Is Marketing Management a Scientific or Artistic Exercise?

In today’s modern society, marketing occurs in each individual’s daily activities either knowingly or unknowingly. It is embedded in the task we perform everyday; from the time we take our breakfast, to the billboards we see while driving to work along the highway, to the Web sites we click on. “Marketing is everywhere. Good marketing has become an increasing vital ingredient for business success” (Kotler et al. 2009, p. 3). Firstly, this article and its discussion content will introduce and define marketing management which is the core subject matter. The discussion will then show some examples and support for the science approach followed by some examples and support for the artistic approach. The author will then provide further evidence and arguments to support his stance that marketing management is a scientific or artistic exercise.

SERVICE QUALITY AUDIT BASED ON THE CONCEPTUAL GAPS MODEL OF SERVICE QUALITY

Executive summary
Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1985) developed a conceptual framework called the “GAPS model”. The primary thesis of this model is that the service quality shortfall (i.e. GAP 5, the gap between customers’ service expectations and perceptions) is a result of a series of shortfalls within the service provider’s organization (i.e. GAPS 1-4). Thus, improving the quality of service experienced by customers (i.e. GAP 5) requires diagnosing the causes and correcting the internal deficiencies (i.e GAP 1-4).
A service quality audit was conducted for Aphalodge Hotel based on the conceptual GAPS Model of Service quality. A sample of the result is shown in Appendix 2 of this report. The scope covers a sample size of ten respondents (employees). The purpose of the Service Quality Audit is to identify any service deficiencies in Aphalodge Hotels’ services by applying the results to the Gaps Model of Service Quality and then analyzing them. The respondents had to fill in questionnaires comprising of 31 questions covering the five GAPS (i.e GAP 5, and GAP 1-4). The objectives of the report are then to analyse the Customer Gap (GAP 5); one of the Provider Gap (GAP 1-4); and to recommend effective strategies for implementation to close two of the Provider Gap (GAP 1-4).
Findings for GAP 5, showed that the perception was lower than expectation which means customer is dissatisfied with the service level. Aphalodge has a reasonable understanding of customer expectations but not the customer perception of service.
Findings also show that for closing the “listening gap” (Gap 1): Aphalodge have some form of mechanisms in place for channelling feedback from front-line staff to management; management have some direct contact with users; and management at least occasionally perform customer-contact roles.
Aphalodge in closing the “service design and standards gap” (Gap 2): management are quick to dismiss user expectations as unrealistic or unreasonable; have an informal, non-continuous process for setting service specifications; and performance-evaluation criteria do not take “input” and “efficiency” type measures. Improvements have to be made here.
In closing the “service performance gap” (Gap 3): Aphalodge have reasonable support for front-line staff with reasonable technology and information systems; does provide adequate training to front-line staff; recognize and take steps to reduce potential role stress among front-line staff.
In closing the “communications gap” (Gap 4): mechanisms are in place to encourage communication across different functional areas; do communicate to customers about what will be provided to them; do scrutinize all external communication intended for users to prevent over-promising; and are careful to price their service so as not to raised customer expectations.
The report critically analysed in detail the strategy of Aphalodge for closing Gap 2. The report also recommended two strategies to close Gap 1, and Gap 3. In closing Gap 1, it is recommended to have effective service recovery efforts and plan for service failures. It is also recommended to have good customer relationship and to provide service guarantees. For closing Gap 3, Aphalodge is recommended to implement human resource policies strategy. This strategy is focused on the importance of effectively recruiting, hiring, training, compensating and empowering employees. It is also to ensure that service quality delivery is consistent across employees, teams and units. Finally, the report includes the implementation plan to activate these two strategies.

Anil Kapoor to star in Mission: Impossible 4

Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor has been signed to an important role in one of the biggest film series of Hollywood, Mission: Impossible 4 (MI4), according to media reports.
Mission: Impossible 4 will be filmed in Dubai among other cities.

Tom Cruise

Along with Anil Kapoor and Tom Cruise, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo star Michael Nykvist, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg are also said to be starring in the film.

The source said, "Anil got the confirmation this week that he's starring in MI4. Though his role is a tight secret at this point of time, it's an important one nonetheless.

