Kfc in China Essay Example for Free

Kfc in China EssayIs Tony Wang check in assuming that China is an ideal grocery store for KFC? Should KFC be pursuing the Chinese trade at the present time? Considering China as a strategic location was based from a deck out analysis. Availability of Supply (Strength) There is ready doorway of quality poultry in the major metropolitan argonas such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing. Poultry industry is angiotensin converting enzyme of the top priority categories in Chinas agriculture modernization and it is highly encourage by the government. Thus, the company can ensure a authorized supply of high quality chicken. Low Competitive Pressure (Strength)Potential competitors such as MacDonalds face major barriers to enter the China market due to poor beef supply while KFC, aside from availability of high quality chicken supply, has the clear advantage since its main product-chicken- is eaten almost everywhere in the world. Further more(prenominal) than, chicken is already f amiliar in China and even much cheaper. Companys Control Measures (Strength) KFC s insure mechanisms are knowing to ensure standard levels of quality, service and cleanliness (QSC) at all of the restaurants chain stores. This fits the positive image in Asia of American fast food restaurants as famous, air-conditioned, and hygienic.Product Consumption (Strength) Chicken has long been regarded as a kind of nutritious food, which is especially favorable for the patients, the elders and children. An increase in health conscious consumers in like manner raises the consumption of chicken. Moreover, chicken is a more popular meal than hamburgers in most Asian countries and KFC has the opportunity to offer an American style experience that is polar from most other food establishments. Drawing Area (Opportunity) In late 1978, China began implementing economic reforms to modernize its economy by lessening the governments control of the economy.This reform referred as a socialist market e conomy boosted the national wealth and the consequent increase in individuals income has guide to steady changes in Chinese consumer patterns prevalent in pre-Mao era. As the worlds most populous nation with over 1 billion inhabitants, the potential difference drop size and growth for KFC makes the Chinese market very pull outive. Not to mention, the possibility of establishing the first Western style fast-food operation in China as a historic opportunity for the company. Scarce Human Resources (Weakness) Managerial resources are precious because of the scarcity of Chinese-speaking KFC managers.There are also possible conflicts between KFC-appointed managers and local employees. neglect of Local connections (Weakness) Pioneering in the fast-food field would find KFC very difficult to form local and personal networks between businesses and government agencies, which are crucial in providing access to the local market and home(prenominal) suppliers and eventually, to the company s success. Entering into a relatively unknown market, KFC, as a new entrant will deport to get in touch with the local business customs and laws as well as with knowledge of culture and language. Quality of Government (Threat)A communist government with strict foreign investment laws rules China. Setting up here requires heavy investment expenses and high levels of resource commitment. The risk of exposure of domestication measures may be imposed by the host government, often leading to major financial losses for the foreign investor. Overcoming Threats and Weaknesses KFC has three options of entering the China market thru, namely Franchising, in all owned subsidiary and Joint judge. The traditional franchising strategy, in markets where political risk and cultural unfamiliarity exists, certainly would reduce financial risks.However, KFC had already encountered problems in the onetime(prenominal) with the aligning of corporate planning with the franchisees short-term focus on profitability. In addition, KFC will be pioneering in the fast-food service and thus needs to be highly sensitive to cultural demands. In such case, franchising is not feasible. On the other hand, a wholly owned subsidiary would rely upon total control over competitive advantages and ensures complete operational and strategic control. It also involves high financial risk and little country-level flexibility and responsiveness. This option is not recommended.Entering into a joint venture is highly recommended. Such an international business strategy will attempt to solve many logistics problems such as access to good quality chicken and other supplies, ease the access to Chinese market, share risk with a local entity, utilize ways to cut bureaucratic red-tape and finally, parcel out as a sign of commitment to the host government increasing goodwill. In addition, due to the complexity of many barriers to accounting entry into China, a potential partner with sufficient contacts or n etworks with the government officials may smoothen the process of setting-up operations in the country.The potential joint-venture partner should be wide, well established, provide excellent diffusion channels and have personal network access to government officials. It is recommended that a partner be found by backward integration- that is, a good domestic supplier of poultry. In rate to ensure total commitment, the set-up of the joint venture should be with KFC as the dominant partner. This way, cost, quality and strategic control measures are maintained. By building on each partners core competencies, knowledge, and efficiencies, a mutually beneficial synergy effect could be achieved as a result of joint venture activities.For instance, the local partner can learn from KFC how to produce a better product at a lower cost and further expand on its new competitive positioning. KFC, on the other hand, can maintain quality supply, which is critical to its success. RECOMMENDATION Th e Chinese market represents a great opportunity for KFC where Tony Wang is correct in his assumptions. By finding an appropriate domestic business partner via backward integration, it is possible to further build on opportunities and significantly reduce risk throughout financial sharing, cultural sensitivity and favorable treatment from the host government.KFC should start pursuing this strategy at the present time and develop a coherent international strategy linking the China operations with the other markets. Which of the three cities being investigated should the company choose if it decides to enter China? The capital city, Beijing, is recommended as the preferable location for KFCs entry into the Chinese market. Beijing is the center for most political activities and provides the necessary access to government agencies and business regulatory bodies. Also, it has a large population of nearly 9 million inhabitants.The numerous universities located in the city contributes to m ore affluent and educated people that may make them more open to foreign ideas including Western fast-food. More importantly, plenty of Western tourists are attracted to Beijings many tourist attractions, increasing the potential for generating foreign gold sales. Furthermore, supplies of poultry are readily available. Beijing can serve as the initial platform of KFCs operations and later expand into other potential areas such as Shanghai and Guangzhou. One or two initial outlets should be set-up to get an insight of how KFC will be perceived in the Chinese capital.Both dine-in and take-out facilities much in line with most KFCs international operations ought to be offered in large, clean and well-serviced outlets to cater for the customers with above-average disposable incomes. In order to serve large numbers of customers due to the sheer size of the population, the right cultural fit of the business restaurants must be highly functional and effective. particular menu-substitutio ns may also have to be facilitated to cater to consumers taste for traditional Chinese meals. Lessons Learned Capitalizing on Strengths and Opportunities In the initial period of KFCs entry into China market, few of Chinese onsumers were really impressed with the food itself since the country is known to have the best culinary culture in the world.Instead, they were more matter to with the eating experience the encounter with friendly employees, quick service, spotless floors climate-controlled and brightly-lit dining areas, and smiling Colonel Sanders standing in front of the main gate. Having experienced the initial surprises brought by a never-seen western lifestyle, Chinese consumers have gradually calmed down and their consumption attitudes towards foreign products are getting more reasonable.Since Chinese people are more concerned with the nutrition and tastes of the fast food, KFC interpreted advantage of McDonalds. By offering poultry food that is more acceptable to Chinese people compared with beef, have taken consumers needs and competition with other brands into account. Knowing the market The most prominent success of KFC in China is not only the outcome of KFCs continual tenets quality, service and cleanliness but also the achievements of its keen perception of cross-cultural marketing and its understanding of Chinese culture.Based on its scrutiny and adoption of Chinese traditional culinary arts, KFC has developed a series of products that are specially designed for the tastes of Chinese consumers. Moreover, in purpose of maintaining its image of a U. S. brand and keeping coherent with its globalization strategy, most of KFC s Chinese side dishes are defined as short-term products and would be replaced by new products. KFCs product strategies are categorized into two aspects 1)To meet consumers desire for novelty by introducing western style products like Mexican Chicken Warp and New Orleans cook out Wings.This means can satisfy young consume rs who are more open and acceptable to the foreign flavors. 2)To cater to consumers taste for traditional Chinese meal by offering Chinese style fast food from time to time, say, Old Beijing Chicken Roll, a wrap modeled after the way capital of Red China duck is served, but with fried chicken inside and accompanied with green onions and hoi sin sauce, and Sichuan Spicy Chicken which absorbs the spicy flavor of Sichuan dish. This measure can attract older consumers who are fond of Chinese food and in need of the convenience of fast food service as well.

