The Causes of Party Polarization in America Term Paper

The Causes of Party Polarization in America - Term Paper Example Polarization is defined in politics as the process through which public opinions are divided and go to extremes (Baumer and Howard 22). Party polarization is defined as the process through which extreme factions within a political party gain some form of dominance within the party. In such a case, the moderate factions tend to lose influence and power. In recent years, the United States political system has witnessed increased polarization. Party polarization has had consequences in the United States especially with respect to policymaking. Whereas the parties tend to go to the extremes, the public opinion does not really go to the extreme. That notwithstanding, party polarization greatly shape public opinion especially in regard to policy. Party polarization is very evident in both the Congress and the Senate (Ura and Christopher 280). The state of American politics is increasingly colored by partisan polarization: the two major political parties have grown ideologically more unifie d internally and farther apart from each other. As the two parties’ policy preferences diverge further from each other at the elite level, it naturally becomes more difficult for the two to work together. With the shrinking rank of ideological moderates, â€Å"the possibilities of bipartisan negotiation and compromise diminish.† Today the two parties clash with each other more often and more strenuously and vigorously than recent history in Washington and in state capitals. Party-based conflicts, policy stagnation, and paralysis inspired by party competition seem to have become the norm in the early twenty-first century. It is against the above background that it is important to understand party polarization in the United States. To achieve this, this paper will seek to respond to the following questions: What are the roots of partisan polarization? What specific developments in the emergence of the political parties led to party polarization? What are the main contrib uting factors to the re-emergence of party polarization? How is partisan polarization linked to deeper cultural divisions within American society? What have been the policy consequences of partisan polarization for the policy process? Roots of Partisan Polarization Partisan polarization in American politics traces its roots from the period of the Civil War. However, it became more apparent after the attainment of American independence. Over the past century and a half, the American political system has been dominated by two main parties. Third parties that have emerged from that time achieved some measured success, but in the end, they have usually been absorbed by one of the dominant parties (Frymer 336). Partisan polarization has been as a result of ideological differences that can be traced throughout the American political history; it has emanated from the ideological divide of liberalists versus conservatives. It is also important to note that there are other factors apart from the ideology that has been critical in creating partisan polarization; for example, geographical divisions have been so evident as parties have taken the dimensions of the â€Å"Southern† or â€Å"Northern† wings (Pearson 1). While the rapid rise in partisan polarization is relatively recent, the origins of party polarization are not; in fact, much of what we see today can be traced back to the early twentieth century.

Environmental Sustainability and Public Policy Research Paper

Environmental Sustainability and Public Policy - Research Paper Example But as the world now looks in retrospect, it’s evident that this growth has come at a cost. A cost which the future generations will have to bear if the respective practices pursue. Nature has provided us with the vast pool of resources that have fuelled our industrial growth alongside provision of basic sustenance materials such as food, water and air. But rampant anthropocentrism has made most industries oblivious to the consequences of growth at the expense of a degenerating ecosystem. While economists have historically acclaimed that human beings have unlimited wants but limited resources, the emphasis has lied on financial resources. Natural resources have always been thought of as being infinite. This thought has eventually led to what Garrett Hardin deemed as the Tragedy of the commons, multiple individuals acting independently and rationally consulting their own self-interest, depleting a shared resource without any consideration for the future sustainability of that r esource. This phenomenon has gained due attention from scientific circles and has inevitably transcended to political and administrative circles as well. By virtue of sharing a common environment, global initiatives are being taken to analyze the extent the environmental damages have taken place and modify the practices that need to take place. We are dependent on the environment for our survival and growth, and in return the environment requires our reciprocation for its sustenance. Facing