Intro to Macro Notes

A situation In which unlimited wants exceed the Ilmlted resources available to fulfill those wants Economics: The study of the choices people make to attain their goals, given their scarce resources. Economic Model: A simplified version of reality used to analyze real-world economic situations.Often based on unrealistic assumptions that simplify the problem at hand without substantially affecting the validity of the answer No one model can address every important topic, so we will learn diff models as we study difftopics Economic analysis may be positive or normative: Positive analysis: Analysis concerned with what is Positive statements can be evaluated as true or false using only data. For example, â€Å"After speeding cameras were Installed on 1-38, the average speed of motorists dec reased. † Normative analysis: Analysis concerned with what ought to be.Normative statemnts involve personal values, so they cannot be evaluated as true or flase using only data â€Å"the gover nemtn should install addition speeding cameras on 1-380 Economics is studied on two levels: Microeconomics: The study of how households and firms make choices, how they nteract in markets, and how the government attempts to influence their choices. Macroeconomics: The study ot the economy as a whole including topics such as Inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. Micro and macro are closely Interwlned because changes In the overall economy arise from the decisions of individual households and firms.CHAPTER 2 Trade off: The idea hat because of scarcity, producing more of one good or service means producing less of another good or service PPH A curve snowlng tne maxlmum attalnaDle comDlnatlons 0T two products tn ay be produced with available resources and current technology The PPF is an economic model used to analyze the tradeoffs that individuals firms, and countries face when deciding how to employ their scarce resources. Combinations outside the PPF are unattainable, given t he available resources and current technology (scarcity) Combinations inside or on the PPF are attainable, given current shit.Inside the PPF is ineffificent, reosuces are not being used and possible for economy to produce more of one without making more of other Comibinations of the PPF are efficient because the maximum output obtained from he available resouces are current technology so it is impossible for the economy to produce more of one good without producing less of the other(Trade ofO Oportunity cost: The highest-valued alternative that must be given up to engage in an activity Every choice has an opportunity cost because every choice has a next-best alternative In our pPF example near can use all is avaible resources and current technology to produce either 200 laptops per week or 400 tablets per week 200L=400T so 1 L=2T and IT=O. L Near's Marginal opportunity cost of 1 laptop is constant at 2 tablets, meaning that for Near to produce 1 more laptop, it must give up producin g 2 tablets; inversely, Near's marginal opportunity cost of 1 tablet is constant at one-half of a laptop, meaning that for Near to produce 1 more tablet, it must give up producing one-half of a laptop In the same example, Far can use all resources and currnet technology to produce either 220 laptops per week or 1100 tablets per week 220L=1100T, so IL-5T and IT=. 2L Fars marginal opportunity cost of 1 laptop is constant at 5 tablets, and Fars marginal opportunity cost of 1 tablet is constant at one-fifth ofa laptopA bowed-out PPF illustrates increasing marginal opportunity costs: as the economy increases it production of one good in one-unit increments, it must decrease tis production of the other good by larger and larger amounts (see page 44 of the textbook for a numerical example) I nls occurs Decause some resources are netter sultea to produce one g ratner than the other A bowed-out PPF is more realistic than a straight-line PPF but we use straight-line PPFs for simplicity (the c onclusions are the same for both) At any given time, the resources available to an economy are fixed, but over time, the esources available to an economy may increase or decrease. When an economy gains resources, its PPF shirts outward, and when an economy loses resources , its PPF shifts inward An improvement in technology makes it possible for an economy to produce more goods and services with the same amount of resources, so the economy's PPF shifts outward when technology improves. Economic Growth: The ability of the economy to increase the production of goods and services. Outward shifts of an economys PPF represent economic growth EXAMPLES: illustrate the effect of each of the following on a bowed-out PPF for corn and computers:Comparative advantage: The ability of an individual, a firm or country to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than competitors Near has the compartative advantage in the production of laptops: Far's marginical opportunity cost of 1 lap top is 5 tablets, while nears marginial oppurnity cost of 1 laptop is only 2 tablets. Far has the comparative advantage in the production of tablets. Near's marginal opportunity cost of 1 tablet is one-half of a laptop, while far's marginal opportunity cost of 1 tablet is only one-fifth ofa laptop. It is possitble o have the absolute advantage without having comparative advantage n production of that good (far and laptops) It is possible to have comparative advantage without having absolute advantage too. near and laptops) Gains from trade arise form specialization and trade are based on comparative advantage.