Poetry Slam Essay Example for Free

Poetry Slam EssayOn my visit to Bar13 I was instructed to watch a poetry slam. I have never experience such a vivid art of performing poetry. The only way I had experienced poetry before was by reading it from books. This has change the way I see poetry now. The poetry slam is a very competitive event in which the poets perform their work. The poets ar judged by people of the audience. The host, who was pregnant, selected the judges who were instructed to give a numerical score (the score being 0 10). The score was based on the poets content and work. I was a little hesitant when the host asked me to be a judge. Since this was the first time, I was scared that I wasnt going to be a unobjectionable judge. The host explained to me the basic rules for the contest and how the poets are selected. The first rule one is that all(prenominal) poem must be the poets own work. The second is that each poet gets only three minutes to read or say the poem.The third is that they cant use whatever musical instrument or costumes and the fourth and last one is that from the score the poets receive the high and low scores are dropped and the middle three are added together giving them a congeries score of 0 30. Before the contest started the microphone was open to other poets. In my opinion there were a couple of poets who were good. After the opening performance was done, the host presented a poet who has competed before. Her name was Gypsee. She performed for most 45 minutes, the content of her work was very good and her performance was excellent.I think she has practice a lot. I remember clearly two of her poems. One talked about crossing the Canadian bridge into the United States as an immigrant (she was born in Albania). The second one was about her childhood and soldiers with shotguns. During the slam there was different kind of poetry.It was very interesting to listen to a diverse range of work within the slam. It included hump poetry, social issues, persona l problems and even some were kind of comic. What I really like was the range of poets presented they are free to do work in any style on any subject. I will recommend it to my friends and I would like to go back, it was a nice experience.

Finite and Non-Finite Verb

Finite and Non-Finite VerbFinite and Non-Finite VerbLearning ObjectivesI will learn how to distinguish between Finite and Non-Finite VerbsInfinitives, Participles and GerundsIntroduction put down the sentences stipulation belowI am writing.You ar writing.They were writingThe verbs argon different in the three sentences. This is because the verb is controlled by the number, soulfulness and tense of the subject. thitherfore they ar finite verbs.A finite verb is controlled by the number of the subject. If the subject is singular, the verb is singular. If the subject is plural the verb is pluralExample The boy runs fast. (subject is singular)The boys run fast. (subject is plural)A finite verb is controlled by the person.Example I go to the gymnasium on Sunday. (I First Person)He goes to the gymnasium on Sunday. (He Third Person)A finite verb is controlled by the tense. It can be in the past, present or future tense.Example She lives in Kolkata (Present Tense)She lived in Kolkat a (Past Tense)Try Your Hand 1( H3)Pick bring kayoed the finite verbs in the following sentencesShe unbroken the plates in the sink.Looking at both sides, he crossed the street.The curtain is flying in the wind.Many of us will sign the petition.They are raring(predicate) to join our club.It was raining heavily when I left.Rolling stones gather no moss.I have requested him to come.I enjoy recording books.Alighting from the aircraft she switched her mobile recollect on.Now read the sentences given belowI enjoy listening to music.You enjoy listening to music.They enjoy listening to music.The verb &aposlistening&apos is not controlled by the number, person and tense of the subject. Therefore it is a non-finite verb.Take a look at a few more sentencesI like to swim every evening.He likes to swim every eveningThey liked to swim every evening.The verb &aposswim&apos remains unchanged whatever be the person, number and tense of the subject.On reading these sentences we see that some no n-finite verbs end with -ing and some have to before them.Try Your Hand 2 (H3)Read the sentences given below and carry whether the highlighted verbs are finite or non-finiteHe was drawing a picture in his notebook.He valued to draw a cartoon.Keeping her base on the floor, she ran out.They deficiencyed to meet the head teacher.I polish the silver ear-rings regularly.The weeping woman appealed for help.She had spoken the truth, but we had found it hard to believe her.Non -finite verbs are of three kinds 1 Infinitives 2.Participles 3. GerundsIn this lesson we shall take up the Infinitive.Read the given sentencesI like to singShe tried to help the old man.&aposTo sing&apos and &aposto demote&apos are infinitives.The infinitive is the base form of the verb and it often has &aposto&apos before it.Try Your Hand 3 (H3)Pick out the infinitives in the given sentencesTo find fault is easy.I did not want to scare him.The best course of action would be to take leave.She phoned to express t o my father.In order to get a job he left college.He had no choice but to travel to Chennai.The young man rose to address the gathering.After certain verbs, such as bid, let, make, need, dare, see, hear, the infinitive is utilise without &aposto&aposExample Let us go for a picnic.She saw her brother win the race.He makes me read the lesson aloud.Try Your Hand 4 (H3)Pick out the infinitives in the given sentencesThey need not cook today.He bid me sing a song.Let them draw whatever they want.The children saw her buy food.She is qualification him revise the lesson.They heard her speak to the policeman on duty.I dared not look into the room.Infinitives can be used to join sentences. Look at the examples given below.Ravi spoke the truth.He was not afraid to do so.These two sentences can be combined to form one sentenceRavi was not afraid to speak the truth.We see that one of the main verbs &aposspoke&apos is changed into the infinitive &aposto speak&apos and used to combine the senten ces.Take a look at another example.He remained inside the impetuous house. He wanted to pitch all the children.This pair of sentences will change to He remained inside the burning house to rescue all the children.We see that an infinitive &aposto rescue&apos which was already present in one of the sentences has been used to combine the sentences.Try Your Hand 5 (H3)Combine each pair of sentences by using an infinitive.We started running. We wanted to reach the station on time.Every school has a Principal. He decides how the school will function.The old man gave his servant one thousand rupees. He wanted to reward him for his faithful service.He is determined to attain a high post. He works day and night for that purpose.She collects old cook books from diverse parts of India. This is her hobby.They must write a letter of apology. That is the only way to avoid punishment.She goes to the hospital every day. She is always willing to look after barren patients.Quick RecapFinite verb s are controlled by the number, person and tense of the subject.Non-finite verbs are not controlled by the number, person and tense of the subjectThere are three kinds of non-finite verbs Infinitives, Participles and Gerunds.Participles and Gerunds may be similar in form as both end with ing.Infinitives are usually preceded by &aposto&apos. except there are infinitives that are not preceded by &aposto&apos.Infinitives can be used to combine sentencesBrush Up Your Grammar (H2)Revision 1(H3)In the following sentences fault out the finite verbs and the non-finite words. The first sentence has been done for you Hearing the knock on the door, she ran to open it.Non- finite Hearing Finite ranI want you to keep the keys in the drawer.She saw the fishermen casting their nets.Rina stopped at the shop to buy something.They enjoy performing in front of a live audience.She read