Art Appreciation Romare Bearden Free Essays

Therefore there is a rose in the painting as well I believe that is symbolizes the young lady worth. It appears someone was giving her a rose to make her feel better. The angel that appears in the painting symbolizes comfort, patience, protection, understanding, and others. We will write a custom essay sample on Art Appreciation: Romare Bearden or any similar topic only for you Order Now Bearden painting symbolizes that the African American struggles were not a Joke. In those times it symbolizes that it was still racism going on ith our culture. We were losing our Jobs, because we had people fighting for our rights, girls that were at the age of twelve had to quit school because they had to help out in their homes. This painting symbolizes a lot of things that was going on in the early and late 1960’s. As I said once before that the angel was there for many reasons as in comfort for the struggle, protection from the pain and destruction, understanding that there will be better times, and Jobs. Romare Bearden, Rocket to the Moon, 1971 to me is my favorite painting. It is really a collage fragments build a scene of quiet despair and stoic perservance. You can see in the painting that the rocket is headed to moon; however, while urban life below remains punctuated by a red stop-light. The definition of Stoic is an ancient Greek school of philosophy that asserted that happiness can only be achieved by accepting life’s up and downs. In this painting you have a lot of things that symbolizes the African American culture. The black cat represents the black panthers that were a group of an organization ith people who were fghting back for the black people. The picture of Martin Luther King Jr. symbolizes that he was involved in the Civil Rights Movement and he was an activist for the NAACP. I believe that this whole picture symbolizes the Harlem Renaissance that was going on in Harlem, New York. The Harlem Renaissance involves Langston Hughes, the different types of music, different type of dances, and different type of visual arts too. The Harlem Renaissance has brought African American to Justice to say we have something we can abide to. I believe that the red ight symbolizes to stop the violence and stop the racism. I believe that the green light symbolizes to let’s look at situations in a ditterent way than what the way we see them. Bearden makes an ironic statement, placing that we as African American has accomplished and still are making history every day. Bearden use a great visual statement placing America’s accomplishments in space alongside the stalled social and economic progress of many urban areas. As I come to my conclusion, Bearden use his visual art to describe the past, present, and future. He symbolizes that in Prevalence of Ritual, Tidings, 1967, there was an angel to protect and comfort the young lady through whatever her case was. The rose symbolizes that she has a destiny and a worth. The present symbolizes that we have angels that surrounds us every day. We as women have rights and have a destiny that can be fulfilled if we Just hold fast to our dreams. The future reference is to hope for better days, we have rights to do such as vote, and to visual art to is extinct to express who we are , our success, and where we come from. How to cite Art Appreciation: Romare Bearden, Papers

Dramatic impact Essay Example For Students

Dramatic impact Essay The play I am studying is called The Inspector Calls. In this essay I will assess the dramatic impact of the inspector in the play with reference to one other character in the play.  The Inspector Calls was written in 1945 but set in 1912. This means that the audience has insight into the future. For example when Mr Birling states The Titanic-she sails this week-forty-six thousand eight hundred tons-forty six thousand eight hundred tons- New York in five days-and every luxury-and unsinkable. In this situation the audience would be feeling rather smug because they know that the Titanic does sink. Priestly was aiming to show that everybody in the society should be responsible for their own actions instead of just thinking of themselves. He also shows that people should be treated with the same respect whoever they are. Lastly Priestly tries to make people think about their place in society and the effects of their actions. This is revealed as Priestly takes each character in turn and explains to them and the family how their actions have affected Eva Smith. We will write a custom essay on Dramatic impact specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Before the Inspector arrived the well off family, The Birlings, who wrongly believe they are better than other families, were having a party to celebrate their daughter Sheilas engagement to a man called Gerald Croft who was also very well off. Everyone appeared extremely happy and all of them friendly to each other like a family. Then the Inspector entered. The lighting changes from pink and intimate to brighter and harder. The effect of this is that the audience becomes aware that a more sinister atmosphere is approaching and also increases the temper and emotions in the characters. Also making the play more watch able for the audience. The Inspector immediately quietens the atmosphere. By doing this he makes the mood of the celebration tense. He does this by singling out one person personally and asking the questions he imposed specifically to them. He is described as a not very big man. However he also states that he creates a massiveness, solidarity and purposefulness. Priestly also describes him by saying that he speaks carefully, weightily and has a disconcerting habit of looking hard at the person he addresss before speaking. There is an air of menace about him, unlike the other characters in the play. He is single minded in pursuing his chosen line of investigation. He is so certain about his facts that he unsettles the audience because they can tell that there is something strange about him. When the Inspector is around nobody challenges his version of events. This is because he speaks with a lot of authority so nobody questions him and immediately thinks he is right. However the other characters question these facts after he has left. The Inspector is extremely confident when speaking. This conveys to the audience that he is more powerful than the other people in the house. Furthermore it makes him seem strange and suspicious to the audience. This is because he seems to know everything the family is going to say before they say it. Also, he does not really uncover the truth, he already knows it. He only uncovers it for the characters benefit. This makes him not like a real police inspector because they uncover the truth creating tension. The Inspector acts like a narrator in the play. He tells the story at his own pace. The Inspector links separate incidents into one coherent life story. He often supplies dates or fills in back ground. This adds to the tension because the audience does not know where and from whom the Inspector got the dates and the character background information. .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e , .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .postImageUrl , .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e , .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e:hover , .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e:visited , .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e:active { border:0!important; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e:active , .