the loan balance if the student defaults. This would encourage colleges to pick the best applicants that they believe will finish school with a degree that will allow them to get a job that will pay off their student loan and hopefully buy a mortgage and lease a car to help the economy run more efficiently. 4) What is the impact of the existence of student loans on universities and tuition? a) The existence of student loans results in demands on universities – what are these? Universities are positively impacted by the existence of student loans because without them they would have to exponentially lower tuition. This is the same logic that universities have used to raise the price of their tuition. It is simple supply and demand economics, Joe Schmoe high school graduate gets into a fancy college that costs $40k a year and Joe can easily get a loan. Fancy college gets excited and realizes that the demand for the college is not as affected by price change as they might expect and they raise their tuition until finding the optimal price. The overall impact of this raised tuition is that students will have to take on larger student debts to be able to afford tuition at these universities. The larger loans that student takes the more likely they will end up delinquent on their loans. When students are delinquent on their loans they may end up going into default or not finishing school. In both situations the students end up negatively affecting the economy because the delinquent could end up having taxpayers pay for their defaulted loan and the college dropout will be less likely to pay off their loan due to low income opportunities with no college degree. 5) What is the relationship of student lending to other forms of lending? a) For the first time in years a. i) Outstanding student loan debt is greater than outstanding credit card debt (a. i. 1) Student Loan debt is second only to Mortgage Debt a. ii) 30 year olds with student loans are now less likely to take on housing debt than 30 year olds without student debt a. iii) 25 year olds with student loans are now less likely to take on housing debt than 25 year olds without student debt b) Since the peak in household debt in the third quarter of 2008, student loan debt has increased by $293B b. i) Other forms of debt fell a combined $1. 53 trillion b. ii) Only form of debt to substantially increase since the 2008 crisis b. iii) Mortgage balances shown on consumer credit reports dropped (b. iii. 1) Originations are 17. 4% below Q1 2011 b. iv) Credit Card Balances 21. 6% below Q4 of 2008 c) 15% of delinquent student loan borrowers also have delinquent auto loans, 35% have delinquent credit card debt and just over 25% are delinquent on mortgage payments The bottom line is if students are leaving school with more debt, than they will be less able to take on more loans in the housing, credit and auto loan industry, which help power our economy. Two things can end up happening, student loan borrowers will be turned down when seeking lending in the auto or mortgage industry because of the stigma attached to student loans. Another possibility is that a small but significant amount of students take on multiple loans during college and accumulates large amounts outstanding debt in all areas. The most important and repeated statement of this paper will be that the taxpayers will have to pay the loans when students default. 6) What Fed actions (during the past decade) have impacted the student loan industry? 7) Why is the Fed concerned about student loans? What is its actual role here? The Fed is concerned about student loans because it is now the second largest form of outstanding debt and it has been growing. There is reason to believe that it will continue to grow due to low employment encouraging people to stay in school or go back to school. Another pressing concern is that a large amount of these student loans are federally insured and could increase the budget deficit. And to reiterate the most important factor that when students default on their student loans, the burden will be placed firmly on the lap of the taxpayers. The role of the Federal Reserve Bank is to supervise participants in the student loan market. Supervision of participants in the student loan market is similar to their supervision of other retail credit markets and products meaning they are able to go over what you buy aka Student Loans bought by private institutions. Institutions subject to Federal Reserve supervision are â€Å"subject to onsite examinations that evaluate the institutions risk-management practices, including the institutions adherence to sound underwriting standards, timely recognition of loan deterioration and appropriate loan loss provisioning, as well as (to a limited degree) compliance with consumer protection standards. Many of these institutions have significant student loan portfolios. † A large concern the Fed may have about student loans is that of the relevant information (relevant statistics) about student loans are unknown. In the finance world investors are willing to pay for a larger degree of certainty so this proposes a large problem. One action the Fed took was deploying Capital Analysis and Review (CARR) â€Å"which is a supervisory tool that the Fed deploys to enhance financial stability by assessing all exposures on bank balance sheets. Large US banks are strongly encouraged to be forward looking and account for unique risks and keeping sufficient capital so we can continue operations during time of economic and financial distress. † The large US Banks that CARR searched found that they held $63B in government and private student loan debt outstanding $26. 3B of which is outstanding. The Federal Reserve also developed guidance outlining loan modification procedures with the Feral Financial Institution Examination Council which discusses how banks should engage in extensions, deferrals, renewals and rewrites of closed-end retail loans (including private student loans). They encourage that any restructuring should be based on renewed willingness/ability to repay and must be consistent with the banks policies. They note that lenders should work with borrowers who have a legitimate claim to financial hardship. These concerns are shared with the OCC and FDIC; they are even allowing institutions to go against GAAP. The Federal Reserve is really helping borrowers and investors by encouraging lenders to be as transparent as possible. Information should be clear and easily accessible to borrowers and should include information on how to contact the lender or servicer to discuss the programs that might best fit their specific needs.

Essay --

Creative Analysis & Solutions value of businesses SYSTEM REQUEST - CENTRALIZED SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC RESERVATION AND BILLING Business Need: This project has been initiated to replace the existing paper based reservation and billing system with the centralized system for electronic reservation and billing of the customers to provide the best personalized service to the target customers. Executive Summary: Currently we are in a project initiation phase. Following is the list tasks we will be doing throughout the project tenure. We have got approval from Mr. Jim and Mrs. Marlene Dodge, owner of this project for the system request. Based on the assumptions we have made en economic feasibility chart. Tasks associated with the project in each phases: Phase Tasks Deliverables Explanation Project Initiation 1. Create Project Charter Project Charter It is an official document from the sponsor. It describes the mission of the team and how to accomplish that mission. 2. Complete feasibility analysis Constraints and Assumptions Feasibility Analysis determines whether to go forward with the project or not. It also covers the risks associated with the project which is very important to understand before the approval of the project. This is the most important deliverable of the initiation phase. Following areas will get covered in Feasibility Analysis. a] Technical Feasibility: Deals with the risks associated with the use of applications and technologies while the project is going on. It's always risky if we use an unfamiliar application or technology. ... ... 1 1 6 10 13 12 13 14 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 38 29 38 39 48 34 48 49 50 49 49 49 51 52 52 References: 1] Systems Analysis and Design - Dennis. Wixom. Roth 2] www.google.com 3] http://www.tryonassoc.com/pdffiles/Task%20List%20-%20Project%20Management.pdf 4] http://www.ofm.wa.gov/ocio/pmframework/initiation/planning/schedule.asp