SWOT Analysis of Sage Group Plc Free Essays

The Sage Group is a global supplier of software solutions as well as services in business management to both small and medium sized businesses. This paper will analyze the company with key focus being placed on its internal strengths and weaknesses and how they prepare or hinder it from the opportunities and threats existing in its industry. Introduction The Sage Group offers solutions in a number of areas including Payroll, financial forecasting, human resources, taxation, accounting, customer relationship management and other products related with accounting, e-business, business stationery, and development platforms. We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis of Sage Group Plc or any similar topic only for you Order Now Its primary operating regions are Europe andNorth America. The company’s headquarters are located inNewcastle upon Tyneand it has approximately 14, 350 employees. As of April 5, 2012 the company was ranked position 73 with a market capitalization of 3,905.8 million pounds (Stock Challenge, 2012). Its performance in the FTSE has been consistently around the 60-80 range in the last couple of years but compared to the highest ranked company (Royal Dutch Shell) which had a market capitalization of ?137,243.1 million, it has a long way to go before it enters the top fifty let alone join the top ten companies. Back in 2009 financial year, the group had recorded revenues of ?1,439.3 million which was an 11.1% increase compared to the 2008 financial year (The LSI Group, n.d). The 2011 financial year, the company recorded revenue of ?1,334.1 million which was a 4% increase from the 1,227.6 million pounds that it had recorded in the 2010 financial year (The LSI Group, n.d). Overview of the 2011 financial year The 2011 financial year saw the underlying earnings per share and organic revenue increase and in the same year a significant change was seen in the strategic and operational perspective of the group. For instance, a new management structure got embedded and the group disposed of its Sage Healthcare business. A major strength in the group is its ability to expand the range of products and services that it offers to its customers (The LSI Group, n.d). This has been made especially better through the company’s decision to leverage the web further and to re-engage in MA. resulting from the culture of innovation in the group, an established range of products offered to customers and focus on provision of real business benefits to customers, the group increased its SME customers by 261,000 in the year 2011. Strengths and Weaknesses in the group A major strength that the company has is its innovation and technology. New technology developments prepare the group to utilize opportunities of delivering productivity gains to small and medium sized businesses through the use of the group’s solutions. An example is the combination of credit card processing and accounting which would help customers avoid re-keying data hence making them control their payments more effectively and in the end accelerate their own cash receipts. This strength has made it possible for the company to get an increase in demand of its payment services. The cross-selling of payments into the group’s North American accounting base, for example, has in 2011 grown by over 40%. This contributed to the 16% growth of the group’s payment businesses in that year (Hassett, 2011). The company has prioritized technology and its continual advancement therefore continuing to develop new online business solutions in the small business market such as the ‘Sage One’ which was launched in theUnited Kingdomin 2011. The new innovative products and services offered by the group make it possible for it to utilize opportunities in the industry. A majority of customers using Sage One, for example, are new to Sage. The other strength is its strong brand which has given it a competitive advantage. The recent decision to rebrand the group’s North American accounting and ERP products will transition them to one Sage brand and individual brands will be eliminated. This move will allow the group and its partners to focus their marketing efforts on one brand only therefore being able to maximize the impact of their marketing spending. Eventually, the step will help the company capitalize on its cross-sell opportunities. Acquisitions also helped the group in preparing for opportunities in the industry. The process prior to deciding on an appropriate acquisition opportunity is a critical and complex process. The potential acquisition opportunities have to be evaluated. The acquired company would help the group to embrace an additional key growth area which would translate to the growth of the group (Bharat Book Bureau, 2010). No significant acquisitions have been made by the group since 2006 but in October 2011 the group acquired an organization based inSouth Africa(Alchemex) which focuses on the providence of business intelligence tools for small and medium-sized businesses. As a result of the acquisition, Sage Group will have entered into a key growth area. The ability of the group to offer a wide range of tailor-made software solutions has benefited the group since it enables it to gain a large customer base (Bharat Book Bureau, 2010). Despite the benefits that the strategy has had in helping the group to increase its customer base, it might act as a barrier as the company strives to gain a significant scale. In addition, it may deter the company from appropriately rewarding its long-term shareholders who feel that they should get as much as possible from their company. Conclusion The Sage Group is a global company that offers a wide range of software solutions to small and medium-sized businesses all over the world. It has its headquarters inNewcastleand many branches distributed all over the globe. The group was ranked 73 in the FTSE 100 as of April 5, 2012. A number of strengths and weaknesses in the company impact on the opportunities and threats either positively or negatively. References Bharat Book Bureau, 2010, The Sage Group plc, SWOT analysis, viewed April 7th 2012, http://www.bharatbook.com/market-research-reports/information-technology-market-research-report/sage-group-plc-the-swot-analysis.html FTSE All-Share Index Ranking as at close on Thu, 5 April 2012, viewed April 6, 2012, http://www.stockchallenge.co.uk/ftse.php Hassett, S., 2011, The Risk Premium Factor: A New Model for Understanding the Volatile Forces That Drive Stock Prices, John Wiley Sons,New York. The LSI Group, LLE, The Sage Group Plc, A Story of Global Success, viewed April 7, 2012, http://thelsigroup.com/Best.htm Appendix Figure 1: FTSE All-Share Index Ranking (unofficial guide) as at close on Thu, 5 April 2012 65CPICapita GroupFTSE 100723.00 4,434.2 66BLNDBritish Land CoFTSE 100472.70 4,201.7 67IHGInterContinental Hotels GroupFTSE 1001,440.00 4,180.3 68CCLCarnivalFTSE 1001,919.00 4,094.4 69UU.United Utilities GroupFTSE 100596.50 4,066.8 70ITRKIntertek GroupFTSE 1002,498.00 4,000.5 71SMINSmiths GroupFTSE 1001,014.00 3,979.7 72SDR+SDRCSchrodersFTSE 1001,476.00 / 1,147.00 3,978.1 73SGESage GroupFTSE 100295.10 3,905.8 74GFSG4SFTSE 100269.60 3,803.2 75AMECAMECFTSE 1001,128.00 3,747.1 76REXRexamFTSE 100419.80 3,681.5 77RSARSA Insurance GroupFTSE 100104.30 3,676.4 78WEIRWeir GroupFTSE 1001,727.00 3,649.8 79SVTSevernTrentFTSE 1001,507.00 3,580.0 80RSLResolution LtdFTSE 100252.00 3,569.0 81POLYPolymetal InternationalFTSE 100932.00 3,566.6 82IAGInternational Consolidated Airlines Group SAFTSE 100180.00 3,339.7 83ITVITVFTSE 10085.50 3,325.2 84BNZLBunzlFTSE 1001,005.00 3,320.5 85TATETate LyleFTSE 100704.00 3,290.4 86VEDVedanta ResourcesFTSE 1001,235.00 3,282 Source: http://www.stockchallenge.co.uk/ftse.php How to cite SWOT Analysis of Sage Group Plc, Essay examples

