The Effect of Other Countries Dumping in United States Why America is acting against Chinese Dumping in the US

Table of Contents Introduction The concept of â€Å"dumping† Why is China dumping in the US? The impact of Dumping in America Concept of ant-dumping policy Effect of anti-dumping policy Works Cited Introduction Over the last two decades, most countries, including the United States, have become more cautions of the excessive supply of cheap products from foreign markets. In particular, the United States has enacted anti-dumping campaigns and measures to control the influx of cheap goods from, among other nations, China. Since China accessed the world trade organization in 2011, its reach for western markets has grown tremendously.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Effect of Other Countries’ Dumping in United States: Why America is acting against Chinese Dumping in the US specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, America and her western counterparts have been reluctant to engage China in mutual trade, considering the excessiveness of cheap products China has been supplying to foreign nations (Messerlin 109). The US considers this excessiveness of cheap good from China as â€Å"dumping†, thus employing various strategies to protect her industries against the overflow of cheap Chinese goods in the local market. This is also becoming the situation affecting India as it grows to be the second largest producer of cheap products after China. The purpose of this discussion is to analyse the impact of â€Å"dumping† in American market by foreign nations, with a special reference to China. Arguably, despite the accession of China to the WTO and the fact that China hosts a large number of American manufacturer’s, there is need for the United States to continue protecting her market and industries from dumping. The concept of â€Å"dumping† According to Vandenbussche and Zanardi (93), dumping is defined as an international trade situation where a productâ €™s export price is significantly lower that its market price in the country of origin. However, it is worth noting that the sale of a product based on bargain price is not included in the definition for dumping. Why is China dumping in the US? It is no doubt that America is a major market for products from all over the world. In fact, most nations seek to develop trade relationships and agreements with the United States in order to access America’s potential and developed market. However, America is also a major producer and exporter of commodities in the world, and targets foreign markets for its goods. In the recent past, however, the emergence of large economies like China and India has threatened America’s presence in the world market. China’s accession to the WTO in 2001 improved the trade relationship between China and America, which has seen the Chinese manufactures target America as a chief market for their goods (Blonigen and Bown 43).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, American corporations have set up major outlets in China, especially in the manufacturing sector. However, there have been problems in this relationship, which seems to affect America more than they affect China. First, China has the world’s largest population at more than 1 billion people. The presence of cheap labour is evident in China. Chinese workers are paid a fraction of what most low-paid employees get in the western world. As such, Chinese manufacturers enjoy cheap and readily available labour. This places them at an advantage over the American firms, which in turn allows them to sell their products at a cheaper price in the US. In fact, American corporations such as Apple have moved to China in search of cheap labour, but their main market remains in the US. The impact of Dumping in America The impact of this is that Am erican market is flooded with cheap Chinese goods because they are cheaply produced in China. American firms face stiff competition from these products because they cannot produce cheap products due to high cost of production. When American firms lose the local market to their Chinese counterparts, their production and growth reduces. As such, their rate of hiring reduces, while layoff rates are likely to increase. As more people purchase cheap Chinese goods, the rate of unemployment is likely to reduce in the US, while that of China increases. Finally, Chinese goods are not necessarily made to meet American standards. Dumping sub-standard products in American market for the sake of cheap price is likely to affect the American economy because consumers will be spending large amount of resources to replace these products. Concept of ant-dumping policy In 1994, members of the world trade organization made an agreement on implementation of its Article VI, which imposes the responsibili ty of nations to curb dumping in their markets (Van den Bossche 56). The agreement, known as the â€Å"Anti-dumping Agreement†, was developed under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in the 1994 convention.