Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Health And Social Care Essay

This chapter provides the background treatment of sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ) concentrating on Chlamydia trachomatis infection since the survey is positioned within this country taking down to the specific research inquiry and aims. In add-on, sexual wellness bar and control schemes have been explored. Health has been defined by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) as â€Å" the scientific discipline and art of forestalling disease, protracting life and advancing wellness through organised attempts of society † ( WHO, n.d. ) . Sexual activity is known as an indispensable component of human wellness and well-being contributing to quality of grownup partnerships and a demand for natural creative activity. Yet it poses a batch of hazards to wellness through transmittal of STIs. Although pox, gonorrhea and chancroid are by and large considered as the chief STIs, assorted other pathogens are catching including Herpes Simplex Virus type 2, Chlamydia trachomatis, Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) Herpes Papilloma Virus, and Hepatitis B Virus ( HPA, 2010 ) ( Figure 1 ) . STIs affect people of all ages with the greatest happening amongst those under the age of 25 old ages ( Nicoll, 1999 ; Johnson, 2001 ; NCSP, 2009 ) . In the UK, certain groups of populations are affected more than others therefore making sexual wellness inequalities ( HPA,2010 ; Marmott, 2010 ) . The research has delved into chiefly secondary literature from equal reviewed journal articles, books, wellness bureau or regulating organic structures ‘ studies and articles to show what past research workers have established on CI. Furthermore, sexual wellness bar and control schemes have been explored in order to put CI in a context that engages with appropriate literature.Figure 1: Number of diagnosings of selected STIs and HIV in the UK, females: 2000-20092.2 Chlamydia Infection TrendsChlamydia trachomatis is the most widespread bacterial pathogen transmitted through infected secernments and mucose membranes of urethra, neck, rectum, conjunctivae and pharynx following unprotected sexual contact with an septic spouse. An septic pregnant adult female can infect her babe during vaginal bringing. Genital Chlamydial infection is presently the most common STI in the UK with prevalence ‘s between 2 % and 12 % detected in surveies of adult females go toing general pattern ( Fenton et al. , 2001 ; Creighton et al. , 2003 ; HPA, 2010 ) . Chlamydia infection rates are disproportionately high in under 25s ( Low, 2001 ; HPA, 2010 ) . Rate of infectivity for Chlamydia at national degree for immature people aged 15-24 is one in 10 back uping the degree of sexual activity in that group ( HPA 2010 ; NHS Salford, 2010. In 2001, adult females under 20 old ages of age had reported instances of 36 % of Chlamydia. CI instances rose by 108 % during 1998 to mid-2004 ( Ryan, 2004 ) . As reported by the Department of Health ( DH ) , diagnosing of new Chlamydia and other STI diagnosed instances in the UK such as re-infections made in GUM showed a gradual rise in 1995-2009 ( Figures 2, 3 ) ( HPA, 2010 ) .Figure 2: Number of diagnosings of Chlamydia^ , England: 1995-2009Figure 3: Number of venereal Chlamydia diagnosings by sex and age group, and figure of research labs utilizing nucleic acerb elaboration trials ( NAATs ) : 1999-2008 ( females )STI informations from research lab studies in England, Wales and Scotland and Chlamydia nucleic acid elaboration trial ( NAAT ) information from the UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme ( NEQAS ) . Most people infected with Chlamydia are symptomless ( 70 % females and 50 % males ) until a diagnostic trial is performed ( HPA, 2010 ) . Chlamydia infection is important to adult females ‘s generative wellness jobs since 10-40 % of those untreated septic adult females develop PID ( Garside, 2001 ; Sweet & A ; Gibbs, 2009 ; Pippa et al. , 2010 ) . If efficient and effectual wellness steps are non administered, the disease has the potency of doing important wellness complications to adult females ‘s well-being including relentless pelvic hurting, sterility, ectopic gestation, PID, Chlamydial pneumonia of the newborn, neonatal pinkeye, pre-term labour/delivery and neonatal decease ( Figure 4 ) ( Golden, et Al, 2000 ; Simms et al. , 2000, 2007 ; Garnett, 2008 ; Oakeshott et al. , 2010 ) . There is besides greater hazard in those with repeating and untreated infections to distribute to other generative variety meats ensuing in chronic pelvic strivings ( La Montagne, et Al, 20 07 ; Evans et al. , 2009 ; Hosenfeld et al. , 2009 ) . Sweet & A ; Gibbs ( 2009 ) province that CI can besides ease HIV transmittal adding to the already long-run effects it poses.Figure 4: Chlamydial infection complicationsBeginning: HPA catching diseases surveillance Centre. The figure of diagnosed episodes of Chlamydia infection has been lifting over the past 10 old ages ( Figures 5, 6 ) . Because GUM clinic informations is skewed towards diagnostic patients and Chlamydia is extremely symptomless, prevalence is besides used to depict the epidemiology.Figure 5: Ratess of venereal Chlamydia infection adult females by age group ( 1995 – 2004 )Datas beginnings: KC60 and STISS/ISD ( D ) 5 returns from GUM clinics, United Kingdom ( HPA, London )Figure 6: Chlamydia positiveness rates in screens performed by NCSP, 2007 ( HPA, 2008 )Surveies by Pimenta et Al. ( 2003 ) and Adams et Al. ( 2005 ) support findings of highest prevalence rates of Chlamydia infection in immature adult females aged 16-24. Pimenta et Al ( 2003 ) measured prevalence of Chlamydia infections in 16-24 twelvemonth old females instead than merely reported instances from GUM clinics ( Figure 7 ) . In Portsmouth there was a 9.8 % prevalence of Chlamydia infection in 16-24 twelvemonth old adult females, with the 18-year old adult females holding the highest extremum and Wirral had 11.2 % with the 20-year old adult females holding the highest extremum ( Pimenta et al. , 2003 ) . Most of these persons from both sites would hold been incognizant of their infection and therefore at hazard of developing Chlamydial complications.Figure 7: Prevalence of Chlamydial infections, 16-24 twelvemonth old females, Portsmouth and Wirral, 1999-2000 ( Pimenta, et al. , 2003 ) .Furthermore, the economic impact of Chlamydia infections on the wellness service is tremendous with high cost in the direction of female wellness complications ( Simms, 2006 ; Skinner, 2010 ; Land et al. , 2010 ) . United kingdom costs to NHS are estimated at & gt ; ?100 million per twelvemonth ( HPA, 2010 ) . Because of the impact of CI on the wellness of immature people, it is of import to place and handle septic patients and their spouses and as a consequence cut down the load of the disease on the people and wellness systems ( Appleby et al. , 2007 ; Adams et al. , 2007 ; Low et al. , 2009 ) .2.3 Chlamydia Awareness and KnowledgeChlamydia rates of infection do vary in each part in the UK ( HPA, 2010 ) . This fluctuation may uncover the proviso of diagnostic services every bit much as disease prevalence. Unfortunately, Chlamydia trachomatis infection like most STIs brings about negative public wellness results due to its part or causes to ill-health. In the UK and other parts of the universe, CI pose tremendous challenges for public wellness such as single wellbeing, the load of wellness costs or mental wellness. Chlamydia rate of infectivity at national degree for immature people aged 15-24 is one in 10 back uping the degree of sexual activity in that group. In the UK, certain groups of populations are affected more than others therefore making sexual wellness inequalities with immature people bearing the greatest load by being disproportionately affected by CI ( Figure 8, Table 2-4 ) ( NCSP, 2009 ; Marmott, 2010 ; HPA, 2010 ) .Figure 8: Age-specific distribution of the rate of diagnosed with Chlamydia at STI clinics, England: 2009Beginning: STI informations from GU medical specialty clinics ( HPA, 2010 )Table 2: Number of Chlamydia diagnosings by gender, male sexual orientation, age group and patient state: 2009Beginning: STI informations from GU medical specialty clinics ( HPA, 2010 )Table 3: Number of Chlamydia diagnosings by gender, male sexual orientation, age group and patient SHA: 2009Beginning: STI informations from GU medical specialty clinics ( HPA, 2010 )Table 4: Number of Chlamydia diagnosings by continent of birth: 2009Beginning: STI informations from GU medical specialty clinics ( HPA, 2010 )2.4 Sexual Behaviour: Chlamydia InfectionAlthough sex has become safer to a important extent through the usage of rubbers, Chlamydia rates significantly increased in recent old ages in the UK preponderantly from assorted factors like sexual hazard behaviors and hapless infection control. It has become a major public wellness concern as highlighted in the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV ( DH, 2001 ) . The 15-24 twelvemonth age group comprises merely 12 % of the population but has the largest diagnosing of STI instances of about 50 % of freshly acquired infections. Control of Chlamydia infection is complicated since it is symptomless. The sexual behavior of the population is an of import determiner of the rates of STIs. The National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles II identified sexual behavior as the hazard of geting an STI in the immature age groups ( McDowall et al. , 2006 ) . The factors included low age at clip of first sexual intercourse, frequent changing of spouses, increased likeliness of being involved with coincident partnerships, irregular usage of rubbers and the increased opportunities of being involved with a spouse who comes from a portion of the universe other than UK that is regarded every bit high hazard ( Figure 9 ) ( Hughes, 2000 ; Johnson, 2001, Mueller, 2008 ; Waylen, 2009 ; Skinner, 2010 ) . The immature people appear to be the cardinal portion of the hazard of go throughing on the infection to other groups of the population. Thus bar should be largely targeted at this nucleus group which would ensue in economic benefits.Figure 9: Chlamydia prevalence by hazard factors 2003  œ non GUM scenes( Montagne et al. , 2004 ) .A survey by Shiely et Al. ( 2010 ) proved that expedited spouse therapy ( EPT ) offer decreases in hazards of repeating or continual CI in straight persons, and heightening the per centum of those sex spouses who obtain intervention. Thus EPT was revealed as better than standard spouse referral over an extended scope of socio-demographic and behaviourally typical subgroups. Behavioural intercessions might be limited because picks about behavior are controlled by local context and civilization. Smedley and Syme ( 