Time

AT&T on Saturday announced that it will acquire Time Warner Inc. for $85.4 billion.

The boards of directors of both companies have approved the deal, but it must still pass muster with regulators.

“Premium content always wins. It has been true on the big screen, the TV screen and now it’s proving true on the mobile screen,” AT&T chief Randall Stephenson said in a . “We’ll have the world’s best premium content with the networks to deliver it to every screen.

“A big customer pain point is paying for content once but not being able to access it on any device, anywhere. Our goal is to solve that. We intend to give customers unmatched choice, quality, value and experiences that will define the future of media and communications,” he continued.

Time Warner Inc. is not to be confused with Time Warner Cable; the two companies . Time Warner Inc.  Home Box Office, Inc., Turner and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. — whose properties include HBO and Cinemax, CNN, TBS, TNT and more.

Time Warner and AT&T talked up the opportunities for original content. “Owning content will help AT&T innovate on new advertising options, which, combined with subscriptions, will help pay for the cost of content creation. This two-sided business model — advertising- and subscription-based — gives customers the largest amount of premium content at the best value,” they said in a statement.

AT&T  of DirecTV last year. Recently,  plans to launch a streaming video service by the end of the year. Dubbed “DirecTV Now,” it will offer more than 100 channels at a “very, very aggressive price point,” Stephenson said last month.

Like they did when  in 2011, regulators will likely have questions. Already, Sen. Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, said in a statement that the deal “raises some immediate flags about consolidation in the media market.”

“I’m skeptical of huge media mergers because they can lead to higher costs, fewer choices and even worse service for consumers,” Sen. Franken said. “And regulators often agree, like when Comcast unsuccessfully tried to buy Time Warner Cable, a deal that I fiercely opposed. In the coming days, I’m going to be pressing for further details about this reported deal and how it would affect the American consumer, who deserves access to the content they want and whose pocketbook continues to be squeezed by rising cable and internet costs.”

Franken was  of AT&T’s bid to buy T-Mobile in 2011, which  amidst regulatory pushback.

Sunbathing and getting a suntan is getting more and more popular nowadays. Researches show a trend of getting suntan, just for fashion and good-looking, as they consider suntans to be healthy and attractive. Especially in the case of teenagers, no matter boys or girls, who mostly do this because of following their idols’ appearance or even as a habit or an obsession (Source 1 and 2). Because of this, more and more people tend to spend their holidays abroad as to get a suntan by holidaying in hot countries and using sunbed.

Between 1971 and 2001, the number of trips had increased form 4. millions to 38. 7 millions, making a huge difference of over 9 times (Source 3). Also people are spending a lot of money to create fake tan and to use sunbed. Unfortunately, researches show that people who sunbathe show a higher risk of getting skin cancer, and the earlier they start, the higher the risk (Source 2 and 4). From the researches, I can see that in recent years, more and more people are willing to spend money on using sunbeds and creating fake tans (Source 2), so the income and popularity of these businesses increases.

Also, a trend of holidaying in hot and sunny countries is shown (Source 3 and 4), creating more business opportunities for tourism in countries such as Italy and Spain. It is believed that spending time in the sun is the main cause of skin cancer (Source 5 and 6). The energy from the sun contains Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and there are two types of rays that exist in it, which are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). They damage DNA, the genetic material that makes up genes. Genes control the growth and overall health of skin cells.

If the genetic damage is severe, a normal skin cell may grow abnormally in the way of cancer cells. UV can also cause sunburn, and other damage that makes the skin look prematurely old and wrinkled. That is why many protection attempts are taken, such as avoiding excessive exposure to the sun (Source 6), and using sunscreen to increase our protection, the higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), the higher the protection you get (Source 7 and 8) The chances of getting a suntan, sunburn or skin cancer depend on many factors.

One of the main factors is your skin colour (Source 9 and 10), the darker your skin, the lower the chance of getting any of the above. The other factor is the Sun Protection Factor of the sunscreen you apply (Source 8). The more you apply and the higher the factor gives more protection, and this results in less solar energy absorption. Another factor I found is the life expectancy. Due in large part to advances in medical technology, life expectancy for newborns has increased continuously over the past 70 years, from 57. 1 years in 1929 to 77. years in 2004, and an increase of more than two years in the past decade. (Source 11)

Life expectancy affects the amount of sun exposure in a lifetime, which causes a higher risk of getting skin cancer because of a longer time of sun exposure. On the other hand, moderate and sensible sunlight exposure can help prevent skin cancer and some other cancers. In the case of skin cancer, sunlight causes vitamin D to synthesize in the body, giving some protection from the risk. This production of vitamin D can act as an immunity response from the body receiving Ultraviolet B rays from sunlight (Source 12, 13 and 14).