countless environmental issues, the onus for environmental sustainability lies on governments, industries, citizens and every inhabitant of this planet; by virtue of being stakeholders. Some of the most pressing environmental issues that have surfaced include: Biodiversity: To protect ecosystems and curb extinction of species, otherwise it is bound to cause discrepancies in the natural food chain. This will automatically be a great loss for the environment and pose as a hurdle in sustainability. Climate change effects on ecosystems: The melting of glaciers and over all global biodiversity depletion is causing damage to the ecosystems as animal habitats are changing drastically. Oil pollution: Global oil mining and leaks such as the BP New Mexico leak have created massive setbacks in the animal population and permanently damaged sea beds. Several animal species are now included in the endangered species list as a consequence. Thus, it is the prime purpose of governments and environment protecting agencies to look into more environmental friendly energy sources and for now, a safer incident-free transportation system. Biosafety: To add artificial ecosystem catalizers in place of endangered species to add value back to the system and assuage the prevalent damages in the affected region. This is the least our advanced technology can do to add to the environment in place of the damages it has caused. Perhaps science and environmental sustainability can perhaps one day be known a s coexisting rather than being antonyms. Global dimming: The reflection of causes an opposite effect of global warming and doesn’t allow the sun’s heat and energy to pass though. This is known to have caused the droughts in Ethiopia. Thus, CO2 levels need to be looked at and controlled otherwise they will play

Compulsory Education Essay Example for Free

Compulsory Education Essay There are many forms of research for compulsory education. When I started to dig for Information, I was quite amazed in how far back it actually goes. It may have been a little different then, but the concept behind it were and still are the same. With that, you will see multiple questions that need to be answered. What function does compulsory education serve in the United States, what are the advantages and disadvantages to compulsory education, and how can we make school better for todays young learners? Compulsory education is the attendance required by all students. In reading, michaeladuffy’s research, I understand what he is trying to say in more clarity. How does it affect our children? He states, â€Å"As I continue to ask questions about why we have CE in the United States the answer most often I receive is that it increases literacy. † He brings us back by saying, â€Å"I am often told of the condition of the youth in the eighteenth century where children ran rampant in the streets and committed all sorts of crimes and vandalism. † Is it at this time we started to think about the youth’s education? During those times of hardship they still managed to keep a literacy rate of ninety percent. Through hard work and learning, at the same time, they managed to raise the rate to ninety-eight percent by 1852. By upping the literacy rate, in the United States, we see a great improvement in our children. â€Å"In fact the high literacy rate one hundred years before compulsory education was primarily due to the focus of Bible reading that spread throughout Europe and the new world. Perhaps it was a Biblical interest that accounted for black literacy in the south which was around eighty percent before CE came into effect† (Zhang 29). Michaeladuffy also points out that there are troubling times in our schools to the extent of dropouts and absenteeism. By reading his one paragraph on, â€Å"why children would miss class† (par 4) he lists five reasons they would. It ranges from being an obese child all the way to having poor eyes sight and not wanting to ask question for the fear of being teased. I can see why this is. Children these days will drop out if they are not treated correct. When kids are picked on their insecurity level falls at an all time low. The only option they have left is to not go to school and live with themselves. During my research the answer was never there. It is ones interpretation of the compulsory education and how it serves in the United States. In the early years of a child they continue to have more of independence for learning to develop each of their demands. Decades ago children opted not go to school, but instead work with their families and that is how they survived on such a low income. Compulsory education levels that bar for the unfortunate families who cannot afford it. With compulsory education more people have access to education, now whether they choose to use it is up to them. The one main disadvantage, I think every one might agree with me, is that the government dictates the age for the grade and what the kids are suppose to be doing. In other words they are forced into it. Are children ready for the grade they are in or going to be in? No, they’re probably