SWOT Analysis of Sage Group Plc Free Essays

The Sage Group is a global supplier of software solutions as well as services in business management to both small and medium sized businesses. This paper will analyze the company with key focus being placed on its internal strengths and weaknesses and how they prepare or hinder it from the opportunities and threats existing in its industry. Introduction The Sage Group offers solutions in a number of areas including Payroll, financial forecasting, human resources, taxation, accounting, customer relationship management and other products related with accounting, e-business, business stationery, and development platforms. We will write a custom essay sample on SWOT Analysis of Sage Group Plc or any similar topic only for you Order Now Its primary operating regions are Europe andNorth America. The company’s headquarters are located inNewcastle upon Tyneand it has approximately 14, 350 employees. As of April 5, 2012 the company was ranked position 73 with a market capitalization of 3,905.8 million pounds (Stock Challenge, 2012). Its performance in the FTSE has been consistently around the 60-80 range in the last couple of years but compared to the highest ranked company (Royal Dutch Shell) which had a market capitalization of ?137,243.1 million, it has a long way to go before it enters the top fifty let alone join the top ten companies. Back in 2009 financial year, the group had recorded revenues of ?1,439.3 million which was an 11.1% increase compared to the 2008 financial year (The LSI Group, n.d). The 2011 financial year, the company recorded revenue of ?1,334.1 million which was a 4% increase from the 1,227.6 million pounds that it had recorded in the 2010 financial year (The LSI Group, n.d). Overview of the 2011 financial year The 2011 financial year saw the underlying earnings per share and organic revenue increase and in the same year a significant change was seen in the strategic and operational perspective of the group. For instance, a new management structure got embedded and the group disposed of its Sage Healthcare business. A major strength in the group is its ability to expand the range of products and services that it offers to its customers (The LSI Group, n.d). This has been made especially better through the company’s decision to leverage the web further and to re-engage in MA. resulting from the culture of innovation in the group, an established range of products offered to customers and focus on provision of real business benefits to customers, the group increased its SME customers by 261,000 in the year 2011. Strengths and Weaknesses in the group A major strength that the company has is its innovation and technology. New technology developments prepare the group to utilize opportunities of delivering productivity gains to small and medium sized businesses through the use of the group’s solutions. An example is the combination of credit card processing and accounting which would help customers avoid re-keying data hence making them control their payments more effectively and in the end accelerate their own cash receipts. This strength has made it possible for the company to get an increase in demand of its payment services. The cross-selling of payments into the group’s North American accounting base, for example, has in 2011 grown by over 40%. This contributed to the 16% growth of the group’s payment businesses in that year (Hassett, 2011). The company has prioritized technology and its continual advancement therefore continuing to develop new online business solutions in the small business market such as the ‘Sage One’ which was launched in theUnited Kingdomin 2011. The new innovative products and services offered by the group make it possible for it to utilize opportunities in the industry. A majority of customers using Sage One, for example, are new to Sage. The other strength is its strong brand which has