Monday, August 24, 2020

Off Shoring of Manufacturing and Services

Off shoring as a strategy for directing business includes moving business tasks, for example, assembling and administration exercises to emanant countries like China, India, Malaysia, Russia, and different nations. A portion of the countries known for trading their undertakings incorporate the US and other European countries.Advertising We will compose a custom article test on Off Shoring of Manufacturing and Services explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More The assembling exercises incorporate structuring of complex PC chips, toys, hardware and other electrical machines particularly in China (Gregorio, Musteen, Thomas, 2009). Then again, India is an off shoring spot for call focuses, IT administrations and secret word resetting administrations. In this article, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of off shoring for organizations. For example, firms choose to seaward because of decreased work costs upheld with laborers with uncommon capacities. Moreover, there is improved proficiency for organizations that have gone seaward and a more extensive market base coming about to expanded clients. Then again, the cons of off shoring incorporate risks of correspondence with the seaward nation particularly because of social holes. There is additionally insubordination of laborers and the open who may not grasp such a move because of perils of losing their positions. In this 21st century, worldwide rivalry is quickly expanding in creating nations that are looking for administrations from other dynamic countries that can give such. This has prompted exportation of various occupations in remote nations so as to address these issues. This is what is canceled shoring in business language. Propelled nations like the US transport their organizations that incorporate administrations, producing and different various tasks to China, India and Russia. For example, India is a known off shoring point for administrations in Information Technology and Call Centers occupations though China and Russia bargains in assembling that includes gadgets, complex PC chips and toys (Lewin Peeters, 2006). Organizations famous for moving their business tasks incorporate IT firms, for example, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and Oracle among others that have exploited modest work and productivity among laborers of India. Different firms sending out their assembling administrations incorporate Citibank, EMC, and Ernst and Young in view of quick improvement of these business sectors and decreased expense of doing business.Advertising Looking for article on business financial aspects? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, for any off shoring dare to succeed, organizations put to thought the effectiveness of tasks and position of the market (Mushore, 2006). For proficient tasks, firms include off shoring to support work creation while showcase position builds the quantity of customers. Exercises being off shored to China, India, Malaysia and Czech Republic incorporate IT administrations, business procedures and call focuses. For example, off shored IT administrations have come about to hearty ICT markets of both China and India. China was in front of US as far as creation and exportation of ICT items though India beat the chain of the main ICT and other ICT bolstered benefits on the planet (Carmel Tjia, 2005). This has come about to the formation of more occupations particularly in electrical and gadgets segment. There are additionally fabricating exercises that incorporate creation of hardware like TVs, radios, PCs, microwaves and others particularly in China where they utilize modest imported types of gear. There is additionally assembling of complex PC chips off shored to India and China by IT organizations like IBM and Oracle. Moreover, the creation of toys and robots has been off shored to China and India because of their reasonable expenses and thriving prepared markets for such items. Besides, programming exercises are off shored to creating nations like China and Malaysia because of high aptitudes and speed of their workforce in meeting a company’s target. Different firms like Hewlett-Packard (HP) have traded their computerized systems to South Korea because of their profoundly proficient media transmission industry (Kedia Mukherjee, 2009). There are a few reasons why numerous associations seaward their administrations in creating nations like China, India, and Czech Republic. For example, there is diminished expense of work in these nations when contrasted with the host nation. Be that as it may, when contrasted and re-appropriating which include getting an outside business organization to offer types of assistance for your firm, the expense of work is in every case high particularly when done locally (Gregorio, Musteen, Thomas, 2009).Advertising We will compose a custom article test on Off Shoring of Manufacturing and Services explicitly fo r you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Whereas in off shoring there is expanded adaptability in directing business particularly in circulation of assets, in