2000 ) province that, â€Å" It is clear that behaviour alteration is a hard and complex challenge. It is unreasonable to anticipate that people will alter their behaviors easy when so many forces in the societal, cultural and physical environment conspire against such alteration. † For illustration, Cohen et Al. ( 2006 ) survey found that when striplings were exposed to arouse instruction categories and parent-child communicating about sex, they intended to pattern safer sex ; nevertheless, this did non really lead to increased rubber usage. Rather, situational properties, including spouse attitudes about, or the handiness of, rubbers played a greater function in behavior. However, the effects of environmental hazards like poorness and favoritism might be moderated by intercessions focused on the person: â€Å" But such attempts do litt le to turn to the broader societal and economic forces that influence these hazards † ( Smedley & A ; Syme, 2000 ) . Bandura ( 1986 ) developed the self-efficacy theoretical account which offers a grade of confidence for working with persons in order to cut down hazardous behavior. Since the adult females are immature, they might non hold the necessary accomplishments to negociate and pull off rubber usage ; Bandura ‘s theoretical account may be specifically suited for them. Bandura suggested that persons beliefs in their competency to carry on certain behaviors impacts on the manner they engage themselves, their self-control when faced with troubles, and their effort in carry oning these behaviors. Foresight direct behavior with respect to peculiarly expected outcomes, though self-control allows for the control of behaviors based on criterions that are internal. Above all, self-reflection Lashkar-e-Taiba persons reflect on and go knowing by larning from their experiences.2.5 Sexual Health Prevention and Control: Chlamydia InfectionPeoples ‘s wellness and the societal and economic succe ss of the UK are highly connected. The related economic and societal costs of CI and other STIs to public wellness are tremendous and surpass UK ‘s hereafter. Two of Marmott ‘s ( 2010 ) six recommendations support the bar and control of STIs in UK ‘s population: â€Å" enabling all kids, immature people and grownups to maximize their capablenesss and have control over their lives † and â€Å" beef uping the function and impact of ill-health first-class wellbeing over their lives † . It is critical that the UK ‘s population is educated on sexual wellness issues so that they are able to do good informed sex determinations that contribute to their wellbeing and cut downing the load caused by STIs. Marmott ‘s study farther emphasised other research work ( Picket & A ; Wilkinson, 2009 ) that â€Å" it is non merely the hapless who suffer from the effects of inequality, but the bulk of the population † . High precedence should hence be given to the integrating of STI control measures into primary wellness attention. The world-wide involvement in and resources committed to forestalling AIDS supply a alone chance for wellness workers to do considerable advancement in commanding CI and other STIs.2.5.1 Chlamydia infection: attacks to bar and controlAlthough Chlamydia is a reportable infective disease, easy treated with antibiotics, and mostly prevented with rubber usage, challenges still exist globally in its bar and control. Public wellness efforts to forestall and command Chlamydia and other bacterial STIs have been applied through surveillance, clinical services, spouse presentment schemes and behavioral intercession schemes. Clinical services are an built-in portion of CI and other STIs bar programmes implemented in all communities. Chlamydia clinical services are available in a assortment of other scenes such as community wellness Centres, household planning clinics, GP surgeries, infirmary exigency suites, and prison scenes. Increasingly, CIs are being diagnosed in scenes other than public wellness clinics. Surveillance is a cardinal public wellness duty which involves monitoring of Chlamydia or its effects, antimicrobic opposition, sexual behavior, testing and healthcare quality and coverage. It is critical in observing and supervising disagreements in Chlamydia and other STIs. It is deficient to follow merely Chlamydia infection case-associated demographics for acquiring penetration into the kineticss of Chlamydia transmittal and its continuity in the affected communities. However, consideration into how and when to use the current schemes or to bring forth new 1s is critical for an efficient lessening in Chlamydia infection rates in the hazard groups. It is merely out of utilizing several surveillance attacks, everyday information analysis and reading, and rating that the load of these complex Chlamydia infections may be comprehended decently. Primary bar attempts include promoting rubber usage and patient instruction about abstention, hold of sexual intercourse, and monogamous sexual behavior. Secondary bar attempts include early and frequent showing, which have shown to cut down the prevalence of the disease ( CDC, 2000 ; HPA, 2010 ) .2.5.1 National chlamydia testing programme and spousesThe National Chlamydia Screening Programme ( NCSP ) was established back in 2003 in the UK to supply timeserving showing trials aiming sexually active adult females and work forces under 25 old ages of age who attend wellness and non-health attention scenes. Systematic showing in the UK is performed merely at GUM clinics. The debut of the NCSP in 2003 and other wellness screens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and in Scotland in 2005 resulted in an addition of sexual wellness screens from 759,770 to 1,219,308. The programme was rolled out to the remainder of England in 2007 and it aims at testing immature adult females go toing GUM , household planning and expiration of gestation clinics ; foremost cervical vilification, young person clinics, colleges, schools and universities. Pharmacies are besides offering testing trials to immature adult females seeking exigency hormonal contraceptive method ( Brabin et al. , 2009 ) . The HPA was appointed in November 2005 by the DH to administrate the NCSP which is delivered by 152 PCTs in England. However, this was rolled out by the Greater Manchester wellness authorization part in Salford in December 2006 by puting up RUClear programme which works in coaction with NCSP and all registered showing sites. Its spouses include wellness attention suppliers and research labs in supplying high-quality CI surveillance informations required by the wellness protection bureau which is indispensable for placing and supervising CI wellness disparities. RUClear coordinates testing services through easy handiness of testing and intervention services every bit good as happening ways of carrying the immature population to utilize these services ( Appendix B ) . Diagnosis of Chlamydia instances increased by 7 % , 217,570 in 2009 from 203,773 in 2008 ( Table 6 ) ( HPA, 2010 ) . NCSP has national marks for which by 31st March 2010, 25 % of all 15-24 twelvemonth olds were screened a nd from 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 the mark was raised to 35 % ( anon. , 2010 ) .Table 6: Entire figure of Chlamydia diagnosings in GU medical specialty clinics and community-based scenes by gender, UK and England, 2008-2009The symptomless nature of CI consequences in important under sensing by instance coverage. Those who are symptomless might non obtain attention and hence are non likely to bring forth a instance study. Furthermore, CI may be distributed otherwise in similar racial or cultural group.Figure 11: NCSP proving locales by sex: England April – December 2010 ( HPA, 2011 ) .The showing and treating of Chlamydia is puting a batch of force per unit area for the Primary Care Trusts ( PCTs ) that have to present in instance the immature people are unwilling to see clinical services. The challenge is to acquire advanced methods that would carry the immature people to take on showing services. The standards for testing Chlamydia, although more loosely applicable, are chiefly for sexually active adult females and work forces aged under 25 old ages. In order for Chlamydia showing to be effectual, HAs should closely supervise attachment to testing standards. For case, when there is grounds of high rates of pregnant adult females accessing healthcare service but testing Numberss are low, so it means the recommended attention is non being received by these adult females. Provision of regular showing services for symptomless immature people-at-risk and prompt diagnosing and accurate intervention for immature people infected with or exposed to CI are critical constituents of effectual clinical CI infection bar and control. Correct designation and appropriate intervention are cardinal elements of CI clinical attention but spouse presentment services and reding are besides critical in hazard decrease. However, even with commercial handiness of good diagnostic trials, effectual medicines, and testing and intervention counsel for forestalling and bring arounding Chlamydia, several challenges restrict the full potency of these tools in supplying quality attention for the immature adult females. Given the reported high incidence rates of CI, the load is much more for immature people ( Figure 12, Table 5 ) ( Fenton et al. , 2005 ) . It is imperative to determine effectual bar programmes. Although heightening entree to Chlamydia testing has been an of import and pressing focal point of Chlamydia consciousness programmes and has led to regenerate attempts to increase entree to Chlamydia testing ( WHO, 2001 ; Santer, 2000, 2003 ; HPA, 2010 ) . As more people including this identified group aged under 25 learn their Chlamydia position, and in acknowledgment of the long latent period of the disease before symptoms prevail, factors related to Chlamydia consciousness remain important to place in order to plan comprehensive Chlamydia direction services that meet the demands of the population at hazard of infection ( Wight, 2000, 2002 ; Low, 2007 ; Brabin et al. , 2009 ) .Figure 12: Proportion of positive instances by age and sex: April – December 2010Table 5: Entire figure of Chlamydia diagnosings by patient Percentage: 2009Beginning: STI informations from GU medical specialty clinics ( HPA, 2010 )2.7 DrumheadIn drumhead, the above reappraisal signifier a background for understanding Chlamydia trachomatis infection and a yardstick for measuring the sexual wellness bar and control schemes whilst carefully considered and acknowledged the reported high incidence rates of infection. This chapter has vindicated many challenges and concerns that public wellness face today. Following is Chapter 3 depicting the adopted research methodological analysis to garnering pertinent research informations.