Character Analysis: Mephistopheles

In Goethe’s Faust, Mephistopheles is presented as a servant of the Devil. His chief function is to search for corrupt men and collect their souls. Mephistopheles’ appearance to Faust signifies that Faust’s soul is in danger of damnation. Some scholars claimed that Mephistopheles, although a servant of Satan, is not entirely evil. In the third part of the play, Mephistopheles even warned Faustus not to sell his soul t Lucifer. There are indications that he even advised Faust to seek and reenter God’s favor by foregoing his unwarranted desires. In post-classical literary criticism, Mephistopheles is even depicted as a protector of souls in danger of damnation – a fallen angel who retained some good. Some scholars argued that Mephistopheles is the material manifestation of Faust’s bad conscience. He is perceived to be an angel who permitted Faust to act on endless possibilities. This limitless freedom is synonymous to a life free from God. Indeed, according to some scholars, Mephistopheles represents this limitless freedom. However, it should be noted that Mephistopheles is not merely a symbolic representation of evil. In the play, he is portrayed as a fallen angel – a servant of Satan who collects the soul of damned individuals. The traditional definition of evil is, however, retained in Mephistopheles’ character. The first scene of the play is somehow imitated from one of the most popular stories in the Bible, the story of Job. Faust is a humble teacher and doctor to the poor. He is the proof that there are still men who are truly dedicated to God. Mephistopheles approaches God and mocks Faust for his endless search for understanding. He tells God that such character is a weakness – that it is impossible to fully understand the cosmos. God allows Mephistopheles to ‘tempt’ Faust. Mephistopheles is overtly happy, presumably because he knew that he could easily sway Faust away from God. In his study table, Faust reads some commentaries on the Bible and philosophical tracts. He is deeply sad because after studying so many tracts and books, he still cannot understand the mysteries of the universe. At some point in time, he considers committing suicide. It is Easter Morning. Faust reads the first chapter of the Gospel of John. Mephistopheles then suddenly appeared disguised as a scholar. The two men talk and after which, Faust convinces him to return. . Mephistopheles then appears to Faust, this time in his true form. He offers Faust all the wonders of the world in exchange for his soul. Faust immediately agrees (believing that the soul is not immortal) on the condition that he must experience the greatest pleasure that can be possibly attained. Mephistopheles agrees. A blood pact is then signed. Note the overt traditionalism of the first chapter of the play. Contrary to post-modernist criticism of the play, Mephistopheles is depicted not only as the agent of Satan but also as the bearer of true evil. His proud stature as a fallen angel is a proof that he is fully capable of swaying men away from God. Indeed, Mephistopheles is not only Faust’s bad conscience; he is an incarnate of evil – a creature whose existence is independent from that of either Faust or his conscience.

Groups and Teams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Groups and Teams - Essay Example In the first section of this document, I shall critically discuss the impact of Belbin team roles in the three areas that I shall major: leadership skills, problem solving and decision making. Moreover, I shall inculcate the Mary Brown scenario and relate it to the specific three theories discussed. Additionally, I shall deliver an eventual concise summary on the Belbin team roles. Moreover, I have critically explored the above-mentioned areas, with regard to thorough studies I have conducted and which I have cited within the text. Groups and Teams Apparently, all teams are groups but not all groups are teams. Definitely, a group is any given number of entities that are considered as a complete unit. Moreover, a collection of various people who share various aspects, interact freely with each other, give in to obligations and rights as members of the specific group and share an identity form an entity. Moreover, groups are established to segregate the incident into practical areas of operation. Additionally, a collection of individuals who operate together to deliver products or services are mutually accountable. The members of the team share common goals and are mutually accountable for accomplishing them while affecting interactions between them. Each member of the team is held responsible for the work of integrating with each other since the entire team is held accountable. Groups embody various traits that are retrospective relative to those of teams. For instance, group members have paltry communication, they lack vision, members always seek to conceive their identity, leaders are manipulative, the whole group entity is ideally less than the summation of its independent parts, their members have exclusive cliques and there is minimal support. As disputed to groups, teams have advantageous traits that include plentiful support, members always seek to find identity, there is honesty and openness, there are numerous opportunities for motivation and new member s are always welcome and communication is effective. Mary Brown Scenario This scenario regards a situation where a family in a given town faces problems emanating from drug abuse. For instance, George Smith and Mary Brown, the father and mother respectively; to three children: Joe, Lucy and Tom have numerous problems within their marriage, issues that come from intake of drugs and short temperedness. This scenario also encompasses the outside parties concerned with the family, with an aim to help them elude the problems they face. This inculcates Ann, the family’s social service worker, Teachers, welfare personnel and youth workers among others who seem to have issues with effective communication across their specific agencies. Theories on the Leadership Skills, Problem Solving and Decision Making Linked With Mary Brown Scenario With regard to leadership skills, the Mary Brown scenario applies in the sense that virtually all involved parties have weaknesses in one aspect or t he other in process of trying to work as a team. For example, Ann, the family’s social worker seems to be overly concerned with helping the family by addressing the need to hold a meeting with the concerned parties such as the police, youth workers, welfare officers, teachers and drug advisors among others. This shows that she is a leader of good sort. With regard to George’s family, he is anticipated to take leadership over his family though he

