Advertising Pitch for a new shampoo launch for Procter & Gamble in Coursework

Advertising Pitch for a new shampoo launch for Procter & Gamble in Nigeria. Budgeting for a marketing plan - Coursework Example lyze the marketing and advertising budget, and detail the importance of monitoring and control for the success of a marketing plan with close relation to the pitch. The decisions made in the marketing plan budget were aimed at ensuring the spending is in synchrony with the strategy of the Aussie Shampoo launch in terms of sales and marketing activities. The prioritize given in terms of high and low spending for high spending to be made to facets that will result in high market acquisition, increased sales and revenue generation from the Nigerian market including advertising, use of websites mainly social sites and the Procter and Gamble website (Armstrong, 2002). The main social sites used will include facebook, twitter, instragram, and the Procter and Gamble website for advertising information relation to the Nigerian target population. The percentage of sales of the spending for marketing expenses is at 5% for July and 7%, this evidences the low percentage impact of spending on the performance of the Shampoo business and if the projection of the sales is accurate it results in augmented benefits for the firm. The main ways these projections h ave been made are based on the industry trends and performance of the industry and the competitors in the Nigerian market. The budgets are realistic and achievable owing to the demographic characteristics and abilities of the Nigerian market as determined in the PESTLE analysis in the marketing plan. A marketing budget plans a number of benefits in a marketing plan including giving the marketing manager an ability to control the expenses and forecast revenues in the formulation and performance of a marketing plan. The other benefits of a marketing budget are assisting in coordination of marketing activities and aids in keeping the efforts on target as well as acting as a control measure to ensure modifications ensure the aims of the marketing plan are met. A marketing budget also aids in establishment of performance

Premarital Sex Essay Example for Free

Premarital Sex Essay Premarital sex is a huge problem in society today; the numbers are staggering. Among people who have been married, a raging ninety- three percent of men, and eighty percent of women (between ages eighteen and fifty-four) have lost their virginity before their honeymoon. Teens everywhere are not waiting until they are married to have sex. Teenagers are saying, ‘sex is fun’ and ‘everybody is doing it’. Teens are less developed, emotionally and physically before having sex, and they are not prepared for the serious problems that come along with their decision to have sex. There are always consequences when a teenager chooses to have sex. Teenagers, according to some polls, view premarital sex as acceptable as long as ‘two people love each other’. If at age sixteen a teenager tells a parent or someone older that they are in love, the parent will laugh and say that no teenager at sixteen has experienced true love. Love is something one experiences when one is mature and ready for a life-long commitment, not when one is involved in a two-year high school crush. Premarital sex is based on selfishness, not on love†. If one has passionate feelings for someone, one may feel the need to have intercourse with that person. Teens need to open their eyes and see the harmful effects of premarital sex. Premarital sex hurts you, running the risk of getting diseases and it profoundly scars you emotionally, by cutting you off from God. Some teenage girls are saying, Oh I’ll be fine, I am on birth control and we used a condom; there are no worries. No form of contraception can prevent a heart from being broken and a soul from being lost. Sexuality is an instinct imprinted into the genes of each living creature. Attraction to the opposite sex has been the key factor behind reproduction and survival of each species. Most of the species are born with only seasonal sexual necessities. They mate and reproduce only at limited times a year. Human beings, on the other hand, have active sexual instincts throughout his/her life; right from the very day he/she discovers his/her sexuality in pre-adulthood. This instinct has found overpowering the cultural advancement we have gained over the past. Sexuality is only sexuality for all other animals, but human beings have restricted forms of sexuality like pre-marital sexuality and extra-marital sexuality. The main reason behind introducing this restriction is that unlike all other animals we live in a civilized society with strict norms of morality and cultural obligations. The society always long for mature relationships and mutual respect between each member of this society. The main goal behind bringing in the sexual restrictions is that each member of this society should be treated with dignity and not as instruments of fulfilling lust. II. Body Meaning Though a human being gains the physical maturity of procreation at the beginning of puberty, he/she is considered eligible for mating and reproduction much later may be after 18 years of age or 20. And also the society insists that a sexual practice outside a marriage is improper and illegal at times. Premarital sexuality is any sexual activity with an opposite sex partner or with a same sex partner before he/she has started a married life. The term is usually used to refer the intercourse before the legal age of a marriage. Adults who presumably marry eventually also fall under this definition.

