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Henri Fayol’s four essential management functions and their relevance to the contemporary managerial practice
Management FunctionsHenri Fayol’s four essential management functions and their relevance to the contemporary managerial practiceHenri Fayol (1841-1925) is greatly remembered for his contributions to the improvement of the traditional management theory. He was not remembered for pioneering the study of managerial behavior, but was the first to create calm and relevance to management practice itself. Fayol believed that proper management behavior is crucial for the overall performance of any organization. From this basic notion, he developed a framework for an aggressive principle of management, one that outlines much of managerial practices used in contemporary management CITATION Koork l 1033 (Koontz & O’Donnell, New York).
Contents
TOC o “1-3” h z u MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS PAGEREF _Toc377194090 h 1Henri Fayol’s four essential management functions and their relevance to the contemporary managerial practice PAGEREF _Toc377194091 h 1Four Fayol’s principle of management and their importance in modern day management PAGEREF _Toc377194092 h 3Reference PAGEREF _Toc377194093 h 4
To this end, it is perhaps notable that Fayol believed in the application of empirical procedures and methods in the practice of management, Unlike his predecessor Taylor who was concerned with organizational functions; Fayol was interested in the entire operations of the organization and focused on better management, which on his side felt was absent in most business operations.
Fayol emphasized on four functions of management which he believed was essential for any managerial success. These functions are: Planning, organizing, staffing and Controlling.
Whilst managers have multiple responsibilities in the organization including management of the staff, operational duties among other strategic responsibilities, it is not possible for success to be achieved without dwelling on these four functions.
Planning
Planning entails the process of identifying organizational goals and objectives and the adoption of strategies for attaining them CITATION Har06 l 1033 (Harold Koontz, 2006). It involves foreseeing the future to determine alternative courses of action. It includes predetermining what ought to be accomplished and how it should be realized.
Planning can be studied in both short and long term standpoints; it tends to describe the way in which the organization should follow in order to attain goals most efficiently and effectively.
Planning assist managers to provide direction and purpose to organizational activities, it also provides managers with good measures against which performance in the organization can be judged. It reduces waste of time and resources in the organization because it aids in the proper utilization of resources CITATION VSB09 l 1033 (Bagad, 2009). Planning also helps organization members to remain within the organizations structure as it provides confines of the degree of organizational activities.
Organizing
Organizing involves the organization and coordination of organizational tasks and the human and material resources needed to facilitate the tasks itself.
Organizing therefore, involves identifying and grouping work to be undertaken, defining and delegating responsibility and authority and establishing relationships to ensure people work together effectively.
Organizing also ensures the appropriateness of an organization’s structure and its processes such as determining the ability of the organization to attain its goals. Organizing also enables the actual implementation of the organization’s strategic activities as well as allocating the right staff with the prerequisite abilities to the organizational task.
Controlling
Control is essential as the best of plans may go awry. It also helps mangers monitor environmental changes and their effects on the organization’s growth. Control creates better quality by spotting system flaws and correcting them CITATION MGo05 l 1033 (Govinorojan & Natarajan, 2005). Employees are empowered to assess and improve their own work.
Control helps cope with change. Change is an inevitable part of an organization’s environment. Markets shift. Competitors offer new products and services that capture the public imagination. The control function aids mangers in responding to the resulting threats or opportunities, by helping them identify changes that are affecting their organization’s products and services. Controlling enables successful delegation and teamwork by letting the manger monitor employees’ progress without hampering employees’ initiative or participation with the work.
Controlling involves the measurement and correction of the performance of employees and other organizational resources to ensure that everything is going according to plan.
An appropriate management system will support a manager to grasp all the inner working of the organization. It can provide instant data on inventories of all resources, raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods.
Control procedures help to identify errors in early. A small error not identified early can propagate smite the entire firm e.g. Use of substandard raw materials will result in substandard products which in effect will lead to reduced sales.
Leading
According to Griffin (2008) leading involved the use of non-coercive influence, power, and communication skills to nature a group or institutions’ goals, inspire behavior towards the achievement of those goals, and help develop and organizational culture. Managers have a responsibility to motivate employees so that they can actively participate in the realization of organization’s objectives and goals.
Leadership is a crucial function of management in the modern organization as it helps to maximize efficiency and attainment of the organizational goals. Effective leadership take initiates, motivate staff, provide proper guidance, thus creating morale and confidence to employees.
Four Fayol’s principle of management and their importance in modern day managementDivision of Labor
This principle is epitomized by the modern production assembly lines which proposes that proper division of labor within an organization results to organizational efficiency and performance, proper division of labor entails the division of tasks within the organization based on an individual’s skills and level of expertise, it supports the notion that the more people specialize, the more efficiently they can perform their work hence resulting to organizational efficiency.
With a proper division of labor system in the organization, the firm can have a smooth time when executing its various complex tasks since there is a proper staff placement which is aligned to the staff’s area of expertise.
Discipline
It is important for the member of any organization to adhere to the laid down rules and regulations that Governs the activities of the Organization .According to Fayol, Discipline emanates from good leadership practice ,the leaders ought to act by an example when executing their tasks .
If their exists discipline amongst the staff, the firm can achieve overall performance because each member of the organization is well organized and observant of the activities that will aid the organization achieve its goals .In the contemporary organizations’, one finds a handbook that outlines rules and regulations. (Code of conduct) .Discipline enables the smooth running of the organization since there is order.
Remuneration
Remuneration entails the compensation of employees and employers for the work done in the organization, these consists of remuneration packages, allowances, incentives, bonuses among other remuneration packages.
The major aim of remuneration is to improve the productivity and performance of the company, once the employees are properly rewarded, their job morale is boosted, and they eventually end up getting motivated and hence improve on their performance. With an improved performance, the organizational productivity increases resulting to overall performance.