How Does Paid Employment Affect Your Identity Essay - 3

How Does Paid Employment Affect Your Identity - Essay Example Our identity also changes as our surroundings and our roles in it changes, which then translates that it is also what we chose to prioritise, what we rationally chose to fulfil, and what we may prefer to be concerned about (Martin and Barresi, 2003). In another setting, different kinds of people can come together under one larger and unified group that has similar visions and goals. Often called the organisation, it is both an entity and a concept in itself, which links together identity, power, inequality, freedom and knowledge all under a conceptual framework (Knights and Willmott, 2007). The behaviour and interaction of people working within an organisation is called organisational behaviour. It addresses broadly the interaction of people within all types of organisations like business, government, university and service organisations (Singh, 2010). To understand how an individual would behave in a group setting, there is no magic bullet to solve all kinds of organisational kinds. Also, humans have different identities, which would make the study of organisational behaviour even more erratic and unpredictable, hence the need for a multidisciplinary approach which borrows ideas from behavioural sciences, management and other disciplines (Singh, 2010 and Knights and Willmott, 2007). For example, an individual can be studied without considering the organization. But because the organization influences and is influenced by the individual, there is also the need to study something about the organization (Knights and Willmott, 2007). Organizations influence more or less the lives of many people. They provide rules and regulations (governments), source of income (workplace), where individuals are raised and trained (schools, universities), among others (Griffin and Moorhead, 2010). We can also have multiple roles in different organizations (consumers, employees, suppliers, students, owners, etc.). For that, the study of organizational behaviour is deemed important. In an organization, there are employment relations, hierarchy, a division of labor, as well as a degree of permanence or continuity (Knights and Willmott, 2007). Knowing what a person’s role would be in an organization would dictate his or her roles, which would more or less be the same with persons of the same rank in the ladder. The formation of small groups within an organization helps in affirming the roles of members within a particular rank. It also has a powerful effect on the morale, attitude, motivation and work performance of the group members (Singh, 2010). Members of a group associate themselves with their group and this shapes their attitude and behaviour with regards to the organisation. The formation of such groups, when fully harnessed by the top management, will provide the necessary workforce that would have highly effective members with high performance goals. Thus, the participation in such organisations by individuals with different roles would help in d eveloping and confirming their sense of identity within the group (Knights and Willmott, 2007, and Singh, 2010). In an organizational setting, many cultures and ideas are often taught to all, if not most members. For example, a culture of autonomy implemented in a certain workplace could give a sense of empowerment for their employees since they experience a sense of discretion or freedom

MOD 4 SLP FIN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

MOD 4 SLP FIN - Essay Example For the fiscal year 2011, Dell has planned to open up company owned stores and service centre in some of the developing Asian countries to target the maturing market and get the maximum chunk of the market share. Currently the country under observation is one where Dell has been observing a significant share being taken away by Acer due to provision of services locally and the rest being threatened by HP/Compaq. Dell plans to start with opening up 3 stores in that country. Each store would cost $300,000 for acquisition of commercial land plus $100,000 to make it running along with inventory of laptops, desktops and other accessories (working capital). Thus the total initial investment required is around $400,000 for each of the 3 stores/service centers. It is expected that Revenues will increase by $900,000 each year if the company implements the new project. Operating Expenses will increase by $600,000 in the following years. We assume that the tax bracket in the country in which Dell will be operating is 35%. There are several issues involved in projecting cash flows, revenues, and expenses and above all getting the project through the management team and getting the majority shareholders to approve a project when competition is fierce and profit margins are shrinking. The cost estimation of the initial outlay is estimated by the product/business development department whereas revenue forecasting is the responsibility of the sales/marketing department. Operating costs are estimated by the various officers like the finance manager, accountant and tax experts of the company. There can be several issues in projecting the cash flows. A major concern is the over or under estimation due to few biases or lack of experience about such projects. Secondly the errors can be due to inadequate capital rationing, not considering the salvage values and ignoring sometimes the

