Significance of social media in business operations

Introduction Background to the study Contemporarily, change is one of the most constant elements that businesses have to take into account in the course of their operations. This assertion highlights why the past few decades have been characterized by profound social, economic, and technological transformations emanating from external market forces such as political, economic, technological, social, and legal environments.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Significance of social media in business operations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These changes have led to the emergence of a myriad of opportunities and threats within the business environment. Changes occurring in the macro-environment have led to an increment in the rate of invention and innovation. In addition, social and technological changes have motivated entrepreneurs to invest in new and continuous product development in the pursuit for economic sus tainability. The Internet is categorised amongst the top innovations of the 21st century. Its development has led to the increment in the number of innovations that are being undertaken. The emergence of numerous web-based applications and platforms is one of the ways through which the Internet has been utilized. Internet development has led to the increment in the rate of connectivity amongst consumers. Its development has significantly influenced consumers’ behaviour. Moreover, the impact of the Internet can be felt through a myriad of applications in various market segments such as investing, shopping, banking, learning, and entertainment (Brunty et al. 2013). The trend with regard to technological innovation will continue into the future. Consequently, it is fundamental for businesses to embrace the emerging technological changes in order to achieve business continuity. Businesses should evaluate how they can utilize emerging changes in order to succeed. For example, orga nizations and entrepreneurs should take advantage of the technological innovations (Brunty et al. 2013). Social networks are one of the innovations that entrepreneurs can utilize in their quest to achieve their goals. Jadhav et al. (2009) define social network to include â€Å"a social structure made of nodes, which are usually individuals or organizations tied by one or more specific types of relations, such as financial exchange, friendship, trade and web links amongst others† (p. 49).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Social networks have transformed communication in organizations significantly. Conventionally, the media was used to communicate to target population. Social media has transformed this form of communication. Currently, social media provides businesses with an opportunity to interact with existing and potential customers. Apart from marketing, businesse s can also utilize social media in other areas of management, such as human resource management and research and development. Statement of the problem The high rate of innovation with regard to social networks has led to the emergence of a wide range of social media technologies. The social media that have been developed can be categorised into various classes, which include content communities, collaborative projects, virtual social worlds, social networking sites, and virtual game worlds. On the other hand, social technologies relate to emails, instant messaging, picture sharing, and blogs. Despite the numerous social media technologies that have been developed and their significance to business success, only a few businesses have integrated these technologies in their operation. The significance of social media technologies in enhancing competitive advantage and business continuity is highlighted by Thomas and Wasmund (2011) who posit that there is â€Å"not a business or an ent repreneur that should not be using social media in one way or another† (p. 16). Moreover, a study conducted by Optus in 2010 revealed that only 28% of small and medium-sized enterprises had integrated social media in their operation, which represents a relatively small proportion of all SMES. Despite this scenario, Waters (2013) posits that social media is here to stay; thus, it is imperative for entrepreneurs to evaluate how they will utilize social media in order to improve their competitive edge.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Significance of social media in business operations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Research objectives This research intends to achieve the following objectives. To evaluate how organisations and entrepreneurs can utilise social media in order to maximise profitability. To investigate the social media strategies that organisations can integrate in order to improve organisatio nal performance and productivity. Research questions To achieve the above objectives, the following research questions will be taken into account. How can businesses utilize social media to maximize their profitability? What social media strategies can individuals and organizations integrate in order to improve their businesses’ performance and productivity Significance of the study Organizations cannot develop competitiveness by only being conscious of changes of occurring in the business environment. However, they have to align their operational strategies to market changes. Thomas and Wasmund (2011) are of the opinion that organizational change is a key element in firms’ effort to survive. Dealing with such change requires organizations to be agile and anticipate possible changes. This study will give organizations’ management teams insight on how they can utilize social media to develop their competitive edge. Some of the areas that will be evaluated rela ting to marketing, research and development, and human resource management. Analyzing how social media can be used in these areas will improve the likelihood of businesses adjusting their operational strategies accordingly; thus improving their business foundation. For example, using social media will improve the probability of achieving diverse business goals such as profitability and developing a strong human capital base. Literature review The evolution of existing technology and the emergence of new technology have led to transformation of the business environment. Hundreds of social networking sites have been developed over the Internet in the past few years.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Increased research and development with regard to the Internet have culminated in the emergence of diverse social media platforms. Some of the common online social networking sites include Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr, and MySpace. Social networking sites have undergone exponential growth due to increased investment in research and development. It is estimated that approximately 4 out of 5 citizens in the United States are developing, creating, and participating in social media. Leanne (2012) is of the opinion that social media has been integrated into the consumers’ everyday life, which underscores the importance of integrating emerging social media networks in business operations. Remenyi (2008) opines, â€Å"Social technologies are no longer a fad or something that will pass-by but will have a significant impact in every role, every kind of company and in all parts of the world† (p. 397). The impact of social media on business operations is something that requires bus iness leaders should consider proactively. Remenyi (2008) further asserts that social media is increasingly becoming a key element in business operations. In a bid to benefit from the emerging social media trends, it is imperative for businesses to evaluate how they can best utilize social media. Various scholars have suggested a number of ways in which entrepreneurs can utilize social media. Marketing The emergence of social media has had a significant impact on the consumers’ behavior and experience. Millions of people across the world can access market information courtesy of social media via platforms like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Linkedin, among others. Social media has increased the consumers’ power with regard to directing the conversation about a particular brand. Consumers do not only purchase products and remain contented. However, there has been an emergence of a trend whereby consumers are increasingly turning to various social media platforms for gu idance with regard product brands. Moreover, social media has provided consumers with an opportunity to share their product experience with the online community. Surviving in such an environment requires businesses to adapt to changing consumer expectations and behavior. Failure to implement this strategy may adversely affect an organization’s brand. For example, failure to take into account what consumers are saying on