given it a competitive advantage. The recent decision to rebrand the group’s North American accounting and ERP products will transition them to one Sage brand and individual brands will be eliminated. This move will allow the group and its partners to focus their marketing efforts on one brand only therefore being able to maximize the impact of their marketing spending. Eventually, the step will help the company capitalize on its cross-sell opportunities. Acquisitions also helped the group in preparing for opportunities in the industry. The process prior to deciding on an appropriate acquisition opportunity is a critical and complex process. The potential acquisition opportunities have to be evaluated. The acquired company would help the group to embrace an additional key growth area which would translate to the growth of the group (Bharat Book Bureau, 2010). No significant acquisitions have been made by the group since 2006 but in October 2011 the group acquired an organization based inSouth Africa(Alchemex) which focuses on the providence of business intelligence tools for small and medium-sized businesses. As a result of the acquisition, Sage Group will have entered into a key growth area. The ability of the group to offer a wide range of tailor-made software solutions has benefited the group since it enables it to gain a large customer base (Bharat Book Bureau, 2010). Despite the benefits that the strategy has had in helping the group to increase its customer base, it might act as a barrier as the company strives to gain a significant scale. In addition, it may deter the company from appropriately rewarding its long-term shareholders who feel that they should get as much as possible from their company. Conclusion The Sage Group is a global company that offers a wide range of software solutions to small and medium-sized businesses all over the world. It has its headquarters inNewcastleand many branches distributed all over the globe. The group was ranked 73 in the FTSE 100 as of April 5, 2012. A number of strengths and weaknesses in the company impact on the opportunities and threats either positively or negatively. References Bharat Book Bureau, 2010, The Sage Group plc, SWOT analysis, viewed April 7th 2012, http://www.bharatbook.com/market-research-reports/information-technology-market-research-report/sage-group-plc-the-swot-analysis.html FTSE All-Share Index Ranking as at close on Thu, 5 April 2012, viewed April 6, 2012, http://www.stockchallenge.co.uk/ftse.php Hassett, S., 2011, The Risk Premium Factor: A New Model for Understanding the Volatile Forces That Drive Stock Prices, John Wiley Sons,New York. The LSI Group, LLE, The Sage Group Plc, A Story of Global Success, viewed April 7, 2012, http://thelsigroup.com/Best.htm Appendix Figure 1: FTSE All-Share Index Ranking (unofficial guide) as at close on Thu, 5 April 2012 65CPICapita GroupFTSE 100723.00 4,434.2 66BLNDBritish Land CoFTSE 100472.70 4,201.7 67IHGInterContinental Hotels GroupFTSE 1001,440.00 4,180.3 68CCLCarnivalFTSE 1001,919.00 4,094.4 69UU.United Utilities GroupFTSE 100596.50 4,066.8 70ITRKIntertek GroupFTSE 1002,498.00 4,000.5 71SMINSmiths GroupFTSE 1001,014.00 3,979.7 72SDR+SDRCSchrodersFTSE 1001,476.00 / 1,147.00 3,978.1 73SGESage GroupFTSE 100295.10 3,905.8 74GFSG4SFTSE 100269.60 3,803.2 75AMECAMECFTSE 1001,128.00 3,747.1 76REXRexamFTSE 100419.80 3,681.5 77RSARSA Insurance GroupFTSE 100104.30 3,676.4 78WEIRWeir GroupFTSE 1001,727.00 3,649.8 79SVTSevernTrentFTSE 1001,507.00 3,580.0 80RSLResolution LtdFTSE 100252.00 3,569.0 81POLYPolymetal InternationalFTSE 100932.00 3,566.6 82IAGInternational Consolidated Airlines Group SAFTSE 100180.00 3,339.7 83ITVITVFTSE 10085.50 3,325.2 84BNZLBunzlFTSE 1001,005.00 3,320.5 85TATETate LyleFTSE 100704.00 3,290.4 86VEDVedanta ResourcesFTSE 1001,235.00 3,282 Source: http://www.stockchallenge.co.uk/ftse.php How to cite SWOT Analysis of Sage Group Plc, Essay examples

