Consumer Buying Behavior of Hybrid Vehicles Essay Example for Free

Consumer Buying Behavior of Hybrid Vehicles Essay Introduction 1 Background of the Study With the air pollution level rising day by day caused by the emission from conventional vehicles, many government bodies have put in effort to enforce emission control policy since the late of 1960, and it is becoming strict with the EURO committee being the leader until today, where their emission policy and grading system being accepted or referenced worldwide even in Malaysia. The grading system based of emission cleanliness as of today is from Euro 1 to Euro 6, where Euro 1 being the worst emission standard and Euro 6 being the environmental friendly. This is the scene where most modern vehicles are fitted with catalytic converter since late 1975, a simple device that can reduce the harmful emission such as un-burn hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide by converting them into cleaner substances such as oxygen and hydrogen through chemical catalyst effect within (Tony Andrew, 2006). The effect of this is that the rise of the awareness of fuel efficiency, as many will further relate that if fuel efficiency can be increased, then the emission can be further improved, as well as to reduce wastage. Many automobile makers has since then began development of fuel efficient engine in order to make a stand, and consequently lead to the trend of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). 2 Problem Statement However, emission is only one environmental factor as there is other factor which bothers a driver financial aspect, the fuel and its prices. No matter the fuel is expensive and cheap, if one can travel further with a given set amount of fuel, then one can certainly save him/her some money (Tony Andrew, 2006). And back to the environmental area, fossil fuel is non-renewable energy resources and depletion is certainly inevitable. This is why in recent years, many western automobile makers started to look into building fuel efficient vehicles, by building fuel efficient engines through various ways, most notably by downsizing the engine displacement and compensate it with force induction such as low pressure turbocharger. The effect of this implementation is that using a smaller capacity engine but can achieve the power delivery of a high capacity engine, yet with lower fuel consumption. However back in the eastern automobile industry, where the Japanese being the leader they had something else in mind, not only they wanted fuel efficiency but at the same time they wished to maximize the go green concept. Henceforth they come up with the idea of hybrid vehicle, where in general terms a vehicle is powered by 2 sources of input, which is a normal internal combustion engine, supported by an additional electric motor which requires special battery pack. The advantages of this implementation is that the fuel consumption and emission is superior over the formal, while the drawback is the maintenance and cost of replacement for faulty battery pack is very expensive. With the hybrid being the hot trend now given the promising sales figures from European countries and the USA, generally the maintenance factor is not an issue for them, however in this research we need to find out the factors that influence a buyer into considering, buying a hybrid vehicle over here in Malaysia, as the hybrid trend is still very new here in Malaysia, generally starting on the year of 2006 where Honda introduces Civic Hybrid. However with the recent tax exemption on hybrid vehicles from the Malaysia government, the trend seems to be changing positively and now we have several models from Honda and Toyota to offer in response to the policy. 3 Research Objectives a) What are the factors that influence consumer into considering a hybrid vehicle? b) What are the factors that support consumer into buying a hybrid vehicle? c) What are the factors that consumer worries about when purchasing a hybrid vehicle? 4 Significance of the Study This study into the factors that affect the buying decision of hybrid vehicles in Malaysia could project the trend and acceptance of hybrid vehicles here in Malaysia. With that information, local automobile makers can consider into developing our own hybrid vehicles to offer the local markets a broader choice, as well as to stay competitive in the market. Additionally, this will be a good catalyst to spark off â€Å"Go Green† concept into consumers’ mind that is beneficial to the restoration and perseverance of the environment. 5 Scope of the Study In this research, we will first take a general look and introduction into both the low pressure force induction technology and the hybrid technology further then compare and contrast the pros and cons in detail. With both concept understood, we will begin to focus on the trend of hybrid vehicles here in Malaysia, finding out the factors that support or deter the acceptance of hybrid vehicle through questionnaire aimed at hybrid owners and potential hybrid owners, from then we can know what are the main factors and concern of buyer upon making a decision for a hybrid vehicle, and then conclude what can be done to further increase the acceptance level of hybrid vehicles. Literature Review According to Markel Simpson (2006), the implementation of hybrid electric vehicles can effectively reduce petroleum consumption up to 30% when compared to conventional vehicle, however a fully plug-in hybrid electric vehicle shall be undergo development to further improve the savings and reduce the wastage, as current hybrid electric vehicles uses electric motor powered by battery pack to assist the engine, which is costly when one needs to replace, and it did not provide much desired power. The manufacturer can of course put in a bigger battery pack to punch out better power and durability, but with every 15% of improvement the cost is nearly doubled. This issue