MI4 adds another international feather to Anil's cap after he landed a role in Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire followed by US TV series 24, one of the most watched television series in USA.

Anil Kapoor said: "At this point of time, I can only say that I have been contacted for Mission Impossible 4 and I have said yes to the role."
Sources said that the actor has been asked to be tight-lipped about the role by the Hollywood studio.

Why So Sad....

Why So Sad....

Why so sad....
High expectations, high hope.....
Listen young, listen close......
Said I will, said I shall......
Life is not what, life is not how.....
.
Why so sad.......
I was up, I was high....
I had joy, I had hope....
Where to now, what to do....
Life goes on, life cannot stand still.....

Why so sad.....
To myself, to my own....
Solitary me, sorrow me...
Shameful me, hurting me....
Why so deep, why so blunt...

Why so sad......
Where is hope, where is joy....
Where is light, why so dark....
Why so silent, why my heart...
What went wrong, why so cruel...

Why so sad.....

Look high up, look beyond.....
Look for joy, look for hope.....
Find the hope, find the joy....
Find the peace, find the strength...

Why so sad....

Hope today, hope beyond....

Hope on give, hope on learn...
Hope on pure, hope on love...
Hope on young, hope on new...

Written by Apharock

STRESS FROM DRIVING

Today is the worst day on the road if you are in PJ. Every road is snarled with traffic. Worst of all, the usual inconsiderate motorist are at their worst during these times.
What day is it today that everybody decide to go out on the road. Can't they just stay in the office and work and be productive.
It seems the bad jive is out. Even people are walking on the car path......what's wrong with walking at the pavement.
Is there someday like this where the bad jive collides to make driving hell?
Everybody seems to be in such stress. Is it the exam week? Are all the parents out there fetching their kids from school?

Lady Gaga and Yoko Ono - The Sun is Down - A bad video take

Only suitable for Lady Gaga fans. A bad video take of Lady Gaga performing with Yoko Ono for Plastic Ono Band tribute concert.

You can see her transparent dress but no shots of her butt so sorry for those waiting for that. See Apharock's previous post if you can't get enough of her butt.

Credits to : YouTube Uploader

Compiled by Apharock

Readers Discretion Adviced: Go Gaga with Lady Gaga's Tranparent Pants

Lady Gaga took the stage with Yoko Ono on Saturday night, and the pop star gave the crowd much more to admire than the duo's famous faces.
Gaga, 24, dressed in an outrageous bedazzled one-piece jumpsuit to join forces with Ono's "We Are Plastic Plastic Ono Band."

The singer's outfit deliberately flaunted her rear end, covered only by sheer panels of fabric and a smattering of crystals.

Lady Gaga exposing her rear end

I guess she save some money from buying underpants. Please don't wear this to work or college.

Compiled by Apharock

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THIRD FORMERS SITTING FOR PMR EXAMS

Good luck to all third formers sitting for PMR Exams on Tuesday 5th October.


Stay cool and relax and remember to smile and the papers will smile at you.

Rest well and stay healthy and have confidence in yourself. And whatever happens, do your best and be happy.


Here is something to keep you steady and calm for the exams. 

Credits to: YouTube Uploader

Compile by Apharock

APHAROCK'S FEATURED MUSIC VIDEO OF THE MONTH

Apharock is starting a new category called Featured Music Video of the Month. In this category Apharock will feature his favourite music video.

Apharock listens to these music videos when researching for his term papers.

This is Apharock's Featured Music Video of the month of October -

B.o.B - Airplanes (Feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore)

 Credits to: YouTube Uploader

APHAROCK'S FEATURED MUSIC VIDEO OF THE MONTH, compiled by Apharock

I AM SO LONELY I DIDN'T GET INVITES TO LUNA PARTY

Who is like me tonite and didn't get a pair of invites to the Luna Party? Let's share together coz I am so lonely.

Why, because my daughter got a pair of invites and my wife gets to go instead. A girls nite out and left me all alone here.

Anyway, to remind me what I am missing I am putting the images of the party here again.

Now you know why my wife is going instead of me. It's Jojo after all.

Luna Bar in the sky: I would have enjoyed a drink overlooking the skyline of KL.

Luna Bar in the sky: What a relaxing time I would have had.....missed.