Economic Concepts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Economic Concepts - Essay Example Basically, "free trade" can be seen as exchanging least value (i.e. money, cash, credit, etc) for optimum services or goods. That is, on an individual's level, a person wishing to wash and iron her pants, for example, is going to send her pants to a laundry rather than wash a pair of pants herself (Blinder, n.d.). In economic speak, choosing to produce goods and services domestically or abroad implies - given free flow of goods, services, and human Pants, once more. An individual choosing to wash and iron her pants is opting for resources (e.g. time and physical energy) channeled into an activity in which resources might be utilized differently. That is, in terms of economic benefits costs involved to "purchase" goods or services are not limited to strict monetary value but extends to cover a wide range of implied costs ("Opportunity Cost," n.d.). The (economic) decision by individuals as well as states is one, consequently, limited by what options individuals and/or states choose in order to maximize utility of an (economic) activity. In economic parlance, "opportunity costs" is an investment in present as well as future opportunities for most efficient allocation of resources. Strategically, a state's economic decision to invest in... ecision by individuals as well as states is one, consequently, limited by what options individuals and/or states choose in order to maximize utility of an (economic) activity. In economic parlance, "opportunity costs" is an investment in present as well as future opportunities for most efficient allocation of resources. Strategically, a state's economic decision to invest in and master specific products, services, or industries is, in fact, an opportunity-costs option. A case in point is United State's investment in, say, computers vis--vis China's, say, focus on toys (Blinder). The concept of opportunity-costs is further nuanced, however. That economic activities exist for profit is a given. To realize profit such as to allocate resources most efficiently is basically weighing costs against benefits, which is ECONOMIC CONCEPTS 5 opportunity costs in essence. Yet, in order for an economic activity to achieve what is commonly known as "excess profit" - i.e. profit exceeding normal margins of profit in a given market - such an economic activity should meet a specific set of market supply and demand requirements ("Opportunity Cost"). This is more evident in (in)elastic products. Elasticity Necessity dictates consumers to add a product or service to or drop it off shopping carts. Consumers, put differently, choose to purchase a product or a service based on product's or service's necessity. Consequently, a product or a service is said to be "(un)elastic" if such a product or service is on low or high demand based on necessity. By default, A good or service is considered to be highly elastic if a slight change in price leads to a sharp change in the quantity demanded or supplied... On the other hand, an inelastic good or service is onein whichchanges in price witness

Using illustrative examples, examine why competition authorities might Essay

Using illustrative examples, examine why competition authorities might be concerned about the way large companies behave - Essay Example It has been evident that many large firms indulge in unfair competition to gain advantage over their competitors by unfair means (Hewitt, Clark and Phillips, 2009); therefore competition authorities across the world are concerned about their behaviour. Firms grow so large that unilaterally they harm competition through monopolising the market and take advantage of their size to block threats arising from potential or existing competitors (Hewitt, Clark and Phillips, 2009). For example Microsoft the world’s largest software company indulge in similar such practices that denied other software companies an opportunity to build and market products competing with Microsoft’s products by building licensing agreements that were restrictive, exclusionary and unreasonable and thus monopolizing the client operating- system market by anti- competitive strategies (Justice, 1994 and Bloomberg, 2012). Large companies often make vertical or horizontal agreements with other firms called as cartel to fix prices not considering the reaction of either of its rivals or customers. Dominant firms fix higher price knowing that their customers have few alternatives and little choice other than accepting the firm’s offered higher price (The Competition authority (a), 2013). For example Automobile giant Daimler Mercedes-Benz found guilty of fixing prices in collaboration with five of its van and truck dealers, also shared sensitive commercial information and to some extent market sharing that negatively affected the competition in UK market however they were fined by UK’s antitrust authority of about  £2.6 Million (Reed, 2012 and Binham, 2013). Apart from fixing prices they also control markets or production or make agreements to share markets or supply sources so that rivals supply sources gets restricted. When doing business with other trading parties they put different