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf251f2424a98411f6358e025964f696e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: An Inspector Calls Report EssayHe undermines that the characters complacent assumption that they are decent citizens. Each character finds this a devastating experience. The characters that resist telling the Inspector the truth suffer more than people who are open with him. For example the Inspector says to Gerald . if youre easy with me, Im easy with you. He makes no judgement upon Gerald and also tries to stop Sheila from blaming herself too much. However he begins to loose patience with Mr Birling. For instance Dont stammer and yammer at me again, man. Im losing patience with you people He is an enigmatic figure. We never learn his first name causing the audience to wonder who he really is. He neither changes nor develops, but frequently repeats, I havent much time. This creates tension because the audience do not know why he has so little time. Inspector Gooles name is a pun on ghoul a malevolent spirit or ghost. He could be seen as some kind of spirit, sent on behalf of the dead girl to torment the consciences of the characters in the play, or as a sort of policeman conducting an inquiry as a preliminary to the Day of Judgement, or even as a for warming of things to come. This adds to the tension because the audience does not know who the Inspector is. Priestly did not want to tell the audience who the Inspector really is. To reveal his identity as a hoaxer or some kind of spirit would have spoilt the unresolved tension that is so effective at the end of the play. The Inspector behaves as the voice of social conscience. For example You see, we have to share something. If theres nothing else, well have to share our guilt. He is a socialist meaning that he believes that everyone should share. The character I am studying is called Eric and he is Mr Birlings son. Eric is characterised as half shy, half assertive. At the beginning of the play he did not know what his parents were really like and at the end of the play he did not like their real personalities. He conveys the difference between young men and older men. This is shown when Eric does not catch onto the jokes Mr Birling and Gerald share. For example in Act one when the Inspector rings the doorbell, Gerald and Mr Birling shares a joke and Eric says, Here what do you mean? and when he realises it was a joke he says Well, I dont think its very funny. This shows the difference in age between the three and also makes Eric seem very young like hes being treated like a young child. When Eric says Here, what. he does not share the joke again between Mr Birling and Gerald. He attracts attention, and then suspicion, by his evident alarm at the news of the Inspectors visit. This makes the audience think that Eric could be hiding something. Eric arouses curiosity with his sudden guffaw in Act one. This may mean that Eric knows something about Gerald that the others do not because Sheila has just been scolding Gerald for not seeing her over the summer because of his work.

Bio Lab Essay Example

Bio Lab Essay Example Bio Lab Essay Bio Lab Essay Santiago NevillePeriod 110/14/12 Enzyme lab Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the process of chemical reactions. They are also proteins, and most enzymes activities occur within organism. They decrease activation energy, energy that is needed to start a chemical reaction. Enzymes are substrate specific substrates ending in -ase, enzymes ending in -ase. External factors, such as temperature, pH, and concentration of the substrate, affect the enzymes activity in the lab, pectase and cellulase will be used to compare different enzymes on apple sauce. The lab is designed to investigate the effect of different enzymes on apple juice production The combination of pectinase and cellulase will be the most effective simply because two is better than one. MATERIALS: apple sauce, pectinase enzyme, cellulase enzymes, funnels, filter paper, lab aprons, splash-proof goggles, paper towels, stirring rods, graduated cylinders, access to the water, paperclips, access to a stop watch, and access to a triple bean balance. Procedure: 1) Collect materials 2) Follow safety protocol ) Measure 1 tablespoon of apple sauce and place it in a cup 4) Add 10 drops of pectinase to the apple sauce and stir for 1 minute 5) Line a funnel with a coffee filter, place funnel in a graduated cylinder, empty the mixture into the funnel, and let it filter for 5 minutes. 6) Record the amount of juice collected 7) Repeat steps 1-5 with cellulase and water. Enzyme Lab 4 3. 2 3. 1 3. 28 2. 4 1. 6 Cellulase Pectinase C+P Water 0. 8 0. 86 0. 52 Amount of apple juice in ml A mount of apple juice in ml 0 Average Type of Enzyme Conclusion: Enzymes are catalysts that speed up the process of chemical reactions. They are also proteins, and most Enzymatic activities occur within organism. They decrease the activation energy that is needed to start a chemical reaction. The problem was the effect that different enzymes have on apple sauce, and the lab was designed to investigate this. The combination of pectinase and cellulase will be the most effective simply because two is better than one. The hypothesis was correct because it collected the most amount of apple sauce with 3. 28 ml. We tested the enzymes by mixing it with apple sauce. We got our results by seeing which one collected the most apple sauce. The combination of both pectinase and cellulose was the most effective on apple juice production with 3. 28 ml. The water was the least effective with 0. 52 ml of apple juice collected. In the lab we all collaborated to get the most valid results we could get. The results were collected by testing each mixture in the same way and kept all the control variables constant. This experiment is valid because the controlled variables were kept constant. The independent variable was the type of enzyme or mixture we tested. The dependent variable was the amount (in ml) of apple juice that would be collected out of the coffee filter paper. The controlled variables were: to keep the amount of apple sauce the same, the size of the coffee filter paper, amount of each mixture, amount of time spent on mixing it with the apple sauce and the amount of time allowed letting it drop through the filter paper. The experiment taught us that the combination of the two enzymes was the most effective. Santiago Neville Biology Honors period 1

Managerial Finance essayEssay Writing Service

Managerial Finance essayEssay Writing Service Managerial Finance essay Managerial Finance essayIn actuality, the activity based costing is one of the widely-spread accounting methods. At the same time, in spite of its popularity, this method still evokes criticism from the part of opponents of this method, who believe the activity based costing to be unreliable accounting method. