Business Structures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Business Structures - Essay Example disadvantages associated with this business structure is that the owner of the business is solely liable for paying of all the debts and if the business goes bankrupt then the assets owned by the owner are liquidated to repay those who have provided loan to the business. Furthermore, the owner of the business has to take all the decisions and he/she may not have the required expertise to look after all the technicalities of a business. Partnerships are those businesses that are owned and controlled by a small group of individuals who join hands together to form a business (Kaplan, 2010). The maximum number of partners involved in such a business is 20 individuals and such businesses are mostly operated by family members. The benefits of such a business structure are that more people are there to look after the business which helps in indulging more brains in a business. The partners of the business can add more money to the business for its expansion and operations. This form of business provides the business with tax savings since the profits are distributed amongst partners. The disadvantages associated with this form of the business is that if the business goes bankrupt then all the assets owned by all the partners are liquidated to pay of the of the money owed by the business. Disagreements can take place between partners that may lead to disbandment of the business. One partner cannot quite the business or a new partner cannot be added to the partnership without the agreement of other partners. Corporations are large organizations that are registered with the securities and exchange commission of a region and this allows them to be publically listed on a stock exchange (Kaplan, 2010). The benefits of such a business structure are that the owners of the business experience limited liability. This means that if the business experiences bankruptcy, then the only assets they lose is the amount of money they have invested in the business. Another benefit is that

Religion and International Relations Research Paper

Religion and International Relations - Research Paper Example Although the concept of religion is as old as mankind, it is interesting to note that policymakers and legislators have vastly ignored the roles of religion in the governance of a nation and even international relations. The schism between the East and West has increased by twofold because of this very reason that they fail to incorporate religion in their dialogue, leaving no space for people from these two different worlds to interact (Fox & Sandler 2010, p. 2). The substance of this prose will not only examine the importance of religion in international relation as discussed in light of scholarly theories but it will also discuss the techniques through which they can use to include religion and use it to create a more harmonious society. Although religion has been used multiple times in political context, but despite its frequent usage it is impossible to put down this phenomenon in to a proper definition. Religion is often seen as a set of ideas or notions that are vastly negated by scientific research and are perceived to be irrational (Philpot et.al 2009). Religion is widely believed to be irrational, which underlines the negative sentiments against this institution. However, sadly not everyone especially in the Eastern sphere agrees with that notion which turns out to be the main source of conflict. This is because Religion is responsible for shaping worldviews; as mentioned earlier, since religion constitutes culture it is also a part of an individual’s identity. Religion is also used to legitimize basic human rights and political processes. Moreover, most religions have transformed into huge organizations, like the Catholic Church there is an added pressure to appease and include religions (Fox & Sandler 2010, p.2). Even historically there is a strong tie between correlation between nation and religion is that it is what helped the people relate to one another. It was a binding force as it brought people together and helped them demarcate right from wrong. Religious views led to establishments on various superstitions and myths, and with the rising popularity of science, it just sparked more debates and people became wary of religion, but with terrorist attacks the sentiments became more hostile towards the idea of religion. However the conflict is triggered because most of the scholarly work done on the matter is vastly done from Western-centric perspective and which is why this blatant ethnocentricism in religious views has further deepened the conflict. However, as the society becomes more and more culturally diverse and even aware, there is an added pressure on authorities to take religion into account as per the constitutional clause that entitles every individual to freedom of speech, expression and practices. The most unfortunate fact is that because of the controversial nature of the topic, religion is more or less treated as a tabooed subject. The modern rejection according to Fox & Sandler (2010, p. 10) comes fro m the stigmas attached with religion that is extremist, radical and backward. There is a need for more open dialogue on the subject and an increase in literature from all three sides; which is the pro-religion side, the anti-religion and one from a neutral perspective. Policymaking is a crucial affair as individuals need to take into account diverse needs of the people and religion becomes even more of essence as not just 9/11 but there are plenty of conflict existing in present day that are triggered by or has it s base in religion, which will be discussed in later parts of the prose. The case