social media may expose an organization’s failure in delivering the brand promise. Consequently, it is imperative for businesses to adjust their marketing strategies to change in consumer behavior (Sweeney Craig 2011). Marketing is one of the areas in which businesses can utilize social media marketing. The success of organizations in their marketing practices is influenced by the effectiveness with which the communication strategy has been integrated. Social media has transformed marketing from being one-dimensional phenomenon with regard to communica tion. Conventional communication mediums such as newspapers, television, and radio were about delivering the intended message to the target audience. However, social media has transformed marketing communication from being a one-way phenomenon to a two-way phenomenon. Despite the significance of social media in marketing, there are some critics who are of the opinion that social media undermines the human element (Sweeney Craig 2011). Social media ranks amongst the essential marketing communication tools of the 21st century. Currently, organizations and entrepreneurs can utilize various social media platforms to improve their marketing capability. Examples of such social media platforms include Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. The effectiveness of these tools in creating market awareness arises from the emergence of a trend whereby consumers are using the Internet as a major source of product information. Therefore, it is fundamental for entrepreneurs to formulate an effective socia l web by integrating diverse social media platforms such as illustrated in figure 1 below. Source: (Oracle 2012) The social web should be comprised of different spaces, which include spaces owned by the entrepreneur, spaces hosted, and the spaces in which the entrepreneur participates. The space owned by the entrepreneur may relate to the business official website, the contact center and the knowledge base while spaces hosted relate to YouTube and Facebook. Businesses can exploit this trend in consumer behavior by designing a fan page on social media sites such as Facebook, which will play a critical role in increasing an organization’s customer base. Currently, it is estimated that approximately 165 million Twitter users, 500 million Facebook users, and 75 million LinkedIn users. Additionally, approximately 200 billion videos are watched daily on YouTube (Thomas Wasmund 2011). Using Facebook is relatively easy, which means that it is not a platform for only large businesse s but also the small and medium-sized enterprises. Developing fan pages will enable businesses to leverage on social media viral capabilities. Businesses should also design short videos containing the products and services issued and post them on social media platforms such as YouTube. Other social networking tools that can be used to post videos include Youku, which is a Chinese video streaming service. Youku has assisted major companies such as IBM, Google, Pepsi, Nike, Mercedes-Benz and Nokia generate revenue. Consequently, using such tools will lead to the creation of a viral effect on the videos. Moreover, interacting with consumers through social media leads to the development of a strong customer relationship. For example, an organization is able to access market feedback regarding its products and services. Safko (2012) is of the opinion that social media provides consumers with a 360-degree feedback mechanism. Thus, social media provides entrepreneurs with a perfect opportu nity to respond to customer complaints and opinions hence enhancing the level of customer loyalty (Safko 2012). Businesses and entrepreneurs should also interact with the online community through social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Yelp, Foursquare, Slideshare, and YouTube. Integrating social media also plays a critical role in increasing an organization’s sales revenue and hence the level of profitability. Integrating with customers through various social media sites increases the likelihood of businesses and entrepreneurs, developing a clear understanding of the prevailing consumer needs (Bodnar Cohen 2011). Consequently, an organization can be able to align its products to the prevailing customer needs. The high rate of technological development with regard to ICT has led to the emergence of mobile devices such as Ipad and Ipods. In a bid to improve their effectiveness with regard to creating market awareness, it is essential for businesses to integrate mobile social media, which is achievable via developing a mobile social media application that is customised to a particular business. This platform will increase the effectiveness with which an organization creates product and services awareness to potential consumers who do not have personal computers. The past few years have been characterized by an increment in the number of consumers who own tablets, iPads, and iPods. Consequently, it is imperative for entrepreneurs to take into account the developments in the social media. Human resource management Staffing; talent acquisition and management The success of both large and small enterprises is dependent on the quality of human capital developed. Jacobson (2009) posits that a strong human capital base contributes towards achievement of the set organizational goals. Firms can post job adverts on various social media platforms in an effort to improve the number of potential applicants. Fans on social media platforms can share job adverts with t heir friends and family members seeking a job (O’Leary et al. 2011). Leanne (2012) is of the opinion that social media has been utilized by organizations in conducting a background evaluation of job candidates. Some of the sites that have previously been used concerning these aspects relate to LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. LinkedIn is ranked amongst the most effective social media platform with regard to recruitment of professionals (O’Leary et al. 2011). Its effectiveness hinges on the presumption that the platform is used to share professional information of its users. It is estimated that approximately 50% of Fortune 100 firms depend on LinkedIn in their recruitment drive. Therefore, using LinkedIn is considered very cost-effective (Pride, 2009). By the end of 2012, Facebook had a following of over 900 million users. Consequently, employers can obtain substantial background information regarding job applicants without having to leave their office. A survey conduc ted by Microsoft revealed that approximately 79% of managers in the US had utilized social media in their employee recruitment processes. Seventy percent (70%) of the managers revealed that they had rejected job applications because of the posts and comments on online platforms by the applicants. This aspect highlights the importance of developing good online reputation by posting positive comments. Social media provide organizations with an opportunity to expand their talent pool by improving its connectivity with passive jobseekers (Leanne 2012). Another avenue through which businesses can use social media entails ensuring that the employees comply with the set rules and regulations. Consequently, it is imperative for HR managers to ensure that an effective internal communication system is implemented. A study conducted by KPMG shows that organizations could use social media to develop the employees’ talent. For example, an organization can leverage on social media by ensur ing that they are connected with special interest groups such as mentoring group and volunteerism. Organizations can also utilize social media by developing expert directories comprised of employees who are conversant with one another. Mobility and collaboration Emergence of new technology and change in employees needs presents a major challenge for HR managers in their pursuit to develop a strong human resource base (Somers et al. 2009). For example, the emergence of mobile social media devices has led to the creation of a prospect for immediacy amongst the modern workforce. Organizations can use social media to improve the degree of collaboration amongst employees. Currently, organizations are increasingly using projects in their quest to improve their performance. However, successful implementation of projects is dependent on the degree of coordination amongst the project team members. Using various social media platforms improves communication and interaction within project team s as illustrated by Thomas and Barlow (2011) who posit that a team â€Å"remains the most flexible and the most powerful unit of performance, learning, and change in any organization† (p. 30). Through social media, project team members can be able to share valuable knowledge and information. Incorporating social media is also paramount in developing a strong multigenerational workforce. Safko (2012) is of the opinion that communication