Dissertation about Hospitality Regis Hotel

Qestion: Discuss about the Dissertation about Hospitality Regis Hotel. Answer: Use of Butler service in Enhancing the Customer Satisfaction rate: A case study of St. Regis Hotel, Bangkok Aims The Butler service in St. Regis is one of the most popular attractions of the hotel for the last hundred years. They provide great services to the on boarders. However, there has been less number of studies that analyzed the effect of the butler services on the customers. This research aims to understand the customer satisfaction rates caused due to the butler service in St. Regis Hotel, Bangkok. The empirical research on the customers would help in determining the actual effectiveness of the service. The findings of this research would help in providing suitable recommendations to the hotel authorities regarding any modifications in the Butler service which would enhance the customer satisfaction rates. Research Objectives The above aim would be fulfilled by adhering to the following research objectives- Reviewing the current literature to understand the average number of happy customers at St. Regis Hotel Investigate the number of satisfied customers who use the butler service at St. Regis Hotel Compare the customer satisfaction of butler services and non-butler services at St. Regis Hotel Identify the repeat customer rate in St. Regis Hotel and how many of them had opted for Butler service before Research Questions What is the average rate of happy customers at St. Regis Hotel? What is the satisfaction rate of the customers using the Butler service? What is the rate of the repeat customers at the hotel and how many of them had opted for butler service before? Attitude and Perception of Swiss Customers Towards St. Regis Butler Service Aims The St. Regis Butler service has provided world class services to the customers since a long time. However, there has been little research on the perception of the customers towards the butler service, especially Swiss customers. This research aims to seek the perception of the Swiss customers towards the Butler service of St. Regis. It aims to explore the attitudes, beliefs and perception of the Swiss nationals regarding the butler service during their stay at St. Regis Hotel. The research findings would help in providing suitable suggestions to the management regarding improving the customer perception among the Swiss nationals. Research Objectives The above aims would be accomplished by satisfying the following research objectives- Investigate the attitudes of the Swiss customers towards the St. Regis Butler service Measure the perception of Swiss nationals regarding the service opted at St. Regis Butler service Explore the belief of the customers regarding the quality of butler services provided at St. Regis Measure the number of Swiss customers in St. Regis and analyze their understanding of the butler service Research Questions What do the Swiss customers feel about the butler service at St. Regis Hotel? Are the Swiss customers happy regarding the butler service of St. Regis? What is the general perception of the Swiss customers regarding St. Regiss butler service? Bibliography Bradi?, M., Kosar, L. and Kalenjuk, B., 2013. Business Guests Satisfaction in the Hotel Industry: A Case Study of North American Hotel Chains.Turizam,17(2), pp.60-70. Chen, K.H., Liu, H.H. and Chang, F.H., 2013. Essential customer service factors and the segmentation of older visitors within wellness tourism based on hot springs hotels.International Journal of Hospitality Management,35, pp.122-132. Pearce, P.L. and Thanksooks, J., 2016. Towards the future of the domestic hotel in Thailand: A timeline approach.Journal of Vacation Marketing,22(3), pp.199-211. Tsang, N.K., Lee, L.Y.S. and Qu, H., 2015. Service quality research on Chinas hospitality and tourism industry.International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management,27(3), pp.473-497.