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the application of the activity based costing in the accounting depends on the nature of business and organisations. At any rate, the empirical study shows that the activity based accounting may be successfully applied in some organisations, although it may fail in others. Therefore, the activity based costing is applicable but its efficiency differs depending on the particular organisation, the essence of its business, industry, business environment and other factors that may affect the efficiency of the activity based costing.In its essence, the activity based costing (ABC) is the accounting method that involves the assessment of activities performed by a company and on the ground of such assessment indirect costs are assigned to products of the company. In such a way, companies conduct the assessment of their indirect costs on the ground of the analysis of costs of different activities which are directly or indirectly related to the production of certain products or services. As a result, the ABC involves the analysis of all activities within the organisation that ultimately affect the costs of the production of the organisation.At the same time, it is worth mentioning the fact that the analysis of all costs implies the analysis of all activities, which is not always directly related to the production process or manufacturing of particular products. The ABC orients on activities of organisations and their costs rather than on the direct costs of certain products or costs of their production. In such a way, ABC method uses the indirect analysis of costs of products or, to put it more precisely, it involves the analysi s of indirect costs of products and their production.The major advantage of the ABC method is the recognition of the close relationships between costs, activities and products. In such a way, the revelation of indirect costs with the help of ABC can help to assess indirect costs related to specific products. The analysis of indirect costs is very important for organisations, especially in case of companies that have a complex organisational structure, such as multinational corporations (Mocciaro, Destri, Picone Min, 2012: 94). Large companies have the complex organisational structure that means that they have multiple costs which are not directly related to the production process or to specific products. As a result, companies have difficulties with the adequate assessment of their costs and, therefore, costs of specific products.At this point, it is worth mentioning the fact that, if companies cannot define accurately the costs of the particular product, including indirect costs, they cannot set absolutely fair price. In other words, companies may set either too high price that would be unfair in relation to customers and put the companies into a disadvantageous position compared to rivals, who may sell the similar product at the lower price. Or, on the contrary, companies may set the price at the too low level. In such a case, sales of the product will not cover the costs of its production, including indirect costs, to the full extent. As a result, the company will suffer financial losses and deteriorate its marketing position in a long-run perspective.However, critics of the ABC method of accounting (Sapp, Crawford Rebishcke, 1990: 1223) argue that it is not always possible to assign certain costs to specific products. For instance, it may be difficult to trace the correlation between managerial costs and a particular product manufactured by the company. In fact, if a company cannot trace accurately the correlation between specific activities and their co sts and relate them indirectly to the costs of specific products, the company may face difficulties with the adequate and accurate assessment of the costs of production and specific products (Drucker, 2009: 129). In such a situation, companies face the high risk of errors in the course of the accounting based on the use of the ABC method. As a result, many companies prefer other methods, including traditional ones, to calculate their costs and conduct their accounting, being uncertain in the reliability of the ABC method.Therefore, being good in its intention to reveal the close correlation between costs, activities and products, the ABC method is still imperfect and the criticism of this method is, to a significant extent reasonable. In this respect, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that errors in accounting may be intentional and unintentional. In this regard, the ABC creates the risk of the emergence of intentional errors in accounting, when companies want to increas e or decrease their costs pursuing their business goals, for instance, to attract investors. Moreover, top executives of companies may manipulate with accounting using the complexity of the ABC assessment of indirect costs of specific products. As a result, such top executives can create schemes with the help of which they can increase or decrease indirect costs to hide substantial financial losses of their company, for instance. In such a way, drawbacks of the ABC can create the ground for manipulations and intentional errors in accounting. At the same time, there is a risk of unintentional errors in accounting, when companies just fail to assess accurately indirect costs of products and correlate them to diverse activities conducted within the companies.On the other hand, the criticism of the ABC method does not necessarily mean that this method cannot or should not be applied successfully. On the contrary, today, the ABC method has become particularly popular in the manufacturing sector, where it is easier to trace the direct relationship between costs, activities and specific products manufactured. In actuality, many companies operating in the manufacturing sector use the ABC successfully and conduct the accurate assessment of indirect costs of their products. The popularity of the ABC method in the manufacturing sector is the result of the specificity of the manufacturing sector and the ABC method. To put it more precisely, the manufacturing sectors involves activities which are all directed at the production process. As a result, the assessment of costs of those activities almost always lead to the revelation of indirect costs of specific products because there are no alternative activities that are not related somehow to the production process and to the manufacturing of the specific product.At the same time, limitations of the ABC method prevent its wide use in the service sector and some other sectors, where it is difficult to trace the direct correla tion between specific activities, their costs and services or products provided by the company for customers (Velmurugan, 2010: 12). The unwillingness of companies operating in the service sector to use the ABC method is also the result of the specificity of the sector and the ABC method. Unlike the manufacturing sector, the service sector cannot always provide accountants with the accurate information on various activities performed by companies which are directly or indirectly related to the costs of particular products. As a result, accountants face difficulties with the identification of all indirect costs and all activities related to the production of specific services or products. In such a way, companies operating in the service sector and some other sectors prefer refusing from the ABC and using traditional methods of accounting to ensure the high accuracy of accounting and prevent the risk of errors.Thus, the activity based costing is an effective and popular method of acc ounting, which though cannot always be applied successfully. In actuality, the ABC method is very popular in the manufacturing sector but companies operating in the service sector, for instance, prefer using traditional methods instead of the ABC because they consider those methods more reliable. Such disparity in the use of the ABC in different sectors is the result of the specificity of the accounting method because the ABC method focuses on the analysis of indirect costs of products through analysis of costs of activities performed by the company which are directly or indirectly related to specific products. The more difficult it is to trace such correlation the less accurate the ABC method becomes. In the manufacturing sector it is easier to trace such correlation compared to the service sector, for instance. Hence, the ABC method is popular in this sector.