Reference BIBLIOGRAPHY Bagad, V.S., 2009. Principles of Management. New Delhi: shaniwar Peth.
Carpenter, M., Bauer, T. & Erdogan, B., 2009. Principles of Management. Flat world knowledge.
Govinorojan, M. & Natarajan, S., 2005. Principles of Management. New Dehli: PHI learning pvt ltd.
Harold Koontz, H.W., 2006. Essentials of Management, An international perspective. New Delhi: Mc Graw Hill.
Koontz, H. & O’Donnell, C., New York. Principles of Management, An analysis of managerial functions. 1972: McGraw-Hill.
Ricky, G., 2008. Fundamentals of Management. 6th ed. Boulevard: Mellisa Acuna.
Social Issues And Fan Engagement Strategies-Strengthening The Link
Social Issues And Fan Engagement Strategies – Strengthening The Link
Contents
TOC o “1-3” h z u Executive Summary PAGEREF _Toc376346951 h 11.0 INTRODUCTION PAGEREF _Toc376346952 h 11.1 Purpose of the case study PAGEREF _Toc376346953 h 21.2 Population of the survey PAGEREF _Toc376346954 h 21.3 Synopsis of the survey results PAGEREF _Toc376346955 h 22.0 Social Issues and Problems in Sports Marketing PAGEREF _Toc376346956 h 22.1 Cheating in Sports PAGEREF _Toc376346957 h 32.1.1 Drug Use in Sports PAGEREF _Toc376346958 h 32.1.2 Corruption of Officials and Judges PAGEREF _Toc376346959 h 32.1.3 Recruitment Violations PAGEREF _Toc376346960 h 32.1.4 Sports Gambling PAGEREF _Toc376346961 h 43.0 Possible Solutions for Social issues in sports PAGEREF _Toc376346962 h 53.1 Making Promotional Social Partnerships Memorable PAGEREF _Toc376346963 h 53.1.1 Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in Sports PAGEREF _Toc376346964 h 63.1.2 CSR Partnerships and the Sports Industry PAGEREF _Toc376346965 h 74.0 Fan Engagement Marketing Strategies PAGEREF _Toc376346966 h 94.1 Event Marketing Strategies PAGEREF _Toc376346967 h 94.2 Online Marketing Strategies PAGEREF _Toc376346968 h 104.3 Social Media PAGEREF _Toc376346969 h 104.4 Official Websites PAGEREF _Toc376346970 h 105.0 Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc376346971 h 11
Executive SummaryThis paper will review the various social issues such as violence and aggression in sports, spectator violence, cheating, drug use, corruption of officials, recruitment violations, and sports gambling and fan engagement strategies, and how they facilitate the strengthening of the link between the various stakeholders. Under this topic, the paper will also analyze various issues touching on sports marketing such as corporate social responsibility in the sports industry, promotion strategies and fan engagement strategies. It will also review cause-related marketing strategies in sports marketing and its impact. The paper will also incorporate various surveys to further support our arguments.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Despite the market conditions and the global economy, the sports industry is one of the fastest and largest developing industries in the world. The major source of income for the sports industry is its fan base. With this in mind, stakeholders in the sports industry have adopted various initiatives to make sure that they become commercialized and increasingly internationalized. These initiatives include entrepreneurial marketing ventures within the sports industry such as progressive service sellers that help to complement the other leisure activities, (Bauer, Sauer & Schmitt, 2005). Sports’ marketing is a vital and critical aspect in the success of the sports industry. It includes both products and services important in the growth and survival of the industry. Sport marketing encompasses various aspects of sports including the teams, leagues, sponsors and the athletes (Ratten & Ratten, 2011, p. 614). The comprehensive analysis of the relationship among the various stakeholders improves the relationship structure in sports marketing. This paper will review cheating in sport, sports gambling and fan engagement strategies, and how it facilitates the strengthening of the link between the various stakeholders. The social issues discussed will be emanating from the survey that was conducted.
1.1 Purpose of the case study
This study sought to identify the underlying reasons for Australia’s involvement in sport-based CSR initiatives and the impact that it has on its fans. It will explore and attempt to understand the objectives and measures that are carried out by sport-based CSR initiatives and the impact it has on the fans.
1.2 Population of the surveyThe respondents were mainly white, with only two black people and one Indian. All were male with most of them coming from suburban areas and the city. With most of them being in their twenties and early thirties. It is on this basis that the survey conducted constitutes 10 respondents who were unique in their answers relevant to the survey questions. The sample size was based on convenience the sample size was 10 entities and 30 respondents. The initial sample of 13 respondents was contacts of the researcher and was mainly based on the accessibility and convenience. The other 17 were identified from snowball contacts from the initial pool of respondents.
1.3 Synopsis of the survey resultsThese results from the views of the respondents raised a couple of issues within what was reviewed previously. Most of the respondents showed that they had strong emotional attachments to the sports organizations. This can be seen in various instances in the interview. The close connection enhanced the loyalty levels of the respondents towards the sports organization. This was facilitated by the various social initiatives carried out by the company. These social initiatives created a positive goodwill towards the sports entity, leading the fans to hold the sports organization in high esteem.