the instructions on how to bake a cake.I heard the man give instructions to the taxi driver.Her sparkling eyes rev ealed her excitement.He kept himself particular by teaching children.Please permit me to order the rest of the booksRevision 2 (H3)Fill in the blanks with appropriate non-finite verbsI decided _____ out of the hotel and take a walk. Suddenly a number of monkeys surrounded me and began ____ my purse away. ____ here and there for help, I spotted a banana seller who was backdrop up his stall. I waved to him and bade him _____ towards me. _____ about two dozen bananas he hurried forwards. I saw him ____ the bananas on the ground. Then he began ____ their attention by making clicking sounds. _________ my bag the monkeys rushed towards him. I made my escape but came back later______ him and ______ for the bananas.Revision 3 (H3)Work in pairs. One of you will learn the question the other will give the answer with the help of the clues in brackets. The first one has been done for you Why did you go out? (buy some fruits)I went out to buy some fruitsWhy are you standing here? (greet the C hief Guest)Why will Rajni go to Chennai? (visit her aunt)Why did you sell your car? (buy a car)Why did you travel by plane? (save time)Why did you go to the bazaar? (buy grocery)Why did you spend an extra hour in school? (practise football)Why are you going to College Street? (buy second hand books)Revision 4(H3)Complete the sentences using the correct non-finite form of the verb given in bracketsI am lamentable for ________ (speak) uncivilizedly to you.It gives me great pleasure ________ (inform) you that you have been selected.I want to start now _______ (complete) the project on time.I shall continue ______ (run) early in the morning.It was rude of him ______ (scream) at his mother.I must stop ______ (give) advice to every one.I almost came under the wheels of the _____ (speed) busTry This 1Make a list of 4 things that you enjoy doingLooking at the starry sky___________________________________-__________________________________Now, make a list of things you must remember to do in the coming weekTo embrace my text books________________________________________Try This 2Use non-finites to write a dialogue between two friends about a three day camping get down that both will be going for. You could begin like this Seema I am going for the school camping trip.Wendy So will I. In situation I saw you write your name on the list.Seema I have decided to take my transistor. Carrying it will be no problem.

Effects Of Succession Planning On Employee Retention

Effects Of Succession Planning On Employee Retention appropriate epoch programning helps an employee to get their work d iodine as advantageously as to sustain the employees in the most stiff and efficient manner. This take in overly highlighted that for any particular antic what atomic number 18 the organizational commitment, rail line security, job content which leads to self-esteem, leadership and dumbfounding in the organization for a spaciouser metre period. The study is intended to answer the question of whether proper eon planning could mitigate the expected negative effects of retentivitys on employees.The basic purpose of this seek is to hotfoot into come out of the closet that whether the way information regarding Succession Planning taking place is well defined or not and what are the impacts of employees behavioral towards safekeeping by dint of proper communicated and well-defined work on episode planning. And up to what level are they emotionally a nd expressively coined.1.3 Implications of the StudyThe findings of this study will energise beta implications from the perspective of employees and top management associated with employee retention succession planning. The HR department in roll to develop a proper job content for all(prenominal) job to develop an organizational commitment security in which employees are most comfortable with the tenure, leadership self-esteem.This investigate will extend our roll outnition on how differences the employee retention and succession planning of the high society will impact the performance of employees both internal and external. And would in like manner allow to a greater extent detailed prescriptions for practiti one and only(a)rs faced with much(prenominal) issues.1.4 VariablesIndependent VariableSuccession PlanningTenureLeadershipSelf EsteemDependent VariablesEmployee RetentionOrganizational Commitment subscriber line SecurityJob Content1.5 HypothesisHypothesis 1 in th at location is a positive relationship between succession planning and employee retention.Chapter 2Literature ReviewIn an organization, every employee tends to rise to his level of ineffectiveness (Jr., 2003).Succession planning is the power to developing the strengths and performance of their people and maximizes production capacity. We provide jobes with a broad range of exceedingly effective tools, methodology and processes, screenn to dramatically improve the contri providedion made by individuals and organizations at all levels (Jr., 2003).These are the role of Succession Planning in an OrganizationPrepares current employees to undertake blusher positionsDevelops ability and long-term developmentImproves employees abilities and performanceImproves workforce homage and as a result retention summon the career improvement requirements of existing employeesImproves support to workforce throughout their tenureCounters the increasing compositeity of hiring employees externallyF ocuses on leadership stability and mend knowledge distributionProvides further effective monitoring and tracking of employee ability levels and skills (Jr., 2003).As Succession planning is a core part of an organizations ability to decrease risk, occasion a verified leadership model, smooth organization continuity and improve staff self-confidence (White, 1987). Succession planning has become really important for managers and exe shockives in the current business world because, now they have begun to go out the importance of securing their companies eventually by selecting future leaders (White, 1987).Succession planning considered to the higher busy to make the right decisions. They must put their self into strategic and planning form to choose the best leader (Jr., 2003).When it comes down to the decision about the succession plan an executive should recognize the involve and requirements of the community that what would be the strengths and weaknesses so an executive will k now what kind of person they would imply on the massive situation which will lead the political party on the succession path (White, 1987).The basic element in transition is well transparency as it applies on every company the employer should take step to communicate the employees to decrease the gap between the company and the employee which effects better with the reflection of succession (Jr., 2003)To develop an effective succession plan there are four stagesRecognizing jobs for successionDeveloping a obvious understanding of the capabilities required to carry out those rolesIdentifying workforces who could potencely fill and do highly in much(prenominal) rolesPreparing workforces to be ready for development into each(prenominal) identified role.Without the execution of a succession plan, there tooshie be significant impacts on a business includingLack of expertise and business knowledgeLack of business stabilityDamaged customer associations (Jr., 2003).Organization success ion planning is highly dependent on the competent employee the company highly depends on its employee which can make the path and accelerate the companys business which will runaway a major role for an organization to become profitable or reciprocal. One major concern which a lot makes difference for succession if the leader key person word of farewells the organization- either by choice or former(a) circumstances (Jr., 2003).What will happen when an important key player purged without succession planning? There are few things to look forward. Such as either there will be no skilled substitute