â€Å"serves as a strategic change level by facilitating the transition of awareness to the actual ownership and adoption and integration of social media tools and guidelines† (p. 6). Research and development The number of social media users has grown exponentially. This trend is expected to continue into the future. Consequently, social media provides organizations with an opportunity to undertake research and development. Soderman and Dolles (2013) are of the opinion that this goal is achievable via undertaking marketing research throu gh the social media platforms. For example, an organization can utilize the customers’ responses on social media regarding its products and services in their new product and continuous product development processes. Moreover, a number of social media monitoring tools have been developed due to increased innovations with regard to social media. Radian6 and Spredfast.com are some of the companies that have developed platforms that can be used in the process of conducting marketing research. The platform is comprised of well-developed web-based software that can be used in managing social media marketing. Using such tools can enable an organization to evaluate the profitability potential of its target market by analyzing the size of the target audience and their level of market engagement. Gaining such knowledge can give entrepreneurs insight on how to improve its branding strategies. Other web-based software that can assist businesses in determining the number of visitors who v iew the firm’s social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube updates have been developed (Soderman Dolles 2013). Research methodology The success of a particular study is influenced by the quality of the research framework adopted. Creswell and Clark (2011) posit that it is fundamental for researchers to incorporate an effective research design outlining the method collecting and analyzing the data collected (Maxwell 2005). Both qualitative and quantitative research designs were used in this study. Qualitative research design enabled the researcher to acquire a substantial amount of data from the target population by conducting an in-depth analysis of the subject under investigation. On the other hand, quantitative research design was incorporated in order to improve the process of interpreting the research findings, which will be achieved by integrating numerical aspects of the phenomenon. Population and sample Organizational leaders and in dividual entrepreneurs from well-established businesses were targeted as the study population. This choice of the target population was informed by the knowledge that such individuals have sufficient knowledge regarding on the importance of ICT in the operation of an organization. Random sampling technique was incorporated in selecting the sample. Thus, the researcher was able to eliminate bias in selecting the sample; all the individuals in the target population had the same likelihood of being selected as the target population (Deming 2002). A sample size of 100 respondents was selected from the target population. Data collection Primary and secondary methods of data collection were adopted. Secondary data were obtained by reviewing published reports and surveys on the subject. However, it was ensured that only credible sources of data were utilized. Thus, only relevant data was collected. On the other hand, primary methods entailed using data collection instruments such as questi onnaires and interviews. Analysis and presentation The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of social media in enhancing the level of profitability in businesses. Moreover, the study intends to investigate the social media strategies that organizations can integrate in order to improve organizational performance and productivity. The researcher asked questions with regard to these aspects and obtained varied responses, as illustrated herein. Analysis of research questions The researcher asked the respondents a number of questions to gauge whether the respondents have had any experience using social media in their marketing processes. Seventy percent of the respondents were of the opinion that they had used social media for personal purposes at one point. On the other hand, 30% of the respondents said that they had not incorporated social media in life, which explains the low rate of integration of social media in business operation espec ially amongst small businesses. When asked whether social media is important in their business operation, the respondents gave varied opinions as illustrated in the chart below. Strongly agree 47% Agree 38% Disagree 2% Uncertain 9% Strongly disagree 2% Total 100% Despite concurring that social media marketing through emerging social media networks is valuable for business operation, only 37% of the respondents said that they have used Facebook in their business-to-consumer marketing processes at one point. On the other hand, 29% of the respondents said that their organisations had integrated social media in their business-to-business marketing activities, which represents a relatively low rate of integration of social media in marketing activities. Considering the significance of effective market communication in business operation, it is imperative for entrepreneurs to align their business operation to market changes. The researcher was interested in knowing whethe r the businesses have integrated any social media in their traditional market communication activities. The results obtained varied as illustrated in the chart below. Strongly agree 23% Agree 45% Disagree 12% Strongly disagree 17% Uncertain 3% Total 100% In addition to computer-based social media platforms, the researcher intended to know whether the respondent’s businesses had developed mobile-optimised social media platforms. Ninety-seven (97%) of the respondents said that their businesses had not done so, which underscores the low rate of social media appreciation amongst business activities. In a bid to understand the businesses’ commitment to social media marketing, the researcher sought to understand the number of hours that the businesses commit to undertake social media marketing per week. The results obtained are illustrated below. Number of hours per week Percentage response 0 50% 1-5 20% 6-10 11% 11-15 9% 16-20 5% 21-25 3% 2 6-30 1% 31-35 1% Total 100% When asked about the benefits of social media in an organisation’s marketing practices, the respondents cited a number of benefits as illustrated below. Benefit cited Percentage response Increased exposure and insight on market changes 89% Development of customer loyalty 76% Improvement in business partnership 69% Reduction in marketing expenses 86% Increased sales 88% Eighty percent (80%) of the respondents said that an organisation could utilise the market feedback obtained in their continuous product innovation by undertaking an online market research. The respondents were of the opinion that organisations can use social media to gain insight on consumer complaints regarding the firm’s products and services. Moreover, the research can be focused on both the competitors and the customers. Despite their concurrence with the role of social media in research and development in an organisation’s operations, 90% of the respondents said that their businesses have not adopted social media in gaining market intelligence. The study also intended to evaluate the extent to which entrepreneurs have incorporated social media in their human resource management practices. The responses obtained in this regard show that businesses have not appreciated the role of social media in developing a strong human resource base. The chart below illustrates the responses obtained. Social media HR management Percentage response Employee recuritment and selection 10% Internal organisational communication 55% Talent management 5% No involvement 30% Discussion From the literature review, it is evident that innovations with regard to information communication technology are likely to continue into the future. Social media is one of the greatest revolutions of the 21st century. The high rate of innovation with regard to social media means that its importance in our daily lives is likely to increase. Co nsequently, it is imperative for businesses to evaluate how best they can utilise the new technology. Some of the areas that entrepreneurs can consider integrating include marketing, human resource management and market research. The study shows that social media can improve the effectiveness with which an organisation undertakes its marketing activities. One of these activities relates to creating marketing communication. Businesses can use different social media platforms for advertising their products and services. The likelihood of a business creating market awareness regarding its operations to a wide range of potential customers is high