2.0 Social Issues and Problems in Sports MarketingIn this section we will discuss some of the most common social issues that have dogged sporting activities across the world. There are a number of social issues that have significant impact of sports marketing. Cheating in sports and sports gambling negatively affect the beauty of sports and the spirit under which it is displayed. A sport is meant to be a social event that brings together people from all walks of life irrespective of race, language, color or country. These issues have negatively impacted the beauty of the game by incorporating cheating and violence. This has made it very difficult for marketers to advertise and sale their products and services
2.1 Cheating in SportsCheating in sports is the attempt to gain an unfair advantage using methods or techniques that are not allowed by the rules. Cheating can occur in different forms from drug use in sports to recruitment violations. This greatly hampers what most fans want to see in sports, which is to enjoy beauty of the natural game without the other team having an unfair advantage over the other. Most sports fans love to compare their teams with their competition and make an assessment of how their team will fair. Sports fans usually feel betrayed when cases of cheating are reported because it destroys the clubs reputation, (Aaron Garcia, 2013). In this section we will discuss some of cases of cheating in sports such as:
2.1.1 Drug Use in SportsWith the amount of money injected into sports, expectation levels of performance have been high and athletes are under a lot of pressure to perform day in day out. This causes some of the athletes to use banned substance to enhance their performance. This has been seen mostly in athletes, where even recently Asafa Powell is being investigated over claims of using a banned substance. Lance Armstrong the American cyclist was also stripped of his medals and accolades as a result of using performance enhancing drugs (Sky Sports, 2013).
2.1.2 Corruption of Officials and JudgesUnethical and corrupt officials and judges have been a problem in ever since games become commercialized entities. With vested interests from different quotas officials and judges have become susceptible to being bribed to make certain decisions. In the UK, Sports is considered the second most corrupt sector in their country, (Transparency international UK, 2011.)This can be seen in the 2002 winter Olympic Games, where Canadian skaters lost their medals through corrupt judging and were later awarded them back (Maennig, 2005).
2.1.3 Recruitment ViolationsThis simply implies the use of unscrupulous ways to get a certain athlete or player to play for a particular team. This happens mainly in terms of students who have shown great potential in a certain sport is tempted to join certain colleges or institutions using dishonest means, (Fox sports, 2013). These social issues have caused a lot of discourse in the sports industry. It has affected attendance of fans because it discourages them from participating. In America, many football teams have been finned heavily or put on probation by NCAA, for recruitment violations. This goes to show how prevalent this issue is especially in colleges (Fox Sports, 2013).
2.1.4 Sports GamblingSports’ gambling is a very addictive and threatens the existence of competitive games. This can be seen in instances where those who are responsible for the outcome of the contests are susceptible to bribery or match fixing. In most countries sports’ gambling is illegal because of its impact and other societal problems that are associated with it. The biggest concern in sports gambling is that it affects the integrity of the game, in that a lot of sports fans can run up huge debts. This has been seen in many high profile athletes and the general public too. For example in 200 in Singapore, two players, a goalkeeper and a defender were charged in court for receiving money from bookmakers, and they attempted to postpone games, in which they were supposed to play in the S-league games, (Maennig 2005, pg. 7). Many cases of corruption in sports are done with the aim of enrichment, and one of the principal reasons for rigging of matches is because of the lucrative sums of money in the sports betting industry which facilitates sports gambling, (Sports Accord, 2011).
Sports’ gambling has been enhanced with the recent technological inventions and developments, which has seen the increase in the number of online betting sites that is set up in such a way that they are independent from state control and regulations. Sports gambling can affect the integrity of the game in that for example, in the case of a tennis match a player can collide with the gamblers to lose the first set and take advantage of the improvement of the odds once the game continues, this happens especially in exchange and live betting, (Sport accord 2011, pg. 39). This has been a big impediment in many sports due to the amounts of money that are betted during these games. For teams that are not performing well, for example can collide with other teams to lose a match at a certain amount, to improve their odds in gambling. It is also important to note, that sport gambling is very addictive and some fans lose significant sums of money in the process of gambling. This affects fans in that the outcome of the game or match is already premeditated. This lowers the integrity and the beauty of the game, hence even the level of competition between the teams is not high and the games become boring for the fans.
An example of the effect of sports gambling can be seen in the case in Italy where managers, trainers and even players of a numbers of small football clubs in Series A league are alleged to have manipulated the results of their championship games in order for them to make betting profits from sports gambling, (Maennig 2005, pg. 4). In 2002, in Great Britain, horse racing jockeys used to manipulate the race results, by passing information concerning the horses to bookmarkers. In return for the information, the jockeys received “no lose” betting accounts from the bookmarkers, (Maennig 2005, pg. 6).
3.0 Possible Solutions for Social issues in sportsCheating in sports has had a significant impact on the attendance of the fans which is one of the major sources of income for most of the sporting organizations. The following sub-sections will look at the possible solutions of the social issues and problems that are affecting sports marketing. These solutions will help counter the effects of cheating in sports and help improve the attendance of fans and it can also help in getting new fans for the sports organization.