Relativism Essay -- ethics beliefs cultural relativism essays papers

The year was 1943. Hundreds of Jewish people were being marched into the gas chambers in accordance with Adolf Hitler's orders. In the two years that followed, millions of Jews were killed and only a fraction survived the painful ordeals at the Nazi German prison camps. However, all of the chaos ended as World War II came to a close: the American and British soldiers had won and Hitler's Third Reich was no more. A certain ethical position would state that the anti-sematic Nazi German culture was neither right nor wrong in its actions. In fact, it is this view of the cultural relativist that assumes all actions considered right in a culture to be good for that culture alone. Moreover, the relativist claims that these actions cannot be judged according to their ethical correctness because there is no absolute standard by which they could be compared. In the above case, this position would not allow for the American and British soldiers to interfere with the Nazis; the relativist would claim that the Allies were wrong in fighting the Germans due to a cultural disagreement. In truth, it is the relativist position which has both negative logical and practical consequences, and negligible benefits. The first logical consequence of relativism is that the believer must contradict himself in order to uphold his belief. The view states that all ethics are relative while putting forth the idea that no absolute standard of rightness exists. If this is the case, then what is cultural relativism relative to? From a purely logical point of view, this idea is absurd, for in assuming that something is relative one must first have some absolute by which it is judged. Let the reader consider this example to reinforce the point. A young woman is five feet tall, and her older friend is six feet tall. The younger female considers herself short because she looks at her friend and sees that she is taller than her. It would be illogical to say that the first woman is short if she were the only female in existence; if this were the case then there would not be anyone for her to be relative to in height. However, this logical fallacy is what the relativist assumes by stating that there is no standard of rightness for relativity. Quite simply, the cultural relativist is stating that he is relative to an absolute which ... ...at there cannot be any moral progress in a culture per-say. As discussed, the negligible benefits of cultural relativism such as tolerance, lacking of an absolute standard, and an open mind can only be applied to a limited range of instances. As previously shown, extreme relativism "in its vulgar and unregenerate form7" leads to stagnation of cultural morals and passive acceptance of ethical injustice. Of course, just as in any ethical theory, there are some things to be learned from it. One of these is the idea of not being too critical of other cultures. Also, the theory shows the importance of not becoming so culturalcentric that one looses the ability to learn from other socities. In truth, if more cultures tempered their tolerance with wisdom, then many of the evils that plague us could be effectively eliminated. --- End Notes 1. Rachels, James. "The Challenge of Cultural Relativism." Reason and Responsibility. Ed. Joel Feinberg. p. 454. 2. Rachels, p. 454. 3. Rachels, p. 454. 4. Rachels, p. 455. 5. Rachels, p. 455. 6. Rachels, p. 457. 7. Williams, Bernard. "Relativism." Reason and Responsibility. Ed. Joel Feinberg. p. 451.