International business & strategic management assignment - 1

International business & strategic management - Assignment Example The Danish political system focuses on increasing international security and stability, which will be essential in handling the demands and expectations of the international investors. Denmark has a population of 5.6 million with a GDP of $211.9 billion per annum. In addition, the region has approximately $37,900 income per capita with an inflation rate of 0.8 percent. Similarly, the nation has an unemployment rate of 7.1 percent and the FDI inflow of $2.1 billion (Denmark, 2015). Denmark is one of the global nations with low-context culture, which is essential in determination of the consumer behaviour. For instance, in Denmark, rules are important while knowledge is publicly accessible. In addition, message is delivered best verbally in comparison to non-verbal attribute. Technology continues to shape operations and transactions by business entities. In the banking industry in Denmark, technology plays a critical role in the automation of the operations. For instance, banking industry provides online and mobile banking and the private investment in accordance with the needs of the target audiences. Denmark focuses on the promotion of environmental protection mechanisms and strategies in the midst of global warming or climate change. This makes it essential for the internal and international investors to focus on the adoption of environmental CSR programs and strategies for protection and conservation of the environment. Denmark legal system focuses on the illustration of critical regulations and rules for the opening of retail banking. It is the obligation of the internal and international investors to adopt and comply with such regulations. Prior to 2015, South Africa had one of the most stable political systems in the world. In addition, the political policies and regulations provide the perfect platform for the growth and

E-retailing and logistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

E-retailing and logistics - Essay Example One has to invest in the progress of a first class virtual catalogue in order to really be successful in e-commerce. Like a mail catalogue, a virtual catalogue presents pictures as well as information regarding the products, as well as offers a way for clients to place orders. Although in place of posting the catalogue to the client, the client moves towards the catalogue by visiting the businesss website. Virtual catalogues have a number of diverse benefits as compared to customary mailed ones. The nature of a website makes it convenient and easy to demonstrate the product in a range of choices and to take account of added product information that there might not be space for in a mail catalogue. In addition, contrasting a mail catalogue, virtual catalogues can be simply transformed to include or eliminate products and to renew product accessibility information (Jelassi & Enders, p. 19, 2008). Business’s website as well as virtual catalogue will just be as successful as the number of traffic or prospective clientele that pay visits to the website. One has to look at the opportunity of publicity on search engines such as Google and Yahoo in order to raise traffic. For the most part, search engines sell space for advertisements that will come into sight next to or around the listing of websites that appear when an internet user types in a word or phrase to search for. During the accurate situations, these advertisements can be a best method to direct individuals who possibly may have a curiosity in the product displayed on the company’s website (Chen, p. 97, 2004). A further method to raise traffic is to publish links to business’s website on other high traffic websites. For either a payment or a mutual linking contract, other companies may be ready to incorporate an advertisement for one’s business on their website. Despite the fact that it is very doubtful that one will influence the competition to chip in in this sort of deal, it is very possible to

The importance of after sales services in small companies

The importance of after sales services in small companies Abstract This dissertation deals with the role of after sales service in the operations of small companies in the capital goods sector. After sales service is an important area of modern day business and is important for both buyers and sellers of goods. Whilst buyers require after sales service to ensure the maintenance and operations of their purchased items, sellers provide after sales service for customer satisfaction and enhancement of competitive advantage. Small companies however find it difficult to provide high quality after sales service because of constraints in areas of workforce availability and finance. This dissertation deals with the area of after sales service and its applicability to a small organisation dealing in capital goods. The research, conducted with the use of quantitative and qualitative methods, reveals that the area continues to be a matter of concern that needs to be resolved urgently by managements of small companies to ensure their growth and competitive advantage. This dissertation aims to investigate the issue of after sales service and its importance to sellers and customers of manufactured goods as also the ways in which it can be used by organisations to improve their growth and profitability. After sales service represents the activities conducted by organisations to provide services to the customer in respect of products and services after the conclusion of the sales deal, the payment of money and the handing over of the product or commencement of services (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 116). Business firms in the past were content to provide goods to customers without any obligation to attend to their needs after the conclusion of contracts and the handing over of goods (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 116). The responsibility of sellers in such circumstances ended with the delivery of their products and customers were responsible for maintenance and utilisation of products after buying them (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 116). Such concepts have however altered radically over the course of the last century and manufacturers and service providers realise the need to provide relevant and appropriate services to their customers after the completion of sales (Lele, 1997, p 141). Modern day customers expect various types of services from organisations after they purchase products and services from them. Much of this development has come about on account of the change in the structure of goods and services in modern day economies (Lele, 1997, p 141). With the bulk of trade in the past being on account of agricultural goods, customers were required to purchase agricultural products from farmers or traders and inspect such products for freshness and longevity, and were responsible for storing them properly in order to avoid spoilage. Such practices were also due to the easy verifiability of the quality of agricultural products (Lele, 1997, p 141). With the proportion of agricultural products coming down steadily in the basket of goods and services of nations across the world, customers now spend significantly greater proportions of their incomes on various types of products and services, about which they know little, and thus depend upon suppliers for product and service quality as also for satisfaction of their needs (Lele, 1997, p 141). Their dependence upon their sellers for appropriate services continues much after the time of purchase of goods. The role of after sales service is steadily increasing in the operations of small and large companies (Levitt, 1983, p 87). Driven by the need to satisfy their customers, improve their image, strengthen their brands and enhance their competitive advantage, organisations now treat after sales service, not just as an important operational function but also as a critical marketing tool in their quest for growth and expansion (Levitt, 1983, p 87). 