3.1 Making Promotional Social Partnerships MemorableMaking a promotional message memorable is not easy and a sports organization has to be innovative and creative in order to achieve this. The sports organization can use various mediums such as print, online media, cinema advertising and the television. The organization can also use sponsorship, sale promotions, public relations, personal and direct selling. Most activities within the increasingly competitive global market, involves forming alliances with charities or various causes (Grant, 2006). This is mainly in the form of various partnerships and sponsorships. This is done in order to suit the needs and issues of the various stakeholders and the surrounding society. This partnerships and sponsorships form a prominent feature in the marketing and strategic management plans. With the implementation of various visible corporate social responsibility initiatives such as implementing policies on green accounting, building amenities, school scholarships and supporting orphans are some of the few initiatives that an organization can consider. These initiatives can help sports entities influence and reach broader market, (Bartol et al., 2005). However, it is important for the organization to manage and control its relationships and image more effectively. Sports’ marketing has been able to make promotion of social partnerships and sponsorships memorable by undertaking various initiatives such as green accounting, building amenities, school scholarships and supporting orphans are some of the few initiatives that an organization can consider. These initiatives are meant to enhance the image of the sports entity and endear it with the stakeholders. Below are various ways it has achieved to do this through various corporate social responsibility initiatives:
3.1.1 Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in SportsSports organizations are faced with the obligation of giving back to the society from returns on investments made through product sales, exposure and positive associations. Sports have the power to influence members within a society to create an atmosphere and environment which makes it possible to contribute social capital, (Bartol et al., 2005). Sports managers can undertake to deliver social benefits by harnessing the ability to deliver on community and social objectives that have been set out. Sports serve as an avenue through which economic and social gaps are reduced and opens up opportunities to improve the quality of life, (Babiak et al., 2007). It also acts as a stimulus to initiate and encourage businesses the sharing of profits made (McClusky, 2005, p. 300). Some of the main features of sports corporate social responsibility include:
Social interactions
Sustainability awareness
Cultural understandings and integration
Youth appeal and
Encourages positive health impacts
Corporate social responsibility plays a fundamental role in the general outlook of sports organization (Broomhill, 2007, p. 14). An example of a sports organization that has invested heavily on charitable causes is the Arsenal football club, which is situated in North London. Arsenal is well known for its charitable contributions across north London with various initiatives such as, Arsenal and save the children, to take care of this needs of the needy and children within north London, (Keown, 2013).
Sports and Event Impact
The environment is considered a very important stakeholder in the sports industry. The construction of sports facilities or the staging of major event has significant impact on the environment. During the 2012 Olympic Games, the London organizing committee set strict measures in regard to “green issues” in relation to the event and its potential impact of the environment (Gorman, 2007, p. 8). This can also be seen in the case of Manchester City – the club invested heavily on wind turbines around the stadium, to address issues touching on the environment. Similarly, in 2006 the organizing committee of the American Super Bowl planted trees in Detroit to address environmental concerns that arose with the hosting of the event in the city.
3.1.2 CSR Partnerships and the Sports IndustryThe sports industry has been involved in various partnerships to address CSR. The industry has a superior fan base, hence has significant message power and marketing power that partnerships, causes and charities can take advantage of. This can be seen in various instances such as in the NFL (National Football League) where the CSR activities are held in high esteem. For example, the organization partnered with United Way where they helped to raise $4 billion, to help increase awareness on public services issues in the USA, (Wilner, 2008, p. 21). These initiatives can also be seen in sports manufacturers such as Adidas, who are involved in various programs and foundations. For example, in America they have a “earn your stripes” scholarship program, which aims at helping the less fortunate in society to access higher education
3.1.2.1 Community Involvement
Community is considered as an important stakeholder among sports organizations. This is mainly because the organization and the community enjoy mutual benefits. Sports involvement in initiatives aimed towards the community are seen in many causes –related activities (Wilner, 2008). This can be seen specifically in the case of NBA CARES initiative, where it encourages NBA teams to contribute towards the New Orleans community after the hurricane Katrina hit.
3.1.2.2 Safety and the Sports Industry
While it is important for sports organizations to create partnerships for charitable causes, they have to recognize their responsibility to provide safe environments to their fans. This can be seen in the case of Nike, where they had been various issues concerning its poor working standards in developing countries. This led to a transformation with Nike leading investigations into these allegations to save face (Hussain-Khaliq, 2004, p. 104). This can also be seen in the case of FIFA where it conducted an investigation on Pakistan’s sports saga over allegations of child labor. This forced the organization to ban child labor form its practice.
3.1.2.2 Cause-Related Marketing Strategy
Over the last decade, the number of organizations that are implementing this kind of strategy has been on the rise. More and more organizations are embracing cause-related marketing strategies, to improve relationships with the various stakeholders. This form of strategy is gaining popularity among fundraisers in the promotional pool and marketers. Cause related marketing is a means of addressing societal issues and problems through the provision of resources and the achievement of marketing plans and objectives (John, 2006). CRM aligns itself with societal issues and the organizational goals and objective. Cause related strategies are distinct from sponsorships. Cause related marketing is mainly constituted but the firms’ contribution to a certain cause that is linked to its customers and is engaged in transaction leading to revenue production in the sports organization. Cause related marketing strategy is referred to as the formulation and implementation activities that are normally characterized by the organization paying a premeditated amount to a designated cause, in the event that customers are engaged in exchanges that produce revenue that satisfy the organizations objectives, (Irwin et al., 2003, p. 136). Corporations that engage in charitable causes and efforts increase their competitive advantage in the business environment in which they operate in. The main drivers for cause related marketing strategy in sports marketing include:
Improving relationships with their surrounding communities
Build and maximize on the goodwill that it generates
Generating income for the sports organization
Creating a sense of pride for the consumers
the fulfillment of philanthropic obligations and the benefitting a cause
The increasing popularity of cause related marking programs is attributed to the integration of organizations’ sponsorships in sports marketing strategies. Cause related marketing campaigns incorporates sports sponsorships and partnerships that help the sports organizations to interpret behavioral responses to corporate good doing (Irwin et al., 2003, p. 136). The main goal for this is to develop and reinforce brand associations with the organization. This can lead to three possible outcomes:
The consumer loyalty towards the organization is improved
The consumers will re-allocate expenditure on entertainment and sports offerings
It will also create an improved perception of the sports organization.