Elderly gambling Essay

As students of Cal State San Bernardino, we fully acknowledge that all work written is original set by the standards of the University. We also give due credit to all references used to their original authors, and cited correctly according the APA writing style. Student’s signature: Dominic J. Williams, Billy McCoy, Georgina Williams, Jessica Gambling Away As the number of elderly adults ages 65 and up continues to increase within the United States, the outpouring of abuse, neglect, and financial struggles hurt this population. With the lack of support from their families, the elderly are taking it upon themselves to survive in a world that looks down upon them. According to ElderlyAdults. org, it is this time of life elderly individuals suffers from poor health, slower reaction times, and even their life partners (2011). As of 2012, over 40 million elderly are living within the United States; accounting for nearly 13 percent of the total population. With the rate statistically to increase, by the year 2030, studies show that the population will go up to over 50 million (AOG.org, 2011). Furthermore, California has fifty-eight counties, with 42 seeing an increase of over 150 percent increase in its elderly population (Aging. ca. gov, 2013). Social Workers across the nation will have their work cut out handling the cases of the elderly, as sources of Social Security is becoming dire each passing year. It is in the interest of future and current Social Workers to advocate for funding, and looking for resources that will provide the quality care that will meet the needs of the elderly. So how do elderly adults respond to the stresses of life, the local casinos that offer them the peace of mind most are searching for? Some families and friends of these individuals feel this is not the proper way to cope with life, especially as most of casinos offer alcohol, many smoking individuals, and the financial burden that they are already suffering from with lack of adequate monthly funding from Social Security. Most Seniors believe that their life serves no further purpose, and it is the best of interests to relive the golden years in earlier times of life (CasinoWatch.com, 2013). With many local casinos that offer seniors the chance to get addicted on the wrong things of life, our study will be conducted within San Bernardino County. These casinos will provide the starting point for our research, furthermore, separate interviews with the elderly themselves will provide answers to their gambling ways. Once our research is completed, our results will be submitted to a local agency that may help future elderly dealing with the struggles of addictive gambling. Literature Review. Gambling will always be a prevalent issue within the United States. Like cocaine, alcohol, etc. gambling is an addiction. At times, the desire to gamble can be insatiable to the point where therapy will no longer suffice. To illustrate this concept, consider an example. When an individual is gambling at a slot machine, he or she is constantly pushing their finger on a button in the hopes of winning some money. The desire to win becomes so overwhelming that people will often lose hundreds (or even thousands) before realizing that they should stop. However, by that time, it may very well be too late. According to Lauren Erickson (2005), â€Å"Pathological gambling is an impulse-control disorder characterized by preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money, ‘chasing’ lost money, and continued gambling in spite of escalating negative consequences. † The issue here is not the fact that the elderly cannot make an informed decision, but rather it is a combination of mental decline, the feeling of being alone, etc. that influence their desire to gamble. Gambling among the elderly can influenced by numerous factors. One of the more common ones, according to many researchers, is because they often feel as if they are living a solitary life. Often times, they are neglected by family or friends, are retired from their profession, etc. Essentially, the feelings can be overwhelming and gambling may be the only solution when it comes to rectifying any of these hostile feelings. Because of this, researchers have determined that the primary factors behind the high level of gambling is due to health and mental decline. â€Å"Results from this study also suggest that disordered gambling is associated with mental and physical health problems in older adults. † Seniors will continue to find peace of mind in these casinos until there is enough support to help alleviate these issues. With legalized gambling present in over 47 states, it has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Consider the fact that just over 25 years ago, legalized gambling was allowed in over 4 states (including Nevada). With the increase in casinos and elderly individuals (e. g. baby boomers), there is a direct correlation to the increase in elderly gambling. In other words, with the population of seniors 65 years or older hitting 45 million in the United States, casinos have seen a spike in revenues. Because of this, there is great concern over the stability of these seniors. Grant Stitt has spent over 7 years studying the effects of senior gambling, debt, their relationship with family, etc. After compiling enough data over those years, he concluded that these issues need to be addressed (currently they are not). â€Å"These two phenomena, an expansion of casino gambling and an aging population, raise interesting questions and potentially are cause for concern. Certainly one issue is whether there will be a rapid rise in pathological and problem gambling amongst the elderly, a group that frequently has increased leisure time and greater disposable, albeit perhaps fixed, income. † Despite these growing concerns, many researchers have developed several models in order to predict and analyze the various reasons why these issues are occurring. Acknowledging that there is an issue is perhaps the most important step. The reason being is because it encourages researchers to determine why there is an issue and to develop strategies to help rectify the situation. Without a doubt, the United States is experiencing an epidemic when it comes to elderly gambling. Not surprisingly, many organizations have even established â€Å"online† gambling sites to cater to those who may be unwilling to drive or feel uncomfortable leaving their locale. After several years of research, many individuals have concluded that the social cognitive theory holds merit when it comes to elderly gambling. According to Vanchai Ariyabuddhiphongs (2009), â€Å"social cognitive theory model hypothesizes reciprocal relationships among person characteristics, environment variables and gambling behavior. The review will use the social cognitive theory model framework to examine older adult gambling behavior, and related personal and environment variables. † The social cognitive theory simply dictates that elderly gambling is directly tied into social and environmental factors. For example, if an elderly individual is neglected by family and friends, that would constitute being a â€Å"social† issue on account that they do not have any form of support from those that mean a lot to him. Conversely, if the environment is hostile or â€Å"not ideal† per se (e. g.gang ridden neighborhood or lack of financial stability) that can also contribute to their willingness to gamble. It is imperative to acknowledge the fact that many of these individuals continue to struggle within their environment. Because of these social and environmental factors, many seniors continue to struggle with gambling. Gambling is an addiction that can be difficult resolve. Like drug addiction and alcoholism, there are numerous programs out within the community that aim to combat these issues. Many seniors share certain characteristics that make it difficult for certain organizations to help them. Not only are many of them on a fixed income, but many of them have time to pursue other endeavors and gambling has proven that it can give them the peace of mind needed. As time progresses, the government and other researchers need to establish new programs aimed at minimizing this growing epidemic. As of today, millions of seniors continue to lose much of their savings because there is little done about their financial well-being. Once they reach the level of retirement, many of them feel that the only way to obtain solace is to gamble and play the lottery. Intervention programs are the only solution to these issues.