considering the high rate at which customers have integrated social media in their lifestyle. Moreover, social media marketing can enable an organisation to develop a strong relationship with other parties in the supply chain. Another major benefit of social media marketing is that it is cost-effective. Czinkota (2009) is of the opinion that a huge gap exists between social and traditional media. Czinkota (2009) posits that it is imperative for both large and small businesses to evaluate how they can incorporate social media in their human resource management practices. The study confirms that social media networks are redefining how businesses undertake their HR management practices. Previously, entrepreneurs relied on traditional methods of recruit employees, which no longer the case as businesses are relying on the connectivity of job applicants through various social media platforms in order to understand their background. Consequently, an organisation is in a position to develop a strong workforce. Social media can also be used to nurture a strong organisational culture. For example, a business can use social media to interact with internal stakeholders such as employees, which will lead to the creation of a sense of involvement amongst employees. Consequently, the probability of developing a strong degree of organis ational identification amongst employees is developed. In their quest to gain new market intelligence. Consequently, social media can be defined as a double-edged showed in that entrepreneurs can understand both positive and negative market feedback regarding its operation (Czinkota 2009). Previously, businesses had a limited scope within which they would have undertaken market research. Today, businesses can undertake market research on potential customers who are widely dispersed. Consequently, businesses are able to adjust their products and services to the prevailing market needs. Moreover, such a market research can enable a firm to develop products that can be accepted in the international market. Thus, the likelihood of achieving profit maximisation goal is high. The study also shows that an organisation can use social media to improve its public image by interacting with customers. For example, an organisation can gain insight on how its products and services contribute to c ustomer satisfaction. Moreover, an organisation can use social media to clarify its position and strategy to deal with the crisis that occurs in the course of its operation. Integrating social media in managing crisis will enhance the process by making it participatory. Thus, the likelihood of attaining effectiveness and efficiency in managing product and store loyalty amongst the customers will be improved. The study shows that there is minimal integration of social media in business operations, especially amongst SMEs. Conclusion and recommendations Social media has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades as evidenced by the large number of social media platforms. Their emergence has had a significant impact on society’s behaviour and experience. Consequently, it is imperative for businesses to consider the most appropriate ways through which they can integrate social media in their operational strategies. However, the study shows that businesses, es pecially SMEs have not fully appreciated the contribution of social media in their operation. Integrating social media in business operation can enhance an organisation’s competitiveness in a number of areas, which include marketing, human resource management and product research and development. Integrating social media in organisations’ marketing practices can lead to improvement in the firms’ level of profitability by creating sufficient market awareness regarding the product and service offered. Therefore, the likelihood of increasing the sales revenue is high and hence profitability is high. The study also underscores the importance of social media in developing a strong human resource base by using social media in their employee recruitment drives. Using social media in the recruitment drive enables an organisation to tap talent from a relatively wide labour market. Thus, an organisation can be able to develop a strong human capital base. The study also sh ows that organisations can also use social in gaining market intelligence on various aspects. Therefore, businesses and entrepreneurs should consider integrating social media in their marketing, human resource management and operational processes. However, it is important for businesses to ensure that they have integrated effective corporate governance and ethical mechanisms in order to improve the effectiveness of utilising social media. A holistic internal strategy on how to utilise social in the businesses operation should be formulated. Moreover, a strong team comprised of individuals who are conversant on how to utilise social media in marketing, human resource management and research and development should be formulated, which will increase the likelihood of successfully incorporating the social media strategy. Reference List Bodnar, K Cohen, J 2011, The B2B social media book: become a marketing superstar by generating leads with blogging, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Email a nd more, John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken. Brunty, J, Helenek, K Miller, L 2013, Social media investigation for law enforcement, Elsevier Science, Oxford. Creswell, J Clark, P 2011, Designing and conducting mixed methods research, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks. Czinkota, M 2009, International marketing, Cengage Learning, London. Deming, W 2002, Sample design in business research, John Wiley and Sons, New York. Jacobson, J 2009, 42 rules of social media for small business, Superstar Press, Cupertino. Jadhav, M, Kamble, R Patil, M 2009, ‘Social media marketing: the next generation of business trends’, Journal of Computer Engineering, vol. 3, pp. 45-59. Leanne, M 2012, ‘Social media and employment: Is there a limit?’ Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, vol. 4 no.1, pp. 1-8. O’Leary, S, Sheehan, K Lentz, S 2011, Small business smarts; building buzz with social media, Praeger, Santa Barbara. Oracle: Is social media transform ing your business. 2012. Web. Maxwell, J 2005, Qualitative research design: an interactive approach, Sage Publication, New Jersey. Pride, W 2009, Business, Cengage Learning, New York. Remenyi, D 2008, The 5th international conference on intellectual capital, Academic Public International, New York. Safko, L 2012, The social media bible; tactics, tools and strategies for business success, John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken. Soderman, S Dolles, H 2013, Handbook of research on sports and business, Edward Elgar, Cheltenhan. Somers, G, Cain, J Jeffrey, M 2009, Essentials VCE business management. Units 1 and 2, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Sweeney, S Craig, R 2011, Social media for business; 101 ways to grow your business without wasting your time, Maximum Press, Gulf Breeze, FL. Thomas, D Barlow, M 2011, The executive’s guide to enterprise social media strategy; how social networks are radically transforming your business, Wiley, Hoboken. Thomas, M Wasmund, S 2011, The smar ter way to do business, Capstone, Chichester. Waters, M 2013, Guide to starting a business, AuthorHouse, London. This report on Significance of social media in business operations was written and submitted by user J0anna to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Quantitative analysis of Guatemala for Guatemala