Studies also show that people who get malignant melanoma but also have a high amount to daily sun exposure have a higher survival rate than people with less exposure. It is said that sunlight is more powerful than any drug, which is safe, effective and available free of charge (Source 12). I also found out that the amount of vitamin D our body need can be fulfilled by around thirty minutes in the sun each week (Source 15). Having some sunshine also affects our mood, as it stimulates the pineal gland to produce mood enhancing chemicals, called trytamines in the brain (Source 14).

The sun can also help you achieve a good look if you like a healthy suntan (Source 14). In my opinion, I think we should not spend time in the sun, because our health is very important, and we should never take the risk of having skin cancer, especially not because of the desire for a suntan and to sacrifice their health. I think it is a waste of money and time to sunbathe. As for the production of vitamin D in our skin, which can be easily fulfilled by a thirty minutes sun exposure each week, we can do that by just having a walk.

Abstract

This paper would seek to address a controversial and important issue; ethics. An article by Rick Wartzman would be analyzed in order to comprehend what is meant by business ethics and the fallbacks it can mean for the individuals and for the company.

This paper would seek to outline an important issue which affects us all-whether the decision happens to be that of a commercial, personal nature as have major repercussions. This issue is related to ethical behavior and what constitutes as ethical behavior. This issue remains quite controversial in nature due to the basic fact that it becomes in certain cases hard to decipher whether it was done unethically or whether the concerned person had no option at hand.

However, before going into that debate, this paper would first seek to address what is meant by ethics; the definition of ethics in its most basic form is that is a sort of a philosophy which pertains to the issue of morality. In this paper, the issue would be addressed of business ethics which are the ethical issues which arise in a business setting or environment. This paper would outline the case analysis of Siemens and other corporations which act against the norms of business ethics and in this article, the concept of Ethics of Prudence was argued as being a substantial defense mechanism.

The examples quoted in this case were that of Siemens which had to settle payments relating to the use of bribes and kickbacks in order to secure public works contracts, a New York Lawyer who was accused of defrauding hedge funds and other investors of $ 380 million, Financier Bernard L.Madoff who swindled $ 50 billion which resulted in an important question being addressed in this essay.

That of the existence of business ethics and whether it is possible. According to the definition provided by Peter Drucker, business ethics were not compatibility with what ethics are perceived to be. According to this definition, business ethics were explained by the concept of cost-benefit calculation. The example quoted of such a benefit was that of Enron which sought exemption from the company’s ethical policy in order to move forward with certain dubious financial assistance that became a benefit for the greater cause of Enron’s welfare.

Drucker seeks to defend the concept of Ethics of Prudence in which he defines business ethics as when the person looks into the mirror, what sort of person he wants to be seen as. Hence, ethics become a cause for deciding what is clearly wrong and if something is wrong, whether it is questionable enough not to do it. Yet, the cautionary note exists from Drucker about this concept degenerating into hollow appearances but at the same time, it is always a test of honest self-assessment or the “mirror test”.

This essay brought to light several important points regarding ethical value as in most of the cases the companies do strive to comply by ethical issues but in certain cases, the need becomes too beneficial to let go off. Hence, here comes the question which had been aptly raised by Drucker is that whether the company officials are honest enough to consider these decisions in the light of what they would like to be perceived as.

If, the officials believe that the costs Is not that detrimental they might go ahead with the decisions but if it has major fallback on their prestige, image and company’s dealings the company would have to reconsider the issue. However, despite this major divide the fact remains that even small fallbacks can majorly impact the personal ethical stance of any individual and hence, it becomes a critical issue which needs to be devalued by these people as what they would like to be seen/perceived as by others.

Ethics might seem an unquestionable issue but in certain cases, the effect of certain decisions might be much greater than what we could have thought of it as.