Home Depot and Lowes Essay Example for Free

Home Depot and Lowes Essay Case Summary Value Line Publishing analyst, Carrie Galeotafiore had followed the retail building-supply industry for approximately three years. Within a week the investment-survey firm will be publishing Galeotafiore’s quarterly findings on the industry along with the five-year financial forecast for the industry’s leaders, Home Depot and Lowe’s. In an effort to increase their top and bottom-lines, Home Depot and Lowe’s have implemented strategies like improving customer service, attracting professional customers, and introducing a more favorable merchandise mix. Combined sales from the two companies accounted for more than a third of the industry’s sales. In the mean time, smaller hardware stores struggled to remain in the game. Galeotafiore reports shows confidence in the methods Home Depot deployed to achieve their goals and attributed Lowe’s margin expansion to their thrust into the major metropolitan markets. This case will mainly focus on the strategic issues involved with Home Depot and Lowe’s, the industry trends, the financial outlook for the respective companies, and whether or not Galeotafiore has the depth of knowledge and experience to make a correct call on the companies’ performance.Finally, the report will be substantiated with financial ratios comparing one company with the other, showing possible alternatives and proposing recommendations. Case Analysis This segment will narrow down the major issues of the case, along with the quantitative perspective showing historical trends and the projected level of economic activity. In 2001, the Economist Intelligenc Unit (EIU) estimated the retail building-supply industry to be approximately $175 billion with stores similar to Home Depot and Lowe’s capturing one third of the 51% of sales in their category. Despite the slump in the economy in 2001, growth was at 4.2% which representd a decline from 7.7% in 1998. Strategic issues for Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Depot’s CEO, Bob Nardelli’s goal was to increase their margin through declining cost in product review, opening more tool-rental centers and improving purchasing aspects. All of the above were an effort to remain  competitive. Galeotafiore stated in her report that stores which provide programs similar to the Service Performance Improvement offered by Home Depot tend to fear better in operating margins, inventory turnover and productivity, than the do-it-yourself establishments. Jefferies’ analyst Donald Trott downgraded Lowe’s, due to a declining housing-market bubble and, based on an opinion that their stock price was richly valued compared to Home Depot’s. However, on the brighter side, Lowe’s management told analysts that over the next two years, it expected to maintain sales growth between 18% and 19% and over the next three years from 2002 to 2004 it is expected to open 123, 130 and 140 stores respectively entering metropolitan m arkets with populations over 500,000 like the Boston and New York markets.

Customer Segmentation In The Full Service Restaurant Business Marketing Essay

Customer Segmentation In The Full Service Restaurant Business Marketing Essay ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to find factors that affect customers intention to revisit restaurants using data mining. A total of 390 usable questionnaires were used in the data analysis. AnswerTree, a data mining software, was used as a major analytical method. AnswerTree enables a researcher to identify and target desirable customer groups and thus is suitable to use in identifying differences between one group with a revisit intention and one group with no revisit intention. Study results indicated that different component factors affected customers revisit intention between the two groups. Three factors (recommendation, living area, and number of dining occasions per week) most affected a groups revisit intention. On the other hand, three factors (recommendation, occupation, and most frequent dining destination) most affected the group with no revisit intention. Study results provide meaningful information for marketing strategies that can be successfully used by full- service restaurant operators. KEYWORDS. Customer segmentation, full-service restaurant, data mining, AnswerTree INTRODUCTION With increasing competition in the restaurant business, marketing strategies need to be more significant to ensure customer satisfaction (Kara et al., 1997; Kivela, 1997; Murphy et al., 1996). Since customer satisfaction affects businesses ability to sustain their status in a competitive restaurant market, many researchers have studied customer satisfaction (Almanza et al., 1994; Andaleeb Conway, 2006; Barsky Labagh, 1992; Domingo, 2002; James, 1995; Johns Tyas, 1996; Oh, 1999, 2000; Oliver, 1980, 1981). Previous researchers have queried restaurant customers to identify the reasons for their decisions to revisit and recommend restaurants to other potential visitors, thereby suggesting effective marketing strategies. Although there is no assurance that customers will make a return visit (Dube et al., 1994), restaurateurs assume that satisfied customers will return while customers who had a poor experience will not come again. Thus, understanding both satisfied and unsatisfied custo mers is an important process in making appropriate marketing strategies. In order to segment customers according to their attributes, knowledge of those attributes is an effective tool in developing appropriate marketing strategies (Bowen, 1998; Gregoire et al., 1995; Klosgen Zytkow, 2002; Reid, 1983; Richard Sundaram, 1994; Swinyard Struman, 1986; Woo, 1998; Yà ¼ksel Yà ¼ksel, 2002). Customer segmentation can be determined