is also mentioned before way back in year 2001, where the development of hybrid vehicles began with the aim in providing a superior fuel efficiency vehicles with minimal wastage and pollutants emitted, in prior to address two major problems (Allella et al, 2001): a) Consumption of fuel : World petroleum reserves and residues are unlikely able to sustain against the ever growing necessity of consumption b) Pollution : Generally referred to the harmful emission that can damage the environmental health. The most common hybrid vehicle design is found within the famous Japanese automobile makers, respectively the Honda the Toyota. The idea is to fit an electric motor powered by a battery pack that will recharge itself using the lost energy during the braking procedure, to assist a smaller capacity conventional engine in acceleration. With the motor assistant, the engine need not work and rev up that hard to get the vehicle moving therefore fuel consumption can be lowered. When certain conditions are met, the vehicles may also run solely on the electric motor itself most probably during low speed cruising. Putting the vehicle design aside, as stated by Kuo Wang (2011), the disciplinary in driving, as well as the climate is major factor in reducing fuel consumption. Kuo Wang pointed out that in countries that have tropical climate, such as those near to the equator, tend to have higher fuel consumption index compared to other countries with 4 seasons climate, this is mainly due to the fact that fuel burns better and more efficient when the air temperature is colder, as colder air is more dense and henceforth carries more oxygen molecules. Other than that, since the temperature is generally high throughout the year for tropical climate countries, drivers tend to switch on the air-conditioner (A/C) most of the time to withstand the hot weather, and A/C draws power from the engine to power up the compressor and cooling coil, therefore it results in loss of power from engine and leads to higher fuel consumption. On the disciplinary side, traveling below or way above the optimum speed of a vehicle, usually around 90KM/H to 110KM/H will affect the fuel consumption, where most drivers tend to speed when the chances arise. One should also try to plan their traveling route ahead, in order to avoid unnecessary traffic congestion which can result in poor fuel consumption, as start-stop driving proven to have 60% increased fuel consumption compared to smooth non-stop driving. This is generally experienced by most drivers that they can achieve better mileage if they travel on the highway often. Research Methodology 1 Theoretical Framework [pic] 2 Generation of Hypothesis Assume that a) H0 = Null Hypothesis (No relationship between IV DV) b) H1 = Alternative Hypothesis (Significant relationship between IV DV) |H1 |H0 – There is no relationship between maintenance and purchase decision of hybrid vehicles. | | |H1 – There is significant relationship between maintenance and purchase decision of hybrid vehicles. | |H2 |H0 – There is no relationship between fuel consumption and purchase decision of hybrid vehicles. | | |H1 – There is significant relationship between fuel consumption and purchase decision of hybrid vehicles. | |H3 |H0 – There is no relationship between tax exemption and purchase decision of hybrid vehicles. | | |H1 – There is significant relationship between tax exemption and purchase decision of hybrid vehicles. | |H4 |H0 – There is no relationship between personal view and purchase decision of hybrid vehicles. | | |H1 – There is significant relationship between personal view and purchase decision of hybrid vehicles. | Conclusion In conclusion, no matter it is partial hybrid or fully plug-in hybrid, the main objectives are to prolong the sustainability of petroleum through improved fuel consumption. By going green, the hybrid technology can also help in reducing wastage and guarantee cleaner emission that can contribute to better environmental health and quality. Therefore with all the benefits and savings, we should try to adopt and embrace the implementation of hybrid vehicles. However, there is still room for improvement given the hybrid technology is still new within a decade of time. Government should come out with policy that can help greatly in promoting the adaptation of this green technology. Reference: 1) Allella et al, (2001), Negative Log-gamma Distribution for Data Uncertainty Modeling in Reliability Analysis of Complex System Methodology and Robustness, International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, Vol. 18, Napoli, Italy. 2) Allela et al, (2005), Optimal Reliability Allocation Under Uncertain Conditions With Application to Hybrid Vehicle Design [Online], International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, Vol. 22, Napoli, Italy. Available from (www. emeraldinsight. com/0265-671X. htm) [Accessed June 6 2011] 3) Apaydin O. Gonullu MT, (2008), Emission Control With Route Optimization In Solid Waste Collection Process, Vol. 33, Sadhana. 4) Davis S. Diegel S, (2004), Transportation Energy Databook, 24th Edition. 5) Duval M, (2004), Advanced Batteries for Electric Drive Vehicles, EPRI. 6) Hirsch et al, (2005), Peaking of World Oil Production: Impracts, Risks, and Mitigation. 7) Kuo Y. Wang CC, (2011), Optimizing the VRP by Minimizing Fuel Consumption [Online], International Journal of Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 22. Available from (www. emeraldinsight. com/1477-7835. htm) [Accessed 8 June 2011] 8) Markel T. Simpson A, (2005), Energy Storage Considerations for Grid-Charged Hybrid Electric Vehicles, IEEE Vehicular Technologies Conference, Chicago, IL. 9) Markel T. Simpson A, (2006), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Energy Storage System Design [Online], National Renewable Energy Laboratory, available from (http://www. nrel. gov/vehiclesandfuels/vsa/pdfs/39614. pdf) [Accessed 8 June 2011].