Reference

Wartzman, R(2008)” A Time for Ethical Self-Assessment” BusinessWeek Retrieved from:

<http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/dec2008/ca20081223_535152.htm

Research Strategy Paper on Time Management

The problem

Time management refers to a variety of skills, means and methodologies adopted in order to manage & optimize one’s time to the utmost. This process includes a wide range of activities which include planning, organizing, delegating, setting goals & analysis of the spent time.

Every person on earth has twenty four hours a day, seven days a week & twelve months a year, but how on earth some upkeep peace with it while others end up worrying every moment mentioning they have “no time”. Thus, individuals in all ages ranging from students, housewives, to jobholders etc need to make the maximum out of limited time. Therefore, those who optimize time prove effective and high achievers in every walk of their lives. The best part is that such techniques can always be learned & acquired after practice.

How to manage

Experts say we should “put first things first” (Covey, 1998) i.e. the urgent & important matters should be addressed first. For instance a student may have a maths test next day and an English assignment due in the following week. Both are important tasks to be done but what is urgent and important to address first needs to be addressed foremost.

Creating a to-do list of all necessary tasks will help accomplish them on time without delays. One can have such listing in a private journal or a piece of paper as a reminder. It would be good if daily or weekly plans as kept to reach.
Adjourn all unnecessary activities or time wasters such as TV, radio, games & needless phone calls unless the task assigned to perform on time is not achieved.
Reduce distractions. Keep away from the crowd & try to maintain decorum through being in places where nobody can intervene. Keep way from objects that captivate you towards time waste such as video games, etc & keep cell phone silent.
The environment maintained around should be conducive & healthy. Don’t clutter too many things around and listen to light music which can help life your spirits. Good lighting & maintenance of moderate temperature as per climate are also essential.
Do not procrastinate. i.e. never put off or defer present tasks to a later time. This will cause overload of tasks until next time which in turn would produce guilt, laziness, stress & anxiety.
Learn to say “no”. It refers to: disagreeing to in an agreeable manner i.e. to invitations, people, people, events, etc.
Cash on the exiting time. It means few fragments of tasks can be accomplished while riding on bus, walking, etc. you can read during that time or listen to taped courses or audio books which would help reduce the load of chores.
Keep balance. Do not try to be jack of all trades and master of none. Focus on work but reserve time for family & friends.
Celebrate the achieved tasks and Take time to renew yourself. Don’t be a robotic freak. Remember: it is important to give time sharpening the saw before cutting a tree than to labor on a blunt saw that would give more labor & yield no results. (FML, 2010)
Conclusion

To recapitulate, it is important to keep pace with time because time is money. But one must not forget to maintain a proper balance. Remain organized & always take time to revitalize all energies.

References

Covey, Sean (1998) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, New York published by Franklin Covey Company.

FML-Free Management Library (2010), Time Management – Various Perspectives retrieved 07/21/2010 from www.managementhelp.org/prsn_prd/time_mng.htm.

It also takes a look at the problems of time management, and methods which you can use to practice time management. It then goes on to analyses SOOT analysis, discussing what it is, ivies an example of this and explains its purpose and the pros and cons of using it. There is then focus on the different learning styles available, and how to diagnose which of these suits users best. There are then examples of the tests to decide this, and a critical analysis of each.

The report then focuses on essay and report writing, the methods of each, and an analysis of each kind, followed by touching on alternatives to reports and essays.

Introduction

Report on Time management, SOOT analysis, learning styles and essay and report writing. As requested by Graham Poison on October oh 2013. The report is being written for the Borders business program module, professional development planning, to discuss and evaluate the above topics.

Time Management

Time management is working out how to use ones time, and how, at the same time, to use this time effectively. Time management is about making the most of the time that is available, in order to achieve what we think and feel is important. ” (Clarke, 1993) There are two different types of time management used within the workplace: rational managerial and too much time management. Rational managerial management of your time means that management of your time at work is completely within your control, whereas too much time management is when management of time becomes too overpowering, leading to a bureaucracy.