Sop for Msc in Electrical Engineering

e idea of the first cellular network was brainstormed in 1947. It was intended to be used for military purposes as a way of supplying troops with more advanced forms of communications. From 1947 till about 1979 several different forms of broadcasting technology emerged. The United States began to develop the AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service) network, while European countries were developing their own forms of communication. 1. 2 History of GSM Technology Europeans quickly realized the disadvantages of each European country operating on their mobile network. It prevents cell phone use from country to country within Europe.With the emerging European Union and high travel volume between countries in Europe this was seen as a problem. Rectifying the situation the Conference of European Posts and Telegraphs (CEPT) assembled a research group with intentions of researching the mobile phone system in Europe. This group was called Group Special Mobile (GSM). For the next ten years the GSM group outlined standards, researched technology and designed a way to implement a pan-European mobile phone network. In 1989 work done by the GSM group was transferred to the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI).The name GSM was transposed to name the type of service invented. The acronym GSM had been changed from Group Special Mobile to Global Systems Mobile Telecommunications. By April of 1991 commercial service of the GSM network had begun. Just a year and half later in 1993 there were already 36 GSM networks in over 22 countries. Several other countries were on the rise to adopt this new mobile phone network and participate in what was becoming a worldwide standard. At the same time, GSM also became widely used in the Middle East, South Africa and Australia.While the European Union had developed a sophisticated digital cell phone system, the United States was still operating primarily on the old, analog AMPS network and TDMA. Department of E&C 2010 Lovely Instit ute of Technology, Phagwara 2 RF OPTIMIZATION AND PLANNING In the end o the end of October 2001, Cingular was the first to announce their switch to the 3G GSM network. This involved switching more then 22 million customers from TDMA to GSM. In 2005 Cingular stopped new phone activation on the TDMA network and began only selling GSM service. 1. History of GSM in brief †¢1982:CEPT (Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications) establishes a GSM group in order to develop the standards for pan-European cellular mobile system †¢1988:Validation of the GSM System. †¢1991:Commercial launch of the GSM service. †¢1992:Enlargement of the countries that signed the GSM-MoU> Coverage of larger cities/airports. †¢1993:Coverage of main roads GSM services start outside Europe. †¢1995:Phase 2 of the GSM specifications Coverage of rural areas. 1. 4 GSM Frequency Band There are five major GSM frequencies that have become standard worldwide. They are following  ¦GS M-1800  ¦GSM850 GSM-1900  ¦GSM-400 1. 4. 1 GSM-900 and GSM-1800 GSM-900 and GSM-1800 are standards used mostly worldwide. It is the frequency European phones operate on as well as most of Asia and Australia. 1. 4. 2 GSM-850 and GSM-1900 GSM-850 and GSM-1900 are primarily United States frequencies. They are also the standard for Canada GSM service and countries in Latin and South America. Most of the Cingular network operates on GSM 850, while much of T-Mobile operates at GSM-1900. T-Mobile however, has roaming agreements with Cingular. Meaning in the case of no service at GSM-1900, the phone will switch to GSM-850 and operate on Cingular’s network. . 4. 3 GSM-400 GSM-400 is the least popular of the bunch and is rarely used. It is an older frequency that was used in Russia and Europe before GSM-900 and GSM-1800 became available. There are not many networks currently operating at this frequency. .5 GSM Services . The GSM services are grouped into three categories: 1. Telese rvices (TS) 2. Bearer services (BS) 3. Supplementary services (SS) 1. 5. 1 Teleservices Regular telephony, emergency calls, and voice messaging are within Teleservices. Telephony, the old bidirectional speech calls, is certainly the most popular of all services.An emergency call is a feature that allows the mobile subscriber to contact a nearby emergency service, such as police, by dialing a unique number. Voice messaging permits a message to be stored within the voice mailbox of the called party either because the called party is not reachable or because the calling party chooses to do so. 1. 5. 2 Bearer Services Data services, short message service (SMS), cell broadcast, and local features are within BS. Rates up to 9. 6 kbit/s are supported. With a suitable data terminal or computer connected directly to the mobile apparatus, data may be sent through circuit-switched or packet-switched networks.Short messages containing as many as 160 alphanumeric characters can be transmitted to or from a mobile phone. In this case, a message center is necessary. The broadcast mode (to all subscribers) in a given geographic area may also be used for short messages of up to 93 alphanumeric characters. Some local features of the mobile terminal may be used. These may include, for example, abbreviated dialing, edition of short messages, repetition of failed calls, and others. .5. 3 Supplementary Services Some of the Supplementary Services are as follows: 1.Advice of charge:- This SS details the cost of a call in progress. 2. Barring of all outgoing calls: – This SS blocks outgoing calls. 3. Barring of international calls:- This SS blocks incoming or outgoing international calls as a whole or only those associated with a specific basic service, as desired. 4. Barring of roaming calls: – This SS blocks all the incoming roaming calls or only those associated with a specific service. 5. Call forwarding:- This SS forwards all incoming calls, or only those associated with a specific basic service, to another directory number.The forwarding may be unconditional or may be performed when the mobile subscriber is busy, when there is no reply, when the mobile subscriber is not reachable, or when there is radio congestion. 6. Call hold: – This SS allows interruption of a communication on an existing call. Subsequent reestablishment of the call is permitted. 7. Call waiting: – This SS permits the notification of an incoming call when the mobile subscriber is busy. 8. Call transfer: – This SS permits the transference of an established incoming or outgoing call to a third party. 9.Completion of calls to busy subscribers: – This SS allows notification of when a busy called subscriber becomes free. At this time, if desired, the call is reinitiated. 10. Closed user group:- This SS allows a group of subscribers to communicate only among themselves. 11. Calling number identification presentation/restriction: – This SS permit s the presentation or restricts the presentation of the calling party’s identification number (or additional address information). 12. Connected number identification presentation: – This SS indicatChapter 2 GSM Identitieses the phone number that has been reached Chapter 2 GSM Identities 2.Classification of GSM IDENTITY NUMBER  ¦Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN)  ¦International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)  ¦Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN)  ¦International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI)  ¦Location Area Identity (LAI) .2. 1 Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN) The MSISDN is a number which uniquely identifies a mobile telephone subscription in the public switched telephone network numbering plan. According to the CCITT recommendations, the mobile telephone number or catalogue number to be dialled is composed in the following way: MSISDN = CC + NDC + SN CC = Country Code NDC = National Destination CodeSN = Subscriber Number E. g. 919822012345 = 91 + 98 + 22 + 012345 A National Destination Code is allocated to each GSM PLMN. In some countries, more than one NDC may be required for each GSM PLMN. The international MSISDN number may be of variable length. The maximum length shall be 15 digits, prefixes not included. 2. 2 International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) The IMSI is the information which uniquely identifies a subscriber in a GSM/PLMN. For a correct identification over the radio path and through the GSM PLMN network, a specific identity is allocated to each subscriber.This identity is called the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and is used for all signalling in the PLMN. It will be stored in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), as well as in the Home Location Register (HLR) and in the serving Visitor Location Register (VLR). The IMSI consists of three different parts: IMSI = MCC + MNC + MSIN MCC = Mobile Country Code (3 digits) MNC = Mobile Network Code (2 digits) MSIN = Mobile Subscriber Ident ification Number (max 10 digits) e. g. 404 + 22 +0000123456 According to the GSM recommendations, the IMSI will have a length of maximum 15 digits.All network–related subscriber information is connected to the IMSI 2. 3 Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN) HLR knows in what MSC/VLR Service Area the subscriber is located. In order to provide a temporary number to be used for routing, the HLR requests the current MSC/VLR to allocate and return a Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN) for the called subscriber At reception of the MSRN, HLR sends it to the GMSC, which can now route the call to the MSC/VLR exchange where the called subscriber is currently registered.The interrogation call routing function (request for an MSRN) is part of the Mobile Application Part (MAP). All data exchanged between the GMSC – HLR – MSC/VLR for the purpose of interrogation is sent over the No. 7 signalling network. The Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN), according to the GSM recommend ations, consists of three parts: MSRN = CC + NDC + SN CC = Country Code NDC = National Destination Code SN = Subscriber Number e. g. : 91 + 98 + 22 + 005XXX where, 005XXX is sent by MSC. 00 is for Pune MSC, 20 is for Nagpur MSC, 10 is for Goa MSC.Note: In this case, SN is the address to the serving MSC The IMEI is used for equipment identification. An IMEI uniquely identifies a mobile station as a piece or assembly of equipment. (See IMEI, chapter 5. ) IMEI = TAC + FAC + SNR + sp TAC = Type Approval Code (6 digits), determined by a central GSM body FAC = Final Assembly Code (2 digits), identifies the manufacturer SNR = Serial Number (6 digits), an individual serial number of six digits uniquely identifying all equipment within each TAC and FAC sp = spare for future use (1 digit) e. g. 52518 + 00 + 581976 + 3 Where, 35 is for Nokia Handsets According to the GSM specification, IMEI has the length of 15 digits. 2. 5 Location Area Identity (LAI) LAI is used for location updating of mobi le subscribers. LAI = MCC + MNC + LAC MCC = Mobile Country Code (3 digits), identifies the country. It follows the same numbering plan as MCC in IMSI. MNC = Mobile Network Code (2 digits), identifies the GSM/PLMN in that country and follows the same numbering plan as the MNC in IMSI. LAC = Location Area Code, identifies a location area within a GSM PLMN network.The maximum length of LAC is 16 bits, enabling 65 536 different location areas to be defined in one GSM PLMN. E. g. 404 +22 + 10000 where 10000 is the LAC for Pune. 2. 6 Cell Global Identity (CGI) CGI is used for cell identification within the GSM network. This is done by adding a Cell Identity (CI) to the location area identity. CGI = MCC + MNC + LAC + CI CI = Cell Identity, identifies a cell within a location area, maximum 16 bits e. g. 404 + 22 + 10000 + 726 Where, 404 + 22 + 10000 is the LAI for Pune and 726 are the CI of one of the cells of Pune. CI is different for all the three sectors of the cell. . 7 Base Station Ide ntity Code (BSIC) BSIC allows a mobile station to distinguish between different neighbouring base stations. BSIC = NCC + BCC NCC = Network Colour Code (3 bits), identifies the GSM PLMN. Note that it does not uniquely identify the operator. NCC is primarily used to distinguish between operators on each side of border. BCC = Base Station Colour Code (3 bits), identifies the Base Station to help distinguish between BTS using the same BCCH frequencies e. g. 71 Where 7 is the NCC for IDEA Operator. and 1 is the BCC. BCC can range from 0 to 7 Chapter 3 GSM Network ElementsGSM stands for Global System for Mobile communication & is a globally accepted standard for digital cellular communication. GSM is the name of a standardization group established in 1982 to create a common European mobile telephone standard that would formulate specifications for a pan-European mobile cellular radio system operating at 900 MHz. It is estimated that many countries outside of Europe will join the GSM partn ership. GSM provides recommendations, not requirements. The GSM specifications define the functions and interface requirements in detail but do not address the hardware.The reason for this is to limit the designers as little as possible but still to make it possible for the operators to buy equipment from different suppliers. The GSM network is divided into three major systems: ? The switching system (SS) ? The base station system (BSS) ?The operation and support system (OSS) 3. 1 GSM BASIC BLOCK DIAGRAM Department of E&C 2010 Lovely Institute of Technology, Phagwara 14 RF OPTIMIZATION AND PLANNING 3. 2 BASIC GSM NETWORK ARCHITECTURE 3. 2. 1 SWITCHING CENTRE Department of E&C 2010 Lovely Institute of Technology, Phagwara

Canadian Identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Canadian Identity - Essay Example The immigration of people from all over the world and their adoption of an essentially Canadian way of life have led to a situation where the people of this country have been united. This union has come about mainly because the increasing number of immigrants has been able to counter the some of the negative effects brought about by the British- and French-speaking populations. Immigrant communities have been able to bring about diversity in the political, social and economic life of Canada. These individuals have, in addition, been able to adapt to life in Canada so effectively that they have become a basic part of life in the country. They have further been able to promote a strong Canadian identity, especially in the second and third generations after the original immigrants, that they have not only transcended the political and social conflicts previously experienced, but have also been instrumental in the creation of a strong Canadian identity that has allowed the nation to cont inue thriving. In conclusion, the discussion above has attempted to show that Canadian identity has come about as a result of its multicultural nature, the identification of a common destiny by its people, and immigration which has become a basic part of the country’s policies. Among the most significant aspects of these has been its multiculturalism which has allowed for the creation of a diverse nation. Through the development of a strong national identity, these cultures have been brought together in such a way that they have fostered unity.

Marketing library & information services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marketing library & information services - Essay Example In order to provide MLIS, understanding of the working of a library and its purpose and ideology is of great importance. Marketing has played a crucial role in the Australian academic libraries. Accelerating rates of change has become the marketing reality in current times (Kotler & Caslione, 2009). The scope of marketing in MLIS has seen increase in the recent years. This is partly due to technological advancement and partly due to changes in the educational requirements that the library aims to meet. In addition to that, new marketing methods have evolved that make it necessary for libraries to incorporate effective marketing into the delivery of resources to customers. The library needs to be speaking the language of the buyer in order to market well (Scott, 2007). Also marketing serves as a useful tool in promoting and advertising the resources of the library; this can have mutual benefits for both the library and its customers: to the library since it can attract more number of customers and to its customers in easily locating and accessing the services that they need. In Australian academic libraries, the role of marketing has received a lot of attention since educational advances and technological developments along with limited budgets have made students demand more in return for the membership fees that they are paying for libraries. One of the most significant contributions of marketing to LIS is that it helps in fostering a healthy marketing relationship with its customers. A good marketing strategy aims to identify potential customers and identifying their needs. It further requires the designing of products that meet these needs. Organizations are seeing the benefits of customer loyalty and are taking a customer-centric approach to strategy (Jain & Singh, 2010). If marketing is customer-focused, it helps to assert the importance of the customer over all other