not. Not one child is the same in learning. In order for our children to be ready for society interaction, activities are needed. How can we make school better for todays young learners? Children’s intellectual growth, in their early years, are constantly growing. Learning new things everyday whether in school or in the social environment. They are more aware of the world they live in through the use of technology. Technology, for children these days, is one of the most important learning tools we have. The child’s learning ability is acquired through countless ways. Some examples may include, but not limited to are; questioning techniques, investigating and interaction with one another. Children are creative and have an eagerness to learn. Emphasizing on their curiosity, their creativeness shows by the use of technology. Providing them with opportunities to use their creative nature we can see a vast improvement in problem solving and thinking of solutions to problems based on their age. Having that teacher to student interaction will vastly help them in the social skills they need to better acquaint themselves with the world they will soon be leaving to. Not one child is alike. By finding what works, the child can receive the proper curriculum. Paul Goodman proposes two countermeasures in this situation. They are good ones at that, but with that said one particular really stuck out amongst the other. By abolishing grading and strictly going on the fact of the teachers knowledge and know how, I believe we can see a great improvement in students’ knowledge. Its because of the grading criteria, we struggle in some subjects. If we drop the grading and base it on experience of life and work, there will be more students eager to learn and striving for that education. Just picture yourself taking a test, you studied day and night for it, but yet you still failed it. Now picture yourself taking the same test with life experience and work experience, it comes to you a little easier. Knowing that the grade you were going to get is not there lingering on your mind. Who do think is going to feel better about themselves after the test is done? Because of the grading system our fear of failing has kicked in. It shows that in life experience over a degree can be beneficial in some areas of expertise. With that being said, I do agree with the two year of maturing before entering school. You never know what experience you will receive in the world. In concluding my research of what functions does compulsory education have in the United States, we see that it is a tricky question. It does have a purpose but its purpose is still unclear to some, including me. We see the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of compulsory education. There are many things we can do to help our young ones to enjoy schooling. From the time of the eighteenth century, we have been striving to educate the younger children and make learning enjoyable. Hartman 5 References: * michaeladuffy. wordpress. com/2012/07/02 Date of access Aug 20 2012 * bestvolunteer. org †º More News †º Other News Date of access Aug 20 2012 * https://www. det. nsw. edu. au/ /Our_young_learners Date of access Aug 20 2012 * http://voices. yahoo. com/our-fundamental-future-eliminating-compulsory-education-5570. html Date of access 22 Aug 2012 8:47pm * Does School Time Matter? On the Impact of Compulsory Education Age on School Dropout Cabus, Sofie J. ; De Witte, Kristof Economics of Education Review, v30 n6 p1384-1398 Dec 2011. 15 pp. ISSN: 0272-7757 Date of access 22 Aug 2012.

Pricing strategy of metro cash and carry

Pricing strategy of metro cash and carry In the foreign literature, the retailing theme is deeply approached by numerous authors in the work Principles of retailing, the authors J. Fernie, S. Fernie and C. Moore (2003) present the model of the five competitive forces belonging to M. Porter in the retailing field, the retailers strategic alternatives, after the model of M. Porter and respectively I. Ansoff, the SWOT analysis and a series of other theoretical aspects referring to this sector. P. Kopalle (2009) analyze the price strategies of retailers and the competitive effects generated by them, considering that nowadays, firms do a considerable effort to determine and quantify the competitive effects of price changes, the two elements price strategies and their competitive effects are strongly connected, becoming a particular case in retailing. For those products that a supermarket wishes to take a market-oriented approach to in relation to price, the approach is different (Gibson, 1993). This approach is believed to be based upon product that are seen as having the characteristics of including being purchased regularly, are used by a wide range of consumers who have a high degree of prior knowledge regarding them, and are able to have price comparisons made in relation to competitor offerings (Kumar Leone 1988). In an aggressive competitive environment and an increasing need for operational efficiency and client focused, retailers look beyond their organizations borders in order to