Taking time management from a personal perspective, understand that we can become better at managing our own time when we take these four things into account:

1. Being aware of the choices we have available
2. Acknowledging the consequences of each choice
3. Taking responsibility and control of ourselves and our decisions
4. Learning from aware of the choices we have available means to know what options we have (for example: to study or to go to a bar) and between these choices, be able to choose which best would benefit you “Cut the crap and dedicate yourself to one thing and one thing only’ (Template, 2005)

It is clear that in this situation one is expected to prioritize. “We wants it. We needs it. Must have the precious” Jackson, 2002) “Googol knew the value of proportioning. He knew what he wanted – to the exclusion of everything else. ” ( When you begin to acknowledge that you are required to prioritize between these choices, it will become evident that each choice will come with a consequence. Knowing and understanding the consequences, or benefits, of choices can help you make the most of the time you have available. When weighing up the choices, it is advisable that you refer to past experiences to help aid in the decision making processes. “A career setback can be like a romance gone bad.

If you don’t learn from your mistakes, you’re doomed to repeat them” (Richardson, 2009) It can be greatly beneficial to you to practice time management in your personal life using it to create a balance between work and life. There are some tools widely used for doing this, such as planners, diaries and timetables. You can use a timetable to plan out your activities. As you can see the author has carefully planned their week to include everything they think is important to be done within that time frame. You may benefit from completing two tables: the first with what you think you do, the second with what you really do.You will notice here that the author has some changes, some quite significant.

It should be noted that, even when planning your time carefully, there will be huge differences in what you actually do with the time you have. These tables however are impel in layout, and can be easily compared to one another for future reference.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis is a form of situational analysis, which focuses on an organizations or persons: 1 Strengths 2 Weaknesses

To begin a SWOT analysis it is typical that first of all the internal factors would be reviewed (strengths and weaknesses) and then focus would shift to the external factors (opportunities and threats. ) See an in fugues

Strengths Weaknesses

HEN Computing Edinburgh Napier certificate of credit 0 TOEFL certificate CICS intro to programming certificate Cabin crew direct certificate 5 years customer service experience 2 months’ technical support experience Advanced internet knowledge Question asker Quick learner Eager Friends who own businesses Strong maritime interest Drive for the future Happiest when achieving Ability to keep calm Full, clean driving license Wide range of Job experience Experience using Sage/Cookbooks Dyslexic Previously left University Gaps in working Gaps in study Financial problems Debt from previous study Jump to conclusions Quick to assume things Like to be in control

Previously held back by friends, lack of money and stupidity with money Get frustrated when losing control Financially vulnerable Opportunities Threats Good Job Job provides opportunities Opportunity to work to help toward debt Maybe funded by a Trust fund Create a good life with my partner Possibility to marry my partner Living alone successfully while partner travels with the Armed Forces Advance well at work Work towards a degree Possibility of having help from the hardship fund Work toward a better credit rating Falling behind due to dyslexia Money holding me back in study Failing to cover all bills Spiraling into debt Debt takes over Not getting funded by trust Not getting help from hardship fund Losing Job Borrowing too much money from family As you can see the author has clearly stated all of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The clear layout makes it easy to read, and easy to pick out certain points. The purpose of a SOOT analysis is to examine the environment affecting a business (or person), and to predict what is likely to change, what factors can be used to their advantage, what poses as threats and how to avoid/plan for these threats. Related the strength management program of the national guard

The reliability of the SOOT analysis depends not only on the information which is put into it, but how this information is then evaluated and then applied. There are both disadvantages and advantages to using the SOOT analysis.

Advantages Disadvantages

Makes strengths and opportunities clear Highlights positives Highlights areas that can be worked on and improved If something is missing it can be worked on Easy to compare past and future SOOT analysis Evaluate weaknesses Can be used on cover letters Can be used in interviews Opportunities can be taken Clear layout Highlights problems, which could knock self confidence People are not always honest

Answers could change rapidly Could become time consuming Could become illegible and messy Too much time could be spent analyzing opportunities/threats rather than getting on with progressing strengths Can be difficult to recognize you own strengths People may present themselves as what they see, not what others see Examining weaknesses could bring about limitations Thinking something is a strength could prevent it from being developed further Some people may not find SOOT productive Limited to four boxes Identifying the threats and opportunities is only the first step – they need to be fixed r worked on Can be difficult to define between boxes Can be a cause for dishonesty It is clear that there are great advantages of doing a SOOT analysis on a situation, but there are also some very clear disadvantages. “Analyzing the business environment is not a precise science and does not eliminate uncertainty for an organization, caused, for instance, by unanticipated events which do not follow the normal pattern” (Britton & Worthington, 2003) It goes without saying that any good and that he/she would be expected to rely upon their intuition.