redistributing it is the inverse. In redistributing, customer supervisors can lose adaptability in the business activities and creation of the association. Something else, there are additionally a few weaknesses of off shoring when contrasted with the benefits of redistributing. For example, there are correspondence issues when managing clients in far manner lands, for instance, US and China. In off shoring, correspondence is constantly done through email and phones which lose the human touch. In any case, in household re-appropriating, the colleague is inside making productive correspondence. Besides, there is the test of culture contrasts when a firm is off shoring with another organization (Kedia Mukherjee, 2009). This has been known to cause poor correspondence between colleagues. On the hand, home redistributing includes managing individuals of one’s culture making cooperation simpler than off shoring. The association off shoring can benefit in various manners, in this manner, upgrading its intensity in a vicious worldwide market. For example, there is modest expense of work when managing nations like China or India. In this manner, when the expense of work has been diminished, an organization gets an opportunity to spread its systems to different markets prompting expanded income subsequently raising it above other contending firms. Also, an organization uses a work power of high aptitudes and abilities prompting expanded advancements in the association. With expanded advancements and innovativeness, quality merchandise would be delivered by the organization and at an expedient rate because of their abilities boosting worldwide deals (Ellram, Tate Billington, 2008). The other legitimacy is expanded number of customers whereby when a firm is sending out its assembling and administrations exe rcises to creating countries like Malaysia and China, the quantity of purchasers of such items likewise builds (Lussier, 2008).Advertising Searching for paper on business financial aspects? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More For instance, ICT organizations, for example, IBM and Microsoft have opened workplaces in India, China and other financially stable Asia countries to arrive at a more extensive base of clients. There is additionally Hewlett-Packard and Intel who have built up administration organizations in Korea to catch the mass market and exploit the quickly developing economies. The clarifications behind moving administrations and different business activities by dynamic countries like US and England to creating nations like China and India are many. They incorporate diminished expense as most creating countries give minimal effort workers. There is likewise the usage of outside advantages for support the objectives of the off shoring organization with the goal that the set focuses of the association can be met. For example, this been seen with Intel which built up a relationship with IT organizations particularly in Russia by giving gifts to create the best specialized ability. The other explana tion behind off shoring is to spread its market in the worldwide economy and arrive at a few customers with the goal that incomes are expanded (Doh, 2005). Associations likewise send out assembling exercises to expand the value of their items. This is constantly proposed for the universal market to increment competiveness and, in this manner, increment benefits. Furthermore, firms seaward so as to get to a talented work that can perform adequately and at a diminished expense as before referenced. Assembling firms are known to go seaward so they can improve their adaptability and sidestep duties. Moreover, administration ventures like IBM, NOKIA and Microsoft grasp off shoring in light of diminished dangers because of insignificant speculation (Jones, 2009). The threats that accompany sending out business exercises to different nations are many. For example, an organization associated with business with a nation with not at all like laws and conventions from that of the dynamic natio n. This is the thing that outcomes to culture hole between the two organizations (Doh, 2005). Another threat is the seaward organization, for instance, in India, can choose to give an agreement it has been allowed to another third organization without information on its customer. This is the place the shrouded costs emerge as various misfortunes are acquired because of trashy work. At long last, clients move to different organizations looking for quality items. Another risk with off shoring is disobedience from laborers and the open who dislike the choice. This can influence the goals of the association particularly when they are starting. This is more regrettable when workers’ associations are included which can prompt strikes and go eases back coming about to loss of control of the business. Aside from disobedience of the workers, people in general can likewise marshal a political resistance that can destabilize the plans of the organization before it begins shoring. In con clusion, the benefits acknowledged due to off shoring can be influenced by significant expenses of relocation (Ellram, Tate Billington, 2008). In off shoring,