Debut Albums and Answer

My favorite pet is a fish. Who am l? Hide the answer Ð’Â » A shark. Sharks experience tonic immobility, also known as apparent death, where they appear to have died. Blood does not easily flow through their bodies, forcing sharks to swim continuously to circulate their blood. Lastly, sharks have pet fish called Remote (sometimes called suckering). They feed on parasites on the sharks and leftovers, and they use the shark as transport and protection. A big thanks to Caravans for answering this. Serve Many But They Forget About Me serve many, confirmed by how healthy those I serve are.Yet after they're successful they forget about me. It's true, sometimes I hit them and they're often bloody, but they don't mind. What am l? A doctor (more specifically, an obstetrician) or a midwife. They deliver thousands of healthy babies but they are soon forgotten. Sometimes they smack the baby on the butt to clear the airway, and newborn babies can have blood on them from the placenta being pull ed from the walls of the uterus or from an episiotomy. Travel a Lot Meet Both Rich and Poor travel a lot and meet both the rich and the poor, but nobody knows where am going next.I'm invisible but you can see what I do. Who or what am l? Wind (or anything blown by the wind). It moves all over, reaches the rich and he poor equally and no one knows exactly which way the next gust of wind will blow. You can't see the wind, but you can see what it blows, like leaves or dust. Captain Mark Captain Mark is the captain of the ship. The captain of the ship is Captain Mark. The ship has plenty of space. What is the name of the ship? The Space Shuttle Endeavourer, captained by Mark Kelly. Received this by email from someone who didn't know the answer.Thanks to Devon for helping with this answer. Many are Perplexed While Seeking Me Many get perplexed in life while seeking me. Others put their life in danger and others give up. If you find me you are satisfied. What am l? Hint: It is in every ho use. I'm guessing its something like food, air or some other essential thing. I ran ‘every house' through the anagram server but didn't see anything pop out. Please add your answers in the comments. You'll Never See It Again What day will you never see again? Hide the Ð’Â » Yesterday.What is the center of gravity? V. The letter ‘V is the center Of the word gravity. Up a Drainpipe Down but Not Down a Drainpipe Up What can go up a drainpipe down but not down a drainpipe up? Hide the answer Ð’Â » An umbrella. Sometimes I'm a Sphere Sometimes I'm a sphere, Sometimes I'm a banana, And sometimes I'm not there at all. The moon. A full moon is a sphere, a crescent moon looks like a banana, and sometimes the moon is not visible at all. Look at My Face f you look at my face you won't see 13 in any place. What am l? Hide the A clock face.It only has the numbers 1 through 12. You'll See Me When the Sun is High and Also Late at Night You'll see me when the sun is high and als o late at night, I'm in the songs of holidays, when the snow is white, Kings and Queens and royalty, are all found in me, I'm the largest of them all, with just one you see, Step by step with pounding feet, I'm tribes of angry men, I'm above your hands right now, for help or to go again, You'll use me in the kitchen, or add a little more, I'll be in the years to come, and the days of yore. Twelve (12).Noon and midnight are both 12 o'clock and the Twelve Days Of Christmas is a popular Christmas carol. There are twelve face cards in a standard 52-card deck and twelve is the largest number with one syllable. There are twelve steps in Alcoholics Anonymous, a troy pound is 12 ounces, there were 12 tribes of Israel and a popular movie was called, â€Å"Twelve Angry Men† (12 members of the jury). There are twelve function keys on your keyboard. Fl often shows a help screen and reloads pages in your browser. Many species measure items by the dozen, adding one more for a baker's dozen .There are twelve months in a year. It's surprising how many times the number twelve shows up in our culture. Blow for Blow They Matched Each Other Blow for blow, they matched each other. Neither would fall to the other. In the eyes of the crowd, they were this. Equal. By Kef Destroy Has a Mouth But Cannot Drink Has a mouth, but cannot drink. Has a head, but cannot think. Has a tongue, but not a lung. Some are held and some are hung. A bell. Comes To Bedsides, Icy Bridges He comes to bedsides, icy bridges, battlefronts, and crumbling ridges. When he comes, he comes alone, taps a shoulder, then is gone.Death. Growing Tall But Never Fat This on this. That on that. Growing tall, but never fat. A stack. Sometimes Enter With a Gong I'm a word, six letters long, sometimes enter with a gong. All in order from A to Z, start with the letter B. What is the word? Begins It has six letters, when a meditation begins they sound the gong, and the letters are in alphabetical order. Hear a Lot, Say a Lot hear a lot And I say a lot Few ever look for me And even fewer ever hear me hide in plain sight Whether its day or night To help is all I want But most like to bend meAnd as if they had a wand Never again shall anyone find me They do this to control