1.2. Definition of Problem Whilst the role of after sales service is steadily growing in both production and service sectors and is required by modern day consumers, its provisioning on the part of organisations is associated with a number of problems and challenges. After sales service, in the case of many products, has to essentially be provided at the premises of the customers. They have to furthermore be provided by specialised and skilled people who are aware of the nature of products and services and have the ability to correct mistakes in supply, as well as malfunctions in products and services (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 236).The provisioning of such after sales services becomes especially onerous for small companies that work in limited markets and have restricted sales, comparatively low accruals and tight cash flows (Miragliotta, 2003, p 158). Such problems are compounded in the capital goods sectors for suppliers of capital machinery, like boilers and turbines, which whilst being complicated in nature are also installed in distant areas (Miragliotta, 2003, p 158). Whilst the modern day market is governed by customers, who insist on high quality after sales service and are ready to take their business elsewhere if their demands are not met, the provisioning of such services becomes extremely difficult for organisations engaged in manufacture and sale of capital goods, especially if they are small in size. 1.3. Purpose of Study The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the relevance and role of after sales service in small and medium sized suppliers of capital equipment, both from the perspectives of the sellers and of the buyers. The aims and objectives of the assignment are thus as under. To examine the role of after sales service for suppliers of capital goods like boilers and turbines for small organisations. To understand the relevance and importance of after sales service for consumers of such equipment. To understand the ways in which after sales service can improve the growth and performance of small companies engaged in the supply of capital goods like boilers and turbines. 1.4. Benefits of Study The findings and results of this dissertation are particularly important because little research has been conducted in the area until now. A preliminary search of information on the subject in the physical and online domain reveals that the majority of conducted research concerns products like cars and cell phones and services like call centres. The issue of after sales service is however important for the products like the ones taken up in the course of this dissertation, even though they may not have public appeal, like automobiles or cell phones, or do not belong to a controversial and debated sector like call centres. Small organisations have specific disadvantages in providing after sales service, which in turn hurts their competitiveness in comparison to larger organisations. The findings of this study will provide useful information on a lesser known area of industry. Its findings should be of interest to academics and experts in areas of manufacture and marketing, small business owners, purchasing professionals, and students of management, engineering and marketing. 1.5. Structure This dissertation is arranged in sequential sections, which deal with a review of existing literature on the issue, the research methodology, the data, findings and analysis, and conclusions. The bibliography of information sources used in the course of the dissertation is provided at the end of the study, followed by the appendices. 2. Literature Review 2.1. After Sales Service After sales services constitute the various facilities and services provided by manufacturers and sellers of items to their customers after the completion of sale and purchase transactions (Lele, 1997, p 142). Whilst after sales service in the area of consumables like food, soft drinks or items like soap and tooth paste is simple and essentially concern the replacement of items that are found to be defective, such services become complex for consumer goods and capital items like televisions, refrigerators and washing machines, or engines, turbines and boilers, which are used by their buyers for varying periods of time (Lele, 1997, p 142). Manufacturers of these items provide a range of after sales services in the form of guarantees, warranties, free and paid replacement of parts, advice on maintenance and operations of these items, and periodic checkups (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 238). The provisioning of such after sales services helps buyers to make optimal use of their purchased items, keep them in good condition and increase their operational longevity (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 238). Apart from facilitating customers to use products in the best possible manner and the longest possible time, after sales service helps in keeping such products in good condition and in ensuring their resale value (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 238). Many organisations, especially in the sector of automobiles and white goods offer buyback facilities to customers who are able to sell such goods back to company agencies and avail of exchange or other offers (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 238). After sales service is becoming an increasingly important function in most business organisations and all organisations, irrespective of their size, are making efforts to provide high quality and appropriate after sales service to their customers (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 238). All suppliers of capital goods have complex and detailed after sales service facilities that are formulated with great care (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 238). 