or there will be who might not ready to manage the business the way it has to be managing with the abilities. Whatsoever the case might came out to be, the situation can be terrible for the company. craft can become unsustainable to carry on (Jr., 2003).The only answer that is left in an unexpected situation is just unproductive quick-fixed solutions the successor is left with temporary s ubstitute if the set up is not been fix yet., and the important result can still be the breakdown of the business. Key factors that affect the success of business are skill and experience. And without it no one can run a business. They significant traits in an entrepreneur not only run the business but also sustain the success (Jr., 2003).Without succession planning, a company that has become successful can just as easily fail. The company grows because there is a leader with experience, drive and ability. Without suitable succession planning, the future growth of the business is left to chance once that leader is gone. Under such a situation, if it succeeds at all, it is by default rather than intended. That is not all. The passing of the crop from one generation to the next is often fogged up by the stakeholders differing views and agendas. Without proper planning, the clashes of views and agendas can pull the company in several directions and this may wreck an otherwise feasible business (Jr., 2003).Succession planning enables your business to site brilliant employees and provide education to develop them for future higher level and broader tasks. Succession planning helps to build worktable strength. Succession planning helps to decide where man belong to (Jr., 2003).Through your succession planning procedure, you also save superior employees because they value the time, attention, and development that you are investing in them. To efficiently do succession planning in your business, you must identify the organizations long term goals. They must hire better staff (White, 1987).You need to spot and recognize the developmental necessitate of your employees. You must guarantee that all key employees understand their career paths and the roles they are being developed to fill. You need to spotlight elections on key employee retention. You need to be alert of employment trends in your area to be familiar with the roles you will have a difficult time filling externally (White, 1987).It is a complex process and a successful plan is establish on management formation, regular evaluation through evaluations and integrated management development brass. Only one tenth of the know-how of professional managers consists of formal education and prep and the result is attained through on the job development. Management structure has to be distinctly understand by all and frequently reviewed for future planning. One of the reasons for the gradual and slow abolition of business crowds of yesterday is that they failed in managing the change. The plan does not mean apprehension of an individual to replace his/her ancestor. It means identifying a group of individuals to be trained and groomed for the place of CEO (Zajac, 1987).The organizations offer employee development opportunities through on the job learning, better training and counseling, formal training programmers and job orientation. All these facilities not only help in employees devel opment but also help in preparing the incumbents probable to fill key positions (Jr., 2003).The companies have to decide today for tomorrow through a complex assessment system for the human development, which is most uncertain. Business environment is getting increasingly vibrant, bodied growth, rate and size is searing, and values are changing which offer superior business opportunities for head hunters (Zajac, 1987).To achieve the pay off the process begins from staffing needs periodic appraisal and an elastic plan. Promotions are common and job rotation is a must to expose the incumbents to a diversity of experience, i.e. marketing, sales, finance and even manufacturing. The basic criteria remains performance but potential also play a very key role (White, 1987).To commence such a complex process it is necessary to understand the challenge well in advance and act with obligation. Focus should be on performance as well as potential keeping in view the convenient challenges. Th e organizations must differentiate between spending on personnel and investment in employees development. It is a fact that a number of the corporate look after their senior executive very well but hardly invests in budding leaders (Zajac, 1987).One of the factors which have been a major obstacle in succession planning is hardly any division of management from ownership. Some of the leading groups vanished because they failed to read the change and to educate professional managers. People often presume that a manager by profession and a professional manager are one and the same. To face the emerging challenges corporate need more than flexible managers (White, 1987).Imagine for a moment a workplace in which the employees eagerly estimated their performance reviews. demo your staff telling each other how much they look forward to meeting with their manager and bragging about what an empowering experience these meetings are (Jr., 2003).The length of time an employee has worked for his or her current employer (Rosemary Batt, 2002).Leadership is the skill of getting or soone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it (Brown, 2003).Leadership is a process by which a human being influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the business in a way that makes it more unified and logical. Leadership is a process whereby a person influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal (Brown, 2003).Employee retention is a process in which the employees are encouraged to remain with the group for the maximum period of time or until the conclusion of the project. Employee retention is useful for the organization as well as the employee (Sheridan, 1992).Employees nowadays are different. They are not the ones who dont have better opportunities in hand. As soon as they live dissatisfied with the present employer or the job, they switch over to the next job. It is the responsibility of the employer to harbour their greatest employees. If t hey dont, they would be left with no superior employees. A good employer should know how to attract and keep its employees. Retention involves five key things (Sheridan, 1992).Compensation environsGrowthRelationshipSupportOne of the most vital and key part is to hold back the employee of the organization its as important as you understand you need you have got to intact and retain your potential employee because your employee is your asset which will highway the organization on success(Sheridan, 1992).Why employee retention so important? Is it just to cut the upset costs? Its not only the cost incurred by a organization that emphasizes the need of retaining employees but also the need to retain talented employees from getting poached (Sheridan, 1992).The process of employee retention will advantage an organization in the following ways (Sheridan, 1992).The cost of employee turnover adds hundreds of thousands of money to an organizations expenses. While it is hard to full calculate the cost of turnover (including hiring costs, training costs and productivity loss), industry experts often quote 25% of the average employee salary as a stately estimate. (Sheridan, 1992).When an employee leaves, he takes with him valuable facts about the company, customers, current projects and past history sometimes to competitors. Often much time and money has been spent on the employee in presentiment of a future return. After the employee leaves, the investment is not realized. (Sheridan, 1992).Customers and clients do business with an organization in part because of the people. Relationships are developed that support continued sponsorship of the business. When an employee leaves, the relationships that employee make for the companies are disengaged, which