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Are tall buildings necessary for London to remain a competitive world c

Are tall structures fundamental for London to stay a serious world city? On February 10, 2004 civic chairman of London Ken Livingstone presented the London Plan, the main proactive methodology in more than thirty years to manage the arranging and improvement of London. Since an expansion in London's populace by 800,000 is normal continuously 2020 , the chairman has proposed the development of elevated structures as the technique well on the way to empower London to develop in a controlled and consistent way and keep up its status as a world city. A key piece of the arrangement, the chairman's proposition for high-thickness towers all through the city, has increased the discussion between urban organizers and legacy bunches with regards to whether the development of tall office and lodging edifices is fundamental as well as proper for London. In light of late records, articles and papers and London's have to stay serious with New York and Tokyo as a world class city, the development of tall structures in London is a need, particularly because of specific f actors, for example, the need to save memorable perspectives, the absence of accessible space and London's poor vehicle framework. The progressing banter about whether tall structures would best serve London and continue and upgrade its status as a world-class city has commanded the political and metropolitan auxiliary plan fields during the most recent ten years. On one side are legacy gatherings and preservationists guaranteeing that an expansion in the quantity of tall structures would square vital perspectives on London's generally critical tourist spots. For instance, the association English Heritage has expressed that the tall structures are a social issue and their job is above all else of picture and feel as opposed to economic,... ...22, 16 February 2004 Administration of London, 'London's horizon, perspectives and high structures,' Planners and Development Economists http://www.london.gov.uk 16 February 2004 Legislature of London, 'The London Plan.' Ken Livingstone. http://www.london.gov.uk 17 February 2004 Hamnett, 'The change of London's word related structure and the ascent of the new white collar class,' Unequal City. (Routledge) pp. 70 Livingstone, Ken. 'The main route is up,' The Independent. 2 November 2002. London School of Economics, 'London ought to grow up says new report on tall structures' http://www.lse.ac.uk/assortments/pressAndInformationOffice/newsAndEvents/files/2000-2002/Tall_Buildings.htm 13 February 2004 Newman, P, Thornley, A. 'Fracture and centralization: Influencing the urban arrangement motivation in London' Urban Studies 34. The Editors of Urban Studies: 2997. pp 981

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Are Light Cigarettes Safer for You

Are Light Cigarettes Safer for You More in Addiction Nicotine Use The Inside of Cigarettes After You Quit How to Quit Smoking Nicotine Withdrawal Smoking-Related Diseases Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery As of Dec. 20, 2019, the new legal age limit is 21 years old for purchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products in the U.S. Smokers in the United States used to be able to buy cigarettes that claimed to be ultra-light, mild, or light.     Tobacco companies developed cigarettes that were  advertised as a healthier choice than regular or full-flavor cigarettes in the 1960s and 70s, asserting they contained less tar  and nicotine. Numerous studies were  being published at that time that linked smoking to cancer, and this was manufacturers response to the issue. Smokers noticed that the  smoke from light cigarettes  did feel smoother and lighter on the throat and chest, so it seemed true that light cigarettes must be healthier than regulars, but this was not the case. However, the  idea that light cigarettes were a better smoking choice took hold and held fast for decades. What Makes a Cigarette Light Cigarette manufacturers defined low-tar  cigarettes in the following ways:   Ultra-light or Ultra-low Tar:  Approximately  7 mg or less tar yieldLight or Low Tar:  Approximately  8â€"14 mg of tar yieldFull-Flavor or Regular: Approximately 15 mg or more tar yield Machines that smoke cigarettes were used to obtain the tar levels for  ultra-light and light cigarettes, which is a  problematic way to make these measurements. Machines smoke cigarettes differently than people, so its hard to get an accurate reading. Further, no two people smoke in the same way, so tar levels can and will vary quite a bit from one smoker to the next. Machine-smoked tar yield will usually be lower than the amount of tar inhaled by a person. It is important to note that the tobacco industry itself decided on what defined ultra-light and light, and  not a Federal agency as you might expect. Cigarette manufacturers employ a few tactics to try to change the composition of tobacco smoke and how the smoke is inhaled in order to classify cigarettes as light, but with some concerning results: Cigarette filters made of cellulose acetate are used to  trap particulate matter in cigarette smoke (tar) to keep it from going into smokers lungs. Cellulose acetate is the white cotton-like material that makes up the interior of the filter.  Filters do trap some tar, but plenty of it escapes the filter and is inhaled. It also floats in the air and is the part of cigarette smoke known as third-hand smoke.  The paper used in light cigarettes is more porous than the paper used in regular cigarettes, allowing the chemicals in smoke to exit through the paper before reaching the smokers mouth. However, the chemicals are still in the air around the smoker and, if in an enclosed space, will be inhaled as secondhand smoke.The addition of tiny, perforated holes in the cigarette filter let air be inhaled along with tobacco smoke, thus diluting  the smoke. Unfortunately, many people unwittingly cover the holes with their fingers when holding the cigarette, defeating this purpose. Some smokers e ven deliberately cover the pinholes because the diluted smoke doesnt offer a satisfying smoking experience, and/or they take bigger puffs and smoke a few extra cigarettes per day to compensate for the lower nicotine yield. Are Light Cigarettes Still Available? The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 granted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco products.   One of the first actions taken was to limit how cigarette companies are able to describe their products. They can no longer use the terms light, low, or mild on cigarette packaging because science does not support this claim and it misleads the public. Tobacco companies are invested in casting their products in the most positive light possible, so losing the ability to brand cigarettes as light or mild was a blow. Sneakily, many have taken to color-coding?? cigarette packaging to trigger the light concept for smokers who used to buy these same brands (usually with the same colors) in the past. For example, Camel Lights are now Camel Blues, and Marlboro Ultralights are now Marlboro Silver. Elsewhere in the world, cigarettes branded as light are still available. There Is No Such Thing as a Safe Cigarette A report from the National Cancer Institute (NCI)?? concluded that light cigarettes do not represent any benefit to a smokers health. People who switch to light cigarettes from regular cigarettes are exposed to the same toxic chemicals and are at the same risk for the diseases related to smoking.?? Light cigarettes do not reduce the  health risks of smoking;  the only way to reduce your risk, and the risk to others around you, is to stop smoking completely.  Quitting also decreases your risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, stroke, and chronic lung disease.