develop and extend the resources and competencies of the partners from the supplying chain for creating a superior value and competitive advantages on the market (George et al, 2009). M. Santandreu and R. Lucena (2009) approach the issue of the strategies used by supermarkets, as a part of retailing, hypermarket and supermarket concepts, their dynamics and importance in the economy. An extraordinary introduction in retailing is made by the authors R. Cox and P. Brittain (2004), they presenting in detail the term of retail, its functions, and the place occupied in a countrys economy, theories and tendencies present in this field. Porteus (1990) provides an excellent review, focus on operational efficiency to minimize expected cost. Whitin (1955) was the first to formulate a newsvendor model with price effects. In this model, selling price and stocking quantity are set simultaneously. Whitin adapted the newsvendor model to include a probability distribution of demand that depends on the unit selling price, where price is a decision variable rather than an external parameter (Nicholas 1998). Costs are seen as being the starting point in price decision making according to Monroe (1990) and Nagel (1994). From previous research conducted in New Zealand the predominant pricing strategy employed by most organizations was found to be one of cost plus (Gray et al., 1996; and Varssnji, 1986). As discussed by Kahn and McAlister, 1996; and Simon, 1989 the supermarkets most common method of pricing a product is by using a standard mrk-up across each entire product category. The basis or context for setting the category margins being governed by the elements of location, range of product, and service offering, (Glasser 1998) together with customer convenience, and comparative prices with competitors (Arnold et al., 1983). J. Zentes, D. Morschett and H. Schramm-Klein (2007) approach in the book à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¾Strategic Retail Management a wide issue: typology of retail organizations, growth strategies, retailers internationalization, supply and logistic platforms management in this field, as well as a series of study cases. One of the most difficult, yet important, issues you must decide as an entrepreneur is how much to charge for your product or service. While there is no one single right way to determine your pricing strategy, fortunately there are some guidelines that will help you with your decision. They are also seen as being able to promote store switching (Kumar Leone, 1988) and to draw customers to the store (Multhern Leone, 1991). While these products are likely to be small in number in relation to supermarkets overall product range their impact is considered to be important to the overall performance of a supermarket due to the image that they create (Kaufmann, smith and Ortmeyer, 1994) and for their ability to increase overall store profits (Walters and McKenzie, 1988). Pricing Strategy Objective Pricing objectives provide direction for action (Oxenfeldt, 1983). To have them is to know what is expected and how the efficiency of the operations is to be measured (Tzokas et al., 2000). Diamantopoulos (1991) suggests that pricing objectives can fall under three main headings relating to their content (i.e. nature), the desired level of attainment and the associated time horizon. Channon (1986), cannon and Morgan (1990) summarizes the fundamental pricing objectives that are; Profit maximization Sales maximization Market Share maximization Price stability in the market Sales stability in the market Discouragement of new competitors entering into the market Maintenance of the existing customers Long term survival Attraction of new customer Creation of prestige image for the company Pricing is a crucial management responsibility that has serious strategic and operational consequences. Among the important items in the marketing mix, price is the only variable that can cause immediate financial impacts. Price can ring the cash register, generate revenue and can influence the profitability of a company. Therefore, it is viewed as the ultimate marketing lever (Shipley Jobber, 2001; Feldman 2002; Wyner 2002; Clemons Weber, 1994; Monroe, 2001). Pricing has tremendous ramifications that permeates into nearly every area of an organization: the marketing process (Wyner, 2002), competitive strategy (Clemons Weber, 1994) and corporate performance (Shipley Jobber, 2001) and yet it is the most disregarded, least understood and ineptly managed variable (Shipley Jobber, 2001, Wyner 2002; Monroe 2001) While revenue management systems help firms maximize revenues, adding optimization tools extend their functionality, and firms are thereby able to find optimal price ranges for a particular sub-segment of business customers (Kimes Wagner, 2001, Kalanidhi, 2001). Pricing Methods Oxenfeldt (1983) defines pricing method as the explicit steps or procedures by which firms arrive at pricing decisions. Cost plus method- a profit margin is added on the services average cost (Ward, 1989; Palmer, 1994; Bateson, 1995). Target return pricing the