Abstract
This paper discusses purchasing decisions of brand vs. quality for the interior design and home decoration sector. The paper looks at factors shaping consumer buying decisions and at the special meaning that brands have for consumers. The paper also presents a research design to measure purchase choices.

From the Paper
"This report presents a research plan for determining whether consumers shopping for interior design and/or decor are most highly motivated by the variables of quality or brand name. Drawing upon literature describing the factors shaping consumer buying decisions and branding as well as issues in the highly competitive field of interior design/decor, the study presents a data collection and analysis strategy to test the research hypothesis that consumers are more likely to be..."

Tags:interior design, home decoration, brands, purchase, consumer, research design

Abstract
This paper explains that art is an aesthetic object that is created by skill and imagination, while decoration is defined by its function as an ornament. The author points out that when looking at the aesthetics of art in the individual home it is important to consider that art can also exist as a decoration. The paper concludes that the private world of art can take many forms, from the purely individualistic approach of the young person's home to the collaborative approach of the older couple who have lived together for many years.

From the Paper
"The function of the home is diverse, and this is an important consideration for many individuals when they choose decorative and artistic elements for their home. For example, the use of the washroom for showers makes it difficult to store objects that are easily damaged by water in the bathroom as a work of art. Further, many decorative objects may be chosen more for their functional aspects than their artistic or decorative function. For example, clocks may be chosen based on large hands for easy viewing, rather than simply for their aesthetic value."

Tags:function, ornament, imagination, collaboration, individual

Abstract
This paper explains that this company, which sells South American art and decoratives, wishes to market to hotels, restaurants and interior design agencies located in areas, such as the European continent, where the South American culture is considered exotic. Next, the author reviews the company's main competitors and develops a marketing strategy, which includes setting up the central office and showroom in San Diego. The paper discuses the promotion plan especially the use of the internet.

Table of Contents:
Marketing Segmentation
Main Competitors
Marketing Strategy
Promotion
Future

From the Paper
"On the other hand, the fact that there are many import partners, as well as more than one distribution center presents a very difficult challenge, that of coordination. Not only do all these company segments have to communicate on a daily basis, but the operations must be supervised and coordinated in order to make sure that the company functions as a whole and that synergy is achieved. The office is placed in San Diego so this will present the challenge of properly managing a communication process which implies partners working on another continent."

Tags:relationships prices, distribution network, e-advertising magazines

Abstract
This paper begins with a look at what sparked the great interest in Orientalism beginning with the 19th century and continuing until the 1930s. The paper also describes the influence that Orientalism had on American tastes in decorative arts and explains that this interest in Orientalism was no doubt encouraged by the opening of the Suez Canal which had the effect of providing artists with abundant and seductive new motifs for their work.

From the Paper
"Although Bonaparte had had the idea years earlier, it was in 1854 that the French diplomat, Ferdinand de Lesseps persuaded the Viceroy Said of Egypt to grant him the concession to cut a 100-mile long canal across the isthmus of the Suez. DeLesseps had cultivated the Viceroy Said even when the Viceroy was a young man and De Lesseps was the French ambassador to the Egyptian court" (African Business 2003, p. 64). "The creation of the Suez Canal captured the imagination of people around the world, and its opening in 1869 was a party to end all parties. As the champagne flowed, it was hailed as a symbol of progress that would serve to unite the world. You might even call it one of the first adventures in globalization-an infrastructure project designed to strengthen links between Europe, East Africa, the Middle East and the Orient" (African Business 2003, p. 64). In hindsight, of course, it did not work out as the great peace- and commerce-maker some may have had in mind."

Tags:austen, henry, layard, iraq, museum, greece, orient, arab, lands, mediterranean, turkey

Abstract
This paper gives an overview and history of the Polo Corporation, the general environment, task environment and internal environment of the Polo Corporation and the apparel industry The paper is well researched and attractively presented.

Table of Contents
Fact Stock
Foreign Holdings
Corporation Environments
General Environment
Economic
Technological
Socio-Cultural
Political-Legal/ United States/Regulators
Political-Legal/ International
Task Environment
Customers
Suppliers
Strategic Partners
Competitors
Internal Environment
Owner and Board of Directors
Employees and Top Management Team
Organization Culture

From the Paper
"Polo doesn't actually make any products itself; instead, it oversees the work of many licensees as well as more than 360 contract manufacturers worldwide. Its largest licensing partners include Jones Apparel (sportswear), Seibu Department Stores (Japanese distribution), and WestPoint Stevens (bedding). The firm operates about 230 retail and outlet stores in the US and licenses more than 100 others worldwide."

Tags:regulators, international, customers, suppliers, partners, competitors

From the Paper
"Byzantine Influences: Church Decorations in Areas Outside Byzantine Control


Among the churches outside the territories of Byzantine political control, many show some degree of the Byzantine style of church decoration, as well as some alterations due to local influence. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss in detail six works of art from outside of the areas of Byzantine rule and the degree of Byzantine influence and departure from it.