Friday, May 22, 2020

The Battle Against Cancer is Helped by Mammorgraphy Essay

Cancer is one of the most lethal diseases that greatly contributes to the death toll of millions people around the globe, especially breast cancer. However, as technologies are being modernized, humans took a major step forward in the battle against cancer by inventing mammography. In the past few years, mammograms helped save countless women’s lives, and consequently, it’s currently one of the leading research programs that attracts attention of many scientists. Basically, breast cancer happens when the amount of cells growth exceeds the amount of cells which die. Ultimately, they are out of control and being spread to other parts of the body, including the liver, bones or even the brain. There are many factors which contribute to†¦show more content†¦Fortunately, this is where mammograms help out. A Mammogram is an X-ray of the breast which helps to detect any bumps or lumps that present on women’s breasts, which can be an early sign of breast cancer. Mammograms take an image of all of the breast tissue, which allows a radiologist to detect abnormalities on the mammogram. Such detection doesn’t guarantee to cure the patient if she is in an advanced stage of cancer, but it may help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer for women ages 40 to 69, especially for those over age 50. There are normally two types of mammograms: digital and conventional (film). Digital mammography stores the image directly into a comp uter whereas conventional (film) mammography produces the image on film. Digital mammography is preferable compared to conventional mammography as health care providers are able to share images globally and patients are exposed to lower doses of radiation. In my opinion, even though mammograms are helping many women, there are a several limitations that need to be addressed. First, radiation exposure is very dangerous. Even though I’m aware that radiologists use minute doses of radiation, it still scares me every time my mom goes for her annual breast exam. Sometimes the radiologist is unable to obtain a image image, so she had to take another one, and those repeated X-rays may result in an increased risk of cancer themselves. Second, it is obvious that mammograms are a detection method, and they