by customer attributes such as demographic and behavioral characteristics: buying patterns, attitude and use or response to a product (Kotler et al., 2005). In this study, the term customer attributes was defined as customers demographic and behavior patterns, attitude and use or response to a product via recommendation intention. To identify customer segmentation, data mining was applied in this study. Data mining is the process of finding or classifying trends and patterns in data to analyze customers past behaviors (Adriaans Zantinge, 1997; Chatfield, 1995; Fadairo Onyekelu-Eze, 2008; Kudyba Hoptroff, 2001; Lovell, 1983; Pyle, 1999; Thuraisingham, 1999). If restaurant managers clearly know their target customer attributes, they can develop a better service strategy or make up for their weak points. The aim of this research was to identify factors affecting customers intention to revisit a restaurant. Study results provide meaningful information to the process of developing marketing strategies that can be successfully used by full-service restaurant operators. Further, study results will inform restaurateurs about important and non-important factors in return intention and enable them to select those factors on which to focus on and improve. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Customer Segmentation Customer segmentation is a crucial part of todays overly competitive restaurant business. In the mid-1950s, Wendell R. Smith, an American marketer, first introduced the concept of customer segmentation (Nairn Berthon, 2003). Russell Haley then developed segmentation theory in 1968. Customer segmentation can be defined as a way to separate customers into groups for decision making purposes or to support effective management in acquiring or keeping customers (Bowen, 1998; Bahn Granzin, 1985; Chen et al., 2007; Yà ¼ksel Yà ¼ksel, 2002). Since customer segmentation can help restaurants increase revenue, a marketing strategy based on customer segmentation can be more powerful and effective (Auty, 1992; Bojanic Shea, 1997; Chen et al., 2006). Customer segmentation has encouraged researchers to take a closer look at customer segmentation as part of an effective marketing strategy. Lewis (1981) used discriminant analysis to identify the differences between goers and non-goers with food quality, menu variety, price, atmosphere, and convenience. Bahan and Granzin (1985) investigated four customer segments: health, gourmet, value, and unconcerned. They reported that each group had different preferences for service quality. Auty (1992) divided respondents into three customer groups (student, well-to-do middle-aged people, and older people) and examined restaurant image and atmosphere. Oh and Jeong (1996) revealed the characteristics of four customer segments: neat service seeker, convenience seeker, classic dinner seeker, and indifferent dinner seeker. Bojanic and Shea (1997) sought differences between downtown diners and suburban diners. Yà ¼ksel and Yà ¼ksel (2002) identified the attributes of five customer segments (value seekers, service seekers, adventurous food seekers, atmosphere seekers, and healthy food seekers) based on nine factors (service quality, product quality and hygiene, adventurous menu, price and value, atmosphere, healthy food, location and appearance, availability of nonsmoking area, and visibility of food preparation area). In this study, the researcher divided customers into two groups based on revisit intention in order to identify which factors most affect these two groups. The summary of the literature review is presented in Table 1. Table 1 about here Data Mining To divide respondents into two groups based on revisit intention, unlike previous studies, data mining was used to identify revisit intention in the restaurant business. Data mining was introduced in the late 1980s and developed in the 1990s. Its origin is in the fields of statistics and a specialized area within artificial intelligence (AI) that is part of computer science (Ogut et al., 2008; Roiger Geatz, 2003). According to Fadairo and Onyekelu-Eze (2008), data mining is a way to find information in a huge database. Such information can be used to identify relationships between variables. That is, data mining may be utilized in analyzing a specific data set with the intention of identifying patterns and establishing relationships; using data mining, it is possible to sort through massive volumes of data and discover new information or an analytic method for reasoning useful knowledge and predicting future trends (Bolshakova et al., 2005; Chatfield, 1995; Chen et al., 1998; Groth, 2000; Hand et al., 2001; Koyuncugil, 2004; Lovell, 1983; Westphal Blaxton, 1998). Data mining can perform two basic operations: predicting customer behaviors and identifying segmentation (Lampe Garcia, 2004; Wang et al., 2008). For that reason, many researchers have attempted to apply data mining in the business industry (Keating, 2008; Liu et al., 2008; Rygielski et al., 2002; Zambochovà ¡, 2008). Previous studies have stressed that companies could use data mining to identify customer dispositions or trends regarding the patronizing of certain companies. With this information, companies can focus their efforts on good customers from whom they would make the most profit. Further, all industries can take advantage of data mining in seeking to understand inconsistent segmentation of their target customers. In summary, data mining is a powerful technology that may be used in support of companies engaging in decision-making on issues such as customer attrition, customer retention, c ustomer segmentation and sales forecast (Ogut et al., 2008). CHAID in AnswerTree To apply data mining, the AnswerTree program was used in this