Quantitative analysis of Guatemala for Guatemala Demographics Total population and population growth since 1960 Guatemala has enjoyed a constant rise in the total population since 1960. With a period of five decades, the population has grown from an estimated 4.16 million in 1960 to 14.75 people in 2011 (Knudsen 19). Within the first decade (that is between 1960 and 1970), the population rose by 31% from 4.16 million to 5.45 million people.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Quantitative analysis of Guatemala for Guatemala specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The population growth per annum has remained generally constant. In fact, there has been little change in population growth every consecutive year. Between 1960 and 1970, the percentage averaged at 2.70%. Since then, the average per every ten years has not been changing by a large margin. For instance, the average annual growth for the Guatemalan population between 1970 and 1980 was 2.56%, while that recorde d between 1980 and 1190 reduced to 2.38%. By the end of the 20th century, the population growth rate averaged at 2.31%, but gained by a small margin to reach 2.47% by 2011. This means that for the last 50 years, Guatemala’s population growth has averaged at 2.48%. Crude death rate It is quite difficult to examine the demographics of any country without an analysis of its death rate (Mittal 12). In this case, we examine the crude death rate (deaths per 1,000 people) in Guatemala since 1960. Statistics indicate that Guatemala’s crude death rate has been reducing significantly over the last 50 years. In fact, it is worth noting that by 1960, the crude death rate stood at 18.995, but by the end of the 21st century, it has reduced by 12.718 to reach 6.277, which is estimated at 70% decrease. This is quite a commendable achievement, whose contributing factors have been explained under health and income rates analysis. Between 1960 and 1970, the annual decrease in crude death rate stood at 16.90%, but this decreased by more than 4%, achieving an average annual death rate of 13.0% by 1980. Similarly, there was significant reduction in the country’s annual death rate, with statistics showing that it the average death rate (crude) for the national population stood at around 10.09 by 1990.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Towards the end of the 20th century, the country had achieved a reduction its average death rate (crude), which had now reached about 7.58%, although the country did not reach its target rate of less than 5% by the turn of the century. However, over the first one decade of the 21st century, Guatemala increasingly reduced its crude death rate, which now stands at 5.76% (by the end of year 2011). This is a great achievement for the country, given its ability to significantly reduce its annual death rate for t he last 50 years. In addition, this is a sign that within the next few decades, the country might be able to achieve a reduction of its crude death rate to less than 2.0% per annum. Economically, this could have been due to an increase in the country’s annuals gains, as indicated by an increasing population of the middle class, increasing volume of GDP, health and education development as well as a revolution of its industries (Vanden and Prevost 56). Crude birth rate Like several other nations in the region, Guatemala has shown its ability to reduce its crude birth rate (number of births per 1000 people) per annum for the last 50 years. For instance, in 1960, the annuals birth rate stood at 46.65, but by the end of the 20th century, the rate had reduced by more than 10 points, reaching 36.61. In addition, this trend continued over the first one decade of the 21st century, with statistics showing that the country’s crude birth rate stood at 31.97 in 2011. Again, this i ndicates a reduction of more than 5 points within a span of 10 years. In fact, this is the largest reduction in the rate of birth per 1000 people per decade over the last 50 years. This is in line with the country’s new policies on industry, agriculture, health and birth control policies that have targeted achievement in reducing both the number of birth and death rates.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Quantitative analysis of Guatemala for Guatemala specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, it is an indication that the country could achieve a constant birth rate of less than 20 per 1000 people within the next few decades. The question on the population’s fertility rate in Guatemala can be examined with an analysis of the number of births per 1000 women over the last 50 years. Here, the country shows a steady decrease in its fertility rate, with statistics showing a decrease of more than 3.0 units. For instance, in 1960, the fertility rate for Guatemala was estimated to be 6.53, but by the end of 20th century, it had reduced by more than 2.5 units, reaching an approximated rate of 4.8. In addition, the reduction was witnessed over the next one decade, with the current statistics showing that the fertility rate has reduced significantly, reaching 3.92 in 2011. These statistics clearly indicate a good trend in maintaining a healthy population in a country considered as a third world nation. In fact, an important factor indicates a good rate of economic and social development. Theoretically, it would be possible to see Guatemala as a country where the number of births per household has reduced by more than 50% of the period of 50 years. It is an indication that the country’s middle class is on the rise, while the people living poorly, especially due to lack of jobs and good education, and is on the decline. Despite the constant political and economic problems facing the country, it is worth seeing the real changes in its population from the perspectives of social development, as indicated by these statistics (Watson and Kirby 127). Age structure Population structure The structure of population in Guatemala can be used as an important aspect to explain the observed changes in its social and economic development over the last 50 years.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, looking at the ratio of males to females, young to adults and the aged and the employed to unemployed people, we are in a better position to explain why the rate of poverty, literacy and economy have changed in a given way over a given period. In this case, we choose to look at these rations within a span of 50 years from 1960 to 2010 as well as including the current statistics taken by the end of year 2011. With these statistics, it is possible to reflect Guatemala’s social and economic development and perhaps predict what should be expected within the next few decades, assuming stability in its political and civil situations. First, it is worth looking at and analyzing the proportion of the children in the country’s population. Between 1960 and 2000, the number of children between the ages of 0 to 14 years, taken as a percentage of the total population per annum, has been reducing, albeit by only a small margin, every 10 years. For instance, in 1960, ch ildren within this age category made some 45.71%, but a constant reduction saw this group of young people account for 44.01% by the end of the 20th century. In addition, this change has been observed within the last one decade, with the number of children in this age category now making 41.14% of the total population. However, it is worth noting that between 2000 and 2011, the change has been large and more significant than in the previous decades. It is worth noting that within the first one decade of the 21st century, the number reduced by almost 4%, which means that there has been some changes in population trend within this period. It may also provide us with an insight into the country’s rate of industrialization, economic growth and development as well as the impact of these on social and cultural factors (Kintner 51). Within this context, it is important to consider the changes in Guatemala’s ratio of adults against the young people. However, we cannot take it f or granted that the adult population is constant because there are several categories in this age structure. In addition, dividing the population of the adult people into distinct age groups per age will give us an insight into the country’s production potential, its size of labor force and liabilities in terms of the number of dependent (aged) people (Bloom, Canning and Seville 93). Looking at the number of people aged between 15 and 64 years, it is evident that the country’s working population is quite large and has gained over the last 50 years. For instance, by 1960, Guatemala’s population of the people in this age category stood at 51.68%, which means that this was the largest group of people in the country, exceeding half of the population by 1%. An increase in this group of people is significant. In fact, this age category has never reduced within any period of 10 years since 1960, although in some years, it has been increasing by minimal digits. However, in total, the country has increased its population of working population from 51.68% in 1960 to about 54.12% in 2010 and currently stands at 54.5%. This is an indication that within a span of 50 years, the country has achieved a 3% increase in its working population. It is worth noting that again, the largest change in this category has been experienced within the first one decade of the 20th century because this is the period in which the country gained by around 3% in terms of the number of people in the 15-65 age category. This further shows some changes in the country’s social and economic sector within a period of just ten years. In addition, it is an indication that the country’s future in terms of economic and social development could be headed towards a second world status, but only if the political and economic leadership remains commendably healthy (Weber 43). The population of the aged people (beyond the age of 65 years), on the other hand, has been experie ncing the least significant change within the last 50 years. It appears that the average rate of ageing in Guatemala could be compromised. For instance, between 1960 and 2000, the country’s population of the aged gained from 2.62% of the total population to only 4.31% in 2010. In fact, the 0.31% was only gained between 2000 and 2011. Overall, the country’s aged population gained by less than 2.0% within a span of 50 years, which indicates that despite having a constantly growing number of the working class and a reduction in its rate of dependency, there could be a crisis because most people do not reach the age of 65. In addition, this could provide an indication that the life expectancy in Guatemala could be less than 65 years for an average person. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the trend in the life expectancy in Guatemala over the same period. Nevertheless, it is important to look at the country’s population in terms of the number of females to the n umber of males in order to look at the life expectancy later in the analysis. Surprisingly, Guatemala seems to be one of the countries in the world that has made significant gains in increasing the life expectantly of its citizens. For instance, by 1960, the country’s people had a life expectancy of just 45.75 years, which in this case was characteristic of underdeveloped nations. However, the country experienced a significant growth in the life expectancy, reaching 52.04 years by the end of 1970 (Sheehan and Koh 21). This indicates a growth of more than 6.5 years within a period of ten years, and an average annual growth of about 0.67years. The change continued over the 1970s, with the life expectancy rate reaching 57.31 years by 1980. Similarly, the country made significant gains over the last two decades, with statistics showing that it the life expectancy in Guatemala had reached an average of 62.29 years in 1990 before jumping again to 67.74 years by the end of the 20th century. Within the first years of the 21st century, Guatemala has experienced a significant growth in the people’s life expectancy, with 2011 statistics showing that an average person in Guatemala is expected to live up to an average of 71.10 years. In fact, this is an increase of the expectancy rate by more than 25 years within a period of 50 years. The average growth in life expectancy for every 10-year period in a series of five categories of 10 years since 1960 indicates that the country has been gaining all through. For instance, between 1960 and 1970, the country gained by 6.2 years, which is equal to an average change of 0.62 years. In addition, it indicates that the country’s population was expected to live up to an average of 48.70 years within that decade. However, between 1970 ad 1980, the people were expected to be living up to an average of 55.26 years, an average improvement of around 6.56 years. Secondly, the periods between 1980 and 1990 and from 1990 and 2000 experienced some significant growths in life expectancy, with the population expected to live up to 62.29 years by 1990 and up to 67.74 years by the end of the 20th century. Within the first one decade of the 21st century, the country’s life expectancy has continued to increase significantly, with the latest statistics showing that a normal Guatemalan is expected to live up to the age of 71 years. From this analysis, it is worth arguing that the country is on the right track because an increase in life expectancy is an indication of positive economic and social growth. There have been tremendous improvement in life expectancy per gender, with the trend showing a higher expectancy rate for women that that of men (Martins, Yusuf and Swanson 73). For instance, a Guatemalan male had life expectancy of48.88 years in 1960, but has been increasing significantly over the years. By 1970, an average person in the country was expected to live up to 50.1 years, 55.23 in 1980 and 59.39 in 1990. This trend continued, with the male life expectancy reaching 64.77 in 1990 and 67.34 by the end of 2000. Over the last one decade, life expectancy for males in the country has reached an all time high of 68 years. Similarly, female life expectancy has enjoyed massive growth since 1960. For example, in 1960, females were expected to live up to the age of 46.66 years, but increased to 53.396 by 1970. Between 1970 and 1980 and between 1980 and 1990, the average life expectancy for women experienced tremendous improvement by reaching 59.45 and 65.32 respectively. By 2000, the figure had risen to 71.4 before jumping to an all-time high of 74.72 in 2010. It is also worth noting that women have always had higher than that of males, with the disparity increasing every ten years. For instance, the disparity between then in 1960 was just 1.78 years, but by 2010, it had increased to 7.1 years. This indicates that the country has invested much on social and health affairs, espec ially in reducing maternal death rate (Mittal 32). Bloom, David, David Canning, and Jaypee Seville. Economic growth and the demographic transition. New York: National Bureau of Economic Research, 2011. Print. Kintner, Hallie. Demographics: A Casebook for Business and Government. Washington, DC: Rand Corporation, 2012. Print. Knudsen, Shannon. Guatemala. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications, 2011. Print. Martins, Jo, Farhat Yusuf and David Swanson. Consumer Demographics and Behaviour: Markets Are People. New York, NY: Springer, 2010. Print. Mittal, Anderson. Planning for Urban and Economic Development. New York, Ny: Mittal Publications, 2010. Print. Sheehan, Sean and Magdalene Koh. Guatemala. TarryTown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2011. Print. Vanden, Harry and Gary Prevost. Guatemala- Politics of Latin America: The Power Game. London: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print. Watson, Anna and David A. Kirby. Small Firms and Economic Development in Developed and Transition Economies. New Yo rk, NY: Springer, 2011. Print. Weber, Lars. Demographic Change and Economic Growth Simulation on Growth Models Physica. Mason, OH: Cengage learning, 2010. Print.

AQR vi.d.9 assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

AQR vi.d.9 - Assignment Example In this analysis, the number of times a company pays a dividend was considered. Also, price to earnings ratio was considered. Consequently, the two approaches resulted to the selection criterion whereby the firms with a high price to earnings ratio and paid dividends four times a year were preferred. Finally, technical analysis was conducted. Under this analysis, the main consideration was the price activity on the stock chart. As such, the firms with a relatively stable trend were preferred. The combination of the three forms on analysis was used to arrive at the selected stocks and the amount of stocks that were invested in each. The beta value of the portfolio is -25.15180862 against a benchmark of -32.701. The figure is computed by summing the change in value of the portfolio and dividing the figure by the summation of changes in value of the benchmark. Therefore, the portfolio Beta beat the market value Beta since -25.1518062% is greater than -32.701%. However, in the two cases, Beta is negative implying that the general trend is opposite to that of the market. The game serves as an eye opener on the importance of computing individual beta value. The reason is that having an individually computed Beta value eliminates the limitation that may be found with the S & P 500 benchmark due to its generalization. As a result, one can have precise Beta value for a portfolio which specifically focuses on the stocks themselves. The approach improves the accuracy in one’s ability to predict the

Online discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Online discussion - Essay Example With this in mind, the use of critical literacy is important for children’s learning and social development because this particular instructional approach enables the students to carefully examine and decode critical perspectives on texts they read. Through critical literacy, students are expected to understand how these texts could significantly influence and change their perspectives on how they should act as one of the members within the society. Dora is one of Mattel and Nickelodeon’s famous cartoon characters for female children. To ensure that the older Dora version will not create wrong perception on how teenage children should be like, the company exerted an effort to gather opinions from mothers who patronage Dora as a suitable toy for their children (SFGate, 2011). Q.2 What can adults do to support children’s critical literacy? Parents and adults have a significant role to play when it comes to children’s critical literacy. At a very young age, c hildren do not have the ability to distinguish the differences between good and bad image and action. In the absence of proper guidance from the adults, children can easily be influenced by what they see, hear, or read without actually knowing whether or not the thing they have absorbed is good.