This strategy presents the confluence of perspectives in various fields such as the promotion mix, fund raising management, public relations, marketing for non-profit making organizations corporate philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. Cause related marketing (CRM) is the culmination of business interest with organizational philanthropy CRM is a marketing program that that is enhanced by two objectives a worthy cause and the organizations’ performance (John, 2006). This incorporates the linkage between the raising of funds for a worthy cause and the purchase of the sports organizations products and services. CRM is a core competitive imperative that can be used by sports organization to further their plans and objectives. It can also be used to enhance, nurture and build on the sports organizations reputation. Sporting organizations campaigns on CRM are effective in influencing brand affinity which in turn helps in the building of the brand equity (Demetrious et al., 2009, p. 3). It is also a good way of supporting charities and good causes within the community. In the event that prices within a particular industry are equal, CRM encourages consumers/fans to switch from what they are used to and be associated with something bigger (Demetrious et al., 2009, p. 3). CRM helps improve in sporting brand reputation, by providing the company with good reviews especially in through the media which is a very effective way of disseminating information.
CRM is a very important component in a sports organization because it is based on higher values, which are long-lasting and rise above the changes in global market. An example of cause related marketing strategies include, the commercial organizations linking their products and services and contributing a portion of their revenue to a cause. FedEx St. Jude Classic PGA Tour golf tournament is the culmination of St. Jude’s hospital and FedEx which is an annual golf event. FedEx benefits through naming rights and television coverage. Sporting organizations should take advantage of this strategy to help curb or minimize the effect of the negative social issues and problems that are facing it. In doing so, it will help in addressing this business and social issues, (Lachowetz & Irwin, 2002).
4.0 Fan Engagement Marketing Strategies4.1 Event Marketing StrategiesThe most important aspect for a sports organization is that it wins. It is of paramount importance that the sports marketers make sure that they create a positive environment in which the fans are excited about. It is vital for sports teams to utilize this perspective of service quality towards their spectators in the sporting event (John, 2006). This will ensure that they enhance their capabilities in terms of increasing the attendance of the fans. This is seen mainly in the fact that teams that usually perform well have sold out tickets and their stadiums are usually filled to capacity, this compared to teams that do not perform well and have problems with the numbers of fans in attendance in their stadiums. The team selection and identification process also has a significant impact on the overall service quality that is provided which is directly related to the levels of satisfaction among fans.
4.2 Online Marketing StrategiesOnline marketing strategies for sports organizations mainly involve two factors, the social media and official team websites. Online marketing is a dynamic field and is rapidly growing and evolving. Sports organizations should create team websites where they can engage with their fans actively (John, 2006). It is important that these sporting organizations have a clear social, media strategy for them to be able to attract new fans and keep existing ones entertained, with an aim of a long term relationship with the fans. Sports organizations can use this platform to spread positive message or information about teams and to advocate the traditions and beliefs that the organizations hold. This can act as a powerful tool of marketing if used effectively.
4.3 Social Media
With the invention of social media, sports organizations are using this platform to enhance the level of fan-team engagement. Examples of these include MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Other media include blogs, chat rooms, fan communities and discussion billboards. With the increase globally in the use and popularity of the social media ensures that sporting organizations can reach people from different geographical areas at one go. Social media sites provide a platform in which is more frequent, quicker and deeper interactions between the sports organization and the fans. Organizations taking advantage of this new technology creates a closer and more intimate relationship with the fans, (Pronschinske et al., 2012).
This helps to foster a relationship between new and existing fans through this medium. Social media helps to create an all-round day to day brief of the events happening around the team. This helps to facilitate traffic and interest in the team. Sports organizations also use these medium to enhance their attendance by hyping up upcoming game, (Sashi, 2012).
4.4 Official Websites
Many professional sports teams have an official website in which they use to disseminate information to their fans all over the world. With the invention of social media the intensification of the fans enthusiasm and passion towards the teams that they support has increased. Sports organization also use interactive web sessions to increase traffic in their sites, the opportunity of engagement with their star athletes builds on team-fan relationships. The websites should have relevant and new content that will ensure that customers frequently visit the site. This is mainly enhanced by having an interactive website that encourages engagement with the fans, (Ioakimidis 2012). The two most important factors for organization to consider during the development of an official website are opportunities for user interaction and media related content. Media related content includes pictures, videos and match highlights, for example. The identification of the consumers’ wants and needs is important in the creation of effective online strategies will give the organization an opportunity to use these as a tool for e-commerce. This helps enhance the sale of shirts or accessories that the sports team have in their disposal, (Sashi, 2012).
5.0 ConclusionThis paper has reviewed the social issue and fan engagement strategies, and how it facilitates the strengthening of the link between the various stakeholders. This case study has looked at social issue such as violence, cheating and gambling in sports. It has narrated how this has impacted the sport in terms of the attendance and how sports fans follow the club’s activities. This paper has also analyzed possible solutions that can be used to counter these social issues and problems and neutralize its effect through various strategies such as fan engagement strategies, event strategies, cause-related marketing and CSR. The paper has also looked into the results from the interview by analyzing the results and supporting it using the issues discussed.
Case Study Questions and Answers
Who are the relevant players?
The relevant players in sports marketing include the sports organizations, the sports fans and sports marketers.
What are The Social Issues or Problems Facing Sports Marketing Today?
Some of the major issues facing sports’ today is the issue of cheating and gambling, has had a very significant impact in the perception and attendance of the fans in support of their teams.
How does the problem affect other elements of the situation?
Cheating in sports affects sports marketing significantly in terms of the attendance levels during matches or when games are played. It also affects the brand and reputation of the sports organization.
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Babiak, K., Bradish, C., Johnson, G., Kent
Hematology Assignment
Hematology Assignment
Name of student
Institution
Cytogenetic abnormalities c
Cytogenetic abnormalities can either be structural or numerical alteration of the number of chromosomes that an individual has. The chromosomes are in alleles for a genetically normal individual with a specific structure.