Luna Bar in the sky: They knew I would have pushed the winner into the pool or possibly jump in myself.

For those guys who got invited, please share your post with us. I really want to feel more miserable by looking at your wonderful pictures and seeing how you all enjoyed yourself without me.

Rantings by Apharock.

DiGi iPhone 4 Life

DiGi iPhone 4 Life - Apharock's Life

Apharock in 1964: Apharock in diapers looking for the DiGi iPhone 4?

Apharock in 1966: Weeee, I'm going to get a DiGi  iPhone 4 in 2010

Apharock in 1969: Apharock looking for the DiGi iPhone 4 on Satok bridge.

Apharock in 1971: DiGi iPhone 4 with 70's design?

Apharock in 1972: This big fish didn't get away, will the DiGi iPhone 4?

Apharock in 1974: Close your mouth Apharock, you haven't won the DiGi iPhone 4 yet & wear your shirt.

Apharock in 1981: What huge glasses you have Apharock, a DiGi iPhone 4 will go nicely with that.

Apharock in 1985: With your girl in Wave rock and looking bored? No DiGi iPhone 4 leh.

Apharock in 1991: His big day would be really complete with a DiGi iPhone 4.

Apharock in 1993: 4 generation of Apharock's. Hmmm DiGi iPhone 4 would be nice too.

Apharock in 2009: Thanks for the birthday gifts guys, I love you, but is there by any chance a DiGi iPhone 4 in there?

Apharock in 2010: DiGi iPhone 4 Life, Apharock's life.

Thanks DiGi, thanks Nuffnang.


DiGi iPhone 4 Life, created by Apharock.

Say NO to click Fraud - Spreading word to my readers

IMPORTANT TO SEE MESSAGE BELOW.
Thanks to Apharock readers for your attention
========================================================================
Dear Nuffnangers,

We take a break from our regular programming to bring you a community service message about something that is rather worrying to us lately.

As you might already know, there are 2 types of Nuffnang campaigns that bloggers may earn from: Metered Cost per Impression (mCPM) Campaigns, which pay according to the number of blog visitors who view the ads running on blogs; and Cost-Per-Click (CPC) campaigns, which pay bloggers based on the number of clicks generated on the ads.

Australia's Next Top Model Finale - Announced Winner Blunder

Australia's Next Top Model Finale - Announced winner blunder by the host Sarah Murdoch. After congratulating the "winner" 19 year old Kelsey Martinovich and giving encouragement to the "runner-up" Amanda Ware, Sarah after receiving word from control over her ear-piece began to look shocked and begun muttering apologies.
After repeatedly saying "sorry", "sorry" she revealed that she had made a mistake and that Amanda was the winner of Australia's Next Top Model.
Sarah's humility in making a live-on-air mistake, Kelsey's humbleness in accepting the mistake graciously and Amanda's lighthearted reaction and candid acceptance speech make this for me, Australia's Next Top Model real and a most humbling experience.
I must admit I was never keen on the top model series but now after watching the Australia's Next Top Model Finale, I am a converted fan.

Credits: Youtube uploader

IMC PLAN - A CONCEPT PAPER FOR NISSAN HYBRID SPORTS COUPE

IMC PLAN - A CONCEPT PAPER FOR NISSAN HYBRID SPORTS COUPE, by Christopher Lim
1.0 Introduction
This integrated marketing communication plan outlines the communication objectives, strategies, and tactics required for a successful execution of integrated marketing for Nissan Hybrid Car Sports Coupe. Additionally, this plan provides the framework for product launch communication activities. The 2011 Nissan 370Z Hybrid Sports Coupe will be launched in 2011 and thus production units are not readily available for public testing feedback.

DiGi iPhone 4 Real

If you fail to plan, you plan to......wait....do not fret, 

DiGi has a Plan for you

Most affordable plan, click for more

iDiGi Postpaid Plans

Thanks DiGi for the plan. I like the iDiGi 88 plan especially. The wonderful plan doesn't stop there. If I feel that my communication needs have expanded I can choose to upgrade after 90days from the current iDiGi plan to iDiGi 138 or iDiGi 238.