study. AnswerTree, a data mining software, is a foreseeable model that shows results in a tree model (SPSS, 2009). Variables may be analyzed in the AnswerTree program in three ways: CHAID (chi-squared automatic interaction detector), CART (classification and regression trees), and QUEST (quick, unbiased, efficient, statistical tree). Basically, the CHAID method is a more comprehensive method and generates more accurate results when using categorical variables, while CART and QUEST are suitable when using continuous variables. Since categorical variables were used in this study, the CHAID method was applied here. The original CHAID method grew from a 1975 doctoral dissertation by Kass, who published a more accessible article four years later (Kass, 1980). Since the CHAID method allows marketers to identify segments in relation to a dependent variable having two or more categories based on the combination of independent variables (Chen, 2003), the CHAID method has popularly been applied in the consumer research field (Haughton Oulabi, 1997; Levin Zahavi, 2001). In the CHAID procedure, a dependent variable and key independent variables are initially chosen. According to chi-squared, the dependent variable can be divided by the levels of a certain independent variable that has the strongest association with the dependent variable. That is, the most important and related independent variable with a dependent variable becomes the first node. This analysis process occurs when one of three criteria are met, according to Berson et al. (2000): 1. The segment contains only one record. (There is no other question that you can ask to further refine a segment of just one.) 2. All the records in the segment have identical characteristics. (There is no reason to continue asking further questions because all the remaining records are the same.) 3. The improvement is not substantial enough to warrant asking the question (p. 162). All variables used in this study were categorical measurements with two or more categorical levels. The stopping rules for AnswerTree analyses were a maximum tree depth of 3, minimum number of cases of 25 for a given node, and significance level for splitting of 0.05. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Data Collection and Questionnaire The data used for this study were collected in Miami via face-to-face interviews. The response rate for the face-to-face interview has revealed it to be the best method among various survey methods (The Monkey Team, 2008). Surveys were administered from May 1 to May 31, 2007. To increase result reliability, we selected respondents who had visited a full-service restaurant within the last one month. The selected full-service restaurants offered full table service and the average guest expenditure was at least $25 per person. Of the 414 questionnaires collected, 24 were incomplete and were eliminated. As a result, a total of 390 questionnaires were used in the data analysis. Since AnswerTree enables a researcher to identify and target desirable customer groups (SPSS, 2009), it is a suitable analysis method for identifying differences between groups. Further, AnswerTree is a more robust method than existing statistical methods in identifying segment characteristics (Byrd Gustke, 2006). There were two groups in the dependent variable: one group with the intent to revisit and one group with no intent to revisit. Questionnaire items for revisit intention were rated on seven-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. To apply CHAID (Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection) analysis, researchers converted the seven-point scale into categorical variable (agree, so-so, disagree). Even though respondents answers were a five or six on the seven-point scale, the information sufficiently ensured positive responses. Finally, those with five, six and seven points were converted into a positive group (agree). On the other hand, those with one, two and three points were converted into a negative group (disagree). Finally, four on the seven-point scale was converted into a so-so group. Among respondents (n=390), 83.33% (n=325) indicated that they were willing to revisit the restaurant; on the other hand, 11.54% (n=45) thought that they would not revisit the restaurant; and 5.13% (n=20) replied so-so, which means I dont know. Customer segmentation can be sorted by demographic and behavioral characteristics such as buying patterns, attitude and use or response to a product (Johns Pine, 2002; Kotler et al., 2005). Independent variables were composed of demographic profiles (gender, age, marital status, occupation, income, living area) and customer attributes in relation to buying behavior, a pattern of full-service restaurant use (how many dining occasions per week, how much spent at a restaurant, frequency of restaurant visits, with whom did they dine there). Finally, to ascertain a response to a product, recommendation intention was used in this study as an independent variable. The summary of data description is presented in Table 2. Table 2 about here RESULTS Figure 1 shows the general model for revisit intention. The general model makes it easy for readers to figure out how many nodes are included in the results and shows the entire model design. In this study, 13 nodes were used to explain the factors affecting a group who intended to revisit and a group with no intention to revisit. For the dependent variable, originally there were three groups: yes, so-so, and no. However, because of small sample size, the so-so group was not divided by descriptor. The dependent variable was divided by five descriptors: recommend intention, living area, how many times to dine per week, occupation, and when often dine. Figure 1 about here In terms of yes segmentation on revisit intention, in Figure 2, the first split was recommend: yes (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=376.4356, d.f.