I). Philadelphia chromosome
There is overproduction of Philadelphia chromosome in 85% of the patients, 25% of which there is a translocation of Philadelphia chromosome throughout the disease process of Chronic Myeloid Lymphoma (CML). As CML disease continues to progress, there are alteration of the Philadelphia chromosomes. It may occur two to six months before the hematological progression or at times can occur at blast crisis. Common numerical changes that occur are trisomy 8, trisomy 19, trisomy 21 and loss of one sex chromosome. Studies also show that deletions occur in the chromosome 9 which leads to a shorter chronic phase and hence the overall survival time of the patient (Bain, 2010).
I). Hyperdiploidy
More than 90% of the patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) have karyotypic abnormalities, whereby there are clonal chromosomal aberrations. The children and the adults with numerical aberration of 50 or more chromosomes usually have a favorable prognosis during their disease process. Although hyperdiploidy is most favorable to the adults with ALL, the rate of treatment failure is much higher than that of the pediatrics with ALL. If translocations occur, it is clear that the prognosis will end up being poor (Bain, 2010).
Q2. Morphological features of infectious mononucleosis.
There are four main characteristic features of infectious mononucleosis. These are:
I). Apoptotic Lymphocytes that have lost the cell volume
II). Condensation of the chromatic along the nuclear membrane
III). Intense basophilic staining
IV). The nucleus is fragmented into spherical shape
The biochemistry test of interest to the morphologist includes testing the body fluid samples including blood, serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and synovial fluids. These tests are used to analyze liver functions, electrolyte balance, renal functions and diabetic status. The mono test is also important in identifying if a person who presents with these symptoms is suffering from infectious mononucleosis (Bain, 2010).
3. Assessment of adequacy of the peripheral blood collected in the laboratory.
Flow cytometric count of CD34 cells is used to evaluate the adequacy of the peripheral blood collected. In addition, it is used to plan the apheresis sessions needed to obtain the grafts. The CD34 is identified due to their characteristics in light scatter feature by utilizing the fluorescent counting beads. The cells that bear CD34 antigen are responsible for the engraftment. The assessment by flow cytometry provides a reliable and fast assay for determining the adequacy of peripheral blood in the autographs (Bain, 2010).
4. Differences between chronic myeloid leukemia and leukamoid reaction
Chronic myeloid leukemia is a malignant disorder that involves clonal proliferations of the multipotent stem cell that leads to accumulation of the granulocytes, which predominates in the bone marrow, and in blood. This disorder is associated with Philadelphia chromosome translocation, where there is the juxtaposition of the genes trisomy of chromosome 8 is also common with this disorder. The white blood cells are increased above 100 x10^9/L. Leukaemoid reaction, on the other hand, is an exaggerated response by the body to stress or to infection by microorganisms. It leads to the elevation of the leukocytes in the blood, and it is a benign condition that resolves once the stressor agent gets out of the body (Bain, 2010). There is no cytogenetic association in leaikamoid reaction as opposed to chronic myeloid leukemia.
5. Features of Myelodysplastic syndrome.
The patient presents with symptoms of bone marrow failure, which include anemia symptoms, bacterial infection, bleeding, and easy-bruising. More than 10% of the patients present with splenomegaly. Morphological features of blood cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome include macrocytes which are oval in shape, basophilic stippling, neutrophils that are hypo-granulated, neutrophils nucleus that is hyperlobated and agranular thrombocytes. In addition, the features in the marrow include nucleus with abnormal shape and chromatin pattern, ring sideroblast and megakaryocytes with separated nuclei (Bain, 2010).
6. Dysplastic morphological changes in the three lineages of blood cells.
a) Granulocytic series (white blood cells)
The morphological changes that occur in the white blood cells include hyper-segmented or hypo-segmented neutrophils, hypo-granular neutrophils, presence of dimorphic granules. Within the eosinophils. This is common in the chronic myelomonocyte leukemia.
b) Erythroid series (red blood cells)
The morphological changes that occur in the binucleated erythroid precursors and erythroid nuclear budding include erythroid nuclear strings, loss of E-cadherin in the normoblast, and Ringed sideroblasts which is seen especially in refractory anemia with ring sideroblast (Bain, 2010).
c) Megakaryocytic series
Hyposegmented nuclear features in platelets producing megakaryocytes. It is common in MDS associated with isolated Del (5q) chromosome abnormality. The morphological changes include: hyper-segmented megakaryocytes and ballooning of the platelets.
Long Answer Questions:
1. Prothrombin time and activated thromboplastin time
Determination of the time taken by the blood to clot can assist in identifying the coagulation disorder of the blood. Prothrombin time and also the activated partial thromboplastin time are among the tests done to determine the coagulation disorders. Prothrombin time (PT) measures the coagulation in the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. Prothrombin is the factor II, which is made in the liver. Vitamin K is required for this process. Factors I, II, V, VII, and X are measured using prothrombin time. It is sometimes referred to as the international normalized ration (INR), as a way of standardizing the prothrombin time, regardless of the method used to do the test. It is normally in the range of12-13 seconds. Abnormal prothrombin time may result due to liver disease or injury or treatment with blood thinners. It can be prolonged in cases of blood thinning medicines, low levels of clotting factors, the absence of the clotting factors, inactivity of the clotting factors, an increase in the use of the clotting factors and inhibitors of the clotting factors. Prothrombin time is used to test the availability of the clotting factors, to check if blood thinners are working, to check for availability of vitamin K and to check how well the liver is working (Bain, 2010).
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), on the other hand, measures the efficiency of blood clotting in the intrinsic and common pathway of blood coagulation. It can be used to monitor the heparin effect in the treatment. The plasma sample is mixed with an activator such as silica and calcium to start off intrinsic pathway. The time is calculated until the clot is formed. The normal range is between 30 and 50 seconds. A shorter time has little clinical significance. Factors I, II, V, VIII, IX, X, and XII must be present for normal aPTT. Inadequacy of factors VII and XII are not detected by this test. This time may be prolonged in heparin usage, coagulation factor deficiency like in hemophilia, sepsis and in the presence of factor inhibitors (Bain, 2010).