Three Major Problems in Nigeria Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Three Major Problems in Nigeria - Essay Example Nigeria is one developing country, which faces diverse problems; however, the paper attempts to analyze three crucial problems including increasing inflation rate, rising living standard, as well as political instability. Political instability Most African countries have a characteristic of political instability. This underscores the depth of development leaving people midst abundant resources with little development. In the past, many years, stagnation remains evident among many African countries due to political instability creating a rising tide of poverty, poor infrastructure and decaying of public utilities (Mundt & Aborisade, 2004). Nigeria gets described by scholars as an unfinished state, and a truculent African disaster, this is because of the abundant natural resources present in the country, which instead of improving the economic condition of the country, has propelled the vicious cycle of poverty (Kay & Mazen, 2012). Nigeria is rich with enormous oil resources that warra nt it a name of a giant African country. On the contrary, it remains a minute country due to the political instability of parochial leadership, which considers personal survival rather that national development. Nigeria suffered a setback and was brought down into its knees by 20 years of corrupt military and brutal rule. The rule left power in the hands of powerful political bosses also called godfathers with vast patronage of the country. They viewed the country primarily through the lens of the personal fortification, amassing wealth for developing personal interest. The attempt to bring democratic consolidation got hampered by Nigeria political gladiators who used the slightest opportunity in power for personal cult. Political instability in Nigeria; therefore caused harm, as people vied to control vast spoils of office. This is a trend, which gave forth to undeserving leaders, who collected wealth grabbing everything they could lay their hands. In Nigeria, the centralized econo mic as well as political structure comprised of individual and the military, which controlled substantial parts of the country endorsed with resources (Adeseyoju, 2006). The political instability led to a major segment of Nigerian falling into poverty. According to research, the poor leadership forced 70% of people to fall into abject poverty. The brazen watch for the rule of law also made matters worse, as only people with power and influence had the ability to access facilities. It is a country, which made distant the aspect of serving its citizens. Consequently, Nigeria federation, which dominates the political stand, continue to build patronage networks, as the infrastructural standards remain dilapidated as it was in the watch of the military rule (Kay & Mazen, 2012). The besieged multitude of hostile military forces has spread to the present, whereby ethnic differences, form a source of instability. Chinua Achebe’s novel is an illustration of the political turmoil Niger ia faced during early 1990s when the British colonial power reigned. Current problems Nigeria face is still under the same trend of political instability with rising issues of segmentation of Nigeria. Muslims dominate the northern side of Nigeria while the southern mainly has Christians. The political instability has caused aggravating disputes between the two regions with each side attacking (Albert, 2005). The instability evidenced in Nigeria also caused the

Pakistan National Conservation Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Pakistan National Conservation Strategy - Essay Example The design of the Institute was initiated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature-Pakistan (IUCN-P) with significant support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), gratefully acknowledged as the Institute's key source of institutional support. The committee formulated for the constitution of SDPI consulted government officials, academics, intellectuals, NGOs and journalists while formulating the by-laws and identifying the first Board of Governors. During eleven years of SDPI's existence, there have been six changes in government. SDPI, as a policy-oriented research institute, has had to re-establish relationships with government each time the administration has changed. Despite this relatively unstable political environment, SDPI has, and intends to continue to produce quality policy research and advocate democratic governance and pro-people initiatives. to contribute to strengthening the social and physical infrastructure for research in Pakistan including the construction and dissemination of databases and research indices and the improvement of library systems There has been little amendment to the existing mandate and goals of the Institute. However, there has been a process of clarification and prioritization. We are keen to retain the strengths that have made SDPI the highly respected Institute it is. We are also aware that a process of restructuring and changing priorities is essential to maximize our comparative advantage and ensure we continue to improve our effectiveness. The strategies below reflect these needs and desires: strengthen linkages between policy, research, advocacy and training maintain the transparent, participatory, 'moral

Various Aspects of Life of the Oromo People Research Paper

Various Aspects of Life of the Oromo People - Research Paper Example However, as distinguishing factors, African communities have different cultural practices and beliefs. According to Freund2, societal beliefs and practices, which define each community, are used to distinguish various African communities. Traditional practices and beliefs are, thus, used to describe each ethnic community. Inhabitation of various parts of Africa mainly depended on geographical factors, such as accessibility, topography, and nature of a place at different weather conditions. Even though each African community was and is still distinguishable from other communities, certain issues, nevertheless, brought the communities together. Examples of the factors include economic, social, and religious accords among various communities. According to Freund3, most African communities have not only settled in Africa, but also inhabit other continents. Example of such communities is the Oromo people. The community has the highest population in Africa and considerable numbers in Ameri ca and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, while discussing the community, focus is directed to Africa. This paper explores the Oromo community. Background of the Community The name â€Å"Oromo† means â€Å"the powerful.† Triulzi4 informs that several suggestions attempt to explain origin of the name. One postulate argues that the name is associated with the river Oromiffa. Levine (Greater Ethiopia, 45) also claims that the name was coined from â€Å"qaala laa† an Arabic word. Galla is another name used to refer to the community. The term â€Å"Galla† is used mostly by Amhara to refer the community. Abyssinians, on the other hand, use derogatory characteristics to describe the group5. The offensive names, which include â€Å"pagan,† â€Å"slave,† â€Å"uncivilized,† or uncultured, are meant to generate inferiority complex within the community. Members of the community, however, insisted on the name â€Å"Oromo† because it described the st rength or self-defense of the community. Oromo community is a member of Cushitic-speaking individuals. The native language of the community is Oromo. The language is part of an Afro-Asiatic language family. The community is estimated to have a population of 30 million members. In Africa, the community is largely found in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. In Ethiopia, census carried in 2007 revealed that 34.49 percent of the entire population of the country was Oromoota. Records indicate that the Oromo occupy eastern and north-eastern Africa. Migration and Demographic Information Mohammed6 asserts that Oromo community is an ancient group in Africa. The author claims that physical features, language, culture, and various other aspects of life conform to traditions of African societies, with slight variations. Ethiopia, which is the main settlement region for the community, has an approximate of 74 ethnically diverse language groups7. Because population of the country is majorly the Oromo, individuals of the community significantly contribute to development of the country in various capacities. Based on the report published by United Nations Population Fund, about 95 % are settled agriculturalists.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Coursework

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - Coursework Example Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is a cluster of signs and symptoms that are not naturally found in the body but develop over a span of time due to a weakened immune system. It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS develops as a result of the chronic infestation of the human body with HIV and is usually discovered with the development of advanced symptoms. Discovered in the 1980s, AIDS was considered a disease manifested solely due to homosexual activities in the world. However, since 1981, several discoveries have been made regarding the modes of transmission of the virus and how to prevent them. Nonetheless, AIDS continues to be one of the most feared diseases in the world, as it results in not only physical anguish but also social seclusion. Thus, it is necessary to know about the method and modes of transmission of this disease so as to take appropriate preventive measures. The presence of HIV is usually diagnosed in a patient based on the clinical signs and symptoms that are presented to a medical practitioner. The diagnosis can be confirmed on the basis of laboratory tests such as testing for antigens of the virus or antibodies in the blood against it. However, since laboratory tests are not available in certain remote areas of the world where AIDS is prevalent, medical practitioners rely on the clinical signs and symptoms that the patients present. Since AIDS is a syndrome, the signs and symptoms presented by patients who suffer from it tend to differ.

Engineering Managment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Engineering Managment - Coursework Example The company has been operating in the market for almost 200 years. Despite economic crises that have affected the world from time to time, the company is still standing strong in the market. Moreover, the company has always also remained focused on its mission, objectives and strategies. The objectives of a company generally depend upon the business situations. Similarly, the business objectives of Cadbury have changed over the years according to the market situations. Cadbury has always relied on short term goals, rather than the long term objectives. However, their short term goals have changed on an average of 10 years. For example, the objective of the company during its initial years (1824-1850) was to open a Cadbury shop and increase its profitability. Their objective from 1850-1900 was to use new technology to increase the production. The company has been able to fulfil most of its objectives till now and the current objective of the company is to maintain the level it has already reached. The strategy of the company to achieve its goals is very much straight forward. The business strategy of the company is to tap new markets for its products and increase its profitability. Nevertheless, since most of the products of the company are sold all over the world, it has formulated a two-pronged growth strategy, which is dependent upon the cash flow of the company. In addition, the company is also looking forward to new channels of product distribution in order to increase sales. Since, 70 % of the total sales of the company come from impulse purchase that is why the company is also targeting restaurants, pubs and petrol stations to sell their products. Apart from the mission statements, strategies and objective the organizational culture of a company plays a crucial role in its success. In addition, the working practice and the areas which provide the company an

Management in context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Management in context - Essay Example A content theory on the other hand defines motivation in terms of the satisfaction of needs. Examples of process theories are the Adams’ Equity theory and the Victor Vroom’s expectancy Theory while examples of content theories are the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory, Fredrick Herberg’s Two Factor Theory and the ERG Theory by Clayton P. Alderfer. The two types of motivation theories not only differ in their definitions of motivation but also in the idea of the applicability of motivation towards work. The Content Theories pay more attention to the identification of the needs of individuals and how these needs are given priority. These theories have more concern for the different types of incentives that give people the drive to attain certain goals. The Content Theories offer a logical approach to understanding motivation, and are easy to understand. They are easily applicable to a real life scenario. The Process theories on the other hand offer a theoretical set of solutions towards the understanding of work motivation. Victor Vroom’s expectancy model and further extensions by Lawler and Porter assist in providing an explanation of the presence of essential cognitive variables in the human body and how they coordinate with each other to create the process of work motivation. Lawler and Porter’s model also looks deeper into the relationship that exists between performance of an act and satisfaction gained by performing such an action. In a nutshell, the Process Theories place more concern on the identification of the variables that contribute to motivation with how they relate with one another being of even greater importance. Abraham Maslow came up with the thought that human needs which can lead to a desire to undertake an activity can be put in a particular order to form a hierarchy of probability of occurrence and pre-potency. This theory assumes