=4; p=.000). In Node 3, 98.10% (n=309) of respondents thought that they had a revisit intention. Node 3 was divided into two groups: Node 7 and Node 8. The second split was based on the variable of Living area: South Florida, other Florida, and other U.S states (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=68.5075, d.f.=2; p=.000). Node 7 was divided into two groups: Node 11 and Node 12. 98.69% (n=302) of respondents (Node 7) who lived in South Florida, other Florida, and other U.S states showed that they were willing to return to the restaurant. The last split was how many times dine per week: over 3 times (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=19.7972, d.f.=1; p=.000). In Node 12, 100.00% (n=254) of respondents who visited the restaurant over 3 times per week indicated that they had a revisit intention. In summary, there were three descriptors as follows: recommend: yes, living: South Florida, other Florida, and other U.S states, and how many times to dine per week: over 3 times. Figure 2 about here Considering no segmentation on revisit intention, in Figure 3, the first split was recommend (no) (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=376.4356, d.f.=4; p=.000). In Node 1, 81.13% (n=43) of respondents indicated that they would not visit the restaurant again. Node 1 then was divided into three groups: Node 4, Node 5, and Node 6. The second pruning tree was based on the occupation variable: office worker (professional, salesman, and self-employed) (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=20.1046, d.f.=4; p=.000). In Node 4, 94.87% agreed that they were not willing to return to a restaurant. Node 4 was divided into two groups: Node 9 and Node 10. The last split was when often dine: lunch (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=25.2973, d.f.=1; p=.000). In Node 9, all office workers (100.00%, n=36) who often visited the restaurant at lunchtime did not have a recommendation as well as revisit intention. In brief, three descriptors split the node: recommend: no, occupation: office worker (professional, salesman, and self-employed), and when often dine: lunch. Figure 3 about here Figure 4 presents summary statistics. The bar graph makes it easy for readers to understand which node most represents the dependent variable and provides the variation for each dependent variable. In this study, the dependent variable, revisit intention, was classified by a maximum tree depth of 3, minimum number of cases of 25 for a given node, and significance level for splitting of 0.05. The bar graph for AnswerTree showed that the particular nodes most often represent groups intention or non-intention to revisit, respectively (Node 12: agree group, Node 9: disagree group). Figure 4 about here Table 3 presents a gain chart of yes segments. A gain chart is a table that summarizes the entire model descriptively. In the gain chart, we can see the percentage representation of each node for the dependent variable. In the case of the yes segment, the root node was 83.33% (n=325). Node 12 was computed by taking 100.00% (Gain: % computed from Node: N divided by Resp: N) and then dividing it by 83.33% (root node). The result was 120.00%, the index score for Node 12. That is, Node 12 (recommend: yes, living area: south Florida, other Florida, and other U.S states, how many times dine per week: over 3 times) represents a root node about 1.2 times. Thus, in the case of yes segmentation, three variables (recommend, living, and how many times to dine per week) are important factors in dividing respondents into groups that answered yes regarding revisit intention. Table 3 about here Table 4 presents a gain chart for no segment. The root node was 11.54% (n=45). Node 9 was computed by taking 100.00% (Gain: %) and then dividing it by 11.54% (root node). The result was 866.66%, the index score for Node 9. That is, Node 9 (recommend: no, occupation: professional, salesman, and self-employed, when often dine: lunch) represents a root node about 8.6 times. Thus, in the case of no segment, three variables (recommend, occupation, when often dine) are important factors in dividing a group that answered no with respect to revisit intention. Table 4 about here Table 5 offers a risk chart indicating the preciseness of the classification. It resembles the percentage of classified respondents in the discriminant analysis. The risk estimate predicted the risk incurred due to misclassification of the respondents in the AnswerTree analysis. A lower risk estimate indicates a more precisely classified model. According to the results of the assessment of revisit intention, the risk estimate was 0.0615385. This means that the precision of classifying respondents in the AnswerTree analysis was 99.9384615%. That is, about 99.93% of the respondents were classified accurately on split nodes. Table 5 about here DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATION In the restaurant business, customer segmentation enables restaurant managers or marketers to develop effective marketing strategies. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that affect intention to revisit a full-service restaurant. To ascertain differences between group intent to revisit and group non-intent to revisit, data mining was used. There has been little use of data mining in the hospitality field. Because data mining is one way to create decision-making models that predict future behavior based on analyses of past activity, using collected data from segment targeting is the best way to create suitable marketing strategies (Lampe Garcia, 2004; Wang et al., 2008). Among the respondents (n=390), 83.33% (n=325) indicated that they were willing to visit the restaurant again while 11.54% (n=45) thought that they would not visit the restaurant again and 5.13% (n=20) were so-so. As mentioned earlier, due to the small sample size, the so-so group was not divided. The AnswerTree results revealed different component factors between the two groups. In the case of the yes segment, there were three descriptors: recommend: yes (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=376.4356, d.f.=4; p=.000), living area: south Florida, other Florida, and other U.S states (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=68.5075, d.f.=2; p=.000), and how many times dine per week: over 3 times (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=19.7972, d.f.=1; p=.000). Analysis results revealed that the more customers like to dine out, the more they intend to revisit a restaurant. In other words, people who have a great interest in dining are more likely to be loyal customers. Moreover, as they intend to recommend the restaurant to other people, keeping such a customer means other potential customers could be positively affected. According to Sà ¶derlund (1998), Word-of-mouth is defined here as the extent to which a customer informs friends, relatives and colleagues about an event that has created a certain level of satisfaction (p. 172). As word-of-mouth can be a significant determinant of behavioral intentions, recommendation intention greatly affects a restaurant businesss sales (Babin et al., 2005; Edwards Meisleman, 2005; Mangold et al., 1999; Mattila, 2001; Sà ¶derlund, 1998). This studys results supported the finding that loyal customers are more likely to encourage other people to also have their exceptional experience, which is consistent with previous studies (e.g., Bowen, 1998). It is less costly to keep an existing loyal customer than to attract a new customer. Also, loyal customers return to make more repeat purchases at the restaurant. Therefore, identifying loyal customers is an important part of the restaurant businesses (Bowen Shoemaker, 1998; Fierman, 1994; Jang Mattila 2005; OBrien Jones, 1995; Orr, 1995; Schneider et al., 1998). From a managerial standpoint, the results of this study based on data mining help restaurateurs in identifying the characteristics of a loyal customer segment. In the case of the no segment , three descriptors split the node: recommend: no (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡ 2=376.4356, d.f.=4; p=.000), occupation: office worker (professional, salesman, and self-employed) (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=20.1046, d.f.=4; p=.000), and when often dine: lunch (à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2=25.2973, d.f.=1; p=.000). The results of this analysis revealed that office workers who often visited a restaurant at lunch did not intend to revisit. In other words, office workers, salesmen, and the self-employed were less satisfied with lunch at the full-service restaurant. In general, few full-service restaurants focus on lunch for office workers, who usually eat lunch away from the office. Even though some lunch menus do focus on the office worker, offering this meal is usually expensive and time-consuming. However, as office workers tend to eat lunch in a brief span of time, they prefer to eat lunch at fast food restaurants rather than at a full-service restaurant. From a managerial viewpoint, if full-service restaurateurs could provide a lunch menu with low prices as well as quick service, they could obtain part of the office worker market currently going to fast food restaurants. The summary of segments is presented in Table 6. Insert Table 6 The purpose of customer segmentation is to target a certain type of customer when developing a marketing strategy. If a restaurant cannot develop correct and appropriate marketing strategies, they may not sustain their existence in this highly competitive business. As attributes have changed and become more complicated, customer segmentation is becoming more important in providing basic source material for marketing strategies. In order to respond quickly to changing customer attributes, restaurant marketers require rapid access to information on various customer attributes. In this context, restaurant marketers need to be able to identify customers past behaviors in order to predict future tendencies. This ability can be provided and maintained in the restaurant business by using data mining technologies. Data mining enables restaurant marketers to draw information more effectively from databases (Bolshakova et al., 2005; Chatfield, 1995; Chen et al., 1998; Groth, 2000; Hand et al., 2001; Koyuncugil, 2004; Lovell, 1983; Westphal Blaxton, 1998). Through the effective use of data mining, managers can more quickly analyze customer attribute in the restaurant business. This study of customer revisit intention occurred in the Miami area only. Thus, findings might not be generalized to other areas. Another limitation is that study results cannot be applied to all restaurant services, because our focus was on full-service restaurants only. Therefore, findings must be applied to other restaurants with due caution. Lastly, this study did not use a large enough sample size for data mining. Although we used 390 samples to identify and target customer groups, data mining is typically used with a large database. Thus, future research may use data mining with a larger sample size. Data mining was a useful method in predicting restaurant customers intentions to revisit. Unfortunately, very few studies have used this method. Thus, further research in other hospitality fields would benefit from data mining.