2. Morphological difference between normal promyelocyte and abnormal one
Promyelocytes are immature white blood cells that have a tendency of accumulating in the bone marrow of a person who is suffering from acute promyelocytic leukemia. The hypogranular subtype of the acute myeloid leukemia is the one that has the abnormal promyelicytes. The abnormal promyelocytes present with an irregularly-shaped nucleus. The normal promyelocyte present with an almost regularly shaped nucleus. In addition, the nucleus of the abnormal promyelocyte appears bilobed and with infrequent contours in its morphology. Further, the cytoplasm of the abnormal promyelocytes contains some rod-shaped auer rods and many large azurophillic granules. In some instances, the azurophilic granules and the auer rods are so abundant that they obscure the nucleus of the abnormal promyelocyte. The numeracy of the auer cells and the azurophilic granules makes the cell appear as a bundle of straw, thus referred to as faggot cells (Bain, 2010).
The abnormal promyelocytes are likely to be found in acute promyelocytic leukemia, a disease condition (cancer) of the bone-marrow. Apart from the irregular nucleus, the features discussed above are likely to be found in a film of this condition. The criticality of such a finding is that a cell may be a blast, which may predispose the patient to megaloblastic anemia (Bain, 2010).
3. Megalobalastic anemia
This is a type of anemia in which the red blood cells formed are bigger than normal. This means that the mean cell volume of the cells is above the normal range, which is 80-95 FL. The nuclei becomes immature than the cell’s cytoplasm. The underlying cause of this is a defective DNA synthesis. It can be caused by vitamin b 12 deficiency and folate deficiency. This may be due to malabsorption of the nutrients. Folate deficiency may be due to pregnancy, chronic hemolytic anemia, or prematurity. Vitamin B 12 is usually not absorbed in the absence of intrinsic factor, a condition referred to as pernicious anemia. Some drugs like anticonvulsants may cause folate deficiency (Bain, 2010).
The clinical features include pallor and severe jaundice. The patient may present with congestive cardiac failure. Neuropathy develops in vitamin B12 deficiency. Neural tube defects develop in cases of folate deficiency.
The most important assays are the vitamin B 12 and folate levels in the blood. Their deficiency serves as the causative factors of megaloblastic anemia. Assays on the level of the serum homocysteine and methyl-malonic acid can also help diagnose megaloblastic anemia. These are raised in vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Endoscopy for vit B12 to determine if there is pernicious anemia. Serum test for antigliadin and anti –endomysal antibodies that are autoantibodies. Liver and thyroid gland function test are also important in diagnosing megaloblastic anemia (Bain, 2010).
4. Error in blood collection, storage and interpretation
The total testing process of the blood is divided into three sections: pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical. Each stage has associated errors that can lead to inaccurate results of the tests. The sources of pre-analytical errors include: inappropriate test requested or the test is appropriate, but has not been requested at all. It can occur when there is a patient identification error, and also inadequate patient preparation. It can also bring up an error in cases of inadequate information from the patient (Bain, 2010).
Errors during the analytical phase can result from the inadequate specimen collection, inappropriate tube mixing of blood that leads to clotting, and inappropriate tube for the specimen. The error can also occur due to contamination of the infusion route and also the incorrect order of drawing the specimen.
The errors in post analytical phase may be due to inappropriate labeling of the tubes. Improper specimen transport and storage may also contribute to the error. Additionally, improper centrifugation time or speed may lead to the error as well. The laboratory scientist should therefore remain alert for these errors so as to provide as accurate results as possible (Bain, 2010).
5. Error in blood collection, storage and interpretation
The total testing process of the blood is divided into three sections: pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical. Each stage has associated errors that can lead to inaccurate results of the tests. The sources of pre-analytical errors include: inappropriate test requested or the test is appropriate, but has not been requested at all. It can occur when there is a patient identification error, and also inadequate patient preparation. It can also bring up an error in cases of inadequate information from the patient (Bain, 2010).
Errors during the analytical phase can result from the inadequate specimen collection, inappropriate tube mixing of blood that leads to clotting, and inappropriate tube for the specimen. The error can also occur due to contamination of the infusion route and also the incorrect order of drawing the specimen.
The errors in post analytical phase may be due to inappropriate labeling of the tubes. Improper specimen transport and storage may also contribute to the error. Additionally, improper centrifugation time or speed may lead to the error as well. The laboratory scientist should therefore remain alert for these errors so as to provide as accurate results as possible (Bain, 2010).
6. Blood films with thrombocytopenia and red cell fragments
A blood film that has fragmented red blood cells and thrombocytopenia shows serious hemolysis that is taking place in the blood vessels of the patients. It is, therefore, important to refer the patient to a higher level of health care, where blood for transfusion may be available, and resuscitation can be done easily. This is a sign of micro-angiopathic hemolytic anemia. In this condition, the coagulation factors are increased, which leads to the formation of fibrin mesh in the blood vessels. The red blood cells are curtailed by this network of proteins and the fragments are identical as schistocytes on microscopy (Bain, 2010). The red blood cells are also targeted to be destroyed by the reticuloendothelial system of the spleen as they cannot pass through the narrowed vessels. This condition is common in disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and also malignant hypertension among others.
7. Morphological features of blood film in HUS and TTP
Hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are disorders that are characterized by microangiopathic thrombosis and hemolysis. In blood film, there is presence of schistocytes, that result from the curtailing of the red blood cells by the fibrin mesh. Signs of anemia in the blood film, including microcytosis, and hypochromic red blood cells are also indicative of HUS and TTP. The schistocytes may have different morphological features including keratocytes, helmet cells and spherocytes.