Service Improvement Essay Example for Free

Service Improvement Essay Abstract As the competition in the restaurant industry become more. Service quality becomes important to achieve the success restaurant. Service Blueprint is one of the methods that use to apply to improve the service system. The process of blueprint is a necessary tool that the restaurant can view all of process of the restaurant’s operation between the customer and providers. The paper aims to examine and apply to improve in the service processes of the restaurant by using the Service Blueprint to be the technique that used to understand customer service experiences. For the service blueprint design, an in-depth interview and a quantitative research method was used based on a customer expectation on the target customer who always to dining-out in the restaurant. The providing emphasize on value co-creation and design characteristics of service systems, and identifying the most important service system characteristics perceived by the customer, is the important way to improve the service. Keywords: blueprint, service, improvement, restaurant Introduction The trend of food and beverage industries in Thailand is growing in the positive direction because the customer behavior on eating out (Thansettakij Newspaper, 2012). Many reasons, hungry, social business and personal reason, affect guests to visit the restaurant. Whatever the reason, customers expect their dining experience to be positive (Ninemeier and Hayes, 2006). Developing high-quality dining experience (Rong and Jun, 2012) is the better way to create value of service to attraction (Sandstrà ¶m et al, 2008). Increasing market competition and growing customer service demands influence the organization to improve efficiency the service processes (Mascio, 2007). The good service process is the first for the restaurant to gain competitive advantage, to marketing success and to growing (Hee and Young, 2001). Restaurants that use the delivery of high service quality have the stronger competitive position (Kit and Ka, 2001). Customer Satisfaction and Customer Expectation The outcome of customers’ evaluation of a service is the satisfaction that based on a comparison of the recognition of service delivery with their previous expectations. (Johnston and Clark, 2005). Thus restaurant need to understand the customers’ service expectations (Johnston and Clark, 2001:2005; Ford and Heaton, 2000), that is an essential for delivering greater service because they represent implicit performance standards that customers use in assessing service quality (Andronikidis et al, 2009). Understanding customer expectations performed an importance part for delivering the customer satisfaction. Customer expectations include two levels are desired expectation and adequate expectation. Desired expectations represented the customer wanted the service to perform that the service â€Å"should be†. While adequate expectations are the satisfactory performance that the service â€Å"will be† (Yen and Soe, 2010). Customer Experience and Service Process Services are the experience that depends on human and delivery system. Because of the growing of Service Business, the organization should move into the customer experience management that is importance to creating customer loyalty by creating meaningful and memorable. (Bitner et al., 2007). Experience can be determined as the aggregate and increasing customer awareness created during the process of learning about, obtaining and using a product or service (Jiang, 2008). Customer experience has been treated as embedded in service quality. It is also measured by comparing expectations before, and perceptions after the experience, or perceptions only, through different predetermined service attributes (Walter et al, 2010). Service process is the part of the customer’s experience creation. (Johnston and Clark, 2001:2005) That includes the human element (the people who interacting with customers) and the material production process (Ford and Heaton, 2000). The service process is a collection of activities that represents all of the steps over a period of time (Bitner et al., 2007). Service Blueprint There are a lot of techniques that used to develop the service delivery system for the guest experience. One of them is the service blueprint that is the method of process modeling that use to visualize, analyze, organize, control and develop service processes for improving the internal and external of organization (Gersch et al., 2011). Service Blueprint helps the organization to see the key operational, human resources, and marketing issues that offering the service experience for the customer, easily (Bitner et al., 2007). Dong and Shiang (2010) suggested the service system bird’s eyeview that shows all of the steps in the service process can guarantee the customer satisfaction. The workflow description helps the organization to watch out all of service parts that can provide to improve the failure points. Service Blueprinting is the process of creating the delivering service standard that shows the personnel and equipment required (Mascio, 2007). This method adapts for service innovation, quality improvement, customer experience design, and strategic change focused around customers as a highly effective (Bitner et al., 2007) and effectiveness (Hummel and Murphy, 2011). Drucker (1977) mentions the effectiveness as â€Å"doing the right things† and the efficiency as â€Å"doing things right†. Moreover this technique involves a description of the different process steps visually and in continuity, helping to define the steps at which the customer uses the core service and to identify the additional benefits that make up the increased product (Pires et al., 2004). Components of Service Blueprint Coenen et al. (2011) defines a service blueprint as â€Å"†¦visually displays activities by simultaneously depicting the process of service delivery, the points of customer contact, the roles of customers and employees, and the physical surrounding of the perceived process†. A typical service blueprint consists of five components (Bitner et al., 2007): (1) Customer actions: All of steps that show the customers’ activity. (2) Onstage/visible contact employee actions: Face-to-face actions between the customers and employees (3) Backstage/invisible contact employee actions: All of the employee actions, but the customer can’t see. (4) Support processes: All the tangibles that customers are exposed to that can influence their quality perceptions. (5) Physical evidence: All the activities carried out by individuals and units within the company who are not contact employees. Moreover, there are the actions that separated by diverse â€Å"lines† (Coenen et al., 2011; Gersch et al., 2011). The â€Å"line of interaction† separates the customer activity from the provider action, showing the direct interactions between customer and provider. Above the â€Å"line of interaction†, there are the activities, choices, and interactions performed by the customer. The â€Å"line of visibility† differentiates between the visible (onstage) and invisible (backstage) to the customer. Above the â€Å"line of visibility†, there are the actions and decisions carried out by front office employees. The â€Å"line of internal interaction† distinguishes between front office and back office activities. Support processes which are necessary to aid front office employees in delivering the service are carried out below the â€Å"line of internal interaction†. Research Method Regarding to the aim of this paper the research must examine and apply to improve the service process for service experience. For the collection of comprehensive and detail information about customer’s expectation in the service delivery process. First of all, In-depth interview was used to be the method to help on creating the questionnaire. The questionnaire was devised to measure customer expectations in term of quality of service of the restaurant. References Andronikidis, A., Georgiou, A.C., Gotzamani, K., Kamvysi, K. The application of quality function deployment in service quality management. The TQM Journal, 21/4(2009), pp. 319-333 Bitner, M. J., Ostrom, A. L., and Morgan, F. N., 2007. Service Blueprint: A Practical Technique for Service Innovation. Center for Service Leadership, Arizona State University. Coenen, C., Felten, D.V., and Schmid, M., 2011. Managing effectiveness and efficiency through FM blueprinting. Facilities, Vol. 29 Iss: 9/10, pp.422 436 Dong, S.C. and Shiang, L.Y., Combining Kano model and service blueprint for adult day care service — A case study in Taiwan, Service Systems and Service Management (ICSSSM), 2010 7th Drucker, P. (1977), An Introductory View of Management, Harper College Press, New York, NY. Ford, R. C., and Heaton, C. P., 2000. Managing the Guest Experience in Hospitality. Delmar Thomson Learning. Gersch, M., Hewing, M., and Schà ¶ler B., Business Process Blueprinting – an enhanced vi ew on process performance. Business Process Management Journal, 17/5(2011), pp.732-747 Hee, W.K., Young, G.K., Rationalizing the customer service process. Business Process Management Journal, 7 /2(2001), pp. 139-156 Hummel, E. and Murphy, K.S., Using Service Blueprint to Analyze Restaurant Service Efficiency. Cornall Hospitalty Quarterly, 52/3(2011). Jiang, K., New Service Development for Interactive Experience. Service Operations and Logistics and Informatics 2008 International Conference on (2008) G