Chemical Engineer Essay Example For Students

Chemical Engineer Essay Chemical EngineerThe chemical engineer is an invaluable link between scientific principles and manufacturing realities. Itinvolves the use of chemical, physical, and engineering principles. The scientist in a laboratory does basic research to develop new compounds and processes. When thescientist discovers a product that may be useful, the chemical engineer takes over. They adapt theproduct for big scale manufacturing. They do this by designing a plant to produce the item on largescale. Thus the engineer is the link between the laboratory and commercial production. The chemicalengineers earnings depend on several factors. Their educational background dictates much of whatthe engineer will earn. Also, experience and the location of the employer will make a very bigdifference. The starting salary for a chemical engineer with a Bachelors Degree can range from$30,000 to over 35,000 per year. An engineer with a Masters Degree can earn anywhere from$35,000 to over $40,000. A chemical engineer with a doctorate can earn $45,000 to well over $60,000. To be successful in chemical engineering, one must be curious and persevering (Finney IV 13). Theperson must be flexible in order to adapt to each phase encountered. They must also be ambitious. Honesty is another very important trait. They must be cooperative since they are a member of a team. In order to get a job as a chemical engineer, a person should have at least a Bachelors Degree. Thedegree should be in chemical engineering. The degree is acquired by four years of study. Subjectsstudied include engineering, drawing, chemistry, mathematics, English and speech, computing,economics, and social studies. The actual specialization in chemical engineering is usually in the thirdyear of study. There are many advantages that go along with this job. The career offers challenges inboth science and industry. Also, the work allows for other companies to expand and hire more people. Thus, this creates new jobs. There are also disadvantages. First, there is a great responsibility placedonto the engineer. Also, there is a great deal of pressure involved with this kind of work. The futurefor the chemical engineer looks very promising. As new drugs and vaccines develop, the chemicalengineer will be needed. This a new and exciting field to work in. Many people are becoming moreand more interested in it. This increase in engineers called for and increase in jobs. Someone interested in becoming a chemical engineer should concentrate on the sciences in highschool. They should be good at chemistry and physics. Also, they should enjoy these classes. Mathematics classes are also important. A knowledge of the computer is extremely important. Many colleges offer engineering programs. More specifically, most offer chemical engineeringprograms. MIT offers an excellent chemical engineering program. It is known world-wide for itsengineering department. Carnegie Melon also has a great program. Montana University is of anothercollege with a great engineering program. The occupation of a chemical engineer is a very exciting one. It requires a lot of responsibility andhard work. But, if you enjoy being part of a team and working hard, this is the right job for you.

Sample Persuasive Essay - How to Make it the Best You Have Ever Written

Sample Persuasive Essay - How to Make it the Best You Have Ever WrittenA persuasive essay is a great way to get your point across in a simple and concise manner. Most people who write persuasive essays know that it is important to list their works cited in the introduction of the essay. Listing your works cited is important in getting an audience to take a quick glance at what you have to say and notice what you are saying.A good effective method to include works cited in the introduction is to include a citation from each paragraph of the entire article. This citation will help people recognize your work and pay attention to what you are saying. It also gives them an idea of what they can expect from your article.Many people do not bother to list their works cited and just keep using the name or title of the author. However, listing the author's name is an excellent idea. Listing the author name will show a person that you have done your homework and know who the writer is.Another m ethod for doing a persuasive essay is to use the title to get the attention of the reader. Titles are very powerful and a good persuasive essay will use the title to get the attention of the reader. The title should be memorable and people will remember the title and read your entire article, which is why it is such a good idea to have it included in the introduction.A persuasive essay should focus on one subject, one point, and focus on one specific idea that will get the point across. Most people tend to write persuasive essays and forget about the message that they are trying to send. The key to doing this is to keep the message focused on one thing and ensure that the reader understands the message.When writing a persuasive essay, you should try to keep your writing neat and organized. Being able to present information in a clear and organized fashion is an important skill for any writer to have. This skill is what makes you a great writer.Writing a persuasive essay is not as di fficult as many people make it out to be. A persuasive essay can be written with ease if the writers are able to organize their thoughts and process what they have to say. Doing this is the best way to allow the message to flow through in a timely manner.