Explain in detail how a risk manager can make optimal use of insurance Essay

Explain in detail how a risk manager can make optimal use of insurance as part of an overall risk management strategy - Essay Example A considerable number of companies have lost equipment, buildings, and materials to natural disasters. In addition, many companies have lost human resources, as well as revenues as they could no longer manufacture goods and services. The four leading strategies for risk management include risk financing, loss reduction, loss prevention, and risk avoidance (Iverson 2013, p. 2). Even though some businesses can assume, reduce, or even avoid certain risks, few business organizations can fully protect themselves without purchasing insurance. Overall, a risk manager can effectively make use of insurance as part of a general risk management strategy to ensure sustainability and profitability of the business. Most companies greatly benefit from taking their risks into consideration when they are performing extremely well, as well as when markets are rapidly growing. Accordingly, the companies can sustain growth and profitability (Andersen 2010, p. 1). A risk manager plays a vital role in predicting and enacting measures that would help prevent or control losses within the company. The process of risk management involves identifying various exposures to potential losses, measuring the exposures, and making an informed decision about the most suitable approach to protect the company from losses or harm, considering the nature of the risks and the goals and resources of the company (Andersen 2010, p. 1). Some risks are more important than others. Therefore, the risk manager must determine the importance as well as ability of each risk while identifying and evaluating exposures. The goals and resources of a company are vital to selecting the best method for preventing or controlling risks. However, the risk manager must monitor the method already selected and implemented to ensure that it generates or produce the projected outcomes. In general, company risks fall under five broad categories

Choose the topic Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Choose the topic - Assignment Example The video could work for beginners as well as those well versed with the optics of the practice (Yoga for Complete Beginners a 20 Minute Home Yoga Workout!). The guide is clear on the steps that one needs to take into the yoga practice. One needs to find some sense of peace as well as appreciate what the exercise has to offer in the line of health benefits as well as mental serenity. Some of the health benefits associated with the practice include flexibility and muscle strength and tone. The exercise performed during the process go a long way in ensuring that the individual can strengthen their body tissue. That is by learning what it takes and what the body needs (Yoga For Complete Beginners a 20 Minute Home Yoga Workout!). The exercise also helps in respiratory functions since it can improve on one’s respiration. One can increase their body energy, as well as vitality. That makes sure that those partaking in the process can maintain healthy lifestyles, as well as some sense of cognitive stability. Yoga helps people relax and unload their minds as well as engage their bodies in some gainful exercise. The exercise also helps in weight reduction. The video helps people practice yoga in their comfort zones such as at the comfort of their

Investigation into Roles and Contracts of the Music Industry Essay Example for Free

Investigation into Roles and Contracts of the Music Industry Essay Scenario Your local paper has assigned you with a task to present them with information about the roles and contracts in the Music industry. Carry out an investigation that describes/explains/comments critically on the roles and contracts of one area of the Music Industry and deliver your results as a presentation to the class. Task 1: Using Publisher/ Word, you need to research, write and describe the contracts associated with an area of the Music Industry (Live Performance: e.g. artist’s responsibilities with a label, or a manager/agency’s responsibilities with an artist/performer) (P3) In order to gain a MERIT grade, in addition to the requirements of the PASS criteria, you will need to describe and explain the above by providing examples. (P1, P2, M1, M2) In order to gain a DISTINCTION grade, in addition to the PASS and MERIT criteria, you will need to describe, explain and comment critically the above by giving examples, drawing conclusions from experience and/or research (P1, P2, M1, M2, D1, D2) 2 Know the professional roles within a chosen area of the music industry Live performance: eg performer/artist, DJ, agent, promoter, venues and stage management, crew/ technicians, security, merchandise Record companies: eg AR, promotion, distribution and retail, merchandising Music publishing companies: eg publishing, copyright, sales, composer and artist development  Artist management: eg artists, songwriter/composer, manager Assessment Method: Class presentation. To include referencing