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Effect of Other Countries’ Dumping in United States: Why America is acting against Chinese Dumping in the US specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It allows member nations to impose anti-dumping measures to protect the domestic industries that can result from excessive presence of cheap foreign products in their markets (Van den Bossche 63). However, this must be pursuant to (and through) investigations under the 1994 agreement. In addition, a country’s imposition of a duty to curb dumping in its local market must be determined by the margin of dumping at a given time. This margin is obtained by finding the difference between the domestic selling pri ce in the exporting country and the export price of a given quantity of commodity. The dumped price can be considered a â€Å"fair price† and thus not significant reason to impose a duty when export price is added to dumping margin. In case it is difficult to determine a comparable price for offering the product in the domestic market due to low or lack of volume sales in the normal process of trade, the country must investigate the possibility of dumping by comparing the import price with the same price in a third nation. Alternatively, the WTO agreement requires the country to develop a â€Å"constructed value†, which should be used in comparison with the export price. There is a great deal of freedom for countries to impose anti-dumping measures against their trading partners. For instance, a government is not required to provide consent or even offsets to an initiative taken as a countermeasure by its trading partner. Effect of anti-dumping policy Anti-dumping poli cies, such as the one initiated by the US against China, have a wide range of effects on both local and foreign economies. With implementation of such policies, products are likely to become less attractive to an importer, which favours local products. Local firms are likely o enjoy reduced competition. In addition, local firms enjoy tremendous growth and expansion, which provides a source of employment for the local population (Nelson and Vandenbussche 127).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, anti-dumping policies have some negative impacts. For instance, local firms need to import some goods and raw materials that are not available in the local market. When a foreign nation such as China has been targeted with an anti-dumping policy, it is likely to reciprocate by increasing the price of exporting such materials to the trade partner. As such, local firms are likely to face tough terms and conditions as well as high prices when importing products from the targeted country. Moreover, such a policy is likely to discourage competition in the market, which in turn hinders development. In addition, it is likely to favour local firms such that they increase product prices deliberately since there is no competition. Works Cited Blonigen, Bruce and Chad Bown. â€Å"Antidumping and Retaliation Threats†. Journal of  International Economics 60 (2009): 249–273. Print Messerlin, Patrick. â€Å"China in the World Trade Organization: Antidumping and Safeguards †. World Bank Economic Review 18.2 (2008): 105–130. Print Nelson, Douglas and Hylke Vandenbussche. The WTO and anti-dumping. New York: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, 2009. Print Van den Bossche, Peter. The Law and Policy of the World Trade Organization. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print. Vandenbussche, Hylke and Maurizio Zanardi. â€Å"What Explains the Proliferation of Antidumping Laws?† Economic Policy 23 (2008): 93–138. Print This essay on The Effect of Other Countries’ Dumping in United States: Why America is acting against Chinese Dumping in the US was written and submitted by user Aria N. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Daoism And Mayan Religion Are Both Ancient Religions Religion Essay Example

Daoism And Mayan Religion Are Both Ancient Religions Religion Essay Example Daoism And Mayan Religion Are Both Ancient Religions Religion Essay Daoism And Mayan Religion Are Both Ancient Religions Religion Essay Taoism can be separated into a doctrine and a faith. As a doctrine Daoism has no supernatural elements whilst as a faith it does, these supernatural elements chiefly refer to the elevated position of seniors to divinities and the being of Heavens and Hells.[ 1 ]Taoism has neer existed as a incorporate faith, in the same manner Christianity has legion subdivisions, hence there are distinguishable differences between subdivisions. There are still core beliefs that the bulk of the subdivisions portion.