Without realizing the high price of a soul But when Pm least expected They'd rather be protected For there shall be no place to hide The truth. It Never Lasts Forever You can have it and be at it, but it never lasts forever. Peace. Downward Grows the Root Downward grows the root. Outward grows the skin. Upward grows the shoot. What way blows the wind? Way rd. Posted in Riddles No Thicker Than Your Finger No thicker than your finger when it folds. As thick as what it's holding when it holds. A sack. Posted in Riddles It Is HateIt is hate and has hate in it, but it isn't hate. Hatred. Gain and Lose the Most Some are quick to take it. Others must be coaxed. Those who choose to take it gain and lose the most. Risk. Guide and Scraping A long Guided, I am scraping along, leaving behind my snow white dust against that which I am scraping, for when am scraping, I must. Chalk EXiSt Between TWO Things It can only exist between any two things and men know it well for the hardships it brings. Distance. Always Done On Purpose Of all the things that are broken, this makes the least noise and is always done on purpose. Bread. One Strand Dangles One strand dangles.Two strands twist. Three or more can fashion this. Braids Apples for Leather Apples for leather, leather for silk, silk for tobacco, all to get milk. Bartering. Shorter Than My Four Siblings Shorter than my four siblings, but easily the strongest, sometimes wear a funny hat. A Thumb. So Simple I Only Point I'm so simple I only point, Yet I guide people all over the world. A compass. Tagged with What am l? Celebrate, Hide Their Shame or Commit Crime Some use me to celebrate, Others use me to hide their shame, Others use me to commit crime. Alcohol. People have a drin k to celebrate, but also drink to hide their shame.Lastly, drunk driving is a crime. A mask is also a valid answer. They can be used to celebrate Halloween or at dress-up parties, a mask can hide your shame and masks are used by thieves. 8 July 2014 update: This one has more valid answers than I thought. Money and drugs also work. Posted in Riddles Sounds Nothing Like the Word When pronounced, it sounds nothing like the word. A sentence. Onto Burden For Its Weight Not a burden for its weight and daily carried out, He who takes it wishes it had never come about. Punishment. In Different Ways It's Proudly Shown In different ways, it's proudly shown, though many like it to have been sewn.It's never torn from being worn, but when it's torn, it should be burned. A flag. They are displayed proudly in a variety of ways and are sewn on shirts. They are discarded from being too worn, but if torn or worn, they're burned out of respect. By Kef Destroy What Has Hair and Leaks? What has hair and leaks when something bad happens? Your eye. Your eyelashes are the hair and when something bad happens, your cry. Posted in Riddles What Can You Catch But Not Throw? What can you catch but not throw? Your breath or an illness (a cold, virus, the flu etc). Three Feet But No Head What has three feet but no head?Award stick (its 3 feet long). What Runs Around the Yard What runs around the yard without moving? A fence. Has Teeth taut can't Bite What has teeth but can't bite? A comb. Other inanimate objects with teeth like a saw, zipper or a gear can â€Å"bite† you. Many people can affirm from painful experience in regards to zippers and saws, and the unfortunate factory worker who is missing a finger can attest to gears. It's a rare event that anyone would be injured by a comb. Four Legs and a Foot What has four legs and a foot, but can't walk And a head but can't talk? A bed. The foot of the bed can't walk and the head of the bed can't talk.It's probably a good thing that beds can't walk and talk. Just think of where they'd go and what they'd say†¦ Posted in Riddles Look In My Face Look in my face and I am someone, Look in my back am no one. A mirror. The face of a mirror shows your face, but the back of a mirror shows nothing but dust and cardboard (depending on the type of mirror). Posted in Riddles Word Pronounced Incorrectly What 1 1 -letter word does everyone pronounce incorrectly? The word â€Å"incorrectly'. More Than a Few Nothing specific, but more than a few. This many clustered together will do. Bunch. Its a vague term that means more than a few.And clustered items like bananas, grapes or celery come in bunches. By Kef Destroy Never Goes Airborne It never goes airborne, yet, still, it may land. A punch. Not a Bird Though Feathered It's not a bird, though feathered, and it has a mobile nest. It's quick in flight and, having flown, it always stops to rest. An arrow. It has feathers and its nest (a quiver) is usually carried an archer's bac k. The arrow flies when released, but will always land somewhere to rest. Slayer of Regrets Slayer of regrets old and new, sought by many, found by few. Redemption. It can get rid of regrets, many people seek it but few find it.By Kef Destroy Split Itself What can split itself before splitting something else? Lightning. It looks like it's splitting apart in the sky, and trees are split in half when struck by lightning. By Kef Destroy A Blade of Jagged Cut Has a blade of jagged cut. Keeps the quickest hand out shut.