It goes without saying that there are alternatives to using a SOOT analysis, such as the PESTLE analysis, but any good manager would use these in conjunction with each other, rather than have a preference for one over the other.

Learning Styles

The way in which someone prefers to learn or actually picks up information differs from person to person; the different ways in which this is done is termed a learning style. There are, according to advantaging. Com, seven learning styles; Visual (spatial): You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding. Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music. Verbal (linguistic): You refer using words, both in speech and writing.

Physical (kinesthesia): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch. Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems. Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people. Solitary (interpersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self- study.  Taking time to understand your style of learning can help you to implement these into your everyday life. “A variety of teaching and learning approaches has the potential to enhance the learning and performance for a wider range of adult dents” (Hawk & Shah, 2007) The way in which to determine your learning style is to take one (or more) of the readily available learning styles tests. The VS.. Learning styles model suggests that most people can be divided into one of three preferred styles of learning” .

As you can see, the author has circled the answer which best suits them, they have then worked out which type of learner they are by adding up the number of a, b and co’s they have – the user is an Auditory learner. There are, of course, more than Just the VS.. Questionnaire; there is the newer up to date PARK questionnaire.

As you can see, the author is now classed as being a multi-modal learner. There is also the Honey and Uniform learning styles questionnaire (Honey ; Uniform, Honey and Uniform learning styles questionnaire, 2000). See an example of the Honey and Uniform test in appendix

As you can see, this questionnaire is much more detailed and therefore more time consuming! It consists of 80 questions, and as a result of itching the questions and ticks/crosses you can determine whether you are one of the following types of learner:

1. Activist
2. Reflector
3. Theorist
4. Pragmatist

As you will see the user has determined that they are an Activist. There obviously advantages and disadvantages to each of the tests used

 VS. PARK Usability Easy to use Time Quick to fill out Time consuming Quick Layout Simple layout Very simple layout Easiness to work out score Not easy, not too difficult either Difficult Quite difficult Thoroughness Simple, not very thorough Extremely thorough Simple Repetitiveness Does not repeat itself Repeats itself Clarity Simple and clear Can be confusing Clear and simple How well does it explain learning styles No great detail Goes into great detail. There are two written was to analyses; reports and essays. As described by Alma Graham, there are fundamental differences between reports and essays.

Seldom uses recommendations Seldom uses appendices Presents information/facts Usually scanned by the reader Uses numbers Uses headings/sub-headings Needs references Needs bibliography Short paragraphs Uses bullet points Uses graphics Uses a summary May use recommendations May use appendices It is clear to see that a report is comprised of much more information and information sources than an essay. For an example of an essay see appendix

As you can see the author has written in paragraphs, which are detailed, and link to the next paragraphs, unlike the example report in the appendix. Where there are detailed sections. The essay does not include images of any kind, and put forward someone’s beliefs and opinions on sewing – this is not factual.

 Conclusion

It is then fair to say that time management is a very effective tool, and can help to prioritize tasks. The methods explained to control time management are quick, yet very effective, and should be utilized when possible. Although SOOT analysis can be very effective, you should remember that it is not the only tool available, and ideally it should be used in conjunction with other tools, such as PESTLE analysis. Although oh can greatly benefit from predicting your learning style, the tests can be time consuming, messy and confusing. It should be noted that there are huge differences between essays and reports, and the task at hand should be read carefully before choosing which to use.

References

1. Advantage. Com. (2013). Retrieved October 10, 2013, from Advantage. Com.
2. Britton, C. , ; Worthington, l. (2003). The Business Environment. Headhunting: Stopping.
3. Chapman, A. , ; Chilliest, V. (2005).VS.. Learning styles self-assessment questionnaire. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from businessman’s. Com.
4. Clarke, D. (1993). How to manage your time. Cambridge: National Extension College Trust Ltd.
5. Hawk, T. F. , & Shah, A. J. (2007, January). Using learning style instruments to enhance student learning. Decision sciences Journal of innovative education, 5(1),
6. 2. Jackson, P. (Director). (2002). Lord of The Rings :The Two Towers [Motion Picture].
7. Richardson, B. G. (2009). To move ahead again, learn from career setbacks. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from career]erroneously. Com: career]erroneously. Com
8. Template, R. (2005). The Rules Of Bannock, G. , Davis, E. & Baxter, R. E. (1972). Dictionary of Economics (Fourth deed. . London, England: Penguin Books.
9. Machiavelli, N. (1906). The Prince. (C. J. Lepton, Deed. , & W. Marriott, Trans. ) Prohibition Publishing Ltd.