Pantaloon Retail Indias Leading Retailers Marketing Essay

Pantaloon Retail Indias Leading Retailers Marketing Essay Pantaloons origin can be traced to 1987 when the company was incorporated as Manz Wear Private Limited. Originally incorporated as Manz Wear Private Limited on October 12, 1987.The Companys name was changed to Manz Wear Limited on September 20,1991, further to Pantaloon Fashions (India) Limited on September 25, 1992 and to Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited on July 7 1999. The company launched Pantaloons trouser, Indias first formal trouser brand. In 1992, Pantaloon launched its IPO. In 1994, The Pantaloon Shoppe exclusive menswear store in franchisee format was launched across the country. Pantaloon started distribution of branded garments through multi-brand retail outlets across the nation. In 2001, Big Bazaar, Indias first hypermarket chain was launched. In 2002, Food Bazaar, the supermarket chain was launched. In 2006, Future Capital Holdings, the companys financial arm launched real estate funds, Kshitij and Horizon and private equity fund Indivision. The company is also planning forays into insurance and consumer credit. The Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited, entered the retail market in 1997 with its first flagship store hosted by Kolkata. Pantaloons began as a fashion retail chain. The Future Group launched it as its introductory venture. Such was its popularity that by the year 2001, many more sub-retail lines were launched that dealt in specific merchandise like footwear, fashion accessories, food, grocery and electronics. Registered Office of the Company: Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited Pantaloon Knowledge House, Shyam Nagar, Off. Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road, Jogeshwari (East), Mumbai 400 060 Registration No. 44954/1987 Registrar of Companies at Mumbai, Maharashtra located at Hakoba Mill Compound, Kalachowki, Mumbai 400 033. Headquarters: Mumbai Industry: Retailing Founder: Kishore Biyani Area served: India (7 million square feet of retail space) Parent company: Future Group Website: www.pantaloon.com Retail Industry Retailing is the worlds largest private industry. Retail is the worlds largest private industry with global retail sales of roughly USD 8 trillion. Retailing is also one of the biggest contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of most countries and also one of the biggest employers. (Source CII McKinsey Report titled Retailing in India, the Emerging Revolution) In India, however, the retail sector has seen a high level of fragmentation with a large share held by unorganized players. India has a large number of retail enterprises. With close to 12 million retail outlets India has one of the highest retail densities in the world. In terms of the structure, the industry is fragmented and predominantly consists of independent, owner-managed shops. The retail businesses include a variety of traditional retail formats, such as kirana stores which stock basic household necessities (including food products), street markets-regular markets held at fixed centres retailing food and general merchandise items, street vendors mobile retailers essentially selling perishable food items-fruits, vegetables etc and small non specialized retailers. Growth of Organized Retail in India India is expected to show similar trends as Indian consumers in the past have shown an ability to leapfrog evolution cycles as has happened in the case of various consumer products such as mobile phones. KSA Technopak estimates organized retail in India to reach 12% to 13% of the total retail market by 2010 with sales of Rs. 1700-1800 billion, aided by improved real estate infrastructure and easier access to capital. Rs(billion) 2002 2010 Estimated size of retail in India 10,700 14,000 Share of organised retail in India(%) 2 12-13 Size of organised retail in India 225 1700-1800 Source: KSA Technopak The Indian retail industry is evolving in line with the changing customer aspirations across product groups, with modern formats of retailing emerging. Composition of Organized Retail A break-up of sales in organized retail shows Lifestyle (clothing and textile, footwear, home, watches and jewellery and health and beauty) as the largest segment accounting for 73% in value terms. This is followed by food and grocery accounting for 14% of the organized retail value. Break-up of consumers expenditure in organized retail Rapid growth of organized retailing is expected in the food segment. We believe this can be attributed to the highly unorganized nature of the market currently, which thus presents an attractive potential, and the growing preference of consumers to shop at modern retail formats. Clothing is the other segment expected to show high growth potential. Factors affecting changes in the retail sector An analysis of private final consumption expenditure in India suggests that the food, beverages and tobacco segments constitute about 50% of total household expenditure, with clothing and footwear contributing just around 5%. However contribution of food and groceries to organized retailing is just 14%. There are a large variety of retailers operating in the food retailing sector such as independent grocers, fair price shops, food specialists etc. A greater number of higher income Indians, prefer to shop at supermarkets because of convenience, range of merchandise, higher standards of hygiene and the attractive ambience. Among the segments of organized retail, food retail is expected to develop the fastest. Going forward, it is expected that supermarkets will be the fastest growing food retailers. Their sales are expected to grow by about 40% per year during 2003-2008 (Source: Retailing in India Euro monitor 2004 report). We believe the traditional Indian consumer who is now becoming more fashion and brand conscious welcome more sophisticated outlets retailing footwear which is evident from the fact that the consumer spend on footwear has increased from 1% in 1999 to 2.3% in 2003. With growth in incomes, Indians have been spending more on health and beauty products. As in the case of other retailing sectors, small single-outlet retailers also dominate sales of health and beauty products. Another interesting trend that is emerging is the increasing spend on leisure and entertainment. Indian consumers who were traditionally averse to spending money on entertainment have started spending on eating out, movies and theatre. The entry of a large number of foreign consumer durable companies into the Indian market during the 1990s after the government liberalized its foreign investment and import policies transformed the consumer durable sector dramatically. A much larger variety of consumer electronic items and household appliances became available to the Indian customer. Competition among companies to sell their brands provided a strong impetus to the growth for retailers operating in this sector. Modern Retail Formats Some of the modern retail formats and their value positions are given below. Department stores These large stores retail primarily non-food items such as apparel, footwear, accessories, cosmetics and household products. They stock multiple brands across product categories, though some of them focus on their own store label (on the lines of Marks Spencers and St. Michael). Several local department store chains have opened shop in India in the past five years. We believe the convenience factor coupled with the aspirational perception of shopping in a department store has contributed to their growth. The larger chains of department stores (Namely Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop,Westside and Lifestyle) have presence in the metros and mini metros. Supermarkets A supermarket is a store which is more of a large self-service grocery store selling groceries and dairy products and household goods that are consumed regularly. These are neighborhood stores offering home and personal care products and food products that a typical household consumes on a day to day basis. These stores offer convenience of shopping by making available a large variety of products at one place. Some of the well known supermarket chain includes Food Bazaar, Nilgiris, Food World, Apna Bazaar, Trinethra etc. Hypermarkets/Discount stores A hypermarket is a store which combines a supermarket and a department store. The result is a retail facility which carries an enormous range of products under one roof, including full lines of fresh groceries and apparel. It is a large format store that aims at retail consolidation by being a single point contact between the brand owners and customers. They are planned, constructed, and executed in a manner that a consumer can ideally satisfy all of their routine weekly shopping needs in one trip to the hypermarket. Large variety of products is available at reasonable prices with discounts built in for volume purchased. Big Bazaar, Spencers, Star India Bazaar are examples of hypermarket formats. Seamless Mall Seamless mall is a format which is relatively new in India. In this format, various brands operate their retail areas without any wall between them, providing a seamless shopping experience. This makes it possible for shoppers to compare brands with ease while they shop. We believe this also means that the store can reallocate space more easily based on merchandise/brand performance and customer feedback. Besides offering apparels, accessories and lifestyle products these malls are also equipped with entertainment and leisure facilities. Central is an example of a seamless mall. Speciality stores Specialty stores as the name suggests are stores that specializes in a particular offering. A specialty store carries a deep assortment within a narrow line of goods. Furniture stores, florists, sporting-goods stores, and bookstores are all specialty stores. Examples of specialty stores in India would include Planet Sports, aLL, Planet M, Musicworld, Crossword etc. FUTURE GROUP Introduction Retail forms the core business activity at Future Group and most of its businesses in the consumption space are built around retail. Future Groups retail network touches the lives of more than 200 million Indians in  73 cities and 65 rural locations  across the country. The group currently operates around  1,000 stores  spread over  16 million square feet  of retail space. Present in the value and lifestyle segments, the groups retail formats cater to almost the entire consumption expenditure of a wide cross-section of Indian consumers. GROUP VISION Future Group shall deliver Everything, Everywhere, Every time for Every Indian Consumer in the most profitable manner. GROUP MISSION We share the vision and belief that our customers and stakeholders shall be served only by creating and executing future scenarios in the consumption space leading to economic development. We will be the trendsetters in evolving delivery formats, creating retail realty, making consumption affordable for all customer segments for classes and for masses. We shall infuse Indian brands with confidence and renewed ambition. We shall be efficient, cost- conscious and committed to quality in whatever we do. We shall ensure that our positive attitude, sincerity, humility and united determination shall be the driving force to make us successful. The Future Group in its turn has many verticals other than just Pantaloons and its associated fashion retail chain. In fact, there are 6 verticals in all under the domain of the Future Group that almost covered the entire scope of Indian consumption. These 6 are: Future Retail (retail related) Future Capital (Finance related) Future Brands (Brand Management related) Future Space (Real Estate related) Future Logistics (Management and Distribution related) Future Media (Retail Media Management related) Led by Pantaloon Retail, the Future groups flagship company, the group manages some of Indias most popular retail chains like; Fashion: The group offers a variety of options in fashion. Its brands include aLL, Blue Sky, Central, Etam, Fashion Station, Gini Jony, Navaras, Pantaloons, and Top 10. Food: In food business, the group offers a host of options. Food Bazaar a chain of large supermarkets; Brew Bar a beer bar; cafà © Bollywood a national chain of eateries; Chamosa a pan-Indian chain of snack counters, and Sports Bar a bistro focused on the world of sports. Home Electronics: Options include: Collection i a lifestyle furniture store; Electronics Bazaar offers branded electronic goods and appliances; e-zone trendiest electronics items; Furniture Bazaar entire range of Home Furniture; Home Town one stop destination for all the home needs. Leisure Entertainment: Options are: Bowling Co. state-of-the-art premium family entertainment centre, offering multiple, novel and unique leisure and entertainment options; F 123 offers a wide range of gaming options ranging from bowling and pool to redemption and interactive video games to bumper cars. Wellness Beauty: Options are: Health Village a state-of-the art spa and yoga centre; Star Sitara: Beauty salon for men and women; Tulsi provides access to the best allopathic, ayurvedic and homeopathic medicinal products; Turmeric offers beauty products like colour cosmetics, fragrances, herbal and specialty skin items, hair products and bath accessories. Books Music: Future Groups brand Depot offers Books, CDs, and stationery items. The group also operates Indias leading rural retailing chain,  Aadhaar  that is present in over 65 locations in rural India. Aadhaar, an agri-service cum  rural retail initiative, provides a complete solution provider for the Indian farmer.   