Macbeth Motifs Essays - Characters In Macbeth,

Macbeth Motifs Macbeth Motif Essay William Shakespeare, in his tragic play Macbeth, written in 1606, dramatizes the unrelenting power of deception, insanity, and greed which ultimately results in the demise of Macbeth. Macbeth allowed his desire to become king overrule his judgement which consummately terminated his existence. The play is full of pestilence and set in Scotland during the eleventh century. In Macbeth, sleeplessness is an important motif that permeates the dramatic structure. Shakespeare uses this fatigue to substantiate the guilt of Macbeth, to represent subconscious insanity, and to show a foreshadowing of bad things to come. The motif serves to dramatize the true overview of how the characters are handling the various tragedies that occur. Initially, the motif of sleeplessness is used as a model of foreshadowing. For example, in Act II, scene i, Banquo finds it hard to sleep the night Macbeth is supposed to kill King Duncan. This is evidence that evil things will occur throughout the play. Furthermore, in Act II, scene ii, while Macbeth was killing Duncan, Malcolm and Donalbain arose in their sleep. One laughed and the other ?cried murder.? This is their sleeplessness foreshadowing because Duncan was dead, even though the brothers did not know it yet. Shakespeare's use of the sleeplessness motif as foreshadowing allows the reader to get a concept of what evil will come in the future. Not only does Shakespeare use sleeplessness for foreshadowing he also uses it as a mode of guilt. For example, in Act II, scene ii, Macbeth thinks he hears a voice say, ?Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep!? This is Macbeth imagining voices, telling him not to sleep because he is feeling immoral and liable for Duncan's murder. Next, Macbeth is afraid to sleep peacefully because he knows that Duncan is ?in restless ecstasy?(Act III, scene ii). Apparently, Macbeth is aware of his wrongdoing and feels culpable that he is king and alive, but only at the sacrifice of Duncan. By using guilt to show sleeplessness, Shakespeare shows that a corrupt crime can only leave the mind unsure and unable to rest. The most significant aspect of this motif, however, is how it is used to demonstrate the insanity of Macbeth and his wife. For instance, in Act II, scene iv, Macbeth is at dinner with Lennox, Ross, and other lords. He sees ghosts and is apparently insane. This proves that all the sleep in the world could never clear Macbeth of his crime, he is already destroyed. In addition, Lady Macbeth sleep walks and hallucinates a spot of blood on her hands in Act V, scene i. This proves that she has gone crazy as well. She cannot sleep because she is trying to remove the spot, which represents guilt. The strong use of insanity as a moving force in the play causes the reader to understand that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth cannot rid themselves of their evil deeds. The play demonstrates that the subconscious can allow evil things to occur. The sleeplessness motif is significant because it shows how the characters in the play deal with their stresses. The eerie use of sleeplessness added to the guilt of the characters, the foreshadowing of evil supplied a dark sensation, and the irony of insanity showed that the character's souls could not handle the calamitous situations. Macbeth could not sleep because he was too guilt-ridden, which eventually drove him to the breaking point. Macbeth's fate, foretold by the witches, finally caught up to him and after his frighteningly sleepless nights, he was now engrossed by the eternal sleep called death. Shakespeare Essays

Style Periods essays

Style Periods essays Throughout its history, music has developed into cycle. This cycle is a return of fundamental and traditional ideas of an earlier time transposed into the present. It represents a style revolution in which a simple structure further develops to become a more complex system. At this point a revolution begins and a return to the simple, the more traditional form flourishes again. As a chain of events, the cycle is extremely prominent during the change of time periods between the Renaissance and Baroque. In 1581, a group of philosophers, musicians, artists, intellectuals, and scientists all met in Florence to discuss where society was headed. Resulting from what became known as the Florentine Camerata, a shift from the current complex system of the renaissance to that of a simple structure, which imitated ancient Greek society. Those such as Girolamo Mei, Giovanni Bardi, Vincenzo Galilei, Jacopo Peri, and Giulio Caccini, all discussed what would become new practices and experimentation in music (Florence 647). The Baroque Era began at the end of the 16th century and lasted to about 1750. It reflects a period of time when great changes occurred in music and culture, and bridges the gap between the music of the renaissance and the music of the classical era. The music of the early baroque was composed in a style that was very similar that of the renaissance era. The term Baroque has only recently become a means to determine the period of time. It is derived from the French baroque, which comes from the Portuguese baroco, meaning a pearl of irregular or bulbous shape (Baroque 172). The word Baroque was initially used to imply strangeness and abnormality. During this period, most music was written as ordered and requested by aristocratic courts, churches, and opera houses in which all patrons and musicians demanded new music. Composers were an integral part of the baroque society and ev...