F. Scott Fitzgerald :: essays research papers

F. Scott Fitzgerald Francis Scott Fitzgerald's life is an example of both sides of the American Dream, the joys of young love, wealth and success, and the tragedies associated with success and failure. Named for another famous American, a distant cousin who authored the Star Spangled Banner, Fitzgerald was born in St. Paul Minnesota on September 24, 1896. The son of a wicker furniture salesman (Edward Fitzgerald) and an Irish immigrant with a lot of money (Mary McQuillan), Fitzgerald grew up in a Catholic and upper middle class environment. Fitzgerald started writing at an early age. His high school newspaper published his detective stories, encouraging him to pursue writing more than academics. He dropped out of Princeton University to join the army and continued to pursue his obsession. At 21 years of age, he submitted his first novel for publication and Charles Scribner's Sons rejected it, but with words of encouragement. Beginning a pattern of constant revising that would characterize his writing style for the rest of his career. The U.S. army, stationed him near Montgomery, Alabama in 1918, where he met and fell in love with Zelda Sayre. Three years into marriage, after the birth of their first and only child, Scottie, Fitzgerald completed his best-known work: "The Great Gatsby." The extravagant living made possible by such success, however, took its toll. Constantly living at various times in several different cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, and eight of the United States, the Fitzgeralds tried hard to escape from or do something about Scott's alcoholism and Zelda's mental illness. Zelda suffered several breakdowns in both her physical and mental health, and sought treatment in and out of clinics from 1930 until her death. Things were looking up for Fitzgerald near the end of his life - he won a contract in 1937 to write for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in Hollywood and fell in love with Sheilah Graham, a movie columnist.