PANTALOONS FRESH FASHIONS From our beginning in 1987, we have today evolved as one of the leading manufacturer-retailer and are among the pioneers in setting up a nation-wide chain of large format stores in India. We believe that the various initiatives taken by us have played a key role in enhancing the standards of retail in the country. We started our operations by selling branded garments under Pantaloon, Bare and John Miller brands. We set up our first menswear Pantaloon Shoppe Outlet in 1993. Our business has grown from one store in Kolkata in 1997 occupying an area of 8,000 Sq ft to 72 stores, apart from our 22 factory outlets located in the multiple cities occupying an aggregate area of 21,07,608 Sq. ft. We focus on the Lifestyle segment through 14 Pantaloon stores, 3 Central Malls, 2 aLL, 2 Fashion Station and 1 MeLa store. In the Value offering, we cater to the mass through our 21 Big Bazaar and 30 Food Bazaar outlets. Pantaloons believe that managing customer expectation by offering them all the requirements for their entire family under one roof is the key to being a successful retailer, and hence have built our business model around Family focus rather than individual focus. They believe addressing the family attracts more customers into the store. They retail a range of branded and Private Label apparel, footwear, perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery, leather products and accessories, home products, books, music and toys in our stores. To complete the idea of a family store, besides garments, we also retail household items, consumer durables, and home furnishings, apart from food and personal care products. This is complemented by cafes, food stalls, entertainment, personal care and various beauty related services. Promotions and events are an integral part of our service offering to our customer, which helps us create a unique shopping experience. They have also entered into partnerships/joint ventures to expand our offerings from home to apparel to household products to durables etc. They believe their focus on customers supported by systems and processes and a committed work force are the key factors that have contributed to our success and will help us scale up as we embark on our strategic growth plan. Core values followed by Pantaloons, India à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Indianness: To boast confidence à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Flow: To understand and respect the global nature laws. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Adaptability: To become adaptable and flexible to accomplish the challenges. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Positivity and simplicity, in the business thought and action. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To nurture and maintain long-term relationships. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To be receptive and open to the innovative ideas, information and knowledge. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To value every customer and being modest in the conduct. Major Achievements of Pantaloon Retail Chosen as International Retailer for the Year 2007 Chosen as Emerging Market Retailer of the Year 2007 Best Employers in India (Rank 14th) in the Hewitt Best Employers 2007 survey. Best Managed Company in India (Mid-cap) for the year 2006. Won Images Retail Awards 2006 for Best Value Retail Store, Best Retail Destination, and Best Food Grocery Store. Retail Face of the Year Kishore Biyani Most Admired Food Grocery Retail Visionary of the Year: Kishore Biyani Positioning In the Life-style segment (Pantaloons) the positioning of the store is very different. The store is very open and has a soothing music when the customer enters. The store is very open and spacious; the door of the store is always open which is inviting customers. Since the store is very spacious Pantaloons has segmented its products in a Demographic way and this is the same in all the outlets .The entrance would have the cosmetics jewellery etc then is the ladies section which first has the Indian wear then the western after that its the mens wear and then the sportswear. Pantaloons brands like UMM, DJC are always positioned at the eyelevel. There is a lot of detailing on the presentation of the products which are then displayed on the mannequin. The company would place its beat products on the mannequin. Pantaloon always positions its product at a place where the consumer would see the product once and is easy to locate. Location plays a major role in positioning the product in their store to enhance sale. The company would also position itself according to the needs of the youth because it is the target market and likes things fresh. BUSINESS STRATEGY Promotional Strategy:- Under the market strategy promotional idea is very important. Organization provides some schemes or rebates to retailers or consumers. They make advertisement according to convenient of the people and the feature of the product. So, on the basis of marketing strategy an organization runs in the market. It is several types of which makes helpful to increase sales and turnover of the organization. Pantaloons is the first company to promote their products through movies like Na Tum Jano Na Hum and many others, since the companys focus is youth they tend to promote their products through youth icons like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Bipasha Basu, they also tend to sponsor events which are watched by the youth like the Pantaloons Femina Miss India which they relate to or is liked by the youth. The company also promotes its products through discounts. For Example-In Pantaloons (life style segment) on a purchase of one t-shirt(UMM) you would have to pay Rs349 and on a purchase of two one would buy it for Rs549.The company keeps yearly or quarterly discounts. Pantaloon majorly promotes its brands through promotions in events which involve youth like Malhaar, Umang and popular college festivals etc. Sectoral Strategies: India has been a country which followed the concept of an organized retail till very recently when the real retail boom happened. The major change was brought in by Pantaloon and Shoppers Stop. Both these companies belonged to a family and the concept of malls started in India and within 5 to 9 years has become a huge sector. Retail contributes 10% to Indias GDP. The retail sector in the country is around $350billionand is expected to grow at a very smooth pace. The organized retail sector is segmented into different types like the hyper market, departmental store, specialty stores ,discount stores and there are other types. PRODUCT CATEGORY Pantaloon sold apparels and accessories categorized under:- Mens formal Mens casual Ladies ethnic Ladies western Childrens wear Pantaloon develops three types of merchandise:- Classic type Fashion type Collection type LOYALTY PROGRAM Green Card Your Green Card is your passport to a whole new world of exclusive benefits and privileges. Instant discount* for every time you shop at Pantaloons Exclusive shopping days to get hold of latest merchandise Regular updates on collections and promos via catalogues, sms and email Special invites to the most happening events Extended exchange periods and complimentary drops for alterations Exclusive billing counters and much more * Categories valid for Green Card Discounts: Apparel, Perfumes Cosmetics, Toys, Bluesky, aLL, Depot, Planet Sports Accessories. MEMBERSHIP When you shop with Green Card, you get rewarded instantly, Online purchases are currently not eligible for Green Card discounts or counted in your purchases. This feature would be available in the near future. 1 Star Members Gift Voucher worth Rs. 200 on enrolment 3 Star Members 5% discount on every purchase 5 Star Members An exclusive 7.5% discount on every purchase 7 Star Members Present your card for the swipe every time you make a purchase at Pantaloons. HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR GREEN CARD Membership 12 month Purchase-based Upgrading System Three Star Card   Upgrade to a 3 star status by shopping for Rs. 8000/- immediately preceding 12 months of current shopping date. Five Star card   Upgrade to a 5 star status by shopping for Rs. 20000/- immediately preceding 12 months of current shopping date. Seven Star   Upgrade to a 7 star status by shopping for Rs. 40000/- immediately preceding 12 months of current shopping date. 12 month Purchase-based Upgrading System   When you shop at Pantaloons and your total purchase (including that day) in the previous 12 months totals to the criteria value of the next tier, you upgrade to the next status. Membership Validity 1 Star card is valid for a period of 2 years from the date of enrolment. 3, 5 and 7 star cards are valid for a period of one year from the date of upgrade. Membership Renewal Purchase worth Rs. 8000 within 2 years of card issue date and retain a 1 star status Purchase worth Rs. 8000 within 1 year of card issue date and retain a 3 star status Purchase worth Rs. 20000 within 1 year of card issue date and retain a 5 star status Purchase worth Rs. 40000 within 1 year of card issue date and retain a 7 star status. SWOT ANALYSIS OF PANTALOONS Strength Pioneer in the industry, largest market share and capitalization.   Reputation for value for money(Competitive pricing), convenience and a wide range of products all in one store   Presence in major cities   Highly Strategic human resource management and development. It invests time and money in training people, and retaining them.   Most trusted and respected brand by the consumers   Being financially strong helps pantaloons retail India deal with any problems, ride any dip in profits and out perform their rivals   Development and Innovation are high at Pantaloons India with regards to it products and consumer preferences and lifestyle changes which keep its ahead of its competitors. Weakness Pantaloons does not function internationally, which has an effect on success, as they do not reach consumers in overseas markets.   PRIL is the Worlds largest grocery retailer and control of its empire, despite its IT advantages, could leave it weak in some areas due to the huge span of control   Since Pantaloons Retail India Ltd sell products across many sectors, it may not have the flexibility of some of its more focused competitors.   Each business line faces competition from specialty companies. Fashion segment, Shoppers Stop, Trent, Lifestyle. In hypermarket-RPG (Spencers),Trent (Star India Bazaar) In Food business, Reliance Fresh, Spinach, Food World Opportunities   Huge untapped market   (The Indian middle class is already 30 Crore is projected to grow to over 60 Crore by 2010 making India one of the largest consumer markets of the world)   Organized retail is only 3% of the total retailing market in India. It is estimated to grow at the rate of 25-30% p.a. and reach INR 1, 00, 000 Crore by 2010.   To take over, merge with, or form strategic alliances with other global retailers, focusing on specific markets   New locations and store types offer PRIL opportunities to exploit market development.(Diversification into insurance , property, and variety of products and stores)   Opportunities exist for PRIL to continue with its current  strategy  of large, super centres.   Rural Retailing Threats   Being number one means that you are the target of competition. (Extra competition and new competitors entering the market could unsteady pantaloons retail India)   A slow economy or financial slowdown could have a major impact on pantaloons retail India business and profits.   Consumer lifestyle changes could lead to less of a demand for pantaloons retail India products/services   Price wars between competitors, price cuts and so on could damage profits for pantaloons retail India.   The actions of a competitor could be a major threat against pantaloons retail India, for instance, if they bring in new technology or increase their workforce to meet demand   Shopping Culture: Shopping culture has not developed in India as yet. Even now malls are just a place to hang around with family and friends and largely confined to window-shopping.   If  unorganized retailers are put together, they are parallel to a large supermarket with  little overheads, high degree of flexibility in merchandise, display, prices and turnover. COMPETITORS In the fashion segment, they face competition from Shoppers Stop, Trent, Westside and Lifestyle. Though the hypermarket is new, only three to four years old, in the country competition is faced from likes RPG (Spencers), Trent (Star India Bazaar) and with Shoppers Stop . In the Food business competition is faced from Subhiksha and Food World. Its major competitors are Westside, Globus, and central. With a sales turnover in 2008-09 FYof Rs. 5048.91 cr, pantaloon has been a clear market leader with the next competitor being Shoppers Stop with a turnover of Rs.1244.79 cr. The numbers suggest that Pantaloon has had no competition at all. Another interesting statistic is about the Pantaloons net profit for FY 2008 in comparison to Shoppers Stop. Pantaloon had a net profit of Rs.125.94 cr, while Shoppers Stop had an loss of Rs.63.72 cr. Clearly Pantaloon remains the market leader as far as retail is  concerned. INTERNATIONAL RETAIL ENTERING INDIA International retailers Indias vast middle class with its expanding purchasing power and its almost untapped retail industry are key attractions for global retail giants wanting to enter newer markets. The Australian governments National Food Industry Strategy and Astride  initiated a test marketing food retail in India wherein 12 major Australian food  producers have tied up with India-based distributor AB Mauri to sell their  products directly at retail outlets. US-based home delivery and logistics company, Specialized Transportation Inc, will enter the Indian market through a strategic alliance with Patel Retail, a subsidiary of Patel Integrated Logistics. Wal-Mart has announced its plans for India in partnership with Bharti, US coffee chain Starbucks is well on its way to set up its first store in India this year. US based Tommy Hilfiger has tied up with Creative Portico, a Mumbai based home textiles company, to sell its home textiles and furnishings in India. Alfred Dunhill, a UK-based luxury mens brand, has tied up with Brand house Retail Ltd. for its India venture and will be opening four stores in the country. THE ROAD AHEAD Pantaloon planed to expand its retail stores to small cities like lucknow, Nagpur etc. By the end of 2005, pantaloon is expected to have 30 food bazaars,22 big bazaars,21 pantaloons 4 centrals. Pantaloon also had planned to venture into footwear, consumer durables, music car accessories retailing. The company also had a forged alliance with a sports retail footwear company called Royal sports house. As a repositioning, Mr. Biyani has planned to give a new makeover to pantaloons. To re-establish and rejuvenate its existing brands, pantaloons intended to spend INR 2 crores additional INR 1 crore on its upcoming brand. The company was planning to reduce the number of vendors for both Pantaloons and Big bazaar. To meet its growing technology meet, they planned to deploy a retail ERP solution, which would support functions such as HR Marketing. Pantaloons planned to launch a B2B portal, to bring transparency in the value chain. CONCLUSION Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd is a company where it strives for Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd is a company where it strives for lifestyle and value through its products and services. Through the study, it is observed that pantaloon can be said an organization where the Ps of marketing is taken seriously for the maximum profitability through large range of products, promotional activities for the company and a solid sales organization monitoring that the Ps are worked effectively. The stores has been well maintained in accordance with the latest demands of the maintained in accordance with the latest demands of the consumers and through all these strategies Pantaloon ensures repeated customer patronage.