The Great Depression Brought Changes to Art in Many Ways Essay Example for Free

The Great Depression Brought Changes to Art in Many Ways Essay Life In America was more open and out going then normal. Jazz clubs opened up at mostly every block, where young vibrant people would go drink and dance the night away. This kind of social activity was looked down upon by older citizens that thought this kind of behavior was inappropriate. This would ultimately lead up to prohibition and the first time ver in American history an amendment was excused making alcohol illegal in the United States. This caused crime rates to skyrocket within American cities causing some of the most notorious gangsters in American history to emerge, such as A1 Capone. So many other things came out of the roaring 20s, such as inventions of the automobile, radio and airplanes, new fashion styles, skyscrapers and movies. With life changing, so did art. Mostly throughout the 1920s there were a variety of art movements and styles that were popular. Such as surrealism, Art Deco, reglonallsm and with new technologies came photography and also film. In 1929 the stock market crashed causing many people jobs and their life savings. Banks were continuing to fail and jobless workers would rely on crime and theft to support their families. With the stock market crash and many people in debt, this paved the way for many artists to express their feelings, through painting, architecture [pic]and photography. One of the most popular art movements during this time was known as American Scene painting. This art movement rejected the earlier European Modernist and abstract styles. It primarily depicted realistic scenes of American life. One of the famous American scene painters was Charles Sheeler and was known as a Precisionist painter. HIS paintings mainly consisted of simplified forms of American factories and buildings and used crisped defined edges with smooth brushwork throughout his paintings. Above is his famous work titled simply mostly found in American architecture, Jewelry, furniture, clothes and handcrafts through out the 1920s. Its geometrical design with parallel lines kept the sleekness style throughout the 1920s. Surrealism was originally formed in Europe and with art students from America they had brought the style over to the United States. Some of the most popular surrealist was Alexander Calder and Joseph Cornell. Calder was a sculptor and an engineer who was inspired by surrealist painters in Europe to sculpt and create moveable pieces of art. One of his famous works was Lobster Trap and Fish Tail. All of the parts moved, not mechanically, but with the wind. People think he was an abstract artist, but he wanted to stimulate the imagination. Regionalism was another art movement that was influenced by the American Scene painting. Grant Wood was a regionalist painter who focused on the everyday living in America. His American Gothic is a realistic painting of what appears to be a husband and wife in front of their farm house. But it is actually supposed to be an older Iowa farmer and his daughter. The Regionalist movement is divided into two groups. One is the social realist and was influenced by the social troubles of the lower class. The other was the Regionalist and they were more focused of the positive side of things (such as Grant Wood), hoping to drive America out of the depression. A Regionalist painter named Thomas Hart Benton, painted his Instruments of Power from the mural America today. Which shows a mural of all sorts of technological improvements during this time period. It consists of a train, plain, electric towers, steam engines and other symbols of industry. The social realists were primarily focused on the American worker and sought to change the hard economic times of the Great Depression. In fact, most of the social realists rejected idealism and focused their attention o n how the artists saw the subjects and depicted how they felt about the subject. Social realist style was associated with hard-edged muscular figures that are distorted and morphed. The movements main goal was to show struggles of the working America. The leading social realist during this time was Aaron Douglas, who was also the leading artists for the Harlem Renaissance. During World War l, million of African Americans moved to the north to look for jobs. In the south there was not much opportunity at all for African Americans. This would be later called the Great Migration. This would cause great racial tension in the north. In Harlem, eager to share their social thoughts with the rest of the world, African Americans would then explore their new surroundings and experiment with usic, writing and art that revolutionize the Harlem Renaissance. Aaron Douglas would be the forefront of the Harlem Renaissance. He would produce great works, such as Aspects of Negro Life: From Slavery Through Reconstruction. This piece was meant for African Americans to realize they are part of this world and this country. The painting is a reenactment of the Emancipation Proclamati on, which suggests that Douglas was trying to reinforce their part in history. Douglass style was highly influenced abstract style. He would use a limited color palette in his paintings using a ariety of light and dark contrasts within his works. In contrast to Aaron Douglas, a young Jacob Lawrence would appear, painting a series called The Migration of the station. He used an abstract style and simple shapes that fits the forms of Cubism and African American folk art. In March 1933, newly elected president Franklin D. Roosevelt suggested a plan to revitalize the American economy. The plan was called the new deal and was simply a promise to the American people that this new plan would get America out of the economic depression. Many organizations came out of this new deal plan. For starving artist, this gave them a prime opportunity to make money and also to show their works of art. The Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) was an organization that was going to give artist work. The PWAP did not last long but it gave artists a reviving boost. Then in 1935 a much similar organization established called the Federal Art Project (FAP) employed over 5,000 artists from 1935 to 1943. Artists such as Michael Lensin would benefit from this organization. His mural Mining gives a true understanding of the American worker. Much of the FAP art were murals, sculptures nd frescos that still exist throughout the country. Most of the subject matter in these works of art was mainly about American struggle and American prosperity and achievements. These organizations would not Just produce painters, but would also produce great photographers that would capture real live images of people. This new technology would then revolutionize photography and will inspire future photographe rs throughout history. Photography was the most popular forms of art during the Great Depression. With new technology for cameras it was easy for photographers to capture images everywhere they went. The photographs captured real people with real struggles. It also captured the harsh reality of the Great Depression. Many photographers would go a different course and try to promote more positive images such as young people dancing and having a good time. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) would hire these photographers to capture certain images to promote positive life. The Great Depression was a time period when people needed to see the harsh realities of the Depression and how it effect people, especially the lower class citizens. A photographer such as Walker Evans was known as one of the masters of hotography. He took pictures of many people during the Great Depression and showed the grueling struggles of Americans. Walkers use of lighting, composition and capturing great detail was what made him a pioneer in the photography world. His photos of sharecroppers and immigrants during the Depression show the harsh realities of their situation. He was hired by the Farm Securit y Administration (FSA) to take a series of photographs of families living in run down homes. A photo taken in 1936 shows a family living in poor and dirty conditions posing in front of the camera. They all look run down and defeated. He placed them directly into the center of photograph making sure that they were the focal point of this picture. You can see throughout the picture Just how terrible these living conditions were. He would then carry out more series of photographs of the lower class during the Great Depression. imagery of the Depression to show viewers the impact of the struggling economy. The Farm Security Administration was aware of how photographs impacted public thought. There are Pictures such as mioung Girls Knitting Stockings in Southern Hosiery Mill by Lewis W. Hine, which shows girls in a factory working in a harsh tmosphere. This was an earlier photo taken during World War l. He would then focus more on the progress of America. He took an extraordinary photo called Rivetting on the dome, a quarter mile up. It was a photo taken of workers during the construction of the Empire State building. Some photographers took pictures of the positive, many photographers were more curious about the stru ggles during the Great Depression. One photographer in particular was Dorothea Langes

Documenting The Depression Essay -- essays research papers