price is determined at the point that yield the firms target rate of return on investment (Meidan, 1996). Break-even analysis- the price is determined at the point where total revenues are equal to total costs (Lovelock, 1996); Contribution analysis- a deviation from the break-even analysis, where only the direct costs of a product or service are taken into consideration (Bateson, 1995). Marginal Pricing- the price is set below total and variable costs so as to cover only marginal costs (Palmer, 1994). Cost-based pricing methods are the most prevalent in most of the countries (Pricing Society, 2002); (Noble Grucca, 1999) Competition-based methods: pricing similar to competitors or according to the markets average prices (Palmer, 1994); Pricing above competitors (Meidan, 1996); Pricing below competitors (Palmer, 1994); Pricing according to the dominant price in the market- the leaders price that is adopted by the rest of the companies in the market (Kurtz and Clow, 1998). Demand -Based Pricing: Perceived- value pricing- the price is based on the customers perceptions of value (Lovelock, 1996); Value pricing- a fairly low price is set for a high quality service (Cahill, 1994); Pricing according to the customers needs- the price is set so as to satisfy customers need (Bonnici, 1991). Developing and executing a pricing strategy effectively calls for an understanding of the strategic rationale behind prices, having a knowledgeable team of marketing personnel who can reach sound pricing decisions through various model building strategies (Feldman 2002), having suitable technology tools to support pricing decisions (Sung Lee 2000; Clemons Weber, 1994) and having a continuous motivation to execute the strategy over time (Wyner 2002). Shipley and Jobber (2001) believe that pricing decisions should be a multistage process that takes into consideration a wide range of forces that are both internal and external to the company and that impact pricing effectiven ess Research Methodology The most appropriate condition for this case is the qualitative study. Qualitative approach is used when the essential principle of the research is to realize and increase imminent (Ghauri Gronhaug, 2005). The essential characteristic of a qualitative research is that the primary instrument in data collection and analysis is the researcher. The research activities include fieldwork and the process is primarily inductive. The data collections that can be used are the documents data archival data, interview data and direct observation (Merriam 1998). Maxwell (1996) claimed that in qualitative research the main threats of validity are; Description Interpretation Theory So keeping in view the overall scenario of research we will adopt Literature Archival Records Internet Sources Interviews PEST SWOT and Porters Analysis

Dialogue - The Locket :: Dialogue Conversation Essays

Dialogue - The Locket At midnight, Paul went outside and sat on the bench on the old, plank porch. Despite bundling himself in a heavy blanket, he shivered in the cold. The eastern sky before him was dotted with stars, scintillating above the quiet spread of desert. A few lonely clouds were drifting by. Patricia timidly opened the door; hesitant to disrupt Paul’s solitude. As he glanced up at Patricia, she could see the melancholy in his eyes. â€Å"What you said today at the funeral was beautiful,† she murmured. Paul smiled sadly. â€Å"I just wanted to tell you that. Good night.† Paul extended his hand. â€Å"Would you join me?† Patricia took his hand and sat down on the bench next to him. Paul wrapped the blanket around her small shoulders. She turned to look at him. â€Å"I suppose that I have never properly thanked you for saving my life. I am sorry for that. I was not sure then that I wished it saved.† He thought about her words. â€Å"What keeps you with him?† he asked. It took a long time for her to answer. â€Å"It is my lot.† Paul frowned. â€Å"That’s not much of an answer.† â€Å"No,† she replied, â€Å"but maybe that’s all there is.† â€Å"Have you considered returning to Ireland?† â€Å"It is not a possibility.† â€Å"But if it were?† â€Å"No good comes from considering things that cannot be.† Patricia was firm. Paul considered this a moment before speaking. â€Å"I suppose you’re right. Where about in Ireland are you from anyway?† â€Å"I came from Cork.† â€Å"You do not carry much of a brogue.† â€Å"I have worked hard to eliminate my brogue. Jack mocks me for it, and there are those in this country who hate me for it.† â€Å"It is unfortunate,† Paul said. â€Å"I think that it sounds beautiful.† Her gratitude and pleasure showed in her eyes. Paul glanced downward and noticed her petite fingers nervously playing with a locket that hung around her neck. The locket was cast in the shape of a four-leaf clover. It was unique, and she wore it religiously–it was almost as if she had been born with the necklace around her neck. It was as much a part of her as her deep auburn hair and green eyes. â€Å"I have heard it said of Cork, that the sky does not rain, it weeps,† Paul continued. â€Å"It is a beautiful, tragic land,† Patricia replied.