All the path coefficients were significantly different from zero with respective t-values greater than 1. 96 and their signs were in the hypothesized direction. Perceived service quality was found to display a positive effect on customer satisfaction (? =0. 66, p<0. 05), and perceived value (? =0. 73, p<0. 05). As customers’ perceptions of the quality of the service increase, they feel more satisfied with the service and perceive higher value in the service. Thus, hypotheses one and two were supported.

Monetary and time costs were found to display a negative effect on perceived value, the path coefficients were (? = -0. 17, p<0. 05) and (? = -0. 19, p<0. 05) respectively. These results suggest that both monetary and time costs play a significant role in customers’ assessments of the value of the service. Accordingly, hypotheses three and four were supported. Perceived value was shown to have a positive effect on customer satisfaction (? =0. 21, p<0. 05) and intended post-purchase behaviour (? =0. 63, p<0. 05).

Thus, hypotheses five and six were also supported. It is interesting to note that perceived value has a stronger impact on intended post-purchase behaviour than on customer satisfaction. As customers perceive that the value of the service increases, they feel more satisfied with the service and their tendency to repurchase and recommend the service to others becomes higher. Studies have found that the effect of perceived value on repurchase intentions is completely mediated by customer satisfaction (Patterson and Spreng 181-221).

In order to examine whether the effect of perceived value on behavioural intentions would indeed be completely mediated by customer satisfaction, an alternative model was proposed with the parameter of the structural path between perceived value and intended post-purchase behaviour constrained to zero. A Chi-square difference test was performed to assess the overall fit of the theoretical model and the alternative model. Steiger et al.

(58-93) stated that the difference between Chi-square statistics for the nested models is itself asymptotically distributed as Chi-square, with degrees of freedom equal to the difference in the degrees of freedom for the two models. The results of the Chi-square difference test showed that the theoretical model provided a better overall fit to the data than the alternative model, the Chi-square difference was 48 with one degree of freedom (p<0. 05).

Thus, the notion that perceived value has both a direct and an indirect effect through customer satisfaction on behavioural intentions is supported by the data. Hence, hypothesis seven was supported. Consistent with the results of previous research, customer satisfaction displayed a significant influence on intended post-purchase behaviour (? =0. 33, p<0. 05). As customers feel more satisfied with the service, they will be more likely to repurchase and encourage others to use by word of mouth.

Accordingly, hypothesis eight was supported. Further analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between monetary costs and quality, monetary costs and customer satisfaction, and monetary costs and intended post-purchase behaviour. Each path was evaluated in turn to determine whether monetary costs had any direct influence on quality, customer satisfaction and intended post-purchase behaviour respectively.

The results showed no significant improvement in model fit, suggesting that customers’ perceptions of quality were not affected by monetary costs, and the effect of monetary costs on customer satisfaction and intended post-purchase behaviour were mediated through perceived value. Although customer satisfaction has been used as a means of achieving the business goals of Marriott Hotel restaurant, the assumption that satisfied customers will make repeated purchases and tell others about their satisfying experiences may no longer hold in highly competitive markets.

The present study shows that perceived value has relatively speaking, a greater influence on post-purchase behaviour than customer satisfaction as is evidenced by the standardised path coefficients of 0. 63 for perceived value and of 0. 33 for customer satisfaction shown in Table 4. Moreover, the results of this study reveal that adding the path between perceived value and post-purchase behaviour has improved the overall fit of the model. This suggests that integrating perceived value with customer satisfaction and perceived service quality in a single model can better explain and predict post-purchase behaviour.

Although increasing customers’ perceptions of service quality can result in high customer satisfaction and perceived value, the effect of perceived service quality on perceived value might be offset by high waiting time. There are instances in which customers may feel satisfied with a service in Marriott Hotel restaurant, but their perceptions of its value are low due to the high costs incurred in obtaining it. When they learn that another supplier is offering a better value service, their likelihood to switch is high.