Information Technology Coursework Essay

Input – The Keyboard The keyboard is essentially based on the standard QWERTY keyboard used by typists. The main differences are the additions made by computer manufacturers. The first thing to notice is that the keyboard has three main sections. The first section is the main QWERTY keyboard, which has three extra keys. The most important of these extra keys is usually marked â€Å"ENTER† or â€Å"RETURN†. The enter key is on the right side of the keyboard and is used to tell the computer that you have finished typing and wish either to move to a fresh empty line or that you want the computer to carry out the typed instruction. The other two additional keys are the â€Å"ALT† and the â€Å"CONTROL† keys (â€Å"CTRL†). These act in the same way as the shift key on the typewriter and so allow normal keys to have a number of different effects. The second part of the keyboard is the FUNCTION keys. There are always at least ten and sometimes twelve of these labelled F1 to F10 or F12, which are grouped together on the left of the keyboard or along the top of it. They are used by programs like word processors or spreadsheets to give instructions to the computer. They do not normally produce an effect on the screen but can do in some programs. The third part of the keyboard is the numeric key pad. This is situated on the right of the keyboard and serves two functions. Firstly, to move the cursor and secondly to type numbers into the computer. The keys on the keypad usually contain the numbers 0 to 9, the decimal point and the mathematical symbols. The key marked â€Å"NUMLOCK† is used to tell the computer if the pad is used to enter numbers (NUMLOCK ON) or to move the cursor (NUMLOCK OFF). Input – The Mouse A mouse is a device, which can provide an alternative to the keyboard. The mouse itself has a small ball in its base which, when pulled across a smooth surface, moves a special â€Å"cursor† across the screen. This cursor can be used to draw or point and is especially effective in providing an easy to use interface for those who have difficulty with keyboards etc. Processing – The Central Processing Unit Inside the microcomputer is a tiny silicon chip called the Central Processing Unit or CPU: this can be regarded as the â€Å"brain† of the entire system. With the help of the computer’s internal memory it executes the instructions in a program by performing simple logical operations at very high speeds – typically an instruction will be performed in millionths of a second. The chip containing the Central Processing Unit or CPU is the place where the computer does its â€Å"thinking†. The CPU processes information by fetching a program instruction stored in the computer’s memory, executing the instruction and proceeding to the next step in the program. The CPU contains (1) a program counter that tells the CPU where it is in the program. (2) an instruction register that stores the current program instruction. (3) a control unit that decodes the contents of the instruction register. (4) data registers that store the small units of information the CPU is currently processing. (5) a memory address register that holds the address or memory location of the information in its data registers. (6) an Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) that actually performs each small step in the program, and (7) a status or flags register that reports on the work of the ALU. The size or power of a CPU is determined by the length of its registers: 8-bit processors wor k on information in 8-bit groups; 16-bit processors have registers that hold 16 bits and are twice as fast. 32-bit processors provide even more computing speed, and so on. Internal Memory – RAM and ROM Because the central processing unit only works on small pieces of information at a time, the computer needs a way to store information while it is not being processed. Two kinds of silicon chips serve as the computer’s internal memory. Random Access Memory or RAM chips store information temporarily, and the computer can write, read, and erase information on them. RAM chips are erased every time the computer is turned off, so Read Only Memory or ROM chips act as the computer’s permanent memory: they store the instructions the CPU needs when you first turn it on. External Memory – Disks and Disk Drives External memory devices like floppy disks, hard disks, and CD-ROMs store programs and data when the computer is turned off. When a disk is inserted into a disk drive, the computer can read information from it or write new information onto it. Only certain types of CD-ROM can have information written onto them. Output: The Printer Printers receive electrical codes from the computer and then print the corresponding letter or number on paper. The result is called hard copy. Plotters and some printers can even reproduce computer graphics on paper. Types of Printer Ink Jet Printers Ink jet printers work as their name suggests, by squirting jets of ink onto the paper through tiny nozzles. Ink-jets provide good quality output (on average 600 dots per inch) at reasonable speed and at relatively low cost. Laser Printers A laser printer is essentially a photocopier attached to the computer as an output device. Laser printers are capable of high quality output (around 720 dots per inch), at high speed. They can be bought from as little as around à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½100. Output – Monitors (Visual Display Units) Monitors (V.D.U.s) are the most frequently used output device. The display is transmitted from the computer to the surface of a cathode ray tube, which is rather like a television screen. Slim, flat screen monitors are also available. The display consists of very small phosphorescent dots combined in different patterns to form words, numbers, and pictures. Monitors vary in their resolution (clarity), more dots on the screen means a higher resolution but obviously costs more. The range of resolutions are CGA, EGA and the highest resolution VGA. Software – Computer Programs A program is simply a set of instructions, which the programmer wishes the computer to obey. The computer blindly obeys any instruction which it is given – it possess no abilities to determine whether an instruction (so long as it is framed correctly) is the correct instruction for any given situation. Programs tell the computer how to turn the input you provide into the output you want. A program is therefore a detailed set of instructions for performing a particular task. Because you cannot actually touch programs they have become known as â€Å"software†; this contrasts with the hardware of a computer system – monitors, chips, printers etc. – which you can touch! Software takes many forms – the computer system itself is co-ordinated by a special resident program called an operating system (you can read more about this program below), programs to carry out specific tasks for the user are termed â€Å"application programs†. Stock control, word processing, payroll and accounting functions are typical areas, which are serviced by application programs. Input/output Media – Mass Storage Floppy Disks A floppy disk is 3 1/2 inches square. Inside its protective case or sleeve, each floppy disc is a circle of flexible plastic whose surface is covered with magnetic oxide. When you use a disc for the first time, you must use a special program called an operating system to format the disk’s surface by creating circular tracks divided into pie-shaped sectors. A hole punched near the hub of the disk lets the computer know where the first sector is. A track on each disk stores a directory that tells the computer where to find what information. This means that it can go directly to the correct part of the disk instead of wading through all of its contents to find the information it wants. A typical floppy disk can store around 200 pages of typewritten text, depending on how tightly the information is packed. If pictures are stored on disk, they take up a lot of room. Care of Floppy Disks Information is stored on floppy disk by means of magnetism. The information stored on a disk can be lost if the magnetic surface of the disk is damaged. When handling a disk you must be careful not to bend it or touch the exposed portions. Moisture, extreme temperatures, and exposure to magnetic fields or equipment can also ruin disks. You should keep back-up copies of all important disks to insure that your data will not be lost if a disk is damaged. You can guard against the possibility of accidentally writing over and erasing important data and programs by moving the small write-protect notch on the side of the disk. When this notch is closed, a sensor inside the drive prevents the head from writing onto the disk. Hard Disks All modern PCs have hard disks, which can store vast amounts of information – this varies depending upon their size. Although they operate on the same basic principles as floppies, hard disks spin many times more quickly allowing the read/write head to pass only fractions of an inch over the disk’s surface. Hard disks are hermetically sealed in special chambers to prevent dust particles from ruining the disk’s surface. Disk Drives: Read/Write Heads To use a disk, you place it into a disk drive so that the circular hole in the centre of the disk fits into a cone in the drive. This cone spins the disk allowing all of its sectors to come under a window cut into the sleeve. As the disk spins around, a read / write head moves back and forth over the exposed portion of the disk. The head works like the head on a tape recorder. It reads information on the disk by translating its magnetic fields into electrical signals that are sent to the computer; information is written onto the disk when the head converts the electrical signals from the computer into magnetic fields on the disk’s surface. Operating Systems A computer is really a system of interconnected parts: a keyboard or input device; internal memory (RAM and ROM); a processor; disks and disk drives; output devices like a monitor and a printer; and, of course, software. A special kind of program called an operating system controls the flow of information between these different components. One of its most important jobs is to enable your hardware to understand the instructions of your software. When you buy a computer, you must be sure that its design or architecture is compatible with the operating system for which the software you want is written. The operating system manages the files on your disks and offers utilities such as formatting blank disks, listing the directory of files on a disk, as well as copying, renaming, and deleting files. Sometimes operating systems are permanently installed, but if the operating system is pre-packaged on a disk, its contents must either be loaded separately into the computer