Factors that Lead to Teen Pregnancy Essay -- Teen Pregnant Pregnancy E

Factors that Lead to Teen Pregnancy Although the overall rate of teen pregnancy has been declining, the rates have remained high for teens that are most vulnerable. The great majority of Americans believe that teen pregnancies are a serious national problem, indeed a problem that is the major component of what is thought to be national moral decline. However, what causes these teens to become pregnant at such a young age? A large body of research has identified a number of factores that underlie teen sexual and contraceptive behavior, pregnancy, and childbearing. There exists a three part framework of the factors underlying teen pregnancy. There are biological antecedents, including gender, age, testosterone level, and timing of puberty. These factors are causally related to adolescent sexual and contraceptive behavior and pregnancy. A second group of antecedents can be viewed as â€Å"manifestations of social disorganization or advantage† (Kirby, 1997). These include factors in the community and the family such as violent crime, poverty, unemployment, family marital disruption, parents’ lack of education, poor child rearing practice, lack of parental support, and inappropriate sexual pressure or abuse. The second group also includes factors in the individual teen such as lack of religious affiliation, drug and alcohol use, engaging in risk behaviors and deviance, delinquency, poor educational performance, and low expectations for the future. A third group of antecedents are attitudes and beliefs about sexual behavior and pregnancy. These include beliefs, personal values, and perceived norms. Among the many factors which may lead to teen pregnancy, the four that are most predictive of early pregnancy are poverty, early behavioral problems, family problems, and a low self esteem. There are several theories about the reasons why so many young women in poverty become pregnant and carry to full term. Faced with an unintended pregnancy, many teens living in poverty are likely to view early childbearing as a positive, desirable choice. These teens feel that becoming pregnant may in fact improve their lives. Economics may also be responsible for the lower percentage of poor teens who terminate their pregnancies, since Medicaid policies in most states do not pay for abortions, but do pay for services related to childbirth. In addition, some re... ...hildren who are less likely to have early intercourse." Early childhood experiences can make all the difference. Higher levels of parent to teen communication have been related to less permissive sexual attitudes, whereas poor communication with parents and lack of parental support has been linked to earlier initiation of sexual activity. Both high levels of parental supervision and close relationships between adolescents and their parents were related to later timing of teen sexual activity. In addition, parental marital disruption and living with a single parent is associated with the early onset of sexual behavior. This finding probably reflects such factors as lower family incomes, less partental supervision, and parental modeling. The large, complicated, and interrelated accumulation of factors suggest that the course that leads to adolescent sexual activity and pregnancy is complex. Kirby states that â€Å"not merely one or two, but a multitude of antecedents are related to one or more sexual behaviors and pregnancy, including characteristics of the teens themselves, their peers and sexual partners, their families and their communities and states† (Kirby, 1997).

Related Study Essay

Acknowledgement The completion of this business was made possible through the support and encouragements of some important people and the group members, AlfieCajucom, Rishvert Romano, Dustin Del Rosario and Maria Mayella Malang. Friends, Jenina Dela Fuente and Diane Cruz and many significant others. The members of the group is greatly thankful to Mam Rosalita DG..Abello for her comprehensive effort in assisting us to complete this business venture Finally, we are deeply grateful to our Almighty God, from whom we got the needed wisdom and inspiration. INTRODUCTION The lifestyle of our world today is totally different from the past few years. Big and small businesses began to spread out. Being young entrepreneurs the group members are willing to take the risk in putting up a business that can make each one a successful individual in the future. The Pastry Yard is a business of young and brave students, who joined the pastry industry in the form of a simple business. The Pastry Yard sells delightful products with an affordable price. It aims to satisfy the palate of their target market. Competitors will always around that is why the members are doing their best to make the group’s business successful. The Pastry Yard products has a potential in the pastry industry. I. Company Overview A. Name of Business: THE PASTRY YARD The group decided to choose The Pastry Yard for its business, because YARD means the first letter of the group member’s first name. Y for Yella, A for Alfie, R for Rishvert and D for Dustin and added â€Å"PASTRY† to signify the concept that the business products is all about pastries. B. Description of the Business: The Pastry Yard is a retailing type of business. The business decided to propose a business which is selling butterscotch and tarts since they will always be saleable in any season. Foods come in different varieties and tastes but pastries are all time-favorites so the group makes sure that the products are tasty and delicious. Aside from personal selling and offering, the business reaches its target market through its affordable price that is convenient to the students, teachers, employees and even the guardian and the parents inside the campus of