[ 2 ]The one belief shared between all subdivisions is of Dao. Dao is the manner or way of life. Daoists believe that Dao is the beginning of all things, heaven, Earth and creative activity. Equally good as a belief in Dao, Daoists believe in Gods and Immortals. The Gods of Daoism are the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure and the Celestial Worthy of the Way and Its Virtue, The Jade Emperor and the Great Emperor of Zhenwu.[ 3 ]Immortals are worlds who have become divinities due to their cultivation of Dao. Daoists besides believe in the being of 36 Celestial spheres and 36 Hells with there being a highest Eden and a lowest Hell. Upon decease Daoists believe they are judged by the Ten Kings of the Netherworld who decide which Heaven and Hell they belong to. The lowest of the Heavens and the highest of the Hells consequence in reincarnation whilst the higher Heaven consequences in the freedom of the hurting of life and decease and the lowest Hell consequences in penalty. The different divinities and immortals have duties based on the manner they cultivated Dao, popular divinities are in charge of: air current, rain, boom, H2 O, fire, wealth and the land. The end of a Daoist is to go close to the Dao through take parting in De, the active life and cultivation of Dao.[ 4 ]Wu Wei is another cardinal construct of Daoism and is found in subdivisions. Wu Wei is translated to without action . Wu Wei is similar to De in the manner it brings Daoists in alliance with Dao. Wu Wei is the belief in practising efficiency and working in conformity with the natural harmoniousness of the existence. Pu is the end of following Wu Wei. Pu is a province of absolute receptivity. It is the province of head in which there are no prepossessions or semblances, the head is unburdened of anterior cognition and experiences. De, Wu Wei and Pu are all of import in a Daoist being entered into a higher Heaven after decease and go an Immortal themselves. The moralss of Daoism are besides based around length of service and geting immortality. Daoists believe that in order to populate a long and healthy life one must follow societal moralss, making good workss and avoiding making incorrect. Daoists believe that if they commit evil they shall hold a decreased life span and decease an early decease.[ 5 ]Similar to other faiths Daoism has basic moral regulations against killing, stealing, lying, and sexual misconduct. Daoists believe in concentrating on being a better individual instead than making good workss, through being a better individual they will assist more people and non step in with the natural order of life. By bettering oneself and others Daoists pattern their beliefs outside their physical being and are more likely to come in a higher Heaven. Those who commit Acts of the Apostless of immorality and travel against Dao are sent to one of the Hells. The Doazang or Daoist canon contains over 800 texts. The Ming Daozang includes about 1500 texts.[ 6 ]The texts of Daoism do non incorporate Hagiographas about the supernatural elements and divinities of the faith as Daoism originally started as a doctrine and non a faith. These texts, nevertheless, are considered sacred by Daoists. Mount Penglai is believed to be the meeting topographic point for the Eight Immortals and is a Daoist sacred site. This fabulous mountain is a Eden where castles are made of gold and there are neer stoping sums of nutrient and fruits which can allow ageless life. Qin Shi Huang attempted to happen Mount Penglai in hunt of the elixir of life.[ 7 ]Each subdivision of Daoism has its ain grotto-heaven which is normally a cave or other belowground infinite. These sacred sites were found all over China with 10 Large Daoist Caves and 36 Small Daoist Caves and 72 Promised Lands.[ 8 ]These sacred sites are used as residences of the immortals. Daoist temples are another signifier of sacred site for Daoists. Daoist temples were used for rites, worship every bit good as resting topographic points.[ 9 ] The sacred symbols of Daoism include the Taijitu ( Yin and Yang ) , the Ba gua ( Eight Trigrams ) , the Pinyin ( Big Dipper, a configuration )[ 10 ]and triangular flags[ 11 ]which may be hung at Daoist temples, by and large with Daoist Hagiographas on them. [ Seen above, from left to compensate ; Taijitu, Ba gua and Pinyin. ] The Taijitu is frequently seen on Daoist flags, temples and sacred vesture. These symbols are brooding more so of the doctrine of Daoism instead than the faith. The constructs shown in these symbols though are relevant in the Daoist strive for immortality. Taoism lacks official sacred times due to the assorted subdivisions of Daoism. Specific rites may take topographic point on certain day of the months for a subdivision of Daoism, for illustration the Qingming Festival which by and large takes topographic point around April 5th. On these peculiar vacations there are street parades which involve music and pyrotechnics. On other day of the months forfeits may take topographic point every bit good as fasting. Forfeits and fasting takes topographic point as offerings to the different divinities of Daoism. Mayans believed that All things, whether