Price may play several roles in the customer purchase decision process. Prior to a purchase, customers may use price as an indicator of quality, and set expectations in regard to the service they are likely to receive (Zeithaml and Bitner 234-293). Following the consumption of the service, price is one of the costs perceived by customers, and contributes to value assessment of the service (Lovelock 176-197). The present study provides evidence of the contribution of price to customer assessment of a service value.

As predicted, the relationship between quality and price was found to be weak. This may suggest that customers’ perceptions of quality are not driven by price perceptions in post-purchase evaluations. However, the relationship between quality and price should be not underestimated in an initial purchase. Since services lack tangible cues for customers to assess their quality prior to consumption, price might have an effect on customers’ perceptions of the quality of a service to be provided in pre-purchase evaluations.

Thus, Marriott Hotel restaurant needs to be very careful about attempting to make the service offered more appealing by lowering prices. It needs to convince customers that a reduction in price is accompanied by a reduction in the quality of service. The promotional message should emphasise the benefits of the service relative to the costs and educate customers to recognise its value. In line with this view, Berry and Yadav (56-85) suggest that service firms should capture and communicate value to customers in their pricing strategy.

The literature abounds about how volunteering can help build new skills and talents, give us an edge in our , make us more with our time, and even our health. Many of the benefits and volunteer opportunities are often aimed at young professionals who tend to have more free time than more senior leaders. However, senior leaders often have an opportunity to make a major impact by lending their time.

It wasn’t too long ago when my family was impacted by Hydrocephalus, a little-known brain condition. One million people in the U.S. live with Hydrocephalus and it is also the most common reason for brain surgery in children, yet remains largely unheard of.

I had the desire to give back to raise awareness and support for the . Making an impact doesn’t always require a large financial commitment, but I struggled with how to find the time amidst my hectic work and personal life.

Like many other nonprofits, what the Hydrocephalus Association sorely need leadership and business and time, and I wanted to personally address this gap.

Here’s how I made it happen, and how you can, too.

1. Find an organization.

If you don’t already have an organization in mind, find one that aligns with something you’re passionate about or touches your life. In my example, volunteering for the (HA) was important to me since there is little awareness about this condition that personally affected my family, along with so many others in the U.S. Giving my time was a tangible way to help raise awareness. 

Related:

If you don’t already have something in mind or are just looking to give back to any group with need, sites such as can help you identify volunteer opportunities in your community.

2. Determine the skills you have or wish to grow.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as offering any time you can give, and saying, “” For young professionals or those seeking a career change, volunteering offers potential to . For senior leaders, there’s the benefit of years of experience and expertise that can aid the organization.

I began by volunteering to chair one of the committees tasked with communications, which is where some of my professional experience lies. I then progressed to support the research and expansion of the organization’s brand experience via its , Facebook , and other digital channels. Improvements in these digital channels have had a big impact on those who live with the condition as well as their friends and loved ones, bringing them better access to support networks and informational content and resources online.

Related:

I currently chair the board of directors where my primary role is to help set the organization’s long-term vision and strategy and to ensure donor funds are used effectively to support our mission. Each person on our 21-member board partners with HA staff by serving on several committees such as communications, support and development and research, as active volunteers. We also leverage our personal and professional experience and networks to help the HA achieve its goals.

3. Find the time.

Finding time amidst your other professional and personal commitments and hobbies often is the biggest barrier. In order to overcome this, you need to address the stakeholders in your life who will be impacted by your decision to volunteer, both at home and at work.

My commitment on the HA board consists of three two-day board meetings a year. Two days of meetings happen over the weekend, taking away from family time. Having support and understanding of the my loved ones was critical for me.

Related:

The remaining four days occur during the work week. To make it work, I needed the flexibility at work to commit to those days. Adobe recognized the value of my participation in the board and has been supportive of my time off. This is not an anomaly: More companies are recognizing their as a form of charitable giving, and finding ways to donate skills and manpower to .

Allowing employees at all levels to volunteer isn’t just a nice gesture or write-off for companies; that allowing employees to give back to their communities by way of volunteering increases levels of commitment and pride among employees.

To make it happen, have a conversation with your manager to ensure that he or she understands the commitment you’re making and that the person is comfortable with the time you’d need to spend away from work.

As Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Define what’s important to you and take that first step.