St. Mary’s College of Baliuag. C. Name of the Group:Ka Bert’s The owners agreed to the name Ka Bert’s after the name of Rishvert John Romano who is given a pet name â€Å"Berto† acting as the leader of the group. D. Business Owners: Name Nationality Address Role % of Ownership Maria Mayella T. Malang Filipino Bahay Pare, Candaba, Pampanga General Partner 25% Alfie G. Cajucom Filipino Sulivan, Baliuag, Bulacan General Partner 25% Rishvert John T. Romano Filipino Milflora Homes, Sabang, Baliuag, Bulacan General Partner 25% Dustin Del Rosario Filipino Poblacion, Bustos, Bulacan General Partner 25% E. Business Structure: Type of Business Organization: Partnership The owners decided to form a partnership type of business organization for the following reasons: a. The business is easy to establish and start-up costs are low. b. The liabilities are limited c. With more than one owner, the ability to raise funds may be increased. d. Partnerships provide moral support and will allow for more creative brainstorming F. Business Location: The business is located at St. Mary’s College of Baliuag Campus G. Vision: To build up a small business that will offer a unique and savory pastries. Mission: To provide the customers with the best food experience from beginning to end. Goals: To encourage people on eating healthier foods especially the students. To introduce pastries to the people reach by the business. Objectives: To provide and satisfy people in producing a kind of product that can help in utilizing resources by means of selling and gaining profit. MARKETING ANALYIS A. Market Description The Pastry Yard is a business that offers pastries. The business is an advantage for the students having a hard time during break time going to canteen because the product itself will find their find their way to its customers. Pastries are not sold in the school canteen that is why the group saw this as a business opportunity to sell to the students who are looking for something to eat. B. Target Market The group’s target market are the teachers, employees and even the guardian and the parents of the St. Mary’s College of Baliuag. C. Target Area The group’s target area is at St. Mary’s College of Baliuag Quadrangle, located at Racelis St. Baliuag, Bulacan, D. Market Demographics The business targets both male and female with age ranging from 7 years old and above inside the SMCB Campus. E. Products Butter scotch Tart F. Market Positioning Selling the best pastries at an affordable price is the image wanted by the business. G. PRICING Pricing below competition The products price is simply the same with our competitors. This strategy is working best on the group’s efforts. It reduces costs and develops good marketing strategies. Product The Pastry Yard SM Tart Php. 10.00 each Php. 15.00 each Butter scotch Php. 15.00 each Php. 20.00 each Pricing above competition Location and exclusivity of product is one factor that affects the pricing quality. The group that stocks high quality of product will have the potentials in building a price above their competitors. Product The Pastry Yard Market Tart Php. 10.00 each Php. 8.00 each Butterscotch Php. 15.00 each Php. 12.00 each Cost plus markup pricing It is a strategy and it is usually used if there are many products being sold. The group sells tart and butterscotch. The record cost Php. 15.00 and Php. 10.00 and that Php. 15.00 and Php. 10.00. A percentage is added which also served as the profit. PRODUCT COST SELLING PRICE MARK-UP PRICE PERCENTAGE Tart Php. 7.00 Php. 10.00 Php. 3.00 30% Butterscotch Php. 10.00 Php. 15.00 Php. 5.00 33% Multiple Pricing This is selling more than one product, with different price. The group is selling one product individually. This multiple pricing is great in markdowns and events, but some consumers tends to patronize this strategy because they can buy products in larger amounts. H.DEMAND AND SUPPLY ANALYSIS (GAP) Consumers will purchase the product in a lower price and less of good in higher prices. When it comes to supply producers will sell less of goods in lower price and more goods in higher prices. High school students and faculty members are the common customer. The group bases the demand on the total number of sales which is 210 but not all the students buys the product. The demand is low because the business is just starting and do not have permanent store. SALES POPULATION DEMAND HIGHSCHOOL 120 885 7.38 COLLEGE 90 165 1.83 SALES POPULATION DEMAND HIGHSCHOOL 100 885 8.85 COLLEGE 80 165 2.06 I. MARKETING STRATEGIES AND PLANS Our business provides a cheap and good quality of pastry products. Products are assured of its cleanliness and affordability. As a marketing strategy this is done by means of word of mouth because every time people buys the products they can talk about it with their colleagues. SELLING CHANNELS The group members are selling our product personally and it is given directly to the customers. The group sells the product by roaming around the vicinity of the school. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS Nature of the Competition Selling pastry products is totally in demand in the world today. Despite the presence of competitors in the market, the Pastry Yard is confident that its products are different with a unique characteristics. Direct Competitors The direct competitors of our product are the two groups (C-creations) that sells baked goodies. Strengths and Weaknesses The pastry industry now a days is getting bigger and it became a new trend in the market. Pastry Yard basically gives the customers a chance to taste a delightful and different pastry products. The group weakness is the unavailability of machineries and baking tools in making and producing pastry products. Competitive advantage The Pastry Yard advantage is selling freshly baked tarts and butterscotch which will satisfy one palate. a. MANAGEMENT/PERSONNEL Management consists of the interlocking functions of creating corporate policy and organizing, planning, controlling, and directing an organization’s resources in order to achieve the objectives of that policy. b. Ownership The type of business is partnership, before the business starts, the proponents contributed capital and chooses their respective role in running the business. The proponent agreed to divide the business profit equally. c. DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES Cashier Responsible in managing the business profit Responsible in preparing business financial statements Production Officer Responsible in processing the products to be sold Ensure the product are clean and safe with the best quality Sales Crew Responsible for business promotion Responsible for selling the product Responsible for communicating with the customer Purchaser Accountable for buying quality products Ensuring the cleanliness of the ingredients d. BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCES FINANCE OFFICER (Cashier) The Finance Officer of the business is Maria Mayella T. Malang. She is a student of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. She is in charge of budgeting and monitoring the money that are coming from the business. She is responsible for ensuring that the financial statements of the business are complete and accurate. PRODUCTION OFFICER The Production Officer of the business is Dustin Del Rosario. He is a student of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. He is in charge and responsible of the products that are ready for selling. Ensure the cleanliness and the safety of the product. MANAGEMENT OFFICER The Management Officer of the business is Alfie G. Cajucom. He is a student of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. He is in charge for business promotions and responsible in selling the product. MARKETING OFFICER The Marketing Officer of the business is Rishvert Romano. He is a student of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. He is responsible for buying quality pastry products. He is also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of the products. e. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS Cashier Must be a graduate of any 4 year course Experienced in managing budget Must be at least 18 years old Production Officer Must be a graduate of any 4 year course Outstanding communicator skills Excellent in quality control Sales Crew Must be a graduate of any 4 year course Must possess excellent customer service skills Must be at least 18 years old Purchaser Strong and confident communicator Must be a graduate of any 4 year course Must be at least 18 years old and above WEAKNESS The business do not have its own store for which the buyer can visit and order their preferred goods. Another weakness is that the business buys the product that they offer and just add a little mark ups to earn profit. STRENGTH Customers want variety of products that’s why the business provides customers options to buy either tart or butterscotch. The Products are affordable and will surely satisfy the customer tummies. IV. BUSINESS OPERATIONS A. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION A Tart is a baked dish consisting of a filling over a pastry base with an open top not covered with pasty. The pastry is usually short crust pastry, the filling may be sweet or savory, though modern tarts are usually with yema fillings. A Butterscotch is a chewy flour based pastry like brownies that is baked with peanut toppings. B. PROCESS FLOW Pastry Yard ordered the product from a source and delivered to the group ready for selling. The group walks around the school to sell the product to the customers who are usually students and teachers. C. INVENTORIES The raw materials that are used in the business are not owned by our group. Because we are just getting our product in a manufacturer of pastries. PRODUCT  DISTRIBUTOR BUTTERSCOTCH RONALD TADEO TART RONALD TADEO E. PLANT SITE The Pastry Yard is located inside the school vicinity of St. Mary’s College of Baliuag Quadrangle. F. PLANT LAY OUT We usually sell our product at Sacred Heart Building. G. WASTE AND WASTE DISPOSAL The group maintains the cleanliness in the designated area inside the school campus. Separate containers are used to prevent food contamination. Members of the group are obliged to clean and pick up the trash that came from selling tarts and butterscotch. VI. Socio Desirability Business believes that change starts from within. It is the main reason why the business are built and established the community, and help individuals in their lives. It increases and promote an economic friendly environment. 1. Employee The Pastry Yard owners are also the crew or service staff of the business. The group didn’t hire crews because the business is just starting and still manageable. 2. Community The Pastry Yard wants to shout out the care for the community and the environment. A ten percent donation will be given to HRM HARMONIES for the incoming activities of the said club. 3. Government Success in business requires a very crucial part in our government. The Pastry Yard pay the right amount of taxes when is continue to succeed. 4. Environment The Pastry Yard inspires the community in living in a healthy and clean lifestyles, and how to value and care to our environment. Unlike other businesses that sells pastries, The Pastry Yard knows how to retain and produce a green community. The Pastry Yard promotes the use of â€Å"reduce, reuse and recycle†. Financial Assumptions 1. The sales of Tart per day are 30 and sales of Butterscotch per day are 25. 2. Purchases of Tart per day are 30 and purchases of Butterscotch per day are 25. 3. The mark up price for tart is 30% while 33% for butterscotch.