animate or inanimate, were imbued with an unobserved power [ 12 ]In some instances this unobserved power was in the signifier of a divinity which would act in a humanlike province. Mayan beliefs relied to a great extent upon the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars which were besides considered divinities. The motion of these divinities dictated when black events took topographic point. Mayans believed that there were over 150 Gods who were responsible for different parts of life such as Chac, the God of rain, and Yum Cimil, a decease divinity. The most of import God was the Godhead God, Itzamna . Thirteen divinities existed in the Upper World and nine in the Lower World. Mayans believed that the existence was created by the interactions of the different Gods. Mayan faith explained that natural forces were beyond human comprehension and organised the existence to its natural order. After decease people were sent to Xibalba, an belowgro und metropolis which was ruled by devils who set traps for the dead for their amusement. Heaven was reserved for those who died in conflict or were sacrificed. Popol Vuh, the Dresden Codex and the Paris Codex are Mayan texts which still survive today and are how we know of Mayan myths and beliefs. Mayans would non hold had entree to these texts but the narratives and beliefs in them would hold been taught and passed down orally. These texts explain the creative activity of the existence, world, planets, stars and natural happenings such as rain and fire and Teach ethical motives. Narratives involve the interaction between different Gods and their effects on the existence. These texts and narratives nevertheless, were non considered to be sacred, but as of import records of spiritual rites and cognition.[ 13 ] The ethical system of Mayan faith is largely unknown. The thought of covenants [ 14 ]between divinities and human existences existed in Mayan faith. In order for society to work decently and for people to take happy lives they would carry through these compacts and rites. Sacrifice and metempsychosis was a common subject in Mayan mythology and was celebrated in Mayan rites of human forfeit. Mayan ceremonials included the playing of a athletics in which squads competed to go through a ball through rock basketballs utilizing merely their hips and cubituss. This athletics was considered to be sacred and was diversion of the Gods flight from Xibalba. Teams who lost at this athletics were used as human forfeits for the Gods.[ 15 ]Other spiritual rites included dramatic public presentations, dancing and supplication. Mayans believed in blood forfeit to maintain the existence in balance and the tree of life .[ 16 ]Blood forfeits were by and large non-fatal and would affect piercing an organ. Blood forfeits were made in order to have divine favor from the Gods. On juncture human sacrifices did take topographic point and were large events. Blood and human forfeits were critical to Mayan beliefs as they propitiated the Gods and if they did non take topograph ic point would do upset and pandemonium. The snake was an of import spiritual symbol for the Mayans. The serpent represents metempsychosis and reclamation which is a subject explored within their mythology. One of the chief divinities, Quetzalcoatl, is represented as a feathery snake. Caves and hosts in the Earth taking to the resistance were considered unsafe and sacred sites. It was believed that Xibalba was accessible through these holes into the Earth. Temples were built on top of looming pyramids which were believed to be the closest point to the celestial spheres. Mayans were fascinated by the construct of clip and star divination due to this Mayan faith has a really complex and advanced system of clip. The motions of the star and planet divinities were critical to Mayan ceremonials and rites. Time was divided into different rhythms which assisted in cognizing the right clip to make things, such as reaping harvests and get downing wars. Taoism and Mayan faith are both characterised by mythology of polytheism but to changing grades. Supernatural powers and divinities have rather similar functions in each faith. Daoism is a much more subjective faith than Mayan faith due to its original creative activity as a doctrine. Both faiths nevertheless have fabulous creative activity narratives, rites that are performed for supernatural intents, have animistic beliefs of liquors in all objects, the belief in celestial spheres and snake pits. Deities exist in both faiths for about all activities, more so in Mayan faith than Daoism. The difference in civilizations consequences in different rites and types of sacred times/locations/symbols with Daoism being more humanist/conservative and Mayan faith being more sacrificial. The lives of both Daoists and Mayans and their beliefs are based around the function of supernatural powers and divinities which are built-in to their day-to-day lives and belief systems.