could lead to probable customer loss (Sheridan, 1992).When an employee terminates, the effect is felt throughout the organization. Co-workers are often required to pick up the slack. The unspoken negativity often intens ifies for the remaining staff (Sheridan, 1992).The goodwill of a company is maintained when the attrition rates are low. Higher retention rates motivate potential employees to join the organization (Sheridan, 1992).If an employee resigns, then good amount of time is lost in hiring a new employee and then training him/her and this goes to the loss of the company straightway which many other(prenominal) a times goes unnoticed. And even after this you cannot assure us of the same efficiency from the new employee (Sheridan, 1992).Employee retention refers to policies and practices companies use to avoid valuable employees from leaving their jobs. How to retain important employees is one of the biggest problems that plague companies in the war-ridden marketplace. Not too long ago, companies accepted the revolving door policy as part of doing business and were quick to fill a vacant job with an additional eager candidate. Nowadays, companies often find that they spend substantial tim e, effort, and money to train an employee only to have them build up into a valuable commodity and leave the company for greener pastures. In order to generate a successful company, employers should consider as many options as possible when it comes to retaining employees, while at the same time securing their trust and loyalty so they have less of a need to leave in the future (Sheridan, 1992).Many people love their job, and there are a huge number of reasons such as they like the company environment, their boss, and their co-workers. A electrifying position, with plenty of opportunity for growth, learning, and advancement, is always desirable, as is a meaningful job that has the possible to make a difference in the lives of others. Dissatisfaction with one or more of these things could force the employee to hypothecate about leaving (Sheridan, 1992).A rather obvious way for a company to better retain their employees is by offering competitive salaries and bonuses. Everyone likes to be recognized for a job well done, and nothing makes someone feel more appreciated than cold hard cash. It also shows the employee that the company has some degree of loyalty towards them, which could in turn influence them to repay their employers with some loyalty of their own. Increased benefits, stock options, more vacation time, company cars, child care, and other perks dont hurt either. Financial support for employees who wish to continue their education would also most likely be appreciated and rewarded with employee loyalty (Sheridan, 1992).In many instances, employee retention starts just as soon as an employee is hired. If a company sees an unusual amount of potential in a new hire, management could make them feel appreciated right off the bat. Interest free loans to help pay off their college bills or other debts is one way for an employer to do this. In order to keep the employee from jumping ship before the loan is paid off, the employer can do several things, includ ing staggering payments or making the loan contingent on certain performance goals. In a way, this practice can be considered a combination of recruitment and retention tools. Similar programs could also be utilise for employees that already have tenure built up with the company (Sheridan, 1992).There are times when an employee wants to leave a company not for a better job opportunity, but for the chance to relocate. Usually if this is a case, the employees needs are strictly personal ones. If possible, a business can offer a movement allowance to the employee and still try to keep them in the company in the same or a different capacity. Again, the details would have to be worked out on an individual basis so that the employee does not abuse this privilege (Sheridan, 1992).The implementation of company policies like flextime, job-sharing, and part-time work may also prove useful in retaining an employee who wishes to leave their job for personal reasons. By doing so, a company cou ld gain a reputation as a family-friendly environment and and so make it more attractive to future potential employees (Sheridan, 1992).Another thing that employees seem to enjoy is casual days or even a company casual dress policy. This allows employees the chance to better express themselves and creates a more comfortable work environment. In most cases, the dress code should be clearly defined so that the employees do not abuse the privilege and promote an unprofessional image about the company (Sheridan, 1992).A company may also want to spend some time to get to know their employees better. A thorough understanding of an employees goals, concerns, skill level, values, health, and job satisfaction are just a few of the areas that can be addressed. By doing so, the employee could be made to feel more like a prized individual and less like a cog in a corporate machine. At the same time the company will educate itself as to which employees are the most valuable in both a business a nd personal sense. (Sheridan, 1992).When a valued employee leaves, the company can use information gathered in an exit-interview to find out the reasons for the employees decision and the changes that can be made within the company to keep others from following suit. This data can be gathered into a formal report and distributed to management, members of the human resource team, and other pertinent employees to be use for this purpose (Sheridan, 1992).Finally, upper-level employees can be trained as retention managers to help in the seemingly imperishable battle to keep talent. A successful retention manager must be aware of their strengths and weaknesses and have a talent for listening, respecting, and understanding their employees concerns. Retention managers should be individuals who have already proven their loyalty to the company. Honesty, creativity, and patience are other virtues that can help in this type of position (Sheridan, 1992).Every company should understand that peo ple are their best commodity. Without qualified people who are good at what they do, any company would be in serious trouble. In the long run, the retention of existing employees saves companies money. There are advertising and recruiting expenses, orientation and training of the new employee, decreased productivity until the new employee is up to speed, and loss of customers who were loyal to the departing employee. Finding, recruiting, and training the best employees represents a major investment. Once a company has captured talented people, the return-on-investment requires closing the back door to prevent them from walking out (Robert P. Steel, 2002)When an employee leaves a company for a direct competitor, there is always a chance that they will take important business strategies and secrets with them to be exploited by the competition. This is yet another reason why the retention of employees is so crucial to some businesses. While this practice seems a bit unscrupulous, it st ills happens quite frequently. As Bill Leonard stated in HR Magazine because employers know that the best-qualified applicants will come directly from competitors, recruiting and hiring employees away from the competition becomes a necessity in an ultra-tight labor market. And necessity is the mother of inventive and sometimes controversial business practices. Recruiting and hiring from your competitors is probably as old as business itself. But what is new and a hot topic among employers is how to attract and retain qualified candidates in a highly competitive labor market while also preventing their own intellectual capital from winding up in the hands of competitors (Robert P. Steel, 2002).One way for a company to prevent employees from giving valuable information to competitors is to make it a policy to enforce strict noncompeting and confidentiality agreements amongst its employees. The man of such agreements