or written onto ev ery disk used, during the formatting process. Windows 95 and Windows 98 are the most common operating systems used today. Modems and Networks With the help of a modem, your computer can link up and communicate with other computers all over the world. The modem translates the computer’s language of ons and offs into tones of different frequencies, which are then transmitted across telephone lines. At the receiving end the process is reversed: a modem converts tone variations back into the computer’s digital code. Computer networks are systems of computers linked together in this way: they are used to send and receive electronic mail, and to allow small personal computers access to the vast data libraries of larger computers, via the Internet. COMPUTER APPLICATIONS Application Packages These are programs that actually perform the tasks that the user wishes to be done. The tasks are usually so complicated that several programs are required and these are collectively called a ‘suite’ of programs. Typical examples of applications are Stock Control, Databases, Order Processing, Word Processing, Airline Booking Systems, Spreadsheets, Viewdata Systems and Point of Sale Systems. Each package will now be discussed in turn, to give a general explanation of what they are, when they are used and for what purpose. Stock Control A stock control system keeps track of all the stock currently held by the company. The computer is informed through the till when each item is sold. It is then an easy matter to deduct the number sold from the current stock level to give a new stock level. If this level is below a re-order level which again is held by the computer, then the computer can automatically print a re-order letter to the supplier. The number of each item to be supplied is stored and when the supplier delivers, the number of items delivered is added to the amount in stock. Therefore the company, in theory, should never, through its own efforts, run out of any item of stock and should at all times know how much stock it has, in the warehouse, in storage at a retail outlet and on the shelves. Losses through theft are easily calculated through a manual shelf count, and corrective action to reduce losses can be implemented quickly. Database A database is a store of information made up of records. A record contains information relating to one person or one company and is made up of individual pieces of information called fields. For example, you may create your records having the following fields: company name, address, telephone number, credit limit, amount owed, payment due etc. When all the information has been entered the database may then be used by searching for particular information, called cross-referencing (e.g. to find out at the end of the month who the company owes money to and how much, in order to settle their accounts). New information can be fed in and the database is changed (updated) to include the new data, so that it is always up to date. Large databases are best used with static information (remains the same), with new records being added to the end. An example of this type is a Library with records on all the books in stock. The computer operated by the DVLA in Swansea (Driving Vehicle Licensing Authority) might be an example of a large database. Information relating to every motor vehicle in the U.K. is stored on computer and can be sorted or searched to find out, for example, who owns a particular car. Word Processing In word processing a computer behaves like a much enhanced form of typewriter. Facilities are provided for entering, manipulating, storing and retrieving blocks of text. This means that standard letters and lists of names and addresses can be generated separately and then letters to everyone on the list can be printed without retyping the document. The processor retrieves the letter and the first name and address, prints the letter, retrieves the next name and address, changes the information in the letter, prints the next letter and so on. Real-Time Systems An example of a real-time system is Airline Booking. This is a system which updates the data immediately it changes. All the terminals in all the booking offices are connected via a telephone line to a large computer in the head office of the company. This is so that information can be accessed immediately and be changed on confirmation of a booking immediately. For example, if you wanted to book a flight, you would feed details into the terminal about the flight, and back would come a message saying perhaps that only two seats remain on that flight. If you then take these seats by sending that information back, confirmation would take place and then no-one anywhere in the world would be able to book a seat on that particular flight (even if they tried to book only ten seconds after you). Spreadsheet A spreadsheet is a special application package, which allows the user to set up tables of information and add up rows and columns which make up the table. They are used mainly for displaying cash forecasts of companies, in the form of a table where all the figures are interconnected. Each intersection of a row and a column is called a ‘cell’. The cells are filled with figures and then changes can be made and the spreadsheet calculates all the related cells, alters and reprints them. Figures can be changed and the overall effect on the complete table can be seen immediately.