Osmosis Definition in Chemistry and Biology

Osmosis Definition in Chemistry and Biology Two important mass transport processes in chemistry and biology are diffusion and osmosis. Osmosis Definition Osmosis is the process where solvent molecules move through a semipermeable membrane from a dilute solution into a more concentrated solution (which becomes more dilute). In most cases, the solvent is water. However, the solvent may be another liquid or even a gas. Osmosis can be made to do work. History The phenomenon of osmosis was first documents in 1748 by Jean-Antoine Nollet. The term osmosis was coined by French physician  Renà © Joachim Henri Dutrochet, who derived it from the terms endosmose and exosmose. How Osmosis Works Osmosis acts to equalize concentration on both sides of a membrane. Since the solute particles are incapable of crossing the membrane, its the water (or other solvent) that needs to move. The closer the system gets to equilibrium, the more stable it becomes, so osmosis is thermodynamically favorable. Example of Osmosis A good example of osmosis is seen when red blood cells are placed into fresh water. The cell membrane of the red blood cells is a semipermeable membrane. The concentration of ions and other solute molecules is higher inside the cell than outside it, so water moves into the cell via osmosis. This causes the cells to swell. Since the concentration cannot reach equilibrium, the amount of water that can move into the cell is moderated by the pressure of the cell membrane acting on the contents of the cell. Often, the cell takes in more water than the membrane can sustain, causing the cell to burst. A related term is osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure is the external pressure that would need to be applied such that there would be no net movement of solvent across a membrane.

Phase 1 Discussion Board 1(ECON) Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Phase 1 Discussion Board 1(ECON) - Coursework Example To me, that there are fervent interactions with classmates in order to solve authentic problems aid in developing the content knowledge, problem solving while promoting communication, reasoning, patience and self-assessment skills individually and collectively. Problem based learning is motivating to the students too. A viable approach to developing and understanding the problem is working backwards from the questions. In this manner, there can be more integration of information. Information that will consolidate the problem and open more approaches to the question. Identifying and building on current debates in that particular field of study as well as having live interruptions can also be avenues for understanding the problem (Allen, 1996). It can be done by allowing time for class discussion of the problems during the end of the PBL sessions. Asking questions such as â€Å"what do we need to know?†, â€Å"What should we do?† The best part of this question is that it will lead the students to the library or searches online to search for more information on the subject. By presenting and supporting the solutions, the teachers require that students communicate both orally and in writing their findings and recommendations (Allen, 1996). The analysis help in beefing up the otherwise incomplete information while acquiring factual knowledge. After the problems have been created, they are now revised and improved. A better way of achieving sustainability to resolving the problem would be to have the problem administered several other times while being revised and adapted every time based on the student feedback (Barrows, 1996). Builds significant content- PBL projects are focused on teaching the students important skills and knowledge emanating from key concepts in the subject. This content also equips the students with important 21st century values such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, creativity and innovation as well as

Resort Taxonomy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Resort Taxonomy - Assignment Example The explanation that the current categorization methods are based on some specific recreational activities or specific features that a resort possesses, is not also mentioned. The objection on such a classification is that a resort may fall into several categories this way. There is also not mention how clarity in categorization can be achieved by classifying resorts in mutually distinct categories. While explaining the resort classification criteria, the content has skillfully explained how it differs from existing methods. However, it fails to mention why only four categories and made for resorts and how they seem to classify all types of resorts. Definition of Resort Further on, the fact that why resorts have different overlapping definitions and why people seem comfortable to keep the definition of it broad has been ignored. The point to investigate is what people generally think of when resort is mentioned e.g. even if resorts fall in multiple categories, what are the basic feat ures that every resort should possess that people generally think of? The existing processes do not specifically provide clarity in classifying resorts; however it fails to mention the features of a resort that makes the categorization unclear in existing processes. One point raised is that resort is termed for even those places that possess non resort properties. Once again it fails to mentions what non resort properties are. ... It does mention that the approach may help the academics who carry out researches. No highlighting of how those classifications may help the consumers who will be targeted as a result of these researches and how to make the classification process understandable for them has been bothered about.. If we see from the review of the literature, the existing definitions of a resort also relied on the characteristics that a resort possesses. An attractive way of description on how the newly found definition maps to expectations and interpretations of consumers of resorts