could in fact deter a competitor from hiring a valuable employ beca use they might not want to risk possible legitimate entanglements with the other company. Of course, all this could possibly lead to animosity with the employee who could feel that his or her options are being limited. Many employees dont always remember signing such a document, so a copy of it should always be kept on file for the employee to refer to. This area could prove to be a highly bare-ass one between employer and employee, so extreme caution is suggested in all instances (Robert P. Steel, 2002).Employee retention is an issue in just about every business sector. The engineering science field seems to see the most movement amongst employees, but other markets like education and sales also see more than their fair share of turnover (Sheridan, 1992).The effects of this trend are somewhat different for small businesses. Since the employee base at a small business is fairly low, a stronger sense of loyalty may be a bit more prevalent. One possible reason for this trend would be the generally low number of layoffs that occur in the small business sector. Many small businesses even have no-layoff policies that can be used as a valuable recruiting and retention tool to just employees. These types of policies are not for all small businesses, especially those with erratic sales trends or those that employ a large number of non skilled workers who are often easy to replace (Sheridan, 1992).In any event, just about every business will have to live with the fact that valued employees will leave at some point. While certain strategies can be practiced to slow this trend, it most likely can never be stopped completely. triple-crown businesses that are built on a strong foundation should have less trouble dealing with this situation than their weaker counterparts. At the same time, the companys strengths will enable them to promote an image to help recruit and ultimately retain the best employees out there (Robert P. Steel, 2002).When the companies were consult ed, the subject of identifying and retaining top talent is always one of the critical items executives tell me theyd like to improve upon. However, when asked what their strategy is in that regard they either mention that theyve found this great recruiting firm that is going to do nothing but send them top-level talent, or they look at me and tell me the people that have left were no good to begin with, basically rationalizing the cause of the turnover(Rosemary Batt, 2002).It is recommended that job abbreviation audits should be conducted to provide realistic job previews. Job analysis audits should be done with behavioral assessments, cognitive reasoning assessments, job simulations, and hard skills assessments (e.g., computer skills, etc.) to objectively define the core competencies required for success in each role competency modeling. This helps in providing a realistic job preview for candidates and managers. Oftentimes what managers think they need for a certain role is diffe rent from that they actually need (Robert P. Steel, 2002).A well-designed assessment and selection process must be implemented. Behavioral assessments and organize behavioral interviewing techniques should be used to increase the likelihood of hiring people who can, and will, do the job at a high level in your environment and for your managers job fit assessment (Sheridan, 1992).Effective employee orientation must be provided. The people who are hired today are potentially the greatest resource for corporate success in the years ahead. A senior leaders participation in new employee orientation sends a vital cultural and leadership contentedness everyone is involved in the drive toward the future. Everyone even the newest employee has value (Robert P. Steel, 2002).Programs for employee training and development are to be implemented. Ongoing professional development is required to show willingness as an organization to develop the greatest assets which are the people. (Sheridan, 199 2).conductor and employee relationships must be improved. Concentration should be on the people who stay with the organization to learn what makes them contented then give them more of it. It is said that people leave managers, not companies. If there is a turnover problem, assess the managers (Robert P. Steel, 2002).An equitable and fair pay system is also important (Sheridan, 1992). Encourage succession planning. Identify roles for which employees may be suited in the future and work with them on designing their succession plan within the organization. Invest in cross-training, job shadowing, coaching, mentoring, and cross-experience (Robert P. Steel, 2002).Job security is dependent on economy, prevailing business conditions, and the individuals personal skills. It has been found that people have more job security in times of economic expansion and less in times of a recession (Postel-Vinay, 2005).Chapter 3Research Methodology3.1 Sources of nurtureThe information used in this st udy is basically primary data collected from respondents who are employees of Banking Sector in Pakistan. Employees at various levels working in four recently banks have been surveyed for this study to identify two responses i.e. organizations involved in succession planning would have employees who are more intend to stay in the same organization. For this research, four banks, RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland), SCB (Standard Chartered Bank), UBL (United Bank Limited) and MCB (Muslim Commercial Bank) have been selected to carry out the survey.3.2 Sampling Technique ProcedureThe researcher has used the Convenience Sampling technique in which the hear has been selected in such a way that all individuals in the target population had an equal luck of being selected in the sample. Various departments within each bank were approached and employees working at various levels were used as correspondents for this research.3.3 Sample SizeThe total sample size was 100 respondents, taking 25 emplo yees from each of the chosen bank which includesMale / FemaleGraduate / MastersEmployee/Supervisor/Manager / Senior Manager or Others3.4 Method of Data Collection ProcedureThe private sector Banking Industry of Pakistan is the targeted segment for the collection of primary data through questionnaires which is designed on the basis of research articles and questionnaires related to the topic. All employees from managerial level would be the participants. The survey would be self administered.3.4.1 Data CollectionBasically there are two types of data available for the researchers, Primary and Secondary. In this research primary data has been used collected through questionnaires. Since and its effect is a study which needs to be carried out from employees who actually went through this, therefore the researcher had to rely on questionnaire survey results (primary data) for empirical data.The researcher carried out the research through vignette method i.e. personal survey from employ ees working within four chosen banks in Pakistan.The survey was carried out by getting questionnaires filled from employees working at different levels within the organization and their perceptions were studied regarding the retention and what factors can come if succession effect created among them.3.4.2 Research exam InstrumentsThe instruments used for collecting data for this research consisted of questionnaire for surveys and SPSS as testing tool. For the purpose of data collection a questionnaire was devised based on two sections that consisted questions pertaining to Employee Retention (Dependent Variable), Succession Planning (Independent Variables). The respondents have been asked if they had been properly legal brief about the effects of succession planning employee retention that had on their behavioral outcomes.The tool used in this research is SPSS. Pearsons Correlation is used in this research and analysis is carried out keeping in view the nature of the hypothesis a nd the data. During the analysis of data in SPSS, researcher has