St. Mark's in Venice dates from the years of 1063 to 1095. Its architectural plan is that of the cruciform--one dome at the crossing and one on each of the arms of the cross, one of the most important plans for churches developed by the architects of Justinian (Rice 98). The St. Mark's is the most important surviving example of this cruciform type of architectural design."

Abstract
This paper will examine three general approaches in modern feminist art by three feminist artists. It will be argued that these feminists assume radically different perspectives with regard to their mediums and objectives. Under the general categories of "the Body Politic" (feminism and politics), "the Body Social" (representations of the human body as a site of conflicting social values) and "Decoration vs. Abstraction" (hierarchical double standards with regard to "male" abstraction and "female" decorative arts), it will be shown how these differences in part reflect the shifting phases of modern feminist art, but more importantly signify the diverse multiplicity of modern feminist art.

Abstract
The paper explores how minimalism can create a new direction in the interior design field and how interior design and minimalism will complement each other. The paper examines how minimalism in interior design would be marketable and how this type of interior design would work for a commercial setting. The paper discusses how the 'Minimalist' method holds great promise for interior decorators in applying their talents as well as in gaining work due to the lower costs involved. The paper also reveals that the marketability of minimalism in today's world market holds great promise in today's environmentally-conscious world.

Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Interior Design and Minimalism in a Working Relationship
Minimalism and the Creation of a New Direction of Design
Marketing Minimalism in Interior Design
Minimalism in Commercial Interior Design
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The first step in attempting to research and ultimately answer the questions posed in this research is to apply a definition to specifically what is meant by Minimalism in Interior Design. According to Gilbert Brownestone, a curator in Palm Beach, Florida and Paris: "Minimalism is simple to the point of complexity...It evokes a spiritual response from the viewer." (Kim, 2003) The definition applied in the edict of Mies van der Rohe is: 'less is more', Minimalism in architecture is a working method in which aesthetic force and capacity are employed to create an effect that astonishes without the aid of superfluous elements. Its essence ...and its intention is to accommodate life simply but beautifully." (Minimalist Space, 2006)"

Tags:costs, savings, green, color, basics

Abstract
In this article the writer notes that for many years, glass work has been considered a beautiful craft form, mostly used in pieces as decor or an element of design. The writer discusses why has it been that for so many years, glass has been singled out in this way, even to its exclusion over such sculptural and less beautiful materials such as bronze and stone. The writer discusses the relegation of glass to the field of decoration, craft and design rather than that of fine art. In addition, the writer explores the elements which are necessary for sculptural works to be considered fine art. The writer examines what the recent explosion of interest in glass work has done to improve the image of glass as an art form. Ultimately, The writer looks at who defines the difference between art and craft - whether this is the artist, the critic or the viewer.

Introduction
Background - Definition of Art
Discussion
References

From the Paper
"Such a weighty question probably lies beyond the boundaries of a paper such as this, so for the answers to this question we shall look to the ages and describe on how art has been defined in the past. Robert Collingwood, in his seminal work The Principles of Art made what is probably still considered to be the clearest definition of art. To Collingwood, art was the expression of emotions, and lives in the realm of emotion. Collingwood believed that the expression of emotion via art was a process which moves slowly from the hidden and vague to that which is explicit and clear. To Collingwood, art was the process of exploring emotions, which live within the subconscious of the artist and are not known to the artist beforehand. Collingwood was able to discern art from craft in that he believed that in crafts, the works man, the salesman knew before even the initiation of the project what emotion is being evoked, and that craft is then more calculating and deliberate in it's manner of arousing an emotional response. Ayn Rand also expressed theory surrounding art in several of her essays."

Tags:form, image, design, artist

Abstract
The following paper discusses how the world prefers the comfort of familiarity when it comes to choosing a restaurant. The writer contends that it is the familiar decor, menu and food presentation that gives them a feeling of security that cannot be matched by the thrill of a newly discovered individually owned restaurant. This paper asserts that as long as the world thrives on familiar surroundings the chain restaurants will always do better and be more successful than privately owned shops.

From the Paper
"People often like to say they are adventure seekers. They claim that the same old same old drives them batty and they are always up for something new. This may be the case in many areas of life however in the area of eating in a restaurant people prove again and again that they prefer the tried and true to the unknown element of surprise. Restaurants that are corporate owned are more likely to be frequented than one that is individually owned and operated. Marketing executives have known this for a long time and often times target the advertisements to remind the viewer that the consistency of a corporate organization is preferable over the "mom and pop" shop of yesteryear."

Tags:standardization, comfortable, patrons, advertisment, policy, corporate, establishment