has been made. There is also a mention and explanation that there is a six pointer definition that is derived for a resort after this research. These six points are agreed upon by the industry people who agreed to appear in the interview so it reflects the agreed upon points in a definition. No points of disagreement between the professionals have mentioned, suggested or argued. The points of disagreement may help future re search in determining what factors usually do not matter to the consumers and which ones do not impact the people who belong for people who belong with the resort business. It also highlights which features actually belong to other categories of hotel stay and what reflect a true essence of vacation. It has successfully managed to discuss the implications of the definition in terms of consumer expectations of a resort. The comprehensive definition seems to encompass all what a consumer desires for in a resort. After the successive rounds of interviews, the definition is formed of a resort and it concludes that the industry professionals agree on the fact that the definition of a resort should comprise on the fact that it should encompass the amenities and features

I Believe: A Code Of Ethics Essay -- essays research papers

I Believe: A Code of Ethics by PHIL 301 Fall Semester, 1996 I believe in the power of Mind... I believe pitchers should bat... I believe Oswald was a patsy... I believe everything is a conspiracy... I believe that people are responsible for their own actions... I believe that The Who is the greatest rock band of all time... I believe in tolerance... I believe in capitalism... I believe we are who we want to be... I believe in choice... I believe in love... I believe that Bert and Ernie are televisions first gay couple... I believe that the 1979 Orioles were robbed... I believe that people who say they like Indian food are just trying to be cool... I believe that people get the kind of government they deserve... I believe in the power of having no god... I believe I can fly... I believe that Barney is the purple Messiah... I believe that the bible was a novel, written for profit... I believe in the mother ship... I believe the Mona Lisa was framed... I believe in Pez... I believe Darwin... I believe in beauty... I believe we have the worst justice system in the world with the exception of every other system... I believe in Wally and the Beaver... I believe I didn't learn anything in kindergarten... I believe we are all in this together... I believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day... I believe the ozone layer is just fine... I believe in dedication... I believe my daughter is a prodigy... I believe that Kathy Lee is the Anti-Christ... I believe my dad can still beat me at arm wrestling... I believe I wouldn't want to beat him... I believe you shouldn't believe everything you breath... I believe in the power of love to warp mens minds and make men great... I believe in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the seventh inning stretch... I believe in me... I believe I'm done now...   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Developing a code of ethics is the most important thing a person can do. Such a code is necessary for humans because of our capacity to reason. Our ability to apply rational thought to the conduct of our lives is what makes mankind more than just an animal with an interesting thumb. These rational thoughts could very easily lead us to terrible acts, for what is in our best interest is often harmful to others. However there is another ability, peculiar to humans alone, that keeps most of us on the right path. Our ability to know what ... ...assless. And it is not susceptible to the fickle human idea of physical beauty.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  But how to know if a law is just? If it serves to protect, promote and respect the human Mind. If a law or an act works against the cause of Mind than it is unjust. Such laws must not be obeyed and indeed must be worked against. But how is one to know the extent of such civil disobedience? In my case, the answer is found in rule number one. So long as I do not put my family at risk of losing a husband and father, justice must be served. It is through this kind of meshing of the four rules that ethical quandaries can be answered.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Noticeably, the rules of the code, while existing to serve the cause of good and avoid evil, do not make it clear how to know which is which. There is no specific rule that gives a clear definition of what is good and what is evil. This is because the rules, when properly applied to an ethical problem, will lead to the action that is good.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  So then what is good? What is evil? Good is somewhat easier to define in that it is directly related to the last three rules of the code. An act which s

Consumer Behavior Essay

1) How can understanding consumers’ behavior help companies sell products or services in today’s market? Please cite an example from our text or from our YouTube videos and use a personal example. As Steve Jobs states in the YouTube video, all marketing decisions revolve around your customer. Marketing is all about building profitable customer relationships by creating value for customers and capturing value in return in the form of profits. To effectively sell a product/service, understanding how your customers buy your products and services will help you determine when, how and where you should market your products/services and in turn help you grow your business by responding to their needs. Also, if you know what customers buy and how they go about buying particular products, you can more easily spot a need that has not yet been satisfied. For example, if you run a technology company and notice that many of your customers buy educational software from college bookstores, you may recognize that your customers could use a place to buy and automatically download