Thursday, May 7, 2020

The Lord Of Pop By Michael Jackson - 1637 Words

At the point when one considers fanciful specialists, it would shock no one that the names of Beethoven and Michael Jackson would emerge in the discussion. On one hand, you have the Lord of Pop, who is most generally known for his commitments to contemporary music and move everywhere throughout the world. While, on the other, you have an expert arranger and musician; a musical wonder from a youthful age. Both were masters in their privilege. In this paper, we will make an examination of two individual pieces particular to both men and the effect they had upon society on a more general level. It starts with the fundamental topic, a straightforward serious song played sweetly above arpeggiated harmonies (A), then quickly balances to a†¦show more content†¦The melody was displayed to Jackson and Quincy Jones, his maker, with a title called Starlight Love. In itself, the idea presented was touted as a fine tune. Disco music has what topped the outlines amid the 80s. Keeping in mind the end goal to defeat this powerful society wave, Quincy had unequivocally recommended making another harmony in the middle of RB and pop, disco and shake, and funk and songs. Backtracking almost over a century, we now have Ludwig van Beethoven and his magnum opus, Fà ¼r Elise. In 1810, when Beethoven was 40 years of age and right now broadly known as one of the best authors ever, he made For Elise. It is still speculated as to whom this piece was made in honor out of, yet in any case it doesn t melt away on the current level of sythesis. Written in A minor for solo piano, Fà ¼r Elise is named a bagatelle. These are short bits of music, commonly for the piano, and typically light and smooth in character. In prior periods, the bagatelle had likewise been composed for an assortment of instrument arrangements, yet by and large they are heard as solo piano exhibitions. In reality, the score was not distributed until 1867, 40 years after the passing of the writer. It is presently realized that analyst; Ludwig Nohl guaranteed to have seen this devotion on the first signed an original copy, which had after been missing. In this way, the adaptation of Fà ¼r Eli se we listen to the present day is the prior renditionShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Michael Jackson s The King Of Pop 1811 Words   |  8 PagesMichael Jackson was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, his parents are Katherine and Joe Jackson. Michael Jackson was the 8th child born of ten kids. His siblings ,Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy, formed a group which Michael Jackson became the lead singer of his family s Motown group called â€Å"The Jackson 5†. He also had 3 little sisters (La Toya, Rebbie, Janet) who did some background singing as well. He went ahead to a performance vocation of astounding achievement, conveying No. 1 hitsRead MoreAnalysis Of The Beatles 1353 Words   |  6 Pagespiano, drums and rhythm guitar earlier in the bands life. Harrison was the bands lead guitarist while Ringo Starr played drums (they all did vocals). In the song, it states, â€Å"We all want to change the world†. Back in 1987, Nike made a deal with Michael Jackson and EMI- Capitol Records saying that they could use â€Å"Revolution† in their commercials for one year because it went along with their slogan â€Å"Revolution in Motion†. The commercial got a â€Å"huge backlash from Beatles fans who felt that Nike was disrespectingRead MoreThe Legacy Of Soul Music1509 Words   |  7 Pagessignificant impact during the 1960s through bringing together both the white and black subcultures. Firstly, through examining the history and effects of slavery in the African-American societies. Secondly, by discussing the impact that two Mahalia Jackson and Issac Hayes, have had on giving African-American society a voice and lastly, discussing the assassination of Martin Luther King and the influence this tragedy has had on the content of soul music and the message it delivers. I will draw on theRead MoreThe Influence of Gospel Music Essay2325 Words   |  10 Pagesearly 1930s he had turned his attention entirely too religious music. (Tanner) During the 1930s and 1940s Dorsey worked with two influential figures, Mahalia Jackson and Sallie Martin. In addition he toured the country as a performer and lecturer and wrote some 500-gospel songs including There Will Be Peace in the Valley and Precious Lord, Take My Hand. By the mid -1930s, the appeal of gospel music within black culture was quite evident, and commercial record companies wishing to capitalize onRead MoreThe Black Music : The Soul Of Black Folk1855 Words   |  8 Pagescontinues to touch on the details of everyday life, however, it was less focused on the religious aspects, but more focused on the earthly troubles and heartache. As dealt with in the articles â€Å"Rethinking Vernacular Culture† and Anthony Pinn’s Why Lord, the blues responded to religion with real life conversations. Blues eventually moved to the artform known as Rhythm and Blues. Stand-outs like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin brought gospel (an evolution of spirituals) into blues, helpingRead MoreThe Beatles Essay2958 Words   |  12 PagesReplacing Best with Starr on drums, he encouraged Lennon and McCartney, the group’s chief composers, to write with more concentration, pointing out to them simple structural devices such as commencing with the chorus (the main selling-point of most pop songs). Their second release, Please Please Me, rose to number one in the British singles chart and their commercial success thereafter was continuous. The group’s tours of Britain in 1963 created an unprecedented excitement, known as BeatlemaniaRead More African Music of the Rastafari, the Rasta Community, the Dreads4350 Words   |  18 Pagesscene from a grounation at twilight. The bonfire burns huge and hot on the slope of the hill. At its crest, the hill boasts to the sky a circular palm-covered shelter. The smoke from the fire is thick but wafts incandescent as incense. The fire pops and crackles and small flecks of flame spark upward to the shelter in drifts of smoke. The Nyabinghi is heard here, raising the power of Earth to the sky. Through rhythmic beats on the heavy bass drum, you can feel the earth’s very center- and theRead MoreGoal Movie Review10720 Words   |  43 Pagesfilm also stars Alessandro Nivola, Stephen Dillane, Anna Friel, Marcel Iures, Sean Pertwee, Lee Ross, Stephen Graham, Kevin Knapman, Cassandra Bell, Kieran O’Brien, Tony Plana and Miriam Colon. The talented creative team includes cinematographer Michael Barrett, editor Chris Dickens, production designer Laurence Dorman, costume designer Lindsay Pugh and composer Graeme Revell. About the Production The cinema has given audiences scores of beloved, inspiring films about sports, from â€Å"Rocky† to â€Å"RagingRead MoreChildrens Literature13219 Words   |  53 Pagesbook. While Lothar Meggendorfer developed the movable picture book at the end of the nineteenth century with tabs and pullouts, pop-up books, shaped books, and tactile books did not achieve widespread popularity until the twentieth century. The best known of these books is Dorothy Kunhardts interactivePat the Bunny (1940). More contemporary texts, such as Jan Pienkowskis pop-up books Haunted House (1979) and Robot (1981), blur the distinctions between book and toy. Board books are available for infantsRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagesdevelopments of Rastafarianism. For instance, very few modern religions have assumed such a signiï ¬ cant place in the mainstream of popular culture through the use of music. Marley is not seen as a religious ï ¬ gure; rather he is seen as a rock star, a pop hero, an icon. And yet his faith is at the core of his music. Rastafarians have dubbed Marley the psalmist and prophet of the movement. This is a crucial part of the wonderful complexity of the Rastafarian movement. Jamaica owes a great debt to the