Midterm Exam Essay

The Midterm Exam questions come from Modules 1-4. You should plan to take 2 hours to complete the exam. The exam is essay. Each answer is worth 20 points for a total of 100 points. Type your responses in this document and submit to the Dropbox by Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT. (This Dropbox basket is linked to Turnitin.) To see how your responses will be graded, review the â€Å"Midterm and Final Exam Grading Rubric† in Doc Sharing. 1. A re-organization will require that some employees are provided severance packages while other reassigned. What interpersonal managerial roles developed by Mintzberg will a manager confronted with this employ? Explain. The interpersonal managerial roles that will confront a manager are figurehead, leader and liaison. The manager will be confronted by the figurehead role because he is the person that is in charge, that is representing the organization in these decisions. He will also be confronted by the liaison role because he will be interacting with his peers during and possibly after these decisions are made. Lastly he will be confronted with the leader role because he is the leader of his employees and will be required to gather the information and ultimately make the decisions. 2. A manager has decided to use the Hawthorne Studies to improve productivity in an office. How would she accomplish this? Would the results be short- or long-term? Explain. Hawthorne studies dealt with group and individual behavior in the workplace. I think that a manager can accomplish more productivity in the workplace by making job satisfaction a priority. If someone is satisfied in their job then they are more likely to be productive. A manager can make the job more satisfying by making work challenging and interesting. Simple stuff such as introducing the latest software for office tasks or having an employee challenge of who can make the most sales in a week etc. can all help. A manager can also provide a reward system for employees that do well at work. Another thing a manager can do is create a supportive work environment for employees where they can ask for help or raise concerns without fear or prejudice. I think that all these factors will raise job satisfaction and as a result reduce the turnover rate, absenteeism and create a more productive workplace. These results would be long term because old employees would stay in the job longer and n ew employees would appreciate the work environment. 3. Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman argued that, â€Å"there is one and only one social responsibility of business—use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game† (Friedman, 1962, p. 133). Do you agree with Friedman? Explain. I do not agree with Friedman. Friedman was campaigning for a capitalist society where capitalism was not wrong as long as â€Å"it stays within the rules†. For a long while this idea worked and was the American way. However this is the same idea that caused the financial meltdown. The rules Friedman was referring to was an unregulated market were profit was the driving force, profit at any cost. Loans were made and taken with no common sense, ethics or regulations. Responsibility and accountability went out the window and the economy crashed. There has to be some ethics and social responsibility involved for businesses. Businesses based in America should have a social responsibility to create a particular amount of jobs and not only take advantage of China’s cheap labor to increase profit margins. Companies can profit from things like innovation, ideas, excellence not only unethical behavior. These â€Å"rules† need to be revised for our country’s future. A capitalist society that lacks rules, regulations, ethics and social responsibility has already been proven to have only short term success. We need to also think about the future. 4. Please evaluate this scenario by detailing what the manager would do for each step in the decision-making process. i) Two employees are blaming each other for a project they collaborated on which failed. ii) The department’s last three hirers all quit within six months. The decision making process entails the identification of a problem, identification of decision criteria, allocation of weights to criteria, development of alternatives, analysis of alternatives, selection of an alternative, implementation of the alternative evaluation of decision effectiveness. i) The first step in problem 1 would require the manager to find out why the project failed then maybe he can identify who if anyone was at fault. The second step would be to figure out the criteria that are relevant to their decisions such as whether enough research was done, was the planning done poorly etc. The third step would be to rate or put a weight to each factor found in step two as to their importance in the final decision e.g. not enough research 5, poor planning 4. The fourth step is to list the alternatives that could succeed in resolving the problem, like 1st alternative termination, second alternative training course, third etc. The fifth step would be to analyze each alternative in step four weighing up the pros and cons of each potential alternative like would termination be a benefit or liability to the company. The sixth step is choosing the best alternative after they have each been evaluated. The seventh step in the implementation of each decision, this is where the decision would be conveyed to the two employees. The eighth and final step is an evaluation to see whether if implementation of the decision took care of the problem, e.g. would projects be successful in the future. ii) The first step would be to indentify why the workers all quit within that particular time frame. The second step would be figure out a decision criteria, e.g. need for more staff, need a new office building etc. The third step would be to allocate weight to each of the criteria’s in step two e.g. five be the highest and one be the lowest, need for more staff rated at 5 would have the better weight than a new office building rated at a three. The fourth step would be to list all the alternatives better work environment, incentives etc. The fifth step would be to analyze every alternative. The sixth step would be to choose the best alternative. Step seven would be the implementation of the alternative and step eight would be an evaluation of if the alternative fixed the problem. 5. Competition with China has eviscerated many American industries, how can women’s clothing companies compete? Car companies? Please use Michael Porter competitive advantage categories: cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy, and niche in your answer. Explain. I believe that American car companies can compete by implementing all three competitive strategies. American car companies can utilize a cost leadership strategy, a differentiation strategy and also a focus strategy. I think that American companies can utilize the cost leadership strategy by reducing overhead expenses and translating some of those savings into the final price of the cars. Another portion of those savings can be used towards innovation or inventing something that gives American companies an advantage such as a more powerful engine, better handling etc. One of the things that really shocked me during the financial collapse was how much the CEO and board members of these car companies were making. American car companies can also use a differentiation strategy to become competitive. American car companies can utilize every sub category under differentiation strategy such as innovation, better customer service at its dealerships, innovative designs, technological capabilities etc. A differentiation strategy coupled with a cost leadership strategy would make American car companies competitive. The last competitive strategy is a focus strategy. This is where these car companies focus on one segment. A segment can be a geographical location, customer type etc. I think a focus strategy can help these companies market their cars to specific demographics, different financial classes, different countries etc. With a differentiation implementation of maybe new innovation or technology and better customer service at their dealerships along with focus strategies then maybe American car companies can change the way that people perceive them and become more competitive in the car industry. I think that all American companies can utilize the three different competitive strategies. One of these strategies would impact more than another depending on different factors such as the type of company, the size, location etc. Women’s clothing can also benefit. To me it would depend on the size of the women clothing company. If it were something that’s available only within the United States then I would focus less on a focus strategy as women’s clothing is already focused towards women. A cost leadership strategy can always be helpful to become competitive by reducing overheads etc. A differentiation strategy can also be implemented but again I think that this will depend on the size of the clothing company and it’s goals.

Why Do People Commit Crime - 1300 Words

Why do people commit crime? Identify and explore 3 theories of crime and evaluate their key strengths and weaknesses Discuss the role of rehabilitation in the justice system (using three theories of crime to back up) The Oxford Dictionary defines a crime as an action or omission, which constitutes an offence and is punishable by law . Criminological studies look into why individuals commit crime and why they behave the way they do in certain situations. By understanding this, one is able to develop theories and develop ways to control crime or rehabilitate the individual. The aim of rehabilitation is to prevent further crimes from happening and it has been a key feature of prisons since the 18th century. In 1779 the British government passed the Penitentiary Act, which made rehabilitation of criminals a function of all prisons. Rehabilitation puts and emphasis on corrections as opposed to punishment, as it is believed that this is a more effective way of preventing the individual of committing further crimes. This essay will discuss the question of why individuals commit crime, exploring three theories of crime; social disorganisation theory, rational choice theory, and biological theories. It will also discuss the role of rehabilitation in the criminal justice system. Social Disorganisation Theory: Poverty is often identified as a major cause of crime. Starting from the 1970s, studies in the US pointed more and more at the link between unemployment, poverty andShow MoreRelatedWhy Do People Commit Crimes?1145 Words   |  5 Pagesunderstand why people commit crimes and why they engaged in anti-social behavior. It may sound simple but scientist and criminologist have struggled to answer this question. 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