Symbolism and Theme in William Faulkners A Rose for Emily Essay

Symbolism and Theme in William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily  Ã‚  Ã‚   In William Faulkner's short story "A Rose for Emily," a series of interconnected events collectively represent a single theme in the story. Symbolism is the integral factor involved in understanding the theme. "A Rose for Emily's" dominant theme is the search for love and security, a basic human need which can be met unfavorably in equivocal environments. Faulkner's use of symbolism profoundly develops the theme of the story, bringing to light the issues of morality that arise from a young woman's struggle to find love. Faulkner provides the necessary pieces of symbolism, speckled through out the action of the story, for the reader to assimilate and assemble. Curiously, it is a broken time line that Faulkner follows, that allows him to achieve maximum effect at the end of the story. The placement of the conclusion or denouement at the beginning of the story, allows the curiosity of the reader to become strongly engaged on the character of Emily Grierson. As the narration begins with the funeral of Emily, the juxtaposition of the image received in the opening paragraph, is sharply compared to that of the information found in the third paragraph. Where in the first the town has come to pay respects to a fallen monument, in the third it is learned that she was really, "...a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town..." (276). The story progresses through flashbacks, and Emily is heard speaking to the gentlemen representing the Board of Aldermen, and it is noticed that she is wearing a thin gold watch chain. It is not until a lull takes place after the spokesman announces the purpose of their visit, that they then,"... could hear the inv... ...uest for love and security, and Emily has provided this for herself. Whether she knew the process through which she gained it was moral or not remains a mystery whose answer died with her. She sought refuge from the cold, and inhospitable environment of abandonment. She sought to get away from the only life she ever knew. The strategic placement of symbolism in the action of this story, provides vast areas with depth of knowledge from which the theme comes forth. The reader is pulled into character early on, by placing the conclusion up front, and placing the falling action at the end of the story. This creates a greater sense of surprise or shock value, and may even evoke a sense of true pity for Emily from the reader. Work Cited Faulkner, William. â€Å"A Rose for Emily.† Literature for Composition. 4th ed. Ed. Sylvan Barnet, et al. New York: HarperCollins, 1996. Symbolism and Theme in William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily Essay Symbolism and Theme in William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily  Ã‚  Ã‚   In William Faulkner's short story "A Rose for Emily," a series of interconnected events collectively represent a single theme in the story. Symbolism is the integral factor involved in understanding the theme. "A Rose for Emily's" dominant theme is the search for love and security, a basic human need which can be met unfavorably in equivocal environments. Faulkner's use of symbolism profoundly develops the theme of the story, bringing to light the issues of morality that arise from a young woman's struggle to find love. Faulkner provides the necessary pieces of symbolism, speckled through out the action of the story, for the reader to assimilate and assemble. Curiously, it is a broken time line that Faulkner follows, that allows him to achieve maximum effect at the end of the story. The placement of the conclusion or denouement at the beginning of the story, allows the curiosity of the reader to become strongly engaged on the character of Emily Grierson. As the narration begins with the funeral of Emily, the juxtaposition of the image received in the opening paragraph, is sharply compared to that of the information found in the third paragraph. Where in the first the town has come to pay respects to a fallen monument, in the third it is learned that she was really, "...a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town..." (276). The story progresses through flashbacks, and Emily is heard speaking to the gentlemen representing the Board of Aldermen, and it is noticed that she is wearing a thin gold watch chain. It is not until a lull takes place after the spokesman announces the purpose of their visit, that they then,"... could hear the inv... ...uest for love and security, and Emily has provided this for herself. Whether she knew the process through which she gained it was moral or not remains a mystery whose answer died with her. She sought refuge from the cold, and inhospitable environment of abandonment. She sought to get away from the only life she ever knew. The strategic placement of symbolism in the action of this story, provides vast areas with depth of knowledge from which the theme comes forth. The reader is pulled into character early on, by placing the conclusion up front, and placing the falling action at the end of the story. This creates a greater sense of surprise or shock value, and may even evoke a sense of true pity for Emily from the reader. Work Cited Faulkner, William. â€Å"A Rose for Emily.† Literature for Composition. 4th ed. Ed. Sylvan Barnet, et al. New York: HarperCollins, 1996.