Save with iDiGi Plans

Free local calls, Free Internet, 0% installment payment plan and low monthly fees. This iDiGi plan is crazy and if you and  I Failed to Plan, better still, coz DiGi already planned for me and you to save and still enjoy all our communication needs.

DiGi has also facilitated a comprehensive payment plan. We can choose to pay cash (for the loaded people) or pay by credit card. They also have a plan to pay in installments (EPP) with 0% interest. Check it out below.

Cash and Credit Card Payment Option

Easy Payment Plan Option

So, what are you waiting for. Be one of the first in Malaysia to own an iPhone 4 from DiGi.

iPhone 4

I am not waiting......no.....I am waiting.....waiting for the phone from DiGi when I win the contest but if not....then I will rush to the nearest DiGi store for one.

DiGi iPhone 4 Real 

Yes for real, get the iDiGi Plan and the iPhone 4 right now from DiGi.

DiGi iPhone 4 Real, created by Apharock

DiGi iPhone 4 Play

When I travel to Paris I usually book into good hotels, 5 star hotels at least. I especially like the Hilton which is located at a strategic position.

After a whole day business meetings with client I will go for a swim in Paris Hilton. The pool is nice and warm and I love to lay there by the poolside and then read through my favourite news.

Luckily for me, my iPhone 4 has the cool apps: Entertainment Tonight - ET

iPhone 4 ET apps

I can keep up with today’s hottest celebrities using Entertainment Tonight. Get the latest news and gain access to set visits, upcoming projects, and have one-on-one interviews with my favorite stars.

I can keep updated on what's happening with Paris Hilton. She's hot!

iPhone 4 ET view

Too bad she canceled her trip to Malaysia.

At least I can still keep track of the Hollywood happenings from my iPhone 4. What will I do without the iPhone 4 ET - Entertainment tonight apps. So hot!!

iPhone 4

Thanks DiGi for the phone. You're so hot!

DiGi

DiGi iPhone 4 Play, written by Apharock

DiGi iPhone 4 me

Why I want an iPhone 4 from DiGi?


Who doesn't want an iPhone 4. Free from DiGi, of course I want.

Look at my old phone. Don't get me wrong. It serve me well for 3 years, still has a 2 megapixel camera. Lost the cable though long time ago so cannot download any pictures taken.

Good ole buddy

Look at that poor phone, the screen coming out. Compare to this below.

iPhone 4

What.., are you kidding me. You beauty. Sorry ole buddy, I have to say goodbye.

I especially love the camera of the iPhone 4.

iPhone 4 with 5 megapixels in-built camera

You betcha, I don't have to fork our RM2xxx for a DSLR. The 5-megapixel camera built into iPhone 4 — with optional HDR setting — captures amazingly detailed images. A built-in LED flash illuminates low-light scenes. And the 5x digital zoom gets me closer to the action. I will never miss another photo opportunity. I can even shoot self-portraits with the front camera.

And what about apps?

iPhone 4 Apps: iBooks

I absolute desire the iPhone 4 for the apps: iBooks. I can download now and its free. I can read my favorite books anywhere. On iPhone 4, the high-resolution Retina display renders every page beautifully. Vibrant colors, rich illustrations, and crisp, sharp text make reading a pleasure.

iPhone 4 iBooks supports PDF format

iBooks also supports PDFs, so I can sync my reference papers in PDFs and read them using iBooks.


I could continue with a long list of iPhone features and Apps that has me drooling but "iPhone 4", "you got me at camera and iBooks".






Written by, Apharock

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU DATUK NICOL ANN DAVID

Datuk Nicol David overjoyed with her 5th World Open squash title

Datuk Nicol David did Malaysia proud again by winning the 2010 World Open squash title. Malaysian sports superstar Datuk Nicol David has equalled the record of five World Open squash titles held by Australia's Sarah Fitz-Gerald.

Datuk Nicol David cruised to a 11-5 11-8 11-6 victory over Egyptian fourth seed Omneya Abdel Kawy in Wednesday's final crushing the home crowd's hopes of  a win.
It was the latest chapter in the 27-year-old's illustrious career, which was marked earlier this month by her 50th successive month atop the world rankings.

"My focus was strong throughout the tournament," said David after the successful defense of the title in which she did not drop a single game.
"I really wanted this. I didn't want to let it slip.
"It's amazing that I can do something that Sarah has done, because she's such a great player."