educational software online. Steve Jobs states in the YouTube video â€Å"Give her not what she wants but give her something that she has never dreamt of, and when she gets it she recognizes it as something she wanted all the time†. A very simple example is that of ITunes, which was discovered 10 years ago. Steve Jobs noticed that music fans clearly wanted to download songs they liked in an affordable and easy way rather than driving to Best Buy or some record store to buy them on $15-to-$18 CDs. Jobs took advantage of this opportunity and came out with the iTunes Music Store, which is today the top most online music retailer, and synced it perfectly with a piece of hardware: the iPod. This eliminated the use of Walkman’s, MP3 Players and CD players. Thus, it is important to understand people’s motives (what drives them to buy), and their attitudes (how they feel about a product/service). Knowledge about these psychological characteristics helps companies design and provide products and services that their customers want and need. The book states an example of McDonalds that first started with providing low priced burgers, fries and shakes. But today, with people becoming more health conscious, McDonalds has a reworked menu that provides more choice and variety such as Chicken Nuggets made with white meat, low fat milk jugs, and a line of premium salads. When people think of McDonalds, people think of value – whether it’s a college student buying a burger for a couple of bucks r a working women at the drive through grabbing a breakfast latte that’s a dollar cheaper than Starbucks. I would like to give a personal example of me shopping at the department store called Safeway. I was a frequent shopper at Safeway and every day I would receive emails regarding the deals and discounts on the products I purchase the most. I would also get emails with recommended products to buy and Safeway was able to do this by keeping track of my shopping history. I would actually get lured by reading these emails and go to the store to buy the recommended discounted products. Marketers can benefit from an understanding of consumer behavior so that they can better predict what consumers want and how best to offer it to them. The importance of understanding the consumer behavior is that to know and understand the preferences of different consumers which will enable the marketers to form the marketing strategies accordingly. Businesses that cannot understand how a consumer’s mind operates will have a more challenging time figuring out how to target a campaign that will attract or catch attention. In order to make the right decision, marketing managers must know how their consumers will react. Before introducing/repositioning any product/service, you must first ask questions like, do people want it? Are there enough people who want it so that it will be profitable to produce that product? Do the people who want it have the economical ability to pay for it? Another important point is that when you know how customers behave in relation to the products you’re selling, you have a better understanding of how to provide good service to them, increasing the chance that you’ll have repeat customers. For example, if you know that customers tend to come to your restaurant because they can get healthy food without waiting for a long time, you could continue training your staff to be as efficient as possible. Identifying the buying behavior of the target market and catering to those behaviors is integral in today’s complex society. 2) How can connecting with a culture help influence consumer behavior? Can you give us an example from your personal experience? A people’s culture includes their beliefs, rules of behavior, rituals, style of dressing, religion, etc. Culture is an external factor influencing consumer behavior. Since people with different cultures have different values, they will have different buying habits. A particular company’s marketing strategies should reflect the culture that is being targeted. Failing to do so can result in lost sales/profits/opportunities. Before advertising or introducing any product/service, it is very important to understand the local culture of the population of a particular area, city, or country. For example, the You Tube Video shows that Thailand and Malaysia have a family oriented culture and so the elderly and tradition play a huge part in the commercials as compared to Australia having a very individualistic culture focusing the advert on youngsters. Another example would be if a given country discourages the use of tobacco or alcohol, the potential pool of consumers for these products would be small. Therefore, companies which distribute these types of products should limit advertising in such areas, and focus on other countries where there are no restrictions on the use of such products. A personal example would be that of McDonalds. In India, meat consumption is prohibited in Hinduism. McDonalds did spend time developing a food menu targeted towards no meat eaters. They now offer a lot of vegetarian options, making it a happy place for both: meat and no meat eaters. Another example would be comparing North India and South India. I have to been to both, and have noticed a vast difference in the culture. People in North India prefer breads over rice which is a favorite with people in South India and East India. So many restaurants in South India have 99% rice based dishes. If a restaurant in South India serves more bread based food options, it would likely make less business as compared to restaurants serving rice based dishes. As part of their efforts to convince customers to purchase their products, marketers often use cultural representations, especially in promotional appeals. The objective is to connect to consumers using cultural references that are easily understood and often embraced by the consumer. By doing so the marketer hopes the consumer feels more comfortable with or can relate better to the product since it corresponds with their cultural values.