Orphans in Nineteenth-Century England Essay -- Eurpean History Papers

Orphans in Nineteenth-Century England    There is no denying that the nineteenth century in England was a time of tremendous changes throughout the social and economical spectrums. As the adults adjusted to these changes prompted by the Industrial Revolution as best they could, many children, in particular orphans, were faced with poor living conditions that limited their successes later in life. Although most orphaned children were fortunate enough to be placed into sufficient living circumstances, many of them were not as privileged. By discussing the various living conditions of orphans in nineteenth-century England, one can better understand their position in the English society and realize why their later successes were so limited. As is true today, the majority of children lived with their parents in the nineteenth century. Many, however, were unable to do so for any number of reasons. These reasons ranged from overcrowding in the home to extended relatives needing aid from a young individual to children being orphaned. Although orphaned children were definitely an exception to the norm at that time in England, the number of children who had lost one or both of their parents was quite high in comparison to today’s standards. One estimate states that in 1861, 11 percent of Victorian children had lost a father by the age of ten, 11 percent had lost a mother, and 1 percent had lost both parents (Horn 63). A major contributor to this number was the prevalence of diseases, such as typhus and tuberculosis, which greatly affected the poor and working classes in the busy factory towns. The most common fate of orphaned children was to be "adopted" by another family. This allowed for the orphans to remain a part of a fami... ...fortunate. Although orphans could go on to earn adequate livings as adults, becoming an orphan in nineteenth-century England was all too often a sentence for failure. The English government and citizen volunteers attempted to aid the growing number of orphans as the nineteenth century progressed; however, the attempts to improve their unsatisfactory conditions were seldom enough.       Works Cited Horn, Pamela. The Victorian Town Child. Thrupp, UK: Sutton, 1997. Jordan, Thomas E. Victorian Childhood. Albany: State U of New York P, 1987. Mitchell, Sally. Daily Life in Victorian England. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1996. Nord, Deborah Epstein. "‘Orphans and Republicans’: Social Policy and Morality in Victorian Britain." Dissent 42 (1995): 167-8. Peters, Laura. Orphan Texts: Victorian Orphans, Culture and Empire. Manchester: Manchester UP, 2000.

Analysis of the Forge by Seamus Heaney Essay

The title of the poem means a blacksmith.The line presents a contrast between the dark, the older time period of his profession, and the outside, modern world, in which his profession is less visible and honored.The poem uses the image of a blacksmith and the nature of the profession. â€Å"Old axles and iron hoops† show that he has been doing this for years.The previous line describes how the older tools are outside, outdated and now unusable they are. In this line however it talks about how although the old and once trusted tools are no longer in use, work is continuing on in the blacksmith’s shop. Their work does not stop just as the times change and new equipment is developed.â€Å"The unpredictable fantail of sparks† describes how long the black smith has been working. Being a blacksmith, shifting metal has certain qualities. Such as when the sparks fly.He notices the sparks can symbolize how the sparks seem never ending there are too many of them. This coul d also be shown as his life in the blacksmith profession, Neverending and unpredictable.This line describes how when something new comes into the blacksmith shop it doesn’t fit in well. The change is not adapted to the shop.This line shows the image of putting a hot horseshoe in cold water, the steam rising up as the cool water hits the heated steel.Describing the ring of the anvil the hiss of the water. It uses sound to tell the reader in the environment and action he is in.The fact that the anvil has to be in the â€Å"centre† shows the importance that the blacksmith puts on the anvil. since he later refers to it as an â€Å"altar† it relates to the fact that he treats it religiously, its very important. The altar is place in the center so that it can be the center of everything in order to honor the item and give it worship.It is also described with the word â€Å"unicorn† gives the anvil a fantastical and mystical quality which also shows that the blacksmith relies on it very much. The anvil is like dark age of the man. It’s foreign to the rest of society.Also he is talking about the anvil and how it is a simple tool that is square wi th two horns on each end. There is nothing fancy or detailed, reflecting the past and how tools and other things were made for one purpose only and that was to get the job done nothing else. Many tools have numerous detailed parts to them. Yet here is this blacksmith who is stuck in his ways and refuses to move forward with the rest of the world and  stick to his old ways. However the blacksmith himself views his work, and calls the anvil an â€Å"altar† which supports how much he honours his work. Where he â€Å"expands himself in shape and music† shows how more focused on his anvil.The blacksmith sees his work as something that is highly valuable and you should people should respect him for that. Furthermore the profession of a Blacksmith is not nice and sweet . It is not about looking good while being at work, rather it is only about making a useful object for someone else.The â€Å"Sometimes† of this line shows that the job of a blacksmith is not in a suit and tie kind of job. There is no profession and no required uniform. He has been doing this job for such a long time, that he has lost the urge to look or dress a certain way. All of his customers have known him for a long time and know what all he does, so he has become comfortable with who he is and does not worry if there are â€Å"hairs in his nose. †Leaning† means he is maybe tired of doing his job and the effort he puts in is fading away. In this line the speaker shows his enjoyment of his work but as he is getting older doesn’t care as much. His references the â€Å"clatter of hoofs where traffic is flashing in rows† referring to a time when the street were his place of business and was not filled with cars, but with horses.This can be further informed on line five â€Å"Or the hiss when a new shoe toughens in water† This line also shows the speakers change and how the modern world finds him remarkably old. The blacksmith has seen his job as his main routine in hi s life working with the â€Å"bellows† and beating â€Å"real iron†.The poem ends in this image to show that a persons way of life is natural.