Documenting the Depression: The FSA photographers and Rural Poverty   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Great Depression fell hard in the year of 1935 bringing what seemed to some people the end of the world. But in truth, the Great Depression was nothing near the end of the world, in fact the year of 1935 was not the first year nor was it the last year that many families had suffered and went hungry due to lack of work. Families forced to leave their home. Children going in hunger while their bellies pierced with pain. Mothers trying desperately to keep the family together while holding the brunt of the problems due to the depression. The husbands feeling the guilt for not having a job and thinking that it is his fault. Children scream with lack of food and sheer boredom as the families pack their bags and head towards California in hopes to find work and the start of a new life. This is a painted picture of what one might have saw during the Great Depression. However, we need not imagine what it might have been like. What pictures might have looked like because we already know.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Photography was a technological advance during the nineteenth century and although not many people had cameras, the ones that did, did not miss the opportunity to capture the cruel times of that period. In John Vachon’s picture taken in 1940, he shows an abandoned farmhouse in Ward County, North Dakota. Vachon also takes a picture of the living quarters of a fruit packing home for the workers in Berrien, Michigan in 1940. The small confinements of the house could barely suit one person let alone a whole family. Dorothea Lang, another photographer of that time shots photos of a migrant mother in Nipomo, California in 1936. Her face stern and wrinkled. A look of sadness and concern appears on her tired face while her two children cling on to her shoulder. She also took a picture of a Mexican migrant workers home in Imperial Valley, California in 1937. His home is merely anymore than a small bedroom. A shack made out of cardboard and what appears to be aluminu m. Once again, hardly set for one person let alone a family. These conditions were not anything unusual. Unfortunately, those were the times during the Great Depression and the photographers could not have captured them any better.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Great Depression ended because of... ..., North Carolina in 1939. That picture was taken by Marion Post Wolcott and it shows the owner neatly pressed wearing a black suit and hat smoking a cigar. Arthur Rothstein took another picture in 1940 that one also depicts an owner of a mule dealer in Creedmoor, North Carolina neatly pressed in a black suit only smoking a cigarette as opposed to a cigar. Those were the people who didn’t care that people were suffering, they didn’t care if they had no home and most of all, they didn’t care if children went hungry. They were in it for they money. So when I look at those pictures and think what the American middle class worker at that time would think, I hatefully have to say that they would not care one way or another. You win some, you lose some.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Great Depression was a tragic era in history. To sum up the feelings and hard times that people had suffered through would be nearly impossible. But like I stated in the previous pages, the pictures tell no lies. The pictures cannot erase the expression on people’s faces or the appearance that portray. The evidence is in the pictures, it always has been and it will remain to do so until the end of time.

Gone with the Wind

The movie Gone with the Wind (1939) is considered the most beloved, popular and of everlasting relevance. It has won several Oscar awards in 1939. Produced by David O Selznick, and directed by Victor Fleming, the film was released a few months after WWII began in Europe. It enabled the American viewers to identify with the war and its theme of survival. It was based on a novel written by Margaret Mitchell about civil war and reconstruction in America. Producer, David O Selznick had obtained the movie right to Mitchell’s novel in 1936 for $50,000. The renowned film was shot in Technicolor which was used very rarely in those times. The historical classic movie of the Old South during civil war period boasts of an eternal cast in a timeless, classic tale of love-hate romance. The movie covers the various romantic pursuits of the resolute heroine Scarlett OHara, against the background of historical events. Ashley, the man she loves marries her cousin, Melanine. She finds it difficult to find love during the civil war years and is forced to seek shelter for herself and her family in the plantation Tara. She defends it against union soldiers, carpetbaggers and even against starvation. Scarlet marries Rhett Butler but the marriage fails due to her indifference towards him. She again returns to Tara. Cinematography: Cinematography is the art of making camera and lighting choices when recording photographic images for the cinema.Techniocolour was not widely used when the film Gone with the Wind was being filmed. Moreover, it carried several disadvantages. Selznick borrowed all the seven heavy, cumbersome cameras of the Technicolor Corporation for shooting. Each picture had colour consulant who had the power to reject any colour scheme she felt was incompatible with colour cinematography. Moreover, the technical advisers, who were supposed to assist the cinematographers, had only worked with black and white film. Technicolor required double the amount of lighting for illumination of a scene. Selznick had previously worked with technicolour. He knew that it would be very important in giving Gone with the Wind visual richness needed for a classic drama. Actually, Selznick wanted the film’s colour to have the same impact as the characters emotions. He was so determined in it and went to the extent of dismissing the first cinematographer, Lee Garmes, for choosing a colour scheme which Selznick thought was very much subdued. The next cinematographer, Ernest Haller, was more successful in obtaining more glowing effects. Selznick had realized that shadow formed an important part in a scene’s visual impact. He asked his colour consultant to shoot Scarlett and her father on the hill at Tara. With the farm gleaming brightly in the distance, the ensuing farming effect strongly emphasizes Gerald’s feeling about the significance of the land. Selznick employs this silhouetting to the similar effect in the film’s final scene, when Scarlett stands on the same mount as she comes home to Tara. Another use of shadow is to highlight moments that focus on relationship between characters in the film. It is first used in the form of the frightening shadows Melanie and Scarlett cast on the walls of temporary hospital. Later on, delivery of Melanie’s baby is lighted with silver streams of light. The darkness in the scene renders it more personal and gives it a powerful simplicity. (Fleming, 1939). The use of Matte painting was another technique which Selznick adapted from black and white film to Technicolour. When a shot is filmed, the area to be painted in afterwards is covered with black matte paint on a glass screen positioned in front of the camera. Afterwards, a colour scale illustration of the omitted portion is shot to cover the blacked out area. Clarence Silfer, the special effects cinematographer of Gone with the Wind used the technique to complete a number of sets that were only partially finished. All, Outhouses, Tara’s side views, background vegetation, the train station roof, the twelve oak plantation, the decorations in the old armoury, some of the wounded soldiers lying on the ground in long shots, and an entire street of burning houses, were matte paintings Film editing Editing is the art of establishing rhythm in film. People often does not notice or acknowledge the contribution of film editor. Major aspects of the editing of a film are created outside the editing room. The director, script writer, and photographer are also involved in editing. One of the responsibilities of the editor is to ensure that intentions of the scriptwriter have correctly been portrayed in the film. Hal C. Kern, the film editor of Gone with the Wind, won the Oscar award for film editing. One can clearly observe that smooth flow of events which are portrayed in the film. In this film, there is an outstanding use of color for the enhancement of dramatic mood. Production design Production designer is the in charge of the film’s art department which consists of an art director, prop master, costume designer and a ser decorator. He works in close association with director, and director of photography to produce film’s feel and look by choosing the right shapes, colours and compositions for each shot. A production designer’s duties cover far beyond extending support because a movie is eventually a visual medium, its visual material is almost like another character, itself producing a mood and bringing out an emotional response from the spectators. Production design involves lot of planning and the production designer should be able to strike a balance between his own creative vision with the film’s need for authenticity of place and time. Lyle Wheeler, the art director of Gone with the Wind, won an Oscar for his efforts in the movie. Work cited Fleming, Victor. Dir. Gone with the Wind, (1939). Selznick I