2.2. Role of After Sales Service for Manufacturing and Selling Organisations Levitt, (1983, p 88), states that manufacturers and retailers of consumer and capital goods cannot think that their interaction with customers ends with the sale of their products. They are required to provide their clients with a range of after sales services by way of warranties, installation packages, maintenance and repair services, availability of spare parts for long periods of time, (even after the discontinuation of product lines), technical advice in various operational areas, and options for exchange and upgrading of products. The provisioning of after sales service facilities has been steadily growing over the last few decades on account of a number of reasons (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 119). Experts feel that the rapid growth of after sales services has been driven by local and global competition. The contemporary period is distinguished by intense competition in the market place (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 119). Such competition has grown exponentially on account of causes like economic liberalisation, technological advances, globalisation and the emergence of good quality but low cost production and service centres in Asia, East Europe and Latin America (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 119). The growing intensification of competition among businesses in all areas of activity has spurred manufacturers and sellers to improve and enhance their engagement with customers in different ways (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 119). After sales service not only fulfils the need of customers but also allows organisatio ns to stay in touch with their customers long after the occurrence of commercial exchanges (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 119). Such opportunities enable companies to satisfy various types of customer needs, improve customer loyalty and influence customers to engage in repeat purchases, develop market goodwill and provide word of mouth recommendations (Bundschuh Dezvane, 2003, p 119). Apart from driving customer satisfaction and influencing repeat purchases and market goodwill, after sales services provide organisations with attractive and profitable revenue streams (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 239). After sales service includes the supply of spares and the engagement of yearly maintenance contracts that are put in place after the expiry of free warranty periods. Most industries price their spares well (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 239). The sales of these spares constitute an attractive and profitable revenues stream for organisations and enhance their operational and financial performance (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 239). Maintenance contracts are also priced in such a manner that they cover the cost of maintenance and provide organisations with surpluses. The supply of spares and maintenance services has now become an important component of organisational sales, cash flows and profitability (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 239). Steadily growing customer requirements and the increasing sophistication of products plays an important role in the knowledge and expertise of business firms (Frambach, et al, 1997, p 341). Many companies use feedback from their after sales operations to improve their knowledge of products, product performance, product inadequacies and product faults (Frambach, et al, 1997, p 341). Such information helps them significantly to improve the quality and capacity of their products, reduce product defects and introduce product improvements. It helps companies to improve the overall quality of their product offerings, improve their RD efforts and enhance their competitive advantage (Frambach, et al, 1997, p 341). 2.3. After Sales Service in Small Organisations The immediately preceding section deals with the various advantages that offering of high quality and extensive after sales services can give to organisations (Brun, et al, 2004, p 172). Whilst the provisioning of after sales service can help organisations to (a) improve their market share and sales, (b) increase their profitability, (c) improve their product knowledge, (d) help their research and development activities, and (e) enhance their competitive advantage, the capacity to offer such services entails significant outlays on expenditure and manpower that is often beyond the resources of small organisations (Brun, et al, 2004, p 172). Organisations that provide after sales services are required to develop after sales service teams that are distinct and separate from members of production and maintenance departments (Brun, et al, 2004, p 172). The members of after sales service teams are required to have extensive product knowledge and good people management and customer relation ship skills. Such people have to be chosen with care, treated with sensitivity and remunerated well (Brun, et al, 2004, p 172). The development and maintenance of an after sales service team involves substantial expenses. Small companies that provide capital equipment often have customers spread across regions and in distant geographic locations (Cohen Whang, 1997, p 535). The need to attend to such customers involves extensive travelling for employees engaged in after sales service functions. Such travel not only reduces the effective time available with employees to attend to other customers but also involves substantial travelling costs (Cohen Whang, 1997, p 535). The supply of essential spares is an integral component of after sales service. Whilst the cost of such spares is by and large recovered after expiry of official warranty periods, organisations are required to keep a large range of such spares in their inventories (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 259). Many of such spares are not manufactured in house but are bought out or manufactured by other contractors. The need to keep sufficient stocks of materials, many of which are not used for long periods of time, is an expensive proposition and companies have to bear, not only the strain on cash resources in obtaining these items but also the costs of obsolescence and holding of inventory (Gaiardelli, et al, 2005, p 259). It needs to be recognised that small organisations are restricted by the size of their operations, the availability of cash flows and availability of employees. New organisations furthermore have many clients within warranty periods and have to provide after sales services free of charge. Whilst the needs for such companies to offer high quality after sales service is imperative on account of competitive pressures, the development of facilities to do so imposes substantial financial burdens (Miragliotta, et al, 2003, p 160). Many small companies are known to engage in cost cutting in this area, especially so in times of recession or sluggish sales (Miragliotta, et al, 2003, p 160). Such measures are primarily adopted out of compulsion and lack of necessary resources but result in customer dissatisfaction and adverse consequences, not just in terms of loss of market reputation, customer sales and profitability, but also by way of penalties and legal action for breach of after sales service obligations with customers (Miragliotta, et al, 2003, p 160). 2.4. Research Questions The research question for this dissertation have been formulated in line with the purpose of the study, the aims and objectives of the dissertation and the information obtained during the course of the literature review. The research questions are formulated as under. Research Question 1: What is the importance of after sales service for customers of capital equipment like boilers and turbines provided by small organisations? Research Question 2: what is the role of after sales service in the operations of small firms engaged in supply of such capital goods? Research Question 3: How can small companies engaged in the supply of capital goods use after sales service to improve their performance and growth? 