Music In Advertising And The Media Media Essay

Music In Advertising And The Media Media Essay Music is all around us. It is a constant in our lives. Although the music that we hear changes over time it is always there. What is in today may be out tomorrow. We hear it in the car in the way to work, and once we get there it is playing in the background in the office. It is at the stores where we shop, in the elevators we ride, during the commercial breaks of our favorite television programs, at the gym where we exercise, and many more places we go. With the astronomical amount of music that surrounds us in our everyday lives is no wonder that companies use it as a median to advertise their services and products to us. Advertising is the means by which on party attempts to convince or entice another into purchasing a particular product or service. It differs from the sort of one-on-one sales pitch an individual might encounter at the point of sale in that it addresses a larger, more general audience (Huron). Advertising is instrumental to the success of businesses. If no one kno ws that the business exists or they have no idea what products or services are offered, how will they get customers? The key to business is to advertise, to make sure that a companys products or services are known to the world. People love music. Combining the two is sheer genius. Music can accomplish many things when integrated with advertisements. In advertising it is used to entertain, as a mnemonic device to trigger memory, and to target a specific demographic. When music is used in advertising for entertainment purposes it makes the advertisement more appealing to its targeted audience. A good advertisement gets and holds the attention of the audience. It is simply used for aesthetic purposes. Creating an attractive advertisement allows it to appeal more to an audience thus engaging the audiences attention. Music is also used in advertising as a technique to aid in memory. Early advertising embraced this technique. Rhyme and repetition were used to keep a brand or name of a product in mind. There are several reasons that consumers purchase certain goods or services. According to an article in The Economic Times one of the major factors in consumer purchasing is the fact that the human brain releases the chemical dopamine in response to the product. Usually sound or fragrance are the stimuli that cause this effect. The reason this happens is that the human mind is complex and Because consciously or not, we calculate purchases based on how they might bring us social status-and status is linked with reproductive success (Dobhal). There are several different options for advertisers to choose from to promote their product or service. There is print, radio, and television to name a few. The following is a brief history of advertisements from print to television: Early print advertisements appeared in the newspaper and as posters with pictures and text in popular locations. This form of advertisement is still in use today and is also successful and is found everywhere from newspapers, magazines, to popular trade journals. Billboards are another form of print advertising, they a rather large signs that are located in a conspicuous location that people will notice (Phillips). Radio advertising is one of the earliest forms of advertisement is mass media. The first speech transmission by radio was in 1915 from New York to San Francisco, five years after this historic day, the first radio program aired. A revolution had begun. With thousands of Americans tuning in to hear the radio programs, this is where advertisers hit the jackpot. Television advertisements soon followed. Since the television has such a broad reach, from the beginning it became an attractive medium for advertisers. U.S. advertising rates are determined by Nielsen ratings which are audience measurement systems that were developed by the Nielsen Research Company. The time of day and popularity of the channel are factored in to determine the advertising rates. The television become commercially available in the 1930s but did not gain popularity until the 1950s. Today 99 percent of households in the United States have at least one TV and 66 percent have three or more. The average American watches one thousand five hundred hours of TV per year (Television and Health). In the early 1980s the interest in using music to advertise dramatically increased. Following a study dubbed the attitude towards the ad which showed that consumers responded negatively towards the manipulative and pressured approach that advertisers were using. The study concluded that consumers were left with a more positive feeling towards the product music was introduced into the advertisements. The study also proved that when pairing popular music with the product consumers would associate the two and if they like the music they would like the product. (Chingning Wang)This approach has been criticized however it the lyrics are catchy and remain in your head the advertiser has effectively accomplished their task. Advertisers originally wrote their own catchy tunes to market a product. These are known as jingles. There are many jingles for products that you may still remember to this day although you havent heard them in years. One such jingle is for Oscar Mayer, and goes like thi s My bologna has a first name. Its O-S-C-A-R. My bologna has a second name. Its Mayer. Oh, I love to eat it every day and if you ask me why Ill say cause Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A. That is one jingle that most likely has been heard by nearly all Americans. Prior to the 1980s these are the kinds of music that one would here in a commercial occasionally the lyrics of a popular song would be changed to create a theme song for a particular product or service. On one occasion a theme song that was written for coca-cola called Id Like to Buy the World a Coke was re-recorded by the New Seekers as a pop song called Id Like to Teach the World to Sing (The Hilltop Ad: The