As a medical scientist, it is important to call or to refer the patient immediately to receive intensive care. Apart from the fact that professional practice and ethics demand so, the disorder causes destruction of the blood vessels in the kidney and can lead to acute renal failure. Cross matching of the blood can be done promptly to ease in blood transfusion. Moreover, as a medical scientist, one should prevent injury to the patient as it may cause excess loss of blood due to the interrupted clotting of blood. In this case, the medical scientist goes with the option of transferring or calls for reinforcement, for the sake of protecting the health of the patient (Bain, 2010).
8. Causes of artefactual thrombocytopenia
Artefactual thrombocytopenia can also be referred to as false thrombocytopenia. It is a sampling error which has been found to lead to the misdiagnosis of a severe condition referred to as thrombocytopenia. The error may result when an anticoagulant used during the collection of the blood sample causes the platelets to clump together. This imitates low levels of platelets in the blood. The use of EDTA during the collection of the blood samples is commonly associated with the pseudo thrombocytopenia. In addition, the use of automated machines and gadgets may also lead to false results. To prove that the results are valid, one needs to examine the sample of the blood under a microscope, and count the number of the platelets (Bain, 2010). The process helps rule out pseudothrombocytopenia.
9 Disseminated intravascular coagulation
This is a clotting abnormality where there is activation of the clotting factors in the body without the necessary presence of injury. It leads to the formation of thrombi in the blood vessels, which can cause their damage. The thrombi may impair blood circulation to the vital organs like the kidneys, brain and the heart. In addition, in case an injury occurs, massive hemorrhage may occur due lack of clotting factors, which have already initiated coagulation within the blood vessels. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation can be caused by hematologic malignancies, obstetric complications (amniotic fluid embolism), massive tissue injury, and transfusion reactions, among others. The onset of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation can be insidious. It can lead to multiple organ failures. Massive hemorrhage from various sites is the most common clinical feature of DIC (Bain, 2010).
An investigation carried out in the diagnosis include: getting the clinical history of the patient. Prothrombin time and activated thromboplastin time are prolonged in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. This reflects the continuous consumption of the clotting factors in the blood. The platelet count will rapidly decline. The levels of fibrin degradation factors will increase in the bolos including d-dimers. Peripheral blood smear shows schistiocytes which are the fragments of red blood cells (Bain, 2010).
10. Malaria
This is a mosquito-borne disease, which is transmitted by an infected female anopheles mosquito. It is caused by a parasite belonging to the genus Plasmodium. The mosquito introduces the parasite into the blood circulation during its feeding, where the parasite moves to the liver. In the liver, the parasite matures and starts reproducing. The parasites exist in two phases; one in the liver, and the other the in red blood cells. In the liver, the sporozoites multiply asexually and asymptomatically, after which they differentiate to merozoites. The merozoites escapes and infects the red blood cells where again they continue to reproduce asexually, thus causing fever and chills to the host. The parasite is always hidden from the immunologic cells, since it resides in the red blood cells and the liver cells. The red cells with merozoites can pass through the blood-brain barrier thereby causing cerebral malaria. As they avoid moving to the spleen for destruction, they cause the sequestration of the red blood cells within the vasculature, which can cause symptoms like placental malaria (Bain, 2010).
The clinical symptoms of malaria include headaches, shivering, joint pain, vomiting, jaundice, hemolytic anemia, retinal damage and neurological symptoms. Diagnosis is done by taking the history of recent travel. The findings include low platelet level in the blood, high levels of bilirubin in the blood, splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), and higher than normal level of white blood cells in the blood. Microscopy is the most widely used test done for malaria, where the merozoites are seen in the red blood cells in a curved shape. History of fever and recent travel are enough indication of commencing treatment if laboratory work is not available. Polymerase chain reactions have been developed, but rarely are they used for diagnosis of malaria.
11. This question is already answered in question one above.
Prothrombin time and activated thromboplastin time
Determination of the time taken by the blood to clot can assist in identifying the coagulation disorder of the blood. Prothrombin time and also the activated partial thromboplastin time are among the tests done to determine the coagulation disorders. Prothrombin time (PT) measures the coagulation in the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. Prothrombin is the factor II, which is made in the liver. Vitamin K is required for this process. Factors I, II, V, VII, and X are measured using prothrombin time. It is sometimes referred to as the international normalized ration (INR), as a way of standardizing the prothrombin time, regardless of the method used to do the test. It is normally in the range of12-13 seconds. Abnormal prothrombin time may result due to liver disease or injury or treatment with blood thinners. It can be prolonged in cases of blood thinning medicines, low levels of clotting factors, the absence of the clotting factors, inactivity of the clotting factors, an increase in the use of the clotting factors and inhibitors of the clotting factors. Prothrombin time is used to test the availability of the clotting factors, to check if blood thinners are working, to check for availability of vitamin K and to check how well the liver is working (Bain, 2010).
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), on the other hand, measures the efficiency of blood clotting in the intrinsic and common pathway of blood coagulation. It can be used to monitor the heparin effect in the treatment. The plasma sample is mixed with an activator such as silica and calcium to start off intrinsic pathway. The time is calculated until the clot is formed. The normal range is between 30 and 50 seconds. A shorter time has little clinical significance. Factors I, II, V, VIII, IX, X, and XII must be present for normal aPTT. Inadequacy of factors VII and XII are not detected by this test. This time may be prolonged in heparin usage, coagulation factor deficiency like in hemophilia, sepsis and in the presence of factor inhibitors (Bain, 2010).
Reference
Bain, J. B. (2010). Hematology: a core curriculum. Hackensack, NJ: World Scientific.