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Why Sony Failed Free Essays

Why Sony fail? When I read â€Å"Leading Change Why Transformation Efforts Fail†, I directly linked Sony with the transformation fail. Sony, the previous electrical giant, announced a record annual net loss of $6. 4 billion for fiscal year 2011 in May 22 2012. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Sony Failed? or any similar topic only for you Order Now This marks the fourth consecutive year that Sony reported substantial losses. Transformation efforts couldn’t turnaround the bad situation of Sony due to the mistakes that made by Sony in those transformation. First, Sony did not establishing a great enough sense of urgency. Sony began its diversification strategy in 1980s. By 1990’s, Sony shaped game, electric, picture, and finance four main businesses. By that time, some potential crisis began to emerge. However, all of these risks were hidden by excellent annual reports. Even when Sony confronted â€Å"Sony Shock† in 2003, leaders of Sony couldn’t realize its development dilemma and prepare to transform. Until 2005, continued losses pushed Sony to review its strategy and re-appointed Sir Howard Stringer as CEO. Sony had lost a lot of opportunities, such as LCD TV. Post core business of Sony, electrical manufacture, Second, Sony lacked a clear version. As a high technological company, innovation decided the fate of Sony. However, Sony made a fetish of its brand recognition and marketing power, and ignored the importance of innovation. The last great innovation of Sony is CD, which was launched in 1982. Even when Sony reintroduced innovation as its basic strategy, there was no direct process to commit the strategy, and the strategy just became an empty slogan. Even today, Sony cannot have a leading technology in its areas. Now, Sony appointed a new CEO, who emphasized the importance of innovation for Sony. There isn’t enough time left to the new CEO, and maybe Sony will die in future several years. Hiroko Tabuchi First Published: Mon, Apr 16 2012. 06 26 PM IST How Sony failed to keep up with the tech revolution How to cite Why Sony Failed?, Essay examples