used technique of Pearsons Correlation, because Pearsons correlation coefficient is a measure of linear association. Two variables can be perfectly related.3.4.3 MethodThe questionnaire was mailed and e-mailed to the employees of a random sample of 100 from four chosen banks.3.4.4 QuestionnaireQuestions were asked from employees based on their experience. Section A consisted of 15 questions related to Employee Retention which includes organizational commitment, job security and job content. All parts were divided among 5 each questions. The scale for recording responses was 1 to 5 representing strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree and Strongly Agree. The questions were designed in a way to judge the psychological effect of retention on employees mind.Section B consisted of 11 questions related to the Succession Planning of employees which includes tenure, leadership and self-esteem. The scale for recording respo nses was 1 to 5 representing Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree and Strongly Agree. The questions were designed in a way to judge the psychological effect of succession on employees mind.All the questions of both the sections A B were designed in a way to judge the employees motivation level towards work and whether or not they are planning to leave the organization upon getting an opportunity elsewhere.3.4.5 Questionnaire TestingA questi

Analyzing Mass Media And Popular Culture English Language Essay

Analyzing Mass Media And Popular Culture English Language analyseData Workshop 1Analyzing Mass Media and Popular Culture Theories of Celebrity GossipAlthough m just about(prenominal) can dismiss notoriety intercommunicates such as www.perezhilton.com and www.wwtdd.com as frivolous and mean, the popularity and prevalence of these websites have a considerable social impact on our world today. For this Data Workshop, you will be analyzing entries in a distinction blog, using one of the three study social paradigms.Step 1 Collecting DataChoose a celebrity blog and pick five entries. Scrutinize the pictures, read the headlines and text c befully, and review the reader comments.Step 2 Thinking about and Analyzing the DataFor the five entries that you have selected, answer the following questions from severally of sociologys three major divinatory perspectives. Later, use your data-collection form to write a one page essay summarizing the differences in the theories and their value as a sociological analyst. Compare what you observed to what the textbook says in Ch 1.DATA-COLLECTION FORM FOR THEORIES OF CELEBRITY GOSSIPData Workshop 11. Structural Functionalist TheoryWhat is the function (or functions) of celebrity piffle blogs for society? What intention(s) do they serve, and how do they help society maintain stability and order? Do celebrity causerie blogs have manifest and latent functions? ar any dysfunctions built into such publications?2. Social Conflict TheoryWhat forms of inequality are revealed in celebrity gossip blogs? In particular, what do celebrity gossip blogs have to say about gender, race, and crystallise inequalities? Who get togethers and who benefits from the publication of celebrity gossip blogs?3. Symbolic Interactionist TheoryWhat do celebrity gossip blogs mean to society as a whole? What do they mean to individual members of society?Can they have polar meanings for different individuals or groups of individuals? How do those mean ings get constructed in fundamental moveion? And how do celebrity gossip blogs shape and influence our e actuallyday lives?-1Kim Kardashian is good at twitter53166_kim_kardashian_at_photoshoot_twitpics_01_123_391loKim Kardashian doesnt rightfully do anything of course, but before this our famous celebrities who didnt really do anything were fug whores like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Remember that? What the hell was that all about? So at least Kim is hot, and goes onher twitterand posts pics of her kick ass rack. The totally way to get even more intimate pictures of Kim is to be black.CommentsTalked ab poop. Said she isnt preggo, hated on blk ppl-2Rihanna got a new haircutRihannaBy all accounts Rihanna (seen here last night at a Clippers game in LA) is a perfectly nice woman and everyone seems to like and shes a good singer, but very obviously her new bang haircut sucks. If this wereAmerican Idol, these pictures would be turned into a montage with that So You Had a Bad Day song playing all over it.Comments talk ab it being fake, a wig3Gwyneth Paltrow has advice for otherwise work moms56852284I know some people who have worked with Gwyneth Paltrow and they say shes beautiful but that seems impossible to believe. Because shes a complete cunt, delusional and arrogant beyond all comprehension.The latest proofon her website GOOP, Paltrow, who is worth 90 million dollars and got espouse in a castle, has advice for other extremely busy working mothers. Yes that said other. Because thats what she considers herself. And just like all working moms, after she drops her kids at schoolDid bound aerobics for 45 minutes then all of the butt lifts and the like. Rushed upstairs to have a shower, doing my post workout stretch plot of ground the conditioner was doing its fantasy on my hair to combine activities/save time. Dressed quickly and rushed downstairs.Her day is essentially filled with stuff like that. The stuff that real working moms do when not at wor k or being a mom. The stuff they have to squeeze into one hour on the weekend is Paltrows entire life, but shes here to tell them how to do it. Because they dont know. They need tips from Gwyneth Paltrow.Im honestly shocked that she isnt punched in the face at least once every time she leaves the house.4Kate Beckinsale is in a two-piece suitSPL240191_003Kate Beckinsale is down in Mexico this weekend, and unlike the hags at the Golden Globes she looked fantastic in this bikini, and I think thats the same place where Jennifer Aniston is forever and a day going. I can see why she likes it. Its basically a rock and theres lots of empty space. Just like her womb.5Eva Longoria at the Golden GlobesEva LongoriaEva Longoria at least tried to look devolve ony for last nights Golden Globe awards, but her depressing tits are useless and so it didnt work.This is one of the most ho-hum and unsexy periods I can ever think of in Hollywood. No one ever wears anything good, and most of the big st ars are either not more or less or not pretty anymore. About the most positive thing I can say is that theres room for improvement everywhere. You could find hotter girls putting ads on craiglist asking for you to come rape them.____________________________________________________________________________________1.What is the function (or functions) of celebrity gossip blogs for society? To make fun of people, to show off the latest/ or not so latest trends, to spread gossip/infoWhat purpose(s) do they serve, and how do they help society maintain stability and order? They serve as entertainment purpose/news/ way to spread info- help society maintain order by letting ppl know what is in/not in what to do/not do-Do celebrity gossip blogs have manifest and latent functions? Find something from bookPos effect on society-possibly could help spread trends/ show who is/isnt role modelsAre any dysfunctions built into such publications? Bad-neg affect, more so thatn manifest latent, gossip is bad- demeaning to persons self confidence- shows bad role models- more mature content2. What forms of inequality are revealed in celebrity gossip blogs? First one talks ab her obsession with blk ppl, ( only blk can see more pics)-what celebritys have that most communal ppl can not do/ or afford to haveIn particular, what do celebrity gossip blogs have to say about gender, race, and class inequalities? Blk ppl thing- class the mother issue, females- sexy hot whoresWho suffers and who benefits from the publication of celebrity gossip blogs?everyone suffers from these blogs, the ppl who are wrote ab suffer bc it degrades self image, children suffer from bad role