Methodology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Methodology - Essay Example Holsti (1968, p. 608) defines content analysis as â€Å"any technique for making inferences by systematically and objectively identifying special characteristics of messages†. The later definition is broad and does not restricted content analysis to the domain of textual analysis. However, to allow for replication, content analysis technique can only be used on data that are durable in nature. Content analysis technique allows a researcher to test theoretical issues in order to enhance understanding of the data (Elo & Kynga 2008). It is possible to sieve words into fewer content related categories using content analysis. Cavanagh (1997) notes that when classified into the same categories, words, and phrases share the same meaning. According to GAO (1996), content analysis is important because it enables researchers to sift easily through large amounts of data. Weber (1990) noted that this technique can be used to allow for the description and discovery of the focus of individual, group, institutional, or social attention. The technique further allows inferences that can be later corroborated through other methods of data collection be made. As Krippendorff (2004) notes that "content analysis research is motivated by the search for techniques to infer from symbolic data what would be either too costly, no longer possible, or too obtrusive by the use of other techniques" (p . 51). Content analysis is a method that can be used in a number of disciples to study a number of issues. For instance in marketing, the method can be a very powerful tool in studying brand personalities of companies. A number of authors in marketing have used this method. These include Douglas & Mills (2006) who did a web content analysis of logging brand personality online using Aarker’s (1997) brand personality framework. Stemler (2001) noted that content analysis can be used to determine authorship. For example, he noted that Mosteller

Corporate strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Corporate strategy - Assignment Example The constant need to venture into new markets and the pressure to judiciously utilize resources drives businesses to shape their corporate strategies and business objectives accordingly. The marketplace drives corporate decision making with regard to mergers, acquisitions, spinoffs, reorganizations and closures. There could be a number of different factors that prompt businesses to enter into new markets and locations, expand operations and enter into new business relationships. These factors include fast paced changes in tools and technologies, shift in consumer behavior or encountering uncontrollable factors, such as natural calamities and wars. In this era of globalization, mergers and acquisitions is one of the widely used modes of business growth and expansion for several companies. A significant reason for this is that the similarity in competencies among companies competing in the same marketplace promotes the betterment of financial performance, enhance competitive advantage, take advantage of innovative business opportunities and make an entry into newer markets and locations. However, mergers and acquisitions do not assure the organization of growth, development and success. The fact remains that a merger or acquisition can yield positive results for the acquiring company only if it is able to successfully manage the acquired business and transform it to ensure that it is line with the long-term organizational objectives (Haspeslagh and Jemison, 1991). A key element in the merger/acquisition process is the selection of the correct business that will be acquired. This process of selection is critical to the success of the acquisition, and requires deliberation, discussion and effective decision making. The main reason why organizations enter into new partnerships is to take maximum advantage of opportunities, such as entry into new markets and geographical locations, better access to cutting