Monday, April 27, 2020

Supply and Demand Example Microsoft XBOX 360 Essays -

The social science of economics tells us that supply, demand and price are closely related to one another and have a significant on how much of a particular good is purchased and the rate at which it is purchased by consumers. The XBOX 360 phenomenon is a solid example of the impact that changes in supply, demand and price have on the marketplace and the rate at which goods are purchased. Supply and Demand and Price The law of demand tells us that quantity demanded rises as price falls, other things constant, or alternatively, quantity demanded falls as price rises, with other things constant. The XBOX 360 phenomenon that took place in 2005 is a good example of this economic principle at work. Microsoft's XBOX 360 gaming console was released into the U.S. market on November 22nd 2005. The release came after a great deal of advertising and media hype that ensured that the demand for the product would outweigh the supply. Quite simply, there were more consumers wanting to purchase the product than there was product available. The retail price for the gaming system with a hard drive was $399. Many consumers, however, paid a great deal more than the $399 sticker price to acquire the system. On the morning of the U.S. release, retailers across the nation sold out of the product within just a few hours of opening their doors to consumers. In the weeks that followed however, many consumers purc hased the unit from sellers on on-line auction sites and even from individuals in parking lots for as much as $1500. The reason for this was that the supply was significantly less than the demand for the product. In some cases, parents who wanted to ensure that their children received and XBOX 360 for Christmas in 2005 were willing to pay well over retail for the hard-to-acquire system. In other cases, video gaming enthusiasts wanted to be among the first individuals to own and play the system. News reports across the nation showed footage of people lining up days ahead of November 22nd in order to secure a place in line at retailers that would have the product available on the release date. In some cases individuals pitched tents and resided in parking lots for as many as 7 days to ensure that they would be able to purchase this system. This type of behavior and willingness to pay prices that were well over retail continued through the holiday season at major retailers across the c ountry. In these cases, social pressures, wants, desires and a lack of supply led individuals to pay high prices for the highly-demanded product. By April 2006, well after the holiday season of 2005, reporters in the consumer electronics industry were reporting that the supply of the gaming console would continue to be scarce into the spring of that year (Baig 2006). At that point, camping in front of retail stores was no longer taking place for several days at a time, but consumers could still be seen lining up for the product as many as 8 hours in advance of a store opening time on a day that the product was to be in stock. By April 2006, pricing had also leveled off. While internet auction sites still featured the XBOX 360, the going price for the system remained fairly constant around the $399 retail price. This occurred for two primary reasons. First, many of the gaming enthusiasts who wanted to be one of the first to own and use the product had been able to acquire the system during the first few months following the release date. Second, parent who had wanted to purchase the system as a Christmas gift for their children were no longer experiencing the social pressure and/or pressure from their children to acquire the system by Christmas since the holiday season had passed. These two changes led to a decrease in demand which, in turn, led to a decrease in price, despite the fact that supply had still not truly improved. By the Fall of 2006, Microsoft caught up with the demand and plenty of gaming consoles were available in the U.S. During the holiday season of that