David, now the winner of 48 WISPA World Tour titles from 63 finals, will now fly to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games as overwhelming favourite to capture the only significant title missing from her collection.

Good luck for the upcoming Commonwealth games, we are proud of you Datuk Nicol Ann David.

TODAY APHAROCK CELEBRATES MOONCAKE FESTIVAL

Today we celebrate a festival popularly known in Malaysia as Mooncake Festival. It is also known as Mid-Autumn festivals for countries that has four seasons. We here in Malaysia only have summer all year round, so mooncake festival it is.

Most years as far as I know the moon is covered by the clouds and today it was pouring and again the moon is hiding herself. But it would not be a mooncake festival post if I don't at least insert an image of the moon so here it is.

Full moon sitting on top the Tokyo Tower, Japan

I took this photo the last time I visited Tokyo Tower and it was a perfect moonlit might with the moon sitting right perfectly on top the Tokyo Tower.

Mooncake festival must of course have mooncake. It come in all sorts of packaging and I think the packaging cost more than the cake themselves.

Mooncake packages

Mooncake

Lotus with single egg yolk mooncake

Mocha mooncake

You have all sorts of typesof moon cake and the above pictures I have shown two types. For the children, the best time of the mooncake festival is the lantern playing time.

Lantern set up

The whole neighbourhood join in the fun

Lantern strung up on bushes

Traditional lanterns are still the best

Even if you don't celebrate mooncake festival, take your partner's hand and go for a romantic stroll under the full moon.

Happy Mooncake Festival to all from Apharock.

FIRST BUFFERED EARNING CAME AND ZOOM AWAY FASTER

I finally got my first buffered earning after two months of blogging. Quite an achievement since I never expected it.

Apharock first buffered earning

But before I can jump for joy and say hurrah, it left in a hurry and I never saw it back again.

I miss you buffered earning, when are you coming back again...sniff sniff.

Latest Viral Video in YouTube, Hand Dancing

You've heard of tap dancing, ballroom dancing, heck dancing with the stars. Have you ever of hand dancing. Watch the video below of the latest viral video in Youtube called hand dancing.

From Youtube: Performed and choreographed by Suzanne Cleary & Peter Harding

Credits to: Youtube Uploader

By Apharock.

2011 HONDA CR-Z HYBRID SPORTS COUPE FEATURED CAR FOR SEPTEMBER

It is time to go green.Even when it comes to sports car, the trend is pointing towards green cars.

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Sports Coupe featured car for September

Photos: With such a sleek body, the CR-Z is both aerodynamically efficient and aesthetically pleasing

Photos : Exciting rear view

Photos : The rear hatch provides easy access for items both large and small

Photos : Aggressive front design sets this hybrid apart

Photos :  Available HID headlights give the driver great visibility at night

Photos : It may not look the part but it is a hybrid

Photos : LED brake lights add to the high-tech feel of the CR-Z as well as providing enhanced visibility to other drivers.

Under the hood, you'll find the eager 1.5-liter, 16-valve, i-VTEC^® 4-cylinder engine with IMA

Photos : The CR-Z's interior was designed for functionality and to enhance the driving experience.

Photos : Silver-mesh sport seats are both comfortable and supportive

Photos : Driver-centric controls are within easy reach

Photos : Steering-wheel mounted controls provide convenient access to the most-used features

Photos : The standard automatic climate control allows you to set the temp and forget it

Photos : With the 3-mode drive system the driver can customize the CR-Z's performance

Photos : The tachometer color provides a visual reminder of your driving performance. In both Normal and ECON™ mode, the glow transitions between blue and green. In Sport mode the color stays red.

Photos : The Eco Guide monitors and rewards efficient driving habits

Photos : The audio system offers compatibility to a number of different music storage devices.

Photos : The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition helps you get where you need to go.

Photos : The CVT takes the simplicity and ease of an automatic transmission and adds the option of control.

Photos : Textured aluminum pedals give the CR-Z EX a racier feel.

Photos : The navigation screen provides the added convenience of displaying song and track information.

Photos : 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Sports Coupe in red

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Sports Coupe featured car for September, By AphaRock