3. Research Methodology 3.1. Available Research Methods It is important to obtain a broad idea on the theory of social research before deciding upon the appropriate research method (Sarma, 2004, p 84). Such understanding will help, not only in the choice of research methods and the conduct of the research assignment, but also in obtaining a holistic perspective of the issue and in approaching the subject with greater maturity Whilst the theory of social research is a vast area, a few important concepts, namely deductive and inductive thinking and positivist and interpretivist epistemology, are taken up here for discussion (Sarma, 2004, p 84). Deductive reasoning is termed as a top down approach and moves from the general to the specific (Thyer, 2001, p 9). Researchers in such circumstances commence by thinking up a theory on the topic of interest and then narrowing such theory into more specific hypothesis that can be tested during the course of research (Thyer, 2001, p 9). Such research entails the collection of observations to address these hypotheses and enables researchers to test hypothesis with particular data in order to confirm or disprove the original theories (Thyer, 2001, p 9). Inductive reasoning on the other hand grows from specific observations to broader theories and is termed as the bottom up approach (Sarma, 2004, p 84). Researchers, whilst engaging in inductive reasoning, commence with particular observations, make efforts to detect patterns, formulate tentative and primary hypothesis that can be explored and thereafter develop general conclusions and theories. Inductive reasoning is more exploratory and open ended, even as deductive reasoning is narrow and concerned with the confirmation of hypotheses (Sarma, 2004, p 84). The epistemology or philosophy of social research can essentially be segregated into positivist and interpretivist streams of thought (Babbie, 2007, p 42). The positivist way of thinking is associated with the scientific approach and assumes that the objective of knowledge should be restricted to the description of phenomena that can be experienced, and that research should be regulated by what can be observed and measured. Positivist researchers follow specific processes and procedures to ensure that observations are accurate, consistent, and verifiable in order to conduct their investigation (Babbie, 2007, p 42). The interpretivist theory however developed largely as a counterpoint and a criticism of positivism. Whilst interpretivist theorists do not reject the positivist dimension of scientific knowledge, they do question its relevance for the study of societies (Babbie, 2007, p 42). Interpretivism assumes that specific phenomena need to be understood in totality, and that positivism, because it collects and analyses data from parts of the phenomena, can miss many important aspects and thus be inadequate in the achievement of comprehensive understanding of issues (Babbie, 2007, p 42). Social research has for many years witnessed debate over the use of quantitative and qualitative methods for obtaining and analysing information (Bryman Bell, 2003, p 54-55). Quantitative methods arise from positivist epistemologies and are concerned with the measurement of numerical data and their appropriate analysis. Quantitative methods continue to be widely used in social research and are felt to be most applicable when the subjects under study are suitable for numerical observation, quantification, and analysis (Bryman Bell, 2003, p 54-55). Whilst quantitative methods continue to be widely used by social researchers, they are found, not just to be inadequate, but also to be inappropriate for the study of research issues that are essentially subjective and incapable of being measured or analysed through numerical quantification and analysis (Davies, 2007, p 139). With much of social phenomena being subjective, multilayered, multidimensional and open to interpretation, quantitative methods of research are felt to be unsuitable for their study and investigation. Qualitative research methods are used to explore attitudes, behaviours and experiences through specific qualitative research methods (Davies, 2007, p 139). Significant discussion and debate has taken place on the topic of research methodology and theories on how enquiries should proceed (Shacklock Smyth, 1998, p 107). Much of such debate has focused on the issue of quantitative v qualitative enquiry (Shacklock Smyth, 1998, p 107). Research experts now appear to agree that both these methodologies have their own specific strengths and weaknesses (Shacklock Smyth, 1998, p 107). Whilst the theory of social research is a vast area, a few important concepts, namely deductive and inductive thinking and positivist and interpretivist epistemology, are taken up here for discussion (Sarma, 2004, p 84). Social research has for many years witnessed constant debate over the use of quantitative and qualitative methods for obtaining and analysing information (Bryman Bell, 2003, p 54-55). Quantitative methods arise from positivist epistemologies and are concerned with the measurement of numerical data and their appropriate analysis. Quantitative methods continue to be widely used in social research and are felt to be most applicable when the subjects under study are suitable for numerical observation, quantification, and analysis (Bryman Bell, 2003, p 54-55). Many opinion polls and marketing surveys are conducted with the use of quantitative methods. They are particularly suitable for political opinion polls and for assessment of mood swings and their impact on voting patterns (Bryman Bell, 2003, p 54-55). Whilst quantitative methods continue to be widely used by social researchers, they are found, not just to be inadequate, but also to be inappropriate for the study of research issues that are essentially subjective and incapable of being measured or analysed through numerical quantification and analysis (Davies, 2007, p 139). With much of social phenomena being subjective, multilayered, multidimensional and open to interpretation, quantitative methods of research are felt to be unsuitable for their study and investigation. Qualitative research methods are used to explore attitudes, behaviours and experiences through specific qualitative research methods (Davies, 2007, p 139). There has been a great amount of discussion and debate on the topic of research methodology and theories of how enquiries should proceed (Shacklock Smyth, 1998, p 107). Much of such debate has focused on the issue of quantitative v qualitative enquiry, namely which could be more scientific and which could actually be the most appropriate (Shacklock Smyth, 1998, p 107). Research experts now appear to agree that both these methodologies have their own specific strengths and weaknesses which should be appreciated and addressed by researchers (Shacklock Smyth, 1998, p 107). The employment of both quantitative and qualitative methods is nowadays known as the mixed method of social research (Todd, et al, 2004, p 34). The use of multiple approaches helps researchers to capitalise on the strengths of these approaches and compensate for their weaknesses. Such studies try to bring together research methods from different paradigms (Todd, et al, 2004, p 34). Mixed methods however have to be applied with care and thought on the suitability of using both methods for the subject under study (Special Issue, 2008, p 141). It is also important for researchers to decide on the aspects of the study that are best served either by quantitative or by qualitative methods and in deciding upon the sequence of use of these two methods. Mixed method research is becoming increasingly popular and is felt to have an answer to the individual weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative approaches (Special Issue, 2008, p 141). 