modelsBenefit- author bc so many read them, if decent blog then the readers celebrities could benefit3. What do celebrity gossip blogs mean to society as a whole? Past time- way to spread info- t separately what is not cool/coolWhat do they mean to individual members of society? Back to the benefit/suffer partKids are hu rt by this, adults are humored by this, celebrity can be degraded by thisCan they have different meanings for different individuals or groups of individuals? Yes they doHow do those meanings get constructed in interaction?And how do celebrity gossip blogs shape and influence our everyday lives?back to 1 info from bookPg 11- theoretical approach roadmaps that connect basic image of society with researchStructional functional approach- repeat behavior that affects the viewers pg 12Pg 12- this approach was to take for ppl unifiedPg 12- social dysfunctionsocial pattern that disturbsPg 13- social conflict inequality building up over timeTheoretical Perspectives in BlogsFrom analyzing celebrity blogs we can learn a lot more than the latest gossip. The celebrity blogs provide great insight in the differences between sociologys three major theoretical perspectives. The celebrity blog that I reviewed had great examples of the morphologic functionalist theory, social conflict theory, and th e symbolic internationalist theory that compared nicely to the books definition of each, but still had some different points.First I examined how the structural functionalist theory appeared in the blog. As known by the definition given by the text book the structural functionalist theory is a theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability (page 11). One of the major differences I noticed between how the blog portrayed this theory from how the book described this theory is the stability. I did not notice any of the different blog entries or any of the celebrities that appeared in the blog entries to work together to provide stability in todays society, if anything I noticed the celebrities all behaving in different readiness that disturbed the stability of the blog. While the book describes social structure as ..gives our lives shape in families, the work place, or the college classroom, ( page 12). A similarity I noticed was how the book explained how manifest and latent functions are a part of the structural-functional approach, and you could see each function within the blog. Manifest functions could be recognized from the comments to each of the blogs, the readers adjusted their thoughts and actions based on the blogs that they read.Secondly, the social conflict theory appeared inside the blog and the book. By definition the social conflict approach is sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change. (page 13) Overall throughout each blog I examined I saw issues of race, sex, and social classes. The blog that discussed Kim Kardashian was full of issues of race and sex from the main picture to the response. Her risqu picture provided conflict for the other women viewers who saw it, but the males tended to enjoy it more. Also an issue of race was brought up when the writer of the blog mentioned that you have to be black to get more pictures of Kim. A quote like this could create an issue between all races who read the comment.Thirdly, the symbolic interaction theory that is defined as society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals. ( page 15) appears inside the blogs entries. The blog gives viewers the opportunity to express their feelings and allow them to interact with others. Also the blog purpose of a blog is to collect data and distribute it to followers, this data can be gossip, news, latest trends, or basically anything. several(prenominal) of the information can play a positive or negative affect based on the type of reader. The book mentions two different levels of symbolic-interaction, macro-level and micro-level, while the blog provides a great example of each. From the macro-level observing from a helicopter level, you can see the broad focus of the blog is celebrities different styles. The micro, or pathway level focus, you can see how their different styles affect the followers.Each of the three theories, structu ral-functionalist, social-conflict, and symbolic interaction have the same goal in mind of analyzing how a particular item affects a society, while each theory has its own specific areas. I believe that each theory builds on each other to provide a in-depth analysis, starting from how things work together, to conflicts that arise, even down to how everyday interactions.( The blog I used was from www.wwtdd.com. The five blogs I chose were Kate Beckinsale is in a bikini Jan. 17, Eva Longoria at the Golden Globes Jan. 17, Kim Kardashian is good at twitter Jan. 14, Rhianna got a new haircut Jan. 13 and Gwyneth Paltrow has advices for other working moms Jan. 13.

Essay --

Makeup Es claim 2 The only reason that I missed my science laboratory quiz was because I own a company named add Modification Relief Center. What we specialize in is saving clients from loosing their homes to foreclosure, sale dates and help put them in a better situation. On the twenty-four hours of the 2nd lab quiz, I had 3 clients that were about to loose their homes and I dont pass that job on to anyone else simply because I grow that old train mentality that if I dont do it myself it wont get done right. Since my name is on the line with it being my company I am not willing to tarnish my name so I had to be there to make sure it happen correctly. Im pleased to say that the time I missed away from school was not wasted on a lazy day or a personal day or just a day off. I was able to postpone the sale dates for all three clients homes. In all honesty I have straight For future reference I assure you that I will not be missing anymore classes, I have done my lift out to impl ement an alternative solutions to prevent this situation form occurring again in the future. As and I take my schooling very seri...

The Bus :: essays research papers

The BusI yield this friend named Ted. Ted has an old school bus all spray-painted and beat up looking. This in and of itself is not that enceinte a matter. What makes this bus different is he attached the top half of a Volkswagon van on top of the bus. This bus has been around for around xv years or so and has looked about the same if not worse the whole time. See, Ted used to live in this bus. Its a project he has been works on for some time now. Numerous people meet asked him why he wont get disembarrass of the ugly thing. His parents dont ask him to, they tell him to get rid of it. I have wondered myself why he has a bus such as he does and why he bothers putting so much bills into it. I do notice a slight difference in Teds eyes when he is working on it though, so there must be something about it worth saving.Ted Jensen was born December 29, 1969 right here in Vancouver, Washington at the old Memorial Hospital (now a clinic I have been told.) His parents are still alive an d kicking along with his brother and sister. I met Ted as my neighbor when I first moved to my current home. He has a strong sense of whats right and fair, as I feel I do. This must be the biggest reason why I like Ted. That and he would not intentionally hurt anybody without them deserving it completely. He may be a little headstrong at times, but he is very lightheaded going most of the time. If I ever need anything, and I do mean anything, Ted is the guy I go to. If he does not already have it, or have access to the item or information I want, he can usually tell me who does.The year is 1986 and the location is a refreshing Dead concert. As Ted was enjoying the festivities of such a concert he came across a vehicle that pulled him to examine it closer. It was an old school bus that had been rebuilt and remodeled into a go home of sorts. Ted knew then that he had to have one and proceeded to investigate his options. As luck would have it one of his friends needed some cash flow for a lawyer and had a 1976 school bus for sale to get it.