Story of a Commercial). This song became a hit. The use of previously recorded pop songs was eventually integrated into commercials. In 1985 Burger King used an original song by Aretha Franklin called Freeway of Love in an advertisement to promote the fast food restaurant (TV Commercials in the United States). In 1987 Nike adopted the Revolution by The Beatles to advertise their shoes and other athletic gear as well as using as an effort to overhaul their advertising and marketing campaigns to compete with the number one shoe brand at the time which was Reebok (The Pop History Dig). An interesting but unproven theory is subliminal messages. A subliminal message is a hidden message within a commercial, music, or even a movie. These messages are meant to be unnoticed by the listener yet they are meant to provoke the listener to respond in some way. According to an article by Robert Fink in the Journal of Ancient of Ancient Music advertisers have claimed that they can make anyone buy anything by including subliminal messages within their advertisements (Fink). In 1957 James Vicary, a market researcher stirred up trouble with consumers when he announced that by embedding subliminal messages in the music of radio advertisements he could persuade consumers to purchase anything. The public feared that this was true and thought that they were being hypnotized with advertisements (Crossen). One company that probably comes to mind when you think of music and advertising is the popular soft drink Pepsi. The company, PepsiCo has a history of mixing popular music into their advertisements. Some of the many artists Pepsi featured in their advertisements include Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Akon, Bob Dylan, and many more. PepsiCo is a very successful company. Consumers are bombarded with music and advertisements throughout their typical day. Advertising is a powerful and effective tool, it is meant to inform the listener of the product or service, and then persuade them to purchase it. It is obvious to point out that the better an advertisement is the more effective it will be at persuading the customer to purchase the product. Advertisers employ many techniques some of which are peer pressure and manipulation. Advertisers target an audience and use these techniques to try to convince the listener that they will be part of the in crowd if they purchase the product. This is a highly effective form of advertisement. Advertisers target a specific demographic such as 18-24 year olds. To use music effectively in this demographic they would obviously use music that most 18-24 years olds would listen to and not something like classic rock although some people in that demographic may enjoy classic rock they are trying to reach the majority. Think about this, can you remember a particular jingle or song and automatically associate it with a product. I am sure that most everyone can. Researchers have shown that the most effective commercials advertisements are the ones that stir up emotion and create an association with the product (Vaughn). Since people are bombarded with so many advertisements every day advertisers are increasingly using unconventional techniques. One such technique involves the use of incongruent advertisements. This is where advertisers mix things up a little. They use music and other art that would normally be unexpected. This works because of something called brand schema which is when a person becomes so familiar with a product from advertisements it becomes almost invisible to them, they dont really pay much attention to it. Advertisers now are trying to mix it up and once again regain their attention to the product that they are selling. This research was conducted to determine the impact of audiovisual congruency in ads and the moderating role of product involvement on three aspects of consumer response: attention to the ad, attention to the brand, and purchase intentions. The participants were shown one of eight TV ads for 30 seconds, afterward they were asked to rate the ads on several dimens ions. The results indicated that congruent product and music type invoked favorable responses from the consumers. (Lalwani). What is it about music that makes it so important in advertisements? First and foremost, it is so much easier to remember a song or jingle than spoken words. Second, it is entertaining. Whether the listener really cares about the product or not they may create a mental association with the song and the product. Imagine this scenario, two friends are talking and one says that they are in need of a cleaning service for their home but are new to the area and have no idea who to choose. The other friend says I just heard an advertisement on the radio for a cleaning service, I dont know their name but they have that catchy song in the advertisement. The friend in search of the service replies with Oh yeah, I heard that too. Ill give them a call. The advertiser has created a successful advertisement and the music or song that they chose was to thank. This is a scenario that occurs quite frequently and advertisers count on this. As you have seen, music is everywhere it is no wonder that advertisers tapped into the music source. Music is a beneficial and constructive addition to our society. It has many purposes and definitely holds its own in advertising. The business of advertising has clearly come a long way in the United States, from only having print advertisements available to the creative and catchy television and radio advertisements. Just think, if you had to watch a commercial without music, you would just be listening to someone talk. There wouldnt be catchy lyrics to aid in your memorization of the product nor would it even be interesting. Advertisers hit big when they integrated music and advertisements. Next time you are watching television or listening to the radio pay attention to how many of the advertisements contain some form of music, whether its a pop song, a creative jingle, or just a little background music.