3.2. Sources of Information The data to be obtained for the conduct of a research study primarily depends upon the chosen research method, namely whether it is quantitative, qualitative, or mixed in nature. Obtaining of data must be preceded by a decision on choice of information sources. Information sources are primarily of two types, i.e. primary and secondary information sources (Denscombe, 2002, p 94). Secondary information sources represent the information available on the topic under investigation in the public domain. Such information is by and large prepared by experts and authors who are not involved in the subject under investigation and is available in the form of publications like books, journals, magazines and online publications (Denscombe, 2002, p 94). Secondary information sources are available either in physical or in online form and researchers have to carefully assess their quality, accuracy and relevance before using them for research. Primary information sources on the other hand represent the information obtained directly from the subjects or organisations under study through the conduct of surveys or interviews. Information contained in organisational or personal websites also fall in the ambit of primary information sources (Denscombe, 2002, p 94). Quantitative data is usually required to be obtained when adopted methods of research are positivist in nature. Such data is usually collected through questionnaire surveys or opinion polls by agents of researchers who are uninvolved in the topic under investigation (Bryman Bell, 2003, p 54). Sampling constitutes a very important element of obtaining quantitative data. Samples represent small segments of populations under study whose reactions and responses can be considered to be representative of the broader population (Davies, 2007, p 53). The determination of sample size is an important component of the sampling process. Such choice of samples can be done through various methods, statistical as well as purposive, and are decided by individual researchers (Davies, 2007, p 53). The size of a sample however has a specific bearing on the validity of the sample findings and has to be taken into account at the time of analysis (Davies, 2007, p 53). Qualitative information on the other hand is obtained through techniques like semi structured interviews and focus group discussions that are conducted by expert researchers who are involved in the study (Davies, 2007, p 140). Such interviews and discussions are often lengthy and are thus conducted with limited numbers of respondents. Interviewers usually record such interviews, use a mix of carefully designed open and close ended questions, and watch the physical responses of the respondents to locate hidden nuances and meanings (Davies, 2007, p 140). 3.3. Adoption of Research Method The research issue is complex. It involves a specific segment of industry that suffers from significant constraints but is at the same time expected to satisfy a number of obligations. The requirements of the dissertation call for information to be obtained from two sets of people, namely responsible officials of small companies engaged in supply of capital goods and the customers of such companies. Information from customers can be both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Information from supplying organisations is also likely to be both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Quantitative information will be required to gauge the broad success of such organisations in meeting after sales service obligations, whereas qualitative information will enable the researcher to locater the various issues about after sales service that are of concern to organisations. The researcher has therefore used the mixed method approach, which involves elements of both qualitative and quantitative research, to conduct the investigation for this dissertation. Information is obtained from primary sources, namely officials of a small boiler manufacturing organisation in the UK and its customers. 3.4. Ethics Care has been taken to adhere to the ethical requirements of social research. The principles of informed consent, absence of coercion, and rights of respondents have been strictly followed. All respondents have been explained the purpose of the dissertation and they have consented in writing to their participation in the research. They have also been provided with options to maintain the confidentiality of their personal identities and of their organisations. All respondents have wished to maintain confidentiality of identity. They have also been informed of their right to answer or not to answer particular questions. Care has also being taken to ensure proper acknowledgement of all information sources used in the dissertation. 4. Data and Analysis 4.1. Procurement of data Data has been obtained from three different sources, i.e. (a) from a questionnaire survey of 50 clients of a small boiler organisation, referred to as Best Boilers LLP for the purposes of this dissertation, (b) direct interviews with two customers of Best Boilers, and (c) two officials of the after sales service and marketing departments of the organisation. Appendix 1, 2 and 3 provide details about the information obtained. 4.2. Findings and Analysis Appendices 1, 2 and 3 provide details about the information obtained from the questionnaire survey and the questions asked of the customers and officials of best boilers. It is seen from the results of the questionnaire survey that 60% of the clients surveyed had dealings of less than 2 years with the company and only 10% had dealt with the company for more than 5 years. This is normal because the organisation has been established recently and is just about 7 years old. This information is also corroborated by the response that 80% of the companys customers have bought just one item from the company. The survey reveals that whilst all the respondents require after sales service, more than 50% require to be serviced only once a year and just about 20% require services more than 2 times in a year. The answers on types of after sales service are spread over various needs, but approximately 24% state that they need all types of services including advice, physical support, and supply of spares. The responses on satisfaction with quality